POCKET GUIDE 2015
MUST-SEE SIGHTS | ADVENTURE | FAMILY ACTIVITIES | SHOPPING | ITINERARIES | HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS | ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
CONTENTS
06 WElCOME 06 08 08 10 13 15
General information Holiday highlights Travel facts Geography Entering Dubai Dos and Don’ts
16 FAMily FuN 17 18 19 20 23 24
Theme parks Water parks Aquariums Trampoline parks Flight simulators Beaches and parks
26 ShOppiNg 27 30 34 36
Mall trawl Souks Medley of markets Shopping festivals
38 PO Box 594, Dubai, UAE T: +971 4 282 1111 info@dubaitourism.ae dubaitourism.ae Director of Communications Charlie Taylor ctaylor@dubaitourism.ae Director of Media & Advertising Moza Al Youha myouha@dubaitourism.ae Chief Editor Kerry Baggott kbaggott@dubaitourism.ae
gASTrONOMy 39 40 40 42 46 47
Emirati flavours Homegrown restaurants Street food International restaurants Celebrity restaurants Dubai Food Festival
48 CulTurE: ArT 49 Dubai’s Artmosphere 53 Dubai Writers’ Centre visitdubai.com
1
54 Culture: Heritage 55 58 59 60
Culture that captivates Insight into Islam Mosque tours Heritage through sport
62 OutdOOr esCapes
101 Hotel apartments 102 Inbound tour operators
96 dtCM Overseas OffiCes dubai Map
63 Great outdoors
70 events 72 Music 74 Sport 76 Calendar of events
82 let’s dO dubai 83 Your five-day itinerary
88 getting arOund 88 Public transport options 92 Tour Dubai on the Metro 94 Dubai Tram
Media One Tower, Dubai Media City PO Box 2331, Dubai, UAE T: +971 4 427 3000 motivatepublishing.com connect@motivate.ae editorial director Gina Johnson publisher Chris Capstick senior account Manager Bireshwar Mitra sales Manager Sydney Fernandes senior assignments editor Ingrid Valles art director Sharon Fernandes
96 aCCOMOdatiOn
general Manager production Sunil Kumar
97 Five-star hotels 98 Four-star hotels 100 Three-star hotels
DISCLAIMER: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing accepts no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions
2
dubai tourism guide 2015
INTRODUCTION
Ahlan wa sahlan
fi Dubai
Welcome to Dubai – one of the most exhilarating cities in the world From the majestic sand dunes of the Arabian Desert rises the glittering city of Dubai. Its gleaming towers give way to swathes of golden beaches where crystal-blue waters meet soothing breezes. The city’s shopping malls mimic the world’s most fashionable ramps and its entertainment calendar is packed with electrifying events and thrilling 6
DUBAI TOURISM GUIDE 2015
sporting championships. Its pulsating nightlife reverberates with sounds from the best musical talents, while dinner tables boast exquisite eats crafted by renowned Michelinstarred chefs to eclectic street food spanning the flavours of the world. Exciting theme parks and amusement areas convert the emirate into one huge family playground.
INTRODUCTION
BEGINNINGS Dubai’s beginnings can be traced back to 1833 when some 800 members of the Bani Yas tribe, led by the Maktoum family, settled at the mouth of the Dubai Creek. The Maktoums realised the importance of the city’s strategic location and the potential of the Creek’s natural harbour and worked towards developing Dubai into a centre for trade, fishing, pearling and shipping. By the turn of the 20th century, Dubai had become a flourishing port. In 1971, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah and (in 1972) Ras Al Khaimah, joined to form the United Arab Emirates. ECONOMY In 2015, Dubai International airport was declared the world’s
busiest airport for international passenger traffic, while Jebel Ali Port is recognised as the world’s largest man-made harbour and ranks among the top 10 container ports worldwide. While the emirate’s initial infrastructure projects such as the harbour and airport were financed by oil revenues, recent times have seen great economic diversification. Aviation, tourism, business and trade have become the building blocks of Dubai’s economy. Driven by an inspired and visionary leadership, an investorfriendly environment, first-class infrastructure, zero tax on personal and corporate income and low import duties, Dubai is recognised as a global business and tourism hub. VISITDUBAI.COM
7
INTRODUCTION
HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS Dubai is more than just a city to be seen. It is a city to be experienced. Here are just a few ‘must-dos/sees’ on your holiday hit list.
Sky Lounge observation decks for spectacular views of the city. Visit the souks: Haggle for silk, spices or gold in the ancient, original souks that sit beside Dubai Creek.
The Dubai Fountain: See the world’s largest dancing fountain on the lake at the base of the world’s tallest tower. Shows take place at 1pm and 1.30pm and then every half an hour from 6pm until 11.30pm. It’s the best free show in Dubai!
Burj Khalifa: Scale the world’s tallest tower and visit At the Top or
TRAVEL FACTS Travelling to Dubai? Here’s an A-Z of essential information. AIRPORT Connected to more than 260 destinations across six continents through 140 airlines, Dubai International is the world’s busiest airport in terms of international passengers. Comprising three terminals, and three concourses (with a fourth under construction) and including the world’s first and largest purpose-built A380 facility, Dubai 8
DUBAI TOURISM GUIDE 2015
The Dubai Creek: Walk beside the waters where Dubai’s history first began. Explore the string of museums that flank the promenade – Sheikh Saeed’s house is a must-visit. Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood: Wander the labyrinth of lanes in this restored historic district dating back to the 1800s. Many of the wind-tower houses are now museums, art galleries International is one of the world’s most exciting gateways. Dubai’s second airport, Al Maktoum International at Dubai World Central (DWC), opened to passengers in 2013. DWC will eventually become the world’s largest airport with a capacity of 160 million passengers. dubaiairports.ae CRUISE Leading cruise operators Princess Cruises, Van Gogh Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Seabourn and many more have made
INTRODUCTION
and quaint courtyard cafés. The Dubai Museum is not too far from here and well worth a visit to discover the story of the city. Desert safari: See the sun set over an ocean of undulating sand dunes and soak in the silence of this awe-inspiring landscape.
Brunch: Savour this Dubai institution every Friday. Venues throughout the city show their culinary prowess with a smorgasbord of flavours and dishes. Take a bird’s eye view of Dubai: See Dubai from up high either by embarking on a Seawings sea plane trip, taking a helicopter ride or gliding over the Dubai their regional port of call. It also serves as a home port for Costa Cruises, Aida Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and TUI Cruises. dubaicruiseterminal.com Alcohol Alcohol is available in licensed hotels and restaurants. BAnks All major international banks have branches in the city. Working hours are 8am-2pm Saturday to Thursday. ATMs are widely available.
desert in a hot air balloon. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, skydive from 13,000ft over Palm Jumeirah – surely one of the top ‘drop zones’ in the world. Aquariums: Visit The Dubai Aquarium in The Dubai Mall or Atlantis’ Lost Chambers. Ski Dubai: Who would have thought you could ski down a snowy slope in the middle of the desert? If the ski slopes don’t appeal you can make friends with the residents of Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates – a group of Gentoo and King Penguins.
DID YOU KNOW... You can scuba dive in The Dubai Mall? Take a dip into the world’s largest suspended tank at the colossal Dubai Mall. Home to over 33,000 aquatic animals including the largest collection of sand tiger sharks in the world – this is a diving experience like no other (even for non-swimmers). vISITDUBAI.cOm
9
INTRODUCTION
GEOGRAPHY
BUSINESS HOURS Most businesses are open from 8am-6pm Saturday to Thursday. Embassies, consulates and government offices operate from 7.30am-2.30pm
DID YOU KNOW... The Dubai Creek is a natural inlet that divides the city into two parts, Deira Dubai and Bur Dubai. 10
DUBAI TOURISM GUIDE 2015
Sunday to Thursday. Friday and Saturday are official holidays for all government departments as per the Islamic weekend. CREDIT CARDS Major credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in most hotels and shopping malls. CLIMATE A subtropical, arid climate ensures clear blue skies almost throughout the year. Winter may see a few infrequent rain showers. Temperatures vary from season to season: January can fall to a low of 15째C, while July can rise to a high of 48째C.
iNtRoductioN
ENtErING DUBAI Visitors to the United Arab Emirates must obtain a visa prior to travel unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries or one of the countries whose citizens are eligible for visa on arrival – as listed below.
Visas for citizens of other countries should apply for visas at the UAE Embassy nearest to them and follow the criteria stated.
Nationals of the following 46 countries and territories who are holders of normal passports are eligible to obtain a UAE visa on arrival valid for 30 days. Extension is possible for an additional fee. All EU citizens
Hong Kong
Norway
Andorra
Japan
San Marino
Australia
Liechtenstein
Singapore
Brunei
Malaysia
South Korea
Canada
Monaco
Switzerland
Vatican
New Zealand
United States
Nationals of the following countries may enter the UAE without a visa Bahrain Kuwait Oman Qatar Saudi Arabia
• DUty frEE AllowANcEs
- Two litres of spirits (non-Muslim adults only) - Two litres of wine (non-Muslim adults only) - 10 cartons of cigarettes - 100 cigars - A reasonable amount of perfume • VIsA fEEs For details refer to: mofa.gov.ae visitdubai.com
13
iNtroduCtioN
CurrenCy The UAE currency is known as the Arab Emirate Dirham denoted by AED or more commonly Dhs. One dirham is divided into 100 fils. The dirham is pegged to the US dollar at a mid-rate of approximately US$1= Dhs3.679. Hotels Accommodation options vary from luxurious five-star hotels to budgetfriendly hotel apartments. Conference, convention, meeting and banqueting facilities are available in most hotels. language Arabic is the official language of the UAE. English is widely spoken and understood. MediCal serviCes Dubai Health Authority (DHA) regulates all medical services in the emirate. Rashid, Latifa and Dubai Hospitals are operated by DHA itself and all emergency services here are free for both residents and visitors. There are many private hospitals in the city and fees vary. newspapers English: Gulf News, Khaleej Times, The Gulf Today and The National. Arabic: Al-Bayan, Al-Ittihad, Al-Khaleej and Emarat Al-Youm.
Muslims commemorate the revelation of the noble Qu’ran to the holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). See pg62 for more. religion Islam is the official religion of the UAE. The UAE, and especially the emirate of Dubai, offers great tolerance for all other faiths.
population 2.36 million.
sHopping Malls: 10am-midnight Sunday to Wednesday, 10am-1am Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Independent retail outlets: 10am-1pm and 4pm to 10pm Saturday to Wednesday, 4pm-midnight Friday See pg26 for more.
raMadan Ramadan is the holiest month of the Islamic lunar calendar during which
teleCoMMuniCations Telecom services are provided by Etisalat and du. Direct dialing is
14
dubai tourism guide 2015
iNtRoductioN
available to most countries. Calls made from one fixed line to another within Dubai are free. The country code is +971 and the area code is 04. tiPPinG This is not essential but a tip of 10 per cent is appreciated. utilities Electricity: The electricity supply in the UAE is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles. US-made appliances may require a transformer. Water: Bottled mineral water is served in hotels and restaurants and is also available in supermarkets.
SHOPPING
Dos anD Don’ts Dress coDe
As a sign of respect for local customs and traditions, a modest dress code is strongly advised. Wearing revealing clothing in public places should be avoided at all times. Swimwear is acceptable only at hotel pools, resorts and beaches. Before leaving those areas, change into casual wear. GreetinG
The acceptable male greeting on meeting a Gulf Arab is to stand up and shake hands. However, for a man to shake the hand
of a Muslim woman (and vice versa) is, in most circumstances, considered unacceptable. Local women will usually not offer their hand to a man and will nod and smile instead and some local men prefer not to shake hands with women. If in doubt, wait until a hand is offered when meeting someone for the first time. Personal conDuct anD etiquette
Rude and arrogant behaviour is unacceptable. Public displays of affection between a man and
woman are considered disrespectful. There is zero tolerance for drunken driving and inappropriate behaviour while under the influence of alcohol. Swearing is considered very offensive. During the holy month of Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking in public are strictly prohibited. PhotoGraPhy
Avoid taking photographs of women as it is considered intrusive and rude. Photographing military installations, government buildings and private premises is strictly prohibited. visitdubai.com
15
FAMILY FUN DUBAI EXPLORING
THE YELLOW BOATS
Family
Fun
Dubai is a city that appeals to old and young, making it a perfect family holiday destination If building sandcastles, meeting a colony of penguins or rubbing noses with dolphins is on your children’s wish list – you can fulfill those wishes in Dubai. If the teens are aiming to ski down a black run or hurtle down some of the world’s most terrifying waterslides – they can do that in Dubai as well. If you are craving exclusive retail therapy or just some ‘me time’ in a luxurious spa, then you are in the right place. Dubai is all about having the most remarkable time of your life. It’s 16 16
DUBAI TOURISM GUIDE 2015 DUBAI TOURISM GUIDE 2015
where families can make a splash by defying gravity in two worldrenowned waterparks; it’s where they can dash from ice-skating rinks to multi-screen cinemas, from climbing walls to bowling alleys, from aquariums to ski dome and from icecream parlours to all-you-can-eat buffets that cater to even the fussiest of tastebuds. While the list is endless, here’s a pick of some of the city’s most famed family fun spots.
FAMILY FUN
THEME PARKS KIDZANIA KIDZANIA What do you want to be when you grow up? Find out in the interactive imaginary world of KidZania. Here, children between the ages of four to 16 do what they love to do most – pretend to be grown-ups. Complete with paved streets, cars, hospital, fire station, beauty salon, bank, radio station, supermarket, television station, pizzeria, theatre, and much more, this 80,000sqft city is scaled down twothirds in height making all facilities ‘just right’ for children. Through roleplay, children get to experience life in the real world of grown-ups. From police officer to dentist to journalist, KidZania Dubai offers over 80 roleplaying activities in more than 60 establishments. Located within The Dubai Mall. kidzania.ae SEGA REPUBLIC Chock-full with exhilarating rides, SEGA Republic is a massive thrillinducing indoor theme park that has one of the region’s largest assortments of games: 14 gripping attractions and more than 170 of the latest amusement, arcade, video and redemption games. Brave Xyclone, the fast and furious mechanical tornado that rotates you 360 degrees at high speeds. The precarious Lazeraze, an innovative laser maze, challenges players to weave through a complex web of lasers to reach the end. Racer Bumper Cars, Spin Gear, Sonic Hopper, Half Pipe Canyon, Storm-G, Wild Wing, Wild Jungle, Initial D-4,
Lets Go Jungle Special, Stinky Feet and Outrun Special Tours SDX – all promise heart-pounding experiences. Located within The Dubai Mall. segarepublic.com SKI DUBAI This amazing snow-covered theme park is located in the midst of a shopping mall, in a desert country. Come discover a snowy mountain resort with five ski runs (that vary in difficulty, height and gradient), a massive snow park, an alpine café – ideal for sipping hot chocolate in minus four degrees – and a colony of Antarctic penguins. Ski Dubai is the Middle East’s first indoor ski resort and in this wintery setting in the desert you can try your hand at a variety of snow sports. You can ride the Snow Bullet – the world’s first indoor zip line – some 16m above the ground. Or simply opt for some laidback fun in the sprawling Snow Park, a haven of snow caves, toboggan slopes, giant balls and tube rides. Be sure to watch the Gentoo and King penguins waddle through the Snow Park each day on their grand march. Located within Mall of the Emirates. skidxb.com SKI DUBAI
VISITDUBAI.COM
17
Family Fun dubai exploring
WATER PARKS AQUAVENTURE Atlantis, The Palm’s Aquaventure water park has captivated adrenaline junkies from far and wide. Daredevils love the park’s rip-roaring rides, many of which are world firsts. Poseidon’s Revenge is only for the bravest, as the floor disappears from beneath your feet and then you plummet down a waterslide at break-neck speed. Slitherines is the world’s first dual suspended waterslides-withina-waterslide. Another world first is Atlantean Flyers – a zip line integrated into a waterslide tower that also just happens to be the longest zip line circuit in the Middle East, measuring 500m. You’ll fly up to 15km/h as you soar 20m above the park. Other new rides are Zoomerangoride and Aquaconda. atlantisthepalm.com 18
dubai tourism guide 2015
WILD WADI Located in the shadow of the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel, Wild Wadi is Dubai’s original water park. With more than 30 gravity-defying thrills and awesome spills, it’s hugely popular with both residents and tourists. Highlights at the park are its Wipeout and Riptide Flowriders, one of only four such rides in the world. The other talk of the town is Jumeirah Sceirah: on two tandem slides, brave riders plummet 120m down at a hair-raising speed of 80km/h. Other thrills include the gravity-defying Master Blasters that rocket you up to 15m in the air; the spiralling slides of Burj Surj and the tornadoes of Tantrum Alley. There’s also a fun area for families with small children. Tiny tots will love the colourful slides, water guns, climbing frames and the all-important ‘dumping bucket’. jumeirah.com
Family Fun
DOLPHIN BAY Living up to its marine theme in every way possible, Atlantis, The Palm resort has one of the most sophisticated dolphin habitats in the world. Choose from shallow or deep-water encounters. There’s no better place than here to get up close and personal with these gentle mammals as they hug, kiss and even dance for you. Whether you choose to swim with them or opt for the signature belly ride, this is an experience that you won’t forget. atlantisthepalm.com
THE BEACH WATER PARK If you are at JBR beach, look out to the sea and you’ll be greeted by the sight of a giant inflatable edifice of fun. Moored around 20m out to sea in front of The Beach development, this inflatable water park – the biggest of its kind in the world – comprises two trampolines, two giant climbing walls, several slides, a running wall, a rope swing and countless other obstacles that even a loose-limbed individual will be challenged by. You can jump, climb, slide and swing, all of which ultimately end with a slip and splash. arabianwaterparks.com
DUBAI AQUARIUM AND UNDERWATER ZOO
AQUARIUMS DUBAI AQUARIUM AND UNDERWATER ZOO Taking pride of place in The Dubai Mall, Dubai Aquarium shelters over 33,000 aquatic animals including 400 sharks and rays. More than 70 species of
marine life glide gracefully around the vibrant reef in the tank that contains a whopping 10 million litres of water. At 51m in length, 20m in depth and 11m in height, this is the largest suspended tank in the world. Those eager for a closer look can take a slow stroll through the visitdubai.com
19
Family Fun dubai exploring
48m walk-through tunnel or board a glass-bottomed boat to see the life beneath your feet. But the ultimate thrill lies in taking a dip in the tank to feed the sharks. You can even learn to dive here – courses are available within the aquarium. Think about it, not many people can say they learnt to scuba dive in a shopping mall! thedubaiaquarium.com THE LOST CHAMBERS Join 65,000 marine animals as you tour the floor-to-ceiling, glass tunnels of the Atlantis Aquarium. Sharks, stingray, piranhas, lobsters and tiny seahorses are just some of the creatures that can be seen in this spellbinding underwater world. Pick up a starfish or feel a sea cucumber in the unique touch tank. Sign up for a Behind the Scenes Tour to uncover the secrets of this massive aquarium. You can even help feed some of the animals yourself. Alternatively, catch the feeding frenzy in the magnificent Ambassador Lagoon which holds over 11 million litres of sea water. atlantisthepalm.com
DID YOU KNOW... Weighing in at 500kg and over 5m in length, is the undisputed King Croc who shares his home with some giant octopuses, who have almost no bones, three hearts and can change colour. This home is, of course, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. 20
DUbaI tOUrIsm gUIDe 2015
TRAMPOLINE PARKS
BOUNCE
BOUNCE Jump, bounce, spring and leap across more than 100 interconnected trampolines housed in huge, colourful warehouses. Whether it’s running up The Wall, launching into the Big Bag or loosening up in the Free Jump arena – Bounce can be as easy or as challenging as you like. The park triples up as a training ground for aerial sports acrobatics, a place to kick back and look out over the action, or just a hard-core form of exercise that lets you burn energy without noticing you’re in the middle of a cardio workout. Located in Al Quoz. bounce.ae JUMP BOxx Ditch the regular weekend party and head to Jump Boxx. Here the DJ pumps up the music, egging on jumpers to bounce in sync with the rhythm. The Jump Boxx Beats night puts a new spin on jumping. Did you know jumping burns three times more calories than regular exercise? Join the Fit Boxx classes and jump, fly, and spin you way to health. Strengthen your core, tone your muscles and burn calories all while having fun. Located near Uptown Mirdif Mall. jump-boxx.com
Family Fun
FLIGHT SIMULATORS
IFLY
EMIRATES A380 EXPERIENCE An Emirates flying experience is every traveller’s dream and now you can take this a step further with the Emirates A380 Experience at The Dubai Mall. Experience what it’s like to be the pilot of the world’s largest aircraft as you soar through the skies in this realistic flight simulator. Choose your destination, select your
ICE RINKS Learn skating, play ice hockey or simply catch up with friends at these, literally, super cool venues: the Olympic-size Dubai Ice Rink at The Dubai Mall, Al Nasr Leisureland and Hyatt Regency Galleria. Instructors and skating gear are available at all three venues. dubaiicerink.com alnasrll.com dubai.regency.hyatt.com
time of day and even set the weather before you take off. Fly over your choice of 12 different destinations on a number of different flight paths. You’ll be guided by a trainer, so it’s perfect even for beginners. emiratesa380experience.com IFLY Ever dreamed of what it would be like to fly? Well, dream no more! iFLY Dubai is an indoor skydiving centre that allows you to experience human body flight! Safe for kids, challenging for adults, exciting for teens… iFLY Dubai is the perfect place for thrill-seekers to experience the closest thing to flying. The centre boasts the world’s first-ever double and vertical wind tunnel; when you fly you’ll be suspended 4m above the ground. Located in Mirdif City Centre. theplaymania.com/ifly
CINEMAS Upgrade to the premier seats in most cinemas and enjoy butler service while you sit back in your armchair and watch the latest movies. Alternatively, head to the outdoor cinema at The Beach mall for a ‘star-studded’ evening. VOX, Reel and Novo Cinemas are the main operators in Dubai. voxcinemas.com reelcinemas.ae novocinemas.com
visitdubai.com
23
Family Fun dubai exploring
BeAcheS AND PArkS AL MAMzAr BeAch PArk A winning beach and park combination, Al Mamzar is a popular weekend favourite with both residents and tourists. Mamzar beach was recently awarded blue flag beach status, making it one of the most popular venues in the emirate. All its five beaches (in coves) around the coast of the park have sheltered areas complete with changing rooms and showers. You can even rent a chalet (on a daily basis) in the lush park area. Barbecue areas, two large swimming pools, sun loungers and cafés are also present. Remember, Monday and Wednesday is for ladies and children only. The WALk AT JBr For a beach spot that’s at the heart of the action, head to The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence. This beach has the bonus of being fringed by a promenade of restaurants, boutiques, markets, The Beach mall and even an outdoor cinema. Changing and shower facilities are available, as well as Dubai’s answer to
DID YOU KNOW... Dubai Miracle Garden has more than 45 million flowers. The 80,000sqft garden has even scooped up a Guinness Book of World Records certificate for having the largest vertical garden in the world. It also includes a 1,800sqm butterfly garden, comprising nine domes filled with various species. dubaimiraclegarden.com 24 24
dubai tourism guide 2015 DUbaI tOUrIsm gUIDe 2015
California’s Muscle Beach outdoor gym. It’s the perfect spot for people watching. Beach access is available at several points along the road. kiTe BeAch While this beach is hugely popular with kite surfers – as the name implies – it’s also a major draw for soccer, volleyball players and kayakers. You’ll find several watersport schools here. JuMeirAh corNiche The 14km corniche, which extends from the Dubai Marine Beach Resort all the way to the Burj Al Arab, runs alongside Jumeirah Beach and is the longest of its kind in Dubai. The walkway and jogging track are a huge hit with fitness enthusiasts who love its winning combination of scenic views, unique landscaping and eco-friendly flooring.
