If you need even more incentive to catch a pixelated creature on your smartphone screen, then head over to the Dusit Thani Dubai, where playing Pokémon Go could gain you an upgrade to your buffet package.
The first five players each day to catch a Pokémon on the hotel premises – and take a screengrab to prove it – can enjoy a free upgrade to the theme night dining packages at the Californian Restaurant.
The nightly buffet normally costs Dh165-210, with a Dh60 normally to upgrade to premium beverages – that’s the bit you could get free.
This package is the latest in a string of hopeful marketing plots to tap into the craze for augmented reality game, which combines GPS and smartphone camera technology to send players exploring the real environment. Dubai nightclubs Societe and VIP Room recently announced themed “Pokémon parties.”
The Dusit’s promotion lasts until the end of August, presuming the game – just three weeks old at the time of writing and yet to be officially released in the UAE – is still popular.
rgarratt@thenational.ae
Famous left-handers
- Marie Curie
- Jimi Hendrix
- Leonardo Di Vinci
- David Bowie
- Paul McCartney
- Albert Einstein
- Jack the Ripper
- Barack Obama
- Helen Keller
- Joan of Arc
if you go
The flights
Flydubai offers three daily direct flights to Sarajevo and, from June, a daily flight from Thessaloniki from Dubai. A return flight costs from Dhs1,905 including taxes.
The trip
The Travel Scientists are the organisers of the Balkan Ride and several other rallies around the world. The 2018 running of this particular adventure will take place from August 3-11, once again starting in Sarajevo and ending a week later in Thessaloniki. If you’re driving your own vehicle, then entry start from €880 (Dhs 3,900) per person including all accommodation along the route. Contact the Travel Scientists if you wish to hire one of their vehicles.
COMPANY PROFILE
Company: Eco Way
Started: December 2023
Founder: Ivan Kroshnyi
Based: Dubai, UAE
Industry: Electric vehicles
Investors: Bootstrapped with undisclosed funding. Looking to raise funds from outside
UAE athletes heading to Paris 2024
Equestrian
Abdullah Humaid Al Muhairi, Abdullah Al Marri, Omar Al Marzooqi, Salem Al Suwaidi, and Ali Al Karbi (four to be selected).
Judo
Men: Narmandakh Bayanmunkh (66kg), Nugzari Tatalashvili (81kg), Aram Grigorian (90kg), Dzhafar Kostoev (100kg), Magomedomar Magomedomarov (+100kg); women's Khorloodoi Bishrelt (52kg).
Cycling
Safia Al Sayegh (women's road race).
Swimming
Men: Yousef Rashid Al Matroushi (100m freestyle); women: Maha Abdullah Al Shehi (200m freestyle).
Athletics
Maryam Mohammed Al Farsi (women's 100 metres).
