• Offers the most creative and largest selection of balloon arrangements

Party World LLC, a leading event supply business, has launched its first store in the UAE located on the first floor of Palm Strip Mall on Jumeirah Beach Road.

Party World offers the entire spectrum of products and services to support all types of events, and has a special expertise in offering the most creative and largest selection of balloon arrangements.

The Party World repertoire includes plates, cutlery, cups, blowouts, confetti, invitation & thank you cards, balloons, costumes, wigs, accessories, party favors, gift wraps & bags, banners, and many more.

Suhair Ali Jehad, Owner, Party World LLC, said: “Events and parties are big business in Dubai. However, the seamless execution of these events also requires an assortment of products and services. With the opening of Party World in Dubai, we are offering a one-stop shop for all party and event needs.”

She added: “Apart from our speciality in balloon arrangements, a cost-effective way to make a spectacular impression, we also have distinctive themed items for events such as birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers, bridal showers, bachelorette party, graduation, Valentines Day, Halloween, National Day, Christmas, New Year and party themes including 70’s disco and Hollywood nights. The objective is to assure a distinctive party atmosphere for our clients.”

Party World’s artistic balloon arrangements include a far-reaching variety of designs and balloon types. Customers can easily order a balloon bouquet as gifts or choose balloon center pieces to place on tables, in addition to customized printed balloons, and balloon characters for decoration in all sizes such as a snow man, Winnie the Pooh, and Wall-e.

Party World’s balloon artists create the whole party setting by simply using balloons.

One of the store’s recent events was a Hawaii themed party that required an arch placed at the entrance, female and male hula characters dressed in beach outfits greeting guests as they walk to the ballroom, large palm trees, hanging sun and sky designed balloons and animals.

Ms Jehad added: “Our valued customers can easily order balloon arrangements by referring to the designs in our catalogues or by making an order as per their requirement. We meet the requirements of both individuals and businesses including event management companies.”

With a strong international clientele already, Party World provides a selection of entertainment activities and other miscellaneous requests such as bouncing castles, popcorn and candy machines, clowns, magicians and face painting. Depending on the size of the order, Party World also offers delivery service.

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About Party World LLC:

Party World LLC is one of the Dubai’s leading event supply businesses. The flagship store is located on the first floor of Palm Strip Mall on Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1.

The store offers a large range of items to host the most unique and fun events such as plates, cutleries, cups, blowouts, confetti, invitation & thank you cards, balloons, costumes, wigs, accessories, party favors, gift wraps & bags, banners, and many more.

Party World accommodates for any occasion including birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers, bridal showers, bachelorette party, graduation, Valentines Day, Halloween, National Day, Christmas New Years and funky party themes such as 70’s disco and Hollywood nights.

One of Party World’s specialties is providing artistic balloon arrangements including balloon bouquet as gifts, balloon center pieces, customized printed balloons, and balloon characters and objects for decoration in all sizes including a snow man, Winnie the Pooh, arches, palm trees and animals.

Party World also provides a selection of entertainment activities for hire such as bouncing castles, popcorn and candy machines, clowns, magicians and face painting.

For more information, please contact:

Suhair Ali Jehad

Party World LLC

Tel: 04 345 9877

Fax: 04 345 9855

Mob: 050 4833090

Email: partyworlddubai@gmail.com

Al Qasba Development Authority has announced that its activity plans for the month of Ramadan, ‘Ramadaniat Al Qasba,’ will include; organizing illumination art and Arabic calligraphy demonstrations and hosting Islamic lectures and raising money for the poor and needy.

‘Ramadaniat Al Qasba’ has been held at Al Qasba every year since 2005 Its religious and cultural events and activities which are inspired by the spirit of Ramadan are suitable for all the family. This year, activities will include;

“Cosmos Mosaic” which is being organised in cooperation with the Sharjah Department of Culture and Information and will include Arabic calligraphy and Art of Illumination  workshops and Art calligraphy by Arabic artist and calligrapher like Mohammed Noury and Musaab Al Doory.

