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.”
 

du To Bring The Joy Of Ramadan To The Less Fortunate

Living the charitable spirit embodied by the Holy month of Ramadan, du, for the fourth consecutive year, will provide 80,000 nutritious, ready-to-go Iftar meals to the less fortunate this year, as compared to 70,000 last year. The initiative comes in line with the company’s corporate social responsibility efforts to give back to the UAE’s community by demonstrating the spirit of giving which is what the Holy Month is all about.

This year, for the first time, du offers its customers the chance of contributing by donating money from their du lines via SMS as well as donating time by registering as volunteers to help distribute meals to hundreds of people throughout the distribution points. In parallel there will be an internal money and time donation campaign open for its employees and a number of staff members including senior management are already registered as volunteers.

From the first night of Ramadan until the end of the Holy Month, the meal boxes will be distributed from three Mawaed Al Rahman (Iftar distribution points) locations, these being – next to Shaikh Khalifa Masjid in Abu Dhabi (near the fifth street), Nad Al Qusais Masjid in Dubai and Al Fisht Masjid near Salem bin Ali Al Owais in Al Fisht area in Sharjah.

Due to the warm weather, coolers will be installed around the distribution points and for those who decide to have their meals near the Masjid, seating and cooling arrangements are in place to ensure a pleasant experience while breaking the fast.

“Ramadan is a gift to Muslims where good deeds are rewarded by Allah (God) more than any other time in the year, and we want to bring a bit of joy to the less fortunate in the UAE. We’re very pleased to be able to distribute 80,000 meals this year, with which we hope to make a difference to people lives this Ramadan,” commented Hala Badri, Executive Vice President, Brand and Communications, du. “By opening the donation channels to our customers we’re hoping to encourage a sense of unity while offering the opportunity to perform a charitable deed, whether that means making a monetary contribution or participating in the rewarding task of handing out the meal boxes. If we achieve a good public response, we may be able to open a fourth location for Iftar meal distribution. We look forward to this being a healthy, blessed Ramadan for all.”

To donate, du customers need to simply SMS the word ‘Ramadan’ to 8000. They will then receive an SMS that includes a menu of amounts to donate and choose whether they would like to gift AED20, AED50, AED100, AED200.

Further details on the distribution points, please visit www.du.ae, or follow us on Facebook (fb.com/duandfriends) or Twitter (@dutweets, http://twitter.com/dutweets).

 

Emirates Grand Hotel Launches Special Ramadan Offers

Emirates Grand Hotel, the 50-storey tall tower conveniently located in the heart of Dubai’s business and commercial district, will play host to a sumptuous Iftar and Sohour cuisines and guests can expect a wholesome Arabic hospitality.

Start your day with a special sohour set menu in the privacy of your room or in La Veranda Shisha Place which will start from 3:00am to 5:00 am. Break your fast with specially selected Arabic cuisine each evening while enjoying the magnificent view of the city at the hotel’s Panorama Restaurant located at 43rd Floor. The iftar buffet will cost AED95 per person with entertainment from an oud player. Ten guests who will visit for iftar will pay for only eight persons.

Traditional coffee and dates will be provided for breaking the fast. Guests can enjoy a flavourful selection of hot and cold Arabic mezzeh including dips, olives, pickles and breads as appetisers. The culinary team will serve up special traditional Arabic charcoal grilled meat selections including Shish Taouk, Shawarma, Kofta and mixed-grilled meat in various marinades as well as chefs’ lamb roast marinated with secret recipes available daily. To complete the feast, guests must not miss out on the traditional Arabic sweets and Ramadan beverages such as Katayef, Kunaffa, Umm Ali and much more.

Mr. Eyad Hamed, Resident Manager, Emirates Grand Hotel, said: “Families and friends usually gather to break the fast together preferably at a convenient venue. Our location is perfect for families to come and enjoy Iftar and Sohour during Ramadan. With our specially selected cuisine for the occasion, we guarantee a truly enjoyable and memorable Ramadan for our valued guests.”

Special Ramadan packages are on offer for corporate clients and large groups. For details and reservations, please contact +971 4 323 0000 or send an email to info@emiratesgrandhotel.com.
 

Emirates Grand Hotel Organises Ramadan Football Tournament

To celebrate the holy month of Ramadan, Emirates Grand Hotel, the 50-storey tall tower conveniently located in the heart of Dubai’s business and commercial district, is organising a Ramadan Football Tournament for hotel tour operators and travel agents on 12th August, 2011.

There will be 16 teams who will be competing at the tournament dubbed as “Thanks Dubai!” – a show of appreciation to the tour agents and operators who are earnestly and incessantly promoting Dubai as a safe and favourable destination in the region.

Mr. Nasser Shams , Director sales & Marketing , Emirates Grand Hotel, said: “Ramadan is a time to strengthen ties with family and friends and we are pleased to host this football event to show our appreciation to the tour operators and tour agents who are supporting our business and promoting Dubai and the UAE as a whole. The friendly match between the tour operators will display and test their sporting skills. This is the first time we are holding this tournament and we plan to do it every year.”

