Posts made in June 2020

Tim Kash Interviews Saweetie

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“Tap In” and “My Type” Rapper, Saweetie, sits down with Tim Kash and discusses her upcoming album, as well as the current headlines surrounding the speculation of lynchings and how she is involved in the Black Lives Matter movement. Streaming today (6/24) only on Quibi. Watch a preview clip HERE.

“Musicology with Tim Kash” by iHeartRadio is a daily, fast-paced, and colorful collage of must-know information about pop music today. It will highlight everything that is worth talking about in popular music right now, go behind the scenes with artists and dive into why you like the songs you like.

Where to watch Musicology with Tim Kash: Streaming NOW on Quibi

Kathryn Dean × High School Nation

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Singer, songwriter and recording artist Kathryn Dean performed her newest anthem “Friends (Don’t Wanna Be)” exclusively on High School Nation’s QuaranTeen Instagram Live series on Monday, June 22nd at noon PST, as part of an exclusive engagement for the community platform. Dean’s exclusive 7-song performance, streamed on the company’s Instagram Live, featured all new songs, including an unreleased stripped-down version of “Told You So,” the pop songstress’ 2014 international breakthrough hit, which earned her a devout following in Latin America and has to date garnered over 30-million views on YouTube. An exclusive, live fan Q&A with iHeart Radio host TyeHollywood preceded the performance, both of which can be viewed on High School Nation’s IGTV profile here.

When asked about her plan for the performance, Dean said she feels it is important to, “address the emotional struggle that comes from trying to maintain relationships while being separated from one another, and to celebrate our ability to overcome obstacles and grow from those experiences.”

Via her social media yesterday, Dean announced a contest that will give fans the opportunity to design official cover art for her next single “Exhale.” The winner will have their design featured as the track’s official artwork when it releases this coming fall across all digital and streaming platforms. Watch the announcement here for further details.

Showcasing Dean’s impressive vocal range, “Friends (Don’t Wanna Be)” tackles the emotional struggle that comes with being separated from one another, and the celebration of our ability to overcome such obstacles. Dean said of writing the song, “What started as a way to work through my mixed emotions turned into a reminder that my need to create music and desire to achieve my dream are stronger than anyone’s efforts to diminish my confidence for the benefit of their egos.” One of those dreams, to write chart topping songs, is a milestone she has been striving for since she began writing and recording original music in high school.

Working to achieve this goal since high school, most recently, Dean has embarked on a mission to make a chart topping single with acclaimed producer and pop chart veteran of nearly 20 #1 hits, Sandy Vee (Katy Perry, “Firework,” Rihanna, “Only Girl in the World,” David Guetta, “Sexy Bitch” and many more). Their creative process will be the subject of a docuseries, with the first episode due out later this year. The series follows Dean and Sandy as they embark on a mission to make her high school dreams come true with Sandy’s next chart topping single. As they progress, the duo relies on Sandy’s years of success, insight and experience combined with KD’s fresh lyrical style and powerful, Adele-rivaling, vocals to navigate obstacles and adapt to making music under quarantine. Capturing a unique time in music history, Dean and Sandy Vee offer audiences a raw look at the formula of art and science behind creating a hit song, from writing its first notes to recording, releasing and performing the song. Viewers will get the chance to follow this unconventional approach and be offered unique opportunities to engage with Dean and Sandy as their process unfolds. The episodic series will culminate with a feature length documentary film submission for Sundance and the Film Festival circuit in 2021.

All High School Nation subscribers currently have exclusive access to download “Friends (Don’t Wanna Be)” now via an exclusive code. The track is officially set to release on July 17th to all digital and streaming platforms. For more information, please visit https://highschoolnation.com/.

