During one particularly bad season in 1978, one major hospital was treating 30 patients a week and the country was in the midst of a campaign to fight malaria.

The public was warned to empty buckets that caught water dripping from air-conditioners. Residents were advised to take anti-malaria medicine once a week, and people living on the east coast were told to take it twice weekly.

Sharjah Municipality distributed free malaria pills to hotels, large companies and residents, while the Dubai Public Health Department sprayed labour accommodation with insecticide.

Malaria-control activities started in the UAE in 1970 when the prevalence rate was between 30 to 60 per cent in some areas, according to a Ministry of Health report.

Seven years later, a more comprehensive strategy for the control of malaria was adopted with the objective of preventing indigenous transmission of the disease and the UAE reported its last case of indigenous malaria in 2000. Today, it has been declared officially malaria-free by the UN.

However, the risks of this deadly disease are still very real if you’re travelling abroad for business or on holiday.

Every 30 seconds, somewhere in the world, a child dies from Malaria. More than a million people, mostly infants, young children and pregnant women perish from the disease each year.

According to the World Health Organisation, Malaria is endemic or “constantly occurring” in more than 100 countries around the world. Most cases are reported in Africa but significant numbers are also reported in Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and Europe.

If you are travelling to a malaria hotspot it is particularly important to be prepared. While there is no vaccine for malaria, there are anti-malaria medications that can reduce the risk of developing symptoms of the disease, although they will not provide 100 per cent protection. 

The anti-malarial medications are important because you likely don’t have the malaria antibodies in your system. To make things worse, when travelers return to their home country, where malaria is quite rare, they’re often misdiagnosed.

The UN recently held World Malaria Day to get the word out. One of the most effective means of preventing malaria is the use of bed nets, but only two per cent of African children sleep under insecticide-treated bed nets.

The most common means of transmission is the mosquito. Infected female mosquitoes carry the spores of the parasite, transferring them when they bite humans. The spores collect in the victims’ liver and multiply.

Adding to the difficulty of diagnosis is the fact that some spores can remain dormant for several months. 

Symptoms of malaria include: headache, fever, chills, muscle and joint pain, nausea and vomiting, and convulsions. The symptoms can be mistaken for those of several other diseases, so a diagnosis requires a blood test.  Symptoms normally begin showing up 10 to 15 days after infection. If the person is not treated promptly, the disease can rapidly worsen, turning into severe illness that can be fatal.

If you unexpectedly develop fever within three months of returning from a malaria-endemic area, see a doctor immediately. Consider yourself a medical emergency. Get your blood tested and repeat those tests within 12 to 24 hours if your symptoms persist.

While malaria tends to be seasonal in many parts of the world you are always in a risk situation in certain tropical countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.

The treatment of malaria depends on the species of parasite, the severity of the infection and the age of the person infected. In some parts of the world, parasites have become resistant to some of the drugs used in treatment.

The good news is that almost all malaria can be completely cured if identified and treated early. But if left untreated, you can go from being asymptomatic to severely ill very quickly. Death can occur within 36 to 48 hours. The types of drugs used will vary, depending on where you’ve been, which parasite has infected you and how sick you are.

The best way to avoid being infected is to avoid being bitten by malaria-carrying mosquitoes. Stay indoors from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are biting most. If you are out between dusk and dawn, wear light-coloured long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks and shoes.

Minimize the amount of exposed skin. Impregnate all clothing with an insecticide such as 0.5% permethrin to make them repellant. Sleep under a mosquito net impregnated with permethrin. Use DEET-based insect repellents.

When travelling in areas where malaria is endemic, children are at higher risk of infection than adults. For children, sparingly apply DEET in a concentration of not more than 10 per cent to exposed surfaces only. Wash it off after your child comes indoors.

The Centres for Disease Control has up to date information on Malaria outbreaks and other health risks for travelers.

Clannad take elements of folk, rock, ambient, jazz and world music to produce their own inspirational sound - sometimes in their native Gaelic tongue, and sometimes in English.

It promises to be a night of magical music.

