S H O P P I N G
D I N I N G
S I G H T S E E I N G
A R T S
LUXURY
DUBAI 2014
C U LT U R E
WELCOME TO THE DUBAI MARRIOTT HOTEL AL JADDAF
ACCOMMODAT ION S 351 Guest Rooms including 192 Deluxe Kings • 107 Deluxe Doubles • 11 Wheelchair Accessible • 38 Executive Suites • 2 Vice Presidential Suites • 1 Presidential Suite
LOC AT I O N Situated in close proximity to the Royal residence, Zabeel Palace, the hotel is the perfect location for business and leisure travellers. Offering exciting scenic views of the city landscape of Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay and the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, the hotel is a mere 10 minutes from each of these locations including Dubai International Airport and many more.
AT T R AC T IONS Only 10 minutes from The Dubai Mall, Dubai Creek, Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai International Airport.
R E S T A U R A NT S & LOU N G E S The Lobby Lounge, refreshing snacks • Shanghai 30, delicious oriental treats • Aqua Chill, poolside relaxation and al fresco dining • The Market Place, international f lavours from the Middle East, India, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia • Merletto, modern and traditional Northern Italian cuisine • Scots American Grill, succulent selections of steak and fish • Benshi, restaurant and entertainment lounge • 24 hour room service
G U E S T S E RV I C E S High-speed WiFi access • Business Centre • E xpress Checkin/Check-out • Concierge Services
R E C R E AT ION & L E I SU R E Saray Spa, traditional Middle Eastern treatments • Health Club • Children’s pool • Whirlpool
DUBAI MARRIOTT HARBOUR AL JADDAF Oud Metha Road, Al Jaddaf Area Dubai, 122273 United Arab Emirates
T. 971.4.317.7777 F. 971.4.317.7778 dubaimarriottharbourhotel.com restaurants.dubaimarriottharbourhotel.com
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SHOPPING
DINING
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ARTS
e Where Luxury M eets LifestyLe
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Contents Facts about the UAE Top of the World
6 8
Dubai's Attractions Arabian Treasures Marvellous Metropolis Luxury Meets Lifestyle Endless and Priceless
17 20 22 32 38
Celebrating Life Top Women's Fashion The Emirate of Dubai Rulers and Ruling Families
40 44 48 50
Dubai Milestones A glimpse of Islam Good to Know
52 54 55
National dress Arabic Hospitality Arabic Coffee Recipes Sands of time – UAE history 1001 Nights – Desert Adventures Traditional Emirati food
56 58 60 62 66 68
Dubai Events Dubai Art Dubai do Buy
70 76 80
Historical Buildings in Dubai Modern Buildings in Dubai Mosques in Dubai
82 86 94
High 5 The Dubai Creek Dubai's Bridges Dubai's Beaches Historical Dubai – Places to visit
98 100 106 110 124
A stroll around Bastakia The Tour Shindaga Top Men's Fashion The Old Markets
134 138 142 146
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Contents Top Timepieces Top Women's Accessories Top Jewels Dubai – City of Gold The World of 1001 Spices The Gourmet Metropolis – Dubai's Best Restaurants
152 154 160 156 162 164
A Taste of Arabian culture and tradition Natural heritage Dubai Parks The Miracle Garden Water fun
172 176 180 184 188
Dubai's New Downtown Dubai On the Fast Lane to the Future Dubai Expo 2020
190 192 196
Shopping Malls in Dubai Shop until you drop
198 200
The World of 1001 Fragrances Top Fragrances Dubai Sportive Dubai Camel Racing Dubai Gold Cup
216 220 222 226 228
Horse Racing Dubai from a birds-eye perspective Motorsport Diving Yachting Arrive in Style Dubai's Ports Women's Museum Golf Tennis
230 231 232 233 234 236 238 239 240 244
The Seven Emirates Abu Dhabi Sharjah Ajman Fujairah Ras Al Khaimah
246 250 252 254 256
Essential Numbers Dubai Map
260 262
Editorial
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MUST SEE Dubai
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Facts About the United Arab Emirates
Capital Political structure Official language Foundation of the country Territory Population
Official religion Currency Time zone Internet International Vehicle registration code International calling code
Abu Dhabi Constitutional Confederation Arabic December 2, 1971 83,600 km² 7,200,000 Total 947,997 UAE Nationals (Published by Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce in April 2012) Islam UAE Dirham GMT+4 (no daylight saving/ summer time) .ae UAE +971
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS Ambulance .................................................................. 998 or 999 Police .................................................................. 999 – emergency ......................................................................... 901 – non-emergency Fire ............................................................................................. 997 Coast Guard ..................................................... 996 and 800 4438 Tourist police ................................................................800 2626 Directory Inquiry ................................................... Etisalat – 181 ........................................ du Telecom 800 155 from any UAE phone .........................................................du Telecom 155 from du mobile
ARRIVING BY PLANE - INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS
LOCATION The United Arab Emirates is located along the southeastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula. It borders with Saudi Arabia to the west, south and southeast and Oman to the southeast and northeast. The northern and western coast of the UAE lies on the Arabian Gulf, its eastern coast is on the Indian Ocean. The UAE is a federation, formed of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ra’s al-Khaimah and Fujairah.
TOURISM The UAE is one of the fastest growing tourist destinations worldwide. Its unique combination of Arab tradition and heritage, year-round sunshine, unbeatable shopping facilities, world-class hotels and a service-oriented safe environment leads to ever growing numbers of visitors.
CLIMATE The UAE has an arid climate with year-round sunshine. Summers are hot and humid, winters warm and at times windy. With daytime temperatures in the mid-20s and night temperatures between 11 and 15 degrees Celsius, winters are very pleasant. During summer thermometers will climb into the 40s during the day and remain in the 30s at night. Humidity in coastal areas is on average 50 percent and can reach up to 90 percent during mid-summer ( June – August). Shamal are strong winds that are common during winter. Sandstorms and strong winds from the desert are the usual harbingers of the change of seasons. Rainfall is very rare – in spring (March/April) some rainy days might happen, not more than ten during the whole year. A "wet year" might see 350 mm of rain, in a "dry year" it might be as little as 30 mm. Water temperatures in the Arabian Gulf change from 20 degrees in winter to 36 degrees in summer. The waters of the Indian Ocean on the east coast are 18 degrees in winter and up to 30 degrees in summer.
TOPOGRAPHY Eighty percent of the UAE’s landmass is desert with picturesque sand dunes. The Hajar mountain range stretches along the eastern coast and its highest peaks reach up to 1,900 metres. Wadis, dry riverbeds, are unique natural features. The UAE is home to more than 200 islands, some of them accessible to visitors.
• Abu Dhabi International Airport – AUH • Dubai International Airport – DXB • Al Maktoum International Airport – DWC • Sharjah International Airport – SHJ • Al Ain International Airport – AAN • Fujairah International Airport- FJR • Ra’s al-Khaimah International Airport – RKT
ARRIVING BY SEA – CRUISE PORTS • Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal Mina Zayed Port • Dubai Cruise Terminal Port Rashid • Port of Fujairah • Passenger Cruise Terminal RAK Khor Port Ra’s al-Khaimah
ARRIVING BY ROAD – LAND CHECKPOINTS • Hatta – Omani border •Al Ain/Buraimi – Omani border • Dibba – Omani border (Musandam) • Al Ghuwaifat – Border with Saudi Arabia
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2014 The UAE follows the Gregorian calendar as well as the Islamic Hijri calendar. Friday is the weekly day of rest, schools and most offices remain closed during the two-day weekend on Fridays and Saturdays. HOLIDAYS – FIXED DATES January 1 New Year's Day December 2 UAE National Day ISLAMIC HOLIDAYS – APPROXIMATE DATES The Hijri calendar is based on the moon cycle and therefore in 2014 the following dates for the Islamic holidays are approximate. The exact dates will be announced following the moonsighting. January 13 May 26 June 28 July 82 October 3 October 4 October 25
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Prophet Mohammed's Birthday Ascension of the Prophet Beginning of Ramadan Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) Arafat (Haj) Day Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice) Al Hijara (Islamic New Year)
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Top of the World
Burj Khalifa – 829.8 m
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Dubai is literally grabbing for the stars and comes nowhere closer to this than at the iconic Burj Khalifa, at a stunning 828 metres the tallest building in the world. For the building’s main architectural pattern – the wings extending from a central core – architect Adrian Smith took his inspiration from one of the tiniest natural beauties in the area – the desert flower Hymenocallis.
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MUST SEE Dubai
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Blue andGold Majestic beaches The deep blue of the Arabian Gulf and the golden sand of its shores and desert give the city its natural royal colour pattern. Dubai’s signature beach developments expand on this majestic appearance, and so it comes as no surprise that Dubai’s millennium coup – the world’s first 7-star hotel, the Burj al Arab – became nothing less than the architectural expression of this unmatched natural beauty, decorated and designed with all the richness real royalty deserves.
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Fairytales If there is a place on earth where fairytales become reality, than it is Dubai. If you do not see it with your own eyes, you might not believe that this place really exists. And so it is little wonder that it is here that the sunken fairytale city of Atlantis should emerge. At the edge of Palm Jumeirah, the eighth wonder of the world, Atlantis came back to live in form of Dubai’s largest hotel, with 1,539 rooms and maritime treasures like the Lost Chamber, a huge aquarium, the Aquaventure Waterpark, and Dolphin Bay, a place to spend an unforgettable time really interacting in the water with these most curious of marine mammals.
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MUST SEE Dubai
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Breathtaking Attractions
Dubai’s new downtown, Ski Dubai and Dubai Aquarium
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Goose Bump Moments!
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Face to face with a giant shark – just an almost non-existent piece of glass between you and it in the Dubai Aquarium at the Dubai Mall. Have fun at -1° temperatures in Ski Dubai, an indoor ski resort adjoining the Mall of the Emirates, featuring five ski-slopes of up to 400 metres in length and a snow park. Enjoy Dubai’s hottest – and at the same time coolest – ice bar lounge, the Chillout Café at Time Square Centre. Feel the thrill of gliding down the fine golden sand dunes on a sandboard in Dubai’s beautiful desert surrounding.
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Arabian Treasures Traditions and heritage
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Even though Dubai is without doubt a city of the future, its roots are carefully preserved. Dubai’s ruler, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is making sure that even within the most sophisticated developments, the Emirate’s biggest treasure, its Arabian and Islamic tradition and heritage, is guarded and carefully introduced into the modern world. Living examples are the unique souks at the bays of the creek and their modern counterparts, tastefully and sensibly incorporated into modern developments like the 5-star resort Madinat Jumeirah next to the Burj Al Arab.
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Marvellous
Metropolis
Most impressive and dynamic city in the Arabian region
It was in the 1970s when the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the father of Dubai, laid the foundation stone for the 184 metre World Trade Centre – at its opening in 1979 the first skyscraper on the Arabian Peninsula. In the years to come the city almost became an adventure playground for architects, and high-rise buildings grew on the shores of the Arabian Gulf like mushrooms, claiming world records by the dozen. One of the latest Guinness World Records certificates was awarded in January 2013 to the JW Marriott Marquise Hotel (on next pages), at 355 metres the highest hotel building in the world.
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Raffles Dubai
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MUST SEE Dubai
Emirates Towers
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JW Marriott Marquis Hotel
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Chrysler Towers Dubai
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Jumeirah Lakes Towers
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Jumeirah Lakes Towers
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Where Luxury
Meets Lifestyle
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With year-round sunshine, a safe environment and respectful multicultural society, Dubai is a sought-after place for people from all corners of the planet to settle down. The real estate market opened up at the beginning of the 2000s to foreign investors and, ever since, the most sophisticated residential areas have sprung up. Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence is where luxury meets lifestyle, a setting where residents, visitors of the 5-star beach hotels and resorts, and modern seafarers with their yachts can all enjoy life at the fullest and spend some real quality time.
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MUST SEE Dubai
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Dubai Marina
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MUST SEE Dubai
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Endless and Priceless Dubai’s golden sand desert
Overwhelming in its sheer endlessness, breathtaking in its natural beauty and made tranquil by the play of light and colours – this is Dubai’s desert. Home to countless often endangered species, the city’s surrounding desert is a major visitor magnet and carefully guarded. The 225 square kilometres of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, the first National Park in the UAE, represents the largest area dedicated to a single project within Dubai.
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Celebrating Life A feast for all senses and tastes
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No aspect of life is left out when it comes to tuning it up and making it a feast – even something as simple as eating or making a purchase. Dubai translates eating into dining and celebrates it at a seemingly endless choice of eateries, where the world’s best chefs use the finest ingredients money can buy to serve food in the most impressive places man can create. Long gone are the days when traders and adventurers had to travel the world to buy exotic and exclusive articles – Dubai’s malls and souks are now the shop windows of the world, where everything from the most luxurious branded designer pieces to the most ornate pieces of rural handicrafts are available – and all tax-free!
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Top Women’s Fashion Top Fashion Dior
Salvatore Ferragamo
Stella McCartney
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BCBG Max Azria
Estée Lauder
Boucheron
Shopping Malls Shopping Malls THE DUBAI MALL Website Where Telephone Opening hours
www.thedubaimall.com Sheikh Zayed Road, the towering Burj Khalifa +971 4 367 5588 Sunday to Wednesday 10 am to 10 pm Thursday to Saturday 10 am to 12 midnight
MALL OF THE EMIRATES Website Where Telephone Opening hours
www.malloftheemirates.com Interchange 4, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai +971 4 409 9000 Sunday to Wednesday 10 am to 10 pm Thursday to Saturday 10 am to 12 midnight
DUBAI FESTIVAL CENTER – DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY www.festivalcentre.com www.dubaifestivalcity.com Dubai Creek, close to Dubai International Airport, easy access from the Garhoud and Business Bay bridges. Telephone +971 4 232 5444 Opening hours Sunday to Wednesday: 10 am to 10 pm Thursday to Saturday: 10 am to 12 midnight Website Where
DEIRA CITY CENTER DUBAI www.deiracitycentre.com Opposite Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club on Baniyas Road Telephone +971 4 295 4545 +971 4 295 1010 Opening hours Sunday to Wednesday 10 am to 10 pm Thursday to Saturday 10 am to 12 midnight Website Where
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Fendi
La Prairie
Vespa
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Givenchy
Dior
Evian
Marc Jacobs
Shopping Malls Shopping Malls BURJUMAN CENTER DUBAI
WAFI SHOPPING MALL
IBN BATTUTA SHOPPING MALL
www.burjuman.com Dubai Trade Centre Road, Dubai Trade Centre Road, along the Khalid bin Al along the Khalid bin Al Waleed Street in Bur Dubai, Waleed Street in Bur Dubai, it is at a prime location it is at a prime location between old center of Dubai, between old center of Dubai, along Dubai Creek and along Dubai Creek and Sheikh Zayed Road Sheikh Zayed Road Telephone +971 4 352 0222 +971 4 352 0222 Opening hours Saturday to Wednesday Saturday to Wednesday 10 am to 10 pm 10 am to 10 pm Thursday to Friday Thursday to Friday 10 am to 12 midnight 10 am to 12 midnight
www.wafi.com Directions south of the Creek Directions south of the Creek in Dubai, Next to Grand in Dubai, Next to Grand Hyatt Hotel Hyatt Hotel Telephone +971 4 324 4555 +971 4 324 4555 Opening hours Saturday to Wednesday Saturday to Wednesday 10 am to 10pm 10 am to 10pm Thursdays to Fridays Thursdays to Fridays 10 am to 12 midnight 10 am to 12 midnight
www.ibnbattutamall.com Directions Sheikh Zayed Road, between interchanges 5 and 6 Telephone +971 4 352 1900 +971 4 368 5543 Opening hours Sunday to Wednesday 10 am to 10pm Thursday to Saturday 10 am to 12 midnight
Website Where
Website Where
Website Where
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Of the seven states that comprise the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is the second largest, with its 4,110 square kilometres occupying about 5% of the total landmass of the UAE. The emirate consists of the city of Dubai and its suburbs, and the enclave of Hatta. The city was previous known as “Al Wasl” (the Connector). How the current name of “Dubai“ came about is not ultimately clear. Several theories exist. The name might derive from a combination of the Farsi words “two brothers”, referring to the two parts of the city, located on either side of the seawater creek. Dubai might alternatively be a reference to a well-known and vibrant market called Daba. Dubai was considered a smaller version of it. Lastly, Dubai might originate in an Arabic world for “money”, since Dubai’s people were considered wealthy due to the city’s flourishing trade. Recently, a clever marketing specialist added a new explanation, that it is just an alternative spelling of the city’s slogan as a shopping paradise: Dubai – Do buy.
Hatta is located at the border with Oman, about 100 km east of Dubai city. Technically, it lies within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, however it is considered part of the Emirate of Dubai. Territories and borders within the UAE are based on tribal structures. It is common that an emirate has so called “enclaves”, territories lying within another emirate and not physically connected with the main area of the “owning” emirate. Before the existence of the UAE, borders were not rigidly fixed. Tribes used to control the territories and wherever members of a tribe settled, that area would be considered the territory of the tribe. Some families lived far away from their tribal leader’s residence and as a result their remote lands became part of the tribal territories. It was exactly this case with Hatta. The village became a popular weekend retreat and tourist destination due to its proximity to the Hajar Mountains and its impressive dry river valleys nearby, the so-called wadis.
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The Emirate
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Rulers and ruling families of the United Arab Emirates NAMES OF THE RULERS OF THE UAE AND THE SEVEN EMIRATES AL NAHYAN – RULING FAMILY OF ABU DHABI His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces AL MAKTOUM – RULING FAMILY OF DUBAI Not long ago what is today the United Arab Emirates was a desert and mountainous land, inhabited by nomadic shepherds, settled people in villages in the mountains and traders and fishermen along the coast. People lived together in tribal communities. In 1904, when the sheikhdoms were separate states with treaties with Britain, J.G. Lorimer, the author of an official study on behalf of the Indian government, reported on the tribes, their locations and the local economy. There was a population of around 80,000, in 44 tribes, forming five principalities with the Bani Yas tribal confederation as the largest amongst them. The first reference to the Bani Yas dates back to 1633. Abu Dhabi's ruling family, the Al Nahyan family, is part of the Al Bu Falah section of the Bani Yas tribe. Dubai's ruling Al Maktoum family hails from the Al Bu Falasah section of the Bani Yas, while the Al Qawasim family ruled in Sharjah and Ra’s al-Khaimah. Even though many tribes shared common roots, rivalries amongst them were common in the struggle for survival in the harsh desert environment. Control over water resources and territories was crucial for their survival and only those leaders who could provide and protect these resources would be accepted by their people and able to remain in power. It was a very simple principle: if a leader looked after his people well, his people would stand behind him in times of trouble. The formation of the UAE and the unification of the tribes under one leadership was one of the greatest achievements of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who was the leader of Abu Dhabi from 1966 and who became the first President of the United Arab Emirates. Tribal identity and affiliation to the tribe is part of Emirati identity. Social structures in the UAE are still based on tribal affiliations. Even nowadays Emiratis remain committed to their tribal identity, and, in return, their leaders take care of them. The implementation of tribal leadership has changed over the years and occurs in the 21 st century in a different way. While a tribal leader in the desert might have managed the distribution of scarce resources, nowadays the leaders distribute the profit of their modern economies in the form of general welfare and gracious grants, ensuring a carefree life for all their people. The rulers of the UAE enjoy a great amount of respect and affection from their own people and residents of the country alike. Even though they live in palaces, they still rule in the tribal tradition and the doors to their majalis, the Arabic counterpart to Western royal audience halls, are open for people to meet their Sheikhs and to discuss a wide range of topics with them.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE; Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai AL QASIMI – RULING FAMILY OF SHARJAH His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Sharjah AL QASIMI – RULING FAMILY OF RA’S AL-KHAIMAH His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ra’s al-Khaimah His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ra’s al-Khaimah AL NUAIMI RULING FAMILY OF AJMAN His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman AL MUALLA – RULING FAMILY OF UMM AL-QAIWAIN His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Ruler of Umm al-Qaiwain His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Crown Prince of Umm al-Qaiwain AL SHARQI – RULING FAMILY OF FUJAIRAH His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah His Highness Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah
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Š Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing
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Trade and Traders
© Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing
Dubai milestones
Dubai is, and always has been, a trading place. The 14 kilometre-long Dubai Creek (or Khor Dubai), a natural seawater arm of the Arabian Gulf, was literately a safe harbour for trading vessels for centuries. Seafarers used to break their long, exhausting, and more often than not dangerous journeys through the waters of the Gulf here. In 1833, Maktoum bin Butti of the Bani Yas tribe settled on the Shindagha Peninsula at the mouth of the Creek, declaring the town’s independence from Abu Dhabi. By the late 1870s, Dubai had become a principal port of the Gulf coast and was known for its vibrant markets. Full tax exemption, guaranteed to all foreign traders by Sheikh Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum in 1894, encouraged many foreign merchants to settle down permanently on the banks of the Creek. The traditional markets, the souks, still attract thousands of traders and shoppers every day. From the 1890s, the Al Bastakiya residential area was built up on the Bur Dubai side of the Creek. It is named after the Bastak region of Iran, from whence many residents immigrated to Dubai. Some of the traditional houses have been restored and nowadays the narrow lanes and windcatcher towers, as well as the Al Fahidi Fort, the oldest existing building in Dubai, form the picturesque historical centre of the city. Commerce was the major backbone of Dubai’s emerging economy and grew constantly over the decades. After the Second World War, oil surveys of the region were intensified: in 1966 the first oil resources were found in Dubai and in 1969 the first petrodollars were earned. Since it was obvious that the oil revenue would be
limited, Sheikh Rasheed bin Saeed Al Maktoum paved the path to the further development of Dubai as a trading and commercial hub for the area and focused on laying a sustainable base for an economy grateful for – but independent from – oil revenue. After the initial dredging of the Creek in the end of the 1950s it was dredged twice again in the 1970s so that it could provide anchorage for ships of up to about 500 tonnes. In 1967 construction of the first deep-water port started south of the mouth of Dubai Creek. Port Rashid opened 1972 with 15 berths, later extended to 35. Large vessels of any size could now call into Dubai. Almost in parallel, work on another harbour started about 40 km southwards in Jebel Ali. This opened in 1979 with 67 berths and became the largest manmade port worldwide. In the surrounding free-trade zone more than 500 international companies settled down. Dubai witnessed huge growth and international recognition from the early 1970s. As legend has it, one day in the late ’70s, Dubai’s then ruler Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed al Maktoum pointed at a sandy place in the middle of nowhere, about 10 kilometres southwards of the trading places at the Creek, and told his attendants that the future centre of his new city would be exactly there: therefore it would be a good idea to build a large trading centre. The Dubai World Trade Centre was opened in 1978 and with 39 floors and a total height of 184 metres was the tallest building on the Arabian Peninsula at this time. Facilities for air traffic were needed to connect Dubai internationally; the first airport started
operations in 1960 with one sandy runway. After just three years an asphalt runway had been completed and with further extension and enhancement towards the end of the ’60s international airlines started regular flights into Dubai. In March 1985, Emirates Airlines was founded with the backing of the ruling family, who provided start-up capital of USD 10 million; commercial flights started only seven month later. Emirates became the largest airline in the region, serving 122 destinations worldwide, and played a crucial role in Dubai’s tourism developments. Dubai’s population grew from about 183,000 in 1975 to two million. Buildings were growing like mushrooms and it seems almost unbelievable that just 50 years ago the city barely had a few hundred solid structures. Dubai’s real estate developments made international headlines and with the opening of the real estate market to foreign investors at the beginning of the 21 st century, projects like manmade Palm Islands and the artificial island group known as The World finally established Dubai as a world-class real estate destination. At times, one third of all the large construction cranes in the globe could be found in Dubai, and rumours have it that the joke that “the crane is the national bird of Dubai” originates somehow from Dubai’s current ruler, His Highness Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Growing numbers of commercial visitors made it necessary to provide appropriate accommodation and build hotels. In 1977 the Carlton Tower became the first formal hotel to open and hundreds of luxury properties
were to follow over the years. The Burj Al Arab hotel, which opened in December 1999, became an icon of Dubai and ushered international standards of hospitality onto a new level – never before had a hotel of such luxury been built worldwide. Growing numbers of residents, visitors and tourists provided Dubai’s merchants with constant growth and modern shopping facilities established its reputation as an international shopping paradise; the joke of renaming the city from Dubai to “Do buy” says it all: shop until you drop. Around 30 years ago the first mall with more than 100 shops opened, the Al Ghurair Shopping Centre in Deira. Countless world-class shopping facilities followed and so it comes as no surprise to learn that Dubai is home to the world’s largest shopping centre, the Dubai Mall, with more than 1,200 retail outlets.
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© Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing
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A Glimpse of Islam
© dinosmichail / Shutterstock.
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Islam is the official religion of the United Arab Emirates. Followers of Islam, a monotheistic religion based on the believe that Allah is the one and only God and that Prophet Mohamed (Peace be Upon Him) is his last messenger, are called Muslims. Allah is the Arabic word for god and refers in Islam to the same god as that in Judaism and Christianity. Prophet Mohamed (PBUH) lived from 570 to 632 A.D. and, from the age of 40 until his death, he received revelations of God, verbally conveyed by Angel Gabriel. After the death of the Prophet Mohamed (PBUH), these revelations were compiled into a single book, the holy book of Muslims called the Quran. The Quran is considered the culmination of Godly revelations and Mohamed (PBUH) the final messenger of God, following earlier messengers such as Adam, Moses, Ibrahim, David and Jesus. Muslims believe and respect all messengers of God. Jesus, for instance, is mentioned 25 times in the Quran, while Mohamed (PBUH) is mentioned four times only. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is considered one of the most respected women in the Islamic tradition. She is the only woman mentioned by name in the Quran, which makes more
references to her than the New Testament of the Christian bible. Five pillars form the basis of Islam: Shahada is the declaration of Faith in Allah as the one and only God and Mohamed (PBUH) as his last messenger. Salah are the prayers Muslims perform at five specific times of the day, defined by certain positions of the sun. Zakat are the five percent of one’s wealth that are given as alms. Sawm is the fasting during the Holy Month of Ramadan. The pilgrimage to Mecca, which each Muslim is expected to perform at least one in a lifetime, is called the Hajj. The Islamic Hijri calendar is a lunar calendar and was introduced at the time of the arrival of Prophet Mohamed’s (PBUH) in Medina in 622. The Islamic year consist of 12 lunar months and is about 11 days shorter than the internationally used Gregorian calendar. The weekly day of rest for Muslims is Friday, and is part of the weekend in the Arab world (Sunday is a working day). Islam has about 1.6 billion followers, making it the second largest religion in the world. About 20 percent of all Muslims live in the Middle East. The two main denominations of Islam are Sunni with about 85 percent (according to www.islam.about.com) and Shia with 10-15 percent of all Muslims.
