The Elaf Group recently held a series of meetings with its key partners – including travel and tourism agencies from Turkey, Egypt and Morocco – to support the Saudi tourism sector particularly in attracting future Hajj and Umrah visitors from Arab and nearby countries.

Elaf discussed the KSA’s touristic potentials and attractions such as its efficient visa issuance facilities. It has also shared its thoughts and expertise with major regional and international companies and agencies dealing with specialized tourism programs and providing Hajj and Umrah services. As part of its expansion, Elaf announced that it will provide 5,000 rooms across its new projects offering three-, four- and five-star tourism services to attract the largest segment of the travel, tourism and hospitality market.

Present during the meetings was an Elaf delegation led by Ziyad Bin Mahfouz, President, who was accompanied by Deputy CEO Tarek Nabulsi and a number of department managers. The Group also held an annual ceremony on the sidelines of the exhibitions to strengthen relations, identify future goals, pursue further success, and honor its valuable partners. High-profile figures from Turkey, Egypt and Morocco, were present during the special event.

“Turkey, Egypt and Morocco are three of the most important travel and tourism markets for Saudi Arabia. In the past years these markets have proven themselves as excellent religious, business and leisure travel destinations. Our partners in these areas deserve or recognition for their remarkable efforts and ongoing dedication to achieve our objectives,” said Bin Mahfouz.

“Participating in travel- and tourism-oriented events in Turkey, Egypt and later on in Morocco reaffirms our commitment to providing high levels of service and extending our investment portfolio to include new hotels such as the Elaf Al-Moltaqa Hotel, Elaf Bakkah Hotel by 2012 and Galleria Hotel in 2014. These upcoming projects are in line with our goal of embracing the growing number of tourists visiting landmark destinations across the Kingdom, as well as supporting governmental efforts to promote tourism as part of the drive towards a solid and diverse economy,” added Bin Mahfouz.

It’s easy to stay guilt-free, slim and healthy throughout the festive season this December. Marie France Bodyline, the world slimming professionals is offering two special packages from 1 to 30 December 2010.

Whether you are seeking a slim line figure or younger looking skin, you can get the perfect look with Cryocelle Phased Therapy, designed to enhance your body tone, and Caviar Essence Refine, a facial that nourishes your skin and restores that healthy glow.

Marie France Bodyline’s slimming and facial packages are priced at only 2,500 AED for 16 sessions.

Cryocelle Phased Therapy

Cryocelle Phased Therapy is a slimming treatment that works by the principle of “Thermolysis”, a temperature variance procedure. During the process, the body is encouraged to convert the stubborn stored fats into energy, which results in a loss of inches.

Infra Red therapy combined with unique lymphatic massage stimulates lymphatic drainage and microcirculation of the dermis, causing deep tissue detoxification. This is an important step to reduce fat and cellulite deposits and to relief water retention.

A thermo regulating serum further enhances the effects making skin get firmer and greatly improving its texture. All the treatment formulations promote a trim, smooth and tone silhouette.

Caviar Essence Refine

Marie France Bodyline’s Caviar Essence is an anti-aging facial therapy that hydrates, rejuvenates, firms and smoothes the skin. The precision work of the therapist along with the powerful anti-oxidants of the protein-rich caviar has a direct effect on the skin’s health and look.

The Caviar Essence Refine with the Acu-Pressure Point Massage renews the skin and smooth fine lines. The innovative Caviar Matrix Mask infuses skin with age-defying nutrients to promote an even skin tone. The results of this treatment can be immediately noticed with a healthy and luminescent skin.

To book an appointment, please contact Marie France Bodyline, (T) +971 4 344 8760

375 B, Al Wasl Road, Dubai, UAE

www.mariefrance.ae

MN website - Register and Win

Dubai, UAE; November 24, 2010: Merle Norman Cosmetics has introduced the ‘Register and Win’ promotion. The first 100 people to register will win a customised Facial Treatment to suit the needs of any skin.  To register, visit www.merlenormanuae.com, and be the first to win a full session worth AED 250 to replenish one’s youthful glow.

Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios are located at Festival Centre, Dubai Festival City, Level 1 (04 2328566); Mirdiff City Centre, Level 1, South Entrance (04 2840770); and Sharjah Mega Mall, Level 2 (06 5748380). Merle Norman also offers Free Skin Assessments and Foundation Checks.

Introducing Budokon ® At Hayya! Health Clubs

Budokon is a playful artform drawing from two themes – yoga and martial techniques -  which constantly integrate and draw from each other. The Yoga theme focuses on control, power and precision, working to improve a range of motions and strength. Budokon combines these with the ground and standing martial techniques focused on agility, speed, focus and coordination. All Budokon techniques are designed to explore the body’s full range of motion. 

Time: for details on class schedules, call 800 Hayya (42992) or visit www.hayya.com

Venue: Hayya! Health Clubs

Hayya! Health Club Memberships add to Skywards Miles

Hayya! Health Clubs have tied up with Emirates Airline, giving you the opportunity to earn up to 15,000 Skywards miles when signing up for a membership. In addition to gaining Skywards miles members get a month’s membership free.

Single and couple members can earn 5,000 and 10,000 miles respectively while a family can earn 15,000 Skywards Miles. Membership includes access to a fully equipped gym, tennis and squash court, sports hall, swimming pool, steam rooms, jacuzzi, changing facilities & lockers. 

To book your complimentary 1 day trial, call us on 800 Hayya (42992). Email us on info@hayya.com Visit www.hayya.com.

Time: Hayya! Health Clubs are open from 6am to 10pm, seven days a week.

Price: Membership for single person is AED 5,050, couple AED 7,550 and a family AED 10,000.

Venue: Hayya! Health Clubs

Bawadi Mall hosts Tawam Hospital’s Mobile Mammography van for breast cancer screening

Al Ain, UAE,05 October, 2010:

BawadiMall_breastCancer

Bawadi Mall hosted Tawam Hospital’s Mobile Mammography van for breast cancer screening from September 30 to October 3. This was one of the most extensive awareness campaigns ever seen in the region organised by Tawam Hospital.

Tawam Hospital provided screening for women above the age of 40 living in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The annual campaign was organized by Tawam Hospital and supported by Seha, the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company, which is responsible for the curative activities of all the public hospitals and clinics in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Khalid Shraim, Marketing Manager, Bawadi Mall said: “We hosted this campaign because we believe that we can nip a disease in the bud if we diagnose it early. We want to contribute in enhancing the quality of life of people in Al Ain and we firmly believe that combating lifestyle diseases is part of raising the bar of their quality of living. We anticipate great success to this campaign by highlighting the sensitivity of breast cancer and need for regular checkups”.

Tawam Hospital’s ‘Early Detection is the Best Protection’ campaign comprises of daily and weekly awareness activities focused on educating women, men and families on the importance of early detection of breast cancer and the importance of regular screenings.

Shraim added: “This campaign is part of the CSR of Bawadi Mall to combat cancer which is now more spread amongst women in the Gulf. We hail the role of Tawam Hospital in combating this disease through early detection”.

Breast cancer is one of the most widespread cancers amongst women and diagnosing it late would make it hard to treat. There is 97 percent chance of full cure if it is detected early.

It is worth mentioning that 80 percent of tumors are not cancerous. A detailed clinical examination is required to know if it is malignant.

Cancer is number two cause of death amongst women, with 28 percent fatality rate in the UAE.

CDA, DHA press conference

Dubai, 3 October, 2010: As part of various initiatives to achieve its strategic objectives for the social sector, the Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai in co-operation with Dubai Health Authority (DHA) unveiled the details of a Mental Health Awareness Campaign at a press conference held at CDA’s headquarters.

The campaign aims to educate the community about the concept of positive mental health and provide the necessary advice to maintain it, as well as mental health facts and indicators. The two authorities seek to spread awareness on social mental health in public and private schools, universities, and Majalis Al Mamzar and Al Rashidiya.

