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In line with Dubai Tourism’s vision of attracting 20 million visitors per year by 2020, Atlantis announces an extensive refurbishment programme across Atlantis, The Palm, as well as an expansion with the brands second property, The Royal Atlantis Resort and Residencies also located on The Palm.

Atlantis, The Palm shares impressive results during the first five months of 2017, which saw occupancy levels of 93% on average, with an 11% increase year on year. Boosted by competitive room rates and an increase in guests from Russia, China, India and European countries such as France and Germany, the integrated entertainment destination has become the fastest growing resort in the region, surpassing its competitors in total rate of occupancy growth.

Starting on 4^th July 2017, the iconic five-star destination resort will embark on a three-year refurbishment programme, including the resorts 1539 rooms and suites. The project will see 50 rooms and suites refurbished every six weeks, to ensure that guest experience will not be impacted, with completion benchmarked for 2019 just in time for the World Expo 2020.

The Interior Design of the typical guestrooms was awarded to UAE based interior design studio WA International, whose design will be built by fitout specialists, Al Tayer Stocks, who have been awarded the strip out and refurbishment of the 1532 guest rooms, suites and corridors.

The project will deliver a fresh look and feel, including contemporary carpet designs reminiscent of the turquoise and azure seas, with shades of coral bursting through the newly enhanced guestrooms.

Integrated technology will also be acknowledged throughout with 49-inch flat screen televisions, proximity reader key systems and many more convenient features. The refurbishment will also extend to balcony areas as well as bathrooms, which will include Greek Didyma marble basins and free standing bathtubs.

Additionally, all day dining restaurant Kaleidoscope is currently under renovation and will see a new dynamic introduced when it re-opens in September 2017. Further projects planned are the re-design of Ayamna Bar, Nasimi Beach and The Imperial Club.

“We had very strong five months that significantly exceeded our expectations” said Serge Zaalof, Chief Operating Officer Atlantis Resorts & Residences, “April was our strongest month to date since the opening. Such a positive start to 2017 is encouraging and with our continued efforts to enhance the guest experience we are confident that the rest of the year will be successful. Our aim is to constantly innovate with the new room offering as well as the re-design of restaurants and bars we will wow our guests and exceed expectations.”

The room renovation project comes ahead of the launch of Atlantis’ second Dubai property the $1.4 billion Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences, which is set to change the landscape of Dubai upon launch in late 2019. Located on the crescent of The Palm and next to the iconic Atlantis resort, this new generation of distinctive luxury will offer 231 Residences and 795 new lavish guest rooms and suites on over 10 hectares of land. With the sales launch of The Residencies in January 2017 and prices starting at approximately AED 7,650,000 (circa $2m/£1.7m), the property is destined to become a new landmark, a world-renowned address and will be Dubai’s first super-prime residential development.

The company’s portfolio has also expanded to China, with Atlantis Sanya, Hainan set to open in 2018. Poised as the first entertainment destination resort to be opened in Haitang Bay, the 5-star ocean themed resort will encompass 300,000 sqm of exceptionally spacious and luxurious accommodation, totaling 1,314 guestrooms, 154 suites and five underwater suites. The resort will also be home to an 85,000 sqm Aquaventure Waterpark, a 13.5 million litres Aquarium, 7,500 sqm of swimming pools and 21 dining options.

In addition, the latest announcement for the Atlantis brand comes in the form of Atlantis Ko Olina Hawaii, a $2 billion project that will see the fourth property in the Atlantis portfolio potentially take the title as the most expensive Atlantis resort ever built. While details are still being finalised, the high-end sanctuary will be located on 15 acres of land at on the island of Oahu.

“Hawaii is the perfect location for our next Atlantis destination resort. All our resorts and residences will encompass the fun, interactive entertainment experiences which are at the heart of the Atlantis philosophy,” said Zaalof. “I am thrilled that we are able to continue to innovate on the Atlantis adventure around the globe and we are committed to offering unprecedented experiences to resorts guests, residents and visitors alike. Atlantis has redefined destinations and introduced innovative, awe-inspiring offerings at each of its locations and we will continue to do so.”

