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May 31, 2007

Horizon Bar open till 9pm during Summer

The Horizon Bar at the Mina

Enjoy the summer sunsets at the Horizon Bar at the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi and stay a little longer! The Horizon Bar opening times during summer have been extended...the bar now closes at 9pm instead of the usual 7pm!

May 30, 2007

Barasti Chills out for the Summer - Chill @ Barasti and Saturday Sanctuary with DJ Martin Metcalf

Chill at Barasti Beach - DJ Martin Metcalf chills on an Ice Chair with Saeed Hareb and Roderick Henri Van Wijlen

We celebrated the launch of our new, very cool, Barasti Beach with its air conditioned bar & dance floor. And had a great turn out. As one of the most laid back, stunning beach settings in Dubai, we wanted to  introduce  summer spot,  so with cool cream couches and divans, Barasti  is comfortable & inviting and the place for you to eat, drink and dance! DJ Martin Metcalf and his brand new show “Saturday Sanctuary” on Dubai 92. Had its premiere live broadcast, and guests enjoyed an Arabian Barbecue and chilled margaritas as the sun set.

Chill at Barasti Beach during Summer - Barasti Downstairs

Every Saturday throughout the summer months, DJ Martin will keep customers cool with his beach side beats, Latino funk, Brazilian drums and sun kissed vibes.

Chill at Barasti Beach during Summer - Barasti Downstairs

You can now view over a 100 photos taken at the launch of Chill @ Barasti, on Saturday 19th May 2007. Simply visit the Mina Effect Photo Gallery at www.minaeffect.com/gallery and check out the Barasti Bar Albums...or click here.

Check out over a hundred photos taken at the Chill @ Barasti Launch in May

May 27, 2007

Win Tickets to the Rugby World Cup in our “On Tour With Barasti” Promotion

On Tour with Barasti at the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi

We are giving away 14 TICKETS TO THE RUGBY WORLD CUP in Paris, to watch England v South Africa:

The Lucky Winners so far:
1. Nicholas Owalsky
2. Darren Davey
3. Steffen Raill
4. Kevin Noble
5. Graham Brumby
6. Grahame McCaig

Enter “on tour with Barasti” our fabulous Competition that means you and a friend could win a trip for 2, which includes flights from Dubai to Paris with Virgin Holidays, accommodation at Le Meridien Montaparnasse, Paris, and see the World Cup Rugby Match between South Africa and UK, at the state of the art Stade de France, St Denis, Paris at 8p.m. on September 14th.

From May 24th to the end of August, all you have to do is pop into our newly refurbished   Barasti (which now has a great new lower level to party at!) and either buy premium brand Heineken beer to the value of 100 dhs (and get 2 entry coupons) or spend 100 dhs, and you can fill in the “on tour with Barasti” entry coupon and you stand a chance to win one of these amazing prizes.

In addition, when you visit Barasti on “Supersport Saturday”, you double your chances of winning!! You can enter as many times as you want, for more information get on down to Barasti Beach at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi. *conditions apply.

Racing an Atlas to victory - Results of the Sir Bu Naair Race held Saturday 26th May

Sir Bu Naair Race Mina Seyahi 

Three short of a hundred triangular white sails dot the horizon as far as the eye can see. It is seconds after 7.30am, and the orange flare signifying the start of the 17th Sir Bu Naair Traditional Dhow Sailing Race has just been sighted, pale against an already bright sky. In the coming hours, 96 UAE and one lone Qatari crew put their strength and wits to the test against the elements of nature for one of the most prestigious sailing championships in the region. 

When the 97 sailing dhows set out across the high seas for Dubai on Saturday, they recreated one of the epic journeys of the region's past. The 54-nautical mile voyage from Sir Bu Naair to Mina Seyahi may have been small compared to those undertaken by the great explorers of the last centuries, but was no less thrilling in its unpredictability, novelty and sense of discovery. Here was modern man, forsaking the technology and convenience of the present day for the simplicity and hardship of the past. Here was modern man learning to once more harness the awesome power of nature, riding the winds to safety and renown.

