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‘Flying Whales’ Dubai World Expo

Dubai, UAE:  The France Pavilion at the Dubai World Expo is delighted to showcase “Flying Whales” as part of its permanent exhibition. 

With its unique solution for providing sustainable cargo transport to landlocked and isolated regions around the world, “Flying Whales” is fully in tune with the challenges of building the world of tomorrow – a world the France Pavilion will be bringing to light over the next six months.

The Dubai World Expo will be the biggest gathering of 2021. Expo 2020 Dubai is the first world expo to be held in the MEASA region (Middle East, Africa, and South Asia), and is centered around the theme of “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.” 

Expo 2020 Dubai brings together more than 200 participants representing various entities — countries, organizations, companies, and academic establishments — and is expected to receive some 25 million visitors. 

World Expos of this kind have always ranked among the most eagerly anticipated international events, alongside the Olympic Games and the World Cup. They carry on a proud and longstanding history, beginning with the first ever Great Exhibition held in London in 1851. 

The ambitions set by these expos have evolved over the decades, and today lean towards international cooperation and the search for solutions to the challenges humanity faces. Over six months, every country in the world will come together to discuss, propose and implement practical solutions for the benefit of all humankind. 

Ramada Hotel & Suites Dubai JBR unveils new ‘daycation’ offers

Dubai, UAE: Make the most of the spring season by booking a relaxing “daycation” at Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Dubai JBR.

The hotel’s daycation packages start at AED 249/, inclusive of a day-stay in a deluxe room, pool access with a view of Ain Dubai and 30% discount on spa treatments at Rayya Wellness.

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For the price of AED 299/, guests will receive hotel credits worth AED 250/ on top of a day-stay in a deluxe room, plus gym and pool access. AED 100/ can be used at any of the dining outlets, while the remaining AED 150/ credit can be redeemed at Rayya Wellness.

For AED359/, guests can avail the above benefits plus four tickets to Laguna Waterpark OR The Green Planet.

This limited-time offer is available until end of March 2021. The day room use is available from 09:00 am to 06:00 pm, for a maximum of two adults and two kids six years old and below. 

For bookings or more information, email reservations@ramadajbr.com, call +971 4 399 9979, or send a WhatsApp message to +971 52 605 5225. You can also book directly at ramadajbr.com. The above rates are inclusive of taxes, tourism dirhams applicable. Hotel terms and conditions apply.

Dubai Vibes Magazine is born

Finally, the much-awaited good read magazine about Dubai is here! 
The pilot edition features exclusive, if not at all rare, interviews of the people behind the success of a major importer and distributor of consumer goods in the UAE, as well as of a popular seafood dining destination.

The content is a welcome rollout of everything “Dubai-ish,” from exemplary individuals to the best restaurants as well as hotel and spa offers.

Dubai Vibes Magazine is an idea whose time has finally come. Dubai, an international expat city that never sleeps, definitely has more to it than what the sages say – – good vibes! And what better way to capture all these and spread the love than by coming up with a work of art, an oeuvre if you will, that puts the limelight on everything Dubai. 

People. Places. Events. Dining destinations. Put them all together and you got Dubai Vibes. 

Indeed! Never a dull moment in this piece of heaven on earth. Get to know Dubai better. Get it from Dubai Vibes – – your one stop, good read for the finer things in life, and more.

In the upcoming editions, expect more of the things that make this iconic city one of top destinations across the world.

For story ideas and contributions, just email eic@dubaivibesmagazine.ae. 

Those wanting to grow their business with us can inquire with Elaine Anne ‘Bella’ Marbella  at bella@dubaivibesmagazine.ae

Avani Palm View Dubai Hotel & Suites Offers year-round staycation package

Dubai, UAE: Avani Palm View Dubai Hotel & Suites is now offering a blissful year-round staycation package perfect for couples and families. 

Situated in one of Dubai’s most sought-after areas along with magnificent views of dazzling skyline  and accessible communities, Avani Palm View Dubai Hotel & Suites is your “haven on earth” for this year-round.

