Zanzibar, a sustainable touristic destination @GrassrootsZnz

Zanzibar, a sustainable touristic destination

-spice islands promote responsible travel-
 
Zanzibar Islands have launched its drive to promote the destination as a sustainable holiday spot. Industry stakeholders have united to position the islands as sustainable locations. Grassroots Traveller, a Destination Management Company has launched its travel itinerary that includes volunteering programs and travel with a purpose itinerary that includes visits to community based non-profit organizations and have partnered with tourism actors whose aim it to enhance holiday experiences.
The legendary Safari Blue, Zanzibar’s most talked about sea adventure, drives corporate social responsibility by supporting local schools and providing student sponsorships as well as infrastructure improvements in Fumba village where they have supported the construction of a local mosque on Kwale Island where the visitors enjoy part of the Safari Blue activities. They also continue to be involved in raising money for local non-profits organizations. The Chumbe Island Coral Park, a private nature reserve, was developed in 1991 for the conservation and sustainable management of the uninhabited Chumbe Island off Zanzibar, one of the last untouched coral islands in the region. The overall aim of The Chumbe Island Coral Park is to create a model of financially and ecologically viable management, where ecotourism supports conservation, research and comprehensive Environmental Education programs for local schools and visitors alike. The Manta Resort on the green island of Pemba, utilizes renewable energy - solar power to retain Pemba’s natural charm. They emphasize on the participation of local communities in the operation through employment and preserving culture and traditional values.

“Modern travellers are becoming more conscious on the importance of CSR. Zanzibar has visitors from the world over, all in search of that tropical get-away experience but recently we have seen the influx of travellers looking for holidays with a purpose. We are now constructing guidelines to implement sustainable vacations for travellers to the islands” said Hafsa Mbamba, CEO, Grassroots Traveller.

Changes in the industry are inevitable; Sustainable Tourism is fast becoming a necessity for travellers. Zanzibar is a destination that offers more than sun, sand & sea and is driving responsible travel to tourists who are considering positive footprints in their holidays is primary.  Grassroots Traveller takes care of complete itinerary, ensuring a guilt-free vacation. For bookings contact info@grassroots-traveller.com. 

@kfcarabia KFC SuperFan experience: Attending The Voice Live Recording in Beirut

KFC is known for creating a ‘SuperFan’ platform and supporting it with a dedicated fan experience. This year, the world’s largest chicken restaurant chain will be rewarding its SuperFan customers with an invitation to attend a live broadcasting of the popular talent-search entertainment show “The Voice,” with the famous brand in place as one of the programme’s main sponsors.

The concept of The Voice is to discover talented singers in the MENA region and assign them to famous singers who will act as their coaches during the episodes. The aim is for the mentors to support their acts and put them on the right track to fame and stardom. The series’ concept aligns with KFC’s strategy to believe in and develop the skills and talents of Arab youth across the region.

The Voice will be aired live on three channels: MBC1 across the GCC, MBC Masr in Egypt and LBC in Lebanon.

The KFC SuperFan winners will receive a fully-paid trip to Beirut, Lebanon to attend a live recording of The Voice in the television studio. It will give them a true SuperFan experience by inviting them to participate in the
“V-Room” - a social media area dedicated for fans to interact with contestants. This engagement will also be broadcast to millions of viewers of the show and directly linked to the social media accounts of The Voice, giving the opportunity for further exposure on digital media.

Fans wishing to participate in the KFC Arabia SuperFan experience should enter the competition on the MBC.net website and participate in the SuperFan Challenge. The game is simple, consisting of a number of famous quotes previously mentioned on the show by the coaches. The participants simply need to shuffle these quotes and match them with the correct coach. Winners of the online contest will win the all-incorporated trip to The Voice studios in Beirut, having the chance to bring a friend with them. There will be five winners in total; one winner every week will attend the live show until the finale.

KFC has successfully sustained a three-year customer engagement campaign using popular televised talent shows as a platform. Prior to The Voice, the brand sponsored other famous programmes such as Arab Idol and Arabs Got Talent. These activities have increased KFC’s fan count and built a strong and loyal fan relationship with the brand.

@YayaVitamins Trusted by Moms, Loved by Kids YaYa, the healthy and delicious solution for kids’ essential vitamins and nutrients

Trusted by Moms, Loved by Kids

YaYa, the healthy and delicious solution for kids’ essential vitamins

and nutrients

Children’s palates can take time to develop and getting them to eat the dull as well as the delicious is often challenging. Naturally, parents worry that their children are missing out on some of the essential vitamins and nutrients that they need to be healthy.

