Opportunity to learn through adventurous outdoor expeditionsOutward Bound, the international educational organization with more than 30 schools around the world, marked its first-year anniversary in the UAE last week. Outward Bound’s mission is to help people discover and develop their potential to care for themselves, others, and the world around them through challenging experiences in unfamiliar settings. “We are absolutely delighted with the growing demand for our programs in the UAE since our inception here last year. We have been working very closely with several schools and organizations from across the UAE to deliver tailored programs that are carefully crafted to develop specific skills and capabilities for the participants such as communication skills, leadership skills, problem-solving skills, teamwork, time management as well as self-confidence,” explains Robert Keay, Chairman, Outward Bound UAE. Through shared challenges, adversity, failure and success, participants discover and develop new skills, confidence and passion. The idea that “you are needed,” no matter who you are, is a critical ingredient to the success of the Outward Bound programs. Outward Bound serves over 250,000 participants around the world each year. Recently, Outward Bound Singapore celebrated its golden jubilee in a country where more than 500,000 Singaporeans participated in its activities since it began in 1967. “The remarkable success of our programs in Singapore and other countries around the world will drive us to encourage Emirati and expat youth to invest more time in learning. Learning can be fun and we deliver just that through challenge and discovery,” adds Keay. The Outward Bound UAE expeditions are usually held in Ras Al Khaima, the Emirate which is renowned for its beautiful nature. The courses are typically 3 nights and 4 days in the outdoors. Outward Bound UAE programs are also available for corporates and are ideal for corporate learning as well as team-building activities. “What we offer complements the traditional classroom learning. It is the education you won’t find within the walls of a classroom. The ‘adventure’ element that we bring is what creates a truly unique learning experience for the participants,” concludes Keay. Outward Bound courses are delivered with high standards of quality and risk management. The instructors are trained and experienced in facilitating learning through adventure. For further information about Outward Bound UAE, please visit www.outwardbound.ae About Outward Bound Outward Bound, founded in 1941 by educator Kurt Hahn, is an educational organization that serves people of all ages and backgrounds through challenging learning expeditions that focus on character development, leadership and service. Outward Bound helps individuals and teams discover strength of character and an aptitude for leadership needed to serve others in their community and care for the world around them. To learn more about Outward Bound and our wide variety of education programs, please visit www.outwardbound.ae
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Concept inspired by the City of Bologna Tortellini, a new Italian restaurant, has opened its doors in Blue Bay Tower, Business Bay. The restaurant is inspired by the streets of the gastronomical capital of Italy, Bologna. The interiors will leave you mesmerized by the attention to detail before you get your hands on the extensive menu which will leave you spoiled for choice as you browse through the traditional Italian appetizers, pasta, authentic pizza, selection of meat, seafood and much more. The concept is the creation of Amany and Khaled, a married couple who are Interior Designers by profession. The idea was ignited when they had to travel to Bologna, Italy, to attend a trade show. “It was that one night when we returned to our hotel after a long day and all the restaurants were closed. We luckily met one of the Chefs in the lobby and after a long chat, he agreed to open his kitchen and prepare for us a local dish, Tortellini, which we absolutely fell in love with,” recalls Amany. Tortellini is a traditional ring-shaped pasta that originates from Bologna. It is usually filled with meat or cheese, spices and herbs. It is often served in broth, rather like little dumplings, but it can also be prepared with cream and butter, tomato sauce or even with pesto sauce. The casual dining restaurant is located in Blue Bay Tower (next to Steigenberger Hotel), Business Bay, and is open daily from 11:00 AM – 01:00 AM. For table bookings or further information, customers can call 054 – 444 0303 or visit https://www.facebook.com/TortelliniDubai/ Visit Tortellini today and take