Family Fun
Jumeirah Beach
Dubai Creek Park Located along the bank of Dubai Creek, the park is spread over 95 hectares of land. Aside from the usual park facilities – barbecue areas, children’s play areas, bicycle rental and the not so usual cable car, Children’s City and Dubai Dolphinarium – this manicured park is a popular hangout for birdwatchers.
Zabeel Park This technology-themed park has quite a list of facilities under its belt. Think boating lake, mini ice rink, adventure playgrounds, amphitheatre, a jogging track, cricket and football pitches plus refreshment shacks and a café. The park is located between Al Karama and Dubai World Trade Centre.
chiLDerN PLaYiNG iN The ParK
SHOPPING
DEIRA CITY CENTRE
Shopping:
Endless possibilities Whether in the malls, markets or souks, shopping takes on a whole new meaning in this city Shopping in Dubai is not just retail therapy – it’s sightseeing, soaking in culture, indulging in epicurean delights and engaging in fantastic entertainment all rolled into one. With close to 100 shopping malls (including the world’s largest – The Dubai Mall), Dubai is the A to Z of retail. From leading couturiers like Galeries Lafayette, Harvey Nichols and Bloomingdale’s, every exclusive and leading global brand is on sale here. There’s also a healthy collection of homegrown boutiques and labels. Dubai is a close second behind London, as being the city 26
DUBAI TOURISM GUIDE 2015
with the highest number of retailers represented. No shopping experince in Dubai is complete without exploring the cobbled alleys of the city’s ancient souks and bazaars. Journey back in time and visit the covered markets of yesteryear that flank Dubai’s historic creek. The vibrant souks come alive with throngs of shoppers bargaining over textiles, spices, dates and dazzling displays of gold. Elsewhere, an eclectic clique of local markets entices budget shoppers with their quirky trinkets, gadgets and accessories.
SHOPPING
MALL TRAWL With nearly a hundred malls and shopping centres in the emirate, even professional shopaholics can end up overwhelmed. So here’s a small selection to get you started: THE DUBAI MALL Describing The Dubai Mall simply as a shopping centre isn’t enough. This massive entertainment and leisure complex heaves with shops, restaurants and tourist attractions. The mall lists Galeries Lafayette and Bloomingdale’s as two of their anchor stores, while other glamour brands include Alexander McQueen, Louis Vuitton, Versace, Gucci and Chanel. High-street fashionistas will find their calling at stores like Banana Republic, Mumbai Se, River Island and Top Shop to name just a few.
But The Dubai Mall is worth a visit even if you aren’t upgrading your wardrobe. Find here Candylicious (one of the world’s largest candy shops); Book World of Kinokuniya (it stocks over half a million books); The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo; The Dubai Fountain; the Waterfall; At The Top, Burj Khalifa; DubaiDino; the Emirates A380 Experience, not forgetting KidZania; SEGA Republic; Dubai Ice Rink and Reel Cinemas. thedubaimall.com MALL OF THE EMIRATES Alongside the gamut of high-street labels, Mall of the Emirates’ (MOE) has its own sectors exclusively reserved for designer names – Fashion Dome and Via Rodeo. Together they house over 80 internationallyrenowned luxury labels, including Bottega Veneta, Breitling, Christian
THE DUBAI MALL VISITDUBAI.COM
27
SHOPPING
IBN BATUTTA
Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Michael Kors, Prada and Ralph Lauren. MOE’s other claim to fame is the amazing Ski Dubai. It is also home to DUCTAC, Dubai’s hub for performing and creative arts. Currently, the mall is undergoing a massive expansion that will set a compelling standard of design and shopping excellence for the city’s retail landscape. The highlight of the Dhs1bn project, labelled Evolution 2015, will add over 30 new fashion stores, including brands making their Middle East debut. malloftheemirates.com THE BEACH The latest addition to Dubai’s shopping scene, The Beach, sits on the seafront of the hugely popular 28
dubai tourism guide 2015
Jumeirah Beach Residence. There is no better way to combine the pleasures of the sun, sea and shopping than here. Stop at stores such as Designer’s Club, Hamac, L’Occitane and Patrizia Pepe to name a few. Other attractions at The Beach include free yoga sessions and the UAE’s first outdoor cinema screen. thebeach.ae IBN BATUTTA Designed around the travels of the famous Arab explorer Ibn Battuta, this mall is the world’s largest themed shopping mall. The mall is themed after the six countries the adventurer travelled to – China, India, Persia, Egypt, Tunisia and Andalusia. Fashion addresses include names like
sHoPPiNG
Debenhams, H&M, AIIZ, BC Bulgari, Bauhaus, Evisu, River Island, Bayti, Columbia, Next, Timberland and Woolworths. As you walk from store to store, do stop to look at the exquisitely painted mall ceilings and take a photograph of the exotic elephant clock in the India Court. Take the kids to Fun City, Novo Cinemas or Switch Bowling to complete the family fun. ibnbattutamall.com DEIRA CITY CENTRE Each year, over 20 million shoppers walk through the doors of Deira City Centre. It may not be the glitziest mall in the city, but with over 300 stores it has every shopping niche covered. Think Burberry, Rectangle Jaune, Verri, Omega, Aéropostale, Espirit, Guess, Kingsley Heath and New Look among others. Be entertained at the massive Magic Planet or catch the latest film at VOX Cinemas. citycentredeira.com DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY MALL Festival City Mall’s USP is its spectacular location on the banks of Dubai Creek. Even if you’re not shopping at Ikea, Bench, Cortefiel, Diesel, River Woods or New Yorker, you can step out onto the picturesque waterfront and soak in scintillating views of the city’s skyline, take a dhow cruise across the Creek or have a sundowner at the Hard Rock Café. Inside the mall, Novo Cinemas, Bowling City, Fun Planet and Living Rooms Café (a video game café) keep the family entertained. festivalcentre.com
MIRDIF CITY CENTRE Though Mirdif City Centre is a large mall offering a full range of shopping and leisure experiences, it imbibes the feel of a warm community mall. Find the best of local and international retailers here. The shopping directory includes names like Aizone, BCBGMaxazria, Carolina Herrera, Cole Haan, Porsche Design, Crate and Barrel, Decathlon, Hamley’s and Pottery Barn. Get the adrenaline pumping at venues like iFly Dubai (indoor sky diving), Soccer Circus and Sky Trail or opt for fun-filled games and activities at Magic Planet, Aquaplay and Little Explorers. There’s also a VOX Cineplex here. citycentremirdif.com
ThE BoxPARk BoxPark is Dubai’s urban new shopping district opened in February 2015. Here, stores designed out of shipping containers make an architecturally quirky area with the labels on sale equally funky – LivByGiant, the Middle East’s first cycling store aimed at female riders; stylish German brand Rundholz and Finnish fashion house Marimekko to name a few. boxpark.ae visitdubai.com
29
SHOPPING
DEIRA GOLD SOUK
SOUKS For an authentic Arabian shopping excursion, head to any of the emirate’s exotic souks. Chock-full with mounds of succulent dates, aromatic herbs and spices, reels of silk, dallahs or Arabic coffee pots, framed khanjars or traditional daggers, guests are sure to find the perfect Arabian souvenir here. DEIRA GOLD SOUK This souk is renowned as the largest gold market in the world selling 22karat Indian extravaganzas, 18-karat delicate Italian pieces, diamond encrusted ornaments and strings of pearls. Over 300 shops are crammed into the covered market, each one stached with gold. By some estimates, approximately 10 tonnes of gold is present at any given time in the souk. So even if you don’t want to buy, a 30
DUBAI TOURISM GUIDE 2015
visit to the Gold Souk is a not-to-bemissed experience. Located on the Deira side of the Dubai Creek, just a short walk from the Spice Souk. Opening hours are from 10am-10pm Saturday to Thursday. 4pm-10pm Friday. THE SPICE SOUK Enter the labyrinth of narrow lanes that form the Spice Souk – also known as The Old Souk – and you’ll be greeted by the heady aroma of exotic spices tumbling over the top of hessian sacks and baskets. Dried lemons, cardamom, cinnamon, saffron, nuts, cloves, henna and even basmati rice, incense or joss sticks, shisha and tobacco, frankincense and pot pourri, this souk is packed with colour and fragrance. The Spice Souk is on the Deira side of Dubai Creek.
SHOPPING
Find priceless objets d’art from across the Arab world here. The Madinat Jumeirah Souk is another destination that keeps alive the spirit of the Arabian markets of yore – located between the Al Qasr and Mina A’ Salam Jumeirah hotels.
THE SPICE SOUK
TEXTILE SOUK Find that perfect shade of turquoise at the colourful Textile Souk. Here, silks, satins, voiles and velvets can be found in every hue possible. The Textile Souk is on the Bur Dubai side of Dubai Creek. MODERN-DAY SOUKS You can even have a faux souk shopping experience at some of the city’s best addresses. With The Dubai Fountain rising in the background, Souk Al Bahar in Downtown Dubai (you can walk there from The Dubai Mall) is a majestic bazaar brimming with handicrafts, perfumes, carpets and Arabic coffee shops and restaurants. Souk Khan Murjaan at Wafi draws inspiration from 14th-century Egypt, Syria, Turkey and Morocco, not just for its interiors but also its wares.
SOUVENIRS FROM THE SOUK
DID YOU KNOW... Shuttle between the two banks of the Dubai Creek on an abra – the original wooden boats that taxi people across the water. This Dhs1 ride is often considered to be a highlight of Dubai. VISITDUBAI.COM
33
sHoPPiNg
GLOBAL VILLAGE
mEDLEY OF mArKEtS Bargain hunters and those looking for something a little different will not be disappointed. GLOBAL VILLAGE The nation’s biggest shopping and entertainment arena, Global Village is a spectacular cultural and retail extravaganza.With more than 65 countries converging across 37 lavish pavilions, to showcase their indigenous products, this attraction is a must-visit. Usually held from October to April, hoards of people descend upon its colourful pavilions to catch a glimpse of cultures from around the world through captivating 34
dubai tourism guide 2015
shows, lively parades and lavish spreads of exotic foods. Located off the Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Road. globalvillage.ae KArAmA Vendors at the Karama Complex sell anything to sate your whims: purses and handbags, watches, pashminas, shisha pipes, Arabic music instruments and other trinkets at extremely budgetfriendly prices. SAtwA If custom-made clothing takes your fancy, then don’t miss the tailors in Satwa. They can replicate any style
sHoPPiNG
GloBal VillaGe facts
65
Countries participate
17,200,000 sqft is the area covered by Global Village
2015
The 20th year of the Global Village
37
Lavish pavillions off a magazine page at extremely reasonable prices. Buy your fabrics from the rows of shops on Diyafah Street and end the day at any of the al fresco pavement cafes or restaurants that offer global cuisines. Meena Bazaar Meena Bazaar in Bur Dubai is reminiscent of an upscale Indian market. Bolts of colours in every fabric imaginable, racks of readymade clothing, rows of shops selling gold, diamond and dress jewellery are crowded cheek by jowl. First-time visitors will be overwhelmed by the options available but friendly staff are always around to lend a helping hand.
17000+ Cars can park in the allotted area
5
million visitors in 2015
15
Dhs is the entry fee per person
visitdubai.com
35
SHOPPING
SHOPPING FESTIVALS Dubai embraces celebration in style: what better way to do it than having a festival! All through the year, the city holds fabulous retail extravaganzas, so much so that shopping is almost a national pastime.
DID YOU KNOW... In 2015, Dubai Shopping Festival celebrated its 20th anniversary and attracted 56 million visitors who spent Dhs145bn. 36
DUbaI tOUrIsm gUIDe 2015
DUBAI SHOPPING FESTIVAL Dubai reaffirms its reputation as a powerful magnet for shoppers when it holds its annual Dubai Shopping Festival(DSF). Held each January, the city sees prices slashed within thousands of shops as well as mega prizes being awarded to lucky shoppers – and by mega, we mean the likes of Lamborghni, Bentley and Infiniti cars, apartments, gold and cash! DSF also sets the stage for some amazing entertainment by the DSF Carnival. Parks and precincts become outdoor theatres, attracting audiences in their thousands. You can enjoy family shows featuring children’s favourite TV characters, or performances by gravity defying gymnasts, ballet troupes or Bollywood bands. mydsf.ae
SHOPPING
DUBAI SUMMER SURPRISES
DUBAI SUMMER SURPRISES Summer in Dubai wouldn’t be the same without the hugely popular Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS). Coinciding with the annual summer vacation in the city, DSS focuses on providing fun, knowledge and amusement for children. Modhesh, the festival’s adorable yellow mascot, takes over the city and the young at heart naturally gravitate towards Modhesh World. Held at the Dubai
World Trade Centre, Modhesh World is a huge fun fair and entertainment platform offering competitions, rides, educational activities, stage shows, hospitality tents and a multi-cuisine food court. Most malls also stage shows, parades and other child-centric activities during this time. And of course, bargains and discounts flood the city’s malls making shopping a highly worthwhile pursuit! summerisdubai.com VISITDUBAI.COM
37
GASTRONOMY EXPLORING DUBAI
Tuck
In
From the Michelin-starred dishes at world-class restaurants to lip-smacking bites at roadside shacks, Dubai’s dining is nothing if not diverse Whatever your fancy, Dubai is ready to take your order. Set out on a culinary journey and taste the cuisine of the 200 nationalities that reside here. This city serves up treats from India and Peru to France and Vietnam and every flavour in between. Dubai is renowned for its five-star hospitality – and this goes for its restaurants too. Celebrity and Michelinstarred chefs are choosing Dubai to show off their culinary excellence. Every month a new venue opens or a chef comes to town, adding to a diverse menu that spans the globe. What’s 38
DUBAI TOURISM GUIDE 2015
more, thanks to Dubai’s entrepreneurial prowess, a sleuth of homegrown eateries keeps the restaurant and café scene fresh as new outlets strive to come up with something different. Dig deeper and you’ll be delighted to see that Dubai’s culinary offering goes well beyond the five-star addresses. Quirky street-side cafés with menus of steaming stews, curries and piping hot bread will leave you drooling. Make sure you leave room for the local Emirati dishes as well. Just like the local culture, emirati food is rich and full of flavour.
