Spot Dubai - Travel Guide

Hydropolis Underwater Hotel, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

2009-01-27T01:45:00.000-08:00

Currently under construction in Dubai, Hydropolis will be the world's first luxury underwater hotel. It will include three elements: the land station, where guests will be welcomed, the connecting tunnel, which will transport people by train to the main area of the hotel, and the 220 suites within the submarine leisure complex. It is one of the largest contemporary construction projects in the world, covering an area of 260 hectares, about the size of London's Hyde Park.

"Hydropolis is not a project; it's a passion," enthuses Joachim Hauser, the developer and designer of the hotel. His futuristic vision is about to take shape 20m below the surface of the Persian Gulf, just off the Jumeirah Beach coastline in Dubai.

The £300m, 220-suite hotel was due to open by the end of 2006 but has experienced delays and is now scheduled to open in 2009. It will incorporate a host of innovations that will take it far beyond the original blueprint for an underwater complex worthy of Jules Verne.

There are only a few locations in the world where such a grandiose dream could be realised. A high proportion of today's architectural marvels are materialising like fanciful mirages from the desert sands. We have come to expect extravagant enterprises to be mounted in the Middle East, and especially in Dubai. "This venture could only be born here in Dubai," says Hauser. "It [has] a very open-minded, international community - and that's what makes it so special."

The land on which Hydropolis is being built belongs to His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. It was his last free beach property on this stretch of coast. The project is a fantastic one, yet Sheikh Mohammed's success record with comparable schemes instils confidence that science fiction can become fact. With his support, several companies have been formed to kick-start this phenomenal project, and around 150 firms are currently involved.

"There have been many visions of colonising the sea – Jules Verne, Jean Gusto and several Japanese architects – but no one has ever managed to realise this dream," says Hauser. "That was the most challenging factor, and that's what makes it so fascinating. Despite being a dream of mankind for centuries, nobody has ever been able to make living underwater possible."

Source - Design Build Network

Emirates unveils special packages for Dubai Shopping Festival

2009-01-15T05:47:00.000-08:00

World’s largest shopping extravaganza takes place from 15th January to 15th February 2009

Dazzling Dubai hosts its 13th Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) from 15th January to 15th February and key sponsor Emirates is offering shopaholics and leisure seekers an opportunity to be there for as little as US $ 55 a night. The award-winning Dubai-based international airline has unveiled new three-night accommodation packages for the world’s biggest shopping extravaganza, at a choice of 20 selected hotels during the month-long extravaganza. Easily the finest festive experience in the region, the DSF attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world who are drawn by its emphasis on exclusive world-class shopping and great family entertainment.

Devika Ellepola, Emirates Sales Manager in Sri Lanka said: “The sheer size, scope and flair of the DSF is phenomenal. We understand that DSF 2009 will be even bigger and better than before. This is a great opportunity for Sri Lankans to experience a world class event at amazing value for money prices.”

The accommodation packages provide Emirates passengers on all classes of travel with a choice of accommodation to suit all pockets, and are for a minimum stay of three nights with the option to extend. The price includes breakfast and personalised meet-and-assist on arrival. All accommodation-related taxes and service charges are also included.

Visitors also receive an Arabian Adventures Welcome Pack with Privilege Discount Card and an additional baggage allowance of 10 kg on their return or onward flights from Dubai. For onward-bound passengers breaking journey in Dubai to experience the DSF, stopover charges will be waived.

Source - Daily Mirror Sri Lanka

United Arab Emirates Named As One Of The World’s Top Tourist Destinations In Global Study

2008-12-17T04:37:00.000-08:00

The UAE has remained as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world according to an independent global study, gaining solid ground on the strength of its superior variety of accommodation options. FutureBrand’s Country Brand Index (CBI) 2008 study ranks the UAE as one of the ’rising stars’ among the world’s top tourist destinations, while putting the country once again on top in the "Resort and Lodging Options" category in which the UAE placed well ahead of countries such as the United States of America, the Maldives and Australia.

Now in its fourth straight year, the CBI is a comprehensive study of over 2,700 international business and leisure travellers from nine countries conducted by FutureBrand, a leading global brand consultancy and part of the Interpublic Group of Companies. CBI 2008 includes rankings and trends and takes into consideration various travel motivations, challenges and opportunities within the worlds of travel, tourism and country branding.

Mario Natarelli, Co-CEO, FutureBrand said: "To maintain a strong country brand, there is a need to sustain the momentum through initiatives that deliver the brand’s core essence. In the case of the UAE, the country has remained a class of its own in delivering world-class hospitality options that have truly redefined the industry. The UAE’s brand initiatives are clearly aimed at reaching higher levels of excellence in terms of service quality, innovation and meeting high expectations of the hospitality market."

FutureBrand’s CBI 2008 cited the UAE’s continued efforts to establish itself as a strong brand for hospitality, promoting resorts for their unique architecture, premier service and ultimate luxury. The UAE’s consistency has helped the country maintain its stronghold in CBI’s Resort and Lodging Options category, which saw a major shake up in the rest of the standings with the USA leapfrogging from sixth last year to the second spot this year, replacing second-placer Maldives.

Australia also moved to fourth from third, while Switzerland retained its place at fifth. The rest of the countries that made it to the top 10 in the Resort and Lodging Options category were Canada, which moved to sixth from fifth; Bahamas and Monaco, which maintained their spots at seventh and eighth; Singapore, which dropped to ninth from eighth; and Tahiti, which dropped to 10th from fourth.

FutureBrand is a leading brand consultancy within IPG that commands a global presence spanning 20 offices in 16 countries. Partnering with the world’s leading companies, FutureBrand helps its clients develop brands that are profitable today and in the future.