a stroll down the streets of Bologna! Buon Appetito! MTS Globe, the leading European Destination Management and Hotel Trading company, and the Dubai based Destination Management Company Desert Gate announce that MTS Globe has become equal partner in Desert Gate.MTS Globe currently operates out of 65 destination offices in 15 countries, serviced 5 million passengers in 2016 and had a 600 million Euro turnover. A total of 900 employees work for MTS Globe. According to Michael Frey and Francisco Girona, CEOs of OTS and MTS Globe, with this purchase MTS Globe accelerates its growth in the region. They go on to explain, “As the UAE, Oman and Qatar are fast growing destinations with great connections both for business and leisure clients, we are very pleased to work as partners. Last year, we started our cooperation with Desert Gate and now as shareholder, we will extend our offer of co-branded DMC services with our MTS Globe brand, as well as hotel trading through OTS Globe. Our intention is to use Dubai as a destination hub and swiftly enhance and increase our footprint throughout the Middle East and Asia.” Samir Tabbah CEO of Desert Gate continues “Our joint strategy was and is to work as partners with our suppliers, clients and create sustainable long term relationships. The momentum is here. Coupling our access to the Middle East and 25 years in the region with the 50 years of experience of MTS Globe in Europe creates a strong synergy that can add tremendous value to our hoteliers, tour operators and most of all to our guests. With this partnership, Samir Tabbah also becomes an official member of the MTS Globe Partner Network and shareholder in the OTS Holding. Desert Gate and MTS Globe will be exhibiting at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai this week and key executives will be available for comment. _______________________________________________________________________________________________ About the MTS Globe Group: MTS Globe is the biggest privately owned incoming company in Europe. Founded in 1968, it serves over 5 million clients with 23 million overnights. Its core business is to support tour operators offering customized high-quality destination services which are then packaged and marketed by MTS’s customers. OTS Globe is a leading provider of leisure trading services that offers partial or complete handling of contracting and product management functions for tour operator clients, combined with advanced technological solutions. The OTS Globe portfolio contains +/- 10.000 available hotels for online transactions. Axis Data is an international enterprise with emphasis on the development and implementation of data processing systems for tourism. Axis Data develops software solutions for incoming agencies, focused on efficient booking management & production and it maintains hardware infrastructures for online reservation. About Desert Gate: Desert Gate, founded in 2004, is a full service Premium DMC serving the 7 Emirates, Oman and Qatar. With offices in Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and Muscat (Oman), the company and its 158 experienced team members serve travel partners from Europe, Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, CIS, the GCC as well as North and South America. In all its operating destinations, the company offers hotel contracting, excursions, transfers as well as more bespoke package and tailor-made programmes, all accessible and bookable by its superior technology and online systems. Dubai’s Newest Play-Area provides Educational Entertainment for Children The BEEhive, Dubai’s newest edutainment play-area for children, opened its doors along the shores of The Dubai Canal in Business Bay last week. The concept is the brainchild of Mumpreneur, Shahdan ElKhatib; a mother to three children. The idea of the BEEhive was ignited when Shahdan realized that more and more parents are getting frustrated from the current generation’s addiction to technology, gaming and tablets. She was quick to identify a gap and the need of developing a concept to aid children’s motor skills and cognitive skills development. “The concept was inspired from the fascinating beehive hard-working productive structure; where bees go through different developmental stages, and each stage dictates their role in the hive”, explains ElKhatib. The BEEhive is themed to consist of many independent hives; each of different interactive activities covering Science, Music, Art and Crafts among others that allow children to explore, learn, break out of their social shell and uncover their hidden talents while acquiring new skills. “We provide an environment that promotes creativity, cognitive