Only in Dubai - Guide for Visitors to Breakbulk Middle East 2019

destination city

only in dubai Dubai is a legendary city of contrasts – old and new, natural and awe-inspiringly manmade. New construction is unending as this diverse city prepares for Expo 2020 Dubai. Tower cranes dot the skyline, but at street level you can discover the old parts of the city and experience what life was like 100 or more years ago. Every visitor to Breakbulk Middle East should carve out the extra time to see more of Dubai – even for those who have visited many times, there is always something new to explore.

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Billed as “a mammoth achievement of engineering” and a first for the region, the spectacular DUBAI FRAME, which comprises two parallel towers and opened at Zabeel Park in January 2018, offers sweeping 360-degree views of the city. From a vantage point of nearly 500 feet in the air, visitors can gaze out at Dubai in its entirety, taking in everything from Deira’s old town and the pristine waters of the Arabian Gulf to the vast dunes of the Arabian Desert and the high rises of Dubai Downtown.

With big ambitions and the expertise to make even the wildest dreams a reality, Dubai is becoming the most exciting adventure playground in the world. Among new, compelling options is the recently unveiled DUBAI PARKS AND RESORTS, promoted as the region’s largest integrated theme park destination and conference and event space and include:

For thrills of a different kind, visitors can take a walk on the wild side at the new DUBAI SAFARI. Four zones – Asian Village, African Village, Arabian Village and Safari Village – house a total of 250 species and 3,000 animals, including the rare, endangered Borneo pygmy elephant, a pride of white lions (the only lions of their kind in the region), and the region’s largest troop of baboons.

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BOLLYWOOD PARKS DUBAI (top photo) features more than 16 rides and attractions, 20 live shows and Indian dining

Spectacular views will also be had from AIN DUBAI (THE “DUBAI EYE”), promoted as the world’s highest Ferris wheel at more than 600 feet. A fixture of the Bluewaters Island manmade island being developed by Meraas, Ain Dubai is located off the popular Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR) beachfront. From the observation wheel, visitors get a 360-degree glimpse of Dubai’s beautiful coastline and its marina’s impressive skyline as well as views of famous landmarks like Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah and Burj Khalifa.

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MOTIONGATE DUBAI boasts 27 rides inspired by memorable action films, such as “Ghostbusters,” “Shrek” and “The Hunger Games.”

LEGOLAND DUBAI has more than 40 rides spread out among six indoor and outdoor “lands,” including Lego City and the Middle East-themed Miniland.

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IMG WORLDS OF ADVENTURE, the world’s largest indoor theme park, is a temperature-controlled park the size of 28 football fields. Packed with more than 20 rides and attractions, many themed around Marvel Comics and Cartoon Network characters, its signature ride, the Velociprator roller coaster, is the tallest and fastest roller coaster in Dubai.

A mix of sun, sea and outdoor fun is now available at the LA MER (above photo), a beachside district distinguished by palm tree-lined boulevards, graffiti art murals, and laid-back charm. At Sea Breeze, the

district’s sandy beachfront, guests can book a private cabana or settle down in the sand to unwind with uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai skyline. For the more adventurous, Laguna Waterpark has the WaveOz 180 Flo Rider, also known as “The Ultimate Surf Machine” and the only attraction of its kind in the GCC. Fans of Cirque du Soleil should take in LA PERLE, which is staged in a specially-build aquatheater in the Al Habtoor City district, where 65 artists perform breathtaking acrobatic and aerial stunts, including diving into water from more than 80 feet above.

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history & culture One of the best ways to expose groups to Dubai’s history and culture is a visit to the AL FAHIDI HISTORICAL NEIGHBOURHOOD, which transports visitors back to the traditional style of life that was prevalent in Dubai from the mid-19th century to the 1970s.

shores of Dubai Creek and bordered

by Bur Dubai historic neighborhood to the south as well as Port Rashid to the west. Modern Dubai was born in this charming district in the early 20th century, when the ruling family established itself there.

Here, Barajeel (buildings with air high towers) crafted of traditional materials like stone, sandalwood, teak, gypsum, fronds and palm wood sit side by side, separated by alleys, pathways, and public squares that give the district a natural and beautiful diversity.

Stops in the historic district: • Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding • Saruq Al-Hadid Archaeology Museum For another perspective on Dubai’s culture and history, consider a trip to the AL SHINDAGHA historic neighborhood (below photo) on the

Many of these venues can accommodate group events. If your company is interested in hosting a party during Breakbulk Middle East, the staff at Tourism Dubai can help.

