Veeam Announces New Enhancements to its ProPartner Network in EMEA

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Veeam plans an additional multi-million dollar investment in the EMEA ProPartner Program for VARs to further increase support for subscription-based IT and improve the customer value proposition

Veeam® Software, the leader in Backup solutions that deliver Cloud Data Management™, has enhanced its ProPartner Program for Value-Added Resellers (VARs) across EMEA with an additional multi-million dollar investment. Aligned to Veeam’s 2021 channel strategy, the enhancements will reward partners that demonstrate core competencies and see Veeam strengthen its joint network of VARs, Veeam Cloud & Service Providers (VCSPs) and System Integrators; enable partners to leverage the growing market adoption of subscription licensing; and offer solutions that extend partners’ value proposition to customers.

Veeam’s sales motion, which is 100% through partners, serves all customers through its ProPartner Network. Veeam recognises that the move to cloud architectures and transition to agile OpEx and subscription-based IT is driving substantial change. Modern businesses need more than implementation and require strategic advice, higher levels of service and ongoing consultancy. To support its partners in meeting the changing needs of customers and to accelerate their business and strengthen their revenue, Veeam is driving competencies, simplicity and consistency so partners can ensure customer success and meet their business objectives. Since the initial competencies were introduced in H2’20, 43% of participating partners have already converted their earned points to incentive rebates, which enhances their profitability.

“We conduct 100% of our sales through the channel and our partners are critical to the acceleration of our Act II journey into the hybrid cloud. We are committed to continually investing in our partners, helping them to extend their own customer value propositions and increase profitability,” said Daniel Fried, General Manager (GM) and Senior Vice President (SVP), EMEA, and Worldwide Channels, Veeam. “With customers focused on maximising ROI through digital transformation and de-risking by adding more robust data protection and cybersecurity measures, subscription-based IT will become the norm. The key element will always be the customer. The decisions and investments they make are ultimately based on the advice and actions of the intermediary parts between vendors and them. Veeam is enabling partners to offer higher levels of service beyond just implementation and deliver against these accelerating customer needs in a manner that is commercially viable and helps build stronger, more strategic relationships.”

Key enhancements to the Veeam ProPartner Program for VARs include:

Reinforcing the partner network

To achieve the strategic objective of strengthening its network of tier-1 partners, Veeam is extending the benefits range for VARs, VCSPs and System Integrators on its ProPartner Programs. This will include additional measures designed to help Gold and Platinum partners increase profit margins when selling Veeam, as well as stronger deal registration incentives to reward partner performance and loyalty.

Optimising for subscription-based licensing

Customers are increasingly looking to consume IT services through subscription-based licensing and OpEx pricing models, paying for services as they are used rather than making up-front purchases on a CapEx basis. Veeam is supporting its partners by enabling them to generate higher margins when selling subscription-based services.

VAR and VCSP partnering

Veeam is providing additional support for VARs looking to adopt a hybrid reselling model by partnering with VCSPs — adding some of our VCSP cloud services in their portfolio to better meet their customer’s cloud services requests and generate an additional revenue stream.

Rewarding loyalty and performance

Veeam has introduced two new competencies to its ProPartner Program for VARs: rewarding partners leveraging tools provided through Veeam’s Marketing Centre and those driving deals for specific products within Veeam’s strategic portfolio.

Veeam is also investing in its VARs and distributors via a Management by Objectives (MBOs), rewarding top-performing partners based on a variety of performance-related metrics.

Veeam is introducing a tiering of enterprise partners who will be rewarded among others for their contribution to developing new deals through an influencer fee program.

The revamped program is built with the needs of end-customers in mind and will equip partners to answer accelerating customer demands around digital transformation, data protection and cybersecurity. Furthermore, Veeam will provide additional benefits and protection to partners, as well as reward its top-performing VARs and distributors.

