Radisson Blu Hotel, Kuwait

In 1948, during the first World Health Assembly held under the auspices of the newly established World Health Organization, it was decided that April 7th of every year would be marked as World Health Day.
The World Health Day has since the beginning been an attempt to bring focus on global health issues. Each World Health Day focuses on a particular theme and the WHO organizes international, regional and local events based around the theme. Many governments and NGOs across the world work along with the WHO in order to ensure that the message reaches the people and plans for future action are developed.
In 2012, the theme for the World Health Day is Ageing and Health. With life expectancy across the world increasing and birth rates falling, healthcare systems need to find new ways to cope with the changing demographics. Better long-term care is increasingly becoming urgent and healthier lifestyles need to become the norm.
With that in mind numerous initiatives have been launched across the world to mark the day this year. Among them, a massive Yogathon will be undertaken across 100 plus countries, with millions participating.
And to do our bit, we at Radisson Blu Hotel, Kuwait are organizing a 3km fun run from Messilah to Radisson Blu Hotel, Kuwait. Every one is invited to join the race. Transportation from our hotel to Messilah is provided. Please be at the hotel 8.15 prompt. The race begins at 9.00 am from Messilah

NO SMOKING DAY -MARCH 12TH 2012
Today we are celebrating a “No Smoking Day” which was first introduced in 1984 by a committee of representatives from organizations with an interest in smoking and health & was registered as a charity in 1991 and in 2011 the charity was merged with the British Heart Foundation.
The idea behind this day is to support those smokers who want to quit; research shows that around three in every four smokers would like to stop.
You may not be aware but despite lots of warnings and global campaigns smoking is still one of the biggest public health threats people ever faced. It kills 5 million people a year (one person every 5 seconds) and additionally 600 thousand non smokers die from the exposure to smoking annually. 30% of the male population smokes, 15 billion cigarettes are sold every day, and approx 90 thousand children start smoking on a daily basis. If any immediate action is not taken, WHO predicts, that the annual smoking related death rate may reach 8mln people a year in 2030.
This sounds a bit scary and unfortunately half of the smokers think that smoking cannot be so dangerous.
Well, looks like it really is!
The Rezidor hotel group which we are part of, runs a Responsible program which supports the ‘No smoking day’. Our smoking employees refrained from smoking today to participate in the” No smoking day” campaign.
Well done guys. It may be the first step to quitting which I wish all of you to do.

Numerous early Christian martyrs were named Valentine, and February 14 was marked to celebrate the martyrdoms of two of these priests. However, no romantic elements are present in the original early medieval biographies of these martyrs. Myths and stories without much basis romanticizing these saints laid the foundation of the Valentine’s Day tradition.
In fact, the first recorded association of Valentine’s Day with romantic love is in Parliament of Foules (1382) written by Geoffrey Chaucer. The poem was written to honor the first anniversary of the engagement of King Richard II of England to Anne of Bohemia. From then, the day and its association with romance have found mentions in the works of writers like William Shakespeare and John Donne until modern times.

Despite its clear Christian origin, Valentine’s Day enjoys universal celebration. The reason for that is the simple basis of love transcending cultural, religious and national boundaries. In present times, thus, Valentines Day is celebrated around the world as an ode to love. Usually, it is a day where couples profess their affection for each other. However, with time, that idea has broadened, with February 14 also being marked as a day to appreciate family and close friends.

Join us to celebrate love with your family & friends at Rangoli restaurant, while listening to LIVE romantic love songs from the duo of Irina & Witold.

Valentine’s buffet dinner with live music in Rangoli Restaurant – KD 14.000 per person from 6.00 pm onwards

