U.S. - Dubai Delegations Seeks Groundbreaking Trade Relations Agreement While Delivering a Humanitarian Mission

March 9th Rock’in Hearts Tribute features ASSI HILLANI, DIANA HADDAD, YURI MRAKADI, BASSEM FEGHALI and hosted by TONY KHALIFE and benefits the needy children of Lebanon

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – February 24, 2007 - ALO magazine, in association with The Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley, have joined together on the Rock’in Hearts USA-Dubai Delegation to initiate a first-ever Trade Relations Agreement between the two global Meccas from March 3-11, 2007. This delegation is an exciting opportunity for the top business and civic leaders from Los Angeles and Michigan to visit one of the world's fastest growing economies and tourist destinations. An intensive program will allow participating delegates to capitalize on regional economic, industrial, and franchising partnerships.

The Dubai Department of Commerce and Tourism and the Dubai Chamber of Commerce will host the high-level American Delegation beginning March 4th where a Trade Relations Agreement will be initiated and the business leaders will learn about the new opportunities for international trade.

The 10-member U.S. delegation, led by the editor-in-chief of America’s top Middle Eastern lifestyle magazine ALO Hayati, Michael Lloyd and its publisher Wafa Kanan, consists of several other high-level business leaders from the medical, Hollywood entertainment, financial, jewelry and fashion industries.

"Our visit to Dubai was made possible by the seeds of opportunity planted by the global visionary of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum," say Lloyd, who helped lead the mission of signing Los Angeles and Beirut as sister cities in June 2006. "The key to doing business in Dubai, and then reciprocate interests back to United States, is to establish and nurture close relationships with government and business officials. We are pleased to be able to leverage our existing contacts to the benefit of other U.S. business leaders interested in trading and doing business with this burgeoning market."

More than just Business

The USA-Dubai Delegation is more than your typical business and leisure delegation. With a core mission to not only introduce influential business leaders to Dubai, but also carries a larger philanthropic mission.

With Dubai and its citizens mirroring the giving spirit of the United States, May Events is producing the Rock’in Hearts Tribute – a brainchild of ALO’s publisher Wafa Kanan – to raise money for the children of Lebanon through CHF International and the United Lebanon Relief campaign. The event, slated for March 9th at the Madinat Jumeirah beginning with a VIP reception at 7:00p, will gather the most celebrated UAE and USA municipality, celebrities, artists, executive entrepreneurs and the “Rock’ in Hearts” delegation 2007 to celebrate the collective humanitarian efforts of international pioneers and philanthropists. Tickets available by calling 00971 50 6524753.

A star-studded cast is expected including: Special Guest Stars ASSI HILLANI and DIANA HADDAD, Starring YURI MRAKADI, United Lebanon Relief‘s Goodwill Ambassador, with master impressionist BASSEM FEGHALI and hosted by TONY KHALIFE. The goal is to raise $250,000 from this event with all proceeds benefiting low-income and displaced children and families affected by the recent conflict in Lebanon. This first of a kind international benefit gala is a true reflection of ALO’s philanthropic spirit and serves to inspire innovative philanthropy worldwide.

“The beauty of this event is how it forges the marriage between charity and business, while still allowing everyone to benefit,” says Kanan. “The celebrities and entertainers backing this year’s event will surely bring in the monetary we have our hearts set upon. Events like this are an immeasurable help in improving the quality of life for vulnerable children and families worldwide.”

“This is truly the ultimate cultural connection between the world’s sixth largest economy of California and the world’s fastest growing tourist destination of Dubai,” says Lloyd. “With the help of the ministries and tourism and commerce agencies in Dubai, this is a perfect union of our great entities.”

About ALO:
ALO magazine (www.alomagazine.com) is the sole media available in the United States presenting the positive aspects of Middle Eastern culture. With just over 2 years since its launch ALO has garnered a loyal readership of over 325,000, ALO connects cultures through a unique blend of lifestyle and social editorials. It is the only Middle Eastern magazine that is currently at the two top bookstore chains in the USA: Borders and Barnes & Noble. ALO has also been honored the P.I.A. Award of Excellence 2006 for America’s Top Middle Eastern Magazine.

ALO’s first global humanitarian outreach of 2006 honored Elias Rahbani with the M.E. Award (Middle Eastern Award) for lifetime contribution to humanity and the arts, at the Beirut intercontinental Phoenicia

About The Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley:
The Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley is a private, non-profit economic and community development organization with a mission of “growing and strengthening the economy of this region to improve the quality of life in all of our communities” based in Sherman Oaks, a suburb of Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

About CHF International:
Founded in 1952, Cooperative Housing Foundation International (CHF) serves as a catalyst for long lasting positive change, helping families improve their economic circumstances, environment and infrastructure. With over 10 years experience assisting low-income families in Lebanon, CHF International’s local staff has been focused on assisting with emergency relief efforts-for the near million displaced Lebanese-since the conflict in July 2006.

With your help CHF International’s continuing programs will reach more than 38,000 low-income families by generating 5000 new jobs and reintegration of rural areas into the national economy.
SUPPORT CHF’S EMERGENCY EFFORTS: WWW.CHFINTERNATIONAL.ORG/ 1-866-7792-CHF

* CHF International is a non-profit 501(c) 3 organization, Tax ID# 52-0846183. All donations and proceeds are tax deductible.

For more information contact:

USA Contact:
Simone Samantha
Unique Image, Inc.
Marketing Coordinator
1 818-727-7785
1 818-727-7735
E-mail: alo@uniqueimageinc.com
Web site: www.alomagazine.com