Dubai Pocket Guide 2016/17 English

Discover all that’s possible in Dubai Pocket Guide 2016/17

CONTENTS | 1

Contents 4

Welcome

4 6 7 11

General information Holiday highlights Travel facts Entering Dubai

12

Family Fun

13 14 17 17 18

Theme parks Water parks Aquariums Flight simulators Beaches and parks

20

Shopping

22 23 24 25

Mall trawl Souks Medley of markets Shopping festivals

26

gaStronomy

27 28 29 30 32 33

Emirati flavours International restaurants Homegrown restaurants Street food Celebrity restaurants Food Festivals

34

culture: art

36 Dubai’s Artmosphere 38 Dubai Opera Director of communications

Sam Dulka sdulka@dubaitourism.ae

Director of media & advertising PO Box 594, Dubai, UAE T: +971 4 282 1111 info@dubaitourism.ae dubaitourism.ae

Moza Al Youha myouha@dubaitourism.ae chief editor

Kerry Baggott kbaggott@dubaitourism.ae

2 | DUBAI POCKET GUIDE 2016/17

58

let’s dO dubai

59 Your five-day itinerary

64

getting arOund

65 Public transport options 67 Dubai Tram 68 Tour Dubai on the Metro

40

72

41 43 44 47

74 75 76 77 78 79

Culture: Heritage

Culture that captivates Mosque tours Insight into Islam Heritage through sport

48

OutdOOr esCapes

49 Great outdoors

52

events

54 Music 57 Sport

aCCOMOdatiOn

Five-star hotels Four-star hotels Three-star hotels Hotel apartments Inbound tour operators Car rentals

80

dtCM Overseas OffiCes 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. publisher: Chris Capstick senior group editor: Dean Carroll senior group editor: Guido Duken

Media One Tower Dubai Media City PO Box 2331, Dubai, UAE T: +971 4 427 3000 motivatepublishing.com connect@motivate.ae

projects Manager: Ingrid Valles senior designer: Rouf Majid general Manager production: Sunil Kumar group sales Manager: Phil Smith senior account Manager: Bireshwar Mitra

4 | DUBAI POCKET GUIDE 2016/17

INTRODUCTION | 5

Ahlan wa sahlan fi Dubai Welcome to Dubai – one of the most exhilarating cities in the world Rising up from the Arabian Desert like a glittering mirage, the modern city of Dubai has become the destination of choice for more than 14 million visitors each year.

Whether you’re coming for business or pleasure, a short visit or an extended stay, Dubai offers a wealth of sights, activities and unforgettable experiences – from lazing on its glorious beaches to scaling the world’s tallest tower. Visitors can have equal fun splashing out in the emirate’s souks and shopping malls as in its waterparks or while riding the waves of sand dunes in its beautiful desert.

Dubai has something for everyone.

BEGINNINGS The modern emirate of Dubai traces its history back to 1833, when the Maktoum family led around 800 members of the Bani Yas tribe to settle on the land at the mouth of the Dubai Creek. The Maktoums, whose descendants still rule Dubai today, recognised the strategic importance of the waterway as a natural harbour and worked

towards developing the area into a centre for fishing, pearl harvesting and, later, trade and shipping. By the turn of the 20th century, Dubai had become a flourishing port and in 1971, the emirate joined Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah and (in 1972) Ras Al Khaimah to form the United Arab Emirates.

6 | DUBAI POCKET GUIDE 2016/17

@lalit_naval

ECONOMY In 2016, Dubai International airport retained its title as the world’s busiest airport. This underlines the importance of tourism to Dubai’s economy, adding to the success of Jebel Ali Port, which ranks as one of the top container ports in the world. Oil revenues financed the initial work on these important infrastructure projects, but over the past four decades Dubai’s rulers have placed an increasing emphasis on economic diversification for the emirate’s future. Thanks to their policies, aviation, tourism, business and trade have made Dubai the global hub for commerce and tourism it is today.

HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS Whether you’re in Dubai for a brief visit or a longer stay, there are a few essential experiences all visitors should include in their ‘must-do’ list.

Burj Khalifa Look down on the city from the observation decks of the world’s tallest tower. Book tickets in advance at tickets.atthetop.ae

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.

INTRODUCTION | 7

The Dubai Fountain See the dancing fountain on Burj Lake spring to life. Musical shows take place at 1pm and 1.30pm and every half an hour from 6pm to 11.30pm. It’s free!

The souqs Haggle for silk, spices and gold, or maybe just a tourist t-shirt in the various traditional souks located on either side of Dubai Creek.

Dubai Creek Walk along the waterway where Dubai’s history first began. Explore the string of museums that flank the promenade and the former residence of the ruling Maktoum dynasty, Sheikh Saeed’s house.

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood Wander the labyrinth of lanes in this restored historic district that dates back to the 1800s. The old-style wind-tower houses are now museums, art galleries and quaint courtyard cafés.

The nearby Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi Fort is also worth a visit.

A desert safari See the sunset over the sand dunes and take a moment to marvel at the awe-inspiring desert landscape.

Savour the flavours Explore Dubai’s diverse culinary scene. Whether you want to

sample the creation of a celebrity chef or simply satisfy your hunger in a pavement cafe, you can find whatever you crave here.

Take a bird’s eye view of Dubai See Dubai from up high either by embarking on a Seawings sea plane trip, by taking a helicopter ride or by gliding over the desert in a hot air balloon. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you can skydive from 13,000ft over Palm Jumeirah – one of the top ‘drop zones’ in the world.

Aquariums See all manner of sea life at The Dubai Aquarium in The Dubai Mall or the Lost Chambers at Atlantis The Palm.

Ski Dubai Who would have thought you could go skiing and make snowballs in the desert? If the ski slopes don’t appeal you can make friends with the venue’s penguin instead.

TRAVEL FACTS Coming to Dubai? Here’s an A-Z of essential information.

Airport Dubai International connects to more than 260 destinations across six continents. It comprises three terminals and four concourses, and is Dubai’s main gateway

8 | DUBAI POCKET GUIDE 2016/17

to the world. Dubai’s second airport, Al Maktoum International at Dubai World Central (DWC) will eventually surpass Dubai International passenger capacity. dubaiairports.ae

Alcohol Alcohol is available in licensed hotels and restaurants.

Banks Most major international banks have branches in the city.

Working hours are 8am to 2pm Saturday to Thursday. ATMs are also widely available.

Business Hours Most businesses are open from 8am to 6pm, Saturday to Thursday, with Friday and Saturday being official holidays for all government departments. Embassies, consulates and government offices operate from 7:30am to 2:30pm Sunday to Thursday.

Climate A subtropical, arid climate gives Dubai clear blue skies through most of the year. Temperatures vary from season to season: January can see temperatures fall to 15°C, while July can see temperatures of 45°C or higher.

Credit Cards Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels and shopping malls.

Cruise Cruise operators call in at Dubai.

It also serves as a home port for Costa Cruises, Aida Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and TUI Cruises. Thomson Cruises will join this list during winter 2016/17. dubaicruiseterminal.com

Currency The UAE currency is the United Arab Emirates dirham, denoted by AED or 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 budget-friendly hotel apartments.

Conference, convention, meeting and banqueting facilities are available in most hotels.

Language Arabic is the official language of the UAE, but English is widely spoken.

Medical Services Dubai Health Authority (DHA) regulates all medical services in the Emirate. Rashid, Latifa and Dubai Hospitals are operated by DHA and all emergency services there are free for all. There are also private hospitals in the city.

Population 2.36 million.

THEADDRESS.COM BUSINESS TRAVEL OR WEEKEND GETAWAY

It’s all in The Address

Welcome

to The Address Hotels + Resorts. Located in the most vibrant parts of the city, The Address Hotels + Resorts is defining the global standards of luxury hospitality. From business meetings to social rendezvous. From absolute relaxation to luxurious indulgences. It’s where world-class services have been recreated to suit discerning tastes. It’s where energy surrounds you the minute you walk in. It’s chic. It’s exciting. It’s all in The Address.

DUBAI MALL | DUBAI MARINA | MONTGOMERIE DUBAI THE PALACE DOWNTOWN DUBAI OPENING SOON DOWNTOWN DUBAI | BOULEVARD DUBAI SKY VIEW DUBAI | FOUNTAIN VIEWS DUBAI

ENJOY YOUR STAY AT MARRIOTT HOTEL AL JADDAF, DUBAI AND MARRIOTT EXECUTIVE APARTMENTS AL JADDAF, DUBAI. LOCATION

10 minutes’ drive from The Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai World Trade Center and Dubai International Airport.

ACCOMMODATIONS

351 guest rooms and suites along with 128 fully furnished executive apartments (with a fully-equipped kitchen and relaxation area).

RECREATION & LEISURE

• Saray Spa, traditional Middle Eastern treatments • Health club, children’s pool and whirlpool

RESTAURANTS & LOUNGES

• The Market Place, International buffet (all day dining) • Merletto, authentic Italian cuisine • Scots American Grill, steakhouse • Shanghai30, stylish social bar and lounge • Aqua Chill, poolside relaxation and al fresco dining ATTRACTIONS

Many famous landmarks, including Burj Khalifa, Jumeirah Beach, Dubai Creek, and the Gold Souq are just a short distance from our doorstep - and we offer a free shuttle service to Dubai Mall.

MARRIOTT HOTEL AL JADDAF, DUBAI MARRIOTT EXECUTIVE APARTMENTS AL JADDAF, DUBAI Oud Metha Road, Al Jaddaf Area, Dubai, UAE T. 971.4.317.7777, F. 971.4.317.7778 mhrs.dxbmh.ays@marriotthotels.com l dubaimarriottaljaddaf.com dubaimarriottaljaddaf.com l meadubaialjaddaf.com

INTRODUCTION | 11

Ramadan Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and commences upon the sighting of the crescent Moon. In 2016, Ramadan is expected to start on 6 June. In 2017 it will commence around 27 May. Religion Islam is the official religion of the UAE, but the practice of other faiths is tolerated and accepted.

Shopping Malls: 10am – midnight Sunday to Wednesday, 10am to 1am Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Independent retail outlets: 10am to 1pm and 4pm to 10pm Saturday to Wednesday, 4pm – midnight Friday.

Telecommunications Telecom services are provided exclusively by Etisalat and du.

Direct dialling is available to most countries. The country code for the UAE is +971 and 04 for Dubai.

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 using a UK-style three-pin plug.

US appliances may require a transformer.

EntErIng DubaI nationals of the following 45 countries and territories (including all Eu member countries) who are holders of normal passports are eligible to obtain a uaE visa on arrival, valid for 30 days. an extension is possible for an additional fee.

Visas for citizens of countries not listed here should apply for visas at the UAE Embassy nearest to them and follow the criteria stated.

All EU member countries all Eu citizens

Malaysia

andorra

Monaco

australia

new Zealand

brunei

norway

Canada

San Marino

Vatican

Singapore

Hong Kong

South Korea

Japan

Switzerland

Liechtenstein

united States

Nationals of the following countries may enter the UAE without a visa bahrain

Saudi arabia

Kuwait

Qatar

Oman

Visa Fees For details refer to: mofa.gov.ae

12 | DUBAI POCKET GUIDE 2016/17

FAMILY FUN | 13

Family Fun Dubai is a city that appeals equally to old and young alike, making it a perfect family holiday destination Family is incredibly important in UAE culture. Reflecting this, a wide range of Dubai’s leisure activities are designed to appeal to all ages and to suit family needs, from the simple fun of a relaxing trip to the beach and opportunities to meet penguins or dolphins, for young children, to skiing and theme parks for older children and teens. You can forge family memories that will last a lifetime as you make a splash in Dubai’s world-renowned waterparks or slip in a quick ice-skating session and trip to the aquarium before a visit to a multi-screen cinema, often all under the same roof! And remember to leave plenty of room for food – wherever you go on your family adventure there is bound to be enough edible choices to ensure even the fussiest eaters can find something to tempt their taste buds.