development and exploratory play that allows children to de-tach from their virtual worlds and get more connected to their surroundings”, adds ElKhatib. The BEEhive will also be hosting regular interactive workshops for children. Play Rates at THE BEEhive start from just AED 45 per hour while a full day pass costs just AED 95. Monthly and annual membership packages are also available. Furthermore, children can celebrate their birthday at The BEEhive’s dedicated party hall which promises a memorable celebration inclusive of a healthy catering menu and plenty of entertainment options. The BEEhive caters to children from 1 to 12 years old and is located on the Ground Floor of Blue Bay Tower (next to Steigenberger Hotel) in Business Bay. For further information, please contact 04- 431 0347. Canada's largest and fastest growing mall-based creperie now open in Dalma MallCrepe Delicious, Canada’s largest and fastest growing mall-based creperie, is pleased to announce the opening of its first location in the UAE. Located in Dalma Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in Abu Dhabi, Crepe Delicious offers an impressive menu. The menu boasts a wide range of signature sweet and savoury crepes including the popular “Brownie Bites” crepe that is made of freshly baked brownie pieces, topped with three different types of the finest Belgian chocolate and served with fresh strawberries on the side. The ‘Lotus Crepe’ made with Lotus spread, crunched Lotus biscuits and chocolate is also very popular. The ‘Cordon Bleu’ savory crepe is made of smoked turkey, diced chicken breast, rocca leaves, tomato and mozzarella cheese. Other healthy dining options include fresh salads, sandwiches and even pastas that are showcased along with a selection of fresh juices, mojitos, ice-cold beverages and hot beverages. A wide selection of handcrafted gelato flavors are also available. According to Mr. Nasser Al Darmaki, Chief Executive Officer, Challenge Investment LLC; the Master Franchisee for Crepe Delicious UAE, “We are absolutely delighted to introduce Crepe Delicious to the UAE. It is a great concept that specializes in the creation of world-class sweet and savoury crepes. The company is a leader in the trend towards healthier eating and this is what consumers are looking for today.” Crepe Delicious uses only the finest and freshest ingredients to fill its signature, fresh to order crepes. The crepe itself has only 130 calories and 3.5 grams of fat; and it can be filled with endless possibilities of nutritious choices including fruits and vegetables, the finest dressings and sauces, and premium lean meats. Elik Farin, Crepe Delicious Vice President of Business Development and Franchising. “We feel Crepe Delicious’ value proposition will resonate well with guests across the UAE. As an upscale lifestyle alternative to conventional fast food, our concept combines the traditional sit down service with the grab-and-go enjoyment; in addition, we will offer regional menu items to cater to local tastes”. Craving a Crepe? Visit Crepe Delicious Dalma Mall, Abu Dhabi and enjoy a fresh one off the warm griddle, it’s like no crepe you’ve ever tried before! ‘What’s in your Crepe?’ -ENDS- Organizers promise a jaw-dropping spectacle featuring incredible displays of balance, contortion, stamina, aerial artistry and much more…Tape Events, the premier event management company in the GCC, announced today a unique theatrical experience, Cirque Le Noir, is on its way to the region. The sold-out world tour cirque will be performing in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for the first time ever this March. “We are absolutely delighted to bring Cirque Le Noir to the region. It is an electrifying show for the whole family that has thrilled audiences all around the world. It is visually spectacular, breathtaking and it will definitely leave you mesmerized,” reveals Tareq Abuissa, Chief Executive Officer, Tape Events. Le Noir, the dark side of the cirque, features over 20 of the greatest acts on earth including spinning metal wheels, acrobatic stunts 30 ft. high, jaw-dropping spins on roller-skates and the Columbian Wheel of Death, performed in a remarkable 360-degree custom-built stage setting, bringing the audience closer to performers like never before. The Colombian Wheel of Death is cited as one of the most complex circus stunts in the world; seeing two acrobats perform high-risk feats atop and inside a pair of spinning wheels rotating high above the stage. World-class acrobats, musicians, specialty acts and comedians are the centerpiece of this cutting edge production. “The performers comprise of award-winning athletes. Guided by impeccable spatial awareness, balance