Home Blog Page 319

Something’s happening at Dubai Autodrome… check it out

Dubai Vibes Magazine
-
1
Something’s happening at Dubai Autodrome… check it out

Dubai, UAE: AGMC, the official importer of BMW Group vehicles for Dubai, Sharjah, and the Northern Emirates, has expanded its engagement in local motorsport, announcing a year-long partnership with Dubai Autodrome.

The new partnership will see AGMC providing the facility with a total of 10 vehicles comprising of the BMW M2 Competition, the BMW M3 Competition, the BMW M4 Competition, the BMW M5 Competition and the BMW 330i.

Located conveniently next to AGMC’s Motor City Showroom, Dubai Autodrome is an ideal location for sports car enthusiasts to try out BMW M, BMW’s motorsport range, in a safe and controlled motoring environment.

Equipped with an FIA-sanctioned 5.39km circuit, Dubai Autodrome has hosted world-class race car events, including rounds of the FIA GT Championship, European Touring Car Championship F3 Asian Championship, Asian Le Mans and the renowned Hankook 24H Dubai Endurance Race. 

This partnership reinforces BMW’s long-standing involvement in the motorsport community and the legacy of BMW M. Not only are the models praised for their incredible performance on the racetrack dating back to the 1960s, but over time they have evolved into a world-class household name and one of the most sought-after sports cars in the automotive industry.

The BMW M Experience at Dubai Autodrome will provide guests the opportunity to experience the joy of driving the impressive models across a range of driving experiences. The venue will also be home to exclusive events for BMW and MINI club members and brand enthusiasts.

With a focus on safety, guests can also participate in an in-depth three-and-a-half-hour safety driving course. Here, instructors will teach and guide guests to become even better drivers while pushing the BMW M vehicles to their limit in a controlled environment. During the course, guests will practice essential motorsport driving techniques, such as seating position, posture, accelerating, braking and cornering ,, Upon completion, participants will receive feedback and a certificate. 

Each experience has been specially curated to highlight the power, adrenaline, key features of each vehicle. Guests can also opt to experience the models from the passenger seat. The M5 Competition will be used as the perfect family experience – for the first time in the region the famous Nürburgring Ring Taxi is now at Dubai Autodrome for all to enjoy!  Individuals and families can book their spot and put their bodies through g-forces that only a roller-coaster can compete with. For larger groups looking for the ultimate driving thrill, BMW M Experiences will also cater to corporate and incentive groups and can be used as a teambuilding activity, making this a very unique MICE offering.

Ayhan Olcer, CEO of AGMC, says, “We are thrilled to announce this fruitful partnership with Dubai Autodrome. The BMW M philosophy underpins a perfect blend of outstanding driving dynamics, agility and precision, suitable for the racetrack and everyday use. With a strong motorsport heritage, BMW AGMC is an ideal vehicle partner for Dubai Autodrome, attracting automotive enthusiasts from the UAE and around the world.”

“Additionally, partnering with one of the region’s most renowned motorsports facilities will bring tremendous value to both parties in multiple areas. Perfectly situated across from our new Motor City showroom, we can now ensure both our loyal customers and everyday car users are able to fully experience everything BMW and MINI have to offer.”

Motorsport remains an integral part of BMW AGMC’s DNA and this partnership continues to underline its contribution to the UAE’s ever-growing motorsport community. Deliberately positioning itself as the home of UAE national motorsport, Dubai Autodrome, continues to develop and promote UAE motor racing at a national level, thus AGMC is proud to partner with Dubai Autodrome to support this overall goal together.

Faisal Sahlawi GM of Dubai Autdrome added, “Dubai Autodrome proudly welcomes BMW AGMC both as our new neighbour in Motor City and as our partner on track.  This collaboration introduces an exciting new range of BMW experiences for our guests to enjoy, further enhancing Dubai Autodrome as one of Dubai’s top entertainment venues.”

The BMW M Power Experience at Dubai Autodrome was designed to show off the power and adrenaline that BMW M Vehicles embody. Perfect for anyone looking for an adrenaline rush and to fully experience BMW’s most sought-after vehicles at the region’s first fully-integrated motorsports facility, it is sure to leave guests with a smile on their face and a host of  Instagrammable memories.

