Travel Arabia April 09

Online Version: www.travel-arabia.com

April 2009, Volume 5, Issue 4

Outside Arabia:

Around Town:

Wales, Full of Suprise

The Classic Car Show Burj Dubai’s head turner event

e:

Featur

Attractions:

Mandarin Oriental, Maldives

for the t u o h c t Wa l paintbal Sharjah ! shindig!

editor’s note

A

gainst the backdrop of a global gloom requiring a re-thinking of the hospitality industry, this year’s Arabian Travel Market, to be held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 5th-8th May, will play a role never before as pivotal.

Hoteliers we have talked to were unanimous in saying it’s time to compare notes and draw a workable roadmap.

And what better venue to put them all together and do so than at ATM? Mark Walsh, Group Exhibition Director for Reed Travel Exhibitions, the company behind ATM, could not have more aptly put it when he said in a recent media statement that the current economic climate is “generating some of the most severe operating conditions the travel and tourism industry has ever faced.”

Indeed, “discussion, debate and examining solutions are going to be essential factors in the sector’s recovery, and this needs to begin happening sooner rather than later.”

Spa tourism, the burgeoning cruise and boating industry in the region—five international boat shows have been scheduled for this year of which two were held last month in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, UAE; and one each to be held in Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia—and air travel in the Middle East apparently need some tinkering to determine how these industry sectors can further be developed to yield optimal results.

Of course, there is also the local—or, in this case, GCC—market, which is worth looking into as Millennium Hotel Sharjah’s acting general manager Sherif Ezzat has suggested in a recent interview with Travel Arabia.

He said that with people now holding their holiday plans because of reluctance to travel, it might be worth it to explore ways to come up with better value for their money as an incentive for them to try domestic tourism instead.

According to Reed Travel Exhibitions, destination and company sign-up for ATM has been gathering steam, with space bookings up this year, over the same period last year.

As of writing, RTE said more than 400 exhibitors representing 62 countries have signed up for the event, with more than 30 exhibitors making their debuts. In addition, the exhibition has seen steady overall space uptake by nearly 60 national tourism bodies representing six continents, including new-to-market showings from Mozambique, Philippines, Ecuador and Slovenia, according to RTE. A major tourism event is unfolding, but with a different twist in it this time.

And why not?

It’s all a matter of getting our act together, anyway.

Jojo Dass Editor

8 I Travel Arabia April 2009

CONTENTS april 2009 16

24

12 Your Letters 14 Events Calendar 16 Cover Story

Prophet Mohammed’s tomb Carpet Carpet History The Persians & their rugs

24 Around Town

28

Classic Cars Salon Culinaire

28 Attraction

Mandarin Oriental - Maldives

30 Face To Face

34

40

54

Sherif Ezzat Millennium Hotel Sharjah Chef Geoff Haviland - Southern Sun

34 Special Feature

Taste of Dubai Royal Caribbean teams up

40 Outside Arabia

46

Wales Fast facts from the past Culture & Tradition

46 Great Flavours

Killer Promo at Chopstix Restaurant

50 Ambience 52 Tranquil Moments

38

Ritz Carlton, Bharain

54 Arts & Entertainment

About the Cover: A Cirque du Soleil artist does a handbalancing act with the Atlantis Palm Jumeirah in the background.

Cirque du Soleil did a month-long presentation that started March 5, at Ibn Battuta Mall. Entitled “Alegria,” the baroque opera was a celebration of the quintessential oeuvre d’art that reminded everyone about tyranny and hope.

10 I Travel Arabia April 2009

Online Version: www.travel-arabia.com

April 2009, Volume 5, Issue 4

Alegria Metal Sculptor, Amin Gulgee Archie Sharma, precocious talent

58 Connoisseur's Corner 60 Property 62 Dining Promotions Outside Arabia:

Around Town:

The Classic Car Show Burj Dubai’s head tuner event Attractions:

Mandarin Oriental, Maldives

Wales, Full of Suprise : FEATURE

for the Watch out ntball pai Sharjah shindig!!

72 Arabian Gallery 74 Industry News

www.travel-arabia.com Publisher KALIMAT GROUP INTERNATIONAL FZ-LLC Travel Arabia Head Office Office G4, Building No.1 Phase One, P.O.Box 502408 Dubai Media City, UAE Tel +971 4 391 0410/1/2/3 Fax +971 4 391 6619 E-mail editor@travel-arabia.com

your letters Kudos!

Your cover story about the cruising industry in the Gulf was a lily in a placid pond. Extensive and enlightening, the coverage provided me with better insights of what lies ahead in the GCC. Kudos to the editor and staff of Travel Arabia. Keep it up.

Bernard A.H. General Manager Hekmat el Zein Editor Jojo Dass editor@travel-arabia.com Staff Writers Jay Cunanan Canlas Jaganath Contributors Habeeb Salloum Chuck Wightman Photographers Maher El Zein Designer Altaf Hussein df

Ras Al Khaimah

More Arts & Entertainment The UAE has undoubtedly become the center of arts and culture in the region with events happening almost every week ands running for months. It would be a pleasure to see your magazine expand its Arts & Entertainment section to allow us indulge in oeuvres some more.

Looking forward to it.

Noufal Dubai

Dinner Promo Thanks for a nice section about dining promos Your regular section about the hotel’s dining promotions, a directory of where to go for dine-outs is superb. We don’t anymore have to have a hard time figuring out what’s it going to be for the night, or for lunch, or for an afternoon tea. Everything is in there, including reservation and inquiry numbers. You really think of everything. Thanks for making life less stressful.

Assistant Designer Noufal Sales & Marketing Manager Syed Muhammad Arif arif@kalimatgroup.com Sales & Marketing Executive Crisna De Guzman Distributor Jashanmal National Co. LLC Travel Arabia Lebanon Office Riad el solh 11072070 P.O.Box 11-1197 Beirut, Lebanon Tel +961 3 435 780 Fax +961 7 762 104

Travel Arabia disclaimer All text and layout remains the copyright of Kalimat Group International FZ LLC, unless stated otherwise. Travel Arabia is fully independent, and its views are not those of any company mentioned herein.

No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.

All rights reserved.

Nina Balachandran Abu Dhbai

Thanks Your cover story about the Gulf region’s cruise industry is a good reference material. It helped me obtain a better understanding of where the industry stands and is headed. Being part of the cruise industry myself, I gained valuable information from your coverage.

Siraj DH Internet City

© 2007 Kalimat Group International

Travel Arabia would like to receive your comments and suggestions.

Write to editor@travel-arabia.com

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AprilEvents Salma Khan – Dubai Fashion Week 2009 April 5-9, 2009

Salma Khan Fashion House is about setting trends and producing beautiful designs each season. Following the success of the last showcase, the new collection was influenced by sensitivity of the current global recession.

Organizers have incorporated the bold and the beautiful prints into the designs which were inspired to reflect optimism and bring about the feel-good factor. Labeled as Peace, Calm and Comfortable, the ready to wear collection embodies a lot of easy flowing materials with fluttery accents and we have also used light and stretchy materials throughout the Prêt a porter evening gowns to accentuate a woman’s courage and freedom to accept.

Salma Khan will be showcasing her latest collection at Dubai Fashion Week; it is scheduled to take place from April 5-9, 2009 at Godolphin Ballroom, Jumeirah Emirates Towers.

Arabian Fashion World April 6th 2009 The first ever all Arab fashion event to take place in Europe will be staged at London’s InterContinental Hotel in Park Lane under the title: “Arabian Fashion World.”

The day-long fashion showcase will be held on April 6th 2009 in association with the Arab British Chamber of Commerce, and will feature five Arab designers that include Amina Al Jassim, from Saudi Arabia; Abed Mahfouz from Lebanon; Rabia Z from the United Arab Emirates; Samira Haddouchi from Morocco; and British/Jordanian, Omar Kashoura.

The Arab fashion industry is a fast emerging global business with highly talented designers such as Elie Saab taking the world stage.

On April 6th, the five designers will stage a fashion show produced by Lesley Goring in InterContinental’s stunning ballroom with up to 20 Arab fashion accessory companies taking stands and displaying their creations from jewelry to handbags and cosmetics.

Italian design guru to star at The Hotel Show 24-26 May One of Italy’s most influential design gurus, Paola Navone is to play a key dual role at The Hotel Show 2009, the Middle East’s biggest event for the hospitality and leisure sector, which takes place in Dubai on 24-26 May. In addition to revealing her design feature within the “Resort Experience,” a new dedicated area focusing on the region’s burgeoning outdoor furniture, spa, sports and leisure sectors of the hospitality industry, renowned architect and designer Navone will deliver the design keynote address at Seven Star Conference with an emphasis on design trends, sustainability, future technologies and marketing for profitability.

“Working with dozens of renowned manufacturers in Italy and abroad, Navone is a sought-after interior designer and a master at making optimal use of available technology to design outstanding ranges of wooden, wicker and leather or fabric upholstered furniture, as well as tableware and interior design accessories,” said Maggie Moore, the event’s exhibition director.

Navone’s appearance at the 2009 Seven Star Conference is sponsored by Italian furniture manufacturer Gervasoni, which will have a major presence at the show. “ leader in

14 I Travel Arabia April 2009

Woman Boutique Show announced for 14th to 16th of May 2009 The women of the UAE are playing an increasing role in the economic and financial sectors of the country. Another step forward in providing encouragement and opportunity to them is the launch of the region’s first women-centric event—the Woman Boutique Show, to be held from the 14th to 16th of May 2009.

The event presents an avenue for individuals of different ages, nationalities and economic backgrounds from all over the globe to meet, share their talent and discuss business opportunities. Established as well as aspiring fashion and jewellery designers, artists, entrepreneurs and lifestyle experts of local and international repute will exhibit their skills and network.

According to organizers, 145 exhibitors of various nationalities have already confirmed their participation to the event of which 95% are women.

The Woman Boutique Show is being organised by Red Orange events, based in Dubai, who specialises in concept-events and marketing services.

COVER STORY

Prophet Mohammed’s

tomb pearl carpet

It is believed that the pearl carpet, which fetched a record US$5.4 million at a Sotheby’s auction in Doha last month, has its beginnings in 1865, when Maharaj Khande Rao Gaekwad of Baroda, ordered that it be made for the mausoleum of Prophet Mohammad in Medina.

16 I Travel Arabia April 2009

Stories abound about the origins of the Pearl Carpet of Baroda, which fetched a record US$5,458,500 during Sotheby’s first-ever international auction series in the Middle East, held on March 18 and 19 at The Ritz Carlton Hotel in Doha, Qatar.

Its price beat the previous highest amount paid for a carpet or rug: $4.5 million in June, 2008 at Christie’s International, New York, for a 17th-century Persian silk Isfahan rug that had belonged to the U.S. collector Doris Duke.

It is believed that the pearl carpet has its beginnings in 1865, when the king—or, Maharaja—of Baroda, Maharaj Khande Rao Gaekwad, ordered that a carpet suited for the mausoleum of Prophet Mohammad in Medina be made.

He had wanted to give the carpet as a gift to be used to cover the tomb in a way that would echo that of Mughal Empress Mumtaz Mahal in the Taj Mahal.

Thus, the carpet was made such that it was embellished with an estimated two million natural seed pearls known as ‘basra,’ which were harvested from the waters of the Arabian Gulf. Apart from the pearls, the carpet was also encrusted with gold set diamonds and precious stones in their hundreds.

The design of the work has many of the details found in Safavid and Mughal carpets with dense fields of swirling flowering vines that form a deconstructed series of three Mughal-style arches. Whilst this commission appears to have been unique, parts of the design reflected 18th-century India’s fashionable millefleurs motif.

Across the centre were three large round ‘rosettes’ each made of table cut diamonds set in silvered gold. There also were smaller diamond rosettes in

the border, all of which are embellished with sapphires, rubies and emeralds set in gold.

The Pearl Carpet of Baroda, as it has become known, measured 5-feet-8inches by 8-feet-8-inches,and weighed 30,000 carats.

It however did not make it to Prophet Mohammad’s tomb as the maharajah, who reportedly turned to Islam later in his life, died. The pearl carpet, a testament to the splendour and opulence that surrounded the Maharaja and his court, entered the family collection and remained there for over 100 years.

It was exhibited in 1902-03 as a highlight of the great Delhi Exhibition displaying the wealth of the Maharajas.

In 1943, the then Maharaja of Baroda, Sir Pratap Singh Gaekwad, married a woman known as Sita Devi, described as the “most flamboyant Maharani” who took up her residence in Europe. She soon had most of the Baroda treasures, including the carpet, transferred to her mansions in Monte Carlo in Monaco, neighboring southern France.

Until 1947, the year of India’s independence, Baroda was a city kingdom located in today’s western India state of Gujarat. In that year, Baroda was merged with India and the government deposed Gaekwad, forcing him as well, to return some of the most precious items, but the pearl carpet continued to be in the possession of Maharani Sita Devi.

For the first time in over 80 years the carpet was once again showcased in the 1985 landmark exhibition India at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Sotheby’s, a New York-based auction house did not reveal the identity or nationality of the buyer in Doha, and said it was sold to an anonymous telephone buyer. The carpet had a starting price of $5 million.

tains of Siberia near the northeastern border of Mongolia. The importance of Pazyryk rug is that it proves pile weaving is an ancient craft. Until the discovery of Pazyryk carpet, the scholars relied on literary accounts about the existence of certain rugs in history that did not specify the technique by which the rugs were woven. The dimensions of Pazyryk were 6’ by 6’ and it was woven by symmetric knots of about 200-225 per square inch.

It is uncertain what the origin of Pazyryk is; however, it has Persian Achaemenian (a Persian dynasty who ruled from 550 to 331 BC.) motifs. Some scholars believe that because of its Achaemenian motifs, it was made in Persia and was imported. Others disagree and believe it was made near the area where it was found. Currently the Pazyryk carpet is in Hermitage Museum in Leningrad, Russia.

Ardabil Carpets

From being used as protection from the cold by the nomads, carpets, a word used interchangeably with rugs, have through time, evolved into a fascinating work of art that now adorns palaces and homes alike. The hand-knotted pile carpet probably originated in southern Central Asia between the 3rd and 2nd millennium BC, although there is evidence of goats and sheep being sheared for wool and hair which was spun and woven as far back at 6000BC.

Pazyryk rug The earliest pile-weave rug discovered in its entirety dates back to the 5th century B.C. It was discovered frozen in 1949 by a Russian archaeologist, Rudenko, in a Scythian burial site in the Altay Moun-

18 I Travel Arabia April 2009

A famous pair of rugs woven during the reign of Shah Tahmasp (1524-1576) of Safavid Dynasty are the two almost identical Ardabil Carpets. The date, 1539-1540, and the name of the designer, Maqsud of Kashan, have been woven into both rugs.

The dimensions of both rugs are the same, 17’ 6” by 36’ 6”. Their foundation is silk, and they have been woven with 300 asymmetric (Persian) knots per square inch.

One rug is in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, England and the other is in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The former has been repaired with fragments of the latter. Therefore, the one in Victoria and Albert museum is in whole and the one in Los Angles is missing its borders. The origin of the rugs has been linked to Ardabil, Kashan, Mashad and Tabriz, as well as other places.

