‘Laugh with Momos’ at Lilly’s Social House in Canal Central Hotel Business Bay

Lilly’s Social House at Canal Central Hotel Business Bay is all set to host a hilarious stand-up comedy show by acclaimed comedian Momos on 13th March from 8pm onwards. The entrance to the show, that also features popular comedians such as Imah, T-Bone, Sundeep and Kristina, is complimentary.

Zaid Al Hachem, Group Director, Dynamic Operator, stated, “Lilly’s loves to laugh. It is all about having a good time with good food and awesome drinks while enjoying a hilarious evening. If you like real comedy, then ‘Lilly Loves to Laugh’ is the perfect gig for you. Whether you are looking for a rib-tickling evening or simply in need of some laughs, you can count on Comedy nights at Lilly’s Social House and Momos team of performers to deliver excellent comedy. Dubai, being a multicultural city with over 200 nationalities, allows comedians plenty of content, that is related to our day to day lives in this iconic city.”

Lilly’s Social House is an ode to the rich culture and vibrancy of New Orleans. It boasts both indoor and outdoor spaces including the beautiful Lilly’s Backyard that offers sweeping views of the Dubai Canal and Burj Khalifa. The cool and funky atmosphere, wide selection of cocktails and solid pub fare makes Lilly’s the perfect place to just walk in and hang out anytime of the week. Fabulous food accompanies a great line-up of local artists. The music on offer is an exciting mix of live jazz and blues acts.

For more information call: +971 4 873 2100
or email Fb.cc@central-hotels.com

Connect with Lilly’s Social House and Canal Central Hotel Business Bay on:
@CanalCentralAE
@LillysSocialHouse
#CanalCentalAE #CentralHotels #StayFresh #LillysSocialHouse #DynamicOperator

About Central Hotels
Central Hotels has very quickly established itself as a reputed hotel management group in the UAE with its flagship property First Central Hotel Suites located in Barsha Heights (TECOM) near Sheikh Zayed Road. Building up on this amazing success, the brand is now poised to expand its footprint targeting the UAE as the primary market for growth in addition to other lucrative destinations in the Middle East. The group has recently added to its portfolio spectacular new 5-star hotels such as Canal Central Business Bay and Royal Central The Palm followed by Central House Citywalk focused on millennials, Beach Central The Palm, Diamond Central – Business Bay, and Island Central in Dubai.

For more information visit www.central-hotels.com

About Canal Central Hotel Business Bay
If you are looking for the magical allure of the iconic Burj Khalifa then Canal Central Hotel Business Bay is the place to be. It is only a few minutes away from The Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountains. Equipped with the finest amenities, each of Canal Central’s 280 spacious rooms and suites offer spectacular views of the Dubai Canal or Burj Khalifa. Completing the experience are a hand-picked selection of dining outlets, flexible meeting spaces, state-of-the-art gymnasium and spa, a stunning infinity swimming pool and salon. Book your stay Canal Central Hotel on +971 4 873 2100.

For Media Contact:
Hina Bakht
Managing Director
EVOPS Marketing & PR
M: +971 50 6975146 | T: +971 4 566 7355
Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com
www.evops-pr.com

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENTS FOR WORLD GAMES ABU DHABI MEET UK’S SOMERSET CRICKET TEAM

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– By Bilal Hafeez, with contributions from Brendyn Monsorate & Christopher Swaminathan

With the start of Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 just a few days away, the World Games’ team of special correspondents sat down to meet the players and coaches of Somerset Cricket Club.

The UK team was in the UAE capital to show its support for the Special Olympics movement and to enjoy a warm-weather pre-season training camp.

Special correspondents, Brendyn Monsorate, Bilal Hafeez and Christopher Swaminathan – popularly known as the ‘BBC’ by their initials – met up with the team to get their views on the upcoming World Games and how sport can empower people to achieve their dreams.

Andrew Cornish, CEO of Somerset CC, said: “It’s not just participation in the sport but everything that goes with it. It’s the media – written and social media — which plays a really, really, important part.

“It’s only your ambition or your desire that holds you back or drives you forward. People of determination all around the world demonstrate this every day.”

Andrew said he was thrilled to be able to meet Brendyn, Bilal and Christopher during his time in UAE capital and to see how preparations for the World Games Abu Dhabi are shaping up.

