Travel Arabia Apr 07

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April 2007, Volume 3, Issue 4

Cuba’s Treasured Cities

Cairo

The Other Side of Midnight

Lebanon

72 Unforgettable Hours

Ajman

Looks Forward To A Thriving Tourist Industry February 2007

Galleries: AJman and Beach Scene

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Editor’s Note Editor’s Note

n my last bid to enjoy the remaining days of the winter months, I decided to take a trip to Fujairah (again), this time, with my family to truly enjoy and relax. So we prepared for the day, rented a car, packed our bags and off we went. It was a beautiful Friday afternoon, the kids were so excited and for the first time in six months, I enjoyed a totally relaxing and worry-free day.

We stayed at Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa. From my last visit, the place is looking more a resort now, the garden is slowly growing, the room’s are well equipped, the kid’s and adult’s pool were all operational and the staff were all excited. It was a full day enjoyment of the scenery, the mountains and the beach, the clean, fresh air, the best meals, the peacefulness and the fun of taking the wheels again after a long break.

This is a good way to end the cold season since summer is definitely fast approaching. The humidity is now felt especially in the afternoon hours when a supposedly enjoyable good walk ends with a big sigh. Time really flies fast.

But summer is not always about heat and humidity. There are plenty of things to do. Travelling is one. Reading is another and for our issue this month, we’re bringing you two of Cuba’s famous cities – Havana and Trinidad.

Our cover is one of the sites to see when visiting Trinidad. This shot is taken from a couple of good images provided by the Cuban Tourist Board in Toronto. Havana is the most important destination for tourists in Cuba and one of the most important in Latin America. The industries in Havana are an important part of the economy of the country. Havana’s harbor is the most important in Cuba and through it come and go half of Cuba’s imports and exports.

Trinidad is a town in the province of Sancti Spíritus, in central Cuba. Together with the nearby Valle de los Ingenios, it has been one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites since 1988.

Trinidad is one of the best preserved cities in the Caribbean from the time when the sugar trade was the main industry in the region. Nowadays, its main industry is tobacco processing.

The older parts of town are well preserved as the Cuban tourism industry sees benefit from tour groups.

We are featuring the other side of Cairo that is, when all the rest of the world is in deep slumber, life begins here by the late afternoon, eateries start serving main courses by midnight and streets are packed with shoppers until the wee hours. The city has so much life and energy with cafes open 24 hours, giving the Egyptians more hours for entertainment and relaxation.

Indeed, Egypt is not only about the Pyramids.

hotels, Ajman is the ideal place for such an experience. Ajman also includes Masfut and Manama, two small enclaves inland in the Hajar mountains, rich in agriculture and farming. Like the other emirates Ajman too has a pleasant blend of the old and the new, the simple and the sophisticated.

As a prelude to the upcoming Arabian Travel Market, we are giving you a story about last month’s ITB Berlin. The world’s leading trade show for the travel industry which took place on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds from 7 to 11 March recorded a 15 percent increase in visitors and 25 percent increase in participants. In terms of quality and volume the ITB Berlin 2007 continues to strengthen its position as the world’s leading marketing platform for the travel industry.

April is also an exciting month for the Thai community who are celebrating their new year.

Songkran is the celebration of Thai New Year and means to pass or to move. Thais wear new clothes to pay respect to elders and, in a polite manner, can splash water on friends and family.

In Dubai, a monthlong Thai Food Festival will run at 22 restaurants in the city, and will feature signature dishes, special promotions, and prizes for diners.

Not to forget is Easter and a lot of restaurants have promotions for this occasion - sumptuous meals and surprises for the kids like the famous Egg Hunt, face painting, drawing competitions, etc. Check our Promotions section for the participating restaurants.

We have a lot of interesting features for you this April. So if the heat is beginning to bother you, why not think of a better alternative. Happy reading!

Back home, we are featuring Ajman, the smallest of the seven emirates. If one is looking for a place to get away from the busy city life and enjoy the serenity of sunny beaches and resort Flor B Pamintuan Editor

Letters Letters

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 General Manager Hekmat el Zein Editor Flor B. Pamintuan editor@travel-arabia.com Staff Writers Anjana Das Habeeb Salloum Contributors Gordon Torbet Eugene Correia Angela T Chuck Wightman Ty Treadwell Photographers Mahesh Kumar Duvvuru Maher El Zein Samir Ahmed Designer Mohammed Usman Siraj Assistant Designer Mohd Noufal Althaf Hussain Sales & Marketing Manager Syed Muhammad Arif arif@kalimatgroup.com 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 Internationaal 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. © 2006 Kalimat Group International

Email your comments or suggestions to editor@travel-arabia.com

Helpful drivers I am new to Dubai and I wanted to visit Sharjah. So I hailed a cab one morning and told the driver to take me to Sharjah. The driver said I could save money if I will take the bus going to Sharjah and volunteered to drive me to the bus station in Bur Dubai. There I took the bus going to Sharjah and was charged 5 DHS only. I saved about 35DHS. The bus driver was also helpful in giving me directions so I reached my destination with no hassle. I just want to commend the Dubai Transport for these helpful drivers.

These drivers, next to the police, are the main source of directions for visitors like me and I am glad that such wonderful drivers still exist in Dubai. It was a wonderful experience.

Ellen T. Bahrain

Fujairah – The next tourist destination I have lived in Dubai for the last 5 years and have not fully explored the beauty of the other emirates. I have been to Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Sharjah and all look the same to me – high rise buildings, traffic, crowded. I haven’t been to Fujairah but heard a lot about the beauty of the mountains on the way to Al Aqah Beach, the Friday market, and the scenery which is a complete opposite of the cities that I have been to. Reading your Editor’s Note about her visit to the city and her wanting to come back makes me more excited to visit the place. The variety of choices for accommodation is also an added factor because you don’t have to worry about where to stay for the trip. Thank you for this information and as soon as I visit the place, I will try to tell you of my experience.

Rose Brown Dubai

TA keeps getting better!

I just want to congratulate your team for the new look of Travel Arabia. The cover for one will get the attention of any reader. The design of the magazine is changing too. You try to give readers like me more reading materials because it

has stories on destinations, art, fashion, food and spa. I believe by making these changes the public is slowly recognizing your magazine.

Jasmin Joseph Bur Dubai

Spa Review I read Travel Arabia during one of my stays in Abu Dhabi. I took a copy back to Dubai because I find your spa review interesting. I think the reviews are helpful because it can serve as a guide for people like me who wants to relax after a tiring day or a long trip. I read about the Armonia review and decided to try it.

It was a unique and relaxing experience.

Stones of different shapes and sizes are placed on my shoulder, lower back, legs and the spine. Though the stones are warm, the heat helps penetrate the muscles, relieving the pain or tightness brought by long weeks of stress, tension and the city life. I will surely keep track of your review.

Jose Dass The Lakes

Exploring Bulgaria Thank you for the article on Bulgaria. It is indeed a rich city, having nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites. I am intrigued by the Rila Monastery which was founded during the 10th century. The monument is a characteristic example of the Bulgarian Renaissance. This historic site is a living example of the life in the past and I’m glad that there are agencies like UNESCO that seeks to protect and preserve the culture and natural heritage of place around the world that have considerable value to mankind. This is added information especially for travellers who want to explore the history of places they want to visit.

Nabine Hussein Dubai

Inside April 2007

12 Features 12 AJMAN LOOKS FORWARD TO A THRIVING TOURIST INDUSTRY The Tourism Committee in the Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry is trying to strengthen the relations within the tourism field and trade and to encourage and develop the tourism industry in Ajman. The Emirate possesses many features that can make Ajman an important tourism destination.

18 ITB BERLIN OFFERS A GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE OF TRAVEL Every year the whole world of travel converges in the German capital of Berlin to meet, see, hear and learn from each other. Find out the market trends and innovations that dominated this year’s ITB, the largest international travel convention to date.

22 GIBTM BRINGS BUSINESS BOOST FOR ABU DHABI The staging of the inaugural Gulf Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM) held at the new Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) is set to deliver a major boost to the UAE capital’s meetings and conventions sector. Read feedbacks from the event’s participants.

42 ENTERTAINMENT – Dubai International Jazz Festival The main acts such as TOTO, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Three Ladies of Blues, and Jamie Cullen entertained the jazz aficionados in this year’s DIJF. There was everything for each muscial taste -- blues, oriental, fusion, mainstream, pop, rock.

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Inside April 2007

Departments 4 LETTERS 10 EVENTS

Find out what’s happening in the UAE this month.

24 LIVING ARABIA – Cairo, Egypt

Anyone who has lived in Cairo long enough will know it is a city with incredible momentum and drama. The day begins by late afternoon, eateries start serving main courses by midnight and streets are packed with shoppers till wee hours, when the rest of the world is in deep slumber.

32 OUTSIDE ARABIA HAVANA and TRINIDAD: Cuba’s Treasured Cities

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A city of 2.5 million, Havana is the largest urban centre in the Caribbean, containing one quarter of Cuba’s more than 11 million inhabitants. Trinidad reached the height of its cultural and economic development between 1750 and 1850. This flourishing era was based on the wealth amassed from sugarcane, grown in the remarkably fertile soil of the nearby Sugar Mill Valley, which once had 82 sugar mills.

46 ART - Uninterrupted Journeys

Uninterrupted Journeys, a group exhibition of contemporary art, was presented by the New Delhi based Nitanjali ArtGallery in association with the Taj Palace Hotel, Dubai and coordinated by Kanika Subberwal.

52 FACE TO FACE

Travel Arabia talks to Moine Kandil, General Manager of Millennium Hotel in Abu Dhabi who is heading a project to greenthe hospitality industry.

54 FASHION & STYLE

Take a glimpse of the Spring & Summer Collection 2007 from some of the famous designers.

58 ATTRACTIONS –The Mövenpick Hotel & Resort Beirut

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Lebanon is an all-year-round destination, but the best time of the year to travel is in the spring, when temperatures, as well as, airline prices are lower.

60 PROMOTIONS

The hotels in the UAE have prepared something for the month of April. Check which hotel caters to your need and make your reservations.

66 GREAT TASTES - Minato

For lovers of Japanese cuisine, Minato is considered one of the finest. Though a lot may say that Japanese food all look and taste the same, sampling the food at Minato affirms that Japanese food is one of the freshest and healthiest foods on earth.

68 TRANQUIL MOMENTS - Le Club Spa

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Rediscover the simple pleasures of life and pamper your body, mind and soul when you choose one of the relaxing oriental massage sessions. This is what Le Club Spa at the Millennium Hotel in Sharjah offers.

70 INDUSTRY NEWS

News from the tourism and travel industry.

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EVENTS I APRIL HAPPENINGS

Biryani Food Festival

Thai New Year at Blue Elephant Come and celebrate the Thai New Year at the award-winning Blue Elephant Restaurant in Al Bustan Rotana Hotel.

Enjoy wonderful Thai cuisine in a tropical setting complete with waterfalls, fresh flowers and bamboo huts as backdrop.

Celebrate this fantastic Far Eastern festival at Blue Elephant from Friday the 13th to Sunday the 15th of April for only AED 139 net per person, inclusive of unlimited beer, house wine and soft drinks.

For further information, please contact tel. no. 00971 4 2820000

South African Food & Wine Festival Calling all food and wine connoisseurs! The Sheraton Jumeirah is hosting a ten day long South African Food & Wine Festival, starting on the 18th of April and concluding on South African National Day on the 27th of April 2007.

Discover the tastes and sounds of South Africa with our specially created South African Dinner buffet accompanied by live entertainment at the Palm Garden restaurant or join us at the Grill Room restaurant, where we are serving up an authentic South African menu, prepared especially for this occasion by our South African guest Chef.

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Songkran Festival

From 17 April to 3 May 2007, the award winning Antique Bazaar Indian restaurant at Four Points by Sheraton Bur Dubai will be serving a myriad of delicious and aromatic Biryani specials.

Chef Muna Singh Bisht is all set to cook up a mouth-watering selection of Biryani dishes. Highly recommended are Madka Yakhani Taj Mahal Biryani (a great favourite royal delicacy made from Shajahani Darbar. Rich masala with saffron flavoured combination of rice with lamb curry and cooked in steam under slow charcoal fire), Samundari Rattan Biryani (Gulf lobster cooked with tomato & coconut based smooth flavoured masala and basmati rice garnished with brown onion, tomato and lemon) and Bharawa Murgh Biryani (stuffed chicken cooked in rose petal flavored basmati rice).

There is also a fabulous vegetarian menu featuring Chamne Chilman Biryani (cubes of carrots, cauliflower, beans, bay corn cooked with special masala and layered with long grain basmati rice and garnished with cashew nuts, almonds and silver leaves), Gutte Mutter Biryani (fried Gram flour dumplings and green peas cooked with long grain basmati rice and garnished with dried fruits), Vegetable Boti Biryani (soya bean chunks, beetroots and yam cooked with basmati rice floured with fresh lemon) and more.

Book yourself a yummy and fragrant Biryani meal. The promotion is available for lunch and dinner. For reservations, please call 04 397 7444.

Witness true Thai tradition, with Songkran water festival marking the Thai New Year celebrated from 12th -25th April 2007 at Dusit Dubai. The Thai word Songkran, meaning to ‘move’ or ‘change place’, marks the day when the sun alters its position in the Zodiac ushering in the Thai New Year.

To enjoy a truly memorable Thai experience, Dusit Dubai brings the best of Thai culture with the re-creation of an atmospheric Thai market.

Be transported to the hustle and bustle of a typical Thai market with the sight, sounds and aroma of Thailand. Wander around the market and enjoy plenty of cultural activities with dancing, cooking classes, craft classes, speciality Thai cuisine and exhibition of paintings, sculpture and jewellery. Try your hand at soap carving, fruit and vegetable carving, mask or umbrella painting.

For further information, call Dusit Dubai at 04 343 3333.

Tyrol on your plate

The 2nd Gulf Jazz Festival The Radisson SAS Hotel, Dubai Deira Deira Creek hosts the 2nd Annual Gulf Jazz Festival for the very first time in Dubai featuring Karen Edwards, Bobo Stenson, Ricky Ford, Jarek Smeitana and The Rosenberg Trio for 3 unforgettable nights from April 28th t0 30th, 2007.

Organized by the Cracovia Music Bureau, the first Gulf Jazz festival took place in 2006 in Kuwait and Bahrain. Following the success of last year, this year, the Cracovia Music Bureau brings unique jazz artists to Dubai at the Radisson SAS Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek.

Join us on April 28th 2007, starting 8 pm for an exceptional evening of Jazz from Karen Edwards and a sumptuous seated dinner including buffet stations with cuisine from around the globe in the Zabeel Ballroom, located on the ground floor of the hotel for only Dhs. 295 per person.

On April 29th 2007, starting at 8 pm, the festival presents Bobo Stenson for the piano solo and Ricky Ford together with Jarek Smietana for a quartet in the Plaza Ballroom, located on the 20th floor of the hotel for an evening of exceptional entertainment and an exquisite snack buffet for the intervention for only Dhs. 195 per person.

For the closing night of April 30th 2007, join us at the Plaza ballroom, located on the 20th floor of the hotel, for a night filled with virtual jazz harmony and solid rhythm group of the Rosenberg Trio and an intermission break including a fine snack buffet for only Dhs. 195 per person.

For more information about the event, please call the Information Centre at the Radisson SAS Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek on 04/205 7333 and 7444.

All shows for the 3 nights start at 8 pm: (Early Bookings Advisable)

Catch the taste of “Modern Swissness”

April 2007

Al Murooj Rotana Hotel & Suites, Dubai and Beach Rotana Hotel & Towers, Abu Dhabi will proudly host two prominent Austrian chefs Mr. Christian Winkler, awarded with one Michelin star and Mr. Hanness Hell. Both of them are highly recognized back home and in international culinary world, and the list of their guests includes Princess Caroline of Monaco and King of Sweden.

Now the diners of Abu Dhabi & Dubai will have a unique opportunity to savor their creations blended in a special a la carte menu in cozy & tranquil setting of Finz Seafood Restaurant and Waterside Seafood Restaurant & Terrace.

The celebrity chefs and culinary teams of Al Murooj Rotana Hotel & Suites and Beach Rotana Hotel & Towers look forward to welcome guests to the best of Tyrolean gastronomic experience. Early bookings are recommended.

For reservations and further information, please contact: Al Murooj Rotana Hotel & Suites: Tel. (04) 3211111, ext 2202 Beach Rotana Hotel & Towers Tel. (02) 6443000 UAE Toll Free: 800 ROTANA From April 1st to 7th things will once again be all Swiss at the Moevenpick Hotel Bur Dubai.

However, 2007 is themed around “modern Swissness” and is showcasing a complete different approach to Swiss Music and Cuisine.

