Abu Dhabi – Today in UAE

Total launches global campaign to develop its brand awareness

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Abu Dhabi – Total on Thursday launched its new international multimedia advertising campaign simultaneously in 21 countries to develop the Group’s brand awareness.
The campaign highlights Total’s operations in oil production, refining and marketing, as well as its role as a major player in natural gas (50% of its output) and as the global number two in solar power, through its subsidiary SunPower.
The campaign provides a tangible illustration of the meaning behind the Group’s new baseline, “Committed to Better Energy”, which puts the emphasis on producing “better”, not “more”.
In this way, the Group is sharing its conviction that the path to a responsible energy future lies first and foremost in energy that is safer, cleaner, more efficient, more innovative and accessible to as many people as possible.
To help shoulder this commitment, a large number of Group employees were involved in producing the campaign, and most of the scenes in the commercial were filmed at Total sites.
“Total is a leading global energy company. It needs a powerful brand over the long term to support the growth of its businesses. This large-scale campaign is the first of its kind in Total’s history. It reflects both our size and our ambitions,” said Jacques-Emmanuel Saulnier, Total’s Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications.
In another comment, Hatem Nuseibeh, President of Total E&P UAE and Group Representative, said:“our vision and our continuous improvement approach – always better – are seen in our work in the front lines, alongside and for our stakeholders.”
He added “This isn’t just a promise for the future, it’s the everyday reality for Total’s 100,000 employees.”
The campaign will be deployed in 21 countries and will run in successive waves over the next three years on television, in the press, on the web and on social networks. It will also be featured in airports.
It will be displays in 15 international airports (Abu Dhabi, Beijing, Buenos Aires, Dammam, Frankfurt, Johannesburg, Lagos, London Heathrow, Luanda, New Delhi, Paris CDG, Paris Orly, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Shanghai.
Total is one of the largest integrated oil and gas companies in the world, with activities in more than 130 countries. Its 100,000 employees put their expertise to work in every part of the industry -exploration and production of oil and natural gas, refining, chemicals, marketing and new energies. Total is working to help satisfy the global demand for energy, both today and tomorrow.
Total has been operating in Abu Dhabi for nearly 75 years and is involved in eight joint ventures. It has also operated Abu Al Bukhoosh field for nearly 40 years.

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New brand baseline and global Corporate advertising campaign for Total

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Total is launching its new international multimedia advertising campaign simultaneously in 21 countries on October 2nd to develop the Group’s brand awareness. The campaign highlights Total’s operations in oil production, refi ning and marketing, as well as its role as a major player in natural gas (50% of its output) and as the global number two in solar power, through its subsidiary SunPower.
The campaign provides a tangible illustration of the meaning behind the Group’s new baseline, “Committed to Better Energy”, which puts the emphasis on producing “better”, not “more”. In this way, the Group is sharing its conviction that the path to a responsible energy future lies first and foremost in energy that is safer, cleaner, more efficient, more innovative and accessible to as many people as possible.
To help shoulder this commitment, a large number of Group employees were involved in producing the campaign, and most of the scenes in the commercial were fi lmed at Total sites.

“Total is a leading global energy company. It needs a powerful brand over the long term to support the growth of its businesses. This large-scale campaign is the first of its kind in Total’s history. It reflects both our size and our ambitions,” explains Jacques-Emmanuel Saulnier, Total’s Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications. “Our vision and our continuous improvement approach – ‘always better’ – are seen in our work in the front lines, alongside and for our stakeholders. This isn’t just a promise for the future, it’s the everyday reality for Total’s 100,000 employees.”

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To learn more, visit Total in UAE and find us on Facebook
Follow us on social media: #MakeThingsBetter

Lest we forget – Short Take – Gulf Today, 17th May 2014

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Lest we forget

It was a small gathering of people who came with passion and emotion for the nation. The Talk Show, “Lest We Forget – Structures of Memory in the UAE” was organised by the curator and research team of The National Pavilion of the UAE for the 14th International Architecture Exhibition at the 2014 Venice Biennale, discussing the upcoming exhibition that presents a retrospective of the architectural history of the UAE from 1914-2014, with an emphasis on modern heritage buildings.
Those who attended were of different age groups. Some as young as in the 20s and some others in their late 60s. The age difference made no difference to their emotional feelings towards the country they lived in.
The UAE grew steadily and strongly during these 100 years. During the process, all missed the transformation from the olden to modern times during which several changes were made within and outside cities and villages.
The once famous Toyota Crowns, Carinas and Cressidas gave way to new models. The fixed rate taxis gave way to metered taxis. Many traditional souqs gave way to modern markets.
The conventional camel race within the boundaries of once harmoniously spent joint family home and time was there to cherish. Some recollected with emotion how they, as little children, assisted then in the surveys that formed the basis of the modern developments.
All the prominent architectural structures of the emirates were remembered. The changes, however, were felt more deeply and emotionally on a major architectural structure of the country, that was once rated among the top ten fountains that existed in the world.
Volcano Fountain — all those who remembered it, said with one word, we would love to see it back. Little girls, who once played around it, shared fond memories of their childhood. Their thoughts and voice were unique in their wish to see it back in Abu Dhabi.
I am confident the hard work by the curatorial team of the UAE National Pavilion in Venice Biennale, that will open on June 5, will not fail in bringing the fond memories alive. It will be a great moment for the visionary leaders of the UAE.
Ramesh Menon

Short Take – Gulf Today, 17th May 2014

To read it in original, please visit GULF TODAY online

Remembering the volcano fountain

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Remembering Abu Dhabi’s Volcano Fountain: If you are a long timer of UAE and if you cherish fond memories of the Volcano fountain, which was there in Abu Dhabi till 2004, please express your nostalgic memories as comments here. Your comments are valuable for a project on Volcano Fountain. Thanks in advance for sharing with your friends and family.