“Al Eman Oasis” tent which will host a variety of Islamic lectures by some of the top scholars like Dr. Saleh Bin Saad Al-Suhaimi, and Dr. Abdullah Al- Sharike Al-Rashidi. These lectures will play a key role in educating visitors; especially non-Muslims about the virtues of Ramadan and In an aim to educate non Muslim about the virtues of this holy month, Mr. Ihab Nader and Dr. Ahmed Suleiman will be giving lectures in English.

The UAE Red Crescent and Sharjah Charity Organisation will also participate in this year’s event, and will help raise money for the needy during Ramadan.

In addition, Al Qasba will undergo a new look for Ramadan. This new look will reflect the distinctive character of the month of Ramadan and will include palm trees bridges and buildings decorated with lanterns and Arabian mosaics.

Dina Al Nakhi, Events Manager at Al Qasba’s Development Authority said:

“As the annual event of Ramadaniat Al Qasba always attracts large numbers of visitors, Al Qasba Development Authority is pleased to announce that we will be hosting renowned Arabic scholars in the Eman Oasis tent who will hold various religious lectures on Islam and issues affecting our daily lives.”

Al Qasba restaurants will have special Ramadan treats for everyone with mouth watering Iftar and Suhoor meals where visitors can enjoy a variety of culinary delights, with traditional Ramadan meals and dishes.

Ramadaniat Al Qasba 2009 is inspired by the holy spirit of the month and prides itself on organizing events that attract a wide variety of age groups and nationalities as well as UAE Nationals, expats and visitors.

For more information please visit www.alqasba.ae

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About Al Qasba Development Authority

Al Qasba Development Authority was established as per the directives of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to oversee the development of Al Qasba, into an impressive entertainment, leisure and cultural hub of the Middle East. Chaired by H.E Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qassimi, the Authority seeks to reinforce the Emirate position as the cultural capital of the region and promote the flow of learning and information within specific disciplines. On March 2008, Qanat Al Qasba was re-branded as Al Qasba.

For further information, please contact

Randa Kamal

O2 Public Relations

Tel: 050 188 97 44  or

Email: randa.k@o2pr.net

• Unique perspective of the 33,000 aquatic animals below

• Tour guides to educate visitors on the various aquatic animals

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo at The Dubai Mall has launched innovative Glass-bottom boat rides to add to the visitors’ thrill and entertainment. The boat tours take guests across the surface of the aquarium’s ten million litre tank, offering incredible views of the aquatic animals below, including sharks, rays and giant groupers. Each ride is led by a tour guide who educates the visitors on the aquatic life they encounter below.

The Glass-bottom boat rides allow visitors to experience several fascinating aspects of marine life, and provide them a bird’s eye view of the aquarium. Starting with the spectacular sight of Cownose Rays, which circle in flocks near the surface, the rides also offer an unprecedented overview of the various habitats of the diverse aquatic animals.

The various species in Dubai Aquarium, which replicates an ocean environment, have their own marked territories at different levels of the tank, as they do at sea. Nurse Sharks, Fantail Rays, Guitarfish and all the small reef associated species are commonly found on the ocean’s bed while the sharks prefer to be in the darker rocky areas and caves. Rays have a preference for being near the water surface, where they flap their wings and glide on in perfect poise. The Giant Trevally, Bigeye Trevally, Rainbow Runners and Batfish are among others species that tend to prefer the water surface.

Reactions from visitors have been enthusiastic. Mr Varun Vaidya, a tourist from India, said: “The boating experience was indeed awesome.”

Mr Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Retail, said: “The Glass-bottom boat rides have created much hype at the aquarium. The experience offers visitors a unique opportunity to watch and study the fascinating aquatic animals from close encounters. The boat rides are a great complement to the shark dives which have also been launched to immense success.”

To enjoy the Glass-bottom boat rides, visitors need only pay an additional AED 25 to their Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo ticket. Add on a fish feed from the glass-bottom boat for only AED 5. The boats are operational throughout the day and each boat can accommodate up to ten guests, with each journey across the aquarium’s surface lasting around 15 minutes.

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For further information, please contact:

Roisin Lillis / Meral Hassan

ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller

Tel: (+971 4) 334 4550

E-mail: r.lillis@asdaa.com, m.hassan@asdaa.com

Two cities in Thailand, Bangkok and Chiang Mai, were voted among the top 10 cities in the world for 2009, at Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards

Two cities in Thailand, Bangkok and Chiang Mai, were voted among the top 10 cities in the world for 2009, at Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, the results of which were published in the August 2009 issue of the magazine.