GASTRONOMY
alluring, she serves traditional dishes with a twist – think Emirati fois gras made with lulu dates. 04 343 7181 LOCAL HOUSE Set within a traditional wind-tower house in the historic Al Fahidi neighbourhood, it’s the perfect setting to sample true Emirati flavours. localhousedubai.com AL BARZA New to the restaurant scene in 2015 serving traditional Emirati dishes with a contemporary twist, this Jumeirah outlet serves all the favourites including famous Emirati breakfast dishes such as the Balaleet (sweet vermicelli). 04 343 5910 AL FANAR DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY
EMIRATI FLAVOURS Among the numerous restaurants around town that serve Emirati fare, these spots stand out. AL FANAR With its kitsch and quirky décor that transports you to a desert oasis – complete with Barasti huts – Al Fanar’s two locations (at Festival City and Jumeirah) serve up a classic menu. alfanarrestaurant.com OMNIA BY SILVENA The brainchild of Hungarian-Bulgarian celebrity chef Silvena Rowe, Omnia Gourmet celebrates the flavours of local cuisine and produce. On a mission to make Emirati food even more
MAMA TANI Serves fresh khameer breads, stuffed with any manner of sweet, savoury or bespoke fillings, but with a touch of modernised flair. You can even get hot drinks made with camel milk. mamatani.com
LEQAIMAT VISITDUBAI.COM
39
GASTRONOMY EXPLORING DUBAI
HOMEGROWN RESTAURANTS Dubai’s homegrown restaurant scene is burgeoning and taking the city to greater culinary heights. TOM & SERG Tom & Serg’s deli-style menu is responsible for the long queues that form outside its door each weekend morning. Options include lamb and quinoa salad and a range of sandwiches including roast chicken and eggplant with halloumi cheese served inside piping hot piadina bread. tomandserg.com THE FARM Set amid the tropical foliage of the Al Barari Estate, The Farm is a hidden gem of great food and even better views. Surrounded by lush greenery and botanical gardens, the restaurant is perfect for lazy afternoon lunches. Try the crab cakes, salmon rose and pumpkin cinnamon soup. thefarmdubai.com
QBARA If you’re looking for a chic yet cultural ambience and the most divine Middle Eastern dishes, such as Sayadieh of black cod with garlic, onions and spices and Egyptian-style pigeon with freekah and medjoul dates, then Qbara is the address for you. qbara.ae COMPTOIR 102 Housed in an elegant villa on Jumeirah Beach Road, Comptoir 102 is a cross between a Zen garden and pleasant beachside home. There’s a new menu to order from every day and most options are gluten and dairy-free. comptoir102.com APRONS AND HAMMERS Don an apron and crack, smash and munch your way through bucketfuls of fresh crab, shrimp and lobster. This meal is going to be one of your most memorable ones. apronsandhammers.com
STREET FOOD
DID YOU KNOW... The Beach Canteen set up on Kite Beach during the Dubai Food Festival sees 11 homegrown restaurants serve on the sand. 40
DUBAI TOURISM GUIDE 2015
The surroundings may not be five star, but the food certainly is. Pull up a plastic chair and enjoy authentic flavours from around the world, generous portions and prices that won’t break the bank. BU QTAIR Housed in a beach shack on Jumeirah Beach Road, Bu Qtair’s seafood has often been voted the best in the city. The fried pomfret, chilli prawns and marinated hammour have drawn a devoted following for more than two
gastronomy
QBARA
decades. Service starts at around 7pm each evening but the queues start much earlier. Bu Qtair works on a first come, first served basis; they do not take telephone bookings either. 055 705 2130 Ravi RestauRant Satwa’s Ravi Restaurant is legendary and has been wowing diners with its Pakistani cuisine for decades. Try the haleem, chicken tikka and seekh kebabs with freshly-baked bread from the tandoor. 04 331 5353 Moti Roti Moti Roti promises Pakistani soul food but without the grease and spice. Freshly-baked Pakistani flatbreads (made of whole grain wheat flour) with light home-style curry filling
and chutney toppings, Moti Roti food kiosks pop-up at various spots around the city. Check their website for locations. motiroti.me salt Dubai’s first food truck, this hip eatery has been making waves since its launch. Choose from chicken or wagyu beef sliders, fries and lemonade or milkshake. The Salt truck moves around but Kite Beach is a favourite haunt. al ijaza CafeteRia No trip to Dubai is complete without wolfing down a juicy shawarma with a chilled healthy mocktail of fruit and milk. This favourite-among the-locals haunt has been satiating appetites for over 20 years now. alijaza.com visitdubai.com
41
gastronomy exploring dubai
InternatIonal restaurants With so many nationalities to cater for, it’s easy to ‘dine around the world’ in Dubai. Coya This chic Peruvian restaurant in the grounds of the Four Seasons hotel has taken Peruvian food to new heights serving ceviches, tiraditos and antichuchos with a deliciously modern twist. A long waiting list means that advanced bookings are essential. coyarestaurant.com
COYA
Cut by Wolfgang PuCk Los Angeles-based chef-cum-restaurateur, Wolfgang Puck, chose Dubai in 2015 as his launch pad into the Middle East. Cut excels at serving prime cuts as well as a good selection of seafood. wolfgangpuck.com 42
dubai tourism guide 2015
WOLFGANG PUCK
gastronomy
The aCT This supper club swooped into Dubai with its Vaudeville-themed venue at Dubai’s Shangri-La Hotel. Diners here can expect the unexpected with comedians, classical musicians, dancers and contortionists performing while guests tuck into a Peruvian culinary menu that’s just as creative. theactdubai.com
THE ACT
China Grill New York’s famous Asianfusion restaurant landed on Dubai’s shores recently. An Asian-inspired menu but with plenty of modern twists is what China Grill excels at. The restaurant’s signature dish is wasabi mashed potato but other choices such as the Chilean sea bass and roasted aubergine with salty miso glaze are quite enjoyable too. chinagrillrestaurant.com
CLÉ DUBAI
CHINA GRILL
Clé Dubai Greg Malouf is widely regarded as the master of modern Middle Eastern cuisine. He now brings this expertise to Clé Dubai serving contemporary Arabic fare. cle-dubai.com
gastronomy exploring dubai
MARCO PIERRE WHITE GRILL
CelebRity ReStauRantS Numerous international celebrity chefs have succumbed to Dubai’s epicurean charm. Sanjeev KapooR Indian culinary maestro and popular TV show host runs three restaurants in Dubai. Khana Khazana at Al Nasr is a casual dining spot, ideal for weekend dinners with the family. For something more exclusive head to Options at Dubai World Trade Centre or Signature at Melia Dubai. khanakhazanadubai.net options.ae melai-dubai.com 46
dubai tourism guide 2015
Simon RimmeR Headed by British chef and TV personality Simon Rimmer, The Scene brings classic English pub and comfort food to the city at its Pier 7 location in The Marina. Think classics such as Welsh rarebit with sweet caramelised onion and beef short rib with plump beans and smoky veal bacon. thescenedubai.com nobu matSuhiSa World-renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa continues to redefine Japanese cuisine at Atlantis,
✸ Dubai Food Festival 2016 25 February – 12 March
The Palm. The Dubai restaurant infuses his cutting edge style with Arabian influences to create a distinctly urban experience. A sake lounge and sushi bar complement the menu. noburestaurants.com
MARCO PIERRE WHITE British celebrity chef, Marco Pierre White, runs two restaurants: Wheeler’s in DICF and Marco Pierre White Grill at the Conrad hotel. Both venues serve a sumptuous range of classic seafood, finest quality meats and game. wheelersdubai.com conraddubai.com GARY RHODES
Another Michelinstarred celebrity chef who has taken to Dubai, Gary Rhodes lends his culinary talent to two fine dining destinations: Rhodes Twenty 10 at Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa and Rhodes W1 at Grosvenor House. The Twenty 10 restaurant serves Euroinspired cuisine infused with a touch of flavour from the Middle East, Britain, France and Italy while W1 offers a casual yet chic dining experience based around great British classics. rhodestwenty10.com rw1-dubai.com
GASTRONOMY
DUBAI FOOD FESTIVAL
Following the huge success of its inaugural edition in 2014, the Dubai Food Festival is now a firm fixture on the city’s events calendar. Celebrating Dubai’s rich culinary diversity, which traverses the globe and encompasses international and homegrown restaurants, street food and the local Emirati cuisine, the Festival sees a month-long packed schedule of events all in the name of food. A highlight is the appearance of the Beach Canteen on Kite Beach, which sees 11 homegrown restaurants serve on the sand. Celebrity chefs also pop down to what becomes a popular public hangout to offer masterclasses and cooking demonstrations. And the atmosphere is set by a string of local bands, DJ’s, children’s activities and beach sports. Mystery Dining Tours also see unsuspecting guests set out on a tour of culinary discover whether that be visiting hidden secrets in Old Dubai, or checking out celebrity hot spots. Dining on the Creek was another highlight in 2015, alongside various food fairs such as Dubai Food Carnival, Street Nights and Made in Dubai – a celebration of Emirati cuisine. dubaifoodfestival.com VISITDUBAI.COM
47
CULTURE: ART EXPLORING DUBAI
Embracing
The Arts
Dubai is fast growing a reputation as the cultural capital of the Middle East. From celluloid to canvas, film to literature, you’ll find every art form covered in Dubai A strong visual arts movement is sweeping across the city. Think paint, print, contemporary, conventional, international and regional. A range of galleries has opened across town, all promoting, encouraging and nurturing artistic talent. Alongside local Emirati painters, you’ll discover work by Iranian, Indian, Pakistani and even Filipino artists – all echoing Dubai’s multicultural ethos. Dubai’s art galleries have become the hotspots for the city’s culturati and venues such as DIFC, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz and Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood have become buzz words in art circles. 48
DUBAI TOURISM GUIDE 2015
Furthermore, each year the emirate hosts headline events such as Dubai Art Season, Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, Dubai International Film Festival and Art Dubai – each drawing in crowds in their thousands. The city also loves theatre and this is obvious in the variety of acts and theatre companies that perform here – from musicals, ballets and operas to classical concerts and pantomimes. So if it’s the arts you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right city. The schedule may be packed but the experience is remarkable.
CULTURE: ART
DUBAI’S ARTMOSPHERE Whether its art, films, books, music or theatre, Dubai leads the way when it comes to creativity. Here are a handful of highlights. DUBAI ART SEASON A month-long festival – usually from March to April – Dubai Art Season celebrates art on canvas and celluloid. Organised by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), it includes Art Week, Middle East Film and Comic Con, and the Gulf Film Festival. SIKKA Art Fair, Design Days Dubai and Art Dubai events are part of the Art Week initiative. Together these events support and showcase home-
grown Emirati and Dubai-based artistic talent. Each year, Art Dubai ushers into the city some of the world’s most influential galleries along with renowned artists. In the last edition 75 galleries from across 30 countries participated, showcasing the work of over 500 artists making it one of the most globalised art events. The annual Sikka Art Fair held within Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood embraces and promotes artistic talent and culture in the UAE. Over the course of 11 days, visitors can see a complete cross section of artistic creations, from lavish paintings, intricate sculptures, stunning photographs and vivid videos. dubaiculture.ae visitdubai.com
49
CuLture: art exploring dubai
ALSERKAL AVENUE
AlserkAl Avenue Within the gritty Al Quoz industrial area sits Alserkal Avenue, billed as one of the city’s prime cultural addresses. A cul-de-sac of 22 galleries, each one has its own distinct identity and promotes its own individual artistic programme. Alserkal’s palette includes venues such as Ayyam Gallery, Carbon 12, Gallery Isabelle van den Eynde, Green Art Gallery, Grey Noise, Lawrie Shabibi and La Galerie Nationale, a 20th century design gallery. The Avenue also boasts an alternative arts space through Satellite, which serves as a platform to support artists in residence, while other creative groups, such as Gulf Photo Plus, FN Designs, Mojo and Showcase, enrich the district with an 50
dubai tourism guide 2015
exciting roster of workshops, talks and community events. Currently, Alserkal is undergoing an exciting expansion to house an additional 45 creative organisations complementing its contemporary art focus with a diversified portfolio that will include architecture, media, design and fashion concepts, adding a new dimension to its current synergy. alserkalavenue.ae Al Quoz IndustrIAl AreA One of Dubai’s most dramatic transformations in recent times, Al Quoz has changed identities from being a nondescript industrial quarter to one of the most happening art hubs in the region. The four industrial districts of Al Quoz are now home to
CULTURE: ART
over 100 art galleries, studios, concept avenues and urban cafés. Residencies include the Courtyard, Round, The Mine and thejamjar. courtyardartgallerydubai.com themine.ae thejamjardubai.com DUBAI INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE (DIFC) DIFC may be the city’s hub for banks and financial corporations, but in a stark contrast the suave centre is also home to nearly a dozen urbane art spaces. The galleries are located in the Gate Village, a complex connected to the DIFC. Find here names such as Christie’s Dubai, Cuadro, Art Sawa, Ajyad Hunar and Opera Gallery. Apart from hosting local and regional artists, the Centre engages with the wider community through initiatives such as Art Nights – a series of events that combine art, music, film and design. Sign up for the DIFC Gate Village Art Gallery Walking Tour that takes visitors through six galleries. difc.ae AL FAHIDI HISTORICAL NEIGHBOURHOOD Al Fahidi is undoubtedly Dubai’s most culturally enriching district. Hosting regular art fairs, including the renowned SIKKA Art Fair, it features a rich repertoire of galleries and art spaces. The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has chosen one of the large courtyard houses of Al Fahidi as its headquarters. Other wind-tower houses shelter the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding; Tashkeel (a studio,
exhibition space and art gallery rolled into one); the renowned Majlis Gallery (Dubai’s oldest art gallery); and the unique XVA Gallery. DUCTAC Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre (DUCTAC) is the city’s community arts centre that offers a packed programme of theatre productions, gallery exhibitions, dance demonstrations and workshops. Some of the city’s biggest theatre shows are played out here on the stage of the Centrepoint Theatre – an intimate, 500seat two-tier theatre. DUCTAC’s Gallery of Light promotes any art or practice that is evolving and experimental. And if you happen to be in Dubai long enough, then why not sign up for a course – pottery, dance, creative writing or even Arabic. ductac.org MADINAT THEATRE Located in the heart of the Madinat Souk, this is Dubai’s first purposebuilt theatre. Designed to resemble an ancient Arab citadel, the regal
DID YOU KNOW... World Art Dubai was launched in April 2015. This annual event makes art accessible and affordable. VISITDUBAI.COM
51
CULTURE: ART exploring dubai
venue hosts some of the best theatrical shows. Past shows have included enthralling performances by Britain’s favourite comedian John Cleese; India’s finest comic actor Paresh Rawal; the Urban Circus acrobats; Moscow City Ballet; The Blues Brothers; Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson tribute bands. madinattheatre.com EMIRATES AIRLINE FESTIVAL OF LITERATURE Launched in 2009, the Lit Fest (as it is locally known) is a celebration of the written word. It brings together budding writers, poets, journalists and book lovers under its umbrella. The Fest has such wide appeal that over 30,000 visitors regularly attend the event to meet world famous authors, attend literary debates, listen to readings, participate in workshops and experience exciting fringe events. This five-day festival held each March is recognised as one of the leading international literary festivals in the world. The 2015 programme included bestselling authors David Walliams, Michael Morpurgo, Adele Parks, DIFF
52
dubai tourism guide 2015
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Bettany Hughes. The workshop and masterclass programme is one of the most popular parts of the festival: a chance to get practical advice from leading writers, illustrators and tutors on a wide range of subjects. emirateslitfest.com DUBAI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL This is the Middle East’s premier international film festival graced by the stars of the big screen from around the globe. Audiences can enjoy a rich and varied selection of movies, short films and documentaries from the Arab world, Hollywood, Bollywood and beyond. For film buffs attending the festival, you’ll get the chance to rub shoulders with the who’s who from the film industry, from awardwinning filmmakers to high-flying producers. DIFF’s line-up of criticallyacclaimed films guarantees to have a movie for everyone, from comedy, tragedy, documentary and horror to a critically-acclaimed arthouse amateur novice making his debut. dubaifilmfest.com
cuLtuRE: aRt
WRITERS AND BOOK LOVERS WELCOME ALL YEAR ROUND
Housed in a reconstructed windtower house beside the bustling Creek and just a few metres from a host of museums, galleries and Creekside cafes – including Sheikh Saeed’s House and the Heritage Village – the historic area of Al Shindagha seems a perfect spot for the Dubai International Writers’ Centre which celebrates the written word all year round. Creative workshops, writer-inresidence programmes, film nights, book clubs, recitals and lectures are on offer in these atmospheric surroundings throughout the year. Writers in residence have included the acclaimed travel writer Tim Mackintosh-Smith, while creative writing courses have been headed up by renowned lecturer Jo Wroe. The centre is open every day from 8am and its open-door policy
welcomes all ages, nationalities and interests. As expected from such a multi-cultured city, all genres and languages are covered throughout the year. The comfy majlis, cosy courtyards and book-lined rooms are the perfect places to inspire creativity or simply provide the tranquility to meet fellow book worms or budding writers or simply read your book in the on-site café. Take a seat on the rooftop terrace, open your journal (or laptop – the wi-fi is free), and soak in the views of the old wind towers in the foreground and the pinnacle of the Burj Khalifa in the distance. This could be the place where that idea for your first (or next) novel is unlocked; where that first stanza of your poem is created, or simply where you’ll appreciate the rich heritage and culture of Dubai. diwc.ae visitdubai.com
53
CULTURE: HERITAGE EXPLORING DUBAI
Holding on to
Heritage
This young city is proud of its heritage and is determined to keep its Arabic roots intact. Explore this unique heritage for yourself While its façade gleams with soaring skyscrapers, serpentine roads, dazzling malls and fancy cars, at its core, Dubai will always be a city where the mystique of Arabia ultimately prevails. Here the skyline of cuttingedge architecture harmoniously melds with the domes and minarets of majestic mosques and wind-tower houses. Emiratis are justifiably proud 54
DUBAI TOURISM GUIDE 2015
of their heritage – after all, it wasn’t long ago that this city was little more than a fishing village beside the Dubai Creek. In less than 50 years, Dubai has become a world-class metropolis and one of the world’s most remarkable holiday destinations. There’s only one way to appreciate the emirate’s spectacular rise: a visit to its awe-inspiring heritage spots.
