LOS ANGELES, February 10 /PRNewswire/ --

ALO Hayati is the world's premier, English language, Middle Eastern culture and lifestyle magazine. It is the creation of Lebanese entrepreneur and humanitarian Wafa Kanan, who moved to the United States in 1990 after coming of age amid Lebanon's destructive civil war. ALO magazine was launched in April 2005, and just three years later it has an international readership of more than 1.2 million. Now with the launch of a new website, a worldwide star search contest encompassing musical performance, acting, and fashion modeling, new charitable initiatives and a sustained publicity campaign in the United States, ALO is poised to reach out to new and larger audiences. The goal is to affirm an enduring position for the cultures of the Middle East, North Africa and the Mediterranean in world media.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090210/LA68695)

As ALO's publisher Kanan has always understood that arts and culture are the most powerful tools for fostering global harmony. Eight years after she founded the marketing agency Unique Image Inc., Kanan made good on a long held dream when she launched ALO. The magazine's Editor-In-Chief Michael Lloyd, former marketing director of a Fortune 1000 company joined Kanan to both assist with the development of Unique Image and in 2004 to plan the magazine's launch. Their goal was to shatter misconceptions about Middle Eastern cultures by focusing on the rich, dynamic lives of people and in the process seeks to educate a worldwide audience about both the traditional heritage and contemporary lifestyles in these diverse regions, and to be the ultimate travel guide and link to the region and its cultures. ALO offers a bridge to multiple cultures with features on the latest trends, styles and pop culture happening in the US.

Alo, hayati is a common Arabic expression of affection. Literally Hello, my darling. The phrase is shared between parents and children, spouses, lovers and friends alike expressing its open-ended, positive mission. ALO is not beholden to any religious or political viewpoint, and so has the freedom to address fascinating and sometimes controversial topics with candor and openness. Insightful editorials and feature articles have dealt with such subjects as the growing interest in business opportunities, and Middle Eastern cultural trends by Americans (Destination Middle East), intercultural marriage (Shocking Intercultural Stories), woman's rights (The Truth behind the Veil), racial discrimination (Why I changed my name from Mohammed to Mike), Gay Lesbian relationships (Coming out), and the growing design craze for Middle Eastern and North African art (All of your home design and The Genius of Sam Maloof). In-depth profiles and interviews with top World leaders, including HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum the Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Queen Rania of Jordan and Former Egyptian first Lady Madame Sadat. The goal of these articles is not to be provocative, but to encourage frank and open dialogue and enhance greater cultural understanding.

The magazine covers culture extensively, including the innovations of Middle Eastern fashion designers (Elie Saab, Reem Akra, Bijan) and also influential artists/musicians (Fairouz, Haifa Wahbe, Cheb Khaled, Tarkan and Tarkan, Elias Rahbani, Simon Shaheen), Western popstars (Shakira, Santana, 50 Cent, Michelle Williams). Others like Jasmin (a.k.a. Young London) and Karina Pasian are natural subjects because they combine Middle Eastern sounds into their music and reinforce ALO's cross cultural mission. Fashion, film, television, destination travel, cuisine, health and fitness tips also fill the pages.

In celebration of its fourth anniversary, ALO is highlighting a number of new initiatives designed to broaden its audience and appeal:

ALO StarQuest Hollywood-broad-based talent competition aimed at discovering young artists capable of bridging world cultures. In all three categories-modeling, acting, and music-judges, sponsors, broadcasters and contestants come from East and West in unprecedented partnerships. The televised contest, planned for 2009 is on track to involve major broadcasters. Contestants must perform in both Arabic and English. American players involved so far include the leading world music label Six Degrees records and co-founders Pat Berry and Bob Duskus, Grammy-winning Don Was, K.C. Porter, Dawn Elder and one of the leading talent agencies, Diverse Talent. Kerri Kasem will host the first televised season.

The new ALOMAGAZINE.COM-the definitive Middle Eastern culture and Lifestyle website with thoughtful and provocative editorial and feature content. The ultimate source and voice of culture both in the region and in diaspora. Reporting the latest styles and entertainment with extensive showcases, comprehensive coverage, streaming videos and travel guides to the region all within an interactive forum aimed at bridging diverse audiences. The site offers surveys, online shopping, blogging and more.

ALO Cultural Foundation-launched in 2008 to focus on a wide range of humanitarian endeavors, from supplementing international relations initiatives, to supporting cultural exchange programs targeting and benefiting primarily women and youth of Middle Eastern, North African and Mediterranean descent. The past year has seen the remarkable story of the foundation's intervention on behalf of eight-year-old Hussein Balhas, a Lebanese boy born with Frasier Syndrome who is now receiving treatment and extensive reconstructive surgery in the U.S. through foundation's leadership. www.helphussein.org

The forces at ALO believe that these initiatives will foster new understanding between cultures too long divided. ALO's worldwide distribution includes retail bookstores, 150 luxury hotels and six airlines and VIP lounges, travel agencies and tourist bureaus.

For more information please e-mail DEMGMT@aol.com.

DE WORLD MEDIA, +1-805-963-2415, or Dawn Elder of DE WORLD MEDIA, +1-805-680-4665, Demgmt@aol.com / PHOTO: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090210/LA68695