A NEW TENT IN TOWN
TO CELEBRATE the holy month of Ramadan, ADNEC (Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company) is hosting a special Ramadan Marquee for Iftar and Suhour.
The luxurious and fully air-conditioned marquee will be located outside the Capital Plaza area of ADNEC, where award winning chefs will prepare a selection of traditional Arabic Ramadan delights for corporate clients and families.
Private Iftar functions will be held from 6.30pm to 8pm at a starting price of Dh90 per person inclusive of traditional Ramadan beverages. There are special rates for children. Suhour will be open to the public from 8.30pm to 2.30am with a wide a-la-carte selection, flavoured shisha and traditional juices. A cover charge of Dh10 per person applies.
THE PARK IS SHAKING
IT IS THE height of summer heat and it is Ramadan, but it is no excuse for not going out there, in the park, that is, and shake off some calories.
The challenge comes from Park Rotana, who is inviting everyone to join its Bodylines Boot Camp Explosion. This is a workout with a difference, designed to get you feeling good and looking great. People of all fitness levels, age and gender can participate and are promised an awesome experience, which will challenge them to bring up their highest capability.
The going gets tough every Monday evening from 7.30 in Khalifa Park. Sessions are Dh30 per class. No advance booking is required. Get together of the group is in front of the Bodylines gymnasium in Park Rotana Abu Dhabi.
Also throughout this summer Park Rotana has come up with Energizing Yoga Classes, said to boost your confidence and inner strength. Beginners are welcome. Costs are Dh40 per class or Dh 400 per month (four sessions per week).
THE SPIRIT OF GIVING
LIKE ALL big hotels in the city, Crown Plaza too is celebrating Ramadan with good food and peaceful nights, but, this year, the hotel is donating a brick (Dh5) to the Special Care Centre, for every person that dines in the Garden restaurant during our Iftar buffet.
Prices, including Iftar beverages, are Dh125 for adults, Dh 75 for children and free for children under six years old.
Special rates for private Iftars are also available, as are special rates for hotel rooms during Ramadan, starting from Dh325.
Throughout this month, there will be themed nights in the ninth floor Garden restaurant: Seafood Nights every Tuesday and International Nights for the rest of the week, which include anything from steak to pasta, and a live cooking station.
SLEEP ONE FREE
DURING Ramadan only the Royal Meridien here has come up with a hard to say no to promotion: book a room for the weekend and stay one extra night free. If you are not fasting, the rates include breakfast and they start from Dh650 for a single and Dh700 for a double. The promotion will end on September 15, so Eid is included.
The extra night will come in handy especially if you plan to spend the night in the hotel’s Ramadan tent, where Suhour goes on until the small hours.
Royal Meridien says it has one of the largest tents in the city, covering its entire courtyard, where guests may relax with shisha, games, soft entertainment and light snacks.
In tradition to previous years, the hotel is also hosting a raffle draw during Ramadan with prizes such as short trips and jewellery.
The lavish Iftar buffet, with traditional Arabic dishes, happens every sunset at L’Opera restaurant.
ADNIC CAMPAIGN
THE Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC), the leading insurance company in UAE, has joined hands with Bawadi Mall, Al Ain’s leading and largest shopping mall, to launch a Ramadan campaign which allows shoppers to win a cash discount voucher from ADNIC to insure their motor vehicle during the month of Ramadan.
This strategic collaboration with Bawadi Mall is in line with ADNIC’s vision to provide clients with special offers as well as high quality insurance policies backed by excellent service. This also matches Bawadi Mall’s strategy to partner with prominent brands and organisations to provide shoppers with exciting and rewarding offers.
The 30-day promotional campaign allows Bawadi Mall shoppers spending Dh400 at any of its outlets to win a cash voucher worth Dh200 from ADNIC for a comprehensive insurance policy for their motor vehicle.
· silvia@khaleejtimes.com
IN DUBAI
YOU CAN experience true Arabian hospitality this Ramadan in Pergolas restaurant with its carefully crafted authentic setting and dishes artistically prepared.
A scrumptious buffet offering delectable traditional Ramadan dishes and an array of International cuisines complete the delectable Iftar experience for only Dh149, inclusive of Ramadan juices, aromatic coffee and tea.