An AED12 billion-project patterned after French Riviera has been launched in Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City, Dubai. Launched by the Dubai-based Azizi Developments, the project, dubbed Azizi Riviera, will be implemented within the Meydan One project near Dubai Water Canal. It includes 69 mid-rise residential buildings, a retail district, as well as one four-star and one five-star hotel. The first and second phase of the project is expected to be completed in December 2018.

In terms of residences, the development will offer 13,000 units including one-bedroom, two-bedroom and studio apartments.

The ceremony laying down the foundation stone of the project was attended by Saeed Humaid Al Tayer, Chairman and CEO of Meydan Group, and Mirwais Aziz, Chairman of Azizi Group.

Designed to resemble the French Riviera waterfront, the development will also offer access to the Meydan One Mall and the Meydan Racecourse – where the Dubai World Cup is held.

Azizi Riviera is the first in a series of projects that Azizi is planning to develop in the Meydan One mega-development, following a partnership with Meydan Group announced earlier this year.

The wider Meydan One development will feature the 711 metres-tall Dubai One Tower, Meydan One Mall, a five-star hotel, a civic plaza with dancing water fountains, an indoor sports facility, a 4km canal and a marina.

Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis, The Palm has taken the title as the Best Waterpark in Dubai and the Middle East and Fourth Best Waterpark in the World. Crowned by the ninth annual TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, the top waterparks are chosen by travellers across the world, with the final selection based on millions of reviews and opinions left on the site.

In addition to taking the fourth top spot, ahead of Thermas dos Laranjais in Olimpia, Brazil and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, the 17 hectare beachfront waterpark also beat competitors in the region, securing the title as Best Waterpark in Dubai and the Middle East.

Situated on the apex of the Palm in Dubai, the award-winning waterpark is a firm favourite with celebrities, sports men and women and tourists from all over the world. With thousands of ‘excellent’ reviews and images shared by guests on Trip Advisor, travellers love Aquaventure for its appeal to families and guests of any age. From thrilling rapids and diving with sharks, to taking on a mass of terrifying and record breaking slides, one reviewer describes it as “A must in Dubai for the entire family!”.

To keep families and residents cool throughout the summer, Aquaventure is inviting everyone to try out their award winning slides with some amazing packages starting from just AED 225. An example package includes Aquaventure admission, The Lost Chambers Aquarium admission and a meal deal for just 250AED for adults and 225AED for children (offering savings of up to 105AED per person) .

A few things you didn’t know about Aquaventure Waterpark……

1. Aquaventure is a water playground of over 18 million litres of water, consisting of extraordinary rides with cascades, tidal waves and rapids
2. The park has a 2.3 kilometre river ride with tidal waves and pools, water rapids and white water chargers . It takes an impressive 45 minutes to float around the park.
3. Aquaventure is capable of using over 790,000 litres of water per minute to create surges and waves with swells reaching almost 1 metre high
4. Aquaventure is the only waterpark in The Middle East that offers Marine Animal Experiences including: Shark Safari, a delightful walk on the bottom of the Shark Lagoon and Cownose Ray Feeding, in the water interacting and feeding the hungry rays
5. The Rapids are the longest waterpark river in The Middle East. This 1.6 kilometre river adventure uses 15 million litres of fresh water to propel inner-tube riders through high intensity rapids, wave surges and waterfalls that circumnavigate the lush tropical waterscape of Aquaventure
6. Aquaventure is the only waterpark in Africa and the Middle East which has 700 metres of white sand beach
7. Aquaventure is complimentary to all guests staying at Atlantis, The Palm
8. The 17 hectare waterpark is now home to the world’s largest circumference water ride, first twin racing tube rides and the longest zip line circuit in the Middle East
9. The Atlantean Flyers Is also the first zip line integrated into a waterslide tower in the world
10. Aquaventure is home to the world’s first timed double slide within a slide experience – Slitherines and Aquaconda

Complimentary to guests of Atlantis, The Palm and welcoming thousands of visitors from across the world each day, Aquaventure contains 18 million litres of fresh water used to power eleven thrilling waterslides and a 2.3 kilometre river ride with tidal waves and pools, water rapids and white water chargers. Using the latest technology, Aquaventure is capable of using over 750,000 litres per minute to create water surges and waves with swells reaching almost 1 metre high. Guests are propelled through the lushly landscaped waterscape, never having to leave their inner tubes as innovative water escalators carry participants up slide towers and down through rapids.