The concert is at the Irish Village on 9th May at 9pm. Tickets cost Dhs125 - call 04 2824750 or email info@theirishvillage.ae for more information.

South African choreographer and director Ashleigh Moore’s amazing “Rhythm through Time” shows you all the steps from the 1920s right through to modern day.

This fast family show covers every decade in just one night, from jive through 60s twist, 70s disco to hip hop and free styling.

Musical masterpieces include songs from Bessie Smith, Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, Madonna, Prince, Beyonce and Timberland.

The South African award winning dancers and singers will bring the show to life from the 17th to 19th April, with two shows daily - at 4.30pm and 8.30pm.

Tickets are on sale now (on the internet only) and cost Dhs135. For more details call the box office on 04 3666546 or log onto http://www.madinattheatre.com

For corporate bookings or groups of 20 plus, please contact Rene at rene.rodger@jumeirah.com

A growing number of pet owners are turning to custom-built wheelchairs to restore mobility to furry friends whose legs, hips or backs don’t work. The owners’ goals are simple: to reward their pets’ unconditional love with whatever it takes for the animals to live normally.

Donna Blain’s seven-year-old Maltese named Gizmo hopped and hobbled on his deformed front legs before she adopted him a year ago. She ordered his cart after learning the odd gait had damaged his spine and would have required surgery. Now he wheels himself around for hours on sidewalks, in parks and anywhere he can find treats and praise.

Most dog carts start around $250 US and can exceed $500 based on the size of the dog, while the cost of wheelchairs for other animals can vary.  The two-wheel carts support the dog’s midsection with a padded saddle, and are secured with a shoulder yoke and chest strap. Most dogs have rear-wheel carts to compensate for lame hind legs, though a growing number of front-wheel carts are being ordered for animals with front-leg problems.

Eddie and Leslie Grinnell, founders of Eddie’s Wheels, built their first pet wheelchair in 1989 when their 10-year-old Doberman, Buddha, lost the use of her rear legs because of disc disease and spinal problems. Word spread and in 1998, they started their own business. Now there are several such businesses in America.

Since launching the business, Eddie’s Wheels has shipped carts worldwide, the largest to a 100-kilogram Saint Bernard in Great Britain.  They’ve made wheelchairs for several cats, a ferret, alpacas, goats, sheep, a rabbit and a possum. They even keep a supply of tiny wheels on hand for a gerbil or hamster.

See http://www.eddieswheels.com for more information.

At the age of 30, Jafri is the youngest living artist to be given such a retrospective by the museum.  It runs until March 29.

Jafri is considered one of the most exciting British painters on the contemporary art scene, hailed by the BBC as “the renaissance man who is set to seduce us away from conceptual art with his passion for painting”.

The young artist has also raised just over 3.5 million pounds for various charities over the last six years via his work with Unicef, the NSPCC, The Prince’s Trust and many other organisations.

Dina Al Nakhi, events manager of Al Qasba Development Authority, said: “Al Qasba is proud to be part of this unique exhibition of one of Britain’s most talented artists, and urge art lovers to take this unique opportunity to visit the works of a genius.”

Following Sharjah, the tour will visit the museums and other venues around the world, including stops inLondon, Delha, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Singapore, Shanghai and Los Angeles.

For more information, contact Al Qasba on 06 556 0777.

Visit her stand at Mercato, Jumeirah Beach Road, from 10am to 8.30pm until 28th March. For more about Kim, visit http://www.kimfletcher.com.au.

A typical mystery crash might occur on a highway when one vehicle drifts out of its lane into the path of oncoming traffic and hits another vehicle head-on, often with tragic results. If you fall into a microsleep and nod off at 100km/h, you’ll travel 100m in just four seconds - unconscious.

Someone who has not slept for 18 hours is as impaired as someone with a 50mg blood alcohol level for which, in most jurisdictions, police can take away your driver’s license. 

Drivers suffering from lack of sleep can find it difficult to perform tasks such as driving that require coordination and mental alertness. Even losing a few hours of sleep can significantly affect drivers’ ability to judge or maintain speed, and to keep in the proper lane. Fatigue slows reaction time, impairs judgement and increases the risk of a collision.

