The Mina Effect

Barasti the beach restaurant and bar at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina has been named winner of Best Bar Food at the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2008.

‘The food at Barasti is a cut above the rest, and you’re also paying for amazing views over the Gulf and a back-drop of live music. The simple starters were a big hit with the Time Out critics – perfect grazing food in a sultry seafront location,’ said the judges of the winning bar.

Winning a Time Out Dubai award is no easy feat. The magazine’s team of food critics visit each restaurant in Dubai, dining anonymously and paying for every meal, in order to arrive at their conclusions. The judging process takes into account not just the quality of food, but presentation, service, ambience and value for money. The Time Out Dubai awards are 100% independent – the only awards in the city that can make this claim. To obtain recognition at the awards ceremony is to achieve something outstanding.

The Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2008 were presented at a glittering ceremony at the newly opened Monarch Hotel on Tuesday March 25, 2008.  Leading General Managers, Directors, Head Chefs, F &B directors, marketing directors and managers from many of the city’s top restaurants gathered in anticipation as Time Out Dubai delivered its verdict on the best venues to eat in the city.

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 11:33 AM | Permalink

DUBAI, March 23, 2008: Barasti at Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina is back on tour once again, with the first set of Barasti on Tour winners returning slightly hoarse from a three-day rugby spectacle after attending the Wales Vs France Six Nations match in Cardiff on March 15.

View the photos from the event

Charl and Eugene Roberts, Robin Ali, Nigel Smith, Stuart Morgan and Philip Madge were all winners of the first event for Barasti on Tour in 2008. They won a three-day trip to London and Cardiff to attend the Six Nations match, which saw Wales emerge victors in front of a riotous home crowd, after beating France 29-12.

Barasti, the social hub of Jumeirah, is providing lucky customers the chance to attend three international events throughout 2008; which means there are two more chances to win!

“We launched Barasti on Tour in 2007 with a prize to attend the Rugby World Cup Final in Paris. It proved a phenomenal promotion. Barasti is such a vibrant venue and is always full of excitement. Our clientele are continuously looking for new experiences and what better way to achieve this than through the Barasti on Tour series?” said Michael Scully, Complex General Manager, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina and The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina.

“This year, we have gone one step further, offering three fantastic Barasti on Tour events that are bound to excite our regulars, and which will hopefully see them coming back to Barasti with exciting tales to tell,” he added.

Barasti on Tour is offering its guests the chance to win VIP tickets, with flights and accommodation, to two more international events.

The prize draws, in association with a+e, will offer six Barasti customers the chance to win tickets to experience one of the world’s finest tennis contests. Winners will jet off to London in June to attend the Stella Artois marquee at the Queens Club London, to watch the world’s best tennis players compete against each other. The prize includes flights, accommodation at a top hotel, high tea at the famous tennis club, and time for additional sight seeing.

Rounding off the year, Barasti on Tour will whisk its final set of winners off to Oz to become some of the first people on the planet to herald in 2009.

Winners will be flown to Sydney, Australia where they will get to experience a Harbour tour, helicopter ride to the Hunter Valley winery, and go surfing on Manly Beach. The highlight will be ringing in the New Year at Sydney Harbour.

For a chance to win, look out for the Barasti on Tour collateral at Barasti, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina.

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 11:09 AM | Permalink

A great video from the Maktoum Sailing Trophy held this year at the Mina Seyahi Complex Dubai!

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 11:04 AM | Permalink

Celebrate Easter with plenty of fun and scrumptious dining delights at the Mina Seyahi!Some information on our dining specials at Waves Restaurant below, as well as a complete listing of our Kid's Activities and Teenager Activities from 20th March to 6th April 2008.

Waves Restaurant:

• Good Friday - March 21: Come along for our Far Eastern Friday Night, featuring Fresh Japanese Sushi, Gado Gado and mouth-watering home made desserts.
• Easter Breakfast - March 23rd: Featuring beautiful home made chocolates from our specialty chef, a special visit from you know who? Cost AED 120 Full Breakfast and AED 55 Continental Breakfast
• Easter Brunch - March 23rd: Highlighting Hand Made Chocolates, Chocolate Fountain, Seafood, Sushi and much much more Cost AED 145 (Food only).

