Dubai, UAE: For over eight decades, Ray-Ban has been at the forefront of eyewear innovation and instrumental part of pop culture and one of the original influencers of fashion.
Ray-Ban observes Ramadan off with a bang. This year, Ray-Ban will be running the first-ever dedicated Ramadan campaign across the region. To mark the momentous occasion, the brand has identified four key and classic styles for the month to make sure you look your best.
Whether you’re a sunseeker looking for shades to help you stand out or an optical wearer looking to level up your eyewear game – Ray-Ban’s have a timeless way of elevating your style.
Dubai, UAE: Make this Ramadan memorable with the ultimate feast, provided to you by the masters of Middle Eastern cuisine. Sit back and relax as Asma At Home brings the mouth-watering selection straight to your front door. Starting at only AED 48, patrons can gather their friends and family for an assortment of dishes that embody a modern take on classic traditional Arabic dishes, guests will leave the celebration feeling full and satisfied.
Ramadan is the best time of the year to gather your family and friends together and enjoy one another’s company. Sometimes the best thing about having a family gathering is having someone else do the cooking for you. The Asma At Home platters are the perfect go-to for all Iftar and Suhoor gatherings.
Asma was born when three Emirati sisters were inspired to create an elegant eatery named after their mother and foodie hero – Asma. With a selection of dishes that embody a modern take on classic traditional Arabic dishes, guests will leave your home feeling full and satisfied.
The menu from Asma At Home brings a taste sensation influenced by the flavours of the Middle East presented in a contemporary way. Asma restaurant uses only the highest quality and freshest ingredients to bring the rich flavors of the region to your dining table.
Included in the menu for the Asma At Home delivery service is a number of classic dishes to start the meal off, such as heart healthy starters like the Lentil Soup, sharing platters of Musakhan, Shish Taouk Sandwich or Kabab sandwiches and Shawarma. For mains all guests will be spoiled for choice with selections such as the newly launched dishes Mansaf and Chicken Makloubeh. Mansaf, an aromatic dish of tender lamb, served with fluffy rice and yoghurt in a heavenly combination of earthy spice. The Chicken Makloubeh is a family favourite and is served with aromatic rice with eggplant and chicken. The menu also includes Authentic turkish Dolma, made with stuffed flavourful rice ; Kushari, Egypts national dish that is a hearty combination of flavours and textures topped with spicy tomato sauce and crispy fried onions.
Compliment each meal with a light, healthy and flavourful Date Salad, made with dates, baby leaves, almonds and generous sprinkling of feta crumbles.
The Asma at Home Ramadan platters serves a minimum of 4-5 people, ensuring everyone a generous helping of hearty goodness. Orders must be placed a minimum 24 hours in advance to secure a seamless delivery. Diners can order the Ramadan Platters on 04-394 0646 daily from 10am to 10pm.
Dubai, UAE: St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands, has announce plans to open The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm in May.
Located in The Palm Tower at the heart of Dubai’s world-famous Palm Jumeirah, the hotel is ideally situated for guests to explore the island, its stunning beaches and breathtaking views while also discovering the city.
Designed with St. Regis Hotels & Resorts timeless aesthetic, The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm will carefully balance opulence with refinement and elegance. The hotel will feature 264 lavishly appointed rooms and 26 elegant suites, each with expansive views of The Palm Jumeirah and Dubai’s skyline through its floor-to-ceiling windows. Guests staying at the soon-to-open hotel will also enjoy the iconic St. Regis Butler Service and bespoke amenities.
Upon opening, the hotel will take guests on a culinary journey with four dining establishments including an elegant ladies-only afternoon tea lounge and a specialty restaurant. The hotel will offer rejuvenating treatments for the body and soul at the brand’s signature Iridium® Spa, and an extensive range of unique fitness and relaxation facilities. The property will also cater for spectacular business events with its six multi-purpose meeting and event rooms and elegant ballroom.