cuLtuRE: HERitaGE
culture thAt cAPtiVAtes With numerous and diverse museums and heritage sites dotting the city, the culture trail in Dubai is an elaborate one. Step into any of these spots to catch a glimpse of the past. It is in these wellpreserved buildings that the real spirit and history of Dubai is manifest. Al FAhidi historicAl Neighbourhood One of Dubai’s oldest heritage sites and now the cradle of art and history, Al Fahidi (previously known as Bastakiya) is nestled in a small corner beside the Dubai Creek. Here, Dubai’s first immigrants built their grand coral-clad houses, renowned for their tall, majestic wind towers. In fact, this is the last wind-tower quarter on the Arab side of the Gulf. Stroll through the labyrinth of cobbled alleyways into a world reminiscent of ancient Arabia. Look through the intricately embellished windows of these merchant houses or step through the ornate doors into grand courtyards – many of which have now been converted into art galleries and quaint cafes. Al Majlis Gallery, XVA Gallery, Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding and Diwan Mosque: these are just some places worth checking out. dubAi MuseuM Discover Dubai’s story by visiting the Al Fahidi Fort – home to the fascinating Dubai Museum. Here you’ll catch a glimpse of life in Dubai long before the discovery of oil in
AL FAHIDI HISTORICAL NEIGHBOURHOOD
the 1960s. Galleries recreate scenes from the Creek, traditional Arab houses, mosques, souks, date farms and desert and marine life. Also on display are artefacts from several excavations in the emirate, recovered from graves that date back to the third millennium BC. The highlights of the museum are the dioramas that depict the history of pearl diving – complete with a real dhow, sets of pearl merchants’ weights, scales and sieves. Do watch the slick multimedia presentation that traces Dubai’s growth. Entrance: Dhs3. 04 3531862 visitdubai.com
55
CuLture: Heritage exploring dubai
DUBAI CREEK
Dubai Creek Long before the first skyscraper ever emerged from Dubai’s desert sands, life revolved around the Dubai Creek. It was along this historic stretch of water that it all began and today you can still get a glimpse of a bygone era. Back in the 20th century Dubai first established itself as a commercial hub with cargo of silk, spices, tea, even gold from India, Africa and East Asia unloading here before being dispatched to other lands. Today those traditional wooden dhows can still be seen lining the Creek, evoking memories of the city’s trading past. On both shores, huddled between modern buildings, are Dubai’s famed 56
dubai tourism guide 2015
souks. On the Deira side you’ll stumble across the aromatic lanes of the Spice Souk, brimming with sacks of saffron, cumin, incense and dried fruits; discover the dazzling Gold Souk where hundreds of shops have cascading pyramids of gold and diamonds of every cut and carat; and as you amble through the winding lanes you’ll even discover the chaotic Fish Souk. On the other side – the Bur Dubai side – sits the colourful Textile Souk. Cross the Creek like the people of the past did – aboard an abra, the original wooden boats that taxi hundreds of people each day across the water. This Dhs1 ride is considered a Dubai highlight.
cuLtuRE: HERitaGE
Al ShindAghA In a sense, Al Shindagha is where Dubai’s story begins. In the 1900’s, the seat of the city’s founders, the Al Maktoum family, was first established here. Today the area has been transformed into a cultural microcosm offering a string of museums that recreate that sense of history. Dominated by coral-clad, elegant houses, adorned with splendid wind towers, this waterfront area has become an historic quarter. Its highlight is the Sheikh Saeed al Maktoum House, the former home of Dubai’s ruling Maktoum dynasty. Built by Sheikh Saeed’s father, Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid al Maktoum, in 1894, the house was home to the ruling family until Sheikh Saeed’s death in 1958. It was here in this courtyard that Dubai’s current ruler would play as a child. It now houses a fascinating collection of stamps, coins and illuminating photographs of Dubai taken through the 20th century. Stroll along the waterfront to the Heritage and Diving Village to see a recreation of a traditional fishing village with its barasti (palm-frond) huts, an old coffee house, handicraft souk and pearldiving displays. Here you can nibble on traditional Arabic snacks made by local ladies, visit a traditional coffee house or even ride a camel. PeArl MuSeuM Much before the region yielded its treasure of black gold (oil), it was known for its pearl banks. Gulf pearls were renowned as the finest pearls in the world. Sultan Al Owais, one
of Dubai’s most important pearl merchants, began collecting pearls in the early 1970s. Some of the finest pearls of the Gulf are part of his collection. Later he donated the collection to the people of the UAE. The National Bank of Dubai set up a museum within its headquarters to display Owais’ magnificent pearl collection. Please remember visits are available by appointment only. pearlmuseum.ae
Sheikh MohAMMed Centre for CulturAl underStAnding (SMCCu) SMCCU is a centre dedicated to help expatriates and visitors understand the local culture, customs and religion. Located in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, SMCCU bridges the cultural gap between Emiratis and visitors. Under the motto of ‘Open Doors, Open Minds’, SMCCU’s well-informed and friendly Emirati hosts are happy to answer any and all questions. SMCCU offers a range of award-winning cultural programmes. Choose from Cultural Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch) with an Emirati host, Heritage Tour (a walking tour through Al Fahidi), Jumeirah Mosque Tour and Creekside Tour. cultures.ae visitdubai.com
57
CuLture: Heritage exploring dubai
INSIGHT INTO ISLAM Islam is the official religion of the UAE and forms the guiding principle behind the laws and lifestyle of the land. It sets out a comprehensive code of conduct for its followers with the Holy Qur’an – the Noble Words of Almighty Allah – edifying a complete set of rules covering every aspect of human behaviour. The Islamic faith rests on the following five principles, known as the Pillars of Islam: Shahadah (testimonial of faith), Salah (ritual prayer), Zakah (alms giving), Sawm (fasting during the holy month of Ramadan) and 58
dubai tourism guide 2015
Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca). This deep rooted Islamic faith provides an inspiration and strength that touches each aspect of everyday life. Courtesy and hospitality are the most prized virtues of the Arab world and visitors will be deeply touched by the warmth and friendliness extended to them by the locals. uNderSTANdING rAMAdAN Ramadan is the holiest time of the year for Muslims around the world. The ninth month of the lunar-based Islamic calendar, it is believed that the first verses of the Holy Qur’an were revealed
cuLtuRE: HERitaGE
to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) at this time. The highlight of the month is the fast that believers observe from dawn to dusk. With the intent to instil humility, patience and spirituality, believers are asked to abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and impure thoughts during the fasting period. The holy month is also believed to be a time of mercy, when noble intentions and good deeds bring greater reward than the rest of the year. Visiting Dubai during the holy month can be a spectacular experience with numerous events taking place that celebrate
heritage and tradition. Some of the highlights of the month are the Dubai International Holy Qur’an Award competition and the Ramadan Forum, where prominent speakers from around the Muslim world arrive in Dubai to spread awareness about Islam (open to non-Muslims and presented in multiple languages). What’s more, there’s no better time to sample authentic Arabian fare than during Iftar - the meal that breaks the daily fast during Ramadan. These meals are social occasions when Arabic delights dominate the extensive buffets.
Mosque TouRs Dubai offers visitors the chance to get a deeper insight into the Islamic faith at two of its splendid mosques, the Jumeirah Mosque and the Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque and Islamic Centre. The majestic Jumeirah Mosque is the city’s most popular landmark and a must-visit. An exquisite example of medieval Fatimid-style architecture, it is built completely from white stone and features towering twin minarets framing a massive central dome. The SMCCU (cultures.ae) conducts Jumeirah Mosque tours at 10am Saturday to Thursday for just Dhs10. Al Farooq draws inspiration from Istanbul’s Blue Mosque and
is intricately decorated with Moroccan designs and verses from the Holy Qur’an. It also has a library with more than 4,000 books on the Islamic faith. Tours run at 10am, 11am and 4.15pm from Sunday to Thursday. Do book your tour online (alfarooqcentre.com) before you go. For mosque tours, please remember that children must be at least five years old. All visitors must dress modestly while visiting the mosque. Shorts, short dresses or skirts and sleeveless shirts are not allowed. You need to take off your shoes before entering the mosque. The mosque tour lasts a little over an hour; photography is allowed.
visitdubai.com
59
CuLture: Heritage CULTURE: HERITAGE exploring dubai
HERITAGE THROUGH SPORT There are a few countries that can claim to preserve their heritage through sport. And Dubai does exactly that – some of the city’s most famed sporting events are in fact traditions that are perhaps as old as the desert itself. FALCONRY The fastest birds on earth, falcons were used by the Bedouins for centuries for hunting and communication. Falconry is now regarded as the crowning jewel of the UAE’s heritage sports. Every year hundreds of falconers bring their prized birds to compete in the Fazza Championship for Falconry – a competition designed to revive and keep alive this exciting sport in the region. Additionally, the Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa and Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa offer guests one-to-one interactions with these beautiful birds. Falconry displays are also a part of most desert safaris.
CAMEL RACING For the Bedouins, camels were an intrinsic part of their life, essential for survival in the harsh desert. They relied on these gentle beasts for transport, milk, meat and hides for protection. The Dubai Camel Racing Festival takes place in April at Al Marmoom racetrack and attracts racers from the farthest corners of the country. In a carnival-like atmosphere, robot jockeys steer the camels along the sand tracks vying for first position.
THE HERITAGE DRIvE While a safari in the Arabian Desert is always magical, amp up your experience by signing up for the Platinum Heritage safari. Navigate the undulating sand dunes of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve in vintage Land Rovers, spotting local wildlife as you go by. Then stop by a royal Bedouin village for a scrumptious 60
dubai tourism guide 2015
Arabic feast. The night comes alive to the beats of live musicians and exotic dancers, camel rides and henna painters. Platinum Heritage also offers visitors the chance to camp overnight in the desert. Here the engaging narrative skills of a Bedouin storyteller brings to life ancient Arabic. platinum-heritage.com
ACTIVITIES EXPLORING DUBAI
XXXX
Outdoor
Escapes
Though it’s a pulsating metropolis, Dubai also offers ample opportunity to breathe fresh air and team up with Mother Nature Blessed with a cloudless sky, an endless desert, rugged mountains, the glorious waters of the Arabian Gulf and remarkable championship sporting facilities, Dubai is perfect for outdoor adventures. Whether you 62
DUBAI TOURISM GUIDE 2015
want to jump out of a plane, ski down a snowy mountain, speed around a racetrack, play polo (on horseback or camel hump) or tee off on a floodlit golf course at midnight – Dubai is the perfect playground.
ACTIVITIES
THE GREAT OUTDOORS Dubai offers a new adventure each day with a variety of adrenaline boosting activities, clear climes and nature on its doorstep. HOT AIR BALLOONING Take a trip in a hot air balloon and soar above Dubai’s endless desert. The early wake up is worth the effort since there are few sights on earth like the desert at dawn. As the sun rises in a cloudless sky, the sand appears to glow, losing its cool from the night air. Occasionally the silence of the desert is broken by camel caravans or gazelles and oryx darting between the dunes. The best known hot air balloon company is Balloon Adventures Emirates. The actual flight is approximately one hour long and, weather permitting, flights take place every day from the middle of September until the end of May. ballooning.ae
SKY DIVING Skydiving is probably the most exhilarating of extreme sports and there’s no better place than Dubai from which to hurl yourself from a plane at 13,000ft. Imagine the stunning views of the magnificent Palm Jumeirah, The World Islands and Dubai Marina as you hurtle towards the earth and then float to the ground. Dubai is one of the top ‘drop zones’ in the world and ever since Skydive Dubai – a venture of the Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, a huge skydiving enthusiast – opened shop here, the sport has become wildly popular. Novices jump tandem with one of Skydive Dubai’s highly-experienced instructors. There’s also a camera man to capture your every move and scream. The freefall lasts around a minute before your instructor pops the ‘chute’ and you begin a leisurely five-minute descent. For desert views, head to the Skydive Dubai Desert Campus, located about 35km from the city. skydivedubai.ae VISITDUBAI.COM
63
aCtiVities exploring dubai
DUNE BASHING Conquer the shifting sands of the Arabian Desert in powerful 4x4s as they leap over ridges and charge over the dunes at hair-raising angles. Belt up as the desert becomes a nail-biting roller coaster track, making your stomach lurch at the intense speed and sharp turns. Dune bashing is a thrilling but skilled activity and best left to expert desert drivers. There are numerous tour operators ready to take you off-road.
HORSE RIDING Dubai – as host of the world’s richest horse race, the Dubai World Cup – is definitely horse mad. This means endless possibilities for those wanting to get in the saddle. Simply head to any of the equestrian centres such as Emirates Equestrian Centre or the Jebel Ali Equestrian Club. For a truly Dubai equestrian experience make a beeline for the desert, and canter 64
dubai tourism guide 2015
between the waves of dunes. The JA Resorts Al Sahra Desert Resort Equestrian Centre, Al Jiyad Stables and Elite Rangers are just three liveries that offer this remarkable desert experience. emiratesequestriancentre.com facebook.com/JebelAliEquestrianClub aljiyad.com jaresortshotels.com/Sports facebook.com/elite-rangers
ACTIVITIES
ANNUAL SPINNEYS DUBAI 92 CYCLE CHALLENGE
CYCLING For those who enjoy travelling on two wheels, Dubai is well on track. Over the past years the city’s cycling scene has gathered serious momentum. In 2013 alone, more than 104km of additional cycle paths were completed across the emirate, meaning that cyclists can now peddle through parks, beside the beach and even into the desert between
the dunes. The Nad Al Sheba Cycle Park with its choice of an 8km, 6km and 4km loops will appeal to serious cyclists. The 68km Lollipop track along Al Qudra Road is a great way to explore the desert. Plus, each December more than 2,000 cyclists pedal around the city’s sites for 92km in the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge. cyclechallenge.ae
POLO They call it the game of kings, but in Dubai it is open to everyone. Several polo clubs dot the city, so there’s always a thrilling match to witness. Polo season runs from October to May and regular games – chukkas – are played on the lush green fields of the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club at Arabian Ranches and at the Dubai Polo Club at Desert Palm. If you fancy giving it a shot yourself, simply sign up. Lessons are available for all skill levels, right from the complete novice to the more advanced wanting to brush up their skills with the aid of video analysis. dubaipoloclub.com and poloclubdubai.com VISITDUBAI.COM
65
ACTIVITIES EXPLORING DUBAI
GOLF With a series of accolades in its repertoire, Dubai has become a bespoke world-class golfing destination. Home to 11 outstanding golf courses and two of the European Tour’s most prestigious
DID YOU KNOW... The Dubai shores are perfect for learning to sail or fine-tuning your skills. Several resorts offer courses and all the equipment. 66
DUBAI TOURISM GUIDE 2015
tournaments, not to mention a host of other significant events, Dubai is a golfing success story that resonates across the world. The king among the city’s fairways is the Emirates Golf Club. It is home to the legendary Majlis course – the host of the annual Omega Desert Classic –and is counted among the world’s best clubs. Other favourite teeing greens include the Thomas Bjorn designed course at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, the nine-hole course at Jebel Ali Golf Resort designed by Peter Harradine, Jumeirah Golf Estates which hosts the final of the Race to Dubai, and the Els Club designed by Ernie Els. dubaigolf.com jaresortshotels.com jumeirahgolfestates.com elsclubdubai.com
activitiEs
KITE-SURFING Play, jump, somersault and perform wizardry with the wind when you take up kite-surfing. Those looking to experience the aerial thrill firsthand will find schools located on some of Dubai’s public beaches or in hotel resort watersports centres. Here you can hire equipment, as well as learn the sport from qualified teachers. December to April is the perfect time for kitesurfing, as the winds flowing across the Gulf are at their strongest.
MOTOR RACING Zoom around race tracks in tar-hugging, petrolguzzling machines at Dubai Autodrome, an FIA sanctioned, 5.9km motorsports circuit that lets race aficionados get behind the wheels of some of the fastest cars. Experiences include driving the super Audi R8 V10, Audi TT and F-1 Style Single Seaters among others. dubaiautodrome.com
visitdubai.com
67
aCtiVities ACTIVITIES exploring dubai
DEEP-SEA FISHING The warm and shallow waters off Dubai are teeming with life. Think barracuda, snapper, kingfish, grouper, long-tail tuna, giant mackerel, trevally and so many more. Board a sleek fishing boat that will zoom you past the magnificent Dubai skyline and iconic World Islands into deeper waters, around 45km off shore. There are numerous companies in
Dubai that provide deep-sea fishing excursions – many packages come with food and drink provided. STAND-UP PADDLING There’s no better place than Dubai to try stand-up paddling (SUP). SUP is fun and easy to learn and when the water is as warm and clear as the Arabian Gulf, falling in is half the fun.
DIVING IN THE DUBAI AQUARIUM
DIvING Dive into the waters off Dubai and beyond to discover a whole other world of sunken shipwrecks and exotic sea creatures. Whether you’re a professional diver or just a beginner, Dubai’s diving centres are fully equipped to make your experience memorable. Popular operators include the Pavilion Dive Centre at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, The Dive Centre and Al Boom Diving among others. jumeirah.com thedivecentre.ae alboomdiving.com 68
dubai tourism guide 2015
In keeping with Dubai’s flair for doing things differently, diving isn’t just limited to the ocean. Take a dip in the world’s largest suspended tank (at The Dubai Mall) which is home to more than 33,000 aquatic animals and features more than 70 species – including the largest collection of sand tiger sharks in the world. This is a diving experience like no other. The best part is you don’t even need to be able to swim to have this thrilling experience. Think about it, not many people can say they scuba dived in a shopping mall! Dives are operated by Al Boom Diving. alboomdiving.com
EVENTS
It’s
Showtime!
With a calendar encompassing arts, sport, food, books, music, heritage and fashion, the city has become THE events capital of the region Whatever entertains you, Dubai probably has an event that’s right up your street. Join the party at the Dubai Rugby Sevens; don your best hat for the lavish Dubai World Cup horse race; meet your favourite author at the Emirates Festival of Literature and join the music fans at a string of concerts by some of the world’s chart-topping performers. The city’s events are of such calibre that they easily attract the world’s best. Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy regularly appear at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic; Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Murray and the Williams sisters are no strangers at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships; and increasingly Dubai is becoming a top stop for A-list musicians and performers on their world tours. One Direction, John Legend, Bruno Mars, Eric Clapton, Justin Bieber, Lady 70
DUBAI TOURISM GUIDE 2015
Gaga, The Killers and Alicia Keys are just a handful of acts to have played on Dubai’s stages in recent times, not to mention the dozens of Bollywood and Arabic superstars for whom the emirate is a second home. As the regional hub for art, gastronomy, literature and film, the city hosts specialist-festivals such as Dubai Art Season, Dubai International Film Festival and the Middle East Film and Comic Con. Each year the city’s event list grows. In 2014 the Dubai Food Festival and Dubai Tour were launched, alongside several weekend music festivals, including Classics, Blended and RedfestDXB. All are now regular features on Dubai’s annual events calendar. The word ‘eventful’ certainly takes on new meaning in Dubai. Don’t miss the show.
events
visitdubai.com
71
events
Make an event
of it MUSIC
Blended
Date: April/May As the name suggests, Blended is a foot-tapping mix of blues, roots, jazz, soul and folk music. Launched in 2014, the line up included Joss Stone, Elvis Costello, Diana Krall and Aloe Blacc, while Craig David, Kasabian, Jessie Ware and Robin Thicke lit up the billboards in 2015.