Here’s our pick of just a few of the city’s most popular family fun spots.

THEME PARKS KidZania Located within The Dubai Mall, this 80,000ft 2 re-creation of a city, scaled down two-thirds in height, gives children between the ages of four and 16 the chance to play at being adults and try out countless careers through more than 80 different role-playing activities. Walk down the paved streets to

more than 60 different themed locations, including a hospital, fire station, beauty salon, bank and television station.

With potential jobs ranging from police officer to dentist, journalist to cook, KidZania Dubai allows kids to explore what they might want to be when they grow up. kidzania.ae

14 | DUBAI POCKET GUIDE 2016/17

Sega Republic Also in The Dubai Mall, SEGA Republic is a massive indoor theme park, not for the fainthearted, complete with 14 big rides and more than 170 of the latest amusement, arcade, video and redemption games. Brave the Xyclone, the fast and furious mechanical tornado that rotates you 360 degrees at high speeds and attempt to navigate through the Lazeraze, an innovative laser maze. segarepublic.com

Ski Dubai Located in the heart of the Mall of the Emirates, Ski Dubai is the Middle East’s first indoor ski resort.

This wintery theme park features a whole mountain resort, complete with five ski runs that vary in difficulty, height and gradient, an alpine café, and even a colony of penguins! There are plenty of attractions for non-skiers too, ranging from the Snow Bullet, an indoor zip line suspended some 16m above the ground, to toboggan slopes and tube rides, but the main attraction is the snow itself, best enjoyed in the Snow Park. skidxb.com

WATER PARKS Aquaventure Daredevils love this thrilling waterpark at Atlantis The Palm.

The Poseidon’s Revenge slide

involves standing in a cubicle until the floor disappears from beneath your feet, leaving you to plummet down a waterslide at break-neck speed! Then there are the Slitherines – dual suspended waterslides-within-a-waterslide, and the Atlantean Flyers – a zip line mounted on a waterslide tower that is the longest of its kind in the Middle East. atlantisthepalm.com

Wild Wadi Located in the shadow of the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel, Wild Wadi is Dubai’s original waterpark. With more than 30 rides, highlights include the surfing simulators, as well as the Jumeirah Sceirah – two tandem slides that plummet brave riders down 120m at a hair-raising speed of 80km/h. There’s also a fun area with gentler attractions for families with smaller children. wildwadi.com

Dolphin Bay Living up to its marine theme in every way possible, Atlantis The Palm has one of the most sophisticated dolphin habitats in the world. Visitors can choose between shallow or deep-water encounters with these adorable aquatic mammals. Whether you choose to swim with them or opt for the signature belly ride, this is an experience you won’t forget. atlantisthepalm.com

FAMILY FUN | 17

Arabian Water Park Moored off the coast at Jumeirah Beach Residence is a giant inflatable water park – the biggest of its kind in the world – comprising two trampolines, two giant climbing walls, several slides, a running wall, a rope swing and numerous other obstacles to challenge even the loosest-limbed. arabianwaterparks.com

AQUARIUMS Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo Taking pride of place in The Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium is home to more than 70 species of marine life that glide gracefully around the vibrant reef in a tank that contains a whopping 10 million litres of water. Those eager for a closer look can take a slow stroll through the 48m walk-through tunnel. thedubaiaquarium.com

The Lost Chambers Atlantis The Palm hosts an impressive aquarium complex of its own with over 65,000 marine animals. Gaze at the wonders of the deep through the aquarium’s floor-to-ceiling glass tunnels.

Visitors can feed some of the fish, while more adventurous can enjoy a close encounter with some of the aquarium’s inhabitants in the ‘touch tank‘. atlantisthepalm.com

FLIGHT SIMULATORS Emirates A380 Experience Many tourists come to the UAE on an A380 Emirates jet, but to find out what it is like to fly one of these massive aircraft for yourself you need to head to The Dubai Mall.

Guided by an experienced trainer, visitors can select their destination, the time of day, and even the weather as they take the plane for a virtual spin. emiratesa380experience.com

iFLY Located in Mirdif City Centre mall, iFly is an indoor skydiving centre that allows people to experience the thrill of free fall while suspended just 4m above the ground on a cushion of air in a vertical wind tunnel. It’s safe for kids, challenging for adults and exciting enough to appeal to teens. theplaymania.com/ifly

DID YOU KNOW? Aside from all its fish, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo has two other star attractions: a pair of massive Australian Saltwater Crocodiles dubbed King and Queen Croc. King Croc is already over 5m in length and weighs 750kg but is expected to grow even bigger!

18 | DUBAI POCKET GUIDE 2016/17

BEACHES AND PARKS The Walk at JBR The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence is a promenade that runs close to the beach and is lined with restaurants, boutiques, markets, hotels and The Beach mall. Buzzing with life, this area is always busy.

Kite Beach While this stretch of coast is hugely popular with kite surfers – as the name implies – it’s also a major draw for soccer players, volleyballers and kayakers.

Several watersport schools are located along this sunkissed stretch of sand which is also skirted by cafés, children’s Trampoline Parks Located in the Al Quoz district, BounCe bills itself as the world’s largest trampoline playground, and boasts more than 100 interconnected trampolines all housed within a huge warehouse.

Whether you prefer playful tramp games such as dodgeball or just jumping around in the Free Jump arena – Bounce has the trampolines for you. bounce.ae While not yet open at time of press, the Dubai franchise of the popular New Zealand trampoline

playparks and the ever busy Jumeirah corniche.

Jumeirah Corniche The 14km corniche, which extends from the Dubai Marine Beach Resort all the way to the Burj Al Arab, runs alongside park brand FlIP ouT promises to offer an alternative Al Quoz venue for those wanting to get a jump on Dubai’s growing trampoline craze. facebook.com/flipoutdubai Located near Mirdif City Centre Mall, JumP Boxx offers a decidedly different approach to trampolining with its own Fit Boxx trampoline exercise classes and nightclubstyle trampoline evenings held under the Jump Boxx Beatz banner. Get down to the music and challenge jumpers to leap in synch with the rhythm. jump-boxx.com

FAMILY FUN | 19

Jumeirah Beach and is the longest of its kind in Dubai. The walkway and jogging track are key draws for fitness enthusiasts.

Dubai Creek park Located in the heart of the city along the bank of Dubai Creek, this sprawling and wellmaintained park has all the usual facilities as well as a cable car, the edutainment centre Children’s City and the exciting Dubai Dolphinarium.

Zabeel park Located between Al Karama and Dubai World Trade Centre, this technology-themed park has a boating lake, mini ice rink, adventure playgrounds,

an amphitheatre, jogging track, cricket and football pitches plus refreshment shacks and a café.

Al mamzar Beach park A winning beach and park combination, Al Mamzar is a popular weekend favourite with both residents and tourists.

The beach was awarded blue flag status in 2013 and all five of its beaches have sheltered areas with changing rooms and showers. You can even rent a chalet on a daily basis. Other facilities include barbecue areas, swimming pools, sun loungers and cafés. On Mondays and Wednesdays the beaches are reserved for women and children only.

Ice Rinks Learn to skate, play ice hockey or simply catch up with friends at ice rinks at The Dubai Mall, Al Nasr Leisureland and the Hyatt Regency Galleria. All three venues have instructors and skating gear available to hire. dubaiicerink.com; alnasrll.com; dubai.regency.hyatt.com Cinemas Enjoy plush reclining chairs and food or drink delivered directly to your seat. VOX, Reel and Novo Cinemas are the main cinema operators in Dubai. voxcinemas.com; reelcinemas.ae; novocinemas.com

DID YOu KNOW? The 80,000ft 2 Dubai Miracle Garden has more than 45 million flowers and has even been awarded a Guinness World Records certificate for being the largest vertical garden on earth? dubaimiraclegarden.com

20 | DUBAI POCKET GUIDE 2016/17

SHOPPING | 21

Total Shopping Whether in the malls, markets or souks, shopping takes on a whole new meaning in this city In Dubai, shopping is much more than a simple necessity – it’s a way of life, a national pastime and a lens through which you can soak in the UAE’s culture.

With close to 100 shopping malls (including the world’s largest – The Dubai Mall), Dubai is a shopper’s paradise featuring everthing from leading international fashion retailers Galeries Lafayette, Harvey Nichols and Bloomingdale’s through to a healthy collection of local boutiques and labels on to the world’s leading luxury brands. And no shopping experience in the emirate is complete without a trip to the city’s traditional souks and bazaars.

These vibrant covered markets come alive in the evening with throngs of shoppers bargaining over textiles, spices, dates and dazzling displays of gold. For homemade produce there is a selection of local markets selling quirky trinkets and accessories created by the artisans of the emirates. Whatever you want to buy, you can get it in Dubai.

22 | DUBAI POCKET GUIDE 2016/17

MALL TRAWL With so many malls and shopping centres in the emirate, even serious shopaholics can feel a little overwhelmed, so here’s our pick of a few retail destinations to help you get started:

The Dubai Mall The world’s biggest shopping mall is a massive entertainment and leisure complex that heaves with retailers, restaurants and tourist attractions. Galeries Lafayette and Bloomingdale’s serve as two of its main anchor stores, while luxury brand outlets include Alexander McQueen, Louis Vuitton, Versace, Gucci and Chanel. Added to this there is the Dubai Waterfall, SEGA Republic, the Dubai Ice Rink, The Dubai Fountain and Reel Cinemas. thedubaimall.com

Mall Of The Emirates Recently renovated, the Mall of the Emirates is home to 80 internationally renowned luxury labels and designer brand outlets including Bottega Veneta, Breitling, Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Michael Kors, Prada and Ralph Lauren, all grouped together in an exclusive area dubbed the Fashion Dome and Via Rodeo. In addition to some of the finest international high-street retailers, new stores that have recently been added include both

the first Abercrombie and Fitch store and the first Apple store in Dubai. The mall also houses Ski Dubai and DUCTAC, a major hub for Dubai’s performing and creative arts scene. malloftheemirates.com

The Beach Located on the seafront at Jumeirah Beach Residence, this al fresco collection of shops, markets and eateries allows you to mix sun, sea, sand and shopping. Top stores include Designer’s Club, Hamac, L’Occitane and Patrizia Pepe. thebeach.ae

Ibn Batutta Named after the famous Arab explorer, this shopping facility feels like a cross between a mall and museum. It is divided into six sections, each heavily themed after the regions Battuta visited: China, India, Persia, Egypt, Tunisia and Andalusia. Retailers include Debenhams, H&M and Next. 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, but with over 300 stores you can buy anything here.

Entertainment options include the Magic Planet amusement centre and VOX Cinemas. citycentredeira.com

SHOPPING | 23

Dubai Festival City Mall The mall is located on the banks of Dubai Creek. After browsing through the various stores you can enjoy the picturesque waterfront and views of the city’s skyline. festivalcentre.com

City Walk Located on Al Safa Street in the Al Wasl area of Dubai, City Walk is a combination of shaded outdoor shopping, residential, and entertainment venues with a more communal vibe than most malls. citywalk.ae

Mirdif City Centre Mall The mall is large in size and has a shopping directory that includes international retailers as Crate and Barrel, Hamley’s and Pottery Barn and it feels more like a community leisure complex. Its amusement options include the indoor skydiving venue iFly Dubai, Soccer Circus, Aquaplay and Little Explorers. citycentremirdif.com

SOUkS For a more traditional Arabian shopping excursion, head to any of the emirate’s exotic souks, which stock everything from succulent dates, aromatic herbs and spices, and reels of silk to dallahs (Arab coffee pots). Tourists are sure to find the perfect Arabian souvenir here.

The Spice Souk The Spice Souk is located facing the water on the Deira side of Dubai Creek. Enter its labyrinth of narrow lanes 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 and frankincense are just some of the commodities on offer.