To book your driving experience with BMW AGMC at Dubai Autodrome, please call 04-806 2240 or visit dubaiautodrome.ae/experiences.

Party time at Palm Jumeirah as world’s largest fountain turns green on St. Patrick’s Day

Dubai Vibes Magazine
-
1
Party time at Palm Jumeirah as world’s largest fountain turns green on St. Patrick’s Day

Dubai, UAE: Get ready to go glorious green at The Pointe, Dubai’s premier lifestyle and dining destination on Palm Jumeirah, as The Palm Fountain, the world’s largest fountain, participates in Tourism Ireland’s Global Greening initiative. 

On March 17, The Palm Fountain will join hundreds of iconic landmarks and sites across 55 countries around the world to light up in green as part of Tourism Ireland’s celebrations. The Palm Fountain will sway to the tunes of the festivities’ signature track – Riverdance by Bill Whelan. The show will start at 7pm and will be repeated every hour. 

The Palm Monorail will also light up in green as part of the celebrations. 

Visitors to The Pointe can indulge in a plethora of exciting St. Patrick’s Day dining options and happy hour offers across a variety of eateries including: 

Hook & Cook

What’s a better way to spend St. Patrick’s Day than munching on fish and chips and enjoying a cold brew?

Visit Hook & Cook on 17 March and enjoy fish and chips with a brew for AED115/person.

For bookings, call: +971 4 244 3214

Donna Carmela

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day the Italian way at The Pointe’s Donna Carmela. Indulge in exceptional tastes and iced drinks with an exquisite view of The Palm Fountain.

For bookings call: +971 4 576 2775

Aiza

Celebrate the Greek way at The Pointe’s Aiza, with chicken souvlaki, Baklava and delicious beverages.

For bookings call: +971 4 575 5097

Kyo 

For those fancying a 360 Japanese cultural experience, head to KYO to indulge in a sunset menu happy hour on 17 of March from 3pm to 6pm for drinks and delicious Japanese delicacies.

For bookings call: +971 4 557 5182

Chuan 

Spend the night celebrating with friends and family at Chuan and enjoy scrumptious Chinese food with your favourite chilled drinks facing the fountain. 

For bookings call: +971 4 564 3888

A Cappela 

Treat the gang to a unique dining experience at A Cappella and enjoy happy hour drinks starting from only AED25.

For bookings call: +971 4 589 6788

Phantom House

For those who love to socialize, visit Phantom House at The Pointe and enjoy happy hour offers every day from 5pm. 

For bookings call: +971 4 589 6517

Chicago Meatpackers

For a great night out, hit Chicago Meatpackers restaurant and lounge for mouth-watering, meat-focused cuisine and enjoy happy hour offers from 5pm to 7:30pm, with AED35 on selected drinks.

For bookings call: +971 4 580 7983

Meshico

Lovers of Mexican food and a fun night out can mark St. Patrick’s Day with bold flavours, textures and colours, as well as colourful and refreshing drinks.

For bookings call: +971 4 514 4559

Zor

For those looking for an extraordinary night, try out divine Uzbek cuisine at Zor The Pointe. With rich flavours, ethnic ingredients, and out-of-this-world drinks, your St. Patrick’s Day will be unforgettable. 

 For bookings call: +971 4 566 9612

Aka

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style at AKA The Pointe, cyberpunk-inspired Japanese lounge with Asian-inspired menu of sharing plates and high quality cocktails.

For bookings call: +971 4 578 05 55

Matroshka

Celebrate this occasion with a mouth-watering fusion of French and Russian cuisines at Matroshka Bistro & Jardin. Don’t forget to try out the exquisite and unique drinks from 1pm to 2am.

For bookings call: +971 4 575 5097

For more updates on new offers, events and activities on The Pointe, please visit www.thepointe.ae/en and instagram.com/thepointepalm/, facebook.com/ThePointePalm/, or twitter.com/ThePointePalm.

The Pointe is an iconic waterfront dining and entertainment destination managed by Nakheel Malls.  Located on the trunk of Palm Jumeirah, it is home to The Palm Fountain, the Guinness World Records title holder for the world’s largest fountain, which offers spectacular daily shows to visitors and residents from 6pm onward. 

