Tag: Shereen Shabnam

Pearl of the Adriatic – Dubrovnik, Croatia

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By Shereen Shabnam

Dubrovnik, prosinac 2017. Dubrovacki zimski festival 2017. za TZD Photo by Zeljko Tutnjevic – ++385 95 903 1000

Dubrovnik in Croatia is a city for all seasons and one of the world’s most prominent tourist destinations. Surrounded by unique medieval ramparts, Dubrovnik attracts visitors for its rich history, mild climate, traditional hospitality and its many festivals, open-air events and architectural treasures.

I explored Dubrovnik, a UNESCO registered protected world heritage site during the evening and in the day taking in the charm of bustling streets, art and different cultural events.

Walking along the promenade during the day meant coming across various art and artefacts on sale as well as live music performances. The open air performances add character to the different areas of the old town classical and jazz music and brings rhythm and charm into an already dazzling atmosphere.

While wandering through the markets, we toured the filming location of the ‘Game of Thrones’ television series and enjoyed some retail therapy of the related merchandise for fans back in the UAE.

The best part of Dubrovnik was exploring the old city, which had interesting markets, art galleries and city walls with fortresses offering beautiful views of the city, the open sea and the Island of Lokrum.

For panoramic views of Dubrovnik, visitors can take the cable car and set out on a scenic adventure that includes breathtaking views of the old town and enjoy the sunset. Make time to head to the Island of Lokrum and Elaphiti Islands or visit the Trsteno Arboretum, which is a protected monument of nature.

Dubrovnik is a great destination for adventure sports or active tourists who enjoy horse riding, hiking, cycling or sailing. A jeep safari or a canoe tour is also an interesting way to explore the area.

Dubrovnik was a gastronomic delight with an abundance of fresh and delectable food, often seasoned with olive oil. Try the naturally grown vegetables like courgettes, cabbage, aubergines tomatoes as well as seafood prepared in a simple way.

I had a full day exploring the old town and came across a Salvador Dali exhibition, which was an unexpected delight. Visitors who enjoy experience centres will enjoy The Cultural History Museum, the Maritime Museum, the Archeological Museum exhibition at Fortress Revelin, the Dubrovnik Natural Science Museum and the Dubrovnik State Archives.

The natural scenery in the area and panoramic views of the coast on the way to the old town in Dubrovnik were definitely some of the most memorable moments in Croatia.  I am already planning my next venture into the land of fortresses and medieval architecture.

Turkish Airlines recently added Dubrovnik, Croatia to its expanding network with three weekly flights for visitors intending to explore this beautiful city.

 

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Buckle Up with Burberry

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Introducing The Buckle Eyewear Collection – the new collection of Burberry sunglasses and optical frames, detailed with a distinctive gold- tone buckle, inspired by design elements from our signature trench coat.

Featuring a distinctive gold-tone buckle, The Buckle Eyewear Collection is available in a colour palette that references the many shades and textures of The Patchwork by juxtaposing solid colours with different coloured tortoiseshells. The Collection features sunglasses in square, cat-eye and round shapes, with opticals in square and round, both with the distinct buckle as the focal point of design.

Iconic Lisa Corti

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Lisa Corti designs things that she experiences and feels during her many trips around the world: the connection with India, which has been with her forever, her memories of Africa, but also her eastern fascination with China and Japan and her love for Milan and Italian Renaissance art, a passion she has always worn on her sleeve.

Her home collection Spring Summer 2017 is a nod to China, a vintage feel and timeless classicism in perfect Lisa Corti style. Floral and geometric designs create worlds built on stories of lands that are far away but instantly recognisable.

The colours are intense and remain vivid in the memory. They speak of Lisa Corti, but also capture the essence of contemporary style in her Home collection for spring summer 2017.

The new collection offers four new designs, in line with her best tradition, in a myriad of multi-coloured, ultra-fine textile solutions for the home, all hand-printed.