“With the ever-increasing data growth in organizations, it is imperative that our channel ecosystem is delivering the best possible value proposition to end customers. Veeam is a 100 per cent channel business and we take great pride in always ensuring that the ProPartner Network is concurrent with today’s market demands. Our program helps to position simple, flexible, and reliable solutions that facilitate the modernization of IT strategies and architectures alike. For 2021, Veeam has set the stage for partner success and growth on all levels by enabling a highly skilled and engaged local partner landscape. There has never been a better time to join forces with Veeam!” concluded Claude Schuck, Regional Director, Middle East at Veeam.

SUPPORTING QUOTES

“The acceleration in digital transformation spend presents an opportunity for partners, but challenges them to support a broader range of solutions and service consumption models than ever before. As the role of VARs evolves to deliver more services and become the de facto digital transformation partners in the minds of their customers, vendors must reimagine the way they engage and reward partners. Veeam understands the culture of partnerships and has recognised this shift to evolve its ProPartner Program for VARs to reward loyalty and equip them with the tools and expertise to create more strategic relationships with their customers.” — Chris Webber, Research Director, Strategic Alliances, IDC

“Our partnership with Veeam continues to deliver real value by extending our sales opportunities through joint solutions with other vendors, increasing profitability and enabling us to successfully support subscription-based sales. As the market trends towards a more subscription-based ARR model, it is great to see that Veeam is rewarding partners for driving that business in the right direction and supporting customer retention. We are committed to investing in our partnership with Veeam and taking advantage of the support provided to VARs in its ProPartner Network such as the opportunity to upskill our sales team in new data protection solutions as well as leverage rewards based on loyalty and performance.” — Joe Hepburn, Head of Data Management, Bytes Software Services Ltd UK, a Platinum Veeam Value-Added Reseller

“ITEC has worked with Veeam as a strategic partner for over six years. The ProPartner Program for VARs has helped ensure ITECs sales and technical teams are fully equipped to deploy and support Veeam products. The partner program has continued to evolve over time and provides regular updates on product roadmaps, sales and technical enablement and how Veeam partners can create new opportunities to use Veeam in both new and existing customers. The ProPartner Program for VARs has provided ITEC with resources from Veeam to help develop solutions and support customer engagements.” — James Arscott, Head of Data Centre Services, ITEC Connect, a Silver Veeam Value-Added Reseller and Silver Veeam Cloud & Service Provider

Find out more information, visit https://propartner.veeam.com/partner-levels-program-reseller.

Kissflow Appoints Vaidy Panchabikesan as Regional Sales Director to Drive low-code no-code adoption in MEA Region

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This move is another sign of the company’s deepening commitment to the region and follows closely on the heels of the company establishing a physical office in Dubai in Q1 2021

With the rapid digital transformation in the Middle East being threatened by a shortage of skilled IT resources, Kissflow, one of India’s Top 5 SaaS Software companies whose products are used by organizations in over 160 countries, has set its sights on an aggressive expansion in the region, as it looks to empower employees at all organizational levels. Tasked with leading this strategy in the region is the company’s newly hired Regional Sales Director, Vaidy Panchabikesan who takes on the responsibility for expanding Kissflow’s presence in the region, extending its partner network, and ultimately driving enterprise sales for the industry-leading no-code, low-code work management platform.

The company’s regional ambitions mirror its broader global expansion which saw it scale its workforce by 50% through the height of the pandemic as a result of businesses turning to low code and no code solutions to increase agility and productivity while reducing costs.

“Currently, 40% of companies have moderate to major skills gaps. The resulting digital inefficiency can be profound, costing as much as 20% in lost productivity,” explained Vaidy. “While organizations across the Middle East have been early adopters of digital transformation, it is imperative that they have the technology infrastructure and in-house skill sets to ensure the success of these initiatives. Guided by our ‘Power of Simple’ philosophy, Kissflow addresses this pressing need by democratising IT, empowering business users to build applications, and enabling developers with pluggable low coding extensions helping them to further expand the application needs for customization.

Vaidy brings with him 12+ years of sales and leadership experience and a proven track record in technical sales. Having previously led regional sales for Outsystems, his passion for Low code and No-Code platforms continues to keep him at the forefront of the industry as he now takes leadership of Kissflow’s regional operations.