The Deira Gold Souk Located on the Deira side of the Creek, just a short walk from the Spice Souk, the Gold Souk is the largest market in the world for the

BoxPark BoxPark is an urban high-concept open-air shopping district that offers visitors a literal breath of fresh air in comparison to the many indoor malls. All the stores are designed out of shipping containers, and the retail brands inhabiting them are equally quirky – Liv is the Middle East’s first cycling store aimed at female riders.

Stylish German brand Rundholz and Finnish fashion house Marimekko are two of the other stores. boxpark.ae

24 | DUBAI POCKET GUIDE 2016/17

precious metal, selling jewellery in various designs. More than 300 shops are crammed into the covered market, each one dripping with gold, silver, platinum and precious stones. Approximately 10 tonnes of gold is present at the souk at any given time.

The Textile Souk Located on the Bur Dubai side of the Creek, the Textile Souk is the perfect place to find material.

Silks, satins, voiles and velvets can be found in every hue.

Modern-Day Souks Next to The Dubai Fountains and in the shadow of the Burj Khalifa, Souk Al Bahar in Downtown Dubai is a majestic bazaar brimming with handicrafts, perfumes, carpets and Arabic coffee shops and restaurants. Souk Khan Murjan at Wafi Mall draws inspiration from 14th-century Egypt, Syria, Turkey and Morocco, not just for its interiors but also for its wares. Located between the Al Qasr and Mina A’Salam Jumeirah hotels, the Madinat Jumeirah Souk also captures the spirit of the Arabian markets of the past.

MEDLEY OF MARKETS Away from malls and souks, Dubai’s many markets attract shoppers looking for something a little different.

Global Village Located off the Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Road (E311), Global Village is a seasonal grand market and leisure complex with a strongly international theme. Open only in the cooler months from October to April, its 37 lavish pavilions feature products from a range of countries across the world. Global Village is a great place to experience captivating shows, lively parades and lavish spreads of exotic foods. globalvillage.ae

Karama If you are looking for inexpensive everyday goods, the vendors at the Karama Complex have got you covered. Everything from purses and handbags to watches and pashminas can be bought here.

Satwa If custom-made clothing is your thing, you should visit the skilful tailors in Satwa. They can replicate garments from photos in magazines at reasonable prices. Buy your fabrics from the textile souk or from the shops on Diyafah Street.

Meena Bazaar Meena Bazaar in Bur Dubai is reminiscent of an upscale Indian market. First-time visitors might be overwhelmed by the options available but friendly vendors are always around to lend a helping hand.

SHOPPING | 25

SHOPPING FESTIVALS In addition to the many malls and markets, the emirate hosts a variety of shopping festivals throughout the year and here is our pick of the top two.

Dubai Shopping Festival Held each January, the annual Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) sees prices slashed within thousands of shops across Dubai, as well as some truly massive prizes awarded to lucky shoppers. Previous prizes have included Lamborghini, Bentley and Infiniti cars, apartments, gold and even cash!

The festival atmosphere frequently spills out of the shops and into other associated events, including outdoor theatre performances and a variety of family shows.

the kids entertained. Malls offer price discounts throughout the season, but the focus of the event is Modhesh, the festival’s adorable yellow mascot. Modhesh can be spotted at malls and parades all over the city, but his home is Modhesh World, a temporary fun fair of rides, shows and entertainment that takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 25 June to 27 August 2016. summerisdubai.com

mydsf.ae

Dubai Summer Surprises The fun factor raises each summer thanks to the popular Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS).

Coinciding with the annual summer schools vacation in the city, DSS is aimed at keeping Ripe Markets For those that like their produce fresh, organic and locally produced there are the Ripe Food & Craft Markets, held in Zabeel Park and Al Barsha Pond Park

DID YOU KNOW? The best way to cross Dubai Creek is by abra – the original wooden boats that taxi people over the water. Many visitors consider this Dhs1 ride to be a real Dubai highlight. during the winter months. Pick your choice of fruit, veg and a variety of other items from the stalls of the specially approved local organic farmers and vendors. ripeme.com/ripe-market

26 | DUBAI POCKET GUIDE 2016/17

GASTRONOMY | 27

Neat Eats From fine dining at world-class restaurants to tasty treats at roadside shacks, Dubai’s eateries are as cosmopolitan as the city itself Whatever your fancy, Dubai is ready to take your order. Set out on a culinary journey around the world one plate at a time.

The city’s many restaurants regularly serve up treats from countries as diverse as India and Peru and as distant as France and Australia with every flavour in between. An increasing number of celebrity chefs are choosing Dubai as a venue for their latest ventures, seeking to wow discerning diners with their culinary know-how.

And outside of these super chefs, a wide variety of Dubai-based entrepreneurs have followed their varied tastes to launch their own restaurant and café concepts.

But before you get too full, remember to leave room to try some traditional local dishes as well.

EMIRATI FLAVOURS Among the numerous restaurants around town that serve Emirati fare, these are the spots stand out.

classic menu that includes various samak makli (fried fish) and biriyani dishes. alfanarrestaurant.com

Al Fanar With its kitsch and quirky décor that transports you to a desert oasis – Al Fanar’s Festival City and Jumeirah locations serve up a

Local House Set within a traditional wind-tower house in the historic Al Fahidi neighbourhood, Local House is

28 | DUBAI POCKET GUIDE 2016/17

the perfect setting to sample true Emirati flavours, including a variety of camel-meat dishes.

INTERNATIONAL RESTAURANTS

localhousedubai.com

With so many nationalities to cater for, it’s easy to ‘dine around the world’ in Dubai.

Al Barza Serving a variety of traditional Emirati dishes from its Jumeirah location, it’s the morning menu that is the standout here. The balaleet (sweet vermicelli), a popular Emirati breakfast, is not to be missed. +971 4 343 5910

Seven Sands Go for the set menu for a taste of contemporary Emirati fusion dishes, including beetroot hummus and stuffed chicken breast ‘mashwai,’ grilled, at this seaside favourite. sevensandsrestaurant.com

Mama Tani Mama Tani describes its menu as providing Emirati soul food, and they are not wrong. Here you can sample fresh khameer breads stuffed with all manner of sweet, or savoury fillings.

Novikov This Russian restaurant located at the Sheraton Grand hotel offers a truly pan-Asian menu with a particular accent on Chinese and Japanese cuisine. Make sure you try the Wagyu tacos for an amazing taste sensation. novikov-dubai.com

Hoi An Hoi An draws on the experience of its Vietnamese serving staff and chefs to bring an authentic taste of Southeast Asia to the ShangriLa Hotel Dubai. Try the chef’s signature Bò Xào Tiêu main course and the banana pancake with fruit salsa and ice-cream – an upscale version of the popular Vietnamese street dish. +971 4 405 2703

Logma Specialising in“khaleeji treats”, Logma provides lighter bites with an Emirati flavour. Try the lugaimat (sweet dumplings) if you like a sweeter snack.

Garden Located in the JW Marriott Marquis hotel, Garden specialises in Peruvian fare served on weathered wood tables in a relaxed casual environment. Serious foodies should check out the eight course Flavours of Peru set-menu, served on Sundays from 7pm to midnight.

logma.ae

+971 56 224 0956

mamatani.com

GASTRONOMY | 29

HOMEGROWN RESTAURANTS Following their own food passions, many Dubai residents have set up their own restaurants in the emirate over the years with menus you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

in baked goods, coffee and all manner of breakfasts alongside a more extensive all-day menu.

Simple hearty cooking using locally-sourced produce is the focus here. The eggs benedict is a particular specialty. hamptonsdubai.com

Tom & Serg Based in Al Quoz, Tom & Serg’s deli-style menu, which includes such tasty treats as lamb and quinoa salad and a range of sandwiches – is perfect for a leisurely lunch. 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 a great venue for catching up with friends over crab cakes, salmon roses and pumpkin cinnamon soup. thefarmdubai.com

The Hamptons Located on Jumeirah Beach Road, the Hamptons specialises

Comptoir 102 Housed in an elegant villa on Jumeirah Beach Road, Comptoir 102 is a cross between a Zen garden and pleasant beachside home. The menu is updated regularly and most options are gluten and dairy-free. comptoir102.com

Aprons And Hammers Living up to its name, this seafood restaurant encourages diners to don an apron and crack, smash and munch their way through buckets of fresh crab, shrimp and lobster. Ideal for anyone who was told not to play with their food as a child. apronsandhammers.com

30 | DUBAI POCKET GUIDE 2016/17

STREET FOOD The surroundings may not be fivestar, 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 is frequently voted the best in the city. The fried pomfret, chilli prawns and marinated hammour (a local fish favourite) have drawn a devoted following for more than two decades.

Service starts at around 7pm but the queues start much earlier.

Bu Qtair does not take telephone bookings, so first come, first served! +971 55 705 2130

Ravi Restaurant Located in Dubai’s Satwa district, 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 for an unforgetable experience. +971 4 331 5353

Moti Roti Moti Roti specialises in Pakistani soul food, particularly freshlybaked Pakistani flatbreads with

home-style curry fillings and chutney toppings. The Moti Roti food kiosks pop-up at various spots around the city, so check their website for locations. motiroti.me

Salt Dubai’s first food truck has proven quite a hit serving its menu of chicken or wagyu beef sliders, fries and lemonade or milkshakes.

Like all food trucks, its mobile, but Kite Beach is a favourite haunt. #Findsalt

Gobai Another food truck, Gobai focuses on bringing Goan cuisine to all areas of Dubai. Keep up with its social media accounts to see where this mobile eatery is scheduled to stop next. facebook.com/gobaifoodtruck

GETAWAY

for a moment,

STAY FOR A WHILE

Your Getaway is around the corner!

Treat yourself and your loved ones to a fun holiday at any of our breathtaking resorts. Enjoy delicious food, exciting activities and much much more. From Dubai to Seychelles and Maldives, there’s an experience, adventure and memory that’s waiting to be made!

For bookings or more information, please call +971 4 814 5500 or email reservations@jaresorts.com jaresortshotels.com

/JAresortshotels

@JAresorts

Getaways for the real you

@JAresorts

32 | DUBAI POCKET GUIDE 2016/17

CELEBRITY RESTAURANTS Numerous international celebrity chefs have opened eateries in Dubai in recent years and this is our pick of some of the finest.

Jean-Georges Vongerichten The US-based French chef Jean Georges Vongerichten has made a big impact on the Dubai restaurant scene, opening two Jean-Georges venues at the Four Seasons Resort at Jumeirah Beach. The JG Dining Room offers fine dining while the adjacent JG Kitchen offers a more casual experience. jean-georges-dubai.com

Gordon Ramsay British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay returned to Dubai in late 2015 after an absence of four years with a new restaurant, the Bread Street Kitchen and Bar based in Atlantis The Palm. The focus is on accessible modern-European style cuisine in an informal, fun and inclusive atmosphere. atlantisthepalm.com

Jason Atherton Another British cuisinier, Jason Atherton is also no stranger to Dubai. He was the executive chef at Gordon Ramsay’s first Dubai venture, Verre. He returns to the city with the Marina Social at the InterContinental Dubai Marina, a restaurant that focuses on the social side of eating. The tomato and burrata is the dish to try first. marinasocialdubai.com

Atul Kochhar Star Indian chef Atul Kochhar’s restaurant Rang Mahal brings his own take on modern Indian cuisine to the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai. The highlight here is the special Navratan menu of nine exclusive signature dishes, served from 6pm to 9pm daily. jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com

GASTRONOMY | 33

FryiNg PaN aDveNTures While Dubai’s glitzy hotels can be fun, Frying Pan Adventures seeks to take the more intrepid diner on a guided tour through Dubai’s backstreets to discover the city’s hidden restaurant gems and to sample their culinary treasures.

