Asateer Will Bring Back Arabian Traditions During Ramadan At Atlantis, The Palm

Atlantis, The Palm, the leading entertainment resort destination in the Middle East, will be honouring Ramadan with Asateer, a spectacular beachfront tent where guests will be able to enjoy evenings with family and friends in an ambience of time-honoured traditions. Asateer offers eight dedicated Majlis areas, prayer rooms and complimentary valet parking.

Overlooking the Arabian Gulf and The Palm, Asateer evokes sensations of nostalgia for the golden era of Arabia. Meaning ’myths’, Asateer provides an ambience filled with traditional activities, including card games, chess and backgammon. For a contemporary twist, each Majlis has a playstation and a large television. Throughout the stunning design and contemporary folkloric atmosphere of the tent, guests will be entertained by Oud and Tableh players playing timeless Arabic favourites.

“Last year, Asateer proved to be the ultimate place for family and friends during Ramadan,” commented Serge Zaalof, Chief Operating Officer, Atlantis, The Palm. “This Ramadan, we look forward to welcoming back the community to honour the Holy Month of Ramadan in Asateer with old favourites and new surprises throughout the tent.”

Guests can enjoy traditional Foul Moudammas and Balila stations, as well as a wide variety of Ramadan fresh juices such as: Jallab, Laban Ayran, Kamr Al Deen and Karkadeh. Guests will be impressed by the new signature dishes this year including Asateer Assorted Manakish, Asateer Kenafah and a Tahina fountain. In addition, guests will be able to enjoy new continental dishes during Suhour including the Asateer Beef Burger, calamari, a variety of Italian and Indian dishes and a mix of international desserts. Guests will also be dazzled as they watch traditional Arabic ice cream being prepared right before their eyes in such favourite flavours as pistachio and rose water. Tempting Arabic sweets such as Osmaliya with Ashta, Katayef and Znoud El Sit will also be on display.

Asateer will offer a traditional Iftar buffet to awaken the senses at AED 165 per person, inclusive of water and Ramadan juices. Children below the age of three years are admitted complimentary, while those children between three and 12 years of age are invited to enjoy Iftar at Asateer for AED 80 per person.

Suhour will be offered nightly from 9pm with an extensive a la carte menu offering classic favourites and new surprises, as well as fresh Ramadan juices. Set menus are also available for groups of 30 guests and above, starting at AED 165 per person.

Guests can also enjoy Iftar and Suhour at Levantine which offers a true taste of Arabia and a variety of cuisines from the region. The set menu can be enjoyed for AED 165 per person inclusive of Ramadan juices and soft beverages. The panoramic show kitchen and elegant atmosphere provides a perfect setting to break the fast.

Kaleidoscope, which features a primarily Mediterranean menu with North African and Indian speciality dishes, will also be offering traditional favourites alongside a range of international dishes. The interactive, open kitchens feature live cooking stations and an impressive Iftar buffet for just AED 185 per person. The restaurant offers an inviting environment that is perfect for families looking to spend Ramadan together.

Guests looking to extend their time at Atlantis can benefit from a special Ramadan package rate of AED 895¹ per room or AED 995¹ per room including Suhour for two. Those looking to enjoy Atlantis and Iftar for two can enjoy a rate of AED 1095¹. Iftar can be enjoyed in Asateer, Levantine or Kaleidoscope. Guests will enjoy unlimited complimentary access to Aquaventure, the region’s largest waterpark and The Lost Chambers, an underwater world, together with preferential rates to swim with Atlantis Dolphins at Dolphin Bay. In addition, younger guests can enjoy a complimentary afternoon session to the Kids Club or Club Rush for teens.

During Ramadan, The Avenues, a sophisticated retail promenade that features over two dozen shops featuring top names in fashion, design and local artistry, will remain open until midnight during weekdays and until 1am on weekends.

Club Rush, the ultimate hang out experience for teens, provides a perfect venue for them to chill out, recharge and make new friends, is offering special Ramadan activities. These include daily Henna sessions, daily family movies at 4pm, in addition to an Arabian Nights Themed Evening (once per week). The Atlantis Kids Club offers a daily supervised activity programme with a focus on adventure, fun and exploration through group play. This Ramadan, kids can enjoy henna/face painting, Ramadan inspired crafts and a daily family open house offered from 8:30pm – 10:30pm.