A key focus for Vaidy will be the strengthening of the company’s channel partner network across the MEA region. “Our direct presence in the region is supplemented by an ever-growing community of partners that is committed to working with us to ensure our customers realize the full potential of our solutions. There is a tremendous market momentum for low code and no-code platforms which is set to continue as organizations embrace hybrid workforce models. Consequently, there is tremendous potential for channel organizations to grow their business together with us,” said Vaidy.

Celebrate Pride Month This June With Colourful Fine Jewellery From Top Designers

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Pride Month returns again this summer celebrating the global LGBTQ + community and promoting tolerance, education and equality.  We created this selection to show our support and spread positivity from our leading designers Terzihan, Simone Jewels, Aisha Baker and Tabbah. 

If you would like more information on the jewellery designers or high-res images, please do not hesitate to contact me?

Finally, the pieces are also available for socially distanced photoshoots and internationally on request.

Éventail by Tabbah in 18K White Gold with Diamonds, Emeralds, Rubies, Sapphires, Peridots and Amethysts ($43,800) 

Me Yellow Gold Earringsby Aisha Baker in 18K Yellow Gold with Enamel ($4,000). 

Me Diamond-Paved White Gold Bracelet by Aisha Baker in 18K White Gold with Diamonds and Enamel ($15,200)

Evo Yachts Unveils The First Renderings Of Evo V8, The Flagship Set To Leave A Mark

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Evo V8, the fascinating new project by Blu Emme Yachts brand Evo Yachts, is destined to be a talking point with its innovative design and remarkable technology.

An exterior and interior layout that can be transformed in seconds to cater for an unbelievable variety of uses, combined with the ambition to offer a totally new concept of cruising at the intersection between the worlds of sailing and motor yachts, make Evo V8 a unique and unprecedented concept for a new type of owner.

Evo Yachts’ exclusive new flagship, the 24-metre yacht initially known as the Velar 78 concept and today officially named Evo V8, is the first model in the new V line and a highly original proposal that will amaze the market with all its innovative features.

With its understated and refined design, this extraordinary model has been developed to offer an unprecedented onboard lifestyle and an alternative to anything seen before, marking a clear break from the stylistic imprint of its predecessors in order to offer a new interpretation of life at sea.

Evo V8 is a boat designed to excite and amaze, like a Russian matryoshka doll hiding multiple nested surprises. And while the designer and shipyard promise to reveal all these secrets when the yacht is officially presented at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2021, some first glimpses can already be seen in the newly released renders of the vessel.

For Blu Emme Yachts, the shipyard behind the fortunate Evo Yachts brand, the realisation of this model and a new product line represents a major watershed. With a design penned by Valerio Rivellini, Evo V8 springs from the desire to find the point of intersection between suggestions from the two worlds of sailing and motor yachts, with the aim of taking the best of both and revolutionising the cruising experience.

The project is an invitation to see life on board as a time for socialising and relaxation, even when cruising under power at high speed. As the designer explains, “motor yacht lovers begin their holiday when they reach their destination, either at anchor off the coast or in port, whereas sailing yacht owners start their holiday right away, as soon as they step on board. Evo V8 combines the speed of a motor yacht with the comfort and relaxation of sailing”.

One of the main results of this mixed approach is the fact that there are a remarkable four helm stations. The first station on the Main Deck forward of the main salon and the second on the Roof Top, fitted with a retractable steering console, are joined by two yacht wheels on the port and starboard sides of the Main Deck. A clear reference to the world of sailing, they are an invitation to enjoy cruising in close contact with the water, as well as being very practical when manoeuvring. The space between the two helm wheels is completely free, but the side seats and the couches around them invite socialisation between the driver and their guests, something that isn’t usually possible on a motor yacht.

The particularly innovative layout of Evo V8, which sets it apart from other boats on the market in the same category, is even clearer to see in the beach area, which can be provided with direct access from the master stateroom at the owner’s request.