Spring of Khosrau In Persian manuscripts of 6th century A.D. there is mention of a rug called the ‘Spring of Khosrau’ which some scholars say belonged to the Persian king, Khosrau I of the Sassanid Dynasty, who ruled from 531579; others say that it belonged to Khosrau II (590-628), grandson of Khosrau I. The rug was kept at the Sassanian palace at Ctesiphon in modern day Iraq. ‘Spring of Khosrau’ was woven with wool, silk, gold, silver, precious and semi-precious stones.

It was possibly a garden design. Experts believe that it was a flat-weave and was not woven in one piece. This rug has never been discovered.

Under the Safavid Dynasty (15021736), Iran attained its artistic height.

Court weaving, together with the arts of calligraphy, miniature painting, and tile work, flourished to exceptional heights.

This brilliant era witnessed the development of highly qualified carpet factories in the cities of Kerman, Isfahan, Kashan, Tabriz, and Herat. Iran is the genesis of most motifs, patterns and traditional colorations produced in rugs throughout the world today. Over the centuries, Persian carpets have become treasured heirlooms passed on from one generation to the next.

Persian carpet exports began in the 16th century. Starting in the 1850s, American, English and German firms established new factories in Mashed, Tabriz, Kerman, and Sultanabad (now Arak), thereby ensuring the art form’s continued development. Under Reza Shah Pahlavi, royal factories were established to utilize the finest materials and methods of manufacture.

Persian carpets and rugs have always been and still are an intrinsic part of Iranian culture and its people’s daily lives.

Indeed, carpets and rugs are in many cases the most valued possessions, and they are an integral part of an Iranian home. Thus, it is not surprising that current production levels throughout Iran equal those reached prior to the Islamic Revolution of 1979. In fact, rugs are now even produced in areas where weaving was heretofore not practiced. Furthermore, Persian carpets continue to boast very high quality standards and command a very brisk interest in domestic and international markets. While large city workshops were an important factor in the past, much of today’s production is fashioned along cottage industry lines in smaller villages and towns.

Persian carpets are traditionally known for their tremendous variety in design, color, size, and weave. Moreover,

The

20 I Travel Arabia April 2009

Persians and their Rugs

Known as the home of the original oriental carpet, Iran (Persia) the oldest and once most powerful empire in the Middle East, stood at the crossroads of Eastern and Western civilizations.

they are known for the uniqueness of each and every rug produced. Rugs are generally named after the village, town or district where they are woven or collected, or by the weaving tribe in the case of nomadic pieces. Each rug’s particular pattern, palette, and weave are uniquely linked with the indigenous culture, and weaving techniques are specific to an identifiable geographic area or nomadic tribe.

Persian carpets and rugs have always been and still are an intrinsic part of Iranian culture and its people’s daily lives.

Indeed, carpets and rugs are in many cases the most valued possessions, and they are an integral part of an Iranian home. Thus, it is not surprising that current production levels throughout Iran equal those reached prior to the Islamic

22 I Travel Arabia April 2009

Revolution of 1979. In fact, rugs are now even produced in areas where weaving was heretofore not practiced.

To look at a Persian carpet is to gaze into a world of artistic magnificence nurtured for more then 2,500 years. The Iranians were among the first carpet weaver of the ancient civilizations and, through centuries of creativity and ingenuity building upon the talents of the past, achieved a unique degree of excellence.

To trace the history of the Persian carpet is to follow a path of cultural growth of one of the greatest civilizations the world has ever known. From being simply articles of need, as pure and simple floor entrance covering to protect the nomadic tribesmen from the cold and damp, the increasing beauty of the car-

pets found them new owners - kings and nobleman, those who looked for signs of wealth or adornment for fine buildings.

Many people in Iran have invested their whole wealth in Persian carpets often referred to as an Iranian’s stocks and shares - and there are underground storage areas in Tehran’s bazaar that are full of fine specimens, kept as investments by shrewd businessmen. And for many centuries, of course, the Persian carpet has received international acknowledgment for its artistic splendor. In palaces, famous building, rich homes and museums throughout the world a Persian carpet is amongst the most treasured possessions. Thus, today Iran produces more carpets than all the other carpet making centers of the world put together.

AROUND TOWN

Classic Car Show The

Burj Dubai’s headturner event

Put together a 1921 Ford Model T, a blue Mercedez Gullwing, a 1928 Ford Essex, a 1965 green Jaguar, a 1931 Pierce Arrow convertible roadster and a line-up of other classic cars…what have you got?

A free pass to memory lane where each car on display evokes vivid mental pictures of how it must have been “back then those days,” as they say.

On Feb. 27 and 28, Emaar Properties, with the support of the Automobile & Touring Club of the United Arab Emirates, did just that—give everyone a free pass, a treat actually, and transformed Emaar Boulevard into Dubai’s classic car memory lane.

There’s more. This event—the Burj Dubai Classic Car Show—marks the opening salvo for a year-long calendar of events to be hosted at Emaar Boulevard. The 3.5 km custom-built premise is aimed at strengthening community spirit through varied leisure activities, and will recreate the appeal of the world’s famed boulevards through retail and leisure activities. A spectacular line-up of art, fashion, sport and lifestyle events are being planned to be held at the boulevard

24 I Travel Arabia April 2009

throughout the year.

Said Ahmad Al Matrooshi, managing director – UAE, Emaar Properties: “A social and leisure hotspot in Downtown Burj Dubai, Emaar Boulevard will bring in the finest boulevard lifestyle experience to Dubai. This year’s Emaar Boulevard activities are a reiteration of Downtown Burj Dubai’s appeal as the new heart of the city, and will feature an array of art and cultural activities.”

He added: “The Burj Dubai Classic Car Show, planned to be an annual event, is part of several initiatives to further establish Emaar Boulevard as a lifestyle and leisure destination. The classic car competition is being planned to be the most competitive event of its kind in the region, and will attract motor-vehicle enthusiasts from around the world.”

Classic car lovers joined the event with a chance to walk away with a number of awards. A jury of experienced classic car experts scored each car on the basis of parameters including car originality, engine cleanliness, original car colour, historical car value, finishing and aesthetics in both categories.

The public likewise had the opportunity to judge the cars and decide on their favourite through a Popular Choice contest.

The top 10 winners were:

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

th 1921 Ford Model T owned by Amr Saeed th Blue Mercedez Gullwing belonging to Ahmad Baker th 1928 Ford Essex registered to Anis Nassar th A Club Merit owned by Mohamed Al Mazrooi th 1959 Ford 500 Skyline by Rafeek Mahmoud th 1956 Green Jaguar owned by Olga Petch th 1977 Chevrolet pick-up by Marzooq Al Mansoori rd 1931 Pierce Arrow convertible roadster by Herch Chadha nd 1961 Red Daimler by Simon Crispe st 1967 Ford Mustang by Robert Jarmson.

Emaar Properties PJSC is a global property developer with a significant presence in 36 markets world-wide

Salon Culinaire

-a bon vivant’s nirvana

Indeed, what else could be said of this event?

Over 1,300 chefs competing in various categories, all in one venue—good food galore; a bon vivant’s nirvana!

The annual Emirates International Salon Culinaire, held as part of Gulf Food Exhibition 2009 at Dubai World Trade Centre, once again lived up to its epicurean tradition, giving a piece of ecstasy to everyone with a refined palate such that pleasure was derived from the mere sight of what’s on the tray.

The four-day gastronomic event, organized by the Emirates Culinary Guild (ECG), the UAE’s governing body for the association of professional chefs, concluded on Feb. 26 with top winners from DWTC. Last year, the DWTC team went against 1,000 international professional chefs and walked away with the highest honours; winning 11 gold, 23 silver and 14 bronze medals across a range of competitive categories.

As well as providing catering support for meetings and exhibitions held within DWTC venues, the team is also one of the largest providers of hospitality and catering services to external events in the UAE. In 2008, the department served an impressive 1,017,335 covers, marking a 14% increase in catering for MICE events alone.

Among this year’s DWTC winners were Lifeng Dong, Pastry Open Show Piece (Gold); Felix Gaan, Pastry Open Show Piece; and Rezk, Emirati Cuisine (Silver); and Amar Kant, and Kennedy D’Souza, Emirati Cuisine (Bronze).

In the panel of judges was Chef Peter Hallmanns representing Fonterra Brands M.E Foodservice division.

The Salon Culinaire is one of the world’s largest independent culinary events. It has been established and headed entirely by volunteer chefs. Internationally certified chefs gather in Dubai every year to join the panel of judges and share their expertise.

This year’s Salon Culinaire consisted of 24 categories ranging from three-tier wedding cakes, five-course gourmet dinner, new Arabian cuisine to butchery and

26 I Travel Arabia April 2009

ice carving. The main emphasis in most categories was on practical cookery.

“This event is a true learning experience for all chefs. The most important part of these demonstrations and competitions is the constructive feedback given to all participating chefs, post judging. This is a great educational tool, enabling them to take on board new methods and techiniques that are fundemental to their growth within the industry,” said Hallmanns.

Hallmanns is a senior ECG member and a level five WACS certified judge.

As advisory chef to the Fonterra Brands M.E Foodservice division, his expertise and passion lies in training and development. Fonterra is a multinational dairy company, which operates in over 120 countries and has an annual turnover of around US$10 billion.

The ECG is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of the culinary art of the UAE. It is a member of the World Association of Cooks Societies (WACS), the governing body of the 52-nation alliance of chefs’ associations worldwide. All of the international judges at ESC 2009 where WACS approved.

DWTC put Gulfood 2009 together.

A four-day gastronomic shindig, the event was participated in by over 3,000 senior and junior chefs from across UAE who brought to fore a wide array of expertise in the art of cooking.

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ATTRACTION

Mandarin Oriental’s

exclusive hideaway in the

Maldives L9w)NQF#1xTY

28 I Travel Arabia April 2009

E

ncircled by five kilometres of uninterrupted white sand beaches and the turquoise blue lagoons and colourful reefs, the resort, which is scheduled to open in the next 12 months, promises to give you the pampering you so deserved.

Picture this: You, in a secluded luxury villa on an atoll that has al fresco and underwater dining with an eclectic selection of local and international cuisines, an underwater wine cellar with private dining room, and an authentic Lebanese restaurant and bar over the ocean. What more could you probably ask for?

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has signed a management agreement for an exclusive luxury resort currently under development on a pristine, private island in The Maldives. This exceptional retreat is scheduled to open in the next 12 months. “Mandarin Oriental, Maldives will be a unique and extraordinarily private hideaway retreat that offers our guests tranquility and seclusion in a stunning, natural setting. We look forward to bringing Mandarin Oriental’s renowned levels of service to this important leisure destination,” said Edouard Ettedgui, chief executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. Mandarin Oriental, Maldives is located 185 kilometres north of the capital city Male, a journey of 45 minutes by seaplane. The luxurious hideaway is being developed on its own exclusive island, Maavelavaru in the Noonu Atoll, encircled by five kilometres of uninterrupted white sand beaches and the turquoise blue lagoons and colourful reefs for which the region is renowned.

Offering the ultimate luxury of space and privacy, the resort comprises 114 spacious, stand-alone villas, including 20 water villas and four presidential villas, ranging in size from 300 to 1,750 square metres. Each secluded villa is surrounded by generous landscaping, providing total privacy, while opening onto a private

pool and the lush vegetation of a serene garden with sweeping ocean vistas.

All are designed with exquisite and pampering interiors, with indoor and outdoor bathing options, using a combination of Maldivian architecture and internationally-sourced materials.

The largest of the villas have private spa facilities, and the water villas extend over a lively coral reef affording stunning sunrise and sunset views.

Mandarin Oriental’s seamless technology and superior entertainment systems, for which the Group is renowned, are employed throughout. Al fresco and underwater dining with an eclectic selection of local and international cuisines will be available at seven restaurants and bars, including an all-day poolside café and bar, a beachfront signature restaurant, an al fresco Maldivian grill, a comfortable lounge and a dramatic underwater wine cellar with private dining room. An authentic Lebanese restaurant and bar, as well as a Japanese restaurant will be built over the ocean. Meeting facilities include a spacious multipurpose function room, a business centre and a well-stocked library.

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Maldives will be a destination in itself, focusing on the well-being of its guests by offering total rejuvenation and relaxation in a serene, meditative setting. A spacious spa which is situated within 13,000 sq metres of tropical gardens, will feature 14 expansive treatment villas and six treatment suites, situated around a lavish outdoor Jacuzzi. Each villa consists of four separate pavilions dedicated to Mandarin Oriental’s welcome rituals, signature treatments, water and heat therapies and relaxation areas, allowing guests to be guided through an intimate and personalised spa journey.

There are endless leisure pursuits for those who tire of the transparent waters and remote beauty of the island, including a fully equipped fitness centre,

a badminton court, tennis courts, squash courts, a soccer field and a beautifully appointed outdoor lap pool.

In addition, there is a comprehensive water sports centre with a full service diving school, catering for guests who wish to explore the abundant coral reefs that fringe the island. For added peace of mind, the resort also has a fully equipped decompression chamber and emergency medical clinic available on site.

The project is being developed by Athama Investments Pvt. Ltd., a private Maldivian company with extensive and intimate knowledge of the destination.

Said Ibrahim Abdul Latheef, managing director of Athama Investments Pvt. Ltd., “On opening, this luxurious retreat will embody Mandarin Oriental’s legendary service philosophy and the unique sense of place inherent to all its hotels.” He added, “We are delighted to be working with Mandarin Oriental on creating the most exclusive resort in The Maldives.” The Republic of Maldives consists of 1,190 idyllic islands spread over 26 naturally formed atolls, each surrounded by a lagoon in the Indian Ocean. The sheer natural beauty of The Maldives combined with the warm, tropical climate attracts international leisure guests from around the world, who come to relax and enjoy the variety of water sports, sea life and unspoiled beaches. A number of international airlines operate regular flights to the capital Male, from where Mandarin Oriental guests will be escorted to the resort’s exclusive lounge at the seaplane terminal for a stunning 45 minute flight to Maavelavaru island.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world’s most prestigious hotels, resorts and residences, and now operates, or has under development, 42 hotels representing over 10,000 rooms in 25 countries, with 17 hotels in Asia, 15 in the Americas and 10 in Europe and North Africa.

April 2009 I Travel Arabia I 29

FACE TO FACE

Millennium Hotel Sharjah

More added value in the works for guests Hold your breath. Millennium Hotel Sharjah’s acting general manager Sherif Ezzat says guests will soon be having more for their money’s worth. In a one-on-one interview with Travel Arabia, Ezzat provides a glimpse of what’s on the horizon.

Travel Arabia: Let’s start off with the Arabian Travel Market 2009, a tourism summit which will be running at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from May 5 to 8 this year, will your hotel be participating?

Ezzat: Yes, of course. It is very important to know what is happening in the market and get the feedbacks from the tour operators and clients.

It is an opportunity for us to meet with the decision makers of the travel industry, especially to meet with people from all around the world. So this is vital for us as we would know what is the trend going to be for the rest of 2009. This is one of the most important trade events that we should participate in.

There’s another industry event happening in Russia by the end of this year, We also were at ITB Berlin, the world’s leading travel trade show held Mar. 11 to 15 this year. These are the major events that we will always participate in.

TA: What do you expect to take home from ATM 2009?

Ezzat: Tourism professionals will be there. We would want to know what is going on in their own countries, what we could do in order to explore areas where we can increase or enhance the flow of business.

TA: What’s in store for guests at Millennium Hotel, in concrete terms?

Ezzat: We are trying to do some promotions in conjunction with our area office.

We are trying to give more added values to the rates. We have some promos that we are doing, some attractive offers, and also we are coming up soon with summer camp.

