[جتستّرسبلوغ]

لندن مسرح أخبار 2008

The Harder They Come is a reggae musical based on the 1972 Jimmy Cliff film. It is currently on at the Playhouse Theatre through November 1, 2008. The production has enjoyed two previous sell-out seasons in London.

Jersey Boys opened at the Prince Edward Theatre on March 18, 2008. Already a smash hit on Broadway, the musical tells the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, and includes many of the band’s well-known songs. www.jerseyboyslondon.com

Fans of the British boy band, Take That, will want to see new musical Never Forget when it opens on May 21, 2008 at the Savoy Theater. Telling the story of young hero ‘Ash’ and his mates pursuing their dreams, the musical features all the classic Take That songs including Relight My Fire, Pray, Back For Good, Babe and Never Forget.

Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story opened at the Duchess Theatre on August 7, 2007 and is booking through March 28, 2009. The musical returns to the West End, and features greatest hits including Peggy Sue and That’ll Be The Day.

Fan favorite Grease opened at the Piccadilly Theatre on August 8, 2007, cast through the reality TV show Grease Is The Word, the British version of the American television show You’re the One That I Want.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat returned to the West End on July 17, 2007, at the Adelphi Theatre. The part of Joseph was supplied by reality television show Any Dream Will Do, from the BBC TV series.

Hairspray opened in London at the Shaftsbury Theatre on October 30, 2007. Based on the film, which starred actress-turned-host Ricki Lake as teenager Tracy, the musical has already won eight Tony Awards and a Grammy for the cast recording for the Broadway production.

From September, 2006, theatergoers have the opportunity to see Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. Wicked has already played to more than 1.75 million people since opening on Broadway. Now visitors to London can experience this magical musical adventure, telling the story of two girls meeting in the land of Oz - one called ‘good’ and the other one ‘wicked’. www.wickedthemusical.co.uk

Evita has returned to London’s West End after 21 years, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Lyrics by Tim Rice. Playing at the Adelphi theater from June 21, 2006, the cast includes Elena Roger as Eva Peron. This new production features the Oscar-winning song ‘You Must Love Me’ for the first time on stage, following its success in the film version starring Madonna. www.evitathemusical.com

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, The Sound of Music, opened at the London Palladium on November 14, 2006. There is an interesting take on casting as the lead role was chosen through a reality TV show through a public vote last summer!

Dirty Dancing the musical came to London last fall (opening October 24, 2006) in a new stage show at the Aldwych Theatre. Fans of the movie starring Patrick Swayze can sing along to hits such as Hungry Eyes and Do You Love Me? in this dynamic production.

Avenue Q opened at the Noel Coward Theatre on June 28, 2006. The show, featuring a cast of lively and off-the-wall characters both humans and puppets, is already a hit on Broadway, winning 2004 Tony Awards for Best New Musical, Best Book of a Musican and Best Original Score. www.avenueqthemusical.co.uk

Blood Brothers, Willy Russell’s award-winning musical featuring Liverpudlian twins, is on at the Phoenix theater.

Billy Elliot – The Musical has a musical score by Sir Elton John, and has been adapted for stage by the team who produced the successful film. Showing at the Victoria Palace Theatre, Billy Elliot tells the tale of a young boy growing up in a mining town enthralled by the grace and wonder of ballet. www.billyelliotthemusical.com

The Lion King, with music by Elton John and Tim Rice, continues to entertain crowds at the Lyceum theater and is booking until September 28, 2008.

Websites: www.visitbritain.us; www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk

Urban and Hip Gear Half off

Ajman Property on the Rise

Unspoilt white sand beaches, warm turquoise waters, five star hotels, international restaurants and a booming property market, Ajman, the smallest of the seven Emirate states, is currently attracting a lot of interest from savvy property investors.

Unspoilt white sand beaches, warm turquoise waters, five star hotels, international restaurants and a booming property market, Ajman, the smallest of the seven Emirate states, is currently attracting a lot of interest from savvy property investors looking for an alternative to the Dubai property market.