Researchers say part of the problem is our busy lives. One recent survey revealed that 30 per cent of all respondents (45 per cent of those under age 30) said they cut down on sleep to fit more activities into a day. Other factors may include sleep problems related to sleep apnoea or shift work. The amount of time spent on the road, time of day and the use of medications or alcohol can also increase fatigue.

One new report suggests that driver fatigue could be the cause of almost one in five fatal car crashes. A spokesman for the Insurance Bureau of Canada points out that not taking a break could be a fatal decision, as driver fatigue kills about 400 Canadians every year. A 2005 study found one in five drivers admitting to falling asleep behind the wheel during the previous 12 months, and more than half admitted to driving while feeling drowsy.

In the UK, East Midlanders are the most responsible about taking breaks during long journeys, a poll by hotel company Premier Inn found. Of those drivers, 77 per cent said they have more than three breaks on long journeys.

The Selby train crash in 2001, in which ten people died, put the issue centre stage. Driver Gary Hart was jailed for five years for causing death by dangerous driving. A jury decided that Hart had fallen asleep at the wheel of his Land Rover before it plunged off the M62 into the path of an oncoming train. Kevin Clinton, head of road safety at Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, said: “The horrific crash at Selby illustrates just how catastrophic the consequences of driving when too tired can be.”

Telltale signs that you may be too tired to drive include loss of concentration, drowsiness, yawning, slow reactions, sore or tired eyes, boredom, feeling irritable and restless, missing road signs, difficulty in staying in the right lane, and nodding off. Shift workers and teenagers are especially susceptible. Drivers experiencing these symptoms are encouraged to pull safely over to the side of the road and stop for a nap.

Sleep Debt

Each of us has a specific daily sleep requirement. The average sleep requirement for college students is well over eight hours and the majority of students would fall within the range of this value plus or minus one hour. If this amount is not obtained, a sleep debt is created.

All lost sleep accumulates progressively as a larger and larger sleep indebtedness. Furthermore, your sleep debt does not go away or spontaneously decrease. The only way to reduce your individual sleep debt is by obtaining extra sleep over and above your daily requirement.

The powerful brain mechanism that regulates the daily amount of sleep is called the sleep homeostat. By increasing the tendency to fall asleep progressively in direct proportion to the increasing size of the sleep debt, this homeostatic process ensures that most people will get the amount of sleep they need, or close to it.

The elevated sleep tendency together with the associated drowsiness and an intense desire for sleep would ordinarily prevent most people from becoming dangerously sleep-deprived because they would go to bed early, or sleep late, when such excessive daytime sleepiness occurred.

However, in our society we are prone to ignore or resist nature’s signal that we need more sleep, and we often resist far too long. At this point, we cannot resist falling asleep. Depending on when and where this happens, falling asleep can be tragic, or merely inconvenient. As far as is currently known, nothing can change an individual’s fundamental daily sleep requirement. 

Despite the fact that Patrick is one of the more familiar names in the directory of Catholic saints, few people know much about him. Of course, there is the business about how he banished all the snakes from Ireland (false). Perhaps if you are going to raise a glass on March 17th, it’s time you got to know the man behind the legend.

He was born in Britain to wealthy parents around the end of the 4th century - not on March 17th, that was actually the date of his demise. There is no evidence that he came from a particularly religious family, although his father was a deacon, a career chosen apparently because of some tax incentives.

At the age of 16 he was taken prisoner by a group of Irish raiders who were attacking his family’s estate. He was spirited off to Ireland where he spent six years in captivity, but details are a bit sketchy. Some say he was held in County Mayo, others say it was County Antrim. During his forced confinement he was put to work as a shepherd, with virtually no contact with the outside world. It is thought his loneliness led him to becoming a devout Christian. 

He eventually escaped and walked nearly 200 miles to the Irish coast. He made his way back to Britain but had a second spiritual encounter, telling him to return to Ireland as a missionary. This may be the origin of the legend that he brought Christianity to Ireland.