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Good to Know The United Arab Emirates form a modern cosmopolitan yet Islamic country and enjoy a high level of safety. It is fine for visitors to be out in town at any given time and at any given place. Out of respect towards the local culture modesty in dress and behaviour is advisable. Women are recommended to cover shoulders and knees and to avoid see-through and low-cut outfits in public. Inside bars and clubs it’s fine so show a bit more skin, but on the way to the location modesty should be maintained. For men, bare chest and shorts above the knee would not be appropriate. At beaches and pool areas swimming wear is swimming wear perfectly fine, however topless sunbathing by women is taboo. is taboo. When capturing memorable moments with cameras, cameras, some consideration of privacy should be given. Veiled Veiled women usually don’t like to be photographed. For men men and children to appear in your picture is usually fine, fine, however it is always advisable to get the permission of of the potential models, at least with a friendly smile. As As in many other places in the world, it is not permitted permitted to take pictures of military and official building as well well as palaces. The rule of the thumb is simple: armed guards guards at the entrance gate and a state flag on top of the building building are unmistakably no-photography signs. Gender-segregation is a common traditional practice in the local society. Even traditional wedding parties consist of two events: a ladiesonly party with music and dancing, and the men’s reception for male friends and relatives. A highlight of the celebration is the appearance of the groom towards the end of the ladies' party. The couple receives congratulations, poses for pictures and leave for their honeymoon. Most marriages in Gulf societies are traditionally arranged by recommendation. Even though Muslim men are allowed by Islamic sharia law to be married to up to four wives at the same time, this is not common practice and rather the exception than the rule. It It is is not not acceptable acceptable for for unmarried unmarried couples couples to to live live together together or or even even share share the the same same room. room. Hotels Hotels usually won’t won’t refuse refuse unmarried unmarried couples couples usually and and handle handle the the situation situation discreetly. discreetly. Discretion is also advisable Discretion is also advisable for guests and even for guests and even in introductions introductions in it it is is better better to to introduce your introduce your girlfriend as as girlfriend your wife. wife. your
Homosexuality and cross dressing are culturally unacceptable and are considered offences that could lead to unpleasant consequences, if consequences, if discretion is not maintained. Overt displays of affection in public are public are to unpleasant not appreciated; passionate public kisses could lead to unpleasant hand-inconsequences. It is perfectly fine for couples to walk hand-inhand and a greeting kiss on the cheek is not an issue at all, as all, as long as modesty is maintained. Although alcohol is considered “haram”, a forbidden thing, thing, in Islam, the bars and wine cellars of the UAE’s hotels are are well well stocked. Hotels and a handful of international sport- and recreation clubs are licenced to serve alcohol. sport- and The legal age of 21 for consuming alcohol and visiting The legal nightclubs nightclubs is strictly observed, since the venues would would face severe consequences if they did not stick to the rules. face rules. During During the holy month of Ramadan and religious holidays holidays the the serving of alcohol is either suspended or limited to to the the evening hours. The UAE administers a zero-tolerance zero-tolerance policy towards drinking and driving and the possession and policy consumption of drugs. Non-smoking policies are implemented consumption in most shopping centres and restaurants. in The currency of the UAE is the UAE Dirham – AED. The exchange The currency rate against the U.S. dollar is fixed at 3.65 AED for 1 U.S. $. Other currency exchange rates change depending on the international dollarcourse. The best places to exchange cash are exchange offices, which can be found in malls and shopping areas. Banks and more so hotels offer slightly lower rates. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, but not all shops and restaurants take American Express or Diners Club International cards. ATMs are available all over town. There is no surcharge for credit card payments, unless a reduced price is agreed upon while shopping at the markets. In this case the merchant might ask for the charges the bank would make for the credit card payment: two percent for Visa, four percent for MasterCard and six percent for American Express. It is advisable to have some cash in the local currency American at hand for small expenses. Taxis for instance do not accept cards and at hand for it might become a bit difficult to negotiate the exchange rate with the it might become taxi driver if trying to pay in a foreign currency. taxi driver The The UAE’s UAE’s telecommunication infrastructure is highly developed and and the the two phone companies, Etisalat and du, have rooming agreements agreements with most international providers. Local mobile calls are very reasonably priced at 0.30 AED per minute, for international calls very reasonably the rates range between 2 and 3.5 AED per minute, and are about 30 the rates range percent discounted between 9 pm and 7 am and on Fridays. For calls percent discounted from hotels, surcharges are applicable. from hotels, Taxis Taxis are are the most convenient and reasonable mode of transport while while on on a short stay. Unique features in the UAE are “lady-taxis”, recognisable by their pink exterior decoration. These pink cabs are for recognisable ladies ladies and and small children only and are driven by ladies. Self-drive or chauffeur-driven rental cars are available via hotels and town-offices. chauffeur-driven An international driving license is required to hire a car. A limousine An international service can be arranged via the hotel. service can
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CULTURE
National
Dress
The Emirati master the art of wearing the simple and traditional outfits of the Gulf people with pride, making luxury fashion statements even out of their humble outfits. Emirati national dress is based on practical, traditional clothing for a hot desert climate, and meets the religious demands of modesty. The long wide gentleman's garment is called the dishdash or khandoorah. Most Emirati would choose to have their khadooras tailored – and yes, they are tailor-made – from material of a shining white colour. However, it is a personal choice, to use other colours as well, and mainly during winter months darker colours and warmer materials are common. The traditional features of this garment, which is common all over the Gulf region, are the round collarless neck and long open arms without cuffs. Pockets are implemented in the side seams, not on the chest. A very special Emirati detail is a small cord, attached to the upper button. It’s called kerkusha or tarbush and is made from thread of the same colour as the khandourra. This small item has an interesting history: Arabs love good smells and perfumed oils, especially Oud. This is traditionally offered as a pleasantry to guests. Remains of the oil, applied to the hands and ankles, would leave oily stains on the khandoora. In order to avoid this, the Emirati would roll the faruha in their hands in order to absorb the remains of the perfume and capture the pleasant smell in the little cord. Whoever visits a fish market or a camel farm will value this little handy sniffer!
The man’s outfit is only considered complete with the headdress, the guttrah. Even though white guttrahs are most common, colour and pattern are a personal choice and do not indicate social status or tribal identity. Under the scarf a small white crochet hat, the gahffiyah, is worn. On top a black rope, the agal, holds the headdress in place. The way the guttrah is worn often indicates the mood of its wearer: A guttra piled high on the head might signal stress. The turban-like style, called “hamdaniya”, is mainly worn by youngsters and is considered informal and signals a relaxed mood. In public Emirati women wear an abaya, a loose black coat of fine material that covers the entire body, on top of their regular clothes. The hair is covered with a sheila, a black veil. Some women completely cover their faces, some leave just the eyes uncovered and others only cover their hair – depending on personal decision, level of religious devotion and family traditions. In rural areas it is still common for older ladies and married woman to wear a burqa, the traditional facemasks, covered outside with gold-coloured cloth. While traditional sheila-abaya ensembles used to be of plain black colour, modern outfits are often artfully decorated with embroidery or colourful borders. Ever more women joining the professional work environment prefer to stick to their traditional outfits but give it a personal, fashionable touch. Although ready-made outfits are available, most Emirati woman will have their abaya and matching sheila individually tailored.
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FACTS CULTURE
Arabic
Hospitality
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Each region has its own habits. The customs of welcome play a crucial role amongst various regional practices, since it ultimately defines the first impression and, as is widely known, there is no second chance for a first impression. As a gesture of hospitality in Arabia, a guest will be offered coffee and dates. The traditional Arabic coffee is made from ground beans, mixed with saffron and sometimes other spices, like cardamom. No milk or sugar is added. Since a guest could arrive at anytimea, coffee is always ready and available – a tradition, that is still very much alive. The coffee used to be kept in a large dhalla, the traditional Arabic metal coffee pot. In order to keep the coffee always hot, the dhalla used to be placed in a bed of glowing charcoal, put in a pit in the sand in a special wooden box. Since charcoal boxes might not be the most practical solution in air-conditioned houses, thermos pots in the shape of the traditional dallah are commonly used nowadays. Once a guest arrives, the host will offer the coffee in a small cup without a handle. There really is an art in offering the coffee: the host will usually hold the cup in his right hand and pour the coffee with his left. It is considered
a severe affront to fill the cup completely; it is served only one-third full. The host will offer the cup with his right hand to the guest, who should receive it with his right hand. The host will then serve other guests and always remain alert to refill an emptied cup. If a guest wants to signal that he does not want more coffee, he should shake the cup slightly and hand it back to the host. The slightly bitter taste of the coffee is compensated by the sweetness of the dates, offered together with it. Dates originate on the Arabian Peninsula and were essential for the survival of the Bedouin in the harsh desert environment. The tribesmen often had no other source of food than camel milk and dates, the latter of which are high in fruit sugar and therefore a source of instant energy. Due to their fibre structure, the fruits are gentle on the stomach, which makes them the perfect fastbreaker during Ramadan. About 150 different species of dates are cultivated in the UAE. Towards the end of the harvesting season in mid-summer, the city of Liwa hosts an annual date festival, celebrating this special fruit, which Arabs considered a special and very precious gift from God.
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CULTURE
Arabic
Coffee
Recipes
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The first taste of Arabic coffee artful poured into its small porcelain cup is always a surprise: the light brown drink does not look anything like the common understanding of what coffee should look like. The smell is somehow also aromatic but not at all like fresh coffee. Ingredients as well as preparation make the difference. The beans are roasted in different ways depending on what strength and taste are desired. Light roasted beans are described as blond and give a fresh light taste. For the red coffee with a stronger but still not too bitter taste the beans are medium roasted. For the strongest, most bitter black coffee, the beans are roasted a dark brown. Upon personal taste and family tradition some cardamom might be mixed with the rough ground coffee. This is boiled with water and, just a few moments before pouring the drink into the pot, some saffron is usually added to the blond or red coffee. Arabic coffee is not sweetened. The dates, traditionally served with it, provide enough sweetness and contrast delicately with the revitalising drink. For service the coffee is poured from the large dhallah into smaller ones that are easier to handle and allow the coffee to be served artfully, as is customary. It may sound counterintuitive, but the inhabitants of desert regions know very well about the cooling effect of hot drinks: after a quick sweat flush the little hot drink will help cool you down, and the added dates provide the fast absorbed fruit sugar for an instant energy kick.
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FACTS
Sands of Time a brief history of the uae
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The The United Arab Emirates have a long history and recent findings support the theory that during the early migration of Man from Africa into Asia, the the region provided a key route through which the migrations passed. the Archaeological findings provide proof of interaction with the outside world Archaeological as early as during the Palaeolithic period, over 100,000 years ago. Permanent as settlement began during the Neolithic period about 8,000 years ago, with settlement trading links by sea with Iraq being established over 7,000 years ago. By trading around 5,000 years ago, 3,000 BC, copper was being mined in the Hajar around Mountains for export. Mountains Remnants of early settlements from the Umm al Nar period, about 4,000 Remnants to 4,500 years ago, have been found throughout the country, and relatively to large oasis towns were established. The remains of a remarkable circular large burial tomb can be seen in the Hili Archaeological Garden in Al Ain. burial Fragments of pottery and metal items are evidence of relations Fragments with Mesopotamia, Iran, the Indus Valley, Baluchistan and with Bactria, and later Afghanistan. In Mesopotamian sources the Bactria, areas is referred to as Magan. areas The Iron Age, about 1,300 to 300 BC, was characterised by two The main changes, besides the introduction of iron. First, domesticated main camels appeared, allowing major change in the way people camels people travelled travelled on land, while the invention of underground underground irrigation channels, the so-called falaj, made it possible to irrigation increase the distribution of water for irrigation, despite increase declining declining rainfall. With more agriculture, and therefore more food available, there was an almost explosive growth more growth in population. in
During the Late Pre-Islamic area, around 2,300 to 1,700 years ago, the use of horses became common and a large trade network connecting the Gulf areas with Mesopotamia, India and the Mediterranean was established. In the 6th century A.D. Christianity was introduced to the area. Archaeologists found on Sir Bani Yas Island, in western Abu Dhabi, the remains of a monastery that belonged to a Nestorian Christian community. Between 630 and 637 A.D. the first envoys of the Prophet Mohamed (PBUH) arrived and used Julfar – today Ra’s al-Khaimah – as a staging port during their conquest of Iran. Julfar started to flourish and over the centuries became a wealthy port and pearling centre. In 892 A.D. the port again played a strategic role during the Abbasid invasion of Oman. In 963 A.D., the Buyids, a dynasty from Iran, conquered southeastern Arabia. The 14th and 15th centuries were the time of the great seafarers. The fairy tale figure of “Sinbad” shares a lot of features with the region’s most famous sailor, Ahmed bin Majid, born 1421 in Ra’s al-Khaimah. Bin Majid was sailor, one of the most knowledgeable navigators and cartographers one of his time. Charts made by him are believed to have helped of the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama to find his way the from southern Africa to India at the beginning of the from 16th Century. In the 18th Century, the Al Qawasim, or Qasimi family, in the northern emirates of Ra’s al-Khaimah and Sharjah, emerged as a major sea power in the region, building up a fleet of more than 60 vessels with almost 20,000 sailors. Their clashes with the British, the dominant power at the time in India, led to the area the becoming known as the “Pirate Coast”. becoming
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FACTS
Meanwhile the Liwa-based Bani Yas discovered water at Milh Island, later named Abu Dhabi, establishing a settlement in around 1761 and, later, building the Al Hosn fort. The new town of Abu Dhabi became an important pearling centre and the political leaders of the Al Bu Falah, the Al Nahyan family, moved to Abu Dhabi. In the early 19th Century, conflict between the Al Qawasim Qawasim and the British led, in 1819, to a major attack by a British force, after which, in January 1820, peace treaties were signed with all of the sheikhs of the region, which guaranteed them British protection, while preserving their own sovereignty and control over affairs on land. Renewed and amended, these provided the basis for a British presence in the area until 1971. An agreement between the sheikhs to maintain a truce atled to the area becoming known as the Trucial States. In 1833, members of the Al Bu Falasah, a branch of the Bani Yas tribe, moved from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, with their leader, Sheikh Maktoum bin Butti Al Maktoum, becoming the ruler of Dubai. With its creek providing a safe harbour for shipping, it rapidly emerged as an important trading port. Trade was flourishing, the pearling industry in winter and date farming provided a humble but steady income and allowed the tribes a relatively stable life. The introduction of the cultured pearl by the Japanese stripped the region of its main source of income and triggered a deep economic crisis in the 1920s, with severe consequences for the people. The Dubai Creek, over centuries a harbour for small trading vessels and a good fishing place, came more into focus. In order to further develop commercial activities and to allow more and larger vessel to anchor, the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, started an extensive progr am to develop the creek. The shallow seabed was dredged and the beaches were developed to become quays, suitable for loading and unloading cargo. In the 1930s, oil companies started their first surveys in the area. At this time the first planes also landed in the area and a first airport was built at Sharjah, used as a stopover-point by Imperial Airways on the way to India and Australia. After the Second World War, the surveys were intensified in the 1950s, and with the discovery of oil in 1958, everything changed. What had formally been a widely unnoticed desert region became a place of global interest. In 1962 the first oil tanker left Das Island. Nothing would anymore be as it had been before. Even though the UAE was the last Gulf state to discover oil, what happened afterwards seems like a modern fairy tale. Changes took place almost overnight. With the discovery of oil, international experts came to the region, growing steadily in numbers. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan became the ruler of Abu Dhabi in
1966. He was a leader people trusted, and they felt confident in his abilities to lead the tribe in those difficult times. In his previous appointment as the ruler’s representative in Al Ain, he had gained the respect of the tribesmen and had proven his ability as a wise and caring leader. When Britain announced in 1968 its intention to withdraw from the When region, Sheikh Zayed started talks with the neighbouring rulers to region, join together as a new state. The rulers of Bahrain and Qatar join were included, although they decided eventually to choose were independent membership of the international community. independent An agreement among the Trucial States to form a An federation was reached in July 1971 and on December 2, 1971 the United Arab Emirates was formed and the flag of the new country was flown for the first time at Jumeirah in Dubai. The initial members were Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain and Fujairah. Ra’s al-Khaimah joined the federation in February 1972. Since then the seven Emirates have build up a distinct national identity and the UAE’s political system combines the traditional and the modern. The flag of the Emirates consists of the pan-Arabic colours of red, green, white and black, representing, according to common understanding, the four main historical periods of Islam.
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Š Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing
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SIGHTSEEING
1001 N ights Desert ADventures
A visit to Arabia would not be complete without a trip to the desert. It is said that the seven Emirates of the United Arab Emirates have seven different colours of sand – assembled in decorative glass vessels and picture frames the Seven Sands of the Emirates became a popular souvenir. Indeed the sand in the western coastal areas is of light yellow colour due to sediments of shells and coral skeletons, towards the Al Ain region the sand is turning into more reddish/orange, a result of erosion from the nearby Hajar Mountains, containing amongst other minerals large amounts of iron-oxides and in the northern areas of the eastern coastline the almost black sand is due to large amounts of gabbro rocks in this part of the Hajar mountain range. An excursion can be best arranged via one of the numerous tourist companies offering daytrips into the desert as well as into the impressive mountains. The occasional rainfall in the Hajar Mountains has, over 20 million years, washed out deep valleys, the so-called wadis. Most of the year these riverbeds are dry, except for some pools filled year-round with fresh water from natural springs. The picturesque Hatta pools are a popular destination for a desert trip. A dune dinner combines a desert trip with a folklore evening program. Even though belly dancing and waterpipes do not really originate in this region, but rather from the North African region of Arabia, it helps create the atmosphere of 1,001 nights and an unforgettable evening under the stars in the desert.
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CULTURE
Traditional
Emirati Food
Š Kempinski
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LUXURY DUBAI
Traditional Emirati food is quite different to what is commonly known as “Arabic food”. Most dishes are stew-like, since ingredients are usually cooked together in one single pot. Saffron, cardamom, turmeric, thyme, rosewater and dried lemons give Emirati cuisine its special taste. Fresh vegetables are usually served as appetizers or side dishes. The cucumber-yoghurt salad is a refreshing delicacy. A refreshing drink, traditionally served with the meal, is Arabic lemonade, made from freshly squeezed lemon juice blended with mint leaves. The meat used is mainly lamb, goat, chicken and birds, like the houbara. Camel meat is a considered an extraordinary delicacy, served at special occasions only. Fish and seafood are very popular. Machboos is a typical dish, made from meat, chicken or fish, cooked with onions, dried lime and spices. Once the meat is done, the stock is used to boil the rice. Layers of rice and the meat-vegetable mix are cooked for a few minutes together. The dish is served on large trays, garnished with nuts, raisins and fried onions. Thareed is a stew made from mixed vegetables like carrots, potatoes and pumpkin, cooked with chicken or lamb. The dish is traditionally served with thin Arabic bread. Madrooba is cooked from salt-cured fish, a regional delicacy, available at the traditional fish markets. After it has been thoroughly cleaned under running water, the fish is slowly cooked with some spices. Flour is added to thicken the sauce. Before serving the dish is topped off with clarified butter, ghee. A real specialty is harees, a dish cooked from ground wheat, and lamb or chicken. Boiled for several hours, the dish has the consistency of porridge and might not qualify as the most eye-catching food, but its full flavour is a pleasant surprise. Harees is traditionally served during the holy month of Ramadan, and no wedding celebration menu would be complete without it. Fresh fruits and sweets complete the meal. Luqeymat is an irresistible treat: deep-fried balls of pancake batter rolled in sesame seeds and then covered with date syrup. Asseda, a cold dessert, is made of pumpkin and gets its typical orange colour from the added saffron. Tea with mint or traditional Arabic coffee is usually served at the end of a meal. The passing around of an incense burner, releasing a pleasant smell after the food, would signal the end end of the meal in a private home and it’s customary that guests guests would leave shortly thereafter.
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Balaleet
Harees
Saloona
Thareed
Chicken Machboos
Luqeymat
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Dubai Events
2014
DubAi shopping FestivAl
2 January to 2 February 2014 Dubai Shopping Festival 2014, the internationally acclaimed festival and one of the best shopping experiences in the world, will mark its 19th year with the upcoming edition. Between January and February, the extravaganza will paint the city with a festive mood through its unique blend of shopping, raffles and entertainment. In addition to the shopping and prizes, hundreds of events and activities await residents and visitors. From international concerts, musicals and shows, to sports, outdoor, and fashion events, Dubai Shopping Festival caters to every age segment. www.mydsf.ae
Al MArMouM CAMel rACing FestivAl
January to March 2014 Don't miss out on this fast-paced sport as camels race off to the finish line during the Al Marmoum 2013/2014 racing season. This racing season aims to maintain and build upon the local and traditional sport of camel racing. Race Timings 7 am – 9am, 2.30pm – 4.30pm Al Marmoum Camel Racetrack, Dubai Al Ain Road
Dunlop 24hrs DubAi – 9th eDition
10 – 11 January 2014 One of the most anticipated races in the city will be back again for the ninth round in 2014. The Dubai Autodrome is proud to present the Ninth edition of the Dunlop Tires 24H of Dubai on Friday 10 th January through to Saturday 11th January, 2014. Over 80 teams from around the world will compete against one another in this highly anticipated international motorsport event in Dubai. The actual race will start on Friday at 2pm and will end, as scheduled, 24 hours later. This event has been, over the years, made into a must-see for not only driving enthusiasts and fans but the general public as well as you witness drivers' limits put to the test. www.24hdubai.com
oMegA DubAi Desert ClAssiC
27 January to 2 February 2014 Bringing some of the biggest names in golf together one more time in Dubai. The Omega Dubai Desert Classic
is a PGA European Tour sanctioned event featuring a $2.5 million prize pool. It is held every year in January or February at the Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis Course, and it is promoted and organised by the umbrella organisation Golf in Dubai. The Omega Dubai Desert Classic attracts some of the biggest names in golf. Tiger Woods has featured at the event six times since 2001 and has won it twice. However, the most successful golfer at this event has been Ernie Els who has played in 12 different years and has won the competition three times. The youngest player to walk away with the trophy was Northern Ireland golfer Rory McIlroy who was just 19 years old when he won in 2009. www.dubaidesertclassic.com
globAl villAge 2013 – 2014
DubAi show JuMping ChAMpionships
DubAi polo golD Cup series 2014
30 January to 1 February 2014 The Emirates Equestrian Centre is saddling for three days of intense competition at the show jumping season's biggest event. Don’t miss this opportunity to see elite international show jumpers and their horses in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere at the Dubai Show Jumping Championship 2014, which forms part of the region-wide Arab League and attracts top international riders from all over the world. www.emiratesequestriancentre.com
eMirAtes Airline DubAi internAtionAl JAzz FestivAl
13 – 20 February 2014 The 12 th edition of the festival will be hosted at Dubai Festival City for the third year and feature four headline acts, in the Jazz Legends line-up are Al Foster, Billy Childs, Sean Jones, Kirk Lightsey, Wallace Roney and Tony Lakatos. The event's line up will feature many musicians, including The Wanted, Carlos Santana, Larry Carlton or Nestor Torres. The programme also includes nights at the venue’s Jazz Garden, where a wide array of jazz, blues, soul and R&B performers are set to keep fans entertained. www.dubaijazzfest.com
5 October 2013 – 1 March 2014 The nation's biggest shopping arena opens up again this year offering a world of options. Global Village is the largest seasonal cultural extravaganza in the region that offers visitors an amazing array of festivals, shopping and entertainment in an open-air theme park. This year there will be a unique Fantasy Island funfair concept, which will be on display for the first time in the Middle East. With over 12,000 shows from around the world, newly added countries including Germany, France and Italy to the pavilion and themed events for Eid and Diwali, this is a shopping experience that cannot be missed. www.globalvillage.ae
February and March 2014 Enjoy the premier polo competition of the year played at the stunning Dubai Polo Club grounds on the outskirts of Dubai. The Dubai Polo Silver Cup 2014 is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai. Set in the stunning surroundings of the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club at the Arabian Ranches, this event will present the world's best polo teams and players who will battle it out for the final. The final event will be held on March 14 at noon. Dine in the VIP stands, bring your friends for a picnic on the lush lawns, or party to the beats in the tent. www.dubaipologoldcup.com
MeyDAn rACe nights 2014
January to March 2014 Meydan Racecourse will be offering an exciting array of races starting from November 7, 2013 with Racing at Meydan followed by the prestigious Dubai World Cup Carnival on January 9, 2014. The 2013 / 2014 race season will end with the "world's richest day in racing" with total prize money of US$27,250 million with a showcase of nine races. The Dubai World Cup race day features three of the most valuable contests in the world of racing: the US$5 million Dubai Sheema Classic, presented by Longines, the US$5 million Dubai Duty Free, sponsored by Dubai Duty Free and the famed US$10 million Dubai World Cup sponsored by Emirates Airline.
