The development benefits from strong institutional support under the patronage of His Excellency Shehzada Shabbirbhai Saheb Nuruddin

24 August 2010 - United Arab Emirates - Range Hospitality, a dynamic, progressive and innovative institution focused on hospitality and real estate, has launched the Al Rawdatain Gardens development in Iraq’s pilgrimage centre, Karbala, to cater to the significant shortage of accommodation.

Approximately 18 million pilgrims visit Karbala during the peak seasons every year. With a current shortage of accommodation in the city, Al Rawdatain Gardens aims to cater for this demand at accessible prices. Investment in this development is available through Mulkiya Intifa’a - a Shariah Compliant Fractional Ownership proposition.

Iraq’s $112 billion economy whose GDP is growing at an average rate of 5.1% over the last three years has seen the Government actively encourage foreign investment through a number of initiatives including an amendment to the National Investment Law.

His Excellency Shehzada Shabbir Bhai Saheb Nuruddin, brother of His Holiness Moula Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (TUS), leader of the Dawoodi Bohra Community, has been appointed as Range Hospitality’s honorary chairman.  Range Hospitality has recently strengthened its roster of shareholders through the appointment of Ali Hussein Al Nemer (Saudi Arabia), Alykhan Karmali (Uganda), Munaf Ali (United Kingdom) and Mohammed Asaria (United Kingdom) to the Board of Directors.

“We are delighted to be the recipient of Shehzada’s support and guidance and honored by his participation. The Board of Directors comprises individuals from various parts of the Muslim world which will ensure a wider catchment area for our offering – Mulkiya Intifa’a,” said Mohammed Asaria, Vice Chairman, Range Hospitality.

Earlier this year, Range Hospitality mandated Abu Dhabi-based investment company, Noor Capital PSC, to procure the necessary initial funding for the Al Rawdatain Gardens development. In addition, Range Hospitality has appointed Dewan Architects & Engineers, an architectural firm with over 25 years experience and projects spanning over 10 countries in the Middle East, Asia and North Africa, also known for the Yas Marina Hotel and Marriott Courtyard Dubai, as the lead architects and consultants. Control Risks, a leader in specialist security consultancy with over 30 years experience in the Middle East and seven years in Iraq is another of the leading names supporting the project.

Range Hospitality has taken every step to protect its Mulkiya Intifa’a investors. “We are providing an Escrow account with one of the leading global financial institutions, Standard Chartered Bank, to assure security of investment and timely delivery of the project to our investors,” said Munaf Ali, CEO, Range Hospitality. He further added: “Although it is not mandatory for Range Hospitality to have an escrow account for a development in Iraq, this is a self-regulating step to ensure investor confidence given the current market sentiment.”

As the first modern development to be built in Karbala, Al Rawdatain Gardens will have an elegant 12-storey residence structure at its core comprising a mix of fully furnished and serviced studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites. Spread over 55,000 square metres, the development is designed and furnished in accordance with international standards, with full air conditioning and heating, including internet access and safety deposit boxes. The entire development will include a total of 624 suites, extensive public areas, four restaurants, landscaped gardens, health facilities, 24-hour security, child care facilities, business centre, and guest services.

“We are receiving independent approaches from some of the world’s leading hotel operators to manage Al Rawdatain Gardens,” Asaria revealed. “We are in the process of operator selection and the calibre of the companies approaching us is clear evidence of the importance of Karbala within ‘New Iraq’ and the wider MENA region.”

In conclusion, Ali mentioned: “Range Hospitality was established to achieve both commercial and altruistic objectives.  We have committed to donate 20% of our annual profits to charities under the direction of our Charitable Donation Committee.”

Dubai Islamic Bank Provides Awards for Forum’s Audience

August 24, 2010

Aisha Mohammed Bin Tayeb

Aisha Mohammed Bin Tayeb, Coordinator of Sponsors Committee, assured that the 9th Ramadan Forum which is organized by Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing ‘DTCM’ carries several events that have a religious and social aspect as well as the gifts that are presented by the gold sponsors and have a great impact on the audience. The sponsors provide the audience with valuable gifts to emphasize their role in the field of societal development and ensure their concepts in supporting cultural, religious and knowledge roles rather than financial rewards only. Such a concept is the best example for solidarity between the sponsors and Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing “DTCM”.