Al Boom steak & seafood Restaurant: – A la carte dinner from 6.00 pm onwards

For reservations – please call on 2567 3000

Chinese New Year  

Every year, the people of China mark the end of winter and the beginning of spring, with the pomp and grandeur of New Year festivities. Because the Chinese calendar is luni-solar, the New Year is often referred to as the Lunar New Year. The festival begins on the first day of the first month in the traditional Chinese calendar and ends with Lantern Festival, which is on the 15th day.
It is one of the oldest holidays in the Chinese calendar. There are several myths and traditions attached to the festival. One of the most popular ones is that of the beast called Nian. Each year Nian would torment villagers on the first day of New Year. He would eat livestock, crops, and even villagers. Hence in order to protect themselves, people would put food in front of their doors at the beginning of every year. It was believed that after Nian ate the food, it wouldn’t attack anyone. However, one day it was seen, that Nian was scared away of a little child, wearing red. Taking cue from that the people began to hang red lanterns and red spring scrolls on windows and doors, and even used firecrackers to frighten Nian. And with time, that is a tradition that has continued.
Another interesting aspect of the Chinese calendar is the Shēngxiào, i.e., the Chinese Zodiac. This scheme links each year to an animal and its attributes. As in the Western zodiac system where people are classified into a sign based on the month and date of birth, in the Chinese system, people are classified based on the year of the birth. And this year, marks the arrival of the Dragon. Occupying the 5th position in the Chinese Zodiac, the Dragon is the mightiest of the 12 signs, symbolizing character traits as dominance and ambition.In present times, the New Year is a time for families to get together and celebrate. People from all over the country return to their hometown to be with their loved ones. Traditionally, on New Year’s Eve families gather for their annual reunion dinner, known as Chú Xī  or Eve of the Passing Year. They also buy presents, decoration, material, food, and clothing. It is also a tradition that every family thoroughly cleans the house to sweep away any ill fortune and invite good luck. Most importantly though, the New Year is a time for peace and people are urged to reconcile, forget all grudges and sincerely wish joy and happiness for everyone. 
Join us at the Rangoli restaurant on the Spice route buffet on Wednesday – January 25^th and February 1^st 2012 with specials from China to celebrate the Chinese new year, created by Chef Jun & his team. Sample prawns on toast, roasted duck with garlic, sweet & sour chicken, Beef Mongolian & many more. For more information & reservation, please contact 25673000.

Karen Edwards live performance in Al Hashemi Grand Ballroom, Radisson Blu Hotel, Kuwait

2012 begins with the world class American Jazz & Soul singer Karen Edwards on January 26^th 2012, performing in Al Hashemi Grand Ballroom.

A short bio of Ms. Edwards

The daughter of the musical director of the local Baptist church in Greenville, South Carolina, Karen Edwards was destined for a glorious career in the world of music.

With her father as her teacher, she was inspired by the heady tunes of soul and gospel music. That early learning offered her a solid foundation. And she built upon that during her years at North Texas University.

Since then, there was no looking back, as this masterful pianist and soulful vocalist, enthralled audiences across the United States and Europe. In the span of her career, she has collaborated with several icons of the music industry, such as Stevie Wonder, Peabo Bryson, Tonny Bennett, Prince to name a few.

Apart from delighting audiences across the world with her musical gifts, Karen has also found time to share her skills with those keen to learn the art. She teaches jazz singing and improvisation at Munchen Richard Strauss Music Conservatory in Germany.

We at the Radisson Blu are thrilled to bring to you one of the brightest stars in the world of jazz and soul. Join us for a live performance by Karen Edwards on January 26, 2012, at 8 pm at the Al Hashemi II Grand Ballroom.

Christmas at Radisson Blu Hotel, Kuwait

It is less than a week till we celebrate Christmas.
On December 25, the world will be celebrating Christmas. The day is celebrated to mark the birth of Jesus Christ. Although the precise date of Jesus’ birth is unknown, in the 4th century, the Western Christian Church placed Christmas on December 25. Some people believe that this date was chosen as it falls exactly nine months after the Christian celebration of the miraculous conception of Jesus.

However, as much as Christmas is a religious festival, it is also a cultural event, synonymous with Santa Claus, the Christmas tree and an exchange of presents. Each year families and friends get together to eat, sing carols and rejoice. Every house decorates an evergreen coniferous tree with lights, ornaments, garlands, candy canes. At the bottom of the tree, gifts are placed, and it is believed that Santa Claus, also known Father Christmas, shall bring gifts to the homes of the good children during Christmas Eve and leave them beneath the tree. It is as the carol says, a season to be jolly and thankful for all the good things in life.

To celebrate Christmas this year…our hotel is preparing special Christmas eve dinner and Christmas brunch at Rangoli restaurant. Al Boom will be open in the evening, serving an ala carte menu.
Christmas goodies are available at Rangoli restaurant and the Viking cafe in the Viking Club

It is less than a week till we celebrate Eid Al Adha. Eid Al Adha will be celebrated this year on 6th November (+-1 day) depending on the country. The Festival of Sacrifice is a religious festival celebrated by Muslims and it annually falls on the 10th day of the month of Dul Hijja of the last month of the lunar Islamic calendar.
Eid Al-Kabir (the greater eid) also called Eid al-Adha is one of the two most important Islamic festivals. It lasts for three days, it occurs at the conclusion of the annual Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca. Muslims all over the world celebrate Eid Al-Adha, not simply those undertaking the Hajj, which for most Muslims is a once-a-lifetime occurrence.
Eid Al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, commemorates the prophet Abraham’s willingness to obey Allah by sacrificing his son Ishmael. According to the Qu’ran, just before Abraham sacrificed his son, Allah replaced Ishmael with a ram, thus sparing his life.
To celebrate Eid Al Adha, our hotel prepared a special program. Rangoli restaurant will serve special Eid lunch and Eid dinner buffet. Al Boom will be open in the evening and serve an ala carte menu.
Eid Mubarak! Happy Eid!

