Wednesday, 10 June 2015
Fracas between FAAN and CUSTOM ...both team agree for improved airport security
Following the fracas between the Aviation Security and Customs officials stationed at the Hajj and Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos on the 2nd of June, 2015, the Chief executives of both organizations, Dikko Inde Abdullahi and Engr Saleh Dunoma expressed regrets over the incidence and agreed to work together to avoid future occurrence.
The facts of the incidence was reviewed and resolved to maintain periodic consultations to facilitate airport security in a joint meeting held in Abuja on the 9th of June, 2015.
In a release signed by both Yakubu Dati, General Manager (Corporate Affairs), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and Wale Adeniyi, Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Customs Service, both organizations agreed that:
• The Comptroller General of Customs will investigate the involvement of Customs Officers in the fracas and will take appropriate punitive action if they are found guilty.
• The Comptroller-General of Customs will review current deployments at MMIA, to ensure that only officers who meet the requirements of civility are retained.
• FAAN will not restrict the movement of Customs Officers deployed at the airport, but will continue to manage access control to ensure airport security in line with global standards.
• Operations in the Airports will be guided by strict adherence to processes and procedures established by the Law.
• Current conflicts in the enabling Acts of the two organizations will be harmonized through a joint legal committee in line with International Best Practice.
It would be recalled that Men of the Department of Customs and Excise stationed at the Hajj and Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos on June 2, 2015, manhandled four aviation security personnel of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, leading to serious injuries to these officials, press release from the Airport Authority confirmed.
The release affirmed that two Customs officials attempted to gain entry onto the air side of the airport without any form of identification, in breach of security regulations of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and were prevented from doing so by Aviation Security officials. The Customs men then resorted to beating the aviation security officials in full public glare, leading to brief disruption of operations in the immediate vicinity.
The affected Avsec staffs it said were taken to the Aviation Clinic near the airport for treatment.
Wednesday, 25 February 2015
Managing Marital Distress-Islamic Perspective
Marital distress is a phenomenon that pops up at any point in time in marriages. It is of course seen as natural phenomenon because of differences between couples, parents, families among others and if not properly addressed could escalate to a dangerous level.
Alhaji Nuraini Titilayo Odunsi, Amir, Islamic Study Group of Nigeria, ISGON,and Dr. Fauziyah Taiwo Oduguwa, Consultant Psychiatrist, Psychiatric Hospital Yaba, Lagos spoke as guest speakers about tips for couples dealing with marital distress at the 1436 AH/2015 annual seminar of The Criterion held on Sunday 22nd February 2015/ 3rd Jummal Awwal, 1436 AH at the Lagos State House of Assembly Mosque.
The topic “sustaining social and spiritual stability in time of marital stress” became a major concern because majority of our Muslim women erroneously believe that they are at the receiving end in their respective marital relationship, or put differently they believe that they are at the mercy of their male partner as far as Islamic marriage is concern, whereas the authentic sources of the Quran and Hadith of the holy Prophet (SAW) is very clear about the restoration of women’s rights in all the sphere of human endeavor including marriage that is contracted according to Islamic rules.
It is not as if men are not affected by these marital stress, but research has revealed that the social and spiritual effect are common in women more than men and the reason is not far-fetched (Islam provides that men-folk can marry more than one woman), an important provision that exclude women folk, hence the aforementioned after effect is prevalent among the Muslim women, which is not supposed to be the case if we understand our religion simply because Almighty Allah (SWT) always take human weakness into consideration, before He prohibit, the reason must be logical if we can reflect deeply. Secondly He (Allah) must have provided alternative to that which He prohibit.