We will think of attracting the local market as people now are reluctant to travel outside. Because of the global financial crisis, people have decided to

30 I Travel Arabia April 2009

hold their travel plans. Everybody is now getting a little bit cautious.

When I say the local market, I not only mean the UAE, but include the region.

Within the region, we are actually planning to go on a roadshow in conjunction with Sharjah Tourism Authority, whereby we will visit various cities so that we can promote our property..

We have started cooperation with Air Arabia. We are also working with some travel agencies here to come up with travel packages.

Now, we’ve discussed (among ourselves) that we should think internally. We always were thinking out. It is time to think of what’s inside. There is potential next to us that we haven’t paid attention to.

TA: Any developments happening at Millennium Hotel Sharjah?

Ezzat: We have introduced new types of massage and treatments in our spa.

We have also employed two professional masseuses—one from Russia and one from Thailand. We will be introducing new types of massage and I think this is a good thing.

TA: Are there plans to join hands with other Millennium Hotels internally? Won’t you be doing joint promotional efforts?

Ezzat: This is done from the area (office). Where the responsible people will coordinate and manage it.

When it comes, for example, to small events within the hotel, like we got an inquiry from one of our Millennium sister hotels in Thailand that they want to do an Arabic week. So they asked us if we have chefs who can do Moroccan cuisine for a three- or four-day promo. These are the things that we can work with.

But when it comes to something like a package that involves one or several hotels, this will be handled by the area office.

S

outhern Sun’s new executive chef is very energetic and enthusiastic; has an abundant vineyard of experience in five-star hotels … and… a war room.

While the rest of the world struggles to cope with the current financial crisis, Geoff Haviland sees it as an exciting challenge with the potential to produce exceptional results.

This, in a nutshell, is what Southern Sun’s new executive chef stands for— challenging the norms and being an agent of change, as he puts it.

“I am very systematic, but thrive on new challenges and brainstorming,” Haviland tells Travel Arabia.

He says that one of the first initiatives he introduced was setting aside a place to be permanently used as a “revenue room.”

“This,” Haviland says, “is otherwise referred to as our ‘war room,’ and the walls are adorned with whiteboards for each of our revenue-generating entities.

We examine revenue initiatives for each area, how we can achieve them, action plans, and post-mortems on each idea.

“This focuses the whole team on performance in every detail of operation, and it is already paying dividends.

The key to surviving the global economic crisis is to think positively but remain pragmatic. There is still business around, but not as much, so the question is how to steal that business from our competitors. Needless to say, one of the challenges currently is to generate consistently high hotel occupancies and F&B revenues, despite the economic turndown.”

Another Haviland initiative is the streamlining of the two neighbouring Southern Sun properties into one operational entity to better utilize current staffing and inventory.

“This enables the kitchen team to move around the whole operation, and gain further experience for career advancement, while also allowing us greater flexibility operationally,” he explains.

Merging corporate entities is standard business practice done in trying times to stay afloat.

Haviland says, “There will always be extenuating circumstances in the hospitality industry, and we are currently facing one of our biggest challenges in recent history. You can never be prepared for anything of this scale, but if you are proactive, pragmatic, and honest with yourself as a group, then you can

32 I Travel Arabia April 2009

Geoff Haviland

He thinks out of the box

weather the storm and be prepared for the scramble which will inevitably come afterwards.”

“Dubai,” he adds, “has already seen its fair share of hospitality casualties over the past few months, and there will no doubt be quite a few more as the year continues.”

Haviland, who had worked in the hotel sector in Australia, England, Germany, and Hong Kong, has just recently joined the team at Southern Sun Middle East. Aside from being executive chef for Southern Sun’s hotels in Dubai, Al Manzil and Qamardeen, he will also act as an inhouse consultant for future developments.

Asked how different would Southern Sun Middle East be with him on board, he says, “I have gained a lot of experi-

ence in the Middle East market, and the collaborative management style of Southern Sun really gives me the chance to challenge the norms and be an agent of change. I would like to think that I can add value to the company, drawing on my experience in a range of 5 star and independent operations in many different countries. I tend to be very energetic and enthusiastic when it comes to wowing the guests, so hopefully my energy and outof-the-box thinking will benefit both my department and our group.

“One of the reasons I joined Southern Sun is because they offer a truly memorable guest experience; I hope I can further bolster their reputation by introducing many of the five-star factors at a four-star price range.”

Enjoy the New and Unique Arabian Night Experience The Big Bus Company is delighted to announce the launch of a brand new sightseeing experience, planned to be operational during the month of March. This new experience will offer the opportunity to our passengers to Hop onboard of our famous double decker buses and enjoy the spectacular sights of Dubai by night, a sightseeing experience designed to captivate and fascinate with a unique perspective of a city that never sleeps. From the moment that the bus departs you will be mesmerized by the beauty of this iconic city by night and enjoy the awe inspiring views as the sun sets and Dubai comes to life. Our two hour city tour features live commentary from a fully qualified, and tourist board registered guide who will point out the magnificence of this sparkling city by night.

The tour departs from Deira City Centre at 7.30pm, returning at 9.30pm, or from Souk Madinat Jumeirah at 8.30pm, returning at 10.30pm.

Night tours operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Tour Highlights: Deira City Centre, Wafi and Raffles Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Burj Dubai, Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Atlantis on The Palm, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah Mosque, Al Dhiyafah Street, Downtown Bur Dubai, Dubai Creek side, Al Maktoum Bridge.

Price: Regular Night Tour Ticket Prices Package Deal Adult AED 100 Child AED 75 Family AED 275

** Combo Package Deal Adult AED 75 Child AED 50 Family AED 200

** Purchase your night tour ticket at the same time as you buy your Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off daytime ticket to benefit from our combo package deal.

SPECIAL FEATURE

Taste of D u b ai

The festival showcased 22 of the city’s top restaurants, and gave everyone a chance to sample over 65 iconic dishes from Dubai’s top culinary talents—indeed, an epicurean delight.

From cupcakes and croissants to saffron and steaks, visitors to this year’s Taste of Dubai, which took place at the stunning park and amphitheatre of the Dubai Media City, March 11 to 14, tasted their way around the world—so to speak.

Over 50 gourmet food producers and suppliers, plus a range of culinary equipment retailers, were at the heart of this year’s festival, offering samples and demonstrations FOR passersby try before they buy.

Organizers said the festival was thrice bigger than last year’s, with the Marketplace forming the hub, one of the most exciting parts of Taste of Dubai where visitors sampled dates from Saudi Arabia, olive oils from Spain, fruits from California, cheese from Denmark, and cupcakes baked in Dubai.

Visitors to the festival were offered a mouthwatering array of gourmet foods and beverages, plus a unique chance to speak directly to the producers and

34 I Travel Arabia April 2009

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retailers about their produce. All the latest gadgets and culinary equipment were also on show, along with demonstrations on how to use them.

This year’s award winning Taste of Dubai likewise showcased 22 of the city’s top restaurants, offering visitors the chance to taste more than 65 iconic dishes from Dubai’s top culinary talents.

Celebrity chefs such as Gary Rhodes and James Martin demonstrated their expertise in the Mark Wilkinson Chefs Theatre - alongside Dubai’s finest chefs.

The new Spinneys Cookery School offered visitors the chance to cook new dishes alongside the professionals, and live music from the entertainment stage provided the party soundtrack for this year’s festival.

Producers and products from France, Denmark, Spain, Turkey, Malaysia, South Africa, California and the Caribbean were featured alongside many products made in the UAE. Meantime, four new restaurants on Dubai’s also hugged the limelight in an evening of fun. Chefs from the Rivington

36 I Travel Arabia April 2009

Grill at Souk Al Bahar, Empire at The Monarch, Zuma at DIFC and Momotaro also at Souk Al Bahar showcased their signature dishes and offered taster portions.

These four restaurants joined another 19 of Dubai’s award winning restaurants and chefs at the Middle East’s favourite outdoor food festival.

This year’s festival builds on the success of last year’s inaugural event with over 50% more restaurants.

The hugely entertaining “Chef ’s Challenge” which opened the festival in 2008, featured Chef Colin Clague from Zuma challenging Chef Axel Godefroid from Empire this time around.

Another highlight of the event was the “Kiddies’ Kitchen” where the young ones were given kitchens, utensils and food to transform into culinary masterpieces. The “Kiddie’s Kitchen” was professionally supervised free of charge for children from two to nine years old.

Indeed, with the success of the event, organizers said they were looking forward to an even more bigger Taste of Dubai next year.

Royal Caribbean, Universal Orlando Resort Two of the world’s most innovative vacation providers, Royal Caribbean International and Universal Orlando Resort, have joined forces to introduce the Way More Than a Cruise ultimate vacation package. With a wide variety of options, families will be able to experience the best of land and sea while enjoying unparalleled savings. Bookings for Way More Than a Cruise are open for travel starting March 31, 2009.

The land and sea vacation packages combine a three- or four-night stay at Universal Orlando Resort with a threeor four-night Bahamas cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Monarch of the Seas, or a seven-night Caribbean cruise aboard Freedom of the Seas. Way More Than a Cruise includes hotel and shipboard accommodations, multi-day passes to both Universal theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, complimentary admission to select live entertainment venues at Universal’s CityWalk and ground transfers between airport, hotel, theme parks and the ship at Port Canaveral.

“Royal Caribbean is delighted to partner with Universal Orlando Resort

38 I Travel Arabia April 2009

to create this special package for vacationers seeking a unique and truly memorable experience,” said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “The Way More Than a Cruise package seamlessly combines the best of land and sea to deliver an exciting family vacation. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy these premier Orlando attractions along with two of Port Canaveral’s newest ships, Monarch of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas.”

Home to two world-class theme parks, a nighttime entertainment complex and three magnificently themed on-site hotels, Universal Orlando Resort is a one-of-a-kind family vacation destination that brings blockbusters to life.

teams up

At Universal Studios, guests can jump into the action with award-winning attractions based on some of pop culture’s best-known movies and TV shows – attractions like The Simpsons Ride, Shrek 4-D and Revenge of the Mummy. Also coming soon to Universal Studios is Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, the most individually unique and customizable coaster in the world. The coaster combines first-ever maneuvers with personalized features allowing riders to choose the soundtrack for their ride and purchase a one-of-a-kind video of their experience.

Next door, Universal’s Islands of Adventure features the most cutting-edge rides and attractions on five uniquely themed islands – Marvel Super Hero Island, Toon

Lagoon, Jurassic Park, The Lost Continent and Seuss Landing.

“Universal Orlando Resort is thrilled to enter this partnership, bringing together two incredible experiences to create one memorable vacation,” said Bill Davis, President and COO for Universal Orlando Resort. “Our guests will not only enjoy some of the most entertaining theme-park attractions ever created, but also the world-class experiences and service Royal Caribbean is known for delivering.”

For the cruise portion of the vacation, guests will sail roundtrip to the Bahamas aboard Monarch of the Seas and call at Nassau, Bahamas, and CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island paradise in the Bahamas. Guests aboard Monarch of the Seas will exclusively enjoy a day at CocoCay, featuring a myriad of water sports options, an AquaPark for children, halcyon beaches and shaded hammocks, beachfront barbeque, and a straw market. Onboard, guests will enjoy spectacular Broadway-style musical revues from the award-winning Royal Caribbean Productions; exciting Vegas-style gaming in Casino Royale; and rejuvenating and invigorating rituals in the onboard Day Spa. Younger guests can hang out with their peers in the cruise line’s award-winning Adventure Ocean youth program, where teens have their own dedicated space. New features in the complimentary onboard youth program, such as extended hours in the Adventure Ocean and teen spaces and pre-cruise ordering of baby supplies, will help provide a stress-free experience for parents. Throughout their stay aboard every Royal Caribbean ship, all guests receive the cruise line’s signature friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service from staff and crew.

The ultimate way to experience Universal Orlando Resort is by staying at one of three themed, AAA Four Diamond Award-winning on-site hotels: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Hard Rock Hotel. Best of all, on-site hotel guests enjoy a variety of special theme park privileges, including free Universal Express ride access. Just by showing their valid hotel room key card, on-site hotel guests can bypass the regular ride and attraction lines. The onsite hotels are connected to the resort by a scenic waterway. Complimentary water taxis provide quick and convenient ac-

cess to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and CityWalk.

Additional Orlando area hotels located within minutes of Universal Orlando are also available.

Beginning in May, vacationers also will be able to choose a 10- or 11-night extended Universal Orlando Resort and Royal Caribbean vacation by combining a three- or four-night stay at Universal with a seven-night Eastern or Western Caribbean cruise aboard the worldrenowned Freedom of the Seas. On the Eastern Caribbean itinerary, guests will enjoy three days at sea and call at St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and CocoCay. On the Western Caribbean itinerary, guests will enjoy two days at sea and call at Ocho Rios, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; Cozumel, Mexico; and Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private beach paradise located on the north coast of Haiti.

At 160,000 gross registered tons (GRT) and a capacity of 3,634

guests, double occupancy, Freedom of the Seas shares the title of the world’s largest and most innovative cruise ship with sister-ships Liberty of the Seas and Independence of the Seas. Freedom features the cruise line’s exclusive onboard amenities such as the FlowRider surf simulator; the H20 Zone water park; Studio B ice-skating rink; a full-size boxing ring; cantilevered whirlpools suspended 112 ft. above the ocean; and the four-bedroom, four-bath Presidential Family Suite, which accommodates up to 14 guests. Guests also have a choice of eight onboard restaurants, including Royal Caribbean’s signature specialty restaurants Chops Grille steakhouse and Portofino Italian restaurant.

For more information or to book a Way More Than a Cruise ultimate vacation and enjoy up to 25 percent savings from the combined rates of the individual land and sea experiences, call your travel agent or visit www.waymorethanacruise.com or call +9714 3314299.

April 2009 I Travel Arabia I 39

OUTSIDE ARABIA

Wales Full of Surprises

The Romans mined for gold here, the Normans built castles here and the Tudor dynasty, which ruled England 1485 until 1603 was born here. Each of the major periods of history has left its mark and the sense of continuity can still be felt all around the place.

40 I Travel Arabia April 2009

The Welsh spirit is the country’s defining feature. Indeed, for its entire history Wales has struggled against waves of invaders who have sought to subjugate its people; but, as the invaders found out, it’s a country that just won’t lie down. Today the spirit of Wales is stronger than ever. Welsh arts, film and, above all, rock music have taken the world stage by storm and killed off the hackneyed old stereotypes of desolate pit villages, lovespoons (spoons with an elaborate handle that are a traditional artisan craft) and teashops.

The new Wales is a vibrant place where history is alive and Welsh culture finds new forms of expression. The mix of defiant tradition and New-World sophistication is one of Wales’ greatest assets today. The male voice choirs may still keep a welcome in the valleys, but an alternative culture flourishes in urban hubs, like Cardiff a healthy dose of hedonism oozes from gourmet kitchens and hip hotels, and a strong motif of environmental awareness underpins the country’s forward-looking perspective.

Wales is the friendly, green hilly bit on the western side of Britain that’s about two hours west of London by rail or road.

It might not take you long to get there, but you’ll find that Wales is a very different place.

First there’s the language: it’s one of the oldest in Europe, spoken fluently by about one in five of the population.

Although all speak English as well, Welsh is a thriving mainstay of Wales’ way of life.

