IHG Awarded Management Of Al Badia Golf Club Intercontinental Dubai Festival City

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) announced that InterContinental Dubai Festival City has been awarded the management contract by Al-Futtaim for Al Badia Golf Club at Dubai Festival City.

Commenting on the new venture, John Bamsey, Chief Operating Officer, InterContinental Hotels Group Middle East and Africa said, “We are proud that InterContinental has been selected to manage the prestigious Al Badia Golf Club. This is testament to the excellent relationship that has been fostered with Al-Futtaim and recognises the strength and global consistency of the InterContinental brand.”

Brett Schafer, Senior Managing Director, Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate (AFGRE) master developers and managers of Dubai Festival City, commented “The selection of IHG to manage and operate the 7,303 yard Robert Trent Jones II designed Al Badia golf course and clubhouse is consistent with Al-Futtaim’s strategic relationship with IHG. Presently IHG manage key hospitality properties in Dubai Festival City and have a commitment to maximising long-term asset value.”

IHG manages the InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City and InterContinental Residence Suites, the addition of the Al Badia Golf Club by InterContinental Dubai Festival City will bring unique opportunities to the group to further promote Dubai Festival City as both a business and leisure destination
"We are extremely glad to expand our strong relationship with InterContinental Hotels Group. The marriage of the well known Al Badia brand with IHG’s globally acknowledged management expertise promises to further enhance Dubai Festival City’s international image as an outstanding business and lifestyle destination with great hospitality and leisure offerings," Schafer concluded.

IHG will take over management of Al Badia Golf Club InterContinental Dubai Festival City effective from 1st July 2009.

For more information logon to http://www.dubaifestivalcity.com

’Surprising Millions’ Await Customers As Dubai Outlet Mall Sets To Draw Dubai Shopping Malls Group Weekly Raffle

Ten lucky winners from thousands of shoppers will find themselves richer this weekend at the Dubai Outlet Mall.

Dubai will witness another evening of fun, cheer and good fortune at the Dubai Outlet Mall this week as the mall prepares to host the second weekly raffle draw of Dubai Shopping Malls Group’s (DSMG) Surprising Millions campaign for Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS).

Vishal Mahajan, Director of Dubai Outlet Mall, said: “We are delighted to be hosting the DSMG raffle draw this Thursday evening and look forward to a very successful and entertaining event. We like all our customers to come along and join in the fun and enjoy amazing bargains, great brands and exciting entertainment at Dubai Outlet Mall.”

The weekly raffle draws are designed as a fun event for the whole family with special entertainment including a circus act for the young ones. The entertainment will start at 6.00 pm followed by the draw to select ten lucky winners at 6.30 pm. Each winner will receive AED 50,000 in cash and prizes.

Majid Al Ghurair, Chairman of Dubai Shopping Malls Group said: “The ‘Surprising Millions’ campaign is proving to be a great success with shoppers. Consumers are benefiting from the best bargains on offer. The raffle draws, providing an opportunity to win millions, is an added incentive. The campaign offers total prizes worth AED 5 million.”

Surprising Millions campaign has participation from twenty three malls which include Al Bustan Centre, Al Ghurair City, Al Manal Centre, Al Mulla Plaza, Arabian Center, Bur Juman ,Century Mall ,Dubai Festival City, Dubai Marina Mall, Dubai Marina Walk, Dubai Outlet Mall, Gold & Diamond Park, Ibn Batutta Mall, Lamcy Plaza, Mazaya Center, Mercato Mall, Oasis Centre, Reef Mall, Souk Al Bahar and Downtown Burj, The Dubai Mall, Town Centre, Time Square Centre and WAFI Mall.

In last week’s draw held at Dubai Marina Mall, four out of ten winners were UAE nationals. Other winners included nationals of UK, Qatar, India, Ireland, Jordan and KSA.

To receive the raffle coupons and enter any of the nine weekly draws as part of Surprising Millions, shoppers only need to spend a minimum amount of AED 200 at participating malls in Dubai. Shoppers can also double their chances of winning by using their MasterCard credit cards as they receive an additional raffle coupon

DED And DQG To Organize ’Share Best Practice 2009’ Conference On June 25

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman – Dubai Airports, President – Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and CEO – Emirates Group, the Department of Economic Development (DED) and Dubai Quality Group (DQG) will organize the “Share Best Practice 2009” Conference & Exhibition on Thursday, 25 June, 2009. The event is aimed at promoting the culture of quality and excellence among the business community in Dubai.

