Footprints July 2013

FOOTPRINTS MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF Al Hamra Palace Beach Resort Al Hamra Village Golf & Beach Resort

July 2013

RAMADAN SPECIAL

TRAVEL DURING RAMADAN

RAMADAN KAREEM!

RAMADAN RECIPES

SIGNATURE SEAFOOD ON THE BEACH

PUBLISHER’S NOTE Dear valued guests, Greetings!

We are happy to share with you the first edition of Footprints: the monthly newsletter that will greet you with news, events and promotions happening at our resorts.

Overlooking a stunning 18-hole golf course, and offering a private sandy beach with breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf, both Al Hamra Palace Beach Resort and Al Hamra Village Golf Beach Resort offer you 364 spacious, climate-controlled rooms and suites, while striking a perfect balance between tranquility and fun activities. Distinctively decorated with wooden furnishings and various recreational facilities such as kids swimming pool, large adult pools, gym, massage center, tennis courts, health club, English Pub, signature seafood restaurant etc. the resorts beckon couples and families for an affordable leisure holiday.

This issue focuses on the the Holy Month of Ramadan, and what you, as a discerning traveller, need to know about this special season in this part of the Arab world.

Let me wish you all a memorable stay with us! And do not forget to contact our Front Office team, or the Duty Manager, should you require any assistance!

Happy reading!

Amr Ahmed Hotel Manager Al Hamra Palace Beach Resort

QUOTE OF THE MONTH Someone's sitting in the shade today because someone planted Warren Buffet a tree a long time ago.

EDITORIAL TEAM Publisher: Amr Ahmed, Hotel Manager-Al Hamra Palace Beach Resort Chief Editor: Jojo Jose Editorial Team: Ashraf Mohsen (Front Office), Sudheer Valappil (Engineering), Lakmal Asanka (F&B), Shane Gunasekara (Recreation), Simon Gomes (Housekeeping), Rohan Bastian (Kitchen), Anil Kumar (Travel Desk) Design, Layout, Illustration: Jojo Jose Photography: Suvac Oleg

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THE HOLY MONTH OF RAMADAN WHAT IS RAMADAN ALL ABOUT? Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic year, when Muslims all over the world spend their time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God, and practice self-sacrifice by abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs during the daylight hours. It is a time when one can find Muslims all over the world in union, observing the Holy Month of Ramadan, with utmost sincerity.

Ramadan begins with the sighting of the new moon; for this reason, the crescent becomes a significant symbol for Ramadan. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

ACTIVITIES DURING RAMADAN Fasting, considered one of the highest forms of worship, and one of the five pillars of Islam, is obligatory for all Muslims past the age of puberty, and who are mentally and physically fit.

During this entire month, Muslims who fast, refrain from food and drink from dawn till dusk.

This state allows every Muslim to get rid of arrogance, and practice self-restraint, discipline and a helping attitude.

IFTAR & SUHOUR During Ramadan, Muslims wake up before dawn to have a meal called the Suhour, before the start of the fasting day. At sunset, they usually break their fast upon the call for Maghreb (sunset) prayers with another meal called Iftar. As on all days, prayers are conducted five times through the day, and a special prayer called Taraweeh is recited during night prayers.

Planning an Iftar with family?

Choose Al Hamra Palace Beach Resort

Tuck into a traditional Iftar buffet of Ramadan Special of Middle Eastern cuisine with signature Arabic sweets For reservations, call +971 7 2067 222

Al Hamra Palace Beach Resort

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THE HOLY MONTH OF RAMADAN Charity is one of the five pillars of Islam, and ever so important during the month of Ramadan.

Hence, Zakat is often exercised, with a percentage of the income being given to the poor and the needy.

CULTURAL SENSITIVITY/ETIQUETTE FOR NON-MUSLIMS It would be good to be considerate to the Muslim community, during the month of Ramadan, as they spend their time in fast, abstinence and prayer. Modest dressing is encouraged during this period. Remember, Ramadan fast happens during the hottest months of the year, and so be considerate with those who are fasting. And accept an invitation for Iftar, if a colleague or a friend calls you for it.