Thomas Reist and his Jazzband “Das Hausquartett” will delight the guests with soothing, modern Jazz and two Master Guest Chefs from Geneva will support the local team of Chefs, to prepare authentic Swiss Food.

Christophe Sifferlin, Executive Sous Chef and Alexandre Stoessel, Chef de Partie, are both professionals of their kind, with a long record of working in the best hotels and cuisines of Geneva.

With a more “country-house” like approach to new Swiss uniforms, the hostesses and service team of the Fountain Restaurant will delight this year in distinct colours of beige, white and black, elegant and figure toned long skirts and a neckline in “Carmen” style.

The Festival will take place at the Fountain Restaurant. Lunch will be available for AED 85.00 per person; Dinner will be at AED 119.00 per person (food only).

For more information and reservations please call 04 336 6000 ext. 320

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IN THE UAE I AJMAN

Ajman

thrives as a tourist industry

Ajman city, blessed with a natural harbour, has always been a fishing and trading port.

Today it possesses the largest traditional dhow-building yards just a few kilometres from the city centre, which are the most active and largest in all of the Emirates – a continuation of its long boat-building practice.

A

by Habeeb Salloum

s we drove on Sharjah’s wide flower-edged Corniche, my daughter and wife were discussing the appeal of this Emirate with its eye-catching villas, fine museums and flowering roundabouts, when a sign ‘Ajman’ indicated we were in another Emirate. However, one could not tell the difference. New handsome structures and man-made greenery were springing up everywhere in this smallest of the UAE states, occupying only about 0.3 per cent of the country’s total landmass.

The Emirate of Ajman, (Ujman in Arabic) with an area of just 260 sq kms is centrally located on the coast of the Arabian Gulf, extending over a distance of 16 km coastline, between the emirates of Umm AlQuwain and Sharjah.

Its capital carries the same name as the state, Ajman, and it also includes two small inland enclaves: Masfut and Manama. Masfut is an agricultural village located in the mountains 110 km to the southeast of Ajman city and Manama that lies approximately 60 km to the east.

The population of the Emirate, approximately 251,000, is located mainly in the capital. The inhabitants numbered only 36,100 in 1980 but the massive development and a construction boom in Ajman in the recent years led to an influx of people from the neighbouring Emirates and other countries.

Ajman is not the creation of the modern world. It has a long history. Traces of the historical old town are still visible, exemplified by ship building yards, an old watchtower that once guarded the town’s entrance, and a large fort, now housing the Ajman Museum, in the town’s centre within walking distance of hotels, restaurants and the coast.

Ajman city, blessed with a natural harbour, has always been a fishing and trading port. Today it possesses the largest traditional dhow-building yards just a few kilometres from the city centre, which are the most active and largest in all of the Emirates – a continuation of its long boat-building practice. Its craftsmen have for centuries

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April 2007

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Photos by Mahesh Kumar

built the dhows and boums that ply the Arabian Gulf and beyond.

Inheriting the techniques of their ancestors these craftsmen are still building traditional ships without blueprints.

Yet, the country is not living only in history. Its dynamic leaders have set into motion plans that are fast evolving the state into one of the top players in the 21st century. Today, despite its small size, this tiny state contains more than 400 factories. It is considered the third Emirate in terms of the number of factories in the country - 20% of all the industry in the UAE. The vast majority of these factories are relatively new and environmentally friendly according to Ajman’s policy of building a pollution-free state.

In addition, Ajman has a thriving Free Trade Zone, an International Exhibition Centre and is promoting tourism by developing its beaches and constructing a gigantic Dh 2 billion tourism and entertainment city that will include a hotel, furnished apartments, amusement facilities, shopping centres and parks.

Ajman Free Zone, established in 1988, was granted autonomous status under the Amiri decree no. 3 of 1996 issued by HH Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashin Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman. The formation of the Free Zone Authority in 1996 has given great impetus to industrial activity in the Free Zone which has resulted in quadruple growth in the number of companies during the last few years.

Ajman’s Corniche is being developed and the impressive Ajman Centre has become a prime trade fair venue in the UAE. The Ajman City Centre is another shopper’s destination with about 50 international and local retail line shops to cater to a diverse range of tastes. Also, the Centre with its cultural, sports and other activities has become a major turning point in the development of the emirate. The Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tower and the gleaming new Etisalat Tower are other structures that are being quickly recognized as major landmarks of the State.

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Ajman has ambitious plans for the future. The government plans for the next 10 years call for investment projects that will contribute to raising the economy and tourism levels inside the Emirate.

Ajman has ambitious plans for the future. The government plans for the next 10 years call for investment projects that will contribute to raising the economy and tourism levels inside the Emirate. In order to facilitate the luring of investments for these projects an infrastructure is being put in place such as the building and upgrading of transportation and roads as well as a metro that will link Ajman to Dubai.

The Tourism Committee in the Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry is trying to strengthen the relations within the tourism field and trade and to encourage and develop the tourism industry in Ajman. The Emirate possesses many features that can make Ajman an important tourism destination. Ways are being sought to find new methods of marketing in the tourism industry. The Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry is in communication with all the sectors in the Emirate, highlighting the important role of Ajman in the field of tourism.

To increase Ajman’s accessibility to tourists the Emirate is in the process of building an international airport. The airport will be built in two phases, beginning in early 2007. It will include a 4,000 m (13,120 ft) runway, two taxiways, hangars and a royal lounge. It will also feature tourism, commercial and industrial facilities and will initially cater to about two million passengers per year. In January 2007 as part of the efforts aimed at boosting the status of Ajman as an investment and tourist destination through coordination among governmental authorities and international experts, Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman stressed: “Our ambitions target a place for Ajman on the world’s tourism map…The Dh50 billion Al Zawra development which was unveiled

by Sheikh Ammar … will feature economic and tourist projects.”

The ambitions of the Emirates rulers are boundless. They wish to make their state a flourishing gem in the heart of the UAE and a beacon for tourists from the four corners of the globe. It is an ambition well on its way to fulfillment.

April 2007

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IF YOU GO

Facts About Ajman and the UAE: 1) The U.A.E. has good connections with the remainder of the world. There are 6 international airports in the country. Two airports – in the Emirates of Sharjah and Dubai - serve Ajman. Transportation to Dubai International Airport or Sharjah International 2) The Ajman Free Zone offers many incentives to investors. These include: 100% foreign ownership; 100% of repatriation of capital and profits; Guaranteed 20 years Tax Free operations; renewable for an additional 20 years; and no personal income taxes.

3) Most hotels, restaurants and clubs add fairly high service charges to the bill - hence tipping is not necessary. As well, taxi drivers are not usually tipped.

4) The best time to travel to Ajman and, in fact, all the UAE is from December to April when the weather is pleasant and relaxing.

Important Sites in Ajman: Ajman Museum - this interesting museum was opened in 1981 in the old 18th century fort that served as the Ruler’s palace and office until 1970. Located in the heart of town, the museum houses an interesting collection of archaeological artefacts, manuscripts, old weapons and reconstructions of traditional life.

Mowaihat, a major archaeological site located on the outskirts of Ajman city.

While laying a new sewage pipe, workers discovered a circular tomb going back to the third millennia B.C. Excavations found numerous soft-stone and painted ceramic vessels, as well as beads, copper implements, stamp seals, and the skeletons of several dozen individuals. The material uncovered in Mowaihat forms the bulk of the archaeological finds on display in the Ajman Museum.

Boat-Building (Dhow) Yard - one of the most active dhow-building yards in the UAE, is well worth a visit because vessels are being built using traditional tools, manual skills with the same techniques that has been handed own throughout the generations.

The yard also crafts the speedsters that take part in the Dubai Powerboat meets.

For Further Information, Contact: Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry: P.O. Box 30862 Ajman, United Arab Emirates; Tel: (+971) 6-7422177.

Fax: (+971) 6-7471222.

E-mail: info@ajcci.gov.ae Website: http://www.ajcci.gov.ae

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SPECIAL FEATURE I ITB BERLIN

ITB Berlin offers

future of a glimpse into the

T The Partner Country India is presenting itself at the opening ceremonies of the ITB Berlin 2007

Abu Dhabi

Malaysia 18

he red flags fluttering in the wind stood out against the clear, cloudless sky at the fair grounds.

This was very different from previous times, when rain pelted hailstones and thunderclouds hid the sun for most of the day. This winter was very different in Berlin, German colleagues tell me. Call it climate change or global warming, no one was complaining about the warm sun and not having to wait for taxis in the bone chilling cold, or trudging in heavy wools and boots.

Summing up the event Klaus Laepple, President of the German Tour Operators & Travel Agents’ Association remarked, ‘the ITB was a massive success’. Close to 11,000 exhibitors from 184 countries including airlines, hotels, tour operators, rental cars, booking systems, countries and regions presented the latest products and services. In addition to breaking new records - more than 100,000 trade visitors attended in the first 3 days of the fair, 15% higher than last year.

European travel trends The German outbound market, one of the largest traveling communities in the world has not been one of the most dynamic in the past year. But it seems to have recovered and is expected to show positive growth going by the visitors’ interest in new destinations on the last two days of the fair, when it is open to the general public.

Germans are beginning to turn to the internet to make their holiday bookings and more travelers are opting for low-cost flights, like the rest of Europe.

The success of online travel bookings will depend

Dubai on the tour operators’ capability to provide dynamic packaging, the possibility to combine the cheapest flight tickets with hotel bookings, hotel bookings with airport transfers or city tours.

Spain remained the most popular destination for European vacationers followed by France, Germany and Italy while Poland appears to be an emerging market that has shown a sudden increase in outbound travel.

Incredible India As the official partner country, India stole the limelight at this year’s ITB with its ‘Incredible India’ campaigns. From bikers to buses, tramways to shopping bags Berlin’s hotspots featured the colorful folk dancers of Kerala and the palaces of Rajasthan among others. For a country that is the birthplace of four great religions – Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism – and boasts such diversity and heritage (24 UNESCO World Heritage sites) India has been

travel

Every year the whole world of travel converges in the German capital of Berlin to meet, see, hear and learn from each other.

Anjana Das finds out the market trends and innovations that dominated this year’s ITB, the largest international travel convention to date.

slow in attracting tourism.

Even with the recent government impetus on developing tourism including the open sky policy, increase in the number of hotel investments and ensuring better education and training for those in the hospitality sector, India can only hope to attract 5 million tourists in 2007. In contrast, a country like Thailand roughly 15% the size of India recorded more than 13 million tourists in 2006. The long and weary immigration queue’s on arriving at any of the country’s airports and the serious constraints in hotel capacity coupled with high luxury taxes that have made room rents exorbitantly high are the problems that India will have to address urgently.

Discussions feature global changes As the leading think tank of the global tourism industry, experts have been able to form a picture of the changes that will take place in global demand as a result of climate change. Several ski resorts have had to shut down the past winter for lack of snow while many islands are disappearing into the depths of the ocean. Climate change is no longer just a topic of academic interest, it is causing people to alter their travel behavior.

So is Space tourism. Once believed to be existing only in the realms of science fiction movies, more recently, space travel has been a luxury affordable for the millionaires among us. That is about to change. The US Kennedy Space Center has just finished training ‘space agents’, like travel agents who will start to sell space trips to tourists, following several rounds of medical check ups of

April 2007

Trade visitors registration at the Entrance South

course.

While waiting in the long line for the taxi at the fair grounds, my attention was drawn to the small print in one of the magazines that said helicopter shuttles were now available from the Schoenefeld airport to the venue (6 minutes) for the sensational price of 95 Euros per person! Something told me hailing a taxi from my hotel concierge would contribute far less to global warming and so I waited.

It’s Destination Dubai As part of Destination Dubai marketing the emirate’s homegrown event of Dubai Summer Surprises was highlighted in this year’s ITB. Joining in as one of the strongest members of the promote Dubai campaign in association with the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), the DSS/DSF booth in the sprawling Dubai stand is the cynosure of all eyes at the annual travel event.

The DSS team, headed by its CEO Saeed Al Nabouda, promoted the upcoming edition of the biggest summer event ever offering great Summer Deals on shopping and holiday recreation. The DSS this year celebrates its 10th year and is expected to be bigger and better with extraordinary shopping incentives and prizes galore at the various participating shopping malls and unique children’s recreation in the form of themed surprises weeks at the malls and the Modhesh Fun City marking the special occasion.

ITB is being seen as an ideal platform to promote

Emirates Airlines

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the summer fiesta abroad especially in the European market. The DSS/DSF booth is one of the 225 UAE-based tourism companies that participated in this year’s ITB. Among the other participants are Department of Civil Aviation/Dubai Duty Free, Jumeirah, Nakheel, Dubai Shopping Festival/Dubai Summer Surprises, Ski Dubai and Mall of the Emirates, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Marketing Commerce and other major tourist companies and agencies in the UAE. Fillers Even if destinations are not your focus of interest it is worthwhile spending a day walking through the various regions of the world at any fair. Moroccan stands exhibited their characteristic latticed architecture style while the Masai Mara from Kenya danced to the rhythms of the African drums. Belgians preferred to woo their visitors with samplings of beer and sausages while Dubai attracted a few onlookers with a chocolate carving of the Burj Al Arab. Latin America as always, put on some sensational dance performances.

However in comparison, Far East destinations like Malaysia and Thailand stands showcased their products with an elaboration and exoticism quite unique from other destinations.

With three stages, live acts from around the world, travel prizes and special offers for vacationers, ITB provides great appeal for the general public.

Emerging markets The results of the World Travel Monitor, revealed at the ITB claimed Asia to be the fastest growing outbound region in the world. Encouraged by its improving economy, Japanese women in their fifties are packing their bags to tour the world, with or Travel Technology Hitchhiker Trade visitors to entrance

without their spouses. Likewise, China with its more relaxed travel regulations and India with its increasingly affluent middle class will make up the bulk of the leisure travelers. Asians are also known to be the biggest spenders when traveling abroad, needless to say mostly on shopping.

Seeing the potential in these markets tour operators and tourism marketing offices from Europe are beginning to establish office in these Asian countries. ITB announced that it will be expanding into Asia and for the first time will be organizing a similar travel exhibition in Singapore in the autumn of 2008.

Travel Technology A subject of much discussion and growing importance, travel search engine essentials formed the backdrop of the Travel Technology seminar. By 2008, online reservations are predicted to account for more than 40% of all travel bookings made by Europeans. For destinations as well as suppliers, how easily and quickly your site can be accessed by potential customers will determine their success. The session was led by Danny Sullivan, the guru of search engine optimization followed by a discussion with travel industry experts who shared their experiences and talked about how they expected to leverage this growing opportunity.

For its enormity many people feel the ITB is growing too big and extensive to do much business. “For people like me who are looking for potential agents to sell tours to, it is getting difficult,” says Jean-Luc, who handles sales for an Egyptian travel company. “All the people coming to ITB are here to showcase their destination and I hardly found anyone interested in buying,” he added.

In accordance with the new arrangement the next ITB Berlin 2008 will take place from Wednesday to Sunday, 5 to 9 March 2008.

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GIBTM brings business boost for Abu Dhabi

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he staging of the inaugural Gulf Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM) held at the new Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) is set to deliver a major boost to the UAE capital’s meetings and conventions sector.

Around 250 of the world’s top meetings industry buyers were hosted to the show – many visiting Abu Dhabi for the first time – and who are now seriously considering the capital for future business opportunities.

“This was my first time here and it is a most beautiful city,” said Claudio Fernandez, President of Argentina’s Leisure Express SA wholesaler-tour operator. “It has been a pleasure to get to know this great destination and realize now how important it is for us to be here.

Abu Dhabi has great potential for us – we have a lot of people of Arab descent living in Argentina who are looking to visit this part of the world and it is now a destination I would most wholeheartedly recommend.”

Another hosted buyer, Leslie Paul Tempest of the UK’s Energy Group said he could now envisage doing business with Abu Dhabi following his visit. “It has the potential, it is the capital city and the seat of Federal Government and is now getting the infrastructure to such a stage where we could well do business here,” he said.

For Jean-Michel Rondeau, President, L’International Business Club, France, his stay in Abu Dhabi was something of an eye-opener.

“I took time to discover the city and visited the Corniche. I came to realize that Abu Dhabi has a pronounced cultural influence that sets it apart. I am passionate about distinctive architecture and was delighted to hear of the Louvre coming to Abu Dhabi and that it has been designed

by Frenchman Jean Nouvel. It has been an important new destination discovery.”

Singaporean-based buyer Victor Seah of Pacific World said the UAE capital’s range of meetings venues is impressive.

“There are so many great venues here that we were not aware of, for example Emirates Palace. I brought 10 buyers from Asia here and all have spoken very positively about Abu Dhabi. There are lots of hidden gems here waiting to be discovered.”

