Jumeirah Emirates Towers will become a bustling Ramadan hub in Downtown Dubai with the return of its al fresco Ramadan Majlis and Ramadan District night market.
This year, the Ramadan Majlis emphasizes sustainability and community. Partnering with Ne’ma (National Food Loss and Waste Initiative), Fresh on the Table, and the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, the open-air dining experience will feature a special menu with 25% of ingredients sourced locally. Guests can savor dishes inspired by the UAE’s landscapes while enjoying traditional entertainment, panoramic views of the Museum of the Future, and options for private majlis gatherings.
Adding to the Ramadan festivities, the Ramadan District – Season Two returns to the Plaza Terrace. This vibrant night market, managed by M2L Concepts, offers a wide array of family-friendly activities including henna art, calligraphy, cooking workshops, and live performances.
Experience Ramadan at Jumeirah Emirates Towers:
Iconic Iftars: Sustainable buffet with seasonal ingredients and views of the Museum of the Future. (March 12 – April 8, Sunset – 8:30 pm. Prices: AED 315 adults, AED 176 kids, group rates available)
A Serene Suhoor: Intimate setting with an à la carte menu, board games, shisha, and traditional beverages. (March 12 – April 8, 9:30 pm – 2 am. AED 220 minimum spend per adult)
Ramadan District: Explore local arts, crafts, and entertainment within a lively night market setting. (March 15 – April 4, 5 pm -2 am)
Constance Hotels & Resorts invites guests on a culinary odyssey to immerse in a realm where flavours tantalise the taste buds. Each morsel narrates a tale allowing patrons to experience the unspoiled shores of Mauritius, where the air carries the fragrance of freshly prepared delicacies and the symphony of laughter blends with the gentle rhythm of waves.
From March 9th to 16th, 2024, Constance Belle Mare Plage and Constance Prince Maurice will burst into life with the sights, sounds, and tastes of the Constance Festival Culinaire. A celebration of culinary excellence, this gastronomic fiesta guarantees a week of unmatched indulgence and culinary ingenuity. Experience wandering through bustling food dishes, brimming with the vivid hues of fresh produce sourced from the fertile lands of Mauritius, Seychelles, Maldives, and Madagascar. Guests can feel the warmth of the sun as they sip on the finest drinks, a delightful accompaniment that complements the rich flavours of the festival.
Yet, the festival’s allure transcends the shoreline. Venture into the heart of the kitchen, where six European chefs boasting one Michelin star will vie against six “Constance Chefs” from Mauritius, the Maldives, and Seychelles in a gripping competition for four coveted trophies: the Deutz Trophy, Régis Marcon Trophy, Pierre Hermé Trophy, and Art of the Table Trophy. Witness culinary giants collide, pushing the boundaries of gastronomic brilliance and redefining the essence of fine dining.
However, the true enchantment of the festival lies not only in the creations of professional chefs but in the communal revelry of food enthusiasts from across the globe. Join fellow epicureans in sampling delicacies of the festival, from decadent pastries sculpted by masterful hands to the enticing innovations of emerging culinary talents. The culinary voyage extends beyond the festival across all Indian Ocean islands as each of the group’s properties, scattered across Mauritius, Rodrigues, Seychelles, Maldives and Madagascar, celebrates culinary artistry in its own distinctive manner, drawing inspiration from the abundant offerings of their respective locales. From the pristine beaches to the verdant tropical landscapes, Constance Hotels &Resorts takes pride in sourcing the freshest seasonal fruits and vegetables, predominantly from local sources to curate unforgettable dining experiences for their patrons.
Coconut water, a quintessential island elixir, pervades all properties, providing invigorating hydration infused with tropical essence. Similarly, lemongrass, a frequent addition to beverages, imparts a tangy zest while boasting myriad health benefits.
The islands’ profusion of fruits finds expression in fresh juices, jams, and sorbets, infusing breakfast spreads with vibrant hues and flavours.
For aficionados of seafood, Constance Hotels &Resorts presents a cornucopia of delights from the Indian Ocean’s depths. From succulent oysters to tender bourgeois fish and exquisite lobsters, guests can luxuriate in the ocean’s bounty expertly prepared by the group’s skilled chefs.
Whether a seasoned epicurean or an adventurous newcomer, Constance Hotels &Resorts invites guests to savour the diverse tastes that span the globe. Embarking on a culinary journey that celebrates the rich and tantalizing flavours from every corner of the world.
