Fitness First Opens Its Middle Easts 18th Club At Mirdif City Centre In Dubai

Fitness First, the world’s number one health and fitness club chain and a part of the Landmark Group in MENA, yesterday announced the largest Platinum Club in the UAE that marked its official opening at the prestigious Mirdif City Centre in Dubai,gave away exciting gifts to the first 200 guests who registered and attended the event.

MickyJagtiani, Chairman of the Landmark Group, officially inaugurated the launch of Fitness First’s 18th club in the Middle East on 15 January.

An exclusive fashion show by award winning UK-based brand REISS wasfeatured as the highlight of the opening ceremony whichalso includes the presentation of awards to winners of previous promotions. Exciting membership options were additionally on offer to visitors at the event.

The sprawling club will host 150 pieces of world class equipment, a cardio theatre, extensive categories of free weights and an exclusive member’s lounge. An indoor swimming pool is also set to open later this year. The Platinum Club will offer free group exercise classes and personal training by world class instructors. In addition to complimentary towelsand refreshments, members will also be entitled to the Fitness First Passport programme that offers access to more than 500 Fitness First facilities worldwide at no extra cost.

MickyJagtiani said: “The largest Platinum Club further strengthens our commitment to provide premium health and fitness facilities in the UAE. At Fitness First, theendeavouris to offer best in class products & servicesand set a new benchmark in fitness clubs and lifestyle offerings in the region.”

RenukaJagtiani, Vice Chairperson, Landmark Group, said: “The new addition to our network of clubs in the region demonstrates our commitment to ‘create exceptional value for all lives we touch’. Fitness First provides the right environment for anyone seeking a healthier lifestyle. The state-of-the-art equipment and expert trainers at our clubs ensuresthe facilities are easily accessible. This reinforcesthe brand’s mission of ‘making the world a fitter place’.

Our expertise in providing an integrated healthy lifestyle with our region-wide network of clubs makes us distinctly different in the industry. We are confident that more fitness enthusiasts will sign up to make use of the facilities available at the Mirdif City Centre Club.”

New members to the Mirdif City Centre Platinum Club will be eligible for the ‘New Year, New You, New York!’ promotion that was launched on 10 January and runs until 28 February. The promotion has already evinced keen interest from existing members who aim to sign up for personal trainers.

The Time Out Competition winner will be awarded a comprehensive one-year membership to a Fitness First Club of choice. In addition, visitors to the event had also availed the opportunity to get their images clicked at a photo booth and mailed to their personal email address.

For registration and further information, call 04-2362288 or email mcc@fitnessfirst-me.com.
 

Royal Caribbean International Scoops Middle Easts Leading Cruise Line Award At World Travel Awards

Royal Caribbean International triumphed at the World Travels Awards yet again, scooping the award for the Middle East’s Leading Cruise Line for the second consecutive year. The awards ceremony was held on Monday 2nd May at the Armani Hotel in Dubai.

The highly respected World Travel Awards have been running for 18th years and focus on the quality of customer experience. The awards aim to encourage world class service from the travel industry and recognize brands that consistently excel beyond expectation and deliver a superior customer experience.

“We are delighted to take home the award for the Middle East’s Leading Cruise Line for the second year running; this award is a real testament to our dedicated employees who go above and beyond to provide outstanding customer service every day. We are committed to providing our customers with a friendly and personal service and have worked hard to perfect our Gold Anchor Service to inspire our guests to come back again and again,” said Helen Beck, Regional Director, International Representatives, EMEA, for Royal Caribbean International.

Gold Anchor Service aims to provide guests with a uniquely personal style of service, enhancing every aspect of the cruise. From the dining room to the pool guests receive top class service to ensure they enjoy a memorable trip.

Royal Caribbean International has had a regional office in the Middle East since 1993 working successfully on outbound cruise sales and customer service has been a key priority from the outset. They started inbound bookings last year when the company deployed its first ship in the region with the homeporting of Brilliance of the Seas in Dubai.