These eateries tell their own secret history of the waves of expats from across the globe who settled in the city over the years and set up restaurants. Tours are booked in advance and group sizes are limited to what each venue can comfortably accommodate. Walking time varies from tour to tour, but typically cover less than 2km. A particular highlight for seafood enthusiasts is the tour of the old fish market guided by an

ex-fisherman with an eye for the freshest catches. His haggling skills will impress the keenest bargain hunter and whatever he selects will be served up for your lunch. Be aware that this tour sets out early, around 8am, when the fish first hits the dock. fryingpanadventures.com

FOOD FESTIVALS Following the huge success of its inaugural event in 2014, the Dubai Food Festival has swiftly become a firm fixture on the city’s calendar. The event celebrates the wide range of fare available in the city and sees a month-long schedule packed full of foodie festivities. Highlights include a popup canteen on Kite Beach, which sees local restaurants setting up shop and serving on the sand, masterclasses and special dining offers across the city.

dubaifoodfestival.com Taste of Dubai

The annual Taste of Dubai festival, a three-day extravaganza of music and food, turns 10 in 2017. Like the Dubai Food Festival, it features a variety of cooking demonstrations and masterclasses and plenty of choice chow to munch on as you sit back and listen to music from prominent international music acts.

dubaifoodfestival.com

DID YOU KNOW? A record total of 27,037 visitors ate their fill at the Taste of Dubai 2016.

34 | DUBAI POCKET GUIDE 2016/17

CULTURE ART | 35

Embracing the Arts Dubai has developed a reputation as the cultural capital of the Middle East in recent years and its arts, film and literature festivals regularly bring prestigious guests from around the globe to the region With its growing number of galleries featuring the works of both emerging and established artists from the Gulf region and the wider art world, there can be little doubt that Dubai’s arts scene is thriving.

Nowhere is its popularity more apparent than at Dubai’s numerous major arts events such as the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, the Dubai International Film Festival and Dubai Arts season, each of which regularly draws in large crowds.

Dubai also has one of the most active theatre scenes in the region, with orchestras as well as theatre and ballet companies crossing continents to perform everything from classical concerts to pantomimes in the emirate.

Furthermore, 2016 sees the much-anticipated inauguration of the Dubai Opera, which commences its opening season with a live performance by the acclaimed Spanish tenor PlĂĄcido Domingo.

36 | DUBAI POCKET GUIDE 2016/17

DUBAI’S ARTMOSPHERE Whether it’s art, films, books, music or theatre you crave, you can find it all in Dubai.

Dubai Art Season Organised by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the Dubai Art Season is an annual month-long umbrella festival that usually runs during March or April. Over the years it’s grown to include all manner of arts events, from Middle East Film and Comic Con to Design Days Dubai and Art Dubai.

The annual Sikka Art Fair, held within Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, is more tightly focused on artistic talent from the UAE and the Gulf region. As its title suggests, the Middle East Film and Comic Con is far more eclectic, drawing the stars from the world of film, TV and videogames. dubaiculture.ae

Al Quoz Industrial Estate The Al Quoz Industrial Estate has undergone something of a transformation in recent years as some of its warehouses have been converted to serve as gallery, studio and performance spaces.

The area now hosts one of the most happening art hubs in the Gulf and is home to more than 100 art galleries, with Alserkal Avenue acting as a particularly prominent arts hotspot. Notable galleries

and art spaces here include the Courtyard, The Mine, the Cartoon Art Gallery and the jamjar. courtyard-uae.com; themine.ae cartoonartgallery.org thejamjardubai.com

Alserkal Avenue Situated in the heart of the Al Quoz Industrial Estate, Alserkal Avenue has grown to become one of the city’s prime cultural addresses. A cul-de-sac of galleries, studios and theatre spaces, each promotes its own individual artistic programme.

Notable residents include 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 incorporates an alternative arts space called Satellite, which serves as a platform for artists in residence. alserkalavenue.ae

CULTURE ART | 37

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) DIFC may be the city’s hub for banking and finance, but it is also home to nearly a dozen art spaces that represent the city’s commercial art scene. The galleries are located in the Gate Village, a complex connected to the DIFC and include Christie’s Dubai, Cuadro, Art Sawa, Ajyad Hunar and the Opera Gallery. The centre also engages with the wider community through regular Art Nights – events that combine art, music, film and design. Don’t miss out on the official DIFC Gate Village Art Gallery Walking Tour, which guides visitors around the galleries’ most prized possessions. difc.ae

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood While it is best known for its history, the Al Fahidi neighbourhood is also a focus for modern regional culture. Al Fahidi hosts frequent artistic events, including

the renowned Sikka Art Fair, which spotlights the best art talent in the Gulf. The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has its headquarters in one of the large courtyard houses, while some of the other traditional wind-tower buildings are home to the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, the Tashkeel (a studio, exhibition space and art gallery rolled into one) and Dubai’s oldest art space, the Majlis Gallery.

DUCTAC Located in the Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre (DUCTAC) is the city’s premier community and performing arts centre. Alongside gallery exhibitions, it offers a packed programme of theatre productions, dance demonstrations and workshops. The Centrepoint Theatre stages many international touring shows while the Gallery of Light promotes more experimental performances. The centre also runs a number of courses. ductac.org

Madinat Theatre Located in the heart of the Souk Madinat, Madinat Theatre is Dubai’s first purpose-built playhouse.

Designed to resemble an ancient Arab citadel, the regal venue has hosted some of the world’s bestloved performers and shows. madinattheatre.com

38 | DUBAI POCKET GUIDE 2016/17

Emirates Airline Festival Of Literature Launched in 2009, the Lit Fest (as it is known locally) is a celebration of the written word in all its various forms. Held each March, this annual event regularly attracts over 30,000 visitors and brings together writers, poets, journalists and book lovers under its roof.

This is a great chance to meet your favourite authors, attend literary debates and listen to readings. emirateslitfest.com

Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) This is the Middle East’s premier international film festival, and for film fans it’s the chance both to rub shoulders with award-winning filmmakers, producers and actors, and watch some great movies.

The programme of film screenings encompasses full features, short films and documentaries spanning the full range of genres from the Arab world, Hollywood, Bollywood and beyond. Recent years have also seen an increasing number of films made in the UAE. dubaifilmfest.com

DID YOU KNOW? Dubai aims to make buying art accessible and affordable. After a successful launch in 2015, World Art Dubai returned in 2016 and looks set to become an annual fixture in the Dubai events calendar.

OPENING SEASON OF ThE DUBAI OPErA Set to open in the autumn of 2016, the Dubai Opera house is a new purpose-built multi-format performing arts theatre located in the heart of Downtown Dubai. The building’s architecture draws inspiration from the shape of traditional Arabian dhows, vessels used in the pearling industry. In a further tribute to the role that pearling has played in Dubai’s past, the venue’s first opera is set to be a performance of Georges Bizet’s The Pearl Fishers.

Further highlights from the opera house’s opening season include performances by the tenors Plácido Domingo and José Carreras, a dynamic rendition of The Nutcracker on Ice, concerts by the Emirati singer Hussain Al Jassmi and the multi-Grammy Award winning sitar player Anoushka Shankar and a flamenco featuring Sara Baras, Spain’s most famous flamenco dancer. dubaiopera.com

40 | DUBAI POCKET GUIDE 2016/17

CULTURE HERITAGE | 41

Holding on to Heritage Dubai is a relatively young city in an even younger country, that is proud of its cultural heritage is determined to keep its Arabic roots intact and accessible for visitors to explore Despite its soaring modern skyline, serpentine roads, dazzling malls and fine-dining restaurants, Dubai keeps its Arab origins close to its heart. Beneath the cutting-edge skyscrapers stand the domes and minarets of the emirate’s majestic mosques and traditional wind-tower houses.

Emiratis are justifiably proud of their heritage and the rapid development of their city – after all, it wasn’t long ago that Dubai was little more than a fishing village beside the Creek. In less than 50 years, the emirate has evolved into a world-class metropolis and tourism hub.

CULTURE THAT CAPTIVATES With numerous museums and heritage centres dotting the city, Dubai’s culture trail is an elaborate one that reflects the emirate’s rich history and spirit.

Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) Set up to help expatriates and visitors better understand the local culture, customs and

religion, the SMCCU aims to bridge the cultural gap between the emirate’s many visitors and its citizens. Under the motto of “Open Doors, Open Minds”, SMCCU’s well-informed and friendly Emirati hosts are happy to answer any and all questions. Located in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, the centre offers guided tours to Jumeirah Mosque and a selection

42 | DUBAI POCKET GUIDE 2016/17

of Dubai’s most historic landmarks.

Particularly popular are the “cultural meals” – the opportunity to share breakfast, lunch, dinner or brunch with your Emirati host. cultures.ae

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood Nestled beside the Dubai Creek, Al Fahidi (previously known as Bastakiya) is one of Dubai’s oldest heritage sites. Here, Dubai’s first settlers built their grand coralclad houses and wind towers designed to provide natural ventilation. In fact, Al Fahidi represents the largest collection of traditional wind towers on the Arab side of the Gulf. Stroll through the labyrinth of cobbled alleyways and capture the spirit of ancient Arabia.

Dubai Museum Discover Dubai’s story by visiting Al Fahidi Fort home to the fascinating Dubai Museum. Here you’ll catch a glimpse of what life in Dubai was like long before the discovery of oil in the 1960s.

Explore the recreated scenes of the past that feature everything from traditional Arab houses and mosques to souks and date farms.

Make sure you check out the dioramas that depict the history of Dubai’s pearl diving industry. The entrance fee costs just Dhs3. +971 4 353 1862

Dubai Creek Dubai Creek, or Khor Dubai in Arabic, is the salty and relatively shallow waterway that served as a hub for the Emirate’s historic industries of pearl harvesting and fishing and later became a local trading centre. The settlements of Bur Dubai and Deira grew up on the Creek’s southern and northern shores respectively and remain popular destinations for those in search of Dubai’s past.

The area is well served by the Dubai Metro. Get off at Al Ras station on the Green Line for the gold and spice souks on the Deira side, or for the textile souk on the Bur Dubai side choose the Al Ghubaiba stop. Alternatively, to cross the creek hop on an abra.

These wooden vessels offer the best views of the Creek and carry tourists and workers across the water from 5am until midnight at a cost of just Dhs1 per passenger.

Al Shindagha Al Shindagha is where the ruling Al Maktoum family established its first residence and this historic waterfront neighbourhood still contains many old wind towers and elegant coral-clad houses.

Don’t miss the Sheikh Saeed al Maktoum House, built in 1896, serving as the home of the emirate’s ruling family until Sheikh Saeed’s death in 1958. Today, the building houses a fascinating

CULTURE HERITAGE | 43

collection of stamps, coins and illuminating photographs of Dubai taken throughout the 20th century.

Stroll along the waterfront to the Heritage and Diving Village to see the handicraft souk, pearl-diving displays and recreations of the traditional barasti (palm-frond) huts that were once the main housing in Dubai.

Emirates NBD Pearl Museum Back when Dubai was founded, harvesting pearls for sale abroad was one of its principal industries. Natural Gulf pearls were renowned as the finest in the world and were much sought after until the advent of cultured pearls in the early 20th century. The poet and founder of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sultan Al Owais, himself the son of a pearling merchant, began collecting these beautiful objects in the early 1970s. His collection, which he gifted to the people of the UAE as a reminder of what life was like before the discovery of oil, can now be viewed by appointment at the Emirates NBD Pearl Museum. pearlmuseum.ae

MOSqUE TOURS Dubai offers visitors the chance to gain further insight into the Islamic faith throughout the year at two of its finest mosques: the Jumeirah Mosque and the Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque and Islamic Centre.

The majestic Jumeirah Mosque is a spectacular landmark. 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.

The Al Farooq mosque 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. It is advisable to book your tour in advance online at alfarooqcentre.com.

For mosque tours, please remember that children must be at least five years old. All visitors must dress modestly. Shorts, short dresses or skirts and sleeveless shirts are not allowed. You will be expected to take off your shoes before entering the mosque. The tour lasts a little over an hour and photography is allowed.