The Dar Al Ber Society has launched an ambitious Ramadan campaign with the goal of raising Dh160 million to provide support to needy individuals both in the UAE and internationally. The campaign’s theme, “O Seeker of Goodness, Come Forward,” is designed to encourage generosity during the holy month.
The initiative has 16 planned charitable projects focused on providing food, clothing, and support especially to fasting individuals, widows, the sick, and those in debt. Dr. Mohammed Suhail Al Muhairi, CEO of Dar Al Ber, urged individuals to donate through the society’s website, smart applications, at representatives stationed in shopping centers, or through the Society’s branches.
Key Projects:
Iftar Initiative: Daily meals for thousands of fasting individuals across the UAE and abroad.
Seasonal and Annual Zakat Al-Fitr Projects: Offering aid focused at the conclusion of Ramadan.
Eid Al-Fitr Clothing Project: Providing new clothing for families and orphans.
Food Baskets Project: Food for 2,000 families within the UAE.
A 9-year-old Dubai-based boy has made an impressive climb up Mount Aconcagua, the tallest mountain in the Americas. He reached 19,600 feet, making him the second youngest person in the world to achieve this feat on the formidable peak.
Ayan, a student at North London Collegiate School, Dubai, faced harsh weather conditionson his ascent alongside his parents. Although they did not reach the 22,838-foot summit due to safety concerns, Ayan’s adventurous spirit remains strong.
“I will be summiting the mountain early next year and there are other mountains in the loop this year,” he said.
The family also faced extreme temperature shifts during the expedition. Ayan had the opportunity to meet renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja, who expressed admiration for his efforts.
Ayan has previously conquered Mt Elbrus (Russia), Mt Kilimanjaro (Tanzania), Mount Kosciuszko (Australia), and the Mt Everest base camp (Nepal). His ultimate goal is to summit the 14 tallest Himalayan peaks by the age of 16.
“Age is not a barrier,” Ayan emphasizes, crediting his parents for their continuous support and motivation.
As the Gulf region continues to grapple with unusual weather patterns, some parts of Saudi Arabia witnessed a rare sight on Thursday as pristine white snow covered the mountains.
On February 15, heavy rains drenched the mountainous regions of Jabal Al Lawz, followed by light snowfall, marking a significant drop in temperatures.
While snowfall in the desert often captures attention and prompts viral videos, the Tabuk region is accustomed to such weather occurrences and is a favored spot for tourists seeking the chilly climate. Situated at a height of 2,600 meters, the region, named after its almond bushes, frequently experiences snowfall.
The Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday that “moderate to heavy thunderstorms will occur in Al-Baha, Makkah, Al-Qassim, Riyadh, and Sharqiya,” with thunderstorms also forecasted for Madinah, Tabuk, Al Jawf, the northern border, and the eastern region.
As Ramadan approaches, the Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel in Dubai is gearing up to offer a truly exceptional experience for its guests. From exclusive events to unique staycation packages, the historic hotel promises to immerse visitors in the essence of Ramadan like never before.
One highlight of the offerings is the “Iftar Al Malika” experience at the hotel’s Lido Restaurant. This lavish buffet features a diverse array of traditional Middle Eastern delicacies alongside international favorites. Guests can indulge in dishes such as lamb ouzi with oriental rice, succulent grills, an assortment of mezzes, and exquisite desserts.
Priced at AED 159 per person, the Iftar Al Malika experience runs from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM, with special rates for children aged 6 to 11 and complimentary dining for those below six years old. Prices are inclusive of service charge, municipality fees, and VAT.
For those looking to make reservations or learn more about the offerings, inquiries can be directed to dining.qe2@accor.com or by calling +971 4 526 8040.
Jayson Soberon, a talented Filipino artist and graphic designer, has triumphed in the sixth edition of the Murals and Art Competition “Art for Change,” hosted by The Waterfront Market in partnership with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. The competition, which supports COP28’s vision for a sustainable world, awarded Soberon the top prize of AED 30,000 for his mural titled ‘Sustainability.’
Soberon’s winning piece, set to be permanently displayed at the Waterfront Market, celebrates the ‘Year of Sustainability’ in the UAE. It draws inspiration from the country’s sustainability slogan “Today for tomorrow,” featuring themes like renewable energy, affordable food, water conservation, recycling, and economic growth. His work underscores the importance of current actions for achieving sustainable development goals and securing a future for coming generations.
