Egypt Tourist Authority Launches New Campaign

December 20, 20152 Comments

I love travelling to Egypt and some of my most memorable holidays have been in Assawan, Luxor, Horgada, Sharm Al Sheikh and of course Cairo. My favourite will always be the Nile cruise though. To drive more people to experience the charm of the beautiful, history laden nation, the Egypt Tourism Authority (ETA) has unveiled a new campaign titled “This is Egypt” (#thisisegypt),

In a change from previous ETA campaigns, #thisisegypt will be digitally-led, focusing on peer-to-peer advocacy and under-pinned by digital media spend, whilst traditional advertising methods will form a secondary promotional level.

Targetting the Arabic traveller from the Middle East region, #thisisegypt will harness the power of digital in a region where internet penetration is 5.8% higher at 48.1% than the world average* and social media sites such as Facebook play a significant role in 88%** of internet users’ daily lives.

The campaign focuses on personalising the Egyptian experience by encouraging the wider Arab audience to consider the variety of holiday which can be enjoyed in Egypt from a vibrant city break in Alexandria or Cairo to luxury beach getaway in Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh. The campaign will highlight past-times which particularly resonate with an Arabic audience from shopping and dining to enjoying luxury accommodation and exciting nightlife.

The campaign will highlight Egypt’s touristic destinations into four main geographic attractions: the Nile Valley, the Red Sea Riviera, the White Mediterranean and the Western Desert. The four destinations will be promoted across different audiences and seasons based on each of the targeted markets’ unique attraction points.

The hashtag, #thisisegypt, originally began as a grass-roots movement developed by Egyptians, but now will be adopted and refined by the ETA to boost tourism by portraying an experiential and authentic image of the country to the world.

The three-year campaign will focus on attracting and engaging diverse audiences, with a focus on millennials*** who are driven by personal experience, passion and adventure. Recent studies have shown that millennials take a higher number of trips annually compared to other age groups, driven by the aforementioned factors. Millennials also have the highest level of influence in their respective communities, which indirectly affects the travel decisions of their peers – upon which this campaign heavily relies.

The campaign comes as Egypt continues to work around the clock to enhance safety and security procedures to ensure the well-being of all travellers. The country recently passed an assessment by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) with inspectors from Russian, Dutch, Emirati and Italian airlines, and is also collaborating with delegations from the United Kingdom, Germany and Russia to implement the strongest security measures possible. As it launches the #thisisegypt campaign, Egypt has pledged to do all that is possible to provide all visitors – internal and external – with a safe and enjoyable experience in the country.

GET READY FOR NEW YEAR WITH INSTITUT ARNAUD

December 20, 2015Leave a comment

It is once again that time of the year for fervor and festivities. As the party season kicks off, are you well equipped?

‘TIS THE SEASON OF FESTIVITIES

Winter season is upon us and party season has begun. Festive parties and year-end celebrations are at every corner.

With the city bustling with glamorous outfits, flashing cameras and beautiful people, it is not the time for a quiet evening at home. It is the season to look your best!

LOOK YOUR BEST WITH INSTITUT ARNAUD

In preparing for the glam season, here are some tips on how Institut Arnaud can help you look your best.

Fight the cellulite and get smoother skin

With no time to exercise or go to the spa, the Body Expert range may just be your two-in-one solution to replenish and refresh your tired body, while firming and toning your skin at the same time.

For best results use the whole range together, as it uses Maté extract at its core – from the body scrub, and replenishing balm, to the firming cellulifight cream and the leg refiner.

Begin with the scrub, and have your skin looking so refreshed. After taking a shower, apply on wet skin. Massage gently, paying particular attention to the driest areas. The body scrub eliminates dead skin cells, smoothens out and softens skin texture. Through the exfoliating action of sugar, this scrub prepares skin to receive a specific treatment. And with the Maté extract activation, it decreases dimpling and improves the way skin looks.

