The Mina Effect

Congratulations to Clebhard Pinto, Assistant Head Concierge, who has become the first Mina associate to be awarded the prestigious Clefs D’Or by Les Union Internationale Des Concierge d’Hotels Clefs d’Or (U.I.CH.) of Paris.

“It’s a big achievement for me” said Clebhard, “I get to know more about Dubai and have a chance to participate in exclusive D.T.C.M (Dept of Tourism and Commerce Marketing) events and am better able to assist our guests” One event Clebhard is looking forward to immensely is attending the 2008’s annual Clefs D’Or congress in Denmark.

The Clef’s D’Or was established in 1929 and is awarded only to those candidates who follow the guiding principles of the organization: discretion, politeness, optimism, psychology, rigor and courtesy, and who have worked as a concierge for five years. In addition to displaying these principles, Clebhard had to pass a rigorous three month selection process. Clebhard now joins a select group of less than three thousand Clefs D’Or members worldwide.

- Contributed by Nick Platt

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 10:11 AM | Permalink

With a hot Dubai summer coming to an end, the Dhow has re-opened its Upper Deck for dinner, for guests looking for a vibrant, romantic and modern Seafood and Sushi experience on this traditional Arabic boat. Call the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina (Jumeirah Beach Dubai) at +971 4 3993333 for more details and reservations.

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 09:24 AM | Permalink

The first heat of the traditional dhow sailing race in the 22 feet category race to be held Saturday 22nd September, 2007 marks the start of the DIMC watersports season. The much awaited season commences after a break of almost four months during the summer. Though the weather hasn’t much cooled off the sailors will be under stress due to the fast during the Holy Month of Ramadan. This is not in any way going to deter the sailors as they take gret pride in their traditional races. The last season witnessed a spectacular display of skill and tactic. Dhows sailed gloriously on the serene waters of the Arabian Sea along the Jumeirah coast, with courses set by Saeed Hareb, Managing Director, DIMC organiser of a season full of exhilarating watersports.

The organisers strictly enforce the mandatory life-jacket rule given the extreme sailing conditions. This is the most dreaded race of the three categories of traditional dhow sailing, because of the Al Khayour turn buoy. The 22 feet dhows are known for their steady sailing along a straight course but not when it comes to turning around the turn buoy. Amidst much anticipation and excitement this start to the smallest of the traditional dhows will mark a season in this series as one of great success.

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 10:08 AM | Permalink

Watch the TV interview with GM Michael Scully about Golfing and Sports in Dubai, while at the Powerboating event in Norway. You can also watch the video here

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 12:07 PM | Permalink

During the holy month of Ramadan, Ramadan tents are popular places of gathering and the perfect place to break your fast. This is also a popular place for those not fasting to spend the evening, meet friends and play backgammon. Ramadan tents are a superb place to go should you be in the mood for sampling Arabic cuisine, drinking Arabic coffee and smoking Shisha.

However the menu can be a bit confusing for those new to Arabic cuisine. Therefore here are a few pointers on what you can try in the Ramadan tent at the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina.

For starters, except for the traditional Hommos, Moutabel and Tabouleh, try Awrak Enab – rice wrapped in wine leaves, Samboussik (small triangle samosa, which can be stuffed with vegetables, cheese, meat or spinach) or Kibbeh (minced meat with spices).

For the main course you can choose from a variety of meat dishes, e.g. Shish Taouk (Marinated, grilled chicken) or Kofta (made of minced or ground meat —beef /lamb). Do not forget Saj – a kind of pita, which can be stuffed with cheese, meat, spinach or even nuts, banana & chocolate - something you will never forget!

And then there are scrumptious desserts for the sweet tooth – Baklawa (assorted Arabic pastry) and Katayef (Walnut/ cheese), Umm Ali (bread pudding-like dessert), Kounafa (shredded baked wheat dough filled with cheese, cream, or pistachios, covered with syrup) and Halawet Al Jubn (Mixed cream with cheese & honey).

Had enough…? Then simply relax with a cup of Turkish coffee or Moroccan tea, smoke Shisha, listen to soft music and think of the next time you’ll come here, because you definitely will.

See you there…Ramadan Kareem!

- Contributed by Olga N.

