Successful soft opening of Monte Carlo Stars adds another novel themed restaurant to Dubai’s diverse dining landscape

Successful soft opening of Monte Carlo Stars adds another novel themed restaurant to Dubai’s diverse dining landscape

New “eater-tainment” restaurant offers unique family dining experiences and offers biggest terrace in Located in Dubai Marina

Dubai, UAE, 12 April 2014, Monte Carlo Stars, a unique and innovative dining destination in Dubai Marina, recently had its soft opening, with positive response from a discerning clientele.

“The opening of yet another high profile, novel themed restaurant with unique elements and on the forefront of the budding ‘Eatertainment’ trend, is set to enrich Dubai’s diverse dining landscape,” says Ibrahim Sheikh, General Manager, Monte Carlo Stars. “On the heels of the city winning the bid to host the Expo 2020, Dubai is poised to experience an influx of original and inventive restaurant concepts, as more than 20 new attractions are estimated to be added to the emirates dining scene in 2014.” 

The ‘Eatertainment’ trend began to generate buzz in 2013 both locally and globally; and in the recently released annual report from Baum and Whiteman, an international restaurant consulting firm, ‘Eatertainment’ was predicted to be one of the hottest trends for 2014 and was defined as “I lost my dinner at the funhouse”. ‘Eatertainment’ targets consumers who want to spoil themselves through memorable experience that focus on the emotional needs of individuals.  The ‘Eatertainment’ trend seeks to enhance the dining experience by providing a heightened dining experience and entertainment and is predicted to redefine restaurant design in 2014 and beyond. 

“This is where Monte Carlo Stars fits in,” added Sheikh. “With an increasingly competitive market and savvy consumers, food is no longer enough.  We are investing in an entertainment-centric dining destination, to deliver an exceptional customer experience with an emphasis on fun and interaction.  Monte Carlo Stars is a pioneering and only attraction in the UAE that features individually controlled TVs in the booths, specialty sports channels, customized football dining tables, music and more, all under one roof”

He added: “Families are also a growing market segment in Dubai and we have incorporated their distinct needs in the design of Monte Carlo Stars.   With our custom family friendly design such as a supervised play area with ball pit and climbing wall, an arcade, and our Friday Family Fun Day Activities, children and families remain a major focus.”

With continued emphasis on ‘Eatertainment’ and creating an immersive and exciting dining experience, Monte Carlo Stars lineup promises a year full of activities and events. This will include specials like weekly Friday Family Fun Days including brunch, themed party and birthday party packages, open mic and quiz nights, featured sports games, community events.

Researchers at ‘Azti-Tecnalia’ a Spanish research and development center are even predicting that ‘Eatertainment’ will be a prominent trend through 2020.  With Dubai already known globally for its innovation in preparation for Expo 2020; If these predictions are correct, Monte Carlo Restaurant marks beginning in what is sure to become an increasingly popular and inspired trend over the next 7 years.

“Monte Carlo Stars is more than just a restaurant; it is a truly unique entertainment alternative for families and friends all ages. The menu includes a wide variety of Mediterranean and international dishes as well as steaks, and fresh seafood all delivered to customers with 5 star standards and competitive prices. ” added Sheikh.  

He concluded: “Monte Carlo Stars also features a glamorous state of the art retractable terrace with panoramic views of the Dubai Marina and the biggest in the area. There is also a hubbly bubbly zone and playing area.  Serving high-quality, affordable food in a casual and inviting atmosphere; Monte Carlo Stars provides every guest with an unforgettable and fun experience.”

UAE posts largest number of photos in Instagramers Gallery among Arab countries, as 78% own smartphones against global average of 42%

380 billion photos taken per year globally:

UAE posts largest number of photos in Instagramers Gallery among Arab countries, as 78% own smartphones against global average of 42%

34 % of UAE smartphone users access social networking sites using smartphones

Dubai, UAE, 20 January 2014: Since the birth of the first photograph in 1826, more than 3.5 trillion photos were created in the world. Images are currently being taken at the rate of 380 billion per year. At this rate, it will take the world 9.2 years to double the amount of the photos to more than 7 trillion.

This was highlighted by Phil Gonzalez, Co-founder of Instagramers Gallery, the world’s largest online photo gallery, on which the UAE figures as No. 1 among Arab countries using the leading photo platform. Other Arab counties on the list in descending order are Saudi Arabia (second rank), Kuwait (third rank), Lebanon (fourth rank), Morocco (fifth rank) and Egypt (sixth rank). Other Arab countries active on the platform aswell are Qatar, Bahrain, Syria, Yemen, Algeria, Tunisia, Oman, Iraq, Libya and Sudan.

He added: “Analogue photos are less than 4 Billion among the 380 Billion photos taken around the world  in 2011. At the start of the 21st century, analogue photos were 86 billion, declining to 4 billion and likely to reduce further in coming years.”