“I’m loving it, being with these boys [the Somerset team] and also getting an opportunity to meet the ‘BBC’.

“I congratulate this Middle Eastern ‘BBC’ trio for being part of such a global event. They have set a new benchmark for people of determination all around the world from the UAE, to the UK and beyond,” he said.

Somerset all-rounder Ben Green said he was impressed by the facilities and opportunities that are available for athletes and individuals with intellectual disabilities in the UAE and would like to see this reflected back home in the UK.

“In Somerset, we have the Disabled Cricket Organisation and it’s accessible for everyone.

“One of the highlights of Somerset Cricket Club is its indoor training facility. It’s all geared up just for boys and men right now, it’s not geared up for girls and women, it’s not geared up for physical disability or visually impaired people, so there’s a big piece of work to be done there.”

Ben added that he believed Specials Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 will help to create a world of new and exciting opportunities for people of determination in all walks of life, from sports to forging professional careers.

Set to begin on March 14th, the World Games Abu Dhabi is a major milestone for the UAE and the Middle East as a whole.

A sense of camaraderie, inclusivity and unity is flourishing across the capital as people from across the world prepare to take part in the biggest World Games in the history of the Special Olympics and the first World Games to be held in the region.

B.B.C

B.B.C WITH ANDREW


SPECIAL OLYMPICS EMPLOYS THREE PEOPLE OF DETERMINATION AS JOURNALISTS FOR WORLD GAMES

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Young people of determination will form part of the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019’s media team after three individuals were recruited to cover the upcoming event in March.

Bilal Hafeez, Christopher Swaminathan and Brendyn Monsorate have been employed as paid members of the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and will work within the World Games Unified Press Office. As part of their new role, they will report on the largest sports and humanitarian event of the year.

Bilal, Christopher and Brendyn will source and write stories about the thousands of inspiring people of determination who are participating in the Games. Their stories will be sent to news outlets across the globe along with their bylines, so they receive recognition for their work.

The three men have been developing their skills at Al Noor Training Centre under the guidance of a Dubai based Media Expert Dr. Amit Kakkar.

The LOC of the World Games has been working to champion diversity across the region, leading the way by increasing access to employment opportunities for people of determination, with 12 people of determination employed in various roles across the LOC.

Bilal, 34, from Pakistan, has Cerebral Palsy and works as a graphic designer at Abela and Co. He is currently writing an autobiography.

Brendyn, 19, Indian Expat, who has Down Syndrome, is keen to work in the entertainment industry and is currently undertaking training in the Al Noor Work Placement Unit.

Christopher, 25, a Sri Lankan, also has Down Syndrome and is interested in technology and electronics. He is currently doing an internship at the Assistive Technology Department of Al Noor. The three men are affectionately known in the Al Noor Training Centre as ‘The BBC’ because of their first names and connection with the media.

The addition of Bilal, Christopher and Brendyn to the World Games Unified Press Office re-emphasizes why Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 will be the most unified Games in the 50-year history of the Special Olympics movement, with people of determination included in every aspect of the planning and delivery of the event – including helping to develop the concept behind the Opening Ceremony.

Bilal said: “I could never imagine that one day I will be meeting and interviewing People of Determination who will be coming from around the world to participate at the Special Olympics World Games. This recognition is an amazing feeling for me and cannot wait to report on this mega event.”

Christopher said: “Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 will give me the kind of exposure I have been looking for and the experience of reporting for the Special Olympics World Games which will be one of the best moments of my life.”

Brendyn said: “I am eagerly waiting to be a part of Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 where I will be working as a special correspondent. I am very excited and determined to show the world that everything is possible.”

Dr. Amit Kakkar added: “It is my biggest achievement that Brendyn, Bilal and Christopher, the BBC as I fondly call them, have been chosen to report on Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. I have passed on my skills to all three of them and now it is time for them to exhibit their journalistic skills.”

The UAE will welcome more than 7,500 athletes from over 190 nations for Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 between 14-21 March. They will compete in 24 officially sanctioned Olympic-style sports in what will be the first World Games to be held in the Middle East.

About Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019  

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE’s Armed Forces, Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 is an integral part of local, national and regional plans to expand opportunities for people of determination in line with Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s shared vision of a unified and inclusive society.

Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi will be the largest sports and humanitarian event in the world in 2019. From 14 – 21 March, over 7,500 athletes and 3,000 coaches, representing more than 190 nations, will participate in 24 officially sanctioned Olympic-style sports in world-class venues throughout Abu Dhabi and Dubai. 

The first ever Special Olympics World Games to be held in the Middle East and North Africa will also be the most unified Games in the 50-year history of the Special Olympics movement, with inclusion of people of determination with intellectual disabilities in every aspect of the event. 

Celebrate Mother’s Day at Royal Central Hotel, The Palm

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Delight the most precious lady in your life this Mother’s Day with a lavishing international buffet at La Maison Restaurant or savour an exquisite Lebanese seafood feast at Ya Bahr Restaurant at Royal Central Hotel, The Palm. Spoil your mom with a complimentary lunch or dinner of her favourite cuisine in an exquisite ambiance while she sits back, relaxes and enjoys a delicious meal.

Mohamed Hassan, General Manager of Royal Central Hotel, The Palm, said, “We believe every woman needs to be pampered on Mother’s Day, therefore, we have decided to steal mums away from the kitchen to swap their day to day chores with an exotic extravaganza at our fabulous restaurants. Show your mum how much you care for her by giving her the memorable present of precious moments with the family in our outstanding surroundings that she can truly treasure. Diners will be spoilt with an array of culinary delights that have been thoughtfully put together to mark this very special occasion.”

Ya Bahr is a laid-back and lively coastal style Lebanese Seafood Restaurant that takes diners on a rendezvous of senses with a unique dining experience in a rustic setting with a modern feel. The restaurant offers both indoor and alfresco dining options overlooking the mesmerizing Palm Jumeirah extending into the Arabian Gulf. La Maison offers diners a wide variety of International palates complemented by an alfresco sea-view seating option and weekly themed nights.

Mothers Dine Free
Where: La Maison and Ya Bahr restaurants at the Royal Central Hotel, The Palm
When: Thursday, 21st  March 2019 from 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm for Lunch or from 7.00pm to 10.30 pm for Dinner
Price: AED 120 net per person at La Maison and Á-la-Carte set menu options at Ya Bahr
Special Offer: Mom dines for FREE at any of the hotel’s restaurants
Children below 5 years dine free while those from 5 to 11 years enjoy 50% discount.
*Price is inclusive of 10% service charge, 7% Municipality fees & 5% VAT
Terms & Conditions Apply

For reservations: Call +971 4 873 9300 or Email fb.rc@central-hotels.com

Connect with Royal Central Hotel, The Palm on:
@RoyalCentralAE #RoyalCentalAE #CentralHotels #StayFresh #YaBahrUAE #LaMaisonMediterranean

About Central Hotels

Central Hotels has very quickly established itself as a reputed hotel management group in the UAE with its flagship property First Central Hotel Suites located in Barsha Heights (TECOM) near Sheikh Zayed Road. Building up on this amazing success, the brand is now poised to expand its footprint targeting the UAE as the primary market for growth in addition to other lucrative destinations in the Middle East. The group has recently added to its portfolio spectacular new 5-star hotels such as Canal Central Business Bay and Royal Central The Palm followed by Central House Citywalk focused on millennials, Beach Central The Palm, Diamond Central – Business Bay, and Island Central in Dubai.

For more information visit www.central-hotels.com

About Royal Central Hotel, The Palm

The stunning Royal Central Hotel The Palm is a place where fantasy lives up to reality. The 5-star hotel features 207 elegantly-appointed rooms and suites, each beautifully designed to intuitively meet the needs of discerning travellers. Set in the iconic Palm Jumeirah, Royal Central Hotel offers an array of recreational activities from water sports to an outdoor infinity pool, state-of-the-art gym and health spa, along with exciting dining options. Guests have access to one of the best private beaches in the city while enjoying unhindered views of the world-famous architectural landmarks such as Atlantis The Palm and Burj Al Arab as they unwind and relax in a beautiful setting. It is also the best spot to watch the city’s spectacular fireworks. Book your stay at Royal Central Hotel on +971 4 873 9300.