The Damask design has been a must in many collections: Lisa Corti has presented a new take on its faraway origins that date back to ancient China and reach as far as Italy in the sixteenth century, giving it a light feel by adding stylised flowers and endowing it with a chromatic contrast created between the lines and the background.

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For the new collection it goes back to its roots and in the design Chinese Spring, in the two versions Geranio and Mustard, it creates a trait d’union between East and West, between damask fabrics and velvety, multi-coloured silks.

The Camelia design is inspired by a water lily, decorated with spiral shapes that bring movement to the composition. Another flower, with a strong Oriental taste and a sacred symbol for Hinduism and Buddhism, is presented in Ninphea.

Geometric, a vintage print, kept in the brand’s archives up until now gets a new lease of life. The ethereal aquatic flower is set alongside a series of rhombuses that define the fields of colour.

Instead, the Acanto Escher design combines two drawings of the garment collection into one, causing fragile acanthus and geometric patterns inspired by contemporary graphics to interact in perfect harmony – in the best Lisa Corti tradition.

The best-selling pieces by the Milanese designer, including her mezzeri, mandalas, quilts, curtains and canvases, are joined by a new limited edition summer gudri, made of organza, which is lighter and cooler, a fine, shiny fabric ideal for the summer season. An even more prestigious double-faced version juxtaposes a plain edge with the floral print in the centre.

The new ideas for spring summer 2017 also include an accessory for the table. The Camelia design is back, printed on an American mat in masonite enhanced by a gold leaf applied by hand. The new Lisa Corti Spring Summer Home collection represents tradition and also a new style – one that is always timeless and iconic, as only Lisa Corti can be.

British Polo Day celebrates its 9th event in Dubai at the Al Habtoor Polo Club & Resort

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Mr Ghazi Al Madani presenting the plate to to the victorious Bentley Habtoor Polo Team at BPD Dubai- Sam Churchill-17.jpeg

Friday 24th March 2017: British Polo Day, presented by RJI Capital, returned to Dubai for its 9th event. The British Polo Day 2017 Series was launched in style with Bear Grylls throwing the first ball of 2017, but British Polo Day began in Dubai in 2009, in partnership with Habtoor Polo. This was the first time that the event was held at the fabulous new St. Regis Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club. Some 450 guests and VIPs including Khalaf Al Habtoor, Mohammed Habtoor, Mr Ghazi Al Madani Paddy Meade, 8th Earl of Clanwilliam , and Randle Siddeley, 4th Baron Kenilworth came together to celebrate the best of UAE and British traditions.

The UK/UAE Year of Creative Collaboration was launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and HRH The Prince of Wales in October 2016, with the aims of increasing the visibility of the UK in the UAE and vice versa in order to give greater focus, depth and contemporary relevance to the long-standing relationship between the two nations. The unique cultural programme has been initiated to strengthen existing relationships and broker new ones between people, institutions and businesses.

The British Polo Days in the UAE provide such a platform, with the best of British and the UAE on display, with Harrods, Bentley, Royal Salute and Hackett all supporting. There was also a chance to introduce the new British Polo Day global partner, Chelsea Barracks, the exceptional new neighborhood development incorporating 5 new garden squares in Belgravia, London, to the guests. Other new partners included VistaJet and YPI Luxury Yachts, further cementing the British Polo Day community.

The event kicked off with a Cavalry v Guards Camel Polo display, a sport that has its biggest annual showcase at British Polo Day. Next followed a bicycle polo demonstration, a sport played in the Olympics over 100 years ago, with players from the regiments of Cavalry and Guards competing in Bentley and St. Regis Dubai Polo Resort and Club Teams respectively for The Thesiger Trophy.

Mohammed Al Habtoor, Chairman of the Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club said: “It is wonderful to see British Polo Day here at our Polo resort and Club. I was very happy to take part in the forming of this event back in 2009 with my Habtoor Polo organization. I am always glad to see the British Polo Day team come back to Dubai and now I am especially honored to welcome them to our brand new and excellent facilities.

