Dubai Vibes Magazine | Issue 4 | June 2021

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EXPO 2020 UPDATES DISCOVER DUBAI’S DINING SENSATIONS

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SUMMER IN THE CITY: BEST STAYCATION GETAWAYS

MUHAMMAD ADIL:

SPREADING GOOD VIBES

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From the publisher It’s summer in the city and what better way to go but indulge in the various staycation and getaway packages being rolled out

TABLE OF CONTENTS

this part of the year as the city’s hospitality

STAFF BOX Publisher Gabriel John Rimando

Editor Jojo Dass

sector continues to spring back to life.

While at it, pick your choice of the best

Sales and Marketing Manager

dining destinations in town with at least

Elaine Anne ‘Bella’ Marbella

one having just opened at Ibn Battuta showcasing

an

eye-popping

Contributing Writers

“Black

Calamari,” and another in Barsha Heights

Joshua Trias

offering food that Spain is best known for.

Amanda Hensley Zainab Shahid

**** There are good chefs and there are really

Designer

good ones. How do you spot the difference?

Allan Caragao

“The question is,” Uwe Micheel, president of the Emirates Culinary Guild (ECG), said during a chat for this edition of Dubai Vibes Magazine, “what makes a top chef ?”

It’s summer… head to the Maldives!

- PAGE 4

Find us at https://www.dubaivibesmagazine.ae/ https://www.facebook.com/DubaiVibesMagazine.ae

“I would say there is a difference between a celebrated chef, who is an amazing entertainer, and a celebrated chef, who can

dubaivibesmag

cook,” said Micheel.

dubaivibesmagazine

Interesting?

DubaiVibesMagazine.ae Dubai Vibes Magazine

**** Other must-reads in this edition is the Talking Heads section where industry stakeholders share their thoughts about Dubai’s road to pre-Covid levels.

Owing to strict Covid-19 safety measures, Dubai

has

beaten

other

tourism

destinations across the globe, most of which are still in lockdowns due to the pandemic, says Ahmad Moussa, Armani Hotel Dubai sales manager for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Business Lunch at Lola Taberna Española - PAGE 12

Developments across the region, coupled with the city’s efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19, have made Dubai a destination of choice, says Haitham Assem, Millennium Hotels and Resorts regional associate director of marketing and communications for Middle East and Africa (MEA).

to recovery at the height of the pandemic, is now “top of the mind” and among

When you lose, you actually win something: experience – that which no one can teach you about and that which makes you stronger for the next fight.

sought-after destinations as Expo 2020, which starts on October, draws near, Paul Bridger, Director of Operations at Rove Hotels, says. **** All said, this edition of Dubai Vibes Magazine should be a breeze.

Right Health: Serving the workingclass - PAGE 24

This, in a nutshell, has what kept Muhammad Adil going as the universe, in the words of Brazilian lyricist and novelist Paulo Coelho said in “The Alchemist,” conspired to help the 37-year-old businessman from Pakistan, achieve his goals.

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ON THE COVER

Dubai, which has swiftly gotten on the path

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FROM OUR FILES

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It’s summer… head to the Maldives!

With summer fast approaching, now is the time to start thinking about summer travel destinations, and what could be more alluring than the azure waters and palm-fringed beaches of the Maldives?

An idyllic paradise famed for offering the ultimate in relaxation, it is ideal for travelers wanting to get away from it all – but there is so much more to see and experience if you choose to.

Nestled in the South Ari Atoll and just a short seaplane ride from Male’s Velana International Airport, the award-winning Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is one of the most renowned and exclusive destinations in the Maldives, brimming with lush tropical greenery and surrounded by one of the country’s best diving areas, with a sprawling coral reef and an abundance of marine life for those looking to embark on an adventure during their stay.

There is a wealth of opportunity for exploration for amateurs and experts alike, including snorkeling safaris and excursions to find whale sharks and manta rays, and sunset cruises in search of dolphins. Making it easy for traveler’s this summer, the resort’s experts have created a check-list of iconic experiences that are sure to captivate guests and entice even the most ardent sunworshipper into the ocean.

A whale shark and manta paradise Swimming with whale sharks and manta rays tops the bucket list for many visitors to the Maldives and the area around the South Ari Atoll is the perfect

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place to see them – and the only spot in the world where whale sharks are sighted all year round.

Just a 25-minute speedboat ride away from the whale sharks’ location, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is one of the best places to get up close to the gentle giants of the sea, with whale shark tours and adventure snorkeling amongst the island’s most popular activities.

Other marine-based endeavors include adventure diving certification courses and day and night scuba experiences, with easy access by traditional dhoni to the area’s renowned dive sites in just 10 minutes meaning guests can be at the first boat on the scene.

Private diving excursions by speedboat to explore distant dive sites are also available.

Adventure Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is a dream come true for travelers looking to get their adrenaline racing, with cutting-edge equipment and the friendly team of experts from Ocean Group on hand to help guests master new skills across a range of motorized and non-motorized watersports, from catamaran sailing, paddle boarding and kayaking to wakeboarding, windsurfing, electric foiling and X-Jetblading.

Family excursions There are plenty of land and water-base activities on the island to keep young guests entertained too, with the Majaa Explorers Hub offering a fun filled entertainment schedule, and specially created areas for families including the main infinity pool, children’s pool and splash park for little ones.

Head towards the ocean and the resort also offers a wide selection of activities specially designed to introduce young children to the wonders of the deep, from seabob rides and bubble making, diving to dolphin cruises, turtle safaris, glass bottom boat trips and learning how to fish from traditional Maldivian Dhoni.

Kids aged eight and above can also learn how to snorkel and dive with the resort’s experienced PADI accredited dive team.

For bookings and further information, visit https://www.conradmaldives.com/ stay/offers/ or email MLEHI.Maldives@conradhotels.com.

Mauritius eases Covid-19 measures, prepares for reopening

Dubai, UAE: Mauritius has announced an easing of confinement where Work Access Permits will no longer be required and a number of public activities will be allowed including outdoor physical exercises and the use of public transport. Beauty parlors, private medical and dental practices, veterinarian practices and opticians will also be allowed to resume activities, according to according to a statement issued by the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA).

Restrictions are being maintained for places that could involve large public gatherings including gymnasiums, cinemas, community centers, casinos, bars, discotheques, schools and restaurants and places of worship, among others.

Mauritius has been in confinement since March 9, 2021, following cases of Covid-19 transmission detected in the community. Mauritian authorities have noted an improvement in conditions since.

In a statement to the nation, Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth urged the population to remain vigilant and observe all precautions to prevent further spread of the virus.

The tourism industry will

More Dubai flights to paradise for Eid al-Adha holidays

Dubai, UAE: Air Seychelles will operate more flights from Dubai to the Indian Ocean paradise this July to provide travellers more choice and convenience when planning their Eid al-Adha holidays.

The weekly flights starting from July 2 to July 24, 2021 will depart from Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 on Friday mornings, returning from Seychelles International Airport every Thursday afternoon, providing visitors a full week of adventure in the Seychelles. To offer greater connectivity over the upcoming Eid break, the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles will operate an additional flight on July 19, 2021 from Dubai.

Economy Class travellers can take advantage of the attractive fares starting from USD343 (AED 1,259), while Business Class travellers can book their seats at the starting fares of USD1,020 (AED 3,743). All fares are inclusive of taxes. Flights are now on sale via Air Seychelles website at www.airseychelles.com and through travel agents.

Travelers to the popular holiday destination, irrespective of vaccination status, must have a negative COVID 19 PCR test certificate taken within 72 hours, with completed mandatory Health Travel Authorization at seychelles.govtas.com prior to departure from Dubai.

With the average temperature ranging from 25 to 27 degrees Celsius in July, visitors can look forward to a break from the Dubai summer heat. Island hopping between the main islands, Mahe, Praslin and La Digue, famous for their white sandy beaches and vibrant coral reefs, will ensure tourists experience a picturesque and memorable escape.

Dubai, UAE: Emirates Golf Club has introduced the Eurozone to bring together three unique viewing experiences in one site to watch all the UEFA European Football Championship live, held from Friday, June 11, until Sunday, July 11, 2021.

Catch all the action from ‘the Euros’ live across 40 screens at Spike Sports Bar & Terrace, Topgolf Dubai, and the Football Central pavilion.

All located within the Emirates Golf Club property amidst several city hotspots, Emirates Golf Club is easily accessible, with hassle-free parking and public transport access, allowing football enthusiasts to get match-ready with ease.

So everybody can enjoy the action from the Euros safely: Emirates Golf Club will manage venues to permitted capacities Guests must continue to wear masks at all venues and may remove them briefly when seated for dining.

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Emirates Golf Club Eurozone – Three venues, one mega site!

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TALKING HEADS

‘Dubai beats other destinations in reviving tourism’

Dubai, UAE: Owing to strict Covid-19 safety measures, Dubai has beaten other tourism destinations across the globe, most of which are still in lockdowns due to the pandemic.

“Since Dubai has been taking safety measures, it is now becoming a preferred destination by people in the region; and since Europe is still closed, most Europeans prefer to visit this city,”Ahmad Moussa, Armani Hotel Dubai sales manager for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), told Dubai Vibes Magazine.

Boosting hotel occupancies, Moussa said, is the recent revitalization of ties between UAE and Israel as well as the re-opening of Saudi Arabia, where, he said, residents were planning to see Dubai, “their favorite destination.”

“We will be accepting only vaccinated people to ensure safety,” Moussa said.

Armani Hotel Dubai falls under the Emaar Group, which also operates seven The Address Dubai hotels and five Vida Hotels. Armani Hotel has a branch in Milan, Italy – the Armani Hotel Milano.

Ahmad Moussa Armani Hotel Dubai sales manager for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

‘Regional developments make Dubai a destination of choice’

‘Dubai becomes mostsearched destination as Expo 2020 draws near’

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“We are the hub. Everything is under control,” Haitham Assem, the hotel chain’s regional associate director of marketing and communications for Middle East and Africa (MEA), told Dubai Vibes Magazine.

He cited the recent re-opening of Saudi Arabia; and improved ties between Qatar and member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as well as that between Israel and the UAE as factors working in favor of Dubai’s hospitality industry.

“All these contribute… Dubai has created that dream that has made everybody choose it as a destination; first on their wish list is to come to Dubai, ”Assem said.

Assem said Dubai’s hospitality industry is picking up. “It is going back where it belongs,” he said, noting efforts by the city’s government, among them Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), to address concerns about the pandemic.

“The government has put all the necessary efforts in place,” Assem said.

Millennium Hotels and Resorts has three hotels in Dubai and another three in Abu Dhabi.

Haitham Assem Millennium Hotels and Resorts regional associate director of marketing and communications for Middle East and Africa (MEA)

the most searched destinations around the world.”

Bridger, who oversees seven Rove hotels across Dubai, said he is “confident that the city’s hospitality sector will continue growing and come out of the pandemic stronger than before.”

“We are proud to see that despite the current climate, we receive lots of interest on the brand from the local and regional markets, and we are looking forward to continue expanding our portfolio in well-connected locations across the region,” he said.

Dubai, UAE – Dubai, which has swiftly gotten on the path to recovery at the height of the pandemic, is now “top of the mind” and among sought-after destinations as Expo 2020, which starts on October, draws near, Paul Bridger, Director of Operations at Rove Hotels, told Dubai Vibes Magazine.

He added: “We expect our hotels to remain on high occupancies throughout the summer months. In terms of promotions and new initiatives, we are working on a few really exciting and innovative launches for the coming weeks.

Stay tuned!”

Bridger, noting the recent re-opening important regional and international markets such as Saudi Arabia re-opening its borders as well as staycations and monthly stays continuing to drive lots of interest, said Rove is looking forward to high occupancies in the months ahead.

The Rove hospitality chain, which has over 4,000 rooms open or under development in the Middle East, recently launched Rove La Mer Beach, the company’s first property on the beach.

Bridger, who has over 20 years’ experience across the Middle East, Asia, UK and Ireland, said Dubai, “has proven its strength by remaining one of the world’s most visited destinations from the start of the pandemic” last year.

Paul Bridger Director of Operations, Rove Hotels

Dubai, UAE: Developments across the region, coupled with the city’s efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19, have made Dubai a destination of choice, a top executive of Millennium Hotels and Resorts said.

“Despite the initial slowdown in visitors and activity,” Bridger said, “the hospitality sector bounced back quickly, demonstrating resilience and great dynamism.”

He added, “In the lead up to Expo 2020, the city is now top of mind and one of

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At least two more openings were scheduled for the year: Rove Expo 2020, the only hotel at Expo 2020 Dubai; and Rove City Walk, adjacent to the Coca Cola Arena.

Bridger said summer “is going to be a very busy period” for the hospitality chain.

“We’ll be preparing for the opening of our two upcoming hotels, Rove City Walk and Rove Expo 2020, as well as to welcome Rovers attending or working at Expo 2020 Dubai.

‘We had to change our business model very quickly’ Dubai, UAE: While quarantine measures due to the Covid-19 pandemic brought most hotels to its knees, one managed to dodge the bullet and get a big share of the travel market. Here’s how.

“We were able to grab the largest share of the repatriation market,” Priyanka Kapoor, Swiss-Belhotel International senior regional director of sales and marketing for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) told Dubai Vibes Magazine in an exclusive interview.

She explained that as big companies needed to keep going and send executives across the globe despite the pandemic, these business organizations needed to follow certain protocols, among them the quarantine of their officials arriving at a particular city.

“Companies were sending their people elsewhere so they require quarantine,”

‘The signs are there’ Dubai, UAE: A Dubai hotel chain top executive has added to a growing number of hospitality stakeholders who have expressed confidence that this international city that never sleeps is well back on its feet following last year’s quarantine measures that temporarily ground the industry to a halt as part of Covid-19 measures.

In an exclusive interview with Dubai Vibes Magazine during the recent Arabian Travel Market held at Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC), Eddie Ignatius, Time Hotels corporate director of quality and business excellence, said the signs indicating a recovery are there.

“We have seen so many signs – the vaccine roll-out, people now have the confidence to go out,” Ignatius said.

“People have been stuck for a long time,” he added, “and they need to go out, bearing in mind health and safety measures in place.”

Time, which has four hotels in Dubai and two in neighboring Sharjah, has been enjoying an average 75% occupancy rate, according to Ignatius, noting however that the demand is internal or from city residents wanting a weekend getaway for instance.

Nonetheless, he said Dubai is doing “really great compared to other cities in the

‘Domestic travellers buoy Dubai tourism in pandemic year’

Sidharth Mehta, Partner, Head of Real Estate, KPMG Lower Gulf, said: “Dubai’s popularity as a staycation destination has been key in supporting the emirate’s hospitality sector. Though short- to medium-term challenges remain, Dubai’s successful management of the pandemic and the efforts put in by individual players have helped recovery.

New developments, such as Ain Dubai and the Museum of the Future, successful mass immunization, and safety protocols followed by properties will increase Dubai’s appeal as a safe destination.”

As a result, Kapoor said, “All of our hotels remained open throughout the Covid time.”

“We didn’t have to close any.”

Kapoor said they had to “change our business model very quickly.” She said that consequently, they did not have to let employees go or be on leave without pay as most hotels did. “There was always a percentage reduction (from their salaries),” she said.

Swiss-Belhotel International has four properties in Bahrain; two in Qatar; one in Oman and two in Kuwait, said Kapoor.

Priyanka Kapoor Swiss-Belhotel International senior regional director of sales and marketing for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA)

region as well as those in Europe.”

Ignatius said the UAE government should be given due credit for this. “We should be proud about what the government is doing here,” he said.

Time Hotels is a UAE-headquartered hospitality company and hotel operator, has 14 properties consisting of 1,465 keys in operation across the UAE and wider GCC with new additional properties opening this year in Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. In 2022, Time Hotels will be opening another property, its first hotel in Mauritius, the 120-key TIME Phoenix Hill.

