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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.

In a bid to showcase authentic Emirati cuisine to its visitors, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) is set to roll-out the Emirati Cuisine & Hospitality Capacity Building Programme, where all 4 and 5 star hotels across the emirate will feature and promote Emirati culture through its cuisine.

The programme will establish a framework of regular training, monitoring and reviewing in order to ensure that Emirati culinary items are featured in food and beverage (F&B) outlets in the finest hotels and hotel apartments across the emirate. By collaborating with leading industry partners, TCA Abu Dhabi will train and accredit culinary employees with the fundamental skills required to prepare Emirati cuisine and reference the rich heritage that is paramount to its authenticity.

To maintain a consistent level of year-round engagement, TCA Abu Dhabi will also conduct competitions across participating hotels to identify the ‘Best Emirati Culinary Promotion Programme’ and the ‘Best Chef for Emirati Cuisine’.

Commenting on the initiative, HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director General of TCA Abu Dhabi said, “Abu Dhabi is a melting pot of cultures and the authenticity of Emirati cuisine has been somewhat lost in the contemporary renditions of traditional cuisine. Through this programme, we strive to conserve and promote the emirate’s culture, history and traditions. A key to that is using our rich cuisine to ensure optimal engagement for visitors seeking fully immersive cultural experiences.”

Vida Hotels and Resorts, the upscale lifestyle hospitality brand for the new generation of business executives, entrepreneurs and leisure travellers by Emaar Hospitality Group, has signed a management agreement with Aldar Properties, Abu Dhabi’s leading listed property development, investment and management company, to operate a hotel within the developer’s master-planned community on Reem Island. The hotel and serviced residences are a core feature of Aldar’s Shams Marina project, a four-tower development announced in March this year as part of Aldar’s AED 3 billion investment programme, which overlooks the Arabian Sea.

The two Vida Beach Reem Island Abu Dhabi towers feature 262 spacious guestrooms and suites in addition to 192 serviced residences for short or extended stay and a range of world-class amenities including speciality restaurants, business centres, conference venues and wellness retreats, details of which will be announced in due course. The development also includes 329 marina residences spread across two towers. Construction will commence this year.

Envisaged as an upscale urban lifestyle resort set in a spectacular location, Vida Beach Reem Island Abu Dhabi and Vida Residences Beach Reem Island Abu Dhabi will be near a premium retail destination with a choice of dining and leisure options adding to the convenience of residents and guests. Located approximately 30 km from Abu Dhabi International Airport and 3 km from the city centre, the hotel is expected to be operational by 2020.

Jassem Saleh Busaibe, Chief Asset Management Officer, Aldar Properties, said: “We are delighted to partner with Emaar Hospitality Group in bringing Vida Hotels and Resorts to Abu Dhabi. This new project will add significantly to the character of Reem Island, and will be like nothing currently in existence in the city. This project not only falls within our destination development strategy, but will also add significantly to our asset management business. This agreement will really help to strengthen our master planned community on Reem Island, adding market leading amenities from which both residents and visitors alike will benefit.”

Olivier Harnisch, Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Hospitality Group, said: “The management contract to operate Vida Beach Reem Island Abu Dhabi is a significant milestone for Vida Hotels and Resorts, our contemporary upscale lifestyle brand that has defined its unique niche in the region’s hospitality sector. To be associated with such a prestigious development by Aldar Properties serves as a strong testament to the differentials that Vida Hotels and Resorts brings to the industry with its focus on creating smart urban hubs for a discerning clientele.”

He added: “The expansion to Abu Dhabi further highlights our strong competencies in undertaking mixed-use projects and delivering outstanding service. We will continue to explore growth opportunities in the UAE and beyond by delivering an exceptional hospitality experience focused on delivering warmth, simplicity and youthful vitality.”

Launched in 2013, Vida Hotels and Resorts operates hotels such as Vida Downtown in Dubai. Positioned as a lively and vibrant hub where inspiring minds can create, connect and come alive, its hotels are a stimulating environment where style meets convenience and interactivity. Additionally, Vida Hotels and Resorts has signed management contracts to operate hotels and serviced residences in Dubai, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.