Al Tayer Trends And MIF Inc. Open MORE Cafe At Dubai Mall

Al Tayer Trends, the lifestyle retail company of the Al Tayer Group, in conjunction with mOre – Intelligent Foods Inc, have opened a new MORE Cafe at Dubai Mall on the lower ground level, overlooking the Lake Fountain.The 7,500 square feet café, which includes indoor and outdoor dining areas, is the first franchise store of the popular home-grown concept. Al Tayer Trends is now the exclusive franchisee of all upcoming MORE Cafés in the GCC.Speaking at the opening of the store, Guillaume Motte, CEO, Al Tayer Trends said “MORE Café is a welcome addition to our growing portfolio of high-quality food and beverage brands. MORE Café is one of the leading Dubai-based café brands and we look forward to replicate its success at select locations across the UAE and the GCC.”Award-winning MORE Café is the brainchild of a Dutch partnership whose combined experience span more than 45 years of international exposure within a multi-faceted range of different hospitality environments. The concept mirrors the fruition of this partnership’s creativity, passion and awareness for understanding sustainable food trends within an aesthetically balanced and comfortable interior. This gives MORE Cafe its appeal and identity.“We are excited to partner with Al Tayer Trends and expand the operations of MORE Café,” said Wouter Lap, Managing Partner, MORE Café. “Al Tayer Trends is a fast-growing company and is well known for its passionate embrace of the brands it represents. We look forward to working together with them to provide customers with the signature MORE Café experience at more locations.”MORE Café at Dubai Mall offers customers a view of the Lake Fountain as well as the Burj Dubai. The store is open from 0800 hrs until 2300 hrs daily.All MORE cafés offer an e-menu option which enables customers to place their order online at http://www.MOREcafe.biz so that their meal is ready to be served when they arrive at the café 

Hayya! Health Clubs offer value deals on memberships this summer

Hayya! Health Clubs, owned and managed by Emaar Hospitality Group, has developed a value deal this summer that entitles one free month of health and fitness amenities to those who opt for a three-month membership. The special summer offer gives members access to all Hayya! facilities.Mr Phil Bartle, Senior Operations Manager of Hayya!, said: “Hayya! clubs have become an integral component of the lifestyles of residents in Emaar communities as well as other health & and fitness enthusiasts in Dubai. We are adding to the Hayya! differentials of offering an extensive range of amenities and personalized service with value deals this summer.”The summer promotion offers special rates ranging from AED 1,195 for a single membership and AED 1,695 for a couple membership to AED 2,195 for a family membership for a limited period only. Hayya! clubs are located within The Lakes, Town Centre, Meadows Village and The Old Town - Downtown Burj Dubai. The range of facilities include gymnasiums, swimming and lap pools, aerobics studios, squash courts, tennis courts, children’s play areas, change room facilities, along with steam rooms and jacuzzi.To book your 1 Day Free Trial and avail of the summer offer, call 800 Hayya (42992)