Lakshmi Durai, Executive Director Middle East echoed Beck’s comments saying “We are very proud to have received this award again and would like to thank our travel partners from around the region for their continued and valued support throughout the past 17 years in spreading the word about the incredible value and satisfaction that a Royal Caribbean International cruise offers.”

Due to high demand, Royal Caribbean International is extending Brilliance of the Seas’s third consecutive season in the Gulf region which will comprise 18 roundtrip 7-night sailings and two Dubai and India 12-nights sailings from November 2011 through April 2012.

 

Dubai Remains Middle Easts Jewellery Capital

Dubai is one of the cheapest places in the world to buy jewellery. Dubbed ‘The City of Gold,’ it is a major international hub for gold and diamond jewellery where buyers can choose from a wide range of tax-free luxury goods. Per capita gold consumption in Dubai is the highest in the world, with more than two-thirds of the population buying gold at least once a year.

As the recognized fashion capital of the Middle East, Dubai has also become a popular destination for fashion photography. Every major fashion brand is represented in the city’s malls and retail shops, and traditionally-styled clothes are also highlighted alongside high-class and modern fashion boutiques. This accessibility to tax-free high-end clothing along with the huge disposable incomes of its residents has turned Dubai into a fashion haven where fashion shows and photo-shoots have become very common.

Esmod Dubai, the leading French fashion school in the region, is complementing Dubai’s emergence as a leading jewellery and fashion photography site through its new three-month Jewellery Design and Fashion Photography Workshops both starting on January 20, 2011.

“Now that our school has successfully pioneered fashion education in the Middle East, our next goal is to enhance other elements of the fashion world such as jewellery design and fashion photography. Dubai has the right mix of modernity, tradition and mystique to emerge as a hub for these two exciting fields. We have partnered some of the top jewellers and photographers to come up with new courses that will further broaden and enrich the fashion landscape of Dubai and the entire region,” said Tamara Hostal, Director and Founder of Esmod Dubai.

The Esmod Dubai Jewellery Design Workshop will cover important aspects of the craft such as the history of jewellery, the creative process, elements and principles of design, tools and beading techniques, drawing and rendering styles, portfolio design and presentation. It is open to those interested in the business aspects of jewellery or who just want to create their own contemporary jewels and accessories and be more informed about design and gemstones.

The Esmod Dubai Fashion Photography Workshop, on the other hand, is open to lovers of both photography and fashion. It covers light manipulation and proper camera use, the history of fashion photography, indoor and outdoor techniques, portrait and beauty photography, use of Adobe Photoshop software tools and photo shoot planning, presentation, submission and exhibition. By the end of the course, students will be able to prepare and execute creative fashion photo sessions and even properly market themselves as fashion photographers.

All participants will receive a certificate of completion. The short courses precede the start of Esmod Dubai’s latest batch of students under its 3-year French diploma program on Fashion Design and Pattern Making which starts January 23, 2011.

Since its inception in 2006, Esmod Dubai, French Fashion university group, has been accommodating a steadily growing number of students in its mission to capitalise on the region’s booming fashion industry and the steady drift of the Middle Eastern consumer towards haute couture. The Dubai campus now embraces students from 40 different countries, of which over 60 per cent are GCC nationals and UAE locals.
 

Emaar Middle Easts Al Khobar Lakes wins Saudi BuildInfra Awards for Best Retail Project honour at the Building Infrastructure Summit

Al Khobar Lakes, the premier waterfront development by Emaar Middle East, the subsidiary of Emaar Properties PJSC, has won the ‘Best Retail Project’ honour at the Saudi BuildInfra Awards 2011, organised as part of the Saudi Arabian Building and Infrastructure Summit held in Riyadh recently.

Emaar Middle East, received the award from Sheikh Abdulrahman Ali Al-Jeraisy, Chairman of the Board, Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the award ceremony.