Dubai’s newest holiday destination launches a year-long package for couples and families that offers a flexible schedule for check-in as early as 12PM and check out as late as 4PM. Residents and tourists can benefit and enjoy the comfort of a spacious bedroom apartment with fully-equipped kitchen, interactive living spaces, and a private terrace with breathtaking views of The Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf and the dazzling Dubai skyline. The room package is complemented with a breakfast at Seven Seeds – the bright, all-day dining restaurant.

Guests can take advantage of the family package that comes with four complimentary tickets to Dubai Parks, the largest theme park in the region, and a credit of AED 200 to spend across restaurants and ammenites at the hotel. Families can experience this enjoyable staycation package starting at AED 600++ per night. For more information please visit: https://www.avanihotels.com/en/palm-dubai/offers/fab-family-staycation

Package includes:

Early check-in from 12:00 pm

Accommodation in a spacious Two Bedroom Apartment

4 complimentary tickets for Dubai Parks

F&B credit of AED 200 to spend at any of the hotel’s outlets or In-Room Dining 

Breakfast at Seven Seeds

Late check-out until 4:00 pm

For couples who are looking fo a quick getaway, nothing beats a romantic two-course set menu dinner for two at Avani Palm View Dubai Hotel & Suite. Couples can also spend more quality time together in the stunning outdoor pool and enjoy spectacular views of the city skyline over complimentary refreshing mocktails at sunset or sunrise. Starting from AED 400++ per night, this memory worthy staycation is a  perfect couple goal. For more information please visit: https://www.avanihotels.com/en/palm-dubai/offers/couples-city-break

Package Inlcudes:

Early check-in from 12:00 pm

Accommodation in one of our stylish Avani rooms

1 complimentary mocktail per person by the pool

Set menu dinner for two at one of our restaurants

Breakfast for two at Seven Seeds

Late check-out until 4:00 pm. 

For bookings & inquiries T: +971 4 604 2222, E: palmview@avanihotels.com or visit;

https://www.avanihotels.com/en/palm-dubai

Avani Hotels is designed for the millennial-minded traveller whose priorities are style, value and comfort. Avani is an upbeat and contemporary hotel concept that delivers the perfect balance, with a focus on good sleep, designed social spaces, locally inspired sustenance and friendly service.

Avani welcomes guests to over 30 properties in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand, Seychelles, Mozambique, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Zambia, the United Arab Emirates and Portugal, with a rapidly growing pipeline across Asia, the Indian Ocean and the Middle East.

Plantation Villa – The most magical, ethereal island spa and wellness center

Dubai, UAE: All of us have suffered during the pandemic, but Plantation Villa offers the perfect foil to all the stresses and strains we’ve endured.

The rural retreat is welcoming international visitors with some incredible offers available. 

Resort owner Ishara de Silva explains: “We are delighted the government has re-opened the island, and we are truly ecstatic to be welcoming guests through our doors once again. We can pick you up from the airport and deliver you into a veritable paradise of deep holistic, rejuvenating care.

“All guests are now welcome at the Villa. As a certified ‘Safe & Secure Level 1’ hotel, you can relax, heal and rejuvenate while we ensure all the appropriate measures are taken to be COVID safe!”

Sprawling over 30 acres of prime Sri Lankan rain forest, Plantation Villa – once home to the local village chief – combines natural, rustic charm with uber modern facilities. 

Less than 50 miles from Sri Lanka’s main international airport, (Bandaranaike) the resort offers airport pickup.

A patchwork of charming bungalows dot the property, along with treatment rooms and areas, a peaceful restaurant and a large outdoor swimming pool.

Ishara says: “We are very well prepared to welcome guests looking to completely get away from it all. Whether you want to rest, relax, enjoy nature walks and hikes, explore the surrounding lakes, temples and beaches, or get deeper into healing, Ayurvedic health treatments, yoga practice, mindfulness and weight loss, we have everything you need. 

Ishara’s deep experience of holistic hospitality extends into the kitchen, where meals are prepared according to the guests’ tastes, needs and likes. Much of the nutritionally-balanced food is from Plantation Villa’s own organic garden. 

The sanctuary offers 24-hour room service, and free Wi-Fi. It’s not a place that makes demands on guests; everyone is free to create their own experience, coddled in peaceful luxury. 