Aisha added that Dubai Islamic Bank, a gold sponsor to the forum, presented several financial and nominal gifts to the audience who replied correctly to the answers of the bank noting that the gold sponsors’ gifts are an addition to the daily gifts of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing “DTCM” equally between men and women tents.

Salah Al Hashimi, Head of Corporate Communications at Dubai Islamic Bank, forum’s gold sponsor, said: “Dubai Islamic Bank sponsorship of Ramadan Forum comes from our belief in the event and the benefits it brings to the society” “it is the most popular event during the month of Ramadan and visitors from across UAE come to attend the lectures and participate in the event activities, so we are proud to associate our brand with such a great initiative”.

Al Hashimi indicated that the sponsorship of Dubai Islamic Bank to the forum for the sixth consecutive year comes from the bank’s strategy to support social and religious initiatives that have an impact on communities and people. Among other events that DIB is sponsoring this Ramadan is Dubai International Quran Award which is the number one Quran award program across the globe.

“The 9th Ramadan Forum is one of the most successful events during the holy month of Ramadan in Dubai. It succeeded in maintaining its popularity throughout the years and that’s due to the successful experience of Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing “DTCM” which encouraged the sponsors to renew their sponsorship to the event this year”, Al Hashimi concluded.

August 22, 2010

The young preacher Hassan Mohammed Abdul Aziz assured that the nation asks for the mercy and guidance of the almighty god at the times of crisis and disasters only yet the prophet wishes were fulfilled due to their commitment towards the almighty god and avoidance to sins. Unfortunately, Muslims nowadays do not do what they are supposed to pointing out that the road to the fulfilled wishes is through the call to the almighty god and responding to his orders, thanking him for what they have and following the paths of the prophet Mohammed-PBUH-.

He also added that a student who does not study will never achieve success even if he continuously calls for the help and mercy of the almighty god pointing out that the prophet-PBUH-encouraged Muslims to increase their quests for fulfilled wishes in their prayers.

This was stated by the preacher of the nation during the 9th Ramadan Forum which is organized by Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing ‘DTCM’ under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, in Al Twar 2.

Hassan Abdul Aziz, 12 year old student in grade 7, said:” This is my second participation in the forum; I attended several training workshops with the assistance of Mrs. Shaika Kadfoor and the support of my parents who encouraged me to read lots of general and religious books, and gain more eloquent styles and self confidence”.

He also stated that besides reading lots of books and eloquence, he managed to memorize 7 parts of the holy Quran and plays football as well as Arabic language.

With regards to his dreams in the future time, Hassan wishes to be an accountant for his passion to mathematics and achieving the first rank in all science subjects at school. He also thanked his parents for their continuous support to be a member of the preacher of the nation program and feels very happy to see his parents proud of capabilities and skills.

As part of the humanitarian and charity visits, the 9th Ramadan Forum which is organized by Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing ‘DTCM’ organized several visits to the hospitals for one week for Dr. Butti Al Marri, Chairman of scholars committee at the forum, and scholar Ali Al Yaseen to Rashid hospital and other hospitals in Dubai.

Dr. Butti said the campaign continues for one week during the forum to support the patients, providing them patients and hope and eliminate their pain during the holy month. This humanitarian deed is described by doctors the perfect treatment for patients and support to resist diseases.

He also added that purpose of the campaign to provide patients with smiles, help them participate their pains and achieve happiness within their hearts to assure social and religious solidarity during the holy month noting that the forum launched the event to provide the society members to participate in such social deeds and support patients and handicapped people.

The reason for selecting these categories is because they are the most members of the society who need support solidarity and assistance.

Al Marri assured that Islam enhanced humanitarian and charity welfare within the society as well as volunteering and cooperation and helping patients. The campaign will include a number of visits to some hospitals beginning with children wards, men’s wards, gynecology and emergency. The scholar Ali Al Yaseen will read verses of the holy Quran to the patients to endorse them with happiness and contentment and their spirits.

Al Qasba

All-inclusive destination records nearly a quarter of a million visitors in first half of the year as Ramadan festival gets underway this month

Sharjah, August 17, 2010:  Now celebrating the sixth anniversary of the Ramadaniat Al Qasba festival, officials at Sharjah’s premier entertainment destination Al Qasba have revealed high attendance number pushing almost a quarter of a million visitors in just the first six months of 2010.  One of the leading cultural destinations in the Emirate of Sharjah, the company’s mix of leisure attractions and business facilities has proven to be an attractive combination not only for UAE residents but a growing tourism industry in the Emirate.

