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

Sundowners with a twist! Bā Restaurant & Lounge revolutionises cocktail hour

Sundowners with a twist! Bā Restaurant & Lounge revolutionises cocktail hour

8^th June, 2014: Step out of the marina bubble for after work sundowners with just a swift taxi ride and catch the lasting sunlight at the Palm Jumeriah. Once there, indulge in its cool breezes and glinting marina skyline views as Bā Restaurant & Lounge invites you to Sunset Club, offering half price beverages every Sunday - Friday from 5.30pm – 7pm. Prepare to be transported to the Far East with delicious Chinese tapas and innovative refreshments hand in hand with traditional Chinese drinking etiquette of clinking of glasses (jing jiu) and drying the cup (ganbei).

Begin your evening with an Asian Summer cocktail - its kick of ginger, dash of sesame and amaretto will revitalise and awaken your senses. Delight your taste buds with Royal Peking Duck Crepes topped with Foie Gras alongside the pristine Rose Petal Martini, a blend of rose syrup, lychee liqueur and parfait amour. Try the delectable Truffle Mushroom Spring Rolls dipped in blue cheese complementing the elusive Black Orchid with fresh lime, violet liqueur and orange bitters. Bā Lounge has a selection of cold Sake to choose from including the classic dry Tateyama Ginrei, Honjozo.

For those who enjoy a refreshing mocktail, the signature options include exotic Far Eastern ingredients such as lime and basil syrup with fresh pineapple, or opt for sage syrup with fresh passion fruit, or even the fresh kaffir lime leaves in the Kaffir Long Island Ice Tea. Choose your spot to relax either on the terrace overlooking the beach or unwind in the savvy lounge enjoying Bā beats.

For further information on Bā Restaurant & Lounge, please visit:
www.dineatba.com  Facebook: facebook.com/dineatba
 

Bā Sunset Club offers half price beverages daily from 5.30pm until 7pm, for the perfect way to end your day. Situated in the luxurious Fairmont the Palm.

Opening Times: Bā Restaurant & Lounge is open seven days a week. The restaurant is open from Saturday to Wednesday from 7:00pm until 11:30pm, and till midnight on Thursday and Fridays. The Lounge is open from Saturday to Wednesday from 5:30pm until 1:00am, and till 2:00am on Thursday and Fridays.

Bā Lounge Ramadan Opening Hours: Opening daily from sunset est. 7.30pm - 11:30pm on Saturdays through Wednesdays and sunset est. 7.30pm -12:00am (midnight) on Thursdays and Fridays.

Note Sunset Club will not be available during the period of Ramadan, however will recommence after Eid Al Fitr.

Reservations: +971 (0) 4 457 3388 or info@dineatba.com   www.dineatba.com

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.