They pinpointed some causes of marital stress and provided tips on how to deal with them:
The potential changes in circumstances that can possibly arise in a marriage leading to social and spiritual instability especially in women according to him include:
• Failure in the spouse obligation: Q4:34 explain that "Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has made one of them to excel the other and because they spend from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient and guard in the husband's absence that Allah orders them to guard. as to those women on whose path you see ill-conduct, admonish them, refuse to share the beds, beat them, but if they obey you ,seek not against them means. Surely, Allah is Ever Most High , Most Great"
And the Prophet (SAW) said “The best of you is the best to his family and I am the best among you to my family”. He also said “The most perfect believers are the best in conduct and the best of you are those who are best to their wives”(Ibn Hanbal No.7396)
Infertility & Reproduction: Infertility related stress is known to take its toll on relationships, and now a new study shows it can also affect the success of fertility treatments. Researchers reported that the stress of infertility on marriages is a stronger predictor of divorce, particularly relationship that lack understanding of ISLAM (i.e. FAITH). It was reported that the most marital stress required more assisted reproduction cycle to get pregnant than women who reported less stress in their marriages. The bottom line is that if infertility is causing a lot of stress in a partnership it could very well have an impact on whether the woman get pregnant or not.
Unforgiveness : Of particular interest for understanding negative reciprocity are the findings that greater commitment is associated with more constructive , accommodative responses to a partner's negative behaviour and that the dis-positional tendency to forgive is a predictor of spouse's responses to their partners transgressions. Hence spouse's, having a greater tendency to forgive are less likely to avoid the partners or retaliate in kinds following a transgression by the partner. Indeed , spouse's themselves who do not acknowledge that the capacity to seek and grant forgiveness is one of the most important factors contributing to marital longevity and satisfaction will definitely be overwhelmed with marital stress.
Lack of social and emotional support: Studies have however found that women who perceive a lack of emotional and social support are more likely to suffer marital stress.
In-laws and Friends: In this part of the world where the self is only seen and recognised as an integral part of others, it is very difficult for couples to separate themselves from significant others. Therefore for many couples the first few years of marriage is usually a period of adjusting to each other's friends and families.
Widow and Widower: Sudden death of a partner at his or her prime age, resulting in the other partner becoming a widow or widower at the early stage of marriage.
Divorce resulting from unreasonable behaviour from one of the partner.
Separation due to irreconcilable differences between two partners
Abandonment due to the arrival of the new wife or relocation
Impotency on the part of one of the partners in a marriage or illness
The speakers both affirmed that Marital stress is worst when partners take their stress out on each other. Spouse may be blamed even when it is not his or her fault, because she or he is the one who is there for you to take out their anger.
"There are tons of ways to reduce or control marital stress,"they said. Developing a healthy and mature relationship with partners has helped to manage the stress of marital relationship.
The following tips should help break this cycle:
Taa-lim/Prayer session : Every Muslim homes should engage in acquisition of knowledge from Quran and Hadith. They should also ensure that Allah's dictates become their live ideals and cultivate attitude. Through this, increase in Iman is achieved. Religious practice is also related to positive outcomes for the stability and quality of marriage and well behaved children. This nurtured home grown understanding of deen is fertilized with fear of Allah to generate greater sense of wellbeing, more satisfaction and in most cases less likely to commit act of domestic violence.
Constituting counselling body : This unit must maintain high level of confidentiality and expected to proffer timely and adequate advice
Healthy communication is key : Partners should learn to resolve conflicts without doing damage to the relationship or to each other. They should learn to develop the capacity to be genuine and heart--vulnerable. Listen without judgement.
Spend more time alone together: Many couples get so busy that they lead separate life's and understandably feel disconnected. Schedules regular dates to be together and discuss serious conversation.
Ask partner if anything is upsetting him or her: Talk with partner and ask what is bordering him or her. Do not try to guess.
Learn how you and your partner react to stress: Some react by talking; others by complaining, sleeping or taking it out on loved ones. Once you understand how you and your partner react to stress your relationship should get better. it is important to remember to try not to take it personal when your partner gets angry while under stress.
Ask each other of what you need: it is important to tell your partner what you want and need.. The more specific you can be the more likely your partner will be able to do it.
Forgiveness: Forgiveness is important for a successful marriage. on the other hand, both men and women can improve their health by marrying wisely,working hard on solving marital problems and avoiding cataclysmic conflict.
Have more sex: Couples that have regular sex feel better about their lives, better about their relationships and they are less stressed.