Officials from Dubai Culture and the Waterfront Market praised Soberon’s contribution. Khalil Abdulwahid Hassan, Director of the Fine Arts Department at Dubai Culture, emphasized the role of art in promoting sustainability and conservation messages within society. Mohammad Al Madani, Waterfront Market Associate Director, highlighted the competition’s goal of inspiring artists to effect positive change and raise environmental awareness, commending Soberon’s mural for its impactful depiction of sustainability themes.
Dubai-based carrier Flydubai has unveiled plans to enhance its European presence by introducing four new services, elevating its network to 43 destinations across 21 countries.
The airline’s latest expansion milestone includes becoming the UAE’s first national carrier to offer direct flights to EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, set to commence from August 2.
In a strategic move, Flydubai is also venturing into the Baltic region with direct flights to Riga International Airport in Latvia starting October 11, along with connections to Tallinn Airport in Estonia and Vilnius International Airport in Lithuania from October 12.
Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at Flydubai, expressed pride in the airline’s network expansion, stating, “We are proud to see our network grow bigger than ever with the new route launches. We have created a diverse network of 126 destinations, 60% of which previously had very limited or no connections to Dubai.”
Furthermore, these newly introduced services align with Flydubai’s commitment to enhancing connectivity through Dubai’s aviation hub. Passengers will benefit from seamless connections, whether visiting Dubai or connecting to other destinations in the Flydubai network or beyond through its codeshare partner Emirates.
The flights will operate from Terminal 3 at Dubai International (DXB), with Emirates codesharing on these routes, providing passengers with increased travel options and accessibility through Dubai’s international aviation hub.
The UAE’s ambitious space exploration journey reaches another significant milestone as the second batch of the UAE Astronaut Programme prepares to graduate next month. Out of an impressive pool of 4,305 applicants, Nora AlMatrooshi and Mohammad AlMulla have emerged as the chosen candidates.
These two individuals from the second batch of the UAE Astronaut Programme underwent intensive training at NASA’s renowned Johnson Space Centre, made possible through a joint strategic agreement between the UAE and the US. Salem Al Marri, the Director General of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), proudly announced that the Emirates astronauts will graduate on March 5, marking a historic first for the programme with Emirati graduates.
“The UAE is immensely proud of our pioneers who have undergone rigorous training and emerged successful,” stated Al Marri. Following their graduation, the astronauts will engage in various assignments and missions at NASA and the MBRSC in Dubai. They will also contribute to projects like the Lunar Gateway, playing a pivotal role in space exploration.
Moreover, MBRSC is advancing its space capabilities with the development of the MBZ-SAT, the most advanced commercial satellite in the region for high-resolution satellite imagery. Amer Al Sayegh, Senior Director of the Space Engineering Department at MBRSC, provided updates on the MBZ-SAT project, highlighting its significance in bolstering the UAE’s space sector.
Furthermore, the agreement between MBRSC and NASA includes the provision of a pressure equalization unit by the UAE for the Lunar Gateway station, securing a seat for an Emirati astronaut to orbit the moon and conduct scientific research.
Al Sayegh emphasized the growing importance of the space sector to the UAE’s economy, highlighting the international recognition and trust earned through dedicated hard work in this groundbreaking industry.
Dubai Islands Beach, renowned for its dog-friendly ambiance, introduces a new attraction bound to delight both pups and their owners: the beach’s inaugural dog park. Scheduled to open its gates in February, this dedicated space spans 460 square meters, promising a leash-free haven where dogs can frolic, socialize, and enjoy a plethora of engaging activities.
Designed with both canine enjoyment and owner convenience in mind, the dog park boasts a range of amenities. From ramps and agility seesaws to obstacle courses and hoop rings, there’s no shortage of excitement for four-legged visitors. Meanwhile, dog parents can relax on benches while their furry companions revel in playful antics.
In addition to recreational facilities, the park prioritizes practicality with amenities such as a dog waste bin and dispenser, a pet shower, and a drinking fountain to ensure pets stay hydrated throughout their visit.
This latest addition further cements Dubai Islands Beach’s reputation as a haven for dog lovers seeking quality time with their pets. Beyond the dog park, visitors can indulge in various activities including beach volleyball, football, paddle boarding, and kayaking, all offered in partnership with Blue Safari.
Conveniently situated within walking distance of Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai and Hotel Riu Dubai, Dubai Islands Beach is easily accessible by both road and water transportation. Boat and yacht owners can anchor at Nakheel Marina Dubai Islands, ensuring a day filled with family-friendly fun.
The Dubai Islands Beach dog park welcomes visitors daily starting February 15th, from 8 am to 6 pm, promising endless enjoyment for both dogs and their devoted owners.