Back in Ireland, rather than trying to eradicate traditional Irish pagan beliefs, Patrick adapted his Christian teachings to embrace the Irish traditions.  For example, he used bonfires to celebrate Easter, since the Irish had long used bonfires to celebrate their own deities. He also superimposed a sun, a powerful Irish symbol, on to the Christian cross, creating what is now known as the Celtic cross.

It is difficult separating the truth from the myth. The whole idea of the snakes has been around for centuries, but theorists say the “snakes” referred to were the “serpent” symbols of the Druids.

As far as the shamrock, legend has it that Patrick used the shamrock to explain the doctrine of the Holy Trinity; the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  For about 40 years, Patrick preached the Gospel throughout Ireland, converting many. He and his disciples began building churches all over the country. Because of its theological significance, the shamrock has become a national symbol of Ireland as an expression of the Irish’s faith in the Trinity. Thus, although one often sees four-leaf clovers as symbols of Ireland in advertisements, it is the three-lobe shamrock which is the proper symbol.

For most of Christianity’s first 1,000 years, canonisations were done on the diocesan or regional level. Relatively soon after the death of people considered to be very holy, the local church affirmed that they could be liturgically celebrated as saints. As a result, St Patrick has never been formally canonised by a Pope. Nevertheless, the Church declares that he is a Saint in Heaven (he is in the List of Saints).

The St Patrick’s Day celebrations were observed as one of the more significant religious celebrations of the church. On St Patrick’s Day, which falls during the Christian season of Lent, Irish families would traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. Lenten prohibitions against the consumption of meat were waived and people would dance, drink, and feast on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage.

The first St Patrick’s Day parade took place not in Ireland, but in the United States. Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched through New York City on March 17, 1762. Along with their music, the parade helped the soldiers reconnect with their Irish roots, as well as fellow Irishmen serving in the English army.

Over the next 35 years, Irish patriotism among American immigrants flourished, prompting the rise of so-called “Irish Aid” societies, like the Friendly Sons of St Patrick and the Hibernian Society. Each group would hold annual parades, featuring bagpipes and drums.

Up until the mid-nineteenth century, most Irish immigrants in America were members of the Protestant middle class. When the Great Potato Famine hit Ireland in 1845, close to a million poor, uneducated, Catholic Irish began to pour into America to escape starvation. Despised for their religious beliefs and funny accents by the American Protestant majority, the immigrants had trouble finding even menial jobs. When Irish Americans in the country’s cities took to the streets on St Patrick’s Day to celebrate their heritage, newspapers portrayed them in cartoons as drunk, violent louts.

However, the Irish soon began to realize that their great numbers endowed them with a political power that had yet to be exploited. They started to organize, and their voting block, known as the “green machine”, became an important swing vote for political hopefuls.

Suddenly, annual St Patrick’s Day parades became a show of strength for Irish Americans, as well as a must-attend event for a slew of political candidates. In 1948, President Truman attended New York City ‘s St Patrick’s Day parade, a proud moment for the many Irish whose ancestors had to fight stereotypes and racial prejudice to find acceptance in America. Of course, Ronald Reagan was also anxious to cash in on his Irish heritage when it suited him. Boston and Chicago boast the largest parades, with Chicago turning its river green for the event.

Today, St Patrick’s Day is celebrated by people of all backgrounds all over the world. Although North America is home to the largest productions, the festival has been celebrated in other locations far from Ireland, including Japan, Singapore, and Russia.

In modern-day Ireland, St Patrick’s Day has traditionally been a religious occasion. In fact, up until the 1970s, Irish laws mandated that pubs be closed on March 17. Beginning in 1995, however, the Irish government began a national campaign to use St Patrick’s Day as an opportunity to drive tourism and showcase Ireland to the rest of the world. Last year, close to one million people took part in Ireland ‘s St Patrick’s Festival in Dublin, a multi-day celebration featuring parades, concerts, outdoor theatre productions, and fireworks shows. 