Comments received at FB: 
Rupa Wahi lot of memories attached to this fountain during 90’s wish this landmark of Abu Dhabi should have stayed….
27 April at 22:58 • Like • 1
Manvi Gupta When I first came to Abu Dhabi, newly married, young girl……..a little nervous, a lot excited…….my first night here…..my husband walked me down to this wonderful place called volcano fountain next to sea! With a light breeze blowing….and him next to me…….i felt the world belonged to me now! That place, that night, that moment and that feeling is forever etched in my heart! And so Volcano Fountain holds a very special place for me!
16 hours ago • Like
Ramesh Menon Abu Dhabi – Clicks and Writes It is genius, true we miss the famous Volcano Fountain of Abu Dhabi demolished in 2004, I really regret since 35 year ago nothing is left to remember symbolic monument
I am really touched by your idea
Bravo Ramesh
Céline ABDO
about an hour ago • Like
Ramesh Menon Abu Dhabi – Clicks and Writes you made me close eyes and see the place
u made me travel with my brain to remember a place that i didnt see before … TRUE I SWEAR. AmaZZZzing place and video as well,, BRAVO ! I wish I could take my baby as well from corniche hospital directly to this place : ) , your Speech was like a nice story I can tell it to my daughter about our lovely Abu Dhabi ‘The City of Peace and Affection’’ . I always say that Abu Dhabi is a never-ending love story for each one.
Houda BOUSLIMI
about an hour ago • Like
Ramesh Menon Abu Dhabi – Clicks and Writes The Volcano was definitely the landmark of Abu Dhabi, it was a throbbing heart with all the fire-like lighting coming from it.
I remember during the first week of my arrival in Abu Dhabi, my relatives took me to the Corniche and precisely to the volcano fountain. This simple visit made me feel more at home and confident about coming all the way to live in an unknown place.
I was truly touched and impressed by the huge monument and its changing of colours. It was very similar to a true volcano, only that this one was harmless and soothing to the nerves.
Year after year, I got used to my new life in Abu Dhabi, it became my turn to take my guests and visitors to the volcano fountain so that they can rejoice their heart and senses.
Walking up the stairs on the volcano fountain, was an excellent exercise to old and young people, it was a family’s place, good for walking as well as sitting, while you can inhale the sea-breeze.
There was a good distance from the road, so noise and air pollution was reduced in the volcano area.
Najet MOSBAH
about an hour ago • Like
Ramesh Menon Abu Dhabi – Clicks and Writes I can say that this land mark represented for new the vision of HH. Late Shaikh zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to see our nation as high as the mountain , flourishing it’s water( generosity ) the nearby and far people. More importantly it resembles the strength and unity of our house and it’s deep roots from the desert where the castle resemblance came from.
Sultan Al Hajji
about an hour ago • Like
Narendra Kulkarni I also remember this icon. I used to stay very close-by on Khalifa street and it is used to be routine for me to visit Volcano fountain from time time.

Ramesh Menon Abu Dhabi – Clicks and Writes
Dear Friends, Please taken 3-5 minutes, watch the video and write to me a short comment which expresses your nostalgic feelings about the once famous Volcano Fountain of Abu Dhabi, and which was demolished in 2004. I am sure, you have many.
Your comments are important, because, I have a talk on 7th May and a workshop on 10th May on this subject, and will be useful to include it in my presentation.
Thanks a million in advance,

Ramesh Menon



Shinkari Melam by Shilpa Sreekumar and team at Face2Face with friends

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Shinkari Melam by Shilpa Sreekumar and team at Face2Face with friends of facebook.

held on Friday, 4th April 2014 at ISC Abu Dhabi

Capital’s energy efforts laudable – The National Dt. 04th April 2014

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Capital’s energy efforts laudable
I appreciate Abu Dhabi Municipality’s efforts to reduce energy consumption (New lights at the end of Abu Dhabi tunnel, April 2).
However, one hopes that along with LED lights the authorities will also consider installing more surveillance cameras to monitor children, who often play dangerously in underpasses, as well as other suspicious activities.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit The National online.

Abu Dhabi annual rainy day – video by Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

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It has been a routine to take photo and video of the rain that happens in Abu Dhabi for the past several years. Simply because, it is rare and it is THE MOST BEAUTIFUL thing I enjoy getting it. It is always one-off, it will remain so too. Just like the current bowling performance of Indian Cricket team – a one-off rare burst of six wickets by Ishant Sharma. A beauty to keep in mind for a long time. For all those who missed it, here it is.
However, when it rains, I get worried and try and reach home as early as I can, as it is the most dangerous time to be on the road. Many who are on the road doesn’t know how to drive safe when it rains.
Safety First – let that be our motto. Start Early, Drive Carefully, Reach Safely. Keep reminding.

From Tourist Club to Al Zahiyah

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Its weekend and time for all to explore Abu Dhabi. Tourist Club – no more the same as it is officially changed to Al Zahiyah. Many changes happening, starting with the name change, old buildings getting demolished in order to give way to new ones, new roads, more cameras…. it goes on. The good or bad thing about Abu Dhabi is once it is gone, gone for ever. You don’t see it again. All for good.
Abu Dhabi Mall from near and far

So once again another evening, another weekend, and time to take some rest and call friends and family. For many expats, a same routine.. In this photo above, a newspaper delivery boy sitting behind his cycle and calling someone. They work 7 days starting as early as 3:00 am. I know this as I get my newspapers delivered well before 4:00 am every day. Truly unsung heroes.