Instagramers Gallery, regarded a revolution in social media networks, expects further demand from the UAE as smartphone ownership has outstripped the global average by 30 per cent, according to a recent survey by research consultancy TNS Global.

Jorge Martínez, Co-founder of Instagramers Gallery added: “According to the study, around 78 per cent of UAE population owns a smartphone, compared to the global average of 42 per cent. Also, nearly 40 per cent of UAE consumers either own or are looking to own a tablet. Furthermore, 34 per cent use their smartphones to access social networking sites. All this will fuel social media photography further in the UAE.”

Instagramers Gallery is a virtual photo gallery, based on a massive photography platform, which enables users to share their photographs with the world via www.instagramersgallery.com. 

Sparked in Miami, US, and launched worldwide including the Arab world, The Instagramers Gallery is a leading online platform that promotes photography in the Instagram format.

Martínez said: “Instagramers Gallery is a great tool for people to showcase their world. Most of the photos being posted on the photo platform from the UAE are mostly of the categories of People, Travels, Art, Beauty, Family, Landscape and Love.

A series of prizes are offered for those who participate in the Instagramers Gallery. The ‘Photo-Day Prize’ is picked daily by participants. The total value of prizes offered by Instagramers Gallery will reach $100,000, making the ‘Instagramers Photo Prize’ the largest photography prize ever awarded via social media.

For more information on Instagramers Gallery and the Instagramers Gallery Photo-Prize, please visit: www.instagramersgallery.com.

New Mercedes-Benz Sprinter launched in the Middle East

New Mercedes-Benz Sprinter launched in the Middle East

•       World premiere for new safety systems

•       The most economical van in its class

•       Exterior and interior receive further upgrades

•       Tested over millions of kilometres

Mercedes-Benz today announced the arrival of the new Sprinter, the leader in the large van class, in the Middle East. Now on sale in showrooms across the region, the entry level Sprinter 216 Panel van comes with a starting price of $32,100, while the top of the range Sprinter 524 Hotel Bus starts at $110,500. 

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has given its name to an entire vehicle class and is synonymous around the world with large vans with a permissible gross vehicle weight of up to 5.0 tons. It has always been the leader in its class in terms of innovation, and the new Sprinter is again setting the benchmark and demonstrating this to impressive effect, with five new safety systems as well as a range of powerful engines to meet Middle East customers’ requirements. But it’s not all about performance - the new Sprinter presents a striking and dynamic new look.

During the launch event at Yas Marina Circuit, UAE, guests were able to test the new Sprinter on slippery, wet surfaces and witness first-hand the all-new and innovative safety systems it features. Also present was National Ambulance of Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s leading provider of emergency pre-hospital care. The company, which already operates a number of Sprinters, performed an interactive display to show how the new Sprinter can be used to save lives. 

“Over the years, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has established an extremely strong reputation in the commercial vehicle market. The new Sprinter is set to take the model forward, positioning it even more firmly as the benchmark in the sector and appealing to even more customers across the region,” commented Christoph Walther, Head of Sales and Marketing for Mercedes-Benz Vans.

' Over the years, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has found its way to many satisfied customers around the Middle East. Guests of premium hotels appreciate the comfort and convenience when being transported around in the Sprinter, while parents trust the school bus version thanks to its advanced safety features. Parcel services or bakeries depend on the reliability and versatility of the Sprinter to deliver their goods on time, and when it comes to critical situations, the Sprinter stands out in its Ambulance guise.”

Traditionally the Sprinter has been the pioneer for driver assistance and safety systems. An Adaptive ESP System, ABS and a driver airbag is on board of every Sprinter for years by now. In the new Sprinter, five additional assistance systems – including some world premieres in the van segment – are helping to further reduce the number of accidents. Celebrating their world premiere in the Sprinter are the Crosswind Assist as well as the optional Collision Prevention Assist. Also new are the Blind Spot, Lane Keeping and High Beam Assist. 

Crosswind Assist as a feature of the Electronic Stability Program will form part of the standard equipment for all panel vans and crew buses. The other assistance systems can be ordered as individual extras or logically compiled packages. Each buyer can individually tailor their Sprinter to the respective application.

The developers at Mercedes-Benz are convinced that the use of electronic aids in the van segment will have an extremely positive impact on accident statistics which is particularly important when transporting up to 22 passengers in the new Sprinter Mini Buses.

In addition, Mercedes-Benz has further enhanced the driving dynamics of the Sprinter. A lowering of the chassis has helped not only to reduce wind resistance and consumption, but also to further increase road safety and make loading and unloading more convenient.

The new Sprinter is the first van to emerge with a complete engine range which complies with Euro 3 as well as up to the Euro VI emission standards. This means a drastic reduction in emission levels for nitrogen oxide (NOx), hydrocarbons (THC) and particulates. For the Middle East, petrol engines complying up to Euro 6 and diesel engines up to Euro 4 emission standard will be available. Two petrol engines, a four cylinder 156HP and a six cylinder 258HP as well as two four cylinder diesel engines with 116 and 150HP are offered in the Middle East. An automatic gearbox is standard in combination with the V6 petrol engine and optional for the four cylinder petrol. All diesel engines are paired with the 6-speed ECO Gear manual transmission.      
  