The annual conference, which will be held at the Al Ras Ballroom in Intercontinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City, will provide winners of Dubai Quality Award (DQA), Dubai Human Development Award (DHDA) and Dubai Service Excellence Scheme (DSES) with a platform to share their best practices in quality management with different organizations. His Excellency Awad Khalifa Al Darmaki, General Manager of Al Ain Municipality who holds a Masters degree in Executive Leadership from the University of San Diego, and Mr Reg Athwal, author & international speaker will address the conference.

“Share Best Practice 2009 plays a major role in facilitating companies to benefit from the internationally recognized criteria for excellence and quality. Through this conference, we hope to work closely with the business community and enable the alignment of their management techniques with global best practices," said Mr Khalid Al Kassim, Deputy Director General for Planning and Development at DED.

“The conference highlights the remarkable co-operation between the public and private sector in Dubai, in addition to showcasing the business community’s commitment to promoting business excellence,” added Mr Al Kassim. “This is an annual conference and an ongoing attempt to strengthen synergies on the concepts of quality and excellence,” he added.

Dr Wafi Dawood, Chairman, DQG, said: “Ultimately, the power of best practices is best realised when they are shared for the society’s larger welfare. The Share Best Practice 2009 brings together the leaders in the quality drive in Dubai and offers them a platform to discuss their experience with the larger firms.”

Pioneering young business leaders, who have achieved a strong track-record in quality practices, will be honoured during the conference. The Business Excellence Centre at DED will also distribute a book outlining the best practices submitted by 2008 award winners from DQA, DHDA and DSES. The book will include detailed entries by each of the award winners, thus enabling potential applicants to get an insight into the benefits of applying for the awards.

A specialised exhibition, which includes booths for the DQA, DHDA and DSES winners, will be organised alongside the ‘Share Best Practice 2009’ Conference.

Admission to the conference is by invitation from the winners of the DQA, DHDA and DSES. Those interested in participating can contact the Dubai Quality Group on (04) 3431950 or visit the DQG website at www.dqg.org.

UAE Superbrands To Be Honoured

Superbrands, the independent authority and arbiter of branding, today announced that they will be hosting a tribute event to honour the UAE’s strongest brands for their achievements and excellence in branding at the Intercontinental Hotel in Dubai Festival City. The event, which will be held on June 28th, 2009, will also see the unveiling of the 5th Edition of the Superbrands book as well as the announcement of the much anticipated ‘Brand of The Year’.Speaking about the event, Mr. Mike English, Director, Superbrands Middle East, said, “We are delighted to host our fifth tribute event to celebrate the success of the UAE’s strongest brands, which are among the most recognised brands in the world. This year, Superbrands were voted not only by the brand council but also by online voting, which has expanded the voting base to almost 3,000 marketing professionals. The brand with the highest score will be awarded ‘Brand of the Year’ at the event.”Sixty four leading UAE brands, which met the stringent selection criteria set by the Superbrands Council, were awarded ‘Superbrand’ status. The Superbrands Organisation also introduced the new voting system where over 3,000 professionals were invited to vote along with the Council. More than 1,160 leading UAE brands were scored by the Superbrands Council and invitees. The Superbrands voters evaluated and scored hundreds of brands available within the UAE and the highest scoring brands were then designated as Superbrands. Only brands that achieve the level of recognition set by the independent Superbrands Council are eligible for inclusion in the Superbrands UAE book, which traces the history and achievements of each of the brands.The Superbrands Council comprises individuals who have shown exceptional aptitude in business and who have a thorough knowledge of the market and methods of business. To be voted as a Superbrand by the Council is a powerful endorsement and evidence for existing customers, potential customers, the media, suppliers, investors and employees of each brand’s exceptional status.The Superbrands Organisation will unveil the much coveted coffee-table style Superbrands book, which includes a two-page profile of each of the Superbrands, at the Tribute event. “The brands featured in the book range from corporate giants to FMCG brands. We are happy to see so many of the UAE’s local brands included in the book alongside key international brands. Participation in the Superbrands book is by invitation only and acknowledges the intrinsic strength of the organisation and its brand value,” Mr. English adds.The Superbrands tribute event is set to be a true celebration of many of the country’s highest profile brands, and promises to live up to its global reputation as the "Oscars of Branding".
 