For Gundula Klaumunzner of Germany’s Art ‘N Sport, a first-time trip to the UAE capital opened up new horizons.

“Abu Dhabi is a fascinating city with great potential,” she said. “My business is art and sport which this is the right destination for. Within three years I see this as an excellent market for event planners.”

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Abu Dhabi went all out to impress the industry with a gala celebration of the emirate’s ‘Past, Present & Future’ which took up the beachside of the seven-star Emirates Palace Hotel and gave guests a taste of Arabian hospitality on a lavish scale.

“The private sector has really got behind us for this initiative and is equally determined that Abu Dhabi will show what it can offer now, and what it intends to provide in the future,” said His Excellency Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), which has spearheaded the promotion.

“And with the event held in the capital, our visitors will be able to discover for themselves its relaxing ambience, magnificent shoreline and the state-of-the-art facilities offered at ADNEC. Our intention is to outline some of the major facilities now being built throughout the emirate and which will provide inspiring venues for unforgettable incentives.”

GIBTM, the new international event dedicated to the art of building meetings, incentive events and business travel boasts over 175 regional and international participants and 250 regional and global hosted buyers.

Sheikh Sultan said the Business Tourism push would be emirate-wide.

“It will not focus solely on the capital city but extend outwards to showcase our desert and oasis heritage with emphasis on Al Ain in particular,” he said. “This will demonstrate the diversity of Abu Dhabi’s offering.”

Abu Dhabi’s status as an emerging international golf destination was also highlighted during the event.

“Sport and Business Tourism are a natural fit. We have a series of international sporting events on our radar including the Formula 1 in 2009 and this year’s cycling Race of Champions. In addition, great new golf courses are planned for Saadiyat Island, the island lying 500 metres offshore Abu Dhabi city and being transformed into a strategic international tourism destination by the Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) and Yas Island, being developed by ALDAR,” said Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, ADTA. Abu Dhabi has already invested in a substantial upgrade of the Abu Dhabi Golf Club – home to the annual US $2 million Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, which is now a key feature on the European Tour.

“Feedback from the event has been excellent and we have shown that Abu Dhabi is ready, and able, to host major events on an international scale,” said Ali Hossani, Marketing Director, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.

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LIVING ARABIA I CAIRO

The other

There is always so much to do when you are in Cairo. From late night cafes and blockbuster movies, to midnight strolls to the pyramids, it is a city that never sleeps.

by Anjana Das

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Anyone who has lived in Cairo long enough will know it is a city with incredible momentum and drama. The day begins by late afternoon, eateries start serving maain courses by midnight and streets are packed with shoppers till wee hours, when the rest of the world is in deep slumber.

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ny one who has ever seen the pyramids up close fails to be charmed by its grandeur. Yet its fate will be decided in July when the results of a global poll to name the new Seven Wonders of the World are announced. The Egyptians are peeved that the Pyramids have to be in the contest.

As I looked up at the dark shadow of the Cheops looming large on my hotel window I wondered about the several millions who visit Egypt every year to catch a glimpse of this last remaining Wonder. The contest seemed pointless to me as well. I later learned the sentiments of the people from a street vendor near the Sphinx, “the pyramids live in the hearts of the people,” he had said, thumping his chest.

Dusk was falling by the time we got to the hotel, Le Meridien Pyramids in Giza and the pool lay sparkling in the evening light.

Inspite of the winter chill, a couple was swimming in the unheated pool. Close to a million Russian tourists were chartered to the Red Sea resort of Hurghada last year and many of them opt to take the 4-hour drive to Cairo to spend a few nights visiting antiquities and shopping at Cairo’s famous bazaar, Khan el Khalili.

Our first supper was laid out on an open veranda overlooking the pool. Warm soup followed by the grilled sea bass with just a hint of oregano flavoured the evening. As night settled in we moved into the covered warmth of the tents in the Nubian Village restaurant. Here we were, a group of writers discussing belly dancer Dina over twirls of smoke from the sheesha. Her bare-belly antics on a Downtown street at the premiere of an Egyptian movie apparently caused so much excitement there was almost a riot. Our topics flitted from less sensational to more academic pursuits as the aroma of the lamb roasting in the pit mingled with the sweet smell of cantaloupe.

From the balcony of our rooms, one could see the faint outlines of the mud houses that made up the village of Nazlet el Simman, only a stone’s throw away from the hotel. I had once met an elderly French couple from the village who spent every winter in their terraced villa right across the pyramids. I had followed the mud road through the village, dodging camels, donkeys and their riders, past the horse stables, heavy with the smell of fresh dung wondering why on earth anyone would give up the charming countryside life in Lyon for such chaos.

This is where Jean Marie has lived for more than 15 years now and this is where he calls home. His pride evident when he narrates the story of how he made an offer to the Egyptian owner, to build a two floored villa in return for permission to stay on the upper floor for as long as he wanted. Up the stairs we come to an open courtyard from where one gets an uninterrupted view of the pyramids and whose 26

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walls are covered with colourful pots of cacti. This is where Marie entertains his guest with incredible stories from the past. In summer the dried vine clinging to the wooden beams bears sweet grapes, he tells us, from which his wife makes home made wine.

The village elders have not only given him the honorary title of ‘flower of the desert’ but he is also called upon for advice on matters of importance concerning the community. Marie recalls at one time negotiating with the tourist police for the return of the neighbour’s two children who had wandered into the pyramids at midnight (back in the 70’s there was no wall separating the Pyramids area from the village).

In the end, it was settled quite amicably with the authorities’ promise of an escorted tour of the pyramids area for the Marie family, anytime should they desire a night time visit!

Anyone who has lived in Cairo long enough will know it is a city with incredible momentum and drama. The day begins by late afternoon, eateries start serving main courses by midnight and streets are packed with shoppers till wee hours, when the rest of the world is in deep slumber. Why I know of appointments with coiffeurs, beauty salons and even dentists running to 2.00 am.

Even doing nothing is an entertainment in Cairo. A number of 24-hour cafés like the Cilantro’s, Joffrey’s and Costa Café has opened over the past year, along the Nile and in chic areas of Zamalek, Mohandeseen and Dokki. With societal restriction on alcohol consumption, cafés are becoming more popular especially among trendy AUCians – students from American University in Cairo - most come from wealthy Egyptian society. They can be seen sharing bytes (and bites) over trendy laptops in the dim light of the café interior.

Another favourite past time for Egyptians is the cinemas. Egyptian films have always been popular in the region but the ‘Yacoubian building’ surprised even critics with its realistic, somewhat blatant portrayal of life in contemporary Egypt. While foreign films are a bit slow to make their debut in Egypt, that is about to change. Latest Indian blockbuster ‘Eklavya’ with veteran star Amitabh Bachchan was premiered at the Grand Hyatt Cinema and going by the claps and cheers, was a hit among the audience, promising the launch of Bollywood movies in Egypt once again!

The trend towards weekend shifts to watering holes like the Cairo Jazz Club and After Eight frequented by foreigners and regulars for their live music. The live music band at the Jazz Club plays different styles of music on different days, from Rai to Rock & Roll.

Wednesdays are popular and without prior reservations entry is not guaranteed especially if you turn up without a female partner. Wander in at 9 pm and you will find the place deserted.

On special occasions like Valentine’s night the city’s premiere night spots including the Le Pacha boat on the Nile (model Naomi Campbell was recently spotted having dinner there) flies in DJ’s from Paris and Dubai. Another interesting place is ‘The Place’ on the Nile where on Tuesdays, you can join a small group of beginners to swing your hips or learn the cha-cha. Ever since the Salsa became such a hit 4 years ago, Cairo has attracted a growing number of Columbian and Cuban dancers, male and female to teach their manoeuvres to the unskilled among us.

One last thing remained to be done, before we left. It was a cruise down the Nile on a felucca or sail boat. We were curious to see how different it would be from the Dhow cruises that plied the Dubai creek. Sailing down towards Maadi we encountered rural scenes just as they appeared in 3,000 year old tomb paintings - small row boats idling in the fading light, father teaching son the elements of fishing and peasant women bent over by the riverside, washing vessels in the Nile water. Fishing is not only a favourite past time, it is also a source of livelihood for many Egyptians.

As we made our way back to the airport that late night I saw one welcome addition, the new yellow cabs. With meters and prices fixed, there would be no more haggling and no more having to ride in a 60’s Fiat that threatens to fall apart if you let go of the door.

Stay tuned for more on Egypt.

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WHERE TO STAY With more than 500 rooms, Le Meridien Pyramids is the largest hotel in Giza. Its sprawling lobby with marble floors and grand chandeliers gives you a feeling of expanse. But walk into the gardens and you feel the warmth of a tropical garden.

There is no other place better than Le Meridien Pyramids whether it is a romantic getaway or a leisure holiday that you planned. With a room across the pyramids, you may want to just stay snuck in bed and savour your breakfast in the comfort of your room. Most of the rooms at the Royal Club floor are done up in warm tones and the oriental rugs and large Bedouin cushions give an earthy ambience.

Most glorious of all, though is the

pool, by day or night. Cool off in the summer with an underwater massage or enjoy a dinner of oriental mezzes and sizzling lamb around the fire, at the Nubian Village restaurant. Laredo is as popular for its burritos as it is for its fiery sauces. After a long day walking through history, Mexican food is perhaps what you need to warm up for the evening.

Staying at Le Meridien, you are in the middle of all the activity.

Weddings, late night entertaining, live music and dance. Oh and just before you take your weary self up to your room, grab a bite of one of those sweet pastries at the Harris Café and you might consider staying up for sunrise with a coffee or shisha at the outdoor café.

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arabian gallery arabian gallery

LAmp Post (Ajman)

Ajman

April 2007

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OUTSIDE ARABIA I CUBA

Havana & Trinidad Cuba’s Most Treasured Cities Known to the Conquistadors as ‘Queen of the New World’, Old Havana is a remnant from Cuba’s colonial era - a jewel of Spanish colonial architecture.

UNESCO has declared this area with its narrow streets, secluded squares, impressive fortresses and centuries-old churches, edged by ancient palaces a World Heritage Site.

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T

o fully discover Havana both old and new, we decided to explore the city in two stages. In the morning, we would explore the new part by auto and in the afternoon roam through the old section by foot. I had visited Havana numerous times before, but I had not truly discovered the city.

This time it was to be different.

We began our exploration of Havana by car in the Miramar district, with its foreign embassies and plush hotels, in the new city. We drove through the, wide tree-lined avenues, rimmed by cinemas, clubs, restaurants, theatres and bustling modern villas set in charming gardens and high-rise offices. These led to La Rampa, the mercantile main street and centre of culture, shopping and fine residential abodes.

Here, we stopped at Coppelia Cuba’s huge and famous icecream outlet, the largest ice-cream parlour to be found on the globe. After standing in line with other tourists and Cubans, I finally was able to taste what the Cubans claim to be the best ice cream in the world. It was a good product, but the best in the world? I doubt it!

At the foot of La Rampa, we drove on the MalĂŠcon, a broad meandering 7 km seaside avenue edged by the ocean on one side and by run-down buildings on the other, some of which, featuring a fantastic collection of architectural styles, are being restored. We stopped by the fortress Castillo de la Punta to view the opposite side of the harbour the venerable Castillo de los Tres Reyes del

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Morro - one of the mightiest Spanish defence fortresses built in the New World. The cross fire of these two forts saved Havana numerous times from pirate raids.

From this seaside avenue, we made our way to the Plaza de la Revolution where Castro often addresses thousands of his countrymen. Here, we examined the huge obelisk with a sculpture honouring José Martí, the hero of Cuban independence, then left to visit the nearby impressive Cementerio de Colón with its superb marble tombs. Back on the Malécon we drove back to Old Havana, to glory in its architecture and history.

To study the history of architecture in the Western Hemisphere there is no better concentration of structures than La Habana Vieja (Old Havana), founded in 1515 and oozing with history and grandeur. One of the most ancient urban centres in the Western Hemisphere, this part of town is a carefully restored monument to the history of the city.

One of the first urban created centres by the Conquistadors it is a wonderful mix of colonial homes, charming plazas, museums and other places of historic interest. In between and housed in these structures the area is saturated with a variety of bars with Cuban entertainment, art galleries, hotels, libraries, offices, shops, cafes and restaurants offering traditional and international food.

Known to the Conquistadors as ‘Queen of the New World’, Old Havana is a remnant from Cuba’s colonial era - a jewel of Spanish colonial architecture. UNESCO has declared this 4 sq km (2.5 sq mi) area with its narrow streets, secluded squares, impressive fortresses and centuries-old churches, edged by ancient palaces a World Heritage Site. On an on-going basis, its 907 colonial palaces and over 100 other monuments are being gradually restored. Travellers can easily see that this ancient part of the city is being returned to its once renowned architectural splendour.

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Photos by Cuba Tourist Board

Today, Havana has greatly expanded beyond its historic section. A city of 2.5 million, it is the largest urban centre in the Caribbean, containing one quarter of Cuba’s more than 11 million inhabitants. Yet, what comes to mind when one thinks of Havana is its colonial heart, throbbing hub with tourists and life. One must walk through this venerable section to discover it in all its glory.

We began our walking tour at the Plaza de San Francisco de Asis, named after the edging church/convent, dating back to 1738.

This structure is one of the most important of the historic sites in Havana. A connecting special hand dug 11 km (6.8 mi) long aqueduct – uncovered in part for tourist eyes, once brought in water for the church and ships docked nearby. The end point of the aqueduct is the Fuente de los Leones in the square. Decorated with four lions, it is an exact copy of the lion’s fountain in Granada’s Alhambra palace in Spain.

After leaving behind two ladies with flower baskets selling a $1 kiss on the cheek to tourists, we turned to walk on the narrow Calle Teniente Rey bordered by renovated ancient structures.

“Oh! This reminds me of Spain!” An English woman passing me remarked. Apparently she did not know that Havana was once the headquarters of the Spanish fleet and one of the most important Spanish possessions in the New World.

A few minutes walk and we were in Plaza Vieja, impressive in its historic mansions, bordering the square on four sides. With the exception of two structures, all the remainders were renovated in tasteful style - no doubt even more attractive than when they were newly built in the 18th century. The plaza is unique. Unlike any other in the city, no religious edifice or important government building look down unto the square.

Another 5 minute walk and we reached Plaza de Armas Havana’s oldest and most important square. It is surrounded by

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plants and lined on all sides by marble benches and gas lamps, lighting the square. The plaza is full of second-hand books for sale. Day and night the square attracts a whole host of people, many of them attracted by the surrounding restaurants and bars.

The Plaza is bordered by important structures. Across from the Baroque style Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, now housing the City Museum exhibiting antique furniture, stands “El Templete”, resembling a temple, on the spot where in 1599 the city of Havana was founded. Beside it flourishes a ceiba tree, once considered sacred by the aboriginal people. Next-door is the Castillo de la Real Fuerza with the top of one of its towers capped by La Giraldilla, the Symbol of Havana.

From the Plaza de Armas, we walked to the Plaza de la Cathedral (Cathedral Square) – a very important tourist stop. The Square, one of the most authentic and best-preserved squares in Havana is a charming and monumental place, called the soul of Havana. The Cathedral, one of the most beautiful baroque façades in all of Latin America is Havana’s historic site par excellence.

We ended our tour at Central Park on the edge of the first major expansion of old Havana. We rested in this oasis of greenery then explored the nearby eye-catching Gran T[t]eatro de la Habana and the Capitillo, a replica of the US Capital in Washington that was built in the 1920s when Cuba was totally under US influence.

As I sat in the park to rest I thought about our walking tour of old Havana. It had been a fulfilling experience, exploring the structures of grandeur from the days of yore, especially those beautifully restored. I came away with an impression that Cuba has a rich historic past which now visitors from the four corners of the globe can explore with ease and enjoy.

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I

was half asleep as I stepped outside the front door of our Varadero hotel in the early morning darkness. Barely seeing a bench I moved nearer to sit down. Startled, I almost sat down on a man seemingly exhausted with his head in his hands. “Usted cansado (you tired)? I asked in my broken Spanish. He stared at me, “Yo perro!” I looked at him not understanding what he was saying. “Que (what)?” I asked.

“Woof! Woof! Dog! I am a dog!” Still not understanding what he meant, I asked, “Que! Porque (why) dog? He grinned explaining that he was a watchdog for the hotel with very little pay, hoping that tourists would feel sorry for him and throw him a bone.

I was still laughing to myself as I with eleven other passengers boarded a tour bus for the treasured town of Trinidad – one of Cuba’s gems. Now, as we left Varadero and its romantic beaches behind, I felt elated as the cool morning breezes flowing through the open windows caressed our bodies.

Passing a crab statue we entered the historic town of Cardenas whose inhabitants are labelled ‘crab eaters’ due to a mass of crabs that infest the countryside during a certain part of the year.