Source - Dubai city guide

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40-year-old cruise QE2 sails to Dubai to become floating hotel

2008-11-15T06:14:00.000-08:00

Dubai: Queen Elizabeth II, the United Kingdom's luxury liner, has set on its final voyage to become a floating hotel off the Gulf Emirate's island.

The farewell ceremonies for the 70,000-tonne liner was led by the Duke of Edinburgh. The cruise will reach Dubai on November 26 and be handed over to Nakheel, a firm that is part of the Dubai World Company, creator of the world's largest manmade island Palm Jumeirah.

After refurbishment over the next few months, QE2 will dock permanently at a specially constructed berth on the island.

The ship which was launched by the Queen from the Clyde in 1967 has travelled 5.5 million miles carrying more than 2.5 million passengers. It was a hospital ship during the 1982 Falklands war.

Source - The Economic Times

Dubai Mall visitors hit 60,000

2008-11-15T06:08:00.000-08:00

The Dubai Mall has recorded a visitor turn-out of more than 60,000 tickets sold for the Dubai Aquarium & Discovery Centre in the first five days, follwing its opening. The Dubai Aquarium featuring the world's largest acrylic viewing panel offers free attraction while the walk-through tunnel and Discovery Centre assures closer appreciation of the aquatic world. The three distinctive themes at the Discovery Centre, Rainforest, Rocky Shore and Living Ocean, are a special draw among children, who also have the opportunity to touch-and-feel several aquatic species.

Source - AME Info

Dubai Adventure, From Sky To Sand To Snow

2008-11-15T05:59:00.000-08:00

Even though the global economic crunch is starting to make itself felt in the super-wealthy Arab emirate on the Persian Gulf, Dubai is getting bigger, as construction of huge islands there goes on.

Seen from the air, manmade land masses resulting from the building boom are taking the shape of a mammoth palm tree, as Early Show viewers saw vividly Friday.

Futuristic, mega-skyscrapers already up and going up are also sources of amazement.

Co-anchor Maggie Rodriguez provided looks at many facets of Dubai -- including an aerial tour -- as the show continued its series, "Destination Unknown." Our on-air personalities show up for work each day with their bags packed, ready to be sent to they-know-not-where as they depart. Julie Chen went to Paris and Russ Mitchell to Athens.

Maggie started her journey Thursday.

"This once-sleepy desert town is now known for its opulent, constantly-topping-itself architecture," Rodriguez observed on the show, From Dubai, Friday. "It's known for golf, beaches, everything under the sun." Even an indoor ski slope in a giant mall. And oh -- that shopping!

"It's a desert here, and it feels like one," Rodriguez continued. " ... It is 88 degrees, but just 17 floors below me ... it is 25 degrees" at the ski slope.

Rodriguez showed views from a helicopter of the "palm tree" below and its sister community that, when finished, will consist of more than 300 islands two-and-a-half miles out in the Gulf, forming the shape of all the world's continents. "Dozens of massive dredgers are scraping hundreds of millions of tons of silt, sand, coral, rock and sea grass," she said, as Early Show cameras recorded the machines at work. "The islands are 50 feet deep and rise 12 feet above sea level. Thirty-four million tons of boulders are being packed into the islands' edges to stop erosion and act as a reef. When finished, the palm and the world will increase Dubai's beachfront from 20 miles to 400 miles. On the islands, it'll be shops and more shops.

Source - The Early Show

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Dubai Travel Guide - A Guide to the City of Contrasts

2008-11-05T02:47:00.000-08:00

Dubai Travel Guide takes you to the exciting city of Dubai, one of the seven emirates of UAE, located in the Persian Gulf. This welcoming and prosperous city is increasingly becoming well known worldwide amongst tourists. The Dubai Culture is one of the important things that lure people to this lovely place.

Of late, this city has emerged as a dream destination for leisure and business travelers across the globe with different Dubai Attractions. The city is also popularly known as city of Gold because of its open gold markets.

Dubai is known as the shopping capital of UAE. In fact, shopping is one of the favorite pass times for people in Dubai and for travelers alike. Guests here can experience the magic of glitzy Dubai malls known for their international brands. Dubai Shopping Festival, held in the month of March, is a very popular festival among people from all over the world. The major highlights of this festival include discounts, Raffles, prize draws, cultural events, street entertainers, spectacular fireworks displays and so on. Another festival celebrated in Sharjah is the Ramadan Shopping Festival.

Besides, other Dubai Attractions include rocking nightlife, numerous shops and markets, entertainment and amusement parks, gardens and lot many other recreational activities.

Tourism is one of the backbones of Dubai and the state generates large amount of revenue from this sector. A Dubai Travel Guide is incomplete with visiting some of the fascinating places in Dubai including Dubai Museum, Jumeirah Mosque, Shindagha District, Bastakiya District, and Al Ahmadiya School in Old Dubai. Similarly, places that can not be missed out in New Dubai include Burj al-Arab hotel, Burj Dubai, Palm Islands and so on.

Other interesting things that the Dubai Map features include Beaches and sea, Desert Safari or Dune Bashing, Skiing, Dubai Creek Cruise, Golfing, Hot Air Ballooning and so on. With the availability of Business Class Air Tickets, a smooth trip to Dubai is increasingly becoming easy.

Dubai is the most populous emirate of UAE and one of the most cosmopolitan cities of the world. It is a place of harmonious existence of tradition and modernity. Dubai Travel Guide also features some mesmerizing sky scrappers that attract the attention of the travelers.

Dubai is truly believed to be the ideal place to be in and enjoy. Dubai Travel Guide offers travel packages and other facilities to different tourist destinations for rich as well as budget travelers alike. For accommodation, Dubai has a great number of options for affluent and budget people. Along with luxury resorts and 5-star hotels, Dubai also offers numerous budget hotels lodges for accommodation.

