AQUAVENTURE WINS ‘BEST RECREATION FACILITIES’ AWARD AT MIDDLE EAST HOTEL AWARDS

AQUAVENTURE WINS ‘BEST RECREATION FACILITIES’ AWARD AT MIDDLE EAST HOTEL AWARDS

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 10 June 2015: The Middle East Hotel Awards, the prestigious event that seeks to identify, highlight and reward excellence across the region’s hotel industry, have recognised Atlantis, The Palm’s Aquaventure in the ‘Best Recreation Facilities’ category, reinforcing its status as a must-visit international destination.

Aquaventure, the ideal family attraction, is the largest and most excitement-packed water-themed experience attraction in Dubai and the No. 1 waterpark in Middle East and Europe. An icon of the Dubai tourism scene, guests at Atlantis, The Palm receive unlimited access to the waterpark with each visit.

“Two years ago, Aquaventure underwent a massive expansion, strengthening its position as the finest waterpark in Middle East and Europe,” says Scott Deisley, Vice President, Aquaventure Operations at Atlantis, The Palm. “We are extremely proud to be recognised at The Middle East Hotel Awards in the ‘Best Recreation Facilities’ category. We will continue to exceed the expectations of our guests, offering them a fun-filled adventurous summer experience this year.”

Rising from the Arabian Gulf, Aquaventure contains 18 million litres of fresh water that is used to power 11 thrilling waterslides and a 2.3 km river ride with tidal waves and pools, water rapids and white water chargers. The waterpark includes awe inspiring water rides, a record breaking zipline circuit and non-stop water play, the signature elements of Aquaventure Waterpark.  It spans 17 beachfront hectares along the apex of The Palm’s crescent, and two enormous towers packed with rides including Poseidon’s Revenge which offers the most extreme thrills with two trapdoors, a terrifying 20 metre drop and the first duel racing loops in the world, and Slitherine, the world’s first ever dual waterslides within a waterslide allowing competitive friends to race all the way to the bottom with a timer system displaying scores at the end. In addition to Aquaconda and Zoomerango are thrilling six person rafting adventures.  Aquaconda is the world’s largest waterslide and offers fun careening while Zoomerango has a huge near vertical drop before riders hit a massive vertical wall that allows them to experience weightlessness. Atlantean Flyers which is the longest zipline circuit in the Middle East and offers a thrilling treetop view of the park, beach and The Palm Island.

Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai earlier launched its summer packages that include, in addition unlimited access to Aquaventure, daily breakfast and lunch or dinner for every night of stay, along with unlimited access to the mythical Lost Chambers Aquarium boasting over 65,000 marine animals. Added extras also include free entrance to Atlantis Kids Club or Club Rush per child per day, preferential rates of up to 30% off retail price when swimming with the dolphins at Dolphin Bay or meeting the sea lions at Sealion Point as well as a 2 for 1 head, neck and shoulder massage at ShuiQi Spa.

This year’s edition of The Middle East Hotel Awards attracted record number of entries. 50 hotels were shortlisted in 21 categories, out of a total of 400 entries.

For more information about Aquaventure Waterpark, visit: www.atlantisthepalm.com/marine-water-park/aquaventure-waterpark

About Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai

Atlantis, The Palm is the first entertainment resort destination in the region and located at the centre of the crescent of The Palm in Dubai. Opened in September 2008, the unique ocean-themed resort features a variety of marine and entertainment attractions, as well as 17 hectares of waterscape amusement at Aquaventure Waterpark, all within a 46 hectare site. It is home to one of the largest open-air marine habitats in the world, with over 65,000 marine animals in lagoons and displays including The Lost Chambers Aquarium, a maze of underwater corridors and passageways providing a journey through ancient Atlantis. Aquaventure features 18 million litres of fresh water used to power thrilling waterslides, a 2.3 kilometre river ride with tidal waves and pools, water rapids and white water chargers. Dolphin Bay, the unparalleled dolphin conservation and education habitat, and Sea Lion Point were created to provide guests a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn more about one of nature’s most friendly mammals.  Atlantis, The Palm is also known as the culinary destination in the region with a collection of world-renowned restaurants including Nobu and Ronda Locatelli. The resort boasts an impressive collection of luxury boutiques and shops as well as extensive meeting and convention facilities.