Winners of the tournament will receive exciting prizes. Mark your calendar and catch all the action on 12th August, 2011 at the first football of the year for DMCs at Emirates Grand Hotel!
 

Ramadan Gifts Given To Creek Dhow Crews

The Mission to Seafarers and The Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry teamed up over the weekend to collect and distribute 1,000 Ramadan gifts for the seafarers who live and work onboard the dhows moored along Dubai Creek.

The Mission to Seafarers in Dubai, part of the international organisation that cares for seafarers regardless of race or religion in more than 300 ports around the world, honoured the rich culture of the UAE’s marine industry with these gifts. The packages included toiletries and a box of dates wrapped in a t-shirt.

For more information on charity and work they do, please go to www.angelappeal.com.
 

Following The Success Of The Ramadan Experience: Asateer To Be Transformed Into A Premier Event Venue At Atlantis, The Palm

Atlantis, The Palm, the leading entertainment resort destination in the Middle East is honouring the success of Asateer by making it a permanent venue at the resort. Due to an incredible number of positive comments and requests from visitors during the holy month of Ramadan, Asateer will now be used as a premier private function venue for events such as weddings, fashion shows and product launches.

Serge Zaalof, Chief Operating Officer for Atlantis, The Palm said: ‘’The concept behind Asateer was to provide our guests with a traditional Ramadan experience in a luxurious setting.” He continued, “Throughout Ramadan, over 37,000 guests experienced Asateer and we had over 100 bookings for parties of 20 guests or more, proving to us that Asateer was a perfect venue for holding large scale events with a sea view and beach setting.”

Asateer, meaning ‘myths’, overlooks the Arabian Gulf and The Palm Jumeirah took over 300 workers 8 weeks to build and covers an area of over 2,625 m². Asateer has an independent entrance from Atlantis and a private parking area for over 500 vehicles including a helicopter landing pad. The stunning marble floors and water features at the entrance of Asateer are just part of the striking decor and ambiance of the venue, which upon request can be customized to suit the requirements or tastes of individuals for any event.

Reshma Tony, Office Manager for TECOM Investments said, “Everyone from our team enjoyed the excellent food and ambiance at Asateer, and I would like to commend the team at Atlantis on the service and quality maintained at this beautiful venue.”

Asateer already has a booking for a wedding this November. Fizah Pasha, the future bride commented, “Asateer provides the grandeur of a ballroom, but what makes it unique is the backdrop-the Dubai skyline. The chandelier lights in Asateer along with the entrance way make it all the more exquisite.” She added, “I can’t wait for my guests to walk in through that entrance and be swept away by the interior set against that beautiful backdrop. I went for iftar at Asateer, and I was amazed at how beautiful the entire tent was designed. The effort can be seen and was much appreciated by my family and I. The buffet was also served in a very nice and professional manner. Asateer definitely stood out from all the other tents we visited during Ramadan.”

Atlantis, The Palm transports guests into a dazzling, imaginative world, the resort encompasses a 46 hectare site with 17 hectares of water themed amusement at AQUAVENTURE, extensive fresh and salt-water pools and lagoon exhibits, an open-aired marine habitat second only to Mother Nature, a seemingly endless stretch of beach, luxury boutiques, numerous dining choices including four celebrity chef restaurants, an exciting nightlife experience, a Spa and Fitness Centre, and 5,600m² of meeting and function space. With its enviable location atop the crescent of The Palm Jumeirah, the opening of Atlantis is a landmark event, redefining tourism in Dubai as the first truly integrated entertainment resort.

For more information on Asateer or any events at Atlantis, please call +971 4 426 0376.

du Hosts UAE 1990 National Football Team At Memorable Grand Finale Of Its Ramadan Cup

In recognition of the nation’s sporting achievements this Ramadan, du concluded its memorable Ramadan Cup Football tournament by hosting the talented stars of the UAE’s 1990 ex-National Football squad at the closing ceremony of the competition. The evening’s performance was a reminder of the UAE’s achievement when the UAE National team qualified and played in the 1990 World Cup, as family and friends of the participating teams were treated to an entertaining friendly match between the ex-National squad and members of du’s own team, as well as an enthralling final match to determine the winner of the company’s inter-departmental competition.

The event, which took place on 31st August 2010, began with a friendly match between the ex-National and du teams, which included various members of the company’s senior management. The two sides both played an engaging game, with the final score being 7-5 to the UAE ex-National team. The 1990 ex-National team members included Adnan Al Talyani, Muhsen Musabeh, Fahad Khamis, Khalid Ismail, Abdullah Sultan, Naser Khamis, Abd Al Rahman Mohamed and Bader Hareb.

The friendly match was followed by a final match between du’s Technology and Customer Care departments. After a thrilling game, which concluded with a penalty shoot-out and final score of 2-1, Customer Care won the Ramadan Cup for the second consecutive year.