For Media Contact:

Hina Bakht
Managing Director
EVOPS Marketing & PR
M: +971 50 6975146 | T: +971 4 566 7355
Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com
www.evops-pr.com

Sweet Dreams Await You at 2XL Furniture & Home Décor

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An Average person spends one-third of their life in a bed, so it is one of the most important pieces of furniture in a household and the quality of a bed is essential for a person’s well-being.   Catering to discerning tastes, 2XL Furniture & Home Décor offers a range of luxury beds for a good night’s sleep. Whether you are looking for a classic bed or a modern one, 2XL has the perfect piece to suit every style.

Amit Yadav, Head of Marketing at 2XL Furniture & Home Décor, stated, “A bed is the focal point in a bedroom and at 2XL we offer a superb range of premium-quality beds and other bedding essentials such as mattresses, bedsheets, duvets, throws and cushions. Not all rooms are created equal and in-keeping with the varied requirements, we have a stunning choice of beds designed for the ultimate comfort and luxury. Remember, a great day begins after a restful night’s sleep, so it is important to invest in a good bed.”

Here’s what is on offer at 2XL Furniture & Home Décor:

Dream Bed with the headboard upholstered in sumptuous velvet material featuring traditional deep button detailing.

Product Description: Ailey Bed in Sand Colour
Material: Velvet / Canada Pine Wood
Price: AED 4,008

For media contact:

Hina Bakht
Managing Director
EVOPS Marketing & PR
Mob: 00971 50 6975146
Tel: 00971 4 566 7355
Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com
www.evops-pr.com

About 2XL Furniture & Home Décor

UAE based 2XL Furniture & Home Décor is a retailer of luxury home furnishings since 2000.

The retailer currently has 9 showrooms across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah and Al Ain. The 2XL product range includes exclusive bedroom, living and dining room furniture as well as exquisitely crafted décor items, unique gifting ideas, plush rugs and gorgeous wall art, divine bed and bath linen, eye-catching tableware, and a fun, functional kitchenware range.

The 2XL range is very classic and French-inspired. Each retail item has been carefully chosen exclusively for 2XL and denotes a lifestyle that is regal, sophisticated and of a finer taste. We have something to suit every home setting – from ornate gold-plated bedroom settings to the more subdued Parisian hues of shabby chic, quirky contemporary inspirations to more ethnic Eastern-inspired décor ideas.

For more information or to shop online please visit www.2xlme.com
Connect and tag us on @2xlfurniture #2XLfurniture

Renaissance Downtown Dubai Turns One

Almost a year ago Renaissance Downtown by Marriott International opened it’s doors in Business Bay. Located right at the Dubai Canal, backed by 4 celebrity chef restaurants and interiors so a la mode one has to experience it to know.

Upon arrival the lobby is spacious, refreshingly chic and minimalistic with some statement art installations that beautifully stand out – the wooden wave bench backed by a 3D skyline of Dubai wall art and a quirky ceiling chandelier to match. The Renaissance boasts of distinctive local interiors and design features that can be seen across – from public areas to rooms and restaurants. Some ‘DID YOU KNOW’ feels quite necessary here:

  • The hotel interiors are a depiction of Dubai’s growth – city of mere sand and water that created concrete and glass structures.
  • To use materials in their raw natural form was part of the design DNA such as the wood which is widely used in the hotel.
  • The statement lobby chandelier is hand blown and emulates the shape of sand dunes in the desert.
  • The black and gold colours seen in various parts of the hotel signify oil and gold of Dubai.

The rooms are gorgeous with options of the Burj view or the canal view, we went with the Burj view. All of them have an open plan concept giving the occupant an airy feel as the room naturally progresses to the bathroom, which is equipped with luxurious Amouage toiletries and has an entire wall of glass mosaics in the shower which is so beautiful. We were personally obsessed with the giant black screen/ mirror a part of which is also the television – super techy! The old fashion studio like lamp in the corner added a nice touch to the hotel’s DNA of modern decor. All rooms have either the camel or the flamingo metal sculptures above the beds inspired by Picasso’s line drawings.

Next of-course we went to the poolside which is an interesting half covered half open concept. Again you’ll see some quirky, modern yet minimalistic decor elements which I found genuinely refreshing. Not to forget, the canal views are the best from the pool side, perfect setting to immerse yourself in water and your jet lag in a cocktail. 