About Kathryn Dean:

Kathryn Dean has amassed a digital footprint of over 100 million views on YouTube, with 30 million alone generated from her 2014 international smash hit “Told You So.” She ranked in at #1 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart for 7 weeks straight with her song “City of Angels,” and DELTA Airlines bought the rights to her track “Blue Skies,” which they used as their exclusive boarding/inflight theme song. Taking inspiration from wide range of genres, including Country, Christian, Pop and Alternative influences, Dean captured the hearts of Latin American listeners, currently home to her strongest army of fans, which also happens to be the second highest streaming market in the world. Her songs have caught the attention of multiple major North American TV networks, and recently had music featured in promos for CBS’s “All Rise” and was featured in a long running campaign for the network’s hit show “SWAT.” Dean also consistently works with top Grammy award winning producers around the globe including: No Expectations (Adele, Sia, Maren Morris) Andrew Wells (Bebe Rexha, Meghan Trainor), Benjamin Rice (Lady Gaga, Selena Gomez, Julia Michaels), Sandy Vee (Katy Perry) and Linda Perry to name a few.

About High School Nation:

High School Nation is the largest provider of free events for public high schools in the US. Distance Learning has created an opportunity for HSN to bring these same opportunities to students at home. Through the generous donation of their time, HSN is bringing musicians, athletes and other creative professionals directly to students digitally. Each weekday is focused on a different profession. Follow HSN for more information on the upcoming guests and to submit your questions.

Save The Girls Success

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Owner and founder of ‘Save The Girls’ Tami Lange knows the power of publicity and proved it for not the first time when she sold over 14,000 of her ‘Touchscreen Purses’ right after a feature on ‘Good Morning America’ (GMA). To see the presentation from GMA click HERE.

The segment aired on June 23, 2020. Since the start of the Coronavirus/Covid-19 lockdown Lange, with her retail business all but gone, leveraged televised publicity about her line of touch screen purses to drive online sales. But the Tuesday appearance on “Good Morning America” set a new record.

Televised presentations helped inform millions of viewers about how beneficial, affordable, and practical the line of Save The Girls Touchscreen Purses are. Were it not for the boost of awareness the televised promotion brought, she might have had to consider temporarily closing. This as the 2500 retail outlets that carry her purses were closed for 3 months, and some remain shuttered.

More Than A Slump

Sales of the Save The Girls Touchscreen Purse all but stopped during the Coronavirus/Covid-19 pandemic lockdown. The once-thriving start-up’s sales were off by 95%. Lange quickly pivoted to find new opportunities. Her web site could accommodate sales without any major change. Television features with ‘America’s Got Talent’ judge, Howie Mandel followed by another on ‘The View’ provided enough revenue for her enterprise to remain viable. The latest on GMA will allow Save The Girls to stay in business and sell during the important ‘Back To School’ shopping season. Save The Girls will also feature protective gear for wearers in uncertain times. These include the ‘Soft Solution Scarf’ and others coming very soon.

About Save The Girls

Save The Girls is a women-owned business that manufactures ‘Touch Screen Purses’ which allows owners to use their cell phones to text, answer calls, and perform other smartphone functions without removing them from the purse.

Mae Muller – Video

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MAE MULLER RELEASES “I DON’T WANT YOUR MONEY” (ACOUSTIC) AND ACCOMPANYING VIDEO TODAY WATCH/LISTEN HERE COMBINED GLOBAL STREAMS OF MULLER’S SONGS SURPASS 67 MILLION

“Unapologetic, self-assured and fiercely independent, Mae Muller is the next big British sensation.” – PAPER

Today Mae Muller shares ‘I Don’t Want Your Money (Acoustic)’ and its accompanying video. Self-shot in isolation, the dreamlike visual plays out the lyrics to the track displayed as Mae’s thoughts, while Jimmy Napes accompanies her on the guitar. Watch the video, which premiered today on YouTube, HERE. The original single, co-written by Muller and produced by Jimmy Napes, (Sam Smith, Khalid, Alicia Keys) showcases Muller’s stripped back vocals, sharply juxtaposed with her fierce lyrics- a distinct reminder of her status as an independent young woman.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the track she explains, “I wrote ‘I Don’t Want Your Money’ just under 2 years ago now, and I’m so happy it’s finally out! I just wanted to show that there are other ways to be treated, rather than just materialistically, especially if you make your own money! I’m financially independent so you have to find other ways to impress me, I don’t need anything else apart from love and affection. Treat me with respect and we’re GOOD.” Hailed as “a clear pop sensation in the making” by Wonderland and the “new queen” by NYLON, Muller’s music pairs self-assured lyrics with strong narratives and entwined soulful pop melodies – a style that is quickly cementing the young London-based artist as a spokeswoman of her generation.

