Ziwira Travel August

TravElAugust Issue 1 2015WWW.ZIWIRA.COMBUILDING A GREEN FUTURESUSTAINABLEFairtradetourismTheFalklandislandsAwaken all six sensesra sal khaimaOutdoor enthusiasts love it here…Experience ethical and sustainableholidaying through fairtradeTHE GRANDMILLENIUMHOTELIndulge in a tasty and sugarfree diet at Porto BelloPANTRY CAFÉIdeally situated with anatural appeal

Adam MerzaCEO & FOUNDEr“I initiated this company to bring life to my vision of a healthier futurefor our world and the impending generation. My hope is that thesemagazines will inspire you to adopt a healthier, sustainable lifestyle,and appreciation of this incredible planet that we call home.“www.ziwira.com

August Issue 1 2015

BUILDING A GREEN FUTURECONTENTSZIWIRA AUGUST 2015Eco-Travel GuideHotels7268Melting Moments in MalaysiaFor an ultimate green getaway, Malaysia is an alluringdestination with its lush forestry, tropical islands and romanticsunsets.Australia’s Rocky Red Center22 The Grand Millennium Hotel in Abu DhabiEnjoy a healthy retreat and expell sugar from your diet. Thehotel has managed to find a silver lining, providing a luxurious,healthy stay for their guests.30 The Radisson ExperienceConsidered the spiritual heart of Australia, this region’s gem isUluru/Ayers Rock, but offers visitors so much more.01 Archipelago of wildlife and nature: The Falkland IslandsFew places on the earth can boast untapped nature like this littlecluster of islands where you will find more sheep than people.Feature06 Fairtrade Tourism: The mark of a good holidayWhat really makes a good holiday is not only the place orexperience, but also knowing that your travels have had apositive impact on those around you.If you’re planning your dream getaway, then Radisson BluHotels & Resorts is a sheer destination offering a combinationof luxurious living & determined sustainable practices.36 Oman - Six Scenses Zighy BayCradled by craggy mountains and dipping its toes into the opalblue waters of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman is your dreamcome true destination. Discover the beauty of Zighy Bay, wherethe magnificent Six Senses Resort resides on the MusandamPeninsula.AIRLINES10 Emirates Ticks All The BoxesYou want to travel in style and luxury, without expanding yourcarbon footprint in doing so. Here is why Emirates could beyour ideal airline choice.www.ziwira.com


CONTENTSNews2052EPA to Cut Airplane Emissions.Heathrow Expansion: To build or not to build?62 Air travel continues to reduce emissions since 1990.Organic Spa60The Last Resort – Organic SpaA natural healing experience is what you can expect fromThe Last Resort, an organic detox spa in Bondi, Australia.Shopping64Dubai: A Globetrotter’s Shopping HeavenDubai is known as a shopper’s paradise, with thousands oftourists making their way to the city either as a stopover, ora final destination.Travel Essentials48Best Green Travel BuysThere’s nothing worse than arriving at your destination,only to realize that you’ve left your favorite jacket behind.Here are some green travel essentials to remember whenyou’re packing!Weekend Getaways54Ras Al KhaimaThe unexpected destination may just surprise visitors inmore ways than one.34Yoga RetreatIf life’s daily pressures are weighing too heavily on you,perhaps a yoga retreat is just what you need.34Abu Dhabi’s Treasured Island GetawaySet on the island haven of Sir Bani Yas, just off the coast ofAbu Dhabi, Anantara Al Yamm Villa Resort offers intrepidtravellers an unforgettable island escape in one of theregion’s most spectacular destinations .Review & Interview74A Quiet Place To Enjoy Exquisite Natural CuisineDubai is a city of plenty. If you decide to step out your doorto enjoy a pleasant organic meal, you need look no furtherthan Pantry Café to experience the eco-friendly cuisine.www.ziwira.com

BUILDING THE FUTUREPublisherZiwiraCEO and FounderAdam Merzaadam@ziwira.comEditorialSaba Khansaba.khan@ziwira.comImran Khanimran@ziwira.comNasreen Rasoolnasreen.rasool@ziwira.comZane Smallzane.small@ziwira.comMarketingNadir Khannadir.khan@ziwira.com+971 56 7481747DesignAsif Habibasif.habib@ziwira.comHead Offi ceTechno Hub Building,Offi ce No. 161-162,PO Box No. 341171,Dubai Silicon Oasis, UAE.USA OfficeZiwira Inc.445 Park Avenue9th FloorNew York CityEdiTOrialLast month while travelling to Germany, I started thinking about how travel marks transitionsin our lives. We celebrate weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays with memorabletrips. But sometimes the journey itself is the milestone: Your fi rst solo trip, the fi rst you takeas a new family. We set off on these trips to be transformed. As Chris Woolston writes inBoy Meets World, these travels may not visibly change you, but they can “rewire” yourbrain.Going green is the word for every industry today and tourism is surely not an exception.With more than half of the global travelers going for eco tourist destinations, sustainabletourism is a pick up for this issue’s cover story. Ziwira brings to you fairtrade tourism, acomplete travel guide that will give you an incredible holiday experience together withthe assurance of least harm done to the environment. Fairtrade tourism will make yourtravel more sustainable by taking care of local cultures, economies and environments whiletraveling.Don’t let the verdant gardens and fountain-fi lled lobbies of resorts fool you. A genuine sustainablehospitality destination is the prime spot you are looking for. Ziwira uncovers thegreen side of the Middle Eastern hospitality industry page no. 20.I think we all love to shop and if you are in Dubai you are certainly in the right place. Unsurprisingly,Dubai’s fashion industry, over-the-top glitz and fl air for opulence provides themost well-heeled endless fashion brands you could ever hope for. Boost your glamour andcull with a wide range of eco-fashion brands on page no. 50.If you are heading to the UAE and craving to experience the serene natural landscapewithout compromising on luxury and comfort then you must skip to page no. 56 to checkout where you should head to.We all live by busy schedules. Long working hours, and eating junk, has now become away of living. Let me introduce you to the wonders which yoga can bring to your life. Nimbleyour life with this age-old spiritual art form and embark upon a much healthier and robustlifestyle page no. 62.With the end of Ramadan and Eid celebrations in full swing, the temptation to indulge andsurrender to the battle of the bulge is ever-present. We shortlist some of the best healthyescapades worth exploring around the world that are perfect for an active and healthygetaway.As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts about the issue, so please don’t hesitate to reachout to us. Enjoy reading!New York10022United States of AmericaCanada Offi ceZiwira Inc.Toronto, Canada© Copyright 2015 Ziwira. All rights reserved.Saba Khane D i t o r@ZiWiraNo part of this publication can be reproduced inparts, stored in retrieval system or transmitted inany form or by any means without the prior writtenpermission of the publisher.August Issue 1 2015

EMIRATESEmiraTESTICKS ALL THE BOXESThinking about travelling? Been daydreamingabout paradise at your desk? There are somany amazing destinations to consider today,in a world that is becoming increasinglyinterconnected. Once you’ve decided on yourdream destination, the next step is organizinghow to get there. You want to travel in styleand luxury, but you don’t want to expandyour carbon footprint in doing so. Here is whyEmirates could be your ideal airline choice.EmiraTESairBuSa380www.ziwira.com

HELLO TOMORROW• Top Speed: 1,020 km/h.• Burns up to 20% less fuel per seat than its nearest competitor.• 30% better fuel efficiency than the ICAO global fleet average.• Produces less than 75g of CO2 per passenger kilometer, almost half of the European emissions target forcars manufactured from 2008 onwards.August Issue 1 2015

EMIRATESBRIEFINGNo doubt you have mostly likely heard of the Emirates Airline. Thecorporation has a shining reputation around the world as being oneof the most luxurious means of modern travel. It was in October1985, when Emirates flew its first routes out of Dubai with just twoaircraft – one leased Boeing 737 and an Airbus 300 B4. From there,the airline has grown into a globally influential travel and tourismconglomerate known for its commitment to the highest standardsof quality in every aspect of operations, including environmentalawareness.Emirates is owned by the Government of Dubai, however that hascertainly not stopped it from growing in scale and stature throughcompetition with the ever-growing number of international carriersthat take advantage of Dubai’s open-skies policy. After making itsinitial startup investment, the Government of Dubai saw fit to treatEmirates as a wholly independent business entity, and it is thrivingbecause of it.GREEN OPERATIONSWhen you decide to depart for your dream trip, you can restassured that you have chosen a worthy, ethical brand to fly with.The Emirates Airbus A380 is the most environmentally advancedaircraft in the sky. Emirates will operate 90 of them once it has takendelivery of its multi-billion dollar order. The aircraft was selectedbecause it is undoubtedly the most efficient aircraft to date. Flyingmore passengers and burning more fuel – and therefore emissions– is an important environmental outcome. In fact, the A380 is morefuel efficient per passenger kilometer than a small family car. Isn’tthat incredible? Emirates versions will offer fuel economy as lowas 3.1 liters per 100 passenger km, better than that of Toyota’sacclaimed Prius Hybrid vehicle. A380’s will feature the EngineAlliance GP7200 engines, which will save a further 500,000 litersof fuel per aircraft per year than other alternatives. The greater fuelefficiency of the GP7200 engines on Emirates A380’s means thelowest emissions of any large commercial aircraft.ETHICAL INITIATIVESAs a massive corporation, Emirates is fully aware of its globalinfluence, and the impact that it can have both positive and negative.Emirates was responsible for the establishment of the 225km2 DubaiDesert Conservation Reserve, and is also a pioneer in ecotourismwith the Emirates One & Only Wolgan valley in Australia, whichis located on a 1,680 hectare wildlife conservancy, adjacent to theWorld Heritage listed Blue Mountains National Park. The Emirates‘Greener Tomorrow’ initiative supports an environmental nonprofitorganization to safeguard the local environment. Due to theoverwhelming positive response received when the initiative firstran in 2013, Emirates decided to run the campaign again in May2015, with the successful proposals receiving a one-time awardof up to US$150,000. The money was raised through internalHis Highness SheikhAhmed bin Saeed al MaktoumChief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group“We are here for the long haul, and we areconscious that with the scale of what wedo, we can make a difference to economies,communities, and the environment. Weconsciously strive to improve our economic,environmental and social impact in ameaningful way.“recycling programs. Recycling is a growing part of the culture atEmirates, with recycling programs running for 5+ years in Dubai,processing more than 7 million kg per annum.Emirates is committed to the continuous development ofenvironmentally responsible work practices and eco-efficientoperations – from recycling newspapers, plastic, e-waste etc., totesting new air traffic management practices around their networkthat increase fuel efficiency and minimizes carbon emissions, toconserving habitats in Dubai and Australia. Choosing an airline foryour dream getaway is important, and you can trust that Emirateswill not only provide you comfort and luxury, but also keep yourconscience clean.www.ziwira.com