With a population of about 80,000, Ajman is just 30 minutes drive from Dubai’s international airport. Holiday companies such as Kuoni have recently added Ajman to their brochures, offering stays at the five star Kempinski hotel.

The largest new development in Ajman is the recently announced Al-Zorah project, a new ‘city within a city’ which is currently being developed in a joint venture between Solidere Management Services and the government of Ajman at a cost $15billion.

The master plan for the project includes residential buildings and villas, a commercial office district, marina, golf course, entertainment projects, hotels, hospitals and schools. A highway connecting the development directly to Emirates Road will also be built, in order to allow investors in Al Zorah to commute to the other Emirates. The project is currently under development and is scheduled to be finished over a 16 year period.

Rami Dabbas, head of real estate development, Ajman Investment & Development Authority, CEO of Aqaar Properties, said: “We are trying to recreate another Monaco. The project will spread across an area of about 10 million square metres of existing land.

“We are not reclaiming any land and even if we do, it won’t be much, as we have enough space to develop. Al Zora is definitely going to put Ajman on the map as a world destination.”

Sandcastles-property.com, based in Dubai, has seen a 42% increase in enquiries for Ajman property during the first half of 2008. “For property investors looking to get into an area at ground level, Ajman property offers great value for money and is an excellent alternative to buying Dubai property Said Zuber Mohsan, CEO for Sandcastles.

“We currently have a number of properties for sale in Ajman, but when the Al-Zorah project is up and running we expect both interest and prices of Ajman property to rise dramatically,” added Mohsan.

The Emirates has seen its population grow by almost 75% in the past decade. As a result, new property laws have had to be introduced in order to accommodate nationals and non-nationals. Ajman has led the UAE in this respect, being the first emirate to offer 100% freehold rights to non-nationals in 2004.

About sandcastles-property.com

Sandcastles-property.com is the leading property website in the United Arab Emirates; featuring properties for sale and for rent in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman and many other emirates in the UAE.

Elegant Cruises & Tours Early Booking Savings

Elegant Cruises & Tours is offering an early booking savings of $600 per couple for bookings made through Sept. 30 on its new 14-day “Monasteries of the Lonely Desert” cruise-tour, which explores Egypt and the birthplace of early religions.

Departures, which include a cruise on the Red Sea aboard the new, 62-passenger Monet, start Dec. 18. The cruise-tour focuses on Egyptian temples, early Greco-Roman architecture and archeological sites deep in the desert, including the monasteries of St. Anthony and St. Paul (UNESCO World Heritage Sites), the 4th century Monastery of the Seven Nuns, and St. Catherine’s, the oldest working monastery in the region and home to the one of the world’s largest collections of illuminated manuscripts.

Passengers will travel with expert guides and lecturers like Dr. William Dever, a Near Eastern biblical scholar. Key ports of call include Safaga for Luxor and the Valley of the Kings; Sharm El Sheik and Aqaba for Petra; and Amman and Jerash with overnights and overland excursions to pyramids, museums, bazaars, Bedouin camps and monuments. Pre- and post-cruise extensions are available.

Prices for the all-inclusive cruise-tour package, with meals onboard, shore excursions, four nights in Jordan, an overnight in Cairo, all transfers and a guest lecturer, start at $3,512 per person double.

Cruise-only prices start at $2,706 per person double. International air arrangements are available.

Call 800-683-6767, email info@elegantcruises.com  or visit www.elegantcruises.com

Worldwide Adventure with Saga Holidays

Recent research conducted by Saga Holidays reveals that two thirds (63 percent) of over 50s didn’t travel abroad on holiday until they were adults. 82 percent of respondents over 65 believe they have made up for it in later life, whilst 50-64 year olds are doing everything possible to explore new and exciting destinations.

Australia’s dramatic scenery and historical Commonwealth ties make it the most popular desired destination, with 44 percent of respondents saying they would like to explore the country. Of those who would consider releasing equity from their homes, 36 percent said they would use it to travel the world.