Perhaps the best-known face at this year’s festival is that of Robin Gibb, one third of the legendary Bee Gees. Robin will be performing live on March 1 at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre.

Robin’s trademark ethereal voice has been a key identity in the Bee Gees sound and he’s molded his own musical identity with a number of solo releases too.

Also in the line-up is English singer-songwriter David Gray (pictured), known for hits such as Babylon, This Year’s Love, Sail Away and You’re The One I Love. Gray will be in concert on February 29.

On a more solidly jazz note, guitarist Jesse Cook and sax player Courtney Pine are also appearing during the festival (February 28 and March 1 respectively).

Tickets are available now on http://www.boxofficeme.com, http://www.timeouttickets.com and at all Virgin Megastores, Hallmark and Spinneys. For more details, visit http://www.dubaijazzfest.com.

Amara, the luxury day spa at Park Hyatt Dubai, is offering treatments and gift packages tailored specially to suit both men and women as the ideal gift for those looking for that truly special Valentine’s treat.  These offers are available throughout February.

“Romance for Two” in the Couple’s Suite – 45 minutes - Dhs495 per person, gives you a touch of the spa experience for which the Amara Spa is famous, including:

• Outdoor rain shower.
• A foot and hand cleansing ritual on your private terraced garden
• A 45-minute aromatherapy body massage
• Arabian tea, dates, roasted almonds and apricots will be served during the ritual
• A selection from the Spa cuisine menu, including a glass of champagne and strawberries, served poolside at the Amara Lounge
• Full-day use of the 25m swimming pool with four whirlpool baths, the fragranced steam room and the gymnasium
• Choose your musical styling from a unique and beautiful menu, played through Bose speakers for outstanding quality

“The Perfect Spa Ritual” - 2 hours - Dhs890 per person

A romantic experience to be shared in the largest, most private Couple’s Suite in Dubai, this includes:

• Outdoor rain shower
• Foot and hand cleansing ritual on your private terraced garden
• A gentle body scrub that will leave you with beautifully smooth skin, and feeling revived and invigorated
• A relaxing aromatherapy body massage
• A phyto-aromatic facial using the exclusive spa brand Ann Semonin to cleanse and revive the complexion, designed exclusively for your skin type
• Arabian tea, dates, roasted almonds and apricots will be served during the ritual
• A selection from the Spa cuisine menu, including a glass of champagne and strawberries, served poolside at the Amara Lounge
• Full-day use of the 25m swimming pool with four whirlpool baths, the fragranced steam room and the gymnasium
• Choose your musical styling from a unique and beautiful menu, played through Bose speakers for outstanding quality

Meanwhile, over at the Renaissance Dubai Hotel, there’s an equally tempting range of offers for this month of romance.

With the Valentine Rendezvous for Two on February 14, you can fall in love all over again with dinner at Sails restaurant. Set the mood for romance with roses and a heart shaped chocolate cake, along with a mouth watering seafood buffet. Available in 3 packages: Soft Romance (non-alcoholic beverages) for Dhs159, Everlasting (regular house spirits) at Dhs199 and Sparkling (one bottle of sparkling wine) at Dhs299.

On the same day, Love Is In The Air at Spice Island! A special occasion calls for a special meal and Spice Island promises just that with a Valentines Day Couple’s Special. Wine and dine your loved one for just Dhs239 per person which includes a glass of bubbly, a rose for the lady and heart shaped chocolates for both.

There are also Valentines’ Day celebrations at the Aquarium Lounge. Sweeten up your day with our wide selection of Valentine-themed cakes and enjoy 20 per cent off on all 0.5kg and 1kg cakes. Take your pick from White Forest to Chocolate Raspberry and Strawberry Cheesecake, all ready to be personalized with a message for your loved one.

Valentine’s Day Celebrations will also be happening at Harry’s Place. Enjoy a special dinner for two at Dhs152, including a “love potion”!

