Colors for Peace exhibition opens at Silicon Central

Artissima Art Agency displays drawings from 135 countries across five continents.

Dubai, UAE: The global Colors for Peace’ exhibition that showcases the drawings of 4-11 years old children from 135 nations representing 5 continents opens at Silicon Central, Dubai’s latest lifestyle and shopping destination as part of the mall’s Ramadan programme.

Colors for Peace Association, founded in 2015 in support of the National Peace Park of Sant’Anna di Stazzema, is a non-profit association that promotes children’s art internationally to reduce cultural, social and economic distances between rich and poor countries.

The aim of the exhibition is for “the adult of tomorrow” to become the conscious bearer of a universal culture of peace, rejecting any logic of war and division of people. In pursuing its goals, Colors for Peace is faithful to the values of equality, respect for the neighbor, solidarity and justice.

The event was attended by Dr. Humaid Mohamed Redha Alansari, Art Patron & Legal Advocate, Dr. Robert Noriega, Art Patron & Diplomat from Venezuela, K P Thamban, Regional Director, Lulu Group International and Marcello Larizza, General Manager of Silicon Central.

Dr. Humaid Mohamed Redha Alansari, Art Patron & Legal Advocate said, “It is a pleasure to be part of this event and witness the work of children who are our future as we have to pay attention to the messages of peace they put forward so they can look forward to a world that advocates the values of this exhibition.”

Mr. Salim MA, Director Lulu Group said, “Ramadan is the perfect time to host this exhibition as it sends the powerful message of peace to the world.  We hope you enjoy the exhibition and reflect on the messages of peace in the drawings. For Ramadan, our events team have curated events and activities to create memorable moments for shoppers at the mall.”

Aurela Cuku, Vice President of Colors for Peace said, “Having our Colors for Peace exhibition that sends the message of Peace from all over the world is ideal for Ramadan which promotes the same values. Our mission is to shape the adults of tomorrow and inspire the adults of today in the universal culture of Peace, through art, hope, and solidarity.”

Children visiting Silicon Central will have a chance to draw about peace and submit it to customer service and three artworks will be selected at the end of the exhibition to be showcased in other countries. The Peace for children project, Colors for Peace has the High Patronage of the Tuscan Regional Council, the Tuscan Student Parliament and the European Parliament.

The Deck Long Table in voco Dubai The Palm to host Michelin Star Chefs, Miguel Angel de la Cruz and Fernando del Cerro

Provacuno, premium sustainable beef from Spain to feature in specially curated menu

Dubai, UAE: The Deck, a vibrant environment friendly beachfront dining restaurant at the voco Dubai The Palm on West Beach, Palm Jumeirah welcomes Michelin Star Chefs serving dishes with Provacuno, premium sustainable beef from Spain for only two nights on Tuesday and Wednesday,   14th and 15th of March 2023.

Social dining is at the heart of the experience at The Deck for people looking for a place to unwind and have fun and Provacuno Chefs have curated a special menu with tapas and three glasses of paired house beverages at AED 199/- per person.

Serving on The deck long table will be Chef Miguel Angel de la Cruz who has One Michelin Star, One Green Star and Chef Fernando del Cerro who comes with one Michelin Star.

The picturesque beachfront dining venue, The Deck is the perfect place where patrons can be themselves in a laid back, chilled environment with friends and family as the sun sets over the horizon while they enjoy the specially curated menu next week. Enjoy The Deck’s exquisite vibe while listening to tunes curated by music expert Big Rossi and the sound of the waves for entertainment,

Celebrate Sakura with Sumo Sushi & Bento

Enjoy the Cherry blossom festival at Sumo Sushi & Bento with delectable dishes

Dubai, UAE: Sumo Sushi & Bento, the originator of family friendly sushi dining in the region is celebrating Japan’s famous cherry blossom festival season with delicious dishes and will emulate the tradition of Sakura viewers celebrating the season by eating, drinking and coming together to welcome the beginning of Spring.