Gap years, once the sole domain of adventurous university students, are being taken to the next level by their parents and grandparents who continue to show they have huge amounts of energy by trekking through the old hippy trails of Nepal, clambering through jungle excursions in Borneo, and delving into the rain-forests of Costa Rica. The traditional backpacking destinations of Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina are no longer reserved just for the young.

One third (30 percent) of children and grandchildren are envious of the travelling their parents and grandparents are doing. This is particularly clear for mothers and grandmothers who have just reached the age of retirement, and on average are taking nearly 2.5 holidays abroad each year. Films and books influence women in their travel decisions and aspirations with 40 percent naming literature (31 percent for men) and 26 percent naming movies (20 percent for men) as important factors, which may indicate why nearly all (91 percent) name scenery and three quarters (72 percent) name history as the main attraction of a place to visit.

There is little doubt the adventurous programme Saga Holidays offers is hitting the right spot. 80 percent of all respondents take two or more holidays per year and the company reports substantial increases in requests for special interest wildlife, music and art appreciation holidays.

Nearly all respondents (97 percent) have already visited the European mainland, and whilst only a small number has visited Antarctica (one percent), it is high on the list of places to visit (21 percent), along with South America (31 percent).

When asked if an annual event would influence them to travel to a destination, music played a large part; however at opposite ends of the spectrum, 50 year olds were more likely to choose the Rio Carnival in Brazil (19 percent), whilst 65 and over named opera festivals (15 percent).

Only six percent of all respondents to the survey, carried out by Populus, were worried their newly found freedom to travel would impact on how much they passed onto their families, preferring instead to ensure they travelled and tasted the ever changing face of travel for the over 50s.

For further details on Saga Holidays please call 0800 056 5880 or visit www.saga.co.uk/travelshop

Egypt Top Hot Spot For Property Investors

While the strength of the Euro against the pound has prompted a slowdown in people purchasing properties across Europe, Egypt appears to be fast becoming a major investment hot spot.

More than 275,000 people from the UK already own property overseas according to the Office of National Statistics. Sales figures from J&JA Overseas Property show that the stability of the Egyptian pound has created good growth investment opportunities in the Land of the Pharaohs.

The impact that fluctuating exchange rates can have on the cost of buying overseas property is significant and taking advantage of favourable rates can save property investors large sums.

Egypt’s proximity to Europe makes it ideal to take up the mantle of overseas growth. The increase in sales is also fuelled by low running costs, excellent year round flight links from the UK, unique climate, high capital growth and strong rental demand.

Julie Aristidou, managing director of J&JA Overseas Properties isn’t surprised that Egypt is fast becoming a sought after investment destination commenting; “The current state of the UK economy has meant many people are looking abroad to invest. The pound is weak against the Euro so investors are looking outside the EU and Egypt is a prime location.”

About J & JA Overseas Properties (http://jjaoverseasproperties.com)

J&JA Overseas Properties are an English owned and managed overseas property investment company, offering an unparalleled service to clientele by providing customised packages based on their individual requirements. Top of the range investment property is available in Egypt, Bulgaria, Cyprus and the UAE, amongst many others.

Working with their established partners J&JA Overseas Properties offer a full range of overseas property services including, access to the most exclusive properties on the market, dedicated after sales support system, intermediary service between client and developer and one-to-one viewing tours of property overseas to name.

Religious Travel Year of Faith Tourism

The World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) designated 2009 as The Year of Faith Tourism.

The year-long celebrations and activities will: Highlight the New Era of Faith Tourism; Increase the awareness of the personal and communal benefits of Faith Tourism;

and contribute to the overall growth and health of the global economy, travel industry, and individual travel providers.

The official host of The Year of Faith Tourism is the World Religious Travel Association, the leading organization dedicated to the $18 billion faith-based travel, tourism, and hospitality industry.

