A Fortnum and Mason experience

March 22, 2014Leave a comment

This week was awesome as I spent some quality time my awesome editor from MADAME magazine at the new 9,400 sq ft Fortnum and Mason store and café next to The Address Downtown Dubai. The iconic British brand opened its second store in Britain last year, after having a single outlet for nearly 307 years and now they have ventured into Dubai….so we in Dubai are extremely lucky to the brand right at our doorstep (I can say that now that I live in Downtown)

As expected, the store had its usual iconic hampers, teas and preserves but we also loved the stock of scented candles and soaps. The ground floor is more of a retail space, similar to the London stores’ food hall.

Upstairs, The Tea Salon is inspired by the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon in Piccadilly and its here both me and Catherine became trendy models for the official photographer as we sampled the exotic Royal blend tea and enjoyed the beautiful views of the Dubai Fountain.

We decided to burn some calories from the delectable pastries by taking the stairs to the 3rd floor Ice Cream Parlour, which is touted to offer the finest ice cream in the world. This I have to try on my next visit and will strive to think of better ways to burn calories after I have my Fortnum & Mason indulgence with my little British diva next weekend.

Family fun time at Dubai International Horse Fair

March 21, 2014Leave a comment

The 10^th Dubai International Horse Fair (DIHF) held today provides the ultimate arena for the regional equine industry where the latest technological advancements can be accessed together with the most exquisite Arabian beauties on show. Meanwhile the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, held alongside the Dubai International Horse Fair, is set to unveil the world’s best purebred Arabian horses that will be judged for their beauty, agility and heritage with prize money of USD4 million (AED15 million) up for grabs.

Currently taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre until tomorrow (23 March), the Dubai International Horse Fair showcases the widest range of international equine products, services, equipment and technology for horse owners, breeders and equine professionals in the Middle East. Additionally, event will also provide several exciting activities for families and the general public including polo demonstrations, an equestrian-themed Art Gallery, Heritage Village and Horse Auction for Arabian Purebred Horses (Saturday 22 March) among others.

We love Racewood’s Interactive Jumping Simulator and RS Racetrainer at the exhibition. The jumping simulator can be used by beginners and professionals alike and offers the rider the most realistic and interactive riding experience in a safe and controlled environment. The simulator aims to perfect the rider’s technique skill and positioning due to sensors on the head, saddle, neck, bit and leg, which mimic the exact movement of a real horse. The RS Racetrainer is an unmotorised gym trainer used by jockeys to improve technique, increase stamina and lose weight and can be interactive using a smart phone or iPad or tablet device.

Last year my favourite part of the exhibition was the vibro gym type of floor – we were allowed to try it even though the promotion was actually for horses. This year, the latest in fitness equipment is the “TheraPlate” Vortex Wave Circulation Stimulation Technology, which can be compared to the vibrating Power Plate equipment we use in gyms. The TheraPlate is a large vibrating plate that offers several benefits to horses including increased blood circulation, improved joint health and function, faster healing, reduction of swelling and inflammation, pain relief among several others.

Spas are not only meant for pampered human beings – horses also get five-star treatment with the Khail Spa Equine Hydrotherapy Spa System distributed by Al Khail Equestrian Equipments. Taking a natural approach to healing, horses can use the spa, which is a deep long trough of water, to mimic the motion of sea currents as this was the traditional method of training and easing stress in the legs. The cold salt water spa is regarded as a vital treatment in reducing inflammation in lower leg injuries and accelerating the body’s natural healing processes.

You can also enjoy the Fair tomorrow so keep an eye on it.

ART Dubai 2014 in images

March 21, 2014Leave a comment

I love anything to do with the sea

The last 3 days have been loads of fun…from the opening of Peru’s master weaver, Eddie Sulca’s exhibition at the Artissima Art Gallery to the amazing array of art infused events at Art Dubai. The 2014 edition of Art Dubai features three gallery programmes–Contemporary, Modern and Marker; the winners of The Abraaj Group Art Prize; commissioned artists’ projects; the critically acclaimed Global Art Forum; live radio; film and more.

Taking place at Madinat Jumeirah until 22 March 2014, this year’s edition of Art Dubai builds on its reputation as a fair of discovery and is the most global fair to date with 85 participating galleries from 34 countries; more than 500 artists are participating in the gallery halls and across the not-for-profit programmes. The eighth edition of Art Dubai is held in partnership with The Abraaj Group and is sponsored by Cartier and Emaar. Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) is the strategic partner of Art Dubai and supports the fair’s year-round education programme. Art Dubai Modern is sponsored by Mashreq Private Banking. Maserati is the Car Partner of Art Dubai 2014. Rothschild joins Art Dubai as a Corporate Patron of the 2014 fair.