“We are privileged to have hosted the stars of the UAE’s 1990 National Football Team at our second Ramadan Cup Football Tournament closing ceremony, and to have had the unique opportunity to pay tribute to their efforts and contribution to the nation’s football history. We are pleased to announce the winners of this year’s event and would like to congratulate our Customer Care department for their outstanding performance and thank all the players who participated. It has been a very exciting tournament, and the dazzling grand finale was truly lit up with the presence of these shining football stars,” commented Fahad Al Hassawi, Chief Human Resources and Shared Services Officer, du.

At the end of the ceremony, Osman Sultan, CEO of du, in the presence of Farid Faraidooni, du’s Chief Commercial Officer and Ahmad Aburahima, du’s Vice President of Government Relations, congratulated the UAE’s football heroes on their performance and recognised their efforts in contributing to build the UAE’s reputation in football and leading by example. Thereafter, the du Ramadan Cup trophy was handed over to the winning team.
 

RTA Ramadan Football Tournament Concludes, Dubai Taxi Grabs The Title

Belrimaitha Club saw the final of Ramadan Football Tournament organized by the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) featuring participation of all RTA agencies & sector over a week. The events were played in teams divided in two groups, each group comprises 4 teams.

Dubai Taxi Corporation team emerged as the winner having defeated Corporate Technical Support Services Sector in the final in penalty shootout (4/2) after the prescribed match time ended in a draw. RTA Security team finished second after defeating Corporate Administrative Support Services Sector (2/1).

Commenting on the Tournament, Acting Director of Administrative Corporate Support Services Sector Yousef Jawad Al Rida, said: “This Tournament is part of the sports activities organized by RTA Events Committees during the holy month of Ramadan with the aim of creating fun for RTA employees in a way compatible with the spirit and vibrant activities marking the month, particularly in the evening and after Taraweeh prayers”.

“The event was co-sponsored by Al Marai Company and Leader Sport Company. The first company distributed 150 juice cans daily to the public throughout the days of the Tournament, and the second company provided sports shirts to the participating teams along with trophies and medals to the first four finishers,” continued Jawad.

He thanked both companies for their substantial contributions which were instrumental for the success of the Tournament, and also reflected the corporate responsibilities of both companies towards various segments of the community.
 

Pragma Hosts Al Barza Ramadan Tent At The Walk At Jumeirah Beach Residence

The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), a Dubai Properties Group destination, today announced that Pragma, in partnership with B Communications, will host an authentic 300-seat tent to mark the Holy Month of Ramadan at the iconic destination. Pragma, an established Dubai based business group, is the presenting sponsor and Nissan is the Gold Sponsor.

’Al Barza‘, a fully air-conditioned tent featuring rich interiors with a contemporary look and feel showcasing the perfect fusion of elegance and style, will host Iftar and Sohour daily throughout the Holy Month of Ramadan. The stylish and modern venuue will serve as an ideal place to experience the traditions of the season alongside The Walk, Dubai’s only outdoor retail and lifestyle destination by the sea.

Evocative of the fusion of Arabic and North African elements, the tent will welcome visitors from Iftar to 2:00am on weekdays and to 3:00am during the weekends. A spectrum of traditional entertainment with an oud player and singer creates a cosy ambience for the tent.

In keeping with the tradition of giving, Dubai Properties Group will raise funds for select charities throughout the Holy Month of Ramadan at the tent.

For reservations, please call 050- 4524558 or 050- 1593764.
 

Reel Cinemas ’Ramadan Movie Marathon’

Reel Cinemas introduces the ‘Ramadan Movie Marathon’ this month with plenty of opportunities to win complimentary tickets.

Running throughout the entire month, Reel Cinemas ‘Ramadan Movie Marathon’ will include screenings of two back to back movies of Shrek, Batman, Madagascar, Narnia, Pirates of the Caribbean, Harry Potter, James Bond, Princess & the Frog and Beauty & the Beast.

Every week, two double movies from the list will be screened back to back starting at 4pm and then at 9pm. The first 2 weeks will showcase Pirates of the Caribbean, Madagascar, Shrek and Bond followed by Harry Potter, Princess & the Frog and Beauty & the Beast; and conclude with Batman and Narnia.

A great deal of Reel Cinemas tickets are up for grabs! Win a pair of tickets from the movies being screened by participating in the competition on the Reel Cinemas Facebook Group. A different question for each movie will be loaded and the first 10 customers to respond with the correct answer can win. Visit http://www.facebook.com/reelcinemas to participate.

Reel Cinemas is also offering a special promotion for customers who purchase two movie marathon tickets. Two tickets at Reel Cinemas at The Dubai Mall are priced at AED 50 and two tickets from Reel Cinemas at Dubai Marina Mall priced at AED 80. This is only applicable for tickets purchased for two different movies of the marathon.

Date: Ramadan (first to last day of Ramadan)
Time: Reel Cinemas operational hours
Location: Reel Cinemas at The Dubai Mall and Dubai Marina Mall
For further details call 04 4485222.