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Emirates Airline-sponsored Super Saturday on March 8, which is held three weeks before the Dubai World Cup day is one of a kind race meeting in its own right. It is traditionally regarded as the dress rehearsal for the Dubai World Cup. www.dubairacingclub.com
DubAi worlD Cup CArnivAl 2014
January to March 2014 A battle between the world's best horses, jockeys and trainers, Dubai World Cup Carnival will feature a series of 11 highly-competitive race meetings. Since its inauguration the Dubai World Cup Carnival has served as an avant-garde festival and has grandly attracted the most famous stars of the international racing scene. The finale of the Dubai World Cup Carnival is the Dubai World Cup, sponsored by Emirates Airline which will be held on March 29, 2014 and it is the world's richest race meeting. www.dubairacingclub.com
DubAi Duty Free tennis ChAMpionships 2014
17 February – 1 March 2014 Top international tennis players compete for the title at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. The best international tennis players heading to Dubai for one of the most eagerly awaited events, the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. This is the events 22nd year and has become worldwide in Dubai with the world’s best competing every year. www.dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com
eMirAtes ClAssiC CAr FestivAl
27 February – 3 March 2014 This festival is regarded as the Middle East’s premier showcase of classic cars. The 6th edition of the spectacular Emirates Classic Car Festival will be once again featuring an impressive line-up of classic cars and motorcycles. Classic car enthusiasts will be able to admire over 140 different automobiles at the festival, which is considered a highlight of Downtown Dubai. www.emiratesclassiccarfestival.com
eMirAtes Airline FestivAl oF literAture 2014
4 – 8 March 2014 The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is the Middle East’s largest celebration of the written and spoken word, bringing people of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds together with authors from around the world to promote education, debate and, above all, a love of reading and writing, in a celebratory and enjoyable way. With simultaneous translation between Arabic and English in all sessions, the LitFest strives to break down all barriers to communication, so ideas are truly shared and friendships formed – not least among the authors themselves. www.eaifl.com
DubAi internAtionAl boAt show 2014
4 – 8 March 2014 Dubai International Boat Show is the largest, most important and most established event of its kind in the region and as one of the fastest growing leisure marine industry exhibitions in the world, the 22nd edition of the event will be a classic showcase of yachts, supercars, equipment and supplies from both local and international builders together with the latest innovations in marine industry. www.boatshowdubai.com
Design DAys DubAi 2014
17 – 21 March 2014 Design Days Dubai hosts the best of limited edition and collectible works from leading international design galleries. Design Days Dubai is the first design fair in the Middle East and South Asia and it also offers a series of public talks and workshops. www.designdaysdubai.ae
Art DubAi 2014
19 – 22 March 2014 As the leading contemporary art fair for the Middle East and South Asia, Art Dubai has become the essential gathering place for collectors, artists and art professionals from across the region and beyond. The eighth edition of Art Dubai takes place at Madinat Jumeirah. Besides the gallery halls, the fair's extensive programme includes
commissioned projects and performances, artists' and curators' residencies, educational workshops, the unveiling of works by the winners of the annual Abraaj Group Art Prize and the critically acclaimed Global Art Forum. www.artdubai.ae
10th DubAi internAtionAl horse FAir
20 – 22 March 2014 The Dubai International Horse Fair (DIHF) is back with its 10th edition as the ideal platform for equestrian trade to showcase their products and services, increase brand awareness and meet with potential customers. The event has attracted international equestrians from the MENA region, Turkey, Iran and the Indian Subcontinent. This event is held in conjuncture with the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, a competition that displays some of the finest purebred Arabians. www.dihf.ae
internAtionAl property show 2014
8 – 10 April 2014 The International Property Show (IPS) 2014 is a unique platform that brings real estate markets together to showcase their products and services. The event, which is accredited by the Dubai Real Estate Regulatory Authority, aims to help companies improve their profitability, enhance competitive advantage, and sell properties to visitors and investors. www.internationalpropertyshow.ae
giteX shopper – spring eDition 2014
23 – 26 April 2014 The event is a gateway for global brands to access the Middle East, the fastest emerging and investment ready ICT market. It is also one of the longest running annual conferences in Dubai with 33 years behind it. Representatives from over 1,000 different media outlets from all over the globe attend this annual event. Visitors to GITEX will be able to identify and learn about new products and solutions, understand the effects of consumer trends, realise how cutting edge technology can assist their businesses, network and build new contacts and peers and of course, observe the competition. www.gitex.com
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FACTS
ArAbiAn trAvel MArket 2014
5 – 8 May 2014 Arabian Travel Market is the travel and tourism event unlocking business potential within the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. Tourism destinations from the Middle East and around the world showcase a diverse range of accommodation options, breathtaking tourism attractions and new airline routes. www.arabiantravelmarket.com
the Airport show 2014
11 – 13 May 2014 Join 1000's of aviation professionals and experience cutting edge innovation and the latest regional developments in the airport industry. The Airport Show is the leading airport dedicated event in the Middle East and North Africa and one of the largest airport related exhibitions in the world. This show began back in 2001 catering specifically to the Dubai International Airport expansion and has since evolved into a pivotal B2B aviation industry event providing the MENA region and Indian Subcontinent with the latest technologies and solutions from around the world. www.theairportshow.com
giseC – gulF inForMAtion seCurity eXpo & ConFerenCe 2014
9 – 11 June 2014 The one and only IT Security Platform in the Middle East. This event offers you cutting-edge IT security solutions through exhibiting world-class and standardsetting products and services. Protecting individuals and corporations from cyber threats and attacks is considered a high priority field in today's modern technologically advanced world and being prepared for anything from anywhere will make the difference between a successful venture and a failure. At the exhibition, you can network with a number of industry leaders and starters from areas such as finance, energy, legal, telecommunications and the government sectors. www.gisec.ae
rAMADAn in DubAi 2014
28 June – 29 July 2014 (expected dates) The holy month of Ramadan is one of the most important and reflective times in the Islamic calendar and commemorates the revelation of the Holy Quran. Ramadan is a significant month in the Islamic calendar and in Dubai, the period is marked by a host of Ramadanrelated activities. The Dubai Governtment organises numerous events during the month and the retail sector witnesses brisk business. Emirati hospitality and traditions are also very evident during this month as iftars are hosted across Dubai and residents of different nationalities come together to share the spirit of Ramadan. Planned activities will emphasize on the spiritual side of this occasion.
DubAi MusiC week 2014
17 – 20 September 2014 Dubai Music Week is coming back again 2014 and is bringing a host of amazing artists and other exciting workshops and lectures on the music industry. With some of the world's finest and foremost speakers in the field of music coming to Dubai to talk about how to make it big and how they succeeded in music, this event is a mustattend for fans of music and just about anybody else who wants to learn about and listen to great music. www.dubaimusicweek.com
DubAi internAtionAl DAnCe FestivAl
September 2014 The Dubai International Dance Festival is a unique multiarts event and has a reputation for attracting some of the well-known dance companies, classical dance academies, youth orchestras, bands, and music ensembles from around the region and the world. The Festival is also a catalyst for the creation of new work and creative activity, with an education programme and artistic collaborations with organisations throughout the UAE, the Middle East, and the rest of the world. The 7th Dubai International Dance Festival 2014 is the largest dance event of the year featuring four days of performances, live entertainment, workshops, themed dance parties, dance competitions, international guest DJs and more. www.dubaidancefestival.com
b ig b oys toys uAe 2014
3 – 5 October 2014 Touted as one of the region’s premiere lifestyle events, Big Boys Toys features some of the world’s biggest, baddest and coolest gadgets, technology, vehicles and luxury goods in one single awesome location. Big Boys Toys is an exhibition open to all and is an educational experience on how technology is making our day-today lives better and more futuristic than ever before. Be sure to attend the exhibition and witness some of the most amazing technological wonders available to man. www.bigboystoysuae.com
giteX teChnology week 2014
12 – 16 October 2014 A gateway for global technology brands to access the Middle East, the fastest emerging and investment ready ICT market. GITEX Technology week is one of the largest trading events in Dubai, and it is back again this year. It is a gateway for global brands to access the Middle East, one of the fastest emerging investment ready ICT market. Over 1,000 media outlets from around the world gather in this annual event, which has been running for over 32 years. www.gitex.com
eiD in DubAi
10 – 19 October 2014 Eid in Dubai brings together people from different cultural backgrounds as they celebrate together in harmony. Where else but Dubai can you find a true celebration that paints a moving backdrop for joy, for humanity, for acceptance and coexistence. Eid in Dubai is a window to Dubai’s incomparable multi cultural setting and modernity. It is a glowing tribute to the physical spirit of the city and the visionary spirit of the people who call it home. Get ready for 10 days of unforgettable events and, activities in a grand citywide spectacle that will unite people in celebration. www.eidindubai.ae
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DubAi suMMer surprises
mid June – mid July The popular annual festival of Dubai Summer Surprises has put the emirate on the map as an international summer holiday destination with world-class entertainment, great shopping deals and fun activities for the whole family. If hitting the shops is more your thing then the Dubai Summer Surprise is something you will not want to miss. Over six thousand shops participate in one of the biggest retail events in the world, offering shoppers unmissable bargains across a staggering range of items. www.summerisdubai.com
DubAi internAtionAl Motor show
November 2014 The largest and most established motoring event in the Middle East. The annual Dubai International Motor Show held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre welcomes over 100,000 motoring enthusiasts and motor trade professionals from all over the globe. Having been held for the past 24 years, the Dubai International Motor Show is one of the city’s most prominent exhibitions and the largest Middle East motor show. At the exhibition this year, there will be plenty for motoring professionals to see and experience. www.dubaimotorshow.com
Dp worlD tour C hAMpionship 2013
20 – 23 November 2014 Come and see the‚ ’Greatest Players on Earth’ at the DP World Tour Championship. The DP World Tour Championship is the final event of the season-long Race to Dubai where The European Tour’s top 60 golfers will battle it out on the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates, over 4-days for a share of the combined $11.75 million prize-money and The Race to Dubai crown. Featuring a Championship Village, live music, a dedicated Kids Zone, Trick Shot shows and a host of food and beverage outlets, there’s plenty for all the family to enjoy both on and off the fairways. www.dpwtc.com
uAe nAtionAl DAy
2 December 2014 The United Arab Emirates were formed on December 2, 1971, when the UK's treaty expired and the separate sheikdoms decided to form a union. At first the UAE was a federation of six emirates – Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, Fujairah and Ajman. The emirate of Ras Al Khaimah was added a year later to the UAE. To celebrate the UAE’s 43rd National Day, the Government of Dubai has planned a wide range of family activities and festive performances, including shows, children's attractions and much more, at shopping malls, parks and other venues around town. A vibrant celebration with colourful displays, visitors to the UAE National Day can gain strong insights into the UAE's heritage and modernity through themed floats, several dance performances, novelty balloons, camel and horse parades, and musical acts. Underlining the cosmopolitan outlook of Dubai, which is home to over 200 nationalities, cultural groups representing different communities will take part in the event.
oMegA DubAi l ADies M Asters
December 2014 The Omega Dubai Ladies Masters has become one of the flagship golfing events in the emirate. Promoted and organised by Golf in Dubai, the tournament has become a permanent feature of the UAE golfing calendar, showcasing the world’s leading players every year. Since its inception, players of the statures of Annika Sorenstam, Laura Davies, Michelle Wie, Christina Kim, In-Kyung Kim, Natalie Gulbis Kerry Webb and Catriona Matthew, to name a few, have competed in the event, making it one of the most popular stops on the Ladies European Tour. www.dubailadiesmasters.com
DubAi internAtionAl Jewellery week
3 – 6 December 2014 This event is your gateway to the most precious and valuable collections and connections in the jewellery industry. With 18 years of experience, Dubai International Jewellery Week is an event not to be missed by jewellery enthusiasts. Dubai International
Jewellery Week connects buyers with suppliers, attracting a mix of leading global brands, regional distributors, retailers, boutique outlets and a variety of international exhibitors. Over 300 exhibitors from over 30 countries around the world come together to make sure you find what you are looking for. www.jewelleryshow.com
DubAi internAtionAl FilM FestivAl
December 2014 See some of the best independent and blockbuster movies at the Dubai International Film Festival. The festival will screen films in four different locations which are the Mall of the Emirates cinemas, The Madinat Jumeirah theatre and arena as well as the free screenings outdoor at the Burj Park, also known as the Screen on the Green. This is one of the most prestigious and hotly anticipated events on Dubai’s calendar and brings fame and film to residents while entertaining and educating the public through the art of film. www.dubaifilmfest.com
new yeAr DubAi
31 December 2014 Welcome the New Year 2015 with again a recordbreaking attempt of fireworks to bring this spectacular year for Dubai to an end. Get ready to experience a citywide celebration to end the old year and invite the brand new year of 2015. With festivities taking place across the whole city, there's something for everyone on this momentous occasion.
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CULTURE
Dubai Cultural
The Dubai International Film Festival has been held annually in Dubai since 2004 and is one of the leading such events in the region. Each year DIFF presents new and exciting cinema from the Arab world, Asia, Africa and beyond. Between 14-21 December 2014 Dubai will welcome filmmakers, writers and actors from all over the world. The Emirates Airline Jazz Festival is back again this year. The Dubai Jazz Festival will celebrate its eleventh anniversary in 2014. A line up of 24 international bands awaits music lovers from 13-20 February at the event’s new location in Dubai Festival City. In the Jazz Legends line-up are Santana, Al Foster, Billy Childs, Sean Jones, Kirk Lightsey, Wallace Roney and Tony Lakatos. The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature will be held for the sixth time this year. Authors and book-lovers will meet from 4-8 March in the InterContinental hotel, Dubai Festival City. With simultaneous english-Arabic translation at all events, it is a unique opportunity for even non-Arabic speakers to get an insight into the rich regional literature scene. The 13th Dubai Air Show had premiere at its new location, a purpose built home at Dubai World Central (DWC) in Jebel Ali, in november 2013. The show space was almost double that of the previous venue at the Airport Expo. The Dubai Air Show is a biennial event that has been attracting visitors for the past 23 years.The next Air Show will be held in 2015.
Š Dubai International Film Festival
Š Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
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ART
Dubai Art
ART GALLERIES IN DUBAI 1x1 Art Gallery The gallery has long sat firmly in a niche that is still relatively underexplored here: contemporary Indian art. Tel.: Fax: E-mail: Website: Address:
+971 4 341 1287, +971 4 432 4362 +971 4 347 2321 1x1artgallery@gmail.com www.1x1artgallery.com Warehouse No 4, Plot No 364-22, Al Quoz Ind 1, Dubai
4 Walls Art Gallery The gallery focuses on Middle Eastern and international modern art. Through the arrangement of personal and collective exhibitions, we hope to share our passion for Middle Eastern art and its development, with the various communities in Dubai, as well as its visitors. Tel.: Fax: E-mail: Website: Address:
+ 971 4 338 8892 + 971 4 338 8981 info@4walls-dubai.com www.4walls-dubai.com Behind Gargash Motors, Al Quoz, Dubai
The Salsali Private Museum – the premier museum of contemporary art in the MENA region – swung its doors open in 2011. Making international headlines, Green Art Gallery and Gallery IVDE, were selected to participate in Art Basel, Switzerland for the first time in the history of the Gulf. Devoted to the arts, Alserkal Avenue plan to further cultivate Dubai's arts scene with the planned expansion for 2014. Lauded for their contribution to the cultural scene, Alserkal family was awarded with the Patron of the Arts award for two consecutive years by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. Tel.: +971 4 416 1900 E-mail: info@alserkalavenue.ae Website: www.alserkalavenue.ae Address: Street 8, Al Quoz 1, Dubai
The Ara Gallery A contemporary art gallery in Downtown Dubai dedicated to exhibiting artists from the Arab world. Tel.: E-mail: Website: Address:
Alserkal Avenue Arts District Dubai Situated within the industrial quarter of Al Quoz in Dubai, Alserkal Avenue is a home to twenty creative organisations and since 2008 grew organically in tandem with the Middle East’s burgeoning arts scene to become the foremost Arts District of Dubai and the UAE. Tucked away in a warehouse complex among mechanical and industrial servicing workshops one uncovers ten contemporary art galleries in Alserkal Avenue, each representing an individual artist programme and identity. The trove of artistic venues in the district include Ayyam Gallery, Carbon 12, Gallery Isabelle van den Eynde, Green Art Gallery, Grey Noise, Lawrie Shabibi, as well as La Galerie Nationale a 20th century design gallery, today hold International acclaim and are pioneering the region’s cultural scene by fostering international dialogue and cultural exchange. The District also boast an alternative arts space through Satellite, which serves as a platform to support artists in residence, while other creatives such as Gulf Photo Plus, FN Designs, Mojo and Showcase enrich the district with an exciting roster of workshops, talks and community events. The opening of the Arts Season in late 2012 launched The Fridge, the first performing arts organization within the arts post, providing a platform for regional musicians and performers.
+971 4 454 2784 info@thearagallery.ae www.thearagallery.com B urj Plaza, Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown, Dubai
Tel.: Fax: Address: Tel.: Address: E-mail: Website:
+971 4 340 8660 +971 4 340 8661 Street 14, Road 323, Al Quoz 1, Exit 43, Dubai +971 4 386 2366 Unit # R-01, Gate Village, Building # 8, DIFC, Dubai info@artsawa.com www.artsawa.com
ArtSpace Dubai The gallery was founded in 2003. It is dedicated to promotion of Contemporary Middle Eastern Art and Artists. The gallery caters to the taste and trends of the sophisticated Dubai art market and the gallery's discerning worldwide collector base. The gallery's diverse clientele includes private collectors, art consultants, corporate art consultants, architects, interior designers as well as businesspeople, government, diplomatic and social VIPs. The gallery offers the client an extraordinary opportunity to acquire and taste some of the most contemporary Middle Eastern Art. Tel.: E-mail: Website: Address:
+971 4 323 0820 info@artspace-dubai.com, www.artspace-dubai.com The Gate Village Bldg. 3, Level Podium, DIFC, Dubai
Arsh Art Gallery
Ayyam Gallery
The gallery is a modern and different space exhibiting contemporary Middle eastern and International art and creative collections.
The gallery is recognised as a leading cultural voice in the region, representing a roster of Arab and Iranian artists with an international profile and museum presence.
Tel.: Fax: E-mail: Website: Address:
Tel.: Fax: Address: E-mail: Website: Tel.: Fax: Address: E-mail:
+971 4 420 3471 +971 4 360 5461 info@arshartgallery.com www.arshartgallery.com No. 2204, Indigo Icon Tower, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
Art Sawa Gallery Art Sawa a leading gallery in the MENA region has over the past four years made a measurable impact on the Art Scene in the region by championing both, well established, as well as emerging regional artists.
+ 971 4 323 6242 + 971 4 323 6243 Alserkal Avenue, Exit 43 of SZR, Street 8, Al Quoz 1, Dubai dubai@ayyamgallery.com www.ayyamgallery.com + 971 4 439 2395 + 971 4 439 2390 DIFC, Building 3, DIFC Gate Village, Dubai difc@ayyamgallery.com
Carbon 12 Carbon 12, established in 2008, is the only contemporary art gallery of the region with a comprehensive program consisting of very established international artists and emerging artists
LUXURY DUBAI
from all over the world and from the region. Since 2008 this dialogue between international and middle-eastern artists of the gallery had a fundamental impact on the entire Gulf region's art scene. By early 2013 Carbon 12 has already held over 34 exhibitions, some with artists like André Butzer, Olaf Breuning, Ghazel, Sara Rahbar, just to name those. The represented artists works can be found in permanent collections of prestigious museums such as Centre Pompidou, Mumok, LACMA, Foundation Gulbekian, The Saatchi gallery, just to name few, and the gallery's exhibitions have received international critical acclaim.The gallery has as well an active international presence, for having participated in over 12 art fairs around the globe. Tel.: E-mail: Website: Address:
+ 971 4 340 6016 info@carbon12dubai.com www.carbon12dubai.com Alserkal Avenue, Unit D37, Street 8, Al Quoz 1, Dubai
The Cartoon Art Gallery The gallery is the first of its kind in the Middle East that provides a focus on the art of cartooning, animation, illustration, concept art, comics, children's book illustration and more. In addition to a unique selection of vintage and contemporary art, prints and a collection of Original Production Animation Cels. Tel.: E-mail: Website: Address:
+971 4 346 6467 info@cartoonartgallery.org www.cartoonartgallery.org Street 4B, Al Quoz 1, Off Sheikh Zayed Road, Interchange 3, exit 43, Al Quoz, Dubai
Courtyard Gallery The Courtyard Gallery is one of the oldest galleries in Dubai, and the first gallery to establish itself in the Al Quoz industrial area that is today a major destination for art galleries. This contemporary art gallery promotes international art with a focus on established and emerging contemporary artists from the Middle East through organizing and hosting individual and group exhibitions and by commissioning artworks for small, medium and large scale projects. Tel.: Fax: E-mail: Website: Address:
+971 4 347 9090 +971 4 347 9666 info@courtyardgallerydubai.com www.courtyardgallerydubai.com Off Sheikh Zayed Road, Interchange 3, exit 43, Al Quoz, Dubai
The Empty Quarter This is the only gallery in Dubai devoted exclusively to fine art photography and serving a rapidly growing membership of artists and photo enthusiasts. Our goal is to expand the understanding and appreciation of photography as an artistic medium. Tel.: Fax: E-mail: Website: Address:
+971 4 323 1210 +971 4 323 1524 info@theemptyquarter.com, krisztina@theemptyquarter.com www.theemptyquarter.com Gate Village, Building 02, Dubai
Gallery 76 This is the oldest public art gallery in the UAE and occupies a special place in the history of Dubai’s thriving art scene. The gallery plays a key role at DIAC in facilitating ‘Art for all’. Tel.: E-mail: Website: Address:
+971 4 344 4398 artdubai@eim.ae www.artdubai.com Dubai International Art Centre, Villa No. 27, Street 75b, Jumeirah 1, Dubai
Green Art Gallery This is a contemporary art gallery based in Dubai, UAE. Representing a multi-generational mix of artists, the Gallery's progr am is focused on contemporary artists from the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, Turkey and beyond, working across different media, traditional and new, who employ a research based approach. Tel.: Fax: E-mail: Website: Address:
+971 4 346 9305 +971 4 346 9306 info@gagallery.com www.gagallery.com Street 8, Alserkal Avenue, Unit 28, Al Quoz 1, Dubai
Gallery Etemad – Dubai Etemad Dubai expands on the gallery's vision to celebrate the Middle East as a global leader, at the forefront of cultural production and exchange. One of the largest galleries in Dubai.
Tel.: Fax: E-mail: Website: Address:
+971 4 346 8649 +971 4 346 8462 info@galleryetemad.com www.galleryetemad.com Unit 12, Alserkal Avenue, Street 8, Exit 43 SZR, Al Quoz 1, Dubai
Gallery Isabelle van den Eynde The gallery showcases an intense and innovative progr am of exhibitions that break conventional understandings of art coming out of the Middle East right now. Tel.: Fax: E-mail: Website: Address:
+971 4 323 50 52 +971 4 323 67 61 info@ivde.net www.ivde.net Street 8, A Serkal Avenue, Unit 17, Al Quoz 1, Dubai
Gallery One Gallery One is the largest branded gallery group in the region and the home of 'great things for walls'. Browse contemporary art and decorative photographic prints in a welcoming and open environment. Tel.: E-mail: Website: Address:
+971 4 432 7493 info@g-1.com www.g-1.com G alleries in Dubai: Mall Of The Emirates, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Atlantis The Palm, JBR The Walk, Dubai Mall, Souk Al Bahar
Grey Noise It is a contemporary art gallery with a focus on work from South Asia and Europe. Through active partnership with curators, galleries, art fairs and museums worldwide, aims to promote new and often experimental streams of thought in art and culture. Tel.: Fax: E-mail: Website: Address:
+971 4 379 0764 +971 4 379 0769 info@greynoise.org www.greynoise.org Unit 24, Alserkal Avenue, Street 8, Al Quoz 1, Dubai
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ART
ART GALLERIES IN DUBAI Hamail Art Galleries – Dubai
Khak Gallery
The Mojo Gallery
This is the gallery in Dubai representing Pakistani,Indian and Bangladash artist. The gallery aim is to promote young artist. The gallery was founded in 2001 in Lahore Pakistan. The gallery has become a great venue for a variety of styles and wishes to promote art.
The gallery bring Iranian visual arts to an international audience at their new location in The Courtyard Dubai, where both prominent and emerging Iranian contemporary artists are represented, in association with Total Arts.
As a gallery we strive to maintain a reputation for hosting shows that are credible, innovative, thought provoking and international in context.
Cell: Office: E-mail: Website: Address:
+971 50 426 9401, +971 55 162 3291 +971 4 380 6479 contact@hamailartgalleries.com; mubashiratu@yahoo.com www.hamailartgalleries.com Warehouse#6, 8th street, opposite City Pearl Restaurant, Al Quoz 1, Industerial area, Dubai
Hunar Gallery
Tel.: E-mail: Website: Address:
+971 4 347 5050 info@khakgallery.com www.khakgallery.com The Courtyard, Street 4b, between Times Square and Al Tayer Motors, Al Quoz 1, Dubai
The Majlis Gallery Set in a traditional house in the Bastakiya. The gallery represents international artists with a special interest in the Middle East.
The gallery is one of the most prestigious galleries in Dubai and the region. The gallery works towards supporting the increasing role that art plays at all levels of public education, and over the years the gallery has presented more than 100 exhibitions by 150 renowned artists.
Tel.: Fax: E-mail: Website: Address:
Tel.: Fax: E-mail: Website: Address:
Meem Gallery
+971 4 286 2224 +971 4 285 6249 hunarart@emirates.net.ae www.hunargallery.com Close to the Dubai Airport Expo, Street 49a, Villa 6, Green Coast Village, Nad Al Hammar Road, Rashidiya, Dubai
The Jam Jar It is a creative space that works to promote artists and support the development of Dubai's art scene through its extensive arts programme and DIY painting studio. Tel.: Fax: E-mail: Website: Address:
+971 4 341 7303 +971 4 341 7304 info@thejamjardubai.com www.thejamjardubai.com RKM Properties, St. 17a Comm 368, Al Quoz 3, exit 39 on Sheikh Zayed Road, behind Dubai Garden Centre, Dubai
+971 4 353 6233 +971 4 353 5550 majlisgallery@gmail.com www.themajlisgallery.com A l Musalla Roundabout, Al Fahidi Street, The Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Bur Dubai, Dubai
Since its launch in 2007, Meem Gallery has established itself as a leading specialist in the Arab and Iranian art world. The gallery’s aim is to promote the work of modern and contemporary Middle Eastern artists, and inspire viewers to engage with, and gain a deeper appreciation for, the art of this region. Meem’s strength lies in its unparalleled access to both private and public collections of the world’s leading artists. Tel.: Fax: E-mail: Website: Address:
+971 4 347 7883 +971 4 340 1640 info@meemartgallery.com www.meemartgallery.com Umm Suqeim Road, warehouse 1, Al Quoz, Dubai
Tel.: Fax: E-mail: Website: Address:
+971 4 347 7388 +971 4 323 6367 gallery@mojo-me.com www.themojogallery.com Unit 33, Al Serkal Avenue, Street 8, Al Quoz 1, Dubai
The Third Line The gallery represents contemporary Middle Eastern artists locally, regionally and internationally, with a gallery space in Dubai. Tel.: Fax: E-mail: Website: Facebook: Twitter: Address:
+971 4 341 1367 +971 4 341 1369 art@thethirdline.com, press@thethirdline.com www.thethirdline.com www.facebook.com/thethirdline https://twitter.com/thethirdline Warehouse 7 & 8, Street No. 6, between The Courtyard and Spinneys warehouse, Al Quoz 3, Dubai
J+A Gallery The gallery is the regions unique place for authentic industrial antiques from the first half of the 20 th century and for contemporary German art and design. Cell: E-mail: Website: Address:
+971 55 395 0495, +971 55 395 0910 info@ja-gallery.com www.ja-gallery.com Al Quoz Industrial 1, Street 4a, Compound 5, Warehouse 15, close to Sheikh Zayed Road, Noor Islamic Bank Metro Station, Dubai
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Lawrie Shabibi
Pro Art Gallery
Showcase Gallery
This is a contemporary art gallery. The gallery's mission is to promote the works of relevant and innovative contemporary artists from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia. The programme's focus is on supporting established and emerging contemporary artistic talent.