New for this year, the galleries are presented in three distinct programmes – Contemporary; the inaugural Modern; and Marker – the curated section of invited art spaces and galleries focusing in 2014 on Central Asia and the Caucasus. It has been a great place to meet interesting art enthusiasts from all over the world…highly recommended exhibition if you love art. Although there was a lot I loved at Art Dubai, these pieces were my favourite:

DEWA to celebrate Earth Hour on 29th March

March 19, 2014Leave a comment

At Armani Dubai this morning

I had an exciting morning at the Armani Hotel today…one of my favourite venues in Dubai. Primarily it was a briefing by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) on marking Earth Hour in Dubai on 29 March 2014, at Bay Avenue Park from 8:30—9:30pm. Earth Hour, a global initiative to highlight environmental sustainability and promote the rational use of electricity, is being celebrated in Dubai by DEWA in partnership with Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Emirates Wildlife Society (EWS), which works in association with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The celebration is supported by Dubai Properties Group (DPG).

Earth Hour is under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council. DEWA encourages all residents of Dubai to participate in being part of the Earth Hour walk, which starts at 8:30pm.

Earth Hour is traditionally marked by switching off the lights and appliances not in use for one hour, thus saving energy and also encouraging more people to understand the importance of the rational use of electricity.

Earth Hour in Dubai is one of a series of key initiatives launched by DEWA to strengthen awareness on environmental conservation and building a sustainable future for the Emirate of Dubai. The EWS – the official representative for WWF – is promoting ‘Earth Hour’ across the UAE. Individuals and organisations can participate in Earth Hour in Dubai by logging on to www.ewswwf.ae/earthhour. Also keep an eye out for the #MaketheSwich and #EarthHourDubai campaign on Twitter.

Abu Dhabi Motors wins Rolls-Royce “2013 – Global Dealer of the Year” award

March 19, 2014Leave a comment

Peter Schwarzenbauer (Chairman) , Arno Husselmann (General manager of Abu Dhabi Motors), Torsten Müller-Ötvös, (Rolls Royce CEO)

Although I am a Porsche infused diva, my other favourite brand because of the awesome people who work there is Rolls Royce. The CEO of Rolls Royce is a charm to talk to and the marketing team headed by Alaa are amazing. So… last month Abu Dhabi Motors, the sole Dealer for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain won the Global Dealer of the Year Award for 2013 and further improved on its 2012 successes.

Although I met with the team at Sheikh Zayed Road with the CEO as we toured the new workshop, the Rolls-Royce Motorcars held its annual Global Dealer Conference at the Emirates Palace Hotel for the first time in the Middle East last month.

At a glittering award ceremony, Abu Dhabi Motors repeated its 2012 achievement by being awarded the Global Dealer of the Year for 2013, edging out Beverly Hills, London, Beijing and Moscow for the title as prestigious recognition of its sales and parts performance as well as high Aftersales standards.

Abu Dhabi Motors achieved a sales growth of 23% over 2012 which ensured it was the Global Sales Leader of Rolls-Royce cars in 2013.

In addition, Abu Dhabi Motors was honoured for being the bestselling Global Bespoke Dealer in 2013, a title it has claimed as its own for the fifth consecutive year, boasting the richest bespoke specifications and creating several unique vehicles to meet the sophisticated requirements of their customers in the UAE. Several new concepts will be finding their way to Abu Dhabi during the course of 2014 to ensure the companies successes in Bespoke will continue.

The Rolls-Royce dealer Awards programme is one of the most sought after recognitions within the company and is a celebration of the brand’s successes over the past year which awards the best performing dealers for their professionalism, commitment and dedication to the brand as well as their applied systems and processes in sales and after sales. Designed to ensure top class customer experiences, improve operational standards and reward sales successes, the awards honoured Abu Dhabi Motors for the pivotal role it has played in contributing to the increasing global success of the Rolls-Royce brand….knowing the UAE team, they totally deserve it!

Walk for a cause with Al Ain Rotana

March 13, 2014Leave a comment

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Theyab Bin Than Al Nahyan, Al Ain Rotana will be walking for the 4^th time to support children with cancer. Help them raise funds to fight cancer and support their noble cause. They are lovely people and both the Rotana Hotels in Al Ain are great places to stay at – I’ve enjoyed my weekends in Al Ain immensely with my family at their hotels and love to support them in all the great work they do.

The walk is this Friday, 14th March 2014, 9:00 – 11:00am. Registration fee: AED 10 for adults and kids

Tickets are available at the hotel receptions, restaurants and outlets. For more information call +971 (0)3 754 5111, ext. 1132

Pepa Ndue Art at Miramar Fujairah until 7th April

March 12, 2014Leave a comment

Last weekend the Artissima Art Gallery team ventured into Fujairah for yet another successful installation of art pieces by leading Albanian artist, Ndue Pepa. Pepa who is showcasing his art collection ‘DIMENTION’ at the Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort, Fujairah. This true luxury resort, stunningly designed as a sophisticated sanctuary, offers a warm and friendly atmosphere and provides an unforgettable backdrop to this one of a kind artistic showcase.