44 | DUBAI POCKET GUIDE 2016/17

INSIGHT INTO ISLAM Islam is the official religion of the UAE and forms the guiding principle behind the laws and lifestyle of the land. The Holy Qur’an – the Noble Words of Almighty Allah – sets out a comprehensive code of conduct for the followers of Islam, with 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 Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca).

The deep-rooted Islamic faith provides an inspiration and strength that touches each aspect of everyday life in Dubai. 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.

It takes place during the ninth month of the lunar-based Islamic calendar as it is believed that the first verses of the Holy Qur’an were revealed 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.

Visiting Dubai during Ramadan can be a spectacular experience, with numerous events taking place that celebrate Dubai’s religious heritage and tradition. Some of the highlights of the month are the Dubai International Holy Qur’an Recitation competition and the Ramadan Forum, an event presented in multiple languages that is open to non-Muslims and involves prominent speakers from around the Muslim world coming to Dubai to spread awareness of their faith.

What’s more, there’s no better time to sample authentic Arabian fare than during an Iftar – the meal that breaks the daily fast during Ramadan. These meals are social occasions when a rich variety of Arabic delights dominate the extensive buffets.

DID YOU KNOW? In 2016 Ramadan is expected to start on 6 June. In 2017 it will commence from around 27 May.

The perfect lifestyle destination for any discerning traveler ideally located in the heart of Dubai.

Exceeding expectations for all your requirements.

CULTURE HERITAGE | 47

HERITAGE THROUGH SPORT Dubai’s heritage is not limited to buildings and religion. Over the years a number of traditional practices, particularly those associated with the nomadic existence of the Bedouin, have become popular sports.

Falconry Falcons are among the fastest birds on earth and were used by the Bedouins for centuries to hunt and communicate. 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 maintain and grow interest in this exciting sport. The Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa and Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa offer guests opportunities for oneto-one interactions with falcons, and falconry displays are also a part of most desert safaris.

Camel Racing For the Bedouin, camels were an intrinsic part of their life,

essential for survival in the harsh desert. The nomads relied on these gentle beasts for transport, milk, meat and hides for protection. Today they are raced for sport around tracks that are similar to those used in horseraces. The Dubai Camel Racing Festival usually takes place in March at Al Marmoom racetrack and attracts camels from the farthest corners of the country. In a carnival-like atmosphere, robot jockeys are used to steer the camels along the sand tracks by remote control. The first to pass the finishing post is the winner.

The Heritage Drive Various companies offer safaris to the Arabian Desert of varying lengths and itineraries, but few can match the experience offered

by Platinum Heritage Safari. Their safaris transport guests over the undulating sand dunes and past the local wildlife of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve in vintage Land Rovers. Arriving at a Bedouin village before dusk, safari guests then dine on a scrumptious Arabic feast before enjoying an evening of live music, camel rides and henna painters.

Guests even have the chance to camp overnight in the desert. platinum-heritage.com

48 | DUBAI POCKET GUIDE 2016/17

ACTIVITIES | 49

Outdoor Escapes Though it’s a pulsating metropolis, Dubai also offers ample opportunity to breathe fresh air and engage in a variety of lively outdoor leisure pursuits Blessed with a cloudless sky throughout most of the year, a seemingly endless desert, rugged mountains, the glorious waters of the Arabian Gulf and some remarkable sporting facilities, Dubai is perfect for outdoor adventures. Whether you want to jump out of a plane, 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.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS For those who enjoy getting away from the air conditioning, Dubai can offer something different every day of the week.

Hot Air Ballooning Take an early-morning trip in a hot air balloon and watch the sunrise over Dubai’s endless desert.

Occasionally camel caravans or gazelles and oryx darting between the dunes break the silence of the desert. The best-known hot air

balloon trip company is Balloon Adventures Emirates. Flights usually last about an hour and, weather permitting, take place every day from the middle of September until the end of May. ballooning.ae

Skydiving Where better than Dubai to hurl yourself from a plane at 13,000ft?

With the stunning views of the magnificent Palm Jumeirah,

50 | DUBAI POCKET GUIDE 2016/17

has a wide variety of equestrian clubs and stables like the Emirates Equestrian Centre and the Jebel Ali Equestrian Club. emiratesequestriancentre.com jaresortshotels.com/Sports

The World Islands and Dubai Marina, the emirate has plenty for skydivers to see on the way down! The city’s premier skydiving operator is Skydive Dubai, a venture based in the Dubai Marina.

For desert views, head to the Skydive Dubai Desert Campus, located about 35km from the city. skydivedubai.ae

Dune Bashing Dune bashing offers unforgettable thrills that easily equal the most nail-biting theme park roller coaster. Numerous tour operators and expert drivers are ready to take you off-road and on a stomach-lurching adventure. dubaidunebashing.com desertsafaridubai.com

Horse Riding Horses hold a special place in the heart of many Dubai natives. Not only is the emirate the host of the prestigious Dubai World Cup, the world’s richest horse race, it also

Cycling The Emirate boasts over 170km of cycle paths stretching through parks, besides the beach and even, in the case of the 68km Lollipop track along Al Qudra Road, out into the desert. And there are more tracks on their way! With its choice of 8km, 6km and 4km loop tracks, the Nad Al Sheba Cycle Park is ideal for those who like to get on their bikes regularly. Dubai’s roads can be quite intimidating, but the annual Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge, which takes place each December, offers the opportunity for some safe city riding. cyclechallenge.ae

Polo You don’t have to be a member of a royal family to enjoy the sport of polo in Dubai. Several clubs across the city, offer plenty of matches to watch. Polo season runs from October to May and regular games, or “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. dubaipoloclub.com poloclubdubai.com

ACTIVITIES | 51

Golf Dubai is home to 11 world-class courses, and hosting duties on two of the European Tour’s most prestigious tournaments. The best of the city’s fairways are found at the Emirates Golf Club, home to the legendary Majlis course on which the annual Omega Dubai Desert Classic is played. Other laudable links 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, and the Jumeirah Golf Estates, which hosts the DP World Tour Championship. dubaigolf.com; jaresortshotels. com; jumeirahgolfestates.com; elsclubdubai.com

Kite-Surfing Experience aerial thrills first hand at schools located on Dubai’s public beaches or in hotel resorts. Here you can hire equipment, as well as learn from qualified instructors.

December to April is the perfect time for kite-surfing. kitesurf.ae; dukite.com

Motor Racing Zoom around racetracks in a range of tarmac-hugging, petrol-guzzling mean machines at the Dubai Autodrome and get behind the wheel of some of the fastest cars like the super Audi R8 V10, Audi TT and F1-style single-seaters. dubaiautodrome.com

Deep-Sea Fishing The warm and shallow waters off Dubai are home to a rich variety of fish. If you want to catch some, there are a variety of fishing boats available for hire, which offer specific fishing packages that include food and drink. Popular operators include Go Fishing, Deep Sea Fishing and ABSea. gofishingdubai.com; deepseafishing.ae; fishinguae.com

Stand-Up Paddling Stand-up paddling (SUP) is an increasingly popular watersport that places you on a surf-like board with a paddle long enough to reach the water from a standing position. SUP is fun and easy to learn, when the water is as warm and clear as the Arabian Gulf, falling is actually pretty fun too. supdubai.ae

Diving Dive into the waters off Dubai and beyond to discover a whole other world of sunken shipwrecks and exotic sea creatures. Dubai’s diving centres are fully equipped and have the instructors to help you. 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

52 | DUBAI POCKET GUIDE 2016/17

EVENTS | 53

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 best chart-topping performers.

The city’s top sporting events regularly attract top tier talent.

From golf stars Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic to Federer, Djokovic, Murray and the Williams sisters at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.

Each year, the list of athletes and performers coming to Dubai just keeps growing, so you never know who will show up next.

54 | DubaI POCKet GuIDe 2016/17

Make an event of it Music Emirates Airline Dubai Jazz Festival Date: February

Don’t take the name too literally as while this annual three-day event often includes jazz acts, the lineup is usually dominated by a far wider range of genres and performers. Big international classic rock artists, indie bands and pop performers usually take the headline slots.

Santana, toto, James and David Gray were the top acts for the 2016 event, and while the guest list for the 2017 festival has not yet been announced, the event is bound to pull in capacity crowds. dubaijazzfest.com

Dubai classics Date: February

organised by the Dubai Concert Committee, the Dubai Classics is a two-day event focused on bringing the best of classical music to the city. Concerts are usually held in the Dubai World trade Centre, and the 2016 event featured the french singing legend Charles aznavour, often referred to as the french frank Sinatra. dcc.ae

RedfestDXB Date: February

Mixing pop, RnB, electronic dance music and rock, with a dash of indie for good measure, this two-day musical extravaganza is designed to appeal to a young crowd. artists such as the Script, iggy azalea, Bastille, Jeremih, Rita ora, tinie tempah and John 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

EXQUISITE CULINARY DELIGHTS.

Indulge in an extensive range of culinary delights for a memorable dining experience like no other. The Observatory located on the 52nd floor offers magnificent panoramic views of the Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah, or for the perfect pit stop during a day of sightseeing, visit Counter Culture CafĂŠ, a casual lifestyle eatery with a vibrant bar.

Al Sufouh Road, Dubai Marina, PO Box 66662, Dubai, UAE T. 971.4.319.4000 | marriottharbourdubaidining.com Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites @marriottharbour

eveNtS | 57

SPORT 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 2016 the competition celebrated its 27th anniversary, having been born at the club back in 1989. This makes it the longest running European Tour event in the MENA region. Over the years the Desert Classic has witnessed some outstanding golfing moments, including the 2009 win scored by Rory McIlroy when the he was just 19 years old. dubaidesertclassic.com

Dubai World Cup Date: March

The Dubai World Cup is a horse race held at Meydan Racecourse each March at the culmination of Dubai’s racing season. At stake is US$10 million, making the Dubai World Cup the richest prize on the global horse-racing circuit.

But not everyone who attends has come to see the horses – many are attracted by the glamour and fine dining of what is one of Dubai’s top social occasions of the year. And after the race, the festivities are usually brought to a climax with a concert by an international superstar. dubaiworldcup.com

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 over 48 tournaments in 26 countries worldwide.

With free entry, this is a great opportunity to see the top 60 golfers on the European Tour playing live in front of your eyes! europeantour.com

Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens Date: DeceMber

Over three days around 120,000 rugby fans stream through the gates of the purpose-built Sevens Stadium in Dubai to enjoy 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 rugby action. The event is also the biggest party in town, with aftermatch revelry that has many supporters donning fancy dress. dubairugby7s.com

Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships Date: February

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.

The tournament’s 25th anniversary falls in 2017 and the event promises to include the greatest lineup yet of top tennis players across both the men’s and women’s games. dubaidutyfreetennis championships.com

58 | DUBAI POCKET GUIDE 2016/17

ITINERARIES | 59

Let’s do Dubai!

See the sights. Indulge your senses.

Revel in the atmosphere. Explore the attractions and eat like a king. Follow our inspiring (and packed) five-day itinerary to get the best out of Dubai

YOUR FIVE–DAY ITINERARY DAY

Theme: Dubai of the Past

What better way of getting to know a city than by exploring its past? Start your day at the Dubai Museum to absorb the emirate’s history through photos, artefacts and documents.

Just a five-minute walk from the museum you’ll discover the winding lanes and wind-tower houses of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. Stop by the Arabian Tea House for a 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.

A short stroll along the Dubai Creek promenade will lead you to the Textile Souk. If you’re tempted to buy anything remember that bargaining is the norm and never accept the first price you’re offered. At the end of the souk, follow the promenade and you’ll soon reach Al Shindagha, where you’ll discover Sheikh Saeed’s House – the museum that is the former residence of the previous ruler of Dubai. Break for lunch at Bait Al Wakeel Heritage Restaurant and soak in the views while the chef cooks your choice of seafood and Emirati dishes.

1

60 | DUBAI POCKET GUIDE 2016/17

Take an abra, the traditional wooden water taxi, across the Creek and you’ll discover the Spice Souk. Breathe deeply and enjoy this aromatic market, heavy with the fragrance of cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.