This year, TIME Hotels will open three hotels in the UAE, the 91-key TIME Moonstone Hotel Apartments in Fujairah; the 99-key TIME Burj Al Saadah Hotel Apartments in Sharjah and the much awaited four-star, 232-room TIME Asma Hotel, in Al Barsha, Dubai.

Just recently, another top hotel executive said Dubai’s hospitality sector is showing progress when it comes to attracting visitors, due to the government’s “very liberal view,” coupled with stringent health and safety protocols making travel to this city convenient and “very safe.”

“It is definitely on the rebound,” said Colin Baker, StayWell Holdings regional director for the Middle East and general manager of Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel, speaking to Dubai Vibes Magazine in an exclusive interview.

Baker said Dubai has “one of the strongest occupancies throughout the pandemic.”

“The Dubai government immediately established protocols when the pandemic hit and continue to do so, thus travellers can now come here and enjoy their visit knowing the environment is safe,” Baker said. He said this has become a “demand generator for businesses to come to Dubai.”

Eddie Ignatius Time Hotels corporate director of quality and business excellence

Despite the odds, the UAE recorded the second-highest occupancy rates globally (54%), behind China, in 2020. Dubai’s occupancy rates steadily improved since April 2020, touching a 12-month high of 69% last December, dipping to 59.4% this April.

While international arrivals plummeted, the number of room nights sold to domestic tourists increased by 107%, surging from 2.74 million in 2019 to 5.68 million in 2020.

Revenue per available room (RevPAR) in Dubai grew by more than 550% during 2020. After hitting a low of USD 17.2 (AED 63.18) at the start of the pandemic, RevPAR reached a peak of USD 114.7 (AED 421.32) in December 2020, coinciding with the holiday period. As of April 2021, RevPAR stood at USD 92.9 (AED 341.22).

The Dubai Assured stamp launched in June 2020, with the goal of assuring visitors that hotels, restaurants, retail outlets and attractions are in line with international health and safety standards and protocols, also served to build guest confidence.

More than three-quarters (77%) of those planning to stay in a Dubai hotel would consider whether a property received a Dubai Assured stamp, certifying its sanitization protocols.

According to the KPMG report, 75% of owner/operators surveyed anticipate the vaccine to be highly effective in boosting occupancy rates. In fact, half of those surveyed expect occupancy rates above 60% in FY 2021 and 75% expect occupancy to return to pre-Covid-19 levels by 2023.

While leisure travel in the region may bounce back, the shift to remote working may change business travel in the long term. Sixty-seven percent of owner/operators expect the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) segment to be at significant risk. However, as many as nine in ten (92%) travellers to Dubai saw the emirate as the safest place in the world to conduct business meetings during the pandemic.

Sidharth Mehta Partner, Head of Real Estate, KPMG Lower Gulf

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DUBAI, UAE: An overwhelming majority (87%) of consumers in the UAE are satisfied with their stay in Dubai hotels since the beginning of the pandemic, and eight in ten consumers are confident hotels apply the required level of sanitization, according to KPMG’s report on Dubai’s hospitality industry. Despite strong outbound travel restrictions among many of the UAE’s main source markets, “Suite success: Dubai hospitality survey 2021” fuels hopes of recovery for the emirate’s hospitality sector.

More than half (55%) of consumers surveyed were willing to stay at a hotel in Dubai, notwithstanding Covid-19, with 85% willing to return.

explained Kapoor. “We have a strong network of corporations. We did their needed quarantine paperwork for them,” she added.

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EXPO 2020 UPDATE

Malaysia pavilion welcomes premier partner Kula Lumpur, Malaysia: Officials of the Malaysia Pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai has announced that Serba Dinamik Holdings Berhad is its premier partner for the world expo that will run from Oct 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022.

This synergistic partnership will support and fortify Malaysia’s objective to promote its technologies and innovation capabilities to the global audience at Expo 2020 Dubai, the officials said.

“We aim to display Malaysia’s best, including future technologies, at the global event and Serba Dinamik is the perfect fit with the right expertise and core competencies. As a dynamic Malaysian company, Serba Dinamik has diverse capabilities and leadership in various fields, with wide global presence,” said Shamsul Bahar Mohd Nor, CEO of the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Centre (MGTC).

MGTC is the implementing agency for Malaysia’s participation at the expo. The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation is the lead ministry.

Established in 1993, Serba Dinamik provides integrated engineering solutions to the Oil & Gas, petrochemical, power generation, water & waste water utility industries. Its main business is in operations and maintenance (O&M), and engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC), IT Solutions and Education & Training.

Serba Dinamik has offices in Malaysia, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirate (UAE), Bahrain, Qatar, Singapore, India and United Kingdom. Last year, it was awarded a contract for the engineering, procurement and construction of an innovation hub, academic campus, related facilities and information technology (IT) infrastructure in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Hospitality Management Holding opens ECOS hotel near Expo 2020 site

More recently, Serba Dinamik added the development of Malaysia’s space economy and industry into its portfolio, in a collaboration with the Malaysian Space Agency.

“Besides participating in a summit on technology to be hosted by Malaysia Pavilion, being a premier sponsor will allow Serba Dinamik’s brand to have visibility throughout the expo’s duration.

“Its sponsorship will also ensure the success of Malaysia’s National Day event on 8th January 2022, an honor day dedicated to a participating country at Expo 2020 Dubai, during which the spotlight will be on Malaysia and we have various activities lined up to provide visitors and guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in our culture,” said Bahar.

Dubai, UAE: Hospitality Management Holding (HMH), the region’s largest hotel management company specialized in the dry sector, has announced the launch and pre-opening phase of ECOS hotel in Al Furjan area near the EXPO 2020 site.

ECOS hotel is a lifestyle hotel that accommodates leisure, family, and business travelers. The hotel’s smart and innovative design is coupled with state-of-the art infrastructure and offers a unique and memorable experience, enriched with an element of surprise for all its guests.

Michael Zager, Chief Operating Officer of HMH, said: “We are delighted to announce the pre-opening of our new hotel and brand, ECOS Al Furjan.

The new hotel is designed to offer customers a one of a kind hospitality and lifestyle experience and we cannot wait to welcome our first guests at the hotel.”

The new hotel brings a unique experience to its guests with 304 rooms, two F&B outlets, SMART guest facilities, gaming room, meeting rooms and a GYM and rooftop infinity swimming pool. Located near the EXPO site, ECOS hotel is set to support the global event by providing its services to the visitors that will come from all over the world.

For booking and information please visit www.hmhhotelgroup.comor call +971 4 290 9999.

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New Zealand reveals how its Expo 2020 pavilion theme will come to life

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Dubai, United Arab Emirates: With just four months to go until the start of Expo 2020 Dubai, New Zealand is unveiling more detail, and a new video trailer, about how the nation’s theme of Care for People and Place will guide all the engagement, activities, and events undertaken at the mega event inside the New Zealand pavilion and beyond.

The theme is inspired by the indigenous environmental ethos of “kaitiakitanga,” the understanding that humans and nature are inextricably connected. It is a deep belief that humans have a responsibility to care and protect the land, sky and water and that nature will, in turn, provide and care for humans to sustain and safeguard a future for all. This Care for People and Place forms the theme for New Zealand’s pavilion and activities at Expo 2020 Dubai.

“Our new video is a teaser as to what visitors can expect when they come to the New Zealand pavilion and an insight into our theme. As an inclusive and multicultural society, New Zealand takes a long-term, multi-generational view to both social and environmental issues, some of which can be seen in the footage,” said Clayton Kimpton, New Zealand’s Commissioner-General to Expo 2020 Dubai.

He added: “Our pavilion experience at Expo 2020 will demonstrate how we apply Care for People and Place to all facets of life, particularly when it comes to business, social inclusion, women’s empowerment, youth development, food production and agriculture, our primary export sector. We believe this approach is helping to unlock significant economic advantage for New Zealand to leverage at Expo 2020.”

AROUND THE CITY

How strong do you want it?

Indonesian community holds coffee festival The Indonesian Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC) recently held a three-day coffee festival showcasing the country’s coffee products at Dubai Festival City. The event was participated in by eight companies. Indonesia counts fourth in the list of top coffee bean producers in the world.

Design community celebrates Index

A remarkable reunion day

Right Health opens Karama branch Right Health, one of the leading and fastest growing provider of primary health care with over 60 facilities across the UAE, recently opened its branch in Karama – an event graced by Philippine Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes and spouse, Dr. Yasmin Balajadia Cortes and officials.

Vikas Katoch, chief operating officer at Right Health, said the chain of medical facilities focuses on the underprivileged. “We have 60-plus facilities now – and no one has that many – for the underprivileged people, the blue collar or the workingclass people. No one has focus on them. That’s how we are different from rest,” he told Dubai Vibes Magazine.

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For the underprivileged

Index, the long awaited international interior design trade show, recent opened its doors to thousands of visitors, for a three-day exhibition held May 31 to June 2, for the industry’s professionals to reconnect in-person since 2019.

Opened by his Highness Sheikh Ahmad bin Saeed Al Maktoum at Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC), guests were welcomed to explore a global variety of exhibits and experiences through a dramatic archway installation designed

by Kristina Zanic Design Consultants and built by Bond Interiors, titled “The Bottleneck.

Free seminars, product showcases, networking opportunities, and exceptional engaging experiences all took place on the show floor.

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ADVENTURES

Discover Rwanda’s primate kingdom Dubai, UAE: Roar Africa, the absolute leader in ultra-luxe African travel, has designed a thrilling seven-night Primate Safari for GCC travellers to explore the wild and wide-open spaces of Rwanda this summer, a mere five hours flight away from the UAE. Private helicopter flights will transport guests to One & Only Nyungwe House and One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, where an aweinspiring, once-in-a-lifetime experience awaits.

Alongside ancient rainforest, within the lush green expanse of a working tea plantation, One&Only Nyungwe House offers an exclusive window to Africa’s fascinating wildlife and culture.

Curating immersive tailored experiences, from wild chimpanzee tracking to Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walks, gastronomic picnics and indigenous open-air spa treatments, guests will be amazed at every turn.

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Cushioned in the foothills of the breath-taking Virunga Volcano range, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest makes the magical possible as guests will enjoy a personal encounter with the rare and majestic mountain gorilla, roaming free in its own natural habitat. Offering an exclusive front-row seat to Africa’s oldest national park, guests

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will be captivated as elephants, lions, exotic birds, and one of the planet’s greatest array of primate species flourish before their eyes and welcome them into their world. Then retreat in absolute luxury to the Gorilla’s Nest lodge, a spectacular modern haven, where bespoke service and generous all-inclusive offerings combine to give you exceptional privacy in your wild Rwanda home away from home.

Providing the ultimate in insider access with an extraordinary dedication to making every detail perfect, Roar Africa is unique in the industry, creating a seamless and uncomplicated experience from the moment guests step off the plane.

The package • 7 nights on full board from $25,350 per person, based on two travelers sharing • Trekking experiences with Chimpanzees, Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkeys • VIP meet and greet in Kigali • Return private helicopter flights from Kigali to Nyungwe House to Gorilla’s Nest and back to Kigali

Skydive into the tropics at Niyama Private Islands

The jump involves a one-minute freefall at the extreme speed of 200km/hour before the parachute opens for a five minute “flight” down to the white sand beaches

Niyama, Maldives: Skydiving has been introduced in the Maldives and can now be experienced by guests at Niyama Private Islands in the country’s southern Dhaalu Atoll. The new tandem skydiving experience takes place from Dhaalu Airport just a short speedboat ride from the resort.

Tandem skydiving is the best way for first-timers to experience this thrilling, adrenaline-fuelled sport in the safest of environments, with the opportunity to descend over the tropical islands of the Indian Ocean. Guests play an active part in the jump, descending by freefall and parachute, with the seasoned instructor connected from the leap to the landing.

The exhilarating experience begins with a seven-minute speedboat ride to

Dhaalu Airport on a neighbouring island, followed by a short briefing before boarding the plane for a 20-minute ascent to 12,000 feet.

on their social channels, an outside camera can be arranged with a separate skydiver, to create the ultimate memories.

The jump involves a one-minute freefall at the extreme speed of 200km/ hour before the parachute opens for a five minute “flight” down to the white sand beaches, while enjoying spectacular birds-eye views of the resort and the wider atoll.

Niyama Private Islands offers a collection of 134 villas, suites and pavilions, located over the turquoise lagoon and dotted along the beaches of two islands – Play and Chill, which are connected by a bridge. The laid-back resort offers an abundance of space and privacy and a multitude of experiences tailored to adventurous honeymooners, active couples and style-savvy families.

The tandem sky-dive costs from USD 639 per person (based on two people skydiving) including the roundtrip transfers to Dhaalu Airport. The dive can be captured by a hand camera for a small additional charge, whilst for those wishing to share their full dare-devil experience with family and friends and

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DINING

Business Lunch at Lola Taberna Española

Dubai, UAE: Lola Taberna Española, the neighborhood Spanish restaurant and tapas bar, presents a daily business lunch, ideal for professionals looking for a relaxed venue for meetings or for a catch-up while enjoying great food.

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The taberna-like atmosphere creates a suitable spot to enjoy mouth-watering Spanish staples between 1 pm to 4 pm from Sunday to Thursday. The business lunch is attractively priced at AED65 for a two-course and AED89 for threecourse option.

Menú del dia or menu of the day is served by Spanish restaurants during lunch. It is one of the largest meals of the day in Spain. Spanish people typically eat five meals a day, the comida midday meal being the largest when the menú del dia is served. It is known for being economical and large. ¬Among the offerings for Starters are Ensaladilla Rusa con Atún (Russian Salad and Tuna), Cogollos, Naranjas and Quinoa (Baby Gem, Orange, and Quinoa Salad, Salmorejo con Huevo Cocido y Picatostes (Salmojero, Boiled Eggs and Croutons) and Pa Amb Tomàquet and Jamón Serrano (Bread with Tomato and Serrano Ham).

For Mains, guests can choose from Pollo Churrasco con Mojo Verde (Chicken ‘Churrasco’ with Green Mojo), Huevos Rotos con Chorizo (Broken Eggs with Chorizo), Tortilla de Patatas con Chorizo (Spanish Omelette with Chorizo), Paella Negra con Calamares y All’i’Oli (Black Paella with Calamari and All’i’Oli) and Filete de Pescado con Ensalada de Tomates (Fish Fillet and Burnt Tomato Salad).

For the delicious desserts, there are Tarta de Queso Manchego (Manchego Cheese Cake), Tarta de Manzana (Apple Tart) and Churros-Porras con Chocolate (Churros with Chocolate).

Located at Tryp by Wyndham Dubai in Barsha Heights, Lola Taberna Española brings the Spanish taberna culture to Dubai. The focus here is on serving simple, genuine tapas and popular Spanish classics, for residents and expats to experience.

To make a booking at Dubai’s first Spanish Taberna, call +971 4 247 6688, email info@lolataberna.com.

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Hakkasan opens doors at Mandarin Oriental – Bodrum

Dubai, UAE: Nestled among the luscious greenery of Bodrum Peninsula’s mesmerizing Paradise Bay, Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum offers its guests remarkable experiences and venues within a unique setting – and this year is no exception.

Award-winning Chinese restaurant Hakkasan has opened its doors within the resort, serving the restaurant’s globally renowned delicacies in an open-air setting, with sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea. Hakkasan was originally launched in Soho, London in 2001, masterfully blending authentic Cantonese recipes with contemporary influences, and the restaurant rapidly established itself as a leading destination for modern

Cantonese cuisine.

Today, Hakkasan continues to serve its dazzling signature dishes across the world, with outposts in the United States, Middle East, India, Asia and Europe.

Setting the benchmark for modern high-end Cantonese cuisine and impeccable service, Hakkasan’s menu provides a truly exceptional tasting experience for guests at the hotel.