These days, there are many different tour and travel agencies, which offer great service including Business Class Air Tickets, accommodation, sightseeing, food etc. at discounted rates for travelers. With these services around, one can simply go ahead and have a wonderful vacation in the city. Dubai Travel Guide is easily available for tourists who can avail its facilities at low cost and have an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.

Source - http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Fedrerer

Dubai receives tourism accolades

2008-11-05T02:38:00.000-08:00

Recent improvements to Dubai's tourism services were recognised at an event in London last week.

At the World Travel Awards Middle East Ceremony on October 28th, the emirate's development into a major international destination was praised by industry members.

President of the World Travel Awards Graham Cooke described Dubai as "a constant signal to everyone in the industry of how bold vision and innovation, investment and positive responses can make a difference - despite global economic fears".

With Dubai International Airport receiving the award for the Middle East's leading airport, the emirate also picked up awards for leading conference centre, leading hotel and leading resort.

However, Dubai was not the only Middle East location to gain recognition, with Abu Dhabi also among the awards.

"It was wonderful to reward the best from exceptionally high-quality nominations," Mr Cooke said.

Last week, the BBC reported that property investors in Dubai are still doing "brisk business" despite the economic downturn.

Source - Ready 2 Invest

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Dubai Mall opens with largest number of retailers in the world’s largest-ever mall opening

2008-11-05T02:27:00.000-08:00

The Dubai Mall, opened yesterday (November 4, 2008) at 2pm with close to 600 retailers opening their doors for business – marking the world’s largest-ever single-day mall opening in retail history.

Emaar Malls Group, the developer of The Dubai Mall marks the opening with a series of high profile events, beginning with a public unveiling of the highly anticipated Dubai Aquarium & Discovery Centre at 4pm, today. The festive vibe will resonate throughout the mall with fashion shows taking place in the Fashion Catwalk, public skating at Dubai Ice Rink and high profile exhibits, galleries and performers providing entertainment for the entire family.

Besides its retail attractions including the Middle East debut of several global, high-profile brands such as Waitrose and Hamleys, The Dubai Mall has varied lifestyle and leisure offerings including a sprawling Gold Souk, the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink and the multimedia-rich Fashion Catwalk atrium. The Dubai Aquarium & Discovery Centre is already in the global spotlight having clinched the Guinness World Record for the ‘World’s Largest Acrylic Panel.’

The Dubai Mall is centrally located in the Downtown Burj Dubai development – ‘the new heart of the city’ – just off Interchange One on Sheikh Zayed Road. Visitors can reach The Dubai Mall via multiple access roads from Sheikh Zayed Road, Financial Centre Road (previously called Doha Road), Emaar Boulevard, Downtown Burj Dubai, the newly opened bridge off Interchange One and through a direct access road near Emaar Square off Sheikh Zayed Road. The Dubai Mall will have a total of over 14,000 spaces for parking across three car parks, with valet services and a car locator ticketing system.

Sprawling over 12 million sq ft - equivalent in size to more than 50 soccer pitches – with an internal floor area of 5.9 million sq ft and a gross leasable area of 3.77 million sq ft, The Dubai Mall is the flagship development of Emaar Malls Group, the shopping malls subsidiary of global property developer Emaar Properties.

When fully operational, The Dubai Mall will have over 1,200 stores of which nearly 165 retailers – equaling 1.1 million sq ft, or 30% of the total gross leasable area of the mall - are either new to the region, or opening standalone or flagship stores for the very first time in Dubai. The retail mix includes two anchor department stores – Galeries Lafayette and Bloomingdale’s, both opening their first store in the Middle East at The Dubai Mall; 220 gold & jewellery outlets; 160 food & beverage outlets including Dubai’s largest food court with 40 outlets; a supermarket and an organic food mart.

Source - Al Bawaba

Taking the plunge - How to buy your own UAE property in 10 easy steps

2008-10-13T05:35:00.001-07:00

1 - Call a lawyer

First things first, while many UAE property developers have a reputation that revolves around a transparent and trouble-free property purchase process that does not mean it is safe to enter into any form of property transaction without the support of an independent lawyer. There are many complexities associated with the purchase of property here, whether that property is off-plan, completed or resale, so always remember to seek independent legal advice.

2 - Read the small print

The terms and conditions that mortgage lenders enforce vary from lender to lender. Don’t be fooled into thinking that by entering into a mortgage contract you ‘only’ run the risk of losing the home on which the mortgage is based – this is not always the case. You could even end up losing existing assets not linked to your new property. Always thoroughly check the small print, otherwise you could end up in financial dire straits.

3 - It’s never a sure bet

Some countries have already suffered from negative equity (which means that property will now cost less than what the owner paid for it). The UAE is still an immature and emerging market that has never had to suffer economic, social or political change to any significant degree. However, to lessen your worries somewhat, international property analysts agree that there is huge potential for growth in the brand new real estate market in the UAE for several years.

4 - Ask for an example

If you intend to buy off-plan, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be able to see what type of property you’d be getting. Ask the building company to show you similar properties they’ve completed. This way you’ll know what sort of finishes you can expect and what type of home you’ll get for your money.

5 - No hidden taxes

Unlike elsewhere in the world, you pay no stamp duty on UAE property. This could be up to four per cent of the price of your property elsewhere in the world, so it’s definitely a bonus.

6 - Don’t forget the deposit…

Expect to put down a deposit from five-15 per cent on any residential property under construction and pay careful attention to the payments schedule. Some are more generous than others, but it is usually possible to obtain mortgage finance that will also cover payments prior to occupation.

7 - …or the fees

If you’re buying a second-hand home, you have to pay transfer fees to transfer ownership. These range from one-seven per cent, so it’s always wise to enquire up front about them to avoid any unpleasant surprises later.