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 08:10 PM | Permalink

Summer is over in Dubai! Stomp is coming! Make sure this autumn you won’t miss a unique musical performance that uses everyday objects including brooms, bins and water to create extraordinary percussive music. When? From October 18, 2007 to October 25, 2007 in Madinat Arena, Dubai (20.30-22.00) - located very close to the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina...on Jumeirah Beach Dubai.

Stomp is a renowned non-traditional dance troupe (originating in Brighton, UK in summer 1991) that uses the body and ordinary objects to create a percussive physical theatre performance. The troupe was premiering in Edinburgh, where it won the Daily Express ‘Best of the Fringe’ award and became Guardian`s ‘Critic`s choice’. Being originally a 7-piece, Stomp grew to be an eight person outfit in the autumn of 1991. between 1991 and 1994 Stomp gave performances around the world. In 1995 the troupe already had 30 members.

Stomp was always diverting its activities, had been featured in a number of commercials, recorded music, created series and movies.

Stomp was commissioned to create and produce the Lost & Found Orchestra, which brings the Stomp ideas to a symphonic level.

In 2007 Stomp Out Loud opened in Las Vegas and performed inside a new $28 million theater specifically created for the production.

Among so-called instruments, that are used in the performances are: sand, water, drumsticks, bananas (!) and matches.

Visit http://www.stomponline.com/ for more information on STOMP!

- Submitted by Olga N.

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 10:56 AM | Permalink

View the Sailing Photo Gallery

After a lull of four months over the summer season, the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) gets set for a brand new season of watersports activities. The first of the season kicks off with the 22 feet traditional dhow sailing races scheduled for September 22nd, 2007. The DIMC race calendar is a buzz with activity back to back starting September thru to June 2008 with races from traditional dhow sailing to the traditional Class III powerboat, rowing to modern sailing and the much awaited WPPA Class One World Powerboat Championship races under the aegis of the World Professional Powerboating Association that was formed on the UAE’s National Day, December 2nd 2006.

The Powerboating season has had a successful start under the WPPA and with four more championships to go it is expected top pick momentum and win acclaim from both team members and spectators alike. Besides these are the modern watersports activities such as the Open sailing Regatta in the beginning of October followed by the Class One countdown to the World Championship with penultimate and final round being held in Dubai over November and December. The jet-ski races are a delight for the spectators especially in the free-style category. For the second consecutive year, DIMC will be the venue for the Dubai Desert Challenge a place that has been much acclaimed for its infrastructure and facilities. The International Boat Show held earlier this year was a resounding success and DWTC will see itself on the pits at DIMC for the third year in a row in March next year. 

Come December 2007 and DIMC has in store some exciting surprises for those who are pro-water. The year is fun filled with action both on the traditional as well as the modern front. “We are in expectation of a great season this year, with the amount of activities lined up. I and my team are looking forward to an exhilarating year of racing in the gulf”, said Saeed Hareb, Managing Director, Dubai International Marine Club and president WPPA. “On a yearly basis DIMC organizes as well as oversees over 168 events in one watersports season that starts September upto May of the next year when it culminates its season with the much awaited Sir Bu Naair races under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Finance Minister and Deputy Ruler of Dubai”. “The last season witnessed the untiring support of HH Sheikh Mayed Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, both with his patronage as well as personal presence during the Sheikh Mayed Watersports Challenge. That was a great boost for us and we are looking forward to that partnership again this season on a larger scale”, added Saeed Hareb.

View the Sailing Photo Gallery

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 09:22 AM | Permalink

We wish all our guests, patrons and well-wishers Ramadan Kareem, from the Mina Family! Here is a compilation of useful information for your stay or visit, including Ramadan Do's and Dont's, Ramadan Prayer Timings in Dubai (UAE) and also our Restaurant / Outlet timings during the holy month of Ramadan.

Ramadan Dos and Don'ts

The local authorities become especially sensitive to social faux pas throughout Ramadan. Below are a few guidelines to keep you from offending anyone:

1. Don't eat or drink in public before sunset. This includes consuming anything in your car / taxi     and eating chewing gum.
2. Don't smoke in public.
3. Don't wear revealing clothes throughout Ramadan.
4. Don't buy alcohol for a Muslim. While this rule applies all year round, penalties for breaking this rule are higher during Ramadan.
5. When at 'iftar' (breaking the fast after sunset), don't begin eating before anyone else. The communal prayer will signify the beginning of 'Iftar'.
6. Don't try to coerce a Muslim into breaking his or her fast.
7. Don't show public displays of affection.
8. Don't raise the volume on your stereo or TV during prayer times.
9. Don't swear in public.
10. Don't stare or point at Emirati women. This is a general rule, but again, locals are especially sensitive to prying eyes during Ramadan.