Then there’s the landscape. The facts and figures might lead you to believe that

Wales is small – it covers an area of around 8,000 square miles (or 20,800 square kilometres). But if you could roll it out flat, Wales would be bigger than Texas.

Wales has three National Parks and five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, all part of a landscape that offers opportunities for all kinds of activities. Walking, cycling, climbing, golf, mountain biking and paragliding are just the beginning of the list.

The population currently stands at around 3 million people, so there’s plenty of room.

Famous sons and daughters of Wales you will have heard of include Richard Burton, Sir Tom Jones, Sir Anthony Hopkins and Catherine Zeta-Jones. And lots of other people have been tracing their Welsh ancestry recently—including Tom Cruise, Susan Sarandon, Russell Crowe and Kylie Minogue. If you think you might have family connections with Wales too, take a look at Wales’ genealogy site at Homecoming Wales Wales also got lots and lots of castles (over 400 at the last count), the Welsh National Opera (one of the world’s premier Opera Companies), the largest single-span glasshouse in the world (at the National Botanic Garden of Wales), and a cool flag with a Red Dragon on it.

The capital city is Cardiff. The Romans had a fortress there in the first Century AD, but Cardiff ’s a lively youngster really. It was officially designated as capital in 1955, and is home to a large concentration of media and creative types, turning out awardwinning productions like the current incarnation of the legendary Dr. Who series.

April 2009 I Travel Arabia I 41

FAST FACTS FROM THE

PAST

There is a popular song of Dafydd Iwan “Yma O Hyd” (still here) that praises the continuity of the Welsh as a people since the time of Macsen Wledig in the fifth century Macsen is the Welsh name for Magnus Maximus, who may have been the Dux Britanniarum (the Roman leader of Britain) and whose military campaigns on the continent gave him control of the greater part of the Western Empire until he was defeated by Theodosius.

After Magnus had taken the bigger part of the Roman British garrison to Europe with him, Britain lay undefended against the Irish invasions to the west and the Germanic tribes to the east.

Within a hundred years after 410, when the Emperor Honorius had no troops to spare for the British garrisons, the island was completely estranged from Roman

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control, and it was during these years that the Welsh nation came into being.

There is a Welsh expression that translates as “The best Welshmen live outside of Wales,” and it is noticeable that most advocates of Welsh nationhood in the late 18th century lived in London. It was there that the visionary Edward Williams, better known to posterity by his bardic title Iolo Morganwg, in a stirring speech to the London Welsh Society, gave his spellbound listeners a sense of what it meant to belong to the ancient Celtic race and what they could do to ensure that the ancient Welsh traditions became better known and handed down to posterity.

For centuries the people of Wales have taken great pride in the accession

of the Tudors to the throne of Britain.

Yet no Tudor monarch is included in Gwynfor Evans’ “Welsh Nation Builders,” for none of them had the interests of Wales at heart. Nevertheless, when Henry Tudor defeated Richard III at Bosworth Field, it was a matter of great celebration in Wales that at long last a true Welshman (both by origins and upbringing) would be king of Britain, thus fulfilling the ancient prophecies.

In the mid-nineteenth century South Wales, choral societies were founded as one solution to the grave problem of drink. Because of the unsanitary conditions in the rapidly-growing and hurriedly-thrown together housing developments, water was unsafe to drink and beer was drunk in prodigious quantities. This was one of the worst consequences of the industrialization that was rapidly changing the face of the valleys.

The Celts had been in Britain a long time before the first Roman invasion of the British Isles under Julius Caesar in 55 BC which did not lead to any significant occupation. The Roman commander, and later Emperor, had some interesting, if biased comments concerning the native inhabitants. “All the Britons,” he wrote,”paint themselves with woad, which gives their skin a bluish color and makes them look very dreadful in battle” (De Bello Gallico). It was not until a hundred years later, following an expedition ordered by the Emperor Claudius, that a permanent Roman settlement of the grain-rich eastern territories of Britain begun in earnest.

Wales History Wales’s Celtic roots stretch back as far as 1000 BC. That’s a lot of time to cover, but here’s a short chronology to get you started: 1000 BC The Iron Age dawns. Welsh people group themselves into large hill forts, practice farming, and work extensive copper mines.

500 BC The Celts arrive. Despite their fierceness in battle, their lack of political unity leads to their eventual defeat by more disciplined Roman armies.

784 The King of Mercia builds Offa’s Dyke, the first permanent boundary between the Welsh and the English people.

844 Rhodri ap Merfyn becomes king of a small area called Gwynedd. By the time of his death all of Wales is united under his rule.

1066-77 The Normans establish the Marcher Lordships on the borders of Wales. They are reluctant to venture into Wales itself.

1400 Charismatic (but tyrannical) national hero Owain Glyndr begins his rebellion against King Henry IV. By 1404, he had summoned a parliament in Machynlleth, and crowned himself Prince of Wales. By 1408, Owain’s ambitious plans ran out of steam, and this last real uprising against the English Crown was over.

1485 Henry Tudor returns to Wales, landing at Milford Haven. He defeats King Richard at the Battle of Bosworth Field and goes on to become King Henry VII of England.

1768 The copper industry is now using Welsh ore mined at Parys Mountain, the beginning of an industry that would control half the world’s production by the end of the century.

1839 Bute Dock is built at Cardiff, supplying vast amounts of coal to the world’s new navies, and causing Cardiff’s rapid expansion into the largest and most important city in Wales.

1905 Cardiff is elevated to city status. It has experienced a seven-fold population increase in less than 50 years.

1916 David Lloyd George becomes the first Welshman in British history to achieve the position of Prime Minister.

1932 The weekly Welsh-language newspaper, “Y Cymro”, is founded.

1935 The first radio broadcast in Welsh is made.

1946 Welshmen James Griffiths and Aneurin Bevan produce the National Insurance Act which sets up the UK’s welfare state.

1953 Dylan Thomas dies in New York City.

1955 Cardiff is chosen as the nation’s capital.

1977 Radio Cymru and Radio Wales are established.

2000 First Welsh Assembly is formed.

2005 Wales win the Rugby Grand Slam for the first time in far too many years.

Above Phots by: Crown copyright (2009) Visit Wales

April 2009 I Travel Arabia I 43

Culture Traditions Y Nadolig (Christmas) In many parts of Wales up until quite recently, it was the custom to get up very early on Christmas morning to attend the Church service known as Plygain (Daybreak) held between 3 and 6 a.m. To pass the time during the long overnight wait on Christmas Eve, young people would make treacle toffee and decorate their houses with freshly gathered mistletoe and holly. Dancing and singing to the harp under their festoons of greenery, many people spent an enjoyable Christmas Eve with their neighbors until the more serious time arrived to go to church.

Boxing Day As in most of the rest of the British Isles, the day after Christmas Day was always most significant in the day-today events of Wales. Some activities that took place on this day seem peculiarly Welsh, including that of “holly-beating” or “holming.” In this, it was customary for young men and boys to slash the unprotected arms of female domestic servants with holly branches until they bled. In some areas it was the legs that were beaten. In others, it was the custom for the last person to get out of bed in the morning to be beaten with sprigs of holly and made to carry out all the commands of his family

Nos Galan (New Year’s Eve) The activities of the Christmas season came to a climax at the New Year. It has been suggested that the detaching of one’s self from the events of the immediate past and at the beginning of a new future gave the celebration special significance.

One custom associated with the end of the Christmas season, formerly carried out in all parts of Wales but only surviving the vicissitudes of the centuries in a few villages in Glamorganshire, is that of the Mari Lwyd. This consists of a horse’s skull with false ears and eyes attached, along with reins and bells, covered with a white sheet and decorated with colored strips of cloth or bright ribbons and carried around on a pole. The horse’s jaw is operated to open and close usually by a young, agile man, disguised under

44 I Travel Arabia April 2009

the sheet, who carries the Mari Lwyd from door to door accompanied by his companions.

Twelfth Night Twelfth Night was celebrated as the end of Christmastide. The decorations, including holly and mistletoe, were taken down, the burned out Yule Log was removed from the fireplace, and its ashes stored temporarily. These were then buried along with the seeds planted in the ensuing spring to ensure a good harvest.

Feast of the Epiphany Held on January 6th, the Feast of the Epiphany is an important celebration in Wales. In Glamorganshire, a huge loaf or cake was prepared, which was then divided up into three parts to represent Christ, the Virgin Mary and the three Wise Men.

The Wassail To wassail means to be “whole, healthy”, and both Christmas and New Year were marked by wassailing, which included both drinking and singing. The custom seems to have begun as a way of wishing the farmer successful harvests from his fields and the increase of his livestock during the coming year.

Hunting the Wren Another Welsh custom associated with Twelfth Night. A group of young men would go out into the countryside to capture a wren (the smallest bird in the British Isles). The bird would then be placed in a small, decorated cage or bier and carried around from house to house and shown in exchange for money or gifts of food and drink (if a wren could not be found then a poor unfortunate sparrow would have to undergo the ritual).

Y Groglith (Good Friday) Various customs are associated with Good Friday in Wales. Some of the more well documented ones come from the town of Tenby, in Southwest Wales.

Here, business of every kind was totally suspended on this day, with no horse or cart (and very few people) to be seen on the streets at any hour. People also walked

barefoot to church, so as not to “disturb the earth” the sacred burial ground of Christ. On the same day, also in Tenby, the custom was long held of “making Christ’s bed.” A quantity of long reeds was gathered from the river bank and woven by young people into the shape of a human figure. The woven “Christ” was then laid on a wooden cross and left in a quiet part of a field or pasture to rest in peace.

Llun y Pasg (Easter Monday) Hills and mountains have played a great part in the observance of Welsh customs throughout the centuries and the festivities on Easter Day are no exception. In many parts of the country, the celebrations for this most joyful of days begins before sunrise with a procession to the top of the nearby mountain. Crowds of people climb up to the highest point in the area to watch the sun “dance” as it rises through the clouds in honor of the resurrection of Christ.

Other Welsh customs The giving of hand-made wooden love-spoons to one’s sweetheart (or intended lover) seems to be a peculiarly Welsh custom, though the custom of presenting various wooden articles as gifts was widespread in many countries of Europe from the end of the 17th century.

Birth customs Expectant mothers in many parts of Wales had to be very careful what they did before the baby was born. For example, if she stepped over a grave, it was believed that the baby would die soon after birth or would be still-born.

If she dipped her hands into dirty water, the child would grow up having coarse hands. If the child was born under a new moon, it would grow up to be eloquent in speech. If born at night, it would be able to see visions, ghosts and phantom funerals. During the christening ceremony, if the baby held up its head, it would live to be very old. If, however, it allowed its head to fall back or to rest on the arm of the person holding it, the child would die an early death. At some christening ceremonies, specially designed drinking.

GREAT FLAVOURS

killer promo

Apparently not done holding the Guinness Book of World Records for having the longest wooden chopsticks, Marco Polo Hotel’s Chopstix Restaurant is cooking up what its food and beverage director, Renhil Krishnan, described as a “killer offer” that could as well be a record treat.

“It’s going to be one of it’s kind,” Krishnan, visibly excited, told Travel Arabia.

He said the promo will be launched this summer. He declined to say more.

Aside from this, Chopstix will also be offering 50% off on all food from 12 noon to 3:00 pm seven days a week., and is coming up with a special promo in time for the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival, which was scheduled to kick off with the first-ever Dubai Dragon Boat Race competition at Dubai Festival City on Apr. 4.

“We will be coming up with a special menu,” Krishnan said.

What makes Chopstix unique is its menu—Chicken Gold Coin with Sesame Seed; Crispy Lamb; Drunken Dragon Fish; Salt and Pepper Squid; and Coriander Lemon Chicken; and the all-time favorites—wontons and dumplings, among them.

Put in a nice cozy ambiance, and you have fine-dining ala Chopstix.

“When we created the Chopstix, we did not want it to be a typical Chinese restaurant with red lanterns,” said Krishnan. “We wanted something modern and we also wanted something that people, the current generation would be comfortable with. So we got in what we plan… to be a more European-designed furniture with a litttle bit of Chinese touch to it. That’s the concept behind Chopstix,” he added.

Krishnan said they also “stretched it a little bit with the food” to have it cater to, not only Chinese nationals, but Indians and Filipinos as well, who have had exposure to Chinese cuisine in their home countries.

“Chinese food is all over the world,” he said, noting a place in India where Chinese nationals started settling in several decades ago and have brought

46 I Travel Arabia April 2009

Renhil Krishnan Food & Beverage Director,

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with them their dishes.

“We call it Indian Chinese. Lots of our clientele are Indians. So, an added flavour to Chinese food would be to give it an Indian touch—Chinese food which is extremely hot; we give it a chilli flavour,” said Krishnan.

“What we have managed to do is treat the Chinese cuisine that we serve to suit the Indian palate, to suit the European palate, and to suit the Filipino palate,” he added.

Krishnan said Chopstix, which can accommodate up to 53 people, and opened just two years ago, has developed a steadily growing number of regular customers. “There are two things that we work on: One is the loyalty factor; two is the pricing factor. We are not overpriced and we take care of our guests.

This keeps them coming back for more,” he said.

In April last year, The Guinness Book of World Records sent a certificate to Marco Polo Hotel, which houses Chopstix Restaurant, confirming the hotel’s entry as the new longest wooden chopsticks in the world.

At 22.5 feet long, the pair of chopsticks beat the record of China’s Shenyang Province.

The hotel apparently made two pairs to be sure that the final entry measured up to everyone’s expectations.

“Dubai is a city of superlatives,” said Krishnan. “We thought of adding something up to its reputation.”

Watch out for the

With a total of AED 62,000 in prizes at stake, Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club will be holding UAE’s first two-division paintball tournament in a three-day event complete with live radio coverage, barbecue buffet and the biggest exotic and customized car show in what could yet become Sharjah’s paintball shindig.

The shooting breaks loose on Apr. 9 at Sharjah Paintball Park.

According to Mohammed Dabeel, Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club’s paintball manager, the competition is open to two categories—beginners and professional team divisions of five members each. Registration fee is AED500 per team in the beginners division; AED1,000 per team in the professional division.

Deadline for registration is Apr. 7, 2009.

As of writing, (Limited Entries only) he said, 10 teams under the beginners division have confirmed, while five in the professional division have registered.

Dabeel said teams from other countries—Malaysia and Iran—will also be participating. Professional referees from Europe’s Millennium Series will be brought in as well as from Iran, he said. According to Dabeel, prizes for the professional division are as follows: AED 20,000 for first; AED 10,000 for second; and five paintball marker kits worth AED 5,000 for third.

Prizes for the beginners division, on the other hand, are: AED 15,000 for first; AED 7,000 for second; and five paintball marker kits also worth AED 5,000 for third position..

Last year, Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club held a mini paintball competition; there was only one division. “This time,” Dabeel said, “we are hoping to have a bigger tournament.”

He added that Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club plans to have more paintball tourneys in the future with each being bigger than the previous one. “We want to make paintball big in the UAE,” Dabeel said, noting that despite the fact that paintball first started in 1997 in the country, it was only in the past three years that it has slowly started gaining popularity. “There’s a select people in the community who have become aware of the recreational sport and they like it,” Dabeel said.

Sharjah paintball shindig

AMBIENCE

50 I Travel Arabia April 2009

SEA SIDE RESTAURANT IN BURJ AL ARAB

April 2009 I Travel Arabia I 51

TRANQUIL MOMENTS

Time to

“de-stress” Get ready for the Summer.