For centuries, the Al Qaffal or "journey home" marked the end of the pearl diving season that extended from September to May every year. The divers gathered in Sir Bu Naair island at the end of every season to not only rest from the months of strenuous activity but to also clean and arrange their pearls for display back in Dubai. After the crews were ready, they would wait for a signal from the lead boat or Sardal to commence the journey home.

Seventeen years ago, the Sir Bu Naair race was created by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister for Finance and Industry, to preserve this dying tradition. Participation in the race has risen every year since then, drawing competitors from around the seven emirates and around the GCC. Although much has changed since the pearling days – oil replaced pearls as the cornerstone of trade, affordable powerboats replaced the heavy sailing dhows and Dubai and its youth strode boldly into the future – much remains the same.

Sir Bu Naair Race Jumeirah Beach Dubai

The dhows themselves, for example, are built the same way they have been for hundreds of years, down to the teak wood for the hull and the dimensions of the mainsail. The need for experience, expertise and an uncommon understanding of the sea also remains. At a time most people would be having breakfast, the sea seemed to be speaking softly, welcoming the participants to its domain and giving them enough down time to contemplate its might and mystery. Because traditional dhows do not use motors, they are entirely dependent on the elements – wind and water – for their progress. A robust wind and relatively calm sea are ideal conditions, but these too need to be properly harnessed for boats to reach their full potential.

The sails, angled at more than 45 degrees to the wind to harness the most energy, can pull in too much wind – which could break the mast or otherwise imperil the boat. Monitoring the sails is an encompassing task, especially since wind can change from minute to minute and from one area to the next.

The nature of an open seas race makes the task that much more difficult – dhows at one end of the start line may face an entirely different draft from boats in the middle or at the other end. That is where technique and expertise comes in – choosing where to position your boat, what route to take, how to manipulate your boat to the changing winds and still come out ahead.

It seemed as though the boats on the inside track – on a straight bearing to Mina Seyahi – had the right idea. Those on the outside, looking like low-lying triangular clouds, seemed like they would take a long and circuitous route to reach the shore. There are dangers associated with too strong winds – because the sails are angled, too much wind in one direction could cause the Dh400,000-dhows to topple. To maintain the right balance, much of the crew tie themselves to support ropes and add their weight to the ballast.

The first of the dhows to arrive at the finish line made this emotional journey in 4hrs and 45 minutes and it was a momentous occasion for the crew. Leading with almost a kilometre lead the dhow arrived at Mina Seyahi much to the jubilation and support of foreign nationals at the breakwaters of Mina Seyahi. The homecoming of the winning teams is a spectacle to behold. They were greeted with the traditional folk dance (rakas al shaabi) and the awards were presented by Major General Saif Al Shaffar and organiser Colonel Saeed Hareb.

From the start of the race Atlas skippered by Mohammed Majid Al Room and Ahmed Rashid Al Suwaidi, put their plan and strategy in place to stay in the lead. Ghazi who has had a great season emerged second shortly after the lead boat crossed the finish line at 12.15 pm. Al Zeer of yesteryears fame skippered by Mohamed Rashid Bin Shaheen was third to cross the finish. Mohammed Majid Al Room, struggling to come to grips with the emotions of getting to the podium said: "I thank God for giving me, and my crew, the strength and wisdom to manoeuvre through this race in such conditions”. “This race has taught us an experience we will never forget. It takes us back to the time when our grandparents and great grandparents went out to sea and came back and described their journey, which we never understood. Today we can understand it better as we have experienced it," he added. "We are grateful to them and the organisers for giving us the opportunity to experience Al Qaffal (the journey back home)", echoed Ahmed Rashid Al Suwaidi.