Hakkasan Bodrum will also feature exclusive musical acts for a refined entertainment experience – adding vibrance to the coastal town of Bodrum with a buzzing new location that is sure to become the 2021 season’s hotspot for the food savvy crowd.

In addition to this new opening, Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum features new venues and take overs, including culinary experiences by “Lucca by the Sea” and “Atelier Di Carne” by Dario Cecchini. The resort also offers the most luxurious holiday and shopping experience with its range of boutiques that include brands such as Chanel, La Perla, Missoni, Orlebar Brown and Vilebrequin.

Guests can explore all of the resort’s exceptional facilities with the ‘Travel Again’ package, which offers a saving of up to 20% off Best Available Rates and is available until June 30, 2021.

Go from hungry to happy with pasta

Start your Italian feast with a choice of appetizers, from crunchy, morish favourites like Risotto Arancini Stuffed with Mushrooms, homemade arancini balls stuffed with mozzarella buffalo and mushrooms or the Summer Beets Salad, a refreshingly delicious spiralized beet salad topped with watermelon

and cantaloupe and mixed with basil and cherry tomatoes.

Or want to keep it classic? The possibilities are endless with Go! Pasta.

Go from hungry to happy with a choice of Go! Pasta options for every palate.

Completely homemade each bowl pasta is made fresh with choices like Pink Penne, made with a sauce that consists of pomodoro & cream mixed with a touch of fresh spinach leaves, creating the most blissful meal of velvety goodness, to a meat lovers paradise of happy and hearty Tagliatelle Bolognese Ragu or a bowl of Papa Alfredo, made with homemade pappardelle pasta mixed in with the most luscious alfredo sauce that can be topped with your choice of protein. Looking for a customizable option? Go! Pasta offers an option of building your own bowl. Want less pasta, more veggies and protein?

There are few pleasures in life that can compare to tucking into a bowl of cheesy saucy pasta!

Now available on your favourite online ordering platforms Go! Pasta like Deliveroo, Zomato, Talabat and Careem, Go! Pasta makes it easier to get that pasta fix this season. Passionate about creating the most diverse, high-quality yet affordable online delivery restaurants in the region, Go! Pasta is a food concept created for pasta lovers of all shape, form and flavors!

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Dubai, UAE: Bring the joys of perfectly home cooked meals to your table with a wide array of possibilities offered by Go! Pasta. Made with the freshest and most flavorsome ingredients each serving of pasta is made to cheesy perfection. The expert chefs have rustled up recipes that are made to make each bowl take you on a journey that is a feast for all your senses with a perfect balance of flavor.

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DINING

Special treat for BBQ lovers!

Dubai, UAE: The Blacksmith Bar and Eatery has a special treat for BBQ lovers!

The laid-back casual dining restaurant has launched an all-new DXB BBQ menu with spectacular dishes specially curated to celebrate International BBQ Month.

With prices starting at only AED 33 per dish, Blacksmith X DXB BBQ Month is the perfect excuse to dig into delicious smoky dishes, all month long! Available for a limited time only, throughout the month of May, the special menu features fantastic smoked and BBQ dishes, inclusive of meat, fish, vegetarian, and vegan options, designed to entice and excite all tastes.

Guests can expect a selection of BBQ specials all through the month including, smoked spice duck and mango salad with pickled jicama, fried onions and burnt orange vinaigrette, vegan chili stuffed peppers with tomato rice, pinto beans, cilantro and Haute Sauce salsa fresca, Jack Daniel’s glazed BBQ Angus short ribs served with spiced cauliflower & fat chips, ‘hot smoked salmon fillet’ with spiced maple butter and tossed greens, and BBQ braised lamb shoulder, smoked mashed potato, green peas & turnips.

Open for dinner on Saturdays to Thursdays from 5 pm to 1 am and for lunch and dinner on Friday from 1 pm – 1 am, head over to The Blacksmith Bar and Eatery to relish the best BBQ flavors. For more information or to make a booking please call 04 407 8873 or email info@theblacksmithdubai.com and stay tuned via @theblacksmithdubai.

Located in Wyndham Dubai Marina Hotel, The Blacksmith Bar and Eatery is following all guidelines and directives that have been set in place by the authorities, ensuring the wellbeing and safety of both guests and talent.

Dubai, UAE: For those cozy nights in, why not indulge in an extravagant treat and bring happy hour, home.

are available in vegetarian and non-vegetarian options and come in three different sizes – small, medium, and large.

broccoli, mushrooms, cauliflower, peas, and beans. Serve them warm with a side of mushy peas or a healthy salad, perfect at any time of day.

Abela Online has curated some perfect pairings to accompany after-work drinks or some weekend sundowners to help you perfect the art of the athome happy hour.

Assorted Snacks The assorted snack package is an excellent option for all occasions with six delicious individually packed snacks. Each bundle includes Meat Kibbeh, Cheese Rolls, Meat Sambousek, Falafel, Chicken Shawarma Sambousek and Vegetable Spring Rolls. These frozen goodies are a quick and easy treat to pop in the oven and impress guests for those last minute occasions.

Desserts For those with a sweet tooth, there are lots of treats on offer too.

From Arabic Kunafa cheesecake, carrot cake, Lotus Cheesecake, Oreo Cheesecake to coconut cookies, there is an array of indulgences inspired from around the world. Treat you and your guests to a Tiramisu Jar like you were in Tuscany, or date cookies like you’d baked them yourself.

Savory Pies This delicious homey comfort food is an indulgent treat. Using the freshest ingredients these gourmet pies come in pairs with a range of filling options such as the Chicken & Mushroom Pie, filled with fresh chicken, mushrooms, and cream cheese, and the Beef Pepper Steak Pie filled with tender beef steak, onions, and garlic. A delicious veggie option is the Vegetable Pie filled with

Dishes can be ordered on www.abelaonline.com, with free same day delivery on orders above AED100 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi made before 1pm.

Offerings include gourmet cheese selections, indulgent savory pies and Arabic inspired snacks, meaning that you can spend more time enjoying time at home with loved ones, than cooking.

Cheese Board Order the Instagram-Worthy Cheese Board Platters from Abela Online’s customized cheese platters, that are sure to impress the cheese lovers in your life. The generous selection of cheeses is accompanied by a combination of fresh and dried fruits, salty crackers and a selection of condiments. The platters

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Online food service takes ‘at-home happy hour’ to the next level

Founded in 1967 in the United Arab Emirates, Abela & Co has firmly established itself as a leading food service company in the country and a pioneer of its industry in the region.

Black Calamari: Dining Dubai’s latest craze

Dubai, UAE: There’s a new craze in town and it starts with a B. Experience the blessings from the sea and be among a growing number of foodies who have joyfully indulged in the new craze called Black Calamari, which goes with other delectable seafood dishes that would certainly cater to everyone’s taste.

This, as Off The Hook (OTH), catering to the growing trend of concept food, has officially opened its 9th seafood restaurant in the UAE, this time located at the Persia Court of Ibn Battuta Mall.

A unique seafood restaurant created by seven business partners and headed by Abu Dhabi-based restaurateur, Rolly Brucales, OTH always has something new and unique to offer since opening its first branch three years ago. The brand has grown exponentially across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, thanks to the business acumen of the men and women behind OTH that fostered customer loyalty and secured the tenure of the staff even during the pandemic.

OTH has a lot of stories to share – from how it has defied the test of times, to its plans of expanding in other emirates and beyond.

So, craving seafood tonight?

Craving Chinese?

Make it Sweet & Sour Sundays!

Dubai, UAE: Brighten up your Sundays with Sweet & Sour Sundays by Go! Chinese. From now until the end of July every Sunday each customer will get a free upsize when they order a bowl from Go! Chinese. With a newfound love for all the flavors we crave in Chinese food, Go! Chinese serves a uniquely delicious combination of macro counted asian food that is lip-smackingly satisfying.

Go! Chinese offers a selection of bowls with an option of customizing your own bowl. The menu is filled with saucy items like the Sweet & Sour served with either chicken or tofu with a bed of rice or noodles; or Crispy Beef, a zingy crispy beef and topped with snow peas, bright and crunchy shredded carrots and spring onions atop of rice or noodles.

Amplify your meals with flavors from the exotic east from dishes that start from AED37. With meals made with love that are rooted in tradition and a curiosity to experiment with the new.

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The menu serves a selection of strikingly different dishes like Kung Pao Asparagus, Honey BBQ Glazed Avocado and your choice of Tofu or Shrimp Dynamite that allows you to have a juxtaposition of flavors and cooking traditions, all served professionally in a healthy dish. All ingredients used are fresh and each meal is homemade with the love and care of chefs with years of experience.

Each serving from Go! Chinese is an amalgamation of flavors that tickles your taste buds in ways only Asian food can.

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DINING

The best biryani?

It’s somewhere in Dubai Dubai, UAE: There are very few cities in the world that do biryani quite like Dubai and the options seem endless. So, the question remains, where is the best Biryani in Dubai? Dubai Design District’s very own Mohalla has the answer to the heavily debated topic.

The Indian street-food eatery is home to a mouthwatering variety of biryanis for you to discover, ranging from infamous 24-hour slow cooked mutton, juicy smoky chicken tikka, to grilled spicy prawns and even the groundbreaking vegetarian-friendly jackfruit. Each and every signature biryani served by Mohalla is made with distinct flavours and different ingredients that set one apart from the other to give them the prestigious title.

No-Meat Biryani Doubted by vegetarians and meat-lovers alike but proven wrong, Mohalla’s flavorful “No-Meat Biryani” really has no meat! The unconventional dish deliciously blends the meaty texture of tenderly marinated jackfruit with vibrantly spiced rice to create a scrumptious yet healthy twist on vegetarian biryani.

Chicken Tikka Biryani For the chicken-tikka fans, Mohalla invites you to discover a blend of juicy smoky Chicken Tikka and fragrant biryani rice. Perfectly portioned Hyderabadi style dum cooked succulent pieces of chicken layered with spiced rice and caramelized onions. The smokiness of the chicken tikka adds more heat, aroma and flavours to biryani, making it a popular hit at Mohalla.

Prawn Biryani The spicy charcoal smoked Prawn Biryani is every seafood lover’s dream come true! Indulge on spicy flavored prawns spiced with curry leaves and layered with sprinkles of fresh coconut. The flavoursome dish is cooked coastal style making every delicious bite burst with Indian island flavours and tropical spices.

Mutton Biryani

Classic Mutton Biryani is a staple in Dubai and Mohalla has perfected the infamous dish. Succulent pieces of marinated mutton are mixed with authentic whole spices and malt vinegar, served on a bed of aromatic rice with yahkni sauce to make the Dubai-favourite. Hosting an exotic array of spices and herbs, the signature flavors will melt in your mouth.

Mutton Raan Biryani Sharing is caring! Feeding families and friends alike, Mohalla caters their signature Mutton Raan Biryani, marinated for 24 hours and then slow cooked to absorb vibrant flavours and melt in your mouth. Savour the flavours of India with a whole leg of lamb, smoked and served on a bed of aromatic rice garnished with fried cashew, mint and ginger.

Visit Mohalla in Dubai Design District to experience the Indian neighborhood concept of perfect ambience, apt interiors and discover the best Biryani Dubai has to offer.

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Brunch and business lunch deals at Spill The Bean

Dubai, UAE: Brunch is a way of life in Dubai, and those that are looking for a guilt-free way to indulge are in for a treat at Spill The Bean. The health-forward coffee shop in Sustainable City is a brunch capital in the area.

Brunch is a love language at Spill The Bean Guests can take their pick from two breakfast menus, stacked with classic and vegan delights. From bagels smothered with grass-fed butter and date syrup to gluten-free breakfast bowl options, there’s something for everyone here.

Eggheads can explore six delicious ways to enjoy their eggs, ranging from Mama’s Egg Sandwich to a veggie omelet and a croissant BLT.

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Brunchers with a sweet tooth can dive into a sumptuous selection of five pancake options, decked with healthier toppings from mocha syrup to dried apricots, honey, toasted nuts, and the works. Freestylers also have the option to get creative with their pancake stack at Spill The Bean, and make their own creations.

Plant-based guests can also refuel with sweet and savory breakfast options, raw and gluten-free sweet treats, and moreish energy bites and balls - free from gluten and refined sugar.

Breakfast deal - Weekend cyclists are invited to visit in their cycling gear and enjoy an AED 50 Cyclist Breakfast which includes a juice, coffee, and breakfast.

The deal runs on Fridays and Saturdays, 8 AM to 11 AM. Unwind on weekdays with Spill The Bean’s business lunch deal On weekdays from 12 PM to 4 PM, guests can log out of their email and press pause at Spill The Bean. With an array of power-packed salads and classic and vegan sandwiches on offer, its business lunch deal includes a choice of salad or sandwich, a dessert of their choice, and a drink of their choice for AED 50.

Spill The Bean is located at The Sustainable City Plaza. Walk-ins are always welcome and those who’d like to book can get in touch at 04 242 8671.

Mango fiesta time!

Dubai, UAE: This summer, experience a culinary journey through the mango orchards of India, at Bombay Borough (BB). Sourced from India’s seasonal Alphonso mango orchards, the specially curated Mango Fiesta combines some of BB’s old mango-inspired favorite dishes alongside some delicious new dishes, drinks and desserts.

Keep cool from Dubai’s summer heat and relish with a host of refreshing mango-fused dishes including Mango & Avocado Tostada, Mango Chaat Bombs, Coconut and Mango Cheesecake and refreshing mocktails such as the Fresh Alphonso Mango Slush and Kairi (Raw Mango) Sherbet.

Bombay Borough is located at DIFC Gate Village 3, below the Capital Club, next to Sotheby’s, and offers guests a carefully curated selection of India’s unique ingredients, spices and flavours from across the country – reinvented. From small bites to larger plates, Bombay Borough’s eclectic menu comes with a twist, enabling restaurant-goers to embark on a culinary adventure that serves up the very best of India, in a way they have never experienced before.

Experience the beauty, in taste, of India’s mango season only at Bombay Borough’s Mango Fiesta this summer.

Website: Bombay Borough Phone: +97143271555 Email: reservations@bombayborough.ae

‘Simple Done Right’ at CMP Bar & Grill

crisps and chimichurri’ and fresh Charred Octopus with cauliflower skordalia and salsa verde. Main courses feature the Braised Wagyu Beef Cheek with a mushroom medley and black truffle jus and the CMP Cut of Salt Moss Aged NY Strip’ served up with any two indulgent sides.

As purveyors of the finest steaks aged and grilled to perfection or the homemade desserts baked from scratch, nothing is overdressed. Guests can sit back and enjoy life, selecting either a light bite and cocktail from the spacious al fresco terrace, or indulge in a full dining experience in one of the comforting open-plan dining rooms or even the cosy corner-side bar for happy hour with friends.

Speaking of steak…all CMP’s steaks are wet-aged to perfection for a minimum of 90 day and the grill serves up both USDA Certified Angus Beef 150 Day Grain Fed and New Zealand Grass Fed Beef. Served up with the tastiest of sides and your choice of sauce, simple done right!

Menu highlights include starters such as a ‘Grilled Bone Marrow with hand cut

If there is room for more, the new Burnt Basque Cheesecake is the alter ego to the renowned classic New York style cheesecake. Not only is there a great ambience to accompany the good food but a fine selection of wines and

cocktails for every taste and budget and watch out for the daily Happy Hours to enjoy every night of the week.

CMP Bar & Grill (formerly named Chicago Meatpackers) has an abundance of other special highlights to look out for including Steaktastic Mondays, a Crafty Tuesday and the Over Easy Brunch every Friday and Saturday. Located in a prime position on The Point, Palm Jumeirah, CMP is open daily for lunch and dinner alongside their weekend brunch and for reservations contact Reservations@cmprestaurants.com , call +971 4 580 7983 or simply click reserve from their Instagram account @cmpdubai.

