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The talented culinary masters at Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, had a triumphant week at the Young Chefs Hotel Challenge, held in Electrolux Headquarters, Pordenone, Italy earlier last week, walking away with no less than the highest honour.

Jr Sous Chef Kamru Zzamon, First Commis Mary Rose Perez and Jr Sous Commis Chaminda Roshan joined forces from the different kitchens of the food and beverage driven hotel that boasts 18 diverse restaurants and bars Under the adept leadership of Executive Chef Ramon Salto Alvarez, the three skilled culinary artists trained for several months before appearing for the UAE shortlisting that was held at the International Chamber of Commerce Centre, Dubai. With twenty participating hotels, just four hotel teams were shortlisted for round two, which was held at the World Trade Centre Dubai a few days later. Presented with the Black Box Challenge, Kamru, Perez and Roshan were put on a trial by fire, with Kamru managing the starters, Perez taking on the ice cream desert, while Roshan took care of the main course. Together, they managed to cook up storm and charmed the judges, making it through to the final round that was held in Italy on March 21st, 2018.

After countless mock trials and examinations under the knowledgeable tutelage of Chef Ramon, the team put their best culinary tools forward in front of the formidable panel of internationally acclaimed judges – Alessandro Breda Gellius, Mauro Lorenzon Oste de la Mascareta and Marco Colognese. Team Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre set the kitchen on fire, immaculately representing not just their hotel but also the Nation. The adroit chefs of Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre deservedly and proudly walked away with top honours, coming first in the competition of  number of globally renowned chef teams.

“I am beyond thrilled to see my team bag the winning trophy. We have been through the drill umpteen numbers of times, often working long hours at mock tests after an even longer day. Along with their inherent talent, the three of them have put in a lot of hard work and they have done themselves and all of us so proud. A big celebration awaits them on their return to Dubai,” says Chef Ramon Salto Alvarez, Executive Chef at Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre.

Design-led Aloft Hotels, a part of Marriott International, today announced the opening of Aloft Me’aisam – the brand’s second property to open in the buzzing city of Dubai and fourth across the United Arab Emirates.   Owned and developed by Dubai Properties, the Aloft Me’aisam caters for the vibrant traveller looking for an urban space to be creative and distinctive. The hotel is situated in Dubai Production City, in close proximity to Dubai Sports City and City Centre Me’aisam.

“The UAE remains one of our strongest growth markets and we are confident the continued growth of Aloft in the market is a strong response to the evolving expectations of travellers today,” said Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. “This is an exciting year for Aloft in Dubai. Following the launch of the brand on the Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Production City, we are also scheduled to be opening an Aloft in Dubai South and City Centre Deira later this year.”

Aloft Me’aisam offers 223 loft-inspired guestrooms with 9-foot-high ceilings along with brand signature offerings, such as the ultra-comfortable plush bed, a walk-in shower, custom amenities by Bliss® Spa and a 49-inch LED TVs with Chromecast. Rooms at Aloft Me’aisam are equipped with SPG Keyless, the industry’s first truly mobile check-in system where guests can utilise their mobile phones as room keys.   The hotel also offers a treat for families with Camp Aloft, an adventurous initiative that includes bed-in-a-bag and special treats for kids.

The new neighbourhood destination offers a variety of social spaces for travellers and local residents, such as the Aloft brand’s signature W XYZ® Bar and Re:mixSM Lounge, which extends into an outdoor space, the Backyard. Both will offer the iconic global Live at Aloft Hotels programming that showcases live acoustic performances by up-and-coming artists. The hotel also offers Re:fuel by AloftSM – a one-stop gourmet grab & go food and beverage area and City Limits, an all-day cafe kitchen providing tasty meals throughout the day.

Other amenities at the hotel include Re:chargeSM, the fully equipped fitness centre, an outdoor Splash pool and a Tactic meeting space that is equipped with state-of-the-art A/V equipment and fast and free WiFi.

“We are excited to open our doors to a very distinct hospitality experience,” said Stuart Birkwood, General Manager. “Aloft is designed for the hyper-connected, tech-savvy global traveller and we’re excited to share our fresh, innovative programming to travellers, as well as local residents.”

Aloft Me’aisam is a part of Marriott International’s new hotel complex in Dubai which will also feature the Middle East’s first Element Hotel. Element Me’aisam is scheduled to open in the coming days.

BR Communications, a reputed PR and marketing consultancy specializing into creative campaign solutions and its founder and Managing Director, Bahaa Fatairy advises all organizations, regardless of size, to seize the market opportunities available in the UAE and especially in Dubai, to develop, enhance, and grow their businesses. Fatairy, himself an entrepreneur and a believer in the start-up model views the introduction of VAT in the UAE as a positive impetus for economic and business growth, and believe it is the perfect period for all organizations, and especially startups, to develop their businesses, portfolios, and brands.

Over the years, the start-up scene in Dubai in particular has grown leaps and bounds, maturing into a well-oiled system. Issues with space and opportunities, mentors and investors, and financing continue to be tackled head-on with solutions that seek to address root causes, and lay down plans for the future. So far has the Dubai start-up and SME sector come, that the Emirate was ranked 29 in the 2017 Startup Cities Index which ranks 85 of the most dynamic cities for startups.

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