Myrna, our guide talked about the city as we passed through its narrow streets edged by homes - many of which were in dire need of paint.

“We call this town our ‘City of Firsts’. Here we built our first sugar mill; it was the first city in the country to have electricity; and the first city in Cuba to raise the flag of independence.”

Myrna went on, “Do you know what we call it today?”

“Dormitory city”, she answered herself. “Why?” One of the passengers asked. “Because everyone who lives here works in the tourist industry in Varadero and only return to Cardenas to sleep.

Past Cardenas the countryside through which when I had travelled a decade ago was filled with flourishing fields of vegetables, now looked abandoned. When I asked Myrna what had happened, she grinned, “No one wants to work the fields anymore. All our young people want to go to the cities to find work in the tourism industry.”

Soon the countryside seemed to come alive again. Past banana fields, we drove through the largest citrus fruit orchards in the country. A half hour later and we were traversing a landscape filled with sugarcane – once Cuba’s only export. In the past harvested by hand, today harvesters – some we saw in operation as we passed the fields, reap the vast majority. However, sugarcane production has dwindled from 8 million tons annually at its peak to 1.5 million today, being replaced as a foreign exchange earner by the export of nickel and the 2 million annual tourists who are bringing in the hard cash.

As we neared Cienfuegos, rice fields began to appear amid the sugarcane and above them the Royal palm, Cuba’s national tree, beautifying the skyline. The most favoured of the country’s 89 species of palms it is heaven-sent to farmers who feed its fruit to their pigs and use its trunk and branches for building their homes.

As we entered Cienfuegos, I was amazed. Unlike other cities in Cuba, the majority of its buildings gleamed sparkling white in the sunlight. An industrial urban centre of some 138,000, the city is a relatively modern town, founded in 1819. Known as the ‘Southern Pearl of Cuba’, it hugs the bright-blue Cienfuegos Bay

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and is known as one of the most beautiful cities in the country.

We spent an hour exploring the neat heart of Cienfuegos before leaving for Trinidad, the third oldest city in the country, labelled ‘Cuba’s treasure’. The fairly good, but narrow road wound its way through the foothills of the tree-covered Escambray Mountains whose peaks rise to over 1,000 m (3,280 ft). From 1959 to 1965 these mountains provided a hiding place for contra-revolutionary bands until Castro’s forces finely wiped them out. There was little traffic and we made good time as we drove along the Caribbean shoreline.

Near noon, we reached Trinidad - a historic town of 60,000, about 270 km (167 mi) southeast of Varadero.

Founded by Diego Velázquez in 1514, the city nestles between the overshadowing mountains and Cuba’s south central coast. From here, Hermán Cortés recruited many of his soldiers for the conquest of Mexico and in the ensuing years it became an important Spanish colonial town. It was built around a series of squares with narrow cobblestone streets edged by sumptuous homes.

These were constructed with attractive inner patios, unique doors, imported Italian marble floors, charming wood balconies and iron or wooden window grills. These homes were the principal reason that UNESCO declared the city a part of the world’s heritage and it is being restored under that agency’s auspices.

Trinidad reached the height of its cultural and economic development between 1750 and 1850. This flourishing era was based on the wealth amassed from sugarcane, grown in the remarkably fertile soil of the nearby Sugar Mill Valley, which once had 82 sugar mills. Only traces of these mills and the restored Iznaga or Manacalznaza Tower, from which overseers used to watch the slaves, remain.

All of Trinidad’s illustrious palaces and churches were built from the money produced by these miserably treated slaves. When they

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were eventually freed, Trinidad stopped growing and became literally a museum-town.

We began the tour of town by walking up one of the ancient cobbled streets. Looking around, I thought that we had stepped back a few centuries in time. On both sides were venerable houses and palaces. Every door of these centuries-old abodes was different in size and design. It is said that people used to know who owned the home by these portals.

Our first stop was the Municipal Museum, whose home is a former palace. After examining its wide-range of artefacts, we walked on past a large hedge of exquisite flowering bougainvillaea to the Romantic Museum, housed in the Brunet Palace, located on Plaza Mayor - the heart of the old town and Cuba’s most elegant square. Its exhibits consisted of ceramics and furniture utilized by the privileged families in the 17th and 18th centuries. Our guide remarked that the hand-manufactured wood furniture made in these bygone years, remains one of Trinidad’s noted handicrafts.

From the palace-museum, we sauntered to the next-door cathedral, directly opposite the Von Humboldt Museum of Science. Inside, we stood for awhile admiring its hand-carved wooden alter then strolled past the Convent of San Francisco to La Canchánchara - noted for a typical Cuban drink which is a mixture of rum or wine with honey and lime juice. After sampling this somewhat different country beverage, also called Canchánchara, we drove to Taller Alfarero, a large ceramics workshop where traditional techniques are still used. After touring the workshop where a pottery artisan was busy at work we left this city that lives in the past.

On our return journey, I reflected about our trip. The scenic countryside, beautiful Cienfuegos and especially the museum-town of Trinidad were not to leave me until we were back, very late that evening, in Varadero - Cuba’s tourist museum city.

Facts to Know About Cuba: 1) Cuba has become for tourists much more expensive. It is best to take an all-inclusive package offered by most hotels.

2) For transportation, in Havana take taxis. They are the best way to get around. Rental cars are expensive - around 60 to 80 CUC a day and up and gas is around .90 CUC a litre.

3) In spite of the shortages, all of Cuba is still safe, thefts are rare and tap water is drinkable, even in the villages.

4) Visitors to Cuba must use convertible pesos (CUC – at present 1 CUC = CUC1.31 Canadian. The Cuban peso, which can only be used by tourists to purchase such products as fruit and vegetables, converts at about 1 CUC to 25 pesos.

5) The best buys in Cuba are rum and cigars.

Beware of black market cigars - often they are not authentic. Seven-year old Havana Club is the top rum in Cuba. It is smoother than brandy and sells at around 12 CUC a bottle. In Havana, the best place to buy Cuban souvenirs is at Handicraft Markets like the one near Plaza de la Catedral.

6) Cubans are appreciative of gifts, especially soap, English-Spanish dictionaries and all types of clothing - new and used.

7) The best time to travel to Cuba is from December to the end of April during the dry cool season.

8) Remember to keep 25 CUC for the departure tax.

9) When in Cienfuegos, one should not miss seeing the Valle Palace, a replica of a part of the Moorish Alhambra Palace in Granada.

Even the Arab Nassrid kings of Granada’s wa la ghalib ilallah (there is no conqueror but God) is inscribed in Arabic on its walls. Once the home of a count who must have been enamoured with Spain’s Arab past, it now houses an antique shop, bar and an excellent restaurant, surrounded by plaster filigree - an exact copy of those in Alhambra.

10) Two good restaurants to dine in in Trindad: Don Antonio, housed in a colonial house of wooden and tile roofs, in the city’s historical center - average cost of a meal CUC 15; and Restaurante Vía Reale, specializing in Italian food - average cost of a full meal less than CUC 10.

11) Ancon and Maria Aguilar Beaches just outside Trinidad are among the finest beaches on the southern coast of Cuba, edged by the best hotels in the area.

12) Havana’s most renowned nightspot is La Tropicana built in a grotto of royal palms. It features a spectacular extravaganza of lavish scenery, dancing and sumptuous costumes - cost 65, 75 or 85 CUC, depending on the seat. However, there are other cabarets like the Parisian at the Nacional Hotel that costs about half the price of El Tropicana.

Note: All the prices quoted are in CUC pesos.

For Further Information, Contact Cuba Tourist Board: Cuba Tourist Board, Toronto: 1200 Bay Street.

Suite 305. Toronto. ON. M5R 2A5. Tel: (416) 362-0700. Toll Free: 1-866-404 CUBA (2822).

Fax: (416) 362-6799 e-mail: info@gocuba.ca; Montreal: 2075, rue University, Bureau 460 Montréal, Québec, H3A 2L1 Tel: (514) 875-8004 Fax: (514) 875-8006 e-mail: montreal@gocuba. ca Website: http://www.gocuba.ca/en/index.asp

April 2007

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AMBIENCE I BEACH SCENE

Relaxation

April 2007

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ENTERTAINMENT I JAZZ FESTIVAL

Dee Dee Bridgewater swinging with a group member

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Enchanting sounds

Freddy Cole

Dee Dee and Kabine Kouyate

Some legendary names add variety, lustre to jazz fest

by Eugene Correia

April 2007

Robin McKelle

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Guy Manoukian

here was everything for each musical taste -- blues, oriental, fusion, mainstream, pop, rock. The music provided by most of the artists, with some going to great length in showmanship, must have surely strung the musical chords of the jazz aficionado or the layman.

The main acts such as TOTO, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Three Ladies of Blues, and Jamie Cullen entertained in their own individualistic styles. Though TOTO does not fit into the jazz mould, the rock group was a bonus to the Dubai music lovers.

Age may have mellowed the timbre in the group’s voices but the group still commands attention. The sounds of this mega hit song of the ‘80s, Rosanna, may have had thirtysomethings humming the lyrics and clapping to its beats. For more than 30 years, the group has been holding its own against the rising tide of newcomers and new genres of music.

A couple of times during breaks Steve Lucather cracked a few naughty lines and little dirty acts before apologizing to the crowd who seemed not to mind. Leave aside these antics, the legendary Lucather showed why he is one of the finest guitarists around, having played with the likes of Carlos Santana, another great legend. One could only be mesmerised by his fingerwork. Singer Bobby Kimball strained his vocal chords to deliver some few numbers.

In sharp contrast, Jamie Cullum brought down the curtain on the three-day Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival (S-DIJF),

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The Three Ladies of Blues

the fifth year running, with a superb performance that swung from the banal to innovative drumming the piano case interspersed with quick riffs on the keyboards.

The UK-based artist sang songs from his Verve debut album, Twentysomething, and from his newest, Catching Tales, had the crowd swaying to the beats. At times he was somber as a jazz artist can often be and at times he was just wild, leaping in the air, climbing a stool and jumping off the stage into the crowds. At 26, the talented singer has a long way to go and he is doing well in climbing up the record charts. He combines pop and jazz in a way he does best.

His act could indeed be a long tale that music lovers would love to tell those who did not have the chance to see the slim, lively and energetic musician perform. It was a perfect finale to the festival that is growing each year in reputation.

Dee Dee Bridgewater showed why she is a versatile artist -- jazz singer, actress. She is internationally recognised and has won a Grammy and Tony awards. Besides an accomplished singer, she is a great entertainer. She can drop one-liners just as easily she can sing a note.

Her performance was dazzling. Singing from what she said was her Malian Project, she had backup musicians from her native country, with one playing the kora, and sang a few duets with Malian singers Kabine Kouyate, a male, and Assitan Keita, a female. The big-built Kouyate’s deep and mournful voice pierced the air like sharp arrows.

Her afro-jazz singing was refreshing as the cool winds that blew across the Skywards stage on the lawns of the Media City. From a classical jazz to some fast-paced numbers, Dee Dee displayed her vast repertoire. In a word she was just wonderful. In her Malian Project, Dee Dee seemed to bring to light her African-American heritage and her search for her roots. She believes blues originated in Mali. She has worked with jazz greats such as Sonny Rollins, Dizzy Gillespie and Ray Charles.

As usual Freddy Cole brought his deep, husky voice to bear on the proceedings on the first day after jazz band, Kamal Mussallam Trio, who played Middle Eastern jazz fusion, had set the stage alight with great sounds from the region, as the guitar and the oud complimented each other very well.

From the rousing Kamal trio to the melodic Cole, the transformation was gradual. In his characteristic manner, Cole provided mainstream jazz and blues. Cole is the epitome of the jazz 44

Steve Lucather of TOTO

scene today.

Another band that had the crowd swinging and dancing on its feet at the Cadillac stage was Guy Manoukian, a familiar name in Dubai.

The rhythmic Middle-Eastern sounds mixed with in own inimitable style on the keyboards were enjoyable.

Three Ladies of Blues were charmingly sweet in both their attire and music. They created a rhapsody of lyric poems sung in powerful voices that resonated throughout the crowd at the Skywards stage.

Along with blues, they mixed a bit of gospel-style singing that created images of Harlem of bygone days.

The founders and organisers of the show, Chillout Productions, said that at least 30,000 people attended the show over the three days.

Anthony Younes, the managing director, said “My sincere thanks go out to the main sponsors Skywards, Cadillac, Emirates, to name just a few, and all the press and media partners and to everyone who has contributed to the success of this incredible event. We will, of course, endeavor to put together an equally illustrious line-up of invitees for next year.”

Jamie Cullen

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ART I EXHIBIT

Journeys Uninterrupted

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ninterrupted Journeys, a group exhibition of contemporary art, was presented by the New Delhi based Nitanjali Art Gallery in association with the Taj Palace Hotel, Dubai and coordinated by Kanika Subberwal.

The exhibition hosted the continuous diversity and evolution of a number of renowned and burgeoning artists who have been working with Nitanjali for varying periods of time. The artists come from different regions, a wide lexicon of technique and process inherent in their formative processes, as well as honouring myriad visual palettes and concepts of creative composition.

To celebrate creativity as a mysterious process, involving subconscious thoughts beyond the control of the creator attests to the infinite combinations of hand and eye integration, and the rendering of the artistic eye. Perhaps beyond comprehension of most initial viewers this conjures insight development, formative leaps, and some understanding of creative contingency.

Artists highlighted in this exhibition are (in alphabetical order): Amiya Bhattacharya, Chhotulal, Gulgee, Gurjeet, Kishore Roy, Meena Deora, Puja Bahri, R.M. Naeem, Sachindra Nath Jha, Sanatan

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Dinda, Satish Gupta, Seema Kohli, Siddharth, Shyamal Mukherjee, Sourav Bhattacharya and Sujata Dere.

Their myriad subject matter, particular perception of composition, envisioned palette, and explored picture planes span beyond circumspect art historical definition. Nevertheless, a certain harmony of plateau and resonance brings them together.

Thematics matter less than the soliloquy and dialogue of process and perseverance.

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ART I ABU DHABI

Louvre Abu Dhabi

within the

Saadiyat Island

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he governments of Abu Dhabi and the Republic of France have entered into an unprecedented 30-year cultural accord which will see the Louvre Abu Dhabi museum created within the Cultural District of Saadiyat Island – lying just 500 metres from Abu Dhabi city.

“This is a major achievement in Abu Dhabi’s vision to become a world-class destination bridging global cultures,” said His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. “This accord further strengthens international dialogue, which will embrace all cultures.

“This initiative is a unique milestone in international co-operation and bi-lateral relations and a tribute to the long-standing and friendly ties our two nations have enjoyed. It also creates an enriching environment to be treasured by and to educate generations to come.”

This opportunity provides for long-term loans from the Louvre and major French museums such as the Musee du Quai Branley, Centre Georges Pompidou, Musee d’Orsay, Versailles, Guimet, Rodin and the Reunion des Musees Nationaux (RMN).

Temporary exhibitions will also be organised annually in the Louvre Abu Dhabi and will be included in the programme of international exhibitions exchanged between major museums worldwide.

This agreement ensures French museum expertise will assist with the acquisition over the next decade of an Abu Dhabi art collection. This support will also facilitate the development of educational programmes and specialised art conferences that will be held in Abu Dhabi aimed at inspiring and developing the next generation of cultural leaders.

To celebrate the new cultural collaboration, the Louvre will host a floor of galleries dedicated to the late UAE President and Ruler of Abu

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Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The commemorative galleries, on a floor of the Louvre’s Pavillon de Flore, will open within the next three years and house permanent displays of international work.

In addition, a multi-purpose art research centre in France – which will be the largest of its kind in the world – will also carry the name of the emirate. Restoration of art works will be carried out at the Abu Dhabi centre, which will also be used to train restoration professionals.

Abu Dhabi will also contribute to the restoration of the theatre in the Château de Fontainebleau - the largest royal palace in France. Designed

by Hector Lefuel between 1853 and 1856, the theatre, in the west of the château’s Louis XV wing, will be named after His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The theatre still retains its original wall decorations, furniture and boxes as well as original stage machinery and the world’s largest collection of stage scenery from the 18th and 19th centuries.

The Château de Fontainebleau was built in 1137 and was a favourite royal residence for centuries. Generations of royalty left their mark on the château, including Louis XIV whose additions left a distinct Versailles touch. In 1804 the château became an imperial residence in the reign of Napoleon I. It became a national museum in 1927.

“By choosing the Louvre, the emirate of Abu Dhabi not only sealed a partnership with the world’s most visited and well-known museum, but selected one which, from its very inception, had a vocation to reach out to the world, to the essence of mankind, through the contemplation of works of art,” said French President, Jacques Chirac.

