Hilton Al Ain, for example, is saying Eid Mubarak at its Flavours restaurant, where families and friends are invited over the Eid days to savour the taste of lamb ouzzi, grilled meats and a selection of Arabic treats especially prepared for this occasion. These are all part of a buffet, priced at Dh99 net per person.

The hotel has also announced that its newly refurbished Paco’s Bar will open on the first day of Eid with live entertainment from the Diesel Band, performing top pop hits.

Outdoors, the new tennis courts at Hiltonia will open on the first day of Eid too. The just upgraded courts have acrylic surface and a new lighting system that allows you to practice your backhand and forehand after sunset.

CALLING ALL ARTISTS

IT IS the 10^th anniversary of Abu Dhabi Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX), and the organisers are looking for some really special work! Not much time, though, to complete a painting or set up a photo shoot for this year’s Art Competition at ADIHEX, as organisers just announced the deadline for submitting works is August 31!

As always, any artist resident in UAE is welcomed to enter the competition, but only one painting or one photograph may be submitted for each of the Falconry, Equestrian or UAE Heritage categories of either the painting or the photography competitions.

Along with the artworks, each participant must provide a brief description of his/hers art piece and three photos of the submitted painting along with a personal photo and CV in order to be considered. All paintings have to be frameless, but ready to be exhibited. Photographs must be on CD, in Jpeg format, at no less than 300 DPI. Painting size must not exceed 120cm X 80cm and photographs should not be larger than 42cm X 30cm.

All artwork is subject to evaluation by selection committee. The higher organising committee and selection committees reserve the right to reject any artwork that is not related to the exhibition’s concept or deemed inappropriate.

International submissions are also welcomed, and for them the entry deadline is September 2. All artworks must be submitted to the National Theatre in Abu Dhabi.

The prizes for the paintings competition are Dh7,000 for the first place, Dh5,000 for the second place and Dh3,000 for the third place, while for the photography competition they are Dh5,000 for first place, Dh3,000 for the second and Dh2,000 for the third.

Once the competition is over, artworks must be collected between September 9 and 16.

ROTANA’S NEW LOOK

VISITORS TO the Beach Rotana hotel during the last month would have been surprised to see its Grand Lobby all hoarded up. Curious onlookers seeking reasons why were told about a certain painting project to the lobby’s dome going on. After an estimated Dh600,000 spent, the work of over 50 men, 22 metres of scaffolding erected and 15 kilograms of gold and silver painted on, the month-long project is over and Beach Rotana has unveiled its now shiny new dome in the Grand Lobby.

A thorough clean was given to the lobby’s dome after which skilled artists applied gold and silver leafing paint to it. At the tail end of the project, the dome was given an antique finish to retain its authenticity.

The project was massive due to the intricacy of the set-up and the work itself. Placing that much scaffolding and a group of people into a small area to accomplish a big job is never easy, but at the end of it all, we’re more than happy to see the results,” said Rajeev Chopra, director of engineering at Beach Rotana and the project’s head.

“Whilst we gave it our best to ensure the work and closure of that particular portion of the lobby would not infringe on daily activities and guests’ visits, it was inevitable that this would be the case from time to time. We, therefore, would like to thank all our guests for being patient during the time of the ongoing work and we invite everyone in to see the results for themselves,” added. Jörg A. Hauri, the hotel’s general manager.

silvia@khaleejtimes.com