HELLO TOMORROW

FeatureFair trade TourismThe mark of a good holidayWhat really makes a good holiday is not only the place or experience, but alsoknowing that your travels have had a positive impact on those around you.Fair Trade Tourism (FTT) offers travelers the possibility ofenjoying holidays that are ethical, sustainable and guaranteea better life for the indigenous people of the land theyvisit. As travelers become more conscious of their ecological footprint,more options are emerging for Fair Trade Tourism destinationson the map.Similarly, for tour operators that wish to signal commitment to responsibletourism, without compromising the customer experience,it is the perfect choice. By participating in Fair Trade Tourism, youcan not only revel in your love for travel, or its business prospects,but you can do so in a way that is least harmful to the environmentand its inhabitants. In the same way as Fair Trade works in the foodindustry, this type of tourism ensures that the locals who inhibiteach destination and make the tour possible, gain something fromit, and have a say in the travel practices and policies.It has taken decades for the concept of Fair Trade to become areality in the tourism market. The process comprised of researchinto the different ways tourism can impact small businesses in apositive way and raise awareness among consumers as well as influenceinternational trade policy.According to International Fair Trade in Tourism Network, FairTrade in tourism is a key aspect of sustainable tourism. It aims tomaximize the benefits that come from tourism for local destinationstakeholders through mutually beneficial and equitable partnershipsbetween national and international tourism stakeholders inthe destination. It also supports the rights of indigenous host communities,whether they are involved in tourism or not, to participateas equal stakeholders and beneficiaries in the tourism developmentprocess.With FTT, certain sections in the community, which are usuallyignored by conventional tourism, are given priority. These includethose who have not previously had a voice in tourism’s decisionmakingprocess and those who are economically and socially disadvantaged.It is both an ethical code of conduct and a product thatis monitored and certified. So now tourists can actually pay to stayin a Fair Trade hotel, or buy a travel package that is marketed as aFair Trade holiday.However, more work still needs to be done and certain changes arenecessary to achieve greater equality for local communities. Forexample, there is a need for more international trade agreements,a change in consumer behavior and a general shift in both governmentpolicies and the tourism industry itself. Unfortunately, thereis currently no single model of implementation, due to the diversityof local destination circumstances and the complexity of thetourism system, but a general framework can be provided to guideadaptation at different levels.www.ziwira.comBy: NASREEN RASOOL

Main Criteria for Fair Trade in TourismFair Trade partnerships betweentourism and hospitality investorsand local communities:• Equitable consultation and negotiationtaking into account the interests of localcommunity stakeholders, includingtourism enterprises, and indigenousresidents not involved in tourism.• Transparent and accountable businessoperations through environmental andsocial audits.• Employment of local residents (includingindigenous people) to provide opportunitiesfor developing their humanpotential.• Training and development at localcommunity level for managerial positions,if appropriate as part of a public,private and civil society partnership.• Investors aware of and adhering torelevant regulations, whether derivedfrom local, national, or internationalregulation, including regulation thatwould apply in the tourists’ countriesof origin, e.g. on Health and Safety andenvironmental controls.• Anti-corruption practices.Fair share of benefits for local stakeholders:• A fair price, negotiated in partnershipwith local suppliers.• Fair competition between foreign anddomestic investors to enhance opportunitiesfor domestic investment andcompetitiveness.• Fair distribution of tourism revenuesto ensure that the return from the useof public assets for tourism, be theynatural resources or basic infrastructure,benefits and enhances public socialand environmental resources in thedestination, e.g. tourism infrastructureshould also automatically benefit localpeople.• Use of local products and materialswhere appropriate and ecologicallysustainable.• Compliance by foreign investors withdestinations’ tax regulations. Presenttransfer pricing policies of transnationalcorporations should be reviewedto ensure adequate liability.• Open and transparent information andeducation as part of the marketing processto the consumer as to the way inwhich the tourist activity benefits localpeople, and the way in which tourists/travelers can assist in respecting thesocio-cultural, economic and environmentalpriorities of the destinationcommunity.• Respect for cultural assets in the sensethat intellectual property and humanrights should be observed in the marketingand representation of the destinationimage, adaptation of local andindigenous culture for tourism purposesshould only happen on the basisof consultation and control by the localcommunities involved, and public landand access rights, sacred sites and traditionalcommunity livelihoods shouldbe recognized and protected from tourismdevelopment.Fair Trade between tourists and localpeople:• Informed and responsible tourists fostera mutually beneficial exchange withlocal people, respecting their culture.• Tourists pay a fair market price.• Local people charge a fair marketprice.Fair and sustainable use of naturalresources:• Investment and research in environmentalprotection.• Implementation of measures which enhancethe local environment.• Consultation of the local community.• Adherence to relevant national andinternational conventions, such as theConvention on Biological Diversityand regulations, including regulationthat would apply in the tourists’ countriesof origin.Fair wages and working conditions:• Wages and working conditions reflectrelevant international labor standardse.g. national minimum wages, freedomof association, health and safety, nochild and slave labor, no discrimination,within the context of UN Declarationson Human Rights.In short, Fair Trade Tourism ensures good wages and working conditionsfor staff, a fair share of the tourism profits goes to local communitiesand respect for human rights, culture and the environment.In other words: Tourism that is good for people and the environment.Like the slow food movement, that values localism, social conscience,and political activism, slow tourism is a way for people tobecome more connected to local communities. Travelers are able toengage with their communities on a more intimate level and savorthe tastes, sounds, and activities that locals do. It enriches their experiences,and stimulates the regional economies in the process. Inan increasingly global world, it has never been more important toembrace our diversity and cultures and gain more appreciation forour differences in a personal way.August Issue 1 2015

NEWSEPa to Cut airplaneEmissionsFirst steps are being taken to create global green standards for aviation.According to the Environmental ProtectionAgency (EPA), emissions from airplanesendanger human health because of theircontribution to global warming. While no specificnew requirements have been imposed on airlines yet,the agency has been asked to define the rules, as it hasalready done for motor vehicles and power plants.Discussions are currently taking place within theInternational Civil Aviation Organization, the UnitedNations agency which is in charge of aviation rules.The EPA said it would publish its final set of rules uponcompletion of these talks, which is expected to be inFebruary 2016. The agency will be working closely withinternational authorities to develop a worldwide standardfor regulating airline emissions.“An international policy would secure far moregreenhouse gas emissions reductions than a domesticonlyplan,” said Christopher Grundler, director of theEPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality.Environmental groups, however, are less optimistic,saying that regulations are coming at very slow pace.They also fear that the standards proposed by theregulatory bodies will be too weak to effectively curb therising air pollution from the aviation industry.Air traffic volumes are growing consistently eachyear, raising the urgency for carbon reduction and fuelefficiency standards to be implemented. This year,some 3.5 billion passengers and nearly 55 million tonsof cargo will move across a global network spanningapproximately 51,000 routes, according to an officialstatement released by the association last month at theopening of its AGM in Miami.Deborah Lapidus, director of the Flying Clean campaign,an effort by a coalition of environmental groups, saidthat the EPA standard would provide a road map forinternational standards. United States airlines accountfor about a third of all aircraft global emissions. Withoutlimits, aviation emissions are set to double by the end ofthe decade. Incentives are already in place to make airtravel more energy efficient,” she said.If and when a final ruling is passed, it will be legallybinding, meaning that future administrations will have toact on it, unless challenged in court. The airline industrycontends that it has already worked hard to reduce fuelusage and increase efficiency, and that demands foranything more could raise costs. Already, airlines arelooking into new technologies and alternatives likecarbon-neutral biofuels, but these are arguably moreexpensive than conventional fuel.Aviation accounts for about 2 percent of global emissions,but it is also one of the fastest-growing sources of globalgreenhouse gas emissions as air travel becomes moreaffordable. The EU estimates that by 2020, internationalaviation emissions could be 70 percent higher than theywere in 2005, even if fuel efficiency improves by 2percent a year.Given the global nature of the business, airlines haveargued that the new rules should be global. In 2014,domestic carriers burned 8 percent less fuel than they didin 2000, while carrying 20 percent more passengers andcargo. Apart from innovations in fuel technology, buyingnew planes that have more efficient engines appears tobe the most effective path to reducing costs as well asenvironmental impact.By 2050, the industry hopes to cut its greenhouse gasemissions to halve their 2005 levels, according to IATA.www.ziwira.com

““HOTELSMy mother is diabetic, as well as mygrandma, so I know very well frommy childhood what they like, andwhat they need to ingest.Georgiy DaniloffExecutive Chef, Porto BelloRestaurant.ENJOY A HEALTHY RETREAT& EXPEL SUGAR FROM YOUR DIETThe Middle East has a reputation for being luxurious and indulgent. When stayingat a hotel, foreigners might expect to be showered in convenience and pleasure.However, the Grand Millennium Hotel in Abu Dhabi has managed to find a silverlining, providing a luxurious stay for their guests, as well as maintaining anexceptionally healthy menu that caters to an increasing amount of diabetics today.I went along to experience the Porto Bello Restaurant, and spoke to Chef de Cuisine,Georgiy Daniloff about his healthy menu options.www.ziwira.comBy: ZANE SMALL