The beach area is an open space on the water, just 70 cm above the waterline, designed to be able to enjoy seamless contact with nature and an unbroken 180-degree panoramic view thanks to hull sides that open, eliminating all visual barriers and conveying the sensation of being at one with the surrounding environment. Three steps connect the beach area with a low lounge area that precedes the master stateroom and has big sliding glass doors, allowing it to perform two functions: an open air patio for daytime use, separated from the interiors and offering shelter from the wind and sun, and a private living area for the owner at night, when the door to the exterior deck is closed, transforming it into an exclusive open space suite 12 metres long.

Evo V8 has a fully customizable layout, with two different stairways leading from the Main Deck directly to the Lower deck, so that the crew and guest flows can be kept separate. The first unit has three cabins sleeping seven and a cabin for the crew of two. The Lower Deck contains the master stateroom, two guest cabins and a crew cabin. On the Main Deck, the spacious salon with a dining area is surrounded by big windows that can be lowered almost entirely for even more contact with the outside environment and to limit the use of the air conditioning: an option that makes Evo V8 even more like a 24-metre open with hard top.

Evo V8 will be launched in the coming months and handed over to the Italian owner, a loyal customer and a great fan of the Evo Yachts brand.

Artissima Art Agency and Sakoo Art School exhibit at Archiade Atelier in d3

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Fourteen artists showcase their work through creative mediums at Archiade Atelier

Artissima Art Agency, in collaboration with Sakoo Art School in Tehran are displaying the remarkable and magnificent artworks of 14 Iranian and two Emirati artists at the Archiade Atelier at Dubai Design District until the 28th of March, 2021.

The opening reception was inaugurated by Dr. Agrippa Damba, Executive Governor at African Finance Regulatory Authority (AFRA) and President of the African Central Bank (ACB) along with other distinguished guests.

Artissima and Sakoo have successfully collaborated in the past for the UAQ Art Festival 2020 and the Italia in Arte Tour, where the Iranian artists won during the art tour.

Narges Soleimanzadeh, President of Sakoo Art School said, “Every Year we hold an International group exhibition of artists, ensuring their work can be seen on a bigger platform Internationally and being in the hub of the art and design scene in Dubai’s d3 is perfect for the visibility of our artists talents.”

Aurela Cuku, Curator of the exhibition and Founder of Artissima Art Agency said, “Narges is one of the artists participating in the exhibition and understands the necessity of the artists to be promoted Internationally. She will exhibit along with the other talented Iranian artists. It is always a pleasure to collaborate and curate such outstanding and brilliant artists.”

Among the artist’s participating are Fahad Al Thani, Abdulrauf Khalfan, Yeganeh Khosravimanesh, Sahar Alizadeh, Farahnaz Oliyaei, Golnar Ghasimi, Mahin Monfared, Mahjoob Zohourian Pourdel, Parisa Khodaparast, Sepideh Naziri, Shabnam Aria, Shahrzad Taheri, Shirin Moayya, Shohreh Damestani and Zahra Parkah.

The exhibition will be held in Archiade Atelier, one of the most prestigious Italian design venues at the Dubai Design District and will run until 28th March 2021.

#Art #ArtGallery #ArtExhibition #ArchiadeAtelier #ArtissimaArtAgency

Earth Of One Eight Set to Revolutionize Retail Landscape in Middle East Region with Immersive Customer Experiences

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Innovative 9m x 3m walk-in pod with abstract geometric face, aims to capture imagination of retailers, customers with latest technology analytics

Futuristic concept aligns with Smart Dubai 2021 initiative to transform Dubai into a futuristic destination

In a bid to bring customers up close and personal to their favorite retail brands and allow them to engage with the brands in insightful and fun ways, Earth Of One Eight (EOO8), an innovative new age hybrid retail concept, today announced its Middle East launch, starting with Dubai. The new age retail concept aligns seamlessly with the ambitious Smart Dubai 2021 initiative that aims to transform Dubai into a futuristic, world-leading destination city where government transactions are 100 percent digitalized and the people are among the happiest in the world. E008 is set to offer smart brand retail solutions to brands with the aim to create luxury retail experiences.