From upcoming artists to the masters, the gallery is your one source for art. From one of a kind paintings to affordable limited edition prints, sculptures to photography, offers an impressive collection of fine art.
Showcase gallery was founded in 1998 and since then it has been expanding its art offer. Originally, exhibiting local original antique wedding chests and tribal doors, and recently showcasing the most innovative and creative artworks from Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. An in-house bespoke framing service is located within the warehouse space.
Tel.: Fax: E-mail: Website: Address:
+971 4 346 9906 +971 4 346 9902 info@lawrieshabibi.com www.lawrieshabibi.com Unit 21, Alserkal Avenue, Al-Quoz, Dubai
Tel.: Fax: E-mail: Website: Address:
+971 4 345 0900 +971 4 345 0912 info@proartuae.com www.proartuae.com Palm Strip Mall, 1 st floor, Jumeirah Beach road, opposite Jumeirah Mosque, Dubai
Opera Gallery
Rira Gallery
Founded in Paris by Gilles Dyan in 1994, and now internationally established with offices in Paris, London, Geneva, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore, Hong Kong, Seoul and Dubai (2008). Opera Gallery is one of the leading dealers in modern masterpieces and contemporary art from around the world.
The gallery is an art space that represents contemporary artists from the Middle East providing a platform to develop their talent, and showcase their works beyond the social and political restrictions of their home country.
Tel.: Fax: E-mail: Website: Address:
+ 971 4 323 0909 + 971 4 323 0908 dubai@operagallery.com www.operagallery.com DIFC, Gate Village Building 3, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai
Tel.: Fax: E-mail: Website: Address:
+971 4 369 9339 +971 4 369 9340 info@riragallery.com www.riragallery.com Building 3, Gate village lower level, DIFC, Dubai
Salsali Private Museum Mussawir Art Gallery The gallery is an art space that represents both emerging and established contemporary artists. The gallery displays artworks which include paintings, sculptures and ceramics. Tel.: Fax: E-mail: Website: Address:
+971 4 388 1663 +971 4 388 1664 mussawirartgallery@gmail.com www.mussawir.com Unit 2, Opposite Al Sharawi Equipment, Al Marabea street, Al Quoz 1, Dubai
The museum founded in 2011 by collector Ramin Salsali, is dedicated to showcasing artworks from the Salsali Collection. The museum also hosts guest exhibitions and projects and is the first collector centre in the region. Tel.: E-mail: Website: Address:
+971 4 380 9600 spm@salsalipm.com www.salsalipm.com Unit 14, Alserkal Avenue, Street 8, Al Quoz 1, Exit 43 off SZR, Dubai
Tel.: Fax: E-mail: Website: Address:
+971 4 379 0940 +971 4 379 0950 info@showcasedubai.com www.showcasedubai.com Unit 35, Alserkal Avenue, Street 8, Al Quoz, Exit 43 off SZR, Dubai
XVA Gallery The gallery is one of the leading galleries in the Middle East that specializes in contemporary art from the Arab world and Iran. Tel.: Fax: E-mail: Website: Address:
+971 4 358 5117 +971 4 358 5172 xva@xvagallery.com www.xvagallery.com Building 7, DIFC Gate Village, Dubai
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Š Sanchai Kumar / Shutterstock.com page
80 SHOPPING
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Do Buy
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Dubai’s reputation as a shopper’s paradise is legendary and so are its shopping festivals, which attract thousands of visitors to join in a bargain hunt. The opener of the annual series of events is the Dubai Shopping Festival from mid-January to mid-February. Enormous discounts, entertainment programmes all over town and, last not least, spectacular fireworks turn shopping into a completely new experience. Discounts of up to 75% even for branded fashion and market premiers of the latest electronics paired with children’s fun make the shopping festival an event for the whole family. The raffles held during the shopping festival are legendary. Luxury cars and gold are offered for the lucky winners. Since the shopping festival first kicked of in 1996, the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group has given away more than 664 kg of gold in prizes. During the latest shopping festival, 0.5 kg of gold was raffled daily, with the winner on the closing day of the festival hitting the jackpot with 3 kg of gold. If you thought that shopping is very much in the female domain, you should not miss Big Boys’ Toys from October 3 – 5 at the prestigious Burj Park, Downtown Dubai. Horsepower for land, sea and air, the latest technology and luxury gadgets: not even the most shopping-resistant man will be able to withstand these temptations. The Dubai International Boat Show is the region’s most prestigious consumer marine sports event. From 4-8 March, the Dubai Marine Club in Mina Seyahi will host the 22nd edition of the show. Between June and August the Dubai World Trade Centre will host its annual family and kids’ summer event, the Modhesh World. While temperatures rise, prices drop once again during the Dubai Summer Surprise in malls and shops all over town. Gitex Dubai is the region’s most prestigious IT show. The latest computer and software trends will be unveiled from 12-16 October at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre.
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Historical Buildings in Dubai
A stroll through the narrow alleys feels like a journey back in time. The small streets are laid out in such a way as to always provide some shade and allow fresh air to circulate, giving some relief during the hot summers. Start you little tour at the open area just off the creek. On the left hand side is a small one-storey building, covered with palm leaves and a small windcatcher tower. This house is a meeting place for former members of the Bastakia community. People began to move out of the traditional residential quarter in the 1970s, opting for more comfortable houses with modern facilities like tap water and air-conditioning. Due to the poor building materials used, the historical structures almost disappeared over the years. But Dubai’s rulers realised that it was not just a bunch of old houses, but also the city’s history that was vanishing. An ambitious project started: the rebuilding and restoration of Dubai’s
first residential area. Once work got underway, some of the former residents heard about it and came over to see what was going in their childhood streets. To give the former residents a place to meet and enable them to reconnect, this small house was built. Often in the afternoon former Bastakians will come here and are always happy to share stories from their youth with any passing guest who stops for a refreshing cup of tea and a little chat. The walls of the first building on the right hand side have deliberately not been completely plastered over, so that the original coral stone can be seen. Unique features of these traditional houses are the windcatcher towers. Most of the windows face the inner courtyards and the solid high walls protect each family’s privacy. Turning to the right, the first building on the left side of the small street now hosts a popular Arabic restaurant, Bastakiah Nights. The Historical Building Section of the municipality uses the building
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opposite as office, but during working hours the doors are wide open for visitors. Quite unique floral ornaments dominate the courtyard and the view over the creek from the terrace of the first floor is just stunning. Further along, you come across a large mosque with a nice little garden in front of it. Taking pictures is fine, but please remember that it is not considered appropriate for non-Muslims to enter a mosque in the UAE. Leaving the mosque on the right hand side, the route trails along past some more small buildings and after a sharp left-turn heads towards Al Fahidi Street. A small fence straight ahead protects the only remaining segment of Dubai’s original city wall, which used to run for 600 metres in the beginning of the 19 th century. Walking further on towards Al Fahidi Street, more side streets run in from the old quarter on the left, and even from a distance the displays of the art galleries and the signs of the coffee shops can be seen, tempting you in for a quick spot of shopping or a refreshing drink.
Entering the main outer road, Al Fahidi Street, it can be difficult to decide what to do next: a few steps to the left is the Local House restaurant, which serves camel burgers and other more traditional camel meat dishes, which are otherwise really hard to find on any menu. The Majilis Gallery, one of Dubai’s best-known galleries, is only a few steps further to the left. As the street takes a turn to the left, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding comes up. Under the banner of “Open Doors, Open Minds” this not-for-profit centre was established in 1998 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to provide a platform for intercultural exchange; the centre organises events and cultural programmes, as well as public tours of the Jumeirah Mosque. Walking on just a few metres further – keeping the Bastakian buildings on the left hand side – will lead you back to the starting point of the walk. If you feel hungry for a bit more culture and heritage, turn right at the main road and it is only a fiveminute walk to the Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi Fort.
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Modern buildings in Dubai
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The sky is the limit when it comes to Dubai’s ambitious plans, a fact to which its modern architecture bears eloquent witness; with skyscrapers attaining never-before reached heights, the city has collected one world record after another. The Burj Al Arab hotel, opened in December 1999, was not just Dubai’s millennium coup, as the first seven star hotel in the world it raised hospitality standards to a completely new level. Designed in the form of a giant sail, the hotel stands 321 metres high on a small island off the coast of the Arabian Gulf. It became the icon of Dubai and has helped the emirate to boost its image as a world-class luxury destination. The Burj Khalifa, completed in 2009, is the tallest structure in the world at 829 metres. The Burj Khalifa complex with the Dubai Mall (the largest shopping centre in the world), and the surrounding residential and office towers has become the city’s vibrant new heart. Old Town, an adjoining residential complex, combines traditional architectural design with luxury lifestyle. The Sheikh Zayed Road with its high rise buildings is an eloquent example of architectural diversity: no two skyscrapers look alike, and the World Trade Centre tower, once the highest building on the Arabian Peninsula at 149 metres, now looks like a dwarf amongst giants. Built in 1978, it was the first high-rise building in Arabia. The Dubai Gate is a 21 st century interpretation of a giant entry to the new financial centre of Dubai, and stands for the city’s ambition to become the financial hub of Arabia.
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Dubai’s natural coastline is 60 km long. That’s not too much, and it is quite challenging to find a reasonable way to dedicate sections of it for commercial, residential and touristic development. Dubai’s approach was once again unique: if you don’t have enough coastline, just create more. With the development of the largest manmade islands, Dubai pioneered global waterfront projects. Palm Islands Jumeirah, Jebel Ali and Deira, together with various island developments such as the archipelago called simply The World, will ultimately extend Dubai’s shoreline to 1,500 km. In conjunction with all these new plans, Dubai opened its real estate market to international investors and initiated an unprecedented building boom at the beginning of the new millennium. The vision became reality – beautiful residential villas and world-class accommodation such as the fairytale Atlantis theme hotel have opened on the Palm Jumeirah.
Dubai’s population has exploded over recent years and new residential areas have sprung up like mushrooms all over the city and in the inland suburbs. Since the 1990s, Jumeirah has been the synonym for luxury lifestyle. The lavish villas along the beach road are home to Emirati families. With the Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence, a vibrant international community with plenty of small restaurants and boutiques has build up alongside the southern beaches. In 2012 the 101 storey, 413 metre high Princess Tower became the tallest residential building on the planet. Madina Jumeirah (the City of Jumeirah) is the city’s Arabian resort, a unique complex of Arab-styled luxury hotels and a traditionally designed shopping area, the Souk Madinat. The Al Qasr (The Palace) and Mina A’Salam (The Harbour of Peace) hotels are breathtaking examples of Dubai’s success story: a 21 st century Arabian fairytale.
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ICONIC BUILDINGS Dubai
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Sheikh Zayed Road
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in Dubai
Mosques
Five times a day the Arabic phrase “Allahu Akbar” (God is most great) can be heard all over town. The Adhan is the call to prayer, reminding Muslims that it is time to give worldly activities a break and come to the mosque. For male Muslims it is an obligation to perform their prayers together with their brothers in faith in the mosque. In order to find a place in the direct vicinity of residences and work places, mosques are built all over town. There are 1,418 mosques in Dubai (according to a Gulf News.com article from 14 August 2012 article); most are fairly small, however some 150 each have space for more than 1,000 worshippers. For Muslim women there is no obligation to perform their prayers in a mosque, although they are free to do so if they so wish. From a religious point of view it is perfectly acceptable for men and women to pray in separate areas of the same prayer room, but most of the larger mosques in Dubai have dedicated sections for women, allowing for more privacy. A typical architectural detail of all mosques is the minaret. In the past the muadhin, who leads the prayers, would climb the minaret and perform his call to prayer from an elevated position in order to be heard over long distances, though nowadays the call is broadcast via speakers. Legend has it that in the early days the muadhin would even climb a palm tree to allow the call to be carried over a longer distance.
The Grand Mosque, located in Bur Dubai, close to the ruler’s court and the Al Fahidi Fort, is one of the oldest and, with a capacity of 1,200 worshippers, one of largest mosques in town. Originally build in 1900, it was rebuilt and extended in 1998. Its 70-metre high minaret towers over the souk area alongside Dubai Creek. Built in traditional Arabic style, the mosque consists of 45 smaller and nine larger domes. Probably the most photographed mosque in Dubai is the Jumeirah Mosque, located not far away from Union Square on the Jumeirah Beach Road. Built by the late ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the mosque, with space for about 1,300 worshippers, was completed in 1975. The lavish Fatimid architectural style originates in Egypt and makes the mosque one of the most beautiful buildings of Dubai. Throughout the UAE, mosques are strictly considered places of worship and non-Muslims should refrain from entering. However, in order to give non-Muslims opportunities to visit a mosque and to learn about Islam, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding has for more than 10 years been running “Open doors – Open minds” mosque visits, which take place every Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 10 a.m. in the Jumeirah Mosque. No prior reservation is needed. Guests should arrive at the latest at 9.45 a.m. Modest dress is required, and local attire can be borrowed at the mosque.
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MUST SEE Dubai
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High
Five
At the top
At.mosphere
At the Top is the observation deck on the 124th floor of Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Floor to ceiling windows and an open platform provide a stunning 360-degree view over the city, the desert and the Arabian Gulf. The observation deck is accessible via the ground level of Dubai Mall. Tickets for the one-hour experience can be purchased in advance and at the ticket office at the entrance.
Located at a height of 422 metres on the 122nd floor of Burj Khalifa, At.mosphere holds the Guinness World Record as the highest restaurant. Whether enjoying fine dining at The Grill with Michelin-starred chef Dwayne Cheer, or a light meal and some chill-out time at The Lounge, top culinary experiences are guaranteed.
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Al muntAhA
Vu's BAr
Al DAwAr
Al Muntah is the fine dining restaurant on the 27th floor of the Burj Al Arab Hotel. Set at a height of 200 metres, modern European cuisine is complemented by a unique view over Jumeirah Beach, Palm Island and the World Islands. Advanced booking is required.
Vu’s Bar is the place to end an exciting Dubai day on a high note: from the 51st floor of Emirates Towers Hotel it might be difficult to judge what sparkles more, the night lights of the city or the bubbles in your cocktail.
“Al Dawar is Dubai’s unique revolving restaurant, located in the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Deira. While enjoying an international buffet featuring dishes from European, Middle Eastern, Asian and Japanese cuisines, the restaurant smoothly rotates, offering a 360-degree view over Dubai’s old town centre, the creek and the Arabian Gulf.
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The Dubai
Creek
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Dubai Creek was the starting point of Dubai’s urbanisation and has been its lifeline over the centuries. The 14 km long natural seawater channel was the vibrant heart of the old trading centre. There is no other place in Dubai where tradition and modernity meet and melt together as on the banks of the creek. Modern skyscrapers line up along the waterfront, where the traditional trading vessels, the dhows, still drop their anchors. At the moorings in front of the souks, the boats are loaded and unloaded with nothing much more than muscular strength. A stroll around the commercial dhow yard feels like a charming journey back to long-forgotten
times. And this imaginative trip can easily turn into a real travel experience, since the ancient water taxis still provide the fastest and most cost effective way to cross the creek. A fleet of 149 small wooden abras, boats with a capacity of 20 passengers each, shuttle between fi xed stations on either side of the creek. Pontoon walkways make it easy to get on to the boats even for families with kids and people with wheelchairs. Route one operates from 5 am until midnight between the Old Souk Station Deira and the Bur Dubai Station, while route two runs around the clock between the Sabkha Station and the Old Souk Station.
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The journey of a few minutes to the other side of the creek costs just Dhs 1. A truly unique and authentic way to explore the creek is an hour-long private trip for only Dhs 100. Since the Dubai Government’s Roads and Transport Authority operate the abra service, the prices are fixed, even though tickets are not issued. The calm waters of the creek also prompt leisure trips: purpose-built restaurant dhows offer lunch and dinner cruises. “Bateau Dubai” is a truly gourmet experience. Created by Seine Design of France, the 56-metre long and 13-metre wide vessel is a fine dining restaurant, managed by the Luxury Jebel Ali hotel group.
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Dubai’s Bridges
Dubai Creek gives the city its very special touch, but on a more practical note it requires smart solutions to ensure this beautiful body of water does not become a major drawback. With the city’s growth it became necessary to have a convenient connection between Bur Dubai and Deira, the two urban districts of the city situated either side of the creek. Not even the most optimistic traffic planners in the 1960s could predict the amazing growth Dubai would undergo over the coming decades, and the ever-growing traffic volume has presented challenging side effects. In 1963 the Al Maktoum Bridge was opened, providing the first road crossing, and has been a landmark of the city ever since. To cope with the ever-increasing volume of traffic the bridge was extended in 2007 and now has nine lanes. A little more than five kilometres further inland a second bridge was built in 1976. Back then the Al Garhood Bridge had a total of six lanes, three in each direction. With increased traffic the bridge eventually became a bottleneck and journeys to the airport and the neighbouring Sharjah Emirate became time-consuming adventures. The old bridge was replaced with a new structure: 14 lanes, seven in each direction, again allow a smooth passage over the creek.
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To cope with further growth, the development of Festival City in the Al Garhood area and a new road network of bypasses, the Business Bay Bridge was built 1.5 kilometres south of Al Garhood Bridge as the third major crossing. Opened in several stages to ease traffic as quickly as possible, the bridge – completed in 2007 – has a total of 13 lanes, six in one direction, and seven in the other. When Dubai’s traffic again became a nerve-wrecking challenge and even a short drive around town turned into a long-lasting trip at the beginning of the 2000s, a quick fix was needed and Dubai’s ruler, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, found an unconventional solution: a pontoon bridge in between the
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Maktoum and Garhood Bridges. It took 10 months only from the drawing up of the blueprints till the completion of this 365-metre long and 22-metre wide structure, the building of which was completed in just 23 days, and it was opened in July 2007. The fourlane Floating Bridge is closed from 10 pm to 6 am, during which time it is moved aside to allow marine traffic to pass. It is not only possible to cross the creek above water: it is also possible to travel under the surface without getting wet. To smooth traffic flow in the coastal area, the Al Shindagha Tunnel was built as a vital link between the Al Shindagha area in Bur Dubai and Al Ras in Deira. The four-lane tunnel was opened in 1975.
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MUST SEE Dubai
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Dubai’s Beaches
sun AnD seA
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Year-round sunshine, crystal clear azure water and beaches made of golden shimmering sand – this is what makes Dubai the perfect place for lovers of sea and sun. With sophisticated projects like the Palm Islands, Dubai is increasing its shoreline from an initial 60 km to 1,500 km ultimately, and much of this will be dedicated to sheer pleasure and enjoyment. Most of Dubai’s beaches are free to access. The most popular spots are the open beach in Jumeirah 1 and 2, the Umm Suqeim Beach next to the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and the open beach in front of the Jumeirah Beach Residence. The Khor Al Mamzar lagoon towards the border with Sharjah is a beautiful and, on weekdays, very quit spot. Beach parks offer a bit more privacy and comfort. The Mamzar Beach Park is a landscaped park on the seaside north of the Al Hamriya Port in Deira. Large green areas and a swimming pool make it a popular retreat for Dubai’s residents and visitors alike. The park is open daily from 8 am to late evening. The Jumeirah Beach Park, located in Jumeirah 2, has a beautiful desert garden, children’s playground and barbeque and sports areas. It is open daily from 7 am till late evening. Mondays are reserved for women and children only. Beaches in front of the hotels are usually private; however most hotels do welcome visitors for a reasonable fee at their beach and pool facilities. Water sport enthusiasts will find unlimited opportunities in Dubai; kite surfing, scuba diving, fishing trips and leisure cruises are offered by various water sport and yacht clubs in hotels and along the beaches.
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Jumeirah Beach Residence
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Palm Monorail
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The Palm Jumeirah
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The Palm Jumeirah
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Historical Dubai plAces to Visit
The Al Fahidi Fort, Dubai’s oldest building, has been home to the Dubai Museum since 1971. The old fort, built from coral stone, hosts an impressive exhibition on regional culture and heritage: traditional markets, the desert and date oases come to life in themed figurative displays. A whole section is dedicated to pearl diving, boatbuilding and fishing – the traditional trades of the region. With its lively explanatory displays, the museum is highly recommended for families with children. Bastakia is the oldest residential area of Dubai. The houses, build initially from coral stone and complete with windcatcher towers, have been restored with a lot of attention to detail and now host a number of cafés, restaurants, art galleries and cultural centres. At around the beginning of the 20th century,
Dubai’s rulers moved to the Shindagha area. The historical buildings here are now home to a number of museums and exhibitions. In the Sheikh Saeed House, the former residence of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum (the grandfather of Dubai’s present ruler, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rasheed Al Maktoum), a very private collection of photographs of the Maktoum family can be seen. Historical documents, stamps and a unique collection of coins are on display. The house of Sheikh Rashed Bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, built in the 1940s, has become the Beit Al-Rekkab (the House of the Camels), and offers a unique exhibition dedicated to the ships of the desert. Sheikha Moza bint Saeed Al-Maktoum’s former home is now the Horse Museum, highlighting the longstanding history of all things equine in Arabia.
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The house of Obaid and Juma bin Thani hosts the Al Siraaj (Guiding Light) exhibition, based around the teachings and life of the Prophet Mohamed, providing an insight into the religious and cultural values of the UAE. The Diving and Heritage Village is set up in the form of a traditional settlement with small shops and traditional pottery and fishing equipment on display. Handicrafts are practiced and womenfolk prepare samples of local delicacies. Tucked away in Al Ahmadiya Street, just a few minutes from the gold souk, is the Heritage House, built by Mattar bin Saeed bin
Muzaaina in circa 1890. The old building has been restored and refurbished to showcase the typical household of a local merchant’s family. The adjoining Al Ahmadiya School – now also converted into a museum – was established in 1912 as the first school in Dubai by Sheikh Ahmed bin Dalmouk, the then owner of the merchant’s house. Majlis Ghorfat, located in 17th Street, off the Jumeirah Beach road in Umm Suqueim, was built as a summer retreat for the late ruler, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. The summerhouse is surrounded by a traditional palm tree garden with a typical falaj irrigation system.
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SHOPPING
ARMANI EXCHANGE A|X Armani Exchange is accessible Armani, inspired by streetchic culture, fashionable dance music and everything that signifies freedom and personal style. Armani Exchange is the youthful label created by Italian designer and entrepreneur Giorgio Armani. With Armani Exchange, Mr Armani interprets his unique style to create a casual, yet sophisticated collection for the young, urban set. It designs, manufactures, distributes and retails fashion and lifestyle products, including apparel, accessories, eyewear, watches, jewellery and music. www.armaniexchange.com
CARTIER Founded in 1847 by Louis Francois Cartier, the family-run Cartier firm has expanded to become an international jewellery house with a reputation second to none. For generations, the House of Cartier has displayed the gift of sophisticated expertise in creating pieces that express a unity of style no matter the differences in artistic expression attracting customers from around the world in search of distinction. The jeweller never ceases to delight the public with its dazzling collection that places contemporary high jewellery creations alongside fine watchmaking master pieces in perfect continuity, bearing witness to the vitality of its creations both past and present. www.cartier.com
TIFFANY & CO. Tiffany & Co. is America's premier purveyor of jewels and timepieces, as well as luxury table, personal and home accessories. It was founded in 1837 by Charles Lewis Tiffany and established on the belief that 'good design is good business'. All Tiffany & Co. designs are presented in the Tiffany Blue Box速, recognised around the world as an icon of distinction and a symbol of the ultimate gift to celebrate life's most joyous occasions. Today, the company's more than 100 boutiques in 17 countries continue the company's tradition of excellence. www.tiffany.com
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JOBEENY The Jobeeny brand is set to shake up the high street with the launch of an unusual range brand is shake the high with the launch of unusual of “modern antiques”. Conceived and created by designer Jo Cooper, the brand is proud to unveil its first collection of future heirlooms. “There are so many elements that my bespoke customers want:” Jo said “a sense of timelessness; properly crafted details; some luxury; a fashion sense. So I decided to draw them all together in a modern, practical way”. www.jobeenyexclusivedesignerhandbags.co.uk
RODENSTOCK The Rodenstock brand stands for technologically demanding products of exceptional quality. For at Rodenstock we constantly ask ourselves: how can we make wearing spectacles even more pleasant, lighter, simpler and more comfortable? This attitude gives rise to innovative product solutions – which meet demands for the highest precision.
VICTORIA'S SECRET Victoria’s Secret, the world’s greatest lingerie store is now open! The store features a wide assortment of the brand’s signature bras, panties, sleepwear, and Victoria’s Secret PINK, the spirited lifestyle brand dedicated to the independent and inspired collegiate girl. The full lines of popular fragrances such as Victoria’s Secret Bombshell, Dre am Angels Glow and Victoria’s Secret Angel are all available along with VS Fantasies body care and PINK beauty products. This store is uniquely designed to embody the brand’s sophisticated and glamorous spirit.
www.rodenstock.com www.victoriassecret.com
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FENDI In 1925, the house of Fendi is born with the establishment of the first handbag shop and fur workshop in Via del Plebiscito, Rome. The new Fendi business, led by the young couple Edoardo and Adele Fendi, immediately wins great acclaim for the quality of its products. For the Roman bourgeoisie, a trip to "Fendi at the Plebiscito� becomes a date with a certain prestige. As the business grows, the fur workshops expand and between the 1930s and '40s, the Fendi name, already well known in Rome, becomes famous outside of the capital city. www.fendi.com
PORSCHE DESIGN
LOUIS VUITTON
Porsche Design features an exclusive range of exquisitely designed watches, travel and smoking accessories, leather products, eyewear and writing instruments.