The Pointe comprises a publicly accessible pristine beach area for hours of fun under the sun and a 1.5-kilometre promenade for sporting activities and leisurely strolls. The pet-friendly destination spans 1.4 million square feet and offers round-the-clock entertainment, fine dining and lifestyle offerings including Nakheel Malls’ gourmet food hall concept Food District. The Pointe is also home to Reel Cinemas featuring a dine-in experience by culinary star Guy Fieri, Cheeky Monkeys’ flagship kids’ play concept, a children’s playground, a Union COOP supermarket, gyms and fitness centres, beauty salons and unique gifting concepts. 

Car parking facilities can accommodate up to 1,400 vehicles and The Pointe monorail station is set to inaugurate soon.

Raju Gidwani’s journey from supermarket shelf boy to executive director

Dubai Vibes Magazine
-
1
Raju Gidwani’s journey from supermarket shelf boy to executive director

When at a hypermart, be nice to the “shelf boys,” the guys who arrange merchandises across the racks and help you find your way to the cookie jar you’re looking for, or was it the peanut butter jam? 

You never know. That guy could be the next Raju Gidwani, whose colorful story goes back to the days when he was 23 in 1991 and, having just finished his MBA a year earlier, was filling up rows upon rows of shelves at supermarkets in Ajman and Sharjah instead of sitting on a swivel chair signing papers.

Years later, Gidwani, who left his middle class family, which was running a textile business in Beawar, Rajasthan, India to, in his own words, “create my own destiny,  achieve goals and self-depend,” would become executive director of Shankar Trading Co., an affiliate of the very supermarkets he was “shelf boy” at.

“I joined Shankar Trading in 1991. I learned from scratch. I started working as a shelf boy. From there, I began my journey. I learned, in a couple of years, the retail trade,” Gidwani now 52, told Dubai Vibes Magazine in a rare interview.

From working the shelves, Gidwani was assigned to handle import procurement and logistics in 1993. Two years later in 1995, he was promoted as manager. In 2010, he became general manager and in 2015, was the director for the company’s fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) division.  He became executive director last year.

The company, meantime, has grown to become a key player in UAE’s retail trade, being a major importer and wholesale distributor of “ethnic” FMCGs to such big brands like West Zone, Carrefour, Choitrams and Lulu, as well as the cooperatives.

“It was challenging when I left India. During my study time, I was in India helping the family with the textile business. It was really a hard time for me working in a supermarket,” added Gidwani, who at nine was already helping his father with the textile business.

Gidwani found brotherly love in Naresh Bhawnani, chairman of West Zone Group, and provided support –  a business relationship that would prove fruitful through the years. 

“There was one West Zone in 2005,” recalled Gidwani. “The 125th store (in the UAE) will open in Dubai soon,” he added. A week prior to this interview, West Zone Supermarket opened its 124th store, which is located in Abu Dhabi. The first West Zone branch opened in Mirdiff on Dec.2, 2005, according to Gidwani.

The easy availability of Filipino FMCGs across UAE is largely being credited to Gidwani, too. 

“I saw the potential 20 years ago,” he said. “Every nationality, when they come here (in the UAE), they always miss their home food,” he added.

Gidwani said he first visited the Philippines in 1995. Soon, he was transacting business directly with manufacturers there. And so, starting off with around 20 Filipino products, Shankar Trading is now importing and distributing over 1,000 in the UAE, he said.

What probably keeps Gidwani going is that spirit of being a good Samaritan. On weekends, he engages himself in social work.

“I want to help the community. I want to see everyone happy. Nobody should sleep hungry,” Gidwani said. “We’ve earned a lot from here. Now it’s time to give back to the community,” he added.

Indeed, having gone full circle from arranging supermarket shelves to importing and distributing mechandizes, there seems nowhere else to go but back to the community, where after all and at the end of the day, it all began.

‘RAIN. The Label’ Delivers on comfort and sustainability on International Women’s Day

Dubai Vibes Magazine
-
0
‘RAIN. The Label’ Delivers on comfort and sustainability on International Women’s Day

Dubai, UAE: Women all over the world stepped up and met this year’s challenges like never before, and on this International Women’s Day, RAIN. The Label, Dubai’s premier source for high-quality, organic, and ethically fabricated yoga fashion essentials, invites us to wash away the heaviness of the past year, and celebrate women as a force of nature.