8 - Selling up

If you buy an apartment or house in the UAE and you decide to rent it out instead of inhabiting it yourself, income tax will not be charged on the rental income you receive. On top of this, if you plan to sell up when it’s time to move on, you will not be charged capital gains tax on your profits.

9 - Cost to factor in

The only charge of any significance that you have to include in your budget is the land registration fee (1.5 per cent), which is payable upon completion to the government’s land department. You need to turn up in person to complete the registration process, or you can authorise someone else to register it for you with a notorised power of attorney. From then it will take around seven days to issue the title deed.

10 - Agent’s commission

Another cost you should factor into your finances is commission. Buyers will normally have to pay a two per cent commission to agents. In Dubai, this is the traditional pattern for rental payments and was extended to sales when the right to buy came in.

Source - TimeOut Dubai

First newborn for Atlantis dolphin family

2008-10-06T06:56:00.000-07:00

The first offspring from the Atlantis family of dolphins has been born at Dolphin Bay, the new dolphin encounter and education centre at the Dubai resort.

The calf, as yet unnamed, was born to a dolphin called Butters in a special maternity pool within the habitat and mother and calf have spent the first days nurturing and bonding.

"The calf is being monitored 24 hours a day by marine mammal specialists to ensure the calf is healthy and developing on schedule,” said Frank Murru, chief marine officer, Kerzner International.

“This is the first birth for our Dolphin Bay family, a true testament to the acclimation of these incredible animals.”

In addition to the interactive lagoons, Dolphin Bay will also serve as the first marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation centre in Dubai. It will be the only centre for stranded animals in the Gulf and every year, many injured marine mammals become stranded in the area and need assistance. The new facility aims to rescue rehabilitate and return as many animals to the wild as possible.

Dolphin Bay is a 4.5 hectare environment with three interaction lagoons complete with sandy beaches in a tropical setting. The habitat provides the dolphins with seven interconnected resident pools, sheltering from inclement weather and 26 million litres of crystal-clear seawater, which exceeds all marine mammal regulations in the UAE.

The residents of Dolphin Bay are all Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins, who breathe air out of a blowhole located on the top of their head. The average gestation period for a Bottlenose Dolphins are 10-12 months.

The calf, born with sparse hair on its snout, will nurse from its mother for 12-18 months and will begin to eat fish at about four months of age.

Source - Arabian Business

Blooming times for retail sector

2008-10-02T05:20:00.000-07:00

Twenty years ago, when the first shopping malls were opening in Dubai, no one could have imagined where the retail industry was heading. Maybe the visionaries had plans for another mall or two, but the 20 million square feet (1.8 million square metre) of retail space that exists today must then have been only an audacious possibility for a small city, albeit one that had potential.

Issues of strategic leasing followed the growth of retail business. Which brands should be showcased at the mall? Of what origin and region should be the brands being brought in? Where did the local demand lie?

In recent years, retailers enjoyed another advantage from setting up base here. As business thrived, retailers saw opportunities to expand into neighbouring countries, according to Eisa Adam Ebrahim, the chairman of the Dubai Shopping Malls Group (DSMG).

"We have a flow of brands coming to Dubai and it has become the gateway for the whole region," he said, adding that many homegrown brands have successfully crossed borders and have established themselves in the whole region.

As the city's tourism began to thrive, bringing in visitors from various countries and of different tastes, the variety of retailers grew as well. Everything from the not-so-well-known brands to the internationally acclaimed names began dotting the malls and elite locations, such as five-star hotels.

Source - Gulfnews

Dubai's Atlantis the latest word in Gulf excess

2008-10-02T05:14:00.000-07:00

It's the latest word in Gulf excess - a sprawling $US1.5 billion ($A1.8 billion) resort boasting a $US25,000 ($A30,044.50)-a-night suite and dolphins flown in from the South Pacific, all atop a palm tree-shaped island.

Inspired by the legend of the lost continent, the resort offers "experiences that are new to the Middle East," said its president and managing director Alan Leibman, in line with the emirate's penchant for superlatives and drive to become a top tourist destination.

At Atlantis, this includes water thrills, a marine habitat and more than a dozen restaurants run by world-class chefs including Japanese sushi mogul Nobu Matsuhisa and Michel Rostang of France.

The first guests were welcomed this past week at the site on Palm Jumeirah, one of three palm tree-shaped man-made islands emerging off the coast of Dubai.

The opening even as construction work continues on Palm Jumeirah underscores Dubai's race to more than double the number of visitors to 15 million by 2015.

One of seven emirates making up the United Arab Emirates, Dubai already hosts one of the world's most exclusive hotels, the sail-shaped Burj al-Arab, dozens of other luxurious seafront hotels, and the "Burj Dubai," Arabic for Dubai Tower, the world's tallest skyscraper.

With a distinct desire to offer the tallest and biggest, Dubai will also have the world's largest shopping mall.

And the Atlantis fits right into the picture, as "an entertainment destination that is truly different to anything that exists in the resort category in the region," aid Leibman.

But that might not be for long. Scores of other ambitious ventures are underway or in the pipeline, including Dubailand, a series of billion-dollars entertainment and leisure projects touted as the Middle East's very own Orlando, which will include a Universal Studios theme park.

The "Palm" islands face competition on their own turf from "The World", a cluster of some 300 artificial islands looking like a blurred vision of the planet's nations.

Developed by Kerzner International as only the second such resort after the Atlantis-Paradise Island in the Bahamas, Atlantis-The Palm cost 1.5 billion dollars and has 1539 rooms at rates ranging from US$700 dollars to a staggering US$25,000 for some suites.

The hotel opened on schedule despite a recent fire which ravaged its lobby, though the pomp and ceremony have been put off until the formal inauguration in November.