Emirates Airline Dubai Jazz Festival Date: February
Attracting world-class, international artists, from James Blunt to Jason Mraz, and a host of up-andcoming artists, the Dubai Jazz Festival is a firm favourite on the city’s social calendar attracting around 55,000 music fans each year. The annual three-day festival embraces music across the genres – from jazz (of course) to classic rock, indie rock, pop and urban. In 2015, headline acts included performances by Sting, John Legend, James Blunt, Christina Perri, Esperanza Spalding and Lindsey Stirling.
dubaijazzfest.com
72
dubai tourism guide 2015
blended.ae
events
Dubai Classics Date: February
The Dubai Concert Committee, established in 1996, organises an exciting programme of events in the city appealing to lovers of classical music. Concerts are usually held at One&Only’s Royal Mirage hotel, with appearances by pianists, contemporary violinists and opera singers. In February 2015, the Dubai Concert Committee hosted Dubai Classics. This two-day event saw Britain’s Royal Philharmonic Orchestra perform in the UAE for the first time. Also apprearing on the second day was the Moscow Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra, conducted by its founder Vladimir Spivakov.
dcc.ae
RedfestDXB Date: February
Thirty Seconds to Mars Date: September
Thirty Seconds to Mars is returning to the UAE to host their first ever concert in Dubai. After visiting the city in 2013 during their tour through Abu Dhabi, the American rock band from LA will be bringing their energetic and eclectic performance to adoring fans in Dubai. Led by Oscar-winner actor/musician Jared Leto, 30 Seconds to Mars will be performing Live on 25 September at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
marsindubai.com
Mixing pop, RnB, EDM and rock, with a dash of indie for good measure, this two-day musical extravaganza has something for everyone. Artists such as The Script, Iggy Azalea, Bastille, Jeremih, Rita Ora, Tinie Tempah and Jonh Newman have graced the main stage since the festival’s launch in 2014, while the worlds biggest DJs, including Mark Ronson and Trevor Nelson, have closed the party.
redfestdxb.com
visitdubai.com
73
events
SPORT
Dubai World Cup Date: March
Omega Dubai Desert Classic Date: February
Each year, The Majlis Course of The Emirates Golf Club hosts the PGA European Tour Omega Dubai Desert Classic. In 2015 it celebrated its 26th anniversary, having been born at the club back in 1989. This makes it the longestrunning European Tour event in the MENA region and Asia, and has conjured up some of golf’s most outstanding moments and shaped the careers of many a golfing champion. The most successful golfer at this event has been Ernie Els who has played in 12 different years and 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. Stephen Gallacher, Seve Ballesteros, Fred Couples and Mark O’Meara are all on the roll of honor.
dubaidesertclassic.com 74
dubai tourism guide 2015
Each March the world’s best thoroughbred horses thunder down the track at Meydan Racecourse in pursuit of the biggest prize on the horse-racing circuit. The Dubai World Cup is the culmination of the racing season and is the last race on the final day of the event. The Dubai World Cup race day features three of the most valuable contests in the world of racing: the US$6 million Dubai Sheema Classic, the US$6 million Dubai Turf and the famed US$10 million Dubai World Cup, sponsored by Emirates airline. But Dubai World Cup is not just about the horses – it’s about the dressing up, the fizz and the party. This is the most glamorous social event of the year with fine food and drink, exclusive hospitality areas, and lots of competitions. The day always ends with a concert by an international superstar such as JLo or Kylie Minogue.
dubaiworldcup.com
events
DP World Tour Championship Date: November
Spanning five continents, the exciting Race to Dubai championship brings the golfing world together like no other tournament. From the curtain raiser of the South African Open Championship to the final DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, this event is part of the European Tour International Schedule and features 12 months of enthralling golfing action featuring 48 tournaments in 26 countries worldwide. With free entry, this is a great opportunity to see the top 60 golfers on the European Tour including world top 10 players Henrik Stenson, Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose. The European Tour’s richest prize, it offers a US$8 million for the DP World Tour Championship plus US$5 million Bonus Pool for The Race to Dubai.
europeantour.com
Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens Date: December
Over three days around 120,000 rugby fans stream through the gates of the Sevens Stadium to join the action – on and off the pitch. This tournament is the second round of the nine-leg HSBC Sevens World Series and the opening round of the IRB Women’s Sevens World Series. For three compelling days, all seven pitches at the stadium host non-stop sporting action. Rugby Sevens is also the biggest party in town – the Rugby Rock concerts are huge crowd pullers and donning fancy dress is all part of the fun.
Hailed as the best ATP 500 event for 10 consecutive years, the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships welcomes the world’s best tennis players to the Dubai Tennis Stadium each year. 2015 marked the 23rd anniversary of the tournament with a stellar line-up featuring some top men and women in the world of tennis. Roger Federer walked away with the men’s title while Simona Halep won the women’s final.
dubairugby7s.com
dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com
Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships Date: February
visitdubai.com
75
events
Calendar of
Events MAY 2015 ArAbiAN trAvEl MArkEt 2015
4-7 May Dubai World Trade Centre oMiD DJAlili livE iN DUbAi 2015
9 May Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Hotel EMirAtEs NbD ClAssiCs iv prEsENts sol GAbEttA
EID IN DUBAI
JUNE 2015 Al Noor GAlA DiNNEr
22 May DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates
5 June Madinat Jumeirah
Al GAffAl trADitioNAl 60ft DhoW rACE 2015
DUbAi DEsErt roAD rUN
23 May Dubai Ferry leaving from Dubai Marina Mall station bEAUtYWorlD MiDDlE EAst 2015
26-28 May Dubai World Trade Centre 7th DUbAi tANGo fEstivAl
27-31 May Meydan Hotel DUbAi DUtY frEE DArts MAstErs 2015
28-29 May The Irish Village 76
dubai tourism guide 2015
6 June The Sevens Stadium DisNEY oN iCE
10-13 June Dubai World Trade Centre MiChAEl MCiNtYrE “hAppY AND GlorioUs toUr” 2015
12-13 June 2015 Dubai World Trade Centre rAMADAN iN DUbAi 2015
19 June-17 July Across the city DUbAi sports WorlD 2015
21 June–29 August Dubai World Trade Centre
EVENTS
JULY/AUGUST 2015 RAMADAN NIGHT MARKET 2015
2-11 July Dubai World Trade Centre MODHESH WORLD 2015
9 July-29 August Dubai World Trade Centre EID IN DUBAI – EID AL FITR 2015
18-22 July Across the city DUBAI SUMMER SURPRISES 2015
23 July-5 September Across the City
MODHESH WORLD DISNEY ON ICE – FROZEN
SEPTEMBER 2015 CITYSCAPE GLOBAL 2015
8-10 September Dubai World Trade Centre EMIRATES NBD CLASSICS IV PRESENTS MARTIN FROST DUO
11 September DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates DUBAI INTERNATIONAL DANCE FESTIVAL 2015
14-20 September Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS LIVE IN DUBAI
25 September Dubai World Trade Centre VISITDUBAI.COM
77
events
OctOBER 2015 gItEx ShOppER 2015 (autuMN)
3-10 October Dubai World Trade Centre EMIRatES NBD claSSIcS pRESENtS pt. VIShwa MOhaN Bhatt
9 October DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates gItEx tEchNOlOgy wEEk 2015
DUBAI AIRSHOW
18-22 October Dubai World Trade Centre DOwNtOwN DESIgN 2015
27-30 October The Venue, Downtown Dubai SENSatION
30 October Meydan racecourse VOguE FaShION ExpERIENcE
The Dubai Mall FaShION FORwaRD SEaSON 6
NOVEMBER 2015 SaMSuNg BEach SOccER INtERcONtINENtal 2015
3-7 November Dubai International Marine Club (Mina Seyahi) EMIRatES NBD claSSIcS IV pRESENtS chaRBEl ROuhaNa
6 November DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates FINa SwIMMINg wORlD cup 2015
6-7 November Hamdan Sports Complex DuBaI aIRShOw 2015
8-12 November DuBaI INtERNatIONal MOtOR ShOw 2015
10-14 November Dubai World Trade Centre Dp wORlD tOuR chaMpIONShIp 2015 GITEX SHOPPER
78
dubai tourism guide 2015
19-22 November Jumeirah Golf Estates
events
DECEMBER 2015
JANUARY 2016
FAI WoRlD AIR GAMEs 2015
DUBAI shoppING FEsTIvAl 2016
1-12 December Skydive Dubai UAE NATIoNAl DAY
2 December All over Dubai EMIRATEs AIRlINE DUBAI RUGBY sEvENs 2015
January All over Dubai hANkook 24h DUBAI 2016
14-16 January Dubai Autodrome sTANDARD ChARTERED DUBAI MARAThoN 2016
3-5 December The Sevens Stadium
22 January Umm Suqeim Road
EMIRATEs NBD ClAssICs pREsENTs ThE DAsTAN ENsEMBlE
DUBAI shoW JUMpING ChAMpIoNshIp
4 December DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates oMEGA DUBAI lADIEs MAsTERs 2015
9-12 December Emirates Golf Club DUBAI WoRlD sUpERsERIEs FINAls
9-13 December Hamdan Sports Complex DUBAI INTERNATIoNAl FIlM FEsTIvAl 2015
9-16 December Madinat Jumeirah spINNEYs DUBAI 92 CYClE ChAllENGE 2015
10-11 December Nad Al Sheba Cycle Track NEW YEAR DUBAI 2016
31 December Various locations including Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab and Atlantis, The Palm
Emirates Equestrian Centre
FEBRUARY 2016 oMEGA DUBAI DEsERT ClAssICs
1-7 February Emirates Golf Club DUBAI DUTY FREE TENNIs ChAMpIoNshIps
Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium GUlFooD 2016
21-25 February Dubai World Trade Centre EMIRATEs AIRlINE DUBAI JAzz FEsTIvAl 2016
24-26 February Dubai Media City Ampitheatre DUBAI FooD FEsTIvAl
25 February-12 March DUBAI ClAssICs DUBAI ToUR REDFEsTDXB DUBAI FooD CARNIvAl ChAllENGE DUBAI visitdubai.com
79
events
AL MARMOOM HERITAGE FESTIVAL
MArCh 2016
April 2016
eMirAteS Airline FeStivAl oF literAture 2016
Gitex Shopper (SprinG) 2016
8-12 March Intercontinental Hotel, Festival City duBAi world Cup 2016
26 March 2016 Meydan Grandstand Racecourse, Nad Al Sheba duBAi internAtionAl BoAt Show GulF photo pluS tASte oF duBAi
Al MArMooM heritAGe FeStivAl Middle eASt FilM And CoMiC Con BeACh polo Cup duBAi FAShion ForwArd SeASon 7 world Art duBAi
duBAi polo Gold Cup SiKKA deSiGn dAyS duBAi Art duBAi 80
dubai tourism guide 2015
FoR MoRe INFoRMAtIoN, pleASe vISIt duBAiCAlendAr.CoM
ItInERaRIES
DUBAI CREEK
Let’s do
Dubai!
See the sights. Indulge in gastronomy. Revel in the atmosphere. Explore the attractions. Follow our inspiring (and packed) five-day itinerary to get the best out of Dubai 82
DubaI touRISm guIDE 2015
1
itineraries
CUlTUre ThaT CapTIVaTes
Theme: explore The pasT DAY There is only one way to truly appreciate Dubai’s exponential growth – step back in time to explore its rich past. Start your day at Dubai Museum ( pg57) to capture the history of Dubai in pictures, artefacts and slideshows. Just a five-minute walk from the Museum you’ll discover the winding lanes and wind-tower houses of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (pg57). Stop by the Arabian Tea House for refreshing mint lemonade. Peek into The Majlis Gallery next door for a lesson in Middle Eastern art or join a tour at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (pg61). A short stroll along the Dubai Creek promenade will lead you to the Textile Souk ( pg33) where bargaining is the norm. At the end of the souk, follow the promenade and you’ll soon reach Al Shindagha where you’ll discover Sheikh Saeed’s House – residence of the former ruler of Dubai, now a museum ( pg61). Break for lunch at Bait Al Wakeel Heritage Restaurant and soak in the views while the chef cooks your choice of seafood and Emirati dish. Across the Creek you’ll discover the Spice Souk (pg30) – and getting there is part of the fun. Step aboard an abra – a traditional wooden boat – and enjoy the organised chaos as boats vie for position. On disembarking, the aromatic souk heaving with the fragrance of cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and
MADINAT JUMEIRAH
nutmeg awaits you. Saffron is the best buy here. From the old to the new – grab a cab and head to Madinat Jumeirah, a modern take on an ancient Arab citadel. Start at the Madinat Souk (pg33) to pick up an Arabian memento of your trip and then hop on to an abra to chart the meandering waterways of the Madinat. Dine at any of the Madinat’s 44 elite eateries that offer stunning views of the graceful Burj Al Arab and, of course, food that tickles the taste buds. visitdubai.com
83
2
itineraries
Theme: AdvenTure Whether you want to swim, DAY surf, ski or race across sand – Dubai has every kind of playground. Begin the day with a splash at Wild Wadi (pg18), where 30 gravity-defying thrills await adventure seekers. After soaking in the exhilaration, take a taxi to the colossal The Dubai Mall (pg27). Being the world’s largest mall, you can catch a glimpse of some of the world’s most coveted haute couture labels. Break for lunch at the massive food court – from sushi to shawarma, every palate is covered. Then burn off some calories skating at the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink or walking through the
3
Theme: Cool ConTrAsTs Having seen old and new DAY Dubai, it’s time for another contrast. Spend the morning by the coast, the afternoon on the ski slopes, and the evening by the desert. With year-round sunshine, you can be pretty sure it’s always beach 84
dubai tourism guide 2015
DUBAI FOUNTAIN
weather in Dubai. While you can choose from over half-a-dozen sunkissed spots, the beach at The Walk JBR (pg24) is a treat. Laze on the shores or swim out to The Beach Waterpark (pg19) for some actionfilled fun. When it’s time for lunch there’s loads of restaurants and cafés
itineraries
48m-glass tunnel of The Dubai Aquarium (pg19). The Dubai Mall fringes the mighty Burj Khalifa. Engage in an ‘At the Top’ experience by gliding up to the 124th or 148th floor of the world’s tallest building for stunning views of the city, desert and ocean. Remember, tickets booked in advance cost half the price! Drop in for high-tea (literally) at At.Mosphere, the chic restaurant and lounge on the 122nd level of the tower. Setting foot on earth again, head towards the Burj Lake to watch a marvellous display of light and water that is The Dubai Fountain. Walk across the bridge that links the promenade to Souk Al Bahar (pg33). next door. Its gourmet restaurants and sophisticated lounges offer some of the finest dining in the city. to choose from at the open air The Beach mall (pg28). From here stroll to Dubai Marina metro station for the next stop of the day: Mall of the Emirates (pg27). From sand to snow – a transition that is only possible in Dubai. With a massive snow park, five ski runs and the Snow Bullet Zip Line, Ski Dubai (pg17) – the region’s first indoor ski resort – has to be seen to be believed. Come late afternoon, head back to your hotel from where your tour operator will collect you for an exotic desert safari. The Arabian Desert is a playground like no other. Go dune bashing, sand boarding or mount a camel for an exhilarating trip across the sands! Just as the sun sets over the dunes, guests are led to a Bedouin-style
camp where the revelry begins with captivating traditional dances and music. Get yourself a henna tattoo or even a souvenir photo in traditional Emirati dress. Soon, the aroma of a Bedouin dinner of succulent grilled whole lamb, chicken and kebabs will entice you. Then sit back and enjoy the silence and a star-filled sky.
visitdubai.com
85
itineraries
4 5
Theme: WOnderland Take the Palm Monorail to DAY the palatial resort of Atlantis, The Palm. As well as the Aquaventure waterpark (pg18) and the magnificent tunnels of the Lost
Theme: Once in a lifeTime‌ DAY Every holiday must have those once-in-alifetime moments to make it a truly memorable one. And in Dubai there is no dearth of such magical moments. Indulge in some of the most exotic experiences known to man on your last day in Dubai. Start with a seaplane adventure where you can explore the past and present of Dubai from a Cessna 208. Taking off from the waters of the Arabian Gulf, Seawings Dubai Creek Silver tour enthralls all visitors. The 40-minute flight taking off from Jebel Ali Beach Resort
86
dubai tourism guide 2015
Chambers (pg20), don’t miss out on the opportunity to swim nose-to-nose with the resident dolphins at Dolphin Bay (pg19). There are numerous watering holes here. Dig into the sumptuous buffet at
SEAWINGS
itineraries
Atlantis’ Kaleidoscope or tuck into the flavours of Italy at Ronda Locatelli. Heading back to the mainland, it’s time to discover why Dubai is called the ‘City of Gold’. Take the Dubai Metro to Al Ras station. Nearby stands the Deira Gold Souk (pg30) home to over 300 shops offering dazzling jewellery in gold, diamonds and silver. Here, pieces are sold by weight according to the current market price (displayed on boards around the souk) with an additional charge for workmanship. Don’t be shy of bargaining – you can easily walk away with a 30 per cent discount! Even if you don’t intend to buy, do visit the souk for its razzmatazz. As you emerge from the souk the
Creek opposite glints at you. Set sail for a lavish dinner cruise. While there is plenty of live entertainment on-board, the cruise itself offers spectacular vistas as you drift past the docked dhows, the old souks and landmark buildings such as the Dubai Courts, the British Embassy and the Etisalat building (the one with the distinctive golf ball on the top). Bateaux Dubai is the premiere dinner cruise operator offering a bespoke experience to explore the waterways of Dubai Creek while enjoying freshly prepared gourmet cuisine in the comfort of this glassenclosed, air-conditioned luxury vessel. Step aboard one of Bateaux Dubai’s scheduled cruises, seven days a week.