RTA Transition Towards Mass Transit Presented To The 58th UITP Congress

Roads & Transport Authority – Mohammed Al Munji:H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), headed RTA delegation taking part in 58th International Union of Public Transport (UITP) Congress and the accompanying City Transport Exhibition held at the Austrian capital Vienna under the theme “Public Transport: Making the Right Mobility Choices. The Congress attracted participation from around 4000 exhibitors/participants hailing from 35 countries. RTA has a large stand to share with the participants and visitors its experiment in developing mass transit systems spanning metro, tram, marine transport, public transport buses, road projects, and modern traffic technologies.
In a press conference held yesterday attended by a considerable numbers of media representatives and executives of companies taking part in the Exhibition, H.E. Mattar Al Tayer said: “The sharp vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, enabled Dubai to thrive at a rate higher than any city in the region. It turned Dubai into a creative city with innovative investment projects spanning airports, ports, and rail & transport systems in addition to landmark property projects such The Palm islands, The World, and Burj Dubai; all of which boast a stunning & magnificent design. Over the last decade, Dubai made unprecedented development strides across the region as demonstrated in the complete overhaul of the infrastructure, building of modern roads across the city, constructing high rises, uplifting Dubai International Airport to world-class standards, and constructing free industrial zones in addition to the provision of communication, internet & media services.
Al Tayer added: “The huge progress made by Dubai was paralleled with an equal growth in the number of vehicles used; triggering traffic bottlenecks. RTA prepared legislations and developed integrated solutions for road systems as well as surface & marine transport network; which are safe to use, and in line with the economic development plans of the emirate of Dubai and the highest global standards. Implementation of this plan contributed to a host of achievements such as the drop in traffic mortality rates from 24 cases per 100,000 of population to 17 cases (26%), drop in the worth of time wasted as a result of traffic congestion from 5.9 billion dirham to 4 billion dirham (32%), an increase in the number of lanes crossing Dubai Creek from 19 to 48 lanes (153%), an increase in the number of lanes of key roads from 36 lanes to 66 lanes (83%), and improved traffic flow on major roads by 30%.
Al Tayer went further to say: “The main challenge facing RTA is the limited use of mass transit modes which is as low as 6%, whereas the share of public transport modes in advanced countries ranges from 40% to 80%. Therefore RTA worked out a comprehensive plan to upgrade mass transit sector with a view to pushing its share in person trips made up to 30% through extensive expansion of public transport systems. Projects undertaken to achieve this objective include Dubai Metro; which expands 75 km and comprises 47 stations, Sufouh Tram Project extending 14 km and covering 19 stations, beefing-up public transport bus fleet to 2100 by mid of 2010 covering a network of 3000 km long. The plan also envisages construction of 1000 air-conditioned bus shelters for public transport users offering them comfort to lure them toward the use of public buses. RTA also launched several initiatives to boost the transition towards public transport such as Sharekni and Awselni, in addition to introducing Journey Planner program (Wojhati), provision of maps showing route path at stations as well as internal & external bus display monitors, and re-routing bus lines to serve the major spots and provide feeder services to Dubai Metro Stations”.
In his speech Mattar Al Tayer spoke about RTA plan to upgrade marine transport mode and threw some light on Creek lines operation, the Coastal Line along Jumeirah Beach and the vital line linking with man-made island projects. “Marine transport network is set to expand from 20 km to more than 450 km to serve waterfront projects, and property islands which have a coastal line stretching more than 1700 km. RTA operated the Water Bus, improved abra services, and embarked on a trial run of natural gas-powered abras. Additionally, RTA is currently undertaking two vital marine projects; operation of about 20 ferries with a capacity to load 120 passengers each, and 10 Water Taxis with a capacity of 7 passengers each”. Al Tayer commented on the environment conservation through public transport by saying: “All the new public transport buses are fitted with Euro 4 environment-friendly technologies, and we kicked off the trial run of gas-powered abras as part of the drive to make marine transport modes, including the water taxi and Ferry Dubai, environment-friendly. Work is up and running in the trial run of hybrid taxis and introducing green building concepts in transport stations and buildings”.
Exhibition Tour
The Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of RTA H.E. Mattar Al Tayer made a tour of the exhibition accompanied with Roberto Cavalier Chairman of the International Union of Public Transport (UITP), Mohammed Obaid Al Mulla, CEO of Marine Agency, Essa Al Dossari, CEO of Public Transport Agency, Abdul Aziz Malik CEO of Dubai Taxi Corporation, Naser Hamad Bu Shihab Director of Strategic Planning Dep’t, and Peyman Younes Parham Director of Marketing & Corporate Communication Dep’t.
During the tour of the specialized companies and factories participating in the exhibition accompanying the Congress, Al Tayer reviewed the latest technologies used in the driverless trains and trams, and checked the latest trends in constructing, manufacturing, operating and maintaining rail systems, and also reviewed the new generation of public buses fitted with environment-friendly engines. In one of the stands Al Tayer viewed a modern system, which is being introduced by Public Transport Agency on several buses enabling the Agency to track bus movements, measure driver efficiency and fix bus maintenance schedules, and the system is set to be generalized to all public buses by the mid of 2010. Al Tayer also viewed high-tech unified fare collections cards used for buses, trains, and marine transport modes as well as paid parking zones. At the sidelines of the tour, Al Tayer met with several key executives of companies operating in rail and transport system industry.