Private Iftar parties can also be arranged in Al Yasat Ballroom, where any booking for a group of minimum 30 people would be at a special price starting from Dh125 per person if reservations are made before August 1.
HEALTHY IFTAR
THIS Ramadan, learn to cook healthy Iftar and Suhoor at special cookery classes being held at Holiday Inn Dubai – Al Barsha. Executive Chef Sameh and culinary expert Abda Oturkar will conduct two-day courses, each about the healthy ways of preparing Suhoor and Iftar.
The classes will be held at The Gem Garden and each will be divided into two sessions over two days on August 14 and 15. Each class of two sessions costs DH400 or you may opt to pay DH100 per session.
AUTHENTIC FLAVOURS
ENJOY the authentic flavours of Arabian hospitality and cuisine at The Palace – The Old Town, one of the city’s five star premium hotels located in Downtown Dubai, the heart of the city.
The hotel’s Arabian restaurant, Ewaan offers an extensive Arabic buffet for Iftar and a selection of traditional delicacies for Sohour. Special themed corporate Iftars can also be organised in the Royale Ballroom to suit client requirements.
Ewaan also offers majlis-style traditional private dining in its alcoves, which are available for more personal Iftar experiences along with a variety of Shisha’s.
“The Holy Month of Ramadan highlights the spirit of charity and togetherness. Celebrating these values, The Palace – The Old Town will offer guests a refreshing yet authentic Arabian experience,” says Jason Harding, General Manager, The Palace – The Old Town.
ART AND CHARITYAN ARRAY of traditional art events that celebrate the Arabian heritage welcome visitors to The Dubai Mall during the Holy month. The mall provides visitors with daily Iftar packs and Ramadan calendars apart from supporting charity initiatives that highlight the spirit of the Holy month.
One of the key events is providing school children with nutritional meals by Dubai Cares, an initiative led by the philanthropic vision of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to improve children’s access to nutritional meals in developing countries. Visitors to The Dubai Mall can support this campaign with a donation of Dh60 by simply sending an SMS to ‘9060’ for Etisalat customers and ‘9460’ for du customers. They can also donate by purchasing stars from the Star Atrium at the mall.
‘Masajid’ Photography Exhibition, to be held on the first two weeks of the Holy Month of Ramadan, will appeal to lovers of photography and Islamic architecture. Organised in collaboration with Dar Ibn Al Haytham, the event features photographs of mosques by UAE national photographers.
The Waterfall Atrium on the ground floor of the mall will host an exhibition in association with Alserkal Foundation, showcasing the art collection of Ahmed Bin Eisa Alserkal. The collection features works by artists from across the Gulf region and include calligraphy and ceramic displays.
To highlight the message of Ramadan, Islamic Affairs will host a special stand. Experts will give insights into the Holy month and Islam. The stand is located at the Gold Souk Atrium.
UNWIND IN FUJAIRAH
RAMADAN IS a time for togetherness, and there may be no better way to experience that than by escaping with family and friends to Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort in Fujairah.
The resort offers a great value package to relax and unwind starting from just Dh349 per person per night on twin sharing basis including all taxes, Iftar and suhour during weekdays until September 8. For every two consecutive nights stay, the third night is offered complimentary on room only basis. For non-fasting guest, offer is inclusive of buffet breakfast and lunch or dinner. Up to two kids under 12 years can stay free with parents including meals which makes the offer an ideal choice for families.
The East Coast’s premier resort will be hosting its traditional Ramadan Iftar at Views restaurant, where guests can enjoy a delectable buffet every evening during the month of Ramadan. The mouth-watering buffet will serve a vast selection of international and Arabic cuisine to cater to a variety of palates for only Dh65 served from sunset.
Children between the ages of 13-16 can dine for half price while children under 13 will be served with complimentary dining. The restaurant will also host a Suhour menu during the Holy month that will be served upon request in Views or in the comfort of your room. While dining, guests will be treated to stunning views of the Indian Ocean, making it a perfect place to relish the many delights prepared by the resort’s exquisite chefs. Guests at the hotel will also be able to enjoy the resort’s popular traditional Ramadan tents, ‘Layali Al Aqah’.