Earth Of One Eight is an 9m x 3m walk-in mobile pod with an abstract geometric face that offers brands the opportunity and flexibility to connect with and immerse themselves in communities to dramatically increase awareness and brand recall. Retailers can showcase their products in the interior of the pod in a frictionless ambiance.

The hybrid retail concept seamlessly blends online and offline retail experiences and enables brands to boost the elusive aspect of ‘audience delight’ that is largely absent in the prevailing hard-sell retail landscape. EOO8 elevates the retail experience and is able to track data for brands such as walk-ins, interests, and products testing, among others.

Speaking on the radical retail development, Fareda Ali, Founder of EOO8, explained her vision: “I have always been fascinated by the traditional trailer truck concept that brings exclusive brands into town to give the local community some exotic retail experiences. Earth Of One Eight was born through putting a sophisticated spin on this idea and introducing technology into the mix. In many ways, Earth Of One Eight is a nostalgic ode to the bygone age of one-on-one retail – when retail was a more intimate and intuitive experience.

“With this game-changing pod, we hope to transform the way retail is consumed in the region. Manufactured right here in the UAE, and ensuring a frictionless approach, the breakthrough pods can be leased by retailers’ keen to understand what their customers think about their brand through introducing immersive experiences. EOO8 can also help test waters ahead of the launch of new products in the region, or simply assist in gauging the market penetration achieved. With the efforts to realize Smart Dubai 2021 gaining momentum and given the scaling up of digitalization during the pandemic, I believe technology is here to stay in all aspects of our life – and will particularly transform the retail scene.”

For the very first time in the region, through leveraging cutting-edge technology such as a magic mirror, touch sensors, augmented reality, holograms, social media filters, motion mapping, and projection mapping, EOO8 offers retailers and brands clear analytics on their customers’ preferences and interests captured through their engagement with the brand. This learning can significantly inform brand positioning and lead to greater flexibility and personalization in promoting the brand from one community to the next.

Fareda Ali added: “Retail today is so much more than just buying and selling – it has the ability to inform, educate, create awareness and connect like never before. Imagine how much simpler your life would be if you knew exactly what your target customer is seeking and are able to meet this need without any confusion. We envision EOO8 appealing to the high-end luxury retailers who are not afraid to experiment with this revolutionary urban trend. Customers are already rejecting two-dimensional hard-core selling that is pushed at them purely for monetary gain. This user-friendly interface offers them enriching and memorable experiences that will make a world of difference.”

Currently targeting the retail sector, EOO8 has its sights set on other industries in the future based on demand. EOO8 has for its overarching goal the objective of extending novel ways of brand engagement and customer delight through redefining personalized, seamless, efficient, and impactful experiences at every touchpoint.

DAE substantially completes Boeing 737 MAX 8 transaction with American Airlines

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Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) Ltd. today announced it had substantially completed the agreement with American Airlines signed in the third quarter of 2020 to deliver 18 new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

Firoz Tarapore, Chief Executive Officer of DAE said: “This transaction reflects our agility, our balance sheet strength, our underwriting capability, our ability to assist one of our long-term customers and our belief in the product strength of the 737 MAX 8 aircraft. We are delighted to see an increasing number of global aviation regulators return the MAX to the skies. We wish American and Boeing great success.”

Ihssane Mounir, Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing of The Boeing Company, added: “DAE is putting their purchasing strategy and growth plan in action and helping operators during this challenging time in our industry. We are delighted to once again partner with DAE to support a valued customer such as American Airlines and we are honored by their trust and confidence in the Boeing 737 family.”

𝙀𝙓𝘾𝙇𝙐𝙎𝙄𝙑𝙀 𝙍𝘼𝙈𝘼𝘿𝘼𝙉 𝘾𝙊𝙇𝙇𝙀𝘾𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 – Steve Madden

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The chic and fashionable can add a little sparkle to their wardrobe this Ramadan with an alluring footwear and bag collection from Steve Madden. The collection features the bright spirit of the season with glittering pairs of bold metallic wedges, heels, peep-toes, strappy sandals and relaxed flats in vibrant hues embellished with rhinestones that will amp up the glam quotient for any trendsetter.