To create an unforgettable Ramadan experience Atlantis joins Emirates NBD, one of the leading banks in the Middle East, and Infiniti, the youngest luxury automotive brand in the world represented by Arabian Automobiles to create an unforgettable experience in Asateer.

“Customer convenience is a significant driving force at Emirates NBD, and we are constantly looking for partnership opportunities that will enable us to provide customers with greater value-added benefits,” said Saif Al Mansoori, Deputy Head Group Marketing and Branding, Emirates NBD. “This year, during the Holy Month of Ramadan, we are pleased to partner with Atlantis, The Palm and their preferred automobile partner Infiniti to offer customers special car loan packages. Visitors to the Asateer tent can avail of special auto loans from Emirates NBD to invest in a brand new Infiniti.”

“Following its launch last year, Asateer has become one of Dubai’s premium Ramadan venues thanks to its spectacular views back to The Palm and the Dubai shoreline, commented Michel Ayat, CEO of AW Rostamani “Arabian Automobiles Infiniti is delighted to partner with Asateer for the first time where we have worked to subtly integrate the Infiniti brand and give guests the opportunity to test drive the Infiniti product range during their evening’s experience. The notion of the ‘honoured guest’ is central to the Japanese culture of hospitality and we believe this provides a great synergy with the ambience of Asateer. We wish everyone Ramadan Kareem.”
 

DEWAs Customer Care Centre Receives Over 263,000 Phone Calls During The First Quarter Of Year 2011

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, (DEWA) has confirmed receiving 263,524 phone calls during the first quarter of this year. DEWA emphasized the importance of the Customer Relations Department as a vital and effective cornerstone to achieve the highest level of customer satisfaction in Dubai.

HE Saeed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA said: “In line with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, DEWA is successfully working to achieve the Government of Dubai’s strategy so as to promote sustainable development in the Emirate of Dubai and to strengthen Dubai’s leading position as a world hub for finance, business and tourism.”

DEWA Customer Care Center is primarily looking forward to speed up the response on all customers’ needs and requirements, adding that as one of the core values of the DEWA strategy, quality and excellence are the main aspects in responding to all customers,” HE Saeed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA further added.

On her part, Amal Al Suwaidi, VP – DEWA Customer Relations, said: “DEWA Customer Care Center received almost 462,000 phone calls through the Emergency Line during the Year 2010, an approximate of 1268 calls per day. The Centre also received around 684,000 calls related to Billing Services, which is an average of 1875 calls per day. Figures released for March 2011 indicate a Service Quality Level (SQL) of 91.75% was achieved exceeding target requirements. The total number of calls for the month of March 2011 was 86,329.

"The Customer Care Centre employs 97 qualified employees and supervisors from the best trained local calibers, in addition to other nationalities speaking different languages like Arabic, English, Hindi, French, Urdu, Farsi, and recently Chinese, to meet all the needs and requirements of customers in line with the international quality standards and best practices in the Customer Service perspective,” Amal Al Suwaidi further added.

The Customer Care Center’s role does not only include communicating with customers through calls but it is also a multi-communication interactive tool with all customers receiving their requirements, needs and consultations via Fax number (04-6019995) and email (customercare@dewa.gov.ae). The Centre also helps customers in the registration process for e-Pay through DEWA’s Website and offers guidance on how to avail DEWA services through the simplest processes. Other services customers can inquire about are the various bill payment channels offered by the Authority, including Customer Service Centre locations, as well as a variety of other services.

DEWA’s Customer Care Centre at Umm Ramool, which operates 24 hours a day and 7 days a week including holidays, receives phone calls on 991 for Emergency Calls and Billing and other services query on 046019999.
 

Emirates Post Group Supports Campaign On Banning Outdoor Work For Labourers During Summer

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Emirates Post Group participated in the 7th campaign of the Ministry of Labour on banning outdoor work for labourers between 12:30 and 3:00 pm in summer.