Use the Cellulifight and leg refiner as often as you can to tone and firm your body and legs. The Cellulifight combats stubborn cellulite in problem areas, like thighs or stomach. With the fat-burning power of caffeine plus Maté plant extract, get enhance skin smoothness and prevent skin aging.

Cap off your beauty regimen with the Replenishing Balm for in-depth moisturizing. Keep the balm in the refrigerator for an extra-intense refreshing feel.

Instant Radiance

Need a boost in your look for a night out? Get radiant skin instantly!

Use the Quick Beauty Lift Vials. Shake the vial, break the seal and pour the contents into the palm of your hand. Apply it by lightly patting it onto your face and neck. Once vial is applied, you can put on makeup on straight away.

Thanks to its instant tightening effect, this beauty elixir lifts the skin, erases signs of fatigue and tones your skin.

WHERE CAN YOU BUY THE PRODUCTS?

Institut Arnaud products are found in leading UAE pharmacies across the region. You can also Arnaud skincare treats as gift sets, ranging from AED 120-AED 180 on request.

Great festive atmosphere at Wafi

December 17, 2015Leave a comment

I always have had great memories at Wafi in December as little diva was growing up and its nice to see the place remains festive throughout the year with their amazing markets – these days the WAFI Mall is ringing in the festive season with its famous Santa’s Grotto and a host of exciting festive celebrations….this makes the place even more lively and lit up.

Visitors during the festive period will stand a chance of winning tremendous prizes, including the grand prize of a family trip to Germany courtesy Lufthansa Airlines. Guests will also be given an exceptional package deal where AED 60 nets them a pass to the Kids Connection Play Area, a framed photo with Santa, and a cuddly Gonk toy.

The season sparkles to life with entertaining games including a Pick & Win that gives out instant prizes. WAFI also brings its famous WAFI Mini Bazaar full of seasonal gifts and treats.

Through it all, the Mall’s Festive Light and Sound show delivers seasonal flair and festivities every day until January 6^th 2016 at 7.30 pm and 9.30 pm.

Ready for International Tea Day with Kenyan Tea

December 13, 2015Leave a comment

Courtesy: Kibenda Tea Estate in Nairobi

I love tea parties….it is the perfect laid back way one can catch up with friends and family and I love the fact that I have a tea house right across my home near Citywalk. But how much do we know about the tea we drink. When it comes to tea, one usually associates the hot beverage with India, Sri Lanka or China. But did you know that, according to the leading online statistics portal Statistica, Kenya exports more tea than any of these countries above? In light of International Tea Day on 15th December, here are some fun facts you probably did not know about Kenyan tea.

1. Tea was first brought to Limuru, Kenya by by G.W.L Caine in 1903 from India. A short drive from Nairobi, you can visit the Kiambethu plantation in Limuru and take a tour of this historical site.

2. Many know that tea is ‘chai’ in Hindi and Urdu; but did you know that it is also called ‘chai’ in Swahili? That means that when you say ‘chai tea’, you are actually saying ‘tea tea’.

3. Over 60 per cent of Kenyan tea is produced by smallholder farmers. That means when you’re drinking tea from Kenya, you are most likely supporting the local tea farming industry!

4. Kenya’s top export is tea, with $915 million worth of tea exported around the world in 2013. Kenya mostly exports tea to Egypt, Sudan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the UK and the UAE. In recent years, Angola, Vietnam, Philippines, Azerbaijan, South Korea, Czech Republic, Myanmar and South Sudan are slowly joining the Kenyan tea bandwagon.

5. Kenya mostly produces black tea but in recent years, the market has begun to diversify with green teas, white teas and even white matchas.