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At 3.15 pm, Stuart Wrigley captained the Oxbridge team, sponsored by Chelsea Barracks, against the Gulf team, sponsored by Vista Jet. RJI Gulf beat Chelsea Barracks with 8 ½ goals to 6.

British Polo Day Dubai’s official prize giving ceremony saw the winning teams collecting the bespoke-commissioned British Silverware British Polo Day trophies presented by Richard Oakes from Chelsea Barracks, James Houghton of British Silverware, and Mr Ghazi Al Madani. The agile Don Juan, ridden by Guillermo Cuitino, was named Jaeger-LeCoultre’s ‘Best Playing Pony’ by Marc de Panafieu, Brand Director for Middle East.

This completed the British Polo Day UAE events, and everyone is eagerly awaiting the 10th British Polo Day Dubai in 2018.

*British Polo Day Abu Dhabi took place on

Saturday 18th March at Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club

The event is presented by RJI Capital, and partnered with Royal Salute, Harrods, Bentley, Chelsea Barracks, VistaJet, YPI Yachts, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Hackett London, Justerini & Brooks, Charles Russell Speechlys, Nyetimber, British Silverware, True Luxury Travel, InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Clinova, Taylor Morris Eyewear, DR Harris, Floris, Cassabo and Brompton.

 

The St. Regis Dubai Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club to Host British Polo Day

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The recently-opened St. Regis Dubai Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club will play host to British Polo Day on Friday 24 March 2017. The hotel, which has just opened will welcome 500+ polo enthusiasts at the event.

The Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club, located in the heart of Dubailand is a luxury lifestyle destination which is devoted to equine sports. There are stables for more than 500 horses, a veterinary clinic, a polo club and academy, and a riding school offering multiples disciplines including polo, dressage, show jumping and traditional horseback riding.

The centerpiece of the resort is the five-star St. Regis Dubai Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club, an Andalusian-style hotel, comprising of 151 guest rooms including 30 suites and 25 St. Regis branded villas. The hotel features an exquisite range of culinary experiences inspired by global themes and influences. There are a range of indoor and al fresco dining options including Andalucia – offering flavours of the Mediterranean, The Grill Pit steakhouse, Taperia – a Tapas bar and restaurant overlooking the polo fields, St. Regis Polo Bar – a sports bar, Equestrian Lounge and the soon-to-open Oasis pool side restaurant.

The hotel marks the legendary brand’s first ever equestrian-inspired resort worldwide – reinforcing Dubai’s standing within the global polo circuit and the St. Regis’s rich polo history, which dates back to the Astor period. The St. Regis Dubai Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club is ideally placed within close proximity to Dubai’s main touristic attractions. The resort is designed around four international-standard polo fields.

This weekend also marks an exclusive invitation to the resorts neighbours to a Neighbourhood Cocktail & Canapé Event on Thursday 23 March 2017. Nearby residents will get the chance to view the facilities and experience the St. Regis Dubai Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club’s bespoke hospitality while enjoying the Sport of Kings.

Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, Founding Chairman, Al Habtoor Group – the developer of luxury lifestyle destinations in Dubai, said, “We welcome the local community with open arms. This event will give them the opportunity to experience our latest luxury development in Dubai. The resort exudes relaxation and elegance, while at the same time it showcases some of the world’s best polo.”

The Neighbourhood Cocktail & Canapé Event will take place on Thursday 22 March 2017 from 4:40-7pm.

Residents from nearby communities should RSVP to:

Tel: (04) 435 4414

Email: joanne.madriaga@stregis.com

The Perfect Date

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Bateel Dates are known in the region as being the best for personal consumption and as the perfect gift to take to friends and families. We met with Tina Memic, General Manager, Retail & Operations Bateel International to talk about the brands gourmet food business; their expansion plans for luxury Boutiques and her journey with Bateel

Our meeting was at Bateel Cafe on Beach Road, which has a full range of gourmet products with an extraordinary selection of gifts suitable for all occasions. From high-quality dates and premium chocolates, pralines and truffles, to other exclusive fine food products such as date biscuits, nuts and dressings – it certainly is an invitation to experience the exceptional.