Travel + Leisure readers selected Bangkok and Chiang Mai as the third and fifth best cities in the world, respectively — as well as second and third best cities in Asia, while the popular islands of Phuket and Ko Samui were awarded the third and fifth best islands in Asia.

Among The Top 100 Hotels in the world, eight were in Thailand, including the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai (#7), the Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok (#20) and the Anantara Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai (#53). Additionally, 11 Thai hotels were also named among the top 40 resorts and city hotels in Asia.

The 14th Annual Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards ranks the best cities, hotels, resorts, cruises and airlines worldwide. The awards are the results of an annual, impartial survey that allows its readers to vote for their favourite travel destinations around the world.

Thailand has seen an increase in passengers arriving from the Middle East of 18 percent in the first six months of 2009, over last year.

”The UAE is a strong Market for Thailand where many visitors come seeking the famous Thai hospitality, as well as for medical tourism which is becoming more and more popular and is a favourite destination for the region’s families,” said Pramoth Supyen, Director Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Dubai & Middle East.

“Despite what is happening in the worldwide tourism industry, travellers from the UAE have increased by 21.9% over last year.”

To celebrate these awards, people flying Thai Airways from the UAE, Oman, and Kuwait, will get receive one free ticket to see the enchanting show of www.siamniramit.com, a one hour of foot massage at the www.chiangmaioasis.com; a 50% discount at www.siamoceanworld.com; and 10% discount at central stores, until September 30.

Thailand is also waiving visa fees for visitors to Thailand until March 2010.

For more information please contact:

Zeid Malhas

Marketing Manager

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT Dubai & Middle East Office)

Tel: + 971-4- 325-0184-5

Fax: +971-4-325-0187

www.tourismthailand-middleast.org

www.tourismthailand.org

• Campaign celebrates the one-million plus visitor milestone

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, the popular leisure attraction at The Dubai Mall, recently welcomed its 1,111,111th paid visitor with a whole host of fantastic prizes. Mr Awad Mohammed Al Kabbi, a UAE national, received the grand prize of a dream holiday for two to Mauritius including Emirates Airline return tickets and a four night stay at the exquisite One&Only Le Saint Géran.

Mr Damien Prendergast, General Manager of Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, presented the prize to Mr Awad Mohammed Al Kabbi. He also presented other prizes including a dinner for two at Fazaris restaurant at The Address Downtown Burj Dubai; sporting goods vouchers from Stadium Store worth AED 3,000; and Sharaf DG vouchers worth AED 5,000!

The special campaign to celebrate the 1,111,111th paid visitor to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo was organised in association with Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority; One&Only Le Saint Géran, Mauritius; Emirates Airline; Virgin 104.4; Stadium; Sharaf DG and The Address Hotels + Resorts.

Mr Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Retail, said: “Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo opens doors to an amazing diversity of aquatic animals and is one of Dubai’s most popular family attractions. We recently crossed our 1,000,000th visitor within seven months of operation, which was a milestone in itself. To celebrate the popularity of the destination and to reward our visitors for their continued patronage, we decided to offer the unique 1,111,111th visitor with an unforgettable holiday and a host of prizes.”

Mr Awad Mohammed Al Kabbi said: “I am really happy and surprised to be the winner. I have heard a lot about the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and this is my first visit. I can’t believe my luck and it is wonderful to be part of this unique celebration for Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.”

Dr A Karl Mootoosamy, Director of Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, said: “Mauritius is very proud to be associated with Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo at The Dubai Mall. Aligning with such a strong brand, as Emaar, will certainly reinforce our image in the Middle East market and we will continue to focus our efforts in intensifying our presence in this region. It gives us great pleasure to welcome the lucky winner to experience the many activities and diversity the island has to offer.”

Featuring a rich diversity of aquatic animals including Sand Tiger Sharks, Rays, Giant Groupers, Penguins, Seals, Crocodiles and a mind-boggling variety of fish, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is spread over two levels of The Dubai Mall. Shark Dives, which are open to certified divers and to those who have never dived before, are popular with young and old alike. The recently introduced Glass Bottom boat rides throughout the day are also extremely popular with the public.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo complements other leisure attractions such as the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink and The Waterfall, which traverses all four levels of the mall.