Situated in the centre of “new Sharjah”, location has become a key factor in driving places like Al Qasba to diversify their offerings to attract a combination of leisure and business visitors in 2010.  “Here families can find a lively evening’s entertainment, friends can share in five-star international cuisine, and business people can take advantage of stylishly sophisticated conference facilities all within a single picturesque setting,” says Hazem Sawaf, Sales and Marketing Director at Al Qasba Development Authority.

A number of events have made this an especially rewarding year for Al Qasba, including a community walkathon to support the children of Palestine, an Earth Hour event supporting energy conservation, and the recently concluded ‘Scream for Your Team’ event held during the FIFA World Cup this year.

According to the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), the Sharjah tourism industry has maintained a steady growth as the number of tourists and hotel occupancy rate rose in the first half of the year. 

“As Sharjah’s popularity increases, we have worked diligently to offer leisure and business customers not only excellent amenities, but a combination of attractions unlike any other available in the Emirate,” adds Sawaf.

The venue has proven widely popular with people of all ages with notable attractions such as the Etisalat Eye of the Emirates—the largest Ferris wheel in the Middle East having alone drawn almost 40,000 visitors during the first half of the year.  Other cultural ventures include traditional Abra boat rides along the Sharjah’s waterfront, with creatives also getting a flush of inspiration at the Maraya Art Centre, presenting three distinct galleries and a number of monthly workshops and lectures. Plenty of cafes and restaurants also line the Al Qasba waterfront, offering guests everything from European bistros to relaxed Arabian coffeehouses. 

Inspired by the success of the first six months, the Sharjah destination is determined to bring even more action to the latter half of 2010 as the Holy Month of Ramadan kicks of this week.

“This is typically one of our busiest times of the year as people across the region seek to capture a glimpse of the past while exploring the many wonders of contemporary Islamic society.”  We are especially thrilled this year to be extending Ramadaniat Al Qasba under the collective Sharjah Ramadan Festival, supporting the time-honoured values and traditions associated with Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr,” concluded Sawaf.

Giving visitors the chance to walk away with something special this Ramadan, Al Qasba is sponsoring a series of giveaway promotions for all visitors spending AED 100 or more at any of Al Qasba’s facilities.  Through the Scratch & Win campaign, customers will be able to take home any number of fantastic prizes including Al Qasba Value Vouchers, free attraction tickets, and or course instant prizes.

Additional information about the seasonal and permanent activities at Al Qasba can be found online at www.alqasba.ae
 

The 9th Ramadan Forum which is organized by Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing “DTCM” hosts a number of handicapped categories who are attending the lectures of the main tent enthusiastically. The organizing committee provided those guests with seats at the front rows to assist them enter the tent easily, protect them from crowded areas and provide them with car parking locations that are close to the main tents. The guests come daily from Abu Dhabi and Sharjah to listen to the lectures on daily basis.

Khalifa Al Falasi, Chairman of the Forum’s Committee, said: “The organizers are extremely happy to provide those categories with all the required facilities so they can enjoy all the activities and lectures of the forum reassuring that the events of the forum coincide with all the categories of the society and call for enhancing knowledge and Islamic rituals”.

He also added that all the non-profit organizations and handicapped associations are welcomed to attend the events of the forum noting that the organizing committee specified volunteers to assist them in meeting their demands and needs at the forum.

In a comment for one of the handicapped people about the events of the tent, Abdulla Yousef expressed his happiness for attending the lecture of Dr. Mohammed Al Oraifi and the great reception he received from the organizing committee who very helpful in answering all their queries and questions by the scholars and preachers noting that the treatment and well reception of the organizing committee encouraged him to come all through the way from Abu Dhabi to attend all the lectures.

Omran Omar who comes from Sharjah with his brother follows the lectures in every day to benefit from the lectures of the well known scholars noting that his presence in the front seats raises his spirit and allows him to benefit more from the lectures.

Mattar Ahmed mentioned that his entrance from the VIP gate is something very valuable thanks to the efforts of the organizing committee of the 9th Ramadan Forum. His best times are when he meets with the scholars face to face rather than listening to them through TV stations. He certainly benefits from their lectures and speech that discuss very important religious matters.