“We look forward to opening the doors of The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm in May. Our guests will enjoy an unparalleled level of exceptional luxury and intuitive service in an unrivalled address in the heart of Palm Jumeirah,” said Marwan Fadel, General Manager of The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm.
The highly anticipated hotel will occupy the first eighteen floors of Nakheel’s new 52-storey landmark development, The Palm Tower, offering direct access to Nakheel Mall, which offers 300 shops, restaurants, a cinema and a range of entertainment options. The Palm Tower also features The View at The Palm, a stunning observation deck which sits 240 meters above the iconic island and offers sweeping, 360-degree views of Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline, as well as an interactive experience showcasing the history and creativity behind the island.
The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm is currently accepting bookings for May 2021. To book, visit www.stregisdubaithepalm.com
Combining classic sophistication with a modern sensibility, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International, Inc., is committed to delivering exceptional experiences at more than 45 luxury hotels and resorts in the best addresses around the world. Since the opening of the first St. Regis hotel in New York City over a century ago by John Jacob Astor IV, the brand has remained committed to an uncompromising level of bespoke and anticipatory service for all of its guests, delivered flawlessly by signature St. Regis Butler Service.
Dubai, UAE: It has been no secret that the UAE’s hospitality industry was rocked by the onset of the pandemic, which is still very much in force over a year since the start of lockdown and border closures.
Before the pandemic, the direct contribution of travel and tourism to the Middle East’s GDP was predicted to reach $133.6bn by 2028, according to Jasmeet Bakshi, Hotel Show group event director, in an opinion piece, citing World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).
Whilst those figures might not be achievable, he said, “there are many reasons to be hopeful that strong recovery is a possibility.”
According to forecast analysis carried out by Tourism Economics, the vaccine rollout, pent-up demand supported by consumer savings, employment recovery, and the removal of travel restrictions will motivate a return to 5.6% global economic growth this year, Bakshi said.
“We have also seen the normalization of trade and diplomatic relations with Qatar and the re-scheduled Expo 2020 later this year, pointing to a swift and decisive sector recovery as regional international travel resumes,” Bakshi said.
“I have also been deeply inspired by the resilience and resourcefulness shown by the hospitality industry over the challenges of the past months. The pandemic is like a seismic inflection point for the global tourism industry and has resulted in huge amounts of re-learning and re-thinking and the adoption of many firsts.
“We have had to pivot, and pivot fast, towards the accelerated use of technology, the adoption of new hygiene standards and the increasingly cohesive vision of the region’s hospitality leaders,” Bakshi said.
Hygiene has been placed high on a list of guests’ priorities and the industry has responded with unwavering adherence to health and safety standards, to re-earn the trust of its guests. The immediate industry response to the pandemic was to improve cleaning standards to alleviate travellers’ hygiene concerns.
Bodies such as Bureau Veritas were quick to introduce its ‘Safeguard’ label, to help operators signal their adherence to stringent safety, training and cleaning protocols and enable resumption of operations.
“Over time, we have also seen a number of hotels re-looking at their public spaces such as restaurants, pool areas, bars, and lobbies, re-designing and re-configuring where necessary, so that smaller groups of people can interact safely,” the group event director said.
Hotels, Bakshi also noted, have likewise embraced technology as “contactless” has become the new reality, from check-in and check-out, in-room dining and intuitive chatbots, all designed to reduce human interaction.
Such investment is here to stay, he further said, explaining that the pandemic will undoubtedly result in major long-term shifts in how the travel and hospitality industry functions and interacts moving forward.
Organizations such as HFTP are key in bringing the latest technology related trends to the region and I’m glad to see them take up a presence at The Hotel Show Dubai this May. The team will offer access to the latest systems and products that are breaking new ground and allow buyers the chance to educate themselves around the options on offer. Those who make the right investments and use digital technologies to improve and elevate their guest offerings will be in the best position to thrive in the aftermath of the pandemic.
Joined-up action from the government and private sector has also been incredibly important to ensure a unified response to the crisis.