The skilled artistry that goes into creating each Louis Vuitton product guarantees impeccable quality. Louis Vuitton's gifted artisans dedicate their attention to crafting products (like handbags, shoes, wallets, watches, sunglasses, accessories) using the most exclusive materials and state of the art workmanship.
www.porsche-design.com
www.louisvuitton.com
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ROCCOBAROCCO
GUCCI
Rocco Barocco, one of Italy's most beloved and successful fashion designers, offers a fine taste of Italian beauty in fashion wear, high-end accessories, and perfumes for women, men, and children. An inspirational and highly creative designer, Rocco Barocco spares nothing when designing clothing for the rich and famous. His clothing creations range from casual ready-to-wear to elite eveningwear.
In 1921 Florentine-born Guccio Gucci opened a store in his native city specialising in leather goods. The house enjoyed great success and by the '60s, Gucci had made a name for itself as the most cherished brand amongst the legendaries of the time. www.gucci.com
www.roccobarocco.it
DKNY Simply stated, DKNY is the energy and spirit of New York. International, eclectic, fun, fast and real. DKNY addresses the real-life needs of people everywhere, from work to weekend, jeans to evening. Both fashionable and friendly, DKNY consistently delivers its unique mix of style around the world. www.dkny.com
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TOUR BASTAKIA
A stroll around
Bastakia A stroll through the narrow alleys feels like a journey back in time. The small streets are laid out in a way to provide always some shade and allow fresh air to circulate, giving some relieve during hot summers. Start your little tour at the open area just off the Creek. On the left hand side is a small one storey building, covered with palm leaves and a small wind-tower, made from palm leaves. This house it the home of the Bastakia-community. The tradition residential quarter was left behind by its residence in the 70th, when they could move to more comfortable houses with modern facilities like tap-water and airconditions, that were not available in the Bastakia houses at this time. Due to poor building-material used, the historical structures almost vanished over the years, since everybody was glad to leave the primitive housing behind. But Dubai's rulers realized, that it was not just a bunch of old houses but the city’s history, that would just vanish and decided to restore this unique historical area. An ambitious project started: The rebuilding and renovation of Dubais first residential area. Once work proceeded, some of the former residence must have heard about it and came over to see, what's going in the place of their childhood. To give the former residence a place to meet and enable them to reconnect, the small house was build. Often in the afternoon some former Bastakian come here and are always happy to share some stories form the past with a guest, passing by for a tea and a little chat. The walls of the first building on the right hand side are not completely plastered. On the corners left out, the original walls from coral stone can be seen. Unique feature of the traditional houses are the wind-towers. Most of the windows face to inner courtyards and the solid high walls are there to protect the family’s privacy. Turning to the right, the first building on the left side of the small street hosts now an Arabic restaurant, Bastakiya Night. The building opposite is used as office by the Historical Building Section of the Municipality. However – during office hours the doors are wide open for visitors. Quit unique floral
ornaments dominate the courtyard and the view over the creek from the terrace of the first floor is just stunning. Walking further along the small way, a large mosque with a nice little garden in front of it comes up. Taking pictures is perfectly fine, however in the UAE it is not appropriate for non-Muslims to enter a mosque. Leave the mosque on the right hand side, the small way trails along some more small buildings and heads than after a sharp left-turn towards al Fahidi Street. A small fence straight ahead is protecting the one and only remaining segment of Dubai's city wall, that used to surround with its around 600 meter length the whole city of Dubai. Well, some years time back in time – in beginning of the 19 th century. Walking further towards al Fahidi Street, on the left side more small street into the quarter come up and already from the distance the displays of art galleries and signs of the coffee-shops can be seen, prompting for a quick shopping or refreshing stop. Entering on the outer main road, the Al Fahidi street, it might become difficult to decide, what ’s next: A few steps to the left is the “Local House” restaurant, serving the one and only Camel-Burger and traditional dishes from camel meat, that are otherwise rarely hard to find on any menus. The “Majilis Gallery“, one of Dubai ’s best known galleries is only a few steps further to the left. Once the street takes a turn to the left, the House of the “Sheikh-Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding” is coming up. Under the banner of “Open doors Open Minds” the non-profit center was 1998 established under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to provide a platform for intercultural exchange. The center organizes events and cultural programs as well as the public tours of the Jumeirah Mosque. Walking just a few meters further –keeping the Bastakiya buildings still on the left hand side – will lead back to the starting point of the walk. If you feel hungry for a bit more culture and heritage, turning at the main road to the right side, and then it is only a five minutes’ walk along the main road to reach to the Dubai Museum in the Al Fahidi fort.
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MUST SEE Dubai
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FACTS TOUR SHINDAGA
The Tour
Shindaga
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Dubai’s rulers moved with their families at the beginning of the 20th century into the Shindagha area. Their former residences have been restored and are now open to the public. Start your tour at the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum house, the former home of the grandfather of Dubai’s current ruler. The Maktoum galleries on the ground floor are a very unique collection of private photos of Dubai’s ruling family and, yes, there are a lot of names! Who is who is actually not that difficult to follow. Arabic names include the names of a person’s forefathers: immediately after the forename comes the word “bin”, which means son. The name immediately after bin is the father’s forename. Sometimes another bin follows in reference to the grandfather. And at the very end, after the “Al”, which can be translated as “of the”, comes the family name. Female names follow the same pattern, but bin is replaces by “bint”, meaning daughter. Arabic women usually keep their father’s family name even after marriage, however once she has her first son, she will be called “Umm” (mother) followed by the name of her firstborn. It is considered extra kind and respectful to address Arabs in this way as father and mother. Once you have admired all the cute children’s pictures and had a look at Sheikh Rasheed’s humble office equipment, check out the coin section and don’t miss the view from the first floor gallery – a wonderful vista over the creek and the old souks on the Bur Dubai side. Parallel to the waterfront, almost behind the Sheikh Saeed House, are two smaller buildings with a big job. As has been said elsewhere in this publication, Arabs admire their camels and horses: these animals are not just livestock but have, over the centuries, been partners in survival in the harsh desert environment. It’s little wonder, therefore, that horses and camels are still so valued today that they have their own little museum, giving an interesting insight into bloodlines, breeding and the uses to which the animals have been put, both in the past and today.
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TOUR SHINDAGA
Coming back to the promenade, walk on just a few steps further, keeping the water on your right hand side. The next historical building on your left is the Sheikh Obaid bin Thani House, hosting the Al Siraaj exhibition and information centre on Islamic teachings and the religious values of the region. Further along the promenade is the entrance to the Heritage and Diving Village. The large courtyards replicate traditional settlements. The small shops are worth a closer look, since among a lot of curiosities and Far Eastern mass-produced products are some treasures in the form of handmade local products crafted from palm leaves: beautiful baskets in various sizes, placemats, food covers and fans. In the afternoon the stalls in the handicraft market usually get busy, so why not try an authentic
local desert: lugemat are small fried balls of dough covered with date syrup. Back on the promenade, the aromatic smell of the waterpipes lingers in the air. The sheesha, as the hookah is known here, is popular all over in Arabia, even though it is not strictly part of the regional culture but was most popular in Egypt and the Ottoman Empire. The waterpipes are used to smoke tobacco mixed with various fruity aromas, but this is far from a healthy alternative; one sheesha has an almost equal impact to smoking a full pack of cigarettes. One of the Arabic restaurants along the waterfront would make the perfect place to end your little Shindagha adventure with some finger-licking Lebanese food and a fresh lemon mint juice.
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SHOPPING
Top Men’s Fashion
Roberto Cavalli
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Ray Ban
Clive Christian
Ferrari
Tod's
Shopping Malls THE DUBAI MALL Website Where Telephone Opening hours
www.thedubaimall.com Sheikh Zayed Road, the towering Burj Khalifa +971 4 367 5588 Sunday to Wednesday 10 am to 10 pm Thursday to Saturday 10 am to 12 midnight
MALL OF THE EMIRATES Website Where Telephone Opening hours
www.malloftheemirates.com Interchange 4, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai +971 4 409 9000 Sunday to Wednesday 10 am to 10 pm Thursday to Saturday 10 am to 12 midnight
DUBAI FESTIVAL CENTER – DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY www.festivalcentre.com www.dubaifestivalcity.com Dubai Creek, close to Dubai International Airport, easy access from the Garhoud and Business Bay bridges. Telephone +971 4 232 5444 Opening hours Sunday to Wednesday: 10 am to 10 pm Thursday to Saturday: 10 am to 12 midnight Website Where
DEIRA CITY CENTER DUBAI www.deiracitycentre.com Opposite Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club on Baniyas Road Telephone +971 4 295 4545 +971 4 295 1010 Opening hours Sunday to Wednesday 10 am to 10 pm Thursday to Saturday 10 am to 12 midnight Website Where
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SHOPPING
Harman Kardon
Jaguar
Bang & Olufsen
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Fonderie 47
Ralph Lauren
Vertu
Sea Doo Sea Doo
Shopping Malls Shopping Malls BURJUMAN CENTER DUBAI
WAFI SHOPPING MALL
IBN BATTUTA SHOPPING MALL
www.burjuman.com Dubai Trade Centre Road, along the Khalid bin Al Waleed Street in Bur Dubai, it is at a prime location between old center of Dubai, along Dubai Creek and Sheikh Zayed Road Telephone +971 4 352 0222 Opening hours Saturday to Wednesday 10 am to 10 pm Thursday to Friday 10 am to 12 midnight
www.wafi.com Directions south of the Creek in Dubai, Next to Grand Hyatt Hotel Telephone +971 4 324 4555 Opening hours Saturday to Wednesday 10 am to 10 pm Thursdays to Fridays 10 am to 12 midnight
www.ibnbattutamall.com Directions Sheikh Zayed Road, between interchanges 5 and 6 Telephone +971 4 352 1900 +971 4 368 5543 Opening hours Sunday to Wednesday 10 am to 10 pm Thursday to Saturday 10 am to 12 midnight
Website Where
Website Where
Website Where
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OLD MARKETS
The Old
Markets
Start your tour through Dubai’s oldest quarters from the Al Fahidi Fort and the Dubai Museum it hosts. Opposite the entrance you can have a sneak look at the ruler’s office – the white buildings behind the fences. In the old days it was crucial for the tribal chiefs to be where the action was and to keep and alert eye on the movements around the water sources, to see who was coming – friend or enemy – and to act accordingly. Dubai’s rulers keep up the tradition and maintain their office in the heart of the old town. A few steps from the fort, you find the Grand Mosque, one of Dubai’s largest and oldest religious buildings. If you come around prayer time, you might wonder how everybody finds their own pair of sandals at the end from among the hundreds of shoes lined up outside. Well, somehow it all works out! Follow the small path to the right of the mosque and take a left turn at the corner of the building. The light beige building on your right is a Hindu temple. If you ever doubted that different religions could co-exist peacefully, here you have a real life example that, in the UAE, religious tolerance truly is practiced. At the next corner, turn to your right and after a few steps walk into the first narrow alleyway on your right. You might think you have undertaken a magical trip to India, looking at the small shops on either side selling flower-garlands, fruit and incense as temple offerings, as well as ritual objects and pictures and statues of Hindu gods and goddesses. On the left after about 50 metres you will see a sign saying “Gate 1”, pointing into an even smaller alley. Walking through in single file you will reach an open spot at the bay of the creek, usually occupied by hundreds of pigeons.
Turn to the right and take the first possible entry, which leads to the covered streets of the old souk, the traditional market. The beautifully carved wooden roof and entrances to the shop have been restored over recent years. Traditional oriental markets are laid out so that certain areas are dedicated to specific goods. You are now in the textile souk where, in this time of online trading, bulk deals are still done in the oldfashioned way, over the table and face-to-face. Material from all over the world is on offer and even though most shops are wholesale retailers, they will sell also smaller quantities if you are interested in making a purchase. After about 10 minutes walking along the main alley – without time for window-shopping or bargaining – you will find on the right hand side an open stall offering traditional Indian shoes. Years ago the stand was just the workshop of the shoemaker, who eventual started to offer some of these beautifully embroidered traditional footwear on the side. After about another five minutes of walking the alley splits. In the very first few metres of the left hand fork are some small snack shops, selling traditional Indian finger food. Freshly prepared it’s well worth a try, but the uninitiated should be warned that Indian food is sometimes a bit spicy. Take the right hand fork to walk out of the market area. In the last few metres you will find plenty of shops selling a great selection of colourful pashmina shawls and traditional garments from the subcontinent. A few metres ahead of you on the left is one of the abra stations, from where the water taxis cross the creek to the station in front of the spice market.
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OLD MARKETS
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OLD MARKETS
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Zenith
SHOPPING
Top Timepieces Piaget
Hermes
Longines
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IWC Schaffhausen IWC Schaffhausen
Vacheron & Constantin
Hublot
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SHOPPING
Top Women’s Accessories Jimmy Choo
Louis Vuitton
RobertoCoin
Stella McCartney
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DKNY
John Galliano
Jack Row
Roberto Cavalli
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SHOPPING
Dubai
City of Gold Jewellery made from prestigious metals has been more than just an adornment for centuries in the Arabian world. Traditional Bedouin jewellery is made from silver, the most common metal of earlier centuries. The wealth of the family was simply transformed into the most compact form – and this was precious metal, which had an established trading value. And where could this be stored and carried better than in the safest, most protected place: on the bodies of the womenfolk. Over time and with more trading ties to other regions, gold became more prominent in the Arabian Peninsula and nowadays gold and platinum are the most preferred investments. From an early age little girls are given jewellery and start piling up their gold treasure. It is common nowadays in Arabia that a woman will get part of her dowry, the wedding gift, in the form of gold. Often those pieces are not really meant to be worn, but are rather kept as a form of saving that can easily be converted into cash in times of need. All told it is no wonder that nowhere else in the world is the jewellery trade flourishing as
it is in Arabia and Asia. The quality of Dubai’s gold is famous and is closely monitored by the Gold and Jewellers group. The free trade environment makes Dubai probably the cheapest place in the world to buy jewellery. The city’s famous Gold Souk has existed since the 1900s and from a small market with a handful of traders it grew substantially in the middle of the 20th century, when it also got its wooden covering. The gold trade saw another boom in the 1970s, when the oil industry kicked off in the region. The Gold Souk now spreads over an area of about half a square kilometre, and is home to roughly 270 gold shops among its narrow alleys and traditional wooden archways. Dubai imports about 300 tons of gold yearly, worth a trade volume of Dhs 12 billion. Pure gold with 99.9% purity is labelled as 24-karat gold. Pure gold is fairly soft and since it can easily get knocked out of shape and is very sensitive towards scratches, it is not practical for jewellery that is intended to be worn everyday. Exclusive jewellery is usually made from gold alloys of 75% or more.
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© Yara
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FACTS SHOPPING
In the Western world Gold 585 (14-karat) is most common, while in the Middle East and Asia the preferred alloys are 18-karat (Gold 750) and 22-karat, (Gold 916). The 8-karat gold (Gold 333) with 33% of the precious metal in the alloy is only used in a few European countries; in many places it is not even allowed to label 8-karat jewellery as gold. For small and fragile pieces, 18-karat gold is the most suitable choice, since it is a harder and less delicate than 22-karat and will survive daily use better. White gold is becoming ever more fashionable; it is also available in various alloys, although its gram-price is usually about 20% higher than that for yellow gold. Something very unique is Purple Gold (about 20-karat), now offered in select shops.
Even though the UAE is probably the best place to buy gold given the near unlimited choice and competitive prices, prices vary from shop to shop and bargaining skills as well a bit of price calculation will help you get the best deal. The gold price fluctuates and it is advisable to check the daily rate before heading for the souk. The daily figure is based on the price for pure (24-karat) gold. The net price for the material would be 91% of that for 22-karat, 75% for 18-karat, and 58% for 14-karat gold. The prices for heavy pieces – more than 10 grams – without precious stones are calculated by the weight of the gold: the seller will weigh the piece and multiply this by the gold
price, including manufacturing charges. These can be anything between Dhs 60-120 per gram, depending on whether the piece is handmade or machined, and where it was manufactured. For small pieces, designer jewellery and pieces with precious stones, pearls and diamonds the salesperson will give a price per piece, which can of course still be negotiated over, and discounts of between 15-25% are realistic. Some Golden Rules for gold shopping might help: Never buy in the first shop – similar items can be found in many places and it is advisable to compare prices in at least three shops. Find out the daily gold price before you leave for
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your shopping trip and negotiate according to the prices for gold-only jewellery. Don’t show too much excitement and do not say to your co-shopper anything like “cheap”, “nice”, or “I want this” in any language – it will be understood and gives away that you are hooked. The price will not move much further down. Pay in cash in the local currency – credit-card charges or exchange rates above official rates could spoil an otherwise good price otherwise. Since the UAE is not only a gold trading state but also a place of manufacturing, most of the shops in the Gold Souk and in the Gold and Diamond Park have their own workshops and will not only be able to fit or repair jewellery
quickly, but can also produce pieces to order at very competitive rates. The Gold and Diamond Park, a free trading zone for jewellery on Sheikh Zayed Road, is a modern shopping centre with its almost 100 retail shops that tends to be a bit less crowded than the Gold Souk in downtown, nevertheless prices are competitive. It usually takes only a few days to produce your individual piece. Since manufacturing charges for jewellery is reasonable low in the UAE, it is worth thinking of getting a very individual piece tailor-made while here. Look out also for the precious stones traders, carrying rich selections of precious and semi-precious stones at unbeatable prices.
The genuine quality of jewellery should be of no concern: the government monitors the trade closely and carries out regular spot-checks, making sure that no black sheep damage the reputation of Dubai as the ‘City of Gold’. Certificates with detailed specifications are issued for each purchase and if in any doubt, officially approved labs are available for testing. Gold and jewellery shops can be found all over town, in the malls and luxury hotels. In recent years dedicated gold shopping centres have also been built, including New Gold Souk Centre, Gold Land, Gold Centre and Gold House.
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SHOPPING
Top Jewels
Tiffany & Co
VanCleef & Arpels Arpels
Boucheron
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Chanel
Chopard
Swarovski
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CULTURE
The World of 1001 Spices From Dubai to the kitchens oF the worlD
When it comes to spices and exotic herbs, most people think of small neatly labelled glass flacons. At the Dubai spice souk, the set up is slightly different: large jute bags full of dried herbs and exotic spices line the small alleys in front of the shops. And beside the most commonly known and used herbs you will also find a lot of exotic products on display. Saffron, considered the most expensive condiment, is widely used in Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine. The tiny saffron stigmas are
derived from the flower of the saffron crocus, which originated in Southeast Asia. Iran is by far the biggest producer of saffron worldwide. To get one kilogr am of the precious spice, 110,000 to 170,000 flowers are needed; it takes about 40 hours to pick this amount of crocuses, which would cover the area of about two football pitches. Various qualities from different regions are available, and even though saffron is the not cheap in the UAE, it will still cost a fraction of the prices abroad.
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Some items sold on the market are rarely used in Western cuisine: dried lemons, for instance, are very common in local cooking, giving traditional fish dishes and the machboos its special taste. A special herbal mix very common in the Lebanese kitchen is Za’atar, made from sumac, thyme, sesame seeds, marjoram, oregano and a bit of coarse salt. Za’atar is used in various meat dishes, to spice up white cheese and the yoghurt-like Labneh for breakfast, or else on
flat Arabic bread and even in croissants. The traders offer endless variety of curries, the often very hot spice mixes that are so common in Indian and Asian cuisine, and have become popular in the United Kingdom too. Dried herbs, used for a variety of infusions, can also be found: dried hibiscus flowers, locally known as karkade, are used to brew a dark red drink that is served as a cold or hot delicacy and is also used as a herbal medication to reduce blood pressure.
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DINING
The Gourmet Metropolis Dubai’s best Fine Dining restaurants
Al Fanar Restaurant Al Mahara Address Reservation Cuisine Open
Festival City, Marina Pavilion +971 4 232 9966 Emirati Daily 8:30 AM – 11:30 PM
With an ambience of Dubai in the 1960s, Al Fanar offers fine dining in the nostalgic ambiance of a themed setting. The restaurant serves authentic Emirati cuisine, feeding the curiosity of visitors, and is very well known amongst the local Emirati community; a haven for locals, and an iconic showcase of exotic culture and exquisite taste.
Address Reservation Cuisine Open
Burj Al Arab Hotel, Jumeirah +971 4 301 7600 Asian, Continental and seafood Daily 12:30 am – 2:30 PM , 7 PM – 12 PM
There can’t be many restaurants in the world where you hop in a “submarine” to get to your dining table. But then Al Mahara isn’t your standard seafood restaurant. The fish on your plate is as fresh as that swimming in the stunning aquarium in this award-laden signature restaurant, which serves Western seafood with a Chinese touch. Connoisseurs of the suave please note: there is a harpist to serenade diners. Gents need to wear a collared shirt and jacket.
Buddha Bar Address Reservation Cuisine Open
Grosvenor House Dubai Marina +971 4 399 8888 Asian Daily 8 PM – 2 PM, on Thursday and Friday until 3 PM
The Buddha-Bar is legendary, its awesome spectacle instantly promising guests an evening of pure theatre and pleasure; one of Dubai’s hottest hotspots, the buzzing main bar and dining room is dominated by Buddha-Bar’s famous four-metre high gilded statue, and an entire wall of glass, soaring 20 metres high. To the sensual sound of chill-out music, guests can luxuriate in a menu inspired by the cuisines of Thailand, China and Japan, with fresh seasonal ingredients from Arabia.
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La Petite Maison Peppercrab Address Reservation Cuisine Open
Gate Village 08 DIFC +971 4 439 0505 French Daily 12 AM – 3:30 PM, 7 PM – 11:30 PM
The home of Cuisine Nicoise, whose origins lie in old Genoese cooking, is the old town of Nice where French Mediterranean cuisine has blended and evolved with the influences of Ligurian Italy across the border. Local produce, notably artichokes, courgettes, lemons, olives, tomatoes, peppers and girolles are used generously with sea food, meat and fresh pasta to produce a style that’s light and healthy.
Address Reservation Cuisine Open
Grand Hyatt Hotel +971 4 317 2222 Singaporean, seafood 7-11:30 PM , on Thursday and Friday until midnight
A first of its kind seafood restaurant in Dubai, Peppercrab presents the unique culinary delights of Singapore with a mesmerising view of the action in the kitchen. A fun, lively, family-style restaurant, fish and seafood feature predominantly on a menu where flavours are enhanced and enlivened by the use of sauces and spices. The famous chilli and pepper crabs remain as highlights, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Prime 68 Address Reservation Cuisine Open
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel, 68th Floor +971 4 414 3000 Steakhouse Daily 6 PM – 12 PM
Prime 68 is a new generation of steakhouse, located high on the 68th floor, offering stunning views across Dubai's skyline. This Boutique restaurant combines traditional elements of a classic steakhouse menu and refining dishes with modern presentations, ensuring the ultimate recipe for an unforgettable experience.
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Reflets par Pierre Rhodes Mezzanine Tomo Address Reservation Cuisine Open
InterContinental, Festival city +971 4 701 1111 French For dinner
A world-class fine dining restaurant offering Michelin starred French cuisine. Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire combines exciting decor and outstanding service with memorable cuisine prepared by one of the world’s most famous chefs, Pierre Gagnaire. The latest distinction for the award-winning restaurant was its recognition as “Dubai’s Restaurant of the Year 2013”.
Address Reservation Cuisine Open
Grosvenor House Hotel +971 4 399 5555 Modern European Daily 7 PM – 11:30 PM
Raffles Dubai +971 4 3577 888 Japanese Daily 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM 6:30 PM – 11:30 PM
Address Reservation Cuisine Open
A flagship restaurant of Grosvenor House Hotel, Rhodes Mezzanine restaurant is overseen by its eponymous, Michelin-starred celebrity chef Gary Rhodes. The luxurious restaurant offers diners the very best of modern British cuisine with European twists within the stunning, contemporary Dubai venue.
An authentic Japanese restaurant promoting Japanese culture and food in the Middle East. Over the last three decades Partner Chef Takahashi with his te am of skilled chefs from Japan has gained an extensive following of Japanese nationals and people of other nationalities in the UAE who appreciate the real taste of Japan.
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Zuma Address Reservation Cuisine Open
Gate Village 06 DIFC +971 4 425 5660 Japanese Daily 12:30 PM – 3 PM, 7 PM – 12 PM
Following the japanese izakaya style of dining, food is served to share. The dishes are steadily brought to the table creating an informal yet sophisticated style of eating and drinking, with a contemporary twist.
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DINING
Dubai’s favorable weekend-treat FriDay brunch
Al Qasr Hotel
Hakkasan
maDinat Jumeirah
Jumierah emirates towers
The Al Qasr brunch is without doubt the biggest brunch-event in town, attracting weekly a crowd of about 800 guests. The kitchens of tree Restaurants contribute to the culinary feast that spreads over the entire ground floor of the hotel. Guest are handed a map on arrival to navigate the food- and beveragestations.
The Friday and Saturday dim sum brunch at Hakkasan features a ten-dish brunch set plus a round of homemade sorbets for dessert. The dishes ranges from the tried-and-true like grilled vegetable dumplings, scallop siu mai to the unexpected – like baked venison puff or poached Peking dumplings served in a spicy brott.
Address Reservation Open Prices
Al Qasr Hotel, Umm Suqeim +971 4 366 8888 12:30 PM – 2 PM Dhs 425 Soft drinks Dhs 525 Selected house beverages, mixed drinks and sparkling grape Dhs 250 Kids between 4 and 12 years of age
J umeirah Emirates Towers, Emirates Boulevard Reservation +971 4 384 8484 Open 12:30 PM – 4 PM Friday and Saturday 12 AM – 3 PM Prices Dhs 199 Soft drinks Dhs 500 Bubbly Address
Azur Restaurant Hashi raFFles Dubai
armani hotel
The Friday Roast at Azur Restaurant focuses on traditional British cuisine, serving Yorkshire pudding, platters of smoked fish and a variety of roasted meats from the carving station. The brunch has a special kids-corner featuring cupcake and cookie icing station.
Armani Hashi delivers an imaginative twist on traditional and contemporary Japanese cuisine. The authentic Friday Brunch offers a variety of Japanese options including Sushi, Sashimi, Teppanyaki and Tempura. The brunch also includes a wok station and live cooking stations, which enable you to view your meal being cooked in front of you, whilst enjoying other dishes.