Plantation Villa offers traditional Ayurvedic treatments for a variety of modern ailments, alongside the healing power of nature and ancient indigenous Sri Lankan medicine.

The villa follows the principle of minimum stress and energy in balance, which lead to good health. 

Underpinning the medical practices are mindfulness classes, led by a team of global leaders in the fields of yoga and meditation, from the west and the east. Resident teachers deliver daily morning and evening yoga classes, suitable for those at every level of practice, along with mid-morning meditation sessions. 

A loose daily timetable can be followed for those who wish to follow a routine, and a range of activities are offered. These include walks in the plantation and paddy-field; seasonal fruit and vegetable picking; watching authentic rubber tapping or paddy field harvesting in season, cookery demonstrations, meditation and talks. Talks revolve around yoga and Ayurveda philosophy, improving daily habits, incorporating Ayurveda into daily life and mindfulness.

Plantation Villa is simply a haven of tranquillity. A place to relax, to grow, to transform. You will be visiting a sanctuary to wellness, kindness, mindfulness and nature, with few interruptions and interferences, allowing you to wholly focus on what your body, mind and spirit need to relax and rejuvenate. You will find serenity amongst the calming greens of fruit trees and bird song by day, and fall asleep to a breath taking starscape and the gentle glow of fireflies.

Those who cannot wait to visit the sanctuary can take part in a number of different ‘online retreats’ from the comfort of home. Offered as 3-, 5- or 7-day packages, the objective of the retreats is to better understand the mind, and gain happiness and wellness.

You can also contact Plantation Villa for a virtual or telephone consultation with one of the doctors, a chat with one of the yoga or meditation teachers, or reach out for counselling or life coaching. 

To book a package at this most extraordinary sanctuary, simply visit all good travel booking sites, or to take advantage of a 40% discount at the Plantation Villa retreat centre, visit https://www.srimalplantation.com/ to book directly. 

The Hotel Show Dubai ‘redefines hospitality’ on its 21st edition

The Hotel Show Dubai is delighted to announce its return, live and in-person, from May 31 to June 2, 2021 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). Under this year’s theme, “Redefining Hospitality,” The Hotel Show Dubai offers the industry professionals in the Middle East a powerful platform from which to source, connect and learn about critical topics over the course of three inspirational days.

A notable feature of The Hotel Show will be HITEC Dubai, the world largest and oldest technology exposition and conference brand, organised by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP). HITEC Dubai will be a unique combination of top-notch education and the bringing together of the brightest minds and hottest technologies from around the globe to one place. At The Hotel Show, findings from HITEC Dubai will allow operators to serve guests better and maximize guest loyalty.

The vision for 2021 is to present attendees with a forum for addressing the most relevant challenges and needs in the Middle East, with a particular focus on emerging technology trends. HITEC Dubai will give Middle Eastern buyers, currently valued at over USD 75 billion, access to the latest systems and products that are breaking new ground. 

This source of knowledge and information exchange is vital at a time when the coronavirus pandemic presents a radical inflection point for the industry, of which the entire effects are still not clear. The show will also offer an education program and an environment for one-to-one business meetings that have become the hallmark of the event.

Frank Wolfe, CAE, FIH, HFTP CEO said the global hospitality industry is on a “fast-path toward recovering from the impacts of the past year and hospitality technology solutions are integral to the strategies for welcoming back guests and filling rooms.”

He adds, “We are seeing the acceleration of technology for revenue management, cleaning tools such as robotics, remote check-in, room entry, guest communication and so much more. Bringing HITEC Dubai to The Hotel Show presents a tremendous opportunity to showcase hotel technology expertise to its delegates who are seeking holistic approaches to apply to their properties.”

For his part, Jasmeet Bakshi, Group Event Director of The Hotel Show (dmg events) said they were delighted that The Hotel Show Dubai will make its return after the challenges of 2020. 

“The latest technology advancements are a vital tool in helping the industry get back on its feet after an incredibly testing time and we are very much looking forward to showcasing the latest innovations to our valued colleagues,” he said.

The Hotel Show Dubai attracts suppliers of products, technology and services that cater to the GCC’s hospitality sector across interiors, lighting and design, technology, security, kitchen and laundry and more.

