Friends and family gather together for the holiday season at Cipriani Yas Island

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS, CIPRIANI STYLE Friends and family gather together for the holiday season at Cipriani Yas Island

(19th November, 2014 – Dubai) The holiday season is full of cheer, gifts and dazzling lights all of which are incomplete without the core element of genuine hospitality. Cipriani Yas Island sets the scene for a timeless dining experience, complete with a special festive menu and warmth which extends far beyond the cuisine. Families dine easy this season with a tailored menu created just for children, inviting loved ones to gather together and feel at home at the Italian hotspot. Captivate your senses with a twinkling Christmas tree, the fragrance of a specially prepared four-course menu in the air and a live band setting the mood performing Holiday music and smooth Jazz. Guests prepare for a culinary journey like no other starting with traditional appetizers including creamy Fresh Burrata in Foglia to rouse the appetite. Enticing festive themed favorites such as Baked Tagliolini with Smoked Turkey are offered as the middle course to continue this incredible dining experience. For the main event, indulge a juicy Angus Fillet served with mushroom sauce or delectable Pan Seared Monkfish served with a side of flavorful rice pilaf. The grand finale of the evening is reserved for the signature homemade desserts, including Ice cream with Nougat freshly whipped ‘A la Minute’ or original Arrigo Cipriani recipe of ‘Panettone’, served perfectly portioned -not to add guilt to a wonderfully seasoned night. Homemade holiday cookies are also served, wrapping up the magical evening with a touch of festive nostalgia. With glass windows and wrap around terraces, Cipriani Yas Island overlooks the magnificent, docked yachts, making it the perfect place for guests to bid the year good bye. As the clock strikes midnight, raise a celebratory glass from your complimentary bottle of bubbly while delighting in traditional heart-warming Stewed Lentils for some Italian good luck. Diners and their loved ones are greeted warmly with festive decorations, welcome Bellinis and a palate-pleasing New Year’s menu including King Crab, Seared Tuna ‘Scottato’ with Braised Fennel and Salmon Tartare. As guests fill up with festive joy, they can indulge in hearty dishes such as Roast Baby Lamb with Artichokes ‘alla Romana’. The dining experience at the cosy restaurant is complete with a selection of mouth-watering desserts such as the classic Vanilla Meringue. Enhancing the night until the final countdown with festive tunes will be the all-star Lounge Hank featuring Kanji, the kanoun virtuoso; and Edd Win and Dia, two talented versatile singers Experience the holiday season like never before with Italian restaurant Cipriani Yas Island for a celebration of culinary delights and magical moments.    Festive Menu Price: AED 350 per person From December 1st to 23rd, corporate dinners will be available with a set menu On December 25th and 26th, an A la carte or festive menu will be available New Year’s Menu Price: AED 1,200 per person Available on New Year’s Eve   About Cipriani, Yas Island Opened in November of 2010, Cipriani Yas Island is the brand’s first foray into the Middle East. Closing in November 2012 for the large scale refurbishment of Yas Island, it re-opened its doors to the public on October 15, 2013. About Cipriani Cipriani was established in 1931 in Venice, Italy by Giuseppe Cipriani by opening the legendary Harry’s Bar which catered to illustrious clientele for over four decades with the likes of Ernest Hemingway. It was recognized in 2001 by the Italian Ministry of Cultural Arts as a cultural landmark and was the birthplace of the famous Carpaccio and popular elite cocktail the ‘Bellini’. Today it has presence in the United States, Europe, Middle East and Southeast Asia. Operating in 11 cities; Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Ibiza, Monte Carlo, Porto Cervo, Venice, Bodrum, Istanbul, Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, and a  new project is under way in Mexico City.

Baruni and Professionelle Boutique to launch UAE National Day dresses

Baruni and Professionelle Boutique to launch UAE National Day dresses

The collection, supported by pan-Arab celebrity ‘Alaa Shaker’, features UAE flag colours

Dubai, UAE, 13 November 2014: Fadwa Baruni, the renowned pan-Arab fashion designer, has joined hands with Professionelle Boutique, a contemporary multi-brand boutique to launch a special collection themed on the UAE National Day.

A number of the dresses will be available at Professionelle Boutique in Dubai Mall as of today and until the National Day on 2 December 2014.