Address Reservation Open Prices
Raffles Hotel, Oud Metha +971 4 324 8888 1 PM – 4:30 PM Dhs 325 Tea and coffee Dhs 385 House beverages Free for two kids below 11 per couple
Address Reservation Open Prices
rmani Hotel, Burj Khalifa A +971 4 888 3888 dubai@armanihotels.com 12 AM – 3 PM Dhs 350 Soft drinks Dhs 450 House beverages
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Imperium
Saffron
The Observatory
Jumeirah Zabeel saray
atlantis the Palm
marriott harbour
With classical home-made and hearty French favourites as well as continental delicacies, you can explore an abundant choice from the lavish buffet and a la carte options. From Seafood, Terrines to the Carving Grill, the French really do it best with rustic and regional brasserie dishes and a French twist on brunch classics.
With over 220 different dishes to choose from at any given time, the Saffron Brunch is one of our tastiest offers. Fill your plate and your glass with fantastic food and drink, with entertainment served to you by our resident DJ and an incredible magician who has more than a few tricks up his sleeve.
The Friday Brunch at The Observatory has copious amounts of treats to indulge in, including dishes from the a la carte menu and a delicious buffet spread created by our culinary masters. Renowned for its seafood temptations, the brunch includes carefully selected fresh oysters, mussels, clams, prawns and various fish varieties imported from around the world.
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, West Crescent,Palm Jumeirah Reservation +971 4 4530 444 jzsrestaurants@jumeirah.com Open 1 PM – 4 PM Prices D hs 310 Soft drinks Dhs 435 Grapes and wines Dhs 550 Bubbly
Address Reservation Open Prices
Address
Atlantis The Palm +971 4 426 2626 restaurantreservations@ atlantisthepalm.com 12:30 PM – 4 PM Dhs 450 Soft drinks and selected beverages
Address Reservation Open Prices
Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites, Dubai Marina +971 4 3194795 mhrs.dxbhr.observatory@ marriotthotels.com 12:30 PM – 4 PM Dhs 300 Soft drinks Dhs 350 Grapes and wines Dhs 450 Bubbly
Mövenpick Hotel Splendido
Traiteur
ibn battuta gate
the ritZ carlton Dubai
Park hyatt Dubai
The lavish Friday Brunch of the Mövenpick Hotel Ibn Battuta Gate is a common affair of the the hotels five signature venues Silicia, Shanghai Chic, Mistral, Moroc Bar and Chor Bazzar.
Splendido features authentic Italian cooking for contemporary palates. Enjoy fresh breads, pastas and deli items in a New York style decor with large outdoor patio. A wide variety of international dishes including a salad bar, oyster station, charcuterie station and sushi station are laid out for guests to sample.
Quite possibly the most elegant dining room in the emirate, Traiteur at the Park Hyatt Dubai provides a complete culinary experience at any time and an exciting fine dining menu at brunch, which celebrates all things French. Guests will also find Dubai’s only panfried-foie-gras station and suckling-pig spit roast.
Mövenpick Hotel Ibn Battuta Gate, The Gardens Reservation +971 4 444 0000 Open 12:30 PM – 4 PM Prices D hs 295 Soft drinks Dhs 395 Selected house beverages Dhs 495 Bubbly
Address Reservation Open Prices
Address
he Ritz Carlton, Dubai Marina T +971 4 399 4000 dxbrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM Dhs 275 Soft drinks Dhs 375 Grapes and wines Dhs 695 Bubbly
Park Hyatt Dubai, next to Dubai Creek Golf- and Yacht-Club Reservation +971 4 317 2222 Open 12:30 PM – 4 PM Prices Dhs 425 Soft drinks Dhs 495 Selected house beverages Dhs 550 Sparkling grape Dhs 670 Bubbly Address
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DINING
The best hidden culinary treasures
© thehamblogger.com
Local House
Kan Zaman
Ewaan
signature-Dish: camel-burger best scenic View oF olD Dubai a traDitional oriental exPerience The local house is a culinary treasure, located in one of the historical buildings in Dubais Bastakia area, the oldest residential district of town. It´s one of the very few places in town, where camel meat is served, giving visitors the chance to sample the region’s most traditional and delicate meat. The signature dish of the restaurant is the Camel-Burger.
Address Reservation Open
l Fahidi Road, Bastakia A +971 4 354 0705 Open daily from 10 am to midnight
Kan Zaman is likely the best place in town, to get the feeling of the traditional Arabic City Dubai. Located next to the Heritage Village at the bay of the Dubai Creek it´s a place to sample down to earth Arabic cuisine and enjoy the evening with a traditional Sheesha, the ever so popular water pipe. The menue consist of special meat grills and other Lebanese, Iranian and Oriental specialties.
The Arabian all-day dining restaurant Ewaan evokes a truly regional theme evident in the regal arches and wooden trellis. The setting is of vivid Arabia making of Ewaan the most perfect venue for a traditional Oriental experience, brought forth by its luxurious drapery and flamboyant accessories. Arabic and Oriental dishes are served from live cooking stations and buffet along with coffee and shisha on the outdoor terrace.
Address Heritage Village, Shindaga Reservation +971 4 393 9913 Open Open daily from 5 Pm to 2 am
Address T he Palace Downtown Reservation +971 4 888 3444 Open Open Daily from 6 am to 12 PM
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Fine Dining on Smartphones
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Download this app to discover the gourmet metropolis Dubai!
Download Your App for Smartphones and Tablets
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CULTURE
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A taste of Arabian culture and tradition
The lifestyle on the Arabian Peninsula is deeply rooted in the region’s Bedouin tradition and its religion, Islam. In order to foster a better understanding amongst the various cultures that co-exist in the region, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding was established in 1998 under the patronage of Dubai’s ruler, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The centre is based in the historical Bastakia area and operates a large number of programmes, offering people of different cultural backgrounds opportunities to get an authentic insight into local culture, tradition and heritage. The credo of the organisation is “Open Doors, Open Minds”, and is taken literally, since volunteers of the centre open the doors of the Jumeirah Mosque, every Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10 am to host visits for non-Muslims. Participants should arrive not later than 9:45 am at the mosque. Reservation in advance in not necessary, and the 75 minute programme costs Dhs 10. Cultural breakfasts, guided visits in the Bastakia area and Arabic language courses are all offered by the centre, which is open from Sunday to Thursday from 9 am to 3 pm and on Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm.
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SHOPPING
ZARA HOME Zara Home is rapidly becoming a key name in innovative interior design solutions since it offers a wide range of distinctive creative concepts providing high quality contemporary home furnishings at competitive prices. www.zarahome.com
L'OCCITANE At L'Occitane we always encourage our people to follow their dreams and many of our employees volunteer to work on life-changing projects in communities far and wide. For the past two years our staff have been travelling to West Africa to teach the L'Occitane way of making soap to women in the Burkina Faso cooperative, where our pure shea butter is made. In New York many of our employees have given time to help visually impaired children. Back in Europe we've been working with our producers and distillers in Corsica to continue with our cultivation of the exquisite Immortelle flower. Thank you to all our extraordinary producers, men and women who have continued to teach us so much since the earliest days at L'Occitane. www.loccitane.com
TOD’S Those of you who know us, have come to appreciate Tod's not only for our steadfast quality, but because Tod's always stands out from the crowd. It's never been a brand that has been trendy, in or out of fashion, Tod's are sublime because they transcend cliches and hemlines. The collections always offer something beautiful and new without ever betraying the true sprit of the brand. As the saying goes: simple yet elegant. www.tods.com
LUXURY DUBAI
CAROLINA HERRERA Carolina Herrera, revered as one of the most elegant women in the world, in 1981 launched her premier women’s collection in New York City, thus creating Carolina Herrera, Ltd. Carolina Herrera’s international expansion continued in 2001 with the launch of her new lifestyle label, CH Carolina Herrera. This lifestyle collection consists of: women’s, men’s, children's, accessories and specialty items. Once again Carolina Herrera had the opportunity to collaborate with her daughter, Carolina, on this venture. The intention is to create a fresh line, which reflects a modern, effortless chic lifestyle. www.carolinaherrera.com
GIORGIO ARMANI
MAMAS & PAPAS PAPAS Mamas & Papas is an international designer nursery brand offering a comprehensive range of international designer nursery brand offering a comprehensive range of ranging from ready-to-wear items for mothers and babies, award-winning nursery products ranging from ready-to-wear items for mothers and babies, award-winning transportation systems, furniture, toys and gifts, and much more. Mamas & Papas travel and transportation systems, furniture, toys and gifts, and much more. Mamas & Papas of style, comfort and safety effortlessly becoming a favourite amongst offers a unique blend of style, comfort and safety effortlessly becoming a favourite amongst discerning parents and stylish mums. www.mamasandpapas.com
Giorgio Armani, the name behind timeless fashion and evolving creativity, extended its presence into the Middle East by opening its first store in 1994. The stores carry the full Giorgio Armani ready-to-wear collection for men and women. www.armani.com
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Natural
Heritage
Beside it’s beautiful beaches and a rich marine life, Dubai has a large variety of natural treasures to offer. Camels and Palm-trees have been for centuries the “partners in survival” for the desert inhabitants and are therefore treated with much respect and became parts of the local heritage. Camels were not only as the ships of the desert the most suitable mode of transportation, camel milk was often the only available drink in the desert. Only for very special occasions, like a wedding or for the Eid celebration a camel would be slaughtered. Camel meat is till today considered a very special delicacy. Today camels are bread for milk and meat and for one of the traditional sports – for camel racing. Even the Bedouin ancestors would race their camels. Those competitions were held not just for fun, but to identify the most suitable animals to for breeding fast running camels, that were necessary for hunting and last not least in battles. Nowadays camel racing is a sheer sport. Real enthusiasts will
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pay up to a few million dollars for a racing champion and trainer feed the camels with the best food, including dates and honey, to build up their strength for the prestigious competitions. Palm-trees are due to their deep roots able to reach to underground water and can survive even on water that is slightly salty. Often the Bedouins had to survive on camel milk and dates only, however due to their high nutrition of about 3000 kcal per kg the dates helped them in their challenging survival in the harsh environment. Beside the commercial Date-farming – the UAE is the 3 rd largest date producer worldwide – Palms were planted over the recent years in thousands along the streets and in the parks of Dubai. More than 150 different kinds of Date-Palms are cultivated in the UAE. The fruits are either of yellow or red color and different shape and size. Only the female Date-Palms bear fruits – 60 to 80 kg dates per tree.
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FACTS SIGHTSEEING
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The wet-land in Ras al Khoor, where the Dubai Creeks ends in the desert, is since 1998 a natural protected area, covering an area of about 6.2 square kilometers. Every winter about 20.000 water-birds of 67 species stop by to enjoy the pleasant weather. The most prominent permanent inhabitants of the sanctuary are about 2000 greater pink flamingos. In 1999 the Al Maha desert reserve was established, covering an area of 27 square kilometers. 70 Arabian oryx, a species previously indigenous but nowadays close to extinction were re-introduced and 6000 indigenous trees and shrubs were planted. The reserve got in 2003 expanded to 225 square kilometers, 4.7 percent of Dubai’s total land area. The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve became a pioneering project in sustainable tourism, hosting various touristic desertprograms and at the same time minimizing the impact on fauna and flora. The Arabian Gulf with its all year around warm waters has a rich marine life. Large swarms of fish, a great variety of shellfish and last not least the rich pearl-banks contributed to the economy of the region. The pearling industry was a main source of income till the 1930,
when it was badly affected due to the introduction of cultural pear-production in Japan and the following dramatic decline in demand for the obviously more pricy natural pearls. In the UAE even the so-called street-cats are part of the heritage – for a long time unnoticed. Only in recent years it came to light, that the skinny shy cats are one of the oldest breeds of cat, the Arabian Mau. Originally living in the desert, they migrated to human settlements, where food was easier to find.
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Dubai
Parks
Looking at the greenery and flowers all over town it is hard to imagine that the land here was originally desert, or that the natural vegetation consisted of just a few date palms, ghaf trees, acacia and small bushes. Dubai has a number of public parks, plotted around the city. All the immaculately landscaped greens and gardens offer children playgrounds and are very popular retreats for a walk, some sporting activities and, of course, to enjoy a BBQ with family and friends. The largest park in the city centre is Creekside, open daily from 8 am to 11 pm. A special attraction is the cable car, offering a stunning view over Dubai Creek and the entire centre of town. If you are looking for a little workout, inline skates and even tandem bicycles are available for hire. The 64-hectare Safa Park, located on the Jumeirah Beach Road, is very popular with its jogging tracks and miniature train, which will take the little ones around the grounds. It is also fun to visit the monthly flea market, held on the first Saturday of each month from 8 am to 3 pm The best access is from gate five.
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SIGHTSEEING
TheMiracle Garden
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More than 45 million blooming flowers in stunning designs, awesome shapes and structures, and eye catching color combinations achieved through 45 different flower varieties and color. Miracle Garden is one of a kind in the region and in the world for such a unique display and extravagant outdoor recreational destination. Miracle Garden in its First Phase is providing state of the art services and facilities including open parking, VIP parking, sitting areas, prayer room, toilet blocks, ablution facility, security room, first aid room, carts for handicapped visitors, retails and commercial kiosk and all other related services available to facilitate visitors.
Miracle Garden has the record in Guinness Book of Records for having the longest flower wall which will give new landmark for Miracle Garden and City of Dubai, believed to be leader in diverse and cultural tourist attraction. Miracle Garden will be renewable idea which will allow having new beauty, new designs and new attraction season after season. Miracle Garden is a creation of new tourism activity in the environmental tourism field which is growing rapidly in the world depending on natural resources, environment with optimum temperature which inspires people from different ages, male and female.
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SHOPPING
AdIdAS This leading global producer of sports footwear, equipment, and leisure wear is widely recognised by its trefoil logo, launched in 1972, the more geometric performance logo introduced in 1991, as well as the three stripes that run across many of its products. However the company's origins were modest, with the first handmade training shoe being made by the company's German founder Adolf ('Adi') dassler in the family home in 1920. The company's first shoemaking factory was established in 1927 and Adidas shoes were seen at the Olympic Games in Amsterd am in the following year. For more than 80 years the adidas Group has been part of the world of sports on every level, delivering state-of-the-art sports footwear, apparel and accessories. Today, the adidas Group is a global leader in the sporting goods industry and offers a broad portfolio of products. Products from the adidas Group are available in virtually every country of the world. Our strategy is simple: continuously strengthen our brands and products to improve our competitive position and financial performance. www.adidas.com
LOuIS VuITTON The skilled artistry that goes into creating each Louis Vuitton product guarantees impeccable skilled artistry that goes into creating each Louis Vuitton product guarantees impeccable quality. Vuitton's gifted gifted artisans artisans dedicate their attention attention to to crafting crafting products products (like quality. Louis Louis Vuitton's dedicate their (like handbags, shoes, wallets, watches, sunglasses, accessories) using the most exclusive materials and handbags, shoes, wallets, watches, sunglasses, accessories) using the most exclusive materials and of the art workmanship. state of the art workmanship. www.louisvuitton.com
dIOR COSMETICS Marie-Antoinette and her private domain, the Petit Trianon, inspire the dior makeup creations of this season. Macaroon shades and Fontanges bow, the atmosphere of Versailles and its gardens flourishes, beautifully. www.dior.com
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DoLCE & GABBAnA Dolce&Gabbana is the new luxury, authentic and unconventional. A style that expresses new forms of elegance, presenting itself as a modern classicism, based on superior sartorial content and creativity. The strong identity of the Dolce&Gabbana brand has evolved over the years without ever forgetting its roots. An unmistakable style, which, season after season, combines strong innovation with the Mediterranean flavour of its origins. A brand whose essence lies in its contrasting features.
M·A·C (Make-up Art Cosmetics), a leading brand of professional cosmetics, was created in Toronto, Canada in 1984 and is part of the Estée Lauder Companies, Inc. The company’s popularity has grown through a tradition of word-of-mouth endorsement from makeup artists, models, photographers and journalists around the world. M·A·C is now sold in 79 countries/territories worldwide, with 59 stores across the Middle East.
www.dolcegabbana.com
www.maccosmetics.com
MAC
RIMowA Today, Rimowa already ranks among the leading manufacturers of luggage in Europe. Dieter Morszeck, the head of Rimowa and a visionary, still has a lot in store for this successful company shaped by tradition. In line with his slogan, ‘Handwerk meets Hightech’ (‘Handcraft Meets High Tech) he practices a policy today that has lead to huge successes and double figures in rates of growth throughout many countries around the world. His luggage collection with its Made in Germany label has not only won over showrooms among its partners, such as its Made in Germany label has Lufthansa and Porsche, but also the luxury goods segments in exactly those countries in Lufthansa and Porsche, but also which the competition operates wage-dumping practices in the manufacturing sector. which the competition operates www.rimowa.com
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SIGHTSEEING
Water Fun
LUXURY DUBAI
Aquaventure, the largest water park in the Arabian world, is located at Atlantis, The Palm in Palm Jumeirah. On 42 acres and with a 700-metre long private beach, almost unlimited water fun is guaranteed. Amongst the many rides and slides The Leap of Faith is one of the most popular attractions: the rider is catapulted into a transparent tunnel, crossing a shark-filled lagoon which is home to guitar sharks, black- and white-tipped sharks and a variety of reef sharks. A bit less adrenalin-filled but equally exciting is a visit to Dolphin Bay, a four and half hectare tropical setting with three lagoons, offering a variety of interaction with dolphins. Mysterious ruins come to life at the Lost Chamber, a large aquarium with almost 65,000 marine animals. Hourly guided tours are available daily in the afternoons from 1-7 pm, and on Fridays and Saturday from 10 am onwards.
The Wild Wadi Water Park, next to the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Burj Al Arab, is a one the most popular in the region. The 32 rides and attractions are themed around the tale of Juha, a popular character in Arabic folklore. Jumeirah Sceira is one of the most thrilling rides: speeds of up to 80 km per hour are achieved on the waterslide. A completely different experience is offered at FISHO, a unique spa where hundreds of toothless Garra rufa (or Doctor fish) nibble away dead skin cells on the feet, leaving the skin as soft as after a traditional pedicure treatment. For families with smaller kids the Wonderland theme and water park, located alongside the Dubai Creek Park, is the best choice. Rides and attractions are less intense and therefore suitable also for the little ones.
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Dubai’s New
Downtown
LUXURY DUBAI
With its urban development starting at the creek and transforming more into a market place than a residential area, Dubai was missing a typical “old town”, a traditional city centre. But Dubai would not be Dubai if it did not have been a solution to hand: if there is no old town, then let’s build a cosy downtown – it’s as easy as that. Dubai’s newly developed downtown district has become nothing less than one of the most breathtaking residential and recreational districts in the world. The 828 metre high Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, towers over the area between Sheikh Zayed Road and the business bay district. A major visitor attraction is one of the world’s largest shopping palaces, the Dubai Mall with more than 1,200 retail outlets, a stunning indoor waterfall, plus the 10 million litre Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo,
showcasing some 33,000 aquatic animals of more than 220 species. The Dubai Fountain on the 30-acre Burj Khalifa Lake (designed by the California-based WET, creators of the famous Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas) shoots water jets 150 metres high, the equivalent of the height of a 50-storey building. Shows are scheduled daily at 1 and 1.30 pm and in the evening every 30 minutes from 6-11 pm from Sunday to Wednesday, and till 11.30 pm from Thursdays to Saturdays. Downtown Dubai offers residential properties from exclusive high-rise apartments to the traditional Arabesque homes of the Old Town, and is home to a selection of Dubai’s most sophisticated hotels, including the first Armani Hotel, located in Burj Khalifa, the two Address Hotels and the Arabic style The Palace – Old Town.
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FUTURE
Dubai on the Fast Lane
to the Future
Dubai has not failed to impress and surprise the world over and over again with its breathtaking achievements in the previous years – be it the world’s first 7-star hotel, the largest man-made islands, the tallest building or the richest horse races. The list of world records will only grow ever longer over the coming years as Dubai is determined to continue its unique success story, where not even the sky seems to be a limit. The biggest project in the pipeline is Mohammed bin Rashid City, which will include more than 100 hotels and a Universal Studios theme park that will aim to entertain 35 million visitors a year. The Mall of the World will be even bigger than the current holder of the world record, the Dubai Mall. The first phase of this development is set to start in 2014.
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Mohammed Bin Rashid City
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FUTURE
the FalConCity oF WondeRs
Located in downtown Dubai, the Dubai Modern Art Museum and Opera House district will include a museum, two art-focused hotels, design studios and an opera house. The Falconcity of Wonders, one of the flashiest developments, aims to recreate life-size replicas of some of the world’s most iconic buildings, such as the Pyramids of Egypt, the hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Eiffel Tower and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The idea of a replica of the Taj Mahal, only four times the original size, has already attracted the interest of India’s Bollywood producers. Construction is set to start in 2014. At the Bluewaters Island, a Dhs 6 billion project off the coast of Jumeirah Beach Residence, the ‘Dubai Eye’ will be built. A cable car will shuttle visitors from the mainland to the attraction. Construction is due to start this year.
LUXURY DUBAI
duBai ModeRn aRt MuseuM
BlueWateRs island
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FACTS
Dubai
Expo 2020
ConneCting Minds, CReating the FutuRe
LUXURY DUBAI
heRitage Meets innovation - a spaCe FoR inspiRation
The master plan for the site of the Dubai, UAE 2020 Expo is visionary, sustainable and reflective of the bid’s sub themes. The Dubai Trade Centre - Jebel Ali site was selected due to its strategic location, equidistant between Dubai and Abu Dhabi and adjacent to the Dubai World Central Airport and Jebel Ali Port, providing ease of access for the expected millions of international and local visitors. The site master plan, which was designed by HOK, Populous and Arup, is a manifestation of the country’s Expo bid theme: ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’. At the core of the site is an open plaza called Al Wasl (‘the connection’) – a historical name for Dubai, and branching out from the plaza are three main zones that symbolise the sub themes of sustainability, mobility and opportunity. Inspired by traditional Arab souks, the site integrates the UAE’s unique architectural
heritage and its environment of vibrancy and trade with the requirements of the Expo to foster the fundamental principles of innovation, partnership and collaboration between participants and visitors. The design is aligned to the legacy proposition and future use of the site, with the main walkways shaded by a photovoltaic fabric structure that will capture solar energy to generate clean power, plus contribute nearly 50 per cent of the power requirements for the Expo. Every element of the master plan has been designed with due consideration to the site’s afterlife and with a defined strategy for re-use, striking a balance between long-term requirements for the city as well as the six months of Expo operations. The site has been master-planned to create a legacy in environmental sustainability, while delivering a cost-efficient and viable infrastructure for Dubai and the region.
Expo 2020 mastEr plan facts Location: 10 minutes from Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport; equidistant between Dubai and Jebel Ali Size: 438-hectares Expected visitors: 25 million, who will collectively make upwards of 33 million visits Design: Designed by HOK, Populous and Arup, the core of the site features an open plaza with three main zones symbolising the themes of sustainability, mobility and opportunity
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FACTS
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Shopping Malls in Dubai THE DUBAI MALL Website Where Telephone Opening hours
www.thedubaimall.com Sheikh Zayed Road, the towering Burj Khalifa +971 4 367 5588 Sunday to Wednesday: 10 am to 10 pm Thursday to Saturday: 10 am to 12 midnight
DEIRA CITY CENTER DUBAI
IBN BATTUTA SHOPPING MALL
THE BOULEVARD
www.deiracitycentre.com Opposite Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club on Baniyas Road Telephone +971 4 295 4545 +971 4 295 1010 Opening hours Sunday to Wednesday: 10 am to 10 pm Thursday to Saturday: 10 am to 12 midnight
Website Where
www.ibnbattutamall.com Taxi Directions Sheikh Zayed Road, between interchanges 5 and 6 Telephone +971 4 352 1900 +971 4 368 5543 Opening hours Sunday to Wednesday: 10 am to 10 pm Thursday to Saturday: 10 am to 12 midnight
Website Where
BURJUMAN CENTER DUBAI
MERCATO SHOPPING MALL DUBAI
www.burjuman.com Dubai Trade Centre Road, along the Khalid bin Al Waleed Street in Bur Dubai, it is at a prime location between old center of Dubai, along Dubai Creek and Sheikh Zayed Road Telephone +971 4 352 0222 Opening hours Saturday to Wednesday: 10 am to 10 pm Thursday to Friday: 10 am to 12 midnight
Website Where
Website Where
MALL OF THE EMIRATES Website Where Telephone Opening hours
www.malloftheemirates.com Interchange 4, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai +971 4 409 9000 Sunday to Wednesday: 10 am to 10 pm Thursday to Saturday: 10 am to 12 midnight
DUBAI FESTIVAL CENTER – DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY www.festivalcentre.com www.dubaifestivalcity.com Dubai Creek, close to Dubai International Airport, easy access from the Garhoud and Business Bay bridges. Telephone +971 4 232 5444 Opening hours Sunday to Wednesday: 10 am to 10 pm Thursday to Saturday: 10 am to 12 midnight Website Where
Website Where
WAFI SHOPPING MALL www.wafi.com Directions south of the Creek in Dubai, Next to Grand Hyatt Hotel Telephone +971 4 324 4555 Opening hours Saturday to Wednesday: 10 am to 10pm Thursdays to Fridays: 10 am to 12 midnight
Website Where
www.mercatoshoppingmall.com Jumeirah Beach Road, near to the Dubai Zoo Telephone +971 4 344 4161 Opening hours Everyday: 10 am to 10 pm
DUBAI MARINA MALL www.dubaimarinamall.com Exit 32 directly off Sheikh Zayed Road Telephone +971 4 436 1020 Opening hours Saturday to Wednesday: 10 am to 10 pm Thursdays and Fridays: 10 am to 12 midnight Website Where
DUBAI OUTLET MALL www.dubaioutletmall.com Dubailand, near Al-Ain Road (Route 66) by the Al Ruwayya interchange Telephone +971 4 423 4666 Opening hours Saturday to Wednesday: 10 am to 10pm Thursday to Friday: 10 am to 12 midnight Website Where
WheRe l uxuRy M eets liFestyle
www.boulevarddubai.com Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road Telephone +971 4 319 8999 Opening hours Saturday-Thursday: 10 am to 10 pm Friday: 4 pm to 10 pm
AL GHURAIR CENTRE www.alghuraircentre.com/en Al Ghurair City, Al Rigga Street, Deira Telephone +971 4 205 5309 +971 4 205 5285 Opening hours Saturday to Wednesday: 10 am – 10 pm Thursday to Saturday: 10 am to 12 am Website Where
LAMCY PLAZA Website Where Telephone Opening hours
www.lamcyplaza.com Sheikh Rashid Road, Oud Metha +971 4 335 9999 Sunday- Wednesday: 10 am to 10pm Thursday to Saturday: 10 am to 12 midnight
SOUK MADINAT JUMIERAH www.jumeirah.com/ en/Hotels-and-Resorts/ Destinations/Dubai/ Madinat-Jumeirah/ Madinat-Souk/ Where Madinat Jumeirah, close to Burj Al Arab Telephone +971 4 366 8888 Opening hours Every day: 10 am to 11 pm Website
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FACTS
LUXURY DUBAI
Shop until you drop DUBAI’S MEGAMALLS Dubai is the shopping destination in Arabia and its malls are much more than just retail centres. Each is a unique destination in itself, offering all the facilities one would expect in a vibrant town centre. The only difference is that, in order to make window-shopping and buying alike more enjoyable during the hot desert summers, everything is under one roof and pleasantly air-conditioned. Shopping centres are open from 10 am to 10 pm, and usually until midnight on Fridays. Most restaurants and food outlets are open daily till midnight. ATM cash dispensers and money exchange ofďŹ ces are conveniently located in all malls.