GRAND MILLENNIUM AL WAHDAThe Grand Millennium in Abu Dhabi goes well beyond many peoples’expectations of a holiday. It is a luxury 5 star hotel in thecenter of the city adjacent to Al Wahda Mall, a prime shopping destination.The grand establishment is bold and bright and perfectlypresented. It boasts 844 guest rooms which include serviced apartments,suites and penthouses. Conveniently situated only 15 minutesfrom Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and 30 minutesfrom Abu Dhabi International Airport, the hotel offers a 29,000ft2(2,700m2) state-of-the-art health club which includes Zayna, a spawith a range of signature treatments, and roof top pool. Guests cantotally relax and enjoy the Al Wahda Health Club designed to promotehealth and wellbeing. The state-of-the-art and spacious gymprovides panoramic views of the city with professionally qualifiedand helpful fitness instructors always available to offer advice.Guests can also take part in fitness classes, including Yoga, andPilates, among many.PORTO BELLOA holiday should be a magical experience. It is your time to escapefrom the often oppressive duties of day-to-day life, and indulge inrelaxation and betterment. However, one must be careful not tooverindulge. To enjoy life, we must take care of our health at allcosts. During a stay at the Grand Millennium Al Wahda, healthyfood is provided that tastes so good, you wouldn’t even know thedifference. Surprisingly, you can expect to experience an Italiantwist during your stay at Grand Millennium Al Wahda by meansof the Italian inspired Porto Bello Restaurant. Staying true to theirstunning hospitable reputation, I was invited to the hotel to visit therestaurant located within. I was particularly interested in how theChef de Cuisine (Executive Chef) caters to guests who are diabetic,which is an increasingly looming trend in the UAE due to highlyprocessed, sugary diets.By: ZANE SMALLAugust Issue 1 2015

HOTELSAN ITALIAN EXPERIENCEThe Porto Bello restaurant is elegant and very inviting, with excellentservice. I requested a meal that would benefit me if I were diabetic,as I was interested to see what kind of meal would follow, because aswe all know, sugar undeniably makes food taste good. Diabetic foodoptions are not necessarily on the Porto Bello menu, but are speciallymade upon request. Therefore, the meals that I tried were literallymade on the spot by the Chef de Cuisine as if I were a diabetic sufferer.The first dish that I tried was what Georgiy called “Salad 21”, a saladmade with 21 ingredients: Fresh Lettuce (Red Oak Leaf, Frisee,Radicchio, Baby Gem, Endive), Green Zucchini, Yellow Zucchini,Broccoli, Cauliflower, Asparagus, Brussels Sprout, Carrot, YellowstoneCarrot, Cherry Tomato, Baby Cucumber, Red Relish, Orangesegments, Peach, and Shiso Cress for garnish. It was an explosion offlavor, and delightfully sweet because of the lemon juice flavoring.The salad was served with black olive soil which is very healthy andadds to the flavor, and also extra virgin olive oil. The result was atangy, fresh lemon flavored salad which I can imagine would be veryappealing to children because of the zesty pinch – the perfect way toget kids to eat their greens!The main dish was “Poached Salmon with Barley”. Barley is a wonderfullyversatile cereal grain with a rich nutlike flavor and an appealingchewy, pasta-like consistency. Barley has been linked to loweringcholesterol and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. The dish I triedwas served with fresh poached salmon (not fried) cooked skin downfor 7-10 minutes to add natural flavor and aroma. Georgiy also usedsmoked butter to lower cholesterol, Red Radish for garnish, Baby Carrot,and Brussels sprouts. The vegetables were prepared by blanchingand sauteing lightly in a pan with olive oil, with added salt and pepper.It was delicious - my favorite dish!The final dish was an absolute treat, but entirely guilt free! I wasserved an impeccably presented sugar free dessert which consistedof compressed seedless watermelon with lemon ice tea flavoring, andcassis jelly. Compressing fruit is a complex process which involvesadding puree to fruit and then cold boiling it together in a vacuumsealed bag. The result is a rich flavorsome fruit dessert with no addedunnatural sugars.www.ziwira.com

COMPRESSED WATERMELON WITH CASSIS JELLY300 gr. Water Melon200 ml. Green Tea5 gr. Mint LeavesPlace all the ingredients in avacuum bag and seal in thevacuum machine and let it setovernight.For the Cassis Jelly:230 ml. Cranberry Juice80 gr. Cassis10 ml. Lemon Juice130 gr. Sugar2 gr. Agar agarPlace Cranberry juice, cassis, lemon juice, and sugarin heavy saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil,stirring constantly. Add Agar agar and, stirring constantly,cook till mix comes to a full, rolling boil. Boilfor 1 minute. Remove from heat and skim off foamwith metal spoon. Immediately pour into desired trayand place inside the chiller to cool down.For Raspberry Jam:300 gr. Raspberry Puree100 ml. Water100 gr. Sugar50 ml. White Balsamic2 gr. Agar agarBoil all the ingredientsand cool it down. Once themixture is cold enough,blend using a hand blenderthen place in a squeezebottle. Start plating. Addsome thin slices of peachand red cherry for garnish.By: ZANE SMALLAugust Issue 1 2015

HOTELSInterviewChef De Cuisine - Porto Bello RestaurantGEORGIY DANILOFFFollowing my exquisite tasting, with a full belly, I sat with Georgiy Daniloff, ExecutiveChef at Porto Bello, to gain an insight into the restaurant’s operations. Georgiy is aqualified chef with 13+ years of experience in spearheading culinary operations for majorhospitality establishments and restaurants. He has many achievements under his beltincluding the Merit Award for a Four-Course Vegetarian Menu at the Emirates SalonCulinaire-Dubai, 2011; Second Best Cuisiner 2012 by La cuisine du SIAL, and Best ItalianRestaurant in Abu Dhabi 2012, just to name a few.Q: A luxurious, delicious menu is important for any restaurantthat intends to satisfy their guests. However, health is alsoequally as important. How important is the health of your menuat Grand Millennium? - What image do you wish to portray toyour guests?A: With our menu we have traditional meals including traditionalItalian dishes and some modern Italian dishes. But of course wealso have diet food which is friendly for the diabetic, and some optionsthat are friendly for the gluten intolerant. There will alwaysbe changes because we change the menu three times a year. All ofour staff are trained well so they know about our diet food options.They bring the request to the kitchen, and I personally take care ofthem.Q: So you have experience changing menus to cater to peoples’specific needs?A: Yes, definitely. I am trying to work to keep in touch with guestsand get to know all of our regulars. I like to get to know new guestsas well. For this reason, I am able to determine what they need.Q: Diabetes is a serious condition that is gradually increasingdue to an abundance of sugary foods available. Tell us aboutyour menu range that caters to diabetics, and why it is importantto your restaurant.A: My mother is diabetic, as well as my grandma, so I know verywell from my childhood what they like, and what they need to ingest.As a professional chef, I like to make it a professional matter.From when I used to cook for my mum at home, I would cook forher some barley which was quite boring food, so when I becamea chef I just had to make it in a more professional, appealing way.Q: Can you share any specific ingredients that you like to usethat targets diabetics?A: Definitely greens, barley, and quinoa. Especially in the UAE, wehave a great market where we can find everything good for diabetics.Believe me, I used to work in Italy, and sometimes, believeit or not, it was difficult to find some items there. Here I can findeverything I need. My favorite is grains, because you can play withthem a lot. You take barley, and you can make a healthy risotto. Fordiabetics, you take protein from seafood, or chicken to make suitablemeals. Grains, protein items, fresh vegetables and imaginationput together in a pot make a great meal. I have experience producingmenu favorites for guests in a healthy style by just changingparticular items. It is an interesting experience for myself and forthe guest. Pizza for example is surprisingly healthy because we arenot adding any sugar for the diabetics. Pizza is a very simple item:flour, water, and yeast with toppings. There is no sugar in our tomatosauce or the cheese.Q: When on holiday, it goes without saying that guests will wantto indulge a little. Can you share with us some of your mosthighly recommended healthy treats?A: Fruits are great. At the same time we can do baking items byreplacing sugary syrups with date syrup, or with honey instead ofsugar. We can also buy fructose itself which we can add to anybaked items. Basically, if you are diabetic, it is not the end! Datesare very popular here and desserts can be made to taste just as goodwithout the sugar.Q: Can you tell us about your Greenhouse?A: Originally it was ideal for our first Executive Chef. We startedour greenhouse five years back when we had just opened PortoBello in 2010. In the beginning, we didn’t have a greenhouse. Withit, we had fresh basil and fresh cucumber and cherry tomatoes andcapsicums. Because of the very, very hot weather in the summer inAbu Dhabi, we decided to shift everything indoors to the fifth floor.We proudly use organic vegetables in our kitchen. We deal withAbu Dhabi’s organic farm, including all of the herbs. We have alsochanged our menus to serve sustainable fish. We are trying to usemostly local fish, dealing with local fisherman in Abu Dhabi.www.ziwira.comBy: ZANE SMALL


Eco-Travel Guidewww.ziwira.com


HOTELSTHE radiSSONEXPEriENCEIf you’re planning your dream getaway, often it pays to leave the planning to thosewho have the best knowledge and experience. Fortunately, we can help you with this.Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts, part of the Rezidor Hotel Group, currently operatesmore than 230 hotels worldwide, with another 51 projects under development. Thehotel group has a splendid reputation for combining luxurious living combined withdetermined sustainable practices.www.ziwira.com