Baruni’s UAE National Day Dress cleverly incorporates the colours of the UAE Flag, while retaining the signature elegance of Baruni, using high quality fabrics, mainly silk.

“We have created some chic patriotic dresses to celebrate the UAE’s special day in style. The idea of the dresses came from my sense of gratitude to the UAE and respect for the country and I have tried to subtly convey the spirit of the occasion,” said Baruni.

“We have aimed for a sophisticated take on the national colors using only touches of a sizzling shade of red, complemented by black as well as white which represents clarity. As for the green of the flag, we have used the deep shade of this colour to round out the design.”

Baruni has been strongly supported by celebrity and actress, Alaa Shaker, who will promote the dress and bring the significance of this occasion to the UAE community. Baruni has also collaborated with the celebrity photographer Mohammed Al Marzouqi and Poupa Salon & Nail Spa to execute the project in record time.

“This is a matter of great pride for us to remind the multi-cultural community of the beautiful national colours,” added Baruni.

The new dress will be available for reviewing on Baruni Facebook page and at Professionelle Boutique which is located next to Galleries Lafayette in the Dubai Mall. Professionelle has become a popular stop for fashion connoisseurs who are looking for latest fashion trends from around the world. Professionelle Boutique is on Level 1 of the Dubai Mall facing Shakespeare and Co, with easy access through Grand Parking.

UAE national pride soars high above Majid Al Futtaim’s shopping malls

UAE national pride soars high above Majid Al Futtaim’s shopping malls 

UAE Flag Day to mark His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s accession as President of the UAE

Dubai, UAE, November 3, 2014 – Majid Al Futtaim’s six shopping malls across the UAE demonstrated a unified show of patriotism and national pride for UAE Flag Day today, initiative announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.

A series of UAE National Flags were raised high above Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Ajman, City Centre Deira, City Centre Fujairah, City Centre Mirdif and City Centre Sharjah at noon today, creating a great moment for the nation and also commemorating theUAE’s founding fathers who hoisted the flag 43 years ago. The mall’s social media pages also joined in the festivities, raising digital flags to spread the spirit. The flags will remain up until the 43^nd UAE National Day on December 2^nd.

About Majid Al Futtaim http://www.majidalfuttaim.com/en/page/holding

Founded in 1992, Majid Al Futtaim is the leading shopping mall, retail and leisure pioneer across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

A remarkable business success story, Majid Al Futtaim started from one man’s vision to transform the face of shopping, entertainment and leisure, and to create great moments for everyone, every day. It has since grown into one of the United Arab Emirates’ most respected and successful businesses spanning 12 international markets, employing over 26,000 people, and achieving the highest credit rating (BBB) among privately-held corporates in the Middle East.

Majid Al Futtaim owns and operates 17 shopping malls, 11 hotels and three mixed-use communities in MENA, with further developments underway in the region. This includes Mall of the Emirates, City Centre malls, and also 4 community malls which are in joint venture with the Government of Sharjah. It holds exclusive rights to the Carrefour franchise in 19 markets across MENA and Central Asia, operating a portfolio of over 50 hypermarkets and over 60 supermarkets in 14 countries. 

Majid Al Futtaim operates 109 VOX Cinemas screens and 16 Magic Planets across the region in addition to iconic leisure and entertainment facilities such as Ski Dubai and iFly Dubai among others. Majid Al Futtaim is parent to the consumer finance company issuing 'Najm' credit cards, a fashion retail business representing international brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Juicy Couture and Halston Heritage and a healthcare business. In addition, it also has a joint venture operation with Dalkia and has recently expanded into food & beverage in partnership with Gourmet Gulf.

Monte Carlo Stars in Dubai Marina reports huge bookings for World Cup Brazil-Germany and Netherlands-Argentina semifinals

 Monte Carlo Stars in Dubai Marina reports huge bookings for World Cup Brazil-Germany and Netherlands-Argentina semifinals

Regular fans wait with bated breath for the European-South American contest

Dubai, UAE, 8^th July 2014: Monte Carlo Stars, a top destination that is offering the World Cup matches at the largest terrace overlooking Dubai Marina, has reported huge bookings for the two semifinals between Brazil vs Germany on Tuesday and Netherlands vs Argentina on Wednesday.