Engagement in a serious business enterprise or educational pursuit
Integrating widow and widower into the society: This will enable them live an happy life , socialize freely, increase their level of IBADAH and encourage them to contribute their quota to the upliftment of the Ummah.
Alhaji Nuraini Titilayo Odunsi, Amir, Islamic Study Group of Nigeria, ISGON,and Dr. Fauziyah Taiwo Oduguwa, Consultant Psychiatrist, Psychiatric Hospital Yaba, Lagos spoke as guest speakers about tips for couples dealing with marital distress at the 1436 AH/2015 annual seminar of The Criterion held on Sunday 22nd February 2015/ 3rd Jummal Awwal, 1436 AH at the Lagos State House of Assembly Mosque.
The topic “sustaining social and spiritual stability in time of marital stress” became a major concern because majority of our Muslim women erroneously believe that they are at the receiving end in their respective marital relationship, or put differently they believe that they are at the mercy of their male partner as far as Islamic marriage is concern, whereas the authentic sources of the Quran and Hadith of the holy Prophet (SAW) is very clear about the restoration of women’s rights in all the sphere of human endeavor including marriage that is contracted according to Islamic rules.
It is not as if men are not affected by these marital stress, but research has revealed that the social and spiritual effect are common in women more than men and the reason is not far-fetched (Islam provides that men-folk can marry more than one woman), an important provision that exclude women folk, hence the aforementioned after effect is prevalent among the Muslim women, which is not supposed to be the case if we understand our religion simply because Almighty Allah (SWT) always take human weakness into consideration, before He prohibit, the reason must be logical if we can reflect deeply. Secondly He (Allah) must have provided alternative to that which He prohibit.
They pinpointed some causes of marital stress and provided tips on how to deal with them:
The potential changes in circumstances that can possibly arise in a marriage leading to social and spiritual instability especially in women according to him include:
• Failure in the spouse obligation: Q4:34 explain that "Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has made one of them to excel the other and because they spend from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient and guard in the husband's absence that Allah orders them to guard. as to those women on whose path you see ill-conduct, admonish them, refuse to share the beds, beat them, but if they obey you ,seek not against them means. Surely, Allah is Ever Most High , Most Great"
And the Prophet (SAW) said “The best of you is the best to his family and I am the best among you to my family”. He also said “The most perfect believers are the best in conduct and the best of you are those who are best to their wives”(Ibn Hanbal No.7396)
Infertility & Reproduction: Infertility related stress is known to take its toll on relationships, and now a new study shows it can also affect the success of fertility treatments. Researchers reported that the stress of infertility on marriages is a stronger predictor of divorce, particularly relationship that lack understanding of ISLAM (i.e. FAITH). It was reported that the most marital stress required more assisted reproduction cycle to get pregnant than women who reported less stress in their marriages. The bottom line is that if infertility is causing a lot of stress in a partnership it could very well have an impact on whether the woman get pregnant or not.
Unforgiveness : Of particular interest for understanding negative reciprocity are the findings that greater commitment is associated with more constructive , accommodative responses to a partner's negative behaviour and that the dis-positional tendency to forgive is a predictor of spouse's responses to their partners transgressions. Hence spouse's, having a greater tendency to forgive are less likely to avoid the partners or retaliate in kinds following a transgression by the partner. Indeed , spouse's themselves who do not acknowledge that the capacity to seek and grant forgiveness is one of the most important factors contributing to marital longevity and satisfaction will definitely be overwhelmed with marital stress.
Lack of social and emotional support: Studies have however found that women who perceive a lack of emotional and social support are more likely to suffer marital stress.
In-laws and Friends: In this part of the world where the self is only seen and recognised as an integral part of others, it is very difficult for couples to separate themselves from significant others. Therefore for many couples the first few years of marriage is usually a period of adjusting to each other's friends and families.
Widow and Widower: Sudden death of a partner at his or her prime age, resulting in the other partner becoming a widow or widower at the early stage of marriage.
Divorce resulting from unreasonable behaviour from one of the partner.