Dubai Festival City Hosts Exclusive ’House Of Illusions’ Show For Media

Dubai Festival City, a key sponsor of DSS 2009, hosted an exclusive House of Illusions show for members of the local media on Tuesday, June 16, 2009. Ibrahim Saleh, Coordinator General of DSF Office; Yousif Mubarak, COO of DSF Office; and Tom Miles, Director – Shopping Centres, Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate, were among those attending the show. Renowned international illusionist Van Buren thrilled the media with spectacular tricks and a three-course meal specially designed for the event provided a fulfilling finish to the evening.

House of Illusions is perfectly located at the renowned Spiegel Tent, a spectacular traditional venue made from wood, stainless glass and mirrors. The tent dates back to 1920’s Europe, and adds to the splendid magical aura of the show. Unlike a regular venue for magical shows, its circular shape helps the audience to fully observe every detail of the performances. Furthermore, it has the capacity to sit 250 guests in total.

Ticket prices range from AED100 to AED350 (gala dinners). There is also a special offer of free entrance to children below 12 years old if accompanied by an adult and if booked online through DFC website. The show runs until August 14, 2009. Gate opens at 6pm. For ticket inquiries, log on to www.dubaifestivalcity.com.

Dubai Shopping Malls Group’s Weekly DSS Raffle Draws Worth AED 500,000 Starts Tomorrow

The first ten lucky winners of Dubai Shopping Malls Group’s (DSMG) weekly ‘Surprising Millions’ campaign for Dubai Summer Surprises, will be revealed on June 18th at a special event at the Dubai Marina Mall. The draw to select ten winners, each of who will receive AED 50,000 in cash and gift vouchers, is scheduled for 7.00 pm at the shopping mall’s atrium.

All raffle coupons obtained from participating malls when shopping for a minimum purchase of AED 200 is eligible for the draw. The weekly draws are held under the auspices of the Department of Economic Development.

Speaking about the first weekly draw being held at the Dubai Marina Mall, Mr. Ian Ferguson, General Manager from the mall said: “We are honoured to be hosting the first weekly raffle of DSMG’s summer long promotion as it helps us to position Dubai Marina Mall as a great new shopping destination. This popular promotion run by DSMG helps to reward our visitors throughout the summer months.”

The ‘Surprising Millions’ campaign offers total prizes worth AED 5 million in weekly draws, instant winnings and competitions. Since the start of the campaign, DSMG has reported brisk sales in all the participating twenty three malls which include Al Bustan Centre, Al Ghurair City, Al Manal Centre, Al Mulla Plaza , Arabian Center , BurJuman ,Century Mall ,Dubai Festival City, Dubai Marina Mall, Dubai Marina Walk, Dubai Outlet Mall, Gold & Diamond Park, Ibn Batutta Mall, Lamcy Plaza, Mazaya Center, Mercato Mall, Oasis Centre, Reef Mall, Souk Al Bahar and Downtown Burj, The Dubai Mall, Town Centre, Time Square Centre and WAFI Mall.

Around 4,000 retailers are participating in DSS 2009 with offers up to 75-90 percent discount on leading brands.

For further info, please contact: Lisa George, ASDA’A Burson Marsteller, Dubai. Tel: 0097143344550, E-mail: l.george@asdaa.com

Dubai Shopping Malls Group’s ’Surprising Millions’ Giveaways Surprise Mall Shoppers

Dubai Shopping Malls Group (DSMG) is giving away prizes worth AED 5 million during DSS this year and shoppers across malls are already experiencing the amazing giveaways by the Group as part of the raffle.

DSMG has put out instant prizes lined up to surprise customers who have obtained raffle coupons. Everyday, shoppers from any one of the participating malls receive a refund equal to the value of their purchases. The total value of instant prizes lined up is AED 500,000 and will be distributed during the duration of the campaign.

On June 15, five lucky shoppers were chosen for the refund giveaway. Mamdouh Hamdi from Palestine, Sultan Al Refaisa from UAE, Zaki Ibrahim from Palestine, Surinder Singh from India, and Marwan Al Shehabi from Bahrain won cash refunds equal to their purchases at Dubai Festival City. Cash refunds worth approximately AED 10,000 are being given out everyday.

