Travel Arabia April 08

Online Version: www.travel-arabia.com

April 2008, Volume 4, Issue 4

In-flight Meals:

Gourmet in the Sky

Living Arabia

The Sheikh Zayed Mosque Outside Arabia

Ruta del Che S O A R I N G

HIGH IN THE GULF’S SKY

KEY UPDATES FOR THE AIRLINES

CTION ATTRA nses Six Se Zighy way Hidea Oman Bay,

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editor’s note

A

ir travel has always been a fascinating and unpredictable experience. Fascinating because flying takes you to places around the world. Unpredictable because you’ll never know what happens next the minute you stepped onto the airport grounds.

Each of us has our own experience when it comes to air travel. One good experience starts on the ground when you encounter a really friendly and helpful staff that will assist you on all your needs including your preferred seat. I’m sure you will not forget such incident and it could be the basis for the kind of service you would expect from other airlines.

But at times, you will be met with delayed flights and worst, a canceled flight. Experiences could be memorable or frustrating and it could occur whether you’re on board or on the grounds.

I have traveled in a handful of places and one thing I am certain is that all airlines are investing a huge amount of effort to come up with innovative designs and concepts to cater to the demands of the industry.

For those who have the luxury of flying Business and First Class, I’m pretty sure there are less or no hassles at all because you always get your money’s worth. If unavoidable things occur, the airlines will definitely and immediately compensate the passengers for the trouble. It could be in a form of a travel voucher, a complimentary stay in a luxurious property, or a well-attended and personal service up to the time you stepped out of the aircraft or the airport for that matter.

Why is that so? Because the airline industry is a very in-demand and competitive industry.

One wrong move and it could fall into disaster. I don’t want to recall the effects of the historic 9/11 but all of us knew that it resulted to several losses amongst the airline industry. The rising cost of fuel is another factor that would determine the future of the airline industry. But despite that, a lot of people continue to fly. Research showed that in 2011 the air transport industry will handle 2.75 billion passengers (620 million more passengers than in 2006) which means it will continue to grow.

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This unprecedented growth is the reason why airport terminals are being renovated, constructed and expanded to cater to the increasing number of travellers. Not only terminals are being improved, flight and ground services are also being upgraded in order to stay competitive.

So in this issue we look inside the airline industry in the Gulf and see how the airlines are performing. A look at the industry will reveal that it is a very complicated industry. You will read to see how airlines are making their airport lounges more of a place to linger than a place to kill time.

Spas, Jacuzzis, shower room, nap rooms and other services like personal concierge, secretarial service are now available to travellers.

In-flight services have been upgraded to provide a more enjoyable and pleasurable trip.

Meals are served as if you’re dining at a five-star or elegant restaurant. You can choose between fine dining and a la carte menus. If you have special meal request whether it’s low calorie, low fat, low sodium or low cholesterol, the airlines will do their best to accommodate it.

The in-flight entertainment systems are also being improved providing more selection of activities and entertainment especially on longhaul travels. These facilities, aside from flat beds, wide leg room, lounges on air, are now a common feature of several airlines.

So you see, flying is not just about boarding the plane, taking your seat and get to your next destination. The airlines are thinking more and putting together a lot of luxuries with one thing in mind: to make each and everyone’s travel experience enjoyable and memorable.

Enjoy your travel and see you next issue!

Flor B. Pamintuan

April I Travel Arabia I

www.travel-arabia.com Publisher KALIMAT GROUP INTERNATIONAL FZ-LLC Travel Arabia Head Office Office G4, Building No.1 Phase One, P.O.Box 502408 Dubai Media City, UAE Tel +971 4 391 0410/1/2/3 Fax +971 4 391 6619 E-mail editor@travel-arabia.com

your letters Dining Promotions

I am writing to let you know that your section on Dining Promotions is very helpful. For a mother with three kids, I always plan to take my husband and kids out. We do this once a month on a Friday and I recently tried the Friday Brunch at Moevenpick Hotel. As soon as you enter the hotel, the atmosphere is very lively with the whole lobby full of families and a soothing music on the background. My kids loved the Emma’s Club where they have games and activities as well as their own food. It is also a wonderful feeling to learn that there are staffs that look after the kids. The food was great but I just hope they have more choices.

General Manager Hekmat el Zein Editor Flor B. Pamintuan editor@travel-arabia.com Staff Writers Anjana Das Habeeb Salloum Contributors Gordon Torbet Eugene Correia Angela T Chuck Wightman Ty Treadwell Photographers Maher El Zein Samir Ahmed Designer Qaiser Nawaz Hashmi Assistant Designer Althaf Hussain Mohd Noufal Sales & Marketing Manager Syed Muhammad Arif arif@kalimatgroup.com

February issue

Fatima M. Dubai

I came across your magazine from one of the bookstores here in Dubai and can’t help myself but go through it and eventually buying it. I like your cover concept. It’s very inviting and the materials have been carefully selected. It’s very timely and informative. I have not really paid attention to some of the local magazines we have especially travel magazine but I guess yours is different. I will always look forward to your issue from now on.

Summer’s Here

Janice O’Connor Bur Dubai

I’m sure a lot of us living here in the UAE have noticed that the weather is now changing. Summer is fast approaching and there’s no stopping it. I can still feel the cool breeze in the morning and sometimes in the evening but the humidity is now becoming high especially during mid-afternoon. I hope you will come up with another issue where you can feature places that people can go to to beat the summer heat. I hope you can also feature other things to do while here in the UAE especially for those who can’t afford to travel to other places.