Like many businesses today, Radisson Blu hasrecognized a need to change some of its businesspractices, due to a world that is becomingincreasingly unstable due to scarce water supply andincreasing CO2 emissions. In line with Radisson Blu’spassion for responsible business, they have launched theirdynamic BLU PLANET initiative - with a specific focuson conserving and protecting the earth’s priceless watersupply. Radisson Blu hotels across Europe, the Middle Eastand Africa are generally mindful about water use, havingreduced their water consumption by an average of 27%since 2007. Furthermore, 220 Radisson Blu hotels haveeco-labels, committing them to work on saving water andusing fewer chemical products. Radisson Blu propertiescan be found in prime locations, including major cities,airport gateways and leisure destinations around the world.In Dubai, one of the Radisson Blu hotels that particularlystands out in terms of environmental wellbeing, is theMedia City branch. This exceptional hotel houses travelersin comfortable splendor and offers easy access to Dubai’smany exciting attractions, including Internet City andKnowledge Village.August Issue 1 2015

HOTELSLEARN FROM THE BESTBob Busman has an important role to play for the Radisson Blu brand.He is responsible for implementing responsible business throughoutthe branches in the Middle East region. When we met, he began byexplaining to me the general overview of responsible business withinthe hotel group. He explained that the responsible business program isquite large within the group. “The way it’s structured is we have a vicepresident solely responsible for responsible business. Every hotel has aresponsible business coordinator. Each hotel is in charge of conductingtheir own activities, and in charge of reducing energy consumption andwater consumption, etc. To coordinate that within regions, we haveregional responsible business coordinators, and I am the one for theMiddle East.”Bob BusmanBusman went on to explain that each hotel under the responsible businesscoordinator has a responsible business team where every department isrepresented. “The program itself ‘Responsible Business’ has 3 pillars.It’s about Think Planet Think People and Think Together. ‘ThinkPlanet’ is obviously about reducing our consumption and reducing ourcarbon footprint. ‘Think People’ is about health and safety, and ‘ThinkTogether’ is about initiatives such as fundraising and the community.”To get a better understanding of ethical business operations withinRadisson Blu, Busman shared his knowledge of responsible businessduring the following interview.raDisson Blu reGional responsiBle BusinessCoorDinator, miDDle eastwww.ziwira.com

Q: Radisson Blu hotels take action to reduce energy and waterconsumption, and to minimize waste generation. Are hotelenvironmental actions supported by a training programmefor all employees and are guests invited to participate?A: For every person working in our group, it is mandatory tofollow the responsible business training within the first monthof working. We have a hotel trainer who leads the program. Youhave to be a certified trainer to provide the training. The certifiedtrainer will explain about the three pillars (the program itself, andthe targets that we have). It’s not only to give information, butit’s helping people to act responsibly at work, and also at home.Within the training, it intensively covers the three pillars.Q: Can you share some details about the training programoffered to your employees related to energy and waterconsumption?A: Within the training program we cover energy and waterconsumption. We show educational videos – behavior torecognize if there is something wrong with an individual,for instance if a guest is not feeling well (health and safetyprocedures). If there are illegal activities happening in the hotel –how to recognize it and what to do in the situation. Trainees haveto give a commitment as to what they are going to do better, andin preparation to the training, they have to do an exercise onlinewhere they have to find out what their carbon footprint is - so theycan actually see where they’re using a lot of resources. They arehighly educated and motivated to make a change. It is not usualpractice for most hotels to have every single employee trained inthis way. This really shows our staff members how important wethink responsible business is - it’s a cornerstone in our company.If we look at our Scandinavian heritage, we value the responsiblebusiness very much with the structure that we have in place andthe follow up that we have in place.Q: Is Radisson Blu involved in any charitable organizationsto benefit those less fortunate?A: One of the important foundations that we support is the WorldChildhood Foundation, the ambassador is the Princess of Sweden.It supports underprivileged children that don’t have schooling, orare orphaned, etc. We provide them with education, and play abig role. Aside from that charity we contribute to a lot of localcharities. One of the great activities that we do here is the BoxAppeal, which originated 8 years ago. It comes from the Shoe BoxAppeal. What we do, is we collect certain essential items such asclothing, toothbrushes, shaving razors, etc. The box contains 12items which we then give away. We engage our customers to joinand help fill the boxes by giving things that are new and that theydon’t ‘need’ – or they can donate a certain amount of money fromwhich we spend filling those boxes.Q: Tell us about other ways (initiatives, materials used)in which Radisson Blu is catering to the environment, andsupporting ecotourism. Do you see ecotourism increasing inDubai?A: We do get more and more requests asking for certificationslike ‘green key’. I believe 70% of our hotels are now ‘green key’certified – the others are in the process of getting certified. In theMiddle East we will be 100% certified by the end of this year.With ecotourism, we do get a lot of certification requests, buttypically if you look at our Middle Eastern clientele, it is not yetas popular as it is in Europe. People here do prefer a little bit morecomfort, for example when it comes to smart showers. We donotice that if we put it down to a certain amount, guests do expectmore. It is a thin line between luxury and sustainability. We havea very nice best practice in order to look at things we can reducewhich do not affect guests’ experience and comfort.With regard to water, we also look at using the cooling towers ina dry way instead of a wet way. We are also looking at collectingcondensation water to use for air conditioning. Recently at theRadisson Blu Deira Creek, we have used drainage from the icecube machines to save 1,400 litres of water a day. Things wedo for electricity include using smart suction units in kitchenswhich save energy. What is becoming popular in this region isbuilding with a grey water facility. It is quite a big investment,and it requires a large amount of space, however the newly builthotels are definitely taking them into consideration. DEWA arebecoming stricter about having these things in place. Responsiblebusiness in the UAE is very much alive.Q: What was the influence behind helping meetings becomepaperless with free Wi-Fi and your Brain Box breakoutmeeting rooms? Please tell us more about this initiative.A: We have a program called ‘Meetings minus Carbon’. Withthis we calculate how much carbon emissions we have, and forthat we donate a tree in certain areas of the world – this happensautomatically if someone signs up for it. ‘Brain Box’ and ‘BrainFood’ is in ‘smart’ meetings to encourage a healthier life. Insteadof having very sweet pastries we have healthy options such asfruit, vegetables, dried fruit, and nuts. For coffee breaks we makesure that there are a lot of healthy options during meetings. Insteadof soft drinks we have flavored water – healthy snacks. Withregard to our restaurant outlets, we have a standard minimumamount of healthy options on every menu, which is marked witha logo that people will recognize – this is one of our corporatestandards. We are focused on reducing calorie intake because theUAE is very consumer driven and obesity is a major issue. As ahotel we have a responsibility to at least give people the optionof eating healthy.August Issue 1 2015

WEEKEND GATEAWAYsAbu Dhabi’s TABU DHABI’SLocated just 170km southwestof Abu Dhabi, lies a treasured,protected island oasis. Sir Bani YasIsland is the largest natural island inthe United Arab Emirates. Besidesexperiencing the luxury and comfortof the Anantara Al Yamm VillaResort, valued visitors to the islandcan also enjoy the serenity andpeace of the isolated location, whilemarveling at the incredible rangeof wildlife at the protected ArabianWildlife Park.ISLAND Island Getaw GETAWSIR BANI YAS ISLANDThe United Arab Emirates lies in a desert. Those who are familiar with life in a desertknow that it can be very dry, very hot, and sand gets everywhere! In 1971, Sheikh Zayedbin Sultan Al Nahyan became the first president of the UAE, and chose Sir Bani YasIsland as a retreat. In 1977, he passed a law prohibiting hunting on the island and beganto develop it as a wildlife preserve in his ‘Greening of the Desert’ programme, whichwas designed to make the desert more suitable for human settlement and provide a havenfor many of Arabia’s endangered species. The Arabian Wildlife Park, which at 4,100hectares, covers over half of the island to assist with breeding and rehabilitation, and anenvironment for thousands of animals to roam freely around a large area.The name Sir Bani Yas Island originates from the Bani Yas tribe – the first inhabitants ofAbu Dhabi. The island is the crest of a salt dome created millions of years ago by naturalgeological forces. The first human settlers arrived several thousand years ago, longbefore people set foot on what was later to become the United Arab Emirates. UnderSheik Zayed’s patronage, several million trees were planted and countless animal specieswere introduced to the island including the Giraffe, Cheetah, Hyena, Oryx and Ostrich.He realised the need to preserve animals that were at risk from extinction, particularlywithin the UAE and Arabian Peninsula. The island reserve has been developed to respectand conserve nature and the delicate ecosystems. The island operates with the regionsfirst wind turbine, which has a production capacity of 850 kilowatts. It is currentlyproducing energy to power the island’s facilities alongside conventional supply from thenational grid. The island also plans to produce power from solar energy, making it one ofthe most eco-friendly destinations in the GCC.www.ziwira.com