"This year's race was a test of the skills and endurance - to complete a race with winds of 10-12 knots," said Saeed Hareb, Managing Director, DIMC. "The conditions were not so difficult but those who have been tried and tested before remained the victors". Al Zeer fought hard to get to the top but was content with its third place. Competition was at its peak between Ghazi, Al Zeer, Al Qaffay and Azzam. This fierce competition saw Ghazi gain a several-mile lead to finish second at the podium. Local knowledge and a keen ability to read the waves and wind shifts are crucial to success. After the prize-giving ceremony, Saeed Hareb said, "Today’s race is one of the first I have seen in seventeen years that finished so early. The winds were in our favour and the sea being calm was another added advantage”. “I wish to thank Sheikh Hamdan for conceiving this race and supporting it all through these 17 years, more especially for his generosity in raising the prize money to AED 6 million. The competing teams that have stood for the traditions of this race and coming back year after year shows their enthusiasm and support of their culture", Saeed added. He also thanked the skippers and the crew who faithfully take part in their traditional race year after year in full enthusiasm. Saeed welcomed the entry of Al Wajba, the first dhow from a GCC country to take part for the second consecutive year. Al Wajba is from Qatar and Saeed said, “I hope that in the future other countries too take the example of this Qatari team and join in the race, so that it gets more competitive and the cultures and traditional values are shared and understood by the youth of the region”.

Understanding the Sir Bu Naair races is equal to understanding a seaman who has had either a great time at sea or a rough one, no matter which side the wind blows, no matter if the weather is rough or not and no matter if his business has been profitable or not, a seaman never looks back with remorse or anger. For him, it is one more adventure he will cherish in the years to come. The Sir Bu Naair race marks the end of a hectic racing season in the DIMC calendar. All competitors look forward to this annual traditional event with the entire true and rich heritage it carries.

Results
1. Atlas – 400 points; 2. Ghazi – 300 points; 3. Al Zeer – 225 points; 4. Al Qaffay – 169 points; 5. Azzam – 127 points; 6. Al Wasl – 95 points; 7. Shemardal – 71 points; 8. Al Adeed – 53 points; 9. Wahdawi – 40 points; 10. Nashwan – 30 points.

More Information:
Patrick Francis, Press Officer, DIMC
P.O.Box 24883, Dubai, UAE
Contact: +971 4 399 5777
web: http://dimc-uae.com
mail: pressofficerdimc@gmail.com

You can help find a cure for blindness - simply by dining on Monday 4th June 2007 at the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi

Dine Foresight - the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi

Sight loss devastates lives. Have a great night out knowing you - and hundreds of others in the UAE - are giving hope to people with eye disease. More than 80 restaurants in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Fujeirah will donate the proceeds of your dining on June 4th.

At the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, you can contribute by dining at popular outlets like Tang and the Dhow. So mark your calendars...and set your sights on Monday, the 4th of June, 2007.

For more details please visit the official Dine Foresight website at www.dineforesight.com

Le Meridien Mina Seyahi compete in annual Lifeguard Championships UAE

Le Meridien Mina Seyahi competes in Lifeguard Championships 

We did it! Our 5 top lifeguards competed in the annual lifeguard championship which took place for the second time in Le Meridien Al Aqah in Fujeirah. On Sunday the 20th of May the fastest lifeguards from Le Meridien Mina Seyahi competed against all the other lifeguard teams from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.

This gave the opportunity to the guys to showcase their skills, which run in conjunction with numerous world-renowned lifeguard associations and subject to their regulation. Not only is it important to recognize these valuable individuals, but it is also essential to boost water safety awareness across the region.

Le Meridien Mina Seyahi competes in Lifeguard Championships

Representatives from governing bodies including the Royal Lifesaving Society of Great Britain (RLSS), Ellis & Associates US, the American Red Cross and the UAE Swimming Association oversaw proceedings on the day.

May 26, 2007

Le Méridien Mina Seyahi presents the "Unlock Art" series - June 1st 2007

Unlock Art with the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi  

art & jewellery fair, Friday June 1st 2007 - Free Entrance

Browse & buy from a superb selection of original artworks & jewellery. Featuring artists Kay Black, Marian Lishman & Balinese works by a variety of artists. Silver jewellery by enigma, murano glass jewellery by kaleidascope & pearl jewellery by purely pearls.

  • Special discounts for Le Méridien Mina Seyahi club members & hotel guests
  • Cash bar available.