The Address Downtown Burj Dubai Unveils Luxurious Serviced Residences

The Address Hotels + Resorts, the five-star premium hotel brand owned and operated by Emaar Hospitality Group, has unveiled The Address Downtown Burj Dubai Residences, a luxury collection of serviced apartments at the company’s flagship hotel in Downtown Burj Dubai. These well-appointed residences offer an array of business and leisure amenities and round-the-clock service to meet all modern lifestyle requirements.Ranging from elegant studios to spacious four-bedroom penthouses, the 626 serviced residences are located on levels 15 to 60 of The Address Downtown Burj Dubai, the second tallest building in the vibrant Downtown Burj Dubai community. The apartments are ideal for short or long-term stays, with The Address Hotels + Resorts managing the homes to world-class standards.Mr. Marc Dardenne, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Hospitality Group, said: “For those on business, leisure or for executives in the process of relocation, the serviced residences are easily accessible from all key financial and commercial areas, and offer all essential hotel-like amenities. They combine the ease and luxury of a hotel, while offering independence and privacy.”He added: “Each space was created on the same operational philosophy of The Address Hotels + Resorts of offering tangible guest benefits and superior service. The Address tag line of ‘Where Life Happens’ is extended to the serviced residences, to meet the requirements of families, leisure guests and business travellers who can also access the business and leisure facilities of the hotel. These include 8 vibrant restaurants and lounges, a fully-equipped fitness centre, spa and beauty salon, a 1,000 sq m outdoor swimming pool and a well-equipped library.”Featuring a private entrance and welcome amenities, The Address Downtown Burj Dubai Residences feature modern home appliances, complimentary wireless internet access in the apartments and public areas, a fully-equipped gourmet kitchen, Plasma TV and built-in wardrobes. Guests can also benefit from 24-hour concierge and room service, laundry and housekeeping and a 24-hour business lounge. All residents can contact the dedicated Service Plus team who serve as a single point of contact for all requirements. A simple account-based payment system is provided in the spa and restaurants and residents have priority reservations at the hotel’s restaurants and lounges.The 132 studios on floors 15 to 47 feature a spacious living room area, modern kitchen, stylish bathroom and ultra-comfortable bed while the 336 one-bedroom apartments are located on floors 15 to 47 and 49 to 56, and feature a separate bedroom. The main living space is equipped with a sleek, modern kitchen-cum-dining and lounge area opening to a private balcony. In addition there are 148 two-bedroom residences, designed for comfortable living with the master-bedroom having generous space, full-length windows and built-in walk-in closets. The four-bedroom penthouses – eight of them – are located on levels 57 to 60, and include a variety of amenities.

Situated in close proximity to all major business districts, shopping centers and leisure attractions and just fifteen minutes away from the airport, The Address Downtown Burj Dubai Residences are a practical and convenient location.  Within walking distance of The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination, and in close proximity to Souk Al Bahar, a modern shopping centre with elegant Arabesque architectural features, the serviced residents give visitors a plethora of opportunities to explore Dubai.Since its opening in October 2008, The Address Downtown Burj Dubai, has established its credentials as a path-breaking hotel development. The hotel offers several dining choices including the sky bar Neos on the 63rd floor that offers sweeping vistas of the city. The hotel has diverse business amenities, including a Ballroom and meeting areas that open to Burj Dubai.

The Address Hotels + Resorts strengthens sales presence in key feeder markets

The Address Hotels + Resorts, the five star premium hotel brand owned and operated by Emaar Hospitality Group, has strengthened its sales presence in key feeder markets in the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent. The company has appointed Nijhawan Group as its official sales representative office in India and Mr Wael Naba, a hospitality sales and marketing professional in Saudi Arabia.The exclusive representations are aimed at strengthening the marketing initiatives of The Address Hotels + Resorts, which already operates two prestigious properties in Dubai, The Address Downtown Burj Dubai, the flagship hotel of the brand, and The Palace – The Old Town.
 
Mr Marc Dardenne, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Hospitality Group and Emaar Hotels & Resorts, said: “The Address Hotels + Resorts has consolidated its reputation as an award-winning premier hotel brand. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and the Indian Subcontinent are among our strongest feeder markets apart from Europe and Southeast Asia. Through our exclusive marketing partnerships in Saudi Arabia and India, we are further strengthening our customer outreach.”
 
He added: “Dubai’s tourism profile represents a high proportion of visitors from the Gulf region, particularly Saudi Arabia, and India. The marketing partnerships will help to reach out to these key markets and enable potential guests to evaluate the differentials offered by our brand. Both the Nijhawan Group and Mr Wael Naba have years of expertise in the hospitality sector and will further establish our brand in India and Saudi Arabia, respectively.”
 