Step out in  style with sandals complete with delicate buckles, wide platform fronts, and enticing gold metal covered block heels that will leave you standing out from the crowd at events all through the season.

An Aura of Elegance: Hotel du Palais

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By Shereen Shabnam

I fell in love with Biarritz the minute I got off the train. Facing the Ocean Atlantic and on the beach “La Grande Plage de Biarritz” near the city center of Biarritz, the prestigious sea side deluxe Hotel du Palais of Biarritz was breathtaking at first sight.

Walking into the reception area, I had images of the past filled with memories of Gala evenings and stately affairs of the past era. During one of my visits to France over the last few years, I go back in time when I experienced the best of all that a luxury resort can offer at Hotel du Palais.

During meals where I was never left alone, I found that luxury travellers come from all over the world, all year long to enjoy this fabulous setting, warm welcome, elite service, charm and comfort. It is indeed a living souvenir of the history of Biarritz, France and Europe. The “Villa Eugénie”, now the Hotel du Palais, was constructed in 1855 by Napoléon III for his wife Eugénie de Montijo.

No matter how many times I go back to France, the memory of this visit is as fresh and alive in my mind. The clear blue sea at my doorstep reminded me of my home country, Fiji Islands. I still visualise the elegance is deco in every corner from the entrance to my breakfast table where I enjoyed writing while gazing at the blue waters overlooking the hotel.

The main hall, the private salons, the dining room and the grounds have all maintained their Second Empire style. A style that defines Biarritz and assures its reputation as an amazing sea resort, it is this charm, touched with elegance, deluxe and personal that makes this hotel one of a kind.

Biarritz is a little city that has it all. Lively with its casinos, its greens (the region has ten 18 holes golf courses and an International training center, unique in Europe), its boutiques, and the rich green hillsides and its gentle year-round climate.

This picturesque seaside town became a favourite with European royalty in the 19th Century, who fell in love with its pretty beaches, warm climate and relaxed atmosphere. The Hotel du Palais has played host to stars of screen and other luminaries since the 1950s and 60s and offers a timeless glamour and luxury rarely found in today’s resorts.

Biarritz has a lot of beautiful buildings to offer today amongst which, the Hotel du Palais stand out. It’s a vibrant cosmopolitan town with magnificent beaches, golf courses and numerous sporting facilities, not forgetting the surf. Surfing started in France here in Biarritz and surfers come from all over the world to ride the waves.

The Hotel du Palais has practiced and perfected the art of receiving people. In the public areas and guest rooms the original Second Empire style has been retained, with period furniture, original works of art and high decorated ceilings. This is the place to stay for the ultimate Biarritz experience. Guests can lounge by the pool with a cocktail, or head to the nearby beach for some sunbathing, surfing or people-watching.

I enjoyed the world of the Spa Imperial with Guerlain dedicated to well-being, relaxation and fitness. It is the most transforming and customized Spa experience, where cutting edge innovation unites with luxury, emotion and sensuality. It comes with an indoor swimming pool, sauna, stream rooms, fitness center and a beauty parlour with a Hair Care Institute.

Food in France is always a talking point and the great dining experience at the hotel’s restaurants and lounges provide guests with an unforgettable culinary experience. Among the facilities available at the hotel is a foreign exchange service, safe deposit boxes, telex, photocopy, fax and secretariat services. Other Business centre facilities at the hotel include computers for guest use and in room facilities include voice mail, fax machine on request, work desk and modem point.

Executive rooms in addition boast butler service and express check out. L’Hotel du Palais also boasts a selection of reception rooms which can host from 14 to 500 people in various settings – ideal for meetings, seminars or launch parties

All reservations for tickets, sightseeing tours, shows etc are available from the Concierge. For guest convenience, there is also a babysitting as well as medical assistance.  The hotel also has a boutique, hairdresser, heated sea-water swimming-pool with direct access to the beach, solarium, sauna and a golf pitching green. For the active guests, there is the option of playing tennis, golf and horse riding.

