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The Lantern and Moon Festival is back at Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi for four days full of widespread celebrations and engaging activities.

Hosted from September 21 to 24, the event is held at the stunning hotel as a symbol of unity and harmony and will feature delightful street food options, special cultural performances, lantern-making workshops, lighting of lanterns and an abundance of moon cakes.

Ulf Bremer, General Manager at Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, said: “The Mid-Autumn Festival is a harvest festival celebrated by Chinese and Vietnamese people, which has spread across other parts of Asia owing to its popularity.

“The festival celebrates three fundamental concepts that are closely connected: gathering, thanksgiving and praying. It is said that the moon is the brightest and roundest on this day which resembles family reunion. And this is why it is important for us to celebrate this as a family and join hands with our guests to give thanks with such a wonderful festival.”

The Lantern and Moon Festival kicks off with the Family Friday when an all-day brunch will be hosted at Sofra BLD, the award-winning restaurant, from 1pm until 11pm combined with Shang Palace and Hoi An, the hotel’s Chinese and Vietnamese venues. Homemade dimsum and snow-skin mooncakes will be served from 1.30pm onwards, and live entertainment will be organised at Sofra BLD from 1pm until 4pm.

The all-day brunch, priced at AED 258, will include beach and pool access for the day from 11am to 8pm. Children aged under 12 years can dine for free and enjoy the special kids’ zone activities. Drinks packages are also available at additional costs of AED 120 for cocktails and AED 220 for champagne.

The Kung Fu Tea Master, exclusive to the property, will perform at various venues including Shang Palace at 1.45pm and 8.30pm, Hoi An at 9.15pm and the Pool Bar at 7.45pm combined with the traditional face-changing performance. Live music played on traditional Chinese instruments is worth experiencing and will be organised at both Hoi An and Shang Palace from 7pm until 11pm.

Children can look forward to the exciting lantern colouring activity, which will be organised at 5pm at Sofra BLD’s terrace, from where guests can enjoy the spectacular panoramic views of Abu Dhabi.

The hotel’s own Dragon Boat team will lead the way for the lantern floating ceremony at 7pm. With live drum performances and all guests at the hotel joining the event to light the lanterns, this is guaranteed to be a fun Friday for the full family. ESS Lounge will also organise a movie night at 8.30pm for those who would like to enjoy the outdoors.

“Mooncakes are a specialty enjoyed during the traditional mid-Autumn festival and we have specially imported plenty of the authentic treats for all our guests,” Ulf said.

On September 22, Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi gets a makeover for the Saturday Street Market. Hosted at Sofra BLD and Shang Palace from 1pm until 4pm, the lunch buffet is priced at AED 198, with an additional AED 120 for cocktails and AED 220 for the champagne package. Children under 12 years can dine for free and enjoy activities like face painting as well as art and crafts sessions.

Hoi An, a hidden gem of the capital’s dining scene, hosts a four-course set menu dinner on September 23 from 6.30pm until 11pm. Ideal for those looking to sample authentic Vietnamese cuisine, this dinner is priced at AED 160.

On September 24, Shang Palace welcomes all to discover the various styles of Chinese cuisine through its six-course set menu. Served from 7pm until 11pm, the dinner is priced at AED 200 and celebrates with authentic dishes served during the mid-Autumn festival.

For reservations, please call 02 509 8555 or email restaurantreservations.slad@shangri-la.com

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La International Hotel Management Limited, one of the world’s premier hotel management companies, currently operates over 95 hotels in 22 countries and 73 destinations under the Shangri-La, Kerry, Hotel Jen and Traders brands. Prominently positioned in Asia, the group has established its brand hallmark of “hospitality from the heart” over four decades in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, North America and the Indian Ocean. The group has a substantial development pipeline with upcoming projects in mainland China, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka. For more information, please visit www.shangri-la.com.

Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi has strengthened its sustainability commitment with a new initiative in Food & Beverage operations. The hotel has joined forces with AVANI, a leading global supplier of alternate packaging based on renewable resources and has successfully replaced disposable plastic products with eco-friendly products.

In pursuit of its “Go Green” strategy, the hotel has introduced biodegradable beverage straws and coffee takeaway cups across onsite restaurants, cafe’ and lounge. The material used in fabrication of these products comes entirely from plants and henceforth, it is 100% compostable.

According to Mr. Desmond Hatton, General Manager, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi “Every year more than 8 million tons of plastic is dumped in our oceans, killing more than 100,000 marine creatures, leading to a global plastic menace (Source: United Nations Ocean Conference, New York, 2017). It is high time that hospitality industry across the world puts a strong concerted stand against the use of plastic in hotel operations. We are the agents of change and our small efforts can make a big difference in protecting our environment.”