“Having been originally created from ancient French Royal collections, and constantly enriched over more than two centuries, the Louvre has adhered, from its beginning, to a conviction that art is a

Front row (left to right): HE Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and French Minister for Culture and Communications Renaud de Vabres. Second row (left to right): HH Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Patrice Paoli, French Ambassador to the UAE, Henri Loyette, Director of the Louvre and HE Abdul Rahman Al Owais, UAE Minister for Culture, Youth and Community Development.

universal messenger. With the Louvre, the emirate of Abu Dhabi pays tribute to this classical heritage and masterpieces of the past and in maintaining the momentum, it is committed to discovering a centuries old creation and demonstrating how it values heritage while spearheading the future.”

The Louvre Abu Dhabi will be a universal museum with exhibits

April 2007

encompassing a diversity of cultures.

“The Louvre Abu Dhabi will empower a new era of international cultural co-operation,” said His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of the Executive Council. “In the long-term the Louvre Abu Dhabi will become autonomous. It will be a national, regional and international asset allowing all to fully participate in an interconnected global cultural understanding.”

The accord, the first of its kind for the Louvre, was signed in Abu Dhabi

by His Excellency Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and Tourism Development and Investment Company, and the French Minister for Culture and Communications Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres, who headed a delegation to the UAE capital which included the President-Director of the Louvre Henri Loyrette as well as the Director of French Museums Francine Mariani-Ducray and museums curators.

“We have decided to create together a museum destined to foster cultural dialogue between East and West by exhibiting works of major importance from all the domains of the history of art, spanning all historic periods, including the contemporary, and all geographic regions,” said Minister de Vabres. “The Louvre Abu Dhabi will make use of the most innovative techniques in the field of museography, fulfilling, at all times, the quality criteria and scientific and museographic aims of the Louvre.”

“France views this as a collective project which allows it to demonstrate to the world its unique expertise and know-how in the museum domain. To be co-ordinated by the Ministry of Culture and Communications, the French contribution will bring together the country’s leading national museums.

Our aim is to jointly realise a major French museum of the 21st century that will be a scientific and cultural benchmark for museums worldwide.”

The 24,000 square metre Louvre Abu Dhabi, which will have 6,000

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square metres of galleries devoted to permanent displays and 2,000 square metres for temporary exhibitions, is expected to open in 2012. The galleries will open to the public in successive phases.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi will exhibit major artifacts and works in archaeology, the fine arts and decorative arts from all historic periods, but pre-dominantly classical.

Designed by award-winning French architect Jean Nouvel, the designer behind the Musee du Quai Branley, the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris and the Opera de Lyon, the Louvre Abu Dhabi will be housed in the Cultural District of Saadiyat Island, which is being transformed into a strategic international destination for cultural enlightenment.

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The Louvre Abu Dhabi is one of several iconic museums, including a performing arts centre, a Sheikh Zayed National Museum, a Guggenheim Abu Dhabi modern and contemporary art museum, a Maritime Museum, and a Biennale Park with 19 pavilions, making the world’s largest cultural destination.

Leading architects, including Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid, Tado Andao and Jean Nouvel were commissioned for the concept designs for all the Cultural District’s components.

“Together these museums deliver the most dramatic cultural unveiling ever conceived,” said His Excellency Sheikh Sultan. “The Louvre Abu Dhabi will give the Cultural District destination even greater significance. It signals a new era of social awareness and will deliver to the nation and the region economic and human impact which will be profound and far-reaching.”

Saadiyat Island, said Sheikh Sultan, will play an integral role in realising the UAE capital’s ambition to be globally recognised as a world-class cultural destination.

Apart from the displays and productions to be shown and performed in the Cultural District, the architecture of Nouvel, Gehry, Hadid and Tadao, designed as 21st century icons, is expected to be a considerable cultural draw in its own right.

Designed as a seemingly floating dome structure, Nouvel’s concept has been described as an engineering feat.

Its web-patterned dome allows the sun to filter through, reminiscent of rays passing through date palm fronds in an oasis.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi’s concept design is on show in an exhibition devoted to Saadiyat Island’s Cultural District which is open to the public from 10am until 10pm daily, in the UAE capital’s Emirates Palace Hotel.

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FACE TO FACE I MILLENNIUM HOTEL

Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi

Making a difference Millennium Hotel is proud to be on the top of the list of Hotels in Abu Dhabi to be environmental friendly because Moine Kandil the General Manager believes that the awareness of the environment begins with little things in our lives where changes need to start within us as human beings before we proceed to a societal level.

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hile other Hotels are busy promoting their property to cater to its targeted clientele, one Hotel in Abu Dhabi is doing otherwise - busy protecting the environment and greening of the hospitality industry that has become a global issue.

Millennium Hotel is proud to be on the top of the list of Hotels in Abu Dhabi to be environmental friendly because Moine Kandil the General Manager believes that the awareness of the environment begins with little things in our lives where changes need to start within us as human beings before we proceed to a societal level.

In light of the above, the Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi has set an action plan to be undertaken on various fronts by the Hotel’s Management and staff to address all environmental issues where a positive impact can be made through simple steps to spread awareness efforts. “There is a need to focus on water and energy conservation and control waste because Hotels have a big tendency of consumption which has to be well controlled or else will cause damage to the environment.�

To implement the program the Hotel has introduced a lot of environment friendly products like long life energy conserving bulbs and it uses the latest technology in compressors units for energy conservation as well as a Building Management System (BMS) which

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Cleaning campaign conserves and regulates the air-conditioning and electricity in different areas of the Hotel.

Moreover, the Abu Dhabi Municipality also approved their request of having three garbage containers to be placed outside the Hotel for their recycling program. Kandil believes in applying the 3Rs: Reuse, Reduce and Recycle so waste products like carton, paper and plastic are segregated and placed in these containers for recycling purpose.

Kandil is proud to say that their efforts have been recognized and the Abu Dhabi municipality is very supportive of their projects.

Millennium Hotel has so far conducted two cleaning campaigns. One was held on July 2, 2006 when the Management and staff cleaned the Hotel and the area around Khalifa Street and another last September 20, 2006 at the Ras Al Akhdar public beach where they were joined by the Abu Dhabi Municipality and the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry in collecting trash.

As part of the program, the Hotel is trying to utilize the resources of the country by buying local products instead of importing them as much as possible. For example: vegetables, fruits, dairy

product and meats (eg. ostrich and lamb).

Recently, the Hotel has added another nonsmoking floor to their three existing ones where

each floor has 21 rooms so now the Hotel has a total of 84 non-smoking rooms.

Furthermore, as of November last year, the Hotel also replaced the normal garbage bags with eco-friendly ones. They also modified the function of the Hotel’s key cards in a way that it reduces the consumption of electricity and air-conditioning.

The guests of the Hotel will not miss the stickers in the bathrooms in the form of a tree that reminds them of towel reuse and that many gallons of water and detergents are wasted when washing the sheets and towels on daily basis.

Last March 8, 2007, the Hotel’s Management and staff joined the Green Parade organised by the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi under the slogan: The UAE and the Environment - A Sustained Effort. Millennium Hotel was the only Hotel that participated in the parade which aimed to promote more environmental awareness as well as more co-operations between the different sectors and organizations working to protect the environment.

Kandil believes that as the hospitality tends to grow day after day and more guests are becoming increasingly conscious of choosing Hotels with environmental protection issues as it is the key to the future of tourism.

And what’s the next plan? “We are working on a workshop for children aged 5 to 15 years from different schools to encourage and support ecological consciousness,” Kandil revealed.

“My paramount mission is to surge forward to turn Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi into a green, environmental friendly hotel and instill in the minds of the people the importance of keeping the environment clean whereby taking care of it must become a way of life.”

“We must not wait until huge damage is done to the environment and reaching the stage of going beyond the point of no return but we can all work hand in hand to quickly engender the spirit of importance of saving our one and only planet,” Kandil emphasized.

Photos by Cuba Tourist Green Parade April 2007

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FASHION I SPRING & SUMMER

Hogan Men’s Collection Materials Vegetable tanned cuoios, natural weaves, technical fabrics and metallics Colours Natural and Earthy tones, shades of grey, flashes of colour – red, orange, yellow, ochre, blue.

White with metallic inserts.

James Sophisticated mix of traditional elegance and sporty design for Hogan’s slip on moc in taupe nubuck. Flexible outsole and pedal gripping sole, visible stitching on the vamp enhanced by colour inserts.

Bermuda Open toe strappy sandal or flip flop in soft distressed leather with rubber grip sole.

Buckle or colour detail. For warm weather in the city and at the beach!

Women’s Collection Contemporary interpretation of urban trends and retro references.

Materials Distressed cuoio and glazed leathers metallic details and patent inserts Colours Natural earthy tones – Stucco, oak, onyx Juicy primary colours: red, blue, green Matt effect and plays of light: gold and silver

Campus Tennis chic style for the sporty in white leather with coloured slash in fresh popsicle colours: mint, cherry and blueberry

Tambourine Bag is inspired by the shape of a tambourine!

The round bottom resembles the shape of the instrument whilst the metal conchos recall its sounding disks. Bucket shaped, topped by a flap closure personalized with a leather H mounted on a metallic horsheshoe shape base.

A different beat strikes the saddle bag version with adjustable shoulder strap and leather laces.

Beach Sandal with nude cushioned insole and gladiator style instep – in leather with ankle wrap. Natural tones, primary colours and metallized effects.

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Polo Ralph Lauren an aristocratic air. A cream washed leather trench coat, cream cashmere crewneck sweater, matching linen trouser and whipstitched crocodile belt give tone-on-tone a textural twist.

For evening, Ralph Lauren reinvents classic formalwear. A pleated tuxedo shirt with black and white variegated stripes is paired with a cream silk shantung shawl-collar dinner jacket, black tuxedo pant and a black silk bow tie to capture the luxurious style of old Hollywood glamour.

For the Purple Label Spring 2007 collection, Ralph Lauren fuses a vintage sensibility with modern luxury. Modern Savile Row tailoring defines the silhouettes, and a palette of navy, mocha and black is offset by cream to give an air of heightened sophistication.

The Black and Cream collection recalls the elegant styles worn in classic black-and-white films.

A profusion of pattern is boldly pronounced with a black cashmere Art deco print cardigan with a black-and-cream striped cotton dress shirt and black linen pinstripe trouser. The epitome of jaunty sophistication, a cream rumpled linen pinstripe suit with peak lapel is paired with a black-and-white striped cotton spread collar shirt and black-and-cream printed silk jacquard tie. An impeccably tailored black linen herringbone double-breasted suit work with a black-and-cream striped cotton dress shirt, black silk tie and matching pocket square is decidedly debonair.

The ultimate Savile Row gentleman is defined in the English Navy and Cream collection. An English Navy three-piece peak lapel gabardine pinstripe suit, matching navy-and-cream striped dress shirt and navy striped silk tie evoke more dapper times. A cashmere crewneck sweater worn with a cotton dress shirt and linen trouser, all in English Navy, displays the monochromatic look to its advantage.

Antique luxury meets modern sophistication with the Mocha and Cream collection. A mocha washed silk twill pinstripe suit is paired with a white cotton dress shirt and a mocha silk tie for

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ATTRACTIONS I LEBANON

72 Lebanon Unforgettable hours in

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Lebanon is an all year-round destination, but the best time of the year to travel is in the spring, when temperatures, as well as, airline prices are lower.

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pon arrival at Rafik Al Hariri International airport, 10 minutes is required to reach the five star Mövenpick Hotel& Resort Beirut, “the only city centre hotel with resort facilities”. Following check-in, relax in Deluxe Sea View prime accommodation and kick start the week-end with Lebanese “Kahwa”, a blend of strong black coffee.

Visit Sursock Museum in Achrafieh. Owned by the Sursock family, the museum is a splendid example of the 19th century Italianate architecture, decorated in oriental style. The museum’s main function is to provide a venue for contemporary Lebanese artists.

Feeling pekish? Zaatar WA Zeit -herb & oil- serves an array of ‘Manakish’ – a flat-bread pizza look alike and Lebanese style sandwich. Savour the old time favourites Zaatar, Halloumi cheese or chocolate and banana served piping hot on delicious home-baked Lebanese bread.

In the afternoon, Byblos - Jbeil is ideal to explore on foot. Opposite the road, which leads up to the Church of St.John the Baptist is the Wax Museum with its kitsch tableaux of Lebanese culture, followed by a visit to the archaeological site, where one can walk around for hours.

In the evening, book the “hottest table in town”, listen to live music by Georges & Reine at the Hemingway’s Cigar Bar & Lounge at the hotel whilst sipping Champagne. Enjoy the most magical breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Start your second day with a power breakfast “à la libanaise” in the Méditerranée restaurant accessible via the hotels panoramic lift, where ordering labneh and zeitoun – cream cheese yogurt with home-grown olive – is a must!

After breakfast visit Jeita Grotto, one of the world’s most impressive agglomerations of stalactites and stalagmites. Stretching some 6 km back into the

April 2007

mountains, these caves are the source of the Nahr alKhalb. In winter, the water levels rise so high, that the lower caverns are flooded and close as a result. The caves are open from 9 am to 6 pm Thursday, Friday to Sunday.

On route grab a quick Lebanese bite at Kababji restaurant, renowned for its excellent shawarma and chich taouq.

Dine alfresco at Bourj Al Hamam, authentic Lebanese signature restaurant of the Mövenpick Hotel& Resort Beirut. Enjoy cold & hot Mezzeh comprising Hommos, Mouttabal, Tabouleh, Fattouche, Foul, Kebbeh, Makanek, and Fatayer, followed by Machawi grilled chicken, and meats. For dessert indulge in Kachta with dates and Katayef with Kachta, a true Lebanese delicacy.

On the third and last day, visit Beiteddine 50 km south-east of Beirut. Beiteddine is the name of both the village and a magnificent palace, which can be seen from across the valley and is truly looks like a magical fairy tale. The palace is open from 9 am to 6 pm every day except Monday.

Last but not least, and for the grand finale, book the “ESPA Holistic Total Body care with Hot Stones Therapy” signature treatment at the internationally renowned Essential Spa& Health club of the Mövenpick Hotel & Resort Beirut. Lasting 1 hour and 40 min, the treatment commences with a traditional foot ritual and herbal tea. This is followed by full body skin brushing and exfoliation to prepare the skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth. After the body brushing there is a deep body, face and scalp massage using hot and cold stones on a vital energy points and a blend of essential oils chosen to suit individual requirements. This truly holistic experience will bring harmony to both mind and body.

A compact and unforgettable 72 hours in Lebanon and at the Mövenpick Hotel & Resort Beirut …

Undoubtedly by no means, time enough, to discover so many more Phoenician hidden treasures.

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PROMOTIONS I UAE

Mövenpick Bur Dubai Easter Brunch at the Fountain Restaurant Enjoy a perfect Easter Sunday in our atrium-style Fountain Restaurant. On Easter Sunday, April 8th. A wide variety of International culinary delights will be available for AED 120.00 per person from 12:00 noon to 3:00pm. Live cooking stations including Pasta Station, Sushi Station and a Chinese Wok Station, will be complimented by a Carving Station offering whole leg of lamb with rosemary, grilled Bourbon Duck with Orange Sauce and Angus beef tenderloin with green pepper sauce.

On the sweet side of life, a live Crepe-Station is added to the variety of desserts, which also includes the famous Chocolate Fountain.

Whilst the parents indulge in culinary delights, the children can enjoy plenty of fun activities in our Emma Club. A visit of Mr. Easter Bunny is

certainly a must and a fun afternoon full of activities is guaranteed. For more information and reservations please call the Fountain at 04 336 6000 ext. 320 Quiche Promotion at the Rooftop A tasty French approach can be found at the Rooftop Poolbar in April.

Rich and flavourful, you can enjoy a ham & apple quiche, smoked salmon quiche, or the vegetarian option with spinach and cheese. Starting at AED 35.00, this French delicacy is served with a nice fresh salad garnishing.

Treat yourself to a refreshing juice or fruit cocktail, and this meal presents the perfect snack for afternoon or a late lunch. A meal full of flavour and fresh air!

Renaissance Hotel Spice Island Sri Lankan cooking has been marked by many culinary practices, some of the most noticeable influences being that of Portuguese, Dutch, Moor and Malay. On offer are vegetarian and non vegetarian favourites like “black chicken curry”, “fried spicy fish”, “devilled chicken”, “hoppers” and the famous “kotu roti” which is prepared instantly at our live cooking station. The Sri Lankan promotion runs from April 8 to 27.

Spice Island - Easter Sunday Brunch - April 8, 2007 Our signature Easter Brunch offers fun and entertainment for the entire family with great food from the International buffet and sumptuous desserts.