“I know what I want to say, and I know what the message is that I want to get across,” says Muller. “I want women and young girls going through hard shit to put on my songs and feel better. We’re going through this together.” Released last month, the official “I Don’t Want Your Money” video was self-shot by Muller on her iPhone at home and directed remotely by Sophie Muller (No Doubt, Selena Gomez, Rihanna, Beyoncé). Watch it HERE. Combined global streams of Muller’s song are approaching 70 million.

“I Don’t Want Your Money” comes on the heels of her early 2020 single, “Therapist,” which landed on over 45 Spotify playlists as well as Apple Music’s A-List Pop, In My Room, Future Hits and more.

WHAT THE PRESS HAS TO SAY ABOUT MAE MULLER…

“London singer Mae Muller rules.” – The FADER

“Mae Muller’s witty and brutally honest lyrics set her apart from her peers…” – GQ

“Sound the horns because a new queen is here.” – NYLON

“A clear pop sensation in the making…” – Wonderland

“Expect an abundance of attitude…” – TheGuardian

Photo Credit: Rosaline Shahnavaz

Download hi-res photo HERE

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Evan Giia – Focus Video

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EVAN GIIA SHARES ACOUSTIC VERSION OF “FOCUS”

Video Features Moving Performance By GIIA At Boston Harbor

Download / Stream HERE

View Video HERE

EVAN GIIA takes her already-contemplative single “FOCUS” and cuts even closer to the bone in a new version of the track, released today by Astralwerks. “FOCUS” (Acoustic), which finds GIIA accompanied simply by guitar, marks the first time she has released an acoustic version of one of her songs. Download / stream HERE. GIIA filmed the video for “FOCUS” (Acoustic) while quarantining at her parents’ home in rural Massachusetts. Drafting her brother to shoot the clip, GIIA settled on a stunning location at the edge of nearby Boston Harbor and delivered an intimate, incredibly vulnerable performance of “FOCUS” at dusk.

View the video, which premiered earlier today on Euphoria, HERE. Hailed as “an inspired anthem with a feel-good message” by V Magazine, “FOCUS” is the latest in a series of singles GIIA has released since signing to Astralwerks. Wonderland said, “We defy you to listen to [‘SIDELINES’]… and not feel your heart tempo kick up a few notches.” The New Nine said, “EVAN GIIA is the new cool girl to keep on your radar…’Switch Off’ is upbeat, pulsing and sure to be on repeat on your playlists.” Earmilk observed, “EVAN GIIA is the gutsy, barnstorming pop singer making quite a splash with her unique sonic panache and kinetic live persona.” Earlier this month, GIIA headlined the Saturday night of Proximity/Brownies and Lemonade’s Digital Mirage virtual festival.

The Brooklyn-based, Berklee College of Music alumna has performed at Firefly, Bonnaroo, Coachella, CRSSD and Los Angeles State Historic Park and shared stages with the likes of ODESZA, Jai Wolf and Big Wild. A classically trained opera singer, GIIA’s voice adds a distinctive touch to her electronic pop crossover sound. She made her recording debut on the MEMBA track “Heat of the Moment,” featuring alongside Hoosh. The song was named Single of the Week by BBC Radio 1. Released by ODESZA’S Foreign Family Collective in 2018, GIIA’s breakout single “WESTWORLD” and the accompanying music video propelled her to #1 on Hype Machine. Combined global streams of the song now exceed 10 million. Since the release of “WESTWORLD,” GIIA has been in sessions with Hudson Mohawke, Georgia Ku, Nate Campany, Kyle Shearer, Chris Lyon, RITUAL, OjiVolta, Kate Morgan, CHVRCHES, What So Not, Matias Mora and Larzz.