EASurEdTrEASurEdayaySIR BANI YAS ISLANDARABIAN BLISSFor those of you who want to visit Sir Bani Yas Island, you betterbe quick and make a booking, because it is super popular. There arethree Anantara Hotel Resort & Spa retreats on Sir Bani Yas Island.Anantara were the perfect candidate for setting up a resort on theisland, because sustainability is at the core of their foundations.The company is committed to ethical and environmentally friendlypractices which commence at the pre-opening stage of all theirresorts. The CEO understands the importance of sustainability, andproudly advocates it, “We are continuously introducing innovativetechnological measures that contribute to prevent environmentaldestruction and minimize the impact of our business activities onthe environment.”Guests can choose to stay by the beach or amidst verdant greenmangrove forests, consisting of beautiful saltwater lagoons inhabitedby flocks of wild flamingos. Each private villa features stunning,modern bedrooms, fully equipped with air conditioning, luxurybeds and linen, a rainforest shower with a large separate bathtub,a high-definition flat screen TV, and all of the luxury services onewould expect from a five star resort. Guests can experience theisland through a wide range of exhilarating activities, like wildlifeexploring by vehicle, or kayaking amongst the mangroves, horseriding across the island, or even scuba diving under the crystal clearwaters of the Arabian Gulf. It’s hard to believe that such a sereneoasis of wildlife exists just a couple of hours from Abu Dhabi. Yetthe resort is proving increasingly popular, particularly among UAEresidents. According to General Manager Steven Phillips, the bulkof guests are weekend vacationers from Abu Dhabi and Dubai.In terms of wildlife, much of the park is the domain of themagnificent Arabian Oryx. Everywhere you turn, the nimblecreatures mark their turf, cavorting with their youngsters orsquaring up to their rivals with a fierce locking of horns. The Oryxwere originally brought to the island to protect their species fromextinction which were earlier killed by poachers for the keratinfound in their impressive horns. Today the island is home to morethan 500 Oryx, making it one of the largest herds in the world. Theaim is to breed the animals in the safety of Sir Bani Yas, then returnthem to the mainland to repopulate the wild. Who could possiblyhunt an animal so stunning and majestic? The island is also hometo the UAE’s only discovered Christian monastery, which can bevisited during a Desert Islands Resort & Spa Culture Tour. Believedto have been built around 600 AD, and abandoned in 750 AD, themonastery was initially discovered during excavations in 1992. It isjust one of the many intrigues that can be found on one of the mostecologically diverse sanctuaries in the Middle East. Take sometime off, and experience Sir Bani Yas Island for yourself…August Issue 1 2015

HOTELSESCAPE TOOTHERWORLDLYOMANOman sits quietly on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It is the longestcontinually independent Arab state in modern history, which makes sense, seeing as it hasconsistently remained reasonably unmentioned in world affairs.www.ziwira.com


HOTELSSix Senses | Hotels | Resorts | SpasCity life can be boring and oppressive. Always remember,it is important to treat yourself every once in a while, andexplore what the world has to offer. If you live in Dubai,there is a wealth of ecologically friendly destinations nearby thatyou can escape to for a weekend. Oman, for example, practicallyresides on the UAE’s doorstep, just waiting to be discovered…Six Senses Resorts are a luxurious chain of hotels, establishedin 1995. The brand quickly gained attention and recognitioninternationally as the hospitality industry’s pioneer of sustainablepractices, demonstrating that responsibility can be successfullywedded to uncompromised high-end facilities. The Six SensesHotels, Resorts, and Spas are located in some of the world’s mostbeautiful and unique destinations. The responsible and caringattitude of Six Senses is intrinsic to the brand, and extends toemployees and local communities in which Six Senses operates.It is committed to preserving the environment through sustainableoperations, guided by overarching goals and values. Six SensesResorts and Spas can be found in China, Thailand, Maldives,Vietnam, Portugal, and Oman. Individual Spas can be foundthroughout the world in Europe, Asia, Middle East & Africa, andthe Americas.Under the leadership of the Six Senses VP Sustainability, Six Sensesremains one of the leaders in sustainable tourism best practices.These include environmental performance of each property, supportfor the preservation of natural and cultural heritage, and enhancingsocial and economic benefits to local communities in destinationswhere Six Senses operates. The Six Senses commitment tosustainability addresses the carbon emissions resulting from guesttravel and operations, and invites guests to share the responsibilityto offset that footprint. There are programs in place to conserveenergy, re-use water for secondary applications, and to recyclewaste materials produced by the resorts.www.ziwira.com

RESORT HIGHLIGHTS• Largest saltwater pool in theGCC (25mx35m), with amineral concentration of 50ppm(approximately 10-15% versus 27%in the Dead Sea).• Experience 2,500 square meterorganic garden in the heart of theresort, in addition to 1,100 datepalms, 150 fig trees and assortedlime, orange, pomegranate, neem,stone apple, and henna treesthroughout the resort.• The resort provides an enormousrange of eating facilities to choosefrom.• Diving excursions, snorkeling trips,fishing adventures and many morefun activities are available to enjoywith family, friends - old and new,locals, and Six Senses Zighy BayHosts.August Issue 1 2015

HOTELSEXPLORE ZIGHY BAYSix Senses Zighy Bay provides beautiful indigenous village-styleaccommodation, and a private marina with the dramatic mountainson one side, and the sandy beach of Zighy Bay on the other. SixSenses Spa at Zighy Bay is a refuge for mind and body; a sanctuaryof ultimate wellbeing committed to delivering integrated wellnessexperiences. The resort offers a wealth of activities to participatein, including exclusive getaway adventures, sunset cruises, rockclimbing, paragliding, mountain biking, Zighy Bay hikes, andscuba diving.Guests can discover exotic Arabic food prepared by masterchefs from the Organic Garden where guests can pick their owningredients before learning and practicing details of the wholesomenature that is prevalent in Arabic cooking. For kids, cookie andcake making are a fun and messy affair. Guests can choose where toeat from a wide range of dining facilities. They can also dine at theSummer House (lunch and afternoon meals), Spice Market (mainrestaurant), Zighy Bar, Sense on the Edge (signature restaurantwith a view), Shua Shack (authentic Arabic dining experience), orthe Wine Cellar.ETHICALLY SOUNDWhat makes the Zighy Bay branch such an attractive destination,is how it has managed to remain committed to the environment.Some environmental projects include the creation of a marineprotected area, by influencing decision-makers, and engaging localcommunities in the Musandam Peninsula and mainland Oman. Theultimate aim of the study is to protect the reefs of the Musandampeninsula through education and capacity-building.One of Six Senses environmental commitments toward the directneighbor, Zighy Village, is to ensure that waste and garbage arehandled properly and hygienically. This showcases one of the corevalues practiced by Six Senses in harmony with the environmentand the cultural surroundings. Six Senses Zighy Bay’s socialcommitment includes activities such as giving support to the localDibba Girl’s School, Sharjah Charity International, and Sukarinabin Al Husain School. The resort not only makes donations andprovides services to these charities, but the hosts of the resort tooare very much involved in these social activities. The resort hasa very active environmental programme, following the universalcommitment of the Six Senses group. Go ahead - treat yourself.Visit the Six Senses Resort in Oman, and discover sustainableluxury tranquility, at its best.www.ziwira.com




Oragnic SpaThe Last ResortOrganic SpaA natural healing experience is what you can expect from The Last Resort, anorganic detox spa in Bondi, Australia.The Last Resort organic detox spa was founded bynaturopath Saimaa Miller, with the understanding that“only when mind, body and spirit are in harmony, can truebeauty and total wellbeing be achieved.”Guests are met with an array of wholesome healingtherapies helpful in restoring optimum health. The spa hasa team of experienced health professionals who employonly natural means of therapy with 100% certified organicproducts.www.ziwira.com

RE-MINERALISINGSALT SCRUBFeel rejuvenated after this treatment of skin brushing followed by afull body exfoliation to improve your skin’s texture, increase circulationand get rid of those toxins. It is completed with an invigorating massageusing a customized blend of natural oils.60 min / $150NUTRIENT–RICHSEAWEED WRAPOrganic sea salt is used here with an unexpected blend of black pepper,juniper and cypress oils for a full body exfoliation. While you arewrapped in sea kelp and blue-green algae, you will receive a reflexologyfoot massage. Then enjoy a natural birch oil massage and shower.90 min / $210BENTONITE CLAYWRAPBentonite clay is known to have exemplary detoxifying properties.It can remove toxins, heavy metals, chemicals and impurities. Thistreatment requires you being wrapped in warm purifying clay whilstreceiving a reflexology foot massage.90 min / $210August Issue 1 2015



TRAvEL ESSENTIALS12Go straight from shoppingto dinner with this crossoverdress by Chalkydigits.3Graphite travel speaker fromkathmandu.The Nature Shop stockslightweight eco-friendlyjackets in assorted coloursand styles, perfect for theresponsible traveller.BEst GREENTravEl BuySThere’s nothing worse than arriving atyour destination, only to realize that you’veleft your favorite jacket behind. Here aresome green travel essentials to rememberwhen you’re packing!54Nature Shop is an online retailer selling premium “natureinspired” brands and products that are kind to your body andto the environment. They work with nature rather than againstit, to bring you ethically sourced clothing and accessories.All the products are made by brands that share the company’senvironmental concern and who are committed to makingenvironmental improvements across their organizations.These Camelbak eco-bottlesare fitted with a filter andnaturally BPA free.67Chalkydigits gunmetal pants andIronwood Marino striped top.www.ziwira.comUltra-light multisport socks.The Nature Shop stocks lightweight ecofriendlyjackets in assorted colours andstyles, perfect for the responsible traveller.