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS DURING RAMADAN Travel restrictions are put in place during the month of Ramadan. Eating and drinking in public is not encouraged in the UAE. Do not expect the outdoor restaurants or bars to offer you alcoholic drinks, as restrictions are placed. You can enjoy soft traditional Arabic music during evenings. This is also a good opportunity to learn more about this part of the Arab world, its traditions, customs and cultures.

SPECIALS DURING RAMADAN Ramadan Majlis Dates and fruits Arabic Sweets such as Basbousa, Konafa, baqlawah Arabic coffee, Shisha

Relish a sumptous Suhour!

Celebrate this Holy Month of Ramadan with a sumptuous Suhour a la carte For reservations, call +971 7 2067 222 Al Hamra Palace Beach Resort

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KNOW OUR STAFF Front Office Team A highly dedicated team of professionals, our Front Office staff is multi-cultural and multilinguistic. Drawn from different parts of the world including Russia, India, Germany, Philippines, Ukraine, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, our staff is always on the lookout for the best in guest services.

Travel Desk Our Travel Desk has a highly experienced team of professionals who offer their transport expertise in terms of travel safety and guest services. Whether to visit places of interest in the UAE, or airport transfers, this team is ever ready to help you!

Airport transfers and guest assistance Dedicated Valet Parking Sevice Free Shuttle Bus to Dubai Mall Shuttle Bus Service to nearby Al Hamra Mall Limousine service on request Special City Tours for guests, on request

To request for a trip, please contact Front Desk, or call Anil Kumar on +971 50 584 5816 or e-mail at anil.kumar@alhamrafort.com

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FACILITY OF THE MONTH Samakmak Seafood Restaurant Located on the shores of Al Hamra Palace Beach Resort, Samakmak is the one and only seafood restaurant situated directly at the shores of the Arabian Gulf. Served in some of the most spectacular settings, the Samakmak repast offers an extensive selection of the finest seafood cuisines. Fish is what we do and we do it to perfection. Only sea is the limit when it comes to our dishes. Choose your favorite catch of the day and get it prepared at one of our live cooking stations. Samakmak will seduce you to indulge in seafood delights while savoring breathtaking sunsets and you’ll have the making of a beach memory you won’t forget. Open from 1.00PM to 12.00AM.

For table reservations, please call +971 7 2067 222

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HAPPENINGS/ACTIVITIES The month of June has seen a lot of activities happening at Al Hamra Palace Beach Resort.

We have tried to capture a few of them for you!

Housekeeping Our Housekeeping department is versatile in enhancing the guest services. The creativity of some of the team members is astounding! Here are a few images that illustrate the creative efforts of the team members to delight the guests.

Engineering Carpentry wing of the Engineering team are always found busy preparing new ‘structures’ and additions to the host of hotel facilities. Their craftsmanship can be seen in their construction of the entrance of Samakmak, the one and only seafood restaurant on the beach, and the White Bar on the beach. Here is their latest commendable work: the newly-constructed buffet counter for Amasi Beach BBQs on Fridays.

Food & Beverage Pizza Preparation for Kids To have fun and loving memories of a stay at Al Hamra Palace Beach Resort, we conducted a Pizza preparation for kids. Both the parents and their kids had a lovely time together, while the kids did all the work, their parents enjoyed the pizzas, prepared by their little ones!

Training for the F&B Team Every month, we have departmental trainings happening for the team members. The focus this month was on the F& B team who gained valuable insights from the training on Upselling conducted by Lakmal Asanka, our F&B Manager.

And remember, we always welcome your feedback on improving our service standards!

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PRINCE OF SEA Spend an unforgettable day on board the splendid sailing yacht, “Prince of Sea”.

"Prince of Sea" – the luxurious 2 mast sailing motor yacht will take you to a journey following the steps of Ahmed bin Majid – one of the greatest Navigators of all time.

Here's your chance for your to enjoy a thrilling adventure amidst the azure waters of virgin beaches on Al Marjan Island. Be delighted with the many activities on offer, and taste beautiful delicacies.