Here’s a summary of more Valentine’s Day dining options:

Wafi City. Dubai
Tel: 04 324 4777
Website: http://www.wafi.com

Nine Ways to show you care this Valentine’s Day
Spoil your loved ones at Wafi this Valentine’s with your choice of 9 fabulous venues!
Choose a romantic set menu in Seville’s, Medzo and Ginseng or from their mouthwatering range of cuisines available a la Carte in Asha’s, Carter’s, Thai Chi, Vintage and Planet Hollywood.
You can continue the celebrations in PlanB, the new nightclub at Wafi!

Special Valentine’s Day menus include:

Medzo ‘Love Extravaganza’
Dhs395 per person - A superb 5-course menu including a glass of Moet & Chandon Rose Champagne.  Roses and chocolates for all diners.

Ginseng ‘Diamonds are forever’
Dhs225 per person - Enjoy a spectacular 4-course menu perfect for sharing including a glass of Moet & Chandon. Roses and chocolates for all diners.

Seville’s ‘La noche de los enamorados - a night for the lovers’
Dhs225 per person - Romance the Spanish way with a delicious “his and hers” set menu including a glass of traditional Spanish Cava. Roses and chocolates for all diners.

Raffles Hotel Dubai
Tel: 04 3248888

Fire & Ice - Raffles Cellar & Grill
From 7pm to 12am, dress code smart elegant.
Dhs2,000 per couple - Reserve one of two private rooms on the mezzanine floor, with a complimentary bottle of champagne, a private balcony and a personal butler
Dhs650 per person - Dine in the main dining room including a glass of champagne.

Raffles Botanical Garden
Dhs5,000 per couple - Take in the romantic atmosphere at Raffles Botanical Garden and enjoy a sumptuous 4 course meal with your loved one including a bottle of champagne, a personal butler, live musicians and personalized giveaways. Promotion is limited booking for 5 couples only. 
From 7pm to 12am, dress code smart elegant.

Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi
Tel: 02 6909000
Email: reservations.emiratespalace@kempinski.com,

Room rates from Dhs2,000 (plus10% service charge and 6% tourism fee) for 2 people including a sumptuous Valentine’s dinner on February 14 for two at Le Vendôme Brasserie with live entertainment plus a late check out until 2 pm
Suite rates include buffet breakfast for all nights and limousine transfers to and from Abu Dhabi or Dubai.

For details of dining only options at Mezzaluna, BBQ Al Qasr and Sayad please call the hotel direct.

Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Dubai
Tel: 04 4095999
Email: restaurants.malloftheemirates@kempinski.com

Win a Romantic Valentines Escape to Vienna with Sezzam

Dhs250 net per couple -Treat your sweetheart to a cosy Dinner at Sezzam this Valentines Day and go into the draw to win two tickets to Vienna on Austrian Airlines. To be eligible to enter the draw, warm your hearts with the indulgent ‘East meets West’ menu on offer in the Flame section. Special set menu is inclusive of a cold starter, soup, main course, dessert, petit fours, coffee or tea as well as a glass of bubbly, and ladies will also receive a complimentary red rose and special gift.

24 Seven Restaurant

Dhs999 per couple - Guests can absorb the romantic atmosphere of the main restaurant. Couples will be treated to a 4-course set menu featuring a champagne cocktail and glass of red or white wine, specifically paired with the specially designed menu. Inclusive of roses and chocolates. 

Dhs1,499 per couple - On special request couples can enjoy an intimate dinner by moonlight in a secluded tent on the pool terrace, attended by a personal butler. Softly lit with candles, the valentine’s tent will offer a decadent ‘Amore Cocktail’ four-course menu, accompanied by a glass of matching wine to complement the menu. As an extra special touch, each couple will receive a bouquet of flowers, chocolates and a voucher for two to Ski Dubai.

Aspen Café

Stop off at Aspen Café to enjoy delicious tasty treats with the ‘Valentine Celebration’ menu. The a la carte menu will include a selection of Valentine Marzipans, Strawberry cakes and tarts, as well as a special Valentines red berry smoothie for two. This special menu is available on 14th and 15th February between 2pm and 8pm.

Valentine’s Night at ‘Jumana-Secret of the Desert’ show at Al Sahra Desert Resort.