Saffron, traditionally one of the most expensive spices, is the best buy here.

Grab a cab and head from the old to the new at Madinat Jumeirah, a modern take on an ancient Arab citadel. Walk through Souk Madinat to pick up an Arabian memento of your trip and then hop on to another abra to chart the meandering waterways of the Madinat. Dine at any of the elite eateries, most of which offer stunning views of the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel and, of course, food that tickles the taste buds.

Theme: Adventure Begin the day with a splash at Wild Wadi waterpark, where 30 water rides await thrill seekers. After literally soaking in the excitement, take a taxi to the colossal Dubai Mall. Browse the shops and see if anything takes your fancy. Break for lunch at the massive food court – whatever you want, from sushi to shawarma, every palate is covered. Then burn off some of those excess calories by skating at the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink or walking up and down the 48m-glass tunnel of The Dubai Aquarium – there is plenty to see as the fish keep swimming past. The Dubai Mall fringes the mighty Burj Khalifa. Engage in an ‘At the Top’ experience by gliding up to the 124th, 125th or 148th floor of the world’s tallest building for top views of the city, desert and ocean.

Remember, tickets booked in advance cost half the price!

DAY

2

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, water and music that is The Dubai Fountain. Walk across the bridge that links the promenade to Souk Al Bahar to pick up some Arabian trinkets for friends back home. End the day visiting some of the gourmet restaurants and sophisticated lounges in the area – they offer some of the best dining experiences in the city.

ITINERARIES | 61

Theme: Cool Contrasts Having seen old and new Dubai, it’s time to mix it up for a day of contrasts.

Spend the morning by the coast, the afternoon on the ski slopes, and the evening in the desert.

With year-round sunshine, it is almost always beach weather in Dubai. While you can choose from over half-a-dozen sun-kissed spots, the beach at The Walk JBR has a particularly good balance of facilities.

When it’s time for lunch, there are lots of restaurants and cafés to choose from at The Beach open-air mall. From here, stroll to the Dubai Marina metro station that will take you to the next stop of the day: Mall of the Emirates.

Go 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 – the region’s first indoor ski resort – has to be seen to be believed. In the late afternoon, head back to your hotel from where a desert safari tour operator of your choice can collect you for an evening amongst the dunes.

The Arabian Desert is a playground like no other. Go dune bashing, sand boarding or just take a camel ride for an exhilarating trip across the sands!

Just as the sun sets over the dunes, you will be led to a Bedouin-style camp for an evening of traditional dancing and music. Get yourself a henna tattoo or try on a traditional

DAY

3

Emirati dress for a souvenir photoop. Soon the aroma of a Bedouin dinner of succulent grilled lamb and chicken will fill the air. After dinner sit back and enjoy the silence and a clear star-filled sky.

Theme: Wonderland Take the Palm Monorail to the palatial hotel resort of Atlantis The Palm on Palm Jumeirah. Atlantis is home to the Aquaventure waterpark and the magnificent aquarium tunnels of the Lost Chambers. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to swim nose-to-nose with the resident dolphins at Dolphin Bay. There are numerous places to eat here. Dig into the sumptuous buffet at 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 sometimes called the ‘City of Gold’.

Take the Dubai Metro to Al Ras station. Nearby stands the Deira Gold Souk, 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 to bargain – haggling is an expected part of shopping at the souk – you can easily walk away with a 30 per cent discount if you try! Even if you don’t intend to buy anything, the souk is worth visiting.

DAY

4

62 | DUBAI POCKET GUIDE 2016/17

Once you emerge from the souk, head to the Creek for a lavish dinner cruise. While there is plenty of live entertainment on board, the cruise itself offers spectacular views as you slip past the docked dhows, the old souks and landmark buildings such as the Dubai Courts, the British Embassy and the Etisalat building.

This last one is easy to spot as it has what looks like a giant golf ball mounted on its roof.

Bateaux Dubai is the premiere dinner cruise operator and offers scheduled cruises, seven days a week. What better way is there to explore the waterways of Dubai Creek than while enjoying freshly prepared gourmet cuisine in the comfort of this glass enclosed, airconditioned luxury vessel?

Theme: Once in a lifetime…

Every holiday must have those once-in-a lifetime moments to make it a truly memorable trip and Dubai offer a range of such unusual experiences.

Start with a ride on a Cessna 208 seaplane and take in a tour of Dubai from the air with unbeatable views of Dubai Creek, Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa and The World Islands. Seawings Dubai offers this 40-minute flight taking off from the JA Beach Resort.

Once you disembark, head to the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. If you like to play a round or two yourself,

DAY

5

tee off at its enchanting course – the 17th and 18th holes (both par 4s) are the most impressive, not to mention among the most challenging, in the entire region. Alternatively, just head straight to the iconic Legends restaurant at the Creek Clubhouse.

The steaks are the highlight of the menu here – be they the Australian Wagyu or French Charolais. And there is always wine to match the magnificence of your meal.

Next, head to the Talise Ottoman Spa at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray for some serious self-pampering. You’ll experience a sensory journey that will gently relax, de-stress and uplift both your body and mind. With 42 treatment rooms, eight hydrotherapy rooms, steam rooms, saunas, snow rooms, floating baths and two saltwater “thalassotherapy” pools, there is almost too much choice.

As the day comes to a close, it’s time to dine at a truly world-class restaurant and both Zuma and La Petite Maison, each located within the spawling Dubai International Financial Centre, regularly feature in food critics’ lists of the world’s best eating experiences.

64 | DUBAI POCKET GUIDE 2016/17

GETTING AROUND | 65

Getting Around Sightseeing across Dubai is made easy thanks to the city’s comprehensive public transport services

PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPTIONS 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. The F55 bus travels between the airport and the Ibn Battuta metro station every hour from 6am to 11pm, while the F55A bus 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, the drivers of these buses do not accept cash. You will need to buy a Nol travel card before getting on the bus. 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 of DBX airport. You can also use the metro between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.

If you have connecting flights, you will be automatically transferred as part of your connection. dubaiairports.ae

66 | DUBAI POCKET GUIDE 2016/17

Bus The public bus system consists of over 700 buses that run on 80 routes.

All of Dubai is accessible by bus, with a variety of feeder buses ferrying passengers to specific metro stations. rta.ae

Car hire A wide range of local and international car rental companies offer services at competitive rates.

A passport, valid national license and two photographs are required.

Visitors without an international driving license may obtain a Nol Card Nol cards are contactless payments cards that enable commuters to pay for journeys on various modes of public transport across Dubai by tapping in and out at the start and end of their journeys. The cards are available as red single-use cards or as rechargeable silver and gold cards.

Gold cards allow access to special gold areas on the metro carriages.

All cards can be used for travel on Dubai’s metro and buses, but the silver and gold cards can also be used on water buses and to pay for parking. Nol cards can be purchased and recharged at Dubai Metro station ticket booths, ticket vending machines, Dubai bus stations, RTA Customer Service Centres and from RTA-authorised sales agents. nol.ae

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. Canadian nationals need to 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 right-hand 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: 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 Palm. 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 for by cash or debit/credit cards. rta.ae

For booking: +971 4 339 4433 Email: reservations@europcar.ae For other enquiries: mkt@europcar.ae www.europcardubai.com

GETTING AROUND | 69

Taxis Taxi services are government regulated. The minimum fare for taxis in Dubai is Dhs12. Airport transfers and journeys to any other emirate come with an extra Dhs20 charge. 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 or call +971 4 208 0808 to book one.

The Palm Monorail With a track that follows the trunk of Palm Jumeirah, the Palm Monorail runs from a station at Atlantis The Palm to Al Sufouh Road, which itself is located conveniently close to the Palm Jumeirah stop on the

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 11 November 2014, the Dubai Tram runs on a loop from Al Sufouh through the Marina, round the Jumeirah Beach Residence and back. It operates from 6am-1am Saturday to Thursday and 9am-1am Friday. Fares start from Dhs3 and can be paid using a Nol card. Each carriage is divided into Gold, Silver (standard) and family sections. alsufouhtram.com

Dubai Tram network. It runs from 10am-10pm at 15-minute intervals. Fares for the 10-minute one-way journey cost Dhs15 and it costs Dhs25 for a return trip. palm-monorail.com

Dubai Metro The Dubai Metro covers the length and breadth of the city. The Red Line runs from Rashidiya to UAE Exchange and the Green Line runs from Etisalat to the Creek.

Operating hours are 6am-11pm Saturday to Wednesday, 6ammidnight on Thursday and 1pmmidnight on Friday.

Passengers need to purchase a Nol card to travel on the network.

Nol cards can also be used on Dubai Buses and Dubai Trams. rta.ae

HERE’S A FEW STOPS TO LOOK OUT FOR: Head to Jumeirah Beach Residence 1 or 2 for the beach and chic café life.

The Dubai Marina Mall stop is perfect for shopping. Stroll along the promenade and admire the yachts at Dubai Marina station.

Mina Seyahi station is great to visit the Dubai Marina hotels, Skydive Dubai and Dubai International Marine Club.

The Palm Jumeirah stop offers a convenient link to the Monorail.

70 | DUBAI POCKET GUIDE 2016/17

TOUR THE CITY ON THE DUBAI METRO A guide on where to hop on and hop off in Dubai.

GREEN LINE Use this line to visit a range of heritage sights, museums and traditional souks.

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.

24

Al Ghubaiba

Closest station to the Al Shindagha historical district.

27

Oud Metha

Close to the Oud Metha

Mosque, St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Rashid Hospital.

28

Healthcare City

Get off here for Wafi mall and Creek Park.

RED LINE This line runs through Dubai city and connects with the Dubai Tram.

12

Emirates

For Dubai Festival City, ride the feeder bus F08 near the station. A number 4 bus will take you to the mall.

16

Deira City Centre

This station is named after the shopping mall beside it. Deira City

Centre is packed with high-street shops, cafés and restaurants.

20

ADCB

From this station, take the bus or taxi to Karama Souk, where you’ll find all types of bargains.

21

Al Jafiliya

Hop off at Al Jafiliya Metro Station and spend a relaxing day at Zabeel Park (entrance costs Dhs5).

22

World Trade Centre

The perfect venue for conferences, exhibitions and a wide range of concerts.

GETTING AROUND | 71

23

Emirates Towers

Named after the nearby Emirates Towers building that includes a hotel, a shopping boulevard and restaurants.

24

Financial Centre

Located near Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), which houses art galleries, cafĂŠs, boutiques and fine dining 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

Near the Gold and Diamond Park, a sophisticated counterpart to the famous Dubai Gold Souk.

32 Mall of the Emirates

Alight here for the mall and Ski Dubai.

The entrance fee to the Snow Park includes almost everything you need to keep you safe and warm.

34

Dubai Internet City

Nearest station to Palm Jumeirah. Take a cab to the Palm Monorail Gateway Station and get a train ticket to Atlantis The Palm.

36 DAMAC (Dubai Marina)

Change here for the Dubai Marina tram stop. The Dubai Marina Mall, Marina Yacht Club and the restaurants of Marina Walk are all located within easy reach.

37 Jumeirah Lakes Towers

You can hop off the train at this station if you want to go to the beach at The Walk, JBR. It takes around 15-minutes to walk there.

39

Ibn Battuta

Change here for the Ibn Battuta Mall and bus station.

72 | DUBAI POCKET GUIDE 2016/17

LISTINGS | 73

Accommodating Every Need With over 600 hotel establishments and far more planned, Dubai can truly say it welcomes guests with open arms Whether you’re a family on holiday together, a businessman on a short or long stay, a couple wanting a romantic getaway, or a group of friends looking to party together, there are hotels with facilities designed for your needs, whether you have deep pockets or are on a budget. And when it comes to location, there’s plenty of choice, with hotels in the heart of the city, beachside resorts and eco retreats in the desert.