Concert of Hope press conference with Dr. Sabriya ( Hope Foundation), Abdul Rahman Al Mahmeed (opera singer), Ms Alison Price (APS)

On Friday 28th October at 19.00, the third Concert of Hope will be held at the Al Hashemi Ballroom, Radisson Blu Hotel, Kuwait. This beautiful musical black tie event under the patronage of H.E. The British Ambassador Mr. Frank Baker O.B.E. is in association with The Kuwait Chamber Philharmonia. This evening of musical delight will feature opera singing sensation from Arabs Got Talent , Kuwait ‘s own opera singer Abdul Rahman Al Mahmeed and variety of musical talent All proceeds go to Kuwait and International charities, including BAACH Bayt Abdullah’s children Hospice for terminally ill children.
Tickets are available at the Viking Club for KD 5 and The Diary of Hope 2012 will be launched and available for purchase on the evening, a stunning memento and gift which will give hope to so many in need. Donations will be gratefully received by the registered charity The Hope Foundation.
If you still hesitate whether to attend, please have a look at the short recording taken during the first Concert of Hope in 2009.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MC1P0GtCCQg 
Enjoy the show!

What is new on the Viking Club’s menu? We have just introduced four new activities and we hope you find them attractive.

     -  Capoeira for kids. This is a Brazilian art that combines elements of martian arts, music and sports. It is known for quick complex moves, kicks, and quick leg sweeps. It gives your body lots of physical strength, eliminates back pain problems and improves flexibility. Your kids will definitely enjoy it.

     – Aqua Aerobics for ladies. This form of exercise will let you easily get into shape without sweat. These exercises performed in a swimming pool will tone your body, improve your fitness level and help with weight loss. Aqua aerobics exercises have also another benefits over traditional forms of aerobics. Since the buoyancy of water supports 90% of the body weight almost anyone can perform these exercises regardless their fitness or obesity level and age.

     – Pilates. This form of exercise emphasises the balanced development of the body thorough core strength, flexibility and awareness in order to support efficient graceful movement. The great thing about pilates is that it can be performed by wide range of people athletes, non athletes, elder people, pregnant women and rehabilitation patients ( with doctor advice)

     – Kids activities. We will keep your kids occupied and in the meantime you can relax by the pool or attend some of our classes.

Commit to be Fit! Join our club or simply attend some of the classes.

     There are many ways and places to say “I do”. Most of you probably dream of the perfect wedding day. It is one of the most important days in our lives so it is understandable that we want to turn it into an unforgettable event. Some couples go for more adventurous and unique styles of getting married far away from their home countries while others decide to follow a traditional pattern of organizing the celebration in their home town hall or a hotel venue surrounded by family and friends.
     It is also worth mentioning that wedding traditions and customs vary between cultures. Most of you who live here in the Middle East are probably aware of these differences. However as I mentioned at the beginning, despite the culture and custom differences wedding was and will be one of the most important days in our lives.
Those of you who decide to get married in the more traditional way think of a venue first. In this case we would be delighted to offer you our　 Al Hashemi Grand ballroom. It is the only venue of its kind, the Guinness Record holder is the largest wooden ship ever built. The venue through its unique interior design incorporating gold plated walls and hand crafted wooden floors creates the perfect setting and believe me, apart from a cosher ( which is traditional for Arabic weddings) does not require any other decoration. 
     The Radisson Blu Hotel, Kuwait staff through years of experience in this field, knows exactly importance of this day in life of every young couple. The variety of menus especially designed for this occasion will definitely make impression on guests. We offer a five layer wedding cake and ice sculptures. Our bridal suite located just next to the venue allows the bride to get ready away from a view of her guests and make the right impression while entering the ballroom.
     People say that wedding is all about the bride? We agree however we also thought about the groom and designed a special men’s wedding package.
Our hotel caters not only for Arabic weddings, even though they are the most popular, we also offer special Indian and mix wedding packages.

For more details contact sales.kuwait@radissonblu.com or 00965 2567 3000.