The Mental Health Awareness Campaign coincides with the World Mental Health Day, commemorated by World Health Organisation on October 10. The campaign will be launched on Oct. 9 at Mirdif City Centre.

H.E Mr. Khaled Al Kamda, Director General – Community Development Authority said: “This initiative is part of CDA’s commitment to provide high quality social and health care services for the community. The campaign is an essential step in establishing stronger linkages between CDA and other concerned government departments to achieve the goals of social integration outlined by CDA. Together with Dubai Health Authority, we work to assure the social, health and mental welfare of all segments of the society.”

Mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, are widespread. One in every five people experiences a mental disorder in any given year. By 2020, the World Health Organization estimates that depression will be the second leading cause of premature death or disability worldwide.

Dr Hussein Al Masseih, social expert at CDA, said: “The campaign will focus on spreading awareness about the importance of mental health, correct misconceptions about mental illness and the stigma surrounding it, and educate people on how to deal positively with the mentally ill. For hundreds of years, mental illnesses have created distrust and fear, and people are reluctant to talk about their concerns, thoughts and feelings fearing the associated stigma”.

Taking about the collaboration between the Community Development Authority and DHA’s Community Mental Health Program to visit the chronically mentally ill in their homes, Dr. Alya Hamad Bin Ghanem Al Merri, Head of Psychiatry Section at Rashid Hospital said: “At the DHA, we stand behind our continued commitment to the deliver exemplary psychiatric and psychological services. As part of our Community Mental Health Program, we began visiting patients in their homes from February 2010.  Since then, we have noticed a significant decrease in hospitalization cases and we continue to receive positive feedback from our patients and their families. We welcome this opportunity to continue to extend our community services through this collaboration with the CDA’s social work department.”

Dr. Layla Abdulwahab Asamarai, Head of Psychology Section at the Rashid Hospital said: “Supporting the mental health campaign is a vital step in reaching out to the public and helping them realize the services available to them. At DHA, our commitment to mental health is continuously growing and within the last year, not only have we reopened state-of-the- art psychiatry wards but we have also developed a community mental health program and established a psychology section that provides in-patient and outpatient psychotherapy, counseling and psychological assessment to the hospital’s smoking cessation, cardiac rehabilitation, burn unit, HIV, diabetes, and trauma patients. At Rashid hospital, we are dedicated to a holistic model whereby we see our patients as whole people with multiple needs.”

As part of the Campaign, leaflets will be distributed covering aspects such as positive mental health, steps for good mental health, mental health facts and warning signs, the meaning of “stigma” and the means for the treatment of mental illness.

Enjoy healthy eating habits and achieve a perfect figure with Marie France Bodyline

Ramadan fasting and an over indulgent eid can play havoc with metabolism due to irregular eating patterns and a more sedentary lifestyle, which can lead to weight gain. Marie France Bodyline, the slimming professionals offer a full service solution to achieving slimming goals and glowing skin in no time.

Combined with a healthy diet and exercise plan created by an in-house nutritionist, Marie France suggests the innovative CelluSonic Impact Enhancement slimming programme to drain away unwanted fat. Coupled with the BioLymph High Symmetry System for that overall glowing face, visitors are sure to leave with a feeling of overall wellness.

CelluSonic Impact Enhancement (CIE)
CelluSonic Impact Enhancement is a breakthrough slimming programme from Marie France Bodyline which uses a combination of medically-proven low-frequency Ultrasound waves and Thermojet technology to break down cellulite and drain away liquefied fat.

This programme comprises 3 simple steps, which consist first in converting stubborn fats deposits to a liquid form. Then a Thermojet machine is used to detoxify and get rid of the liquefied fats, and the treatment ends with a body massage. 

The result of this treatment is a clear cellulite and fat reduction in a very short time.