rewards you with spectacular views of the Dubai Creek, Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa and The World Islands. Disembarking at the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club (pg70), tee off at its enchanting course – its 17th and 18th holes (both par 4s) are the most impressive, not to mention the most challenging in the entire region. Break at the iconic Legends restaurant at the Creek Clubhouse. The steak is the highlight of the meal here – be it the Australian Wagyu or French Charolais. Self-pampering is incomplete without a visit to a spa. At Talise Ottoman Spa at Jumeirah
Zabeel Saray you’ll experience a spa sensory journey that will instantly, relax, de-stress or uplift both your body and mind. With 42 treatment rooms, eight hydrotherapy rooms, steam rooms, saunas, snow rooms, floating baths and two thalassotherapy pools, you’ll discover almost limitless ways to treat yourself. As the day comes to a close, it’s time to dine at what is one of the best restaurants in the world. According to the San Pelligrino list of the world’s best restaurants 2014, Dubai’s Zuma is ranked at number 77 and La Petite Maison at 88. Book in advance for tables at both of these DIFC restaurants. visitdubai.com
87
GETTING AROUND EXPLORING DUBAI
Getting
Around
Sightseeing across Dubai is made easy thanks to the city’s comprehensive public transport services AIRPORT BUS Dubai has two international airports: Dubai International (DXB) in Deira and Al Maktoum International – Dubai World Central (DWC) in Jebel Ali. The city’s roads and transport authority (RTA) provides bus services to both airports. Buses operate 24 hours a day at 30-minute intervals. BETWEEN DXB AND THE CITY Buses arrive and leave from stands opposite Terminal 1, 2 and 3. BETWEEN DWC AND THE CITY This airport is linked to the city as well as to DXB by RTA buses. Bus no F55 travels between the airport and the Ibn Battuta metro station every hour during operational 88
DUBAI TOURISM GUIDE 2015
hours (6am-11pm), while Bus no F55A travels between the airport and the Satwa bus station when the metro is not in operation. Visit rta.ae for up-to-date routes and times, and to plan your journey. Please note, you need to buy a Nol card in advance; you cannot pay cash to the driver. Nol cards can be bought from the ticket counter of any metro station. SHUTTLE BUS BETWEEN TERMINALS There is a free 24-hour shuttle bus service between Terminals 1, 2 and 3. You can also use the Metro between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. If you’re connecting flights, you will be automatically transferred as part of your connection. dubaiairports.ae
GEttiNG aRouNd
Bus The public bus system consists of 734 peak bus schedules which are run on 79 routes – meaning all of Dubai is accessible by bus. Feeder buses to metro stations are also available. rta.ae Car hire A wide range of local and international car rental companies offer services at competitive rates. Customers must produce their passports along with a valid driving license. Visitors without an international driving license may obtain a temporary one as long as they hold a valid national license from one of the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the UK and the USA. A passport, valid national license and two photographs are also required. Canadian nationals must obtain an affidavit from the Canadian Consulate in Dubai, verifying the license before going to the Traffic Department. Driving in the UAE is on the righthand side. Water Bus Beginning at Al Shindagha station, enjoy a 45-minute trip along the Dubai Creek to Al Seef Station. DuBai Ferry Another great way to go sightseeing is on the Dubai Ferry. It operates two routes:
WATER BUS
F1: from Al Ghubaiba to Burj Al Arab (round trip). The ferry leaves at 5pm and 7pm. F2: from Dubai Marina Mall to Atlantis. The ferry leaves at 9am and 11am. Each trip lasts an hour. Gold tickets cost Dhs75; silver tickets cost Dhs50. Children under 10 pay half. Tickets can be paid by cash or debit/credit cards. rta.ae taxis Taxi services are government regulated. The minimum fare for taxis in Dubai is Dhs12. Airport transfers to any emirates start from Dhs20. Taxis for special needs travellers and ladies taxis are also available. You will find taxi ranks at the shopping malls and tourist hubs. You can also hail a taxi from the street. Call 04 208 0808 to book a taxi. the Palm monorail Running along the trunk of Palm Jumeirah, this monorail runs from Atlantis, The Palm to Al Sufouh Road where it links to the Dubai Tram at the Palm Jumeirah stop. It runs from 10am-10pm at 15-minute intervals. One-way fares for the 10 minute oneway journey cost Dhs15, Dhs25 for a return trip. palm-monorail.com visitdubai.com
89
GETTING AROUND exploring dubai
DID YOU KNOW... According to a recent study* Dubai’s public transport service outstrips 14 other world cosmopolitan cities. *(Simon-Kucher & Partners 2014)
90
DUbaI tOUrIsm gUIDe 2015
Dubai Metro Dubai Metro, the world’s longest driverless automated railway system, covers the length and breadth of the city. The Red Line runs from Rashidiya to Jebel Ali and the Green Line runs from Al Qusais to Jadaf. Operating hours are 6am-11pm Saturday to Wednesday; 6am-midnight on Thursday and 1pm-midnight on Friday. Passengers need to purchase a Nol card to travel by Dubai Metro. Nol cards can also be used on Dubai Buses and Dubai Tram. rta.ae
GEttiNG aRouNd
NoL card The Nol Card is a smart card that enables commuters to pay for various modes of transport with a single card. It can be used on Dubai’s metro, buses, water buses, as well as pay for parking. These cards can be purchased and recharged at Dubai Metro station ticket booths and ticket vending machines, Dubai bus stations, Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA) Customer Service Centres and RTA-authorised sales agents. nol.ae visitdubai.com
91
gettiNg arouNd exploring dubai
toUR DUBaI oN thE mEtRo We tell you where to hop on and hop off to make the most of your trip.
GREEN LINE
Using the Metro’s green line, one can visit heritage sights, museums and traditional souks.
RED LINE
The Dubai Metro’s red line crosses the city. Use it to visit some of the major attractions. 11 RashIDIya Get off here for Mirdif City Centre via feeder bus F10 (feeder bus ride is free) or hail a taxi (fare at around Dhs10-15). 12 EmIRatEs For Dubai Festival City walk to the first exit on your right and ride the feeder bus F08 or bus no4 at the bus stop near the station. The bus will take you to the mall. 13 aIRpoRt tERmINaL 3 This station is connected to Airport Terminal 3, which is exclusively for Emirates flights. 92
dubai tourism guide 2015
18 UNIoN Union serves as an interchange for train passengers; the red and green lines intersect at this station. Dubai Creek and the Union Square Bus Station are close by. 21 BaNIyas sqUaRE Hop off here for a short stroll to the old part of Dubai Creek.
23 aL Ras Dubai Gold Souk is a short walk from here. Be prepared to bargain/haggle. 24 aL GhUBaIBa This station is next to Al Ghubaiba Bus Station. Adjacent to the metro station is the Al Shindagha historical district, an area where you can catch a glimpse
14 aIRpoRt tERmINaL 1 Connected to Airport Terminal 1, an arrival and departure area for international flights other than Emirates. 16 DEIRa CIty CENtRE Named after the shopping mall beside it. Deira City Centre is packed with high-street shops, cafés and restaurants. 18 UNIoN Union is one of the two stations where the red line and green lines intersect. Adjacent to it is Al Ghurair Centre, Dubai’s oldest shopping mall. The Dubai Creek is just a short walk from this station. 19 BURJUmaN Like Union, this station also serves as an interchange
for train passengers. BurJuman is the home of BurJuman Mall with designer boutiques. 20 aDCB (KaRama) From this station, take the bus or ride a taxi to Karama Souk. Here, you’ll find the Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa miniature ornaments, key chains and all types of trinkets at very cheap prices. 21 aL JafILIya Need to unwind? Hop off at Al Jafiliya Metro Station and spend a relaxing day at Zabeel Park (entrance at Dhs5). Zabeel Park also has a running track if you need to burn some calories. 22 WoRLD tRaDE CENtRE The World Trade Centre is a venue for
GEttiNG aRouNd
of Bedouin lifestyle in the many museums beside the Creek. Take a memorable ride in a traditional wooden boat, abra, and cruise to the opposite bank. 26 BurJuman Like Union, the red and green line also meet at BurJuman metro station, close to BurJuman, the
designer-heavy shopping mall. 27 Oud metha This station is close to Oud Metha Mosque; in addition to this, those who’d like to hear Catholic mass can do so at the nearby St. Mary’s Church. In case of emergencies, Rashid Hospital is a short walk away.
28 healthcare city Healthcare City is a community of hospitals and clinics. You can also reach Wafi through this station, an Egyptianthemed shopping mall and a pyramidshaped hotel. Creek Park is a 20-minute walk from here.
conferences, exhibits and concerts. The Metro is a convenient mode of transport for convention delegates from all parts of the globe. 23 emirates tOwers Named after Emirates Towers, one of the iconic structures in the city that comprise a Jumeirah hotel, a shopping boulevard and fine-dining restaurants. 24 Financial centre Near Dubai International Financial Centre – full of art galleries, cafés, boutiques and restaurants. 25 BurJ KhaliFa / duBai mall Alight here for the tallest tower in the world, Burj Khalifa. The Dubai Fountain,
The Dubai Mall, The Dubai Aquarium and Souk Al Bahar. 31 First GulF BanK Just beside the station is the Gold and Diamond Park, a sophisticated counterpart to the famous Dubai Gold Souk. 32 mall OF the emirates Get off here for the mall and for Ski Dubai. The entrance fee to the Snow Park includes almost everything you need, from ski suit, snow boots, helmet and skis. 34 duBai internet city This is the nearest station to Palm Jumeirah. Take a cab to the Palm Monorail Gateway Station and get a train ticket to Atlantis, The Palm. Visit the Lost Chambers, dine at one
of the hotel’s restaurants (like Nobu), or spend a day at Aquaventure. 36 damac (duBai marina) Shop at Dubai Marina Mall, go on a cruise from Dubai Marina Yacht Club and dine at al fresco restaurants located on Marina Walk. 37 Jumeirah laKes tOwers You can hop off the train at this station if you want to go the beach at The Walk, JBR. It take around 15-minutes to walk there. 39 iBn Battuta Ibn Battuta is a shopping mall with six different themes – namely Andalusia, Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India and China. Each one is distinct and intricately designed. visitdubai.com
93
GETTING AROUND EXPLORING DUBAI
MARINA TOWERS JUMEIRAH BEACH RESIDENCE 2
JUMEIRAH BEACH RESIDENCE 1
JLT METRO STATION
DUBAI MARINA MALL
DUBAI TRAM The Dubai Tram system is fast becoming an integral part of the Dubai transport network, linking the Dubai Metro and the Palm Monorail. Launched on November 11 2014, Phase One of the Dubai Tram runs from Al Sufouh to the Dubai Marina. The tram operates for 20 hours a day from 5am-1am, with each train carrying a maximum of 405 passengers. Tram fares start from Dhs3 and can be paid by the Nol card. Operates 6am-1am Saturday to Thursday, 9am-1am Friday. 94
DUBAI TOURISM GUIDE 2015
DUBAI MARINA METRO STATION
The 11 trains, each with five carriages, are divided into Gold, Silver and family. Operating at a maximum speed of 50km/h, the tram takes 42 minutes for a trip from the Dubai Marina to Al Sufouh. It’s the first tram in the world to have platform screen doors at all stations. alsufouhtram.com HERE’S A FEW STOPS TO LOOK OUT FOR: 1&2 Head for JBR 1 or 2 for the beach and chic café life. 4 You’ll want to stop at Dubai Marina Mall for shopping. 5 Stroll along the prom and admire the
GETTING AROUND
MINA SEYAHI
MEDIA CITY
PALM JUMEIRAH
KNOWLEDGE AL SUFOUH VILLAGE
AL SUFOUH DEPOT
yachts at Dubai Marina station. 7 Mina Seyahi: Jump off here to visit the hotels, Skydive Dubai and Dubai International Marine Club. 9 Hop off at Palm Jumeirah to link to the Monorail and head to Atlantis, The Palm. VISITDUBAI.COM
95
LISTINGS
Accommodating
every need
With over 600 hotel establishments and far more in the pipeline, Dubai can truly say it welcomes guests with open arms Whether it’s a family looking to fulfill every member’s fancy; the businessman on a short or long stay; the couple wanting a romantic getaway or the group with an eye on partying, there’s a hotel that fits the bill no matter if they have deep pockets or are on a budget. And when it comes to location, there’s the choice of a city stay, a beachside resort or an eco retreat in the desert. The choice is yours. Almost every global hotel brand has a presence in this city, including of course the giants such as Hilton, InterContinental and Starwood Hotels & Resorts. In fact, Starwood has 14 properties, the second largest concentration of the company’s hotels in a single city outside of New York. These global brands join the homegrown Emaar Hotels and Resorts, which launched in 2005 with the opening of its Address properties, 96
DUBAI TOURISM GUIDE 2015
followed in 2013 by its Vida boutique hotels. Its new mid-market Rove brand will make its debut in 2015 with the opening of Rove Za’abeel. Of course, the most renowned Dubai– owned hotels belong to the Jumeirah Group, which has set the standards – not just in the region, but globally. If you love shopping, stay at one of the hotels that enjoy direct links to Dubai’s most popular malls. For beach lovers, the options are endless with a host of luxury hotels covering the entire stretch of Dubai’s shoreline. If you’ve arrived in Dubai seeking to combine business and leisure, there is a vast array of city hotels to choose from. As one of the most popular holiday hotspots in the world, catering to families, couples, groups or business travellers, there’s a hotel for everyone. Here in Dubai the customer is king and, as such, our hotels make perfect palaces.
ListiNGs
5 STAR HOTELS Al Bustan Rotana Hotel rotana.com/albustanrotana Al Ghurair Rayhaan by Rotana rotana.com/ alghurairrayhaanbyrotana
Dusit Thani Dubai dusitthanidubai.dusit.com
Le Meridien Dubai lemeridien.com
Fairmont Hotel Dubai fairmont.com/dubai
Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina lemeridien.com
Fairmont the Palm Hotel fairmont.com/palm-dubai
Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa al-maha.com
Four Seasons fourseasons.com
Al Murooj Rotana Hotel rotana.com/almuroojrotana
Grand Hyatt Dubai dubai.grand.hyatt.com
Amwaj Rotana Hotel and Resort rotana.com/amwajrotana
Grand Millennium Dubai grandmillenniumdubai.com
Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa dubai-palm.anantara.com
Grosvenor House Dubai grosvenorhouse-dubai.com
Armani Hotel Dubai armanihotels.com Asiana Hotel asianahoteldubai.com
Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa habtoorhotels.com Hilton Dubai Creek hilton.com
Atlantis, The Palm atlantisthepalm.com
Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort hilton.com/jumeirah
Auris Plaza Hotel Al Barsha auris-hotels.com
Hyatt Regency Dubai dubai.regency.hyatt.com
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa meydanhotels.com/babalshams
InterContinental Dubai Festival City intercontinental.com
Bonnington Hotel Jumeirah Lakes Tower bonningtontower.com
Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa jaresortshotels.com
Burj Al Arab burjalarab.com Conrad Dubai conraddubai.com
Jumeirah Beach Hotel jumeirah.com Jumeirah Creekside Hotel jumeirah.com
Crowne Plaza Deira crowneplaza.com
Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotels jumeirah.com
Crowne Plaza Dubai crowneplaza.com/dubai
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray jumeirahzabeelsaray.com
Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City crowneplaza.com/dubaifestival.com
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel jwmarriottmarquisdubai.com
Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa dxbmarine.com
Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates kempinski.com
Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa leroyalmeridien-dubai.com Madinat Jumeirah jumeirah.com Marriott Hotel Jaddaf marriott.com Media Rotana – Dubai rotana.com Meliá Dubai melia.com Metropolitan Palace Hotel habtoorhotels.com Millennium Plaza Hotel millenniumhotels.ae Moevenpick Hotel Bur Dubai moevenpick-burdubai.com Moevenpick Hotel Deira moevenpick-deira.com Moevenpick Hotel Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai moevenpick-dubai-ibnbattuta.com Moevenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach moevenpick-jumeirahbeach.com One & Only Royal Mirage Dubai oneandonlyresorts.com One&Only, The Palm oneandonlyresorts.com Park Hyatt Dubai dubai.park.hyatt.com Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel parkregiskriskin.com Pullman Dubai Deira City Centre pullmanhotels.com Radisson Royal Hotel radissonblu.com/royalhotel-dubai visitdubai.com