912kids longs sleeve top with hood.1110Ice Breaker Ski socks.Swimsuit from ethically sourcedmaterials.14Travel-friendly coconut oil isgreat for cleansing, moisturizingskin and hair or removing eyemake-up while you travel.Shoes with low environmentalfootprint from keen Footwear.August Issue 1 2015

News

Heathrow ExpansionTo build, or not to build?Air pollution is one of the concerns delaying Heathrow’s runway expansion.Plans to expand Heathrow’s runwayfirst emerged two and a half yearsago, and have now resurfaced, thistime with more probability of a final decisionbeing reached. The expansion will open uptrade with China and India, as well as allowfor increased passenger movability, makingtravel to and from the UK much moreconvenient.However, part of the delay has been dueto concerns over the costs and benefits ofthe expansion. According to the AirportsCommission, Heathrow’s owner wants tobuild a third runway 2 miles north of theexisting two, which will cost 18.6 billionpounds. A private bidder, Heathrow Hub,wants to extend one of the current runways sothat planes can land and take-off at the sametime, allowing for more flights. This will cost13.5 billion pounds.Whatever the final decision will be, thecosts are exorbitant, and are likely to affectpassengers if the airlines raise ticket pricesto cover these costs. Apart from costs,experts have raised concerns over noise andair pollution as well. While a major part ofairport pollution does not come from theplane engines, a significantly large amountcomes from other vehicles such as trucks andbuses that are crucial for daily operation of theairport. The proposed Heathrow expansion isexpected to exceed EU pollution limits.Matt Gorman, Heathrow’s Director ofEnvironment and Sustainability, says theexpansion carries major economic benefits,and can be done safely within EU limits.Plans were recently announced to make theairport an Ultra-Low Emission Zone by 2025.At this stage, it is not clear when the runwayexpansion will begin, if approved. First,all the political, legal and environmentalissues would have to be ironed out until allparties involved can reach an agreement.Chairman of the Airports Commission, SirHoward Davies is expected to draft a reporton the shortlisted options soon, the findingsof which will then have to be reviewed bygovernment ministers and other experts

Weekend GetawaysRas AlKhaimaThe unexpected destination may justsurprise visitors in more ways than one.The Road Not Taken, was a poem written by American poet,Robert Frost in the early 1900’s. He wrote: “Two roadsdiverged in a wood, and I, I took the one less traveled by,and that has made all the difference.” Today, over a century later,these words could be used to describe, Ras Al Khaima – the lesstravelled Emirate, that holds many pleasant surprises for those whochoose to venture away from the crowds.It’s quiet and serene, but nothing short of the luxury and pristinequality synonymous with any of its neighboring emirates in theUAE. Yes, Ras Al Khaima is less travelled than the likes of Dubai.It’s less populated, which means that it’s also less in the quantity of5 star hotels, clubs, mega malls or buzzing activities. But this, formany, makes it even more appealing, as it is the perfect place to getaway from high-flying city life and experience something equallyclassy, but at a more languid pace.Anyone who enjoys year-round sunshine, sweeping white sandybeaches, soft adventure and world class resorts is destined to fall inlove with Ras Al Khaimah, the northern most Emirate of the UAE,located just 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport. With its416,600 population the emirate boasts of beautiful mountains, redsandy desert and lush green plains along with a series of creeksand lagoons. It has a rich heritage dating back 5,000 years, whichmanifests in its numerous historical sites, forts and abandonedvillages. The Emirati culture is very much present in Ras AlKhaimah and guests are welcomed with warm Arabic hospitalitywherever they go.Escape city stress with a wide range of activities such asWatersports, Sailing Cruises, Desert camps, Golf courses andMountain Adventures. Ras Al Khaimah presents an ultimate outdoorexperience for residents and visitors alike. The 64 kilometers ofcoastline with crystal clear water and white sandy beaches are aheaven for all sun-seekers. With its splendid natural treasures andrecreational choices, Ras Al Khaimah is a picture-perfect leisuredestination that is a must for travelers, looking for the real essenceof Arabia. Enjoy a host of outdoor activities to reconnect withnature, such as hiking, sailing, walks along the Corniche, archery,visiting Marjan Island, horse-riding, falcon shows, historical sitesand mountain sports.www.ziwira.comBy: NASREEN RASOOL

THE BANYAN TREE BEACH RESORTThere are plenty of hotels to choose from in RAk, such as theHilton and Ramada, to name a few. But this particular one hasa special connection with nature. The Banyan Tree Al Wadi onRas Al Khaim Beach rests amidst 100 hectares of private naturereserve and is home to indigenous plants and wildlife. This oasisof indulgence offers a unique experience with its spacious villas,pools, and 3,999 square meters of Asian-inspired hydrotherapy spafacilities, as well as a dedicated nature reserve that offers wildlifeenthusiasts popular outdoors activities. The activities include dailydiverse and interactive falconry displays, horse riding, guidednature walk, archery and a wide range of water activities on thebeach side. With a variety of restaurants guests can plan an intricatedinner adventure like no other, with the raw majesty of the Al Wadinature reserve under the moonlit sky.CULTURE & DININGIn many ways, Ras Al Khaimah portrays the real flavor, ofArabia. Its native values, heritage and culture continue to thrivein the modern look, infrastructure, facilities and moderately liberallifestyle that are today an essential characteristic to the Emirate.The culture of RAk is rooted in a long tradition of literary work,camel races, falconry, traditional artwork, fishing, pearl farmingand cultural exchange through trade. The local museums and fortsprovide visitors with a glimpse of this cultural life, history andheritage.Usually, when people think of cities in the UAE, they imaginesoaring skyscrapers, but this particular emirate is far richer intradition. Many of the locals are either fishermen, tradesmen orfarmers. Visitors will notice date palm farmers, Bedouin tribesroaming the desert and fishermen by the coast, with a contrastingimage of modernization. The emirate and its leaders are keen topromote and preserve its heritage, while foraging into contemporarytimes with concepts like sustainability coming to the fore.Due to RAk’s strategic location as a trade hub, many differentspices, exotic plants and recipes from all over the world have beenbrought into the emirate. Local dishes often burst with internationalflavor, influenced by tastes of India, Egypt, Iran and Turkey.August Issue 1 2015

Weekend GetawaysEnvironment Birds PlantsThe natural environment of Ras AlKhaimah consists of sandy desert, coastalstrips with parts of salt flats, mangrovesand mountains. All these areas have variedecosystems which makes the Emirate afascinating place for nature lovers. Apartfrom cultivated plants there are threecategories of flora in Ras Al Khaimah –the salt loving vegetation, mountains anddesert plants which are plentiful afterrainfall. The Emirate is also home to anumber of mammals, mainly foxes, jerboasor wildcats as well as hundreds of birdspecies.Both Ras Al Khaimah in particular and theUAE as a whole are of great ornithologicalimportance being home to many residingand migrating bird species. Prime birdspotting periods are between July andNovember as well as between April andMay, when many different birds can beobserved. The mountains and valleysoften host wheatears, partridges, warblers,falcons and sometimes even vultures. Inthe desert you are likely to find spot larks,babblers and ravens. Sunbirds, bee-eaters,hoopoes and ring-necked parakeets arefound aplenty in the towns and plantations.The most impressive gang of birds can bespotted along the lagoons and coastline.To the large group of shorebirds belongwaders, sandpipers, plovers, herons, ternsand gulls.A surprisingly large diversity of plants haveadapted to the Ras Al Khaimah climate andharsh environment. The desert vegetationconsists largely of shrubs, bushes and trees.Of the trees the most common are ghaftrees, acacias and so called desert thorns.The desert is also home to many plantssuch as desert ephemerals, hyacinths andthumbs which flourish mainly during thewinter and spring season turning the desertinto a sea of blossom.The mountains of Ras Al Khaimah turncolorful and green in the spring timescaused by rainfall in the winter months.You will be able to find purple lilies,wild irises, and white daisies. High in themountains is an interesting tree calledAmygdalus Arabicus, meaning the Arabianalmond. This tree produces small and bitteralmonds. There are also numerous herbsto be seen, which are used for medicalpurposes.www.ziwira.com

Leisure & RelaxationAfter a day of adventure and exploring, winddown at the exclusive desert resort of Banyan TreeAl Wadi located in tranquil and eco-rich WadiKhadeja. It features the award-winning BanyanTree Spa with lavish treatment pavilions and stateof-the-arthydrotherapy facilities.Set against the waters of the Arabian Gulf andthe magnificent Al Hajjar Mountains, this oasisof indulgence holds true to traditional Arabicarchitecture, blending harmoniously with therolling dunes of the desert. Complete with thefinest décor and natural spa healing therapies, thisspa is an ultimate desert retreat.Banyan Tree Spa therapists are professionallytrained at academies in Bintan in Indonesia, Phuketin Thailand or Lijiang in China, ensuring that eachspa experience is of a high level of consistency andquality that Banyan Tree Spa is renowned for.Another great option is the Waldorf Astoria Spa,a place to revive your senses. It offers signaturetreatments combined with exceptional care tocreate a place where guests can surrender andrestore their personal wellbeing. Two differingproduct lines are used in the spa: Voya, a totallyorganic, sustainable seaweed product which hasbeen produced on the shores of Ireland by thesame family for over 100 years, and Rodial, whichis a ground breaking youth promoting range ofskin products.After this rejuvenating back to nature and back toheritage experience in Ras Al Khaima, you shouldbe well rested and ready to face city life with afresh perspective.August Issue 1 2015



Yoga RetreatYogaRetreatIf life’s daily pressures are weighing too heavily onyou, perhaps a yoga retreat is just what you need.DO YOUKNOW?A study found 8weeks of yogapractice reducesoxidate stress inthe body.“One of the best yoga retreats in the world.”-Angelina Taschen, 2013.The wonders and benefits of yoga are countless, and morepeople are awakening to the experience of this age-oldspiritual art form. In many ways, yoga is not just aboutthe physical poses or breathing exercises, it is more about a wayof life that embraces everything natural and pure. Finding thatpositive energy and channeling it towards something good. It isabout reviving inner strength and peace simultaneously.So many people have already felt the benefits of attending yogaclasses just a few times a week, so imagine what a complete yogaretreat could do for your mind, body and soul? A serene getawaythat allows you to dedicate a few whole days to a yoga lifestyle,may just be what you need to rekindle your love for nature andreboot your inner being. If you have even a little time in yourschedule to travel, it may be the right time for a cleansing, upliftingexperience at a yoga retreat.What happens at ayoga retreat?For one, you will have plenty of sleep. When we get caught up inlife, we often overlook the importance of sleep, which can affecteverything from our mental health, to stress levels, productivityand even weight. You will also be able to eat healthy, organic food,with none of the temptations we commonly face in the city fromfast food advertising. The bulk of your time at any yoga retreat,will of course be spent doing yoga exercises, with the guidanceof a professional Yogi, taking you through different types of yogaand their purpose. You may spend part of the day doing stretchingposes, part of the day doing more intense cardiovascular exercisesand wind down with meditation and breathing exercises. It’sdefinitely more than you could ever experience in a routine onehoursession at the gym!www.ziwira.comBy: NASREEN RASOOL

