DUBAI // The city's Virgin Megastores were in remarkably good shape yesterday after a visit by a giant, green man renowned for the trouble he has in managing his temper.
The Incredible Hulk and his fellow superhero, Iron Man, visited the shops in Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Mall to promote the DVD release of The Avengers, this year's global box-office smash.
The Hulk, with his ripped shirt and pants, was flown in from the US with his fellow Avenger.
The film made more than Dh10.6 million in UAE cinemas in its first five days, its local distributor Italia Film says.
"We released the DVD on August 29 and since then I have seen every third customer walking out with one in hand," said Olya Moskalenko, public relations manager for Virgin Middle East.
Dozens of children queued to have their pictures taken with the superheroes.
"I love the Avengers. They are cool," said Petros Christofides, 7. "My favourite Avenger is Thor but I really like Iron Man."
Petros' father Greg said he enjoyed taking his son to the event. "He loves the characters and I am glad he got to meet them."
Mohammed Mustafa, 8, said he was a Spider-Man fan but wanted to meet the Hulk in person. A roar from the not-so-jolly green giant barely fazed him.
"We had to drive from Abu Dhabi," said his father, Hatim.
amustafa@thenational.ae
Results
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,200m, Winner: ES Rubban, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Ibrahim Aseel (trainer)
5.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh85,000 (T) 1,200m, Winner: Al Mobher, Sczcepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
6pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m, Winner: Jabalini, Tadhg O’Shea, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
6.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 2,200m, Winner: AF Abahe, Tadgh O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
7pm: Handicap (PA) Dh85,000 (T) 1,600m, Winner: AF Makerah, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
7.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m, Winner: Law Of Peace, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar
Essentials
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.
Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.
In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes.
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.