Almost every global hotel brand has a presence in this city, including the standard international brands such as Hilton, InterContinental and Starwood Hotels & Resorts. These global brands join the homegrown Emaar Hotels and Resorts, which launched in 2005 with its The Address brand, followed in 2013 by its Vida boutique hotels. The mid-market Rove brand is expected to launch in 2016.

Meanwhile, the Dubai-owned Jumeirah Group is due to add to its portfolio in summer 2016 with the opening of Jumeirah Al Naseem at Madinat Jumeirah.

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. As one of the most popular holiday hotspots in the world, there’s a hotel for everyone in Dubai.

74 | DUBAI POCKET GUIDE 2016/17 Fairmont Hotel The Palm fairmont.com/palm-dubai/ Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Al Bustan Rotana Hotel Jumeirah Beach rotana.com/albustanrotana fourseasons.com Al Ghurair Rayhaan by Rotana Ghaya Grand Hotel rotana.com/ Ghayagrandhotel.com alghurairrayhaanbyrotana Grand Hyatt Dubai Hotel Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa dubai.grand.hyatt.com al-maha.com Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai Al Murooj Rotana Hotel grandmillenniumdubai.com rotana.com Grosvenor House Al Qasr grosvenorhouse-dubai.com jumeirah.com Grosvenor House Tower Two Amwaj Rotana Hotel & Resort grosvenorhouse-dubai.com rotana.com Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa Anantara Dubai The Palm habtoorhotels.com Resort & Spa anantara.com Hilton Dubai Creek hilton.com Armani Hotel Dubai dubai-armanihotels.com Hilton Dubai Jumeirah hilton.com Asiana Hotel Dubai asianahoteldubai.com Hyatt Regency Dubai hyatt.com Atlantis, The Palm atlantisthepalm.com Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights Hotel Auris Plaza Hotel Al Barsha dubaicreek.regency.hyatt.com auris-hotels.com Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel – Dubai moevenpick.com meydanhotels.com InterContinental Dubai Festival City Bonnington Hotel – Jumeirah ihg.com Lakes Tower bonningtontower.com InterContinental Dubai Marina Hotel ihg.com Burj Al Arab jumeirah.com JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort jaresortshotels.com Conrad Hotel Dubai conraddubai.com JA Palm Tree Court jaresortshotels.com Crown Plaza Dubai Deira crowneplaza.com Jood Palace Hotel joodhospitality.com Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City Hotel Jumeirah Beach Hotel crowneplaza.com/dubaifestival.com jumeirah.com Crowne Plaza Hotel Jumeirah Creekside Hotel crowneplaza.com/dubai jumeirah.com Dar Al Masyaf Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel jumeirah.com jumeirah.com Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa Jumeirah Zabeel Saray dxbmarine.com jumeirah.com Dusit Thani Dubai JW Marriott Marquis Hotel dusitthanidubai.dusit.com jwmarriottmarquisdubai.com Fairmont Hotel Kempinski Hotel fairmont.com/dubai kempinski.com

5 Star Hotels

Le Meridien Dubai Hotel lemeridien.com/dubai Le Meridien Mina Seyahi lemeridien-minaseyahi.com Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa leroyalmeridien-dubai.com Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf Hotel marriott.com Media Rotana Hotel rotana.com Melia Hotel melia.com Metropolitan Palace Hotel metropolitanpalacehoteldubai.com Millennium Plaza Hotel millenniumhotels.com Mina A’Salam jumeirah.com Movenpick – Bur Dubai movenpick.com Movenpick Hotel – Deira movenpick.com Movenpick Hotel – Jumeirah Beach movenpick.com Movenpick Hotel Jumeirah Lake Towers moevenpick.com Nassina Royal Hotel nassimaroyalhotel.com One&Only Royal Mirage Hotel royalmirage.oneandonlyresorts.com One&Only The Palm Dubai Hotel thepalm.oneandonlyresorts.com Palazzo Versace Hotel palazzoversace.ae Park Hyatt Dubai dubai.park.hyatt.com Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel – Dubai parkregiskriskin.ae Pullman Dubai City Centre Deira pullmanhotels.com Pullman Jumeirah Lake Towers Hotel pullmanhotels.com Raffles Dubai raffles.com/dubai Rixos The Palm Hotel rixos.com Shangri-La Dubai Hotel shangri-la.com

LISTINGS | 75 Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers sheraton.com/dubai Sheraton Dubai Mall of Emirates sheratondubaimalloftheemirates.com Sheraton Grand Hotel sheratongranddubai.com Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort sheratonjumeirahbeach.com Sofitel Dubai Downtown Hotel sofitel.com Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach sofitel-dubai-jumeirahbeach.com Sofitel Dubai Palm Jumeirah Resort & Spa – Hotel sofitel.com St Regis Hotel Dubai stregisdubai.com The Address Downtown Dubai Hotel theaddress.com The Address Dubai Mall Hotel theaddress.com The Address Dubai Marina Hotel theaddress.com The Address Montgomerie Hotel theaddress.com The H Dubai h-hotel.com The Meydan Hotel meydanhotels.com The Oberoi Hotel oberoihotels.com/hotels-in-dubai The Palace Downtown Dubai Hotel theaddress.com The Ritz Carlton DIFC ritzcarlton.com The Ritz Carlton Dubai ritzcarlton.com/dubai The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina westinminaseyahi.com Waldorf Astoria Hotel Dubai Palm Jumeirah waldorfastoria.com/dubaipalm

4 Star Hotels Abjar Grand Hotel abjargrandhotel.com Al Jawhara Gardens Hotel jawhara.ae

Al Khaleej Palace Hotel sunandskyhotels.com Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa arabiancourtyard.com Armada BlueBay Hotel armadabluebayhotel.com Ascot Hotel ascothoteldubai.com Atana Hotel atanahotels.com Avari Dubai Hotel avari.com Avenue Hotel avenuehoteldubai.com Best Western Premier Hotel bestwesternpremierdubai.com Blackstone Hotel bluebayresorts.com Boutique7 Hotel & Suites boutique7.ae Byblos Hotel bybloshoteldubai.com Capitol Hotel bybloshospitality.com Carlton Tower Hotel carltontower.net Cassells Al Barsha Hotel cassellsalbarshahotel.com City Seasons Hotel cityseasonshotel.com Copthorne Hotel Dubai millenniumhotels.ae Coral Dubai Deira Hotel coral-deira.com Cosmopolitan Hotel dubaicosmopolitan.com Courtyard by Marriott Green Community Dubai cydubaigreencommunity.com Damas Unique Hotel warwickhotels.com Desert Palm Resort & Hotel desertpalm.ae Donatello Hotel Dubai donatello-hoteldubai.com DoubleTree by Hilton – Al Barsha doubletree3.hilton.com DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Beach dubaijumeirahbeach.double-tree.com

Emirates Concorde Hotel emiratesconcorde.com Emirates Grand Hotel emiratesgrandhotel.com Flora Al Barsha Hotel florahospitality.com Flora Grand Hotel florahospitality.com Fortune Boutique Hotel fortunegroupofhotels.com Fortune Grand Hotel fortune-hotels.net Four Points by Sheraton Downtown fourpointsdowntowndubai.com Four Points by Sheraton Hotel Bur Dubai fourpointsburdubai.com Four Points by Sheraton – Sheikh Zayed Road fourpointssheikhzayedroad.com Gloria Hotel gloria-hotels.com Golden Tulip Hotel – Al Barsha goldentulipalbarsha.com Grand Central Hotel grandcentralhoteldubai.com Grand Excelsior Hotel grandexcelsior.ae Grand Excelsior Hotel – Al Barsha grandexcelsior.ae Grand Midwest Tower Hotel & Hotel Apartments grandmidwest.com Hatta Fort Hotel hattaforthotel.com Hawthorn Hotel & Suites by Wyndham JBR hawthornsuitesdubai.com Hilton Dubai The Walk Hotel hilton.com Hilton Garden Inn Al Muraqabat hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Al Mina Hotel hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com Holiday Inn Al Barsha Hotel hialbarshadubai.com Holiday Inn Bur Dubai Hotel holidayinn.com Holiday Inn Dubai Downtown holidayinn.com

76 | DUBAI POCKET GUIDE 2016/17 Hues Boutique Hotel hueshotels.com Hyatt Place Dubai Hotel – Al Rigga hyatt.com Hyatt Place Dubai Hotel – Baniyas Square hyatt.com JA Ocean View Hotel jaresortshotels.com Jumeira Rotana Hotel Dubai rotana.com JW Marriott Dubai Hotel jwmarriottdubai.com Landmark Grand Deira landmarkhotels.net Landmark Riqqa landmarkhotels.net Le Meridien Fairway lemeridien.com/fairway Majestic Hotel Tower dubaimajestic.com Manzil Downtown Dubai vida-hotels.com Marco Polo Hotel marcopolohotel.net Marina Byblos Hotel marinabybloshotel.com Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites Dubai marriott.com Media One Hotel mediaonehotel.com Mercure Gold Hotel mercure-gold-hotel-dubai.com Metropolitan Deira Hotel metropolitanhoteldeira-dubai.com Millenium Airport Hotel Dubai millenniumhotels.ae/ millenniumdubai Monaco Hotel monacohoteldubai.com Montreal Hotel montrealhoteldubai.com Moscow Hotel moscowhoteldubai.com Novotel Dubai Al Barsha novotel.com Novotel Deira City Centre novotel.com Novotel World Trade Centre novotel.com

Orchid Vue Hotel orchidvuehotel.com Radisson Blu Hotel – Downtown radissonblu.com/hoteldubaidowntown Radisson Blu Hotel – Dubai Deira Creek radissonblu.com Radisson Blu Hotel – Media City radissonblu.com/hoteldubaimediacity Raintree Hotel raintreehotelsdubai.com Ramada Chelsea Hotel – Al Barsha ramadachelseaalbarsha.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 Risenture Hotel Downtown risenture.com Riviera Hotel rivierahotel-dubai.com Rose Rayhaan by Rotana Hotels rotana.com Royal Ascot Hotel royalascothotel-dubai.com Samaya Hotel samayahotel.com Sea View Hotel seaviewhoteldubai.com Sheraton Deira Hotel sheratondeiradubai.com Signature Al Barsha signaturehotel-dubai.com Suba Hotel subahotels.com Summit Hotel summithotel.net

Sun and Sky Al Rigga Hotel lotus-hospitality.com The Country Club Hotel countryclubdubai.com Time Grand Plaza Hotel timehotels.ae Time Oak Hotel and Suites timehotels.ae Towers Rotana Hotel rotana.com Vida Downtown Dubai Hotel vida-hotels.com Yassat Gloria Hotel yassatgloria.com

3 Star Hotels Admiral Plaza Hotel admiralplazahotel.com Al Buraq Hotel buraq.ae Al Khaleej Hotel sunandskyhotels.com Al Khoory Executive Hotel alkhooryhotels.com 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 Barsha Hotel – Rotana rotana.com Chelsea Plaza Hotel chelseaplazahoteldubai.com Citymax Al Barsha citymaxhotels.com Citymax Hotel Bur Dubai citymaxhotels.com City Star Hotel citystarhotel.ae

LISTINGS | 77 Claridge Hotel claridgehoteluae.com Comfort Inn Hotel hotelcomfortinn.com Copthorne Airport Hotel millenniumhotels.ae Delmon Palace Hotel delmonhotel.ae Dream Palace Hotel dreampalacehotel.ae Dubai Grand Hotel fortunegroupofhotels.com Dubai Palm Hotel dubaipalmhotel.com Dulf Hotel dulfhotels.com Ewa Hotel ewahoteldubai.com Fortune Hotel Deira fortune-hotels.net Fortune Karama Hotel fortune-hotels.net Fortune Pearl Hotel fortune-hotels.net Fortune Plaza Hotel fortunegroupofhotels.com Gateway Hotel gatewayhotel.ae Grandeur Hotel grandeurhotel.com Howard Johnson Hotel – Bur Dubai hojoburdubai.com Ibis Al Barsha ibis.com Ibis Style Hotel accorhotels.com Imperial Suites Hotel imperialsuiteshotel.com Jonrad Hotel jonradhotel.com Kings Park Hotel kings-park.dubaihoteluae.com Landmark Baniyas landmarkhotels.net Landmark Plaza landmarkhotels.net London Crown Hotel londoncrown.ae London Suites Hotel londonsuiteshotel.com