Al Khobar Lakes is a picturesque development set amidst serene water bodies, and is the largest of its kind integrated community in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom. The first two residential villages in Al Khobar Lakes – Al Nada and Al Ghadeer – were launched to overwhelming home buyer and investor response. Work on the first phase of homes is nearing completion and will be handed over shortly.

Mr Ahmad Al Kulli, General Manager, Emaar Middle East said: “The Saudi BuildInfra Award for Al Khobar Lakes is a reiteration of the world-class build quality that Emaar Middle East brings to its master-planned communities in the Kingdom. All aspects of the development, designed by international architects, have been planned and executed to the highest global standards and will assure a new lifestyle for residents.”

Evaluated by a panel of industry experts the Saudi BuildInfra Awards 2011 recognise the best in class developments in the Kingdom. The Awards highlight the excellence and strategic initiatives in the field of infrastructure creation and development in Saudi Arabia.

Al Khobar Lakes offers the superior location advantage of being near to three key cities in the Eastern Province, only 30 minutes away from the airport and close proximity to Bahrain. The community provides a safe and secure lifestyle environment with abundant greenery and lifestyle amenities such as community centres, a health club and a large retail centre.

Emaar Middle East is also developing Jeddah Gate, a mixed-use project featuring residential units; commercial units; and 75,000 sq m of gross leasable area for retailers, in the Kingdom. The sale of Abraj Al Hilal, a cluster of three high-rise residential towers within Jeddah Gate, gained strong home buyer and investor response.

Another key development of Emaar Middle East in the Kingdom is the Emaar Residences at the Fairmont Makkah, located directly on the Haram Plaza. The serviced residences are offered on a leasehold basis and range in size from 40 sq m for a thoughtfully designed studio to 160 sq m for a comfortable three-bedroom residence.

Rolling Stone Middle Easts Battle Of The Bands To Thrill Audience At Gulf Bike Week 2011

Clarion Events Middle East today announced the first Rolling Stone Middle East Battle of the Bands – a live event aiming to showcase exciting musical talent in the region.

To be held during Gulf Bike Week 2011 at Dubai Festival City from 11–12 February, the two-day Battle of the Bands will provide a platform for emerging local and regional bands to compete on the Rolling Stone Stage at the Gulf Bike Week Piazza.

The judging panel will consist of a host of well-known personalities in the local music scene, including Geordiebird from Dubai 92, host of Dubai Eye’s Open Mic show Zahra Soar, Triplew.me editor Paul Kelly, DJ Bliss and Adam Grundey, editor of Rolling Stone Middle East. Each band will have the opportunity to perform their own material – no cover versions will be allowed.

Waref Hawasli, Managing Partner, HGW Media, said: “This is Rolling Stone Middle East’s first Battle of the Bands and we are excited to involve ourselves in the region’s musical culture. There is so much talent in this part of the world and we want to encourage these young artists with an event dedicated to their passion for music.”

From the submitted entries, 12 bands have been chosen to compete on February 11 and February 12, 2011. The panel of judges will declare one act as the winner of Rolling Stone Middle East’s Battle of the Bands.

The winning band will receive a special Rolling Stone Middle East trophy, studio time and digital recording at Joshua F. Williams Music and Sound, gift certificates from Thomsun and future coverage in Rolling Stone Middle East magazine.

Christopher Hudson, Managing Director, Clarion Events Middle East, said: “There is an abundance of musical talent across the Middle East region. We are proud to be associated with Rolling Stone Middle East in encouraging and providing the opportunity for extremely talented young groups to pursue their dreams and aspirations. The passion displayed by these bands is simply inspirational and the competition will be of the highest caliber.”

The first issue of the renowned Rolling Stone Magazine was published in the United States of America in 1967. The Middle East edition launched in the United Arab Emirates in November 2010. The magazine covers music, movies, current affairs and all aspects of popular culture.

Held under the patronage of His Excellency Mohammed Bin Sulayem, FIA Vice-President for Sport and President of the Automobile & Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE), Gulf Bike Week will take place in Dubai Festival City from 10-12 February. It welcomes over 150 exhibitors and has a 6,800sq.m exhibition marquee with an estimated 40,000 visitors expected.
 