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Spice Island - All You Can Eat & Drink Savour International selections from the largest buffet in town with an a la carte twist from the live cooking counters. Enjoy our following offers:

Harry’s Place – April 1 - 25, 2007 Ignite your taste buds with a special selection of curries from India complimented with a wide choice of chilled beers to wash your meal down every evening this April.

Sails Restaurant – Seafood & Reef ‘N Beef Nights Explore the tastes of the Mediterranean as a part of our Seafood & Reef ‘N Beef theme nights at Sails Restaurant. Our popular seafood buffet is featured every Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday night; savour our “Reef ‘N Beef” nights on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Hero’s Health Club – April 1- May 31, 2007 Book an Ayurvedic massage and get a 15 minute Indian Head massage free. The massage is priced at Dhs. 200/- for 50 minutes. Alternately sign up for a monthly single or couple’s membership and get the next month absolutely free.

Call reservations at +971 4 262 5555. Visit our website at www.dubairenaissance.com

JW Marriott Dubai Le Meridien Abu Dhabi Easter Sunday Lunch at La Brasserie Enjoy Easter Sunday with your family and friends at La Brasserie with a sumptuous buffet an experience sure to satisfy everyone’s tastes. Easter Day at Le Meridien also offers many surprises for kids such as our famous Egg Hunt in the garden, face painting, drawing competitions and the favorite Bouncing Castle and live music for music lovers.

Priced at AED 120 ++ for adults, and AED 65 for children aged 6-12 and free entry for children under 6.

Eden Spa Instead of indulging your appetite in chocolate over Easter and having to spend the following weeks trying to compensate for your weakness - indulge your skin (your waistline will thank you)!

Try one of our unique treatments……….

Chocolate Body Wrap & Massage Its time to tantalize your skin with chocolate, chocolate spreads quickly and easily over the skin and is now recognized for its antiageing and toning properties, it also softens your skin. This treatment involves a full body chocolate wrap, followed by your choice of a 50 minute massage.

90 Mins

325 AED

Chocolate Facial & Mask Indulge in your addiction with our exclusive chocolate facial! The Belgian chocolate used in the treatment allows you to protect your skin from free radicals with its anti-oxidant effect and also it tones the skin and plumps out wrinkles. While the mask works it’s magic enjoy a scalp massage 60 Mins

240 AED

Al Bustan Rotana Eggciting Easter Brunch Fontana makes Easter an egg-citing family celebration on the 08th of April as it puts together an exclusive Global Brunch, live entertainment and fun-filled egg-hunting. For only AED 225 net per person, inclusive of unlimited selected beverages.

Enjoy a lovely family time and scrumptious festive delights in a wide-ranging buffet spread and live cooking stations, extended till our magnificent lobby. While dining, indulge in Easter’s festive atmosphere and have fun with truly enjoyable egg-hunting activities for the little ones.

Blue Elephant Saturday’s Brunch Experience the magic of the renowned Blue Elephant Restaurant at the Saturday’s Brunch Buffet .

Soak up the ambience as you relax in any one of the traditional Thai houses whilst the Restaurant’s Thai chefs keep family, friends and business associates entertained with a tempting selection of live cooking stations and fruit carving displays.

For a buffet of Thai food as far the eye can see and as exotic as one can not imagine, to enjoy your weekend the Blue Elephant Saturday’s Brunch Buffet is the perfect choice.

The Blue Elephant Brunch Buffet is starting on 07th of April every Saturday between 12:30 till 3:30 p.m. for just Dhs 139 net per person including unlimited selected beverages.

For further information, please contact tel. no. 00971 4 2820000 April 2007

An eggstravagant Easter Experience an exciting Easter Sunday at JW Marriott Dubai on April 8th from 12:00pm until 4:00pm featuring unique culinary flavours.

Four restaurants at the JW Marriott Dubai; Bamboo Lagoon, Market Place, Hofbräuhaus and Mays El Reem tie-up to bring you diverse and delicious selection of Far Eastern, International, German and Lebanese specialties allowing diners to enjoy an-all-you-can-relish from the different restaurants.

Children can enjoy special games, activities and presents from the Easter Bunny. Other entertainment provided for children include face painting, story-telling, clowns, jugglers and so much more. Adults will enjoy special performances from the different bands of the restaurants.

For more information and reservations please call 04 6077977/ 04 60770099 or log on to www.marriottdining.ae Easter Brunch at Cucina Enjoy a sumptuous Easter brunch at Cucina on Sunday, 8th April from 12:00 Noon to 15:30 hrs. The brunch buffet includes traditional Easter specialities, live carving station and wide selection of mouth-watering desserts. Bring the whole family! There’s even egg hunting games to entertain the kids.

Cucina is open from 12:00 to 15:00 hrs for lunch and 18:00 to 23:30 hrs for dinner. For reservations call 04 885 2222.

Easter Brunch at Skywalk Café Hop over to the Skywalk Café for an elegant Easter Brunch on Sunday, April 8, from 1000 hrs to 1500 hrs. The brunch buffet, specially designed by Chef Hari, includes a carving station for roasted meats, omelet and waffle stations, a seafood display, bountiful salad bar, dessert station and more. While mum and dad enjoy brunch, the young ones will be kept busy by the Easter Bunny with a host of fun activities such as Bunny Hopping Exercises, Duck Walk Race, Easter Egg Hunt and more.

Easter brunch is available at Skywalk Café from 12:30 to 15:30 hrs. For information please call 04 213 1221.

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Radisson DMC

Radisson SAS Hotel, Deira Easter celebrations Join us on April 6th 2007, starting 12 pm for a mouth-watering Easter Brunch located on the second floor of the hotel, featuring extensive buffet stations of specially selected traditional dishes from 11 different outlets all in one location for only Dhs. 135 for adults and kids charged as per their height. (free, 50, 60, 70 dhs.)

Our bustling 24-hour International restaurant Boulvar, also turns the Easter tradition into a splendid celebration! Join us from the 6th till the 8th of April 2007 for the ultimate Easter Weekend, starting 12:30 pm daily for a mouth-watering Easter Brunch, featuring an extensive buffet of specially selected traditional dishes and Easter dessert specialities for only Dhs. 120 per person. On April 8th, join us for a special Easter Brunch with a special treat of Treasure Hunt, Egg painting and many more games for the youngsters for only Dhs. 120 per person.

La Moda, our trendy Italian restaurant located on the second floor of the hotel has prepared a traditional Easter set menu on Sunday April 8th 2007 starting at 12:30 pm. Enjoy Gnocchetti Soup, Braised Lamb with Ravioli, Spinach Risotto, Baby Hammour and Candied Easter Bread with Chocolate Mousse for only Dhs. 155 per person.

Indulge in Boulevard Gourmet’s delicious Easter Nest Cakes and other Easter Goodies, from 1st – 30th April 2007. Including a Black forest nest cake, Chocolate butter cream nest cake, Raspberry vanilla nest cake and Chocolate Fudge nest cake.

For reservations or more information on the Easter Friday Brunch as well as Boulvar and La Moda, please call the Information Centre on 04/205 7333 or 04/205 7444.

Al Murooj Rotana Hotel & Suites Easter fun for everyone The bright Easter Sunday and the beautiful season of spring is a perfect time for an eggciting celebration! Al Murooj Rotana Hotel & Suites has lined up plenty of special activities for the entire family.

The fun-filled Easter festivities will be hosted in Pergolas all day restaurant and its spacious terrace on the 8th of April.

The set up will include a tantalizing spread of international dishes and a wide array of live cooking stations. Kids can look forward to lots of entertainment, including famous Egg Hunt, visit of Easter Bunny, face painting and other activities.

Discover the world with Pergolas Restaurant Pergolas Restaurant in Al Murooj Rotana Hotel & Suites has revamped its existing mouthwatering theme nights. Get prepared to discover the world and tantalize your taste buds with delicious and authentic culinary creations of Executive Chef Gustavo Maurelli.

Discover exotic delights of Far East with “Far Feast” theme night every Wednesday. The variety of live cooking stations and masterfully designed menu complemented by themed settings of Pergolas restaurant will re-create the atmosphere of real Far Eastern fayre. The Far Feast theme night is from 7:00 pm till 11:30 pm.

Very popular Italian night “Al Dente” now takes place every Thursday. The main focus is made on Pasta dishes, and the variety includes over ten different types cooked live with condiments and dressings of your choice. Al Dente night brings great Italian food at a great price, and is available from 7:00 pm till 11:30 pm.

Chill out every Friday with your family in spacious settings of Pergolas Restaurant! Revamped Friday Brunch offers the choice of two unbeatable packages. The sumptuous buffet menu features a wide spread of masterfully prepared dishes from around the world with various live cooking stations. The Brunch is available from 12:00 noon till 4:00 pm.

For further information, please call 971 4 321 1111 62

Energy Booster Boost your energy level and re-energize your whole system this month……Ease away tense muscle and sore joints by experiencing our blissful energizer massage. Allow our exceptional personal trainer in their expertise to build up your core strength bringing you vitality and in good physical shape. Invigorate your body and mind after a frenzied day by re-awakening the body’s energy flow in our energy booster.

Personal fitness training (1 session) Thai full body massage (1 hour) Reflexology (30 min.)

Access to the Gym and Swimming Pool.

TOTAL: AED 465 After 20% discount AED 372

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Jumeira Rotana

Easter fun for everyone!

On the 8th of April, Five Dining invites moms, dads, kids and grandparents to celebrate an eggclusive Easter with a traditional festive buffet for only AED 129* net per person, exclusive of drinks and AED 169* net per person, inclusive of regular house beverages.

Kids can enjoy loads of activities that include traditional egg hunting, clown, entertainment, face painting and take home plentiful surprise gifts! *Prices are inclusive of 10% municipality fees and 10% service charge *Discounts for kids apply according to age

Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel

Going Healthy with Olive Oil In line with staying healthy, olive oil now finds its way to the Vivaldi Italian Restaurant at Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers. Chef Andrea Ferrero, together with his team, has planned for a delicious menu using olive oil, garnished with various toppings such as sautéed baby leeks, beef Carpaccio or marinated anchovies.

Sample coda di rospo confittata in olio di oliva nero, baby porri, caviale di melanzana e salsa di pomodoro fresco (Black olive oil poached monkfish, sautéed baby leeks, aubergines caviar and a light tomato sauce) or insalata di verdure alla griglia, marinated in olio extra vergine di oliva e scaglie di parmigiano (Cold grilled vegetable salad marinated in olive oil and herbs, with Parmesan shavings) and more.

Prices start from AED38 per dish. For reservations, please call 04 207 1717.

Rice to the occasion…..

In April, Executive Chef Stephane Chambon will be introducing a menu featuring rice cooked in different styles. Be prepared to treat yourself to a scrumptious platter of rice - Thai chicken fried rice with Asian vegetables,

Bourbon vanilla and cinnamon rice pudding with red fruits sauce, Green asparagus risotto with sea scallops and Mozzarella rice cake with creamy mushroom sauce to name a few.

Prices start from AED62 net per dish. For reservations, please call The Lobby Café at 04 201 1719 and Chelsea Arms Pub at 04 201 1721.

Lobster Mania at Creekside The lobsters found at the Creekside Japanese Restaurant this April are used for a more delicious reason than as an exhibit. Check out how Chef Narit cooks up a mouth-watering spread of lobster delicacies using fresh ingredients and traditional Japanese recipes.

Sample authentic lobster recipes such as Ise-ebi Teppanyaki (grilled lobster teppanyaki and garlic with apple sauce) and Ise-ebi Tempura (deepfried lobster tempura) to name a few.

Prices start from AED75 per dish.

For reservations, please call 04 207 1750.

Sheraton Deira Hotel Easter Buffet at The Terrace restaurant Celebrate this Easter with the family and loved ones at The Terrace restaurant, Sheraton Deira Hotel, where you have a banquet of Easter specialities for lunch at AED. 95 net per person, tailored to all tastes by Executive Chef Robin Gomes.

The Terrace, Mediterranean styled restaurant will be adorned with colourful eggs and bunnies to mark this special festive occasion. The Easter buffet opens at 12 noon till 4pm and offers options from soup, starters, salads, main courses, carving and sweets.

Besides children have something to look forward to this Easter at The Terrace restaurant – ‘The Mystery Easter Egg hunt’ and you win a Surprise’.

A Fishy Night at The Terrace restaurant Enjoy the weekly Thursday feature of a lavish Seafood buffet at The Terrace restaurant for Dhs. 140 net per person, from 19.30 hrs till 23.30 hrs, which offers diners a deluxe and wide selection of raw and fresh fish and seafood items at the seafood corner, prepared to your taste – grilled, poached or steamed, and soft drinks or the Premium seafood package for Dhs. 175 net with alcoholic beverages.

You can also opt to enjoy the Standard seafood buffet at Dhs. 95 net, which offers soft drinks, limited and cooked seafood preparations in Oysters, Red Snapper, Hammour, Prawns and Crab or Dhs. 140 net with alcoholic beverages.

Besides you have a lavish spread of greens, appetizers, soups and desserts.

For reservation or more information, please call 04-2078615.

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Easter Sunday The Easter bunny is coming to town on the 8th of April, so hop on over to the Sheraton Jumeirah for an “eggshilarating” day with the family on Easter Sunday. While you indulge in our delicious Easter brunch buffet for just AED 150 per person at our Palm Garden Restaurant and Terrace, your little ones will be entertained with egg hunting, face painting and other fun games.

Friday Extravaganza family brunch Indulge in an extensive International Buffet at the Palm Garden Restaurant, followed by a relaxing day at the beach or by the pool for just AED 200 net per person.

As our valued guests we also offer you the option of having just the sumptuous Buffet at AED 120 net per person.

Sheraton Jumeirah

Paella Night Flamenco guitarists and exotic Spanish cuisine come together to create a night of unimaginable excitement. Join us for “Paella Night” at the Sea Breeze Bar and bonfire every Friday from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Come and enjoy great Paella, cooked to perfection in front of you, accompanied by all the trimmings and salads and some sinful desserts created especially for you by our pastry chef. This gourmet experience, available for only Dhs 95 will ensure you end the evening with an Olé!

Al Hadiqa Restaurant Enjoy a relaxing evening at our Al Hadiqa restaurant that offers you true Arabic hospitality and flair. An array of juicy Arabic mixed grills and Shawarma will leave you craving for more while our selection of Shishas set the mood for a relaxing evening. Make the most of the “Hadiqa Happy Hour” daily from 18:00hrs to 19:00hrs, where all normal housepouring beverages are offered at a 50% discount. Open from 18:00 to 03:00 hrs.

For all reservations, please call 04-315 3218

The Ritz-Carlton Italia’s labour of love In the days when Chef Maurizio Monchoni was little, his mamma, whose name is Italia, used to make pasta by hand on a Sunday morning. She would rise at five to make this popular treat for the whole family while they slept, oblivious to her labour of love.

Maurizio remembers well the Sunday of his youth, the one day when all the family would sit down together after church. Friends, family, loves, life, triumphs and woes – it was a special time for talk, over steaming bowls of mamma’s homemade pasta.

Garganelli, orishette, gramigna and strozzapreti – the types of pasta that mamma used to make are too labour-intensive to ever see the light of day in a market or a shop, but Chef Maurizio has decided to take a walk down memory lane and recreate his mamma’s pasta just for you!

Available from 15th March to the 15th April, 2007. Please call Splendido on 04 399-4000 for reservations.

Take a tea flight Have you ever wondered what the different is between green tea and black tea? It comes from the same tree after all. You always hear about wine tastings, so why not tea tasting? As pioneers of the worldfamous Ritz-Carlton Afternoon Tea, we’re introducing exciting new ways to appreciate the oldest drink in the world.

From April 1st to 30th , take off on a ‘Tea Flight’ and enter the fascinating world of tees and growing regions around the world. Your captain for the flight is tea sommelier Murat Alpay, who was recently awarded the title of Best Tea Sommelier in Dubai.

While you explore the world of tea specialty teas with him, we’ll be preparing a special brew, just how you like it. You will need to book our tea sommelier so he can be with your throughout your ‘Tea Flight”, so reservations are essential. Please call the Lobby Lounge on 04 399-4000.

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Dubai to host month-long

Thai Food Festival

The Thai Trade Center Dubai, the Royal Thai Consulate General and Thai Airways International will hold a month-long Thai Food Festival in Dubai, from April 2 to 30. Supported and endorsed by the three Royal Thai government bodies, the food festival will run at 22 restaurants in the city, and will feature signature dishes, special promotions, and prizes for diners.

Restaurants participating in the event have been hand-picked by Thai government authorities on the basis of distinguishing parameters including ethnicity of the chefs, authenticity and freshness of ingredients, and taste and presentation of dishes.