YaYa Vitamins, the market leader in gummy vitamins, are here to take this worry away. This range of Gelatin and Gluten-free products has all the essential vitamins and nutrients that children, aged two and above, require to develop into healthy young adults. The vitamins are flavoured with real fruit juices and come in the form of chewable animal shaped gums. YaYa vitamins are also free from preservatives, artificial colours, gelatin, egg, milk, soy, peanuts and tree nuts. Each tamper-proof bottle contains 60 vitamins, sufficient for a one-month supply. What’s more kids find

the taste irresistible.

There are four types of YaYa Vitamins available:

YaYa Multi: As part of a healthy and nutritious diet, YaYa Multi provides your child with the ideal balance of vitamins that helps to maintain their overall wellbeing and health.

YaYa Vita-C: YaYa Vita-C provides your child with Vitamin C as well as Zinc to assist the healthy development of teeth and gums. It also helps support your child’s immune system, helping fight viruses and infections.

YaYa Omega 3: YaYa Omega 3 provides your child with essential fish oils that help to build healthy minds and bodies.

YaYa Calcium: YaYa Calcium provides your child with Calcium and Vitamin D3 to assist the healthy

development of teeth and bones.

YaYa Vitamins are available at leading pharmacies across the UAE and are priced from AED 59. Yaya helps your child look forward to taking vitamins and reassures parents their kids are getting the nutrients they need, in a fun form!

For more information visit: http://www.yayavitamins.com

@globalvillageae Specially Created Kiosks to Sell Authentic Snacks at Global Village

As Part of Global Village’s ‘Flavours of the World’ Special Kiosks will sell desserts and snacks from Country’s Pavilions

Global Village, Dubai’s leading family entertainment and cultural destination, is providing visitors with the chance to sample foods that are being cooked up by different pavilions at Global Village in conjunction with the Dubai Food Festival 2014 celebrations. The countries at Global Village have positioned kiosks outside their pavilions to allow visitors to see the many authentic foods that are a large part of their tradition and heritage. It gives tourists and local residents a chance to experience a world of flavours they had yet to experience.

The pavilions taking part in Global Village’s ‘Flavours of the World’ experience are – Pakistan; UAE; KSA; India; Egypt;  Morocco;  Thailand;  Turkey;;; Germany/UK/France; Yemen;; Bahrain; China; Tunisia, and Italy. Each provides a great look into what each country holds dear to its heart when it comes to authentic cuisine.

First stop on a tour of the ‘Flavours of the World’ should really start with India. The Indian Pavilion has brought in the northern Indian vegetarian restaurant, Chatori Gali. Visitors can pick up authentic Indian food at a reasonable price. Taste products such as Laccha Tokri and Dahi Bhalla. This is also one of the best places to pick up samosas in Global Village and finish it all off with a tille wali kulfi for dessert.

Visitors passing by the Turkish pavilion can pick up a hearty meal and snacks all from the kiosks situated outside the pavilion. A warm snack such as the rice, chicken and chickpeas will go down a treat with the family, and the assortment of breads filled with potatoes or lamb. Visitors are able to wash all this down with an assortment of popular drinks in Turkey including the famous Turkish coffee and tea, as well as lemon juice and labneh yogurt. Turkish Borek is also being served at the Turkish pavilion. This unique pastry originated from Turkey and has become popularized throughout Europe for its unique use of filo pastry to create a savory dish.

The Moroccan pavilion has lots of fantastic desserts that are uniquely Moroccan, such as the Kaab Al Ghazal, which are famously called ‘Gazelle Horns’. These unique pastry items are filled with almond paste and cinnamon, with a touch of orange flower water. There are a lot of Baghrir for visitors to try. Tourists should know that Baghrir are a pancake that, when cooked, have tiny unique holes all over the pancake that help soak up the sauce that they are served with.

If visitors want to experience the many Egyptian treats that Global Village has to offer then stopping by the Egyptian is a must for the kanafeh – syrup soaked cheese pastry that will have visitor’s mouths watering. This is also the place to pick up an assortment of authentic Egyptian treats such as atayef which is a pastry that is filled with nuts and drizzled in syrup.

For snacks that are a little bit out of the ordinary, but just as tasty, visitors should head over to the Thai pavilion and try out some authentic Thai snacks straight from Thailand. The Thai’s unique take on street vendors will ensure visitors have something completely new to experience. The dried shrimp and squid is a delicate snack that will have seafood fans very happy, and with all the dried fruit at the stall, visitors will be able to eat their favourite Thai fruits from home.