and stamina, each performer contributes to the unreal atmosphere as they glide through the air, swinging through a blur of hands and feet. Le Noir has been a sellout show in major cities such as Auckland, Christchurch, Sydney and Singapore,” adds Abuissa. The production is surreal, beautiful and hilarious at times as it explores emotions through colors as the cast transform from beautiful and pure white, through the passion of red and finally culminating with the darkness of Le Noir. The Abu Dhabi shows are scheduled for the 17th, 18th and 19th of March 2016 and will be held at du Forum, Yas Island while the Dubai shows are scheduled between the 23rd of March - 2nd of April 2016 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Tickets for Cirque Le Noir can be purchased from www.platinumlist.net and start from AED 199 only. OnePiece, the globally recognized Norwegian brand of premium leisurewear is proud to introduce the Autumn/Winter 2015 collection, SLOW MOTION. The OnePiece brand was founded when three Norwegian friends; Thomas, Henrik and Knut fantasized about the ultimate chill out wear for a lazy weekend day at home. They sewed together a hooded sweatshirt and a pair of sweat pants and the first OnePiece jumpsuit was born. Initially, their signature product, the jumpsuit, was meant for home but it quickly grew a life of it’s own and ventured out from people’s homes and into the streets. The new SLOW MOTION collection from OnePiece is inspired by the duality of expression, as something that moves fast but is seen slow. With a keen attention to fine detailing, texture and silhouette, the collection inspires people to take time to appreciate the extraordinary within the ordinary. Only by slowing down the fast pace of life, and analyzing the world on a smaller, slower scale, are people able to find and expose their individuality and be comfortable in living outside the norm. OnePiece sees this comfort as empowering and believes that it is comfort that brings confidence. Therefore, comfort is a major cornerstone to most achievements and the foundation to the SLOW MOTION collection. “We are absolutely delighted to introduce our latest collection for the Autumn/Winter 2015 season. The collection perfectly captures the growth and enhanced aesthetic of the OnePiece brand, while maintaining the confident, strong, unique and independent personalities that we have always been inspired by”, highlights Sultan AlRajhi, spokesperson for OnePiece in the Middle East. The collection also includes a range for the little ones with new designs of the signature jumpsuits for kids and babies using fabric tailored for the weather in the Middle East. From fashion icons and socialites to athletes and sport personalities, several celebrities have been spotted rocking the original 'onesie' from OnePiece including Beyonce, Justin Bieber, One Direction, Miley Cyrus, Vanessa Hudgens, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Jamie Foxx, Ariana Grande, P Diddy, Christina Milan, Kevin Hart, Khloe Kardashian, Kyle and Kris Jenner, Kesha, Mario Balotelli among others. The SLOW MOTION collection is now available at OnePiece’s flagship store located at BOX PARK, Al Wasl Rd, Jumeirah – Dubai. Tel: 04 3436369. The collection is also available at Virgin Megastore Dubai Mall, Virgin Megastore Mall of the Emirates, Galeries Lafayette as well as The Outlet Mall in Dubai and Virgin Megastore Yas Mall and House of Fraser in Abu Dhabi. The collection is also available at OnePiece’s online store: http://onepiece-me.com/ Michèlle Belau, the renowned high-street Peruvian fashion label, which operates more than 43 stores in South America, marked its second year anniversary in Dubai with the launch of the Fall Winter 2016 collection at City Walk, the trendy al-fresco lifestyle destination in Jumeirah. The Fall Winter 2016 collection by Creative Designer Lucia Cavero Belaunde, is inspired by the versatility of women, and the multitude of colours representing the Peruvian roots of the brand. The beautiful timeless designs showcase bold hues and rich textures, including raw silk, cotton and wool, which can be seen in wrapping blouses and dresses, tweed jackets, and complemented with accessories. The event was attended by some of the city’s top influencers as well as clients, who also enjoyed delicious traditional Peruvian dishes by Peruvian restaurant, Tesoro. Veronica Smulders, Managing Director and Middle East Franchise Owner states: “It is exciting to be celebrating our second year in Dubai and what would be a better way than highlighting the origins of Michelle Belau, Peru. From the collection colours, to the music and exquisite food, we wanted to