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Dubai, UAE: CMP Bar & Grill where true hospitality, authentically delicious food with provenance, and the finest drinks selection are served. Reminiscing back to Chicago’s Union Stockyards of the 1920s, heritage runs through the ethos of CMP, where the menu focuses on the ideology of ‘Simple Done Right’.

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DINING

Say ‘Hola’ to Havana!

‘The extensive menu includes indulgent favorites such as fresh Empanadas, Guajillo Prawns, Enchiladas and Skirt Steak to name a few.’

Dubai, UAE: Situated in front of the blissful beach of Club Vista Mare at The Palm Jumeirah, a new destination has recently opened its doors for the trendy gastronomists of Dubai.

A lively and dynamic atmosphere awaits those who step in the traditional entradas of Rumba Cuban Bar & Kitchen, as guests are transported to the classic Havana of the 1950s.

The casual bar and restaurant oozes authentic Cuban culture throughout – from its mouth-watering cuisine and extensive range of exceptional beverages, to fine cigars, intricate Cuban-inspired interiors, and pure energetic Hispanic vibes, making Rumba the new hotspot in the city.

The brainchild of a native Cuban-born General Manager, Alberto Cuello, Rumba Cuban Bar & Kitchen was years in the making before Alberto’s vision of bringing Havana to Dubai finally came true.

Rumba, to some, may only be a dance rhythm. However, Cuello believes Rumba is a way of life that residents of the UAE need to embrace and experience. Bringing the same passion to life, Mexican Head Chef, Rene Manzanilla, and Peruvian Sous Chef, Carlos Pazos, worked closely alongside Alberto Cuello to create a unique Cuban/Latin-American

menu, fused with authentic flavours and aromas to showcase the Rumba way of life.

Rumba Cuban Bar & Kitchen offers flavorsome Caribbean and Latin American cuisine, catering to all tastebuds. The extensive menu, aptly displayed in the form of an old newspaper, includes indulgent favorites such as fresh Empanadas, Guajillo Prawns, Enchiladas and Skirt Steak to name a few.

For lighter snacks, diners can enjoy flavorful dishes like Guacamole Rumba, Salmon Ceviche or Tacos de Pescado. Some of Rumba’s palettecleansing sweet treats include Maiz Pablova, 3-Leches Baked Alaska, and of course, everyone’s all-time favourite Churros.

Columbian-born artist Jose Luis Quiceno, is the maestro behind the intricate interior detailing of the venue, boasting fashioned ornate characteristics and designs that showcase unconventional Hispanic artistry.

In the core of Rumba’s eccentric interior lies Casa Rumba, the exquisite cigar lounge built for diners who wish to relax in a sophisticated haven at Rumba. The fine lounge offers superior Cuban cigars to guests, where they can choose from an extensive list of cigars to suit all tastes.

Rumba is located at Club Vista Mare, Palm Jumeirah, and opens seven days a week from 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM. Reservations can be made by phone at +971 4 570 8111 or by visiting https://www.rumba.ae/.

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Rumba Cuban Bar & Kitchen has implemented health and safety procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of guests and staff, adhering to all DHA guidelines.

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All you can eat at Karama’s hidden gourmet gem

Dubai, UAE: A hidden gem in Karama known for serving gourmet Indian Sliders, O’Pao has launched a jaw-dropping, pocket-friendly offer of All You Can Eat and Drink.

into the locally beloved potato pao (bun), topped with signature sauces and condiments – a perfectly soul-satiating comfort meal.

Join the Unlimited Eat and Drink O’Paoty all day from Saturday till Wednesday for only AED 49.

The homegrown eatery inspired by Mumbai street food redefines the Pao concept in the region serving Indian sliders with a gourmet twist.

Vegetarian fans can savor the O’Vada Pao (a spiced potato dumpling garnished with chutneys & sandwiched in a bun), O’Paneer Bhurjee Pao (scrambled cottage-cheese bap), O’ Manchurian Pao (Desi-chinese served inside a pao) or O’Maggi Pao (desi noodles cooked in schezwan sauce in a bun) alongside appetizing side of Sweet Potato fries.

Dig into their flavored meat, or vegetarian delights scrumptiously stuffed

From the O’Butter Chicken Pao to the O’Pulled Mutton Pao, O’Seekh Kebab

Feast on unlimited Indian sliders, fries, and wash the divine flavors down with their refreshing options of drinks (Desi Cold Coffee, Fresh Watermelon Juice and Masala Chai).

Pao; every dish is freshly prepared offering home-cooked love in every bite.

All of these delectably packed dishes are served with a complimentary portion of crispy fried treats on the side.

O’Pao also offers softly baked whole-wheat paos, a perfect pairing to your favourite street food.

Hearty, comforting & rooted in history; these little pockets of heaven are sure to make you go #WhatAPao! O’Pao is on 2B Street, Ground Floor behind Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel.

Dining with a twist of summer fun Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The UAE may be heating up this summer but Sonara Camp offers a cooler oasis out in the picturesque desert after sunset.

Guests are able to enjoy the outdoors and nature within the cooler unspoiled desert surroundings while enjoying a fresh culinary experience and a host of entertainment. During June, Sonara Camp will be welcoming guests every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and in July every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Sonara Camp offers the perfect escape from the city during the summer heat with the climate out in the desert being pleasantly more fresh after the sun has set in comparison to the blazing city heat. With the wealth of activities and entertainment on offer, there is plenty to keep the whole family entertained.

The summer menu includes an Ice-cold watermelon, fresh ginger, mint and Granny Smith Apple starter as well as a vibrant multicolor tomato ceviche, garlic croutons and fresh basil dish followed by fresh local inspired main

courses of Perch slow cooked in Syrian virgin olive oil, fresh tomatoes, Taggiasche olives, and chili flakes and a Black angus strip loin on the grill with fresh arugula pesto. Sonara Camp is also licensed so a crisp glass of wine or cocktail to cool you down can also be enjoyed as well as their full range of soft drink options.

Guests will also be able to take advantage of the array of entertainment and activities on offer: Camel ride inside the camp Live Music from an Oud Player Volleyball Football Soft Archery Sand Boarding Meet our Falcon Fire Show

Movie Under The Stars Hawk Show Belly Dancer (weekends only) .

Prices during June and July are AED690 per person and AED280 for children.

For further details on packages and to make a reservation please contact info@ sonara.ae or +971 503367909.

A unique restaurant and dining experience nestled in the heart of Dubai Conservation that opened in November 2019, Sonara Camp is a one-of-a-kind desert restaurant offers a delicious fine dining and beverage menu that can be enjoyed whilst watching on as the carefully curated entertainment plays out in the beautiful Arabian Desert. With activities and entertainment for every age, get ready for an unforgettable journey to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, the home of hundreds of oryxes and gazelles. The authentic camp is eco-friendly and sustainable with a core belief in sourcing ethical products and material. They use solar energy and have a zero-waste policy.

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DUBAI

IN PICTURES

Best served hot (By Ellington Drake)

Desert dweller (By Don Reyes)

Break on through (By Nate Bolis) A river runs through it (By Anastacia Sorokina)

Skies on Fire (By Shirley Wenz Rimando)

Sword Woman (By Allan Caragao)

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Immaculate (By Don Reyes)

Caged (By Josh Trias)

Fly me to the moon (By Antoine Fabre)

Of shadows and silhouettes (By Cynthia Castro)

One lazy afternoon (By Roberta Vera)

Sense of history (By Dennis Dela Cruz)

Busy roundabout (By Allan Caragao)

The brethren (By Ferjohn del Mundo)

Blacksmith (By Dennis Dela Cruz)

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PEOPLE

Muhammad Adil: Spreading good vibes

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‘Success is when people around you are happy with you, when the people around you are also happy as you are, when you share the happiness.’

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the next year, we bounced back, we recouped all the losses and we made profit,” Adil recalled.

Risk taker Adil said that would not have happened had he not taken the risk. “That’s what it is about: taking risk,” he said.

‘There was like $75,000 to $100,000 lost in the first year. Everyone was pointing fingers at me, saying: ‘You were not listening,’ and all that.

In the next year, we bounced back, we recouped all the losses and we made profit.’

By Joshua Trias

Adil, obviously seasoned as he is being an entreprenuer, said there is only just one thing that keeps finding its way in one’s mind when doing business: “Will this work or not?”

His advice? “Go for it.”

“What might happens? You may lose it. But if you lose it, that’s no problem. You, hence, have an experience and no one else can teach you that experience,” Adil said.

Mantra Adil, who has been in the UAE for the past six years, started his business in the UK back in 2011, thereafter establishing offices elsewhere across the world.

Wanting to open a business in the UAE, Adil thought of doing something different.

“I wanted to work in a different industry… I wanted to start a set-up business, the MAD Middle East. The main idea was that we needed to establish a company where we …provide optimized services,” Adil said.

The mantra? “Keep customers comfortable.”

“We go a little extra and think out of the box to help them,” Adil said. He said his idea of running a business is having everybody working together.

“My vision is that we need to grow…if the company, any of my group of companies, grows, we grow together. It’s is all about building it together,” he said.

He said there have been ups and downs as in any other businesses.

“I always tell myself that if there is a will, there is a way; and so, we find a way, all the time,” Adil said.

Adil said his team at MAD Middle East work “very, very hard putting in all the efforts.”

Dubai, UAE: When you lose, you actually win something: experience – that which no one can teach you about and that which makes you stronger for the next fight.

This, in a nutshell, has what kept Muhammad Adil going as the universe, in the words of Brazilian lyricist and novelist Paulo Coelho said in “The Alchemist,” conspired to help the 37-year-old businessman from Pakistan, achieve his goals.

And success?

“It is not about having so much money as it is more about having people around you who are happy with you; who are as happy as you are; and when you share the happiness,” Adil tells Dubai Vibes Magazine.

Adil, CEO of three companies – Cable and Devices IT Dealers; MAD Middle East, a business setup service provider in UAE; and IMH Packaging – did not actually have it all in spades back in the day when he first hit the road.

“I took the risk,” he said. “Our life is very short. So, what we need to do is take risks. If you want to do something, you get an idea, you must try and forget worrying about what is going to happen. Just go ahead and try,” Adil said.

He said things will eventually fall into place. “As they say, if there’s a will, you will find a way.”

“My family and business partners were saying, ‘You are making a big mistake. Expenses in UAE are very high. You are not present there. It will be very difficult for you to handle everything,” said Adil, a workaholic, who ends his day at around 3am after putting in up to 19 hours in the office “I said, ‘I want to try,’” and he did, noting that it was not a smooth sailing enterprise during its early days.

“There was like $75,000 to $100,000 lost in the first year. Everyone was pointing fingers at me, saying: ‘You were not listening,’ and all that. In

And how is this done, exactly?

“Businesses work with how you deal with your people, how you deal with your customers. How you make them happy,” said Adil “It is all about giving the best services available in the market and being competitive,” he added.

Most important of all, Adil said, is not to make promises you can’t keep.

“We do not say anything that we cannot fulfill. We stand by our word,” he said. “If we cannot do it, we tell our customers straight away, ‘That is not going to happen,” Adil said.

Adil, who starts his day checking emails, said good business is all about customer relationship. “A good relationship is the key to every business success. It shows that this company is really doing something for its customers,” he said.

MAD Middle East offers business set-up services in UAE Free Zones, Mainland and Offshore for numerous start-ups, as well as medium and large business enterprises. The team helps clients to set up their business from scratch to licensing, license renewal and much more.

The company is composed of professional and well-established business set-up consultants guiding clients in selecting the best business form at a market competitive price.

Meantime Cable and Devices, which has branches in the UK, US, UAE, Germany, Pakistan and India, is an IT company engaged in the distribution of hardware and software products from laptops and computers, routers, iPhones and everything in between.

IMH Packaging is into all kinds of packaging boxes – from food boxes to shipping boxes.

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Adil, whose companies are operating in the United Kingdom, Germany, US, UAE, Pakistan and India, said he started all his business ventures “with really, really little capital.”

“Whenever you try to grow a business, there is an idea… there is a philosophy behind, and our philosophy is very, very simple: Our customers have to be comfortable transacting with us. We have to give our services and take it to the next level,” he said.

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PEOPLE

Right Health: Serving the workingclass Dubai Vibes News Team Dubai, UAE: People say commitment separates the men from the boys.

If so, it can be said then that Right Health, which has over 60 facilities across UAE, is a stand out, in a manner of speaking, because of its heavy focus on the underprivileged.

“We have 60-plus facilities now – and no one has that many – for the underprivileged people, the blue collar or the workingclass people. No one has focus on them. That is our advantage. That’s how we are different from rest,” Vikas Katoch, chief operating officer at Right Health, told Dubai Vibes Magazine.

Katoch explained that Right Health, which recently opened its latest branch located in Karama, provides primary health care under three “pillars” – quality, accessibility and affordability.

Quality speaks for itself as Right Health, according to Katoch, has “the best of the best medical practitioners taking care of people regardless of social status.”

Good vibes are best spread around and so Right Health plans to open more clinics by next year to serve more, Katoch said.

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Young Dubai-born entrepreneurs launch first pocket-friendly e-grocery app Dubai, United Arab Emirates: A newly launched e-grocery mobile app, Yeepeey, is looking to tap the opportunity wherein its users can shop from neighborhood grocery stores, supermarkets & hypermarkets from the comfort of their homes or offices by paying the same prices and enjoying the same promotions & discounts as displayed in the store delivered within 30-45 minutes.

Yeepeey’s objective is to eliminate the mark-ups & reduce the service fees to a minimum or even free in some cases in order to give users the ability to stay home and order their essentials more frequently at in-store prices.

Yeepeey also gives an advantage to its users by reflecting in-store promotions & discounts as soon as they hit the store on the app in real-time.

With a vision to create an extensive q-commerce ecosystem, the new e-grocery startup promises to change the way consumers shop, spend & save on groceries and more by subsidizing the current cost of convenience that customers have to pay while shopping.

E-grocery start-up, Yeepeey, was conceptualized in 2019 after Monish Chandiramani, Yeepeey co-founder, observed that he is spending way more money on the same amount of groceries when shopping through the e-grocery apps available then.

Chandiramani, 25, co-founder of Yeepeey says, “Ordering basic essentials via an e-grocery app was way more expensive than buying it from the store itself. Even though the convenience plays a major role, consumers still don’t like to pay extra mark-ups over and above the prices displayed in the grocery stores in additional to the exorbitant delivery fee. With the ease in movement restrictions, consumers would simply prefer walking down to their nearby stores for small purchases.”

“Yeepeey, therefore, aims to provide the most pocket friendly shopping experience to its users by listing all the local grocery stores, supermarkets and hypermarkets on the app with no extra mark-ups on prices and keeping the services charges minimum and even free in some cases. As per new market trends, the growth in the e-grocery sector is expected to be dependant on the frequency of orders than the number of users.”

Speaking of the sustainable revenue model, Chandiramani said that since the onset of the pandemic in 2020, consumer shopping patterns and choices have almost changed forever.

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“Consumers now prefer taking precautionary measures and avoid being in crowded areas such as hypermarkets and would rather have as much possible delivered to their doorstep. However, we did observe that customers were having to pay a heavy price for the convenience and that’s the problem we’re trying to solve by subsidizing the cost of convenience without compromising on the quality.

“While the pandemic has plunged the world into the future of technology, Yeepeey aims at increasing accessibility of products amd services as apart from convenience, there is a large diaspora that cannot physically travel to stores for various reasons and need essentials delivered. Our initial vertical is groceries & essentials and over time, we would be branching out to include new verticals and cover a wider footprint across UAE which is proudly our homeground.”