Pakistan has a great selection of curries and desserts for visitors to try, ranging from spicy to non-spicy, but all very tasty. The Haleem Chicken is proving to be very popular with visitors as it has a mild Dahl curry base with tender pieces of chicken in it. The Gulab Jamun is also one of the most widely recognized South Asian desserts, which is two soft balls of cake are served covered in syrup; this is the only way to end a great meal.

With all the pavilions offering up unique treats, snacks, and meals for visitors to Global Village’s ‘Flavours of the World’, there is bound to be something for people from all cultures to enjoy.

@IberotelMirama DIMENTION - Artworks by Ndue Pepa to be showcased in Fujairah

DIMENTION

Artworks by Ndue Pepa to be showcased in Fujairah

Leading Albanian artist, Ndue Pepa, represented in the UAE by Artissima Gallery is showcasing his art collection ‘Dimention’ at the Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort, Fujairah. The exhibition opens at 7pm on March 7^th and continues until the 7^th of April 2014.

Born in Albania, Ndue Pepa’s art techniques are based on Albanian traditions that he has modernized with his unique artistic style. After exhibiting in Albania and Italy, art enthusiasts in the UAE will get a chance to view his work as well.

Ndue Pepa practices the philosophy of stylistic deformity through his eye retina photographs, which resembles the circle rotation spiral in a new stage and in a round cycle more advanced in time.

The paintings of artist Ndue Pepa is appreciated in many countries and have become part of art collections by followers of his style of work. The strength of Ndue Pepa lies in the use of rich vibrant colours that are expressive and composed fluidly in dynamic geometric movements that are energetic and celebrates both the creativity of the past and present.

Aurela Cuku, Managing Partner, Artissima Gallery said, “After having a positive response to Pepa’s work in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, we felt we needed to bring his work to showcase them to the Fujairah audience. We expect the Fujairah art enthusiasts to visit the exhibition at the exquisite Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort.” 

Pompeii celebrates Women’s Day @Pompeii2

Women to receive 40% off on their bill

 Nothing satisfies your appetite quiet like a great homemade Italian meal! Celebrate Women’s Day on the Lake with Pompeii! Every women dining in at Pompeii from 6th March to 8th March from 4:00pm until 11:00pm will receive a 40% off on their bill.

Try out their Wood fired Pizza like Pompeii Primavera made from mozazarella, rocca with sundried tomatoes or Pompeii Pesto made from Zucchini blended with mushroom, artichoke and eggplants. Relish the winter nights with some comfort food like Homemade soups like Lentil & Tomato soup, Minestrone Soup or Pompeii special Calzone or Calzones Misti and pair them up with fresh juices or salad. Whether you are in the mood for a cappuccino, pasta or wood fried pizza, Pompeii uses fresh ingredients inclusive of dough’s and pasta imported from Italy.

“The wood fired pizzas are a favorite among the ladies and our homemade soups among the men. A lot of our guests come to Pompeii to relax and to enjoy our true Italian cuisine”, commented Cheryl Jean Vaughn, CEO of Pompeii Italian Restaurant and Café.

Enjoy a premier dining experience in relaxed, yet elegant setting at Pompeii, located at Cluster T, 1 Lake Plaza, Jumeriah Lake Towers.

@QasrAlHosn Emirati Students Become the Voice of Qasr Al Hosn Festival

Emirati Students Become the Voice of Qasr Al Hosn Festival

Qasr Al Hosn Festival Ambassadors ensure visitors get the most from their festival experience  