ICEQUEEN winter experience in Dubai

December 8, 2015Leave a comment

ICEQUEEN Wellness Spa announces special packages for the festive season

ICEQUEEN Wellness Spa, based in the Jumeirah Lake Towers in Dubai announces new festive season promotions, where a two-hour session of combined treatments with Hydromassage with the new global health trend, Cryotherapy and a cryofacial worth AED950/- will be offered for AED649/-

ICEQUEEN Cryocapsule is behind the international premiere of the revolutionary 21^st century Russian cryotherapy equipment. A session of Extreme Russian cryotherapy rejuvenates the human body with the influence of low temperatures from the effects of liquid nitrogen.

Cryotherapy is an opportunity given to man by nature. It involves the ability of the human body to be literally reborn and rejuvenated due to the influence of low temperatures, namely due to the effect of liquid nitrogen. Freezing effect of nitrogen can speed up work of all systems of the body to the maximum, stimulating the processes needed to maintain health and beauty.

Cryotherapy is performed using special ICEQUEEN Cryocapsule and it lasts just two minutes. After the procedure, the skin pores are narrowed, the skin becomes tighter and elastic, and it decreases back and joint pains. It is best to use cryotherapy after hydromassage, Unique ICEQUEEN Ice-water patented combination and it will increase the efficiency of therapies for slimming purposes by several times.

According to ICEQUEEN Cryotherapy’s Physician & Cryotherapist Head Dr. Olga Shuppo, “The main advantage of cryotherapy in the innovated cryocapsule ICEQUEEN is that the cold effect on the whole surface of the body provides maximum coverage at temperatures from -100 down to -170 С.”

With these extreme low temperatures, cryo-therapeutic effect is achieved at maximum providing treatment of minor ailments and diseases with just a few contraindications and no side effects.

Cryotherapy is ideal for sportsmen, frequent travellers or people engaged in physically exhausting jobs as treatments help to recover from stress, relieves fatigue, helps adjust to different time zones, normalizes sleep, fights depression and insomnia, giving you, at the same time, a state of bliss thanks to the release of endorphins after the procedure.

By doing hydromassage first, followed by cryotherapy, Unique ICEQUEEN Ice-water combination, procedures every day or every other day for ten sessions will lead to a loss of 7-8 kg of body fat loss. The 45-minute Hydromassage accelerates lymph circulation and is a great way to relax, improve shape, get rid of fatigue or headaches and it improves skin tightness. The impact of the underwater tap on the abdomen improves the mobility of the gastrointestinal tract, thus achieving a slimming effect.

ICEQUEEN SPA also offers signature Cryofacial or cryomassage which is truly one of a kind. The cold nitrogen produces an instantaneous tightness in the skin, filling in fine lines and wrinkles. Skin’s collagen is activated to produce more cells, causing skin to become more elastic over repeated use. Cryotherapy, Hydromassage, and Cryofacial treatments are offered only at ICEQUEEN Wellness SPA located in JLT, Dubai.

Great response to Line Investments & Property’s new retail projects

December 7, 2015Leave a comment

Response to Shopping mall development and management specialists, Line Investments & Property’s new retail projects has been overwhelming since the project launched a few weeks ago at the annual RECon ME & North Africa convention.

The new flagship projects showcased at the convention included the Avenues Mall Sharjah and Avenues Mall Silicon Oasis.

The Avenues Mall Sharjah will present an enhanced shopping experience to suit the neighboring communities in Sharjah, with a food-street concept to become the preferred leisure and entertainment destination.

The Avenues Mall Silicon Oasis is designed as a premium retail and leisure destination offering easy accessibility to the neighboring communities.

Designed at par with contemporary shopping malls, both projects offer a one-stop solution to the needs of the local shoppers.

Senior representatives from Line Investments & Property will be attending MAPIC in Cannes, an event that gathers the world’s leading retail real estate professionals.

SUPREME FIJI LIFT DUBAI TITLE

December 6, 2015Leave a comment

Emirates Dubai Rugby 7s 2015

The vibe this year at the Dubai 7s was as vibrant as ever with lots of fun and cheer – for me the best part was our Fiji team reached the final – Fiji beat England 28-17 in the Cup final of the opening round of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series much to the delight of Fiji fans.

