2014 looks like a very busy year for the city of Dubai with many exciting events such as the Design Days Dubai, Middle East Film and Comic Con and the Airport Show taking the centre stage during this period. All of these events are organized in order to make plans, enhance productivity, maximize utilization of resources, reduce living cost and to increase the quality of life of the citizens of Dubai and Middle East as a whole. The Airport Show 2014 is a major airport and aviation based exhibition which sets the stage for businessmen and business related parties to engage in B2B sales pertaining to airport related products and services. The 2014 Airport Show will take place from the 11-13 May 2014 at the …

Running parallel alongside the Airport Show 2014 which is to be held in Dubai from 11-13 May 2014, the authorities have also organized a Travel Catering Expo to take place at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, formerly known as Dubai World Trade Centre; same dates, same venue, two different experiences. With an estimation of over 400 million air passengers to Dubai by 2020, there is certainly much planning and preparation to do in order to provide superlative customer services, care and attention in all areas related to air travel and hospitality. A main feature of a world class airline together with unparalleled customer service would be the food and beverages served on air. We all would love to have a taste of a home cooked meal, …

The much anticipated Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most vibrant festivals celebrated in the island nation of Sri Lanka. As its name suggests the festival is observed by both of the two largest communities in Sri Lanka. Falling on the 14th of April this festival is closely linked to the local astrological traditions which regulate the event. Overall the new year celebrations can be seen to be a complex blend of Buddhist, Hindu, astrological and other indigenous traditions. Many of the new year customs, rituals and festivities are thought to have originated as celebrations marking the completion of the harvest. After the arrival of Buddhism the existing customs were modified in the light of the new religion. Many interesting festivities are …

As the veils of powdery mists engulf the mighty mountain range, re-telling a love story that is as old as time, the air grows colder and the soft winds whisper the secrets so charming, to tree and turret. Flowers bloom bright and dance to spring time songs, while melodies echo of the gay singing birds. “Little England”, they called it, this little town where romance beams every step of the way, Nuwara Eliya. In a land that sees no winter snow, the dawn of spring is rarely celebrated. However in this little town of romance, when all the colours in the world burst out in jubilant song in flower and bud everywhere and the happy chorus of the birds singing spring time songs echo thorough …

The capital city of the Southern China province of Sichuan is the vibrant city of Chengdu. Considered to be one of the most important economic and transport hubs of that region in China, the city of Chengdu is home to a rich heritage and colorful culture. Chengdu is popular for traditional Chinese art and literature, historic landmarks, museums and parks, and serene scenic beauty. Chengdu has also been given the title of ‘China’s Peach Homeland’ by China’s State Council. This is because Chengdu is home to as many as 17 million peach trees which bloom during the spring. The blossoming of peaches during the spring in Chengdu is one of the most serene sights the city has to offer, which is why each year the …

The Indonesian festival of Nyepi or traditional New Year is celebrated primarily in the exotic island of Bali. It is primarily a Hindu festivity but non-Hindus conform to the traditional customs as a show of respect for their fellow residents. Festive customs commence two days before the advent of the new year. On this date many hundreds of persons from each of the villages transport artefacts from temples to the beaches so that they can be ritually purified. People attire themselves in vibrantly coloured clothes and make their way to cheerful processions beginning from the early hours of the morning. Women will carry heaped offerings of prepared rice, fruits and other food on their heads whilst men carry a lengthy sheet of white and yellow …