Stars Set For Return To Middle Easts Top Tennis Tournament

Swiss sensation Roger Federer will be looking to continue his scintillating season-opening form when he heads to Dubai in search of a fifth title at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships next month.

The 16-time Grand Slam winner is just one of an array of stars, including three of the world’s top five players, who will be making a return to Dubai for the region’s only ATP 500 tour event, from February 21st to 26th at the Dubai Tennis Stadium.

Joining Federer in the men’s tournament from February 21st to 26th will be another of the city’s favourite stars, Andy Murray. The plucky Scot who famously defeated Federer in the first round of the 2008 tournament will be looking to get his hands on the Dubai trophy for the first time, while likely to be standing in his way will be a man who is no stranger to silverware in Dubai – defending champion Novak Djokovic.

The 2008 Australian Open champion from Serbia has in fact claimed top honours in Dubai for the last two years and will be going all out to take a third consecutive title, so equaling the record currently held by Federer.

Also making things interesting in the men’s lineup will be another top 10-ranked player – Tomas Berdych from the Czech Republic who reached the final of Wimbledon last year where he finished runner-up to world number one Rafael Nadal. Berdych last played in Dubai in 2008 when he lost out in the second round to Spain’s Feliciano Lopez, who eventually went on to reach the final.

Another top 10 player making a return to Dubai is Mikhail Youzhny of Russia who reached last year’s final where he narrowly lost out to Djokovic.

Other top names that are likely to draw the crowds are Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis, Russia’s Nikolay Davydenko (one of very few players in the world who boasts a winning record against Nadal) and Croatia’s Ivan Ljubicic – a quarterfinalist in last year’s tournament.

“Once again we are thrilled to announce such an incredible lineup of stars who will be gracing the courts at the Dubai Tennis Stadium next month,” said Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director Dubai Duty Free.

“Dubai is annually treated to a fascinating fortnight of action when the best in the world vie for top honours at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, which we are proud to say comprises the region’s only WTA Premier 5 and ATP 500 tour event.

“I have no doubt this year’s tournament will once again serve up a feast of excitement,” added McLoughlin.

Tickets for the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships went on sale on Monday, January 10th from the Box Office at the Dubai Tennis Stadium, Garhoud which opens from 10am until 9pm daily, as well as from Time Out Tickets online at www.timeouttickets.com. For further information about tickets, prices and the tournament, visit www.dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com or phone the call centre on +971 4 358 9797.

Grandstand tickets for both the WTA and ATP events are priced at Dhs 50 for the opening rounds rising to Dhs 250 for the finals.

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is held at the Dubai Tennis Stadium under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Play begins on February 14th with the WTA Tour event, and continues with the ATP tournament from February 21st.
 

Dubai Marina Mall Hosts Middle Easts First Urban Digital Art Show

Dubai Marina Mall, the definitive lifestyle, shopping and entertainment destination in New Dubai, has announced the launch of Contemporary Crosscurrents: Portraits and Electronic Arts. This will be the Middle East’s first urban digital art show, in association with the Streaming Museum from New York and Dolphin Creative.

The exhibition, coinciding with Art Dubai, will be held from March 16 to April 9, 2011, and will showcase the work of local and international artists, in an exciting new digital format.

The 30-minute exhibition will be broadcast at hourly intervals during the mall’s operating hours, for three weeks, on the exterior digital screen near the entrance of Dubai Marina Mall. There will also be a gallery set up inside the mall at the Dome Atrium, where the exhibition will be screened and information on the artists and the exhibition displayed.

Nasser Rafi, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Malls Group, said: “The digital art show is a unique exhibition that highlights the creative flourish of local and international artists, integrating the elements of modern technology. Bringing such innovative attractions to the Dubai Marina Mall underscores our commitment to provide new experiences for our visitors – something the residents of the Marina will appreciate.”