Fiji came from 7-0 behind to win the opening round of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, beating England 28-17 in a pulsating final at The Sevens Stadium.

Tom Bowen had given Simon Amor’s side an early lead but Fiji turned on the style scoring four unanswered tries to give them only their second-ever Dubai title, and first since 2013, despite a late comeback from the 2010 and 2011 Dubai champions.

Ben Ryan tasted victory in Dubai for a fourth time in six years as he saw his side in scintillating form all day, beating New Zealand 19-5 with tries from Viliame Mata, Pio Tuwai and Jasa Veremalua in the semi-finals, and Australia 19-12 in their quarter-final with tries from Isake Kotanibau, captain Osea Kolinisau and Savenaca Rawaca.

The win puts Ben Ryan’s side on top of the series standings with 22 points, ahead of England (19), USA (17) New Zealand (15). South Africa won the Plate, France took the Bowl and the Shield went to Canada.

The USA, who made history on day one with their first-ever win over New Zealand, showed it wasn’t fluke with a second win in as many matches against Sir Gordon Tietjens’s side. Will Holder scored twice, and tries from Folau Niua, Kevin Swiryn and Perry Baker put the icing on the cake for Mike Friday.

HOUGAARD STEALS IT AT THE DEATH IN THE PLATE

South Africa stole the Plate by beating Australia 19-14 in sudden death extra time of the Plate final. Having trailed 14-0 through tries from Sam Myers and Ed Jenkins, the Blitzboks hit back to draw level through two Kwagga Smith tries, the second with the last play of normal time. Francois Hougaard then stole the headlines, darting over the try line in the corner to the delight of captain Kyle Brown and his teammates.

BOUHRAOUA BOWL TRIUMPH

Julien Candelo struck twice as France beat Scotland 24-14 to win the Bowl title on day two of the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens. The victory meant France won all three of their match on the second day of action at 7he Sevens Stadium after earlier victories over Russia and Kenya.

CANADA END DUBAI WITH THE SHIELD

John Moonlight lifted Canada’s first piece of silverware of the season as his side beat Japan 19-17 in the final thanks to two tries from Admir Cejvanovic and one from Harry Jones was enough to hold off the Brave Blossoms.

octOpus is new PR Agency for Metromed

December 1, 2015Leave a comment

Metromed, a UAE-based distributor for world leading healthcare and pharmaceutical brands has appointed Dubai-based creative agency, octOpus as its PR agency in the Middle East.

For nearly 20 years, Metromed has been a highly respected and well-known UAE distributor of some of the world’s leading consumer healthcare, pharmaceutical, medical devices, and veterinary brands. The company is a division of Mazrui Holdings, a privately held diversified holding company that operates across numerous industries.

Arlene Hooper, Marketing Manager of Metromed Dubai, shares that octOpus has been awarded the account because of the agency’s impressive track record in PR and Events. Arlene says, “octOpus has been very successful in using PR to increase ROI for its clients in health and beauty, and pharmaceuticals. Over the past few years, the octOpus team has produced distinctive and creatively themed events. With the agency’s help, Metromed will soon be inviting consumers, the media and our partners to unforgettable brand experiences.

Metromed will soon be launching new brands to the UAE. The company provides marketing representation for over 30 brands from the United States, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, France, Australia and Japan, among other countries.

Managing Director of octOpus, Robert Kellner, says “Winning the account is both exciting and timely as the GCC healthcare market is projected to grow at 12 per cent per annum, with the UAE healthcare market estimated to reach up to four billion dirhams by 2018.” In the region, Metromed distributes products for world leading brands such as Clearblue, Institut Arnaud, Bionike, Dr. Scheffler, and Philips Respironics. Robert adds, “Metromed represents a diverse range of brands. We are very excited to be able to bring their stories alive through PR.”

Metromed comes on board with octOpus for PR Services