There are a number of interesting museums in the area, including the Biarritz Marine Museum with its underwater viewing area, and the rather indulgent Chocolate Museum, which offers tasting sessions. The Historical Museum of Biarritz is situated in a former church and tells the story of the town’s transformation from tiny fishing village to high-society resort.

Hotel du Palais is obviously an address of undeniable prestige and one of the last great palaces around where guests can enjoy being treated like royalty. I felt regal throughout my stay and it has become one of my top destinations in Europe.

#GlobalTrendMonitor #HotelDuPalais #Hotel #Staycation #Vacation #trendingbusiness #magazineUAE #magazine #mediaUAE #UAEmedia #UAEbusiness #myDubai

Top five places to visit in the UAE

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By Shereen Shabnam

As a Lifestyle, Travel and Motoring journalist, I spend a substantial amount of time on the road and recently, I decided to do my test drives with a purpose and with the aim of getting to a new or attraction around the different Emirates. Below are some of my favourite places in the different Emirates.

Al Khor Kayak – Al Rafisah Dam

During a recent test drive with the Nissan Xterra, I stopped at the Al Rafisah Dam in Khor Fakkan with my daughter and enjoyed kayaking amidst stunning hilly landscapes complete with a mini waterfall followed by spending time watching kids enjoying the playground and parents enjoying a cup of coffee at the cafe.

The Al Khor Kayak is near Khor Fakkan and it costs only AED30/- for a double kayak rental. There are also restrooms and a terrace with gorgeous views across the water and surrounding mountains.

IMG Resorts

Situated along Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road, IMG Worlds of Adventure, the largest temperature controlled indoor themed entertainment destination in the world is another favourite spot for us to visit as it offers four epic adventure zones in one location.

After a leisurely drive in the new Ford Explorer, it seemed like a perfect place to stop for a dose of adventure with Cartoon Network, MARVEL, IMG Boulevard and the Lost Valley – Dinosaur Adventure zones.

Here you can enjoy adrenaline-pumping roller coasters, thrill rides, attractions based on Cartoon Network characters, iconic MARVEL Super Heroes and dinosaurs. We loved the variety of themed retail stores, the various dining venues and the 12-screen state-of-the-art cinema.

Yas Island

We ventured to Yas Waterworld while I tested the Honda Odyssey as it is a car for the family but you can fit in two small families for family fun at a venue that comes complete with three award-winning theme parks and a mall.

We were able to have some splashing excitement at Yas Waterworld that comes with an adventure playground and did a photoshoot with the kids. Then we moved on to speed and thrills at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi trying to fit in the many rides and attractions.

This left us with not much time to meet the live characters at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi but thankfully we had another full day to do it all over again with a bit of retail therapy at the mall and exhilarating rides, live shows and sampling different cuisine in the restaurants on the Island.

Shees Park

We stopped at Shees Park on the way back to Dubai from Fujairah for a bit of desert nature and a coffee at the Gerard Cafe after a Nissan SUV experience.

The recreational park is near the village of Shis in Khor Fakkan and features a 25-meter-high artificial waterfall as well as 506 meters of walkways across three mountain terraces connected by stone stairs leading to the main viewing platform.

The viewing area on the top elevates is about 30 meters above the main park level.It includes a children’s play area, 32 shaded seating areas for families, an outdoor theater and a barbecue area. We spent some time on the swings before heading back to Dubai.

Al Ain Zoo

This is an old favourite. I headed to Al Ain in the new BMW 4 series which was a comfortable ride from Dubai to the Garden City.  While I love driving up to Jebel Hafeet, the Al Ain Zoo is also a great family destination.

Set within in a natural outdoor environment, the Al Ain Zoo has a large animal collection of over 4000 animals. Here you can see endangered species as well as the successful breeding of desert antelopes, gazelles and Arabian Oryx. You need to give yourself at least half a day to do justice to this venue.

#GlobalTrendMonitor #Travel #UAE #Destination #AbuDhabi #Dubai #Sharjah #Fujairah #RasAlKaimah #UmmAlQuawin #trendingbusiness #magazineUAE #magazine #mediaUAE #UAEmedia #UAEbusiness #myDubai