RAIN. The Label’s new collection of yoga essentials launched this month, featuring soft, breathable organic cottons in an array of sizes that reflects the company’s philosophy that all body shapes are beautiful. Designed for yoga, dance, or simply relaxing, Rain’s collection of tops, bottoms, jumpsuits, and move with the body so women can feel their most beautiful.

The founder of RAIN. The Label, Kaya Peters, says her drive to create a radically inclusive line of activewear comes from her own deeply personal struggle with body image.

“I always felt I wasn’t good enough,” says Kaya. “It took years for me to feel comfortable with myself, and I want to support women from all walks of life on their own journeys of self-discovery. We are all sisters, and we should learn to love ourselves for who we are, not some idealized standard of beauty.”

As a daily exercise that focuses on individual growth, yoga has been crucial in supporting mental and physical health throughout the pandemic. More than an inclusive fashion brand, Rain hopes to help women achieve their personal goals and create a community of support for women.

“We chose to name our brand RAIN. The Label because rain represents a new beginning. RAIN. The Label washes away impurities and helps the seeds that we have been grow into the beautiful forests we can be,” says Kaya. “We want to help women feel good in their own skin.”

RAIN. The Label’s entire collection is crafted and curated mindfully, using only sustainably-sourced materials like organic cotton so women can feel good about the choices they make for themselves, and for the environment. 

On this International Women’s Day, the new collection of yoga essentials from RAIN. The Label aims to be a comfort as women everywhere reflect, renew, and recharge for a better future. RAIN. The Label’s collection can be found exclusively online at shop-rain.com and offers free worldwide shipping for orders over USD150.

The UAE’s first bespoke cat hotel: The purrfect home from home

Dubai Vibes Magazine
-
0
The UAE’s first bespoke cat hotel: The purrfect home from home

Dubai, UAE:   Pawsome Pets, a leading pet relocation specialist in the UAE, has announced a new, exciting addition to their business. 

An exclusive cat boarding facility, situated in the heart of Dubai. Offering over 4000 square feet of space in Al Quoz, Pawsome Pets new facility is the largest cattery in the UAE, and has been carefully curated to provide everything your cat needs to feel at home. 

Pawsome Pets new facility is the brainchild of owner Kirsty Kavanagh, who already owns a very successful pet relocation business within the UAE, and along with her team, has over 15 years combined experience relocating and caring for family pets. 

“We know pets and their owners, and we have noticed a gap in the market to provide a quiet, relaxing ‘Zen’ space for cats within Dubai. With carefully thought out and very spacious condos, our cattery offers large sleeping and living areas, cosy hiding spaces, scratching posts, toys, and of course lots of one on one attention from our animal loving team.”

Along with boarding for cats, the Pawsome Pets facility also offers customers a one stop relocation shop. With free relocation consultations on site with their experienced agents, the team provides cost effective and safe solutions for your pet to travel to their destination. Offering a full door-to-door service around the world.

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas unveils collection of expansive private pool residences

Dubai Vibes Magazine
-
0
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas unveils collection of expansive private pool residences

Baa Atoll, Maldives – Setting a new precedent in naturally inspired design and luxurious living in the greatest aquatic paradise on earth, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas has launched its collection of the largest private pool residences in the world with the renovation completion of the resort’s two-bedroom over water pool residences. A multi-million-dollar project which started in 2020 with the redesign of its four-, three- and two- bedroom beach pool residences, this exclusive collection of Maldivian accommodation experiences, comprising of seven, is the pinnacle of palatial seclusion, ideally suited for multi-generational vacations and larger group travel.

Inspired by the natural beauty of the island encircled by a pure white shoreline, the renovation of the residences saw a careful preservation of the element of space while marrying a light and airy interior refit with smart technology home comforts. Thus, creating a balance between an utterly brand-new look and maintaining a welcoming familiarity which repeat guests have come to expect in the resort’s 10th year of service excellence.

TWO-BEDROOM OVER WATER POOL RESIDENCES

Perched over a crystal-calm lagoon and offering commanding views of the Indian Ocean, both units of Anantara Kihavah’s Two-Bedroom Over Water Pool Residence were completed in early 2021.