Contemporary Crosscurrents: Portraits and Electronic Arts is a state-of-the-art contemporary development in art, for public spaces. The exhibition is produced by the Streaming Museum – a new hybrid museum for the 21st century that presents multi-media exhibitions in public spaces across seven continents. The Streaming Museum includes 27 urban screens and other interactive, digital public displays.

Participants of the digital art show include local artists from Zayed University and American University of Dubai; two artists represented by Dubai’s Third Line Gallery; and international artists from North & South America, Asia and Europe. The curators are using the exhibition to stimulate interest for permanent urban screens to be established in key sites within the Middle East.

Dubai Marina Mall currently has over 120 retail outlets. The mall provides an exciting mix of tenants including a supermarket, fashion wear, accessories, jewellers, boutiques, book & toy shops and children entertainment, in addition to a food court and the 6-screen premium Reel Cinemas.
 

TheGreenEcostore.com: Middle Easts First Online Store For Eco-friendly Products

With more and more people all over the world coming to embrace the importance of preserving the planet’s natural resources, it’s no surprise that individuals and organisations worldwide are taking on a greener approach to the way they live and work.

According to Anu Agarwal, Founder of TheGreenEcostore.com, “We have launched the online store to empower our community with eco-knowledge and enable them ‘Go Green’. We have carefully selected the best of breed eco-friendly products from USA, Canada, UK, India and Australia and brought them to the Middle East. I am confident that once people start using some of these products they will realize the importance of embracing eco-products and fine tuning their way of living to a ‘greener lifestyle’.

Our online store has been launched, in time for shoppers to start their holiday shopping. We will be adding new products every month and aim to offer the largest selection of eco-products in the Middle East via our online store.”

TheGreenEcostore.com offers a range of eco-friendly products including green gadgets and appliances, solar
lights, recycled stationery items, reusable gift bags and shopping bags, recycled paper and stationery, eco-friendly shower heads, eco-friendly toys, BPA-free water bottles and lunch boxes, soy candles, eco-friendly wallpaper and eco-stickers, solar powered backpacks, bamboo kitchen ware, eco-friendly household cleaners and organic pet products.

All online shoppers are guaranteed products which are ‘green’, easily absorbed into the ecosystem, without compromising on design or quality. The store offers high quality products that are either – Biodegradable, Environmentally safe, Handmade, Natural, Recycled, Recyclable, Reusable, Sustainable or Organic.

TheGreenEcostore.com accepts online payments through PayPal, 2CheckOut, Credit Cards and ‘Cash on Delivery’ for Dubai based clients. Delivery is made within 2 working days all over the UAE. International shipping is also offered.

For more information, contact:
Anu Agarwal
The Green EcoStore FZE
P. O. Box 53735
Dubai, UAE
Tel: +9714-3327693
Email: contactus@thegreenecostore.com
http://www.TheGreenEcostore.com
 

Dubai Creek Marina Announces Middle East’s First Used Boat Show

The Middle East’s first and only ‘Used Boat Show’ has been officially announced by organisers Dubai Creek Marina, Dubai’s leading full service marina situated within Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club on the banks of the stunning Dubai Creek.

Set to take place over three days, 4th – 6th November 2010, the exciting event has been created to offer genuine value and choice to existing yachting enthusiasts as well as encouraging more people to get out onto the water with friends and family.

Speaking on the first boat show of its kind in the region, Mustafa Al Hashimi, Club Manager of Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, said;

“Driven by growing demand and interest from boat owners, the Dubai Used Boat Show is a response to an enormous gap in the market, bringing buyers and sellers directly together. Currently there is no event like it in the UAE.

“Any marine retailer or boat owner interested in trading up or down should make use of this ideal opportunity to showcase their vessels and equipment to the local yachting community at very affordable rates in the heart of Dubai.”

Combining great deals on over forty used vessels of all sizes from world renowned manufacturers, alongside leading marine traders covering finance, insurance, accessories, maintenance services and supplies, the Dubai Used Boat Show offers absolutely everything an aspiring or current boat owner could possibly need in one convenient location.