““We take enormous pride and joy in what we do.The other, more intangible benefits of a yoga retreat are the lastingfriends you will make, as you meet like-minded people who arethere for a similar purpose – to refocus and reconnect. You willspend significantly less time with technology and electronicgadgets, allowing more opportunity to indulge in nature walks,contemplation, reading and wholesome conversation, making thatall-important human connection.Many people come away from a yoga retreat feeling like it wasa life changing experience, and it certainly can be. It’s a far cryfrom shopping malls, entertainment and adventure sports, but therelaxation and tranquil elements of a yoga retreat make it ideal foran enticing vacation option!Formentera Yoga retreat in Ibiza has earned the title of one of thebest yoga retreats in the world by Inisignia magazine as well asother titles. The company was formed in 2005 by a family who hada burning desire to share an organic, holistic lifestyle with others inone of the most beautiful corners of the world. It has even becomea favorite destination for some celebrities, such as Kate Moss andElle McPherson.Tension is not invited. Space and flow isencouraged.Jax May LysyciaThe Resident TeacherAugust Issue 1 2015

NEWSTony Tyler, the Director General and CEOof IATA (International Air TransportAssociation) spoke about the need to boostsustainable tourism at a special aviation and climatechange event at the Paris Air Show in June.key issues that Tyler touched on were the effortsbeing made by the commercial aviation industry toreduce carbon emissions, future goals, and COP21.He highlighted the fact that sustainable developmentwas closely linked to international solutions to climatechange.“We cannot have sustainable economic developmentwithout strong social progress and people cannotcontinue to live in a world with significant climatechange risks. Pulling people out of poverty hasenvironmental benefits and moving towards a moreefficient lifestyle also brings about economic gains,”he said.Over half of all international tourists and a third ofworld trade travels by air. That also means largeamounts of emissions, not only from the aircraft, butalso from the trucks and other vehicles that assist in thefunctioning of air travel. Tyler noted the importanceof the industry in development and shaping our worldas we know it. For some remote communities andsmall island states, air travel is a lifeline, he pointedout. The challenge now lies in finding ways to makethis much needed industry as eco-friendly.Tyler posed the question: How do we reconcile theneed to serve all corners of the globe, to help boostdevelopment and support sustainable tourism, whilstalso taking care to reduce CO2 emissions?IATA’s Climate Action framework includes threegoals:1. A short-term fuel efficiency goal, which theassociation is currently surpassing.air TravEl CONTEmiSSiONS

2. A mid-term goal to stabilize net carbon dioxideemissions from aviation at 2020 levels.3. And finally a long-term goal to halve CO2 emissionsfrom the sector by 2050.“These goals are being pursued through a package ofmeasures encompassing new technology, operationalimprovements, more efficient infrastructure and –perhaps most challenging – for the 2020 goal, a globalmarket-based measure for aviation,” said Tyler.According to Tyler, the aviation industry has alwayshad energy efficiency as one of its primary businessgoals, even before the targets were set in place. He saidflights today are producing half the amount of CO2 perkilometer than they were back in 1990, and much ofthe credit for this must go to manufacturers. Airlineshave spent nearly a trillion dollars putting new energy-efficient aircraft into their fleets since 2009.He said if there were positive outcomes at the ParisConference in December, it would boost momentumfor the International Civil Aviation Organization’smeeting in September next year, which for the airlinesindustry, is the main focus beyond COP21. In hisclosing remarks, Tyler called for greater collaborationto help meet the mid and long-term targets.“This is an industry-wide effort. And it also goesbeyond industry itself. Collaboration is taking placewith governments, with civil society and with theresearch and academic community as well. It is aneffort that requires all parties to be committed, muchlike the broader climate challenge. I am happy toreport that we have commitment and focus on theaviation front. In many ways, I believe that we haveset an example that other industries can follow,” heconcluded.iNuES TO rEduCESiNCE 1990

SHOppING1DUBai2a globetrotter’sShoppingheavenDubai is known as a shopper’s paradise, withthousands of tourists making their way to thecity either as a stopover, or a final destination.With all the color, spice, aroma and flavor ofthe Middle East, combined with the sparklingquality of international brands and boutiques,it’s easy to understand why. Here are somegreen shopping destinations.Vero ModaVero Moda also has a Green Attitude lineof sustainable fashion made from recycledand organic materials. Find it on SheikhZayed Road, in Dubai Mall, Mall of theEmirates or Mirdif City Center.14Organic ProduceStella McCartney,DubaiYou can find Stella McCartney’s ethicalfashion at the Dubai Mall and Mall of theEmirates.Dubai has some of the best organic markets and shops. Get scrumptiousorganic, green, healthy food at GreenHeart, Organic or Ripe.323www.ziwira.com


Flea Markets: Zabeel Park& Uptown MirdifOpt for a more cultural involvement and buy second handgoods at Dubai flea markets, which are usually open tilllate to avoid the heat!123Eco-Friendly Yoga Gear at yApparelon Jumeira Road4The Urban Yogi, Dubai TimesSquare CenterFounded in 2011 by Nisha Varman Shetty, The Urban Yogiis a home goods store that aims to sell unique, design-orientedproducts that are crafted with sustainable materials.Travel TrendBraggies’ are the new Selfies, so get bragging andpost your latest travel destinations on social media!Watch out for this growing trend, as companies arelikely to latch onto the concept in their new socialmedia marketing strategies.August Issue 1 2015

EcO-TRAvEL GuIdEwww.ziwira.com

AUSTRALIA’SROCKYREDCENTREAustralia has so much to offer as a holiday destination. With a very brief Europeanhistory, the native Aboriginal culture has remained reasonably intact – for example,the name of one of Australia’s most favored tourist destinations – “Uluru”, orotherwise known as “Ayers Rock”. The historic destination draws in tourists from allaround the world, to stay at the incredible Longitude 131° luxury eco-resort.August Issue 1 2015

Eco-Travel GuideThe world famous Uluru is locatedin the southwestern cornerof the Northern Territories,in the center of Australia. The centerof Australia, like the UAE, is hot, dry,desert. But don’t let that put you off,because the beauty of the Australianoutback, is beyond measure. Uluru isa massive rock formation, known asa monolith. Uluru is the name givento the rock by the native Aborigines,who consider it sacred. Aborigineshave lived in the area for thousands ofyears. Today, Uluru is contained withinthe aptly named Uluru National Park,which is overseen by the Anangu andAustralian Government. The park lies463km by road southwest of AliceSprings. The 300 million-year-old rockformation is comprised of sand, feldspar(various crystalline materials) andUlururock, and originally hailed from a seafloor. There are several noted caves inthe flanks, although parts are off limitsas they are particularly sacred to theAborigines. The town of Yulara, justnorth of the park, provides facilities fortourists, as there are none within thepark itself.www.ziwira.com

““Longitude 131°Sure the desert may be hot and dry, but there are waysto experience spectacular sites such as Uluru, whilstliving in sustainable luxury. Take Longitude 131°,for example. Standing at the gateway to Uluru-KataTjuta National Park, Longitude 131° is the closest accommodationto the red rock formation. The resortconsists of an intimate fifteen luxury tents, elevatedatop rust-red dunes, and complemented by the pristinenatural environment. The tents are built on stiltsthat leave the desert sand undisturbed, and the entireresort runs on solar power. Showers are heatedby solar power (there are no bath tubs), and reverseheater-air conditioning units reduce energy wastage.As a guest, you can sip Australian wine and dine onOutback cuisine under the magnificent stars. Guestscan also take part in several resort tours that haveachieved Ecotourism status through Ecotourism Australia,the country’s national body for the Ecotourismindustry.“Glamping”This rock appears more wonderful every time I look atit, and I may say it is a sight worth riding eighty-fourmiles of spinifex sandhills to see.William Christie GossStaying in a tent in the desert, technically you arecamping. But because of the luxuriousness andglamor of Longitude 131°, it’s more like “glamping”(glamor camping). The tents are more like luxurycabins, draped in flowing white fabric, than the canvascrash-pads the word “camping” suggests. Eachtent is named after a celebrated Australian explorer orwilderness pioneer, and the walls are decorated withrelevant memorabilia. Although the tents are identicalin terms of facilities, they differ by location. 1 and15 (“Sir Sidney Kidman” and “Jane Webb”) are themost private, as they are set at either end of the resort,so very few people tend to wander past. 6, 7, and 8(“John Flynn”, “Ernest Giles”, and “William ChristieGosse”) have the most inspiring uninterrupted viewsof Uluru. The Dune House is Longitude’s reception,bar, lounge, library and restaurant.In terms of dining, the modern Australian menuchanges daily, served on solid timber communal tables.Every other night, guests are whisked off to asecret location to dine alfresco at Table 131, with athree course meal followed by a talk about the vastdesert star-scape and the opportunity to gaze throughstrategically sited telescopes. Ayers Rock ConnellanAirport receives daily flights from most major Australiancities. Coach transfers are available and operateservices between Ayers Rock Resort, which isadjacent to Longitude 131°, and Kings Canyon andAlice Springs.August Issue 1 2015

Eco-Travel GuideMeltingMomentsin MalaysiaSunrise view of teaplantation landscapeat Cameron Highland,Malaysia.www.ziwira.com