Separation due to irreconcilable differences between two partners
Abandonment due to the arrival of the new wife or relocation
Impotency on the part of one of the partners in a marriage or illness
The speakers both affirmed that Marital stress is worst when partners take their stress out on each other. Spouse may be blamed even when it is not his or her fault, because she or he is the one who is there for you to take out their anger.
"There are tons of ways to reduce or control marital stress,"they said. Developing a healthy and mature relationship with partners has helped to manage the stress of marital relationship.
The following tips should help break this cycle:
Taa-lim/Prayer session : Every Muslim homes should engage in acquisition of knowledge from Quran and Hadith. They should also ensure that Allah's dictates become their live ideals and cultivate attitude. Through this, increase in Iman is achieved. Religious practice is also related to positive outcomes for the stability and quality of marriage and well behaved children. This nurtured home grown understanding of deen is fertilized with fear of Allah to generate greater sense of wellbeing, more satisfaction and in most cases less likely to commit act of domestic violence.
Constituting counselling body : This unit must maintain high level of confidentiality and expected to proffer timely and adequate advice
Healthy communication is key : Partners should learn to resolve conflicts without doing damage to the relationship or to each other. They should learn to develop the capacity to be genuine and heart--vulnerable. Listen without judgement.
Spend more time alone together: Many couples get so busy that they lead separate life's and understandably feel disconnected. Schedules regular dates to be together and discuss serious conversation.
Ask partner if anything is upsetting him or her: Talk with partner and ask what is bordering him or her. Do not try to guess.
Learn how you and your partner react to stress: Some react by talking; others by complaining, sleeping or taking it out on loved ones. Once you understand how you and your partner react to stress your relationship should get better. it is important to remember to try not to take it personal when your partner gets angry while under stress.
Ask each other of what you need: it is important to tell your partner what you want and need.. The more specific you can be the more likely your partner will be able to do it.
Forgiveness: Forgiveness is important for a successful marriage. on the other hand, both men and women can improve their health by marrying wisely,working hard on solving marital problems and avoiding cataclysmic conflict.
Have more sex: Couples that have regular sex feel better about their lives, better about their relationships and they are less stressed.
Integrating widow and widower into the society: This will enable them live an happy life , socialize freely, increase their level of IBADAH and encourage them to contribute their quota to the upliftment of the Ummah.
Monday, 23 February 2015
NAMA bags 40 ATCs ratings
The Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has attained another rating of 40 Air Traffic Controllers by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
A release signed by Olajumoke Adetona, Ag GM, NAMA stated this adding that the ATCs who cut across different cadres got their ratings after successfully passing the oral, practical and written examinations conducted in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, PHC as well as Benin airports and supervised by the regulatory authority.
It added that a total of 43 ATCs took part in the rigorous rating examinations held between November and December 2014 on Aerodrome, Approach Radar, Area Control Surveillance but 40 were successful.
While commending the successful ATCs, Engr Abdulsalam Ibrahim, Managing Director of the Agency was reported to have expressed confidence that the latest ratings would further boost the critical manpower need of NAMA especially in Area Radar Control Service.
He stressed that as part of management strategy to build a roboust safety infrastructure across the Nigeria Airspace, training and retraining of critical manpower has remain the focus of his administration.
A release signed by Olajumoke Adetona, Ag GM, NAMA stated this adding that the ATCs who cut across different cadres got their ratings after successfully passing the oral, practical and written examinations conducted in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, PHC as well as Benin airports and supervised by the regulatory authority.
It added that a total of 43 ATCs took part in the rigorous rating examinations held between November and December 2014 on Aerodrome, Approach Radar, Area Control Surveillance but 40 were successful.
While commending the successful ATCs, Engr Abdulsalam Ibrahim, Managing Director of the Agency was reported to have expressed confidence that the latest ratings would further boost the critical manpower need of NAMA especially in Area Radar Control Service.
He stressed that as part of management strategy to build a roboust safety infrastructure across the Nigeria Airspace, training and retraining of critical manpower has remain the focus of his administration.