create an unforgettable ambiance in a cosy setup.” Over the last year, Michèlle Belau was recognized as one of the best fashion stores in the UAE and the brand’s exceptional ‘Personal Shopper’ experience was also rated to be one of the best in the city. Michèlle Belau also introduced an online store to serve customers from across the Middle East region. The new Fall Winter 2016 collection can be found at Michèlle Belau’s atelier: Address: City Walk, Safa Street, Jumeirah, Dubai Tel: 04 344 9989 Web: http://www.michellebelau.ae Online shop: http://shop.michellebelau.ae Michèlle Belau, the renowned high-street Peruvian fashion label, which operates more than 43 stores in South America with a flagship store at City Walk in Dubai, is using the remains of fabric left from the production of each article of clothing to dress a collection of exclusively hand-made dolls. The dolls, each with its very own personality, style and character, are sold in Michèlle Belau’s boutiques across South America to raise funds for Fundades, an NGO that works to contribute to improving the quality of life of vulnerable people, especially people with disabilities, through the promotion and implementation of activities and social projects related to health, education, work, sport, the environment and helping the homeless. According to Veronica Smulders, Managing Director, Michèlle Belau Middle East, “We are very proud of our eco-friendly production cycle which allows us to utilize textile waste to style our fashionable dolls, who in return help us make a difference in the communities where we are present. We are currently looking at the possibility of introducing the dolls to our atelier in Dubai and supporting a local NGO.” The brand sources 90% of its fabric from Europe and the remaining 10% from Peru. “When buying the fabrics, they are already destined for a particular garment. We try to balance a good mix of fabrics in each collection with 50% of them being natural fabrics such as linen, cotton and silk,” reveals Smulders. 100% of Michèlle Belau’s production is in Peru generating over 750 jobs. Michèlle Belau was recognized as one of the best fashion stores in the UAE last year and the brand’s exceptional ‘Personal Shopper’ experience was also rated to be one of the best in the city. Michèlle Belau also introduced an online store to serve customers from across the Middle East region. http://shop.michellebelau.ae Al Muhaidib Group, a private business conglomerate based in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which mainly operates in five sectors that include Food, Real Estate, Building Materials, Construction and Utilities and Infrastructure announced today its partnership with CitiXsys at the 5th Annual InRetail Summit which is being held in Dubai on the 14th and 15th of September 2015 at The Address Dubai Marina. Five subsidiaries of Al Muhaidib group’s Building Materials sector, one of the largest building materials pioneers in the region, will now be running iVend Retail from CitiXsys. “We are absolutely delighted to partner with Al Muhaidib Group and introduce our iVend Retail solution to their business. Delivering superior customer experience is a key focus area for most retailers today, as they look for innovative solutions and ways to address their customer service needs. For that, retailers must adopt a system that is Scalable, Integrated, Available, Mobile and Secure,” explains Maher Elissaoui, Regional Director – Middle East and Africa, CitiXsys. iVend is an end-to-end, flexible, truly omnichannel Retail Management Solution, with seamless and deep integration with any Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and third-party applications. It is highly focused on customer engagement and provides full end-to-end visibility of products and the ability to fulfill products from any channel from a single pool of inventory. It also enables consistency in pricing and promotion and is highly scalable, to integrate hundreds of stores across geographies while also being easy to deploy, use and maintain. Alexander Harris, Group Treasurer and Program Sponsor, Al Muhaidib Group, said, “We found the ideal partner in CitiXsys and implementing iVend will provide us with better visibility over stock within each store and across the Kingdom. It integrates seamlessly with our main distribution centers using SAP. It will also provide us with real-time view of sales and revenue as well as feasibility over cash flow from sales among other benefits that will drive efficiency and enhance customer experience.” |
AuthorMoustafa Mahdi, Strategic PR & Communications Consultant Archives
January 2024
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