MBI Al Jaber Grand Hall Officially Opened in Naming Ceremony

MBI Al Jaber Grand Hall Officially Opened in Naming Ceremony

LONDON, March 14, 2012/PRNewswire/ --

News Release issued on behalf of MBI Al Jaber Foundation and the University

of Westminster

A PROJECT to revive the birthplace of British cinema has reached a milestone with the
official unveiling of the University of Westminster's MBI Al Jaber Grand Hall following a
careful restoration.

The historic Grade II listed Grand Hall, at the University's Regent Street
headquarters in London's West End, has been named after philanthropist and businessman
Sheikh Mohamed Bin Issa Al Jaber. Its restoration was made possible through a GBP1 million
donation through Sheikh Mohamed's MBI Al Jaber Foundation, a continuation of the charity's
long-term relationship with the University.

The MBI Al Jaber Grand Hall is the University's only listed building. The adjoining
cinema gained its place in history when it became the setting for the first ever public
film show in Britain.

The re-opening of the entrance hall and foyer coincides with the 100th anniversary of
the March 1912 completion of the re-construction of the building's existing façade. The
Prince of Wales who became Edward VIII, was photographed at the re-opening ceremony.

The MBI Al Jaber Grand Hall and adjoining spaces highlight the University's activities
and the building's historical importance. The space provides an intellectual exhibition
space for students, industry partners and the public alike and is a landmark venue at the
heart of London life.

Its renovation is part of a wider GBP5 million campaign to restore the cinema as a
working cinema for the first time since 1980 and to nurture the best of filmmaking talent
in keeping with the site's history.

Speaking on Monday (March 12) at the official Naming Ceremony of the Grand Hall,
Sheikh Mohamed, the patron and chairman of the Foundation which works to forge links
between the Middle East and the rest of the world, said: "The Foundation is honoured to
have played its part in this project and the renovation of the Grand Hall. The part this
site has played in the history of British cinema is special and it is only right it should
be restored to its former glory. I am honoured and humbled that the Grand Hall carries the
name of MBI Al Jaber. It is a symbol of our on-going commitment and long-standing
relationship with the University of Westminster."

Sarah Carthew, director of Marketing, Communications and Development at the University
of Westminster, says: "It has always been important for us to be able to showcase our
history and the success of our students but the renovation project means that we will now
be able to open our doors to a wider audience and share our heritage with our neighbours
and industry partners alike."

The project has also been recognised by the RIBA Higher Education Design Quality Forum
which shortlisted the University of Westminster in its 'Small Budget, Big Impact'
competition which looks to improve the performance of higher education buildings and
estates.

Professor Jeremy Till, award winning architect and Dean of the School of Architecture
and the Built Environment, spoke at the event: "One of the great achievements of UK higher
education estates is the reuse of historic buildings, many of which provide great flexible
spaces into which contemporary facilities can be inserted. In this highly competitive
world, the need for good quality learning environments remains paramount."

The campaign was launched in 2009 with the GBP1 million donation from the MBI Al Jaber
Foundation.

The on-going arts project will include a Middle Eastern Film Series showcasing the
best of the region's talent to audiences in the UK as part of MBI Al Jaber Foundation's
work to forge links between the Middle East and the rest of the world.

Among University of Westminster alumni are The Queen editor Lucia Zuchetti, Senna and
The Warrior director Asif Kapadia, and Seamus McGarvey, Director of Photography on the
film Atonement.

Source: MBI Al Jaber Foundation and the University of Westminster

For further information on the MBI Al Jaber Foundation, please contact: Neil McLeod, PHA Media LTD,
+44(0)207-440-0811 or neilm@pha-media.com;
For further information on the University of Westminster, please contact: Sarah Evans-Toyne or Lianne Robinson
Broadgate Mainland - Email: westminster@broadgatemainland.com ,
Telephone: +44(0)-207-726-6111

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