Wednesday, 18 February 2015
The Criterion holds its 1436 AH/2015 annual seminar
The Criterion, an Organization of Muslim Women in Business and the Profession, Lagos District, has announced plans to hold its 1436 A.H/22nd of February 2015, Annual Seminar with the theme: Stability/Perseverance in the face of Adversity.
Speaking on the One-day event, the District Public Relations Officer, Tijani K. O affirmed that the seminar slated to hold at the Lagos State House of Assembly Mosque, Ikeja, will expose the attendees to inspirational and Soul uplifting lectures from high profile speakers with expertise in various fields on the theme.
The Theme for the day are: Maintaining Emotional and Psychological Balance for status Change(Marriage); Sustaining Social and Spiritual Stability in Time of Marital Stress with Dr Fauziyah Taiwo Oduguwa and Alhaji Nurain Titilayo Odunsi as Geust Speakers.
The seminar will also give room for free Medical Checkups and ample opportunity is available for buying and selling of goods.
On this development, The Criterion President for Lagos District, Dr Yaqub Jameela noted that the theme for the Seminar was specifically chosen due to the increasing rate of divorce in the Society and to her "The Association believes that when the home is stable, it translates to a better Society for all,"
Speaking on the One-day event, the District Public Relations Officer, Tijani K. O affirmed that the seminar slated to hold at the Lagos State House of Assembly Mosque, Ikeja, will expose the attendees to inspirational and Soul uplifting lectures from high profile speakers with expertise in various fields on the theme.
The Theme for the day are: Maintaining Emotional and Psychological Balance for status Change(Marriage); Sustaining Social and Spiritual Stability in Time of Marital Stress with Dr Fauziyah Taiwo Oduguwa and Alhaji Nurain Titilayo Odunsi as Geust Speakers.
The seminar will also give room for free Medical Checkups and ample opportunity is available for buying and selling of goods.
On this development, The Criterion President for Lagos District, Dr Yaqub Jameela noted that the theme for the Seminar was specifically chosen due to the increasing rate of divorce in the Society and to her "The Association believes that when the home is stable, it translates to a better Society for all,"
Monday, 1 December 2014
SAA Voyager, Recognition and Rewards Reinvented
South African Airways (SAA), has today announced revolutionary changes to SAA Voyager positioning it as the frequent flyer programme of choice on the African continent.
The changes according to a release are in line with the airline’s Long-Term Turnaround Strategy (LTTS). SAA Voyager is a key element of the SAA Group’s customer value proposition and aligns with SAA’s Vision of Africa’s Leading World-Class Airline.
Speaking on this development, Nico Bezuidenhout, SAA Acting Chief Executive said “In terms of the Strategy, our key deliverables for the Voyager programme are non-negotiable Immediate interventions were required to improve our customer value proposition to ensure customer retention in the highly competitive domestic, regional [Africa] and international market.”
Suretha Cruse, SAA Executive Customer Loyalty at the launch event of the Re5 campaign also said “The programme changes which, for the most part, will come into effect on 1 February 2015, focus on our enhanced customer value proposition. “Our members have spoken, experts and analysts have commented, and we have listened.”
The Re5 campaign, the release noted was anchored on five key programme changes. It has been designed to respond to Voyager members’ feedback; the objectives of the airline’s LTTS; and in alignment with SAA Voyager’s aspiration to become Africa’s Leading World-Class Loyalty Programme (SAA Voyager’s Vision).
The campaign was supported by an elegant marketing drive which has been rolled out on board SAA’s aircraft and billboards. SAA Voyager members will receive a newsletter detailing the elements of the Re5 changes
“SAA Voyager’s strategic objectives are clear in that we want to attract new and retain valued customers, by recognising their loyalty and reward them fairly through the earning and spending of Miles. Of equal importance, our objective is to provide excellent customer service. We are therefore delighted to present to our most valued customers a best-in-class and Africa-first revenue-based frequent traveller offer,” adds Cruse.