97
ListiNgs
Raffles Dubai raffles.com/dubai Rixos The Palm Dubai rixos.com Samaya Hotel Deira samayahotel.com Shangri-La Hotel Dubai shangri-la.com Sheraton Dubai Creek Towers Hotel sheraton.com/dubai Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates sheratondubaimalloftheemirates.com Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Hotel sheratonjumeirahbeach.com Sofitel Dubai Downtown Hotel sofitel.com Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach sofitel-dubai-jumeirahbeach.com Sofitel The Palm Hotel & Resort & Spa sofitel.com Taj Dubai tajhotels.com Taj Palace Hotel – Dubai tajhotels.com The Address Downtown Dubai theaddress.com The Address Dubai Mall theaddress.com The Address Dubai Marina theaddress.com The Address Montgomerie Dubai theaddress.com The H Hotel h-hotel.com The Meydan Hotel meydanhotels.com The Oberoi oberoihotels.com 98
dubai tourism guide 2015
The Palace Downtown Dubai theaddress.com The Ritz-Carlton Dubai ritzcarlton.com/dubai The Ritz-Carlton Dubai International Financial Center Hotel ritzcarlton.com/dubaiifc The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina westinminaseyahi.com Waldrof Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah waldrofastoria.com/dubaipalm
4 STAR HOTELS Abjar Grand Hotel abjargrand.ae Al Jawhara Gardens Hotel jawhara.ae
Copthorne Hotel Dubai millenniumhotels.ae/ copthornehoteldubai Coral Deira Hotel hmhhotelgroup.com/coral Cosmopolitan Hotel dubaicosmopolitan.com Courtyard by Marriott Green Community Dubai cydubaigreencommunity.com Double Tree by Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Beach dubaijumeirahbeach.doubletree.com Double Tree by Hilton Hotel & Residences Dubai doubletree3.hilton Dubai Marriott Harbor Hotel & Suites marriott.com
Al Khaleej Palace Hotel alkhaleejpalace.net
Emirates Concorde Hotel & Residence emiratesconcorde.com
Amanda Blue Bay Hotel amandabluebayhotel.com
Emirates Grand Hotel emiratesgrandhotel.com
Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa arabiancourtyard.com
Five Continents Al Barsha Hotel fivecontinents.com
Ascot Hotel ascothoteldubai.com
Flora Grand Hotel florahospitality.com
Avari Dubai Hotel avari.com
Fortune Boutique Hotel fortunegroupofhotels.com
Avenue Hotel avenuehoteldubai.com
Fortune Grand Hotel fortune-hotels.net
Boutique 7 Hotel Suites boutique7.ae
Four Points by Sheraton Bur Dubai fourpointsburdubai.com
Byblos Hotel bybloshoteldubai.com Capitol Hotel capitol-hotel.com
Four Points by Sheraton Downtown – Dubai fourpointsdowntowndubai.com
Carlton Tower Hotel carltontower.net
Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road – Dubai fourpointssheikhzayedroad.com
City Seasons Hotel cityseasonshotel.com
Gloria Hotel gloriahoteldubai.com
ListiNGs
Golden Tulip Hotel Al Barsha goldentulipalbarsha.com Grand Central Hotel grandcentralhoteldubai.com Grand Excelsior Hotel – Al Barsha grandexcelsior.ae Grand Excelsior Hotel Bur Dubai grandexcelsiorburdubai.com Grand Midwest Tower Hotel grandmidwest.com Hallmark Hotel hallmarkhotel.com Hatta Fort Hotel hattaforthotel.com Hawthorn Hotel & Suites hawthornsuitesdubai.com Hilton Dubai The Walk Hotel hilton.com Holiday Inn Al Barsha Hotel hialbarshadubai.com Holiday Inn Bur Dubai Hotel holidayinn.com/burdubai Holiday Inn Downtown holidayinn.com Hues Boutique Hotel huesboutiquehotel.com Hyatt Palace Hotel dubaialrigga.palace.hyatt.com Jumeira Rotana Hotel rotana.com/jumeirarotana JW Marriott Hotel jwmarriottdubai.com Landmark Grand Hotel landmarkhotels.net Landmark Riqqa Hotel landmarkriqqa.com Le Meridien Fairway lemeridien.com/fairway Majestic Hotel Tower Dubai dubaimajestic.com
Marco Polo Hotel marcopolohotel.net Marina Byblos Hotel marinabybloshotel.com Media One Hotel mediaonehotel.com Mercure Gold Hotel mercure-gold-hotel-dubai.com Metropolitan Deira Hotel metropolitandeira.habtoorhotels.com Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai millenniumhotels.ae/ millenniumdubai Monaco Hotel monacohoteldubai.com Montreal Hotel montrealhoteldubai.com Moscow Hotel moscowhoteldubai.com Movenpick Hotel Jumeirah Lakes Towers moevenpick.com Novotel Deira City Centre novotel.com Novotel Dubai Al Barsha novotel.com Novotel World Trade Centre novotel.com Ocean View Hotel oceanviewthewalk.com Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek radissonblu.com/hoteldubaideiracreek Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Media City radissonblu.com/hoteldubaimediacity Radisson Blu Hotel, DownTown radissonblu.com/hoteldubaidowntown Rain Tree Hotels Dubai raintreehotels.com
Ramada Chelsea Hotel Al Barsha ramadachelseadubai.com Ramada Deira Hotel ramadadeira.com Ramada Dubai Hotel ramadadubai.com Ramada Jumeirah Hotel ramadajumeirah.ae Ramada Plaza Jumeirah Beach Residence Hotel ramadaplazajbr.com Ramee Rose Hotel rameehotels.com Ramee Royal Hotel rameehotels.com Regent Palace Hotel rameehotels.com Riviera Hotel rivierahotel-dubai.com Rose Rayhaan by Rotana Hotels rotana.com/roserayhaanbyrotana Royal Ascot Hotel royalascothotel-dubai.com Sea View Hotel seaviewhoteldubai.com Sheraton Deira Hotel & Towers sheratondeiradubai.com Sun & Sky Al Rigga Hotel lotus-hospitality.com The Country Club Hotel countryclubdubai.com Time Grand Plaza Hotel timegrandplazahotel.com Time Oak Hotel & Suites timeoakhotelandsuites.com Towers Rotana Hotel rotana.com/towersrotana Traders Hotel tradershotel.com Vida Downtown Dubai vida-hotels.com visitdubai.com
99
ListiNgs
Warwick Dubai Hotel warwickhoteldubai.com
3 STAR HOTELS Admiral Plaza Hotel admiralplazahotel.com Al Khaleej Hotel alkhaleejhotel.ae Al Sarab Hotel alsarabhotel.com Ambassador Hotel astamb.com Arabian Park Hotel arabianparkhotel.com Astoria Hotel astamb.com Benta Grand Hotel bentagrandhotel.com Broadway Hotel broadwayhoteldubai.com California Hotel californiahoteldubai.com Centro Al Barsha Hotel rotana.com/centrobarsha Chelsea Plaza Hotel chelseaplazahoteldubai.com City Star Hotel citystarhotel.ae Citymax Al Barsha citymaxhotels.com Citymax Bur Dubai citymaxhotels.com Claridge Hotel claridgehoteluae.com Comfort Inn Hotel hotelcomfortinn.com Copthorne Airport Hotel Branch millenniumhotels.com Corp Executive Al Khoory Hotel, Al Wasl corp-alkhoory.com 100
dubai tourism guide 2015
Delmon Palace Hotel delmonpalace.ae Desert Palm Hotel & Resort desertpalm.ae Dream Palace Hotel dreampalacehotel.ae Dubai Grand Hotel dubaigrandhotel.ae Dubai Palm Hotel dubaipalmhotel.com Dulf Hotel dulfhotels.com Ewa Hotel ewahoteldubai.com Fortune Hotel Deira fortunegroupofhotels.com Fortune Karama Hotel fortunegroupofhotels.com Fortune Pearl Hotel fortune-hotels.net Fortune Plaza Hotel fortunegroupofhotels.com Gateway Hotel gatewayhotel.ae Grandeur Hotel grandeurhotel.com Howard Johnson Hotel hojo.com Ibis Hotel Al Barsha ibishotel.com Imperial Suites Hotel imperialsuiteshotel.com Jonrad Hotel jonradhotel.com Kings Park Hotel kingsparkhotel.com Landmark Hotel landmarkhotels.net Landmark Plaza Hotel landmarkhotels.net London Crown Hotel londoncrown.ae
London Suites Hotel londonsuiteshotel.com Lords Hotel lordsgroupofhotel.com Mayfair Hotel mayfairdubai.ae Nihal Hotel nihalhoteldubai.ae Orchid Hotel orchidhoteldubai.net Palm Beach Hotel palmbeachburdubai.com Panorama Grand Hotel grand.panoramagrouphotels.com Premier Inn Dubai International Airport premierinn.ae Premier Inn Dubai Silicon Oasis premierinn.ae Premier Inn Hotel Investment Park premierinn.ae Reflections Hotel reflectionshoteldubai.com Regal Plaza Hotel regalplazahoteldubai.net Regent Beach Resort rameehotels.com/regent-beach-resort Richmond Greens Hotel kreativhospitality.com Sadaf Delmon Hotel Al Rigga delmonhotel.ae Sadaf Hotel sadafhotel.ae Sandras Inn Hotel sandrasinndubai.com Skylight Hotel skylight-hotel.com Signature Hotel signaturehotel.com Smana Hotel Al Raffa riohoteldubai.com
LISTINGS
St. George Hotel stgeorgedubai.ae Suite Novotel Mall of the Emirates suitenovotel.com Sun & Sands Hotel sunandsanddubai.com Sun & Sand Downtown sunandsanddowntown.com Tulip Inn Hotel FZ tulipinnfzllc.com Versailles Hotel dubaiversailles.com York International Hotel yorkinternationalhoteldubai.com Zain International Hotel zaingrouphotels.com
HOTEL APARTMENTS Abidos Hotel Apartment Al Barsha abidosalbarsha.com Al Ghurair Arjaan Rotana Hotel Apartments rotana.com Al Manar Hotel Apartment almanarhotel.ae Al Murooj Rotana Suites rotana.com Al Nawras Hotel Apartments alnawrashotel.ae Arjaan Hotel Apartment, Dubai Media City rotana.com Belvedere Court Hotel Apartment belvederecourtdubai.com Burjuman Arjaan Hotel Apartments rotana.com Chelsea Gardens Hotel Apartments chelseagroupdubai.com Chelsea Tower Hotel Apartment chelseagroupdubai.com City Premiere Hotel Apartments citypremieredubai.com
City Season Suites Dubai cityseasonsgroup.com Golden Tulip Al Thanyah (Formerly Comfort Inn Hotel Apartments) comfortinnha.com Coral Boutique Villas coralboutiquevillas.com Damac Mansion The Summit Hotel Apartments damacmansion.com Deira Suites Hotel Apartment deirasuites.com Desert Rose Hotel Apartment desertrosehotel.ae Donatello Hotel Apartments donatello-hoteldubai.com Dusit Residence Dubai Marina dusit.com Emirates Concorde Hotel & Residence emiratesconcorde.com Emirates Stars Hotel Apartments emiratesstars.ae Flora Creek Hotel Apartment florahospitality.com Flora Park Hotel Apartment florahospitality.com Fraser Suites Dubai frasershospitality.com Gloria Hotels gloriahoteldubai.com Grand Belle Vue Hotel bellevue-hotels.com Grand Hyatt Residence dubai.grand.hyatt.com Grand MidWest Express Hotel Apartment grandmidwest.com Grand MidWest Tower Hotel Apartments grandmidwest.com
Intercontinental Residence Suite Dubai Festival City intercontinental.com/dubai Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah kempinski.com Lotus Grand Hotel Apartment lotus-hospitality.com Lotus Hotel Apartment & Spa, Dubai Marina lotus-hospitality.com Marina Hotel Apartment marinahotelapt.com Marina View Hotel Apartment marinaviewhotel.com Marriott Executive Apartment Dubai Creek (A) marriott.com Marriott Executive Apartment Dubai Creek (B) marriott.com Marriott Executive Apartment, Al Jadaf marriott.com Marriott Executive Apartments, Green Community meadubaigreencommunity.com Mรถvenpick Hotel Apartments The Square Dubai moevenpick-hotels.com/dubaithesqaure Oasis Beach Tower oasisbeachtower.com Park Hotel Apartments parkhotelapartments.com Pearl Coast Premier Hotel Apartment dusit.com Ramada Hotel Apartment, DownTown Burj Khalifa ramadadowntowndubai.com Royal Ascot Hotel Apartments royalascothotelaptdxb.com Savoy Crest Hotel Apartments savoydubai.com visitdubai.com
101
LISTINGS/TOUR OPERATORS
Savoy Suites Hotel Apartment savoydubai.com Somewhere Hotel Apartment somewhere-hotels.com Star Metro Deira Hotel Apartments starmetrodeira.com Taj Palace Hotel Dubai tajhotels.com Tamani Hotel Marina tamanimarina.ae The Ritz-Carlton ritzcarlton.com Wafi Residence wafi.com/wafi-residence Welcome Hotel Apartment welcomehotelapartment.com Xclusive Clover Hotel Apartments xclusivehotels.ae Xclusive Hotel Apartment xclusivehotels.ae Yasat Gloria Hotel Apartment yassatgloria.com
INBOUND TOUR OPERATORS 1001 Events Tourism LLC 1001events.com ABA Tourism LLC abatourismuae.com Abbas Bin Fernas Tourism abftourism.com ABC Tourism LLC abctoursdubai.com Adonis Tourism LLC adonistourism.com Adventure Leisure Tourism LLC altdubai.com Afridi Travels & Tourism LLC atnt.ae Akbar Travels of India LLC akbartravels.ae 102
dubai TOURISM dUbAI tourism GUIdE guide 2015
Al Aabdi Travel Services (Br of Al Aabdi Holding LLC) alaabdi.com Al Abbas Travels LLC alabbastravels.com Al Afrah Village Tourism LLC withdubai.com Al Ahli Travel & Tourist Agency alahlitravel.com Al Canari Tourism LLC ctdubai.net Al Diyafa Tourism LLC aldiyafatourism.com Al Fanar Luxury Tour LLC alfanar.ae Al Faraena Tourism LLC alfaraenatours.com Al Fares Travel & Tourism alfarestravel.com Al Futtaim Travel Co. LLC alfuttaimtravel.ae Al Ghaith & Al Moosa Travel Agency LLC alta-travel.ae Al Ghubaiba Tourism alghubaibatours.com Al Hafidh Tourism LLC alhafidhtourismllc.com Al Heelam Tours & Travel LLC alheelam.com Al Kazemi Tours LLC alkazemitours.ae Al Kazima Travel & Tourism alkazimatravel.com Al Khoor Al Aim Tourism besttoursindubai.com Al Majlis Tourism LLC almajlistourism.com Al Marjan Tourism LLC almarjantours.com Al Matroshi Travel & Tourism LLC almatroshitravels.com
Al Mouna Kariem Travel & Tourism mktraveldubai.com Al Mulla Travels & Tourism LLC almullatravels.com Al Naboodah Travel LLC alnaboodahgroup.com Al Naboodah Travel & Tourism Agencies LLC alnaboodahtravel.com Al Naeimi Tourism LLC arabianMastiTours.com Al Nakheel Tourism LLC nakheeltourism.com Al Noobi Travel Tourism LLC alnoobitravel.com Al Ostoora Tourism LLC alostoora.net Al Qadi Tourism LLC alqaditourism.com Al Qaswaa Tourism LLC alqaswaat.wix.com Al Reyami Travels & Tourism alreyamitravel.com Al Rostamani Travels Co. LLC alrostamanitravel.ae Al Rowad Tourism & Travel LLC alrowadhajj.com Al Salami Star Tourism alsalami.com Al Sayyad Abdul Rahman Travel & Tourism LLC alsayyad.ae Al Shamel Travel & Tourism LLC alshamel.com Al Tayer Travel Agency LLC altayer-travel.com Al Tayyar Travel & Tourism altayyargroup.com Aladdin Karma Tourism LLC emirati.ru
TOUR OPERATORS
Alalwan Tourism L.L.C alalwantourism.com Alhind & Middle East Travels LLC alhindonline.com Alishba Travel & Tourism LLC alishbatourstravels.yolasite.com Alkazima Travel & Tourism alkazimatravel.com Alkoas Tourism LLC alkoastourism.ae Almaouzoon Tourism almauzoon-tourism.com Almatroshi Travel & Tourism LLC almatroshitravels.com Almawared Tourism LLC almawaredtourism.com Alpha Tours LLC alphatoursdubai.com Alrafid Tourism LLC alrafidtourism.com Alrimal Alsaba Tourism LLC 7sandstravel.ae Alsan Tourism & Travel L.L.C alsantravel.com Alsarah Tourism alsarahtourism.com Altaj Alfiddi Tourism LLC altajtourism.com Amber Tourism LLC ambertourism-dubai.com Ammar Tourism LLC ammartours.com Anadia Travel & Tourism LLC anadia.ae Anasia Travel & Toursim LLC almatroshi.com Arab Link Tourism LLC arablinkdubai.com Arabesque Tourism LLC arabesquetourism.net
Arabia Horizons Tours LLC arabiahorizons.com Arabian Adventures arabian-adventures.com Arabian Connection Tourism LLC arabianconnections.com Arabian Desert Tourism arabiandeserttours.ae Arabian Destinations Tours & Travel arabaiandetinations.com Arabian Discovery Tours & Travel LLC adtdxb.com Arabian Dream Tours LLC arabiandreamtours.ae Arabian Eagle Tourism LLC arabianetourism.com Arabian Expedition Tourism LLC arabianexpedition.com Arabian Explorers Tourism LLC arabian-explorers.com Arabian Flower Tourism LLC arabianflowertourism.com Arabian Incentive arabianincentive.com Arabian Link Tourism arabianlinktours.com Arabian Nights Tours LLC arabiannightstours.com Arabian Oryx Travel & Tourism LLC aoryx.ae Arabian Team Adventures Travel & Tourism LLC arabianteamadventures.com Arabian Time Travel Tourism LLC arabiantimetraveltourism.com Arabian Tourco LLC arabiantourco.com
Argo Tours argotoursdubai.com Arooha Tourism LLC aroohatours.com Art Desert Tourism LLC artdesert.ae Aryana Vision Tourism & Travel LLC aryanavissiont.com Asayel Tourism LLC asayeltours.com Asfar Travel Agency LLC asfartrip.com Asia Middle East Tours & Travel LLC asiatravel.com Asia Pacific Travels & Tourism LLC apttdubai.com Asma Tourism LLC asmatourism.com Assil Travel & Tourism LLC assiltours.com Astera Tourism LLC asteratourism.com Atlanta Travels LLC atlantadubai.com ATS Travel LLC travelats.com Auran Tourism LLC auran.ae Avantgarde Tourism L.L.C avantgardetourism.com Avia Tourism LLC aviatoursdubai.com Avionics Travels & Holidays LLC avionicstravel.com Ayava Tours LLC ayava.ae B 6 Travel & Tourism LLC b6travelandtourism.com B C D Travel bcdtravel.ae visitdubai.com
103
TOUR OPERATORS
Baba Travel & Tourism LLC babatravel.ae
Bright Basra Tourism & Travel LLC basra-tourism.com
Baisan Travel LLC baisntravelandtourism.com
Bright Tourism LLC brighttourism.com
Barcoo Tourism LLC barcootourism.com
Bright Green Tourism LLC brightgreentourism.com
Becker International Tourism LLC beckertravel.com
Business Guide Travel & Tourism LLC businessguidetravel.com
Belhasa Global Tourism & Travel belhasaglobal.ae Best Dream Travel & Tourism LLC desertnightstourism.com Best Star Tourism LLC beststargroup.com Best Value Tourism LLC bestvalue-tours.com Bin Dasmal Travels LLC bdtravel.ae
Business Palace Travels & Tours LLC bp-travels.com Business Travel LLC btx.ae Butterfly Tourism LLC butterflytourism.ae California Tourism LLC californiatoursdxb.com
Big Bus Tours LLC bigbustours.com
Century International Travel & Tourism LLC centurytraveluae.com
Bin Sebaa Travel and Tourism and Hajj and Umrah binsebaa.ae
Cham Tour LLC chamtour-emirates.com
Bissalama Travel & Tourism LLC bissalamatravel.com
Chari Tourism LLC chari-tourism.com
Bliss Tourism LLC blisstourism.ae
China Globalwide Travel & Tourism LLC dubaitour.com
Blue Lemon Tourism LLC bluelemontour.com
China Sun Tourism LLC dubai19.com
Blue Nile Travel & Tourism LLC bluenilett.com
Citalia Tours LLC citaliatours.com
Blue Water Tourism LLC bluewatertours.ae
City Gate Travel & Tourism LLC citygatett.com