This summer, Wyndham Dubai Marina is offering incredible deals for everyone, including the perfect city summer staycation and every kid’s dream escape with access to the popular Dubai Parks.

Conveniently located in Dubai Marina, Wyndham offers contemporary hotel rooms and suites in a warm and comforting atmosphere with picturesque views overlooking Dubai Marina and the Arabian Gulf. A prime location for both business and leisure travellers, only 7 minute drive from the major attractions in Dubai Marina, such as Marina Mall, JBR Beach and a number of other leading city sights, the property is inclusive of all the facilities needed for a relaxing summer staycation for the whole family.

Guests can take advantage of the summer special, with prices starting from as low as AED 250 per night, making Wyndham the ideal choice for a city break. The offer is valid till 31st September and advance booking is required.

For families, Wyndham has partnered with Dubai Parks to showcase a dreamy getaway package. Guests can enjoy a three-night stay inclusive of two day passes to one of the three parks as well as complimentary shuttle service with prices starting from AED 900, saving guests over AED 500. The offer is valid till 30th September and advance booking is required.

Wyndham Dubai Marina is the first Wyndham Hotels and Resorts hotel in the UAE, opened in February 2016, the property features 486 spacious and comfortable guestrooms and suites, four dining outlets, a meeting space, event, spa and wellness facilities.

Dubai Parks offer
Stay for 3 nights and get an access to Dubai Parks
Prices starting form AED 900 for the offer

T&Cs

• Offer includes 2 day passes to one of the parks (Motiongate™ Dubai Bollywood Parks™ Dubai, LEGOLAND® Dubai or LEGOLAND® Water Park)
• Complimentary Shuttle to Dubai Parks & Resorts
• Minimum stay 3 nights
• Can’t be combined with other offers
• Advance booking required
• Subject to availability
• Applicable for up to a group of 9 rooms
• Offer valid till 30 Sept 2017

Summer offer
Stay 3 pay 2 nights

Prices starting from AED 250 per night room only (AED 500 for the offer)

T&Cs

• Minimum stay 3 nights
• Can’t be combined with other offers
• Advance booking required
• Subject to availability
• Applicable for up to a group of 9 rooms
• Offer valid till 31st Sept 2017

For bookings, please call +971 4 407 8888

Skip the queues and experience a completely relaxed exit from one of the world’s busiest airports. The 530-key Dubai International Hotel located within Terminal 3, invites passengers to experience a luxurious, hassle-free and swift departure from Dubai International Airport, with Ahlan Services.

Ahlan Services – Dubai International Airport’s premier Concierge Service, provides an exclusive and highly personalized Meet and Greet Service at the airport’s Terminals 1 and 3. Ahlan has extended their services to include ‘Deluxe’ and ‘Premium’ Departure Services for individuals as well as families looking for an exclusive and comfortable exit from Dubai.

Priced at AED 150 per person, the Deluxe Meet & Greet on Departure Service promises a stress-free departure as a Guest Services Agent and Bellboy meet the guest at the airport’s Departure drop-off point. The guest is then fast-tracked through the check-in counter, towards Immigration/Passport Control, through Security Check and finally guided to the boarding gate of their flight.  This service is priced at AED 315 for a family of 04 with a supplement of AED 85 per additional members of the family.

Priced at AED 295 per person, Ahlan also offers Premium Meet & Greet on Departures Services. In addition to all features offered with the Deluxe Services, a Premium guest is invited to relax at the plush Ahlan Departures’ Lounge at either Terminal 1 or 3, with complimentary refreshments (hot and cold buffet), a wide selection of beverages, access to Business Centre facilities and also Shower facilities to freshen up. Guests can also avail of a complimentary 15-minute rejuvenating foot massage, back massage or Indian head massage at the Timeless Spa.

Whether you’re travelling on business or going on a holiday with family, experience the difference with Dubai International Hotel’s exclusive and highly personalized Meet & Greet services, and enjoy the perfect start to your journey. Passengers need not be guests of the hotel to opt for this service. Ahlan Services are available to any passenger flying out from Terminal 1 or 3. The services are not available at Terminal 2 or Dubai World Central (DWC).

