Tourism & Hospitality | Wednesday 22 April, 2015 3:01 pm |

For the 2nd successful year in a row, Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana launched their “Battle of the Bottles” boat race on the 22nd of April 2015 within the framework of Earth Day. Earth Day is a unique and worldwide event in which environmental protection and awareness of climate change is highlighted to citizens around the world through various activities.

“Earth Day presents us with a unique opportunity to celebrate and mark the occasion by bringing awareness of our environment, climate change and the important issue of recycling to our colleagues, guests and the general public. In the process, the event is enormous fun and brings out in everyone the opportunity to display teamwork, innovation and competitive spirit.’ Said Mark Timbrell, the General Manager at Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana. “I thank everyone who was present along with our colleagues and congratulate them on their contribution and great efforts during a spectacular day that is to be always remembered.” The General Manager also thanked the panel of judges who were also present throughout the event including officials from the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi, Averda and Rotana Corporate Office.

After weeks of constructing boats out of recycled materials and plastic bottles, hard practicing, and dedication, 9 Rotana hotel teams along with in house guests marked their calendars on the 22nd of April for the mega event. The teams showcased their innovative recycled boats and made a splash by the beach side of the Arabian Gulf at Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana.

The morning started off with the General Manager’s opening speech whose words motivated the teams and highlighted the main competitions which included a Maori Haka Dance competition, a Mr. Neptune and Ms. Mermaid pageant and a kite flying contest with kites made from only recycled materials.

The adrenalin rush of the Haka dance, fired up the audience when faced with the fierce and powerful performance of traditional and Maori chanting and dancing which shook the beach sands with strong foot stamping and blew the audience’s minds away. The winning team that proudly held the trophy was Hala Arjaan.

Miss Mermaids were paraded around with Mr. Neptunes whilst the judges scored points for design, innovation and use of recycled materials in the costumes worn by competitors.
The main concept behind this competition was to highlight the importance of the sea perseverance and to enlighten the crowd about water pollution and contamination. It was indeed a lavish parade of beautifully shell-adorned costumes which were sparkling with recycled materials. The winning team to hold the trophy was Al Ain Rotana.

The main event of the morning was the Battle of the Bottles boat race and each hotel paddle powered their way to the island opposite and back again in a race that had all the elements of drama, competition, and excitement. It was a proud year for Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana as once again they held the trophy up high as the winners of the Battle of the Bottles race. Another competition was held for the best looking boat which represented a recyclable and sustainable concept from making the boat from all types of recyclable materials. The panel of judges decided which boat is most creative and granted to award the trophy to Al Maha Arjaan.

Enormous amounts of time and effort were dedicated for an exciting kite flying competition. The audience was dazzled by the teams’ showcase of vibrant colors of recycled kites that filled up the beach’s skyline and flew up across the air above the blue sea waters. The winning team that impressed the audience with flying colors and battled through for the best looking recyclable kite was Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana.

Among the competing participants were Hala Arjaan, Al Maha Arjaan, Centro Capital Centre, Centro Al Manhal, Al Rawda Arjaan, Beach Rotana, Park Rotana, Yas Island Rotana and Al Ain Rotana. Hotel General Managers, Department Heads, and several colleagues from different departments were also present during this educational day full of fun, laughter, loud cheers while the air was sweltering with the smell of competition.



About Rotana
Rotana currently manages a portfolio of over 100 properties throughout the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and Eastern Europe with an aggressive expansion plan in place. Rotana has chosen to acknowledge how precious time is by making all time spent in their range of hotels ‘Treasured Time’. This means Rotana has pledged to understand and meet the individual needs of all guests. In so doing, Rotana has evolved its product brands to include, Rotana Hotels & Resorts, Centro Hotels by Rotana, Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts by Rotana and Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana. Treasured Time. The Rotana promise to you.

Further information on any Rotana property, its brands or reservations can be obtained by visiting rotana.com or by contacting one of the regional sales offices.