Bon Tours bontours.com
City One Tourism LLC cityonetours.com
Bonton Tours and Travels LLC bontonholidays.com
City Smart Tourism LLC citysmart.ae
Bravo Tours LLC bravotoursuae.com
City State Travels LLC citystatetravels.com
Brigade Tourism LLC brigadetourism.com
City Travel Point LLC citytravelpoint.com
104
dubai tourism guide 2015
Clear Tours LLC cleartours.ae Clover Travel & Tourism LLC clovertourism.com Colors Of Arabia Travel & Tourism LLC coatravel.com Concord Travels & Tourism cttdubai.ae Connect World Travel & Tourism LLC connectworldtours.com Cooper Tourism LLC coopertourism.com Cosmos Tours LLC cosmosbookers.com Cox & Kings Tours LLC coxandkings.ae Creative Travel & Tourism LLC creativetraveldxb.com Dadabhai Travel LLC dadabhaitravel.ae Damascus Tourism & Travel LLC damascus.travel Danat Al Khaleej Tourism LLC danatalkhaleej.ae Dana Express Travels LLC danaexpresstravels.com Darina Holidays LLC darinaholidays.ae Delta Travel & Holidays LLC delta.ae Desert Dreams Tourism LLC desertdreamtourism.com Desert Adventures Tourism LLC desertadventures.com Desert Breeze Tourism LLC desertbreezetourism.com Desert Dunes Tourism LLC ddtoursdubai.com
TOUR OPERATORS
Desert Gate Tourism LLC dubaidesertgate.com Desert Gulf Travels & Tourism LLC desert-knight.com Desert Knight Tourism LLC desert-knight.com Desert Rangers Travel & Tourism LLC desertrangers.com Desert Road Tourism LLC desertroadtours.com Desert Roads Tourism custombikestourism.com Desert Rock Tourism LLC desertrocktours.com Desert Team Tourism LLC desertteam.me Deserts Paradise Tourism LLC dpt.ae Desire Tourism LLC desiretourism.ae Development Tourism & Travel Co LLC kurbantours.com Diamond Wings Travel & Tourism LLC diamondwings.ae Diamond Horizon Tourism LLC horizontourism.com Diamond Tours LLC diamondtoursdubai.com Dirham Tours LLC setifirst.com/DirhamTours Discovery Travel & Tourism LLC discoverytravels.ae Dolmen Tourism LLC dolmentourism.ae Donvand Limited Showing (Gullivers Travel Associates) gta-travel.com
Double Decker Bus Tours LLC bigbustours.com Dragon Century Tourism LLC dctcgroup.com Dream Adventure Tourism dream-dxb.com Dream Days Tourism LLC dreamdays.ae Dream Journey Tourism LLC dreamjourney.ae Dubai for Destination Tourism LLC d4d.ae Dubai Leisure Holidays LLC dubaileisureholidays.com Dubai Link Tours LLC dubailink.ae Dubai Modern Tourism LLC alnaghigroup.com Dubai Sun & Sand Travel & Tourism LLC dubaisunandsandtravels.com Dubai Tourism & Travel Services Co. LLC dubaitravel.ae Dusk Tourism LLC dusktours.com Duvia Tourism LLC duviatourism.com East Avenue Travels & Tourism LLC eastavenuedubai.com East Europe Travel & Tourism LLC eet.ae East Line Tourism LLC eastline.com East Pearl Tourism LLC eastpearltour.com East Sands Tourism LLC eastsandstourism.com Eastbound Tourism LLC eastbound.ae
Easy Booking Tourism easyholidays.com Eclipse Tourism LLC eclipsetourism.ae Eco Travel & Tourism LLC ecotravelandtourism.com Elite Alwaha Tourism & Travel LLC elitealwahatourism.com Elite Star Tourism LLC elitedubaidesertsafari.com Emeco Tourism LLC emeco.com Emessa Travel & Tourism LLC emessatourism.com Emirates Desert Tourism LLC edt.ae Emirates Golden Wings Tours & Travel LLC emiratestravels.ae Emirates Oasis Tourism LLC emiratesoasis.net Etakar Tourism LLC etakar.com Euro Travel & Tourism eurotravelandtourism.com Excite Tourism LLC goexcitetourism.com Excursion Point Tourism LLC excrusionpoint.com Expert Travel LLC experttravel.ae Explorer Tourism LLC explorertours.ae Extreme Adventure Tourism LLC adventure-dubai.com Eye Three Tourism LLC eye3tourism.net FSN Travel & Tour LLC fsn.ae visitdubai.com
105
TOUR OPERATORS
Fairyland Tourism LLC ftctours.ae Fair Way Tourism LLC fairwaytoursuae.ae Fala Tourism & Travel LLC falatour.com Falcon Oasis Tourism LLC falconoasis.com Fardan Al Fardan Tourism LLC fardantourism.ae Fayeda Travel & Tourism LLC fayedatourism.com Flash Horizon Tourism LLC flashtour.travel Flowers Tourism LLC welttc.com For You Travel & Tourism LLC foryou.ae Forever Tourism LLC forevertourism.com Four Corners Events Tourism LLC 4corners-events.com Four Star Travels & Tourism LLC 4startravels.com Front Line Tourism LLC frontlinetourism.com Fun Tours LLC funtoursdubai.com Galaxia Tours LLC galaxiadubai.com
Global Desert Adventure Travel LLC headbooking.com Global Incentives Tourism LLC travelhtt.com Global Ocean Tourism LLC headbooking.com Global Travel & Tourism LLC planetgrouponline.com Gold Star Travel & Tourism LLC goldstartravel.ae Goldan Dreams Tourism LLC gdthotels.com Golden Dragon Tourism LLC gdtdxb.com Golden Dream Holidays LLC g-holidays.com Golden Ocean Travels LLC gotemirates.com Golden Phoenix Tourism LLC gpcodubai.com Golden Suns Tourism LLC goldensunstourism.com Golden Tourist for Travel & Tourism goldentourist.com Golden Way Tourism LLC goldenwaytourism.com Grace Tourism L.L.C grace.ae
Gaztec Tourism & Travel gaztec.com
Green Apple Travel And Tourism LLC greenappledxb.com
German Tourism germanrac.com
Green Crystal Tourism LLC gctmee.com
Gerrys Royal Holidays LLC gerrys.com
Green Image Torism LLC greenimagetourism.com
Giant Dragon Tourism LLC dubaigdt.com
Green Land Tourism LLC greenlandtourism.com
Glance Tourism & Travel glancetourism.com
Green Line Tourism LLC greenlinetourism.com
106
dubai tourism guide 2015
Green Oasis Tourism LLC dubaigot.com Green Point Tourism LLC greenpointdubai.com Green Village Tourism LLC greenvillagetourism.com Gulf Adventures Tourism LLC gulfadventures.com Gulf Circle Tours LLC gulfcircletours.com Gulf Dunes LLC gulfdunes.com Gulf Star Toursim LLC gulfstartourism.com Gulf Sun Travel & Tourism gulfsuntours.com Gulf Ventures Tourism gulfventures.com Gulf Wings Travel gulfwings.ae Halley’s Comet Tourism LLC mytrip.ae Haryard Tours LLC haryardtours.com HIS Travel & Tourism LLC his.co.jp Heaven Travel & Tourism LLC heaventravels.net High Sands Tours LLC highsandstours.com High Way Travel & Tourism LLC hwtourism.com Holiday Factory Package Tours LLC holiday-factory.com Holiday Moments Tourism LLC holidaymoments.ae Hormuz 1 Tourism LLC hormuztourism.com Hunter Tourism LLC huntertourism.net
TOUR OPERATORS
IBEX Tours & Travel LLC ibextravel.ae
Kanoo Travel LLC kanootravel.com
ITL Tourism & Travel LLC itlworldtravel.com
Kernel Tourism LLC nabatourism.com
Ideal Adventures Tours & Safaris LLC idealdubai.com
Khasab Tours khasabtours.com
Ideon Travel & Tourism LLC ideontours.com Imprator Al Sahra Tourism LLC impratoralsahra.com Incentive Connections Tourism LLC incentiveconnections.com Indopak Tourism LLC waterworldyachtrental.com Innovate Tourism LLC innovatetourism.com Innovative Tourism LLC innovativetourism.net Instant Travels & Tourism LLC instanttnt.com Jaas Tourism LLC jaastourism.com Jac Travel Tourism LLC jactravel.ae Jacob Tourism & Travel LLC jacobtravels.ae Jahan Destinations Travel & Tourism LLC jahandestinations.com Jamals Travel & Tourism LLC jamals.com Jamil Mangal Tourism & Travels LLC jamilmangaltravel.com
Khat Tourism LLC khattourism.com Kish Tourism International LLC kish-tourism.com Knight Tourism knighttours.co.ae Kohinoor Tourism LLC kohinoortours.com Laguna Tourism LLC laguna-tourism.com Lama Desert Tourism LLC lamadeserttours.com Lamar Holidays LLC lamarholidays.com Leisure Top Tourism LLC leisuretop.com Lemonde Tourism lemonde-hrn.com Liberty Tourism LLC liberty-int.com Libra Travel And Tourism LLC libratravel.com Lilas Tourism LLC lilastourism.com Limouge Tourism limouge.com
Marsh Fun Travel & Tourism LLC marshfun.com Masti Tours LLC arabianmustitours.com Mayflower Tourism LLC dubaitour.net Mazaya Tourism & Travel LLC mazayatravel.com Media Tourism & Travel LLC media-tt.com Meeting Point Tourism meetingpointuae.com Mel Tourism & Travel LLC meltourism.com Memon Tourism LLC memontourism.com Meradiva Travel & Tourism meradiva.com Milan Tours LLC milantoursdubai.com Miles Tourism & Travel LLC milestt.com Miracle Adventure Tourism LLC miracle-adventure.com Mirage Adventures Tourism LLC mirage-tours.com Mi Mi Tours LLC mimitours.com Middle East Travels and Tourism LLC mett.ae
Linda Tourism LLC lindatourism.com
Middle East Travels and Tourism LLC Br mett.ae
Joher Travels & Tourism LLC joherworld.com
Magic Tours For Tourism magictours.ae
Middle East Vision Tourism LLC mevtoursdubai.com
Jules Travel & Tourism LLC julestourism.ae
Mahfouz Tourism LLC eetglobal.com
Miracle Tourism LLC dtservices.travel
Just Travel & Tourism LLC justtoursdubai.com
Makkah Tourism Llc mktourism.com
Modern Systems Tourism LLC mstuae.com visitdubai.com
107
TOUR OPERATORS
Mohebi Aviation LLC mohebi.com Moments Travel & Tourism momentstravel.ae Mona Tourism LLC monatourismllc.com Mondial Travels LLC mondial.ae Moonlight Tours LLC moonlighttours.ae Multiline Holidays LLC cdcgruopglobal.ae Musandam Travel & Tourism LLC musandamadventures.com Namaste Travel & Tourism LLC namsatetravel.ae Naresco Travel & Tourism LLC nttdubai.ae Nasa Tourism LLC nasa-tourism.com Nashwan Tourism LLC nashwantourism.com Nasser Air Travel & Shipping Agencies LLC nasa-travel.ae Net Tours & Travels LLC nettoursuae.ae New Horizon Travel & Tours LLC newhorizontravel-dubai.com New Light Tourism LLC newlightoturism.com New Royal Travels LLC newroyaltravels.com Ninawa Tours LLC ninawatours.com Nirvana Travel & Tourism LLC nirvanatraveltourism.ae Nisha Tourism LLC nishatours.com Nishad Tourism & Travels LLC nishadtours.com 108
dubai tourism guide 2015
North Tours LLC north-tours.com
Phoenix Tour LLC phoenix-tour.com
Oasis Palm Tourism LLC opdubai.com
Pigeon Tourism LLC pigeontourism.com
Oasis Tours Operators oasistraveluae.com
Pioneer Gulf Tourism LLC pg-tours.com
Ocean Heart Tourism LLC oceanhearttourism.com
Planet Travels & Tours LLC planetgrouponline.com
Omar Tourism LLC omargroupuae.com
Platinum Heritage Tourism LLC platinum-heritage.com
Omega Travel & Tourism LLC vegas.ru
Pleasant Tourism LLC pleasent-tourism.com
Only Tourism LLC onlytourism.com
Pluto Travels LLC plutotravels.ae
Orient Tours LLC orienttours.ae
Prajval Travel & Tourism LLC prajvalgroup.com
Orient Voyage Tourism LLC orientvoyage.com
Pranav Tourism LLC pranavtourirm.com
Orion Tourism LLC oriontourism.com
Prime Budget Travel & Tourism LLC primebudgettravel.com
Orion Vision Tourism LLC oriontourism.com Oxford International Tourism LLC oxfordtourismonline.com Palmera Tours LLC balmeratours.com Pan World Travel Tourism LLC panworldtravels.com Paradisio Travel & Tourism LLC paradisiotravel.com Paramount Tours & Travel LLC dubaiparamount.com Pasha Emperor Tourism LLC pashaemperor.com Patron Travel & Tourism patrontours.com Pearl Of Arabia Tourism LLC pearlofarabia.com Pegasus International Travel & Tourism LLC pegsustourism.com
Prime Travel & Tourism LLC primetravelshop.com Princess Tourism LLC princesstourism.com Professional Tourism pro-tours.com PTT Holidays LLC pttholidays.com Pyramid Tourism LLC pyramidtourism.com Quantum Tourism LLC quantumtourism.ae Quick Tourism LLC quicktouruae.com R F K Holidays LLC rfkholidays.ae Radiance Tourism LLC radiancetourism.com Rais Hassan Saadi LLC rhsgroup.com
TOUR OPERATORS
Rasan Tourism LLC emiratesvisaexpress.com Rayaan Tourism LLC rayyantours.com Red Sand Tourism LLC redsandtourism.com Red Valley Tourism LLC redvalley.ae Reds Travel & Tourism LLC reds.ae Reddy Tourism LLC reddytourism.com Reem Style Tourism LLC hoteluae.com Regal Tourism LLC regaluae.com Reliable Dreams Tourism LLC reliabledreamstourism.com Remal Al Emarat Travel & Tourism LLC remaltour.ae Rest Beach Tourism LLC restbeach.com Retaj Tourism LLC retajtours.com Richmond Gulf Tourism richmondgulf.com Richmond Tourism LLC richmond-tourism.com Rida International Tourism & Travel LLC ridaint.ae Rimsha Travel & Tourism LLC rimshatourism.com Ritchmond Tourism Co. LLC richmond-tourism.com Riya Travel & Tourism LLC riya.travel Roses Tourism LLC rosestourism.com
Royal Adventure Travel & Tourism LLC royaladventuretourism.com Royal Arabian Tours LLC royalarabian.com Royal Eagle Tourism LLC retdubai.com Royal Gardens Tourism LLC royalgardenstourism.com Royal Gulf Tourism LLC royalgulf.info Royal Nicolas Tourism LLC royalnicolas.com Royal Palm Holidays rph-d.com Royal Park Tourism Services LLC royalpark.net Ruby Tourism LLC rubytourismdubai.com Rustar Tourism LLC rustartourism.com Saadi Travel & Tourism LLC saaditourism.com Sabco Top Tourism LLC sabco.ae Sadaf Sarv Holidays and Travel LLC sadafsarv.com Safazada Tourism L.L.C safazadatraveltours.com Samir Tourism LLC samirtourismllc.com Samsin International Travels & Tourism LLC samsintourism.com Sands Set Tourism & Travel LLC sandsset.ae Sara Tourism & Travels LLC saratourism.net Satguru Travel & Tourism LLC satgurutravel.com
Satt Tourism & Travel satt-travel.com Sea World Tourism LLC seaworldtourism.com Season Adventures Tourism LLC seasonadventures.com Seat Holidays Dubai LLC seatholidays.com Seawings LLC seawings.ae Senses Tourism LLC sensestourism.com Seven Wonders Tourism LLC 7wonderstourism.com Sharaf Travel Services LLC sharaftravel.com Sharjah Airport Travel Agency (Sata) satatravels.ae Sharp Travel & Tourism LLC sharptravels.com Shehab Travel & Tourism LLC shehabtraveltourism.com Shorelinetourism LLC shorelinetourism.com Silent Valley Tourism LLC silentvalleytourism.com Silk Road Travel & Tourism LLC silkroad.ae Silk Way Travel & Tourism LLC (Branch) swtt.com Silver Fox Tourism & Travel LLC dktourism.com Silver Line Tourism LLC silverlinetourism Silver Star Tourism LLC silverstartourism.com Silver Wing Travels LLC betterbooking.com visitdubai.com
109
TOUR OPERATORS
Sina Star Tourism LLC sinastartourism.com
Super Jet Tours LLC superjet.com
Siyana Travel & Tourism LLC siyanatours.com
Swiss Colour Tourism LLC swisscolourtourism.com
Sky Land Tourism LLC skylandtourism.com
Taban Travel & Tourism LLC tabantravel.com
Sky Max Holidays LLC skymaxholidays.com
Team Travel & Tours LLC team-travels.com
Sky World Holidays skyworld.ae
The Royal Vision Tourism LLC royalvisionco.com
Skylink Travels LLC skylinktravels.net Smart System Holidays LLC smartholidaygroup.com Sntta Emir Tours snttaemirtours.com South Travel & Tourism LLC southtravels.com Splendid Travel & Tourism LLC splendid-travel.com
Twenty Four Degrees Tourism LLC 24degrees.com Unique Tours LLC uniquetoursdubai.com Universal Holidays LLC universal-tourism.com Universal Travel & Tourism LLC universaltoursdubai.com Uranus Travel & Tours LLC uranustravel.com
The Vision Tourism thevisionme.com
Urban Tourism LLC urbantoursllc.com
Time Travel LLC timetravelme.com
Valencia Tours LLC valenciatours.ae
Tolo Travel & Tours LLC tolotravel.com
Vega Tours LLC vegatours.com
Total Holidays LLC tholidays.com
Vienna Tourism LLC viennatours-dubai.com
Travco LLC travco.com
Welcome Sky Travel and Tourism LLC desertsafaridxb.com
Stalco Travel & Tourism Agency LLC stalco.ae
Travelex Travels & Tours LLC travelex.ae
Star World Tours LLC estarholidays.com
Trident Travel LLC rhsgroup.com
Wind Rose Tourism LLC windrose.ae
Sun & Fun Tours LLC funtoursdubai.com
Triton Tourism LLC tritontourism.com
Wings Tours Gulf LLC wingsegypt.com
Sun & Sand Tourism & Travel LLC sunandsandtours.com
Turan Tourism LLC turantour.com
Yahoo Tours LLC yahootourism.com
Sun & Sky Tourism & Travel LLC sunandskytravels.com Sun City Tourism LLC suncitydubai.com Sun East Tourism LLC suneastholidays.com Sun Flower Tours LLC sunflowerdubai.com Sun Land Tourism LLC sunland.ae 110
dubai tourism guide 2015
White Sands Exotic Holidays LLC whitesandstours.ae
GRAND MILLENNIUM DUBAI MILLENNIUM AIRPORT HOTEL DUBAI
| |
MILLENNIUM PLAZA HOTEL DUBAI COPTHORNE HOTEL DUBAI
Overseas Offices
dtcm oVerseAs oFFices
❖ AustrAliA & New ZeAlANd Tel: +61 2 9956 6620 email: dtcm_aus@dubaitourism.ae
❖ JApAN Tel: +81 3 5367 5450 email: dtcm_ja@dubaitourism.ae
❖ BrAZil & south AmericA Tel: +55 11 3214 7500 email: dtcm_brazil@dubaitourism.ae
❖ middle eAst ANd AFricA reGioN Tel: +971 4 2010243 email: hoor.alkhaja@dubaitourism.ae
❖ chiNA Beijing office Tel: +86 10 59792062 email: dtcm_beijing@dubaitourism.ae chengdu office Tel: +86 28 6132 6793 email: dtcm_chengdu@dubaitourism.ae guangzhou office Tel: +86 20 87607815 email: dtcm_guangzhou@dubaitourism.ae Shanghai office Tel: +86 21 63859600 email: dtcm_shanghai@dubaitourism.ae
❖ Nordic couNtries Tel: +46 8 411 11 35 email: dtcm_sca@dubaitourism.ae
❖ FAr eAst Tel: +852 2827 5221 email: dtcm_hk@dubaitourism.ae ❖ FrANce ANd BeNeluX Tel: +33 1 44 95 85 00 email: dtcm-france@dubai.fr ❖ GermANy Tel: +49 69 71 000 20 email: dtcm_ge@dubaitourism.ae ❖ iNdiA Tel: +91 22 22828836/22828837 email: dtcm_in@dubaitourism.ae ❖ itAly Tel: +39 02 8738 8132 email: dtcm_it@dubaitourism.ae
112
dubai tourism guide 2015
❖ North AmericA Tel: +1 212 725 0707 email: dtcm_usa@dubaitourism.ae ❖ russiA, cis & BAltic stAtes Tel: +7 495 9800717 email: dtcm_cis@dubaitourism.ae ❖ kiNGdom oF sAudi ArABiA jeddah office Tel: +966 12 652 4283 email: dtcm_ksa@dubaitourism.ae Riyadh office Tel: +966 11 216 6680 email: riyadh@dubaitourism.ae ❖ southerN AFricA Tel: +27 11 702 9600 email: dtcm_sa@dubaitourism.ae ❖ switZerlANd ANd AustriA Tel: +41 031 924 75 99 email: dtcm_ch@dubaitourism.ae ❖ uk & irelANd Tel: +44 020 7321 6110 email: dtcm_uk@dubaitourism.ae