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Take a pampering break to shed the gloomy days of winter and put stressfree days back into everyone’s step. The assurance of renewal is a promise at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa, providing an ideal haven of relaxation and nurturing, while offering unsurpassed care of mind, body and soul.

From February 27 to June 30, 2009, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain offers a special relaxation package for BD231 per night. The “deStress Package” includes: • Overnight accommodation in a Deluxe Room for two persons • Daily breakfast in La Mediterranee for two persons • deStress massage (50 minutes) for two persons per stay • Aromatherapy oil bath with petals and candles for two persons per stay, prepared in the privacy of the room • Complimentary spa gift • Late check-out at 4 p.m.

The “deStress Package” is available on Fridays and Saturdays for residents of Bahrain and within the GCC. Single Deluxe Room can be booked at BD168 per night. The rates are subject to 20.75% tax and service charge; and subject to rate and room availability at the time of booking. 3 days advance reservation is required.

The beachfront wwRitz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa features 245 rooms and suites, each with unparalleled views of the city or sea. With more than 24,000 square feet of meeting space, the hotel is an ideal choice for important regional and international meetings. The Sports Club & Spa offers an extensive menu of treatments and facilities such as an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts and a magnificent Turkish bath. The 23 villas, each with their own swimming pool, private beach, and 24-hour lifestyle butler provide the ultimate retreat for guests seeking total tranquility.

For more information contact The Ritz-Carlton toll free reservations at 1 (800) 241-3333, your travel consultant or visit www.ritzcarlton.com.

April 2009 I Travel Arabia I 53

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Alegría

A baroque opera about abuse of power Cirque du Soleil’s presentation, which ran for a month from March 5 at Ibn Battuta Mall, was a celebration of the quintessential oeuvre d’art that reminded everyone about tyranny and hope.

Alegria is Spanish and Portugese for “joy.”

But there’s more to it in this operatic production created by Gilles Ste. Croix, who grew up in rural Quebec dreaming about show business, left the place to leave in communes like the hippies and the nomads of his time did, and went full circle to become Cirque du Soleil’s senior vice president.

Alegria is about the lust for power presented in the traditional baroque way—flamboyant costumes, extraordinary lighting and an elaborate set; in-

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deed, an impressive mix of skill, strength and speed combined with elegant, almost ethereal performances.

Alegria inspires such that it reminds everyone how politically incorrect it is to hold on to power despite widespread opposition, and how the world can be a better place if everyone would just do without such bestial greed.

Alegría, a state of mind formed by society’s evolution from monarchial feudalism to popular democracy, is one of the most famous touring troupes by Cirque du Soleil (Circus of the Sun) por-

trayed by characters who have remained despite the social transformations that had occurred—king’s fools, minstrels, beggars, children, and clowns., among them.

Alegria went on show at Ibn Battuta Mall from March 5 to Apr. 5 to an awed audience who all went home with lessons in mind. The month-long run was made possible by Cirque du Soleil’s partnership with Nakheel, one of the world’s largest privately held real estate developers.

From a group of 20 street performers led by Ste. Croix at its beginnings in 1984,

Cirque du Soleil has become a major Quebec-based organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment.

The company has almost 4,000 employees from over 40 different countries, including 1,000 artists. Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to close to 80 million spectators in over 200 cities on five continents. In 2009, Cirque du Soleil will present 18 shows simultaneously throughout the world. The company has received such prestigious awards as the Emmy, Drama Desk, Bambi, ACE, Gémeaux, Félix, and Rose d’Or de Montreux. Cirque du Soleil International Headquarters are in Montreal, Canada.

Photo Credit: Al Seib

Did you know that Two of the current artists belong to the original cast, having performed in over 54,000 shows The oldest artist is 67, and the youngest is 13 Approximately 500 balls of knitting yarn, 1,094 yards of braid, 1,586 yards of lace, 22 pounds of glitter and 2,515 yards of silk jersey are used for the production of the costumes 1,000 buttons and jewels are used for the two singers’ costumes alone!

More than 1,000 springs hold up the Power Track trampoline … end to end that’s 105 meters Over 10,000 kilos of “snow” have been used in the “Storm” act Alegría travels with a ‘village on wheels’ that covers an area of 20 000 m² and is completely self-sufficient for power, water and all essential services. The village includes various offices, a box office, a kitchen and even a school.

Photo Credit: Camirand

April 2009 I Travel Arabia I 55

Looking for the Magic Centre His work, as described by Abdulla Bin Sougat, chief executive officer of Dubai International Financial Centre Lifestyle Group, “celebrates both tradition and modernity.”

Amin Gulgee: traditional forms.

Islamic art. Aesthetic contradictions.

In his words, “I work in order to understand myself. It is a highly personal journey in which I try to discover a balance with my inner self, my culture and my God.” Inspired by the varied and rich spiritual history of his native Pakistan, Gulgee’s work ranges from the purely abstract to creations inspired by Hindu mythology, Buddhist civilisation and Islamic calligraphy. Although diverse, these directions influence and nourish one another for they all attempt to depict the spirituality of man.

For nearly two decades, Gulgee has been creating metal sculptures to explore and express his life, religion, and extended environment. The stability that he attempts to achieve is one that moves beyond false divisions that exist among life, art, and religion.

Out of his self-evaluation has emerged a formal practice that strives to be visually compelling and innovative, while, at the same time, conceptually meaningful to viewers. It possesses a complexity that cannot be explained simplistically.

Gulgee’s work uses traditional forms, drawn from Islamic art, to create thoroughly modern sculptural works in metal.

It also represents several aesthetic contradictions. These dualities coalesce to produce multilayered objects that depict the intricacies of life and art. For example, while he uses elements from tradition, his work is grounded in modernist concepts and visual languages.

Gulgee draws forms from Islamic calligraphy to create his sculptures, but the material he often utilizes —metal— recalls the choice of well known sculptors like August Rodin and Henry Moore, who embraced the revolutionary and anti-academic spirit of modernist art.

His sculptures create three-dimen-

sional representations of Arabic calligraphy in Naskhi and Kufi scripts. The Naskhi script is composed of rounded, flowing letters while the Kufi letters are more rectilinear and do not posses the lyrical movement of the Naskhi script.

In many ways, Kufi text is more appropriate to building a sculpture — its blocky tendency easily results in holistic shapes. Yet, neither of these writing styles were rendered three-dimensionally until very recently. Islamic calligraphy was relegated to manuscripts or as decoration on architecture or objects. Its use as an object itself is a radical break from past practices.

By updating the form that calligraphy can take, while at the same utilising the styles from the past, Gulgee adopts a postmodern mindset and brings together traditional and contemporary art.

In creating his sculpture, Gulgee does not sketch or draw the work. The sculpture is conceived through a fluid, intuitive process, in which shapes appear in his mind. These shapes are then translated directly by the artist into sculptural creations. The entire process of creating the work is an absorbing and highly-charged personal journey.

Joanna Shaw-Eagle, Chief Art Critic of the Washington Times, wrote in her review of the artist’s one-man show at the IMF on Jan. 1, 2000: “Mr. Gulgee is an artist to watch both for the originality of his ideas and the sensuous, handsome quality of his work.”

Well-established in Pakistan, the artist has also exhibited extensively in the USA, Europe, the Middle East and the Far East.

Dubai-based art gallery, Art Space showcased Gulgee’s innovative selection of works in an exhibit entitled, “Looking for the Magic Centre” It was held from Feb. 25 to Mar. 12; and was sponsored by the investment bank Arqaam Capital, a well-capitalized GCC-based financial firm offering investment banking services in the following areas: Capital Markets, Brokerage, Asset Management, Custody, and Principal Finance. The firm has a strong base of institutional shareholders from across the GCC and internationally.

I work to understand myself.

Amin Gulgee, metal sculptor

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A precocious talent who paints with precision and conviction

Archie Sharma

Rejecting modernism, she chose to embrace realism and the depiction of everyday life. An overwhelming sense of reality pervades Archie Sharma’s paintings who has quietly dedicated the last decade to her art—away from the limelight despite her busy schedule.

Her first major exhibition opened at Coral Deira – Dubai on March 1st and ran until March 15th. Sponsored

by Coral Hotels & Resorts, the show was entitled Expressions, and included over 30 paintings in a range of styles—from expressionist narratives to portraits, abstracts, landscapes and animals.

Sharma is a precocious talent having had no formal training in art. Yet, she paints with precision and conviction and has enjoyed considerable success. Born in Delhi, she began painting at the age of 7.

She moved to Dubai in 1980 and has been a senior executive with various organizations. Her work commitments did not allow her enough time to pursue her hobby. However, in 2001 she embarked on a daring exploration of what was then thought irretrievably retrograde: realist paintings.

She rejected modernism and chose instead to embrace realism and the depiction of everyday life.

Over the last decade, Archie has created stunning portraits of people.

She says, “My inspiration comes from people in the various walks of life. I basically paint life around me.”

With the passing years, Archie’s realism intensified. From pencils to charcoals to

acrylics and oils to pastels, it has been a long journey filled with challenges. She individualizes the figures through precise facial expressions that speak volumes about a character’s feelings.

Her meticulous charcoals demonstrate a limberness and flexibility not found in hard-edge paintings. The drawings emphasize volume, in contrast to the flatness characterizing most works.

Sharma is not just a dedicated realist painter but also a disciple of abstraction—sometimes both at once. Recently she began experimenting with big strokes, too. Her broad brushstrokes and their sudden shifts function independently of her subjects. All of which figure almost obsessively in her new paintings.

At times, colours are applied with brazen abandon. From earthy palettes of reds, browns and yellows to more cheerful hues, there is a lot of contrast.

The exhibition, which was held at Rumours Café, was or organized by Marketing Pro-Junction, an events management company.

Pieter Stapel, Coral Deira – Dubai general manager, says Sharma’s work has “a sort of raw personal intimacy which is rare in modern times.”

“From her drawings, she appears as a fearless explorer of styles and techniques. Rather, her paintings portray the versatility of an illustrator or artist who is driven to find new forms for new feelings. I am sure art-lovers in UAE will discover a unique artist who enjoys varied challenges and experiences.’

April 2009 I Travel Arabia I 57

CONNOISSEUR’S CORNER

Opens first Boutique in the UAE

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Harry Winston, the legendary diamond jeweler and timepiece manufacturer, announces the opening of its first watch boutique in Dubai, UAE. Located at the newly opened Atlantis Hotel, the exclusive boutique features some of the most luxurious and highcomplicated timepieces available today.

From the iconic Harry Winston Avenue collection, to the high complicated watches, to the exquisite diamond jewelry watches, each timepiece collection captures Harry Winston’s longstanding tradition of high-quality craftsmanship and innovative designs. Beginning this spring, the boutique will also carry an assortment of Harry Winston’s iconic diamond jewelry collections, including the classic Winston Cluster, Sunflower, and Loop.

“Harry Winston salons are located in the world’s finest shopping destinations. We are delighted to showcase Harry Winston’s exquisite collections in such an outstanding setting,” said Thomas J. O’Neill, chief executive officer of Harry Winston.

“Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons has been a long term partner of Harry Winston in Dubai. The opening of the new boutique at the Atlantis Hotel reflects our continued commitment to the brand and to our customers,” said Chairman, Mr. Abdulmagied Seddiqi.

For nearly a century, Harry Winston’s exquisite jewelry and timepiece designs have inspired customers and connoisseurs. From international royalty to Hollywood elite to industry leaders, a discerning clientele has long recognized Harry Winston as the ultimate diamond jeweler and a true international luxury brand.

For additional information on Harry Winston, or to view their jewelry and timepiece collections, please visit our website at www.harrywinston.com

Marquise Sunglasse

LOUIS VUITTON

“ When we decided to go into making sunglasses we looked at icons and legends in a way to have such a presence and such a force, you know anyone from the past or present, rock star to movie stars, anybody whose choice of eyewear or sunglasses in a sort of resonates the dialogue about sunglasses, to actually having sunglasses materialized.” Marc Jacobs Louis Vuitton enlarges its collection of sunglasses with the launch a very modern new line “The Marquise” sunglasses which present a strong squared vintage style for young and fashion clientele.

Colours are using the Leopard print, created by Stephen Sprouse, famous underground artist of the 80’s who created the Monogram Graffiti line in collaboration with Artistic Director Marc Jacobs.

This pattern created during the original collaboration with Stephen Sprouse wasn’t edited before Louis Vuitton Fall/

Winter 2006-2007 collection, when Marc Jacobs paid tribute to his friend.

The technical aspect of this new collection is in line with the legendary utmost quality, functional and aesthetic standards of the famous House. The Lenses are large for a perfect vision and UV protective for an optimal comfort.

The vision through the lenses is colourenhanced and a delicate Louis Vuitton logo is engraved on the right lens for a very elegant and glamorous style.

Frames in acetate are not moulded, injected or varnished, but cut and polished by hand, while the substance itself grows more beautiful over time, like fine leather. Louis Vuitton logo, like graffiti, is inserted into acetate arm, using the utmost technique of marquetry.

The Marquise model is available in two colours: brown leopard and grey leopard.

The Da Vinci has arrived in the digital age

The latest model in the Da Vinci collection is another milestone in haute horlogerie: its digital displays make not just every day, but every month too, into a significant event.

Its flyback chronograph sets the standard. This watch harks back to the earliest digital-display timepieces from Schaffhausen of more than a hundred years ago.

To put this into historical perspective, we have to go back 125 years in the company’s history. That was the start of the licensing agreement between inventor Josef Pallweber from Salzburg and IWC in Schaffhausen, opening up an important chapter in the story of watchmaking. However, IWC pocket watches with a digital time display were only a short-lived phenomenon, and the new Da Vinci model follows only indirectly in the footsteps of the “Pallweber watches”, which are now highly prized collectors’ items.

As the name of the watch says, the calendar is programmed for perpetuity. However, owners of the new Da Vinci model need to understand the special rules governing leap years under the Gregorian calendar. Every fourth year is, of course, a leap year. Each hundredth year is not a leap year unless it is divisible by 400. For owners of the watch, this means that it has to be advanced by one day only once every 100 years, with the exception of years divisible by 400. After advancing the date by one day on 1 March 2100, its owners need not adjust the calendar again for another 100 years.

In months that have fewer than 31 days the calendar also changes automatically by one none existent day or at the end of February in none leap years by three days.

April 2009 I Travel Arabia I 59

PROPERTY

Europe’s Oetker Hotel Collection to manage Le Bristol Abu Dhabi With 250 luxury guest rooms, a gourmet restaurant, high-end café, and a superb spa among other amenities, Le Bristol Abu Dhabi, which will be managed by the Oetker Hotel Collection, one of Europe’s most prestigious luxury hotel companies, will certainly be another exciting addition to Abu Dhabi’s hospitality industry.

“Superbly located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, this city resort will bring a new dimension of classic European hotel luxury and style infused with French flair to Abu Dhabi. The hotel will extend unparalleled service levels, which will reflect the highly individualized nature of its Parisian sister hotel.” HE Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, chairman of National Corporation for Tourism and Hotels, said.

HE Sheikh Hamdan’s remarks came following his recent announcement that NCTH has chosen Le Bristol Paris, which is owned by Oetker Hotel Collection, to operate Le Bristol Abu Dhabi.

The ultra-deluxe hotel which is currently under construction, is scheduled to open in 2012 and will definitely set new standards in the hospitality sector in the Middle East.

HE Sheikh Hamdan said NCHT has chosen the family-owned Oetker Hotel Collection due to its selective acquisitions as a long-term engagement and its distinctive tastes for outstanding locations.