As part of the campaign, Emirates Post Group teams visited workers at their work sites in Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman, as part of an initiative to appreciate the contribution of labourers and their role in society as well as to raise awareness of their rights to rest in the shade during the ban period, as per the directive of the Ministry of Labour.

Volunteers from Emirates Post Group distributed water, soft drinks, snacks and gifts to workers during the outdoor trips to various companies and sites.

The Emirates Post Group’s campaign, which was organized under the slogan ‘My Break from the Sun’, was aimed at encouraging community service among employees, under the direction of Strategic Planning and Excellence Department.

Fahad Al Hosni, Acting President of Emirates Post Group, said the participation was in line with the strategy of the United Arab Emirates to serve the community and encourage involvement in social issues.

"Our volunteers were delighted to join the representatives of the Ministry of Labour and all other partners and supporters in this successful campaign that promotes a spirit of brotherhood in the community,” Al Hosani said.

Emirates Post Group has been supporting various campaigns and humanitarian initiatives by issuing special stamps and cancellation postmarks on different topics, as a means of spreading important messages.
 

Visa Cardholders To Earn Rewards At Jumeirah Restaurants During Summer

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Visa cardholders are being given even more incentive to enjoy some of Dubai’s best loved restaurants and bars this summer, with the launch of a new promotion in conjunction with Jumeirah Group.

The offer, which runs from now until the end of September, gives Visa cardholders the chance to enjoy one of four special offers at selected Jumeirah signature and casual restaurants, as well as bars and nightlife venues, depending on the type of Visa card they have.

All Visa debit and credit cardholders can enjoy 20 per cent off food and beverages at 30 casual dining venues across Jumeirah hotels during lunch and dinner (except Jumeirah Emirates Towers, with the discount valid during dinner only). And, after a great meal, they can unwind further in one of 15 participating bars and nightlife venues with a special buy-two-get-one-free offer on selected house beverages.

Visa Infinite and Visa Platinum cardholders can also enjoy one complimentary bottle of a selected beverage for tables of two to four guests when dining at one of Jumeirah’s participating signature restaurants, or alternatively opt for a complimentary dessert for up to four persons.

Commenting on the promotion, Maysara Ghadban Traboulsi, Visa’s Head of Marketing Communications for ME, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Jumeirah Group to offer Visa cardholders a great range of deals to enjoy over the summer. We are always looking to reward our cardholders with new and aspirational promotions that tap into their existing needs and interests. Jumeirah manages some of Dubai’s most-loved restaurants and bars, which makes this the perfect partnership and one which we expect to be incredibly popular with our cardholders.”

The summer-long promotion will be supported by a multi-media awareness campaign including radio and print advertising, in-store branding and online activity.

For more information on participating venues, terms and conditions, and how to avail each offer, please visit www.jumeirah.com/visa.
 

Dubai Eyes 103.8 Business Breakfast Presenters To Broadcast Live From Melbourne, Australia During Victoria Week

The Business Breakfast, Dubai Eye’s award winning weekday business programme, will broadcast live from Melbourne, Australia as part of a special “Victoria Week” from 8 -12 May 2011.

Throughout the week, presenters Malcolm Taylor and Brandy Scott will be interviewing high profile industry leaders with links to the UAE, from a range of business sectors including finance, transport, sport and tourism. They will also be covering the inaugural Australian Arab Business Forum & Expo on 5-6 May, which aims to promote and facilitate two-way trade and investment between Australia and Arab nations.

The Forum is supported by the State Government of Victoria, which also works to promote and assist business links across the region through the Victorian Government Business Office, its Middle East and North African (MENA) office, based in Dubai.

The Victorian Government Business Office provides help and assistance for Victorian exporters trading throughout the region, and works closely with local companies looking to source products and services, business introductions and investment opportunities with Victoria.

John Butler, Commissioner – MENA, State Government of Victoria, said:

“There are already a number of high profile companies from the GCC region with business ties to Victoria. These include Emirates Airline, title sponsor of the Melbourne Cup, Australia’s major thoroughbred horserace, Etihad Airways who sponsors Etihad Stadium, Melbourne’s multi-purpose sports and entertainment venue and Toyota Australia, which manufactures all of the Camry taxis for Dubai and Abu Dhabi from its main factory located in Melbourne.