To mark the Sakura cherry blossom festival, Sumo Sushi & Bento is launching a new sumo signature item ‘Gozen Samurai’ (lady Samurai) inspired by Gozen, also known as the female warrior samurai. The dish is promoted on Women’s Day on 8th March and 21st March on Mother’s Day as an exclusive Sumo Mobile app campaign.

Sumo Sushi & Bento diners can also enjoy similar dishes that are popular in the Sakura season right here in the UAE. The dishes include Sakura Roll, Inari Sushi, Futo Maki, Mochi, Wagyu Steak Roll, Chirashi Bento and a drink called Pink.

Additionally, female mobile app members can save by getting a classic bento at 25% off when they buy the Gozen Samurai dish from March 8th to the 21st for Dine-in, takeaway and delivery orders.

Jerome Mortel, COO, Sumo International Inc. LLC,said,We are delighted to present dishes inspired by the Japanese custom of flower viewing known as hanami  just in time for Cherry Blossom season and we are excited to introduce a new dish to celebrate the ladies and mothers since the season coincides with Women’s Day and Mother’s Day We hope to keep  our diners engaged by tempting them with new innovative dishes to celebrate the different festivals and milestones in their life.”

For regular patrons,Sumo Mobile App is a most simple and convenient way to earn loyalty points. Collect Kenji Coins for every order and redeem them for FREE food and drinks (1 AED= 1 Kenji Coin). You can redeem the rewards without any minimum spend. Enjoy!

The special offers are available from 11am to 11pm at all Sumo Sushi & Bento outlets. For Booking, visit https://sumosushibento.com, download the Sumo Sushi App or call 800-7866(SUMO)

RAK Mall reveals International Women’s Day Activations

Pop up market, art display, free nail services offered along with discounts, special offers and activities

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE: Iconic shopping destination, RAK Mall is all geared up to celebrate International Women’s Day with special discounts, offers and activities.

RAK Mall will have a pop-up market with Free Nail Services from Nail Touch Spa and various fashion, beauty, jewelry, wellness, and lifestyle pop up stores and will run on March 8th, 3pm to 9pm. It complements the mall’s existing shopping, entertainment, and female friendly experiences.

Shoppers can also learn from the Emirates Cancer Society and get to know the inspirational and talented women from various walks of life as they honor and support each other as one community.

In addition, Artist, Ms. Hamama Youssef Saleh will display paintings and her skills on Sand Art about UAE history.

Digital Transformation Jordan gathers key digital transformation stakeholders and game changers leading the digital evolution in Jordan

Amman, Jordan: The 3rd Digital Transformation Jordan Conference was inaugurated today by H.E. Mr. Ahmad Al Hanandeh Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship in Amman to explore the use of Advanced next-gen technology and global trends for the country’s future digital transformation at The Ritz Carlton Hotel & Residences, Amman, Jordan.

Held under the endorsement of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, the two-day Conference will be attended by Jordan’s senior government decision makers, industry leaders, leading international technology consultants and digital experts sharing their experience and knowledge to help drive digital transformation forward via technical workshops, fireside chats and interactive roundtable discussions.

This event also discussed the latest developments and best practices to improve operational efficiency to help transform Jordan’s digital society and economy through digital transformation.

Exceptional Experiences

Celebrate the season of togetherness this Holy Month of Ramadan at Shangri-La Dubai

Shereen Shabnam

This March, Shangri-La Dubai has a host of exciting promotions for residents and visitors, in particular for the Ramadan season. The hotel offers a glimpse of the iconic skyline of Sheikh Zayed Road and has spectacular rooms, from one-bedroom suites with spacious living areas to two- or three-bedroom apartments for larger families, equipped with a relaxing living space that suits everyone’s needs.

Each room at the hotel provides guests with the best views of the city from the Burj Khalifa to the Arabian Sea, allowing guests to really view Dubai for what it is, a blend of history and modernity. The hotel has one of the best rooftop pools in the city with the best views of the Burj Khalifa, which is beautifully framed by palm trees creating the ultimate photo opportunity.

During Ramadan, Shangri-La Dubai invites guests to experience the holy month of Ramadan in the relaxed, family-friendly setting of Dunes Café or enjoy Suhoor under the stars at ikandy ultralounge.