Once completed, Le Bristol Abu Dhabi will feature 250 luxury guestrooms with

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a minimum size of 40 square metres, and suites with private fitness and amenities.

Guest facilities and services will include various exciting and contemporary gastronomic choices with a high market café and a gourmet restaurant, a selection of banqueting rooms with daylight and stunning seaside views for up to 300 persons.

A superb spa inspired by the Brenner’s Park-Hotel & Spa in Baden-Baden, also a member of the Oetker Hotel Collection and long considered as one of the best spas in Europe, will also be among the resort’s highlights.

A private beach and a private marina next to the hotel will complement this wonderful ensemble.

“We are aware of the strength, unique heritage and reputation of the name Hotel Le Bristol Paris. It was awarded as ‘2008 World’s Best Hotel’ by The Institutional

Investor – one of the most renowned business publications,” HE Sheikh Hamdan said.

Le Bristol Paris, a symbol of luxury and joie de vivre, is located on the worldfamous rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré; and, like the other hotels of the collection has also been recognized for the quality of its innovative gastronomy awarded by the most demanding guides.

“We are thrilled to be part of the impressive tourism development which contains all aspects of Abu Dhabi’s heritage and culture while protecting its natural resources. Complementing the impressive cultural line-up under development, such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Museum among others, we are excited to bring the finest European hotel heritage of peerless quality to Abu Dhabi. Beyond doubt, it will blend perfectly with the legendary Arabic hospitality,” said Frank Marrenbach, CEO of the Oetker Hotel Collection.

The hotels of the Oetker Hotel Collection are where the ultimate in European hospitality is celebrated, where elegance is experienced in magnificent settings and where social and cultural exchange is cultivated. For leisure and business guests alike, the name Oetker Hotel Collection has long been associated with style, nobility and efficiency. The hotels are cultural treasures maintained for future generations to experience as each one is rooted in the tradition of European grand hotel keeping and at the same time dedicated to looking towards the future.

Dr Ernst F. Schröder, General Partner of Oetker Group, sheds light on a scale model of Le Bristol Abu Dhabi as Frank Marrenbach, CEO of the Oetker Hotel Collection (extreme left), HE Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, chairman of National Corporation for Tourism and Hotels (second from left), and Sultan Ghanoum Al Hamely, CEO of NCTH (extreme right) look on

Realty Capital’s AED 1.7B i-Rise project to become a popular landmark Realty Capital has announced that construction on its centerpiece i-Rise business tower project remains on schedule and will finish on time for the tower’s announced mid-2010 completion date.

The casting of the tower’s 4th podium floor slab was underway as of writing and will be completed within a week, while works for the 5th podium level were already in progress. Mechanical, electrical and plumbing installations as well as block-works were also ongoing at the basement and podium levels.

The 1.8 million sq. ft. development will become one of the largest office towers in the region upon its completion.

“We take pride in handling one of the most awaited projects in Dubai, which has been able to proceed despite today’s challenging business conditions. We assure our clients and partners that work on i-Rise is going smoothly and that we shall continue to anticipate and effectively manage all potential challenges,” said Marwan Mansour, CEO, Realty Capital.

Strategically located at TECOM Site-C, Dubai’s Technology and Media Free Zone, the AED 1-billion, 37-storey i-Rise is poised to become a popular landmark due to its unique curvilinear design. The business tower will feature a specially treated podium façade; modern executive and corporate offices; 19 high-speed elevators, dining establishments; commercial space; a fitness centre; a helipad; and a multi-storey car park.

DINING PROMOTIONS

Easter Gastromania!!

From a succulent selection of seafood to teppanyaki and sushi treats, beef yakitori, Arabic buffets, hot and spicy Asian cuisine, and dim sum, among others, prepared by seasoned chefs born with refined palates, this month’s selection of gourmet dining list promises to bring out the epicure—or the gourmand?—in you.

Al Bustan Rotana Dubai Choices Restaurant Make your way to the hotel’s Choices Restaurant for an egg-citing colourful Easter with the restaurant’s exquisite Brunch on Sunday, 12th April. Showcasing a very wide buffet of the finest international dishes extended into the magnificent lobby, Choices has definitely something for any cuisine you crave.

The hotel’s master chefs will readily spoil you with the freshest cuisine prepared to perfection at the live cooking stations, as a band playing live music completes the exceptional ambience. Kids

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There are some good news for the parents – your children will be taken a good care of in a dedicated kids corner with joyful games and exciting Egg Hunt.

The offers of the Mega Easter Brunch are priced at AED 179* net per person inclusive of soft drinks and juices and AED 199* net per person with unlimited selected beverages.

For reservations and more information, please call (04) 3211111 or e-mail fb.almurooj@rotana.com.

Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi Rosebuds

will also have their own Easter party as they enjoy their own buffet of yummy treats and lots of fun activities including face-painting and games with the clown.

For reservations and further inquiries, please call 04-7054818. Prices are inclusive of 10% service charge and 10% municipality fees.

An Easter Buffet second to none with a wide selection of Easter goodies.

Bring the kids for an unforgettable day of bouncy castles, kids games and Easter Egg hunts at only AED 150* The above price is subject to 10% service charge and 6% tourism fee.

Al Murooj Rotana Dubai

Finz

Pergolas Restaurant The team of chefs in Al Murooj Rotana Dubai has prepared special lavish buffet menu for the occasion featuring traditional Easter dishes and much mor

Michelin stars at Finz With Michelin star Chef Joel Garault and Master Patissier Chef Benoit Perruchon-Monge

Café Columbia Chocolate Festival from 26th to 30th of April, 2009

110 per child. For reservations, please call +971 4 390 5600.

Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club Tuck into an Easter brunch buffet featuring a wide selection of international favourites, at the Palermo restaurant, overlooking the polo field. Loads of fun activities for your little ones will ensure they are entertained as you relax. End the outing on a sweet note with delectable dessert. Please call +9714 361 8111 for more information.

Arabian Ranches Golf Club Enjoy a delicious international themed brunch at the Ranches Restaurant. There are a wide variety of activities and treats planned for the children, The only difference between you & a great pastry chef is a pretty plate.

Come and taste the difference!

Rosebuds Nights with a Twist Saturday’s: British Twist – The English connection. Dhs 157* per person.7pm-10:30pm Sunday’s: Asian Twist – A dash of Asia .Dhs 157* per person. 7pm-10:30pm Monday’s: Curry Twist – Curries of the world. Dhs 157* per person.7pm10:30pm Tuesday’s: Oriental Twist – The magic lives on. Dhs 157* per person.7pm10:30pm Wednesday’s: Latino Night – Rumba meets Salsa. Dhs 157* per person. 7pm10:30pm Thursday’s: Seafood Night – Get hooked. Dhs 209* per person. 7pm10:30pm Friday’s Mediterranean twist – Subtle Flavors, wave after wave. Dhs 157* per person. 7pm-10:30pm The Brunch - Start the weekend with a great brunch, tastes that will leave you wanting more. Dhs 174* per person. *All prices are net including the 10% service charge & 6% tourism fee

Thursday’s: Garden Fest Night – German Buffet in the Beer garden. Dhs 122* per person. 7pm-11:30pm. *All prices are net including the 10% service charge & 6% tourism fee

Benihana Just Sushi (Saturdays) Seductive variations of Sushi & Sashimi, tempting Tempura. tantalizing Miso soup and more. Just Sushi, every Saturday.

Emaar Hospitality The Montgomerie, Dubai Join in our carnival-style Easter celebration on the lawn, with thrilling activities for kids, including a bouncy castle.

The Easter Bunny will make a guest appearance to invite children to join the egg hunt and search for hidden treasure.

There’s a delicious buffet for the young ones and guaranteed prizes for all. AED

Brauhaus Theme Nights Monday’s: Bavarian Night – German Buffet in the Beer garden. Dhs 122* per person. 7pm-11:30pm.

Wednesday’s: Mussels from Brussels – A la carte menu. Dhs 110* per person.

7pm-11:30pm.

April 2009 I Travel Arabia I 63

including an exciting egg hunt, character appearance, face painting and of course tasty delights like candy floss and popcorrn.

For reservations, please call +971 4 360 7935.

The Palace—The Old Town Relax in the sun and enjoy a fabulous brunch buffet on the terrace of Ewaan, the Oriental restaurant. Enjoy a combination of traditional Arabic specialities and continental cuisine with a wide selection of pastries and diverse gourmet surprises at live cooking stations. The overall traditional Arabian decor adds a certain charm. For more information, please call +971 4 428 7888.

Dubai Marina Yacht Club Spend a memorable Easter with your loved ones overlooking the waterways of the Dubai Marina at a special Friday Brunch featuring a variety of specially created seafood dishes and International specialties from the buffet.

12:30pm to 3:00pm AED 300 per person, all inclusive For more information please call 04 362 7900.

Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa Munchi Our Teppanyaki treats will surely take you higher! As we welcome our new Teppanyaki Restaurant and bar on the 1st level of Munchi. Enjoy sumptuous set menus starting from AED 175* per person, and try varieties of Teppanyaki

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delights from seafood, chicken, lamb and beef. For more information please call Restaurant Reservations at the Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa on +971 4 399 5000 ext 4257 or email hgrs.fbreservation@ habtoorhotels.com

Al Manara beach bar Enjoy the sea, sun and sand with our BBQ Friday Brunch and splash in the warm Arabian Gulf with the included all day beach access for AED 350* per person. For more information please call Restaurant Reservations at the Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa on +971 4 399 5000 or email hgrs.fbreservation@habtoorhotels.com

Holiday Inn Dubai – Al Barsha The Royal Buddha The Royal Buddha at the Holiday Inn, Dubai is all set to roll out a royal treat for Thai New Year celebrations on April 13.

For Reservations call: +971 4 323 4333

The Royal Buddha Xennya The Gem Garden Starting from April 1st, The Holiday Inn Dubai – Al Barsha will introduce a special low calorie menu – Powwer Eat Options - to its daily menu that will not only help you keep count of the calories you are consuming, but will also help you banish the feeling of guilt that comes in immediately after a sumptuous fine dining experience. For Reservations call: +971 4 323 4333

Jebel Ali International Hotels

Dinner Cruise on the Creek Cruise down the enchanting Dubai Creek under the starlit sky in air-conditioned comfort onboard the unique Bateaux Dubai. Enjoy this unforgettable luxury cruise experience on water for only AED 325* per person including a welcome beverage and four-course gourmet dinner. For more details please contact Bateaux Dubai on 04 399 4994 or e-mail mail@bateauxdubai.com.

Cruise Vouchers Looking for the perfect gift? For any

GREAT FLAVOURS tasting menu or sociable trays of canapés, the options are endless. For more details please contact Bateaux Dubai on 04 399 4994 or e-mail mail@bateauxdubai.com. *Above prices are inclusive of 10% municipality fee and 10% service charge.

Offers are valid from 1st until 30th April 2009 or as stated in promotion.

Media Rotana Dubai-Al Barsha South Channels Restaurant Celebrate the Easter Spirit on the 12th of April with your loved ones at Channels Restaurant. Lots of surprises with the traditional Easter buffet for just AED 139* net per person or AED 159* net per person including standard selected beverages or AED 179* net per person inclusive of premium selected beverages. *prices are inclusive of 10% service charge

Prego’s!

occasion treat your top clients, colleagues or loved ones to a Bateaux Dubai cruise voucher and let them enjoy this unforgettable dining experience. For more details please contact Bateaux Dubai on 04 399 4994 or e-mail mail@bateauxdubai.com.

Lunch Cruise Charters Dubai’s ultimate dining experience, the Bateaux Dubai, is offering special rates and tailor-made packages for all groups and charters. Whether it is a power lunch with a set menu, a gourmet

66 I Travel Arabia April 2009

Prego’s is introducing the finest business lunch in town. Ditch the PDAs for cutlery and tuck into a well deserved fare at Prego’s from Saturday to Thursday, 12 noon till 3:30 pm with a 30% off the regular menu.

With free valet parking and express service, your lunch gets even more leisurely.

Bon appétit! *Price is inclusive of 10% Service Charge.

For reservation or more information, please call 04-435 0000 E-mail: fb.media@rotana.com

Le Meridien Abu Dhabi Al Finjan Lounge La Brasserie

The Village On April 12, Le Méridien Abu Dhabi will celebrate an activities-filled family day with entertainment to celebrate the Easter festivities.

Easter goodies takeaways, chocolate eggs & bunnies will be available for purchase at Al Finjan Lounge.

Easter lunch buffet at La Brasserie and the Village. Lunch begins from 13:00 to15:30.

Prices for adults AED 175 net, children (5-12 yrs) AED 88 net including water. Tickets will be sold at the Village soon.

For more information or for reservation please call Le Méridien hotel Abu Dhabi at 02 644 6666 or email us at lemeridien.abudhabi@lemeridien.com

Park Hyatt Dubai Traiteur Starting in April 2009, Park Hyatt Dubai will take you on an exciting gastronomic exploration of food in our exclusive, tailor-made masterclasses with Executive Chef Steffen Gube and his team.

Prices for each masterclass start from AED295 per person, which includes lunch or dinner (prepared by the class) and soft beverages. Masterclasses that also include a glass of champagne or premium wine start from AED445 per person. The “Masterclass at the Park” sessions are priced from AED295 per person, including soft beverages, or from AED445, including a glass of champagne or premium wine. For more information or to make a reservation, please call 04 602 1804 or email jeanette.bulaqui@ hyatt.com.

Shisha at the Park

Park Hyatt Dubai presents “Shisha at the Park”, a lounge-style set-up, including richly coloured sofas, cushions, candles, Arabic café cuisine and shisha. “Shisha at the Park”, overlooking the picturesque marina and Dubai Creek, is available from 6:00pm to 1:00am daily.

Traiteur Every Friday, guests can experience a wide variety of culinary delights from the Traiteur kitchen, available from 12:30pm to 4:00pm.

Veal Bacon to Roasted Pumpkin with Toasted Almonds. A variety of cuisine is also on offer from the piazza area outside Traiteur. From the live grill station here, choose Marinated Lamb Chops, Chicken and Beef Tenderloin with Mediterranean Vegetables, and not to forget the SpitRoasted Suckling Pig with condiments!

As for desserts, an extensive buffet is set up inside Traiteur’s private dining room (also referred to as The Chef ’s Table), in addition to live dessert stations.

The “Champagne Brunch at the Park” is served every Friday between 12:30pm and 4:00pm, and includes Veuve Clicquot champagne. It is priced at AED550 per person. Reservations are recommended; please call 04 317 2222.

The Thai Kitchen The Thai Kitchen features the flavours, colours and aromas of authentic Thai cuisine.

The Thai Kitchen’s Friday Lunch is available between 12:30pm and 4:00pm, and priced at AED175 per person, including soft drinks, or AED225 per person, including soft drinks, beer and wine.

Reservations are recommended; please call 04 317 2222.

Café Arabesque Café Arabesque celebrates the culinary influences of the Levant region.

Chef Hani Alfarran is pleased to introduce new items to the menu.

Café Arabesque’s Friday Family Lunch is priced at AED129 per person, including soft drinks. Children under 12 receive a 50% discount. For reservations, please call 04 317 2222.

The Terrace The Terrace is the perfect venue to relax and enjoy the sunset overlooking the marina.

The Terrace offers an à la carte menu every Friday from 4:00pm to 1.00am.