“The Dubai Government and Dubai Tourism should be praised for its visionary leadership and ability to rapidly deliver new guidelines to align various stakeholders. I believe the UAE has offered one of the most agile and responsive guidelines globally, setting the bar for conduct that will further support recovery.
The Hotel Show Dubai 2021, which provides a long-overdue opportunity for industry professionals in the Middle East to network and reunite face-to-face, has support from Dubai Tourism in the capacity of Supporting Partner for our Hospitality Leadership Forum and from international bodies, specifically the European Union, who will serve as the Education Partner for our F&B Stakeholders Summit and the Official Partner for the Chef’s Table, and Poland, in the capacity of our Supporting Country Partner.
“One of my fundamental beliefs is that new opportunities always emerge from times of conflict. Those who understand the new definition of post-pandemic reality, adapt, and respond will benefit from this new landscape. I am confident that the UAE has shown a remarkable ability to adapt to the needs of the time and will continue to maintain its position as a hospitality world leader and blueprint for success in the months ahead,” Bakshi said.
Dubai, UAE: Dubai Duty Free (DDF), through its own Foundation, has pledged AED3 million to the “100 Million Meals” campaign, aimed at providing food parcels for disadvantaged individuals and families across 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
The donation will help provide three million meals to beneficiaries in countries including Egypt, Pakistan, Angola, Uganda, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.
Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free, said: “We are honored to support the ‘100 Million Meals’ campaign organized by Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI).
“This is very much in line with our commitment to social responsibility principles that contribute to the UAE’s goal of extending a helping hand during this Holy month of Ramadan. This great initiative by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, represents an exceptional opportunity for Dubai Duty Free to celebrate the values of giving through the humanitarian effort of reaching out to those in need and alleviating hunger and malnutrition in the developing world.”
The MBRGI is carrying out the campaign in collaboration with the United Nations’ World Food Programme, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment, the Food Banking Regional Network, and a group of local charity and humanitarian organizations in beneficiary countries to ensure food parcels are safely delivered to disadvantaged families.
The “100 Million Meals” campaign aims at distributing food parcels that meet nutritional requirements, in coordination with local food banks in beneficiary countries, to complement global humanitarian efforts to combat hunger and malnutrition. Every AED1 provides the basic food items that can prepare one meal in the targeted countries.
Donation Channels
Donations to the “100 Million Meals” campaign can be made in four ways. First, on the campaign’s website www.100millionmeals.ae; second, by contacting the campaign call center on the toll-free number 8004999; third, via the designated bank account through Dubai Islamic Bank (AE08 0240 0015 2097 7815 201); and fourth, by sending “Meal” by SMS on Du and Etisalat UAE numbers listed on the website.
Dubai Duty Free was founded in 1983 and has since grown into one of the largest travel retail operators in the world with annual sales of over US$2 billion in 2019. The operation has consistently raised the benchmark for airport retailing and it continues to grow.
The Dubai Duty Free Foundation was established in 2004 under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Duty Free, with Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman of Dubai Duty Free, as the Foundation’s Chairman. To-date the Dubai Duty Free Foundation has supported 45 local and 56 overseas charities and is focused on raising funds for worthy causes, specifically those aimed at benefiting children.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: A newly launched e-grocery mobile app, Yeepeey, is looking to tap the opportunity wherein its users can shop from neighborhood grocery stores, supermarkets & hypermarkets from the comfort of their homes or offices by paying the same prices and enjoying the same promotions & discounts as displayed in the store delivered within 30-45 minutes.
Yeepeey’s objective is to eliminate the mark-ups & reduce the service fees to a minimum or even free in some cases in order to give users the ability to stay home and order their essentials more frequently at in-store prices.
Yeepeey also gives an advantage to its users by reflecting in-store promotions & discounts as soon as they hit the store on the app in real-time.
With a vision to create an extensive q-commerce ecosystem, the new e-grocery startup promises to change the way consumers shop, spend & save on groceries and more by subsidizing the current cost of convenience that customers have to pay while shopping.