Dhs900 per couple – welcome glass of bubbly on arrival, traditional Arabic BBQ buffet dinner whilst watching ‘Jumana’ show. 

Dhs1,200 per couple - upgrade to the exclusive VIP seating for the ‘Jumana’ show and enjoy a glass of bubbly on arrival plus a 3 course a la carte meal.

Dhs2,500 per couple – chauffeur driven car at your service to take you to your romantic Majlis for a complete 4 course dinner with bottle of bubbly, and includes a private butler service, before you enjoy the ‘Jumana’ show from VIP seating.

For reservations call the Al Sahra Desert Resort on 04 3679500 or log onto http://www.alsahra.com

Valentine’s Cruise on Bateaux Dubai
Dhs750 per person – welcome drink on arrival, 6 course gourmet dinner, complimentary bottle of bubbly or bottle of sparkling date juice.  Cruise departs 8.30pm.  For reservations call 04 3994994 or email: mail@bateauxdubai.com
For further details log onto http://www.jebelali-international.com

Oasis Beach Hotel
Tel: 04 3994444
Website: http://www.jebelali-international.com

Oregano
Dhs600 per couple – 5 course set menu (Mediterranean cuisine), glass of bubbly.

Singapura
Dhs500 per couple – indulge in their renowned Far Eastern cuisine, especially Singaporean, with a glass of bubbly on arrival.

Hatta Fort Hotel
Tel: 04 8523211
Website: http://www.jebelali-international.com

Romance in the Mountains
Dhs1,800 per couple – candlelit dinner with a complimentary bottle of house beverage, red roses, deluxe chalet style room plus breakfast at Café Gazebo.  Available for 14th or 15th February 2008.  A second night will cost an additional Dhs1,600. Offer valid for UAE residents only.

Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa
Tel: 04 8837000
Website: http://www.jebelali-international.com
Following promotions are valid for UAE residents only:

Valentine’s dinner on the Beach
Dhs2,900 per couple – 4 course gourmet dinner with a glass of bubbly in a stunning private tent, under the stars, on the beach.

La Traviata
Dhs600 per couple – 5 course menu (Italian cuisine) including a complimentary glass of bubbly.

Signatures, Palm Tree Court & Spa
Dhs950 per couple – 5 course set menu (French cuisine) including a complimentary glass of bubbly and gift.

Palmito Pool and Junior Suite, at the Palm Tree Court & Spa
Dhs8,000 per couple – 5 course menu, served in total privacy on the decked island, complimentary bottle of bubbly, a luxurious Junior Suite at the Palm Tree Court & Spa, limousine transfer to and from the resort.

Billy Blues, 8th floor, Rydges Plaza Hotel, Satwa Roundabout, Dubai
Tel: 04 3982272 for reservations

Dhs300 per couple – 5 course dinner with complimentary bottle of red.

Habtoor Grand, Dubai Marina, Dubai
Tel: 04 3995000
Email: hgrs.fbreservation@habtoorhotels.com

The 25th
Dhs1,000 per couple - set menu inclusive of champagne, roses and a box of chocolates

Munchi
Dhs600 per couple - set menu including wine, roses and a box of chocolates

Luciano’s
Dhs600 per couple - set menu including wine, roses and a box of chocolates

Al Basha
Dhs700 per couple - set menu including wine, roses and a box of chocolates

Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai
Tel: 04 4068999
Email: JBHboxoffice@jumeirah.com

Private Chartered Yacht
Dhs15,000 per couple - limousine from your front door, an exclusive cruise around Dubai, with your own personal butler on hand to meet your every requirement, spectacular five course gourmet menu, complemented by Dom Perignon, Montblanc gift privileges worth Dhs4,000 to spend on a range of Montblanc silver jewellery, leather and accessories in the Montblanc outlet at Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Terms and conditions apply.

La Parrilla
Dhs2,500 per couple (non-alcoholic version available) - five course menu accompanied by a bottle of Laurent Perrier bubbly, complimented by the most passionate of dances - the Tango, a rose, Godiva chocolates, gift voucher for you both to enjoy one of the most luxurious spa’s in Dubai.