DSMG’s mainstream raffle promotions include weekly raffle prizes and instant winnings. The weekly prizes offer winning opportunity to a maximum of 10 winners with each shopper standing to win prizes worth Dhs50,000/- in cash and gift vouchers every week. There will be 90 lucky winners in total during the nine weeks of DSS promotion. The weekly draws will be held every Thursday in different participating malls.

Retail offers during DSS are currently ongoing in the various participating malls of DSMG that include Al Bustan Centre, Al Ghurair City, Al Manal Centre, Al Mulla Plaza, Arabian Center, BurJuman, Century Mall, Dubai Festival City, Dubai Marina Mall, Dubai Marina Walk, Dubai Outlet Mall, Gold & Diamond Park, Lamcy Plaza, Mazaya Center, Mercato Mall, Oasis Centre, Reef Mall, Souk Al Bahar and Downtown Burj, The Dubai Mall,Town Centre, Time Square Centre and WAFI mall.

Dubai Festival City Welcomes Paris Hilton And Offers Shoppers A Chance To Win Tickets To Exclusive VIP After-Party

Dubai, Festival City is all geared up to host Paris Hilton in Dubai, during her reality show "Best Friends Forever" for its UAE debut, and offer 2 lucky fans the opportunity to celebrate with Paris Hilton in style, at an exclusive VIP Finale party to be held at Four Season Golf Club during the first days of July 2009.

Dubai Festival City will celebrate its backing of the hit show by offering shoppers who spend a minimum of AED 1000/- at any Festival Centre store to be eligible to win free Paris Hilton merchandise from her very own store based in the Centre and a chance to be entered for the grand prize of 2 tickets to "Paris Hilton’s new BFF-Dubai" VIP Finale party. The raffle draw will be held daily from June 11th to 30th 2009 and updates on the lucky winners can be found on www.dubaifestivalcity.com . Paris is in Dubai to film her BFF reality television show, whose auditions have been held at Dubai Festival City over the last week and seen a huge turnout of potential contestants. Her presence in the Gulf and filming of the reality show also coincides with the launch of her flagship store at Festival City.

Opting to stay on-site for three weeks, at the award winning complex’s InterContinental Dubai Festival City Hotel, the international socialite and heiress to one of the largest fortunes in the world, will also be shopping at the 450 + retail outlets at Festival Centre and showing contestants around the mall. Filming of the show will take place at the mall to showcase the vibrancy and glamour of East meets West through Festival Centre’s old souk charm, waterfront pavilions and modern retail outlets. Having received numerous national and international award, including the prestigious “Retail Destination of the Year” at the Retail ME Awards 2008, it is no surprise that Dubai Festival City has become the quintessential “retail resort” and venue of choice for many celebrities and A-listers on their visits to Dubai.

As a premier waterfront urban community Dubai Festival City offers a shopping mecca, with over 2.9 million sq feet of retail area, 8 world renowned hotels, over 3 km of waterfront cornice and 2 themed waterfront pavilions which house over 450 shops and 25 international flagship shores. In addition to being a major tourist destination, they are also fast becoming the leading residential and commercial address within Dubai.

Live A More Colourful DSS At Festival Centre

To many residents, Dubai summers mean searing sun and torrid temperatures. But as the city scorches, the seasonal line-up of events at Festival Centre provides a cool respite to the heat throughout the summer.

Once again, Festival Centre is one of the key sponsors of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), a festival of shopping and attractions between June 11 and August 14.

And there is no better place to enjoy the entertainment and bargains of DSS than by the cooling waters of the Dubai Festival City waterfront.

“Summers in Dubai have never been the same since the advent of DSS and the opening of Festival Centre two years ago,” said Tom Miles, shopping centres director at Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate. “This year will be the best year ever, particularly with our world-class entertainment programme to add to the fantastic prizes and promotions for shoppers. There is something for everyone at Festival Centre during DSS this year.”

The centrepiece for DSS at Festival Centre this year is the House Of Illusions dinner show, held each night at the Spiegel Tent, one of the world’s most famous venues that dates back to 1920s Europe. This family show, which runs five night per week through DSS, brings together illusions, surprises, comedy and live music and is served together with a three-course family meal.