Armani Hotel Dubai - Amal

ARMANI/LOUNGE
Offering spectacular views of The Dubai Fountain set in the lake, the main gathering place within Armani Hotel Dubai offers light meals throughout the day. It is the perfect place to meet friends, discuss business or just watch the world go by while enjoying innovative interpretations of international cuisines.
Time: 8am to 2am
Location: Lobby Level

ARMANI/LOBBY
This smart café serves traditional and creative coffees accompanied by a selection of sweet and savoury offerings, including snacks and pastries, in a sumptuous lounge setting.
Time: 6am to 12midnight
Location: Lobby Level

ARMANI/MEDITERRANEO
Begin the day with an elaborate and wholesome continental breakfast buffet featuring a unique à la carte menu. Throughout the day, the elegant yet casual Armani/Mediterraneo is open for lunch and dinner and offers a broad spectrum of popular and classic creations using the freshest regional Mediterranean ingredients prepared before you by skilled chefs.
Time:  Breakfast: 7am to 11am
 Lunch: 12:30pm to 3:30pm
 Dinner: 7pm to 11pm
Location: Lobby Level

ARMANI/RISTORANTE
Armani/Ristorante draws on the rich gastronomic traditions of Tuscany and other Italian regions to provide you with classic and authentic culinary delights. The dishes are a mix of traditional recipes and modern interpretations that take advantage of the high quality products served amidst an elegant ambience with expert and attentive service. Whether you are in the mood for a fine dining experience over several courses or light meal with a glass of beverage, Armani/Ristorante welcomes you.
Time:  Lunch: 12pm to 3pm
 Dinner: 7:30pm to 11pm
Location: Lobby Level

ARMANI/AMAL
Armani/Amal features fresh and innovative regional Indian cuisine, an exciting beverage list and selected teas. Exotic curries and other specialties are prepared before you using time-honoured traditional cooking methods and ingredients. Enjoy stunning views over the Downtown Dubai neighbourhood and The Dubai Fountain, especially from the terrace. Gather with friends to savour the true taste of India in an unforgettable setting.

Time: 7pm to 11pm
Location: Third Floor

ARMANI/HASHI
The Armani/Hashi Japanese restaurant and lounge delivers imaginative twists on traditional and modern Japanese cuisine by using only the best ingredients available. The freshest fish, flown in daily from across the globe, is complemented by a selection of speciality beverages. While enjoying your sushi, sashimi and other authentic Robota Grill, enjoy panoramic terrace views of the iconic Dubai Fountain that help turn the dining experience into a delight for all the senses. Enjoy the best of Japan in a vibrant and fun setting.
Time: 7pm to 11pm
Location: Concourse Level

ARMANI/PECK
For more than 125 years, Milan’s prestigious Peck Deli has been delighting gourmets and gourmands. Armani Hotel Dubai captures the experience at Armani/Peck. A wide range of fresh pastas and other products are featured at the Tavola Fredda and Tavola Calda – cold and hot counters. Signature Armani/Peck dishes are also ready-prepared and available for easy take out.
Time: 6pm to 11pm
Location: Ground Floor

ARMANI/PRIVÉ
Milan’s exclusive Armani/Prive lounge comes to the region for the first time at the Armani Hotel Dubai. The Resident DJ spins vibrant beats and the VIP lounge also hosts visiting and international guest DJs.
Time: 10pm to 3am – Monday to Saturday
Location: Lobby Level
Tel: 04 888 3 308

ARMANI/SPA
Reflecting the Armani lifestyle and design philosophies, Armani/SPA offers personal consultation and a fully tailored sensory experience.
Time: 9am to 9pm
Location: Third Floor
Tel: 04 888 3 888

For further information, please visit http://dubai.armanihotels.com/dine-en.html
Email: info@armanihotels.com
Tel: 04 888 3 444 or 800 ARMANI (276264)

Move is part strategic expansion against projected 40 % growth and 50 % increase in staff in 2011

Dubai, UAE, 15 August, 2010: As a part of its growth strategy in the UAE, B6 Group has appointed Mr. Kevin Little as the Group Executive Chef.

Mr. Youssef E. Jammal, Managing Director of B6 Group, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Kevin Little on board. We are sure his vast experience will contribute to our group. In the coming one year, we have plans to enhance our staffing by more than 50 percent to cater to the growing demand of the catering industry in the UAE. Our revenues will grow by more than 40 percent in 2011 due to the large number of contracts we have in the pipeline that will closed this year itself.”