Marina & 360°
Dhs4,500 per couple (also available without bubbly) - glass of bubbly, photograph taken against the stunning backdrop of Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Burj Al Arab, frosted French black magic roses, set of pearl earrings, five course gourmet menu accompanied by a bottle of Dom Perignon, box of Godiva chocolates.

Villa Beach
Dhs4,000 per couple - bouquet of flowers, gourmet Mediterranean five course menu, complemented by a bottle of Gosset Grand Reserve Rose bubbly, box of Godiva chocolates.
Guests will also receive a voucher for lunch at Villa Beach (food only) and a Day Pass for beach access at Jumeirah Beach Hotel to be used at a later date.

Carnevale
Dhs1,800 per couple - red rose upon arrival, five course Italian menu with Moet & Chandon Rose bubbly.

Al Khayal
Dhs1,600 per couple - glass of champagne upon arrival, authentic special four course romantic Lebanese menu with entertainment from an authentic belly dancer and their Asian band

Beachcombers
Dhs235 per person - welcome Valentine’s cocktail, exciting night of sensational Beach Samba from their authentic Cuban band ‘Nueva Banda’, sumptuous Valentines Day buffet.

Uptown Bar
*Reservations not required*
Dhs575 per couple - Enjoy half a bottle of Moet Chandon Brut Imperial and half a dozen oysters. 

Palm Court
*Reservations not required*
Dhs585 per couple - Enjoy half a bottle of Laurent Perrier and a sushi platter in a romantic and cosy atmosphere set against a soothing backdrop with sounds from their Jazz duo.

Park Hyatt Dubai, Dubai
Tel: 04 3172222

Traiteur
Dhs 900 per couple (food only) or Dhs 1,350 per couple including one bottle of Pol Roger champagne - four-course Valentine’s dinner including a “Salad of Warm Ratte Potatoes with Quail Eggs, Caviar and Shallot Vinaigrette”, “Zucchini Flower Risotto with Boston Lobster” and either “Pan-Fried Line-Caught Sea Bass or Mulwarra Beef Tenderloin, Rossini-Style, served with Salardaise Potatoes”.  Top this off with a delectable “Raspberry and Chocolate Sweetheart”.

The Thai Kitchen
Dhs 500 per couple (food only) or Dhs 950 per couple with one bottle of Pol Roger champagne – Seating inside or on the adjacent canopy covered terrace.  Dishes are presented as a shared experience, ideal for Valentine’s Day.  The Thai Kitchen will prepare a wide range of mouthwatering food served on small plates that allow you to sample many choices.  The remarkable eight-course Valentine’s set menu includes a selection of wok-prepared delights, such as “Omelette with Shrimp”, a choice of clay pots, including “Braised Pork Spare Ribs in Honey Sauce”, “Esarn-Style Young Jackfruit Curry with Chicken”, a variety of salads, such as “Crispy Catfish with Green Mango Salad”, and plates filled with steamed, fried and char-grilled Thai delights.  All this plus a selection of delicious Thai desserts, among them “Sticky Rice with Longan in Coconut Cream”, to finish off your meal.

Marbella Resort Sharjah
Tel: 06 5741111 ext. 172 / 182
Email: maresort@emirates.net.ae
Website: http://www.marbellaresort.com

Dhs125 per person – Valentine’s Dine and Dance at Caesar’s Palace from 7pm until 12midnight and enjoy a special international buffet with live cooking stations.

The Palace, The Old Town Island, Downtown Burj Dubai
Tel: 04 4287800
Website: http://www.sofitel.com

A Feast of Love
Dhs10,000 per couple - limousine transfer to and from the hotel, an exclusive dinner for two prepared by your own personal chef, the viewing deck to yourselves with breathtaking views of the lake and the iconic Burj Dubai, private band to serenade throughout the evening.

Dhs2,500 per couple - Thiptara’s Thai cuisine, The Palace Suite for the night, butler service and a complimentary massage.