The combination of the highly economical diesel engines, optimised drive train and ancillary equipment results in a combined fuel consumption starting from 6.3 l/100 km – a sensational new record figure for the Sprinter's vehicle class.

Visually, the new Sprinter also makes a clear-cut and striking impression. In keeping with the current Mercedes-Benz design line, the radiator grille appears more upright and self-assured. The three radiator louvres are swept back and perforated. This not only underscores the dynamic impression, but at the same time also increases the air flow. The brand's hallmark radiator grille is made more striking thanks to a bevelled surround.

The headlamps feature sharper contours, and a particularly striking feature is the masking of the reflector housings which divides the headlamps into individual segments. The new bonnet is higher, resulting in improved protection for pedestrians, and the bumper features a more pronounced shape.

The detailed attention paid to the design on its underside makes it reminiscent of an SUV. From the rear, the new Sprinter is still recognisable from its two-compartment tail lights.

The indisputably exemplary interior has been upgraded even further. New seat upholstery and a new cover provide for enhanced comfort. The steering wheel features better grip with a thick rim, and the fresh air vents are embellished with chrome applications. The shift lever knob sports a new design too.

With the new radio generation, state-of-the-art consumer electronics featuring Bluetooth telephony with telephone keypad and phone book have found their way into the Sprinter.

The developers of the new Sprinter placed particular emphasis on intensive testing. With endurance tests covering more than eight million kilometres and also intensive customer trials involving practical applications, the high quality of the new Sprinter has already been put to the test.

Image 1: The new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter in action during the launch event in Yas Marina Circuit

Image 2: A range of new Sprinter models on display at the launch event in Yas Marina Circuit

Image 3: Christoph Walther, Head of Sales and Marketing for Mercedes-Benz Vans.

Image 4: Mike Belk, President and CEO of Daimler Middle East (Left), Heiko Selzam, Director of Sales and Marketing for Daimler Commercial Vehicles

The descriptions and information in this press kit apply to Mercedes-Benz's international model range. Different specifications may apply in other countries.

Zari O'Breesam' to launch "Iyshi Biladi" collection to celebrate UAE National Day

Zari O'Breesam' to launch "Iyshi Biladi" collection to celebrate UAE National Day

These things you don’t need to worry about anymore... your smartphone does it for you!

These things you don’t need to worry about anymore... your smartphone does it for you!

Are you sick and tired of hearing “There’s an app for that?” Well, get used to it. Each day more and more apps are making their way onto our phones and helping make our lives easier. It used to be that one would need a full-time secretary to help us manage our lives. But now with Blackberry, Nokia, Lenovo android and all the other hundreds of brands, a wealth of information is at your fingertips. Here are some ways that our phones make our lives a little (or a lot) easier.

Counting Calories

In the past, if you wanted to lose weight you would have to carry a notebook and count your calories for everything you ate. But now there is a wide variety of apps to help you with your weight loss plan. Some will let you count calories and take into account exercise so you get a clearer picture of what you need. Others will send you health news, let you scan food items to keep track of what you eat, and even make healthier substitutions to keep you on track. There is literally an app for every diet technique out there, so you’re sure to find one that works for you. 

Remembering Appointments

Your phone lets you store your calendar in your phone and lets you update it through other apps, such as Facebook birthdays and appointments negotiated through email. Now you don’t have to carry around a calendar to remember important events.

Finding Your Way Around

Do you get lost easily? Google Maps to the rescue! This free app lets you see your location on a map and will verbally direct you to your destination, just like the GPS in your car. And if you don’t like this one, then there are plenty of other satellite navigation apps out there for you.

Comparison Shopping

Instead of clipping coupons from the newspaper, you can get the discounts sent to your phone and stored for later use at the store. You can also use countless shopping apps to browse your favourite stores and scout the best deals on their products.

Staying in Touch

With smartphones you can stay in touch all the time. Instead of waiting for an email response or hanging out by the phone, you can be in communication almost constantly. Plus, you can access social networking from anywhere.

Getting Active

There are apps that will help you get in shape and stick to a fitness routine, everything from personal trainer apps to social apps for people who like to get out and get some exercise. The newest phones will even respond to your body’s motions so that you don’t have to pause your routine and click the “continue” button.                                          

These are just a few of the ways that smartphones make everything easier. No doubt there will be even more new ways in the near future.

Image credit sources:

http://www.elinext.com

http://www.newretailblog.com

http://efitnessmagazine.com

Author: Gloria Lorenzi is an aspiring journalist who graduated in Italy and is currently living and studying in the United Kingdom. She has a real flair for languages and a great passion for technology, which she tries to combine in her articles.