BioLymph High Symmetry System (BHSS)
Marie France Bodyline’s BioLymph High Symmetry System (BHSS) is a revolutionary advanced technology that performs non-surgical facial re-contouring, with the activation of cellular ionic flow within the body’s lymphatic system.
This is a cutting-edge in modern skincare technology that consists of six key treatment stages. It is based on removing the toxins, cleansing the skin via ultrasound peeling, perfecting the tone of the skin and slowing down the aging process. Now the dream of having a healthy glowing and firm skin can be true.

Healthy Eating Tips from Marie France
Although there is no single blueprint for a healthy balanced diet, there are a few basic principles that are likely to be part of most healthy eating-plans.

1. Include Foods from All Food Groups: daily diet should include a variety of foods from all the main foods groups including meats, dairy, fresh fruits and vegetables and “good fats”.

2. Carbohydrate Should BE Low in Glycemic Value
Carbohydrates are an important part of your daily intake however, choose Carb-containing foods with a low value on the glycemic index to keep you satisfied longer, reduce cravings and help maintain stable blood glucose levels. You should include at least one low GIycemic food at every meal (whole grains, brown bread and rice, beans, lentils…)

3. Fat-intake
We all need fats, they helps nutrient absorption, nerve transmission, maintaining cell membrane integrity etc. However, the wrong type of fat contributes to weight gain, heart disease and certain types of cancer. The key is to replace bad fats with good fats such as nuts, avocado, salmon, and lean meats.

4. Eat More High-Fiber Foods
Eat fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, whole cereals and brown bread for healthy skin and improved digestion.

5. Beware Hidden Fats and Sugars (and Sodium)
Much of our intake of fat and sugar and sodium is typically from pre-packaged or prepared foods, such as: sauces, sodas, candy, soups, readymade meals etc. You should check the label and choose brands that are lower in sugar and saturated fat (”hydrogenated” or “trans-fats”) and sodium.

7. Choose Healthy Snacks
Eating regularly throughout the day maintains stable blood-glucose levels and helps maintain optimum metabolic rate. For healthy snacks, choose chopped fruit, chopped vegetables, nuts and seeds, wholegrain sandwiches, fresh lean meats, and mineral water.

General Tips
1- Breakfast is essential
2- Drink at least 1 ½ liters of water between meals
3- Chew food well and slowly
4- Boil, broil, grill and poach instead of frying.
5. Visit the Slimming experts Marie France Bodyline regularly for your weight loss program to maintain a healthy and slim body. Marie France Bodyline offers all natural slimming methods with no pills, injections or strenuous exercise. Slimming Body therapies include body wraps, latest slimming technology and massages. Originating from Switzerland with more than 20 years experience all over the world, Marie France Bodyline is the preferred choice for Dubai woman who aspire a slim, sleek and chic body.

By: Mamta Thakkar, UAE General Manager at Merle Norman

Mamta Thakkar

Ready to take a plunge in the pool or head to the beach and achieve that sun-kissed look? With the 40 degrees weather, it is time to seriously start thinking of taking extra precautions while basking in the sun.

The ultraviolet (UV) radiations from the sun have two effects on the skin: UVB cause burning, and UVA cause ageing.

Most supermarkets store sunscreens as it is known to be a must-have item for everyone, especially for this time of the year. But have you ever wondered what’s with the numbers and descriptions on the packages?

Sunscreens come with descriptions such as SPF - 15, 30, 45 etc. SPF, the abbreviation for Sun Protection Factor, is a measurement of the effectiveness of sunscreens. 

Normally, it takes about 20 minutes for a ‘light skinned individual’ to experience sun-burns if he or she is not wearing sunscreen protection.

At Merle Norman, we follow a simple equation to gauge the frequency of use of sunscreen. First, determine how long it would take you (in minutes) to burn without wearing sun protection, indicated by slight redness of the skin. Multiply the number by the SPF of the product, and divide it by 60 (minutes).

For instance, if you observe a sunburn sensation in 10 minutes and use SPF 30, multiply 10 by 30 = 300; divide by 60, which is 5; this corresponds to five hours; meaning, you have to apply the sunscreen every five hours.