Next morning we had breakfast at BHAR which had a lovely international’s spread and of course we can’t get enough of the views. We sat at the massive outdoor terrace and something we hadn’t experienced at breakfast before was – Music! which honestly was the highlight! They played mellow acoustic versions of most commercial tracks and I can’t express how enjoyable that was. The restaurant is stunning and serves modern middle eastern cuisine the rest of the day. Now here’s a tick in every box for evening visitors:  Business Bay location – Canal views – Middle Eastern Cuisine – Beautiful spacious indoors and a gorgeous outdoor terrace – Full bar a & Shisha.

We’ve honestly always recieved more than expected at every Marriott property and this one surpassed every expectation. Can’t wait to go back. Info and links down here:

Occupancy: 298 rooms of which 65 are suites
Locations: Business Bay
Restaurants: Morimoto by Masaharu Morimoto( Japanese)
Bleu Blanc by David Myers (French)
Basta by David Myers (Italian)
Grounded Cafe

Book your room here: https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dxbbb-renaissance-downtown-hotel-dubai/
Tel:  +971 4 512 5555

Food Review – Morimoto at The Renaissance Downtown Dubai

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The stunning Morimoto , which resides inside the Renaissance Downtown is celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto’s first eponymous restaurant in the city. Flaunting its own entrance from the left of the lobby, Morimoto spans across the hotel’s 23rd and 24th floors donned with interiors so luxe making it a perfect fit in Renaissance and – in Dubai.  Upon entering, the hostesses greets you and you enter a beautiful space full of character – the glass-encased bonsai tree, sea creature like light fixture, tall windows giving you the best views of the downtown and in general a lovely ambience welcoming you. The restaurant also has a massive outdoor terrace with it’s own bar offering gorgeous views of the city making it perfect for the winter months. Indoor sits about 250 diners with options of choosing the 10 seater sushi counter where you can watch chef’s in action or if you wish to impress guests (or your date) pick the upstairs section that offers live teppanyaki, a chef’s table, yet another bar and on some days DJ music too.
And now on to the food, well known for fusion Japanese we started our meal with some classic salted Edamame (AED 30) , Spicy Tuna Tacos (AED 90) a nice blend of light flavours in crunchy tacos drizzled with a light squeeze of lime. Hamachi Tartare (AED 68) extremely well presented the hamachi ( young yellow tail buttery in texture) was served  with a variety of condiments each of which gave a different burst of flavours: nori paste, sour cream, sturgeon caviar and soy. Our appetisers were nicely paired with delicious cocktails inspired by our Chinese zodiac animals which our server Galym suggested we try.
Octopus carpaccio (AED 69) consisted of yuzu soy, mitsuba, hot oil. Again a lovely light appetiser with minimum but powerful flavours  –  A must order.
Chef’s combo of Sushi & Sashimi (AED 165) – Classic and fail proof.
For the mains we ordered a portion of Ishi yaki buri bop (AED 130) yellow tail on rice. This was a perfect main in so many ways – just the right portion size cause you’re sure to order plenty of appetisers. Amazing flavours, delicious fish with rice, mixed with carrots , spinach, an egg (for a creamy texture) all cooked in a stone pot at your table.
There’s no way we’d ever say no to desserts and our server suggested just the right one – S’more (AED 45) a concoction of dark brown sugar graham, salted milk chocolate mousse & toasted marshmallow, this cushion-like looking dessert was just what we needed to end the experience on a high. It was light, it was fluffy, had chocolate, had salt, had mousse, sugar graham that complimented all these soft textures – simply perfection! Be prepared to order a lot of items as most of them are deliciously light and its quite nice to be able to try many different dishes than full up on a few. We must add our server Galym Dosmambetov was incredible! He is extremely passionate about his food and job (do ask for him when you visit), he suggested some amazing dishes and got us the perfect drinks pairing. He’s really passionate and knowledgeable about wine and would definitely make an amazing wine connoisseur too.

Restaurant details, table booking and menus here: https://www.morimotodubai.com
T
el: 04 5125577 written by Chandan Mathrawala from fcubedubai.com

SWISS-BELHOTEL INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATES EASTER WITH ENTICING GLOBAL PROMOTION

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wiss-Belhotel International, the global hospitality management chain, is celebrating Easter with the launch of an enticing new global promotion that offers major discounts on springtime stays around the world.