ABOUT ASTRALWERKS:

Established in 1993 in New York City, Astralwerks was the brainchild of Caroline Records staffers who saw an opportunity for a label focused on the nascent electronic and ambient scene. Now based at the historic Capitol Records Tower in Hollywood, Astralwerks has emerged as a modern, artist-first label and the #1 market share leader for dance/electronic music in the U.S. Combining a scalable, independent and global-thinking ethos with the ability to tap into the resources of a major label has enabled Astralwerks to sign such artists as ILLENIUM, Jonas Blue, Alison Wonderland, EDEN, ZHU and Alesso. As a testament to its pioneering approach, Astralwerks has amassed 30 GRAMMY® nominations, taken home six GRAMMY Awards and had historic releases from the likes of The Chemical Brothers, Swedish House Mafia, Halsey, Porter Robinson, Phoenix, Eric Prydz, Fatboy Slim and many others. The label has also released such massive singles as the 5x Platinum “Happier” by Marshmello + Bastille and FISHER’s “Losing It.”

Gleaves Whitney × Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation

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Gleaves Whitney, who has served as director of the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at Grand Valley State University since 2003, has been chosen to fill the role of executive director for the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation (GRFPF) effective Sept. 1. He will replace Joe Calvaruso, who will retire after serving as the Foundation’s executive director since 2008.

“Gleaves has a strong background developing successful collaborations and partnerships, which will be beneficial for the Foundation’s relationships with the National Archives and Records Administration, the Ford Museum and Library, the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan, as well as Grand Rapids community and nationwide entities,” said GRFPF Board Chair Mike Ford, son of President Gerald R. Ford and Betty Ford.

Credited with establishing the first sustained and comprehensive common ground initiative in U.S. higher education, Whitney received a National Endowment for the Humanities grant for the program. Through his leadership, the Hauenstein Center has hosted major conferences that have helped revive the study of Midwestern history and launched the nation’s first presidential question-and-answer column, “Ask Gleaves.” He also developed the Peter C. Cook Leadership Academy at the Hauenstein Center, which now has more than 400 alumni serving in communities around the nation.

“Gleaves brings to the Foundation an exciting and innovative vision for our future work, both across Michigan and throughout the nation,” said Ford. “We have great confidence that he will help us continue to advance the strong legacy of my father and mother for the greater good of our American democracy and the national well-being of all people.”

Whitney was selected from a pool of candidates following a comprehensive national search. Calvaruso will assist Whitney with his transition through the end of August.

“I am honored to be selected as the new executive director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation and to bring the legacy of President and Mrs. Ford to a new generation of Americans,” Whitney said. “The Ford family, Foundation trustees, and Joe Calvaruso have been instrumental in shaping what the Foundation is today, bringing critically important conversations about our nation’s 38th president to the forefront of our national dialogue. I am extremely humbled to have the opportunity to build on their considerable achievements.”

Before joining the Hauenstein Center, Whitney served in Michigan Governor John Engler’s administration as a senior writer, chief speechwriter, and historian, and also assisted in the creation of the Michigan Department of History, Arts, and Libraries. He earned a bachelor’s degree in social sciences from Colorado State University, Fort Collins; and a master’s degree in history from the University of Michigan. He was presented with a Doctor of Humane Letters from the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology, Berkley California; and was selected as a Fulbright Scholar to West Germany (1984-1985).

About the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation

The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation fosters increased awareness of the life, career, values, and legacy of America’s 38th President. It does so through activities designed to promote the high ideals of integrity, honesty, and candor that defined President Ford’s extraordinary career of public service. The Foundation promotes the ideas, values, commitment to public service, and historical legacy of President Gerald R. Ford, and further promotes greater civic engagement and recognition of integrity wherever it exists in the public arena. It supports permanent and changing exhibits designed to promote historical literacy; conferences; educational outreach and other programs, both scholarly and popular, including at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum.

Purdue University × Beck’s Hybrids

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Today, Purdue University announced that Beck’s, a family-owned and -operated seed company, intends to open a satellite location in Purdue’s Discovery Park District.

Officials from Beck’s worked with Carr Workplaces – a pioneer and leader in the co-working industry – to establish a location in the Convergence Center for Innovation and Collaboration. Convergence is located in Discovery Park District, adjacent to the Purdue campus.