Abu Issa Holding opens GCC’s first Degrenne Paris flagship store in Dubai at Citywalk

Abu Issa Holding opens GCC’s first Degrenne Paris flagship store in Dubai at Citywalk

Degrenne is targeting UAE’s $75 million culinary and tableware industry, as residential sector and hospitality projects boom

Dubai, UAE, 30 April 2015: Abu Issa Holding, a leading business conglomerate in the Middle East, has launched the GCC’s first flagship store of Degrenne Paris, the leading French manufacturer of exclusive home and kitchenware, in Dubai, at Citywalk, on Al Wasl Road.

The company is targeting the UAE’s $ 75 million culinary and tableware industry that is fueled by the boom in the hospitality industry, and an expanding residential sector reflected in the addition of an estimated 28,000 new units in 2014 alone, according to the latest Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) report.

Degrenne Paris is already present in Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE. However, the new Dubai store has been developed as the brand first flagship store in the region, and heralds a dynamic growth strategy planned by the renowned kitchenware retail brand for the Gulf, according to Mr. Fawaz Idrissi, Senior Vice President of Abu Issa Holding.

“Citywalk on Al Wasl Road is the perfect choice for us to make our regional foray, as the area has impressive retail frontage that offers a sensational shopping environment. The new Degrenne Paris is targeting residents and GCC tourists visiting Dubai,” Mr. Fawaz Idrissi said.

Mr. Idrissi explained that the location of the flagship store in an open retail complex presents an ideal shopping environment for those looking for high-quality kitchenware. The new store will stock a comprehensive range of tableware catering to restaurateurs and hoteliers, including dishware, crockery and glassware, each boasting designs that have been meticulously crafted by industry professionals.

“Used by celebrated chefs worldwide, and honoured with awards for innovation, Degrenne Paris products stand apart through their elegance and quality, offering unique and timeless styles that could be modern or classic, matching the theme of any restaurant.”

During the launch event, Degrenne Paris announced winners of the social media competition centred on Degrenne Paris during the month of April. The grand prize is a trip to Paris for two people and a 3-night stay in a 5 star hotel. “We have drawn a huge participation in our social media campaign that concluded on 26th April 2015. The participants posted clear pictures of their tables on our facebook page, a jury of experts from Degrenne Paris selected the winner. We congratulate Mr. Arash Taki, the first place winner. This is our gift for our regional customers.”

Abu Issa Holding (AIH) is one of the leading business groups in the Middle East. The company has grown phenomenally over a span of three decades and is among the region’s most diversified and progressive groups. It controls and operates market leading companies across the region in various sectors including retail, distribution, telecommunications, IT, energy & engineering, construction supporting services, investment, real estate and other marketing operations.

Royal Caribbean international’s smart ship to visit the arabian gulf

Royal Caribbean international’s smart ship to visit the arabian gulf

Royal caribbean arabia participates at arabian travel market 2015

Dubai.  30 April 2015:  Royal Caribbean Arabia (Safeen Tourism L.L.C.) is pleased to announce that on 29, 30 and 31 May, Quantum of the Seas, the first smart ship in the Quantum Class will be passing through Dubai and Muscat on her voyage to her new home in Tianjin, China.

Royal Caribbean Arabia will be showcasing Royal Caribbean International and Azamara Club Cruises products as well as highlighting the most popular itineraries for this year and for 2016 at Arabian Travel Market 2015.

Royal Caribbean Arabia participation in ATM 2015 comes after the recent inauguration of Royal Caribbean International’s newest ship Anthem of the Seas from the Quantum Class in Southampton, UK. With a lineup of unexpected experiences at sea bringing thrilling adventures to guests of all ages, Anthem of the Seas, the sister ship to Quantum of the Seas will allow guests to vacation like never before.

Unexpected at Sea Adventures

Endless experiences await guests onboard Anthem of the Seas, with thrills that can only be found on Royal Caribbean. From North Star, providing guests breathtaking, panoramic views from 300 feet above sea level, to RipCord by iFLY, the first skydiving experience at sea, and SeaPlex, the largest indoor active space at sea that is complete with bumper cars, a circus school, roller skating and more, there is no end to the fun that can be found onboard.