“The acceptance of platforms like ours across merchants and consumers has drastically accelerated due to the pandemic which poses a great opportunity for a business like ours to digitize not just online shopping but also other aspects of the value chain in the post-pandemic world. Our growth is evident from the 300% increase in our users since our official launch in February and on-boarding of more than 50 merchants, large, medium and small, such as Union Coop, E-City, Blue Mart and many more” said Jatin Sharma, 25, Yeepeey co-founder.

Through Yeepeey’s app, users can connect with grocery stores and supermarkets in their vicinity and receive their items in 30-45 minutes or less. Prices are same as those displayed in-store with ssubsidized or free delivery.

Yeepeey has covered over 150 stores and activated 50 emrchants on app across 30 localities in Dubai since its official launch. Some of the popular localities in Dubai serviced by Yeepeey includes Business Bay, Barsha, JLT, JBR, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Downtown Dubai, Bur Dubai, Karama, Greens, Lakes and Emirates Hills.

Yeepeey is further slated to expand its operation by including bakeries, confectionaries, flower shops, pet care and a lot more as additional offerings to create an end-to-end ecosystem for its users and public at large.

The founding team of the start-up has a collective experience of more than 5 decades and has already grown to a team size of more than 20 members covering sales, marketing, content creation, PR, technology, customer experience and journey, product assortment, order curators and delivery fleet. In the months to come, Yeepeey’s hiring strategy would be to source talent in the field of merchant acquisition, user retention and experience.

Yeepeey is available for download on the Apple App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android) enabling almost every smartphone user to experience and benefit from this new & fresh application.

Marta Lamovsek: Highlighting Dubai’s eclectic melting pot

Dubai, UAE: Yugoslavian born visual artist Marta Lamovsek recently held an intimate art exhibition at Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown, the region’s newest art and design-led boutique hotel, titled “Home is a Feeling,” a soothing cultural event which highlighted Dubai’s eclectic melting pot.

The collection is a powerful balance of art and photography, championing culture diversity and equality, breaking down stereotypes and gender roles.

Lamovsek, through the event, sent the message of unity in a world of rising segregation, paying ode to the global diaspora who have made Dubai their home.

Guests had an opportunity of getting to know the artist – personally and professionally, as she shared her inspirations, anecdotes and behind-thescene stories.

As part of the art season in Dubai, Lamovsek has made Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown her home. Throughout this residency, she’s been sprinkling an extra dose of magic, in the form of exquisite mixed media portraits.

The exhibition was held at Off the Wall, an artsy, one-of-a-kind cocktail bar in Hotel Indigo.

Dubai Vibes News Team

Knight Frank appoints new senior head of Middle East research Dubai, UAE – Knight Frank has strengthened its Middle East Research team with the appointment of Faisal Durrani as head of Middle East Research to cement its position in the region as the go-to source for property market intelligence.

Faisal brings a wealth of in-depth local market knowledge to the Middle East Research team. He will be working very closely with MEA Managing Director, James Lewis, to create and deliver a world-class research programme centred on thought leadership initiatives and issues that will shape the region’s property market as the post-Covid recovery begins.

Faisal has over 15 years’ experience in property, most recently as Knight Frank’s Head of London Commercial Research in their London HQ, where he and his team provided consultancy and strategic advisory services to a range of global clientele, including investors, landlords, developers, HNWI, banks and institutions.

His knowledge and experience spans all real estate sectors and includes markets across the Middle East and West Africa and Faisal is a well-known commentator in various top tier global media outlets and publications.

He speaks regularly at industry events, including at conferences across the region as well as the UK, Europe and Nigeria.

Faisal’s most recent success was Knight Frank’s 2021 London Report. As Editor-in-chief, he led and delivered this flagship publication, elevating

its status through a collaborative approach across the firm’s global network, under the motto of ‘taking London to the world’. The range and depth of content attracted widespread acclaim from clients around the world, so it’s clear to see that Faisal is a very strong addition and the perfect complement to Knight Frank’s Middle East & Africa research team.

Faisal Durrani, head of Middle East Research at Knight Frank Middle East, said: “I am thrilled by the opportunity to work with Knight Frank’s teams across the Middle East and Africa to develop thought provoking property research that starts and leads conversations around market defining issues such as ESG and sustainability, as well as understanding the post-pandemic landscape across the region’s real estate markets.

“Working alongside such high calibre professionals to further the goals and ambitions of Knight Frank is an extremely exciting prospect, presenting me with an opportunity to help shape and deliver world leading property market research and analysis.”

James Lewis, Partner, Managing Director at Knight Frank Middle East & Africa stated that Durrani’s experience in the MEA region and his more recent time covering central London “will provide our clients enhanced perspectives of these dynamic markets.”

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Innovator introduces ‘breathable sand’ to turn deserts into farmlands Dubai, UAE: Dake Rechsand, a Dubai-based company offering sustainable solutions in water conservation and desert farming, has showcased solutions that could help shape the future of UAE – in industries ranging from agriculture to hospitality.

“The per capita water use in the UAE is already three times higher than the global average,” said Chandra Dake, CEO and Founder of Dake Rechsand. “The hospitality industry accounts for disproportionately high water usage. Since much of the UAE’s water supply is produced through desalination, involving unsustainable use of fossil fuels, it has embodied carbon at every stage, from procurement to transportation, to end use,” he added.

Dake Rechsand’s innovative and transformative solutions are proactively contributing to the creation of a more sustainable and abundant world.

The company’s breakthrough breathable sand technology utilizes lowvalue desert aeolian sand to create a constantly evolving portfolio of high-value products.

The solutions offered by Dake Rechsand include applications to convert desert sand into arable land, desert farming, water harvesting, sand casting, sand oil, and more.

With a global presence that currently extends to the USA, the UAE, India, China, and South Africa, the company is transforming food and water security in water-stressed regions. It is currently engaged in an ambitious plan to enable farming and greenery for at least 100,000 acres across UAE or for half a million trees by year end, 2021.

The Middle East has had a limited choice of water sources. Scarce groundwater reserves, with high salinity, and limited re-use, have compounded local water security issues; and the arid climate makes landscaping irrigation-intensive.

Chandra Dake CEO and Founder of Dake Rechsand

Hotels However, this can change, according to Dake Rechsand. Taking the 3Rs approach: “Reduce, Recycle, and Reuse,” hotels in the Middle East can take a smart and proactive approach to sustainability, while enhancing the property, and the guest experience they offer.

Greywater reuse is an increasingly popular strategy being adopted by hospitality and residential properties around the world. Several approaches, including using physical and chemical filtration, and/or constructed wetland areas, are being implemented, to make bath and laundry water suitable for reuse in keeping the property’s landscaping lush and green.

Dake Rechsand’s “breathable sand” technology offers a simple, decentralized, water harvesting and storage solution, which also empowers water-wise landscaping. This can help hoteliers drastically reduce the volume of water used for landscaping, while also allowing them to develop their own water reserves, to become partly or fully selfsustainable.

A one-time application of Dake Rechsand’s breathable sand in landscaping enables optimal growth of plants, with nearly 80% less water use. This is possible because of breathable sand’s air permeability and water retention properties.

“Water scarcity presents a major hindrance to sustainability in the UAE. So, it’s strategically crucial for the hospitality industry to evolve, in how it procures water, and uses it. Bearing that in mind, we have curated our solutions to not only address embodied carbon footprint, but also induce circularity, reusability, and cost-effectiveness, in the hospitality industry’s water infrastructure,” Chandra said.

Mahnaz Faquih: Grace under pressure

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‘I have always been great at handling situations calmly thanks to my ability to multitask.’

Dubai, UAE: Some people buckle under pressure.

Not Mahnaz Faquih, interior designer, who has taken on the task of overseeing, in her capacity as CEO, operations of Clover Medical Centre, one of Dubai’s fastest growing dental clinic chain.

Indeed, it has been an undertaking that tested her mettle and so far proven she’s worth her weight in gold.

“As in any sphere of life,” Faquih tells Dubai Vibes Magazine, “there are always challenges, but therein lies opportunity!”

She explains: “These challenges are stepping stones and I look for solutions for the path forward without dwelling on problems. I have always been great at handling situations calmly thanks to my ability to multitask.”

Faquih, whose husband, Dr. Sameer H Shaikh, a renowned, award-winning specialist orthodontist, opened the dental clinic, said her training as an interior designer has honed her perfectly for the CEO job.

“My training as an interior designer exposed me to various different industries and professions and it’s never a bad thing to keep learning. Various things that one picks up in life may well come into use later in stressful or challenging

situations, as they have done!” she said.

No one absolutely knows where she gets her energy from, but Faquih, being a person full of empathy, also finds time for her philanthropic advocacies.

“I have always believed in being connected to those around me. To this end, I feel I was able to respond in the pandemic to the need of hapless people in difficult situations. The Ramadan food drive is somewhat different as it is a continuation of what I have done for most of my adult life quietly and without drawing any attention,” she said.

Faquih worked hard to secure the safe return of children separated from their parents during then pandemic. She has also provided an en-suite dental treatment center to school children in a remote part of India.

Furthermore, she helped repatriate countless workers from developing countries who were stranded abroad during COVID-19, aside from having managed community projects by organizing many generous friends and bring food, shelter, school fee payments and all manner of help to a multitude of needy people.

Additionally, Clover Medical Centre CEO, Faquih has played a huge part in

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the CSR program instituted by the multispecialty network of clinics. This includes the splendid work done by the clinics to bring dental wellness into the workplaces of hundreds of influential companies in the UAE. Tie ups with schools, summer camps, after school workshops and nurseries were also frequent, with children given complimentary dental check ups to ensure their future dental wellbeing.

“I have always been full of empathy – and this has kept me going, so I could make a difference,” Faquih said.

Faquih said she and her husband “brought our strengths to the table and the result of this synergy is that we have three branches of Clover Medical Centre in Dubai.”

Being CEO, she said, is “very rewarding” in the sense that it has opened another window of opportunity for her, this time, creating leaders.

“This has allowed me time and mind-space to plan the future of the clinic while the specific people placed in charge ensure the daily running of the clinic without me having to do repetitive tasks too often.

“This also engenders in our leaders that Clover is their family,” she said.

PEOPLE

Swiss International School Dubai announces new Deputy Head, IB expert Rania Hussein

Dubai, UAE: As Swiss International School Dubai continues welcoming new global pupils and cementing its reputation as one of the city’s top IB schools, it is further bolstering its staff with the appointment of Rania Hussein as new Deputy Head.

Rania joins the leading International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum school from GEMS World Academy, itself a leading IB school, where she most recently served as Head of Senior School.

Educated in Saudi Arabia, Canada and the UK, bilingual educator Rania is herself an IB graduate and an expert in the specialized curriculum. She serves as an Examiner for English Language and Literature with the International Baccalaureate organization.

Rania has worked within the IB Programme for the entirety of her teaching career, shaped by her own international upbringing and experiences. After attending several international schools in the Middle East, where she studied as an IB student herself, Rania graduated with Honors in Mass Communication and Media Studies from the University of Western Ontario, Canada.

Upon completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at the UK’s University of Sunderland, she begun a highly focused and successful teaching career as Head of Year and Head of House at the British International School of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, simultaneously teaching the IB Diploma Programme and IGCSE. Today, Rania is viewed as an industry expert. During her tenure at GEMS World Academy, under her leadership, the IB Diploma Programme outcomes grew from 29 to 37 points - and the pass rate from 67% to 100%.

Rania was also the IB Diploma Programme network leader for GEMS and oversaw the successful progress, growth and development of other IB schools within the network.

The new Deputy says: “I am extremely excited and proud to have been selected as the next Deputy Head of SISD. The school is one that I have admired from afar, especially with its focus on internationalism and nurturing global citizens. As an IB graduate and bilingual speaker myself, I know first-hand the tremendous benefits that bilingualism within the context of the IB can bring to a student’s education.

“My passion and focus is on the delivery of high-quality teaching, and offering every student a pathway that allows for them to grow personally and academically. I have spent the entirety of my career in IB schools, so it is a great privilege to join a school that embodies the IB ethos and learner profile so completely.

“I cannot wait to join what is already a thriving community at the SISD and will work hard to be an integral part of the school’s journey to excellence.”

Ruth Burke, recently appointed new School Principal and CEO from August, adds: “After an extensive talent search, Rania will join SISD as Deputy, and together we are looking forward to maximizing the benefits of bilingualism in our unique IB school, discovering and nurturing the talents of all of our students and further developing the vibrant and happy school that is SISD.” Ruth and Rania’s commitment to teaching, deep understanding of the global IB community and professionalism underline the Swiss International School Dubai’s unwavering commitment to providing a unique learning environment for successful future global citizens, delivered by world-class educators.

Rania is a mother of two. Her husband David was also an international student, and is currently a Head of School in Dubai.

Outgoing Deputy Head, Luke Osborne, is leaving to take on a role as School Principal at the International School of Ulm/Neu-Ulm, Germany.

Global in outlook, bilingual in approach, Swiss in culture, and yet firmly rooted in the local community of Dubai – that’s Swiss International School in Dubai, or SISD. The Swiss International Scientific School in Dubai (SISD), Dubai’s first bilingual International Baccalaureate School, opened in 2015.

The school is a leading international day and boarding school where future generations are inspired to become confident and enthusiastic lifelong learners, properly prepared to embrace all the opportunities and challenges life presents.

With a diverse student body of 1200 pupils comprising more than 70 different nationalities, the school believes the next generation of international citizens will need to be dynamic, flexible and linguistically ambitious

Hege Aamo’s baptism by fire at Expo 2020

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Dubai, UAE: A hospitality professional from Norway will be having her baptism by fire as she heads a team that will manage the Expo Village at the Expo 2020 site, which opens in October this year.

Hege Aamo, who was recently appointed as head of housekeeping for Farnek’s new hospitality division, brings with her a wealth of experience, having completed successful assignments in China, Latvia, the UAE, as well as her native Norway.

Walter Knight, director of hospitality at Farnek said: “Hege will be a major asset to our division. She is a consummate professional and brings so much to the table beyond her undoubted talent and more than 20 years of experience.

“She is a leader as well as a mentor and I am looking forward to working with her on our first project the new Expo Village. Our scope of work consists of managing the reservation services, concierge, front office services and housekeeping, for the 2,273 apartments within the Expo 2020 site. So yes, a baptism of fire, although I’m sure Hege will take it in her stride,” he added.

Aamo has previously held executive positions with leading hospitality brands such as Madinat Jumeirah, Emirates Towers, Hyatt Regency and Radisson SAS, and is hardly surprising that Aamo is passionate about brand identity and values.

“It is absolutely vital that when hotels consider outsourcing, particularly in housekeeping, that the outside staff recruited must be highly trained in all areas of their job, that’s fundamental. But it is just as important for the contracted staff to understand the essence of the brand they are working for and to become an integral part of the hotel team, not just a contracted worker in a uniform,” she said.

Farnek is the leading provider of sustainable and technology-driven Facilities Management in the United Arab Emirates. Established in the UAE since 1980, Farnek Services LLC is a Swiss-owned independent total facilities management company.

With a skilled workforce of more than 8,000 employees, Farnek delivers professional facilities management and security services across several sectors.

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What makes a top chef?

ECG President Uwe Micheel explains

Dubai, UAE: There are good chefs and there are really good ones.

“The question is,” Uwe Micheel, president of the Emirates Culinary Guild (ECG), said during a chat with Dubai Vibes Magazine, “what makes a top chef ?”

“I would say there is a difference between a celebrated chef, who is an amazing entertainer, and a celebrated chef, who can cook,” said Micheel.

He said he feels there are a lot of chefs who may not be media-savvy “but they are amazing…they are great chefs (who) understand flavors and do great dishes.”

And Dubai, he said, has an abundance of this type.

“A lot of celebrated chefs are working here definitely,” he said, further sharing that Dubai had “very little in terms of food and beverage when he arrived in January of 1993.

“But now, I think Dubai can compete with all the culinary cities in the world.