Al Hashimi, continued; “The Dubai Used Boat Show is a celebration of life on the water with the aim of making yachting and marine leisure more accessible. Whether only starting out or an experienced yachtsman, this is the perfect and only occasion to consider options on the used market and learn more by speaking to the local experts.
“Getting out onto the water is a very simple pleasure, yet currently yachting in the Middle East has ultra exclusive image of superyachts affordable only to the few. However, enjoying the beautiful waters off the UAE’s coast does not need to be out of reach, there are affordable options as the Used Boat Show will clearly highlight.”

Open and free of charge to the public with children welcome, the Dubai Used Boat Show will be hosted at the award winning marina at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club which currently has capacity amongst its 121 berths, providing an extra incentive to anyone interested in yachting, as Stuart Burke, Marina Manager at Dubai Creek Marina explained;

“It’s a very exciting time at Dubai Creek. Typically it is very rare for berths to become available at Dubai Creek, but with capacity currently available and the Dubai Used Boat Show taking place in November there could be no better time to get involved and sample the spirit of sailing.

“With excellent deal on quality vessels from 18ft and upwards displayed on land and water, experts on hand, leading traders showcasing their latest equipment the Dubai Used Boat show is a must-attend event.”

Far more than just a boat show, the event includes a host of fun attractions geared towards entertaining the entire family on a day out. The action on the edge of the water at Dubai Creek features everything from a kid’s zone and food village serving up fresh seafood and international cuisine to live music and daily prizes.

Managed by Dubai Golf, through parent company wasl Asset Management Group, , Dubai Creek Marina will make further announcements in coming months confirming the specific details of the vessels for sale and the traders exhibiting during the Dubai Used Boat Show.

For further information on selling or exhibiting at the Dubai Used Boat Show and available berths at Dubai Creek Marina and Yacht Club please; Telephone: +971 4 295 6000 or Email: marina@dubaigolf.com
 

Emirates Float Glass Becomes Middle East’s First Glass Company To Receive CE Mark Certification

Emirates Float Glass (EFG), a subsidiary of Glass LLC which is wholly owned by Dubai Investments PJSC, has announced that it has received the CE Mark certification – the regulatory approval to market a product in the European Economic Area (EEA) – for its range of clear, bronze and grey float glass products.

Emirates Float Glass is the first glass manufacturer in the Middle East to receive CE Mark certification for its products.

Ghassan Mashal, General Manager of Emirates Float Glass, received the certification on behalf of the company from Nigel Rees, CEO of the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF), the UK-based global trade association representing the glass industry, at a ceremony held in Dubai recently.

“This is an important milestone in EFG’s pursuit in becoming a truly world-class company,” Ghassan Mashal said. “The certification allows us to affix the CE Mark – which denotes conformity to the highest standards of quality and safety – on our products and will enable us to market our range of float glass in countries throughout the European Economic Area.”

“Since its inception in 2009, EFG has striven to maintain consistently high standards of quality across its product range. Our products are currently exported to more than 35 countries around the world, and the CE Mark approval will allow us to make new inroads into high-potential European markets and further extend our global reach,” Mashal added.

EFG already exports products to several European countries including Spain, Italy, Ukraine, and the Netherlands.

EFG’s range of clear, bronze and grey float glass were certified by TNO, Netherlands – a leading independent provider of quality assurance and evaluation services – under European Standards EN 410 and EN 572 –Part 1.

The CE Mark is a mandatory conformity mark on products placed on the single market in the European Economic Area. The CE Mark certifies that a product has met EU consumer safety, health or environmental requirements.

EFG is the largest integrated glass processing facility in the UAE with a capacity of 190,000 tons per annum under phase 1 of the project. The plant was built with technological assistance from US-based PPG Industries, the global leaders in glass manufacturing technology. EFG’s Board of Directors is currently reviewing its strategic plans to speed up expansion under phase 2, which will significantly increase the company’s production capacity.