Mayfair Hotel mayfairdubai.ae Nihal Hotel nihalhoteldubai.ae Orchid Hotel orchidhoteldubai.com Palm Beach Hotel palmbeachburdubai.com Panorama Grand Hotel panoramagrouphotels.com Phoenix Hotel phoenixhoteldubai.com Premier Inn Dubai Investment Park premierinn.ae Premier Inn Dubai Silicon Oasis premierinn.ae Premier Inn Hotels – Dubai International Airport premierinn.ae Rainbow Hotel rainbowhotel.ae Reflections Hotel reflectionshoteldubai.com Regal Plaza Hotel rameehotels.com Richmond Greens Hotel kreativehospitality.com Sadaf Delmon Hotel – Al Rigga delmonhotel.ae Sadaf Hotel sadafhotel.ae Sandras Inn Hotel sandrasinndubai.com Signature Inn Hotel Al Rigga signature-inn-hotel-al-riqqa. dubaihoteluae.ae Sky Light Hotel skylight-hotel.com Smana Hotel Al Raffa smanahotels.com St George Hotel stgeorgedubai.ae Suite Novotel Mall of the Emirates suitenovotel.com Sun & Sands Hotel sunandsanddubai.com Tulip Inn Hotel tulipinnfzllc.com Versailles Hotel dubaiversailles.com

York International Hotel yorkinternationalhoteldubai.com Zain International Hotel zaingrouphotels.com

Deluxe Hotel Apartments Abidos Hotel Apartment Al Barsha abidoshotels.com Al Ghurair Arjaan Rotana Hotel Apartments rotana.com/ alghurairarjaanbyrotana Al Manar Hotel Apartment almanarhotel.ae Al Murooj Rotana Suites rotana.com/almuroojrotana Al Nawras Hotel Apartments alnawrashotel.ae Arjaan Hotel Apartment rotana.com/arjaanhotelapartments Armani Hotel Apartments dubai.armanihotels.com Burjuman Arjaan Hotel Apartments rotana.com/ burjumanarjaanbyrotana Chelsea Gardens 1 Hotel Apartment chelseagroupdubai.com Chelsea Tower Hotel Apartment chelseatowerdubai.com City Premiere Hotel Apartments citypremieredubai.com City Premiere Marina Hotel Apartments citypremieremarina.com City Seasons Suites cityseasonsdubai.com Coral Boutique Villas coralboutiquevillas.com Damac Maison Canal View Hotel Apartments damacmaison.com Damac Maison Cour Jardin Hotel Apartments damacmaison.com Damac Maison The Summit Hotel Apartments damacmaison.com Damac Maison The Vogue Hotel Apartments damacmaison.com

78 | DUBAI POCKET GUIDE 2016/17 Deira Suites Hotel Apartments deirasuites.com Dusit Residence – Marina Dubai dusit.com/dusitthani/dubaimarina Emirates Concorde Hotel – Hotel Apartment emiratesconcorde.com Emirates Stars Hotel Apartments emiratesstars.ae Flora Creek Hotel Apartments florahospitality.com Flora Park Hotel Apartments florahospitality.com Fraser Suites Dubai dubai.frasershospitality.com Ghaya Grand Hotel Apartment ghayagrandhotel.com Gloria Hotel Apartments gloriahoteldubai.org Golden Tulip Al Thanyah Hotel Apartment goldentulipalthanyah.com Grand Belle Vue Hotel Apartments bellevue-hotels.com Grand Hyatt Residence dubai.grand.hyatt.com Grand Midwest Express Hotel Apartment grandmidwest.com Grand Midwest Tower Hotel & Hotel Apartments grandmidwest.com Grand Midwest View Hotel Apartment grandmidwest.com Home to Home Hotel Apartments hometohome.ae InterContinental Dubai Marina Hotel Apartment ihg.com InterContinental Residence Suite Dubai Festival City ihg.com Jood Palace Hotel Apartments tajhotels.com Jumeirah Living World Trade Centre Residence jumeirah.com Kempinski Residences and Hotel Apartments kempinski-residences.com

Lotus Grand Hotel Apartments lotus-hospitality.com Lotus Hotel Apartment & Spa lotus-hospitality.com Marina Hotel Apartments marinahotelapt.com Marina View Hotel Apartments marinaviewhotel.com Marriott Executive Apartments – Dubai Creek marriott.com Marriott Executive Apartments – Green Community meadubaigreencommunity.com Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf marriott.com Mövenpick Hotel Apartments The Square movenpick.com Naia Breeze Hotel Apartments naiabydamac.com Oasis Beach Tower oasisbeachtower.com Park Hotel Apartments parkhotelapartments.com Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Apartments Al Rigga parkinn.com Pearl Coast Premier Hotel Apartments pearlcoastpremier.com Pullman Deira City Centre Residences pullmanhotels.com Ramada Hotel Apartments ramadadowntowndubai.com Royal Ascot Hotel Apartment royalascothotelaptdxb.com Savoy Crest Hotel Apartments savoydubai.com Savoy Suites savoydubai.com Somewhere Hotel Apartment somewhere-hotels.com Star Metro Deira Hotel Apartments starmetrodeira.com Tamani Marina Hotel and Hotel Apartments tamanimarina.ae

The Ritz Carlton Executive Residences DIFC ritzcarlton.com Wafi Residence wafi.com/wafi-residence Welcome Hotel Apartments welcomehotelapartments.com Xclusive Hotel Apartments xclusivehotels.ae Yassat Gloria Hotel Apartments gloria-hotels.com

Inbound Tour Operators Abc Tourism abctoursdubai.com Al Aabdi Travel Services alaabditravel.com Al Futtaim Travel Co alfuttaimtravel.ae Al Ghaith & Al Moosa Travel Agency alta-travel.com Al Majid Travel & Tourism almajidtravel.com Al Naboodah Travel alnaboodahgroup.com Al Naboodah Travel & Tourism Agencies alnaboodahtravel.com Al Tayer Travel Agency altayer-travel.com Al Tayyar Travel & Tourism altayyargroup.com Alpha Tours alphatoursdubai.com Arabian Adventures arabian-adventures.com Arabian Explorer arabian-explorers.com Arabian Nights Tours arabiannightstours.com Arabian Oryx Travel & Tourism aoryx.ae Atlanta Tourism atlantadubai.com Bonton Tours and Travels bontontours.com Connect World Travel & Tourism connectworldtours.com

LISTINGS | 79 Desert Adventures Tourism desertadventures.com East Europe Travel & Tourism eet.ae Flash Horizon Tourism flashtour.travel Gulf Dunes gulfdunes.com Gulf Ventures Tourism gulfventures.com H.O.T Tourism hot-tourism.com Incentive Connections incentiveconnections.com Kanoo Travel kanootravel.com Lama Desert Tourism lamadubai.com Miracle Adventure Tourism miracle-adventure.com New Horizon Travel & Tours newhorizontravelandtours.com North Tours northtours.net Orient Tours orienttours.ae Platinum Heritage Tourism platinum-heritage.com Red Apple Middle East Tourism redappletravel.com Rida International Tourism & Travel ridaint.ae Royal Arabian Tours royalarabian.com Royal Gulf Tourism royalgulf.info Royal Park Tourism Services royalpark.net Sadaf Holidays & Travel sadafholidays.ae Sadaf Sarv – DMC ss-dmc.com Seawings seawings.ae Sharaf Travel Services sharaftravel.com Sntta Emir Tours snttaemirtours.com Travco travco.com

Twenty Four Degrees Tourism 24degrees.com White Sands Tours & Travel whitesandstours.com

Car Rentals Advantage Car Rental acr.ae Al Falasi Car Rental alfalasiluxury.com Al Ghazal Car Rental alghazalcar-rental.com Al Naseem Rent-a-Car alnaseembusrentaluae.com Alamo Car Rental alamo-me.com Arab Link arablinkdubai.com Auto Assist Rent-a-Car aa-rentacar.com Autobahn Car Rental autobahnuae.com Avis UAE Rent-a-Car avis.ae Badri Car Rental shahzadagroupuae.com Basri Buses Rental basritransport.com Bravo Luxury Car Rentals bravorentacardubai.com Budget Rent-a-Car budget-uae.com Car Fare Bus Rental carfare.com Diamondlease Rent-a-Car diamondlease.com Dollar Rent-a-Car dollaruae.com Dubai VIP Limo dubaiviplimo.com East Coast Rent-a-Car eastcoastinternational.com Elite Rent-a-Car elitecarrentalsuae.com

Europcar International Rent-a-Car europcardubai.com EuroStar Rent-A-Car eurostarrental.com Fast Rent-a-Car fastuae.com Gargash Rent-a-Car gargashme.com German Rent-a-Car germanrac.com Ghusia Rent-a-Car indigojlt.com Golden Cars Rent-a-Car goldencarrentacar.com Hertz Rent-a-Car hertz.ae Jumeirah Rent-a-Car jumeirarentacar.com Majestic Rent-a-Car majesticrentacar.ae Marvelous Rent Car ajeebuae.com National Car Rental national-ae.com Parklane Limousines parklanerental.com Patriot Rent-a-Car patriotuae.com Premier Limousines & Leasing premierdubai.ae Safari Al Emarat Rent-a-Car ug-safari.com Sana Rent-a-Car sanarac.com Sixt Rent-a-Car sixt-uae.com Super Price Rent-a-Car superprice-dubai.com Tauruscar tauruscar.com Thrifty Car Rental thriftyuae.com United Car Rentals unitedcarrentals.com

Disclaimer: This is not intended to be a comprehensive listing.

For an up-to-date directory, please email info@dubaitourism.ae or log on to visitdubai.com

80 | DUBAI POCKET GUIDE 2016/17

Contact Us GermANy T: +49 69 71 00 020 E: dtcm_ge@dubaitourism.ae

hoNG KoNG duBAi tourism heAd oFFice

T: +852 2827 5221

PO Box 594, Dubai, UAE T: +971 4 282 1111 Toll Free: 6005 55559 E: info@visitdubai.ae

E: dtcm_hk@dubaitourism.ae

iNdiA T: +91 22 2282 8836/37 E: dtcm_in@dubaitourism.ae

AustrAliA & New ZeAlANd T: +61 2 9956 6620 E: dtcm_aus@dubaitourism.ae

BrAZil & south AmericA T: +55 11 3214 7500 E: dtcm_brazil@dubaitourism.ae

chiNA

itAly T: +39 02 8738 8132 E: dtcm_it@dubaitourism.ae

JAPAN T: +81 3 5367 5450 E: dtcm_ja@dubaitourism.ae

Beijing office T: +86 10 5979 2062 E: dtcm_beijing@dubaitourism.ae

Nordic couNtries

Chengdu T: +86 28 6132 6793 E: dtcm_chengdu@dubaitourism.ae

russiA, cis & BAltic stAtes

Guangzhou T: +86 20 8760 7815 E: dtcm_guangzhou@dubaitourism.ae

southerN AFricA

Shanghai T: +86 21 6385 9600 E: dtcm_shanghai@dubaitourism.ae FrANce ANd BeNeluX PAris T: +33 1 44 95 85 00 E: dtcm-france@dubai.fr

T: +46 8 411 11 35 E: info@oneofyou.se

T: +7 495 9800717 E: dtcm_rus@dubaitourism.ae

T: +27 11 702 9600 E: info@lloydorr.com

uK & irelANd T: +44 20 7321 6110 E: info@dubaitourism.co.uk

usA E: jessica.herring@dubaitourism.ae