When I came here, we went to Hong Kong… to Singapore to learn, to see what was going on in the culinary world “But now, the chefs from Hong Kong, from New York are coming to see what we are doing here because now you can find every concept, every cuisine in the world in Dubai.

“Dubai really is now a culinary city,” said Chef Uwe, who also is Director of Kitchens at Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek.

‘Never give up’ Meantime, he noted that the past 15 months have been “very difficult for a lot of chefs,” some of whom lost their jobs to the pandemic.

“Never give up,” he said, when asked what advice he has for them.

“What I want to say is when somebody pushes you down, get up; when you get up you get up stronger. Each time you were pushed back, when you come forward, you become stronger

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“Learn as much as you can. Money in your pocket they can take from you, but the knowledge you have, they can’t (because) once you learn, once you have it, once you have enough knowledge, you will always come back.”

Chef Uwe has been active with ECG since 1994.

The group was formed in 1992 with about 15 members and has, in Chef Uwe’s words, “grown with Dubai,” having close to 3,000 members and regularly holding several international competitions, a number of which is scheduled for next year.

“We want to give the message to the world basically that the pandemic has not put our industry down. We are back and we are there. We are ready.

The whole city is far ahead than other places in the world,” Chef Uwe said.

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HOTELS

CHECK THIS OUT! Maldivian getaways unveil once-in-a-lifetime deals

Maldives: With exclusivity taking on a whole new meaning, settle for nothing less than a complete buyout for your next trip to the Maldives!

Three resorts are unveiling packages that let guests utilize all facilities and access all rooms in a once-in-a-lifetime island takeover deal.

Choose from W Maldives, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa or The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort for an adventure-packed, family or wellness-focused escape. Accessible by speedboat or seaplane from Velana International Airport, Male, each of the resorts is located on their own private island with an uninterrupted view of the Indian Ocean.

The bespoke buyout experience is exclusively crafted for travellers looking for elevated privacy, exceptionality, and personalized service and amenities. From dinner by the beach with live music to fireworks displays, a sunset cruise, a luxurious massage accompanied by nothing but the sound of the ocean, and even an open-air movie night, guests are catered to their every whim.

A Bold, Unscripted, Luxury Experience at W Maldives Located in North Ari Atoll, W Maldives is a luxury private island resort, setting the stage to fuel the guests’ lust for life. The five-star resort is available for complete island buyout, allowing a group total use of the 77 private Escapes (Villas) located both on the beach and overwater – each with its own plunge pool and sundeck; six creative gourmet dining venues and lounge bars, overwater treatment rooms of AWAY ®️ Spa, and the world beneath the waves at DOWN UNDER with reef sharks, in the best house reef of the Maldives for a quintessential escape.

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INCLUSIONS Island buyout of all 77 Escapes Daily breakfast at KITCHEN Restaurant Accommodation for up to 150 guests Select non-motorized watersports activities

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RATE Rate starts from USD 199,000 per night (excluding tax and service charge) Minimum stay of three nights Break Away at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa Located in North Male Atoll on the private Furanafushi Island, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa plays tribute to the island’s opulent and lush vegetation. The island is a haven, a hideout, enriched by private nooks, enchanting views, and manicured gardens. Easily accessible by a 15-minute scenic speedboat journey from Velana International Airport in Male, the resort is a preferred choice by those who favor convenient travel. On the island, guests will have access to all 176 guest rooms as well as Jalsaa, the resort’s private indoor and outdoor venue; complete with a private garden and outdoor pool –

most ideal for hosting of cocktail receptions or private dinners.

Inclusions: Expert planning by a dedicated team Accommodation for up to 352 guests Unlimited use of Jalsaa, a multi-faceted private venue Daily USD 150 dining credit per person 20% off on spa services at Shine Spa for Sheraton Complimentary speedboat transfers from/to Velana International Airport Daily buffet breakfast at Feast Rate: Rate starts from USD 130,000 per night (excluding tax and service charge) Minimum stay of three nights A Heavenly Island Buyout at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort Nestled on a beautiful coral island of the Baa Atoll, a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve site, guests of The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort can experience a tranquil wellness escape with uninterrupted ocean and pristine turquoise lagoon views. As part of the buyout package, the resort invites guests to emerge, deepen their breath, nourish and calm their senses, and remember what it is like to delight in the rising sun. One can prepare to embrace the goodness of nature, nutrition, mindfulness, yoga, functional movement and much more, through various wellness activities available for all ages, moods and fitness levels.

Inclusions: 41 beach and 29 overwater villas, including two bedroom villa and residence Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner at Island Kitchen Daily two hours of sunset cocktail/snacks at Sunset Bar Unlimited watersports activities (motorized activities and diving not included) One combined excursion, per person, per stay One 45-minute spa treatment at the Heavenly Spa, per person, per stay Daily group wellness activity at the Westin WorkOut Return seaplane or domestic transfers Save 20% on additional motorized watersports, diving, destination dining, sandbank picnics, spa etc.

Rate: Rate starts from USD 360,000 (excluding tax and service charge) Minimum stay of three nights To explore more about Marriott Bonvoy Portfolio of resorts in Maldives click here. Marriott Bonvoy members can also enjoy a variety of benefits across resort facilities like food and beverage as well as spa savings. For more information, please visit www.marriott.com

Adagio Premium The Palm opens stunning ‘aparthotel’

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The esteemed aparthotel brand, Accor is delighted to announce the opening of Adagio Premium The Palm from May 17, 2021. The second Adagio Premium aparthotel to open worldwide, the property’s debut will offer travelers an unparalleled guest experience at an attractive price point.

by its waterfront location, including a reception counter designed distinctively in the shape of a shell, chandeliers in the form of sunhats, artwork reflective of water during different times of the day and a salt crystal backlash which can be found in the elevators representing the marine location.

A stone’s throw away from waterfront destination, Palm West Beach, Adagio Premium The Palm will offer customers the chance to stay at one of the city’s most recognizable locations without the high price tag.

Designed to make guests feel at home, the 12-floor-high property features 163 spacious serviced apartments, with 94 studio and 69 one-bedroom apartments – all of which have been designed with wooden and oak textures and décor to create a warm and homelike environment. Room amenities include private balconies, rain showers, a fully-equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, complimentary Wi-Fi, LED HD TV, 24-hour in-room dining and much more.

Guests that like to eat and live well will also be able to enjoy Adagio Premium’s Fixie Café, connecting the community with healthy and hearty delicious menu options. The cycling inspired café boasts a unique urban and contemporary atmosphere, celebrating a healthy and happy lifestyle with both indoors and outdoors seating. The menu includes something for everyone – from gluten free options to a creative kids’ menu.

The perfect location to relax and rejuvenate, the aparthotel also features a temperature-controlled rooftop swimming pool overlooking dazzling views of the Arabian Gulf, a 24-hour gym, an indoor sauna and jacuzzi as well as complimentary bicycles that in-house guests can use to explore the 1.6km promenade of West Palm Beach.

The unique architecture of the building features a vertically linear façade along with a combination of contemporary designs with natural materials that creates a striking visual impact from the offset. Upon entering the property, guests are greeted by stunning interiors inspired

The brand’s motto “stay-live-enjoy” sets the stage for an unparalleled hospitality experience that visitors, business travelers, leisure guests as well as families can all expect when visiting Adagio Premium The Palm.

Julia Schamne, General Manager at Adagio Premium The Palm commented “Adagio Premium The Palm is all about creating an environment where everyone feels the warmth of coming home. For me home is where you can feel at ease and be at ease. I have an amazing team and together we are passionate about extending genuine service. We are ready to make a difference with an authentic hospitality experience in a modern setting so that all our guests can take away something beautiful.”

Caesars Palace Dubai unveils super summer offer

Valid until September 30, 2021, the exclusive family offer welcomes guests to experience the very best of Caesars’ signature hospitality in its luxuriously spacious and stylishly designed Family Suite, which serves as the perfect beachside retreat to dine, unwind and relax. Featuring contemporary and elegant Roman inspired furnishings, each suite boasts a private balcony overlooking spectacular views of the azure Arabian Gulf, modern amenities, a walk-through dressing room and a deep soaking bathtub.

Included in the package is a delectable breakfast for the entire family at the award-winning Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen, a jam-packed roster of daily activities for kids and teenagers, access to the Empire Club for children under

12 and daily passes to two of the city’s best attractions – Laguna Waterpark and indoor tropical rainforest, The Green Planet.

International guests staying in a suite can also enjoy a one-way airport transfer, with the hotel providing a range of welcome amenities for families on arrival.

The ideal place to make life-long memories, families can explore the resort’s landscaped grounds and pristine, private beach with uninterrupted views of Dubai’s glittering city skyline and awe-inspiring sunsets. Youngsters can perfect their cartwheel skills on the lush lawns, learn how to fly a kite or master the hula hoop with friends, while the private beach will welcome guests to splash amongst the warm waves, build sandcastles with the little ones or simply soak up some sun.

Located on Bluewaters, Caesars Palace Dubai is the city’s most sought-after island oasis and the perfect destination to create unforgettable memories. From breath-taking rooms, stylish suites with Jacuzzis on the terrace, a 450-metre golden sand beach and four temperature-controlled outdoor infinity pools, plus world-class dining and royal pampering at the resort’s Qua spa, guests can expect a stay filled with relaxation and pure indulgence.

The fun doesn’t stop there. While the kids are being entertained, parents staying in a Family Suite can treat themselves to complimentary sundowners at Havana Social Club, a vibrant bar inspired by 1920s Cuba.

The family offer package is exclusively available to guests who book a Family Suite at Caesars Palace Dubai, with prices starting from AED 5,800.

To book, please contact +971 (0)4 5566466 or email stay@caesarsdubai.ae | caesars.com/dubai

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Dubai, UAE: With the summer holiday season almost here, Caesars Palace Dubai invites holiday makers with an enticing, family-friendly experience package that combines great getaway vibes with the ultimate, luxury city break.

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HOTELS

Plan the perfect family get-together with a pampering break in Al Khobar

Palm Jumeirah destinations welcome back KSA families

Dubai, UAE: Offering residents of Saudi Arabia a delightful retreat along the Arabian Gulf, Ascott Corniche Al Khobar prepares to welcome guests for a delightful escape with up to 25% off on the “Escape in Style” promotion.

The property is home to breathtaking views of the Khobar promenade and luxurious global lifestyle spaces. Part of the leading international Singaporean lodging company – The Ascott Limited, the property is home to business and leisure travellers, boasting studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. Featuring varied lifestyle amenities that include a swimming pool, gymnasium, restaurant, resident’s lounge and meeting rooms.

Ascott Corniche Al Khobar is a great choice for those looking to enjoy togetherness with family and friends during this holy season. For more information and bookings, visit the-ascott.com/offers

Dubai, UAE: Following the re-opening of Saudi Arabia borders, The View at The Palm, the 360-degree observation deck at the top of The Palm Tower, extends special offers to welcome Saudi families to explore uninterrupted views of Palm Jumeirah, the Dubai skyline and the Arabian Gulf from May 17 to June 17.

Launched in April, The View at The Palm offers an interactive journey that showcases the island’s achievements, including The View Exhibition and an immersive theatre highlighting the vision, creativity, and history of Palm Jumeirah. The destination is accessed via Nakheel Mall, which is connected to the Nakheel Mall Monorail station.

Saudi nationals can now enjoy exclusive family packages for The View for just AED250 for two adults and up to three children until June 17 upon presentation of their Saudi passport. Children under the age of four are admitted for free, and all rates are subject to 5% VAT. In addition, children under the age of 12 can ride the Palm Monorail free of charge.

To ensure visitors’ safety, The View at The Palm and The Pointe have strict Covid-19 precautions in place, with regular 24-hour sanitation and screenings at all entrances.

The View’s operating hours are 10am to 11pm, Sunday to Wednesday and 10am to 12 midnight, from Thursday to Saturday. Visitors can purchase the family package at the venue ticket stand.

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For more information, call 800THEVIEW or follow us on social media and use #inspirewonder:

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Glamorous!

St. Regis hits it big at The Palm

DUBAI, UAE: St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands, has announced the highly anticipated debut of The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm.

Heralding the storied heritage and celebrated traditions of St. Regis, this hotel joins a dynamic global portfolio and brings the brand’s signature hallmarks of bespoke service, innovative design, and exquisite experiences to the worldfamous island and cosmopolitan city of Dubai.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the debut of The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm, with His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCCA) and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Group; His Excellency Mohammed Al-Shaibani, Chairman of Nakheel; and Satya Anand, President for Europe, Middle East and Africa at Marriott International in attendance.

“With its spectacular skyline, breath-taking desert landscapes, contemporary architecture, thriving culture and varied entertainment offerings, Dubai is one of the most sought-after destinations for global leisure travellers,” said Sandeep Walia, Area Vice President – United Arab Emirates, Marriott International. “The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm is an exquisite addition to our global portfolio and offers a century-old legacy of uncompromising refinement and bespoke service on Dubai’s iconic Palm Jumeirah.”

“We are delighted to welcome the St. Regis brand to our portfolio of hospitality partners. Palm Jumeirah is firmly established as world-leading destination for living, leisure and tourism, and the opening of The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm brings yet another world-class hospitality offering to the island’s ever-growing list of attractions, including The View, which opened at the top of The Palm Tower last month. With its enviable location, luxury facilities and signature service, the hotel is sure to be a draw for UAE residents and Dubai’s regional and global luminaries,” said Omar Khoory, Chief Assets and Hospitality Officer

at Nakheel.

Sophisticated Designed to feature the brand’s sophisticated aesthetic, The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm balances local influences with the modern glamor and visionary spirit of St. Regis. Elegant décor and contemporary interiors are accentuated with bespoke elements such as the hotel’s grand staircase, which is embellished with gold detailing that encircles an exquisite chandelier. Inspired by the Arabian palm tree, the chandelier is gilded with shimmering crystals that gracefully illuminate the ground floor of the hotel.

Distinctive The hotel is a vibrant lifestyle destination with a diverse selection of restaurants, bars and lounges. Cordelia sets the tone for a sophisticated evening, offering a variety of flavourful cuisine, including premium cuts of meat and seafood sourced from around the world – expertly prepared and grilled to perfection.

Her by Caroline Astor offers an elegant gathering place to enjoy the brand’s signature Afternoon Tea. The ladies-only venue is an intimate setting and features curated tea pairings and a locally inspired take on this acclaimed St. Regis ritual.

The iconic St. Regis Bar extends the legacy of the King Cole Bar at the brand’s flagship property at 55th and Fifth Ave. in New York City, where the worldrenowned Bloody Mary cocktail was born in 1934. Guests can enjoy The Glitzy Mary, a locally inspired take on the brand’s signature beverage, which features traditional Emirati flavours including date syrup, an aromatic bezaar spice blend, sun-dried lime and earthy saffron. The poolside restaurant, Dip Pool Bar, with scenic views of Dubai’s skyline, is the ideal place to relax and enjoy a light meal.

Honoring a signature tradition at St. Regis properties around the world, The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm marks the transition from day to evening with a

celebratory sabering at dusk.

Body and Soul A luxurious oasis, The St. Regis Spa offers transformative and bespoke signature treatments including the Signature Gold Journey, which uses 24k gold to nourish and strengthen the skin. Guests can work out in the exclusive Fitness Center, featuring a range of cardio and strength equipment, or enjoy a leisurely swim in a choice of two pools, one for families and one for adults. The hotel is also steps away from soft sandy beaches and the soon-to-open St. Regis Beach Club.