Dusit Thani has always been at the forefront when it comes to rolling out environment centric projects in Abu Dhabi. Achieving energy efficiency by replacing CFL with LED lamps in over 500 guestrooms and maintaining an in-house organic roof garden are few of the key sustainable activities unveiled at the hotel. In recent times, the property has also modified the lobby entrance area from a water fountain concept to garden landscape them, resulting in a saving of 100,000+ litres of water annually. In addition to it, the hotel managed to reduce the food waste in the café by 450 kgs per month, post collaborating with Winnow, one of the leading waste management technology companies of the region.

Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi invites fans of French cuisine to experience an evening to enjoy fine wines from around the world or take a trip through Paris through its special dining experiences.

Bord Eau, the award-winning French restaurant at the luxury hotel, will host an expert sommelier from the family-owned and operated Matetic Corralillo winery for a night of wine appreciation on August 27. Three wines, two reds and one white, made in the vineyards of El Rosario Valley in Chile have been carefully selected for the night.

The Matetic Corralillo brand ambassador will explain the vision behind the winery and help guests explore the flavours and quality of each wine: a sauvignon blanc, a Carménère and a Syrah, which they are pioneers of owing to the excellent weather in El Rosario Valley. The event will be hosted from 7:00pm to 10pm for AED 120, which includes five wines paired with canapes in addition to the appreciation class with Matetic Corralillo.

On September 19, the popular dining venue, once again welcomes guests for an evening with a four-course set menu paired with Thierry Villard wines. The four kinds chosen for the night are: Expresión Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, Grand Vin Le Chardonnay, Expresión Reserve Pinot Noir and Grand Vin Le Pinot Noir.

Canapes will be passed around on the terrace upon welcome. As the night begins, dinner will begin with a Porcini mushroom royale starter, which will be followed by sea bass served with fish soup jus.

The main act features Australian lamb shoulder slow-cooked for 24 hours. A grand meal like this can only be completed with the much-loved Valrhona chocolate extravaganza. Served from 6.30pm until 11.30pm, the dinner will be priced at AED 889 and AED 526 without wine pairing.

Reiner Lupfer, executive chef at Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi said: “We believe that Bord Eau is as much an educational experience for epicureans as it is a culinary journey for those who enjoy French cuisine.

“This is why it is important to refresh our menu with seasonal ingredients. For this fall season, we have included mouth-watering fresh whole lobster from Canada, freshly roasted hazelnuts, handpicked butternut squash from France and the king of the meat, the Wagyu beef.”

The popular ‘From Paris with Love’ dinner also returns for its fall edition on September 14, which means couples no longer need to wait for Valentine’s Day for a romantic night out. Set up to resemble a restaurant by the Seine, Bord Eau offers the perfect romantic ambiance for guests to enjoy a three-course set menu designed by Chef Reiner – all complemented by a bottle of wine.

For September, Chef Reiner gives the option of smoked celeriac soup with blow-torched salmon or homemade foie gras terrine as an amuse bouche. For mains, guests can choose between Atlantic cod fish and braised beef ribs. To finish the meal on a sweet note, there is the classic speculos cheese cake with strawberry and chocolate ice-cream.

A caricaturist will create a drawing of the guests, while the best-dressed couple gets the chance to win a surprise gift on the night. Priced at AED 555 for two, the dinner includes a welcome drink as well. The dinner can be upgraded to a six-course set menu, where all choices are served, at an additional price of AED 194 per person.

For bookings, please call 02 509 8888.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La International Hotel Management Limited, one of the world’s premier hotel management companies, currently operates over 95 hotels in 22 countries and 73 destinations under the Shangri-La, Kerry, Hotel Jen and Traders brands. Prominently positioned in Asia, the group has established its brand hallmark of “hospitality from the heart” over four decades in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, North America and the Indian Ocean. The group has a substantial development pipeline with upcoming projects in mainland China, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka. For more information, please visit www.shangri-la.com.

Get ready to indulge as the weather heats up this summer. HMH- Hospitality Management Holding announces its attractive Summer Deals. Everyone who is planning a daycation or staycation look no further and book your stay at our hotels located across the Middle East and North Africa, where you can enjoy 20% off the Bed & Breakfast rate across our hotels. This offer is valid until 15^th September 2018. For more information about HMH please visit http://www.hmhhotelgroup.com

Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi is set in Abu Dhabi, 10 km from Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. The hotel has a spa centre, an olympic sized outdoor pool and water sports facilities. Guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or a drink at the bar. Free private parking is available on site.

A flat-screen TV with satellite channels, as well as a laptop are offered. Certain units include a seating area where you can relax. Rooms come with a private bathroom equipped with a walk in shower. For your comfort, you will find slippers, free toiletries and a hairdryer.