For more information or to make a booking, please call +971 4 505 2700 or +971 4 505 2705 or email ahlan@dih-dca.com

Dubai, a city where Arabic tradition meets urban lifestyle, has risen to become one of the most prominent holiday and business hub of the world. Rixos Premium Dubai hotel located at the heart of Dubai’s popular urban destination is opening its doors to guests on Saturday June 24.

With panoramic room views overlooking the beach and the world’s largest Ferris Wheel, The Dubai Eye, the 35- storey lifestyle hotel welcomes its guests from all around the world to stay for Eid Al Fitr holiday where the pulse of the city can be best felt. The hotel is within close proximity to popular shopping destinations such as The Walk, Dubai Marina Mall, Mall of the Emirates and the city’s buzzing highway, Sheikh Zayed Road. The impeccable crystal design of the tower is an architectural landmark transforming the cityscape of JBR.

This new breakthrough Rixos Premium Dubai hotel offers 414 sleek rooms and suites also features a private beach as well as a total of 9 restaurants and bars. From June 24 guests can enjoy an authentic Turkish cuisine at Turquoise, our all-day dining restaurant, relish their favorite coffee and tea with sunset views at its best at Crystal Lounge or just unwind at Azure Beach with its pool, beach and outdoor lounge facilities. Other dining venues are due to open soon. Rixos Premium Dubai will open up new doors of sophisticated banquets and events offering a choice of 10 spacious meeting venues with a seating capacity of 12 – 150 guests and a Diamond Ballroom which can comfortably cater for up to 700 guests. All these venues have been carefully designed with the fast-paced business entrepreneurs in mind and are fitted with ultra-modern, tech-savvy equipments.

The hotel includes a state-of-the-art fitness centre, RixGym with floor-to-ceiling views of the azure Arabian Gulf, as well as Natureland spa known for its signature Turkish Hammam. Not only that, but guests can have a luxury shopping experience in-house at the high-end boutiques Rodeo Drive, Via Rodeo and Ocean Drive that are due to open this year.

“This is an excellent time to expand Rixos Hotels portfolio in Dubai as the market continues to experience radical growth while establishing itself further as one of the world’s premier leisure and business destinations”, says Fettah Tamince, Founder and Chairman of Rixos Hotels.

“With an influx of attractions and multi-national corporations opening in the region, Rixos Premium Dubai’s sought-after location and unparalleled amenities will position the property as a prominent landmark in Dubai,” added Mr. Tamince.

To its portfolio, Rixos Hotels will add another two iconic properties by 2018 in Abu Dhabi and the Maldives highlighting the expansion of the Rixos brand into the key resort markets of the GCC region and Asia.

The hotel has been acquired by the Dubai-based real estate development and hospitality group Five Holdings and will be known as Five Palm Jumeirah Dubai. Aloki Batra, CEO of Five Hospitality LLC said: “We believe now is the right time to disrupt the hospitality industry. The people who actually provide a hospitality experiences never receive the real benefits while most of the commercial benefits are taken in most cases by operators.

“This needs to change. There needs to be a much more equitable distribution and we will be introducing this in our hospitality vertical immediately to ensure our philosophy is executed from the heart.”

The hotel is in the soft launch mode and an official brand launch is expected to take place in October this year.

The news comes hot on the heels of the launch of Five Hotels & Resorts, under its subsidiary Five Hospitality LLC. Previously it had been known as SKAI Holdings.

The Viceroy Palm Jumeirah Dubai has 477 rooms and suites, comprising 85 suites and 40 hotel apartments.

Five Holdings has also acquired the Viceroy Dubai in Jumeirah Village Circle which will now be known as Five Jumeirah Village Dubai.

On Tuesday 20th June 2017, Atlantis, The Palm will celebrate The International Day of Yoga with a FREE ‘Underwater’ yoga class in front of the resort’s Ambassador Lagoon from 7:30am-8:30am.

Set to be the biggest underwater yoga class in Dubai, the morning will aim to deliver a completely unique experience for beginners, intermediate and advanced yoga practitioners, set against the mesmerising tranquility of the Ambassador Lagoon, the biggest aquarium in the Middle East and Africa. Due to limited spaces and high demand advance booking will be essential.