A number of Emirati university and college students become the voice of Abu Dhabi’s most important historic and cultural celebration – the Qasr Al Hosn Festival, which comes under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. The Qasr Al Hosn Festival started on February 20th and continues till March 1st, 2014 on the site of Abu Dhabi’s oldest structure dating back to the second half of the 18th century.
Over 160 students will be on-site during the festival days to ensure visitors gain the maximum experience during their visit. This will also be a learning real-life experience for the students, as they will enhance their communication and visitors services skills while they prepare to become Qasr Al Hosn Ambassadors.
As ambassadors, students interact with the audience and introduce them to the festival’s public programme which includes an array of workshops, cultural activities and interactive learning experiences, as well as performing arts programmes including music, story-telling and poetry.
The Ambassadors support the curators, artisans and experts in running the workshops and activities, providing additional guidance and informative details to the visitors. They are present throughout the festival’s themed zones – Desert, Oasis, Marine and Abu Dhabi Island – helping with activities including dhow building, palm weaving, sea chanting, falconry, tree climbing, making Gahwa (the traditional Emirati coffee), besides a number of other Emirati-themed activities.
The Ambassadors programme is vital in increasing awareness among Abu Dhabi’s young generations of the history, traditions and culture of the Emirate dating back to when Qasr Al Hosn became the first permanent structure in Abu Dhabi.
Reem Al Mansouri, Public Engagement Officer at TCA Abu Dhabi said;  “We wanted to engage different segments of the community with the Qasr Al Hosn Festival and this is a great way of strengthening the historical importance of the fort among the young generation, as well as embedding a spirit of giving back to the community,” Al Mansouri added, “The Qasr Al Hosn Festival is a celebration of our true cultural identity and a chance for everyone to cherish Qasr Al Hosn – the birthplace of Abu Dhabi. We also want people to learn about the fort restoration plans.”
The Qasr Al Hosn Ambassadors are selected from a number of Abu Dhabi’s main educational institutions, including Higher Colleges of Technology, Al Hosn University, Emirates College of Advanced Education, Zayed University Abu Dhabi, Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi University, UAE University and Al Ain University of Science and Technology. Selected students were then given a full-day training session on the festival site that included general guidance as well as specific roles distribution and training.
The selected Qasr al Hosn Ambassadors themselves were excited to participate in the program. Amna Al Zaabi, an ambassador at the Oasis zone said: “I am thrilled to be chosen as a Qasr Al Hosn Ambassador. I can’t wait to learn all about the history of the fort and why it’s so important to the development of Abu Dhabi,” Ameer  alKendi, another Qasr al Hosn Ambassador, added, “I’m hoping that this opportunity will help me to communicate to large groups of different nationalities and be confident around visitors. These are important skills that will help me in life and work.”
The full programme for this year’s Qasr Al Hosn Festival includes guided tours of the fort, traditional workshops, live performances, exhibitions and ‘Cavalia at Qasr Al Hosn’, an internationally renowned show adapted specially for the festival audience.

For more information on the Qasr Al Hosn Festival, visit www.qasralhosnfestival.ae

Engelman to Step Down as Worldwatch Institute President @Worldwatch

Engelman to Step Down as Worldwatch Institute President - Will Continue at Worldwatch as Senior Fellow; Board Chair Ed Groark Will Be Acting President
Worldwatch Institute President Robert Engelman has announced his decision to step down as head of the pioneering environmental research organization. Engelman will become a Senior Fellow at Worldwatch and return to the environmental and population research and writing he has pursued for much of his career.

Engelman informed the leadership of the Institute's Board of Directors last fall of his intention to resign at an appropriate time in 2014.

"With several new projects beginning or in the wings this year at Worldwatch, including an especially exciting one that supports my own research, this is the right moment to make this transition," Engelman said. He will serve as President until March 15, 2014, at which time Board Chair Ed Groark will become Acting President of the Institute. The Board intends to begin a search for a permanent President at a later date.

As a Senior Fellow, Engelman will work to build partnerships with researchers in developing countries to assess scientific evidence on the links between family planning, population dynamics, and environmental sustainability.

Engelman is a veteran researcher, author, and former newspaper reporter who served as Worldwatch's Vice President for Programs from early 2007 to mid-2011, when he succeeded Christopher Flavin as President. Groark, who founded and led information technology service companies, is a long-time member of the Board. He took on the chairmanship in 2011 in an integrated leadership transition with Engelman at Worldwatch.

"Bob stepped up at a challenging time and distinguished himself as a leader, working closely and well with the Board in managing Worldwatch's development and program," Groark said. "We're delighted that he will continue to contribute to the Institute through his ongoing research."

Under Engelman's leadership, the Institute focused much of its work on the development of Sustainable Energy Roadmaps in the Caribbean and Central America, as well as its ongoing programs in food and agriculture, population and gender, and cultural transformation for sustainability. Forging a new partnership with Washington, D.C.-based Island Press, the Institute continued its signature book series State of the World, including the popular 2013 edition, subtitled Is Sustainability Still Possible? The 2014 edition, focused on Governing for Sustainability, will be released in late April. Worldwatch has also continued regular publication of Vital Signs, its long-running feature on environmental and related social trends posted online and compiled in annual books.