Al Khayal restaurant boasts beautiful interiors where the traditional Arabic warmth and hospitality come to life.

You can play tennis at this hotel, and the area is popular for horse riding.

Yas Waterworld is 10 km from Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi, while Yas Mall is 11 km away. The nearest airport is Abu Dhabi International Airport, 10 km from the property.

This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Abu Dhabi! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.4 for a two-person trip.

This property is also rated for the best value in Abu Dhabi! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.

About Swiss-Belhotel International

Swiss-Belhotel International currently manages a portfolio of more than 145* hotels, resorts and projects located in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Australia, New Zealand, Bulgaria, Georgia, Italy and Tanzania. Awarded Indonesia’s Leading Global Hotel Chain for six consecutive years, Swiss-Belhotel International is one of the world’s fastest-growing international hotel and hospitality management groups. The Group provides comprehensive and highly professional development and management services in all aspects of hotel, resort and serviced residences. Offices are located in Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia, China, Europe, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam. www.swiss-behotel.com

Dubai based entrepreneur Ghassan Aboud was awarded as the “Leading Hospitality Investor” during the Leaders in Hospitality Awards event organized by BNC Publishing on April 29^th, 2018 at the St Regis Hotel, Dubai. Ghassan Aboud is the promoter of the multi-business conglomerate, the Ghassan Aboud Group that was established 25 years back with the UAE as the headquarters.

The annual event is hosted by the leading regional publication Hotel News Middle East to recognize and honour leading regional and international players in the hospitality sector. The winners were judged by a panel of renowned experts drawn from the hospitality industry.

The award recognized Ghassan Aboud’s pioneering foray into the hospitality sector with project commitments to the tune of AU$ 800 million, through the creation of a portfolio of luxury hotels under the brand name – Crystalbrook Collection.

Upon receiving the recognition, Ghassan Aboud said “I am honoured to be recognized at this prestigious event as an international investor. With the outstanding management team that we have, I am confident that Crystalbrook Collection will deliver exceptional customer enjoyment at some of the world’s most desirable destinations.”

Wissam Youhane, CEO-BNC Publishing said ““Once again I am humbled to be associated with this fantastic industry. It is a real honour to see so many talented people assembled in one place to share their achievements with us. At BNC Publishing we endeavor to shine a light on the prowess of those within this amazing sector and that is what the awards were all about – taking the opportunity to give something back to those who give so much to us.”

In the hospitality sector, with an initial focus on Australia, Ghassan Aboud’s investments are being deployed in acquisition, development and management of prime hospitality assets. The assets include 5-star hotels, luxury apartments, marina operations and high-end retail. In addition to the hospitality portfolio, the group has invested into a substantial pastoral business with land area of 35,000 hectares.

The ultimate ambition of Crystalbrook Collection is to become a world class brand associated with unique lifestyle destinations.

More than 238,167 Britons visited Abu Dhabi in 2016 and this year the emirate looks set to beat this, according to an official at Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.

“In the first nine months of 2017 we have already seen more than 173,103 British visitors check in to Abu Dhabi hotels – a 5 percent increase year on year, “said Nabeel Al Zarouni, UK and Ireland Country Manager, DCT, at a breakfast reception held on the sidelines of the now-running World Travel Market 2017 London.

The function was attended by a large number of UK industry professionals, tour operators, travel agency representatives and media people.

”We are joined on the stand this year by 40 co-exhibitors, representing 95 companies across Abu Dhabi, so please do say hello to them while you’re here,” he added.

”The UK market continues to be of huge importance to Abu Dhabi,” he said. “The UK is our third largest overseas market, and by far our biggest in Europe. Last year, more than 238,167 Brits visited Abu Dhabi and this year we look set to beat this. In the first nine months of 2017 we have already seen more than 173,103 British visitors check in to Abu Dhabi hotels – a 5 percent increase year on year.”

“This year we’ve run road shows in Edinburgh, Manchester, London and Dublin for 330 agents, in partnership with our national airline, Etihad Airways. We even had Tess Daly from Strictly Come Dancing join us in London to chair a panel discussion about Abu Dhabi, which was incredibly well received by those who attended. We have also hosted a hugely successful ‘mega fam’ for 36 agents, with groups flying in from London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Dublin. In total 55 agents visited the destination this year. We’ve also carried out 22 training sessions for 476 agents and secured Abu Dhabi’s place in 106 tour operator programmes.”

Launching this month will be a print, digital and broadcast advertising campaign, in partnership with Etihad Airways, which will see increased visibility for the destination through to March 2018. So hopefully during this time you will see greater interest in travelling to Abu Dhabi from consumers.

”Moving into 2018, the department plans to build and increase the great work that has taken place this year, further strengthening relations with the UK trade,” he noted.