As part of its kick-off for The Year of Faith Tourism, the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) is hosting this fall the World Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference in Orlando from Oct. 29 to Nov. 1, 2008.

To learn more about The Year of Faith Tourism, visit the official website at www.faithtourism2009.com.

For more information about the World Religious Travel Association or the World Religious Travel Expo, call 800-657-1288 or visit www.religioustravelassociation.com

and www.religioustravelexpo.com

Iran to Build Marine Hotel

Iran is to build its first hotel on water in the southwestern Bushehr Province in a bid to expand the country range of tourist venues. The Lianmond Marine Hotel will be entirely constructed with environmental friendly materials to inflict minimal damage to the marine environment. The $450 million hotel will eventually sit some 600 meters off the Bushehr coast and will have a capacity for 1,000 guests.

The builders say they plan to incorporate the traditional and historical architecture of Bushehr into the hotel design. Bushehr Province not only enjoys significant tourism potentials but is also considered one of the main tourist destinations in the country.

Space Adventures First Private Space Station Mission

Space Adventures, the only company that provides human space missions to the world marketplace, finalized an arrangement with its long-standing partner, the Federal Space Agency of the Russian Federation (FSA), to launch the first private mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

The mission is scheduled to launch in the second half of 2011. The spaceflight will be a fully dedicated mission of the Soyuz-TMA spacecraft with two seats available for private space explorers, along with a comprehensive package of mission services including science, education and media program options. T

he first private mission to the ISS is offered to not only individual explorers, but also to businesses, organizations and institutions.

For more information, please visit www.spaceadventures.com

The Westin Dubai

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – One of the most relished indulgences of staying in a five-star hotel is enjoying breakfast in bed, or on the terrace of your guest room overlooking the sea. Yet, all too often the most basic of breakfast commodities, toasted bread, fails to live up to expectations.

Either the toast arrives cold or soggy or, if the hotel supplies a toaster, there is a struggle to find a suitable power socket to ensure crisp, hot toast that the butter can just melt into.

The food and beverage team at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina have been working hard to solve the breakfast toast conundrum and have invented the ‘Flexi-Toast’ unit to ensure their guests can enjoy fresh, hot toast time and time again.

A world first, Flexi-Toast is a rechargeable battery operated unit that fits snugly onto the room service trolley. Offering a choice of light, medium and dark toast settings, Flexi-Toast is guaranteed to provide the perfect slice each morning. And, if that was not all, each slice pops up with the Westin logo to remind guests what the Westin Difference is all about.

“Toast is such a simple breakfast item, but all too often it falls short of guest expectations. With the Flexi-Toast we are confident that our in-room diners will enjoy a new dimension to their breakfast. Our inventiveness is yet a further example of the Westin Difference that we pride ourselves on,” said Anthony Ware, Director of Food & Beverage, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina.

Staff at the five-star hotel were encouraged to take the initiative and ownership to create the Flexi-Toast, a world first; just one of the many enterprising ideas that encapsulates the Westin Difference.

Embracing Westin’s characteristics of inspire, revitalise and refresh, Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina offers the whole gamut of Westin signature services, including the Heavenly Bed®, Westin Workout® Powered by Reebok® and Westin Service Express®.

All rooms and suites at Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina have Heavenly Beds®, luxurious bath amenities and hi-tech LCD TV screens, while the indulgent Spa and Westin Workout® Powered by Reebok® provide total relaxation and rejuvenation.

The property features 294 rooms, including 216 deluxe rooms, 52 Westin Executive rooms, and 24 suites, apart from a spa, a health club, and four bars and four themed restaurants. State-of-the-art conference and banqueting facilities include an 8,999 square feet ballroom, an Italian designed conference centre with 10 meeting rooms, an outdoor beachside amphitheatre, and a variety of lawn locations accommodating up to 5,000 guests. The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina is located on a stunning 1,200 metre private shoreline, and will feature a 238-berth marina, five swimming pools, a water sports centre, a sailing academy, and facilities for deep sea fishing and boat chartering.