This year, Easter Sunday falls on 21st April 2019. To mark this major annual festival, Swiss-Belhotel International’s “Easter Promotion” promises 25% off the Best Flexible Rate at its entire global collection, which now comprises more than 80 hotels, resorts and residences in 11 countries.

To take advantage of this generous offer, guests must book between 1st and 31st March 2019 for stays taken between 13th and 30th April 2019. All guests will also enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi throughout their stay!

“Easter is a wonderful time of year to come together with your family and celebrate the onset of spring. In the Northern Hemisphere, this season represents rejuvenation and rebirth, allowing guests to look forward to the year ahead with renewed positivity. We are delighted to enhance this air of optimism with our Easter Special promotion, and we look forward to welcoming all guests to Swiss-Belhotel International’s hotels this spring,” said Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International.

Guests have a wide range of exciting Easter holiday destinations to choose from, including Bali, where Swiss-Belhotel International now operates nine exceptional properties in many of the island’s most popular resort areas. Those who prefer fast-paced city life can head to Jakarta or Manila, while culture seekers can explore the wonders of Yogyakarta, and relaxing retreats can be discovered in Bali.

Alternatively, guests can head “Down Under” to celebrate Easter in Australia or New Zealand, with a choice of impressive hotels in Sydney, Brisbane, Auckland and Queenstown.

Swiss-Belhotel International’s Easter Special is valid for guests who book direct via the company’s website or via selected online travel agencies (OTAs). Visit https://www.swiss-belhotel.com/en-gb/easter-special and start planning your Easter getaway!

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For further information and high-resolution photography, please contact:

Brayna Tolledo 

Group Communication and Loyalty Programme Manager

Swiss-Belhotel International, Group Sales and Marketing Office

Tel: (62 21) 2952 7277, 2952 7278

Fax: (62 21) 2952 7275, 2952 7276

Email: braynatolledo@swiss-belhotel.com

www.swiss-belhotel.com

For media contact:

Hina Bakht

Managing Director

EVOPS Marketing & PR

Mob: 00971 50 6975146

Tel: 00971 4 566 7355

Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com

www.evops-pr.com

Emirates and Dubai Future Foundation kick-start the sixth cycle of the Dubai Future Accelerators Programme

Emirates and Dubai Future Accelerators an initiative of Dubai Future Foundation have launched the sixth cohort of the Accelerators programme with an opening ceremony to welcome the seven participant teams at Emirates Towers. The opening event was attended by Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, Khalfan Belhoul, CEO, Dubai Future Foundation, along with senior representatives from both organisations.

The Dubai Future Accelerators programme brings together innovative tech start-ups from around the world to collaborate with government and corporate entities in Dubai to develop solutions around specific challenges outlined by the host entities.  For the first time in Dubai Future Accelerators programme, Emirates will have a dedicated cohort of seven teams working exclusively to address the challenges put forth by the airline.

Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer said: “Emirates is delighted to welcome the participants of the sixth cohort of the Dubai Future Accelerators programme. We joined the Dubai Future Accelerators initiative in 2017 as it offered great opportunities to present some of our challenges to be solved by innovators from around the world, supporting our work to transform the customer journey into a better experience and support a more efficient day-to-day dynamic operation.

“We look forward to a fruitful nine weeks of working together and we hope that the interactions will result in a number of innovative proposals and deliverables in addressing the specific challenges we have outlined during the Dubai Future Accelerators,” he added. 

Khalfan Belhoul, CEO at Dubai Future Foundation said: “The Dubai Future Accelerators program aims to pair government and corporate entities with start-ups and companies to address key industry challenges as well as co-create the future for the advancement of humanity. Emirates’ participation in cohort six is a testament to our aim and efforts, and is seen as a step closer towards shaping a better future for Dubai. This participation also works towards strengthening the aviation industry and passenger experience through the adoption of innovative technologies.

The three challenges defined by Emirates are:

  • Using the latest technologies in blockchain, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, build a platform that will redefine business-to-business purchasing and procurement for the airline
  • Create an integrated platform to support a seamless pre-airport arrival experience for customers travelling on Emirates
  • Develop an online system that consolidates all the different processes and steps involved in a cabin crew duty travel

The seven shortlisted teams taking part in the programme originate from six different countries including two teams from the U.A.E. The shortlisted companies were selected from a pool of 245 applicant teams from 59 countries. During the programme, the teams will have multiple opportunities to engage with key personnel within the Emirates Group to gather insights and refine their proposals.