Time: 3pm to 7pm. Venue: The clubhouse, lower deck, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi

For more information contact Ros of Marina Market, Dubai. Tel: 050 244 5795. Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Tel : 971 4 399 3333, www.minaeffect.com

Solesenses Spa at the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi wins VIVA Beauty Awards for best Spa in Dubai in Facial Treatment Category

SoleSenses Spa at the Mina Seyahi wins Best Spa Award

The popular SoleSenses Spa at the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina (Jumeirah Beach Dubai) has won the VIVA Beauty Awards for best Spa in Dubai in Facial Treatment Category. A quick Q&A with  VIVA Magazine revealed the following:

How many categories: x6 categories including; best hair products, best body products, best skin care products, best cosmetics, best fragrances, best beauty destinations.

How many entrants: more than 2000 entries, with 100 nominations

How many Spas: 100 spas

How was it judged: the editorial team approached all the categories, and their relevant PR & ad agencies, Judges include; six HIGH PROFILE and GLAMOROUS UAE women from different industry sectors and a high profile international model

Why did SoleSenses win: The best beauty destination was chosen on “the polished to perfection award”, CLARINS Spa at Mina Seyahi won because of expertise and knowledge of their skin care. Readership trust, readers trust them, you come out of the Spa feeling like you had an amazing facial unlike other places where you feel like your skin was attacked.

May 20, 2007

Bussola - “Birthday Bye bye”

Bussola June 2007

Everyone’s favourite scenic restaurant will close for a short period from June 3rd, while the new pool is extended across the front façade of the restaurant and the new gardens are landscaped. As it is BUSSOLA’s  Birthday on June 2nd, we will have a “farewell Birthday party” for all to enjoy. Details of the re-opening will be displayed in the Hotel lobby.

May 19, 2007

Summer energy and eating tips by Chef Stephane of TANG, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Jumeirah Beach Dubai

Stephane at Tang - Le Meridien Mina Seyahi on Jumeirah Beach Dubai

For the hot summer months, you should drink an energy cocktail of carrot, red beet, ginger, green apple and lemon. This boosts your energy - carrot helps for sun protection, apple and lemon for fast hydration; citrus fruit and watermelon help to keep your body hydrated. Try to eat tomato and steamed green vegetables, white meat and small white fish.  Avoid all fried items because of the heat; they are very hard to digest.  - Chef Stephane at TANG Restaurant, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marine (Jumeirah Beach Dubai)

Teens 4 Positive Action and Teen Scheme at the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi

Teens 4 Positive at the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi

Teens 4 Positive Action is a group made up of volunteers aged 12-18 years, based in Dubai. Their mission is to build community awareness through team work and collective effort. Their motto is that teens keep a community standing and that every bit of effort, big or small makes a difference!
Teens 4 Positive Action volunteers offer their help in a variety of areas within the community.

Two areas that are particularly focused on are; developing environmental awareness in the UAE, and inclusive activities with teenagers An afternoon celebration with hotdogs, cooldrinks and music, hosted by Le Meridien Mina Seyahi was really appreciated by the Teens 4 positive action group who hosted Downs syndrome teens at a great party! Assistant F&B Manager Christian Rupp was presented with a framed photo of the group having a great time, as a gesture of “Thanks” to the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina for their continued support and efforts.

May 14, 2007

Step into a new career with the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina

Careers at the Westin Dubai - opening Q4 2007

Be inspired. Journey on a new life path at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina and be part of a fresh beginning. Seeking highly motivated senior and line management experienced within the following  departments:

- Front Office.
- Food & Beverage
- Kitchen
- Spa & Recreation

For more information about the opportunites available, please visit www.minacareers.com

Westin® Hotels & Resorts

Experience a place where you can be your best. Upon entering a Westin hotel, we welcome you with sights, sounds and scents to stir your soul and replenish your spirit. Leave the outside world behind and allow your senses to be elevated. You have found your place to revive, relax and realize renewal.

Announcing the first Westin in the United Arab Emirates: Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina

The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina brings its trademark rejuvenation and identity to the Middle East in the form of a luxurious five-star resort, opening winter 2007. Located on a pristine, 1200m stretch of Dubai shoreline, the resort’s impressive neoclassical architecture and tranquil setting offers exceptional views over the Arabian Gulf.