Dermatologists recommend a teaspoon of sunscreen lotion for the face and approximately three tablespoons for the body. The more the sun protection applied, the better it is for your skin. Choose a sunscreen that provides protection against UVA and UVB rays. In case of excessive sweating or swimming, use products with water resistant formula and re-apply if you find the sunscreen wearing off.

The percentage of SPF content does not matter if applied based on the above equation. For example, by using a higher SPF sunscreen lotion or cream, you do not have to apply at more frequent intervals and a lower sunscreen product will need frequent re-applications.

While many people only associate sunscreen with a day out on the beach, it is to be remembered that even casual exposure to sun can be harmful to the skin. Remember! Effects of sun damage to the skin are irreversible and therefore prevention is the key! Sunscreen is thus an everyday use in the Gulf region, so slather on some even when going to the office!

Get Your Free 1 Day Trial At a Hayya! Health Club near you

This August take advantage of the exclusive summer offer at Hayya! Health Clubs. Sign up for a 3 month membership and get the 4th month FREE!

Hayya! health clubs offers fitness enthusiasts a range of facilities including a fully equipped gymnasium, personal training, tennis and squash courts, swimming pools, work out and dance classes as well as a range of activities for children. 

This offer applies to all four Hayya! Clubs located at The Lakes, Springs Town Centre, Meadows Village and The Old Town, Downtown Dubai. Limited memberships are available and terms & conditions apply.

For more information call 800 Hayya (42992), email info@hayya.com or visit www.hayya.com.

Date : Until August 31, 2010

Time : 6am – 10pm

Venue: Hayya! Health Clubs

Price  : Single: AED 1,345; Couple: AED 1,845; and Family: AED 2,345 for 3      months with 4th month membership free.
 
 

Reach Hayya! Participants

Dubai, UAE; August 7, 2010: Hayya!, Emaar Hospitality Group’s health and fitness brand, rewarded Sheena Kimatrai, the winner of the first Reach Hayya! weight-loss programme, with an annual membership to the Hayya! Health Club.

The 90-day Reach Hayya! contest had four participants who were offered a fitness regime to help them improve their health and lifestyle. They were chosen through a competition on radio where listeners were asked to provide the best reason as to why they need a rigorous fitness regime.

The exclusive programme featured a calorie-controlled meal plan offered by Live’ly, a concept designed to provide nutritional consultations and healthy food catering services. Personalised and professional fitness trainers at Hayya! helped the participants to gain stamina and strength while losing extra pounds.

Live’ly’s diet program followed a thorough nutritional evaluation and body analysis for all four participants and continuous guidance and support by licensed clinical dieticians. Accordingly a tailor made meal plan was formulated for every contestant and daily meals were prepared and delivered.

Mark Adrian Williamson, Senior Operations Manager of Hayya! said: “Hayya! believes in adding value to life and with this new programme we aim to motivate and inspire a number of people to work towards a healthier lifestyle. The Reach Hayya! programme has been scientifically packaged to ensure that even as participants lose weight they are continuously educated on how to maintain a healthy balance.”

During the competition, participants were free to work out at any of the Hayya! Health Clubs located in the city - at The Lakes, Town Centre, Meadows Village and The Old Town, Downtown Dubai. Participants were to visit Live’ly every two weeks for a body analysis test and a follow up session with their clinical dietician.

The exercise regimes at Hayya! included a 30 minute master class that involved body combat, body pump and body balance, circuit boot camp classes, yoga and aqua aerobics.

Membership to Hayya! Health Clubs allows access to all Hayya! facilities that are open from 6am to 10pm daily. Hayya! Clubs are family friendly and cater to all age groups. In addition to the above mentioned classes, members of the club can access aerobics and spinning studios, swimming and lap pools, children’s play areas, gymnasiums, squash and tennis courts, change room facilities, a restaurant, steam rooms and plunge pools. All facilities employ state-of-the-art equipment. For more information on Hayya! Health Clubs and to book your 1 Day Free Trial, call 800 Hayya (42992) or email info@hayya.com. Visit us at www.hayya.com. For more information on Live’ly, please visit www.lively.ae