Source - smh.com

Cityscape Dubai

2008-09-11T02:14:00.000-07:00

6-9 October 2008
Dubai International Exhibition Centre

In its 7th year, is the largest business-to-business real estate investment and development event in the world.

Cityscape Dubai attracts regional and international investors, property developers, governmental and development authorities, leading architects, designers, consultants and all senior professionals involved in the property industry. It provides an annual forum that celebrates the very best in real estate, architecture, urban planning and design from around the world.

Source: CityScape

Largest hotel development yet to be born in Dubai

2008-07-27T00:22:00.000-07:00

By Hazel Heyer, Special to ETN | Jul 25, 2008

If this Gulf state never seizes to amaze you, then brace yourself for more. The largest hospitality and leisure development in the world is yet to descend on the planet. And yes-- in Dubai again.

Located towards the Bab al Shams Desert Resort and Spa (near Sheikh Mohamed’s remote, private retreat in the desert where the ruler’s pricey camels and stallions breed I reckon) and near the future Dubai Investment Park and upcoming new Jebel Ali Airport is the monster development of Bawadi.

Set to be one of the premier tourist destinations in the world, Bawadi will have the largest clusters of hotels in the globe boasting 51 hotels offering 60,000 hotel rooms sprawled over a 10-square-kilometer space. Bawadi is being groomed to be the world’s most exciting entertainment and leisure destinations, offering amusement centers, shopping malls, theaters, restaurants and convention centers. To underscore Dubai’s namesake of being the world’s shopping capital, Bawadi will create the largest shopping area, providing over 40 million square feet of gross leaseable area with malls, boutique malls, street shopping and an underground shopping connecting all Bawadi’s elements into the longest shopping boulevard on earth.

Being developed in five phases to match the growth of tourism in Dubai, Bawadi’s shopping feature will enhance its offerings and accelerate its drive to develop a world-class hospitality and tourism project in the Emirates and the region.

Arif Mubarak, CEO of Bawadi said with confidence: “Bawadi is a destination by itself. As we are owned by Dubai’s Tatweer, a company owned by Dubai Holding, we are developing en-masse our own hotels. Out of the 60,000 rooms, we will own 30,000 keys, run our investments, own our business plans and do our own feasibilities. We’ve also signed up with Emaar Properties that owns a piece of land with 5,000 rooms in Bawadi; we are the destination managers for the overall project.”

For such a gigantic project, developing almost a Las Vegas strip, construction must be a big challenge. With construction costs going up, Mubarak discloses that cost will not affect the returns on hotels though. He said they sit on the high side of the hotel returns, specifically with the ROI. “There will be a drop but it will not be considerably negative. Hotels will remain profitable and will be a very lucrative business,” the Bawadi CEO said.

Is Bawadi looking to market to the US and the Europe? “People come and go to Dubai and make a fortune. The hospitality and tourism industry has become a great support for investments. The slowdown in US market gives Dubai and this region a great advantage. This region will definitely capture that slowdown. The US market is not and has never been a prime market in Dubai and for this region. We always looked at the 4 to 6 hour flights for markets. Any market within the 4 to 6 hour flying distance gives us the advantage,” said Mubarak.

Mubarak, however, said Dubai should improve on its convention and meetings facilities. Hotels and attractions related to entertainment will not be enough to cater to the conventions. As Dubai has now come up with three hubs serving its visitors, such as the current World Trade Center hub, the new airport hub and the upcoming Bawadi hub, Mubarak believes they have a responsibility to support the MICE sector of Dubai in return.

A huge convention facility will be in place to cater to the visitors of the 51 hotel operators, complementing the family entertainment offerings of the biggest development on earth. Dubai’s business now actively driven by the new drivers, such as media (Dubai Media City), IT (Dubai Internet City) and the education (Dubai Knowledge Village) sectors outside the already jam-packed Free Zone will be good for the Bawadi hotel chains. “This makes us attractive that hotels are not identified with any of these zones specifically or exclusively, but they all become part of Dubai, selling product and receiving tourism product which leverages hotel operation in the most effective ways,” added Mubarak.

Bawadi has made a commitment to sustainability incorporating green and sustainable design throughout the development. Landscape and green spaces will be used to provide a structure to the development by helping to define the boundary of the development and character areas and through providing connecting green corridors which link the character areas.

The so-called Boulevard will be a wide heavily-landscaped shopping street adapted for outdoor use throughout the year. Arterial routes will be provided with street trees to help mitigate the effects of traffic and provide a more pleasant street environment. “We are pushing the developers, who always push us back, to abide by the ruler Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s new initiatives for sustainability. Developers complain about the cost related with going sustainable but Bawadi will stay sustainable; in the long-term, developers will get back more than what they are saving from being sustainable. This is more attractive than being just a door and window hotel,” explained the head of Bawadi - the newest of Dubai’s cultural melting pot that offers an exhaustive selection of hospitality, entertainment, shopping and food and beverage in the middle of what is today’s patch of desert - but not for long .

Source:Eturbonews

Spa Salvation

2008-07-13T00:24:00.000-07:00

Escape the mayhem of Dubai and indulge in a spot of spa therapy!

In a city as fast paced and hectic as Dubai, the need for relaxation and escapism is upmost. We put up with the daily drain of the pollution of heavy traffic, dusty construction sites, the battle against the AC and the fight against the sweltering heat, but sometimes we need to take a break and really pamper our bodies and minds.

We have to take a step back from the mayhem and allow our bodies to re-align themselves and rejuvenate before once again submitting them to the stresses and strains of life in Dubai. There are many ways to do this, but seeing as Dubai is home to so many wonderful spas, why not make the most of what is on offer. Why should Dubai's spas only be for the tourists and holidaymakers? Whatever treatment you are after and from whatever part of the world, you will find it here in Dubai.

