The week long event takes Lebanese artists through a cultural tour in the UAE

Dubai, March 5th 2007. The first edition of the Lebanese cultural week, which took place in the UAE from February 15th through February 19th, has met a tremendous success throughout the various activities conducted both in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Initiated by Culture & Co the UAE French bookstore in association with the Alliance Franaise of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the activities included conferences at the Cultural Foundation and Alliances Franaises and book signing at Culture & Co.

Commenting on the event Renata Sader owner of Culture and Co the French Bookstore said: This huge success will encourage us with our partners the French Alliances, to pursue our next edition of the Lebanese cultural week next year which will include even more activities and artists who will help spread Lebanese culture and values throughout the region. I would of course like to thank our supporting partners who made this whole venture possible: The Lebanese Business Group, The Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi and Middle East Airlines. Moreover this event allowed the invited artists to discover the cultural side of the UAE which they had never seen before."

Mr. Elias Awad, General Manager of Middle East Airlines in the UAE declared." Despite all what is happening in Lebanon, MEA - the Lebanese official carrier - has kept its regular flights to and from Lebanon, especially to Middle Eastern destinations - and of course the UAE - where a large community of Lebanese expats are established. We also have strived to continuously support most of the Lebanese cultural and artistic events that are happening in the UAE and that are meant to promote Lebanon's civilized face thus keeping an ongoing connection between Lebanese expats and their homeland.

Awad also insisted on MEA's mission to illustrate Lebanon's touristic features and keep it on top of mind of winter and summer tourists who want to enjoy Lebanon's beach facilities and ski resorts. "This also falls into the rational of our supporting events like the Francophone Lebanese week" he added, stressing on the fact that next year's event will hopefully include all kind of Lebanese francophone artistic expressions, from writers, photo journalists, painters to encourage Lebanese talents bloom, as they represent the most important part of the Lebanese culture."

He concluded: "All our support in next coming year will go to these events that are undertaken by our Lebanese expats in the UAE, as it is very important for us to fully contribute in their community activities; Lebanon Spring Festival in Abu Dhabi or the Lebanese cultural week in the UAE as well as other activities.

-Ends-

MEA - In 1945, Middle East Airlines was established and launched its first service from Beirut to the neighboring cities of Syria, Cyprus, Egypt then Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and other destinations in the Gulf. In 1963, after the merger with Air Liban, MEA added new European, Middle Eastern and West African destinations to its worldwide network.  

Despite closure of Beirut International Airport during Lebanon's civil war between 1975 and 1990, MEA managed to survive by leasing aircrafts and seconding staff to international airline companies. With the return to normality in 1990, MEA succeeded in reinstating service to all its previous destinations, strengthened and improved its network to Europe, Middle East and the Gulf.  From 1998 to 2002, MEA implemented its largest restructuring ever, turning around the company from huge annual losses reaching 87 Million dollars in 1997 to achieve a net profit of 22 Million dollars in 2003. In 2004, MEA achieved a net profit of 50 Million dollars. The business plan included the rationalization of MEA's network, streamlining its purchasing policy, cost reductions at all levels of the airline, the launch of the frequent flyer program and yield management systems, as well as a number of other measures destined to modernize and restructure the airline. MEA offers its customers very luxurious services both on ground and on board, reflecting the Lebanese culture and hospitality.

Culture & Co - is the first French bookstore in the UAE, and the only French bookstore in the GCC. Opened in Dubai in April 2006, it caters for the cultural and educational needs of all the French speaking communities in the UAE. It's aim is to promote the French culture in the region and offers an array of various books and novels for all tastes and ages - including educational multimedia material - , as well as educational material for schools and cultural centers in the GCC.

For further information please contact:
Paul Sader
TPS Communication Consultants
Al Thuraya 1 Tower 16th Floor / Office 1608
PO Box: 502104  / Dubai Media City
Tel.: +971 4 3681681 / Fax: +971 4 3688047
email : info@tpsgulf.com

Randa  Hassan Gharzeddine
TPS Communication Consultants
P.O.Box : 502104  / Dubai Media City
Mobile: +971 50 7441017
Tel.: +971 4 3681681 /Fax: +971 4 3688047
Email: randa.gharzeddine@tpsgulf.com

© Press Release 2007