SAA Voyager also announced its expansion plan in terms of its future partnership categories for both earning and spending of Miles, thus reinforcing its intent to evolve from a multi-sector retail and travel frequent flyer programme to that of a purist loyalty programme. “Whilst earning and redeeming Miles will continue to be foremost about flying, we will as a priority, be securing a solid footprint on the African continent and every effort will be made to present our valued members with more choices for their Miles. We want to be part of their lifestyle and to each and every one of them we say, we would like to be: Forever Part of Your Journey”, she concluded at the exclusive SAA Voyager media launch.
The press release from the company also affirmed that effective from 1st February 2015, members should look forward to the following:
1. All SAA Voyager members world-wide will earn Miles for travel on flights operated by SAA, based on the ticket price (base fare and fuel levy) rather than the distance travelled. Under the new SAA exclusive earning structure, all members will receive 1 SAA Voyager Mile per ZAR 1.60 spent and the accumulation of Miles under this earning structure, will count towards Tier status. Silver, Gold, Platinum and Lifetime Platinum members will earn additional miles based on their status on the day of departure. SAA will furthermore no longer restrict its SAA Voyager members to a minimum or maximum amount of miles when travelling on flights operated by SAA.
2. All SAA Voyager members world-wide will be able to spend their Miles for any available seat for travel on flights operated by SAA.
3. The redemption of Miles under this new structure will be applicable to the base fare and fuel levy of a member’s requested flight(s), referred to as an SAA exclusive Dynamic Award. During the initial phase, SAA Voyager members will be able to use their Miles as full payment. During the course of 2015, part payment of Miles and cash will be introduced and members will be informed when the technology supporting this feature, has been finalised for implementation.
4. Based on the new SAA exclusive earning and spending structure, SAA Voyager members’ loyalty towards SAA will be rewarded with a leading principle of at least 5% return on their SAA spent when requesting an SAA exclusive Dynamic Award for an SAA operating flight. Therefore, if an SAA Voyager member has spent R5,000 on an SAA operating flight, a value of R250 in loyalty Miles as a currency will be available to spend towards an exclusive SAA Dynamic Award.
5. As part of these changes, which will be effective 1 January 2015, SAA Voyager reviewed and improved the benefits of members based on their status in the programme, ensuring that loyalty over time is rewarded.
The changes according to a release are in line with the airline’s Long-Term Turnaround Strategy (LTTS). SAA Voyager is a key element of the SAA Group’s customer value proposition and aligns with SAA’s Vision of Africa’s Leading World-Class Airline.
Speaking on this development, Nico Bezuidenhout, SAA Acting Chief Executive said “In terms of the Strategy, our key deliverables for the Voyager programme are non-negotiable Immediate interventions were required to improve our customer value proposition to ensure customer retention in the highly competitive domestic, regional [Africa] and international market.”
Suretha Cruse, SAA Executive Customer Loyalty at the launch event of the Re5 campaign also said “The programme changes which, for the most part, will come into effect on 1 February 2015, focus on our enhanced customer value proposition. “Our members have spoken, experts and analysts have commented, and we have listened.”
The Re5 campaign, the release noted was anchored on five key programme changes. It has been designed to respond to Voyager members’ feedback; the objectives of the airline’s LTTS; and in alignment with SAA Voyager’s aspiration to become Africa’s Leading World-Class Loyalty Programme (SAA Voyager’s Vision).
The campaign was supported by an elegant marketing drive which has been rolled out on board SAA’s aircraft and billboards. SAA Voyager members will receive a newsletter detailing the elements of the Re5 changes
“SAA Voyager’s strategic objectives are clear in that we want to attract new and retain valued customers, by recognising their loyalty and reward them fairly through the earning and spending of Miles. Of equal importance, our objective is to provide excellent customer service. We are therefore delighted to present to our most valued customers a best-in-class and Africa-first revenue-based frequent traveller offer,” adds Cruse.
SAA Voyager also announced its expansion plan in terms of its future partnership categories for both earning and spending of Miles, thus reinforcing its intent to evolve from a multi-sector retail and travel frequent flyer programme to that of a purist loyalty programme. “Whilst earning and redeeming Miles will continue to be foremost about flying, we will as a priority, be securing a solid footprint on the African continent and every effort will be made to present our valued members with more choices for their Miles. We want to be part of their lifestyle and to each and every one of them we say, we would like to be: Forever Part of Your Journey”, she concluded at the exclusive SAA Voyager media launch.