"It has been a unique privilege to lead this critically needed research institute, one of the organizations I've most admired since I first encountered its insightful work on sustainability in the early 1980s," Engelman said. "I look forward to supporting and contributing to the work of Ed Groark, the Institute's Board, and its talented staff while I pursue my own research and writing at Worldwatch."

Founded by Lester Brown 40 years ago this year, the Worldwatch Institute applies research, analysis, storytelling, and outreach to inform and inspire a shift to a sustainable global civilization that meets human needs. A survey sponsored by the University of Pennsylvania recently ranked the Institute as one of the world's top three environmental think tanks.

Raffiné celebrates women and mothers throughout March @SofitelDXBPalm

Beauty salon creates special package for Mother’s Day and International Women’s Day

– The recently launched beauty salon Raffiné, strategically located at Sofitel Resort and Spa Palm Jumeirah, will be celebrating International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day with an exclusively designed beauty package to mark the festivities. With its team of specialists and therapists, Raffiné Beauty Store, has prepared tailor made packages that includes Raffiné hair treatments, styling, blow dry and Raffiné manicure and pedicure for AED250. Custom design beauty packages are also available throughout March. Additionally Raffiné has partnered with So Spa for a complete women’s pampering package with combined beauty and spa treatments.
 Raffiné Beauty Salon provides quality and professional care for customers who they lavish with an array of treatments to fulfill one’s heart desires. The beauty salon offers services ranging from Hair styling, Extensions, Coloring and Highlights, Hair Nourishing Botox and Keratin Treatments, Art nails, Manicures and Pedicures, Hottest Makeup Styles , Waxing and threading.
“March is a month that celebrates women, and we created this special package to mark these celebrated events. We just want women to be able to relax and get pampered without worrying about work or chores” said Cheryl jean Vaughn, C.E.O Raffiné Beauty Salon.

Fourteen years of experience and continuous effort in the field of hairdressing and beauty around the world were really enough to make Raffine Beauty Salon, the fruit of devotion ready for customers to experience. Raffiné’s true passion is to awaken the beauty in you, for bookings contact 044556636

@info_wrapt Wrapt UAE home grown business with 200% growth annually, launchesTo MUM with LOVE” collection

Wrapt UAE home grown business with 200% growth annually, launchesTo MUM with LOVE” collection 

-bespoke gift wrapping retailer launches mother’s day gifting solution-

Wrapt, the premium gift wrapping and packaging services brand, unveils the Mothers Day gift wrapping collection to mark the celebration. Wrapt Mother’s day Collection will be available across all their outlets in the GCC -Inspired by the occasion, the Mother Day Collection is beautiful collection of high quality wrappings, boxes and accessories creatively designed by the in-house design team. Using gorgeous pastel gift-wrappings like pink, peach, baby yellow and light brown the collection includes ribbons, pearl strings and “I Love You Mum” pendants. The collection also includes beautifully designed gift and jewellery boxes for Mums.

“Package is as important as the gift itself; there is an extra delight in receiving a gift that has been thoughtfully packaged. We have created an exclusive collection for Mother’s Day with beautiful wrapping and accessories specially ordered for the occasion. We have also launched a special 40% discount for children under 18 years. Shoppers can also request for a bespoke wrapping, the in-store creative team is at hand to ”, said Aysha Buti Al Meheeri Founder & Owner, Wrapt.

Launched in 2009, Wrapt, Art of Wrapping & packaging with corporate boutique services, offers innovative gift-wrapping and packaging services inspired by talented designers merging current fashion trends into art of packaging. From a small store in Arabian Mall, Wrapt has become a forerunner in its niche in a short span of time. In 2011, Wrapt expanded its operation with a corporate division catering to corporate gifts and full packaging solutions. Over the years, Wrapt has witnessed 200% growth and continues to push business expansion through franchise opportunities and international presence.

“Wrapt the UAE home grown brand, has established franchises across the GCC and has successfully growing in both retail and corporate spectrum. The company witnessed a 200% growth in 2013 audit report and covers 85% of corporate demands in UAE and Qatar. According to CEDAR report on Wrapt for 2013, the company’s market shares are at 58% of retail demand across the two markets” added Al Meheeri.

Wrapt is a one-stop destination for gift-wrapping services with wide range of exclusively designed wrapping papers and accessories. Seasonal collections are introduced throughout the year with unique concepts to compliment various festivities. Wrapt creates bespoke designs for private clients, corporations and weddings, working closely with its customers to fulfill their vision.