Marketing activities to be undertaken by the new representatives include tradeshow management, roadshows and promotions. Sales and marketing initiatives will be drawn out and implemented to ensure achievement of revenue goals by tapping into relevant market segments within the countries.
 
With 34 years of experience in India, Nijhawan Group is a leader in the travel sector and boasts more than ten offices in different regions of the country including Delhi, Bangalore, Jaipur, Mumbai and Punjab among other important cities. The Group will focus on designing sales and marketing strategies to keep positioning The Address Hotels + Resorts as a luxury destination for business and leisure travellers within India.
 
The Address Downtown Burj Dubai – in close proximity to The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination - offers 196 guestrooms including 25 suites, and 626 serviced residences. The Palace – The Old Town, with 242 luxurious guestrooms including 81 suites, is an upmarket five star property managed by The Address Hotels + Resorts, also located in Downtown Burj Dubai.
 
Two additional hotels are scheduled to open later this year as part of the expansion plans of The Address Hotels + Resorts. The Address Dubai Mall is nearing completion and will offer 245 signature rooms, 450 serviced apartments and modern lifestyle amenities. The Address Dubai Marina, with 200 guestrooms and 442 serviced residences, is part of the Dubai Marina Mall complex, located centrally in the one of the most sought-after waterfront projects in the region.

14 dazzling performances of The Dubai Fountain Daily

The Dubai Mall Waterfront Promenade attracts thousands of visitors daily for the dazzling performances of The Dubai Fountain, the world’s tallest-performing fountain. Starting from 6pm, there are 14 daily performances until 11pm.The Dubai Fountain currently performs six songs at varying intervals including ’Sama Dubai,’ the tribute of Emaar Properties to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. ’Sama Dubai’ describes the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and marks the first time that an Emirati song has been choreographed for a fountain.The other songs to which the fountain sways in perfect sync are ’Dhoom Thana,’ a super-hit Hindi film song from the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer ’Om Shanti Om;’ ’Baba Yetu,’ an award-winning song in Swahili composed by Christopher Tin for the computer game ’Civilization IV;’ the Arab world’s top-selling dance number ’Shik Shak Shok’ by Hassan Abou El Seoud; and the signature piece of world-renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, ’Con te partiro’ (Time to Say Goodbye).Mr Nasser Rafi, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Malls Group, said: "As Dubai’s newest tourist attraction, The Dubai Fountain continues to draw thousands of people every week to The Dubai Mall Waterfront Promenade. The timing of the fountain’s performance has been managed to enable visitors to stroll through the mall and return for repeat viewings."The fountain performance starts at 6pm with performances every half-hour until 8pm. Between 8pm and 11pm, music-water displays occur every 20 minutes. Located on Burj Dubai Lake, the world’s tallest performing fountain shoots water jets as high as 500 ft (150 metres), equivalent to that of a 50-storey building.The Dubai Fountain is 900 ft (275 metres) long and has five circles of varying sizes and two central arcs. It has been designed by California-based WET, the creators of the Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas. Over 6,600 WET Superlights - the most advanced incandescent large fountain lights available today - and 25 colour projectors create a visual spectrum of over 1,000 abstract attractions.