For more information and reservations please call +971 4 399 3333

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 11:21 AM | Permalink

The Dubai International Boat Show is organised by Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC), which has been at the forefront of exhibitions in the Middle East for over 27 years. DWTC has a network of worldwide sales agents, first class suppliers of stand and contracting services, and event publicity.  The team’s in-depth knowledge of Exhibition Management and the Marine Industry plays a major role in the success and high professional standards of DIBS.

The Venue - DIMC, Mina Seyahi: Established in 1988, the Dubai International Marine Club is one of the most elegant yacht clubs in the region. Over the years it has become the driving force behind the growth of national and international watersport events in the Middle East.
Ideally located on Dubai’s enchanting waterfront, next to the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi and The Palm Jumeirah, DIMC is the perfect venue for the Dubai International Boat Show.

The Market:

The Middle East is the only region in the World that can boast such a huge level of investment in waterfront developments. These massive waterside developments in both Dubai and the surrounding region are generating increased demand for leisure boats, equipment and associated services.

Dubai and the UAE
Nakheel’s three Palm Projects, The World and Dubai Waterfront claim over 30,000 berth spaces adding 1500 kilometers to Dubai’s coastline.
• Emaar’s Dubai Marina & Um Al Quwain Marina on the Al Yufra Creek
• Dubai Maritime City
• Abu Dhabi Conference Palace Hotel

The Gulf region is witnessing massive growth on an unprecedented scale in reclaimed islands and water side developments.

The Middle East
Oman
• The Blue City, part of the Al Sawadi near Muscat
• The Wave near Seeb seafront
• Barr Al-Jissah
• Yitti Resort
• Ras Al Hadd

Qatar
• Al Khor and Wakra close to Doha Bay
• The Pearl Development

Bahrain
• Bahrain Financial Harbour
• Bahrain Bay, Bahrain, a futuristic marina off the North East coast of Manama
• Durrat Al Bahrain
• Al Areen Development
• The Two Seas Project - man made island in the shape of a sea horse
• Ritz Carlton Hotel Sea

Kuwait
• Al-Kout in Fahaheel
• Ras Al Ard Marina
• KOC small Boat Harbour
• Al Sharq Marina
• Salmiya

Saudi Arabia
• King Abdulla’s Economic City
• Al Bund Oquia Islands - A string of man-made islands off the Saudi coast extending over 21 kilometres

Visitor Profile:
Visitors interested in the following products should attend Dubai International Boat Show:
• Boats and Yachts
• Boats / Yachting Equipments and Accessories
• Engines and Related Equipments
• Marine Services
• Canoe / Kayaks / Rowing / Rafting
• Waterskiing / Wakeboarding
• Diving
• Surfing / Windsurfing / Kitesurfing
• Fishing
• Maritime Art / Handicrafts
• Organisations / Institutes / Clubs
• Marinas / Water Front Development / Water Sports Facilities

Exhibition Statistics

Entry
Visitors without an invitation must pay AED 40 per day. Access to the On-water Marina Areas may be restricted at times. Children under the age of 12 are admitted free of charge but must be accompanied at all times.

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 11:09 AM | Permalink

The 3rd MINA MILE Open Water Swimming Race 2008 will be held on Friday March 21st 2008 from 9am to 1pm in front of Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina, Dubai. The race is open to all residents in the UAE aged 13 and above. The event will offer races between 1600m, 800m individuals (Male and Female) and 200m relay for difference age groups. Entrance fee is 60Dhs per person and entrance forms are available at outlets of Sand and Sun Sport, and Club Mina of Le Meridien Mina Seyahi.

For more information and registration please visit www.supersportdubai, entries will close on Wednesday March 19th, 2008. Come and join the 3rd MINA MILE Open Water Swimming Race at Le Merdien Mina Seyahi as there will be prizes, metals and free t-shirt that you can bring home! 

The 3rd MINA MILE Open Water Swimming Race 2008

When: Friday, March 21st,2008, 9.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.
Where: Ocean waters in front of Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina Dubai
Who: Open to all interested swimmers in the UAE (Age 13 and above)

Registration:
1. Entrance fee: 60Dhs per person
2. Entrance form: Available at outlets of Sand and Sun Sports and Club Mina (Le Meridien Mina Seyahi)
3. Online registration www.supersportsdubai.com
4. Registration close on Wednesday March 19th, 2008
5. Top prizes and medals will be awarded at the end of event

Adult Programme (1600 m):

Groups:

• 4 (Male)
• 4 (Female)
• Categories:
  1. 13-18 years
  2. 19-30 years
  3. 31-45 years
  4. 46 years and over