E-grocery start-up, Yeepeey, was conceptualized in 2019 after Monish Chandiramani, Yeepeey co-founder, observed that he is spending way more money on the same amount of groceries when shopping through the e-grocery apps available then.
Chandiramani, 25, co-founder of Yeepeey says, “Ordering basic essentials via an e-grocery app was way more expensive than buying it from the store itself. Even though the convenience plays a major role, consumers still don’t like to pay extra mark-ups over and above the prices displayed in the grocery stores in additional to the exorbitant delivery fee. With the ease in movement restrictions, consumers would simply prefer walking down to their nearby stores for small purchases.”
“Yeepeey, therefore, aims to provide the most pocket friendly shopping experience to its users by listing all the local grocery stores, supermarkets and hypermarkets on the app with no extra mark-ups on prices and keeping the services charges minimum and even free in some cases. As per new market trends, the growth in the e-grocery sector is expected to be dependant on the frequency of orders than the number of users.”
Speaking of the sustainable revenue model, Chandiramani said that since the onset of the pandemic in 2020, consumer shopping patterns and choices have almost changed forever.
“Consumers now prefer taking precautionary measures and avoid being in crowded areas such as hypermarkets and would rather have as much possible delivered to their doorstep. However, we did observe that customers were having to pay a heavy price for the convenience and that’s the problem we’re trying to solve by subsidizing the cost of convenience without compromising on the quality.
“While the pandemic has plunged the world into the future of technology, Yeepeey aims at increasing accessibility of products amd services as apart from convenience, there is a large diaspora that cannot physically travel to stores for various reasons and need essentials delivered. Our initial vertical is groceries & essentials and over time, we would be branching out to include new verticals and cover a wider footprint across UAE which is proudly our homeground.”
“The acceptance of platforms like ours across merchants and consumers has drastically accelerated due to the pandemic which poses a great opportunity for a business like ours to digitize not just online shopping but also other aspects of the value chain in the post-pandemic world. Our growth is evident from the 300% increase in our users since our official launch in February and on-boarding of more than 50 merchants, large, medium and small, such as Union Coop, E-City, Blue Mart and many more” said Jatin Sharma, 25, Yeepeey co-founder.
Through Yeepeey’s app, users can connect with grocery stores and supermarkets in their vicinity and receive their items in 30-45 minutes or less. Prices are same as those displayed in-store with ssubsidized or free delivery.
Yeepeey has covered over 150 stores and activated 50 emrchants on app across 30 localities in Dubai since its official launch. Some of the popular localities in Dubai serviced by Yeepeey includes Business Bay, Barsha, JLT, JBR, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Downtown Dubai, Bur Dubai, Karama, Greens, Lakes and Emirates Hills.
Yeepeey is further slated to expand its operation by including bakeries, confectionaries, flower shops, pet care and a lot more as additional offerings to create an end-to-end ecosystem for its users and public at large.
The founding team of the start-up has a collective experience of more than 5 decades and has already grown to a team size of more than 20 members covering sales, marketing, content creation, PR, technology, customer experience and journey, product assortment, order curators and delivery fleet. In the months to come, Yeepeey’s hiring strategy would be to source talent in the field of merchant acquisition, user retention and experience.
Yeepeey is available for download on the Apple App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android) enabling almost every smartphone user to experience and benefit from this new & fresh application.
Dubai, UAE: This summer, get ready to hit escape at W Dubai – The Palm’s hugely popular Away Spa, with an exclusive 2 for 1 summer spa special across all massages.
Available from May 1 until September 15, 2021, UAE residents can experience a summertime rendezvous at the unconventional spa with 2 for 1 on all 30, 60 and 90 – minute massages, giving residents the perfect excuse to make Away Spa their go-to summer hotspot.