Ibrahim Al Sheikh, General Manager, Monte Carlo Stars Dubai, said: “The 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil matches were full of action since the start of the tournament last month. Fans representing the different cultures living in the UAE turned up in large number to watch the games. The two semifinals are both contests between European and South American soccer giants and our patrons are fully geared to enjoy the two matches that promise to take football action to new heights.”

“A European team has never won the World Cup played in the Americas and German fans are looking forward to witness this record being broken this year, while the Netherlands appear to be equally confident to trouncing Argentina,” says xxx, yyyy, a daily visitor at Monte Carlo Stars since the start of the tournament.

Describing Monte Carlo Stars as the destination with the most spectacular views of the Dubai Marina and bosting the largest marina terrace area, Al Sheikh says fans are worried that Brazil won’t make it without their star Neymar who was injured in the last match, while others feel they will win as they are playing in their homeland!

Al Sheikh added that World Cup was a great experience for Monte Carlo Stars employees as even they have joined in supporting their favourite teams and arguing on their chances. Monte Carlo Stars has created a great ambience for visitors who are coming here for Iftars and Suhoors as well as to watch the World Cup matches.

Argentina has reached its first World Cup semifinal in 24 years. Lionel Messi is hailed as the Diego Maradona of 2014, who can play a key role in their fight against Holland and take them to the finals.

Al Sheikh feels The Netherlands, who also made it to the final in the last World Cup, are a great candidate. We at Monte Carlo Stars were amazed with the rapidly growing fan base of The Netherlands team. You find fans analyzing their way of playing with great admiration, he added.

Monte Carlo Stars have offered fans a combination of soccer action and competing nations’ cuisine, which added to the World Cup excitement throughout the Cup matches.

Al Sheikh said that blending football with food was highly successful during the four-week feast of football and Monte Carlo Stars will continue to provide a welcoming atmosphere to visitors watching sports or coming to enjoy Dubai Marina ambience.”

Al Sheikh concluded: “We have offered an ambience that was very similar to watching the matches from the heart of the stadiums in Brazilian cities.”

19 individual TV screens, two large screen projectors and a giant TV screen are sure to offer a rush of adrenaline to World Cup fans.

Al Sheikh added that the adrenaline rush is high for the semi finals and final matches. He said: “All the matches will climax with the finals July 13 to crown the world champion. Now it is the Americas against the Europeans in the semi finals and we don’t know how it will look like during the finals after one week from now.”

Just Falafel introduces Rio Wrap in time for the World Cup

Just Falafel introduces Rio Wrap in time for the World Cup

DUBAI, UAE:In celebration of the 2014 Brazilian World Cup, Just Falafel is announcing the debut of an exciting  new flavour, the ‘Rio Wrap’  a sandwich that is bringing the spirit of the World Cup to the menu.

Starting Thursday, customers can taste the flavours of Latin America that will be available in all UAE restaurants. Filled with the finest fresh ingredients and our chef’s very own home-made piquant Peri-Peri infused sauce reflecting the colourful Latin American cuisine.

The “Rio Wrap” will only be available for a short time during the tournament, but who knows it could become a firm favourite if it makes you want to Samba dance in any of our restaurants!

This will be a new addition to Just Falafel’s internationally-diverse menu; wrap sandwiches such as the Italian, Emirati, Greek, Egyptian, Japanese, Indian, Mexican Quesadilla and Burrito and American burger. Earlier this year, Just Falafel introduced ‘superfoods’ ingredients including Chia seeds and Quinoa, which give a healthy boost to our authentic menu.

Visit http://www.facebook.com/justfalafel for more information.

About Just Falafel: 

Established in 2007, Just Falafel's vision is to create specialised centres of excellence in fast food, elevating the status of the falafel from the Middle East to a global phenomenon, while keeping in mind superior quality, taste, and value. Just Falafel focuses on bringing all ethnic varieties of falafel under one roof, around the Middle East and around the world.

As an authentic, vegetarian, ethnic, nutritional and healthy alternative to the usual fast food options, Just Falafel received a number of awards and nominations for its achievements. In 2013, it was awarded the top rank in the Dubai SME 100 and “Business of the Year” by the Gulf Capital SME Info Award.

For more information, visit: www.justfalafel.com