Find out more about the event here: https://www.thehotelshow.com

Arab Health and Medlab Middle East return to Dubai World Trade Center

Dubai, UAE: Arab Health and Medlab Middle East, the largest exhibitions for the healthcare and laboratory industry in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are scheduled to return to Dubai World Trade Centre, June 21 to 24 this year under the theme, “United by Business.”

The events generated more than AED 3.7 billion worth of business during the 2020 edition of the show, a year-on-year increase of 3.7%. The exhibitions also contributed over AED 389 million to the Dubai economy through direct and indirect spending from visitors and exhibitors.

Furthermore, according to recent research by Informa Markets, 85% of healthcare and laboratory key visitors surveyed stated they would like to attend live events again. This underscores the pent-up demand to attend and support the local economy when visiting Arab Health and Medlab Middle East this year.

Wouter Molman, Executive Vice President for Informa Markets, said their survey results “clearly indicate an appetite to return to a physical event format, with face-to-face networking at the forefront of what our key audiences are looking for.”

“Based on our research, we can safely expect both events to attract 61,000 visitors, roughly half of which will attend the in-person event, with the other half attending the event online,” Molman said.

“The UAE government’s commitment to vaccinate the population and facilitate a safe environment for people to come together while adhering to all safety protocols has been a defining factor in the confidence to get back to business. We are in one of the few countries in the world where this is possible as a result of the incredible government work,” he said.

A host of government initiatives since the onset of COVID-19 has fast-tracked the country’s  recovery and permitted the opening of hotels and exhibitions before elsewhere in the world.  

In the month preceding the live event in Dubai, both Arab Health and Medlab Middle East will host a series of dedicated online focus days to allow participants to find the correct contacts to meet and do business, with a showcase of the latest products and technological advancements, and a host of focused informative sessions drawing in medical and healthcare trade professionals from the region and beyond.

The online event platforms for Arab Health and Medlab Middle East will launch on May 23, 2021 and will remain available to participants until July 22, 2021.  

For more information, please visit www.arabhealthonline.com or www.medlabme.com.

Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism rolls out program to revive tourism

Dubai, UAE: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in the Sultanate of Oman has put in place several digital workshops and seminars that highlight the essence and diversity of tourist destinations in Oman, main touristic experiences and the Omani heritage and environment. 

The digital workshops also showcase and highlight competitive advantages that drive tourism in the country, making it one of the most preferred destinations for tourism investments in the Middle East. The workshops also highlight the authenticity of the Omani hospitality and the development of local communities, which help tour operators acquire the right skills along with safety measures to deliver an uncompromised guest experience. 

The Oman Ministry of Heritage and Tourism seeks to work and collaborate with the industry, local communities and government partners to develop innovative approaches and prudent initiatives that will increase the sector’s contribution to the GDP, as well as position the country as a leading tourist destination on the global map while preserving the natural, social and cultural environment. Additionally, The Ministry also aims to uplift and empower the society through sustainable initiatives that ensure economic development, provide job opportunities, and preserve the natural and cultural heritage.

Haitham bin Mohammed Al-Ghassani, Director General of Tourism Promotion at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism said the Sultanate of Oman is “a prominent tourist destination on the global and regional tourist map.”

“Year after year, we have witnessed a significant growth in the flow of tourists from the world, which serves as a source of encouragement to double our efforts to improve the visitors’ experience and contribute to attracting more and urging repeat visits. We understand that the effectiveness of reviving the tourism sector after the pandemic lies in intense and continuous dialogue and positive consultation with all parties and partners with specialization, knowledge, and experience, which is a kay part of the program,” he added.

Free Covid test for arriving passengers at Abu Dhabi Airports

Abu Dhabi, UAE: Abu Dhabi Airports, in partnership with Pure Health and Tamouh Healthcare, has launched the region’s first PCR testing laboratory within an airport. The new state of the art RT-PCR lab offers fast COVID-19 testing within the Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) to facilitate the resumption of air travel and assist with quarantine tracking procedures. 

Designed to ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of travellers and staff at Abu Dhabi International Airport, the new Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) testing process is free for arriving passengers and is one of the fastest in the world, with results available in approximately 90 minutes and a capacity to test more than 20,000 travellers and staff per day. 