Sometimes, taking time out to pamper ourselves isn't that easy and convenience is the key. SensAsia Urban Spa in The Village Mall, Jumeirah is an ideal spa for those high-living city dwellers who want an express treatment in a contemporary yet Balinese inspired setting. Another city-slick contemporary Asian-inspired spa is Dragonfly Spa in Burjuman.

It is the perfect retreat for weary shoppers in need of a little spa therapy.
For Dubai's financial wizards a male spa has now opened up in DIFC, the Urban Male Lounge and offers massages, facials, shaving etc while incorporating all the latest design and technology. 1847 and H20 Male Spa in Emirates Towers are also perfectly placed for Sheikh Zayed Road's busy male office workers and are chick free zones!

If you like to keep on the pulse of the latest happenings then why not indulge in a treatment in one of the eleven treatment rooms at one of Dubai's newest deluxe spas on the block, Heavenly Spa at the luxury Westin Hotel (next to Le Meridien Mina Seyahi).

Or at the opposite end of town, the newly opened Rafflesamrita at Raffles Dubai offers the ultimate in grandeur and sophisticated spa going.
If you are a regular spa bunny then why not try something a little different and opt for a Hammam treatment at Oriental Hammam in the One&Only Royal Mirage. Famed for its traditional hammam treatments this trip to the spa will leave you feeling buffed and glowing -the Grand Lube of spa treatments!!

If your pampering allowance is a little tight then a simple Thai massage at Bliss Relaxology in Garhoud (behind Chilis restaurant) won't blow the budget, or for those with money to blow, then why not overindulge yourself with t

The Talise Absolution treatment at Talise Spa in Al Qasr at The Madinat Jumeirah.

Source: Dubai Selected

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Nobu comes to Dubai - what is next?

2008-07-07T00:25:00.000-07:00

As Atlantis, The Palm Dubai prepares to welcome its first visitors in September, we look at what is in it for us the residents and what is next on the big Dubai master plan.

Back in December 1999 the infamous Burj Al Arab opened up its doors and became the world's first 7 * hotel and one of the most luxurious hotels not only in Dubai but across the globe.

But this was just the beginning. It seems Dubai has the monopoly on the biggest, the best and the tallest with some awe inspiring architecture such as the Burj Dubai which is already the world's tallest manmade structure.

The World with its 300 manmade islands in the sea, Dubailand which is planned to be home to over a dozen theme parks and of course not forgetting The Palm Islands.

The Palm Jumeirah, the first of the three Palm Islands is already inhabited by some 2000 families, boasts the ubiquitous Costa Coffee chain and now even has several licensed restaurants including Bidi Bondi, an Australian themed waterside sports bar and restaurant.

But there is one new branch to this Palm that is set to knock the socks off all that has come before in Dubai and that is the new Atlantis Hotel set to open in September.

This mega-resort, nestled at the tip of The Palm's crescent will bring the lost ancient city of Atlantis to the Arabian seas and attract thousands of visitors to Dubai every year to its 1539 sumptuous rooms and suites, 170,000 sqm of beachfront, 17 hectares of adrenalin pumping water park attractions at Aquaventure, 65,000 marine animals in The Lost Chambers and 28 dolphins at Dolphin Bay. Great for the tourists, but what about us residents?

Well, if your days of Wild Wadi have become exhausted and you are looking for a new water playground, Aquaventure will allows outside guests for around 220 Dhs and you are guaranteed to not get bored! With uphill rides, downhill coasters, a 2km long wave river and the Daddy of all rides the Ziggurat - a 27.5 metre near-vertical drop which propels you through a submerged tunnel into a shark-filled lagoon, this has to be the ultimate water park!

With some of the world's top Michelin star chefs launching their restaurants in Atlantis, this will certainly be a favourite haunt for Dubai's socialites and gastro connoisseurs.

One of these restaurants is the long awaited and world-famous Nobu. As a favourite with celebs around the world and with its fantastic Asian fusion cuisine, Nobu is bound to be the new it' place to be seen. Other hot seats to tickle our taste-buds will be Italian restaurant Ronda Locatelli - brought to us by Italian celebrity and two star Michelin chef George Locatelli.

Rostang - a French Brasserie by two star Michelin Chef Michel Rostang and Ossiano - world renowned three star Michelin chef Santi Santamaria's signature gourmet seafood restaurant.

As we eagerly await Atlantis to open its doors, we can be rest assured than in another 6 months something bigger and better will be fighting for the limelight

Perhaps Trump International Hotel and Tower at the trunk of The Palm Jumeirah with its suspended sky lobby or any of the other 28 hotels planned on The Palm, or the uber stylish Armani Hotel at The Burj Dubai and not to mention the 51 hotels at Bawadi, part of Dubailand. This is one skyline which will continue to dazzle brighter and brighter.

source:Dubai Selected

New Dubai property will further open up market

2008-06-29T01:07:00.000-07:00

The opening of the 1,539-room Atlantis The Palm hotel in Dubai in September will drive Hayes and Jarvis’ plans to double its passenger numbers to Dubai within the next 18 months.

Hayes and Jarvis Middle East and Far East regional product and contract manager Andrea Loddo said within the past year alone the operator has seen its visitor numbers to Dubai increase by up to 40%.

He added the biggest problem currently in achieving further growth is a scarcity of available hotel rooms - a problem which should lessen when the new property on the Palm Jumeirah opens.

He added: “There’s no low season in Dubai, the growth (in visitor numbers) is incredible even in the summer season when it is 50 degrees centigrade.

“What is great about Dubai is during the summer season hoteliers always offer free up grades and half board. In the summer season it seems like it is great value for money.”

