ePathram - News: March 2009

29 March 2009

Tourism Minister launches new Crowne Plaza Sohar

Her Excellency Dr. Rajha bint Abdul Amir Ali, Minister of Tourism, officially launched the new five-star Crowne Plaza Sohar Hotel at a gala ceremony this morning. The event was also attended by His Excellency Hilal bin Bader bin Ali Al Busaidi, Wali of Sohar, His Excellency Ali bin Ahmad Al Shamsi, Wali of Liwa, Mr John Bamsey, Chief Operating Officer Middle East & Africa, InterContinental Hotels Group and dignitaries from the Government, Diplomatic and Corporate sector. The ceremony marked the beginning of a new standard of hotel accommodation and facilities to cater to Sohar’s ever-growing business and leisure market and local community.

“Oman’s tourism has consistently grown, hosting up to 1 million tourists annually. Having built its reputation as a holiday destination, the focus has now turned to developing its MICE sector that now accounts for 60% of travel into the Sultanate,” said John Bamsey, Chief Operating Officer, IHG MEA, “The opening of Crowne Plaza Sohar, with its extensive meeting amenities, will further facilitate this market segment’s growth.”

Mrs Hannah Macki, Deputy Managing Director of Samco Hotels and Resorts, said the new Crowne Plaza Sohar offered business travellers and locals alike a luxury oasis that is unparalleled in the Al Batinah region.

“Sohar is increasingly becoming a true business destination as a result of the tremendous developments in the Port of Sohar, Industrial Estate and the Special Economic Zone. In addition to serving the Sohar business community the Crowne Plaza is conveniently located half-way between Muscat and Dubai. The hotel is a five-star attraction on its own and has already begun welcoming guests from all over the world who want to explore the Al Batinah region’s undiscovered delights” she said.

The official opening ceremony was followed by a tour of the hotels facilities and a VIP lunch in the Ballroom, amid displays by some of Crowne Plaza Sohar’s leading industrial partners and business houses, including Sohar Aluminium, the Sohar Industrial Port and many others.

“The event was a huge success and we look forward to welcoming our distinguished guests back to the Crowne Plaza Sohar to enjoy our accommodation, variety of dining experiences and recreation facilities” Mrs Macki said.

Situated on the Sohar-Buraimi Highway, just 2km from Falaj Al Qabail, the majestic façade of the Crowne Plaza Sohar fronts a truly five-star experience that includes gourmet restaurants, a gym, a bowling alley, a swimming pool and luxury spa centre, as well as deluxe accommodation. It is the first internationally-branded deluxe hotel in the Batinah region.

The Crowne Plaza Sohar is the 6th property in Oman managed by InterContinental Hotels Group and is owned by Samco Hotels and Resorts, a subsidiary of Samco Trading LLC.

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19 March 2009

Disgruntled parents of GEMS group schools march ahead

After GEMS group managed Modern High School, Dubai and Indian High School Abudhabi, parents of Our Own English School Sharjah (OOES-SHJ) have also joined hands to protest steep hike in transportation fees in the name of outsourcing and have called for support from all GEMS Group managed schools across the UAE.

Our Own English School Sharjah (OOES-SHJ) recently decided to outsource their bus transportation services. The school sent parents a circular claiming that transportation charges had increased from Dh 150 to Dh 300 per month. The 100 per cent hike has angered many parents. The parents said they felt that the attempt and subsequent process to outsource an existing facility was a clever marketing ploy to extract money from parents.

Upon contacting, one of the parents stated in angry tone that the transport company is also owned by the group owning the school. The whole plot has been planned in an organized manner to fool all parents as the website of this transport company clearly says it is registered only last year June 2008. Assuming if it is not their own company how can they outsource to one year new company when there are many other professional transport companies?

One more parent furiously retorted “Such reputed educational institutions should not loot parents like this in the name of School Fees and Activities Fees in advance without proper breakup, and now this transportation hike, how do we parents manage this whole issue, best is to storm into schools and ask for breakup of each and every amount they collect against the actual cost incurred by them”.

In view of the current financial crisis this move has certainly sparked the criticism and has ignited anger among enraged parents crushed under the current meltdown and ignorance from the concerned authorities is adding woes to these disgruntled parents.

After receiving several nominations for participation the parents have decided to have a general meeting about the above said matter as below:

Venue: Near LOULOU Beach Resort Ground, Ahead of Sharjah Grand Hotel, Sharjah port/beach road.
Date: 20 MAR 09, Friday.
Time: 05:00 p.m. onwards

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16 March 2009

Dubai Bank launches daily cash prize programme

Dubai Bank today announced the launch of an exciting cash prize programme for its Kunooz Value Plus Account holders. Valid until June 30, 2009, the programme offers daily cash prizes of AED 30,000, and a monthly grand prize of AED 1 million. For each multiple of AED 1,000 deposited in the Kunooz Account, the customer is eligible for one entry into the draw for daily cash prizes of AED 30,000. For every multiple of AED 5,000 deposited, account holders also become eligible for an entry into the monthly grand prize of AED 1 million. The grand prize draws will take place on May 5, June 4 and July 5. Entry for all eligible customers into the draw is automatic.

“Kunooz Value Plus is one of our most popular personal accounts that provides our customers with the opportunity to win high value cash prizes while maximising their profit earning opportunities in a secure manner,” said Mohammad Amiri, Head of Retail Banking at Dubai Bank.