One thousand art masterpieces to adorn Burj Dubai

Amongst the specially commissioned art for Burj Dubai, occupying pride of place in the tower’s residential lobby will be World Voices by the internationally renowned artist Jaume Plensa. Plensa’s masterpiece in titanium and alloy was hand-picked by Emaar Chairman Mr Mohamed Alabbar following a year-long selection process led by the building’s architect Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) of Chicago.Jaume Plensa’s World Voices is composed of 196 cymbals that represent the 196 countries of the world - symbolic to Burj Dubai being a collaboration of people from across the globe and befitting its global iconic status. Cast in bronze and brass alloy and plated with 18-carat gold, the cymbals are horizontally suspended onto titanium rods anchored at the bottom of two pools, symbolizing reeds in a lake. Finished by hand, the cymbals create a distinct timbre as they are struck by dripping water, which the artist compared to the sound of water falling on leaves. Speaking on the art focus for the tower, Mr. Alabbar said: “Art is central to the Burj Dubai project, not only as a visual statement but as a means to link cultures and communities. Thousands of people from around the world have collaborated to achieve an iconic landmark, the world’s tallest building. By assembling one of the world’s largest collections of art and sculpture from leading Middle East and international artists, we are celebrating their endeavour and the global significance of Burj Dubai.” He said: “World Voices will be a compelling addition to Plensa’s astonishing canon of public work. It takes inspiration from Dubai and sends a positive message to the world.” Burj Dubai’s architects and interior designers Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) approached international and Middle East-based artists to submit concepts for the centrepiece of the Burj Dubai’s residential lobby more than a year ago. Plensa’s winning design was chosen from a shortlist of five. George Efstathiou, the Managing Partner for SOM leading the Burj Dubai team said, “The 1,000 art pieces will include a wide range of contemporary artists as well as museum-standard historic art recognising the Gulf’s unique heritage.”  He added: “A part of SOM’s tradition is a strong connection of their projects with the art world. SOM has worked with leading artists from the world including Picasso, Miro, Calder and now Jaume Plensa.”  Nada Andric, an SOM Associate Director leading Burj Dubai’s interior design, said, “World Voices captures the international optimism and inclusiveness of Burj Dubai and is intimately connected with Dubai and the region. The sound of water is pervasive in the Middle East, where fountains are typical ornaments in the courtyards of traditional houses. The flower-like architectural vernacular of Burj Dubai is recreated by the reeds that hold up the installation’s cymbals, and their gentle movement and delicacy makes a fascinating contrast with the geometric vastness of the tower.” In his proposal for World Voices, Jaume Plensa wrote, “The residential lobby area of Burj Dubai will be a meeting place of diverse cultures and nationalities - a metaphor of the diversity of our global society…World Voices is homage to this diversity and a celebration of life.” During the artist’s recent visit to Burj Dubai site, he said “Burj Dubai is a body and a house; my piece is at the entrance of the house and creates a soul inside the body.”

Fernando Botero’s Exquisite Horse Sculpture To Adorn Downtown Burj Dubai

World-renowned figurative artist Fernando Botero’s ‘Horse 2007,’ a bronze sculpture weighing 1,500 kg (1.5 tonnes), is now in Dubai.

Emaar Properties Chairman Mr Mohamed Alabbar unveiled the monumental work of art that celebrates the rich equestrian heritage of the Arab world in Downtown Burj Dubai.

A Colombian artist, Mr Botero is globally acknowledged for his ‘Horse’ sculptures, which feature in several international locations, and are landmark works of art that draw in thousands of visitors.

Commissioned as part of the Art Programme for Downtown Burj Dubai, Horse 2007 is 310 cm high, 192 cm long and 156 cm wide, and is located near The Dubai Mall and The Address Downtown Burj Dubai. Several other Middle East and international artists have been commissioned to create exclusive works of art that will be permanently displayed in the 500-acre community.

Mr Alabbar said: “Fernando Botero is a grandmaster sculptor and his Horse series is a perfect fit for the Art Programme of Downtown Burj Dubai. With Botero’s exquisite work of art, Emaar is paying tribute to our glorious equestrian tradition while creating another tourist attraction for Dubai.”

Horse 2007 was commissioned for Emaar Properties by art collector and gallery owner Samia Saleh Baker, who contacted the 77-year-old grandmaster and was involved in every aspect of the work from designing the plinth, plaques, shipment, storage and final placement.

The sculpture of the horse with a Patina finish rests on the large plinth strategically positioned with uninterrupted views of Burj Dubai, the world’s tallest building, in the backdrop.

Downtown Burj Dubai, described as the new heart of the city, is the flagship development of Emaar Properties. Apart from several residential communities, Downtown Burj Dubai features The Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar, four hotels and Emaar Boulevard, billed to be one of the world’s finest boulevards.

The Address Hotels + Resorts Offer Amazing Deals In Support Of Festival@The Dubai Mall

The Address Downtown Burj Dubai, the 5 star premium hotel of Emaar Hospitality Group, along with The Palace – The Old Town hotel has joined the excitement gripping the UAE during the month long Festival@The Dubai Mall. As a special offer, the two hotels are offering amazing room deals throughout the festival starting from AED 1,099, including breakfast.

Located in close proximity to The Dubai Mall, the hotels provide an ideal location for tourists and residents alike to enjoy a weekend of luxurious stay, indulge in world class shopping at the mall and try their luck at winning a total of AED 3.1 million in cash prizes. The special festival rates are available at The Address Downtown Burj Dubai and The Palace – The Old Town until 29 May, 2009.