Tina is a German national, living in the UAE for over 10 years. She gained professional experience in China, Europe and the MENA region among cultural diversification and change management roles, which today are her key strengths.

Renowned for inventing and cultivating the world’s only gourmet dates, Bateel, according to Tina is the ultimate indulgence. Tina is passionate about healthy food, is an advocate of an active lifestyle and is regarded as the “Date Specialist” of the region.

She is on a mission of education. “Most consumers are not aware of the health aspects of dates and that it is a power fruit of nature. I am on a mission to make the date, tomorrow’s Banana. Bringing ever new taste sensations to the consumer, making them experience new tastes and flavours and seeing their facial expressions while they taste something for the first time in their life is price less, ”states Tina.

Tina is part of the Bateel International and leading their retail and franchise operations worldwide for over 6 years. She is now seen as a figure head who gets involved with training and is hands on with every aspect of the business.

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Empowerment for Tina is key for employee development and satisfaction. For her, staff members are often regarded as “exchangeable” into areas they best excel in and this has helped increase sales and customer satisfaction profoundly.

According to Tina, all Bateel products are free of any pesticides and all produced under fair conditions from suppliers honoring “fair trade” agreements. The brand remains fair to their staff as well and is one of few companies that do not ban staff.

There are now 600 employees and Tina maintains a open door policy and she gets involved in HR, Supply chain and Marketing roles. Tina mentions that Bateel will open in 20 new locations in the next 12 months mainly in GCC markets such as Saudi, UAE, three in Kuwait, three in Qatar in November as well as Oman, Bahrain and Jordan.

The brand is also in London and Tina is excited about shop openings in Geneva and Detroit. Taking the brand a step beyond gourmet products, Café Bateel now offers gourmet Mediterranean cuisine which is a worth checking out.

On Tina’s request, I tried some of the desserts and have been going back to the Cafe for a regular fix. It is not just about simple dates anymore with Bateel and I for one am glad that they have brought dates into our everyday cuisine as well.

SANDALYECI Furniture launches flagship showroom

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SANDALYECI, leading Turkish furniture brand, has launched its new flagship showroom on Al Quoz / Umm Sequim junction opposite Mall of Emirates, a 4,400 sq feet interior destination-featuring brand’s collection of chairs, sofas, tables and accessories.

Established in 2001 in Turkey, SANDALYECI opened its regional headquarters in Dubai in 2014 to service private and corporate clients across GCC, Middle East and North Africa. A leader in hospitality interiors, SANDALYECI Middle East, has worked on major projects including restaurants, cafes and bars providing turnkey interior solutions.

A contemporary high-end furniture brand, SANDALYECI caters to those looking to create elegant space without giving up on comfort or durability. Affordable luxury furniture combines the best of modern design and fabrics with unique styles to create perfect balance.

‘Jeans for Refugees’ celebrity collection

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Jeans For Refugees By Johny Dar Show - Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin Spring/Summer 2017The online auction house for extraordinary things, Catawiki announced [Johny Dar’s] highly anticipated ‘Jeans for Refugees’ celebrity collection is now officially open for bids. UAE residents can now bid for these jeans along with people across the globe.

‘Jeans for Refugees’ is a global artistic collaboration dedicated to helping refugees all around the world. The project is the brainchild of iconic fashion designer and artist Johny Dar, [and] involves 100 celebrities who have achieved worldwide recognition in fashion, film, music and the arts.