The Dubai Mall will soon open a dedicated Entertainment Precinct featuring SEGA Republic, the largest of its kind indoor family theme park; KidZania®, an award winning children’s ‘edu-tainment’ concept; and Reel Cinemas, a 22-screen megaplex.

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For further information, please contact:

Kelly Home / Roisin Lillis

ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller

Tel: (+971 4) 334 4550

E-mail: k.home@asdaa.com, r.lillis@asdaa.com

Hafedh Bakir, Business Solutions Manager for Amadeus MEA

Amadeus, a global leader in technology and distribution solutions for the travel and tourism industry, today announced that Hafedh Bakir, Business Solutions Manager for Amadeus MEA region has joined the company’s regional hub team to further service and boost the company’s reach among the travel agencies in the Middle East.

Hafedh will report to Eric Bézard, Senior Manager, Business Solutions for Amadeus MEA, and will play a key role in supporting and contributing to the regional sales and e-commerce team that has been setup to oversee the growth and development of customers in the region.

Commenting on the appointment Eric Bézard, Senior Manager, Business Solutions, Middle East and Africa, Amadeus said, “Hafedh, with his industry background and experience will be an asset to our operations in the region. Having him based in Dubai strengthens our regional team’s efforts in providing to travel agency solutions and improves our proximity and response to the solution needs of our customers. Our team now consists of two Business Solutions Managers, supported by an e-Commerce Engineer and a Sales Engineer. Representatives from other business lines are also part of our Regional Hub including global customers IT solutions, regional business development, human resources.”

Following Amadeus agreement with Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO) in 2008, Hafedh took the responsibility of supporting the new local Amadeus Commercial Organizations, namely, Yemen, Syria, Kuwait and Lebanon, in bringing the latest  Amadeus technology and deploying the most effective solutions in these markets.

Currently, Hafedh’s geographical responsibilities include the markets of Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Yemen and Tunisia where he is in charge of  Amadeus solutions and products strategy.

Hafedh joined Amadeus in 1997 and was in charge of putting in place the Amadeus strategy of all Amadeus ticketing products within the Corporate Strategy Department. He has been working for Amadeus in the Middle East region for the last seven years and has a direct knowledge of these markets’ challenges and opportunities in the travel arena.

Prior to Amadeus, Hafedh was Head of Commercial for ADP (a Billing and Settlement Plan Processing Company) in Paris. He has also worked earlier with Tunisair as IT Project Manager in charge of Revenue Accounting applications.

Hafedh holds an Information Technologies Degree from the Paris University.

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Notes to the editors

Amadeus is the chosen technology partner for providers, sellers, and buyers of travel. The company provides distribution, IT and point-of-sale solutions to help its customers adapt, grow and succeed in the fast changing travel industry. Customer groups include travel providers (airlines, hotels, car rental companies, railway companies, ferry lines, cruise lines, insurance companies and tour operators), travel sellers (travel agencies) and travel buyers (corporations and travellers). Solutions are grouped in four solution categories – Distribution & Content, Sales & e-Commerce, Business Management and Services & Consulting.

Amadeus has central sites in Madrid (corporate headquarters & marketing), Nice (development) and Erding (Operations – data processing centre) and regional offices in Miami, Buenos Aires and Bangkok. At market level, Amadeus maintains customer operations in 76 countries covering more than 215 markets.

The company is owned by WAM Acquisition, whose shareholders are BC Partners, Cinven, Air France, Iberia and Lufthansa. Amadeus employs over 8,500 employees worldwide, representing 105 nationalities.

More information about Amadeus is available at: www.amadeus.com

Contact details

Priscilla Stanley/ Mohammed Kharroubi

ASDA’A Public Relations

P O Box 28063

Dubai, UAE

Tel : (971 4) 3344550

E-mail: p.stanley@asdaa.com / m.kharroubi@asdaa.com

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau’s (SLTPB) Middle East office has announced official support for the forthcoming Lanka Challenge,

a ten-day charity adventure rickshaw race taking place in Sri Lanka during September. Lanka Challenge 09 will see adventurous travellers from around the world navigate through the beautiful terrains of Sri Lanka from 5th to 15th September 2009, in an auto rickshaw.