The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm boasts meanwhile boastsan elegant Astor Ballroom, which is brightly lit with natural daylight and features grand sculpted doors, blended silk rugs and a striking chandelier with abstract fluted glass leaves. From intimate events to lavish celebrations and business gatherings alike, the hotel offers choice and flexibility with its six multi-purpose meeting rooms all equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

Finest The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm occupies the first 18 floors of The Palm Tower, a stunning new 52-story landmark development connected to the Nakheel Mall which offers world class shopping, a variety of culinary venues and entertainment options. Guests can also access the Palm Monorail from the mall for a scenic route to the landmarks of Palm Jumeirah. On the 52nd floor of the tower, The View at The Palm is an exclusive observation deck that rests 240 metres above the iconic island and offers sweeping, 360-degree views of Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf and the city skyline, as well as an interactive experience showcasing the history and creativity behind the island.

For more information, please visit www.stregisdubaithepalm.com

Grand Swiss-Belhotel Waterfront Seef opens in the heart of Bahrain 5-star brand the ‘Grand Swiss-Belhotel’ in the Middle East. We strongly believe it is an excellent addition to not just our portfolio but also the destination and look forward to delivering unforgettable and immersive experiences to our guests.

Our top priority is the health, safety and well-being of our guests, team members and business associates.”

The spectacular hotel was very recently inaugurated by H.E. Zayed Rashid Al Zayani, the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism for the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Centrally located on the sea banks of the upscale Block 346, also known as Sea Front, in Al Seef district in Bahrain, the Grand Swiss-Belhotel Waterfront, Seef, Bahrain is some 12.6 km from Bahrain International Airport, and is situated between the picturesque Al Reef Island and Water Garden City overlooking the Arabian Gulf.

Also present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony were also Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President – Operations & Development, EMEA & India; Senior Vice President – Group Human Resources & Talent Development, Swiss-Belhotel International, and Fakhri Hindiyeh, General Manager of Grand Swiss-Belhotel Waterfront Seef.

Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International, said, “We are committed to support the growth and development of tourism in Bahrain and ensuring the highest standards of quality. The Grand Swiss-Belhotel Waterfront Seef reflects the extraordinary spirit and genuine hospitality of Bahrain in a contemporary setting.”

For his part, Voivenel stated, “This spectacular upscale hotel, with arguably the biggest room sizes within its league, is the perfect property to introduce our

Only a few minutes away from the property are the City Centre, Bahrain’s Financial Harbour, World Trade Centre, and Diplomatic area, making it the ideal choice for leisure and business travellers.

Featuring 193 uniquely designed rooms and suites, and 6 well-appointed chalets where sophistication meets contemporary style, the Grand SwissBelhotel Waterfront, Seef, Bahrain is equipped with outstanding facilities.

Accommodation choices range from Superior Rooms to Deluxe Rooms, Executive Suites, The G Club Balcony Rooms and Suites, the gorgeous 16th-floor Suites and Chalets.

Placing guests at the heart of a fascinating environment are the charming

chalets boasting distinctive facilities and incredible experiences with beautiful spaces, a private swimming pool, large balconies overlooking the tranquil Seef and Reef Island and the mesmerizing Arabian Gulf, two-car garage, ensuite bathrooms and kitchenette.

Grand Swiss-Belhotel Waterfront, Seef, Bahrain promises to take diners in Bahrain on extraordinary dining adventures with fantastic food and beverage venues to suit every occasion and mood. Exceptional menus, breath-taking settings, authentic cuisines, and world-class service paired with the chefs’ creativity and passion, define the dining experiences at the property. Part of the multiple dining venues is Azure Cafe, Waterfront Restaurant, Sea Banks Pool Bar, Fattoush Lebanese restaurant, El Maestro Asador steakhouse, and Maestro bar.

Data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has suggested Bahrain’s economy will grow by 3.3 per cent this year thanks to a range of governmentenacted initiatives including the launch of a five-year tourism plan and the nationwide vaccine rollout.

Another important development in the Kingdom is the opening of a new terminal at the international airport. It is expected to increase capacity by around five million people. Bahrain is also an early adopter of the vaccine passport and is among the few countries to have its national vaccine passport.

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Manama, Bahrain: Expanding its presence in the Middle East, the Swiss-Belhotel International has announced the opening of its much anticipated first 5-star hotel in the region – the Grand Swiss-Belhotel Waterfront Seef. It marks the entry of the upscale brand in the Middle East bringing unique experiences to affluent travellers to the Kingdom.

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APPOINTMENTS NH Hotels to debut at Dubai’s The Palm

Dubai, UAE: Trusted mid- and upscale hotel brand, NH Hotels, is to debut in the Middle East region later this year with the launch of NH Dubai The Palm.

Currently in the final stages of development, the new-build 533-key property will open its doors in December.

Millennium Place Mirdif gears for Q4 opening with new GM on board Dubai, UAE: Millennium Place Mirdif, the new four-star hotel property development in Mirdif Hills community by Dubai Real Estate Co., has announced the appointment of Bassam Bou Sleiman as general manager of the hotel.

In his new role Bou Sleiman will oversee and organize the new property pre-opening developments which gears up for a Q4, 2021 opening.

rooms. For the active, there will be a gym fully-equipped with the latest equipment. In addition, the hotel will be home to a spectacular rooftop infinity pool, creating the perfect ‘Insta’ spot.

Located on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, a global landmark, NH Dubai The Palm will be part of Seven Hotel & Apartments, a mixed-use development consisting of a hospitality tower and a residential tower. The hotel will be easily accessible on The Palm’s main trunk, adjacent to the largest mall on The Palm and close to the Palm Fountain at The Pointe, which launched recently as the world’s largest fountain. Dubai’s other key tourist attractions including the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and Dubai Marina are all within easy reach.

The hotel’s interiors will be bold, original and energetic, bringing bursts of colour and an abundance of local character reflecting the pulse of the dynamic city of Dubai. NH Dubai The Palm will introduce new hot spots to The Palm, including a lively sports bar, plus a stylish rooftop bar and lounge alongside the infinity pool, all west facing and perfect for enjoying city’s famous sunsets.

Another key feature of the hotel will be a large comfortable multi-purpose space for co-working and with access to the gym and showers, ideal for those requiring a late check out.

The new 14-storey property will offer 227 hotel guest rooms and suites, in addition to 306 serviced apartments. Facilities will include multiple restaurants and bars, three spa treatment rooms, a kids’ club and four meeting

NH Dubai The Palm is owned by luxury real estate and hospitality developer Seven Tides, with a portfolio including Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort and Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate.

Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal unveils new FIFA standard football, rugby pitch

Born and raised in Lebanon, Bassam brings 17 years of hospitality experience working in the GCC region. Previous roles have taken him to Riviera Hotel & Resort Beirut, Mist Hotel & Resort Ehden by Warwick International Hotels,The Palms Hotel & Resort in Kuwait, Le Meridien & Crowne Plaza.

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Welcoming his new appointment, Bassam Bou Sleiman stated: “It is an absolute honor to accept this appointment. Millennium Place Mirdif is an exciting property and a new addition to Mirdif area as the only hotel spot within a residential neighborhood that will add to the list of touristic destinations in Dubai. And I look forward to this new challenge.”

The hotel will be featuring 248 keys of which 116 are rooms and 132 are residential apartments, along with a variety of dining options including Hunter & Barrel from Australia, Batchig The Lebanese-Armenian Restaurant, Habanos Cigar Lounge & Bar, The Urban Bar, G-Level, an all-day dining restaurant and the rooftop pool bar, gym, spa and multi-purpose meeting space which makes the Millennium Place Mirdif an excellent choice for corporate team building escapes from the city within the city.

“Watching the development of Millennium Place Mirdif coming together in the last stages, I can’t wait to welcome the rest of our team and open Mirdif’s number one leisure destination hotel,” Bou Sleiman said.

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Abu Dhabi, UAE: The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal has unveiled a brand-new 20,000sqm FIFA standard football and rugby pitch in the resort, joining an elite portfolio of global hotels to have the professional size pitch as part of its leisure facilities.

professional football field for professionals practice seasons and matches, the venue provisions a separate 7-a-side pitch, a dedicated goal keeper practice area, and can also be transformed into a rugby field upon request to host professional matches all in line with the highest of standards.

The football ground, which will be available for the training seasons of professional teams, sports camps, corporate incentive activities and other sporting activities, is open now and available for bookings.

Combined with the resorts’ other recreational and event facilities such as the Grand Lawn and the fairytale wedding ballrooms, the brand-new football and rugby pitch is also perfect for guests looking for a unique space to book outdoor events, team building activities and kid’s camps. For in-house guests looking to polish their golf skills in the beautiful pitch, the property offers golfputting areas and practice mats upon request.

Complimented by mesmerizing views of The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the property’s new recreational facility boasts an exclusive Club House with a private gym and recovery room, making it the perfect spot for professional sports teams visiting Abu Dhabi locally and internationally.

Exceeding expectations with features that go beyond a fully-catered

Commenting on the new addition, General Manager Christian Hoehn said: “The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal has reaffirmed its status as one of the premier luxury leisure destinations in the capital with the launch of our brand-new FIFA standard football and rugby pitch.”

HMH opens Corp Muscat Al Muzn Hotel

Dubai, UAE: Hospitality Management Holding (HMH), the region’s largest hotel management company specialized in the dry sector, is planning to open in fourth quarter of 2021 its new Corp Muscat Al Muzn Hotel. The property is Corp Muscat Al Muzn Hotel which is the second in Muscat after Corp Amman Hotel.

The new hotel is located in close proximity to Muscat International Airport.

It offers guests comfort with 132 rooms and apartments that are suitable to accommodate families and the business travelers in their short and long stays.

The hotel amenities include an all-day dining restaurant, meeting rooms, and a business center.

Michael Zager, Chief Operating Officer of HMH, said: “We are proud to add Corp Muscat Al Muzn Hotelin HMH group which is rapidly expanding its footprint in the country. We are looking forward to welcoming travelers from

all over the world along with domestic visitors to our new hotel and make them urban comfort with a unique lifestyle experience.”

This is the first Corphotel in Muscat that will help us solidifying our presence in the country and further expanding the brand. With the opening of our newest hotel in Muscat, we aim to contribute to the growth of the local hospitality and tourism industry offering travelers to Muscat Al Muzn a new and innovative place to stay.”

The Corp Muscat Al Muzn Hoteloffers a diverse range of accommodation options, and the hotel accommodates excellent corporate and recreational facilities including an international all-day-dining restaurant, a coffee shop, choice of multi-purpose meeting rooms, a business center, a fully-equipped gym and spa.

APPOINTMENTS

New Avani Ibn Battuta Dubai Hotel GM vows to take it the next level Dubai, UAE: Avani Ibn Battuta Dubai Hotel has appointed a new general manager, Yann Decaix, who brings over 20 years of experience from around the globe to take the hotel into its next phase.

He joins the Dubai property, which launched in late 2019, to take it forward with his visionary leadership, which has seen him work with brands including Novotel and Guoman & Thistle Hotels.

Paris-born Decaix got a taste of the hotelier life when he started his career in F&B, working part-time in Singapore during high school at the iconic Raffles Hotel, following in the footsteps of his father.

Soon after, he travelled to Switzerland to start his hotel education at the Hotel Institute de Montreux which took him to positions around the world, including the US, UK and UAE. In 2020, he gained certification from Cornell University in Hotel Real Estate Investments and Asset Management.

With a background in revenue management, Decaix progressed through the ranks across the fields of operations, sales and e-commerce before taking his first GM position at the Ibis Styles Dubai in 2017.

The Langham Boston to re-open Dubai, UAE - The Langham, Boston will re-open its doors this June after a two year, multi-million dollar renovation transforming this historic thread in the fabric of downtown Boston into a new American classic hotel and an iconic destination for luxury travelers from all over the world.

“We are so excited to re-introduce Boston and the world beyond to The Langham,” said Michele Grosso, managing director of The Langham, Boston.

“Guests who book their stay with us today will be among the first to experience the brand-new version of The Langham that we have poured so much attention and time into creating since we closed our doors in April 2019.”

Guests of the hotel can also partake in a daily complimentary Heritage Tour of the hotel, including an overview of The Langham’s impressive new art collection and the building’s heritage as the former Federal Reserve Bank of Boston in 1922.

Must-attend meetings, weddings and events will be held in one of The Langham’s newly refurbished function spaces. A sophisticated update to The

The Wyeth Room, home to the N.C. Wyeth murals originally commissioned by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston depicting the history of the banking system of the United States, will continue to be highly coveted for intimate weddings and other corporate and social events. The new Lincoln Ballroom, which can accommodate 175 guests, will feature natural light by way of a skylight flanked by chandeliers, and windows in its pre-function space overlooking Norman B. Leventhal Park, a beautiful city-center greenspace with a garden trellis, which itself is the perfect location for intimate wedding photos.

For foodies and cocktail aficionados, The Langham, Boston promises to be a destination unto itself. The Fed, a brand new destination bar with an outdoor terrace and a British cocktail pub menu with a New England twist. Grana will offer an authentic Italian dining experience set in the former grand hall of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, with soaring ceilings, ornate chandeliers and lush velvet banquettes. Its menu of approachable and shareable Italian dishes for breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch, created to inspire long conversations, festive celebrations and years of return visits, will be prepared

by Executive Chef Stephen Bukoff. He will also oversee the menu at The Fed as well as the culinary offerings throughout the hotel.

Avani Ibn Battuta Dubai was the brand’s first new-build hotel in the Middle East region, located adjacent to Ibn Battuta Mall and Ibn Battuta Metro Link, close to Dubai Marina and the site for upcoming Dubai Expo 2020.

Decaix has big hopes for the 360-key hotel to take it into its next phase.

“Avani Ibn Battuta Dubai is a great destination for both business and leisure guests and we have a lot to offer, but I want to make sure we are doing all we can to position ourselves well in what is a very competitive market. Dubai has come out of the pandemic as one of the world’s leading destinations, so it means we all need to work hard to keep that momentum going.”

The Avani brand has been expanding globally in recent years, with its portfolio reaching far and wide, including Thailand, Australia, South Korea and the Middle East region. Part of a growing portfolio in the UAE, Avani now has three properties in Dubai, with a new hotel also under development in Oman.

“Seeing the brand grow and being part of a young, dynamic concept is really exciting,” added Decaix. “It is an exciting time to be joining the Avani team and showcasing what we have to the world, as well as what’s to come.”

Designed with new travel trends in mind, the Avani experience emphasizes on contemporary and functional features, carefully considered social spaces and genuine hospitality. The focus is on the details that matter, ensuring guests feel welcome and taken care of in go-to global destinations, from city hotels to beach resorts.

Avani Hotels & Resorts currently operates 30 properties in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. The brand has a strong pipeline of new properties under development, including in such new destinations as Thailand, Malaysia, and the Maldives.

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The Langham’s opening offer, New Langham, New Experience, which is bookable, will allow guests to experience the best of the newly re-imagined hotel, and will include a complimentary room upgrade upon arrival; early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability); daily valet parking for one vehicle; breakfast for two at Grana, the hotel’s new stand-out restaurant; a welcome amenity created by the hotel’s culinary team, and a keepsake from The Langham, Boston to take home.

Governor’s Room, a boardroom with an oak table with bronze detail and leather panel inserts, plush plaid carpeting and decorated with an array of historic photos of the building as the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, will make this one of the most sought-after meeting and private dining spaces in the city.

“Now, with broader experiences from different aspects of the business and a variety of cultures, I look forward to working with the team to take Avani Ibn Battuta into its next phase as a thriving lifestyle hotel within an amazing location in Dubai,” he said.

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Shangri-La Group launches family brand

Dubai, UAE: Shangri-La Group has announced the launch of Shangri-La’s family experience brand Fam.ily that will create best-loved experiences for multi-generational families as well as provide support for customers on their parenting journeys.

This new offering reflects Shangri-La’s Asian heritage and strong family culture, it also reaffirms the brand’s commitment to evolving with customers to fulfill ever-changing demands and delivering on the brand promise of heartfelt hospitality. The Fam.ily brand houses a variety of new and existing programmes specially designed to enable family guests to realise their Shangri-La, both individually and with one another, as they explore, bond and grow together.