At Dunes Café, savour an array of Turkish highlights prepared by guest chefs from Shangri-la Bosphorus, Istanbul as the culinary team take you on a gastronomic journey to the Heart of Bosphorus. Try authentic dishes originated from different regions of Turkey, an exciting assortment of mezzeh, mains and irresistible desserts will be served in Dunes Café’s Iftar buffet. From sunset onwards, guests may enjoy an array of Turkish delicacies with a hint of Arabic favorites including traditional Ramadan beverages, as well as a delectable variety of sweets and desserts for AED 250 per person.

For those who choose to come later in the evening, ikandy ultralounge offers a beautiful setting around the poolside, with spectacular views of the Burj Khalifa. Guests can delight in a bespoke suhoor set menu with a selection of delicious bites, traditional beverages and an option to add shisha until 2:00 am.

The hotel also offers some of the finest Asian cuisine with traditional Chinese food at Shang Palace, the signature restaurant of Shangri-La Hotels worldwide and authentic Vietnamese food at Hoi An. Both venues have a welcoming and relaxing dining ambience.

CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai embraces the principles of vitality, fitness and beauty as the key to achieving inner balance and well-being. It draws inspiration from the legendary Shangri-La, a place of personal peace, enchantment and well-being. Catering to both ladies and gents, CHI, The Spa is the perfect place to unwind with relaxing and rejuvenating treatments to benefit whatever the guest desires.

During Ramadan, it is the perfect place for balancing your inner chi and restoring equilibrium throughout your entire body as guests can indulge in CHI’s ancient healing philosophies and rituals, to relax and rejuvenate both body and mind.  

Shangri-La Hotel Dubai is in close proximity to the Dubai Mall which features the largest indoor aquarium, as well as KidZania, an expansive indoor playground. Just five minutes from the hotel, City Walk is a prime destination for dining, shopping and leisure.

For more information on Shangri-La Dubai’s Iftar and Suhoor offers or to make a reservation, please contact restaurant reservations at +971 4 405 2703 or email fbreservations.sldb@shangri-la.com

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The first ever World Padel League to be held in Dubai

  • Padel is currently fastest growing sport in the world.
  • 1st of its kind World Padel League to feature as ‘Greatest show on court’.
  • Coca-Cola Arena partners for the high-profile sports and entertainment event.

Dubai, UAE: The world’s top-ranked padel players will convene with  biggest entertainers in world to present the ‘Greatest show on court’ with the inaugural World Padel League to be held in association with Dubai Sports Council at Coca-Cola Arena from 8th to 11th June 2023.

The World Padel League will feature 4 teams, 24 of  world’s biggest players and 4 concerts with internationally renowned artists. The 4-day sportainment experience comes to Dubai by the same team that recently concluded the World Tennis League, which proved a huge success.

Rajesh Banga, Chairman of World Padel League says,” Our goal is to innovate and marry World class sport with entertainment to give fans unique and immersive experience. After success of the World Tennis League (WTL) and with the incredible growth we see in padel specifically regionally, we are excited to live up to promise for another blockbuster event”.

H.E Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council added, “The World Padel League will increase popularity of sport more locally and globally with local and International players showcasing their talent, highlighting tournament rules and standards and cementing the commitment we made to grow and develop the sports by fostering interest in residents and visitors to pursue active sports. We believe the WPL will attract more talent to our shores.”

Mark Jan Kar, General Manager of CocaCola Arena added, “We are thrilled to host another exciting sport and entertainment event at Coca-Cola Arena and look forward to our partnership with Rajesh and team. I believe Padel can be both a participation and spectator sport and we see rapid growth in region over the past two years. With the success of WTL it’s clear that combination of sports and live music makes for the perfect match”.

The World Padel League will bring together best global talent to centre court surrounded by an incredible line-up of sports stars and music artists. Stay tuned for more information as teams, players and global artists are revealed.

Managing Service Quality in Luxury Organizations

Hakan Ozel

Service is intangible, inseparable, variable, and perishable. Considering these, all great service providing companies have great customer service and employee cultures and focus their undivided attention on both customers and employees.