Marriott International Hotel
Serving up a glow better than any Instagram filter, Away Spa has seriously transformed the traditional spa experience, offering glam sessions, relaxing massages, and rejuvenating treatments, all within a distinctive social space with a seriously playful vibe. The summer, residents can choose from a variety of 30, 60 and 90 – minute massages including, Detox, De-stress, Go Deep, Reset, Arabian and Thai.
Marriott International Hotel
Located on the Palm Jumeirah, W Dubai – The Palm is following all guidelines and directives that have been set in place by the authorities, ensuring the wellbeing and safety of both guests and talent. Book now at AWAY Spa, the ultimate spa destination this summer. Simply stroll in and strut out!
Marriott International Hotel
2 for 1 UAE Residents Exclusive What: 2 for 1 on all 30, 60 and 90 – minute massages throughout the summer
T&Cs Apply: This offer is valid for UAE residents only and a valid Emirates ID is required upon time of payment for verification. Offer is not valid on retail items or ongoing promotions. Prior reservations are required.
Dubai, UAE: This Ramadan, the Heritage Express is offering a culture-packed, unforgettable journey that will leave passengers with fond memories to last a lifetime.
Departing daily at 4.30pm from the Al Fahidi district, the Ride & Iftar package includes a ride around the city’s oldest neighbourhoods on the tour’s trademark traditional trolley bus and an immersive Iftar experience.
Taking in the fascinating areas of Al Seef, Al Abra, Al Ghubaiba and Al Shindagha, each tour is led by a Heritage Express ambassador, or local Emirati guide. Proud to be the beating heart and soul of this unique cultural attraction, the ambassadors are talented and engaging storytellers. As well as sharing facts and tales, they’re also on hand to answer any questions their passengers might have about Emirati culture and how Dubai grew into the thriving, modern city it is today.
But the fun doesn’t stop with the trolley ride; on returning back to Al Fahidi, the Iftar programme begins at 6.30pm at the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding. This part of the evening also includes more exciting, enriching sites and experiences, including a visit to a traditional mosque and a drop by a bedouin desert camp to meet camels and falcons as part of the “Desert Friends” program.
Then, saving the best for last, the evening concludes with an exclusive Ramadan Q&A session held in an authentic Emirati majlis, a thoroughly enriching and educational experience available only to Heritage Express passengers during this important period.
Tickets for the Heritage Express Ramadan tour are available from AED150 per person, with a 50 percent discount offered for children aged five to 12 and complimentary passes for those under five. This truly authentic heritage tour is unlike any other attraction you’ll find across the UAE. Providing the perfect way of celebrating the month of Ramadan, it is designed to delight, educate and open the minds of visitors and residents of all ages.
Price starts from AED150 per person. 4.30pm to 9pm daily, throughout Ramadan. Departs from the Heritage Express headquarters in Al Fahidi. For more information visit heritageexpress.com, call +971 800 97777 or email ask@heritageexpress.com.
Heritage Express is a moving majlis designed to educate passengers in the local heritage of the UAE. Providing a truly authentic experience, it takes in Dubai’s major cultural landmarks, including Al Seef, Jumeirah Mosque and the Etihad Museum. Created with the aim of generating ‘awareness and understanding’ and ‘enhancing cultural harmony’, this unique attraction explores the true essence of the Emirates, leading guests on a journey through the history, heritage and traditions of the region.
Dubai, UAE: Marriott Al Jaddaf has set the scene this Ramadan with a variety of offerings to choose from, including, a staycation deal, delicious buffet at The Market Place, Iftar catering services and customized Ramadan artworks for guests.
Available until May 12, guests can indulge in a delicious served buffet menu specially curated for the Holy Month of Ramadan by The Market Place for only AED 165. Diners can choose from the various food stations offering traditional cold and hot mezze, and a selection of salads and mains. The buffet also comes with delectable soup, pasta, Shawarma, and mixed grill stations which are sure to keep you wanting more.
Patrons can also opt to host Iftar in the comfort of their home with the restaurant’s special catering services. Treat the guests at home to an authentic Iftar experience with selected dishes or the delicious buffet by The Market Place brought to your doorstep. Customers are reassured that all social distancing and preventative measures are strictly followed to ensure a smooth experience for all.
