DUBAI, 10 April 2007 — Award-winning author Paulo Coelho launched his new book “The Witch of Portobello” in Dubai on Sunday. The Witch of Portobello is the story of Athena, an orphan abandoned by her gypsy mother in Transylvania and taken to Beirut by the parents who adopted her, before moving to London and Dubai. Commenting on Dubai being the venue for the international launch of his latest book, the 60-year-old Brazilian author said: “During my last visit to the emirate, I experienced the enormous potential and energy of this city. The commitment to keep alive its rich heritage and culture was also extremely palpable, and that was the reason I wove in the location into my book.”
New Board Set Up for DMC
DUBAI, 10 April 2007 — Sheikh Mohammed ibn Rashid Al-Maktoum, vice president, prime minister and ruler of Dubai, has issued a decree setting up a new board for the Dubai Media Corporation (DMC). According to the decree, the new board is to be headed by Sheikh Maktoum ibn Mohammed ibn Rashid Al-Maktoum and Ahmed Abdullah Al-Sheikh is the DMC managing director. Other board members include Da’en Al-Ghamzi, Mona Al-Mirri, Ahmed Obeid Al-Mansouri, Joseph Ghassoub, Dr. Amina Al-Roustomani, Raja Al-Morad, Abdul Kadir Obeid Ali and Faisal Abdullah Abdul Rahman.
Al-Khaleejiah Ex-Employee Dies
JEDDAH, 10 April 2007 — Mohammed Shabbir, an ex-employee of Al-Khaleejiah Advertising and Public Relations Company, died on April 6 in Karachi, Pakistan. He suffered a heart attack. He is survived by his wife, two daughters and four sons. May Allah grant him His mercy and blessings.