The press release from the company also affirmed that effective from 1st February 2015, members should look forward to the following:
1. All SAA Voyager members world-wide will earn Miles for travel on flights operated by SAA, based on the ticket price (base fare and fuel levy) rather than the distance travelled. Under the new SAA exclusive earning structure, all members will receive 1 SAA Voyager Mile per ZAR 1.60 spent and the accumulation of Miles under this earning structure, will count towards Tier status. Silver, Gold, Platinum and Lifetime Platinum members will earn additional miles based on their status on the day of departure. SAA will furthermore no longer restrict its SAA Voyager members to a minimum or maximum amount of miles when travelling on flights operated by SAA.
2. All SAA Voyager members world-wide will be able to spend their Miles for any available seat for travel on flights operated by SAA.
3. The redemption of Miles under this new structure will be applicable to the base fare and fuel levy of a member’s requested flight(s), referred to as an SAA exclusive Dynamic Award. During the initial phase, SAA Voyager members will be able to use their Miles as full payment. During the course of 2015, part payment of Miles and cash will be introduced and members will be informed when the technology supporting this feature, has been finalised for implementation.
4. Based on the new SAA exclusive earning and spending structure, SAA Voyager members’ loyalty towards SAA will be rewarded with a leading principle of at least 5% return on their SAA spent when requesting an SAA exclusive Dynamic Award for an SAA operating flight. Therefore, if an SAA Voyager member has spent R5,000 on an SAA operating flight, a value of R250 in loyalty Miles as a currency will be available to spend towards an exclusive SAA Dynamic Award.
5. As part of these changes, which will be effective 1 January 2015, SAA Voyager reviewed and improved the benefits of members based on their status in the programme, ensuring that loyalty over time is rewarded.
Friday, 28 November 2014
Unique roller coaster concept thrills Yas Mall diners
Abu Dhabi-based food and beverage concept development and investment company, The Roller Coaster Restaurant LLC, part of Group JWA, has opened its first UAE outlet with the launch of ROGO’S, a roller coaster inspired casual dining venue located in the capital’s latest retail hotspot, Yas Mall.
A one-of-a-kind dining concept with unique visual appeal both on and off the plate, the focal point of the 14,000-square foot restaurant is the network of 30 individual roller coaster tracks that loop, spiral and spin in and around diners to deliver an exciting menu of international comfort food directly to each table.
“The UAE is globally acknowledged as a groundbreaking destination for world firsts and with the world’s fastest roller coaster, the Formula Rossa, part of the neighbouring Ferrari World experience, ROGO’S offers a spectacular culinary experience for fun-loving diners looking for a new and exciting dining adventure,” said Jessica Wadih Al-Absi, Chairman & CEO, Group JWA.
“Each table has its own individually designed roller coaster track and a unique silent delivery system that thrills diners as they get to watch their food make a gravity-defying 360-degree journey to their table. Our state-of-the-art technology makes dining fun as it transports both cold and hot food and drinks along the multi-spiral, double loop and tornado tracks,” she added.
As well as its hi-tech high-flying food delivery system, the 378-seat restaurant provides guests with a fully integrated ordering system in the form of individual handheld tablets that allow them to order from the carefully crafted menu of delicious specialties.
The extensive menu covers all the culinary bases with dishes from the Americas to Europe and Asia. Signature dishes range from an Asparagus and Sweet Pea Risotto, topped with a Crispy Poached Egg and Hollandaise Sauce, to the DIY ROGO’S Tornado Burger, which offers a choice of 13 different toppings and a multitude of combinations. Those with a sweet tooth can enjoy the Upside-Down New York style Warm-Baked Cheesecake or the Sticky Date Pudding with Salted Caramel Ice Cream.