“Bringing the region’s most popular business radio programme to Melbourne will allow us to highlight the immense range of opportunities for businesses wishing to establish business links with Victorian companies, and to showcase the state capital, which was recently named the world’s second most livable city, as an excellent place to live, work and conduct business."

Steve Smith, Chief Operating Officer, Arabian Radio Network, said:

“We are incredibly excited to support this initiative and are looking to make this Forum a regular event. Business connections between Australia and this region are increasing at a significant rate and these types of initiatives only help to further enhance relationships between these economies.”

Mr Butler (left) joined The Business Breakfast presenters Brandy Scott (centre) and Malcolm Taylor (right), at the Dubai Eye studio prior to their departure to Melbourne to present them with a book called Melbourne Symmetry, a 112 page publication of recent images giving a contemporary perspective of Melbourne.

The Business Breakfast broadcasts every weekday morning from 6-10am on Dubai Eye 103.8.
 

UAE Jet Ski Championship Held Off The Coast Of The Walk At Jumeirah Beach Residence During New Years Weekend

The Gulfwater offthe coast ofThe Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), a Dubai Properties Group destination, was the host venue for the UAE Jet Ski Championship over New Year’s weekend, organised by Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC).

Held on1 January 2011, the event offeredspectators extraordinary Jet Ski racing action on the beachfront along with an opportunity to see riders demonstrate a range of gravity-defying jumps and demanding turns.

Jun Ikoma from Japan won the Free Style event and World Champion Nadir Bin Hendi from the UAE had a convincing win in the Pro Runabout GP class. Steven Dauliach from France took the top prize in the Pro Ski GP with the UAE’s Saif Mohammed Saif Al Ma’asam winning the Junior Ski. In addition Omar Abdullah Rashid won the Ski Limited for the UAE and Kuwait’s Mohammed Jasem Al Baz won in the Runabout Stock.

The Walk has hosted several successful eventson shore including cultural, art and entertainment activities throughout the year, but this is the first time the destination hasbeen chosen for watersports along the promenade.

Following thesuccess of this weekend’s event, the second round of the Jet Ski Championships will be held at The Walk on January 8th.

The Walk, one of the most sought-after venues in Dubai, consistently contributes to enhancing the emirate’s tourism objectives.
 

Porsche Design And Pelikan Announce International Debut Of New Product Line During Paperworld Middle East

Paperworld Middle East 2011, is enjoying a credit worthy debut run at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, with exhibitors reporting a considerable amount of new business deals and inquiries that are being generated at the event.

Leading international players in the paper and office products market see Paperworld Middle East as a key platform to access the promising markets of the region. A case in point was the announcement by Porsche Design, who has signed up Pelikan International to produce and market their line of designer writing instruments.

The companies unveiled their signature product line internationally at an exclusive function yesterday, 8th March during Paperworld Middle East. The new P’3125 Slim Line range of writing instruments were presented for the first time, as well as the two exclusive fountain pens in the P’3105 Pure range. According to the agreement, Porsche Design’s premium writing instruments will be produced in Pelikan’s factory in Vohrum, near Hannover in Germany.

Pelikan International is present in the regional market through Pelikan International Corporation Berhad, UAE and are one of the launch partners for Paperworld Middle East.

Paperworld Middle East is a trade exhibition featuring office supplies, office and household papers, gift articles and greeting cards, stationery and school articles. The event will run until Wednesday, March 9th along with co-located Playworld Middle East.

 

Residents And Tourists Alike Soak Up Festival Atmosphere At Deira City Centre During DSF 2011

 Visitors to Deira City Centre, one of Dubai’s most popular malls, embrace the spectacular shopping and entertainment options this Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) 2011. Residents and tourists alike are soaking in the festival atmosphere at Deira City Centre with its retailers’ special offers and promotions, including its own weekly prize draws for AED 300,000 and solid gold bars for shoppers who spend AED 300 or more. Add to this, arts and crafts workshops for kids, roaming entertainment and live cultural dance shows on Centre Stage.