Fam.ily celebrates the unconditional love and support of a family, as well as the deep affection, respect and loyalty that bind loved ones together. The Fam. ily™ brand logo comprises two parts: ‘fam’, the shortened word for ‘family’, and ‘ily’, the abbreviation for ‘I Love You’, connected by an infinity symbol. At the centre of the symbol is a heart-shaped knot, symbolising the love shared by family members and the strong ties that bind them. The logo reflects Shangri-La’s commitment to go beyond service by inviting guests to be part of an integrated family-centric experience.

“Family has always been at the heart of the Shangri-La brand culture and treating our guests like family remains a hallmark of the Shangri-La identity,” said Hui Kuok, Chairman of Shangri-La Group. “With the launch of our new Fam.ily brand, and as we continue to introduce thoughtfully-designed family

offerings, we hope to deliver the best-loved experiences that will bring families closer together, and create precious and lasting memories for our family guests,” she added.

Through Fam.ily, guests can take part in a wide variety of activities that have been specifically designed to encourage learning through play and shared experiences through co-discovery across generations.

This summer, pilot Fam.ily programmes will be rolled out at four properties across Mainland China. Shangri-La Qinhuangdao’s theatrical programme takes little ones back to the Qin Dynasty, helping them to develop communication skills, problem-solving abilities and teamwork, as well as building leadership through role play. Participants will also have the opportunity to visit a unique historical site with their parents.

At Shangri-La Sanya, little guests will have the chance to learn to surf under the expert guidance of experienced coaches. In Pudong Shangri-La Shanghai and Kerry Hotel Pudong Shanghai, families can embark on a vibrant journey of discovery across the city, challenging themselves in a series of sporting activities with professionals. They can experience running workouts, swim training and bike skills to make the most of their precious time together.

Fam.ily will offer a unique mix of active and creative family experiences.

While the littlest family members enjoy themselves in an immersive world of adventure at buds and splash offered by Shangri-La Singapore, or build their strength and confidence with high-adrenaline activities at Adventure Zone located across a number of the Group’s hotels, Shangri-La’s experienced

Experience a fuss-free affordable summer staycation

staff give parents the peace of mind to enjoy a wide range of hotel services to refresh and recharge before reuniting with their family. Families can stay in themed family suites that have been thoughtfully designed to accommodate multigenerational groups. Little guests can take a memorable adventure to a jungle, castle, outer space or under water wonderland from the comfort of their rooms while the adults enjoy some much-needed down time in their adjacent room.

To support customers in their parenting journeys, Fam.ily strives to facilitate learning and communication among parents by building a supportive community where they can connect and exchange experiences with one another through multiple channels, such as online chat groups and family events. Fam.ily™ also harnesses Shangri-La’s own insights and expertise by engaging thought leaders and experts in parenting and child development to share their knowledge with the Fam.ily community. These experts will share ideas and tips for fostering bonds across generations and achieving workfamily balance.

For further details of hotel offerings, please visit the microsite https://www. shangri-la.com/en/landing/family-homepage.

Shangri-La Group is one of the world’s premier developers, owners and operators of hotel and investment properties which comprises office buildings, commercial real estate and serviced apartments/residences.

Ajman, UAE: Book a staycation with your family and friends at Wyndham Garden Ajman Corniche and have an adrenaline-pumping summer getaway!

The hotel is offering a summer staycation package for as low as AED399/ per night, which includes breakfast for two and a free 15-minute jet ski ride at its private beach club.

For those looking for a fuss-free yet affordable staycation, half-board packages start at AED449/ per night while the full board package is priced at AED499/ per night. The above rates are valid for stay for two adults and two kids below the age of six.

With all rooms facing the Arabian Gulf, guests can indulge their senses with the relaxing views of the sea and the sunset, while relishing an ultracomfortable stay. The breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet featuring a medley of delectable international dishes are served at Gourmet Garden.

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Wyndham Garden Ajman’s summer staycation packages are valid until June 30, 2021, excluding public holidays. For more information, call +971 6 701 4444 or email info@wyndhamgardenajman.com. Hotel terms and conditions apply.

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Desert Bedouin dreams: A summer staycation story Dubai, UAE: Hit refresh this summer at a lush desert hideaway as you beat the heat in luxury. Recharge your senses with Bab Al Shams’ dreamy all-inclusive stay offer that will have you close to home without breaking the bank.

Bab Al Shams Desert Resort is sure to be your go-to locale for UAE residents and GCC travellers looking to escape the bustle of daily life. Set amid the rolling dunes and sun-drenched courtyards, the modern Bedouin-inspired lodgings will host you and your loved ones with their vibrant, well-appointed rooms. Afterwards, unwind by the resort’s infinity pools as you sip and savour a delicious lunch menu of pool side specials and free-flowing beverages.

Continue your celebrations at the resort’s elegant rooftop lounge – Al Sarab, where breathtaking views and sunset beverages keep you company. At nightfall, dine under the stars at the must-experience desert restaurant, Al Hadheerah, where culinary delights and cultural theatre keep you entertained, all night.

Infinity Summer Staycation Overview AED 2,500 per night inclusive of full board stay and 6 hours free flowing house beverages

Participating venues and inclusions: Breakfast at Al Forsan Restaurant Lunch by the pool with two consecutive hours of free flowing premium beverages Sunset beverages at Al Sarab Rooftop Lounge Dinner buffet at Al Hadheerah with two consecutive hours of free flowing beverages The special rates are valid for two adults

For reservations or more information, call +971 4 809 6150, email BAS.Reservations@meydanhotels.com, or visit babalshams.com!

Keys to the city’s best kept secrets unveiled

Dubai, UAE: The Resident Key, which can be claimed by chatting with Four Seasons, unlocks a staycation experience with exclusive rates and mystery benefits.

WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or on the Four Seasons App. The hidden privileges encourage Emirates ID holders to discover the very best in dining, beach, wellness and relaxation.

For those who call the UAE home, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach and Four Seasons Hotel DIFC have crafted a key that unlocks secret benefits and opens the doors to some of Dubai’s most inspiring stays.

Launching the summer edition of the Resident Key experience, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach and Four Seasons Hotel DIFC offer generous savings and level-ups on rooms and suites, early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability), welcome beverages at select restaurants, 50 percent off on pool and beach cabanas as well us upgrades to spa treatments.

To claim the key, guests can chat with a Four Seasons Resident Expert on

Guests staying at the vibrant city hotel also receive access to the idyllic beach and pool facilities at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach.

Residents can expect a range of surprise additions to the suite of benefits and can look out for the key emoji on the Resort and the Hotel’s Instagram posts and stories.

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HOTELS

Swing it this summer with a ‘stay and play’ deal

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Dubai, UAE: If you want to combine a pampering staycation with a spot of sport, check out this cracking stay and play ‘Golfcation Package’ at The Meydan Hotel.

As part of the iconic hotel’s ‘summer of sensations’ campaign, UAE residents and GCC travellers will have plenty to choose from for the season.

The Golfcation Package, perfect for those who’d like to practice their best swing on the Meydan Golfcourse, starts at AED 690 per night and is inclusive of 9-hole round per person, next day breakfast and a 25% off on food and beverages throughout the stay.

All the stays are inclusive of access to the hotel’s beautiful infinity pool, fully equipped gym and spacious rooms with a private balcony view of the iconic Meydan racecourse.

For reservations, email meydanreservations@meydanhotels.com, WhatsApp: +971 56 525 4040 or call, +971 4 381 3231.

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Shangri-La ready to welcome travellers

Dubai, UAE: Shangri-La in London, Vancouver and Paris are ready to welcome guests back for moments of spring and summer bliss. Following months of closure, the properties prepare to welcome locals and travellers with exciting new dining offerings, room packages, wellness programs, romantic experiences and more.

Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London has reopened its doors, welcoming guests with new seasonal experiences and programs, all heightened with whimsical countryside décor and trailing wisteria to honor the spring season.

Guests can enjoy personalized overnight stays with the hotel’s “The Suite Life” program, taking personalization to the next level with a tiered array of exclusive benefits, which can be customized to suit the individual guest’s preferences and needs. Services range from in-room yoga mats and a personal bath butler, to private shopping experiences, fresh seasonal flowers, daily personalized food amenities, in-room mixology, monogrammed pillows and more.

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Shangri-La Vancouver Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver will welcome guests to experience the hotel and destination like never before. Guests can sightsee and relax with the Luxurious Perspectives: Helicopter Views and Spa Suites offering a private helicopter tour with in-flight champagne and a private spa experience in one of CHI, The Spa’s relaxing spa suites.

Wellness seekers can find their bliss at Shangri-La Vancouver’s CHI, The Spa and its new partnership with Bowen Island’s Sangre de Fruta Botanical. The line of exceptional organic products for the face, body and hair are inspired

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by secrets of holistic indulgences, and created from the fruit of the earth in small batches by Allison Audrey Weldon. The partnership marks the very first time Sangre de Fruta Botanical products are used exclusively in luxurious spa treatments created specifically around them, complementing the products’ aromatic delights, tangible benefits, visible results and overall beautiful feeling. The exclusive treatment selection is inspired by the natural beauty of the West Coast of British Columbia. A sensational new treatment menu and retail options will be available to guests, including a limitededition “Sangre de Fruta Experience” package that features a 60-minute massage and botanical hair treatment for CA$225 (about US$183).

Shangri-La Hotel, Paris Just in time for summer, Shangri-La Hotel, Paris will reopen its palace doors on June 1, 2021. Guests will be welcomed in true Parisian luxury with stunning Eiffel Tower views and palatial elegance. Chef Christophe Moret & Pastry Chef Maxence Barbot have reimagined the dining experience at La Bauhinia with a chic yet relaxed environment that will feature verdant summer terraces, along with exclusive concepts on Le Bar à ciel ouvert and in-room dining with a view.

Guests seeking an elevated Parisian experience will enjoy the Signature Suite Experience for an unforgettable stay in one of the hotel’s elite guestroom – La Suite Chaillot, La Suite Gustave Eiffel, L’Appartment Prince Bonaparte or La Suite Shangri-La. The luxurious stay begins with a VIP meet and greet in a Mercedes S-Class at the airport upon arrival, and continues to the guestroom with VIP in-room amenities including jasmine tea, a fresh fruit basket and bottle of champagne.

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FASHION

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La Marquise Jewellery launches Je Collection

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Dubai, UAE: Award-winning fine jewellery brand, La Marquise Jewellery has launched the timeless Je Collection. Designed for those looking to spoil themselves or their special someone, the glamorous range comprises of six illusion categories with round & emerald illusions being the focus to create a lavish mirage of large stones. The Je Collection’s exquisite assortment carries necklaces, bracelets, bangles, earrings, and rings available online and across all La Marquise Jewellery boutiques. With many pieces customizable based on customer requirements, the glamorous Je Collection is the perfect gift for every woman.

Ray-Ban rewrites legacy Dubai, UAE: More than just a statement of style, the new Spring/Summer 2021 release is about being bold enough to let your true colors shine through. It’s about living in the moment as your truest self, loving who you are, and how you see the world.

With the new Ray-Ban collection on you can be the best version of yourself, #YouAreOn, feeling more authentic than ever.

Embracing the shape-driven attitude of heritage design with a colorful twist, our new collection presents bold acetate, new iconic metal shapes and best- in class titanium frames, all of them exuding freshness and coolness.

Leading innovators in exceptional perfumery: Mavroki

Dubai, UAE: Founded in 2018 by Visionaire Mustafa Alasali, Mavroki has emerged as one of the region’s pioneering forces in the perfume industry. The luxury perfume house has become synonymous with its sensual, elegant and sophisticated olfactory narratives for both men and women. Each eau de parfum is created and produced in France, by renowned nose Nejla Barbir, and available for purchase across the region.

Inspired by history and curated for the contemporary connoisseur and lover of perfume, Mavroki’s mission is to offer elegance and perfection through its prestigious and royal collections of scents. A company founded on luxury, Mavroki launched with two unique fragrances, Daz, a heady and enchanting floral fragrance and Mien Oud, an extravagant olfactory that pays homage to the richness and elegance of ode, one of the most sought after ingredients in the region. Today, the brand has an extensive range of fragrances, bath and body products and much-anticipated limited-edition releases.

Founder Mustafa Alasali’s vision remains unwaveringly committed to quality, perfection and elegance. When describing his inspiration for each Mavroki perfume, he explains “I have always thought of perfume as encapsulating the essence of craftsmanship and excellence.”

“We are honoured to work with nose Nejla Barbir, noted for her work with the likes of Christian Dior’s creations. Each Mavroki olfactory tells a narrative through its composition of only the most exceptional quality ingredients.

Exuding authenticity, every note and accord is magnified by its raw materials, captivating the senses with natural beauty and taking the wearer on a journey to be preserved in their memory forever,” Alasali continues.

Mavroki continues to be applauded amongst many fragrance connoisseurs in the region, in part credited to the quality of the brand’s products, but also due to its sophisticated range of regional focused fragrances within the collection. Over the next two years Mavroki will be launching a further ten boutiques.

For more information, please visit www.mavroki.com/

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Furthermore, Mavroki brings artistic flair to its bottles with the likes of handengraved exquisite scrollwork, gilded with 160g of sterling silver and one-of-akind diamond-encrusted editions that encapsulate these luxurious fragrances.

The result is a collection of beautifully curated glass bottles that are an artistic display of impeccable craftsmanship and inspired fragrance design.

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Embrace summer with colors Dubai, UAE – Only Ethikal’s colorful summer collection guarantees to lift spirits up for this season, the sustainable fashion e-commerce platform has recently rolled out its new summer collection in block colors.

The collection features a variety of styles such as baggy dresses with a strappy halter neck, tunics, one-piece jumpsuits, co-ord sets and shift dresses in 4 bold colors — Beach Blue, Palm Green, Summer Yellow and Chilli Red. The palette represents four different moods of summer including calm, cheerful, fiery and breezy. Each and every fiber has been carefully handcrafted with handwoven cotton by the weavers of Bengal.

Only Ethikal follows fair and ethical trade, and works with brands that ensure fair wages to the skilled artisans. All pieces are made using 100% biodegradable material, keeping the environmental impact in mind.

“This collection has been one of our recent favorites, the colors are perfect for summer and the styles are for all year long. Launched just before the outbreak of the second wave of COVID in India, the makers at Mati have been very proactive to create this style which is bringing happy smiles from everyone who is wearing it,” says Deepthi Chandran Joyau, founder of Only Ethikal Given its versatility, the collection can be styled with almost anything. The price for the collection varies from AED 155 to AED 857, and the outfits are available as sets that can be bought as an ensemble or as separates.

Only Ethikal is a digital one-stop-shop for a variety of sustainable garments that are tailor-made yet affordable, unique, and inclusive of all sizes.

Explore the latest Summer 2021 collection at https://onlyethikal.com/

Burberry Spring/Summer 2021 eyewear collection

The Burberry Spring/Summer 2021 eyewear collection for men and women celebrates the hallmarks of the house and remasters them with a dynamic modern energy.

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The collection includes styles which featured in the Burberry Spring/Summer 2021 runway show ‘In Bloom’, in which Chief Creative Officer Riccardo Tisci explored the power of fashion to communicate, to move and to evoke emotion.

The collection was inspired by a modern mythology, a contemporary fairy tale in the deep ocean – a love story that blooms between a mermaid and a shark, darkly romantic and unexpected.

Made in Italy, the collection introduces Eliot eyewear – a unique wraparound silhouette with cut-out details, named after the British poet T.S. Eliot – as well as timeless square sunglasses and round optical frames updated in deer print, inspired by the Burberry animal kingdom.

The collection is available on Burberry.com and in selected retailers.

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