They understand the service-profit chain, which links the service firm’s profits with employee and customer satisfaction. Service quality model calls not only for external, but internal initiatives to motivate the employees for superior performance and interactive tactics to create luxury service delivery skills in luxury organizations. To succeed, especially against the fierce competition of today, executives must create competitive differentiation, find ways to increase service productivity, but more importantly, offer highest possible service quality.  

One of the major ways that a luxury firm can differentiate itself is delivering consistently a higher quality of everything than its competitors do. Many service industries have joined the total quality movement over the years. Customer retention is perhaps the best measure of quality – a service firm’s ability to hang onto its customers is based on how consistently it delivers the value to them.

Target Customers and Quality Models

Luxury service providers and operators need to identify the expectations of target customers concerning the service quality. In this way, they should design their service quality models. Service quality is harder to define and judge than product quality. It is harder to get agreement on the quality of a haircut than on the quality of a hair dryer. Moreover, although greater service quality results in greater customer satisfaction, it also results in higher cost. Still, investments in service usually pay off through increased customer retention and sales.

Recovery to gain Loyalty

Many luxury service companies have been investing heavily to develop streamlined and efficient service-delivery systems. They want to ensure that customers will receive consistently high-quality service in every service they encounter. However, unlike product manufacturers who can adjust their machinery and input until everything is perfect, service quality will always vary, and depend on the interactions and engagements between employees and customers. Problems will inevitably occur. As hard as they try, even the best companies occasionally have a late delivery, medium steak instead medium well, or grumpy employee at the entrance of the shop.

Although the company cannot always prevent service problems, they can learn to recover from them. And good service recovery can turn unhappy customers into loyal ones. In fact, good recovery can win more customers purchasing and loyalty than if things had gone well in the first place. Therefore, companies should take steps not only to provide good service every time, but also to recover from service mistakes when they do occur.

Empowerment

Well-trained employees should be given authority to delight the customer at the impact point when the customers are frustrated for any reason and that it is an opportunity for the employees to recover their trust and loyalty. When the firms empower the front-line service employees while giving them the authority, responsibility, and incentives that they need to recognize, care about, and delivery customer needs, employees keep guests happy.

Common Virtues

Well-managed luxury companies have common virtues regarding service quality. First and foremost, they are customer obsessed. They have a distinctive strategy for delighting and exciting the customers that wins enduring loyalty. They have a top management commitment to quality. These companies look not only to financial performance, but also at service quality. The best service providing companies set high service quality standards. They do not settle merely for good service but aim for 100 percent defect-free service. A 98 percent performance standard may sound good, but using this standard, thousands of dissatisfied guests move from one mid-size company to competitor, or 10 words are spelt wrongly in each page of a book.

Top service companies watch service performance closely, both their own and that of competitors. They use methods such as comparison shopping, customer surveys, and suggestions and complaints platforms. Finally, best service companies communicate their concerns about service quality to employees and provide performance feedback as well as tools to improve themselves.

Conclusion

Luxury service is a pleasure to receive when you are a customer, and an art to provide when you are an employee of a luxury servicing company. Service quality is the most significant differentiating factor that distinguishes the best companies from their peers in competition.    

Pacific Products launches with new collections in Al Ain

G R Foundation General Trading retails products to support island cultures, traditions and communities for a prosperous future together

G R Foundation General Trading based in Al Ain currently retails Pacific products, including coconut products from the Solomon Islands. Coconuts have been central to Island rural communities for many decades, shaping the lives, tradition and livelihood and providing an income stream.

Some of the Pacific products sold by G R Foundation General Trading include virgin coconut hair and body oil, Massage oils, handmade coconut cleansing soap as well as a variety of lip balms.

Coconut oil, due to its unique and organic properties helps bolster the skin’s protective layer, trapping moisture inside and keeping skin supple and hydrated. It smells great, and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for irritated, chafed skin and helps with collagen production.

Ahmed Shak Ahmed, CEO of G R Foundation General Trading is excited to bring the island products  to the UAE and is passionate in assisting South Pacific Island countries of the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Fiji, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Tonga to have their unique products sold around the Middle East.