Loddo said Hayes and Jarvis and parent company Thomson send around 12,000 visitors to the destination annually. Despite the fact that up to 30% of these customers are visiting the destination as a stop-over, the average stay remains seven days.

The Atlantis The Palm hotel will open on September 24 and will also feature an Aquaventure water park which will be opened to the paying public.

Source:TravelWeekly

Bollywood to get a permanent Dubai address

2008-06-29T00:57:00.000-07:00

By Jan Aslak Stannies | Jun 18, 2008

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (eTN) - Hollywood has already set its footprint in Dubai, now Bollywood moves into the Emirate. India-based Yash Raj Films (YRF), one of the world’s largest film distribution houses, and Dubai Infinity Holdings announced a joint venture to build a multi-million dollar theme park.

To be called the Yashraj Films Entertainment District, the theme park will offer attractions, a movie palace, hotels and unique Indian genre entertainment concepts.

"This is both an encouraging and exciting step for us," said Samira Abdul Razzak, CEO of Dubai Infinity Holding. "Bringing such an honored name into the UAE has been a strategic move as it attracts the core demographic of the country.”

Yash Raj Films, which started as a production house in 1970, is behind the success of many Indian blockbusters. Over the years, the company has grown to an entertainment giant running a studio, a music label and a home entertainment label for releasing DVDs and VCDs of movies.

“As cinema statistics indicate that Bollywood films gross higher than western films,” Samira Abdul Razzak added. “This will be a one of a kind partnership here in the UAE.”

"When YRF decided to venture into the theme park business, we found Dubai to be the most strategic location,” said Yash Chopra, chairman of Yash Raj Films. “Dubai has a booming tourism industry and aims to be the most visited destination in the World by 2015.”

According to Chopra, the first phase of the YRF Entertainment District is scheduled to be completed by 2012. It will then be in good company with the outlets of western entertainment giants such as Universal (King Kong, Jurassic Park), Marvel Entertainment (Spider-Man, The Fantastic Four), Paramount and SeaWorld, which all announced to open theme parks in Dubai between 2010 and 2012.

Also, MGM Mirage and Warner have announced plans to bring their superheroes to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

Source:Eturbonews

Dubai Hotel Show 2008

2008-05-26T00:24:00.000-07:00

The Hotel Show offers exhibitors a platform for introducing and demonstrating new product, and meeting and exploring business opportunities with new and existing clients in a booming hospitality market that stretches from the Middle East to North Africa.

The Hotel Show 2008, offers hospitality professionals a comprehensive showcase of essential products, services and technologies to choose from. It is the ideal place to source the latest products and services for all aspects of the hotel, catering and leisure sector.

This is a networking opportunity par excellence, where industry professionals and the suppliers they rely on, can meet to discuss the future of their industry.

Events Details:
The Hotel Show
Jun 08 2008 - Jun 10 2008
Organiser : DMG World Media Dubai Ltd
Phone : 009714 3319688
Website : http://www.thehotelshow.com
Open To : Trade Only
Type : Exhibition
Venue : Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
Location : Halls 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, Zabeel Hall, Al Multaqua Ballroom

World’s largest shopping mall to open in Dubai

2008-05-25T23:54:00.000-07:00

The world’s largest shopping mall, the Dubai Mall, is due to open in Dubai at the end of August 2008. Set to be Emaar Malls Group’s flagship shopping mall development, Dubai Mall will be located at the centrepiece of the region’s most prestigious urban development to date, Downtown Burj Dubai, soon to be home to the world’s tallest building.

The Dubai Mall will add to the emirate’s impressive portfolio of shopping excellence, resulting in an unprecedented surge in Dubai’s retail sector, which is the fastest growing industry in the Middle East. According to industry forecasts, it has recently been announced that the retail sector is projected to exceed £250 billion in the Middle East by the year 2010, with Dubai leading the way in the region.

Dubai accounts for more than 50 per cent of the UAE’s shopping footfall and has long been famed for its world-class malls and the range of shops on offer. With everything from high-street stores such as Boots, Debenhams, and H&M to a range of designer boutiques including a branch of Harvey Nichols, shopping in Dubai has something to offer everyone. And now with the opening of the Dubai Mall, visitors can expect even more from the emirate.

The size of 50 football pitches, Dubai Mall is expected to attract well over 30 million visitors in its first year alone. The project will be a lifestyle and entertainment destination that will introduce pioneering and innovative leisure and entertainment concepts, set to revolutionise the modern shopping experience.

Amongst some of the ground-breaking attractions that the Dubai Mall will offer are 1,200 stores and 120 food and beverage outlets. It will also boast magnificent water features and one of the world’s largest indoor aquariums, the world’s largest indoor gold souk, an Olympic-size ice rink, and the region’s first SEGA indoor theme park.

In addition to the Dubai Mall, there are well over 50 other shopping malls with a variety of retail outlets including Souk Al Bahar an entertainment destination with over 130 shops. Dubai Outlet Mall, which launched at the end of 2007, and promotes value-shopping by retailing big brands such as Calvin Klein and Guess at fantastic discounts. And Wafi Mall one of the first shopping malls in the emirate and part of the Egyptian themed Wafi City, which boasts Cleopatra's Spa, Pharaoh's Club including a climbing wall and lazy river, and Khan Murjan - a subterranean artisan's market. More information on Dubai’s shopping malls and facilities can be found at dubaicityguide.com/shop.

Dubai Duty Free at Dubai International Airport is about ten minutes from the city centre and ranks among one of the largest duty-free operations in the world. Furthermore, the emirate has created a range of events to celebrate its shopping excellence. Dubai Summer Surprises, which runs in the summer months, and Dubai Shopping Festival which is the largest retailing event in the Middle East and runs in the winter, are host to a variety of activities.