Mr. Little brings with him over 20 years’ experience in hospitality management, culinary and food and beverage fields, including vast experience in the UAE and the UK. He was the Executive chef of The Address Montgomerie Dubai, a five star Emaar Hospitality property for more than 2 years.

He also worked for Soneva Fushi, Six Senses Resort and Spa as Executive Sous chef, specializing in a variety of modern European and Spa cuisines.

Prior to that, Mr. Little headed up food and beverage departments in several hotels in the KSA, Lebanon and across Europe.

Kevin has a master degree in essentials of Hospitality management from Ecornell, Cornell University.

Mr. Little has won several awards from prestigious hospitality organizations for his distinctive and outstanding capabilities in the food and beverage industries across a variety of world class cuisines.

B6 Group is expanding due to its great achievement lately providing the maximum luxury service in the region. The Dubai based company has recently appointed a team of executives representing a diversity of cultures.

Games and Competitions Encourage Children to Compete

August 15, 2010

The children’s tent which is presented by the 9th Ramadan Forum organized by Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing ‘DTCM’ receives between 200-500 children from 10 pm to 12 midnight every day. The children enjoy the games, competitions and entertainment facilities as well as the program for discovering young religious talents. The tent is sponsored by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai.

Al Anood Al Balooshi, member of the organizing committee and supervisor of children’s activities in the forum said: “The activities of the children’s tent aims for providing children between 4-12 years old with a suitable place allowing their parents to attend the lectures of the 9th Ramadan forum noting that children are only allowed to enter the tent with their mothers with a certain tag number according to an electronic system in order to guarantee the safety of the children and ensure that their parents attend the lectures with no worries”.

Al Anood Al Balooshi, member of the organizing committee and supervisor of children’s activities in the forum indicated that the tent is sponsored by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai with a number of supervisors and teachers to guarantee security and discipline. It also organizes awards to encourage children to know more information about their religion and nation noting the abidance of both parents and children with the rules of the tent let to the success of the activities during the past days.

Al Anood also explained that children under four are only allowed to enter the tent with a help to guarantee their needs when required noting that she and her colleague Enas found great assistance from parents and children. The tent is designed to fit excessive numbers without any problems and all facilities are suitable for children at all ages.
 
The tent has become one of the main attractive means for the audience as some children encourage their parents to visit the forum daily either to enjoy their games or give their parents the chances to attend the lectures and receive gifts. The supervision committee does not allow the child to enter the tent without their mother taking a serial number”, Al Anood concluded.

Cristal Hotel Abu Dhabi

Cristal Hotels and Resorts, one of the fastest-growing hotel chains in Abu Dhabi, has recently launched its “A Ramadan To Remember” package, a special Ramadan Iftar for orphans organised by Cristal Hotels and Resorts on behalf of corporate clients that want to associate their brands or companies with such a special Ramadan activity. “A Ramadan To Remember” provides corporate clients with the perfect opportunity to celebrate the true spirit of Ramadan with the community, especially with the orphans who will be treated to a live magic show, gifts, specially prepared meals and other fun-filled activities.

A total of 25 orphans will be included in each Ramadan Iftar package, while clients may also coordinate with the Cristal Hotel to customise the special event. In addition, the Cristal Hotel Abu Dhabi is also offering an Iftar buffet at GEMS Restaurant for only AED 99 Net wherein a portion of the total bill will be used to sponsor a free meal for an orphan.

“The Cristal Hotel is offering these special packages to serve as an avenue for our clients to realise their social responsibility and celebrate the true spirit of Ramadan. We also understand that many companies may not have the proper resources to organise such civic-oriented activities by themselves, so ‘A Ramadan To Remember’ will be a great help for them and will surely be appreciated by the business community,” said Peter Blackburn, General Manager, Cristal Hotel Abu Dhabi.

Cristal Hotels & Resorts has made a name for itself as a leading business hotel brand in Abu Dhabi since opening its first property at the heart of the UAE capital’s business district in 2009. Cristal Hotel Abu Dhabi features 192 rooms and suites, food and beverage outlets, a business centre and meeting rooms, underground parking, and leisure and lifestyle amenities such as an indoor pool, Figure 8 Health Club and the exclusive Cristal Spa. For more information, visit www.cristalhotelsandresorts.com or phone +971 2 652 0000.