While all 22 restaurants will feature event signage for easy identification by patrons, an event directory listing details of promotions, signatory dishes, special menus and hours of operations at each restaurant, will be made available at public places.

Pasan Teparak, Thai Consul General in Dubai, said that the festival was not merely first of its kind, but also that, given the widespread popularity of Thai cuisine, it is likely to become a permanent feature in the city’s annual calendar. “We are celebrating the global popularity of Thai food and ingredients, and our ingenious flair for cooking, presentation and hospitality. The Thai New Year, which is a week-long event with many exotic rituals and special dishes, will form part of this festival.

April 2007

“Diners can also enjoy special promotions, price rebates, and lucky draw prizes of tickets to Thailand during this period. We will ensure that every person who visits one of the chosen Thai restaurants during the month of April will have a fulfilling experience,” he stated.

Pilun Bhanich Supapol, Executive Director of Thai Trade Center Dubai, commented that the UAE continued to rank high on the list of countries exporting fresh and processed foods from Thailand, and that it was well reflected at numerous retail and hospitality outlets.

He also pointed out that there currently are close to 50 Thai restaurants and more than 450 Thai chefs based in Dubai alone. “The numbers alone reflect the increasing fondness for this unique cuisine in this multi-cultural city. Apart from restaurants, the growing consumption of Thai food is evident at specialty grocery stores and supermarkets, and at dedicated supermarket counters featuring Thai ingredients, produce, and ready-to-cook meals. “”The month-long Thai Food Festival is a tribute to trade between Thailand and the UAE, just as it is a treat for gourmands and connoisseurs of fine food in Dubai. April will be a delicious month for everyone,” he promised.

Restaurants hosting the Thai Food Festival (April 2 to 30) Bai Tong Ban Khun Mae Black Canyon Beachcomber Benjarong Blue Elephant Fareast Seafood Fish Bazaar Lemongrass Pai Thai Silk Route Sukhothai Talay Thai Bistro Thai Chi Thai House Thai Kitchen ThaiKitchen Park Hyatt Thai Time Thai Terrace The Zen White Orchid

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GREAT TASTE I MINATO

Minato F for excellent Japanese cuisine and service

You will cook your own food; decide on whether to cook it well or half-done to keep the freshness of the vegetables and the tenderness of the meat. This dish complements any conversation at any dinner table.

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or lovers of Japanese cuisine, Minato is considered one of the finest. Though a lot may say that Japanese food all look and taste the same, sampling the food at Minato affirms my certainty that Japanese food is one of the freshest and healthiest foods on earth.

Minato (means harbour) is located at the second floor of Radisson SAS Hotel in Deira Creek. You won’t miss it because of the authentic Japanese setting. It is a fairly large place.

As you enter the restaurant, you will be greeted by the friendly staff, the ladies dressed in the traditional Japanese kimono.

Because its dinnertime, the place is quite dark but the atmosphere is very calm so you will enjoy the privacy of your dinner. The rooms have paintings of Japanese settings and vases which added to the warm and comfortable ambience of the place.

As we walked to the non-smoking room we passed the sushi bar located near the entrance where a group of young diners are enjoying a chat with the chef who prepares some sushi and sashimi. If you want to see the fresh tuna, salmon, octopus, mackerel, etc. or observe your sushi being made, then definitely sit at the sushi bar.

The nonsmoking area is next to the sushi bar. The end of

the hallways leads you straight to one of the teppanyaki tables. The tatami rooms are located next to the smoking tables but each room is separated by small beige-colored drapes.

Before eating, we were provided a hot towel. This is for cleaning of the hands prior to eating and not after. In the Japanese culture, it is rude to use the hot towel to wash the face or any part of the body other than the hands.

To have a different experience of Japanese cuisine, I have requested Rocenia, the supervisor that night to choose our food, hinting that we want to try dishes that are not normally offered at a typical Japanese restaurant. She was very helpful and guided us on which food to sample.

For the salad, she recommended Kani Tobiko Salad which has crab sticks and flying fish roe (eggs) placed on topped of crispy greens and a home made dressing. A cold salad that is sweet with a hint of spice, you will be intrigued just by looking at it. And the bursting of the eggs on the tongue along with the crispy vegetable makes it more pleasant to eat. The dressing is a combination of garlic, onion and tomato. The rest was not revealed.

My husband had the Spicy Tuna Salad, a chef special salad which is very rich, again, with a hint of spice but very light. It’s a combination of tuna and avocado mixed with the bright orange colored roe. It’s noticeably spicy but the cold avocado and the fresh tuna is contrasting the hot sauce. The color of the dish consisted of green, red and orange is very pleasing to the eyes. I would recommend this to those who want a different kind of salad.

For the soup we sampled the Iseebi Miso Soup which is the standard miso soup but with chunks of lobster and the Sumashi which is a clear miso soup with crab sticks.

Ebi Tempura (deep fried prawn and vegetable) and Gyuniko No Tataki (charcoal grilled rare beef served with ponzu sauce) were

April 2007

recommended for our starters. Any Japanese meal for me is not complete without the tempura. An order has four prawns and several vegetables. The serving is enough to satisfy your hunger.

The Gyuniko No Tataki is fresh thinly sliced beef that was grilled.

Again the serving is not big but the taste is wonderful. The redness of the meat is still visible but you won’t taste its rawness. Perfectly done.

For the main course, we were served a platter of sushi and sashimi.

The white platter beautifully sets off the vibrant colors of the roll, sashimi and sushi. One kind of sushi has crab, avocado and cucumber wrapped and rolled in lavish amounts of the bright orange fish roe. The salmon and tuna are so fresh, simply melting in your mouth. I have never had salmon of such quality before. Not to mention the cuttlefish, the crab stick, prawn sushi, scallop sushi and the octopus sushi.

The final dish for our main course is Sukiyaki, with thinly sliced beef and vegetable simmered in sweet soy sauce cooked at your table with raw egg as a dipping sauce. I admitted that this is the first time that I have tried and tasted this dish and amazing is how I described it. Again, the friendly staff, Liberty, showed us how to do it. You will cook your own food; decide on whether to cook it well or half-done to keep the freshness of the vegetables and the tenderness of the meat.

This dish complements any conversation at any dinner table.

For the dessert, they offer fresh fruits with Japanese sweet and different flavours of ice cream. We finished our meal with a cup of hot green tea. It’s not that we don’t want to sample the dessert but we are so full and satisfied that there’s no more room for dessert.

Minato also served liquor. Aside from juice, sodas, wines and beers, they served the Japanese Shochu, a traditional Japanese distilled beverage made from rice, wheat or potatoes and is enjoyed chilled, on the rocks or mixed with hot water.

The cost of the dinner is very reasonable for the quality and the amount of food plus the excellent service that we experienced at Minato. Open daily for lunch (12:30 to 3:00 pm) and dinner (7:00 pm to 11:00 pm), the restaurant can seat up to 78 guests. Every Monday is Japanese Buffet Night and every Thursday is Sushi Teppanyaki Night.

So if you want to experience fine Japanese cuisine, Minato is the place. I guarantee that you will not be disappointed by a visit to Minato.

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TRANQUIL MOMENTS I LE CLUB SPA

The

Le Club Spa Business travellers who want to pamper their body after a long trip or a rigorous meeting or those who want to prepare their body for a conference or any business dealings must try one of the massages offered by Le Club Spa.

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ediscover the simple pleasures of life and pamper your body, mind and soul when you choose one of the relaxing oriental massage sessions. This is what Le Club Spa at the Millennium Hotel in Sharjah offers and true to its words, trying the Relaxation Massage will leave you relaxed and relieved of any aching muscles.

Business travellers who want to pamper their body after a long trip or a rigorous meeting or those who want to prepare their body for a conference or any business dealings must try one of the massages offered by Le Club Spa. The Spa is located within the Le Club Health & Fitness of the hotel. Le Club Spa has separate treatment rooms for men and women so you don’t need to worry about privacy. The Spa offers five kinds of massages – the Relaxation Massage, the Therapeutic Massage, Aromatic Oil Massage, Foot Reflexology Massage and Slimming Massage. The first four massages can be done in 30 or 60 minutes treatment. The Slimming Massage which the facility promotes is performed in 60 minutes every day for 10 or 15 sessions.

As soon as you step into the facility, the smell of the scented

candle welcomes you, thus helping you forget the busy world outside.

Annie, the Spa manager welcomed me to the Spa and recommended the Relaxation Massage. Eva, my therapist guided me to the treatment room, not very big, just enough for the guest and the therapist to move around. Eva, who hails from China, knows a little of the English language but she tried her best to answer my questions. She will help you undress and before she starts the treatment will ask you what kind of massage you would prefer – soft or hard. I chose the hard massage because I asked her to relieve the tightness on my back which I acquired from the tension of city life.

While Oriental music plays on the background, Eva applied oil on my back. She uses lavender essential oils, directly imported from France. The treatment started at the back of my neck and then proceeded to my shoulder and my back. Eva is so good that I can feel that she is searching the areas on my body that needs relaxation. The kind of massage that she applied on my back released the tension and the stress as well as the stiffness on my upper shoulder.

I noticed that she also concentrated on my lower back, from my spine down to my back to relax the muscle. As I turned over, Eva worked on my arms and again, my shoulder, completing the procedure. The scent of the lavender is very calming and will put you into sleep.

I realized that Eva performed acupuncture on my foot and my hands while massaging it. She tried to put pressure on some areas of my hands and my feet and it gives a comforting feeling.

To complete the treatment, Eva performed a head massage which is very soothing. The strokes of her hand on my head with some pressure made me feel so relaxed and wanted to sleep afterwards.

The spa manager recommended that I leave the oil on my body because it is good on the skin, giving it a different glow.

Before leaving the facility, Annie showed me the slimming machine which she said is very effective for those who want to lose weight. The slimming machine uses the acupuncture method and concentrates on your stomach so one will not feel hungry. One client who was having a treatment when I came already lost 3 kilo after 4 days of treatment.

It was a wonderful and relaxing experience. Not to mention the price which is very affordable.

The Le Club Spa is one of the many sports and leisure facilities offered by the Millennium Hotel Sharjah. The Le Club Health and Fitness has two outdoor adult swimming pools, one children pool, a fully equipped gymnasium, squash court and aromatherapy sauna and steam rooms for men and women. For reservation or information contact Le Club at 06-5566666 or 06-5192099.

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NEWS quieter surroundings.

The hotels are owned by Golden Sands Hotels LLC, a subsidiary of the Arenco Group, a Dubai-based company with diverse interests in real estate, including hotels “Four Points by Sheraton is an uncomplicated brand cutting through the competitive clutter, offering an intelligently designed hotel that is outstanding for its approachable hospitality and highly desirable amenities. Four Points by Sheraton provides good, honest value, ” said Sandy Swider, Vice President, Four Points by Sheraton.

“Developing the footprint of our brands in our Division is one of our most important objectives and certainly Dubai has proven to be the destination with the highest potential for our brands” said Roeland Vos, President of the Europe, Africa & Middle East Division of

Four Points brand to join the skyline of Dubai Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc is set to re-launch the Four Points brand with the upcoming opening of two new Four Points hotels in what is arguably the most dynamic and high-profile market in the region.

The Four Points by Sheraton, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai will be housed in a multistory glass and steel building with 43 floors.

Opening in mid 2007, the hotel will have a strategic location on Sheikh Zayed Road, at the heart of Dubai’s financial centre.

The Four Points by Sheraton Downtown Dubai will also open in mid 2007 in the Golden Sands area of Dubai. A newly built property, the hotel will cater to the business and family segment visiting Dubai and looking for a comfortable and stylish hotel is 70

Starwood. “We want to thank Golden Sands Hotels LLC for their trust in the Four Points brand for a great hotel, with a perfect address in Dubai”.

The Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai will offer 406 guest rooms, consisting of 288 guest rooms and suites plus 118 one, two and three-bedroom units for long staying guests. The hotel also boasts six meeting rooms, an all day dining outlet with three different themes, a lobby bar/lounge and a fitness centre with pool facilities.

The Four Points by Sheraton Downtown Dubai will offer 252 oversized rooms, designed with the Middle Eastern traveller in mind. The hotel will also feature a gym, business centre facilities and a coffee shop.

With the opening of these hotels, future guests in Dubai will be introduced to the brand’s signature Four Comfort Bed. Celebrating “simple pleasures,” the brand will also be providing simple tips to make life less complicated and launching a series of great looking new interior design packages.

Four Points by Sheraton, with more than 130 properties in 22 countries, is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and is consistently rated as a top performer in the mid-priced category by Business Travel News’ “Annual U.S. Hotel Chain Survey.”

Etihad Airways to fly non-stop services to Brussels and Toronto Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is to start non-stop flights from Abu Dhabi to both Brussels and Toronto from 1 June, 2007.

Arrival times at Abu Dhabi have been fixed for air travellers from the Belgian capital and Canada’s commercial centre to transfer easily on to many of the popular destinations across Etihad’s fast growing route network.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive said: “These two non stop flights demonstrate our ambition to link the world’s major business capitals.”

The flight schedule to Brussels will start from 1 June, with flight EY055 departing from Abu Dhabi on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays at 1.35pm and arriving in Brussels at 6.45pm, local time. The service will also carry the “SN” code of Etihad’s partner, Brussels Airlines. The return flight EY056 will depart from at 10.10pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays arriving in Abu Dhabi at 6.55am the next day.

The aircraft used on the Abu Dhabi – Brussels route will be an Airbus A330-200, configured in three classes.

The first non-stop service to Toronto starts on 2 June, with flight EY141 departing from Abu Dhabi at 2.05am on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and arriving in Toronto at 8.40am the same day. The return flight, EY140 departs Toronto at 10.20am on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, arriving in Abu Dhabi at 7.45am the next day.

The Toronto service will be operated by an ultra long haul Airbus A340-500 aircraft configured in three classes, with 12, 28 and 200 seats respectively.

GAPConcierge sets the standards for luxury services

(R-L): Dr. Rainer Behne (Managing Partner – Rodriguez ME) receives GAPConcierge card from Mr. Nasser Watar (Chairman & CEO – GAPCORP Holdings).

GAPCorp launched GAPConcierge, an international concierge service dedicated exclusively to a select group of affluent individuals in the Middle East. Elite members of GAPConcierge will enjoy all the luxuries of a 7 star concierge desk at any time of the day to cater to both their personal and corporate service requirements.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Naseer Watar, CEO GAPCorp, said, “Membership for GAPConcierge is by invitation only and as such

members are privy to be part of a network of distinguished individuals who will enjoy very special privileges worldwide in addition to special events and services that includes luxury yachting, luxury private jets and world wide travel and luggage assistance.”

As part of its commitment to provide worldwide luxury services, GAPConcierge has forged ties with leading business partners and concierges certified by Les Clefs d’Or in over 35 countries. Mr Watar added, “We only partner with First class luxury service suppliers in order to ensure our members never have to compromise on the quality of services needed and received in any part of the world.”

During the launch, GAPConcierge announced their business partnership with the Rodriguez Group, manufacturers of luxury yachts and Abu Dhabi Motors, distributors of BMW in Abu Dhabi.

Rodriguez Group signed an agreement with GAPConcierge to extend Gap Concierge services for every individual who purchases their yacht.

Commenting on this tie-up, Dr. Rainer Behne, Managing Partner, Rodriguez Middle East said, “We have just made our debut in the Middle East market and as such felt GAPConcierge was the ideal value added service that we could provide to our elite customers.”

In separate deal, Abu Dhabi Motors will extend GAPConcierge membership to every 6 series or 7 series customer and for a limited period. Commenting on this tie-up, Mr. Arno Husselman, General Manager of Abu Dhabi Motors said, “Our commitment is to be different in the market place and provide niche services to our clients for continuous mobility and world class services. Our tie up with Gap Concierge is a continuation to this commitment as we have been working with GAPGulf – the Leader in extended warranty for several years, and we are pleased to be the first in the market to provide such a service to our customers.”

Bordeaux celebrates opening of the Radisson SAS Grand Hotel Bordeaux celebrates a new jewel of first-class hospitality: the city will see the re-opening of its legendary Grand Hotel – located in the “Golden Triangle” of the historic centre and facing the Opera.

The Radisson SAS Grand Hotel is the result of the authentic restoration of a splendid “palais bordelais” reflecting the rich history of the town and will be the French flagship of The Rezidor Hotel Group.

It features 150 rooms and increases the total number of new Rezidorrooms opened in 2007 to 2,102. Between 2007 and 2009, Rezidor will add 20,000 rooms to its portfolio.

The 133 guest rooms and 17 suites of the Radisson SAS Grand Hotel are a masterwork of the world-famous designer Jacques Garcia. Guests will be fascinated by his eclectic, elegant and opulent design, combining the classical style of the XVIII and XIX centuries with contemporary luxury and state-of-the-art technology, including flat screen television and free high-speed internet access. Some suites even offer a private wine bar.