Embracing Westin’s characteristic feel, the 294 spacious rooms and suites feature Heavenly Beds®, luxurious bath amenities and hi-tech plasma TV screens, while the Westin Workout® Powered by Reebok® and an indulgent Spa provide total relaxation and rejuvenation. The resort offers a variety of ten food and beverage outlets, extensive conference and banqueting facilities, including an outdoor amphitheatre, making it an ideal destination for weddings, gala dinners and concerts.

The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina’s prime location is just 20 minutes from the cosmopolitan city centre with the bustling spice, fabric and gold souqs of Dubai, as well as the more modern attractions the city has to offer. Nearby is the famed Mall of the Emirates, the largest shopping mall outside of North America, which also includes an indoor ski slope. Three championship golf courses, including the PGA tour Emirates Golf Club, are just a 10 minute drive away, while a whole host of superb watersports facilities are available at the resort itself.

Careers at the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina
It is our mission at the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina to make our associates feel like individuals and provide equal opportunities to every passionate candidate who wishes to pursue a career with us. We search for individuals with the right attributes, qualifications & competencies, fused with passion, commitment & drive. The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina fosters growth by managing performances in its leaders and associates through learning and development. Every leader / associate joining us will have his individual development plan, driven by performance. We take pleasure in seeing our leaders and associates grow. For a unique career with the first Westin in Dubai, apply online now at www.minacareers.com.

Sir Bu Naair Traditional Dhow Sailing Race - The revival of the Emirate’s Heritage

The Sir bu Naair Dhow Races at the Mina Seyahi

The highlight of this year’s 60ft traditional Dhow sailing races will take place with the hosting of Sir Bu Naair Traditional Dhow Sailing Race – 60ft, on Saturday 26th May 2007.
 
The spectacle of racing Dhows, with their unfurled sails carries the heritage of Arabic traditions, dating back to the period when Dubai was known for the pearl merchants. Sir Bu Naair Island represents a strategic point for the sailors, as it was used as a stopover for resting for the pearl diving boats, when they were en route back to Dubai from their long trips at sea. Boats used the island to rest their crew, to clean and arrange the display of their pearls, ready for trading before their arrival back to Dubai.

The Emirates pearl trade disappeared and sailing boats were deserted. There were once around 400 words from the Arabic language that belonged exclusively to the sailor’s dialect and are know only to seamen. These words have gradually disappeared from the local spoken language. It was in an effort to revive this tradition that H.H Sheikh Hamdam Bin Rashid Al Maktoum decided to host the first race in 1991.

The Dubai International Marine Club emerged and started to play its role in safekeeping the roots of the previous generations and organized the first race on 23rd May 1991. That year, saw a fantastic fleet of some 53 Dhows, in a range of various lengths and designs. The vessels were not all necessarily designed for a long distance race, but it certainly represented the beginning of a new era for the Dhow Sailing activities in the Emirates.

This is how the ‘Sir Bu Naair’ race first found its origin, in this traditional route named ‘Al Qaffal’, which means the ‘journey back home’, undertaken in the past by the traditional pearl boats. This same route will be sailed on Saturday for the 17th consecutive year. Each year it attracts more participants and more public interest.

This year, the 49 NM long distance race will start from Sir Bu Naair Island and finish at Mina Seyahi.

The 90 x registered boats will hoist their sails at 07:30 am promptly on Saturday 26th May from Sir Bu Naair and are expected to finish by mid-late afternoon.

All competitors look forward to this annual traditional event with all its true and rich heritage that it carries.

More Information:
Patrick Francis, Press Officer, DIMC
P.O.Box 24883, Dubai, UAE
Contact: +971 4 399 5777
web: http://dimc-uae.com
mail: pressofficerdimc@gmail.com

May 13, 2007

Introducing the Mina Effect Photo Gallery

The Mina Effect Photo Gallery

We are pleased to announce the addition of a dynamic Photo Gallery to minaeffect.com, which will feature the latest snaps from your favourite resort on Jumeirah Beach, the Le Merdien Mina Seyahi as well as events and of course, the popular dining and entertainment outlets like Barasti Bar, Tang, Bussola, the Dhow and more. The Gallery can be accessed at www.minaeffect.com/gallery and features a simple navigation interface, with an added search functionality. Check it out today!