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SPHOPPING
duBai Mall Spread over an area of 12 million square feet and home to more than 1,200 shops, 160 restaurants and cafés and an extensive array of leisure attractions, the Dubai Mall is the largest shopping centre in the world, and is located next to Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world,. At Fashion Avenue, Galleries Lafayette and the first Bloomingdale’s store outside the United States – to name just a few – the latest haute couture and lifestyle trends are available. The Dubai Fountain out front, the waterfall running down all four levels of the magamall, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, an Olympic-sized ice rink, the SEGA Republic entertainment park and the 22 screen Reel cinema offer entertainment and fun for the whole family.
Stores & Attractions Sunday to Wednesday: 10 am to 10 pm Thursday to Saturday: 10 am to 12 am Restaurants & Food Courts Daily: 10 am to 12 am Banks As Per Central Banks’ directives
+971 4 367 5588 www.thedubaimall.com
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Mall oF the eMiRates Conveniently located on the Sheikh Zayed Road and close to the Jumeirah hotel area, the Mall of the Emirates offers extraordinary shopping and entertainment opportunities on 223,000 square meters. The mall’s retail stores sample more than 500 international brands, with the Fashion Dome the latest addition to the centre. A large food court and stylish cafés and restaurants provide the places for a culinary retreat. A unique attraction is Ski Dubai, the world’s largest indoor ski slope, with a ski and snowboard school and winter fun park. For those who did not think to pack their winter sports equipment for a trip to Dubai, all the gear you need is available to hire. A 500-seat community theatre, a 14-screen cinema and the Magic Planet entertainment section add to the mall’s visitor attractions.
Shops Saturday to Wednesday: 10 am to 10 pm Thursday and Friday: 10 am to 12 midnight
DUCTAC Saturday to Thursday: 9 am to 10 pm Friday: 2 pm to 10 pm
Restaurants and Food Courts Sunday to Wednesday: 10 am to 10 pm Thursday to Saturday: 10 am to 12 midnight
VOX Cinemas 10 am to 1 am
Ski Dubai Sunday to Wednesday: 10 am to 10 pm Thursday to Saturday: 10 am – 12 midnight Magic Planet Sunday to Wednesday: 9:30 am to 10 pm Thursday to Saturday: 10 am to 12 midnight
Carrefour 9 am to 12 midnight
+971 4 409 9000 www.malloftheemirates.com
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BuRjuMan shopping CenteR The Burjuman shopping centre, located not far from the Al Karama shopping area, is a long-established mall and well known for its luxury selection of top international brands. The new wing of the mall is home to high-end shops like Saks Fifth Avenue, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Channel, Hermes and many more.
Store Saturday to Wednesday: 10 am to 10 pm Thursday and Friday: 10 am to 11 pm Food & Beverages Saturday to Wednesday: 10 am to 11 pm Thursday and Friday: 10 am to 12 midnight +971 4 352 0222 www.burjuman.com
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FACTS
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WaFi Built in Egyptian pharaonic style, the Wafi complex offers luxury shopping, lavish dining and hospitality. The pyramid-shaped mall and adjourning souk are home to about 350 retail stores, ranging from top international brands to regional shops offering the finest handicrafts, carpets and Arabian perfumes. The Raffles Hotel, the Cleopatra and Mefdi spas and Dubai’s tallest indoor climbing wall are just a few of the additional attractions Wafi has to offer. Its unique ambience and elegant atmosphere makes it the preferred shopping place for sophisticated customers from all parts of the Arabian world. Mall opening hours Saturday to Wednesday: 10 am to 10 pm Thursdays and Fridays 10 am to 12 midnight Cleopatra’s Spa & Wellness Female Spa: open daily from 8:30 am to 8 pm Male Spa: open daily from 9:30 am to 10 pm Pharaohs’ Club Saturday to Thursday: 7 am to 11 pm Fridays: 9 am to 9 pm Restaurants As the opening hours of our restaurants varies, please refer to individual restaurants for their opening hours. +971 4 324 4555 www.wafi.com
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FACTS SPHOPPING
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deiRa City CenteR The city centre is a brand by itself and with its central location in the heart of Dubai it is one of the favourite shopping places and hangouts for Dubai’s multicultural residents and visitors alike. With more than 300 shops and – equally important in the middle of town – 6,000 complimentary parking spaces, the city centre hosts an interesting mix, catering to fashion-lovers as well as techno-geeks and those who just seek a vibrant place to hang out, watch a movie or meet up with friends.
Mall Timing Saturday to Wednesday: 10 am to 10 pm Thursday and Friday: 10 am to 12 midnight Carrefour Daily 9 am to 12 midnight VOX Cinemas Daily 10 am to 12 midnight Magic Planet Daily 10 am to 10 pm +971 4 295 1010 www.deiracitycentre.com
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iBn Battuta Mall The Ibn Battuta Mall is the world’s largest themed mall and most probably the only shopping centre where visitors can get a guided sightseeing tour. And this tour has nothing to do with shopping, but with the life and adventures of Ibn Battuta, a Moroccan Berber Muslim and legendary seafarer from the 14th century. The six courts of the mall assemble the architectural styles of Andalusia, Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India and China, the destinations of Ibn Battuta’s major journeys. Showpieces and an interesting selection of old maps and nautical instruments enhance your shopping trip with exotic stories from the past. An interesting international mix of brands and shops, a cinema complex, restaurants and a food court make the mall a popular retreat and retail destination for visitors and the residents of the southern Dubai areas. Mall Sunday to Wednesday: 10 am to 10 pm Thursday to Saturday: 10 am to 12 midnight Restaurants & Food Court 10 am to 12 midnight Geant Hypermarket Saturday to Friday: 9 am to 12 midnight +971 4 362 1900 www.ibnbattutamall.com
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souk Madinat juMeiRah The sights, the scents, and the shopping surprises that await around every corner – the spirit of the traditional Arabian souk survives at Madinat Jumeirah. Take your time as you wander along the meandering avenues; past towers, lantern-lit hallways and narrow waterways. Discover the treasures hidden along the way – fashion, jewellery, antiques, art, oils and spices, and a series of world-class restaurants and bars to entertain you throughout the day and long into the night. You’ll discover something new and exciting every time you enter Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Opening hours Opening hours for shops are 10 am to 11 pm daily. Restaurants, cafés and bars open and close later. +971 4 366 8888 www.jumeirah.com
LUXURY DUBAI
duBai Festival City Mall Rising along the banks of the historic Dubai Creek, Dubai Festival City Mall is Dubai’s unrivalled waterfront destination for style and sophistication, showcasing an exciting selection of prestigious retailers, an international gourmet culture and a world-class entertainment retreat. Located at the heart of Dubai Festival City, Dubai Festival City Mall will total upon completion 2.8 million sq ft of leasable space, with over 600 shops including 25 flagship stores, over 100
restaurants, cafes and bistros, a 12 screen Grand Cinemas complex, Bowling City and a vast entertainment centre and parking for 13,000 cars. Today guests can browse over 400 worldleading brands offering a rich diversity of fashion, jewellery, home accessories, toys and gifts for every occasion. Indulge yourself in your favourite shops and enjoy the best retail and entertainment experience the region has to offer and live a more colourful life!
Opening hours Sun-Wed 10 am to 10 pm Thu-Sat 10 am to midnight
+ 971 4 232 5444 www.festivalcentre.com
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CULTURE
The World of 1001 Fragrances a tRue aRaBian passion
The true luxury of Arabia lays in its pleasures for all senses and above all the variety of oriental scents. Essential oils, frankincense and wood essences are the ingredients for oriental perfume dreams. Frankincense, also called olibanum is an aromatic resin, obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia. It has been known and used on the Arabian Peninsula and in North Africa for more than 5,000 years. Oman, along with Yemen, Somalia and India, are considered the main producers of frankincense. The trees grow in rocky, semi-desert conditions and can produce up to 22 pounds of frankincense resin for up to 30 years. Frankincense comes in many types, and its quality is based on colour, purity, aroma, age, and shape. Silver and Hojari are generally considered the highest grades of frankincense, the most common use of which
is to burn over charcoal to release scent. It is used both as a fragrance and in the rituals of various religions. The most exotic and pricey fragrance of all is oudh, which comes from the wood of the tropical evergreen agar tree. The trees originated in the Assam region of India, spreading from there throughout Southeast Asia. When the wood of this tree is infected with a certain variety of mould, it reacts by producing a precious, dark and fragrant resin, which is used as an ingredient for perfume. Oudh is available as oil for perfume use or as woodchips that are brunt on charcoal to
release the scent in the house. Since oudh is very rare and difficult to harvest, it is possibly the world's most expensive fragrance. The value of high quality oudh oil is considered 1.5 times the price of pure gold (and it is, indeed, sometimes called liquid gold). The prices for oudh woodchips starts at about Dhs 100 for a tola – around 12 grams – and can go up to Dhs 1,500 per tola for rare types of Cambodian oudh. Some oudh oil, like “Old India”, comes with a price tag of Dhs 5,200 for one tola. Bukhoor are small sentenced bricks, consisting mainly of tiny woodchips, perfume oil and
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CULTURE
resins. In rural areas it is still the custom that women would make their own bukhoor, and each family has its own recipe, passed down over generations. Ready-made bukhoor is available in Arabic perfume shops and the salesperson will be happy to put a small piece on the hot charcoal in the bukhoor burner for you to sample the smell. Long before perfumed fabric softeners came into common use, the Arabs developed techniques to capture the pleasant smell: a small stand, made from palm leaves, is placed over a bukhoor burner and garments are placed on the stand so the rising smoke can drift over material and leave traces of the fragrance in the material. It is a technique that is still in
use today. Bukhoor plays a significant role in Arabian hospitality: after dinner bukhoor is passed around to remove the smells of the food. Arabic homes are frequently perfumed with bukhoor and oudh and no wedding party or celebrating would be complete without passing the bukhoor around. Oudh or perfume oil might also be offered to a visitor as a gesture of hospitality, along with the traditional rosewater, to freshen up upon entering the house and to clean the hands after a meal. Traditional Arabic perfume is used in the form of pure oil and is not blended with alcohol, as is common in the Western world. Traditional perfume shops carry perfume
compositions – often in the scent of wellknown perfume brands – as well as pure oils that can be mixed in order to create an individual fragrance. The elegant creations are best presented in lavish decorated perfume flacons and applied in very small amounts using the thin glass sticks. Bukhoor burners come in various forms and materials, some even with electric heating spirals. The more traditional burners use charcoal tablets and are made from brownish clay and can be found in various shops around the spice market. They are very reasonable priced, however, they also break very easy and should therefore be packed with extra care for the journey back home.
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SHOPPING
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Ajmal
Arabian Oud
Al Jazeera Al Jazeera Amouage
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SPORT
Š Longines
Dubai Sportive
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With USD 10 million in prize money, the Dubai World Cup is one of the most glamorous global horseracing events. The first races took place in Dubai in the 1980s, and just a decade later His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rasheed Al Maktoom, Vice President of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, founded the Godolphin stables, named after the Godolphin Arabian, one of the three foundation stallion that were imported to England about 300 years ago and to which all thoroughbred racehorses trace their roots. Sheikh Mohamed is not only a successful breeder, he is also one of the world’s best endurance riders: he won the individual championship and led the UAE squad to the FEI World Endurance Championship in August 2012. His blue Godolphin colours are seen at the finest races worldwide – often on the podium. Godolphin horses have won the Dubai World Cup six times. The finale of the Dubai World Cup Carnival is the Dubai World Cup, sponsored by Emirates Airline which will be held on March 29, 2014 and it is the world's richest race meeting.
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Š IRB/Martin Seras Lima
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Since 1989, when the European Tour visited Dubai for the first time, the USD 2.5 million Omega Desert Classic golf championship has been the main international event in Dubai’s golf season. Between 27 January and 2 February, the 2014 tournament will take place as usual at the Majlis course of the Emirates Golf Club. For more than 40 years, Dubai has hosted its largest sporting event towards the end of the year: the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens attracts almost 100,000 visitors annually.
The first Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships took place in 1993 as a men’s tournament only, with the women joining in 2001. The ATP, the Association of Tennis Professionals, has picked the Dubai tournament as tournament of the year eight times in its short history. For the upcoming Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship the women’s WTA matches are scheduled from 17 – 22 February, followed by the men’s ATM tournament from 17 February – 1 March.
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Dubai Camel Racing
DCRC CAMEL RACING FESTIVAL FROM 6TH – 17TH OF APRIL 2014 The most important and prestigious event of the Season. The festival aims to urge the citizens of the state and the Arab Golf to stick to traditions and culture, which represents the camel as an important component and the guest to revives the cultural memory in the hearts of the people and direct it to stick to camels breeding and qualify to participate in this important event. (free enterance) Racing time: Morning Race at 7 AM till 10 AM Evening Race and activities: 2 PM till 9 PM www.dcrc.ae
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FACTS
Dubai P olo Gold Cup
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Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai. The Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series 2014 (Dubai Open) 16 Goal Handicap is the most prestigious international polo tournament in the in Middle East, Asia and Africa and the fourth-largest tournament of its kind behind Argentina, the US and the UK. The premier polo competition of the year involves the world's best polo teams and players battling it out to win the cup. This is the fifth year in a row that the much anticipated event will be held. It takes place at the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club at the Arabian Ranches in Dubai. The tournament has grown in tandem with the city of Dubai and in 2012, the Dubai Gold Cup Series was recognized by the World Polo Tour (WPT). With its exciting mix of top-class sportsmanship and glamour, it has earned a reputation as one of the most prestigious events on the international polo calendar. It’s also one of the most important annual tournaments in the region and always attracts a high profile crowd. As always the Dubai Polo Gold Cup series promises the very best in sportsmanship, entertainment of the highest level and an atmosphere unlike any other polo event.
The series is split into two tournaments that will start with the McLaren Cup, beginning 1st February 2014 and ending 15th February 2014. The Bentley Emirates, Dubai Polo Gold Cup will commence on 24th February 2014 and will end on 14th March 2014.
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Meydan Horse Racing
Horse racing is a very popular sport in Dubai and the local stables are home to some of the world’s best race and endurance horses. That might not come as surprise, since Arabs have had a fascination for horses for centuries and Dubai’s ruler, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum is not just a passionate horse lover and successful breeder, but also one of the best riders worldwide, winning individual and te am titles as world champion in endurance races. In 2010 the Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse with a capacity of 60,000 visitors replaced the Nad Al Sheba racetrack as the venue for the world’s richest horse race, the Dubai World Cup. The racetrack is the world’s largest integrated racing facility, with a 1,750 metre long allweather Tapeta track and a 2,400 metre long turf track. Dubai’s racing season starts in November with weekly races on Thursday nights and finds its glamorous finish at the end of March with the world cup.
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Dubai from a birds-eye perspective An unusual way of sightseeing is a helicopter tour, starting from the helipads in the centre of town, close to the airport, or from the helipad of Atlantis Hotel at the Palm Jumeirah. Fun rides of 15 minute or longer over the city, the offshore islands and into the desert provides unforgettable memories. Flights for
aerial photographers can be arranged upon request. Another special experience is a hot air balloon flight. Balloon Adventures offer early morning trips and the early wake up call is rewarded by a breathtaking view over the desert at sunrise and a scenic, peaceful glide towards the skyline of Dubai.
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Motorsport
For those who love more horsepower under the hood, the Dubai Autodrome offers the ultimate experiences: the 5.39-kilometre long circuit is a top course with a combination of high-speed straights and technical corners. The circuit allows six different configurations and can accommodate up to three races simultaneously. Beside regularly held races across a variety of different classes, visitors can get into highperformance cars to test their driving skills or compete in karts.
Š Dubai Autodrome
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The year-round warm waters and rich marine life of the Arabian Gulf make Dubai an ideal destination for some underwater adventures. Beginners as well as certified divers can find various opportunities to explore the submarine world of Arabia under the experienced guidance of professional dive pros. Dive centres offer courses and dive experiences and arrange diving trips around Dubai and to the east coast of the UAE. Small reefs consisting of hard coral and
a number of shipwrecks of various sizes are the main dive spots off the Dubai coast. Daytrips to the dive spots on the east coast are offered frequently. At these spots off the Indian Ocean coastline soft corals and colourful tropical fish deliver unforgettable underwater memories. The Pavilion Dive Centre, located at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, is a leading diving facility in the region and can offer programmes in various languages and for all levels of experience.
Diving
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Yachting
Boat lovers value Dubai’s calm azure blue waters and consequently there is a large and sophisticated collection of boats available for rent. Yacht clubs and boating companies can be found in most beach hotels and will arrange cruises along Dubai’’s coastline and around the Palm Islands and The World. Xclusive Yachts, which operates from Dubai Marina Yacht Club, offers a wide range of high-class boats with experienced crews for individual charter. Leisure cruises as well as deep-sea fishing trips can be arranged. The Yellow Boats (on Marina Walk, opposite Spinneys supermarket in Dubai Marina) operate regular short trips along the coastline in their distinctive yellow rigid inflatables.
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Arrive in Style
Dubai International Airport is the fourth busiest airport worldwide, according to the Airport Council International ranking, handling more than 50 million passengers yearly via its three terminals. The airport’s facilities are almost a destination by themselves and also very popular among transit passengers, with the largest duty free shops worldwide, a variety of restaurants and bars, as well as hotel and leisure facilities. Executive flight services are available for private aircraft at a special terminal. “Marhaba” means “Welcome” in Arabic and is a special meet-and-greet service, available at all three terminals. Guests are individually escorted to pass quickly through arrival or departure procedures. Dubai’s own flagship carrier Emirates Airline, founded in 1985, is one of the fastest growing international airlines and serves an expanding network of more than 120 destinations on all five continents. Emirates’ first- and business class passengers enjoy pampering in 60 executive lounges worldwide and limousine services are provided for the journey to and from the flight.
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Airport Built for the future
Dubai World Central is part of the Government of Dubai’s ongoing planning and investment in the diversification and sustainable growth of its economy. Strategically located on 140 square kilometers of land in the southern part of Dubai near Jebel Ali Port, this forward-looking initiative capitalizes on and strengthens Dubai’s position as an international trade hub. At the heart of DWC is the Al Maktoum International Airport. Built for the future, the airport once completed will have the capacity to handle 12 million tonnes of annual cargo capacity and 160 million passengers. The infrastructure required to accommodate four additional CAT III-certified runways capable of handling four super jumbo aircraft landings simultaneously, 24 hours a day, is already in place. See more at www.dwc.ae.
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Dubai’s Ports GAtewAys to the world
© Cunard
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Dubai is inseparably connected with the Arabian Gulf: from its strategic location at the mouth of the creek the city’s urban development started and sea trade was – and still is – one of its major lifelines. Touristic growth also benefits from the proximity to the Arabian Gulf and millions of guests come to Dubai every year to enjoy the year-round warm water and golden sandy beaches. Ships have their own magic – white sails in the wind speak of the endless freedom of the ocean and adventures in exotic places. On a more practical note, they also connect people and enable them to exchange goods. Dubai Creek, with its traditional docksides for the dhows, the ancient Arabian wooden ships, is the town’s oldest commercial port facility. In order to keep the tradition alive, these popular vessels are the only commercial ships still allowed to anchor in the creek. Restaurant and leisure boats and the unique Dubai water taxis, the abras, make the creek a busy and bustling waterway.
Port Rasheed, only a few kilometres south of the creek’s mouth, started operations in the 1970s and was Dubai’s first port able to handle large commercial vessels and cargo ships. Throughout the ’70s the port was extended until it finally offered 35 berths. As part of Dubai’s strategic tourism development, a cruise terminal was opened at Port Rasheed in 2001. Over the years the numbers of passengers has risen from around 10,000 in 2003 to an estimated 420,000 in 2012, establishing the emirate’s reputation as a leading global cruise destination; Dubai Cruise Terminal received the Middle East’s Leading Cruise Port award for 2010, and the World’s Leading Cruise Port award for 2008 and 2009 in the World Travel Awards. Located 35 km to the southwest of Dubai, the Jebel Ali Port was developed in the 1970s, and is the major sea trading hub for the region: more than 90 weekly services run direct from here to 115 global ports. It became the world’s ninth largest container port in 2010. The Jebel Ali Free Zone, from where more than 6,400 companies operate, surrounds the port.
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Women’s Museum
A culturAl initiAtive, unique in the ArAB world And the Gulf reGion
The Women’s Museum of the United Arab Emirates is a national archive and documentation centre dedicated to the women of the UAE. It is concerned with all aspects of their lives and with the historical and social contexts that have shaped their philosophy, their status in society, and their place in the family. As a contemporary cultural centre, the museum explores the activities of Emirati women in the arts, academia, business, culture, politics and society in general. It aims to acquaint visitors with the various aspects of the daily lives of women, and to allow the younger generation of Emirati women to appreciate the achievements of those who have gone before them.
the Girls’ house
lifestyle And philosophy
Appropriately enough, the museum is based in Bait Al Banat, a house of historical importance dating from the 1950s. Its name translates as The Girls’ House. Professor Rafia Ghubash, an Emirati woman, established the project in order to preserve the history of women in the UAE and to break down stereotypes and reveal the extraordinary role that the UAE’s women have played in defining their culture and shaping their society. The Women’s Museum is an ambitious and multifaceted initiative with several key aspects: it offers an introduction to the lives of UAE women; the Memory of the Place exhibition revisits the past of the surrounding Gold Souk area; the Diwan Ousha Bint Khalifa space celebrates the life and work of the acclaimed UAE poet; and the gallery spaces hold permanent and temporary exhibitions of works by women artists.
Here, visitors can learn about the multifaceted lives of Emirati women down through history. It serves as a comprehensive account of their lifestyle and philosophy over the years, which mirrors the story of the nation. It is hoped that by examining the past, new light can be shed on the present – enabling a better understanding of female Emirati history, culture and identity. We quote Rym Ghazal, from the National, Dec 16, 2012: ‘“Emirati women have been active in every possible role,” Prof Ghubash says. “From their economic roles in setting up businesses and participating in real estate and land sales from as early as the 1950s, to social and humanitarian roles, as well as their important political role in raising the leaders of the country. It is endless. They are involved in every aspect of life.” One of a kind in the region, every corner of the museum tells a story, and almost each item can be traced back to its owner and her subsequent story.’
Contact Us woman@womenmuseumuae.com www.womenmuseumuae.com Phone +971 4 234-2342 P.O. Box 1086, Dubai, UAE GPS Coordinates N25 16.307 E55 17.924
Timings The Museum is welcoming visitors from Saturday to Thursday 10 am – 7pm
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Golf The desert city of Dubai has more greens than any other place: Seven 18-hole par 71 and 72 championship courses and one 9-hole par 36 course within one city. The courses are open to non-members however a handicap, set at 36 for ladies and for gentlemen at 28, is generally required. Most Golf-Clubs have comprehensive training facilities, like driving ranges, chipping areas and putting greens. Golf attire is mandatory at all golf courses including soft-spiked of flat soled shoes; metal spikes are not allowed. Due to the international championships held there, the Emirates Golf Club is one of the best known and offers with its two 18 hole championship courses and the 9-hole par 3 training course perfect golf facilities. The Dubai Creek Gold and Yacht Club
is located in the heart of the city and the restaurants and bars of it ’s clubhouse, overlooking the Dubai Creek, are popular even amongst non-golfers. One of the moist beautifully landscaped course it the Montgomerie course next to Emirates Hills. Designed by Collin Montgomerie the course is challenging to play and full of surprises: the par 3 hole 13 is for instance designed in the shape of the UAE and not easy to master. The 9 hole par 36 Jebel Ali Golf course is located at the Jebel Ali golf Resort and spa and can be played also as a 18 hole game. In Jebel Ali Golfers can expect occasionally very unique spectators: Some of the beautiful peacocks, residence of the hotel, might pass by and give some loud comments.
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GOLF CLUBS IN DUBAI duBAi creek G olf & yAcht cluB Address Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Garhoud Area, PO Box 6302, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Website www.dubaigolf.com Phone +971 4 295-6000 Fax: +971 4 295-6044 Course and length An 18-hole course par 72, 6857 yards championship course from the back tees, and a 9-hole floodlit par 3, 774 yards course from the gents tees.
emirAtes G olf cluB
nAd Al sheBA
Al BAdiA G olf r esort
Address Emirates Golf Club, P. O. Box 24040, Dubai
Address Nad Al Sheba Club, PO Box 52872, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Address Al Badia Golf Resort, Dubai Festival City, Al Rebat Street, Ras Al Khor, Dubai
Website www.dubaigolf.com
Website www.nadalshebaclub.com
Phone +971 4 380-2222 Fax: +971 4 380-1555
Phone +971 4 336-3666 Fax:+ 971 4 336-3717
Email EGC@dubaigolf.com
Course and length One Par 71, 18 hole course, 6503 yards from the back tees and 5619 yards from the front.