Renaissance Dubai Hotel Spice Island Be seduced with the hot and spicy Sri Lankan cuisine which reflects the culinary influences of the Portuguese, Dutch, British, Moors and Malays. Get a chance to win a BENQ computer, earn and redeem AIRMILES points when you dine at Spice Island.

Premium Experience Dhs. 289/-

Spice Island

The Thai Kitchen Every Saturday, The Thai Kitchen offers Juhm Jihm, or hot pot. Priced at AED130 per person (minimum order is for two people), the hot pot is in keeping with the much-praised high standards of Chef Supattra. The Thai Kitchen Juhm Jihm Night (Saturdays) is priced at AED130 per person, with a minimum order for two people. For reservations, please call 04 317 2222.

The Lounge Located in the heart of the hotel where large windows overlook Dubai Creek, The Lounge is surrounded by several water features and a central indoor garden, providing a peaceful haven where guests can savour one of the most beloved of English rituals, afternoon high tea. Served from 3:00pm to 7:00pm daily, afternoon Tea is priced at AED115 per couple.

Starting 7 March, The Lounge will be open from 7:00am until 1:00am only.

April 2009 I Travel Arabia I 67

It’s a grand family celebration at Spice Island with an egg-citing Easter buffet with filled with chocolate bunnies and eggs.

Sails Pamper that one person that has made your working life stress free - your secretary. Lunch priced at Dhs. 111/- for two persons including still water.

Harry’s Place New Orleans comes to Harry’s. Corn breaded seafood, Gumbos, Jambalaya and Blacked Salmon are just some of the Creole specialties originating from African, European, Caribbean and American influences.

Priced 119/- including two beers per person Enjoy an energizing lunch special at Dhs 78/-net including one soup & main course plus one house beverage.

Aquarium Lounge Enjoy the fresh taste of our specially made Strawberry delights – strawberry mousse cake, strawberry tart, chocolatestrawberry cake, pistachio - strawberry mousse cake.

Dhs. 18/- per piece

Tiki Bar Celebrate Retro! Enjoy classic cocktails such as Bloody Mary, Whisky Sour, Mai Tai and Cosmopolitan.

Shangri-La Hotel Abu Dhabi Shang Palace Spoil yourself to a crustacean treat this month in Shang Palace. From 6-19 April, witness the Crab Festival in Shang Palace and relish mouth-watering crustacean dishes served a la carte.

Shang Palace is open daily for lunch from 12nn to 3pm, and dinner at 7:30pm to 12mn.

Hoi An Indulge in traditional authentic Vietnamese noodles this April in Hoi An. From 15-24 of this month, experience Vietnamese egg noodles, rice noodles and stick noodles amongst many others.

All noodle dishes are priced at Dhs99++ as main course.

Hoi An is open daily for dinner from 7pm to 11pm.

Sofra bld.

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A wide variety of Ice Cream Sundaes, Smoothies, Milk Shakes, Waffles, Pancakes and Flambé Fruits with Ice Cream.

Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort Flavours This Easter, Flavours Restaurant is transforming into an Easter paradise.

Easter Brunch in Flavours gives you time for the people that matter most. A special visit by a clown and a magician lights up Get your kids into thrilling activities this Easter Sunday at Sofra bld. Buffet includes free flow of soft drinks, juices, selected wine and beer and is priced at Dhs 220++ per person.

Fridays Beach & Brunch for AED 300 Now you can enjoy the famous Sheraton Friday Brunch, the only sumptuous Brunch with a view; enjoy an extensive buffet with the scenery of the beautiful hotel Garden along with a full day access to the hotel beach & swimming pool.

Throughout April Fresh Dessert station in Azure Bar & Restaurant!

A wide variety of Ice Cream Sundaes, Smoothies, Milk Shakes, Waffles, Pancakes and Flambé Fruits with Ice Cream.

The Terrace Celebrate the special occasion of Easter joy with your family and friends at The Terrace, at Sheraton Deira Hotel.

A tempting luncheon buffet awaits you from 12 noon till 3pm for only Dhs. 120 net per person. Call 6068615 for reservations and more information.

It is Salmon all the way this April at The Terrace restaurant, at Sheraton Deira Hotel. Salmon dainties will be available for lunch from 12 noon till 3pm, starting price at Dhs. 40.00net.

The Terrace

Easter Brunch @the Palm Garden

Weekend Extravaganza

Sheraton Deira Hotel

The Terrace

Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort & Towers Traditional Easter Brunch including Live cooking activities such as Pizza & Pasta, Chinese Corner, Whole Lamb Roasting on a Spit (Place real Grass on the Buffet Tables as well as a variety of Eggs (Bigger and smaller) Several activities such as Henna Painting, Egg painting and Hunting, Face painting, Clowns, Petting Farm along with a Duo playing live music as entertainment

free cognac to go with your smoke. Let us put a spell on you….

For reservations, please call 02 697 0238

Experience finger licking Italian dainties! Just hop over to dine at The Terrace restaurant, Sheraton Deira Hotel, young faces, and creations by Executive Chef Fabien, make the day memorable.

El Sombrero Come to El Sombrero and choose from a selection of US Angus meat, your favorite cut will be grilled to your desire and served with a wide selection of condiments and sauces created by Chef Salvador. Whilst you’re at it, why not share a jug of frozen Margarita.

every Monday from 7.30 pm to 11.30 pm to partake from a lavish Italian buffet at AED 99 only.

Savour the regional and national specCall 04- 2688888 Ext. 5320 for more details.

Sheraton Dubai Creek Vivaldi

Azure Bar & Restaurant Cloud nine Come on over to Cloud Nine for Cohiba Cigars, which were introduced only in 1968, and quickly became the flagship brand of the Cuban cigars industry. Try this famous cigar and we will offer you a

Derived from the Arabic word ‘za’faran’ meaning yellow, Saffron is considered the most expensive spice in the world because every step of its cultivation is done by hand, from picking of the flowers to plucking the reddish-orange stigmas off each bloom. By using just the precise amount of saffron into a dish will impart a somewhat spicy yet wonderfully bitter flavour.

information, please call: 04 428 7961 or email: Thiptara@thepalace-dubai.com

Ewaan Relax in the sunshine and enjoy a fabulous brunch buffet on the terrace of Ewaan, the Oriental restaurant at The Palace - The Old Town.

For reservations and more information, please call: 04 428 7951 or email: Ewaan@thepalace-dubai.com

Tower Rotana Dubai “Flavours from Italy” Every Thursday & Friday. For only Dhs179* per person *The Price is inclusive of 10% municipality fees and 10% service charge

Traders Hotel Dubai The Junction Traders Hotel, Dubai is offering a Special Easter Friday brunch on 10 April 2009 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at The Junction restaurant, located next to the Lobby Lounge. For reservations, call (04) 214 7272.

Saffron takes centre stage at Vivaldi for the month of April.

Creekside Throughout the month of April, Chef Narit carefully selects the freshest baby hammour for each day and have them splendidly styled the Japanese way.

Ashiana Head down to Ashiana for a spicylicious journey with Chef Gaurav for the month of April as he entices you with a variety of hot dishes. SPrice : From AED66 net per dish.

The Lobby Café & Chelsea Arms Pub Try the crispy Lamb Fillet paired with Eggplants Salad or the Braised Lamb Knuckle with Arabic Beats cooked with Lamb Meat at the fuss-free café or the traditional English Pub.

Palermo Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club Following on from its success at Nineteen, our culinary maestros from Emaar Hospitality Group and The Address Hotels + Resorts are back to tan-

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talize your taste buds. The dinner will be priced at AED 290 all inclusive. Please call +9714 361 8111 for more information.

The Palace Thiptara Experience a selection of the finest Royal Thai cuisine while sharing with friends and family a selective menu specially designed for celebrating the Thai New Year. For reservations and more

ARABIAN GALLERY

DUBAI CREEK SIDE

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April 2009 I Travel Arabia I 73

INDUSTRY NEWS

Dubai Airports wins best airport awards

Sheikh Ahmed (centre) receives the awards in his office from Paul Griffiths, Dubai Airports CEO and Anita Mehra Homayoun, VP, Marketing and Corporate Communications.

Dubai International has won top awards for best airport in the recently announced Selling Long Haul Awards and Business Traveller Awards (Germany), both organised by prestigious travel publications.

Dubai International was voted by travel agents as the Best Long Haul Airport for 2008 through the Selling Long Haul magazine, while readers of the Business Traveller Germany chose Dubai International as the Best Airport in the Middle East (2008).

HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) and Chairman of Dubai Airports said, “International honours from industry publication as prestigious as Selling Long Haul and Business Traveller are recognitions of our ongoing efforts to provide the highest standard of service, and the best of facilities to the millions of passengers who travel through Dubai International each year,” he said.

Passenger traffic at Dubai International reached 37.4 million in 2008 – up 9 per cent over 2007, probably the highest growth rate registered last year by any of

74 I Travel Arabia April 2009

the top ten busiest airports in the world.

Commenting on Dubai International’s success at the awards, Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports said one of the awards represents appreciation from the travel trade industry while the other signifies recognition from the individual traveller. “It shows we are heading in the right direction in terms of customer service and we are extremely delighted,” he said.

Griffiths added: “We’ve had the busiest summer in the history of Dubai International in 2008 just before Terminal 3 opened on October 14, but our customeroriented approach led to the implementation of practical solutions we were able not only to maintain but further enhance the overall customer experience at the airport. The flawless opening of Terminal 3, which has been hailed the world over by the aviation industry, the media and most importantly our customers, as the most successful launch of a terminal in history, is an indicator of our capabilities and our intentions. I am confident we will be able to make groundbreaking enhancements in the quality of our customer service in the time to come.”

Jet Airways and Malaysia Airlines enhance travel privileges Jet Airways, India’s premier international airline and Malaysia Airlines have signed a code share and network-wide reciprocal Frequent Flyer partnership to provide its customers with enhanced travel connectivity and privileges.

Customers will enjoy a wider choice of flights, convenient onward connections in India and Malaysia with seamless transfers and through check-in, and the perks of frequent flyer membership.

Jet Airways will place its “9W” flight code on Malaysia Airlines’ flights operating between Kuala Lumpur and 5 major Indian cities, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru (Bangalore) and Hyderabad.

In return, Malaysia Airlines will place its “MH” code on Jet Airways’ daily services between Chennai and Kuala Lumpur.

Tickets will be available for purchase from 25 February 2009 for travel commencing 3 March 2009.

In addition, customers will be able to earn and redeem miles when they travel with the respective airlines. This will benefit some 3 million customers comprising Jet Airways’ 1.5 million JetPrivilege members and Malaysia Airlines’ 1.5 million Enrich members.

Jet Airways chairman, Naresh Goyal said, “In addition to providing air travellers with a greater choice of flights between India and Kuala Lumpur, this new codeshare agreement will offer customers of both our airlines with greater access to each other’s expanding global networks. They will enjoy a seamless travel experience, as well as the very high service standards that have earned both airlines global acclaim.”

Malaysia Airlines managing director and chief executive officer, Dato’ Sri Idris Jala, for his part, said that he was “delighted to partner with Jet Airways as Malaysia Airlines work towards expanding and strengthening our hub-and-spoke network.

“This will allow us to capture untapped traffic from secondary points in India through the 5 Indian gateways onto MH’s network. ” Jet Airways and Malaysia Airlines currently have interline agreements for domestic points across India and Malaysia.

Travelport Celebrates New operations in UAE

Travelport GDS, one of the world’s leading global distribution system (GDS) providers, has marked the official launch of its new direct Galileo operations in the UAE with a special gala event held at the Palm Atlantis in Dubai.

The anticipated launch follows Travelport’s major investment in a direct

GDS support network for the UAE’s travel trade, significantly ramping up the company’s local resources with new offices in Dubai, and soon Abu Dhabi, to serve the needs of Galileo-connected agents across the country.

Since Travelport GDS opened for direct business at the beginning of the year,

an increasing number of travel agencies have either renewed their Galileo subscription or migrated to the booking system, reinforcing the brand’s position as the leading GDS in the UAE. “The significant progress we have made in establishing our market presence in the UAE clearly demonstrates our capabilities as a direct operation for travel agents and the continued strength of the Galileo offering,” said Rabih Saab, Vice-President, Travelport GDS Middle East.

Leveraging the company’s worldclass technology and support, Travelport provides UAE travel agents with the highest level of service and innovation, offering the travel industry’s most advanced solutions to help agents provide the best value to their customers.

With more than 20 years experience in the UAE operating the Galileo platform, Travelport GDS remains uniquely positioned to meet the needs of local travel agents, equipped with in-depth product and market knowledge to meet their growing requirements.

Travelport GDS is one of the world’s leading global distribution system (GDS) providers, operating both the Galileo and Worldspan platforms, providing real-time travel information and booking capabilities to online and offline travel agencies in over 145 countries. It also operates Travelport Business Intelligence which provides marketing and other critical data to the industry; and IT Services & Software, which offers mission critical reservations, related software and services management to the world’s leading airlines. Travelport GDS is a convergence of traditional and online travel distribution services that empower airlines, travel suppliers, travel agencies, Web sites and corporations to provide informed choice to travellers on a global platform. Travelport GDS is a division of Travelport, one of the world’s largest travel conglomerates offering broad based business services to companies operating in the global travel industry.

More information about Travelport GDS is available at www.travelport.com For media enquiries, please contact: Alana Ngoh PR Manager, Travelport GDS Middle East Tel +971 4 607 0548 Mob: + 971 5 810 0972 E-mail: alana.ngoh@travelport.com

April 2009 I Travel Arabia I 75

Grand Hyatt Doha offers home away from home

Grand Hyatt Doha, which opened in March, will provide the highest quality accommodation to the growing numbers of in-bound travelers visiting Qatar as a destination for business, culture and sport.

In addition to the 249 luxurious guest rooms, the hotel will offer 91 private residences, with a choice of two, three or four bedrooms. The residences provide a sanctuary of comfort and convenience for those who prefer the home essentials while enjoying the full services, facilities and amenities of the hotel.

“Qatar is experiencing dramatic growth as a hub for business, tourism and commerce. The Grand Hyatt Doha residences will act as a home away from home for travellers and accommodate both long and short term visitors to the capital,” says Garry Friend, general manager, Grand Hyatt Doha.

The residences include living and dining areas with fully fitted kitchens in addition to spacious bedrooms and bathrooms. Each has a private balcony facing the landscaped gardens and a dedicated car park.

Each residence is well appointed with multiple flat-screen televisions, iPod docking stations, dual line and wireless telephones, Internet access and a safety deposit box.

Residents will enjoy exclusive use of a swimming pool and access to the hotel’s business centre, spa and recreational facilities. Guests can stroll along the 400 m long pristine white sand beach or engage

76 I Travel Arabia April 2009

in adventurous water sport activities.

They can also relax in the three outdoor pools or exercise in the 25 m indoor lap pool.

Conveniently situated in Doha’s new West Bay Lagoon district, Grand Hyatt Doha is located just minutes from the city’s financial and commercial centers, places of cultural and historical interest, and Doha International Airport.

The opening of Grand Hyatt Doha will further strengthen the presence of Global Hyatt in the fast-growing Middle East region. Park Hyatt Dubai, Grand Hyatt Dubai, Hyatt Regency Dubai and Grand Hyatt Muscat have established themselves as leading hotels in the region, winning international awards for service and style.