“This location will provide opportunities to increase our collaborations with the university, the Purdue Foundry and innovators in agricultural research,” said Scott Beck, president of Beck’s. “A location in Purdue’s Discovery Park District gives Beck’s access and exposure to high-quality talent.”

With the new space, Beck’s intends to partner with Purdue faculty and researchers from across campus, representing different colleges and multiple disciplines.

“Having an ag company, like Beck’s, commit to a presence down the street from our college opens the door to unique opportunities for our students and faculty,” said Karen Plaut, the Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture. “In addition to the potential research collaborations, I am looking forward to seeing how our students can network with individuals from Beck’s to gain valuable industry insight.”

The $1 billion-plus Discovery Park District is a Purdue Research Foundation entity adjacent to the Purdue University campus and is a transformational center of innovation.

The district’s Convergence Center houses Carr Workplaces, the Purdue Foundry and the Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization. It will serve as the new home of innovation and collaboration for entrepreneurs and industry pioneers alike.

Planting for Pollinators

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The family yard is now the safe outdoor space to relax, play and de-stress, especially during these challenging times when so many are sheltering at home. The TurfMutt Foundation reminds families that nature starts right outside your back door – and one way to help nature is to make sure your yard supports our very important pollinators.

About 1 out of every 3 bites of food we eat exists because of pollinators, and 75% of the world’s flowering plants depend on pollinators to reproduce. On top of that, more than 3,500 species of bees help increase crop yields.

June is National Pollinators Month and June 22-28 is designated as “National Pollinator Week.” Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S Department of the Interior. Pollinator Week is a great opportunity to encourage people to do more in their backyards to support pollinators. Our yards, parks and other green spaces are growing even more critical in recent times not only for the health of the planet, but also for that of humans.

The TurfMutt Foundation has developed an infographic on planting for pollinators so that anyone can provide critical food and shelter to these essential species.

Access the infographic and get planting here.

Dermot Kennedy – Giants

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Today, Dermot Kennedy releases the brand new single “Giants,” the first new music since his #1 debut last year. “Giants” is available across all DSPs now.

When thinking about what “Giants” means to him in the wake of recent events, and what it could mean to other people, Dermot took inspiration from the poem “What if 2020 Isn’t Cancelled?” by Leslie Dwight. The poem highlights the need for change and how this year could serve as a wake up call.

Speaking on the track, Dermot says “Change hurts and growing hurts. Giants is a song about just that, steeped in bittersweet nostalgia. It’s about acknowledging our loss of youth and how time inevitably changes things. Yet in the same breath the song is an encouragement to be brave – individually, and collectively. Walking into an unknown future together can be beautiful just as much as it is scary. As events have unfolded over the last few months and have at times felt hopeless, this song has carried me through as a reminder that the future is still full of hope and there is opportunity in the darkness and a brighter future can await.

“I want people to listen to this song and hold on to that thought. Let go of the past and grab the change that is in front of us, and make it for the better. Even if it hurts. The time is now,” he continued.

Rescheduled live dates for Dermot’s North American Tour have also been announced for July & August 2021, with shows at Chicago’s Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom and Denver’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre kicking off the North American dates, all rescheduled from August and September of this year.

Listen to “Giants” here.

FOLLOW DERMOT KENNEDY: Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

JA Resort & Hotel Reopening

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Paradise Island JA Manafaru in the Maldives to Reopen in October 2020

Multi award-winning resort JA Manafaru Maldives has recently announced its anticipated re-opening, proposed for October 2020. Positioned at the most Northern tip of Maldives in the beautiful Haa Alifu Atoll, JA Manafaru offers privacy, space and distance from other islands as it sits perfectly where the Arabian Sea meets the vast Indian Ocean. The remote location is beyond the rest of the islands’ cluster, offering unspoilt natural landscapes to explore. The award-winning resort describes this as ‘the true Maldivian experience’, whereby guests have the sense of ‘discovering’ a pristine natural landscape uninterrupted by an excess of tourists. On the island itself, this peace of mind is further enhanced by individual accommodation options ranging from 135 sqm to 1600 sqm, providing complete privacy along with dedicated private pools and outdoor dining.

