Dubai, 03 October 2006:  Jumbo World Holdings Ltd. has announced its support to the legacy project "Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre" - the first modern, non-profit, cross-community creative Centre in the Gulf. 

Recognising the need for such a centre, for both entertainment and education, this exciting project was the brainchild of local art-lovers, and was realized with the support of the business community. It was built by the people of Dubai for the future generations fortunate enough to live in this amazing city. HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, Wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE, Ruler of Dubai is the Honorary Patron of the Centre.

Located at the Mall of the Emirates on the Sheikh Zayed Highway, it includes 2 theatres, 2 art galleries, rehearsal rooms and classrooms, workshops, food and beverage facilities, a library, television facilities, etc. DUCTAC has launched the first phase of the project - the arts facility building named "The Manu Chhabria Arts Centre" and the second phase - the theatre facilities - will be launched in October 2006.

The Manu Chhabria Arts Centre is named after the founder and late chairman of the Jumbo Group, in recognition of his tireless efforts to get the corporate sector involved in community projects. At a special function attended by senior DUCTAC executives, his wife and Chairperson of the Jumbo Group, Mrs. Vidya Chhabria donated AED 3 million to the centre on behalf of Jumbo World Holdings Ltd. Also present were Mr. Brian Wilkie, Deputy Chairman, DUCTAC Board, and Ms. Lori Dorman, General Manager, DUCTAC.

Mrs. Chhabria, Chairperson of the Jumbo Group, said: "Art is intrinsic to the cultural and social fabric of UAE society, as it draws on the rich heritage of people from different nationalities. As the Jumbo Group is leading efforts to promote classical and contemporary art, we are happy to offer our support in numerous ways to ensure that all forms of art flourishes in the UAE. That the Manu Chhabria Arts Centre is located in Dubai speaks volumes of this great city of cultures and customs. Our efforts to further enhance this excellent cultural concept also reflects the commitment of the Jumbo Group to take on various social responsibilities that contribute towards community development across the UAE".

She added: "My beloved husband was a great admirer of the traditional, visual and performing arts, and was closely involved with community projects that promoted arts and culture. Our patronage to the DUCTAC project is a wonderful way to remember my husband's contribution to art. The Jumbo Group wishes to express its deep appreciation to all those who helped make this arts centre a reality. We will offer our whole-hearted support to ensure that this centre remains the perfect platform, where talented artistes from the East and West can showcase their skills to a large multicultural audience".

Brian Wilkie - Deputy Chairman, DUCTAC - commented: "We would like to thank Jumbo World Holdings Ltd. for their sponsorship. This is a historical moment for all of us who have worked for, dreamed, and understood the importance of bringing this magnificent centre to life. With the opening of our theatre shortly, this multidisciplinary centre will foster and further the creative culture of Dubai. DUCTAC will be a vibrant place where individuals and families can experience one of the many classes available, read books, admire works of art or enjoy the plays showing at the theatre."

The serenely welcoming art space is currently displaying the works of the talented arts instructors at DUCTAC, who are soon to be at the helm of artistic development in the community. The ''Manu Chhabria Arts Centre'' will provide a full-fledged calendar of exciting activities, ensuring that community members are given the opportunity to begin and develop art skills in a vibrant environment.

"The Manu Chhabria Arts Centre'' offers a unique space for contemporary and classical art.  In addition to the visual arts, it provides facilities for other art forms in a welcoming environment. 16 general and specialized classrooms/studios are available to offer myriad subjects in music, performance art, crafts, drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics and pottery, ensuring that there is something for art lovers of all ages and cultures. These include the state-of-the-art sculpture studio, an inviting and efficient place to learn all aspects of working with clay. The ceramics and pottery studio is fully equipped to meet the needs of every level, ranging from beginners to professionals.

Dubai's new cultural hub also houses the Centre for Musical Arts and the Old Library. Previously known as the Dubai Lending Library, it is the oldest English language library in the city. It has special sections devoted to the Middle East as well as reference books and a cozy children's corner.

The Main Gallery at the Arts Centre will exhibit local and international art for the city's enthusiastic art lovers. The Lobby Gallery will provide a unique opportunity to the DUCTAC members, who are emerging artists, to display their work, perhaps for the first time.  Instructors work will be on display at the Main Gallery during the registration period enabling prospective students to make an informed decision. Registration for the various activities and courses is now available. The Arts Centre is open throughout the week, from 8:30AM-10:30PM. For more information on classes, please call +971 4 3414777.

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Manohar Rajaram Chhabria
The late Manohar Rajaram Chhabria, was the founder of Jumbo Group. A Harvard University business graduate, Mr. Chhabria started the USD $ 2.5 billion Jumbo Group in 1974 with a modest capital base and a big vision.  In his role as Chairman, Mr. Chhabria vigorously pursued business excellence that saw him playing a key role in the transformation of  the consumer electronics business in Dubai by injecting innovative marketing strategies that helped keep interest alive in this sector in the UAE and the region. Today, the Group's flagship company, Jumbo Electronics is among the UAE's first transnational corporations with a global presence. The business magnate attributed the success of the Jumbo empire to dedication and commitment of his hardworking staff, the support of loyal customers, and the enlightened policies of the UAE government, in particular the visionary and business-friendly approach of the Rulers of Dubai.     When he died at the age of 56, following a heart attack in April 2002, Mr. Chhabria had built Jumbo into a renowned conglomerate with diverse business interests. His wife, Vidya Chhabria is now the Chairperson of the Jumbo Group.

About DUCTAC
DUCTAC is a non-profit organization that relies heavily on community support and individual memberships.  It has received great support from various artistic groups and cultural associations in Dubai, many of whom have organized fund-raising and publicity events. Sharing this collective vision, numerous leading multi-national and local corporations have embraced the concept of corporate social responsibility and made DUCTAC a reality by donating funds to the community centre.

HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, Wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE, Ruler of Dubai is the Honorary Patron of the Centre.

For further information, please contact:
Rabie Al Faqih/Anosh Ahamath
PanGulf PR
04-295 3456
04-295 1027 (F)

© Press Release 2006