Mr Marc Dardene, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Hospitality Group, said: “Dubai’s reputation as a shopping destination is unchallenged. We have many customers from GCC countries, the Levant and the Indian sub-continent who make short trips to Dubai to enjoy the finest shopping deals. The Festival@The Dubai Mall is one of the best shopping festivals initiated this year and our special hotel package caters to those who want to participate in the festival while staying in the luxurious settings of our two hotels in Downtown Burj Dubai.”

Apart from the special package, The Address Downtown Burj Dubai and The Palace – The Old Town also offers its guests priority access to the various entertainment components within The Dubai Mall including free entry to Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo and the Dubai Ice Rink. The Address Downtown Burj Dubai also provides the opportunity to win an overnight stay by entering into one of the on-line competitions at www.festivalatthedubaimall.com.

The Address Downtown Burj Dubai offers 196 spacious and contemporary rooms located between the 7th and 12th floors, including 25 suites with spectacular views of Burj Dubai, the world’s tallest tower. The hotel also offers visitors unique restaurants, a dedicated spa and leisure facilities. In addition, many services are available around the clock including a modern fitness centre and a business lounge, strengthening the guest benefits differential of the hotel. For those wanting to extend their stay, the hotel also provides 626 well appointed serviced residences which combine the ease and luxury of a hotel, while offering the independence and privacy of a home.

The Palace – The Old Town, managed by The Address Hotels + Resorts, is the centrepiece of the Old Town Island in Downtown Burj Dubai and the hotel boasts a captivating Middle Eastern theme. The hotel offers 242 spacious and luxurious guest rooms, many of which overlook The Dubai Fountain, a magnificent sound, light and musical extravaganza.

Emaar Hospitality Group is the hospitality and leisure subsidiary of Emaar Properties. Two new The Address properties are also to open in Dubai - The Address Dubai Mall and The Address Dubai Marina this year. The Address Hotels + Resorts is one of the main sponsors of the Festival@The Dubai Mall.

The Dubai Mall’s Shopping Choices And Leisure Spectacles Draw In Festive Crowds

It was a surreal moment: Burj Dubai, the world’s tallest building, basks in the orange rays of the evening sun; hundreds of people representing a cross-section of the world’s different communities throng The Dubai Mall Waterfront Promenade, and The Dubai Fountain sways to the tune of a chart-busting Bollywood song.

The song reaches its crescendo, marked by swift rhythms and galloping beats, and the water fountain matches the energy sprouting large jets of water in the air.

The spectators applaud. The music-water display of the fountain, currently in the testing phase, is only part of the attractions that await visitors to the Festival@The Dubai Mall.

The buzz by the Waterfront promenade is matched inside the mall, with visitors crowding at the Star Atrium awaiting results of the daily Win Millions raffle.

Kevin Snelgrove and Sabrina Machel from Canada are among the visitors. Kevin is only one month now in Dubai, and they have been discovering the mall at leisure. “It is huge; there is everything you need here,” says Sabrina.

Tayanita is chasing balloons at the Star Atrium. Her parents Roderick Planken and Ann Mary watch the little one with a smile, as The Jumpers, a performing group, come by, adding to the cheer of the moment.

The Plankens like the feeling of space that the mall offers, and they are regular visitors. “The choice is good here,” says Ann Mary, on the diverse spread of retail stores that now offer bargain deals as part of the Festival@The Dubai Mall.

By the fountain are seven Filipino friends, three of them having come down from Ras Al Khaimah to see the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo at the mall. The testing of The Dubai Fountain was an added bonus for them.

Nome Namoc, who assumed the role of the spokesperson for the team, said they will return to the mall very soon. “There is so much here… the aquarium, the shops, the ice-rink and the fountain…”

She and her friends, Erwin Enríquez, Adora Santos, Anna Liza Tabano, Engleine Tuazon, Ma Lou Torres and Bhe Castillo, have been at the mall for more than four hours, and haven’t realised how quickly time flies. “The mall is amazing,” says Adora.

That is the sentiment shared by thousands of visitors, who have the leisure incentives of the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Dubai Ice-Rink and The Waterfall. The testing of The Dubai Fountain, the world’s tallest performing fountain, adds to the allure.

The Festival@The Dubai Mall will continue through May 29, offering millions in cash prizes through daily, weekly and grand raffles. Visitors can also take part in the Bid 2 Win auction every weekend and buy coupons for the Grand Bentley raffle.
 

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