The quintessential Maldivian experience, these over water retreats generously spaced at 1,500 sq. m, feature floor-to-ceiling windows across its entirety, guaranteeing vast views of shades of blue. Outfitted with a professional working kitchen in the living and dining room, each ensuite bedroom at either end features ample individual outdoor living space, whilst the infinity pool and shaded outdoor dining sala is the ideal hangout for shared leisure activities with family or friends.

With fitness and wellness being a bigger focus than ever in the modern-day traveller’s needs, the redesign of these residences saw the addition of a gym fully equipped with the latest in TechnoGym machinery, and a couple’s spa treatment room. Both rooms are fitted with retractable blinds, allowing for ample sunlight by day and unfiltered stargazing at night. Whilst relaxing with a signature Anantara Spa massage, a peek into the marine life in abundance just beneath the residence, is made possible with the strategic placement of glass panels underneath plush spa treatment beds. Glass-bottomed whirlpool bathtubs have also been fitted in each bathroom, providing therapeutic massages and astounding underwater views even during bath time.

Staying true to the heritage of the Maldives, each residence features Kajan thatched palm roofs and Balau hardwood flooring spanning the entire length of its expansive outdoor deck, accompanied by netted hammocks suspended over water. Tiled in natural Sukabumhi stone, the infinity pool presents an ever-shifting overtone of green and blue with each movement of the sun, mirroring the hues of its turquoise-coloured surroundings.

FOUR-, THREE- AND TWO- BEDROOM BEACH POOL RESIDENCES

At a commanding 2,000 sq. m, the crown jewel in this collection is the Four-Bedroom Beach Pool Residence. A connecting door set at the end of a lush garden pathway, adjoins a standalone villa fitted with its own ensuite, infinity pool and dining pavilion, with the main wing of the residence. A capacious layout smartly optimised for creating shared memories or moments of solitude, this four-bedroom sanctuary comfortably accommodates up to eight adults and four children, or 12 adults. In testament to the premise of luxury at its most spacious, the collection’s remaining beachfront hideaways start from 1,330 sq. m for the two-bedroom option to 1,770 sq. m for the three-bedroom residence.

Cradled by lush foliage and bright bougainvillea accents, occasional sights of coconut trees jutting through floors or ceilings is testament to the resort’s commitment toward preserving the natural beauty of the island, whilst optimising each residence’s space.

Like the over water pool residences, each beachfront residence’s architecture reflects Kajan palm roofs and Balau decks. The newly extended swimming pools, measuring 20 metres x 6 metres for the four-bedroom retreat and 16 metres x 6 metres for the two- and three- bedroom residences, are now fitted with massage jets, whilst an outdoor Sala Thai provides shaded relief for lounging and dining.

The simple yet elegant façade belies the intricate redesign within. A light neutral palette uplifts a previously dark wood scheme, presenting an atmosphere that is at once comfortable and relaxed, yet modern and luxurious. Rattan details, woven straw carpets, Maldivian motifs and teak wood furniture further accents the distinctively tropical vibe of each room. Floor-to-ceiling doors of the main living and dining area effortlessly slides open for sweeping views of the tropics. Further embodying island living at its most luxurious, a water feature wall designed to mimic that of a real waterfall, is the highlight in each revamped bathroom newly fitted with intelligent toilet technology. Wellbeing and fitness are also not forgotten – with each residence outfitted with its own private double-bed spa treatment room and gym featuring a complete range of fitness equipment.

With a dedicated Villa Host to attend to every need, and a Wine Sommelier, Personal Chef and Baby-Sitting service on request, a stay in one of these residences is a promise of a truly private escape. 

Afternoon tea by Anton Verrel

Dubai Vibes Magazine
-
1
Afternoon tea by Anton Verrel
Afternoon tea by Anton Verrel

Pensive by Erik Cane

Dubai Vibes Magazine
-
29
Pensive by Erik Cane
Pensive by Erik Cane

Magical Int’l Women’s Day offerings at Swissotel Al Ghurair

Dubai Vibes Magazine
-
0
Magical Int’l Women’s Day offerings at Swissotel Al Ghurair

With International Women’s Day around the corner, Swissotel Al Ghurair is all set to celebrate the lovely ladies in your life with its magical March offerings, perfect for those looking to treat their loved ones to some well-deserved downtime. Running from the 1st to 31st March, the hotel will be offering a special afternoon tea experience inclusive of a 30-minute body massage that can be availed from 12pm to 6pm, daily.  

