The new Hard Rock Cafe is schedule to open in October 2010 at the Festival Centre, Dubai Festival City.

Dubai’s previous Hard Rock Cafe, situated on Sheikh Zayed Road near Dubai Media City, closed in March 2009.

The new 26,000 square foot restaurant will be the largest Hard Rock Cafe outside North America. It will feature seating for more than 300 diners, a large music stage and the world’s largest Rock Shop. A 35 metre ornamental guitar, the tallest in the world, will adorn the exterior of the restaurant.

That’s not all though, as the hotel is also offering 100 lucky children the chance to enter into a raffle draw to meet Barney in person! From now until the end of July, simply spend AED 100 or more at InterContinental Dubai Festival City to earn a ‘purple ticket’. 100 of these will be selected to meet Barney after his performances. Every child who comes to the ‘Purple Brunch’ will also enter into the draw, with extra tickets available for the best dressed Barney impersonators!

Tickets for the Purple Brunch are expected to sell faster than the shake of Barney’s tail, so book yours quickly to avoid disappointment. For more information or to book your place on the Purple Brunch, call 04 7011128 or email restaurant.reservation@ichdfc.ae. To learn more about the dining options at InterContinental Dubai Festival City where you can spend AED 100 or more to earn the chance to meet Barney, visit www.diningdfc.com.

The Casper Theme Park will be located at the Festival Centre and will be based around Casper, the cartoon ghost character.

Plans for the 6,000 sq m entertainment centre include a roller coaster, interactive games, gift and souvenir shop, and monorail.

Construction is expected to begin shortly.

The Four Seasons Golf Club has reverted to its original name, the Al Badia Golf Club, and will be managed by the InterContinental Hotels Group.

InterContinental has two hotels at Dubai Festival City; the InterContinental Dubai Festival City and the Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City.

Dubai based Seawings LLC, the only seaplane tour operator in the Middle East, has announced that due to growing demand, they will now start flights to and from the Emirate of Fujairah on the east coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Located on the Indian Ocean at the foot of the Hajar Mountains, the Emirate of Fujairah is known for its phenomenal wreck dives, plentiful coral reefs and abundant marine life.

The forty five minute ‘dock to dock’ flight provides views of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks including the Palm Jumeirah, The World Islands, Burj Al Arab, Historic Dubai Creek, Dubai Festival City, The Hajar Mountains, Dibba Coast and historic Fujairah before landing on the East coast of the UAE.

Seawings passengers get to enjoy the beautiful coral reefs, majestic mountains and brilliant beaches in a fraction of the time and in a way that many people would never experience.

Stuart Wheeler, CEO of Seawings said, ‘Considering the enormous potential in the east coast and with the tremendous growth in the tourism, we have been working hard to ensure that Seawings is conveniently located and offers customers a range of benefits within our product offering. By opening this new location, we look forward to catering to the demands of a larger segment of individuals and groups. Our passengers can explore the marvels and history of the UAE in a unique and convenient way without wasting time and energy on road travel. We will keep on offering new services and adding new tour options based on the customer requirements.’

Seawings - flights from Fujairah

The Filipina singer will appear in concert at the Filipino Music Festival at Dubai Festival City on February 19 2009.

The 16 year old shot to fame through video performances on YouTube and recently sang at the Barack Obama’s pre-inaugural ball.

Outlets selling tickets include Spinneys and Hallmark.

The event is park of her X2008 Tour. A day earlier she will perform to 2,000 select guests at the official opening ceremony of the Atlantis resort.

CEO Walid Hajj said ‘What distinguishes ZwZ from other restaurants is the great service and friendly atmosphere; it’s like a home away from home. Everything is ‘Aa tari’tak’, meaning as you like it.’

Zaatar w Zeit first opened in 1999 in Sodeco Beirut. Other outlets in Dubai are found on Sheikh Zayed Road, at the Mall of the Emirates, and Dubai Festival City.

Situated at the Festival Waterfront Centre, the 64,000 square foot store will offer a comprehensive range of products women’s fashion and lingerie, men’s and children’s clothes and home furnishings. The store will also offer a restaurant, espresso bar and bakery and will open from 10 am to 10 pm seven days a week.

Marks & Spencer already operate stores at the Wafi City Mall and the Al Futtaim Centre (next to the Reef Mall). A branch in Jebel Ali is also in the pipeline.