Touched by Angel - Surah Maun

Listening to Tafseer of Surah Maun is so beautiful while I drove home.

This short surah that comes to our memory almost in a flash has strong emotions and warnings, that we might not even notice them in our prayers.

But perhaps the most striking emotion that I got from this chapter of the Quran is from its last word (which also is the name of the Surah)
- Al Maun 'small kindness'.

Imagine a kid playing with her 300 crayons with all shades of blue from light, navy, sky, ocean, sky etc. Yet she refuses to share one blue when another kid ask her.. this is small kindness we miss so often in our life.


By sharing a single piece of crayon from the enormous set, we may not even notice one that it is missing but imagine the immense rewards we would achieve from Allaah.

The kid is innocent and would not be held to account. But where would you stand?

Reflecting on this surah and al-maun, I was reminded of the some efforts and lots of hope has created LITTLE CHARITIES. I sincerely hope to make difference in few lives with this project, bi ithnillah.


 

Bottom 5 UAE Brands 2006

The choice of the bottom brands may not be a popular one but some thought have gone into the why of it. They may not even be inconspicuous brand rather they are the ones screaming at you, either from billboards to headlines and perhaps that is why they are noticed, or rather tolerated!
2. Etisalat – Etisalat is definitely not even an also ran if we count people’s favourite brand or firm. Yet the logo and the by word Reach tries to do some damage control, albeit – quite poorly..

If previous Etisalat logo was a dull reminder of whatever they do you got to accept it kind, then the new one reminds me of mint "chloromints". Ones you still need to digest, come whatever may!

Couldn’t think of a better sentence.. however, one of their ads using the logo as a post-it note was smart and well designed!! (sometimes you got to give credit where it is due, even if its Etisalat!!!)




2. du - Whether DU stands for Dubai or Dual (as with Etisalat) or Dubious, is still unknown! However, what I Du know is the logo is a classic example of very poor trademark attorney's work.

Ofcourse, legally a logo can still be copyrighted, but from a pure aesthetic and intellectual property view - the logo should either be Trademarked (TM) or a registered mark (R).
Because this does not appeal to a young and learning IP Agent, that I am, DU makes it to my poor brand of the year.


3. Khaleej Times - A newspaper font, that has a palm tree, a dhow and a chimney (definitely from an oil rig) should actually be very good combination and a fairly decent logo, if not innovative. It reflects the culture and the industry that it thrives on.

So the choice of KT in a poor logo is surprisingly. The nomination has thus other factors too. The choice has more to do with KT being associated with self-glorification, poor journalism and yes, news headlines that leaves little room for imagination san words. The Prophet of Islam is credited with the gift of saying far more with fewer words. KT takes the opposite view.

And when the nation changes its outlook, the logo stands old - the three new symbol could very well be Skyscraper, traffic on SZR and inflation chart that rises are well!
Khaleej Times has made a New Year's resolution to cease its baffling use of headlines. On the morning after the execution of Saddam Hussein, your favourite number one fearless KT opted for the subtle and considered "Bang, bang in Baghdad". How Nice!!


4. Ruwaad - A corporate look at Dubai logos without any Real Estate firms. Seems like eating your pizza without cheese! So had to give it away and there comes a worthy contender - what would you call a 2 months teaser campaign - without any imagination nor a logo that conjures up any emotions.. we call it Ruwaad here

Finally they added a line below the logo: "Iconic property developments". With some blog search, I got this on Ruwaad:
Ruwaad simply means Leaders! Just another pretentious real estate developer who claims leadership over whom exacty...Emaar..your guess!

Compliment: The only place on the net where I finally managed to get the Ruwaad picture was at Nima's blogspot. Thx Nima.


 5. Dubai Media City - DMC a regional hub for media organizations ranging from: news agencies, publishing, online media, advertising, production, and broadcast facilities.

I am sure with all media companies conglomate they could have come up with a better design. Or did they miss the Nose!!

Top 5 UAE brands 2006

5. RAK Bank - Who would expect an unknown bank with a name Ras Al Khaimah making any inroads into the huge banking market of Dubai. That is exactly what RAK bank has managed to do and deservedly entering our list of most recognizable Dubai brand of 2006.

It has underplayed the Dhow (boat) image while managing to garner attention to its simple and unfussy RAK abbreviation in unmistakable red print.


4. Al-Futtain - I am not quite sure if it is an inverted F or an arrow pointing forward, but sure this local company that has created visibility & respect.

Among the many families here in Gulf into diverse business, the Al-Futtaim logo is easily recognisable and more importanty - trusted. Which is exactly what a logo is created for - Identity.


3. Jumeirah - Not to be confused with the Jumeirah beach road or the Jumeirah janes! Rather, Jumeirah International has positioned itself rather well and maitained its distinct style.


When you are associated with landmark as conspicous as Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Madinat Jumeirah etc, it would be too easy to lose out and try doing too many things, ending up with no seperate identity.

This alone is a justification enough to let Jumairah Group pick itself.
Among its many landmarks, the logo for Souq Medinat Jumeirah is credible. Look at the way, Souq is written twice in both Arabic and English.


2. Masafi - Masafi is a village located on the edge of the Hajar Mountains in the United Arab Emirates.The name "Masafi" is Arabic for "pure water", and the village is known for its natural springs.

A simple font, easy to identify logo and a name that associates with water yet is different from the typical Aqua and Oasis types in the region.
Plus its new Fi Masafi? and Do yourself a Flavor! campaigns are sweet & innovative one.


1. Emirates - A brand that truly is international. Emirates with its high budget branding and some high deal sponsers have indeed got to its objective - getting noticed. And the well designed fonts and the Arabic calligraphy does justice to its brand appeal.

A winner indeed.