Shopping malls are converted into venues for live entertainment, music, dancing, competitions, workshops and interactive programmes. These events are organised and promoted by a unique partnership between the Government of Dubai and the city’s enterprising corporate sector, acting as a catalyst in the development of Dubai’s growing retail sector and establishing the emirate’s place on the regional and international map.

For a more authentic experience, Dubai’s traditional Arabian souks showcase the emirate’s finest local products, from gold, spices and textiles through to fruit and fish. Remnant of the 19th century, the majority of souks are located in the Deira and Bur Dubai districts and are great places to haggle for a bargain.

Ian Scott, UK and Ireland director of the Government of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing comments: “Dubai has seen an incredible boom in its retail sector with many exciting and pioneering shopping developments being created to inspire visitors. Dubai’s world-class shopping malls and trailblazing projects such as the Dubai Mall showcase how people have come to expect the best from the emirate. And, with all prices tax-free Dubai is well and truly setting itself apart from other holiday hotspots.

“Combined with the ever expanding and exciting new retail developments, such as the world’s first fashion island Isla Moda, new malls such as the Mall of Arabia which will be part of the City of Arabia in the Dubailand theme park, and Dubai Festival City which will comprise over 600 shops including 25 flagship stores, the emirate continues to fuel the ever-increasing demand, with its phenomenal growth on track to welcoming 15 million visitors by 2015.”

Source: Easier Travel

The World's first man-made snorkeling lagoon - Dubai

2008-05-24T23:45:00.000-07:00

A snorkelling lagoon with coral reefs and marine life is being built at the Oqyana World First project on Nakheel's offshore development The World.

Snorkellers will be able to swim amongst the marine life in a safe environment. The Reef Lagoon will be serviced by an adjacent scuba centre and will offer diving and boat related activities. It will be located on the Great Barrier Island, on of 22 islands that form the shape of Australia and New Zealand.

Oqyana is being built across the island and will have villas, water-homes, and apartments, plus hotels and restaurants.

The islands have been reshaped to ensure that water is continually circulated for purity and sustainability of marine life, according to the project's CEO Dr. Wadad Al Suweyah.

The World is a group of man-made islands of the shores of Dubai. which will be a development of residential areas, marinas, restaurants and ultimate ocean lifestyle.

Source:Deeper Blue

Multimillion Dollar Dolphinarium opens in Dubai

2008-05-21T23:28:00.000-07:00

The UAE's first dolphinarium opened in Dubai yesterday. The 1,250 seat indoor arena at the Dubai Dolphinarium in Creek Park will stage three live shows a day, in which dolphins will perform acrobatics, jugglings and "dance" to music.

There is a classroom where visitors are encouraged to attend after shows to learn more about marine life. The dolphinarium also has a multi-media science library and an aqua-themed gym and fitness centre.

Visitors will be able to swim with the dolphins as part of special needs therapy sessions.

Animal rights campaigners have been protesting and speaking out over several months about these aquariums, saying that the viewing of captive animals which are trained to perform unnatural performances gives the public a false impression of their natural behaviour and their life.

A larger dolphinarium is to open later this year, at the Atlantis hotel on Palm Jumeirah. Dolphinariums in dubai have caused a lot of controversy with campaigners as it was reported that the dolphins were taken from the wild off the coasts of the Solomon Islands.

Source: Deeper Blue

De La Soul Live in Dubai

2008-05-20T03:42:00.000-07:00

Chi at The Lodge has seen some of the world's best DJs and live acts and is truly one of Dubai's top entertainment venues.

With its 4 rooms including the large outdoor terrace and dance floor and the luxey AC fused VIP room for those well needed escapes from the heat, Chi at The Lodge is a place to meet up with a group of friends and leave all your cares behind you for a truly old school night.

For the ultimate in old school clubbing, who better to play the beats and provide the tunes than the old school peace and love affirming masters of soul and hip hop De La Soul. On June 3rd Chi at The Lodge opens its doors to the legendary hip hop artists. It is time to flash back to the 80s and travel through decades of top tunes from the 'alternative' rappers who progressed the evolution of hip hop to a more peaceful and positive genre. Lasting the test of time, this new wave of hip hop has continued to please the masses so why not be there in person to witness some of the best hip hop culture.

DE LA SOUL DETAILS
Venue: Chi at The Lodge
Dates: 3 June
Cost: 140 Dhs

Source: Dubai Selected

Dubai Skiboard World Cup 2008

2008-05-20T02:55:00.000-07:00

Dubai is fast becoming quite a hub for extreme sports. The kind of hair raising activities that send your heart beat over the monitor and keep adrenalin junkies on the straight and narrow - dune bashing, sky diving, wake boarding and bungee jumping to name but a few.

But now that Dubai has gone from simply a barren desert to a cosmopolitan metropolis boasting an arctic snow dome, the type of extreme sports we can get up to has expanded to those on snow and ice. Dubai has even attracted international status, with the city being chosen to host the Skiboard World Cup 2008 in May.

The three-day competition will take place at Ski Dubai from 22 - 24 May and promises some of the most extreme and exhilarating performances from some of the world's best skiboarders from 13 countries across the globe. Although a relatively young snow sport, skiboarding is in fact the fastest growing snow-borne activity, perhaps due to its unique combination of the best elements of snowboarding, skiing and inline skating.

Skiboarding is a great spectator sport with skiboarders knocking out endless fancy aerial tricks and turns and cheeky maneuvers to keep even the most proud thrill seekers entertained.

SKIBOARD WORLD CUP DETAILS
Venue: Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates
Dates: 22 - 24 May
Cost: TBC
Timings: 10am - 5pm
Tickets: 04 4094104

Source: Dubai Selected