Multi-Dimensional Entertainment

Be it day or night, Anthem of the Seas will keep guests inspired and entertained. An extraordinary lineup of multidimensional entertainment onboard Anthem of the Seas will delight guests of all ages in a variety of state-of-the-art venues, including Two70, where a combination of live performers and technology come together to deliver spectacular, multidimensional shows and events that have never before been seen on land, let alone at sea. The Royal Theater is home to the ship’s two main shows, “We Will Rock You” and “The Gift,” while Music Hall, the hottest live music venue at sea, keeps guests rocking and dancing the night away.

A Delectable Menu of Choice and Flexibility

Anthem of the Seas features a fresh approach to cruise ship dining, thanks to a robust culinary experience that allows guests to customize their onboard dining experience to best meet their varying palates and preferences. An all-new Dynamic Dining experience gives guests a selection of 18 restaurant concepts, including five complimentary main dining restaurants, along with the opportunity to choose between Dynamic Dining Choice, which allows guests to decide when, where, and with whom to dine each evening, and Dynamic Dining Classic, which is designed for those who prefer a more traditional experience. In addition, Anthem of the Seas features a lineup of specialty dining restaurants, as well as partnerships with world-renowned chefs such as Jamie Oliver, Michael Schwartz, and Devin Alexander.

The Ultimate Hi-Tech Vacation

From ultrafast Wi-Fi and RFID technology, to virtual views from interior staterooms and robots that can mix up a mean cocktail, Anthem of the Seas, is packed with a bold lineup of technological advancements that will impress even the most tech-savvy modern traveler. Designed to seamlessly deliver unprecedented guest vacation experiences at sea, technology is prevalent throughout the ship, substantially increasing guest convenience and efficiency and ensuring a cruise onboard Anthem of the Seas is nothing but smooth sailing.

Royal Caribbean Arabia (Safeen Tourism L.L.C.) – International Representative for Royal Caribbean International and Azamara Club Cruises in Middle East is participating in ATM (Arabian Travel Market) 2015 from 4^th to 7^th of May 2015 stand # CP3010 under the name Royal Caribbean Arabia.

Royal Caribbean Arabia (Safeen Tourism L.L.C.) is the sole Middle East Representative of Royal Caribbean international and Azamara Club Cruises. The company has put a spotlight on the joy of cruising, by promoting and selling the global brands of Royal Caribbean International and Azamara Club Cruises to Middle Eastern guests over the last 17 years. With its strong presence and dedicated efforts, Safeen Tourism L.L.C. has been retaining its position as the market leader in the cruise industry for many years.

Royal Caribbean International is an award-winning global cruise brand with a 45-year legacy of innovation and introducing industry “firsts” never before seen at sea. The cruise line features an expansive and unmatched array of features and amenities only found on Royal Caribbean including, jaw-dropping, Broadway-style entertainment and industry-acclaimed programming that appeals to families and adventurous vacationers alike. Onboard, guests are catered to with the cruise line’s world-renowned friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service by every staff and crew member. Royal Caribbean has been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 12 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards.

Owned by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE/OSE: RCL), the cruise line sails 22 of the world’s most innovative cruise ships to the most popular destinations in Bermuda and the Caribbean, Europe, Canada and New England, Alaska, South America, Asia, and Australia and New Zealand. Media can stay up-to-date by following @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter, and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers should call their travel agent; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL- CARIBBEAN.

Azamara Club Cruises, just named one of the top two large ship cruise lines by Travel + Leisure readers in the magazine’s annual “World’s Best Awards” survey recently enhanced its Azamara Insider AccessSM and Nights and Cool PlacesSM andLand Discoveries® programs. Azamara's ships stay in ports late or for multiple days which affords guests a substantial destination immersive experience. Voyagers can use the new fare savings to take advantage of the behind the scenes style shore excursions that are not usually experienced by most travelers that embark on a cruise vacation.

Azamara Club Cruises is a brand of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE/OSX: RCL), a global cruise vacation company that also owns Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Pullmantur, and CDF Croisières de France, as well as TUI Cruises through a 50 percent joint venture. Together, the six brands operate a combined total of 41 ships with four under construction. They operate diverse itineraries around the world that call on approximately 460 destinations on all seven continents.