Air Arabia, Dubai Islamic Bank launch e-ticket payment service Air Arabia, the first and largest lowcost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa, and Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), the world’s first full-fledged Islamic bank, has launched a fast and convenient ticket payment facility for Air Arabia customers via DIB’s electronic banking channels.

Through this service, ticket payments can now be made anywhere in the UAE through DIB’s Cash Deposit Machines (CDM).

Dubai Islamic Bank is currently in the process of enabling Air Arabia payments through the bank’s e-channel network, including Internet banking, mobile banking, phone banking, and Automated Teller Machines (ATM).

“Dubai Bank is happy to partner with Air Arabia in integrating the airline’s reservation system with our payment channels.

This will greatly enhance convenience for customers who make airline ticket payments via our wide network of ATMs and CDMs, as well as through our state-of-theart internet and mobile banking facilities,” said Mohamed Amiri, Head of Retail Banking at Dubai Bank. “Within a short span of time, Air Arabia has grown to become a popular and practical choice of travel for many. We are confident that this partnership with the fast-growing airline will further enhance the value and ease to travellers and our customers alike.”

Ali Al Hamdany, director of IT and Corporate Projects, Air Arabia, said: “We are delighted to announce our new partnership with Dubai Islamic Bank. This step further enhances the value-for-money services we offer to our customers seeking to travel to the 44 destinations we serve worldwide. Through this partnership, Air Arabia now offers its customers even more options to pay less and fly more.”

Air Arabia is the Middle East’s and North Africa’s leading low-cost carrier (LCC). Air Arabia commenced operations in October 2003 and currently operates a fleet of 16 new Airbus A320 aircraft, serving 44 destinations across the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and Central Asia through its main hub in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

Travel time to Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa cut in half UAE residents seeking convenient, short-haul holidays that still offer luxury and first-class service and accommodation can take advantage of Sharjah-based Air Arabia’s affordable, thrice-weekly flights to Goa. The new direct route reduces the flight time in half, making it now approximately three hours to get to Goa from the UAE. “Discerning travelers demand holiday options that involve easy, short-haul trips to places located outside of the Middle East but close enough for weekend escapes. Goa is an exotic destination that meets this demand, as visitors can enjoy the very best of discreet luxury and

personalised service,” said Thierry Bertin, vice president – Sales and Marketing – Middle East, Hyatt International Hotels and Resorts.

Goa is known worldwide as an island destination that offers natural beauty, rich local history, stretches of white sandy beaches, and indulgent spa facilities.

The award-winning Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa, one of Goa’s most exclusive resorts, is a world-class facility set on 45 acres of lush beachfront gardens.

The resort hotel is located in the most idyllic area of South Goa and features a unique village concept and home to the

most extensive spa in Goa. Sereno Spa is spread over 36,000 square feet, offering complete health and wellness treatments and therapies inspired by Ayurvedic and Yogic traditions.

Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa has been featured on the prestigious Conde Nast Traveler magazine’s Gold List 2009.

The resort has been recognised in the Indian category as one the best places to stay in the world. The sixth annual poll was based on a selection of the hotels around the world with the best rooms, service, food, location, ambience, design, and leisure facilities.

Starwood’s Middle East Expo Week unveils latest industry trends Starwood Hotels & Resorts hosted their annual Middle East roadshow in six major destinations across the Middle East countries between Feb. 28, 2009 and March 5, 2009. A highlight of the roadshow was a series of industry workshops that took place in Riyadh, Jeddah, Bahrain, Kuwait, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Bringing together over 40 experts from Starwood hotels worldwide, the special event provided an excellent opportunity for hotel industry specialists to exchange views and expertise on latest developments in the industry.

“The Middle East region has been outperforming all others, and achieving the highest growth rate worldwide.

The region is moving very fast, and so are we. We’ve been very busy working on several exciting new projects across the region. This year we will introduce the W brand to the region with the opening of the W Doha and we will launch the aloft brand later this year in Abu Dhabi, with the opening of the 400-room aloft Abu Dhabi. In 2008 we signed more than 10 new deals and we have an aggressive pipeline moving forward”, said Guido De Wilde, vice president and regional director of Starwood Hotels and Resorts in the Middle East.

Al Diar Siji Hotel Easter package Now there’s more reason to head to the East Coast with Al Diar Siji Hotel’s irresistible Easter package. Stay at Al Diar Siji Hotel Fujairah from 9th to 15th April, and avail of the whopping 30% discount on normal room tariff rates. The Easter Package includes value added benefits such as fruit basket, midnight chocolates and oriental Arabic sweets upon arrival. Guests checking-in in a deluxe room also get a bottle of house wine.

Al Diar Siji Hotel is a five-star hotel managed by Abu Dhabu National Hotels and features 90 spacious rooms and suites. The hotel also boasts of its HACCP (Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point) certification for the food safety and BS EN 900:2000 certification for efficient management system. For more details call 09-2232000.

April 2009 I Travel Arabia I 77

One of a kind restaurant opens in the heart of Abu Dhabi

Qatar Airway’s new Boeing 777-200 to be named ‘Gaza’ Qatar Airways welcomed its second Boeing 777-200 Long Range aircraft, in a ceremony held recently at Doha International Airport. Akbar Al Baker, the airline’s chief executive officer, announced that the aircraft was officially named “Gaza” in solidarity with civilian victims in the conflict in Gaza.

“I know many of us have been deeply touched by the civilian deaths in the recent bombing of Gaza. Qatar Airways wants to recognise these innocent people, and in particular large numbers of children, were killed in these bomb attacks, and naming our latest aircraft “Gaza” is a symbolic gesture to commemorate and honour these victims.

“The name ‘Gaza’ will fly around the world on Qatar Airways and spread a message of peace and humanity,” Al Baker said.

He said Qatar Airways customarily names each of its aircraft after names of places within the State of Qatar. “But we have made an exception in this case,” At the start of February, Qatar Airways offered its support to the One Million Candles campaign, an initiative launched by UK resident Manal Timraz in response to the death of 15 of her family members in a single bomb attack on the Gaza Strip. Twelve of those who died were children – the Palestinian woman’s nieces and nephews. Timraz asked that people donate candles to remember the loss of lives on the West Bank and as a peaceful but powerful signal that public opinion in Britain was against such attacks where innocent victims were killed unnecessarily.

High profile donations included that of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown,

78 I Travel Arabia April 2009

who donated a candle to the campaign.

Over 75 countries became involved in the movement that asked supporters who did not have a channel through which to donate candles, to light their own candles on Valentine’s Day. Qatar Airways and Qatar Airways Cargo offered to transport the candles from Britain to the Middle East.

“Qatar Airways felt compelled to offer its support to the One Million Candles campaign, as it sends a peaceful message of support,” added Al Baker.

The aircraft – Qatar Airways’ seventh Boeing 777 – was earlier given its full certification and clearance to leave Boeing’s Delivery Flight Centre in Seattle, Washington for the near 15-hour journey to its new home in Doha. Guests aboard the ferry flight included a selection of journalists from the United States, India and the GCC and a high-profile delegation of bankers and financiers.

The latest delivery takes Qatar Airways’ fleet size to 67 aircraft and keeps the airline well on course of its remarkable expansion with an average of one new plane joining the burgeoning fleet every month over the next few years.

Earlier this month, Qatar Airways took delivery of its first Boeing 777200LR aircraft, which is capable of flying on ultra long-haul routes of up to 17 hours non-stop – effectively to any key business or leisure destination in the world from Doha.

The long range Boeings will be paired to operate Qatar Airways newest route to the United States. The Doha – Houston route, linking the energy capitals of the world is scheduled for launch on 30th March 2009.

The Village Club Restaurant, a totally new concept set to change entertainment and dining in Abu Dhabi, successfully opened its doors to guests and patrons on March 7, 2009. The restaurant is the first phase of the Village Club project – A full fledged recreation club.

The glittering affair showcasing the venue’s warm ambiance was attended by the owners, events organizers, businessmen, various members of the media, as well as hotel guests. The opening event featured belly dancers, flame throwers, sophisticated light projection and laser display.

As a part of the One to One Hotel, The Village Club Restaurant will jazz up the dining scene in the capital by introducing a mix of live entertainment, as well as a unique meal experience. The Village Club Restaurant is a place where groups of all sizes can congregate to settle down after work, relax during weekends or celebrate special occasions.

“Good food and great music, both are wonderful social glue. At The Village Club Restaurant, these can be enjoyed in the most fantastic setting. The menu we offer will be complemented by an ever changing program of a live mix of jazz, Arabic, blues and chill out music to cater to a wide variety of patrons,” said Rabih Feghali, One to One Hotel Manager.

Excellent for parties, get-togethers with colleagues as well as for couples and families, the restaurant offers Arabian style cuisines fused with contemporary barbeque-style food options served in a buffet. Guests can choose to sit on wooden chairs or the less conventional bean bags while enjoying their meal, listening to music or having shisha.

Guests will be offered a wide variety of hot and cold foods. There will be approximately 30 different grilled items to choose from, including whole sides of beef, lamb racks, kebab, chicken portions, and kofta, with various stew style dishes to compliment the grilled items. Salads, starch and sauce items will be presented on an Island buffet, too. The Village Club Restaurant is open from 5pm to 12midnight on weekdays, 5pm to 1am on Thursdays and Fridays and opens at 12noon on Saturdays.

Media Rotana Hotel hosts

James Blunt

The Media Rotana’s association with the who’s who of the media continued this February.

In the occasion of the Dubai Jazz festival 2009, the scooper of best pop act, James Blunt, visited Dubai for the first time and stayed at the Media Rotana Hotel on 25 and 26 of February 2009.

While he enthralled audiences with his sensational talent during the evening, the Media Rotana team took care of his needs at all other times.

To commemorate his stay , the general manager; Mustafa Ainen, offered him a trophy as a gesture of goodwill from the hotel and welcomed him to the new Media Rotana, wishing him a pleasant stay and a successful concert at the Jazz Festival.

The singer visited the various outlets of the hotel and dined in Channels. To celebrate the success of his concert on the 25th of February, Blunt and his crew visited Nelson’s; the English neighborhood pub.

Moreover, Media Rotana also welcomed John Legend and Incognito who stayed in the hotel during the Jazz Festival.

Media Rotana which opened its door on the 15th of November 2008 is Rotana Hotels’ first property in Al Barsha South area and is strategically located in the heart of Dubai’s new business hub, off Sheikh Zayed Road, and opposite to the renowned Dubai Media City and Internet City.

Biggest Arabian Travel Market seminar programme planned for ’09 Reed Travel Exhibitions, the company behind Arabian Travel Market—the Middle East’s premier travel and tourism event running this May in Dubai—has announced that it will be increasing its seminar programme for 2009 to better facilitate high-level discussions on countering the harsh trading conditions incumbent in the current economic climate.

This year’s seminar programme will include up to 16 free-to-attend sessions, with more than 25 industry leaders speaking over the show’s first three trade-only days. The sessions will cover a wide range of key industry issues such as the rise of spa tourism, maximising business opportunities in the growing Middle East cruise industry; the outlook for the Gulf’s MICE industry and the future of air travel in the Middle East. Registration for the seminar’s can be made through the show’s website www.arabiantravelmarket.com “The current economic climate is generating some of the most severe operating conditions the travel & tourism industry has ever faced. We firmly believe that discussion, debate and examining solutions are going to be essential factors in the sector’s recovery, and this needs to begin happening sooner rather than later,” said Mark Walsh, group exhibition director, Reed Travel Exhibitions.

“Based on demand, we have decided to enhance Arabian Travel Market’s seminar programme for 2009. We have been in discussion with exhibitors, travel bodies, organisations and the media to develop a seminar programme and speaker line-up that tackles those issues most critical to our future success. As a free-of-charge initiative, I strongly advise our exhibitors and visitors to make the most out of these sessions.”

Destination and company sign-up for the Arabian Travel Market 2009, which is running at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 5-8th May, is picking up pace, with organisers confirming that space bookings are up this year, over the same period last year.

To date, more than 400 exhibitors representing 62 countries have signed up for the show, with more than 30 exhibitors making their debuts. In addition, the exhibition has seen steady overall space uptake by nearly 60 national tourist bodies representing six continents, including new-tomarket showings from Mozambique, Philippines, Ecuador and Slovenia.

Reed Travel Exhibitions recently confirmed that it would expand its Hosted Buyers programme to 150 top international, first time participants for 2009 – up from 120 last year – to foster greater business interaction.

In addition, its also announced that a host of other initiatives will take centre stage in 2009, including Careers Day - which will enable meetings between exhibitors and public with a keen interest in working within the industry or developing an existing career - and Travel Agents Day – which is designed to foster the latest top-class travel and tourism education among travel agents.

April 2009 I Travel Arabia I 79

Hong Kong to have huge presence at Sharjah Jewellery Show

Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi wins Dubai dragon boat tourney Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri Abu Dhabi’s formidable dragon boat team, the Shangri-La Dragons, claimed first place in the Global Eye Dragon Boat Festival, held in Dubai on Feb. 13, 2009.

Hosted by the Dubai Marina Yacht Club, the Shangri-La Dragons emerged victorious in the 200-metre Global Eye Corporate Category as well as second place in the 500-metre Audi Competitive Open Category, against the National champion, UAE Dragons.

“We are very proud to have come to Dubai and won in our first race outside Abu Dhabi. We faced a lot of tough competitors in the event and everyone is extremely excited to see their efforts come to fruition,” said Mr Stuart Wheadon, health club manager of Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi.

The Shangri-La Dragons will be competing for the top spot in the National Dragon Boat Competition on Apr. 3 and 4, 2009, to be held in Dubai Festival City.

80 I Travel Arabia April 2009

The 26th MidEast Watch and Jewellery Show has registered a nearly 13 per cent rise in the number of exhibitors with Hong Kong-China having the biggest number of participants in its country pavilion—nearly 56 exhibitors from the country will display latest designs in gold, diamond and precious stones.

Some 450 master jewellers and craftsmen have also confirmed their presence for the upcoming edition of the show.

Nearly 400 exhibitors took part in the previous edition of the bi-annual show in October 2008, attracting more than 45,000 general visitors and over 1,400 trade representatives from about 42 countries.

The upcoming edition of the show will be held at Expo Centre Sharjah from April 7 to 11, 2009.

“The fact that we’ve managed to bring together 450 exhibitors for the coming edition of the show during these difficult times speaks volumes about the popularity and reach of the show,” said Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, DirectorGeneral of Expo Centre Sharjah.

Among the countries from which a majority of the individual exhibitors has confirmed their participation in the event are Bahrain, Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, the US and the UAE. Other countries that will have their pavilions include India, Italy, Thailand, Lebanon and Singapore. The Indian pavilion will feature 26 exhibitors, the Italian pavilion 24, Lebanon 22 and Singapore 15.

The show will feature displays of loose pearls, diamonds, precious stones, gold and diamond jewellery, diamond and pearl sets, crystals, watches, jewellery displays, and different kinds of tools used in the trade at 16,000 square metres of exhibition space.

New participants this time include Exquisite Jewellery and Golkunda Diamonds from India, E&Co Jewellery from Singapore, Blue Diamond Silverware from Thailand, Kyras, Argento, Givori Jewellery from the UAE, and South African Jewellery from the US.

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Whatever your own definition of wonder, it’s waiting for you. It could be the gorgeous Thai beaches or the spectacular Thai heritage. It could be any one of the seven Thai Wonders. But one thing is for sure. Thailand always makes it possible for you to find your own wonder. Come and find your own wonder. In Amazing Thailand.

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