Marco Polo High Tea – Overview

Offer: An afternoon tea experience and a 30-minute complimentary body massage for your guest

Price: AED 165 for two people

Dates Available:  1st to 31st March

To Book: email FoodandBeverage.AlGhurair@swissotel.com or call 04 293 3270  

Häagen-Dazs renames iconic flavors to celebrate women who don’t hold back

Dubai Vibes Magazine
-
0
Häagen-Dazs renames iconic flavors to celebrate women who don’t hold back

One may be hard pressed to play favorites with ice cream, but  four much loved flavors from Häagen-Dazs are being topped with a special meaning. The brand is commemorating International Women’s Day 2021 by renaming their well-loved Vanilla, Belgian Chocolate, Salted Caramel and Strawberries & Cream flavors to reflect the achievements of four iconic women who have not held back.

The renamed flavors have been designed to ensure customers start their order with what they want and end each order with a self-affirming flavour of success be it ‘Scale New Heights’, like Raha Moharrak (Vanilla); ‘Beat the Odds’, like Yasmin Yousri (Salted Caramel); ‘Direct My Story’, like Nayla Al Khaja (Belgian Chocolate); or ‘Design My Destiny’, like Maz Hakim (Strawberries and Cream). 

These signature ice-creams with thematic names will only be available in the UAE at the brand’s Dubai Mall, Mall of Emirates and Kite Beach stores. Women across the city can scoop up, for free, their motivational flavour of choice exclusively on 8th March; and at discounted rates until the 21st of March.

In addition, Häagen-Dazs is asking residents across the region, to nominate (by 14 March) the exemplary women who inspire them every day. Residents can nominate by tagging @haagendazsmena on Instagram or Facebook and using the hashtag #DontHoldBack. To celebrate these mystery heroines, Häagen-Dazs will then rename two of their bestselling ice creams – ‘Cookies and Cream’ and ‘Vanilla Caramel Brownie – in their honour.

“We believe the world needs to hear about these remarkable women living in the Middle East, from all walks of life, who have shattered glass ceilings, looked beyond life threatening illness, scaled even the world’s highest peak and taken a passion project to one of the world’s leading fashion houses, says Michelle Odland, Häagen-Dazs Global Brand Director.

“While these four brilliant icons are undeniable examples to thousands of women around the world, we’re asking women across the Middle East to join the celebration. We are excited to use our platform to share and then pay tribute to the fascinating stories of how mothers, painters, pilots, chefs, entrepreneurs and countless other women in the region have not ‘held back’ and have inspired others.”

Speaking about the campaign, Ali Shaikh, General Manager – Middle East & Africa, General Mills, said, “The campaign is not just a tribute to women who have pushed boundaries to achieve these remarkable accomplishments, but a call to women everywhere to use these inspirational stories as a springboard to pursue their own goals. We’re thrilled the UAE is leading this conversation within the wider ‘Don’t Hold Back’ campaign as the country offers amazing opportunities for women to take on their dream roles and careers.”


Rooted in the brand ethos to not hold back when it comes to using the best of ingredients in its products to serve up an experience like no other, the mantra “Don’t Hold Back” is at the beating heart of the brand’s global campaign, calling for everyone to live authentically in the moment to experience unfiltered and authentic moments of real joy.

Four flavours renamed:

Vanilla: Scale New Heights, like Raha
Salted Caramel: Beat the Odds, like Yasmin
Belgian Chocolate: Direct My Story, like Nyla
Strawberries and Cream: Design my Destiny, like Maz

Available only at Häagen-Dazs’ Kite Beach, Mall of Emirates and Dubai Mall venues; all women across the city receive one free scoop of the above four flavours at these two select outlets on 8 March and a 25% discount on their ‘flavour of celebration’ until 21st March.

Nominate by tagging @haagendazsmena on Instagram and Facebook and using #DontHoldBack

1...318319320...335Page 319 of 335

©dubaivibesmagazine. Finally, an idea whose time has come. Dubai, an international expat city that never sleeps, definitely has more to it than what the sages say - - good vibes!

Quick Links

Must Read

Popular Articles