Currently G R Foundation General Trading sells KOSI and Banana Hands products.

Banana Hands organic coconut cleansers, oils, soaps and balms are gentle and luscious, made in the Solomon Islands from certified organic coconut oil.

For KOSI products, coconuts are sourced from local plantations owned by over 1,000 farmers in Solomon Islands. This revitalises the coconut industry using modern technology while partnering with local communities and firms, NGOs and Governments to develop rural communities in a sustainable cycle.

Products retailing at the G R Foundation General Trading in Al Ain can also be bought on https://productspacific.com.

Mediterranean inspired ‘THE DECK’, second restaurant of the virgin radio star Big Rossi opens in the new voco Dubai The Palm hotel

The Idyllic beachfront picturesque dining venue on the scenic shores of Palm Jumeirah offers a chilled vibe and an experiential culinary journey

With a history of two Michelin stars restaurant and a 7-star hotel, team Opxe Investment LLC come to share their experience with radio star Big Rossi and a team of passionate people in Dubai by adding The Deck, a vibrant environment friendly beachfront dining restaurant to its diverse dining portfolio.  The Deck has now opened doors at the voco Dubai The Palm on West Beach, Palm Jumeirah.

The Deck is a design driven kitchen set in a space that perfectly unites the soul of Dubai through a combination premium food, music, good vibes and vibrant colors and materials. Social dining is at the heart of the experience at The Deck for people looking for a place to unwind and have fun.

After birthing two Michelin stars in Milan and Monforte d’Alba, an Italian Architect, Designer and Tourism Entrepreneur has partnered with an English Radio Presenter, Big Rossi, an Emirati Entrepreneur, a Fijian Magazine Editor, an Egyptian Restaurateur, and a Greek banker to bring this new concept restaurant in an eco-sustainable urban design setup.

The partners are advocates of style and comfort, bringing woody deck craftsmanship and practicality to the space. As you enter The Deck, you are welcomed by scenic views of the sea of West Beach of Palm Jumeirah similar to Venice and is home to a vibrant bar on the left and a huge mural by Kenyan painter, Castro, depicting groups of lazing bathers which immediately brings you into a state of relaxation – the foremost goal of this venue.

The Deck uses recycled furniture and natural elements like simple green grass that can grow their roots freely within the space from the floor without any cage or vase, giving it a unique visual flair and real nature personality.

A key design feature is the imaginary sand bridge that forms the outlines of the floors and takes you directly to the beach view beyond. All these little touches transport guests to their happy memories, creates memorable experiences and delights them within a warm and friendly space.

As an eco-friendly hub, The Deck’s bar counter is also constructed with props that has been testimonial of the growth of Dubai’s best skyscrapers – after being abandoned, they are now rescued and given a new lease of life at The, Deck, recreating the city vibes of Dubai.

The rustic deck board floors are expertly crafted by wood craftsmen of shipbuilders and reflects the work found on dhows that came to trade in Old Dubai with rustic wood. The recycled chairs and tables with the natural beauty of wood offers an abundance of charm and brings the furniture to life with the reclaimed furniture adds character to the restaurant.

Veteran Chef, Ganesh Raja, with over 20 years of F&B experience has curated a fine dining menu that will please food lovers of Dubai. A clever understanding of the Asian palate and his ability to infuse Italian flavours into each dish skilfully crafted over two decades makes him a perfect addition to The Deck. He is well versed in exotic food preparation but equally comfortable with simple, straight forward cooking with passion and respect for quality, wholesome ingredients.

The picturesque beachfront dining venue has an eclectic menu. It is the perfect place where patrons can be themselves in a laid back, chilled environment with friends and family. The Deck serves delicious dishes for dinner, and as the sun sets over the horizon, guests can enjoy a selection of gluttonous entrees, gourmand meals and decadent desserts to pair with a host of refreshing beverages. Treat yourself to The Deck’s exquisite vibe any day of the week while listening to tunes curated by Music Saga and music expert Big Rossi with a variety, of resident DJs and live musical performers to keep you entertained on different days of the week.