The establishment of the PCR testing laboratory falls in line with the directives and vision of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports, to contain the spread of COVID-19 while continuing to deliver a smooth and seamless travel experience at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Shareef Hashim Al Hashmi, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “Through partnering with Pure Health and Tamouh Healthcare, Abu Dhabi International Airport is now able to offer travellers state-of-the-art rapid testing services delivered by a dedicated laboratory facility. The introduction of the RT-PCR COVID-19 testing is a milestone achievement in our ongoing efforts to facilitate the safe resumption of international air travel and support the recovery of the aviation industry.”

“The fact that this is the first airport in the region to contain its own dedicated PCR testing laboratory is testament to our commitment at Abu Dhabi Airports to continuously innovate and look for new ways to deliver a safe, smooth and seamless travel experience for all our passengers. The new fast testing facility at Abu Dhabi International Airport, developed in partnership with many of our stakeholders, will not only enable passengers to confidently travel to Abu Dhabi, but significantly enhance the efficiency of our operations while supporting global efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19,” added Al Hashmi.

All passengers arriving at Abu Dhabi International Airport through both terminals 1 and 3 will be tested at the AUH PCR testing facility. Results of the COVID-19 tests will be shared by SMS and WhatsApp, as well as being available on the Alhosn mobile application. Passengers who receive a negative PCR test and are from the list of ‘green’ countries, outlined by the government of Abu Dhabi, will not have to self-isolate. Those not from the list of ‘green’ countries will have to self-isolate for a period of ten days, and will require a quarantine wristband fitted at the PCR testing tent attached to the airport.

Participants in the National Vaccination Programme and Phase III clinical trials who have an identification mark (letter E or golden star) on Al Hosn app are exempted from self-quarantine procedures. Passengers transiting through the airport will not be tested prior to departing for their final destinations.

The lab, being developed and operated by Pure Health – the region’s largest laboratory operator – and the healthcare and passenger facility, being developed by UAE-based Tamouh Healthcare, will provide results in approximately 90 minutes and will have the capacity to test more than 20,000 travellers per day. The 4,000 square metre facility will operate around the clock with up to 190 staff. 

The launch of fast COVID-19 testing services follows Abu Dhabi Airports’ introduction of a comprehensive range of health and safety measures at Abu Dhabi International Airport, including a specially trained team of Wellness Ambassadors equipped to support passengers by answering common questions relating to keeping healthy during travel, encouraging social distancing, and providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

In addition, the airport has deployed touch-less elevator technology, SterixEco Gates sterilisation tunnels, thermal scanning cameras, as well cameras with facial recognition capabilities that alert staff if passengers or visitors to the airport are displaying symptoms of COVID-19 or not wearing facemasks.

For the latest COVID-19 information at Abu Dhabi International Airport, please visit: abudhabiairport.ae/en/announcement

The Retreat Palm Dubai welcomes new executive assistant manager

Dubai, UAE: The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel has a new executive assistant manager with the appointment of Emanuele Raffuzzi, who brings in more than 25 years of experience spanning Middle East, Europe and USA to his new role. 

Prior to joining The Retreat Palm Dubai, Raffuzzi was director of operations at The Ritz-Carlton Al Hamra Beach in Ras Al Khaimah. He held various positions in the food and beverage sector including director of operations of U-Republic Ltd in the UAE, and general manager of a food service industry supplier in Italy. Some of his previous hotel affiliations include The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh, Hotel Principe di Savoia in Milan, The Pierre Four Seasons in New York, and The Ritz-Carlton Dubai.

Samir Arora, cluster general manager of The Retreat Palm Dubai, Ramada by Wyndham Downtown Dubai and ibis Styles Jumeira, remarked: “Our team is pleased to have Emanuele on board, and to extend full support to his role as EAM. His wealth of experience in hotel operations, especially in the area of food and beverage, will be highly valuable in enhancing the guest experience in the property.”

Commenting on his appointment, Raffuzzi said: “As a wellness resort, the property has distinctive offers that make it stand out in the Dubai’s competitive hospitality market and this is indeed an exciting opportunity for me to work on such a unique product. I look forward to collaborating with the different departments, and aligning my experience with the values of the brand.”