Speaking of the widely anticipated re-opening, General Manager Karen Merrick said; ‘The land space of the Beach Villas and Private Residence JA Manafaru affords much more privacy than other resorts, with even entry level options showcasing a larger area than most deluxe categories in the Maldives. The lagoon-ringed island location also means that guests will feel safer, as it is far and away from any hustle and bustle or large tourist or locally inhabited areas. Many of our previous guests have called to enquire when they can return to the island for a much-needed break in nature, and our aim for the fourth quarter of the year is the most appropriate time given the international regulations’.

Fringed with exquisite powder beaches and crystal-clear waters teeming with exotic marine life, the chic enclave features 84 luxurious beachfront and over-water villas and residences, each with their own private pool and in some cases two. Seven scenic destinations provide a wealth of options for the palate including traditional Indian Ocean cuisine, international fare and seafood feasts, all available on the All-Inclusive meal plan which also entitles guests to premium beverages from 11am-11pm. The stunning signature restaurant – White Orchid, sits in the middle of the ocean treating guests to balmy breezes as they indulge in award-winning Asian fare. Guests can also enjoy a wide range of premium beverages across multiple venues including Horizon Lounge with its ocean views, Andiamo Bistro and Pool with its lush green backdrop and Ocean Grill – awe inspiring beachfront dining under the stars.

Activities available for both adults and children include a PADI certified dive centre for beginners and experienced divers, with a water sports centre offering jetskiing, water-skiing, mono-skiing, seabob, funtubing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, kayaking, stand-up paddling, catamaran sailing and canoeing. There’s a Marine Awareness Centre to conserve local ecology, as well as beach volleyball, futsal pitch, tennis court, badminton court, pool table, fitness centre, games room and cosy library. Travellers can participate in Maldivian cooking classes, dolphin watching, scenic boat cruises, fishing trips, yoga sessions, an eco golf driving range and the award-winning Calm Spa Sanctuary, offering Ayurveda, aromatherapy and wellness journeys. To keep all ages entertained, both Kids and Teens Clubs are available.

As with all properties within the JA Resorts & Hotels portfolio, JA Manafaru Maldives is following a full programme of safety and sanitization which includes government directives and the protocols of the World Travel & Tourism Councils #SafeTravels initiative.

Book your stay here.

About JA Resorts & Hotels:

A legacy UAE brand, JA Resorts & Hotels was born in 1981 and has a widely recognised reputation for excellence, in the management and operation of award-winning resorts and hotels. Taking its name from the original Jebel Ali (JA) Beach hotel, JA Resorts & Hotels portfolio now features 9 distinct properties across the UAE and Indian Ocean, each dedicated to curating unique experiences and creating unforgettable memories. Tropical escapes include JA Manafaru, the idyllic luxury island resort in pristine, lagoon ringed Haa Alifu Atoll, at the northern tip of the Maldives and JA Enchanted Island Resort, an ultra-luxurious hideaway of 10 exquisite villas on a private island, in the middle of the protected Saint Anne Marine Park. Within the UAE, guests can choose from the five-star JA Ocean View Hotel, as well as the deluxe hotel apartments of JA Oasis Beach Tower, both located along ‘The Walk’ in Jumeirah Beach Residence. Other attractive options include the acclaimed JA The Resort – Dubai’s largest experience resort, with 1 million square metres of thrilling activities and 3 unique hotels offering 795 suites and rooms between them– the award-winning JA Beach Hotel and JA Palm Tree Court and JA Lakeview Hotel, a stunning new Golf Course adjacent property opened in September 2019. The JA Hatta Fort Hotel is Dubai’s only mountain resort, a secluded getaway amidst the stunning Hajar Mountains landscape. The Manor by JA is the latest addition to the portfolio, a 247 key corporate hotel located in Al Furjan, Dubai and set to open in January 2020. JA Resorts & Hotels is a member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands, bringing together more than 35 brands with over 570 hotels in 85 countries.For more information please visit their website here.

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