Company supports 'Plant Hope Exhibition Kuwait 2008', first ever indoor flower festival in the country

Kuwait's premier Shopping Mall transformed into a blaze of floral colours until 22nd April

Kuwait, April 23, 2008: Extending its support to the U.N Millennium Development Goals, M.H Alshaya Co. has joined hands with Blooming For Life, a non- profit organization, to raise awareness and mobilize funds that aim to halve extreme poverty, halt the spread of HIV/AIDS and provide universal primary education by 2015.

With the support of M.H Alshaya Co., Blooming For Life has organised 'Plant Hope Exhibition Kuwait 2008,' a spectacular flower show at The Avenues Mall. The non- profit organization will hold similar events all over the world to generate funds for local charities that contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Goals. The funds raised at the Avenues will be donated to Kuwait Red Crescent Society to help cancer and heart patients in the country, who cannot afford treatment.

This was the first event of its kind in Kuwait and displayed over 200 varieties of spring flowers, including beautiful lilies, irises, hyacinths and lilacs that are not often seen on display in such vast quantities in Kuwait. The exhibition closed on April 22, 2008.

"We are proud to help Blooming For Life hold the flower exhibition which is a great opportunity for businesses and communities to contribute towards the achievement of the very important Millennium Goals" said Andrew Farrow V.P., Fashion and Footwear, M.H Alshaya Co.

Blooming for Life will also conduct an educational programme at the Avenues to encourage contribution towards accomplishing the UN initiative.

Appreciating M.H Alshaya's support, Blooming for Life Founder Frank Timmerman said: "Though many people are aware of the Millennium Goals and wish to help, they often do not know how they can contribute. Events like the Plant Hope Exhibition create occasions where communities and businesses can come forward to help. This event has become possible with the support of M.H Alshaya Co. and we appreciate their initiative."

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About M.H. Alshaya Co.
M.H. Alshaya Co. is a leading international franchise operator for over 40 of the world's most recognized retail brands, including Starbucks, H&M, The Body Shop, Foot Locker, Mothercare, Debenhams, River Island and Boots. The company operates over 1,400 stores across six divisions: Fashion & Footwear, Health & Beauty, Food, Casual Dining, Optics and Pharmaceuticals.

M.H. Alshaya Co. stores can currently be found in 16 markets across the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey, Cyprus, Russia, Poland and Egypt. More recently, the company launched operations in Slovakia, Czech Republic and Hungary. It employs more than 14,000 people from over 35 nationalities.

The company has established itself as the industry leader across these territories through a combination of local market understanding and a comprehensive commitment to customer service. Growth in each of its operating divisions and brands is supported by continuous investment in talent and infrastructure. It applies best practices in retail operations, merchandising, marketing, information technology, logistics, real estate, human resources and financial controls.

M.H. Alshaya Co. is the retail business of the Alshaya Group, which was founded in Kuwait in 1890 and today represents one of the most dynamic companies in the Middle East. In addition to its retail operations, the Alshaya Group is active in a number of other sectors including real estate, automotive, hotels, trading and investments.

Learn more about the company at www.alshaya.com.

Press Release 2008