“Such sporting events help in generating global media exposure for Sri Lanka and SLTPB seeks to successfully capitalize on this heightened international awareness of the island nation in the post-conflict era to publicize the country’s top class hospitality industry and sporting attractions,” said Ms Heba Al Ghais Al Mansoori, Middle East Director of SLTPB.

“Sri Lanka’s first-class sporting facilities and ideal year-round weather make it an ideal destination for an action-packed holiday. The variety of sports on offer varies from deep-sea fishing to river rafting and from golf to cricket,” remarked Ms. Al Mansoori.

The Lanka Challenge is organized by Large Minority and endorsed and supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau in partnership with Let’s Travel Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.

The ten-day charity rickshaw race, will give teams of two or three a close up and personal experience of some of the most fascinating historical sites and natural delights of the spice island, while raising money for local and international charities.

Julian Carnall and Juan Paredes, both partners of Large Minority who conceived and are organising the event said: “The Lanka Challenge is an adventure race with a charity element to it, targeting international participants. Through our event we intend to promote tourism, help the local community and improve the country’s international image. This is the perfect time to present the new face of Sri Lanka, and to give something back to the people. It is a country that we both admire very much.”

The Lanka Challenge team has partnered with charities based in Sri Lanka as well as the Red Cross Foundation. A total of 10 per cent of each team’s entry fee will be split evenly between the two main partner charities.

Regardless of whether it’s excitement or relaxation that you crave, Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and history is sure to captivate and charm visitors as evidenced by countless travellers who have visited throughout the ages. The island is only four hours flying time from the Gulf and travelling there is easy with several international flights connecting to Colombo Airport.

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For further information, please contact:

BIZ COM - For Proactive Communications

P.O. Box 48889; Dubai – UAE

T: +97143320888

F: +97143320999

E: info@bizcom.ae

SOURCE: 7-Days - Religious Revival - Read full article here

Now in its second week, the ‘Big House of Fun’ is continuing to attract a vast number of Sharjah residents and visitors, revealed officials at Al Qasba Development Authority. The Big House of Fun which was launched on June 25^th and runs until July 25^th includes various entertaining, educational and scientific activities, in participation with the Sharjah Natural History and Botanical Museum.

The Sharjah Natural History and Botanical Museum is participating in the environment awareness zone where representatives are displaying different types of local plants and seeds, and educating visitors about their different benefits and uses. Visitors to the zone are able to take part in daily activities such as drying plants and creative shell workshops as well as viewing rare photos of Hawks and animals that face extinction. The Sharjah Natural History and Botanical Museum is also holding a special lecture on protecting the natural environment and how to preserve animals and hawks native to the UAE.

Dina Al Nakhi Events Manager, Al Qasba Development Authority, said:

“The first week of the Big House of Fun has attracted a lot of visitors. I believe that the variation of activities we have planned for this year has been one of the major reasons behind our success. By introducing cultural and environmental activities, we have been able to strengthen our position as the premier tourist, cultural and entertainment destination in the Emirate of Sharjah and the UAE.’’

The “Big House of Fun” activities are being held daily until July 25^th in a special air-conditioned tent from 5 pm -11 pm. The tent is divided into various sections, namely the stage, the fun zone and shops’ section, which includes a variety of shops selling toys, stationery, and entertaining games. The tent also includes various sections where educational workshops are held, educating children as well as adults on the importance of adopting environmental friendly approaches, teaching them various scientific facts about the earth, as well as holding Art and craft workshops.

For more information please visit www.alqasba.ae

-END-

About Al Qasba Development Authority

Al Qasba Development Authority was established as per the directives of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to oversee the development of Al Qasba, into an impressive entertainment, leisure and cultural hub of the Middle East. Chaired by H.E Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qassimi, the Authority seeks to reinforce the Emirate position as the cultural capital of the region and promote the flow of learning and information within specific disciplines. On March 2008, Qanat Al Qasba was re-branded as Al Qasba.

For further information, please contact

Randa Kamal

O2 Public Relations

Tel: 050 188 97 44 or

Email: randa.k@o2pr.net