With events taking place across Dubai from 20th-21st June, The International Day of Yoga was officially formed three years ago after India highlighted the importance of yoga to the United Nations. It brought together 176 countries to sign a resolution, marking the 21st as the official day of yoga.

Surrounded by a majestic 65,000 sea creatures, guests to the special class will have the opportunity to rejuvenate and restore in a unique aquatic surrounding practicing Hatha Yoga, a discipline that helps bring peace to the mind and body. The class is open to all different levels* and aims to improve strength, flexibility and balance, involving beautiful, calming sequence of postures, breathing exercises and relaxation of body tension.

A study released by researchers from the National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth University and the University of Exeter has shown that contemplating fish in an aquarium has an effect in reducing levels of stress and anxiety and provides health benefits including lowering blood pressure.

The class includes complimentary access to The Lost Chambers Aquarium until 10:00am, a yoga mat, towels and a bottle of water and due to limited space and high demand, booking is essential. For more information or to reserve a space visit https://www.atlantisthepalm.com/marine-water-park/lost-chambers-aquarium or call 04 426 2000. The class will continue in The Lost Chambers Aquarium every Tuesday and Friday for 120AED per guest.

* The class is open to those 16+ years of age

** Access to The Lost Chambers Aquarium will be from 8:30am-10am on Tuesday 20^th June only and will be granted to those taking part in the yoga class.

A few things you didn’t know about The International Day of Yoga

1. The International Day of Yoga is celebrated annually on the 21st June since its inception in 2015.
2. An international day for yoga was declared unanimously by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 11 December 2014.
3. The 21st June was selected as it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and shares special significance in many parts of the world
4. From the perspective of yoga, the summer solstice (21st June) marks the transition to Dakshinayana. The first yogi (Adi Yogi), is said to have begun imparting the knowledge of yoga to the rest of mankind on this day, and became the first guru.
5. During the first International Yoga Day celebrations in Delhi, the Prime Minister led more than 35,000 participants performing yoga.

Rove Hotels, the contemporary lifestyle brand by Emaar Hospitality Group, has unveiled its fourth hotel, with a focus on the fast-growing meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) tourism sector of Dubai.

The home-grown Dubai hotel brand continues to offer strong value for business and leisure travellers, as Rove Trade Centre joins the portfolio of three other operational properties under Rove Hotels – Rove Downtown, Rove City Centre and Rove Healthcare City – all enjoying strong occupancy levels.

Six more Rove Hotels are being developed, also in strategic locations across the city, each meeting the needs of visitors from across the world seeking value lifestyle experiences in Dubai. This will take the total number of rooms under Rove Hotels, developed as a joint venture between Emaar Properties and Meraas Holding, a Dubai-based holding company, to over 3,700 by 2020.

Rove Trade Centre, as the name underlines, is defined by its location next to the Dubai World Trade Centre, which has an impressive calendar of big events throughout the year. Moreover, the new hotel is only 10 minutes away from the Dubai International Airport, and near the Dubai International Financial Centre, Rove Trade Centre is situated at the intersection of the two commercial hubs of the city – the traditional hubs of Bur Dubai and the fast-emerging new central business district.

Offering a design-influenced lifestyle experience for value-conscious business travellers, Rove Trade Centre has 270 rooms and will also appeal to leisure travellers who can access Dubai’s leading tourism, retail, food and beverage, and leisure destinations such as Downtown Dubai, City Walk and the Satwa/Jafiliya and Karama neighbourhoods.

Olivier Harnisch, Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Hospitality Group, said: “Rove Hotels addresses a very clear industry requirement: the need to offer contemporary lifestyle hospitality experiences for value conscious business and leisure travelers visiting the city. We will continue to develop hotels in central locations, assure hyper-connectivity and mobility through Metro and public transport, and deliver lifestyle amenities that are relevant to our guests.”

He added: “Rove Trade Centre, like all other operating Rove Hotels, also brings a unique positioning to the market. Dubai’s MICE sector is reporting robust growth, and with the preparations of Expo 2020 gaining momentum, the city is welcoming business professionals who are discerning yet value conscious. Rove Trade Centre is uniquely positioned for welcoming MICE visitors as well as business guests and leisure travellers offering them the distinct Rove experience, complemented by its central location and tech-driven environment.”