The Mina Management Training Program

Mina Management Training Program 
Featured above, from left to right: Abhishek Lakhotia, Jawahar Shantaraj (Training Manager), Nidhi Soni, Michael Scully (General Manager), Berges Bana and Mourtikas Yannis

We at The Mina believe each person is unique and we value each person by building on their existing skill and experience. The Mina Management Training Program spans 12 months and is targeted at graduates with the right attributes, qualifications and competencies. Participants must also possess the passion, commitment and drive to learn and grow in hotel operations as well as support functions.

The 12 months Mina Management Training Program has 3 stages.

  • First, the Foundation stage where the associate has cross exposure in all departments for 24 weeks.
  • Second, the Intermediate stage - here the associate trains in their primary department as Supervisor Trainee for 8 weeks.
  • Third and final, the Under Study stage - here the associate trains in the primary department as Manager Trainee. 

On successful completion the associates are ready to work as leaders at the Mina.

The Mina attracts, develops and retains the right individuals to lead mina into the future.
Our Management trainees tell us that joining the program was their best choice, as there are great openings to exciting and challenging international careers. If you think you have what it takes to succeed, then come experience the ‘Mina effect’ with us.

What do our Management Trainees have to say about the program?

Abhishek Lakhotia, MBA in Hospitality, Les Roches. Switzerland
Joining the management training program of Le Meridien Mina Seyahi has set up a strong foundation for a promising & successful career. Being part of the “Mina team” has been a wonderful experience, endowing attributes such as a friendly ambience, fun & learning & teamwork.

Mourtikas Yannis, Post Graduate diploma in Hospitality Management, SHMS, Switzerland, Diploma in Hotel Operations and Restaurant Techniques, Nafplio, Greece
I still remember the day that I had the interview with the HR director of LMMS. From that day and onwards I started a wonderful “trip” within the hospitality industry. Being a part of the management trainee program of Le Meridien Mina Seyahi is a unique and enjoyable experience. Working together with people from different cultures is a life time lesson and a challenge.  Closing I would like to borrow one phrase of the great Greek philosopher Aristotelis. “Whatever we have to learn to do, we learn it by doing”

Nidhi Soni, Bachelors in Hospitality and Hotel Administration, Institute of Hotel Management, Mumbai
To be a part of the Meridien Management Training Programme is one of best opportunities a Hotel Management Graduate can get. It gives a wonderful kick start to a budding career of any Hotel Management Graduate where one gets new experiences and opportunities to grow within the industry. The Mina Team provides a wonderful environment to accept challenges and prove oneself at the beginning of the career of your choice!!

Berges Bana, Bachelors in Hospitality and Hotel Administration, Institute of Hotel Management, Mumbai
The Mina Management Trainee Programme is an exclusive programme aimed towards training and developing potential individuals within the field of hospitality as future leaders within the organization. It is an exclusive 12 month intensive training programme wherein the candidate not only gets hands on experience of operations, builds interpersonal skills but also specializes within the field of his or her choice. Being a part of the Mina Team has been an enjoyable and a thorough learning experience. A challenging but a promising career for all hospitality associates.

The hottest bar on Jumeirah Beach - Barasti Beach “Chills” Out For Summer

Barasti Chills out for the Summer

Come and join us as we celebrate the launch of our new, very cool, Barasti Beach with its air conditioned bar & dancefloor. As one of the most laid back, stunning beach settings in Dubai, we want to make sure you get through summer, without a  bead of sweat, so we are making Barasti comfortable for you to eat, drink and dance!

You’re invited on May 19th at 4.00pm to celebrate the 1st live broadcast, with  DJ Martin Metcalf and his brand new show “Saturday Sanctuary” on Dubai 92.

Every Saturday throughout the summer months, Martin will keep you cool with his beach side beats, latino funk, brazillian drums and sunkissed vibes.

Chill out...at Barasti Beach.