At the end of the nine week programme, the teams from the cohort will present their final proposals and Proof of Concepts to senior stakeholders from the Emirates Group. These proposals will be evaluated and select proposals may be considered for further development if they meet the business objectives set by the airline.

Siri Shortcuts boost health and fitness routines

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Snoww, Qardio, HomeCourt and Dexcom Now Feature Siri Shortcuts

Starting and maintaining health and fitness routines gets even easier as more apps offer Siri Shortcuts, joining the thousands that have integrated shortcuts since their introduction with iOS 12.Using powerful on-device intelligence, Siri Shortcuts help people get things done faster across iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, HomePod, AirPods and CarPlay, allowing them to easily access and use their favorite apps with just a tap or by asking Siri.

Track Performance and Enhance Training

New Siri Shortcuts provide performance stats in real time and help make training easier. Skiers hitting the slopes this season can use Siri Shortcuts on the Snoww app to start a run (just say, “Hey Siri, let’s ski!”) and get information about the speed, elevation drops and distance traveled by simply raising their wrist to trigger Siri on Apple Watch (“Hey Siri, how was my run?”).In HomeCourt’s latest update, users can ask Siri to start a dribble workout on iPad or iPhone. And with the Nike Run Club app, runners can use Siri to start a run and get proactive suggestions based on running habits.

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The Snoww shortcut on Apple Watch.
The Snoww app now integrates Siri Shortcuts, so skiers can start a run by simply saying: “Hey Siri, let’s ski!”
The Nike Run Club app shortcut on iPhone.
Runners using the Nike Run Club app can now start a run or get proactive run suggestions with Siri Shortcuts.

Monitor Vitals

Third-party health devices are integrating Siri Shortcuts into their apps for easier data retrieval and control, whether at home or on the go.The QardioArm smart blood pressure monitor now lets users ask Siri to remotely check in on family members. For example, people who care for an aging parent can ask, “Hey Siri, what’s mom’s blood pressure?” and get that information wherever they are, right on their iPhone or Apple Watch.With the Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring System, people with diabetes can better track and manage blood glucose levels by simply asking Siri, “What’s my glucose level?”

A blood glucose level reading on iPhone.
People with diabetes can better track and manage glucose levels using Siri Shortcuts with the Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring System.

Build Healthy Habits

Whether watching your diet, getting enough sleep, breaking a bad habit or remembering to take medications and vitamins, Siri Shortcuts help keep track while on the go with any Apple device. With apps like Streaks, WaterMinder and Yazio, users can track daily habits and see how long they can keep them going by asking Siri to log almost any type of activity, such as hydration, exercise, flossing, sugar and caffeine intake, even walking the dog.With AutoSleep, Siri Shortcuts track sleep quality with Apple Watch or iPhone, providing information when asked about hours slept, quality of sleep, deep sleep, updates on reaching a sleep goal, latest bedtime and more.

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Apple Watch displaying “take vitamins” reminder.
Siri Shortcuts help users track daily habits on the Streaks app by asking Siri to log activities from hydration and exercise to taking vitamins and walking the dog.
iPhone showing Siri Shortcut AutoSleep screen.
Users can ask Siri to track sleep duration and quality using shortcuts with the AutoSleep app.

Personalize Routines With the Shortcuts App

For those who want to go further in customizing a full fitness routine using Siri, the Shortcuts app allows users to build their own multi-step shortcuts that include actions from multiple apps to create powerful automations. For example, users can create a shortcut telling Siri, “Heading to the gym.” Upon arrival, start the workout with an app like Nike Run Club, cue a workout playlist and enable Do Not Disturb until leaving the gym. A how-to for using the Shortcuts app can be found at support.apple.com/guide/shortcuts.Based on how customers use their devices, Siri will suggest simple, useful shortcuts right when needed on the Lock screen or in Search. Additionally, users can look for the “Add to Siri” button in the apps they use, or go to Settings > Siri & Search > All Shortcuts to see which apps offer shortcuts and to set a personal phrase to run them with.

A Gym Time multi-step shortcut screen on iPhone.
Users can build customized multi-step shortcuts across multiple apps to create powerful automations.