Barasti apologises for insensitive concert texts

Thursday, 1 April 2010 12:54 PM

PROTEST: Barasti caused outrage after it sent a text message to hundreds of regulars saying that a concert would go ahead despite the mourning period.

The Dubai beach bar at the centre of a storm of protest on social networking site Twitter over ‘insensitive’ text messages sent during the mourning period for Sheikh Ahmed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has apologised.

“The Management of Barasti sincerely apologises for the sms that was distributed earlier today [Wednesday] in reference to the Vanilla Ice performance being held in Barasti this evening,” said the statement from Starwood Hotels and Resorts, the owners of the bar.

“It was never our intention to offend anyone and we sincerely apologise if we did.”

Barasti caused outrage after it sent out a text message to hundreds of regulars informing them that a concert featuring self-styled rapper Vanilla Ice would go ahead on Wednesday.

The bar, at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Hotel, sent an early-afternoon text message saying: “NORMAL OPERATION. WE ARE NOT DRY! NICE, NICE BABY! 5PM-3AM C U ON THE SAND”.

But social networking site Twitter was inundated with comments criticising the remarks for being insensitive, given Tuesday’s announcement of the tragic death of Sheikh Ahmed.

Prominent Emirati social commentator Mishaal Gergawi said on his twitter account that he was "disgusted by Barasti's SMS that they r not dry tonight!! RT [retweet] & don't stop until someone shuts it down tonight!!”

Another user described the text message as “tasteless and disgusting”.

When approached by Arabian Business over the outrage, the hotel released a statement saying the concert had been cancelled.

Arabian Business understands that the concert promoters are keen to stage the gig before Vanilla Ice leaves Dubai next week.

Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Hotel is one of 942 properties franchised by the US-based Starwood Hotel and Resorts Group.

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Posted by: Heidi Monday, 5 April 2010 12:52 PM[UAE] - UAE

I found the text messages inappropriate- and to add to that - when the even was then cancelled - 30mins after i got my txt saying it was on - i only found out it was cancelled through a friend. As for the rescheduling of the event on Saturday night - i am shocked that there are not more messages of complaint.. Barasti was packed to bursting, with everyone paying 100 dhs after 9pm to get in - twice the MC told us that VI would be on in 15mins.. and he eventually came on at 11:30pm.. if this was some sort of ploy to get people to spend more money at the bar - they were stupid to do so - VI was boo;ed because he didnt play his one well known hit - it certainly wasnt played before midnight - at which time - on a work night - i felt i couldnt stay out any longer - very very disappointed i didnt get to see Snap - goodness knows what time they came on.. Barasti dont upset ure customers - I really hope others have complain too.. i will think twice before attending their next "free" concert! Would also like to add - no efforts were made to keep walkways free of people - if something bad had happened - it could have got very messy

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Posted by: and and and Saturday, 3 April 2010 3:50 AM[UAE]

There is no insult, its no big deal. Yes it was a little insensitive, get over it. I paid a fortune to see Fat Boy Slim, was thrown out with the rest of the crowd at midnight sharp for fear of someone being offended. lets not get too excited. Yes it was a bit insensitive but its no outrage. Alex, the analogy is ridiculous.

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Posted by: AlexT Friday, 2 April 2010 8:45 AM[UAE] - UAE

Before anyone jumps on his/her high horse let me state that I'm a westerner, run clubs in England and Greece from the West End to Newcastle all the way to Corfu. What the management of Barasti did is beyond anything I care to say here. It is a pure sign of their arrogance, the fact that they can insult anyone & anything and get away with it. I want to know who was fired over this one, because anything short of dismall for gross miscontact is hogwash. How would they feel if one of their own died and their neighboor had a party. Sacked them all.

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