Stops in this neighborhood: • Heritage and Diving Museum • S heikh Saeed al Maktoum House, built in 1896, the historic house was the official residence of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai from 1912 to 1958 and the grandfather of its present ruler, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Thirdly, visit DEIRA CREEKSIDE, where members of the Bani Yas tribe settled in the 19th and 20th centuries.

The creek’s port became home to countless traditional sailing vessels called dhows, which can still be admired today, along with two souks (traditional markets).

CONTACT Stephanie Cheung Senior Account Executive – North America Dubai Business Events and City Operations + 212 529 8484 scheung@dubaitourism.ae scheung@mcintl.com www.visitdubai.com

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good to know / travel tips for breakbulkers in dubai

the foodie’s dubai: traditional and new eating experiences Indian spices, Levantine specialties, Persian ingredients and the Bedouin lifestyle influence Dubai’s traditional local (Emirati) cuisine.

Here are just a few to try.

Imposing arches and Arabic calligraphy and horse sculptures evoke an Arabian Nights-style ambiance at SIRAJ, situated downtown. The menu is a modern re-imagining of EmiratiLevantine flavors.

For a more casual dining experience, AL FANAR in Dubai Festival City serves Emirati classics.

Dishes to try: balalit (sweet noodles) and jesheed (baby shark with Arabic spices).

Dishes to try: lobster kibbeh, chicken biryani and mouhalabiya (Lebanese milk pudding).

Enjoy an Emirati breakfast (or lunch or dinner) at the SHEIKH MOHAMMED CENTRE FOR CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING (SMCCU) (above photo) in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.

Dubai also has an extensive roster of hot new restaurants.

For Asian street food presented with a side of theatrical music and dance, there’s MISS TESS at Taj Dubai.

Beachside bites – including standouts like duck kheema crostini and sundried tomato prawns – can be had at MASTI in the La Mer dining and entertainment complex.

Downtown Dubai is home to KOHANTEI, Dubai’s only Japanese restaurant offering a “kaiseki” experience (a traditional multicourse Japanese dinner, consisting of small, exquisitely prepared dishes).

Seafood is the star at SEAN CONNOLLY at Dubai Opera; farmhouse fare prepared in an open-plan kitchen by celebrity chef David Myers at Bleu Blanc, “Best of British,” at Galvin Dubai within City Walk; and Arab flavors at Ninive on the elevated terrace of Jumeirah Emirates Towers.

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for a man to shake the hand of a Muslim woman (and vice versa) is, in most circumstances, considered unacceptable. If in doubt, wait until a hand is offered when meeting someone for the first time.

BUSINESS HOURS The working week is Sunday to Thursday with Friday and Saturday being the weekend. Most shops are open every day from 10am to 10pm. Embassies, consulates and government offices operate from 7.30am to 2.30pm.

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CLIMATE A sub-tropical, arid climate ensures clear blue skies almost throughout the year. February may see a few light rain showers, but temperatures are typically a very pleasant 25 °C (77 °F). It will be cooler in the evenings so be prepared with a sweater or light jacket.

CREDIT CARDS Major credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in most hotels and shopping malls.

DRESS CODE As a sign of respect for local customs and traditions, a modest dress code is advised. Swimwear is acceptable at hotel pools, resorts and beaches.

Before leaving those areas, ensure you cover up.

DRINKING WATER Tap water is considered safe to drink. However, it is common to drink bottled water.

ELECTRICITY The electricity supply in the UAE is 220/224 volts at 50 cycles using a UK-style three-pin plug.

GREETING The acceptable male greeting on meeting a Gulf Arab is to stand up and shake hands. However,

LANGUAGE Arabic is the official language of the UAE. English is widely spoken and understood.

PERSONAL CONDUCT AND ETIQUETTE Public displays of affection are considered disrespectful. There is zero tolerance for driving under the influence (DUI), and inappropriate behavior while under the influence of alcohol. Swearing is considered offensive.

PHOTOGRAPHY There are many great opportunities to take photographs in Dubai. It’s recommended to ask for permission before taking photos involving people unknown to yourself. Photographing military installations, government buildings and private premises is prohibited.

TIME Dubai operates on Gulf Standard Time (GST), which is GMT+4. There is no daylight saving.

TIPPING This is not essential but a tip of 10 per cent is appreciated.

Wi-Fi Free Wi-Fi is available at Dubai International Airport, Dubai Metro, hotels and in most shopping malls.

Several public parks and beaches are also offering free Wi-Fi.

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