Dare totaste itSambalA blend of chillies, Belacan (fermented shrimpjuice) and lime juice. This goes alongsidealmost every Malaysian meal and is rich inVitamin C.CoconutsMalaysia is abundant in coconuts, which arerich in fibre, vitamins and minerals such as iron,selenium and calcium. So go ahead and try itin any form – coconut water, coconut milk orfresh slices.For an ultimate green getaway, Malaysia is an alluring destination with its lushforestry, tropical islands and romantic sunsets.Langkawi and Pilau Sinu are just two of the many islandsyou will find in Malaysia that are rich with tropical vegetation.For an indulgent feast of green and blue, youcan truly have the best of both worlds in this magical islandparadise.Malaysia is known for its multicultural population. A collectivemix of Malays, Chinese and Indians along with other ethnicitiesenjoy life in this beautiful land. In the city you will find toweringskyscrapers and some of the world’s most elegant hotels.Then just meters away Malaysia transforms into natural sanctuaryof moist, lush forests and clear blue waters. There is muchto explore, from warm beaches dusted over with white sand, tohumid mangroves.The country experiences tropical weather throughout the yearso it’s perfect for those long beach walks, sunset dinners andwater sports. Island hopping is a popular way to experience afew of the islands in a short trip.Dense rainforests exist on the Island of Borneo, who is home tomany species of wildlife such as freshwater fish, orangutan andthe pygmy elephant.August Issue 1 2015

Ziwira Palattewww.ziwira.com

A QUIETPLACE TOENJOYEXQUISITENATURALCUISINEDubai is a city of plenty. If you decide to stepout your door to enjoy a pleasant meal, there isan abundance of establishments to choose from.However, there are only a few that will truly caterto your organic needs. You need look no furtherthan Pantry Café. I was humbly invited to theBusiness Bay establishment to experience the ecofriendlycuisine for myself.By: ZANE SMALLAugust Issue 1 2015

““Ziwira PalattePANTRY CAFÉ – BUSINESS BAYIn terms of location, Pantry Café in Business Bay,Dubai has a distinct advantage. The Business Baybranch was opened in late 2014. Nestled belowan array of stylish apartments, Pantry Café is ideallysituated where curious locals are drawn in by its gentle,natural appeal. The vision of the establishment is to bethe number one gourmet café in the region, which Ibelieve is entirely possible due to its aesthetic and dietaryappeal. Cafés and restaurants promoting healthy eatingand sustainable practices are gaining more recognition,in a city with a population that is beginning to realisethe benefits of a low-sugar, healthy, organic diet. PantryCafé’s mission is to provide exceptional food anddrinks, great hospitality, and gourmet delicatessens, andI can vouch for this entirely. The venue hosts tranquilindoor and outdoor settings, a larger back-of-houseproduction area than the initial establishment, and a livebakery and patisserie section. The original venue wasopened in 2013 in Al Wasl Square.The location was carefully chosen as we wanted to stick to our neighborhooddelicatessen concept and at the same time take it further to cater to workingindividuals and neighborhood businesses. This is the first expansion venue andwe hope to continue our expansion plan across the UAE.Mahesh KalwaniPantry Café ChairmanDuring my experience at Pantry Café, I was servedby an exceptionally hospitable waitress called Elena.She started out by informing me of the organic optionson the menu which include organic eggs, organiccoffee, organic salad options, and scrumptious organicchicken. In no time I fell in love with the chicken.People might say that chicken is chicken, no matterhow it is raised. But that simply is not the case in myexperience. Organic chicken is far tenderer, and hasa much finer and more profound taste. I believe it ispossible to taste where your food has been produced.The organic coffee was equally delicious. Aligningwith Pantry Café philosophy, their beans are all organiccertified, sustainably sourced and roasted by origin. Theorganic Café Frappe I tried was very crisp and savory.In addition, I tried the Quinoa & Avocado salad, whichcontrasted quite well with the Grilled SpatchcockChicken dish. The reason why I prefer to eat organicsalad is quite simple really… Organic produce alwayshas more flavor! The iceberg lettuce was crunchy andrefreshing, with yummy cooked prawns. My favoritedish was undoubtedly the Green Tea Noodles withSmoked Salmon. The green tea noodles had a veryneutral flavor, like they could go with almost anything,and the smoked salmon complimented it perfectly.Experiencing eating out isn’t solely about the food,however. Your surroundings can truly make or break anexperience. What I loved about the Pantry Café, was theatmosphere, which was calm and cool in contrast to theoppressive heat outside. The plates and utensils boastedcharacter, and also had a homely, naturalness. Overall,I was thoroughly impressed by the establishment, andwould recommend it to anyone travelling through theBusiness Bay area in Dubai.www.ziwira.comBy: ZANE SMALL

ORGANIC PICKSFROM THE MENU25 AED(Organic Coffee) CAFÉ FRAPPECold Brew | Milk | Ice | Vanilla Ice-Cream50 AED(Organic Salad) QUINOA & AVOCADOPrawns | Iceberg Lettuce | Pomelo | ChiliCitrus Vinaigrette48 AEDGREEN TEA NOODLES WITHSMOKED SALMONRoasted Beetroot | Sesame Seeds | PickledGinger Dressing120 AED(Organic Chicken) GRILLEDSPATCHCOCK CHICKENGrilled Avocado | Roasted Red Onions |Rosemary PotatoesAugust Issue 1 2015

Ziwira PalatteInterviewCO-FOUNDER OF PANTRY CAFÉYANA KALWANIIn addition to my experience, I also had some questions in mind for the Pantry Café, regarding their sustainabilitypractices. Yana Kalwani, co-founder of Pantry Café very kindly discussed the establishment, and the image thatPantry Café would like to portray to its customers. Having travelled extensively throughout her life, Yana and herhusband Mahesh’s passion for healthy food inspired them to explore the café culture and prompted the two to createa home grown café concept that was community friendly.Q: Eateries will always be a competitive business. What is theimage that the Pantry Café wants to portray to customers? -How would you describe your establishment?A: Pantry Café is a local eatery that serves good, belly-warmingcomfort foods from around the world, using the finest and freshestingredients. The image that we want to create is that of pure, premium,artisanal and fresh food, while at the same time highlightingsustainability. We also like to constantly remind people that PantryCafé is a home-grown brand. It is the sort of brand that we wouldlike to introduce to our own family and therefore quality and purityare paramount.Q: You have partnered with local suppliers for your herbs andvegetables. You also supply organic eggs and high grade meats.Please share why you value organic products, and whether it isdifficult to source local vegetable supplies and organic productsin a place like Dubai with such a hot climate?A: Firstly, we would like to clarify that we are not a purely organicrestaurant. While we do favor, and always try to source organicproducts- for their purity and natural freshness, this is notalways possible in the UAE. Although the number of local farmsand distributors of organic produce is increasing constantly, availabilityfor all ingredients still remains an issue in this climate andbecomes increasingly difficult during the summer months. Havingsaid that, access to organic ingredients is much easier now than itwas a couple of years ago. Our emphasis is and has always has beenon premium ingredients, and we do not like to compromise on this.We also emphasize the purity of our ingredients and therefore refrainfrom using any colorings or additives. Finally our promise toour patrons is guaranteed freshness and food that is prepared fromscratch in our own kitchens.Q: Tell us about Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certificationin relation to the sourcing of your paper packaging. Why is thisimportant to you?A: When we started brainstorming a business model for PantryCafé, we insisted on instilling CSR initiatives from the beginning,rather than incorporating it into the business as an after-thought. Indoing so, we identified that using FSC certified paper could be oneof the strongest ways to support the environment, since it wouldensure certain eco-friendly parameters had been met. It also encouragespaper manufacturers to seek out wood suppliers that work toprotect habitat, prevent pollution, plant more trees and avoid displacingnative peoples and harming wildlife. This was a challengingtask at the time because, while there are numerous suppliersof packaging material in the region, there were very few that wereaware of - or had access to FSC certified paper.Q: Tell us about how your crockery has the lowest carbon emissionsof any hospitality tableware manufactured anywhere inthe world.A: Once again, the crockery selection was a tough choice. Thereare so many suppliers of crockery and so many beautiful and sometimescheaper options available. We finally opted for the EvolutionRange from Dudson because the company’s claim that the rangehas the lowest carbon emissions of any ceramic hospitality tablewaremanufactured anywhere in the world, appealed to us. Smallmeasures such as these help us maintain and fulfill our corporatesocial responsibility. The crockery looks beautiful and rustic, whichfits in with our overall aesthetic.Q: Can you share examples of ways that you teach your staffabout energy conservation in everyday practices? (CorporateSocial Responsibility CSR initiatives).A: We like to lead by example and constantly remind our staff aboutthe CSR initiatives that Pantry undertakes. To conserve energy,we rely on natural light when possible and train our staff to holdoff switching on the lights until dusk –especially during summerswhen it gets dark so much later. They are also encouraged to reducewastage wherever possible (waste not, want not) and are asked todistribute paper table mats, napkins and other consumables sparingly.We switch off the air-con during non-service hours and transferperishable retail items (that requires low temperatures – Panachocolates, etc) into our refrigerators during the night. Finally, atour outlet in Al Wasl, we have swivel windows, which allow us tolet in fresh air during the cooler months and gives us a chance toswitch off the air-con during the day.www.ziwira.comBy: ZANE SMALL


Ziwira PalatteRecipeROASTEDBEETROOTSALADIngredients:For the Salad• 200g beetroot (roasted)• 200g pumpkin (roasted)• ½ tin chickpeas (marinated inolive oil & parsley)• 1 handful baby spinach leaves• olive oil• 30g halloumi (grilled)• ½ teaspoon sumac• ½ teaspoon salt and pepper• 1 sprig rosemary• 1 sprig thymeFor Dressing:• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt• 1/2 teaspoon pepper• 1/4 cup lemon juice• 1/4 cup olive oil• 1/4 cup sunflower oilMethodPre-heat the oven to 180˚C. Peel the beetroot and pumpkin andcut into quarters. Place all the ingredients on a roasting traylined with baking paper and coat with half the olive oil, rosemary,thyme, salt and pepper. Place the vegetables in the ovenand cook for approximately 30 minutes, turning the vegetablesafter 15 minutes.Lightly grill the halloumi.Dressing: blend all ingredients together.Place the baby spinach and drained chickpeas into a bowl. Addthe roast vegetables and dressing and toss through. Sprinklewith sumac. Serve immediately.• 10g plum sauce• 10g castor sugarwww.ziwira.com

Ziwira Travel August

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