The House of Illusions evenings are hosted by Romany, Diva of Mystery. Romany is a world-renowned performer who has charmed guests across the globe with her wit and imagination, and recently entertained the Queen of Great Britain at her 80th birthday party.

The Festival Centre show was devised and directed by international award winner and current TONY nominee, Derek Scott, whose work has been recognised across the international entertainment industry.

It will also feature one of the world’s most celebrated illusionists, Van Buren, who will appear in Dubai for the first time after having performed in many venues around the world. Not relying on special effects, dark stages or flashing lights, he likes his audiences to completely surround him so they can see the illusions in their purest form.

Arabic Breeze, Festival Centre’s house band, led by musical director Mohamad Hamami, will provide the music for the night with their mix of Arabic fusion music.

But let’s not forget about the shopping, which is at the heart of DSS at Festival Centre. The stores have worked frenziedly over the cooler months to bring shoppers the best in bargains during the festival.

Over 450 stores have stocked up with the latest in fashion, accessories, jewellery, cosmetics and much more as they wait to attract customers with unbelievable deals and incredible discounts of up to 70 per cent on current prices. And our dining venues—more than 60 of them—have joined in on the celebrations.

To add to the great shopping deals, cash prizes and vouchers worth a massive Dh5 million are to be won during the nine-week DSS. Join in on our sales promotion to win this incredible prize after spending Dh200 at any of our outlets.

Activities for children and youth will include summer camps, arts and craft courses, musical contests and sports. For daily updates, information and bookings go to: www.dubaifestivalcity.com

13 Sponsors For Dubai Summer Surprises 2009

The Dubai Shopping Festival Office has announced 13 key sponsors for the upcoming Dubai Summer Surprises 2009, the region’s largest summer and shopping entertainment event. The sponsors consist of leading local and regional business houses some of whom have partnered with the summer event since its inception in 1998. With a budget of AED 70 million, DSS 2009 will go on for 65 days, from June 11 till August 14 under the slogan ‘Surprising Dubai’.

This year’s patrons for the summer event include Coca Cola ME, Al Futtaim Group – Dubai Festival City, Al Ghurair City, BurJuman, Emaar Malls Group LLC, Dubai Duty Free, WAFI, Dubai Shopping Malls Group, Dubai World Trade Centre, Emarat, Emirates Airline, MAF Shopping Malls, and MasterCard Worldwide.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman, Dubai Airports; Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, and Chairman of DSF Office Supreme Committee, hailed the DSS twelfth edition patrons, stating that sponsoring an event in the magnitude of DSS in a volatile global economic climate is an indication of the healthy and robust stance that the private sector enjoys in Dubai. HH said that “many of these leading companies have been supporting DSS since its inception and it just goes to show the relentless commitment of the private sector towards supporting Dubai’s Government initiatives, thus enhancing a unique alliance that has been a key factor of the DSS success story.”

“To support DSS is to support Dubai’s endeavor to maintain its regional leadership and position as a premier hub for business and leisure, and with the support of the private sector we will achieve our aim despite any challenges that we might face. Having 13 sponsors is a loud vote of confidence for Dubai Summer Surprises and its pivotal role in accelerating Dubai’s economy during the summer.”

“It’s a known fact that DSS has managed to become the most awaited summer event in the region. Tourists from around the region consider it as a great holiday destination that offers them all the attractions that they look for; retailers consider it a high season for their sales and shoppers look forward to its promotions and winning schemes. Clearly, it’s an event that caters for everyone.”

Laila Suhail, Chief Executive Officer of DSF Office said, “We would like to thank our sponsors for their commitment and unwavering support during these challenging times. We see their support as not just for DSS but for the whole of Dubai as a destination and an affirmation that development is an ongoing process in this vibrant city. It also reflects the cooperation and trust that the Government of Dubai and private sector entities share.”

“The twelfth edition of DSS is a continuation of the past successes of the event and our strategy at the DSF Office will focus on aiding tourism and entertainment projects in achieving a high level of sustainable development as envisaged in the ‘Dubai 2015’ plan. DSS 2009 will witness new inclusions focused on providing the ideal summer vacation for families,” said Laila.

She also pointed out the new retail initiative being organized by the DSF Office that will run across four specific periods including Dubai Summer Surprises, Back-to-School season, Ramadan, and Eid Al Fitr. The four-month long promotion has been designed to benefit both retailers and consumers by organizing value added promotions and offers added Laila.