Additionally, celebrate the holy month of Ramadan with an exclusive stay package available for a starting price of AED 300 until 11th May, that includes Iftar for up to two guests and 50% discount on Suhoor.
On April 15, meet Nancy Safy, a Dubai-based artist and founder of To Infinity & Beyond, a local small business well-known for bespoke hand painted art, and get your hands on personalized crescent shaped ceramic plates in celebration of Ramadan.
Locally based artist and calligrapher, Nancy Safy’s pop-up at the hotel will be customizing the ceramic plates for in-house guests and diners of the hotel’s restaurants. Nancy will be offering guests an option to choose between beautiful Arabic calligraphy and a Ramadan-inspired sketch on the ceramic plates.
Save the date as these bespoke art pieces will be offered on first-come basis.
Book your stay and dining experience now at Marriott Al Jaddaf and experience a wonderful Ramadan this year.
Booking: Call +971 4 317 7777
Exclusive Ramadan Stay Package What: Stay package which includes Iftar for up to two guests and 50% discount on Suhoor When: Book and stay any day from now till 11th May
Dubai, United Arab Emirates– As the Holy Month has arrived, let Jones the Grocer take away the pressure of preparing ornate meals, gift giving and delicious Iftars, so you and your dearest ones can enjoy the spirit of Ramadan.
Break your fast with jones and enjoy a flavourful, elegant and memorable food experience. This year, during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Complimentary dates and water will be shared before the starter of either a lentil soup or saffron pearl couscous salad. Mains present the difficult choice of seabass on soba noodles in a yuzu ponzu dressing, tomato linguini served with basil and parmesan or harissa chicken served with couscous salad and a red pepper mayo emulsion. Quench your thirst with a cold strawberry or raspberry lemonade, iced tea and passionfruit, mint and ginger infusion. Prefer a hot beverage? Choose between a pistachio latte or frappe.
If you’d prefer to surround yourself with only those closest to you, opt for a catered roast package delivered directly to your door. Available to pre-order daily and with flexible meal options to suit all tastes, guests can opt for either a roast lamb shank or chicken complete with seven delicious sides. From roasted eggplant with harissa yogurt, truffle potato gratin, hummus and zaatar or sumac bread, take the stress away from preparing meals and enjoy a relaxing iftar from the comfort of your home.
Complete an intimate meal by indulging in desserts that perfectly fuse together middle eastern flavours with Jones’s nuances. Make the difficult choice between dark chocolate cake with hazelnut gold dust and an inviting mirror glaze, dates and walnut cake with dulcey caramel glaze and Chantilly cream, saffron or pistachio milk cake. Treat children (and sweet toothed adults!) to crescent, camel and star shaped Ramadan cookies.
Still feeling peckish? Tuck into The Elegant Iftar Cheese Board with moreish brie a la truffe, Boschetto al tartufo and marinated goats’ cheese complete with a variety of Lavosh crackers, white truffle honey and confit Mulhouse onion Belberry chutney. The visually stunning board is topped with red grapes, fresh figs and strawberries.
During Suhoor, graze on the Luxury Ramadan Charcuterie Board which includes an assortment of delish morsels such as veal prosciutto, chorizo and smoked duck breast accompanied by basil genovese pesto, tomato basil confit, a selection of olives and grilled artichokes.
Give the gift of gourmet hampers with jones carefully curated selection. Spread joy with The Perfect Ramadan hamper with a variety of speciality products including delectable Venchi pralines, Ramadan cookies, jones blackberry and rosemary jam and blood orange and cardamom cordial.
After you’ve spoiled your loved ones, treat yourself to one of the many gourmet retail products on offer. Be tempted by Seggiano Extra Virgin Olive Oil, decadent Tuber Black Truffle Sauces, rich and creamy Pana Organic Ice Cream and Venchi chocolates, perfect to enjoy during Suhoor.