Ramadan Prayer Times in Dubai

Note 1: Fajr means both Fajr Athan (Azan) and Imsak (starting fast) and Maghrib means both Maghrib Athan (Azan) and Iftar (breaking fast).
Note 2: Ramadan starting date is according to Makkah.

Month: 9/1428, 9-10 / 2007 C.E
Location:  Dubai,  UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Calculation Method:  Umm Al-Qura
Juristic Method:  Standard
Prayer Times from www.islamicFinder.org

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 12:05 PM | Permalink

A quick reference guide to the timings of various outlets at the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Dubai during the holy month of Ramadan. 

• Horizon: 09:00 -­ 21:00 (Alcohol available after 19:00)
• Tang: 19:00 ­- 01:00 (Alcohol available)
• Barasti: 11:00 -­ 02:00 (Alcohol available after 19:00) Food available from 11:00 until 01:00
• Waves: Open 24 Hours (Alcohol available after 20:00), Breakfast - Dhs 85 (0:700 - 11:00), Lunch Buffet - Dhs.95 (12:00 - 15:00), Iftar Buffet from Sunset until 19:30 - Dhs.99, Theme Nights Buffet - Dhs.145 (19:30 - 22:30), Friday Brunch - Chd.140 (12:15 - 15:30)
• Lobby Lounge: 19:00 - 02:00
• The Dhow: 19:00 - 00:00 (Alcohol available), Dinner: 19:00 - 23:00
• Ciros: 19:00 - 01:30 (Alcohol available)
• Room Service: Available 24 hours, Iftar (Dhs. 120 pp), Sohour from 03:00 ­(Dhs. 90 pp)
• Ramadan Tent: Clubhouse and Marina Grounds, Every night from 20:00 - 03:00 (No alcohol available)
• Club Mina Pools & Water Sports: Rock Pool: 09:00 ­- 20:00, Horizon Pool: 08:00 ­- 21:00, Lap Pool: Closed, Beach: 09:00 -­ Sunset, Water Sports: 09:00 - 18:00 (Last booking at 17:00)
• Sole Senses Spa by Clarins: 09:00 ­ 21:00 (Last booking at 19:45)
• Club Mina Gymnasium: 07:00 ­- 23:00
• Penguin Club: 09:00 - 19:00

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 12:22 PM | Permalink

This Rugby World Cup (TM), enjoy all the action live and cheer on your home team at Barasti...complemented by our trademark service, refreshments and big-screen TVs!

Rugby World Cup (TM) Match Schedule and Timings

For more information call us at +971 4 399 3333 or email us at f&b@lemeridien-minaseyahi.com

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 11:23 AM | Permalink

“Tang” the fusion restaurant at the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi provides the perfect start to your culinary voyage. Molecular Gastronomy is what we specialize in...French with influences from the Far East….the more you taste, the greater is the experience…

Start your voyage with the Raw Experience… the Likes of Sashimi/New Style Sashimi/Tartare/Shiso Rolls…

Dig into sashimi soaked in sake and blow torched along with some hand rolled shiso leaves stuffed with beef or seafood...

Our chefs add their own flair to traditional sashimi platters to add that bit of excitement to your experience. Our qualified staff would brief you on the flavors from mild to intense and piquant.

Wine recommendations!!!! Well you can leave that to us as well… Our careful selection of Old and New World Wines perfectly compliment our flavors.

Start your Raw Experience with a bottle of the Sauvignon Blanc Kim Crawford 2004 – Explosively Aromatic Impeccably Balanced, brimming with lovely pear, apple, melon and mineral flavors that linger excitingly.

So if you are looking for a modern fine dining experience, let Tang take you on a spree of Culinary Excellence… and make your evening that very special… 

- Contributed by Berges Bana @ Tang

For more information call +971 4 399 3333 or email us at f&b@lemeridien-minaseyahi.com

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 11:26 AM | Permalink