As with all Rove Hotels, Rove Trade Centre also has its own unique design, and it employs art to tell stories that offer Instagrammable moments throughout the hotel. Of the 270 rooms, 30 percent are interconnected, adding the convenience of families. Every room has a 48-inch interactive TV screen with a smart media hub that serves as the perfect fit for the tech-savvy traveller. Free Wi-Fi access, comfortable mattresses, sofa beds for extra guests, mini-fridge, safety locker and a modern bathroom with power rain showers are standard.

With the needs of business guests in mind, Rove Trade Centre offers smart services for the modern traveller including the convenience of late check-out at 2pm. A 24-hour gym, a welcoming pool and sun deck cultivate a relaxing ambience. The hotel also has a 24-hour self-service Laundromat, boutique convenience store, luggage store rooms and safety deposit boxes, all adding to the independent lifestyle of its guests.

Rove Trade Centre also feature The Daily, the much-admired all-day neighbourhood hangout at Rove Hotels properties, with quality coffee and healthy globally inspired food served till late.

The hotel also offers flexible set-ups for meetings and events with well-connected meeting rooms. Guests can choose their space of choice for meetings and networking events which can be booked by the hour. A Pit Stop is also offered for more relaxed gatherings. The Daily is available for lunch during meetings. Coffee, tea and water are complimentary.

Rove Hotels are for the modern nomad who roams freely, and is interested in exploring the city’s identity, as well as for those who travel for business or leisure.

Dubai has emerged as one of the top 10 destinations for international meetings, according to the latest edition of the International Meetings Statistics Report published last week by Union of International Associations (UIA). The report ranked 1,157 cities globally based on the total number of international meetings that took place during the year. Previously ranked 14^th in the 2015 edition, Dubai has moved up the list to claim the 10^th spot with a total of 180 meetings taking place in 2016, reflecting a growth of 24% in comparison to 2015.

Dubai is the only city in the Middle East and Africa to appear in the top 25 in the rankings, further underlining its status as the region’s number one destination for international meetings and conferences.

Issam Kazim, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said: “With these latest UIA rankings it is once again clear that Dubai is now not only the regional leader in the sector, but also a major destination on the global stage for business events. We will continue to strengthen our business events offering, and strive towards transforming Dubai into a global knowledge hub.”

The total number of meetings assessed include those that are organised by international organisations, as well as ones organised by national organisations or branches but with significant international character. Dubai’s current standing reaffirms the city’s status of being a premier destination to host business events, and reflects the tremendous growth experienced over the past five years. In 2012, Dubai ranked 26^th with a total of 76 international meetings that took place in the city. Dubai’s business events offering has since evolved; the city’s world-class infrastructure and global connectivity adds to the overall appeal resulting in a 138% increase in international meetings hosted since 2012.

Steen Jakobsen, Director, Dubai Business Events, said: “Dubai’s business events industry has undoubtedly grown over the past decade, and we are very proud that the city is being regarded as one of the top 10 international meetings destinations by UIA, competing with over 1,100 worldwide destinations for the spot. We have worked very hard to achieve this status, with strong support from public and private partners, including Dubai World Trade Centre, hotels, Emirates Airlines, flydubai and other meetings industry suppliers, and are aiming to continue enhancing our offering to remain competitive and further propel Dubai’s ranking in the years to come.”

The latest UIA rankings report comes on the back of Dubai’s recent announcement to launch the Dubai Association Conference which will be held on 11-12 December 2017 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. A first-of-a-kind in the region, the conference acknowledges the crucial role associations play in Dubai’s socio-economic development and its transition to a knowledge-based economy. Guided by the theme of ‘Building a Community’, the Dubai Association Conference will host association executives from regional and international associations, government representatives, university faculties and students as well as other professionals who are keen to develop associations.

In addition to the Dubai Association Conference, Dubai is also set to host key international business events this year, including: Academy of International Business Annual Meeting, Fédération Internationale des Déménageurs Internationaux (FIDI) Annual Conference, Annual Congress of the Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology, and the International Primary Immunodeficiencies Congress.