So far, 4 shopping sprees and 4 solid gold bar winners have been awarded, with further winners to be announced up to 20 February when DSF officially ends.

“Each year we try to create something unique that also excites visitors far and wide for the Dubai Shopping Festival, and 2011 is no exception. This year we combine cultural dance acts from around the globe, ultimate shopping promotions from retailers and kids activities so that we cater for the entire family. Our ultimate aim is to show the international appeal of the Dubai Shopping Festival not only through our international retailers but through the entertainment & cultural shows on offer,” said Deira City Centre VP Fuad Al Najjar.

(Record crowds flock Centre Stage at Deira City Centre during DSF 2011) Kid’s activities run from 10am until 4pm daily on Centre Stage before live performances take over from 5pm until 9.30pm. In partnership with the Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (DEPE), the mall also offers roaming entertainment featuring parades, percussion groups, carnival acts, dancers and street performers. All these activities really bring home the Dubai Shopping Festival spirit that is in its 16th year, which Deira City Centre, as part of Majid Al Futtaim Properties, has supported since its inception.

With over 115,000 square meters of retail space and over 370 diverse retailers, Deira City Centre is known by residents and tourists as a the place you love to shop most. Shoppers can expect the perfect balance of international brands and local favorites, ensuring that everyone’s taste and budgets are met. To this end, our retailers are going the extra mile this DSF preparing special promotions and gifts for shoppers to further increase their shopping value and experience.
 

Three Training Programs Launched Through Majid Bin Mohammed Training Initiative During Careers UAE 2011

In a climate of increasing competition and change, there is a need to provide ideal working environments to attract local talent and encourage creativity and excellence. It is in light of the ongoing efforts of His Highness Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Chairman of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, to encourage qualified nationals to participate in the labour market that the Private Office of His Highness has announced its participation in Careers UAE 2011 for the third consecutive year in order to launch the Majid bin Mohammed UAE Nationals Training Initiative.

Careers UAE 2011, in its 11th edition, is being held from 21 to 23 March, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, under the auspices of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. The most affluent recruitment, education and training event for all UAE nationals, it is considered to be an event of the utmost importance as it contributes to the empowerment of UAE nationals by providing suitable employment opportunities along with its promotion of Emiratisation.

Within this framework, Careers UAE is the perfect platform to launch the comprehensive training initiative aimed at strengthening the confidence of young nationals and securing their future, thus providing stability and improved livelihoods for themselves and their families. Under this initiative, young nationals are given a choice to join between three programs: Management Training Program, National Coaching Program, and Initiatives Management Training. The Management Training Program allows young candidates the opportunity to experience professional training in leading global companies; the program starts in June for a period of no less than six months. The National Coaching Program will also commence in June for a period of no less than three months, allowing qualified nationals a chance to train intensively to hone their skills, among a group of leading national companies in the country. The Initiatives Management Training program provides an opportunity for its members to participate in an array of future initiatives throughout the year.

The ultimate strength of the initiatives is that they open the doors for professional training opportunities for all qualified UAE nationals, as they work under the guidance of major companies, institutions, and consultancies, and private institutions. This will equip them with the right skills and requirements to secure the best jobs in the market. This is noteworthy because it has been shown through studies that training leads to improved and enhanced performance, which in turn translates to increased wages by as much as 4 to 11%. Companies that hire trained employees will also bear the fruit of this success with increased profit rates brought in by more efficient employees. The same studies also show that an increase in training expenditure by 10% translates into an increase in productivity of up to 3%, which ultimately means training programmes are of vital importance when it comes to Emaratisation in various business sectors across the UAE. This initiative will also interject more qualified nationals into the labour market, and promote local production.

The initiative is being held in partnership with major global and national consulting firms and companies including: "Deloitte Middle East", "Ernst & Young", "IMG", "KPMG", "Price Waterhouse Coopers", "Profiles International Middle East,” "Desert Group", the Emirates Medical Group, "Sharaf DG," and “Saeed and Mohammed Al Naboodah Group of Companies”. These partnerships ensure that the training programmes are operated according to the highest International standards.

