Dubai Event Management Corporation Acquires Majority Stake in PRISME International

Partnership will maximise Dubai's capability to organise world class events

Dubai: 19 July 2008 - Dubai Event Management Corporation (DEMC) has acquired a majority stake in PRISME International, a company which provides end-to-end innovative event management solutions involving light, sound, projections, fireworks and lasers to total world class event conception.

Saeed Al Muntafiq, Executive Chairman of DEMC said: "Entering a partnership with an internationally renowned event management company like PRISME International is a great opportunity for us. Gaining an experienced and seasoned team of 40 event management experts will maximize DEMC's capability to organize high quality, world-class events."

PRISME International was established by Pierre Marcout, who has more than 25 years of worldwide experience in the creation of diversified shows, such as Jumana, the first permanent show in Middle East. PRISME International has also been for the past ten years involved in numerous high profile events regionally including the launch of the Dubai Cares Foundation, The Dubai World Cup Opening Ceremony for three consecutive years (2006, 2007, 2008), the Abu Dhabi fashion week in 2007 & 2008, as well as producing the Qatar Football Association Awards 2006 & 2007.

Richard Attias, CEO, Dubai Event Management Corporation, said: "The acquisition of major stakes in PRISME International demonstrates our determination to become a leading corporation in the events industry not just in the UAE but across the region as well."

Pierre Marcout, Artistic Director and CEO of PRISME International, who has more than 25 years of worldwide experience in the creation of diversified shows, said: "This alliance with Dubai Event Management Corporation is one that will be mutually beneficial. It will provide us with the opportunity to organize world-class events for a wide range of audiences."

Dubai Event Management Corporation was established by a decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. It has a mandate to manage and organize events, exhibitions and conferences.

Led by H. H. Sheikh Ahmed, DEMC plans to introduce major new initiatives and strike international alliances with sports, cultural, and event management associations in the coming months, while working towards attracting high profile conferences and exhibitions to the UAE. It will develop and own international events, including all sports, bringing top tier sportsmen and women and artists to the UAE.

Leveraging the country's established success in hosting world class events, DEMC will seek to build credibility as a best-of-breed event management organisation in the UAE and around the world. In providing its services locally and to international markets it intends to set new industry benchmarks. It will also identify and facilitate new key events with widespread public appeal and be an effective service provider for corporate events.

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About DEMC:
Dubai Event Management Corporation; established by a decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, in March 2008; was mandated to create, manage and organize live events in the fields of sports, arts & culture, exhibitions, conferences and entertainment in the region; as well as establishing the standards for these events in the emirate, specifically with sports and conferences.

Launched by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, the President of Dubai Event Management Corporation, it will introduce major new initiatives and strike international alliances with sports and cultural organizations, while working towards attracting conferences and exhibitions to the emirate. In addition, it will also develop and own unique international events in diverse industries.

The Dubai Event Management Corporation will seek to build credibility as a calendar and event management institution in Dubai and around the world. It will target the international markets while setting new benchmarks, as well as identifying and facilitating new key events with widespread public appeal. In addition to acting as a sports and cultural events owner, the corporation will also be an effective service provider for large-scale events.

For further information
Agency:
Aseel Nihad
Associate Account Manager
Jiwin Public Relations
Phone: +971-4-3613584
Email: aseel.nihad@Jiwin.ae