  • Time: Starts 4.00pm
  • Date: Every Saturday
  • Arabic barbeque @ dhs 55 per person

May 12, 2007

Vice Versa Card Dubai - Options for travellers at the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi

Vice Versa Card Dubai - Le Meridien Mina Seyahi

As of the 1st May, premium visitors arriving in Dubai will be receiving an even warmer welcome than usual! Selected visitors will be handed a complimentary welcome package containing the Vice Versa smart chip card. Welcome packages will be distributed through a variety of distribution partners, serving the 5 and 4 star hotel market including Marhaba Services and Alpha Tours. Visitors who make purchases at any of Vice Versa’s 250 quality outlets will instantly be able to make an average of 10% of their purchase price back onto the card, which they can spend elsewhere in the partner outlet network.

Rather than just being another loyalty/incentive card, Vice Versa gives visitors to Dubai the opportunity to shop at a multitude of recognised and quality outlets within categories like fine dining, shopping, leisure and entertainment, and redeem their rewards instantly. Outlets already signed up as Vice Versa Partners include Hugo Boss, Porsche Design, Tommy Hilfiger, BCBG MAXAZRIA, Zilli, Bally, and GF Ferre as well as a wide range of the city’s top restaurants and cafes, services and activities.

The card can be used for almost anything the visitors would want during a city visit.  The card is accompanied by the pocket sized Premium Guide to Dubai, designed to helps the visitor make the most of their stay.

As one of the world’s fastest growing cities, with a high visitor rate and large number of premium outlets, Dubai was chosen as the first city to accept the Vice Versa card. There are plans in the future to roll out the Vice Versa card to at least 10 other cosmopolitan cities by 2010, enabling visitors to enjoy cross continent rewards.

For more information on the Vice Versa Card, please visit www.viceversacard.com

At the Le Meiriden Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, visitors to Dubai can enjoy benefits at the following Dining outlets:

  • Waves is a stylish brasserie that features an international buffet and á la carte selection plus seasonal theme nights with entertainment.
  • Tang is a gem for the discerning food lover who is passionate about ultimate sensual dining experiences in style. Our chef brought culinary trends from New York and London to Dubai by combining contemporary French dishes with the finest flavors of the Orient.
  • Bussola serves authentic Italian cuisine with the fragrance of the Mediterranean and is located right on the beach. Absorb unbeatable sea and “The Palm” views on two exciting floors. The ground floor offers a comfortably chic dining room ambience, while upstairs moods adjust to the casual trendy “al fresco” pizza / pasta lounge and bar.
Contact Details 
Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina
The Beach Road, c/o Dubai International Marine Club,
PO Box 24883, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone: (971)(4) 399 3333
Fax: (971)(4) 399 3111
Email | Property Website | Special Offers

Sheikh Mayed Wooden Powerboat Race - Damas takes the lead, Godolphins follow

Sheikh Mayed Wooden Powerboats - Damas takes the lead, Godolphins follow

As roaring engines and 6 feet high water sprayed off the 20 registered entrants for the Sheikh Mayed Bin Mohammed Watersports Wooden Powerboat Cup held Saturday at 11.30 am in the presence of HH Sheikh Mayed, there was excitement, anxiety and trepidation as to who would emerge the winner. Speculation was rife but it had to be seen to be believed especially with stiff competition between Damas and the Godolphin teams.

The course similar to the Class 3 – 6ltr races added excitement and a competitive spirit to the race especially with the introduction of the mandatory long lap of 4.54 NM in addition to six race laps of 4.09 NM each. As soon as the green flag was raised, all the boats powered up and stepped on the gas so to say. A spectacular view of boats raised at the bow made for action and excitement as spectators lined the beaches from Royal Mirage to Sheraton Jumeirah to witness the grand baby of power boating. There was stiff competition and this was evident, as the race progressed. Each vying for the first place and wanting to out beat the other by using all the tactics and skills they had. In the distance the wooden boats appeared like dolphins bobbing their head up and down on the waters. The speed with which they maneuvered their boats was beyond compare. The course which totalled 32.71 NM stretched from DIMC at Mina Seyahi to Sheraton Jumeirah.

