Mama Shelter Dubai has opened as the city's newest hotel.
The skyscraper property in Business Bay has finally opened its doors to guests.
It's the first property in the Middle East for the flamboyant hotel brand, which is known for its bold personality, inclusivity and affordability. Located on Al Asayel Street near Dubai Canal, the four-star accommodation is being marketed as for playfulness, fun and celebrating Dubai's melting pot of cultures.
“What inspired me was the idea of a 'crossroads of civilisations', somewhat like a modern trading post connecting the East and the West,” said Benjamin El Doghaili, head of design at Mama Shelter Dubai. “You'll find nods to the East, but also a melting pot of influences from Western cultures.”
The hotel has four outdoor swimming pools on its terrace – including Mama Skypool, which offers poolside dining and Dubai skyline views – and a private, 50-seat outdoor cinema.
Dining options include Mama Trattoria, which serves Italian food, as well as Mama Restaurant, which specialises in brasserie-style dishes. In keeping with the brand’s sharing and inclusivity ethos, diners can expect family-size tables where everyone is welcome.
Partying is also encouraged, and there are neon lights aplenty, DJ sets and live music, plus Mamm's Bar – a stylish venue inspired by 1920s speakeasies.
Room rates start at Dh483 for a medium Mama Double room with a king-size bed in low-season. The XL Mama Suite is designed for families, while the largest XXL Mama Crazy Suite sleeps up to four adults and has a private bar and Jacuzzi. Travellers hoping to be among the first to stay at the resort will be able to book from Dh650. All rooms have city views, satin bedsheets and organic toiletries from the brand’s own Mama Skin range.
The hotel eschews traditional star-rating systems. “In Dubai, at a time when all the world’s luxury hotels compete in a Star Wars battle for five, six or even seven stars and hotels are replete with marble and thick carpets, Mama Shelter has simply chosen to settle here, preserving its soul and character,” explained Serge Trigano, co-founder of the hotel brand.
Mama Shelter was founded in France, where the first property opened in Paris in 2008. Today, the brand is part of Ennismore and Accor, and has more than 17 hotels around the world.
More expansion plans are in place with new openings earmarked for several destinations, including Singapore, Zurich and Amsterdam.
RESULTS
Catchweight 82kg
Piotr Kuberski (POL) beat Ahmed Saeb (IRQ) by decision.
Women’s bantamweight
Corinne Laframboise (CAN) beat Cornelia Holm (SWE) by unanimous decision.
Welterweight
Omar Hussein (PAL) beat Vitalii Stoian (UKR) by unanimous decision.
Welterweight
Josh Togo (LEB) beat Ali Dyusenov (UZB) by unanimous decision.
Flyweight
Isaac Pimentel (BRA) beat Delfin Nawen (PHI) TKO round-3.
Catchweight 80kg
Seb Eubank (GBR) beat Emad Hanbali (SYR) KO round 1.
Lightweight
Mohammad Yahya (UAE) beat Ramadan Noaman (EGY) TKO round 2.
Lightweight
Alan Omer (GER) beat Reydon Romero (PHI) submission 1.
Welterweight
Juho Valamaa (FIN) beat Ahmed Labban (LEB) by unanimous decision.
Featherweight
Elias Boudegzdame (ALG) beat Austin Arnett (USA) by unanimous decision.
Super heavyweight
Maciej Sosnowski (POL) beat Ibrahim El Sawi (EGY) by submission round 1.
A little about CVRL
Founded in 1985 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) is a government diagnostic centre that provides testing and research facilities to the UAE and neighbouring countries.
One of its main goals is to provide permanent treatment solutions for veterinary related diseases.
The taxidermy centre was established 12 years ago and is headed by Dr Ulrich Wernery.
Five famous companies founded by teens
There are numerous success stories of teen businesses that were created in college dorm rooms and other modest circumstances. Below are some of the most recognisable names in the industry:
- Facebook: Mark Zuckerberg and his friends started Facebook when he was a 19-year-old Harvard undergraduate.
- Dell: When Michael Dell was an undergraduate student at Texas University in 1984, he started upgrading computers for profit. He starting working full-time on his business when he was 19. Eventually, his company became the Dell Computer Corporation and then Dell Inc.
- Subway: Fred DeLuca opened the first Subway restaurant when he was 17. In 1965, Mr DeLuca needed extra money for college, so he decided to open his own business. Peter Buck, a family friend, lent him $1,000 and together, they opened Pete’s Super Submarines. A few years later, the company was rebranded and called Subway.
- Mashable: In 2005, Pete Cashmore created Mashable in Scotland when he was a teenager. The site was then a technology blog. Over the next few decades, Mr Cashmore has turned Mashable into a global media company.
- Oculus VR: Palmer Luckey founded Oculus VR in June 2012, when he was 19. In August that year, Oculus launched its Kickstarter campaign and raised more than $1 million in three days. Facebook bought Oculus for $2 billion two years later.
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