April 2007

Bordeaux is the most famous gourmet and wine capital in the southwest of France – and the Radisson SAS Grand Hotel pays tribute to this heritage. At the fine-dining restaurant “L’Océan”, Pascal Nibaudeau creates an innovative haute cuisine with local and international specialities, accompanied by the best wines from the nearby Bordelais.

Pascal is supported by Yves Mattagne, Rezidor’s famous chef from the Michelin-starred restaurant “The Seagrill” at the Radisson SAS Royal Hotel in Brussels. In addition, the hotel features the “Brasserie de l’Europe” for casual wining and dining, the cosy “Bar Victor”, a prestigious wine cellar and a fashionable night club.

Guests seeking complete relaxation will enjoy the luxurious 1,000 square metre spa “Les Bains de Léa”. This world of wellness includes a rooftop indoor swimming pool with a sliding roof, a sauna and steam room, a gym and a solarium with a bar overlooking the city. Shopping victims will also find their paradise in the hotel’s shopping arcade, where luxury fashion and jewellery boutiques will make it hard to resist.

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Khoie Properties unveils La Hoya Bay Business Village Khoie Properties, a leading property developer in the region, launched “La Hoya Bay Business Village”, part of La Hoya Bay Project in the freehold areas of Ras Al Khaimah. This 500,000 square-feet Mediterranean styled masterpiece located on the outstanding Marjan Island is the second of a series of superior quality projects held by Khoie Properties in the emirate.

La Hoya Bay Business Village will create a modern centre of executive suites that are designed on highest standards and equipped with the latest technologies, services and superior amenities that are ideal for any size and type of company to be operational immediately on flexible terms.

This unique project encircled by beautiful waterfronts consists of the stylish housing units that incorporate conceptually exclusive architecture and engineering excellence. In addition, amenities include full range business services and privileges, ideal to develop businesses in an open market business set up and have free-hold property within a Free Zone, the office properties, ranging from 40sqf to 10,000 sqf that could be owned.

“In view of the exceptional growth of Ras Al Khaimah, office properties and residences for the budget conscious customer is an increasingly important market in the region but remains grossly under-serviced,” said Frank T. Khoie, Chairman and CEO of Khoie Properties.

“We at Khoie Properties are redefining the conventional concept of economical comfort and offering affordable superior class properties. Every element of the development has been fully and thoroughly researched - from the fundamental principles of construction quality and planning, to the ontime delivery of the property”, Khoie added.

Only 45 minutes drive from Dubai, this project will be an artistic blend of charming, tranquil and luxurious waterfront apartments of La Hoya Bay residence, that offers the ultimate in contemporary living, with Smart Home technology, multiple security systems, professional house-keeping service and a 24/7 concierge to attend resident’s every wish. The development also places great emphasis on leisure and recreation with waterfront restaurants and coffee shops, a five-star health club and spa, on site clinic, tennis club and temperature-controlled swimming pool.

La Hoya Bay Business Village service offices offers fully furnished and ready to occupy resizable offices that adapts to business or project as it develops. On-site clinic, child care, corporate and special event planning & organizing, IT and telecom services, tours and travel arrangements, virtual office services and video-conferencing are among other services and amenities.

Air Arabia takes off to Pakistan

(L-R) Mr. Bakheet Al-Rumaithi from UAE Consulate, businessmen Mr. Akram Muhammad, Managing Director Gerrys Group, Mr. Arshad Muhammad, Group Director Gerrys Group, Senator Babar Ghori, Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping, Adel Ali, Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, Mr. Nisar Memon, Chairman defense Committee, Senate of Pakistan, and Mr. Asif Jatoi, Member Defense Committee, Senate of Pakistan.

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Air Arabia LLC, the first low-fares airline in the Middle East and North Africa, started its flights to Pakistan with two new destinations, Karachi and Peshawar.

Air Arabia Chief Executive Officer, Adel Ali said: “Air Arabia is proud to add Karachi and Peshawar to its destination map. This step is part of our strategic commitment to offer value for money service to the region. We are confident that adding both destinations can effectively cater to the large number of the Pakistani community living outside of Pakistan and to offer an alternative cost effective travel for customers in Pakistan”.

Flights schedule to Karachi and Peshawar started with two inaugural flights. The frequency of flights to Karachi is three flights a week, departing Sharjah at 11:45 and arriving Karachi at 14:35 local time. Flights depart Karachi at 15:20 and arrive Sharjah at 16:15.

Frequency of flights to Peshawar is two flights

a week departing Sharjah at 12:40 and arriving Peshawar at 17:00 local time. Flights depart Peshawar at 17:45 to arrive Sharjah at 20:20.

Frequency of flights to Karachi and Peshawar will increase effective this month. The new flights to Pakistan are in addition to current Air Arabia destinations which include Aleppo, Damascus and Latakia (Syria); Alexandria, Assiut and Luxor (Egypt); Amman (Jordan); Astana and Almaty (Kazakhstan); Bahrain; Beirut (Lebanon); Colombo (Sri Lanka); Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh (KSA), Doha (Qatar); Istanbul (Turkey); Kabul (Afghanistan); Kathmandu (Nepal); Khartoum (Sudan); Kuwait; Chennai, Jaipur, Kochi, Mumbai, Nagpur and Thiruvananthapuram (India); Mu scat (Oman); Sana’a (Yemen); Sharjah (UAE); Tehran (Iran),Yerevan (Armenia).

For information or bookings visit website www.airarabia.com, or visit Air Arabia sales shops and appointed travel agents.

Istithmar Hotels completes Mandarin Oriental purchase Istithmar Hotels, the Dubai-based investment house, has completed the purchase of a majority stake in Mandarin Oriental, New York, the luxury five-star hotel which is part of the Time Warner Center in New York City.

Istithmar Hotels has purchased 73 per cent of the property, buying 25 per cent from Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and 48 per cent from a joint venture between Apollo Real Estate and Related. Related was also the developer of the hotel. The sale was announced last December 21, 2006 and the transaction has now completed. The total value of the hotel for the purposes of this transaction is US$ 340 million.

Istithmar Hotels FZE purchased the stake through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Istithmar Columbus Centre Holding Company LLC. Istithmar Hotels FZE is part of Istithmar PJSC which is 100 percent owned by Dubai World, which is in turn is wholly owned by the Government of Dubai.

Joe Sita, chief executive of Istithmar Hotels

FZE, said, “The acquisition of a majority stake in the Mandarin Oriental hotel marks another important step forward for Istithmar Hotels in developing our portfolio of hotels.”

“A major element of our strategy is to build a portfolio of luxury hotels in major global centres.

Mandarin Oriental, New York is not just one of the finest hotels in New York City; it is one of the finest hotels in the world,” he added.

Mandarin Oriental, New York provides a stunning blend of modern design and oriental flair in the heart of Manhattan. Its 248 guest rooms and suites offer breathtaking views over Central Park and the City skyline, while the hotel’s service and amenities provide an unparalleled New York guest experience.

The hotel, recipient of the prestigious Mobil Five-Star award for 2007, is located at Columbus Circle, ideally located near some of the city’s best shops, restaurants, performance centre and Central Park. Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group retains 25% equity in the hotel and has a long

term management contract to continue operating the property as part of the brand’s portfolio.

Since it was launched in April 2006, Istithmar Hotels, under the leadership of Joe Sita, has developed a portfolio with a total investment value of approximately US$ 3 billion. This includes a significant investment in Kerzner Group, the developer and operator of Atlantis Resorts and of One and Only, the luxury resort brand; the master franchise for easyHotels in the Middle East, the Levant, North Africa, India and Pakistan; and ownership of the Knickerbocker Hotel on Times Square, the W Hotel Union Square in New York and the Hotel Washington in Washington DC. Joe Sita added, “We’re building a portfolio of both luxury and budget hotels in key target markets around the world. In the last few months especially, we have been able to complete acquisitions and strategic investments which I am confident are going to deliver strong returns for the group.”

Ron Kaufman for Mövenpick Hotel Bur Dubai Team Around 80 team members of the Moevenpick Hotel Bur Dubai attended the coaching “Up Your Service” which was exclusively held for them by the world renowned service guru Ron Kaufman in conjunction with partners Right Selection.

A day filled of with active learning, input and plenty of action, concluded with a great group picture, together with Ron Kaufman.

Lincoln Davis, Director of Training of the Moevenpick Hotel Bur Dubai says “We are very happy to have had the chance to expose close to one third of our team to this energetic and active training. The contents and the presentation of it, with the motivational approach of Ron Kaufman, were an amazing experience and also an excellent team building exercise for us. To create awareness amongst the team, no matter what level of their career they are at, that we all share a common goal, is tremendously important. ‘Up your service’ is great coaching session and the feedback from the all the team who attended was very positive. By the end of the day, good team spirit and a common understanding that we want to make our customer happy and how we can best do it, was the outcome.”

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EgyptAir dinner at Millennium Abu Dhabi EgyptAir held a dinner at Sevilo’s Restaurant at the Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi on the occasion of the arrival to Abu Dhabi of Mr. Mohsen Khalil, Assistant Vice President Operations- Egyptair Airlines & Station General Manager from Egypt- to discuss the renewal of contracts of Egyptair’s service in both Abu Dhabi and Al Ain airports. The delegation that was headed by Wafa Zahed, the General Manager of Egyptair, Hassan Youssef, Financial Manager and Mamdouh Abdel Hameed, Station Manager were all welcomed by Mr. Moine Kandil, the General Manager of the Hotel.

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Radisson SAS Hotel, DMC opens second tower Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts, part of the fast-growing Brussels-based The Rezidor Hotel Group, has opened the second tower of its property in the heart of Dubai’s emerging global media hub.

The second phase of Radisson SAS Hotel, Dubai Media City has an additional 125 rooms, offering deluxe and business class rooms including five suites all designed in a chic and modern style. The hotel’s first tower opened in January 2006 with 121 rooms. The two buildings will be linked by a bridge on the first floor.

“Our strategic location being the only major hotel operating inside Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City has greatly helped in shaping our business performance,” said Siegfried Nierhaus, General Manager, Radisson SAS Hotel, Dubai Media City.

“With a total of twelve meeting rooms, an executive lounge and a fully equipped business centre and modern gym and spa facilities, the hotel has all the necessary services for the urban professional coming to Dubai. We look forward to establishing ourselves further as a meeting and events hotel and being the place to be seen in Media City.”

Tower two will have a new venue - Chef’s House - for breakfast lunch and dinner serving Oriental-Asian cuisine. The restaurant is an extension to the grand lobby area and will have interactive live cooking stations featuring an Oriental grill, Indian tandoor oven and the Asian wok. The other dining facilities at the hotel include Certo, the Italian restaurant, four bars - Tamanya Terrace, Icon Bar, Media lounge and the Senso pool bar part of the Senso wellness centre featuring a gym and five treatment rooms.

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Savour Morocco at Marakesh Restaurant Under the auspicious of the Moroccan Embassy, the Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi held a Moroccan Festival at its Marakesh Restaurant.

The Event was inaugurated by the Moroccan Ambassador H.E. Mr. Abdelkader Zaoui and Mr. Moine Kandil the General Manager of the Hotel who welcomed all the guests that got a chance to experience this magical and exotic event which Mr. Kandil emphasized that such cultural happenings bring countries closer to each other.

Situated in Mezzanine Floor, the Marakesh Restaurant was fully decorated leaving an impression that a little piece of Morocco was shifted to Abu Dhabi. The aroma of the Moroccan cuisine which is the true reflection of the country’s rich cultural heritage and its mouth watering dishes have taken the guests to a journey of an unforgettable meal. The whole event was topped by the Moroccan band that played all the music and tunes that traced the history of Morocco. The entire ambience, the authentic cuisine, the live sounds, the array of exotic spices and the typical decoration rewarded the guests with a memorable experience which the Hotel always strives to offer.

Emirates International Salon Culinaire 2007 brings 14 medals for Al Murooj Rotana Hotel The recent Emirates International Salon Culinaire held within one of the largest food exhibitions in the region Gulfood 2007 turned to be extremely successful event for the team of chefs from Al Murooj Rotana Hotel & Suites.

Spearheaded by Executive Chef Gustavo Maurelli, the brigade has entered competition in various categories, and achieved an overwhelming result by winning 6 silver, 8 bronze medals and 2 merit certificates.

“Salon Culinaire is an excellent opportunity for chefs to demonstrate their creativity in food preparation as well as present innovative ideas to the public. It is also indeed a great chance for team work” commented Gustavo Maurelli. “We will definitely continue putting our efforts together and will strive to bag some gold during next year’s competition” concluded he.

Mr. Hussein Hachem, Mr. Gustavo Maurelli & Mr. Makram El Zyr with the team of medalists.

Lufthansa offers non-stop flights to Doha, increases flights to Frankfurt Lufthansa is growing and enhancing products from and to the Gulf region. As of 1st April, 2007 Lufthansa offered non-stop flights to Frankfurt out of Doha. Early arrivals into Frankfurt from Doha also ensure connections to all USA and European gateways with Lufthansa and its Partner Airlines. The Doha routes are operated using the Airbus A340-300 with the new Business class two-Meter Sleeper seat.

Mr. Waseem Shaikh, Manager Passenger Sales, Qatar and Bahrain commented, “We are very glad to start non-stop operations to and from Doha, and trust this gives our market and Doha based passengers more flexibility and better connections worldwide. It also offers greater value for our Business Travellers.”

At the same time, Lufthansa has also increased its flights from Bahrain Marriott International, Inc.’s (NYSE:MAR) moderately priced Courtyard by Marriott hotel portfolio in the United Kingdom will get a “new look” with the 2008 opening of the 218-room Courtyard by Marriott London Gatwick Airport under a franchise agreement with Kew Green Hotels.

The announcement follows Kew Green’s decision to re-brand the 11 Courtyards currently in its UK hotel system and Marriott’s recent unveiling in Paris of its new prototype for Courtyard hotels in Europe.

“With our partners, we are taking a new direction with our Courtyard brand in the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe to keep the brand fresh and relevant to today’s travelers,” said Ed Fuller, president and managing director of international lodging for Marriott International.

“European business travelers, including those in the United Kingdom, are looking for quality, innovation, functionality, service and style at a fair price. We are confident that this newly designed, stylish, contemporary Courtyard with its distinctive European flair will be an immediate hit with the traveling public. It will offer the right pricevalue balance while delivering the consistency of

to Frankfurt from currently three to four weekly flights. Thus the total number of its flights from Dammam and Bahrain increases to seven flights a week. Lufthansa will include every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday as departures & arrivals from and to Bahrain. All flights will be operated by the Airbus A330-300 and Airbus A340-300 with the new Business class two-Meter Sleeper seat.

Mr. Waseem Shaikh, added, “The flight increase to and from Bahrain will create a positive impact among our passengers. By having a three flight out of Dammam and four weekly flights out of Bahrain, Lufthansa will be able to cater to the needs of its corporate travel out and to this important region. This enhancement is to meet our customer’s wishes from Lufthansa.”

product and service for which Courtyard is worldrenowned,” he continued. Courtyard is a highly specialized hotel that serves travelers who want consistent and dependable accommodations with amenities that help them achieve the purpose of their trip.

“Because traveler expectations for Courtyard vary geographically, we have gone to great lengths to design a hotel product especially for the uppermoderate European travel market,” Mr. Fuller said.

“We expect to open approximately 50 of these

Airport will be located within easy reach of the airport’s South Terminal. Guest transportation will be provided to the South Terminal and complimentary monorail transit will transport travelers to the North Terminal. Trains run frequently from Gatwick International Airport to Victoria Station in London and the hotel will have direct access to the M23 and surrounding motorway network.

Courtyard by Marriott London Gatwick Airport guest rooms will be larger than most guest rooms in other hotels in its lodging tier. Each will be equipped with high-speed Internet access, a large work desk with conveniently placed lighting, ergonomic chair for comfort, flat screen TVs offering cable/satellite programming, luxury bedding and coffee maker/tea service.

The new Courtyard by Marriott London Gatwick Airport will boast a contemporary signature open lobby which couples an informal ambience with comfortable seating, a lobby lounge and bar and a colorful three-meal restaurant called Oleo Pazzo Mediterranean Bistro.

Other amenities will include a health and leisure club, a business center, room service and on-site parking.

European-designed Courtyard at Gatwick Airport in 2008

April 2007

hotels in Europe over the next five years.”

Marriott has identified in excess of 20 cities in urban, suburban and airport locations in the United Kingdom and Ireland where its Courtyard brand would be desirable and successful in servicing the needs of the business traveler.

Specific sites will include stand-alone locations or mixed-use developments in city centers and close-in suburban areas.

The Courtyard by Marriott London Gatwick

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