Youth Programme (800 m):

Group:

• 2 (Male)
• 2 (Female)
• Categories:
  1. 16 years and under
  2. 17 years and over

Relay Programme (200 m)

Groups:

• Junior and Senior Schools
• Swim Clubs
• Companies
• Individual Team
• Families
• Categories:
  1. 4 swimmers in each team
  2. Each team member to swim 200m

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 03:14 PM | Permalink

A peek at a relaxed, perfect day at the Mina Seyahi Complex in Dubai! Starting off with a cocktail reception at The Dhow, followed by an exquisite lunch at Bussola Restaurant and with a sailing match race between the Le Meridien and Westin yachts for a grand finale...the day could not get any better!

View the photos from the event on our photo gallery!

For rooms, dining, group and team-building enquiries contact us at +971 4 399 3333 today!

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 11:41 AM | Permalink

Dubai, March 3, 2008: The 2008 Maktoum Sailing Trophy, sponsored by Emirates Airline, has taken sailing to new heights in the UAE after a week of top class international action off the coast of Dubai. The five-day event attracted some of the world’s leading yachtsmen who competed in near-perfect sailing conditions in front of spectators, both on-shore and aboard other vessels.  

The competition, which is now broadcast in over 100 countries, was held under the auspices of the Dubai International Marine Club in association with the UAE Marine Sports Federation and ISAF, the world governing body for sailing. With more than 30 teams coming from as far a field as Portugal and Australia, the Maktoum Sailing Trophy has helped establish Dubai as one of the leading offshore race venues.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, Emirates' Executive Vice President, Commercial Operations Worldwide, said: "Emirates has been delighted to ride the wave of the Maktoum Sailing Trophy for a second year, and once again it has been a great success. To see some of the world's leading sailors in action in superb conditions off the coast of Dubai has been a fabulous spectacle and inspiring to watch. We hope Emirates' backing for this event will help the winds of fortune blow through the sport locally and further establish Dubai as a centre for international sporting events."

Taking place from 25-29th February, and culminating in a gala dinner and prize giving ceremony sponsored by AGMC BMW, the Maktoum Sailing Trophy took on a slightly different format this year, with even organizers upping the ante to ensure a professional and successful week of sailing.

The competition brought together a mixture of purpose-built yachts and racing cruisers, ranging in length from 29ft to 55ft, with a handicap system in place to balance out the competition in terms of hull and sail size.

The handicap system opened up the competition to a greater number of participants and led to an even more exciting series of races, as the various vessels tackled the unique course which followed the edge of The Palm, Jumeirah.

“It is Mina Seyahi Dubai's plan to develop the Maktoum Sailing Trophy into a major attraction in a season of events highlighting Dubai’s status as a world class sailing venue. This week’s competition has exceeded our expectations and truly proves that Dubai is ready to take its place among the world’s greatest offshore racing destinations,” said Saeed Hareb, CEO, Mina Seyahi Dubai.

Racing conditions were near perfect, with winds touching 16 knots, as the yachts zipped over the waves off Jumeirah’s coastline.

Ichi Ban, Westin Mina Seyahi and Rush Knot were the three teams to claim victory of the seas. Ichi Ban took top spot in Division 1, Westin Mina Seyahi reclaimed its Division 2 title, while Rush Knot emerged triumphant in the Division 3 race series.

“The level of entrants was at an all time high, with world greats such as Toby O’Connell, Russell Coutts and Francis Carr battling it out against local talent from Youssef Bin Lahej, Kristian Tzanov and Mike Jelfs. This proves that the Emirates Maktoum Sailing Trophy is now seen as an important segment of an international calendar of sailing events,” said Sid Bensalah, Race Department Director, Mina Seyahi Dubai.

The Maktoum Sailing Trophy was held under the patronage of Sheikh Mayed Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum with sponsorship from Emirates Airline, AGMC BMW, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina, The Westin Dubai and Marine Pool.

The event is followed by the Dubai RC44 Cup racing regatta, which takes place this week from March 3 to 7 at the Mina Seyahi Dubai.

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 09:08 AM | Permalink

Over 120 photos from the hottest bar on Jumeirah Beach! Check out the photos taken at Barasti on 22nd and 29th February 2008, with the Barasti on Tour promotion (...now also featuring the Fosters Girls!)

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 05:22 PM | Permalink