“Dubai bank is the only Sharia-compliant bank in the UAE to offer cash prizes through the Kunooz Account. This is open to individuals from all backgrounds, including students, housewives and working professionals, and enables them to make the most of their savings,” he added.

Winners of the daily prize draws will be announced on the bank’s website every day. For deposits made before March 31, customers will also be entered into a grand prize draw to win a luxury apartment, a BMW or one of three holiday packages for two persons to Geneva, Prague and Egypt.

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09 March 2009

Cirque du Soleil Spreads the Magic at Atlantis, Palm Jumeirah

Cirque du Soleil’s amazing artist Denys Tolstov, who will perform in the month-long Alegría show in Dubai, displayed what spectators can look forward to with a warm up in front of one of Dubai’s most stunning backdrops – Atlantis, Palm Jumeirah. The 25-year-old artist from Ukraine will be among 55 of the world’s elite live entertainment performers who will be on show at Dubai’s Ibn Battuta Mall from March 5.

In partnership with Nakheel, Cirque du Soleil returns to Dubai for the second time and is a prelude to the permanent show on Palm Jumeirah, home to Atlantis, beginning in 2012.

Tickets are selling fast for the award-winning event. For your chance to see one of the world's top live entertainment shows in Dubai call 800 CIRQUE (800 247783) or visit www.cirquedusoleil.ae

Performance dates: Thursday 5th March – Sunday 5th April

Performance times: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 8.30pm; Friday and Sunday at 4.30pm and 8.30pm and Saturday at 1.00pm and 5.00pm

Ticket prices: Children (2-12 yrs) from AED 180* to AED 425, Adults (13 years +) from AED 240* to AED 550. VIP** tickets from AED 800* to AED 1000.

Cheapest tickets are available when four or more tickets are purchased together for performances on a Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday evening only.

The VIP area is reserved for 21 year olds and above

To purchase tickets visit www.cirquedusoleil.ae, call 800 CIRQUE (800 247783).or visit a Dnata Travel outlet.

From a group of 20 street performers at its beginnings in 1984, Cirque du Soleil is a major Quebec-based organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment. The company has almost 4,000 employees from over 40 different countries, including 1,000 artists. Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to close to 80 million spectators in over 200 cities on five continents. In 2009, Cirque du Soleil will present 18 shows simultaneously throughout the world. The company has received such prestigious awards as the Emmy, Drama Desk, Bambi, ACE, Gémeaux, Félix, and Rose d’Or de Montreux. Cirque du Soleil International Headquarters are in Montreal, Canada.

For more information about Cirque du Soleil, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com.

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04 March 2009

17th Dubai International Boat Show Opens

Thousands of visitors attend the Dubai International Boat Show that officially opened yesterday afternoon at 3.00pm. Dubai World Trade Centre, the organisers of the show, have secured the Nakeel Promenade, where a large free parking area next to the Habtoor Grand Hotel has been arranged with free RTA water taxis and shuttle buses that will transport visitors to and from the show.

Shuttle Bus and Water Taxi is available from 9.00am - 12.00 midnight daily till 7 March.

Pre-registered trade visitors are requested to print off their confirmation email and present it to the registration staff on the day, along with their business card. Onsite Trade Visitors are requested to present their trade related business card and complete the registration form onsite. General Public and visitors without an invitation card will be requested to pay and entrance of AED 55 per person per day. Children under 12 will be admitted free and must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Every 100th visitor to enter the event will be presented with a luxury Cole Haan Tote bag courtesy of Damas (Paid Visitor ONLY).

The Dubai International Boat Show is said to be the largest Marine Exhibition in the Middle East with over 19 Spectacular Superyachts, 45% growth, 5 Major Global Premiers and over 22 Regional Launches, dazzling array of over 400 boats and yachts, leading Superyacht builders EXCLUSIVE to the Dubai International Boat Show, 15 International Marine Export Association Groups unveiling the latest in marine products, accessories and services

As part of the show, there will be the 5th Gulf Boating Conference entitled: ‘Where is the industry going?’ Exclusively supported by ICOMIA.

The diving pool with live demonstrations by the Emirates Diving Association and DMEX exhibitors will be a unique experience to the visitors.

Chance to win an Emirates Yachting Grew 188 or a Yamaha Wave Runner. High-End fashion show featuring stunning jewellery courtesy of Tiffany & Co and Superyacht Extravangza featuring all 19 of these breathtaking vessels. Extravaganza will also feature luxury collections from Paspaley in the Marina Display Area.

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03 March 2009

Cirque du Soleil performers wow crowds at Ibn Battuta Mall

Crowds at Ibn Battuta Mall gathered last weekend to get a taste of the magic that is to come when Alegría, the critically acclaimed show from Cirque du Soleil, kicks off on 5 March at Ibn Battuta Mall. Donning their fanciful hats and flamboyant costumes, the 'Old Birds' characters entertained crowds around the mall before returning to China Court to join those looking in awe at the handbalancing act. Romantic and elegant, the act showcases the incredible strength of the performer as he balances on canes. Tickets are selling fast – don't miss out on your chance to catch the one of the world's top live entertainment shows. Call 800 CIRQUE (800 247783), click www.cirquedusoleil.ae or visit Dnata Travel outlets.

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