Each individual has donated a pair of their jeans which [has] been painted and given various artistic treatments by Dar. From Hollywood A-listers Ryan Gosling and Sharon Stone to Britain’s very own Sir Elton John and Victoria Beckham, these celebrities and Dar have joined forces to create this unique initiative. With all proceeds going to the International Rescue Committee (IRC), the project will help fund the IRC’s initiatives which help millions of refugees worldwide on a daily basis.

Bidding has started with 15 initial pairs available from Sharon Stone, Anna Wintour, P!nk, Elle McPherson, Emma Watson, Lily Allen, Eva Longoria, Heather Graham, Kate Moss, Joan Smalls, Sofia Coppola, Rachel McAdams, Zoe Saldana, Tal and Jessica Hart.

A Jazzy Culinary Affair

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Abu Dhabi is hitting all the right notes with the launch of JazzArabia the Middle East’s first jazz radio station at p&c by Sergi Arola, creating a unique ambience at the hotel as the new restaurant complements food and beverage offerings with distinct sounds that gets guests in the mood before their arrival with the sounds of the night and then following them home.

Top radio talent broadcast live from a custom-built studio inside this Spanish tapas restaurant by acclaimed two-starred Michelin chef, Sergi Arola. Through broadcasting a blend of mainstream, Arabic and Latin jazz music, JazzArabia can be streamed live or via the JazzArabia app, which is available for download from the app store on all smart devices.

As a Fijian I love dining with live easy music and welcome JazzArabia.com bringing a new element to the overall dining experience that perfectly complements the sharing concept at the restaurant.

The quirky infusions served at p&c by Sergi Arola certainly goes well with the casual, easy listening blend of music. With the growing social dining concept in the Emirate, trying new experiences with food and music is always welcome for food connoisseurs.

JazzArabia will also air the works of jazz legends, such as Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, and the more contemporary Michael Bublé and Diana Krall, meaning there is something for everyone. Leslie Nachmann, a world gold medal winner at the New York International Radio Awards, will be chief presenter. She currently presents on JazzRadio Berlin and on regional and national TV in Germany.

Artists featured on JazzArabia include all-time greats Frank Sinatra, alongside such contemporary jazz stars as Michael Bublé, Diana Krall and Natalie Cole. Crossover artists will include Amy Winehouse and Sade.

Latin greats will include Gilberto Gil, Brazil’s former culture minister, Tito Puente, Astrud Gilberto and Chick Corea. Arabic jazz will feature such artists as Ahmed Abdul-Malik, Anouar Brahem and Rabih Abou-Khalil. Rather than having separate programmes for each genre, JazzArabia will mix the different music styles.

p&c by Sergi Arola is a signature restaurant at Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi. A first in the Middle East for the Michelin-starred Chef Sergi Arola, the standalone restaurant brings an eclectic experience, pitting cutting-edge modernity against a traditional backdrop of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Shereen Shabnam

‘Les Quatre Heures’ at le Relais de l’Entrecôte

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So there’s one more place in town to satisfy my sweet tooth. I can’t wait to experience the French version of afternoon teatime ‘les quatre heures’ at le Relais de l’Entrecôte in Downtown Dubai.

A phrase translating to ‘the four o’clock’, les quatre heures is a time to gather with family or friends, and relax with a cup of tea and a tasty treat or patisserie. Entrecôte embraces this custom, offering guests an impressive variety of delicious signature desserts to enjoy while sitting back on its lovely Parisian terrace.

French favourites such as the Crème Brulée and Chocolate Profiteroles are perfected by the standards of Entrecôte’s legacy, promising customers the traditional taste wherever in the world they may be. Other treats include the Summer Vacherin and the Relais Vacherin, made with ice cream and fruit coulis or chocolate sauce, and the tartlets, of lemon or strawberry flavour.

Le Relais de l’Entrecôte is close to me home based in Downtown and it is recognised worldwide for its single-entrée combination of mouth-watering steak, fries and exceptional secret sauce.

I look forward to trying its delectable sweet concoctions.

Le Relais de l’Entrecôte:
Located at Emaar Boulevard, Downtown Dubai