The exhibition continues until the 7^th of April 2014….if you do go there, try the Italian restaurant near the pool. You will love it! Below are some images of the opening:

Alexander Borodin’s epic Prince Igor comes to Meydan

March 10, 2014Leave a comment

My heart is torn between being in two cities on the 16th of March evening – I am meant to be in Abu Dhabi for one of my biggest assignments and the same night I have an art opening at the Artissima Art Gallery (another awesome client I work with) plus my regular opera date night with my daughter at the Meydan IMAX.

Tash is one of the biggest opera fans I know and she will, with or without me be at the Meydan Theatre as it presents the Met Opera’s sixth installment, Alexander Borodin’s epic Prince Igor which has its first Met performances since 1917 in a new production staged by noted Russian opera director Dmitri Tcherniakovin his Met debut.

Gianandrea Noseda conducts the lush score, famous for its celebrated “Polovtsian Dances,” and Ildar Abdrazakovsings the title role of a 12^th-century Russian hero. The cast also includes Oksana Dykain her MET debut as Yaroslavna, Igor’s emotionally fragile second wife; Anita Rachvelishvilias the fiery Polovtsian princess Konchakovna; Sergey Semishkurin his MET debut as Vladimir Igorevich, Igor’s son and Konchakovna’s lover; Mikhail Petrenko as Prince Galitsky; and ŠtefanKocán as the warlord Khan Konchak.

For the lucky people who will be in Dubai that night, do go and see it and have an amazing experience – one that I now treasure each month at the Meydan IMAX with my little diva. As it’s a school night, she will once again be the only young cool chick you will see on opera nights at Meydan IMAX.

Dubai International Boat Show 2014 Opens Tomorrow

March 3, 2014Leave a comment

Diva is excited – for two years in a row the Millionaire Group has supported the Dubai International Boat Show and the 22nd edition of the show opens tomorrow, providing a wide range of activities including exciting prize giveaways, live entertainment, and exclusive dining experiences, along with convenient parking and public transportation. The show will be held from 4-8 March 2014 at the Dubai International Marine Club – Mina Seyahi.

I met with the key organisers and sponsors last week at DIMC and they mentioned that more than 26,000 visitors from the 70 countries are set to attend the region’s largest marine leisure exhibition. Visitors can expect to be enthralled by the 430 boats on display, including 19 superyachts at the stunning outdoor Marina Display Area. The SYBAss Lounge, which falls under the umbrella of the prestigious Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss), has 10 members confirmed to participate at the event.

I can’t wait to take Tash to the show again as being half an islander, she shares my passion for the sun, sea and sand, Fiji style. Especially since two of the largest superyachts in the history of the Dubai International Boat Show will be showcased on outdoor Marina Display Area. The 88.5-metre-long superyacht Nirvana, built by Oceanco and exhibited by Edmiston, is one of the world’s top 50 longest superyachts and the exhibition’s largest-ever superyacht to date. The 88 metre Quattroelle superyacht, built by German shipyard Lürssen, will also be showcased this year. The luxury superyacht features elegant accommodation for up to 12 guests and provides plenty of exterior deck space for entertainment and relaxation.

The show will host 42 global and regional launches including regional launches of the 13.5-meter Cranchi, an 11-meter boat from Christ Craft, the 12-meter Everglade by Gulf Yachts, the 8.9 meter Qs855 Activ from Delma Marine, amphibious quad skis from Gibbs Sports, and the first-ever amphibious ribs from ASIS Boats. My favourite people from the Al Shaali families will be there in full force. Watch out for Gulf Craft and As Marine – they are super nice people and Erwin Bamps from Gulf Craft is always the person in the know about what the local boat makers have in store for the boating enthusiasts.

Of the show’s 750 exhibiting companies and brands from 50 countries around the world, many are putting an increased emphasis on small to medium sized boats, speed boats, and jet skis for visitors looking to pursue leisure marine activities. Thrill-seekers can explore jet skis and diving equipment, along with countries promoting their destinations for boating, jet skiing, snorkelling and diving.

The event will be open to trade visitors and the general public from 3 pm – 9:30 pm daily, with admission of AED 60….see you there.

Five stars for Audi A6 in US NCAP crash test

March 2, 2014Leave a comment

Hot off the press – Just thought I’ll share with you the latest news thats come in from Audi – The American crash test program US NCAP has awarded the current Audi A6 (combined consumption in l/100 km: 9.8 – 4.4; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 229 – 114) the maximum rating of five stars for crash safety. The results for adult protection in frontal and side impact collisions, as well as in a rollover situation, make the current Audi A6 one of the safest cars in its category.

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TEEN lifestyle in the UAE, SPAIN, UK and FIJI ISLANDS

Category: Lifestyle features