Sheikh Mayed Wooden Powerboat Race Spectators

On board to witness and cheer the participants was Sheikh Mayed Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum and Marwan Bin Byat along with Saeed Hareb, Managing Director and Race Organiser DIMC.

It was a glorious day for the Damas, driven by Class 3’s Rashid Khalifa Al Marri. Rashid pushed his boat to the limit and stayed in the lead right from the first lap maintaining consistency all through. Not too far behind was Marwan Al Muhairi and co driver Naser Abdulatif al Muhairi in Godolphin. Godolphin 1 skippered by Mohammed Majid Al Room and long time partner Marwan Suhail Al Ayali had to concede to a third position.

The Godolphin 1 has for the first time been sent down to third place in the season having maintained a straight first in all three previous heats. Rashid Al Marri has shown tremendous progress over the season taking home his first podium win. Godolphin with Marwan Al Muhairi and long term partner Naser have not been very fortunate to get to the top of the podium except to stay in second position once before.

Fighting for the overall title are Godolphin 1 steered by Mohammed Majid Al Room and partner Marwan Suhail Al Ayali against Damas and Godolphin.

The fifth heat will be held in Abu Dhabi.

Overall Race points:
1. Godolphin 1, 1425; 2. Godolphin, 1050; 3. Damas, 1000 4. Raheeb 1, 550; 5. Al Mushkhas, 504.

May 07, 2007

The Rugby World Cup 2007 France Schedule - Dubai, UAE Times

The Rugby World Cup 2007 

For those of you eagerly awaiting the Rugby World Cup 2007 in France (and those who can't be in France to experience the action first-hand), we've got the entire schedule here for you, in Dubai / United Arab Emirates times:

MatchDate  PoolLocationUAE Time
1Friday, September 07, 2007FranceArgentinaDSt Denis23:00
2Saturday, September 08, 2007New ZealandItalyCMarseille15:45
3Saturday, September 08, 2007AustraliaJapanBLyon17:45
4Saturday, September 08, 2007EnglandUSAALens20:00
5Sunday, September 09, 2007WalesCanadaBNantes16:00
6Sunday, September 09, 2007South AfricaSamoaAParis18:00
7Sunday, September 09, 2007ScotlandPortugalCSt Etienne20:00
8Sunday, September 09, 2007IrelandNamibiaDBordeaux22:00
9Tuesday, September 11, 2007ArgentinaGeorgiaDLyon22:00
10Wednesday, September 12, 2007USATongaAMontpellier16:00

MatchDate  PoolLocationUAE Time
11Wednesday, September 12, 2007JapanFijiBToulouse20:00
12Wednesday, September 12, 2007ItalyRomaniaCMarseille20:00
13Friday, September 14, 2007EnglandSouth AfricaASt Denis23:00
14Saturday, September 15, 2007New ZealandPortugalCLyon15:00
15Saturday, September 15, 2007WalesAustraliaBCardiff17:00
16Saturday, September 15, 2007IrelandGeorgiaDBordeaux23:00
17Sunday, September 16, 2007FijiCanadaBCardiff16:00
18Sunday, September 16, 2007SamoaTongaAMontpellier18:00
19Sunday, September 16, 2007FranceNamibiaDToulouse23:00
20Tuesday, September 18, 2007ScotlandRomaniaCEdinburgh23:00
21Wednesday, September 19, 2007ItalyPortugalCParis22:00
22Thursday, September 20, 2007WalesJapanBCardiff23:00
23Friday, September 21, 2007FranceIrelandDSt Denis23:00
24Saturday, September 22, 2007South AfricaTongaALens16:00
25Saturday, September 22, 2007EnglandSamoaANantes18:00
26Saturday, September 22, 2007ArgentinaNamibiaDMarseille23:00
27Sunday, September 23, 2007AustraliaFijiBMontpellier16:30
28Sunday, September 23, 2007ScotlandNew ZealandCEdinburgh19:00
29Tuesday, September 25, 2007CanadaJapanBBordeaux20:00
30Tuesday, September 25, 2007RomaniaPortugalCToulouse22:00
31Wednesday, September 26, 2007GeorgiaNamibiaDLens20:00
32Wednesday, September 26, 2007SamoaUSAASt Etienne