“Another unique element to the ROGO’S experience is the way our food is served. Each dish is presented in individual pots, making it a real journey of discovery from start to finish, and one that we know will resonate with children and fun-loving adults alike; because who doesn’t enjoy eating straight out of the pot?” noted Al-Absi.
British executive chef Paul Owens heads up the 34-person culinary team and has developed the menu to reflect dishes and flavours from across the globe using the freshest, highest quality ingredients and innovative combinations.
The Yas Mall location is the brand flagship and the first in what Al-Absi confirms will be a series of ROGO’S restaurants in both the UAE and the rest of the region.
“The global trend today is moving towards the development of eating and dining experiences that are fun and memorable; both our concept and our menu reflect this whilst, at the same time, consistently delivering on our commitment to quality, freshness and creativity,” she noted.
Friday, 14 November 2014
Madinat Jumeirah scores international sustainability certification first
Madinat Jumeirah resort in Dubai has been awarded international Green Globe certification across its entire luxury complex. The integrated resort is the first mixed-use hospitality destination in the world to receive the Green Globe badge of honour.
The resort’s three high profile hotels, popular conference centres and souk-themed mall were given the Green Globe seal of approval following a comprehensive sustainability audit conducted by Dubai-based consultancy Farnek, Green Globe’s preferred partner in the Middle East.
Margaret Paul, General Manager at Madinat Jumeirah, said: “We are proud to show leadership in sustainable practices and delighted to share this responsibility with our colleagues and guests. We work daily to ensure we create harmony at the resort, enhance the knowledge of our local culture and preserve our environment. In addition, we ensure our colleagues are valued and engaged, our customers have exhilarating experiences and our local community wellbeing is increased.”
The successful certification includes two firsts for the region. The Madinat Conference Centre became the first of its kind to be Green Globe certified in the Middle East & Africa and Souk Madinat also scooped the same accolade as the first shopping centre to be certified in the region.
“We were very impressed by the resort’s established track record of both employee and guest engagement and its associated achievements in the area of sustainability. Change and innovation are a cornerstone of Madinat Jumeirah’s corporate philosophy and this was a key driver in supporting the efforts of all five hospitality-related units in integrating a remarkable collection of environmental technologies over the past year, with the resort as a whole aiming for a 3% year-on-year increase in Green Globe sustainability criteria,” said Sandrine Le Biavant, Director Consultancy for Farnek, Green Globe’s Middle East partner and authorised auditor.
The trio of hotels has also been active in the area of waste management, investing in a composting machine and Al Qasr became one of the first UAE properties to implement the Bokashi Digester Compost Programme. Around 2.1 tonnes of composted waste per month are used to fertilise the resort’s gardens with the hotel also introducing a glass-crushing machine earlier this year.
Each individual operating unit within the resort also undergoes monthly monitoring and benchmarking using Farnek’s Hotel Optimizer programme to maximise performance and support further energy enhancement initiatives.
In addition, a new rooms management system at Dar Al Masyaf allows customers to control their own energy consumption using an iPad and Souk Madinat also implemented a new automatic door system in order to effectively partition specific areas of the operation to make further energy savings.
These examples, combined with other ongoing energy management practices have shown a 14% annual saving since 2008.
“Innovation extends beyond the implementation of technology and Madinat Jumeirah, the first audited property in the Middle East to have a dedicated Community Engagement Manager, also happens to be a UAE national and coordinates programmes supporting the community related to special needs, breast cancer, tobacco and diabetes,” noted Le Biavant.
The resort has a strong focus on Emiratisation and also on training in general, with its 3,000-plus employees all receiving environmental awareness and on-the-job waste management training.
Souk Madinat, which in itself represents the respect of the local architecture, is also the venue for a weekly farmer’s market targeting the local community as well as in-house guests.
The group’s Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project, one of its flagship initiatives, has seen the release of over 700 rehabilitated turtles back into their natural habitat over the last 10 years where, after initial treatment at the Burj Al Arab aquarium, they are accommodated at the Mina A’Salam rehabilitation pen prior to release. The resort also showcases its natural flora and fauna with a nature trail experience for guests.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)