Full day cruise from 13:00 till 18:00 - 330 AED Dinner Cruise from 21:00 till 24:00 - 250 AED

For reservations, call Veronica 050 3721772 or Yasser 055 1205900; E-mail on: nikoveria@gmail.com or yaser@emiratesunnfun.com

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RECIPE OF THE MONTH Basbousa In this month of Ramadan, we thought it would be appropriate to present the recipe of a mouth-watering Arabic sweet called ‘Basbousa’. It is a spongy, semi-soft semolina cake garnished with almonds or coconuts. A popular sweet in Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, Turkey and Greece, Basbousa got its name from an Arabic word that means "soaked" and it is named as such because it is soaked in sugar syrup.

Ingredients Semolina powder Caster sugar Milk powder Desiccated coconut Baking powder Vegetable Ghee Plain yoghurt Full cream milk Fresh cream

2 Kg 1.5 Kg 300 Gms 100 Gms 20 Gm 200 Gms 70 Gms 1000 ml 500 ml

Method • • • •

Put all ingredients together in mixing bowl and mix it with pedal for 5 minutes Remove the mixer from the bowl and bake it in the tray 160°c for 20 minutes As soon as when you remove the tray from the oven soak with thick sugar syrup Cut it in to square piece garnish with whole almond or desiccated coconut

Serve it with love!

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UPCOMING EVENTS WINE & DINE JUL AUG

Iftar Special

Tuck into a traditional Iftar buffet of Ramadan Special of Middle Eastern cuisine with signature Arabic sweets Venues: (1) Sea Breeze Restaurant at Al Hamra Palace Beach Resort (Prior reservation is not a must. No minimum booking required). Price: AED 80 excluding 10% service charge; (2) The Village Restaurant at Al Hamra Village Golf & Beach Resort (Prior reservation required. Minimum booking for 20 people needed). Special Discount available for groups of 10 or more! Also relax and savour Shisha on the beach while enjoying breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf!

JUL AUG

Suhour Special

Relish a sumptuous Ramadan Suhour a la carte!

Venue: The Village Restaurant at Al Hamra Village Golf & Beach Resort. Time: 11.00PM to 3.00AM. Price starting from AED 30 per dish. Conditions apply. Special Discount available for groups of 10 or more!

JUL AUG

Theme Nights

To make your stay memorable, we have created a special theme night, every day of the week! The Russian Night on Mondays, Far Eastern Night on Tuesdays, International Night on Wednesdays and Fridays, Oriental Night on Thursdays, Italian Night on Saturdays and Carvery Night on Sundays: pick your favourites!

Time: 19:00-22:30. Contact Sea Breeze Restaurant for more details.

HEALTH & BEAUTY AUG

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Kids Summer Swimming School

If your little one loves water and wants to swim like a fish, join us for this exciting summer camp!

Kids aged 4-7 Kids aged 8-12 Monday & Wednesday 3.30pm-4.30pm 4.30-5.30pm Dates: Valid till 31st August 2013 Venue: Marjan Pool at Al Hamra Palace Beach Resort To book your seats and to know more, please call Bimal Sinha at +971 7 2067 222 or e-mail him at bimal.sinha@alhamrafort.com

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EXPERIENCE RAS AL KHAIMAH While staying with us, here is what you can enjoy nearby our resorts: Ice Land Water Park Ocean, desert, mountain ... penguins! Just in case the huge assortment of water slides and pools, including a tropical snorkeling pool, smaller children's attractions and Aqua Soccer are not enough. Penguin Falls is the world's largest man-made waterfall.

Highlights: Water slides, a snorkeling pool, the original Aqua Soccer and penguins too!

For details, visit: www.icelandwaterpark.com

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ENJOY SPECIAL SUMMER RATES! STARTING FROM AED 299*

*Valid till 30th September 2013. Conditions apply

To book, please call +971 7 2067 222 or e-mail reservations@alhamrafort.com

Al Hamra Palace Beach Resort, P.O. Box 35604, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 7 2067 222 Fax: +971 7 243 4517 E-mail: reservations@alhamrafort.com; info@alhamrafort.com