Course and length Majlis -18, Championship Course Wadi -18, Championship Course; 3-hole Academy Golf Course Yardage: 7211 – 7114 Par: 71 – 71
Website www.albadiagolfresort.com Phone +971 4 285-5772 Fax: +971 4 286-1280 Email golf@albadiagolfresort.com Course and length 18 Championship standard Suits all skill levels with alternative tee-to-green routes Yardage: 7250 Par: 72
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the montGomerie duBAi G olf cluB
ArABiAn r Anches G olf cluB
JeBel Ali G olf r esort And spA
Address The Montgomerie, Dubai, P.O Box 36700, Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Address Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Emirates Road (311), P.O.BOX 36700, Dubai
Address Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa, PO Box 9255, Dubai
Website www.themontgomerie.com Phone +971 4 390-5600 Fax: +971 4 390-5700 Email info@themontgomerie.ae Course and length Holes: 18 Yardage: 7308 Par: 75
Website www.arabianranchesgolfdubai.com Phone +971 4 366-3000 Fax: +9714 366-3355 Email teetime@arabianranchesgolf.ae academy@arabianranchesgolf.ae Course and length Holes: 18 Yardage: 7,698 yards (Championship tees) Par: 72
Website www.nadalshebaclub.com Phone +971 4 883-6000 Fax: +971 4 883-5543 Email jagrs@jaihotels.com Course and length 9 Holes (4 different tees) Championship standard Yardage: Men 3299, Ladies 2904 Par: 36
emirAtes G olf federAtion Address P.O.Box 31410, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Website www. ugagolf.com Phone +971 4 295-2277 Fax: +971 4 295-2288 Email info@ugagolf.com
trump internAtionAl G olf cluB Coming soon www.trumpgolfdubai.com
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Tennis
The Dubai Tennis Stadium in the heart of the city, close to the Dubai International Airport, has hosted international tennis championships and ATP and WTA tournaments for almost 20 years. The eight tennis courts and the adjoining fitness and leisure facilities welcome members as well as guests. The popular centre court does not only host the tennis elite, however many international music stars have also played here, as it is used as a concert venue. For those, who would like to enjoy their own game while in Dubai, most hotels offer immaculately maintained courts. The professional coaches of Clark Francis Tennis, a reputed tennis school with facilities at the Aviation Club next to the Tennis Stadium, are ready to help you brush up your backhand while in Dubai.
Club Al Ahli Club Al Nasr Club Al Shabab Club Al Wasl Club Body Line Dubai Aviation Club Dubai Country Club Dubai Inter-Continental Hotel Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa Hatta Sports Club Hyatt Sports Club Indian Sports Club Insportz Jumeirah Beach Hotel Le Meridien Dubai Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa Oasis Beach Hotel Sheraton Jumeirah Health Club The Creek Club The Ritz Carlton
Phone +971 4 298-8222 +971 4 337-2220 +971 4 296-7755 +971 4 324-3333 +971 4 282-0000 +971 4 282-4122 +971 4 333-1155 +971 4 222-7171 +971 4 346-1111 +971 4 399-5000 +971 4 852-3443 +971 4 209-6802 +971 4 337-1112 +971 4 347-5833 +971 4 348-0000 +971 4 282-4040 +971 4 399-5555 +971 4 399-4444 +971 4 399-5533 +971 4 228-1111 +971 4 399-4000
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© Jumeirah
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SIGHTSEEING
The Seven Emirates
Abu Dhabi The capital
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Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, lays about 100 km south of Dubai on the Arabian Gulf coast and spreads over a number of natural islands, surrounded by beautiful mangroves. The city is deeply rooted in its Arabic and Islamic Heritage, and is home to the third largest mosque in the world, the iconic Sheikh Zayed Mosque. With the Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi added its unique traditional Arabic touch to the global portfolio of luxury hotels. As one of the fastest growing cities it is only natural to get involved in speedy sports – since 2009 Abu Dhabi has hosted a Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit. Ferrari World, next to the racetrack, is the world’s largest indoor theme park. Ambitious projects are on the way and in various states of completion. Saadiyat Island, located close by Abu Dhabi’s main island and connected via new roads and bridges, will host a stunning cultural district. The Guggenheim Museum, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, a Centre for Performing Arts, and the Sheikh Zayed National Museum are amongst countless other museums and galleries that will put Abu Dhabi amongst the top art destinations in the world.
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Al Ain – the GArden city In the Eastern region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, next to one of the biggest oases and at the foot of the country’s highest named mountain, Jebel Hafeet, lays the Emirates Garden City Al Ain. The waters naturally flowing out from the ground here gave the city its name – Al Ain means springs. The city is in fact one part of a twin-town; its counterpart is the Omani City of Buraimi. The international border goes almost straight across the city. Due to its natural water resources and the fertile red sands, the region around the Al Ain Oasis has always been a regional centre of farming and date plantation. Since these resources were so crucial for the survival of the people, numerous forts and watchtowers were built to guard and protect them. Most of the forts have been renovated and turned into museums. The Al Jahili Fort, for instance, hosts a permanent exhibition of the photographic work of Wilfred Thesinger. The fort is regularly used for cultural events and is a venue for concerts during the Abu Dhabi Music and Art festivals.
The Al Ain Oasis in the middle of the traditional town is still used for date cultivation, and administered in traditional way, irrigated with the falaj, a system of open water channels running over the whole plantation. Al Ain was the birthplace of Sheikh Zayed, the founder and late president of the United Arab Emirates. His former residence is now a museum and open to the public. The impressive range of the Hajar Mountains rises next to the city. Jebel Hafeet is, at 1,249 metres, one of the highest mountains in the UAE. A spectacular road spirals up to the top and nestled on a plateau just a few meters below the summit is the UAE’s highest hotel, the Mercure Jebel Hafeet Hotel. The foot of the mountain range is home to another natural beauty; hot springs and the Green Mubazzara, an area full of vegetation in the middle of the rock and sandy desert. Next to the Badwadi Mall lays the only permanent camel market in the UAE.
Em ir at es
Pa r k
Zoo
The Only Zoo in Abu Dhabi
more than 1,200 animals Fungames | 27 chalets Ocean Park | play & gaming zone fast food chains Zoo opens every day at 930 am to 8 00 pm and Thursdays-Saturdays close 9 00pm. June to August the same hours as we are having some day visitors. R amadan 500 pm to Midnight. After R amadan, eid holidays 930 am to 9 00 pm. Location Al Shahama, Abu Dhabi, United Ar ab Emir ates | Phone +971 2 501 0000 Email info@emir atesparkzoo.com | Website www.emir atesparkzoo.com
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The Seven Emirates
Sharjah
the culturAl cApitAl of ArABiA Sharjah, the third largest of the Emirates and Dubai’s northern neighbour, is known as having become UNESCO’s Cultural Capital of the Arab World in 1998. Sharjah is home to a large number of unique museums, amongst them the Museum of Islamic Civilization. The historical centre of the city has been rebuilt and most of the former residences transformed into museums and cultural places. The Emirate hosts a big contemporary art exhibition via its Biennale. The Sharjah Art Foundation also has a yearlong progr am that includes exhibitions, performances, and screenings. Its cultural programming is comparable to many well-established art centres in the West. The city was named as the Capital of Islamic Culture for 2014 because of the love and support for culture shown by its ruler, Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi.
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The Seven Emirates
Ajman At just 2,060 square kilometres, Ajman is the smallest of the seven Emirates. Located on the coastline north of Dubai, it is a traditional shipbuilding place and home to one of the best know shipyards in the country: Gulf Craft Inc, a manufacturer of luxury yachts and fibreglass vessels. Ajman’s history is presented in its Heritage Museum, located in an old fort. Even
though the Emirate has about 16 km of coastline only, international hotel chain Kempinski picked the beachside of the small city to open its first hotel in the UAE in 1998 – others have followed, the latest being the most luxurious hotel in the whole region, the Kempinski Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi.
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The Seven Emirates
Fujairah
Fujairah is the only Emirate on the eastern shore of the UAE. The Indian Ocean coastline is a well-known tourist destination. The proximity of the Hajar Mountains and the quite beaches make it an ideal destination to rewind and relax. The Friday market on the road from the mainland through the mountains to the east coast is the largest and most popular street market in the country – a good place to get fresh fruit or make a bargain on a carpet. The area is particularly popular among scuba
divers, who find here beautiful dive spots full of tropical fish and colourful soft- and hard-corals. Fujairah boasts the only multi-purpose port on the eastern seaboard of the United Arab Emirates, from where large quantities of the UAE’s oil exports are shipped. The Al Badiyah Mosque (located in Al Badiyah, a small village next to Dibba) is considered to be the oldest in the UAE. According to the latest archaeological findings, the mosque and two watchtowers overlooking the village were built in 1446.
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The Seven Emirates
Ras Al Khaimah
Š www.rasalkhaimahtourism.com
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On the northern edge of the west coast lays the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, literally translated as “The top of the tent”. The region was a former stronghold of seafarers who fearlessly defended the area – known in previous centuries as the Pirate Coast – against potential invaders. The most famous son of the region is the seafarer and navigator Ahmed bin Majid, who lived in the 15 th century and published in 1490 the ‘Book of Useful Information on the Principles and
Rules of Navigation’. With its long sandy beaches, the emirate is a hidden treasure on the UAE’s tourist map. It will surely become better known with extensive new tourism developments in the Al Hamra area, where the first Waldorf Astoria Hotel in the UAE is about to open. At the outskirts of town lays the first and only cultured pearl farm in the gulf region, continuing the region’s centuries-long pearling tradition.
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The Seven Emirates
Umm Al-Quwain The Emirate of Umm al Quwain, located on the northwestern coast of the Arabian Gulf, is well known among seafood-lovers as the crab-hunting spot. Located in the lagoon of Umm al Quwain, the Flamingo beach hotel offers a crab-hunting programme. Boats ferry guests to the natural mangroves abundant with crustaceans. Experienced
staff are on hand to assist and make sure the crab-hunters come back with enough spoils for dinner. Visitors can also enjoy a visit to the old fort, hosting a small heritage museum and water lovers might like to head to the Dreamland Aqua Park, a 250,000 square metre water park with more than 30 rides.
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DUBAI MAP
Essential Numbers EMERGENCY SERVICES Police Fire Department Ambulance Electricity Water
GOVERNMENT CONTACTS 999 997 999 991 991
HOSPITAL EMERGENCY NUMBERS Al Maktoum Hospital Al Wasl Hospital American Hospital Dubai Hospital Kuwait Hospital Rashid Hospital Welcare Hospital
+971 4 228 4584 +971 4 324 1111 +971 4 309 6645 +971 4 271 4444 +971 4 707 8206 +971 4 337 1323 +971 4 282 9900
LOST CREDIT CARDS Citibank Commercial Bank of Dubai Emirates NBD American Express Diner's Club Mastercard International Visa
800 4000 800 4474 +971 600 54 0000 +971 4 336 5000 +971 4 349 8200 +971 4 332 2956 +971 4 223 6888
AIRPORTS Dubai International Airport Al Maktoum International Airport Abu Dhabi International Airport
+971 4 216 6666 +971 4 814 1111 +971 2 505 5555
TAXI Dubai Taxi National Taxi Metro Taxi Hala Taxi
+971 4 208 0808 600 54 3322 600 56 6000 800 90 90
LIMOUSINE Exotic Limo Europcar Limousine Galaxy Limousine
+971 4 286 8635 +971 4 339 4455 +971 50 795 1624
HOSPITAL American Hospital Dubai Dubai London Clinic Health Bay Polyclinic Mediclinic Saudi German Hospital
+971 4 377 6645 +971 4 378 2999 +971 4 348 7140 +971 4 435 9999 +971 4 389 0000
Civil Aviation Department Courts Department Department Of Economic Development Department of Naturalization & Residency Development Board Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority Dubai Electricity & Water Authority Dubai Government Workshop Dubai Internet City Dubai Muncipality Dubai Police Dubai Ports Authority Dubai Ship Docking Yard Dubai Tourism & Commerce Marketing Endowments & Islamic Affairs Dept Finance Department Federal National Council General Information Authority General Postal Authority General Secretariat of UAE Muncipalities Health & Medical Services Heritage & History Committee HH The Ruler's Affairs & Petroleum Affairs Institute Of Administration Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority Jebel Ali Free Zone Administration Lands Department Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries Ministry of Communications Ministry of Defence Ministry of Economy & Commerce Ministry of Education Ministry of Electricity & Water Ministry of Finance & Industry Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Health Ministry of Information & Culture Ministry of Islamic Affairs & Endowments Ministry of Justice Ministry of Labour & Social Affairs Ministry of Public Works & Housing Ministry of Youth & Sports Ports & Customs Dept Prime Minister's Office Protocol Dept Public Prosecutor Real Estate Dept State Audit Institution UAE Radio & Television Dubai
+971 4 206 6333 +971 4 334 7777 +971 4 222 9922 +971 4 313 9999 +971 4 228 8866 +971 4 299 5555 +971 4 324 4444 +971 4 334 2999 +971 4 399 8888 +971 4 221 5555 +971 4 229 2222 +971 4 345 1545 +971 4 334 1217 +971 4 223 0000 +971 4 266 3535 +971 4 353 1076 +971 4 282 4531 +971 4 282 1565 +971 4 337 1500 +971 4 223 7785 +971 4 337 0031 +971 4 222 7498 +971 4 353 1060 +971 4 282 1575 +971 4 881 5000 +971 4 881 3000 +971 4 222 2253 +971 4 295 8161 +971 4 295 3330 +971 4 353 2330 +971 4 295 4000 +971 4 299 4100 +971 4 262 6262 +971 4 353 2323 +971 4 222 1144 +971 4 334 8000 +971 4 261 5500 +971 4 269 1220 +971 4 282 5999 +971 4 269 1666 +971 4 269 3900 +971 4 269 1680 +971 4 345 9575 +971 4 345 1900 +971 4 353 1086 +971 4 334 6666 +971 4 346 1444 +971 4 228 6000 +971 4 336 9999
Fine Dining on Smartphones Foreign Embassies in Dubai Australian Consulate General & Trade Commission +971 4 508 7100 British Embassy +971 4 309 4444 Consulate General of Canadian +971 4 404 8444 Consulate General of Afghanistan +971 4 398 8229 Consulate General of Bulgaria +971 4 344 2419 Consulate General of Egypt +971 4 397 1122 Consulate General of Eritrea +971 4 239 9933 Consulate General of France +971 4 408 4900 Consulate General of India +971 4 397 1222 Consulate General of Indonesia +971 4 398 5666 Consulate General of Iraq +971 4 358 4700 Consulate General of Italy +971 4 331 4167 Consulate General of Japan +971 4 331 9191 Consulate General of Jordan +971 4 397 0500 Consulate General of Lebanon +971 4 397 7450 Consulate General of Malaysia +971 4 398 5843 Consulate General of Mozambique +971 4 398 8304 Consulate General of Niger +971 4 266 4642 Consulate General of Pakistan +971 4 397 3600 Consulate General of Romania +971 4 349 2971 Consulate General of South Africa +971 4 397 5222 Consulate General of Sri Lanka +971 4 398 6535 Consulate General of Sudan +971 4 397 7722 Consulate General of Switzerland +971 4 329 0999 Consulate General of Tanzania +971 4 394 0200 Consulate of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria +971 4 344 4377 Consulate General of the Arab Republic of Syria +971 4 357 2227 Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany +971 4 397 2333 Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran +971 4 344 4717 Consulate General of the Libya +971 4 397 3972 Consulate General of the People's Republic of Bangladesh +971 4 272 6966 Consulate General of the People's Republic of China +971 4 394 4733 Consulate General of the Philippines +971 4 220 7100 Consulate General of the Republic of Angola +971 4 344 7541 Consulate General of the Republic of Djibouti +971 4 252 8853 Consulate General of the Republic of Ethiopia +971 4 269 9111 Consulate General of the Republic of Kazakhstan +971 4 339 7151 Consulate General of the Republic of Korea +971 4 344 9200 Consulate General of the Republic of Panama +971 4 337 2538 Consulate General of the Republic of Singapore +971 4 321 9498 Consulate General of the Republic of Somalia +971 4 272 2559 Consulate General of the Republic of Turkey +971 4 331 4788 Consulate General of the Republic of Uzbekistan +971 4 394 7400 Consulate General of the State of Kuwait +971 4 397 8000 Consulate General of the State of Qatar +971 4 396 0444 Consulate General of the United States +971 4 309 4000 Consulate General of Vietnam +971 4 398 8924 Consulate of Norway +971 4 382 3880 Consulate of Russia +971 4 328 5347 Consulate of the Sultanate of Oman +971 4 397 1000 Consulate General of the Republic of Yemen +971 4 397 0131 New Zealand Consulate General +971 4 331 7500 Palestine General Consulate +971 4 397 2020 Royal Consulate General of Denmark +971 4 348 0877 Royal Consulate General of Saudi Arabia +971 4 397 9777 Royal Thai Consulate General +971 4 348 9550 The Royal Consulate of Netherlands +971 4 440 7600 Tunisian Consulate +971 4 261 7070
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262
MAP
shoppinG m Alls in duBAi
LUXURY DUBAI
THE DUBAI MALL Website Telephone
DEIRA CITY CENTER DUBAI
www.thedubaimall.com +971 4 367 5588
MALL OF THE EMIRATES
BURJUMAN CENTER DUBAI
www.malloftheemirates.com +971 4 409 9000
Website Telephone
www.burjuman.com +971 4 352 0222
Website Telephone
DUBAI FESTIVAL CENTER
WAFI SHOPPING MALL
– DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY Dubai Mall
www.wafi.com +971 4 324 4555
Website Telephone
www.festivalcentre.com www.dubaifestivalcity.com +971 4 232 5444
Website Telephone
www.deiracitycentre.com +971 4 295 4545
Website Telephone
ARABIAN GULF
THE WOR
EL ALI
Atlantis The Palm
Kingdom of Sheba
THE PALM JUMEIRAH
ebel Ali esort & Spa
Oilrelated
Jebel Ali Harbour
Waldorf Astoria Dubai
The Taj Exotica Resort and Spa Jebel Ali Port
Bus Connection Point
treet
y
oa
Masjid
Jabel Ali Village
d
Jumeirah Lakes Towers Commodities Centre
Ibn Battuta Shopping Mall
Emirates Hill First
li H
Al Sufouh
Kempinski Mall of the Emirates
316 Rd
Al Barshaa Third Jabal Ali Race Course
Police College
Al Barsha First
Mall of the Emirates
Al Barshaa Second
aba dR oad
Green Community Village
Emirates Hill Third
Dubai Pearl
Emir
ates
Courtyard by Marriott Green Community
Road
Al Wasi Road
Umm Al Sheif
Al Manara
Dubai Police Head Quarter
Sheikh
318th Street Al Goze Fourth Industrial Area
Zayed R
Al W
Al Safa
oad
8th Street
Al Goze Third Industrial Area
Al Goze First Industrial Area
323 Road
el A
311
oad
Emirates Hill Second
Address Montgomerie
77
Zayed R
Emirates Golf Club
Al Goze Second Industrial Area
651
Jeb
Jabal Ali Industrial Area
Sheikh
Umm Suqqeim Street
eik
a hZ
R ed
Anantara Dubai The Palm Movenpick Jumeirah Zabeel Saray The Fairmont One and Only The Palm Rixos The Palm One and Only Royal Mirage Habtoor Grand Beach Burj Al Arab Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort Resort & Spa Sofitel JBR Jumeirah Be Jumeirah Beach Hotel Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Madinat Jumeirah Dubai Le Royal Meridien Jumeir BurJuman ArjaanAl Colony Grosvenor House Sufo uh Road American by Rotana The Westin Jumeira Umm Suqueim Umm Suqueim Marriott University Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road Address Marina Marina Mall Harbour of Dubai Pearl Knowledge Souk Madinat Jabel Ali Village asi R
Al Manara Rd
540th S
Ottoman Palace
Grandeur Residences
Refinery
Sh
Sofitel Dubai Palm
Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah
A
h lK
ai
lR
d
Al Khail Road
Essential Numbers
T
LUXURY DUBAI
IBN BATTUTA SHOPPING MALL
DUBAI OUTLET MALL
www.ibnbattutamall.com +971 4 352 1900
Website Telephone
www.mercatoshoppingmall.com +971 4 344 4161
Website Telephone
www.jumeirah.com +971 4 366 8888
Website Telephone
AL GHURAIR CENTRE
DUBAI MARINA MALL
www.alghuraircentre.com/en +971 4 205 5309
Website Telephone
www.dubaimarinamall.com +971 4 436 1020
Website Telephone
SOUK MADINAT JUMIERAH
www.boulevarddubai.com +971 4 319 8999
Website Telephone
www.lamcyplaza.com +971 4 335 9999
Website Telephone
THE BOULEVARD
MERCATO SHOPPING MALL DUBAI
263
LAMCY PLAZA
www.dubaioutletmall.com +971 4 423 4666
Website Telephone
page
THE WORLD
el Dubai Palm
dorf Astoria Dubai Dubai Marina
eej
Rd
Road
Zayed R
Hyatt Regency
Corniche Deira
Sheraton Creek Hotel
oad
Deira Center
InterContinental Dubai Festival City
Dubai
t
Centre
Al Garhoud
Festival Center
Al Mamzer Lagoon
Dubai International Airport
Al Khan Lagoon
Al Iittihad
ad
Dubai Police Head Quarter
Nah
Al
Ras Al Khor Wildlife InterContinental Residence Suite Sanctuary Festival Water Bird
Al Ittihad Ro
Al Bustan Rotana
da S
Al Quasais Industrial Area
Al Qusais Rd
Al Rashidiya
t
204 Rd
reet
Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City
t
Al Khabeesi
Al Mamzer Beach
Baghadad St
Port Saeed
Hor Al Anz
JW Marriott
Millenium Hotel Park Hyatt
Dubai Raffles Creek Creek Golf Club ad Ro Al Wasi Dubai Park a h et Hospital dM Al Wasi Ou Sports Municipal Grand Hyatt Club Stadium
Crowne Plaza Dubai Deira
ad
t Stree
Hospital
Al Waheda
Abu Hali Ro
Musca
Wafi Mall
Oud Metha Rashid
Al Jadaf
Al Merkad
The Meydan Hotel
Zabeel Second
Zabeel First
Court
Abu Hall
Al Muteena Le Meridien
Airport Road
Dubai Mall
Nad Al Sheba
Al Murooj Horse Course Rotana
Zabeel Park
Al Murr Mosque
Hospital
oad
il
Jumeirah Rotana
Al Satwa
hal
Towers Rotana Hilton Ritz Carlton alifa Bin eikh Kh Dubai Creek Fairmont Hotel ShBurJuman Center General Jumeirah The H Hotel Business Post Office Dubai Park Emirates Towers
oud R
ha
Al Jafiliya
Mankhool
Al Garh
mbers
K Al
Rd
Al Hudaiba
Al K
Al Jafiliya
Dusit Thani
Street
Al Khail Road
Al Goze Second Industrial Area
Al Satwa Road Shangri-La
Safa Park
Al Hudaba
Al Bada
Al Doha
Al Goze Fourth Industrial Area
Jumeirah
JW Marriott Marquis The Address Downtown The Address The Palace Dubai Mall
oad
Al Goze First Industrial Area
Archaelogical Site
Al Asiqa St
318th Street
Al Safa
8th Street
Al Goze Third Industrial Area
323 Road
Barshaa Second
S
ed R heikh Zay
Al Wasi Road
651
Mall of the Emirates
Al Manara
Dubai Police Head Quarter
Umm Suqqeim Street
arsha rst
Al Wasi Road Umm Al Sheif
Jumeirah Third
Al M
ina Rd
dS
Police College
Umm Suqueim
Dubai Zoo
Al Mina
Rd din ud lah Sa Al Rigga Rd
fouh
pinski irates
Jumeirah Road
Jumeirah Beach Park
iya
Souk Madinat
Umm Suqueim
Al Manara Rd
h Road
Jumeirah Beach
Jumeirah Beach Hotel
nat Jumeirah
Port Rashid
Jumeirah Mosque
Creek
Mercato Shopping Mall
Burj Al Arab
AlR
alm
Container Terminal
Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa
Abu Hall Rd
ra Dubai The Palm
Rd
Al Quasais Industrial Area
Indus Are
Indu Are
Ind Ar
LUXURY DUBAI 2014
SHOPPING DINING SIGHTSEEING ARTS CULTURE
luxury duBAi 2014 is A premium lifestyle puBlicAtion puBlished By luxury cities m ediA fZ llc. c ontinuously updAted, puBlished once or more A yeAr. AvAilABle everywhere in fine hotels.
Publisher Thomas Botka, Luxury Cities Media FZ LLC Advertising sales@luxury-cities.com Design & Layout Absolut Design Studio Group Art director Attila Dubniczki, Míra Judit Szántó Photo Production Luxury Cities Media, Susa Dosa Editor Heike Möckel, Robin Marshall
www.luxury- cities.com
2014 edition ©
All photos used in this publication are by Luxury Cities Media, Photos. com, Shutterstock, Susa Dosa, MQ Naufal, Sophie James, Kiev Victor, Sanchai Kumar, Laborant, Rus S/ Shutterstock.com, Dubai Autodrome, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Cunard, dinosmichail / Shutterstock, Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, General Motors, IRB/Martin Seras Lima, Yara, www.aquiziam.com, www.rasalkhaimahtourism.com unless otherwise credited.
Dear Guest, if you enjoyed your stay in Dubai please don't forget to share your experience on Tripadvisor.com or your favorite social media site.
Luxury Dubai is a registered trademark. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, in whole or in part, without the express prior written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility to any party for the content of any advertisement in this publication, including any errors and omissions there in. By placing an order for an advertisement, the advertiser agrees to indemnify the publisher against any claims relating to the advertisement. All content in this publication is the property of Luxury Cities Media FZ LLC and its suppliers or licensors or contributors and is protected by the UAE and International copyright laws. © Luxury Cities Media FZ LLC. All rights reserved.
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where l uxury m eets lifestyle
LUXURY DUBAI 2014
LUXURY DUBAI 2014
S H O P P I N G
D I N I N G
S I G H T S E E I N G
A R T S
C U LT U R E
LUXURY
DUBAI 2014
Dear Guest, Welcome to Dubai, to this magnificent metropolis by the Arabian Gulf, one of the fastest growing cities on earth. Dubai is constantly on the move, striving for greater heights with its record-breaking achievements, landmarks and events. Either you are fascinated by the timeless tranquility of the desert, the lively bustle of the souks or the modern architectural wonders of the city; Dubai will amaze you with its endless experiences, giving you memories that will always stay with you. I am delighted that you chose Ramada Plaza Jumeirah Beach Residence for your stay in Dubai. The hotel`s prime location is a great base to explore all that the city has to offer, and our comfortable and spacious rooms, unique dining facilities and impeccable services will make you want to stay longer. I wish you a truly enjoyable stay with us and I hope that we will have the privilege to welcome you back on your return to this aspirational city. With warm regards,
Alper Can Bulcum General Manager