Through this initiative, Careers UAE 2011 will provide the ideal platform to improve and hone in on the skills of young nationals allowing them a competitive edge in the market by meeting with a range of exhibitors who specialize in training and human development. They will also be able to meet face to face with representatives of leading national and international companies to achieve their desired employment aspirations.

Applications and interviews for admission into the different programs of the initiative will be carried out during Careers UAE 2011, 21-23 March, at the pavilion of the Private Office of His Highness Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
 

Festival Centre Opens Over 30 New Outlets During The Past 4 Months

Festival Centre at Dubai Festival City continues to break the mould by opening over 30 new outlets during the past 4 months. The award winning retail resort has added 71,977 sq. ft. of lettable floor space with a strategy focusing on securing great brands into a single destination be it dining, shopping & services or entertainment.

Philip Evans, Director of Leasing at Al Futtaim Group Real Estate (AFGRE) said: “Festival Centre delivers a quality mix of retail offerings that continues to expand our target audience. By bringing more convenience and entertainment to one destination, we enhance the experience for our shoppers and in particularly the young families that form over 50% of our total footfall. We are continually evaluating our retail strategy to ensure that our visitors engage at Festival Centre and to encourage both repeat and longer visits.”

“Amidst strong competition, Festival Centre has recorded good footfall this year. This is attributed to our diverse shops and strategic location accessible from all parts of Dubai with vital bridges and highways connecting the emirates and resulting in attracting visitors with multi-cultural backgrounds from all sides of town”, said Bernice Boshoff, General Manager Festival Centre Dubai Festival City (DFC).

Marina Restaurant Pavilion has added more restaurants to complement the current mix with premium fine dining and bistros from around the world including many firsts in the UAE – Brooklyn Diner serving the best of New York style burgers; Chocopologie, with its widely recognized and award winning handmade chocolates and truffles from Norwalk; Jamie’s Italian presenting authentic Italian meals and snacks from UK; Le Relais de l’Entrecôte a unique French concept of steaks with a secret sauce; ChiZen serving Cantonese style cuisine, Dim Sum and Peking Duck specialties; Fish & Co. excellentseafood in a pan from Singapore; Glittery Jimmies with buttercream twirled cupcakes and Esfahan a taste of Persia. Festival Centre further new offerings comprise Dunkin’ Donuts, with a huge variety and choice located opposite HyperPanda; Nordsee, a German nutritious seafood chain located in the Food Court.

Festival Centre has enriched the women’s range with the debut of Ghawani, alocal retailer and Al Yashmac both for Abayas, Sheilas&Jalabiyas; Part Twoa stylish ladies wear collection that is inspired from modern and style-conscious Parisiennes; Vincci, is a high fashion ladies’ footwear, bags and accessories store; Elite Model’s Fashion, showcasing chic and sophisticated handbags; The Fashion Net for trendywomenswear, accessories and bags and Manuella, the L’oreal Professional hairdressing and beauty salon. Men’s fashion has welcomed the addition of Rodeo Drive, a boutique inspired by the famous street in Beverly Hills and synonymous with high fashion, luxury and glamour; BOGGI Milano with formal and elegant Italian menswear and Celio, a renowned French menswear brand. Lottusseprovides men and women with leather, luggage & footwear; Fruits & Passion body products with fruit-base fragrances; The Face Shop, naturally inspired beauty and health cosmetics.

A destination for all the family needs and lifestyle, Festival Centre also welcomes Thomsun Pure Music a global brand with musical instruments and its soon to be opened additional area to educate music lovers of all ages; Chen One, focused on home furniture, accessories and bed linen; Royal Little Homes, classical, modern and contemporary furniture; Orbit/Showtime presenting various TV channel packages, Eros Digital Home a leading electronics and home appliance store; SkinJam, a unique concept of personalizing electronic gadgets; Minutes a diverse service for repairing mobiles, watches & shoes and Paperchase, the UK’s undisputed leader in innovative, design-led stationery, cards and gift-wrap.