Aisha A.B. Al Rashidiya

Distributor Jashanmal National Co. LLC Travel Arabia Lebanon Office Riad el solh 11072070 P.O.Box 11-1197 Beirut, Lebanon Tel +961 3 435 780 Fax +961 7 762 104

Travel Arabia disclaimer All text and layout remains the copyright of Kalimat Group International FZ LLC, unless stated otherwise. Travel Arabia is fully independent, and its views are not those of any company mentioned herein.

No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.

All rights reserved.

Malaysia, truly Asia

I am not a regular traveller but I love reading about other places. I love reading about touristic attractions, the food, the shopping places and a whole lot more. I am most fascinated with Asian countries because their people are very hospitable and accommodating. I read your feature about Malaysia and it affirms my long time dream of setting foot on that place. It has both the facilities of a modern society and at the same time still carries the old tradition. I always believe that successful countries are those open to change but keep the values and traditions intact. I hope to visit the country this year and experience the Malaysian hospitality myself.

Mary Johnson Dubai

© 2007 Kalimat Group International

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Travel Arabia would like to receive your comments and suggestions.

Write to editor@travel-arabia.com

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Flying High

Gourmet in the Sky

The Sheikh Zayed Mosque

Ruta del Che

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) projects that in 2011 the air transport industry will handle 2.75 billion passengers (620 million more passengers than in 2006).

The strongest international passenger demand growth is forecast for the Middle East, with UAE (8.4%) showing the strongest growth.

The quality of airline meals actually varies considerably from one airline to another.

But one thing is for sure, airlines throughout the world wanted to offer its guests the most authentic dishes possible, served with the warmest hospitality.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque has the capacity to accommodate 40,000 worshippers and will have the world’s largest carpet at 7,119 square meters from Iran, the world’s largest chandelier from Germany made from one million Swarovski crystals and 28 types of marble.

Ruta del Che means Che Guevara Trail. The route Che followed, the place where he died and at the end of the trail, the dismal open air laundry where his body was displayed to the public and the press has become a pilgrimage trail for the curious as well as would-be followers.

About the Cover: The airline industry is a very competitive and in-demand industry which is the reason why most airline companies are developing new concepts and creating innovations yearafter-year to get a share of the million passengers travelling worldwide.

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Art and Antiques Dubai An unparalleled number of art enthusiasts from around the world arrived in Dubai for the premier of Art and Antiques Dubai, the region’s first event of its kind, with participating galleries and attendees labeling the fair “best-in-class for the Middle East region.”

Starwood’s Star Shines in the Middle East With 48 hotels across the Middle East and a further 16 hotels in the pipeline, Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ growth in the region is exceptional. This year, the group is set to open three new hotels and has recently announced three new signings, among them a landmark entry with the opening of The Luxury Collection in Ras Al Khaimah.

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Spring & Summer Collection

Brunch on a Saturday!

This year’s Spring & Summer Collection showcases the leading brands in the UAE. The new materials, cuts and design will surely catch your flair for fashion. Don’t forget the shoes and accessories to finish that look

All of us enjoy a good brunch and it is even better if we can continue the experience over a two-day weekend. The good news is this is now possible as Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers unveils a delicious Asian Brunch spread at its famous Creekside Japanese restaurant

GALLERY SCAN LAMP POST (AJMAN) RELAXATION

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A P REventsI L Beautiful New World

Photographs and Installation

by Weng Fen 15 March – 15 April, 2008 The Jam Jar

The Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition is the only international exhibition dedicated to the meetings, incentive events and business travel industry (MICE industry) in the Gulf Region.

GIBTM takes place on 8-10 April at ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, UAE and is under the patronage of HH Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority. GIBTM will showcase over 200 exhibitors to include conference venues, hotels with meeting facilities, specialist destinations and a range of technology and event services from the Middle East and around the world to help make your meetings, conference and events a success.

The three day exhibition, professional education programme and networking events provide the very best opportunities for business networking and professional development, designed to leave you feeling inspired with April 8 to 10, 2008 solutions and new ideas to take your events to the next level. ADNEC, Abu Dhabi To view the event programme, please visit www.gibtm.travel/eventprogramme

The Bride Show Dubai

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(Annual Gulf Photo Plus event)

Nude Photography

April 29 to May 4, 2008 Knowledge Village, Dubai

GIBTM 2008

April 23 to 26, 2008 Dubai International Exhibition Centre

Are you getting married but don’t know where to start? Find all your answers and much more at The Bride Show Dubai from 23 till 26 April 2008 at the Dubai International Exhibition Center.

The Middle East’s largest and most prestigious bridal exhibition is back! A onestop-shop for everything you need to organize that perfect day! The Bride Show in Dubai is the UAE’s largest fashion event with five fashion shows every day from local and international designers. This is a must for all of the UAE’s fashionistas.

See demonstrations from beauty professionals to advice you on the latest trends for make-up and hair while daily raffle draws promise exciting prizes. You can win a wedding dress, a diamond ring or a honeymoon! For more info, log on to www.thebrideshow.com

Weng Fen is one of the few artists who have created many series of work to depict the changes of urban residents’ mentality as well as the discrepancy between their expectation and the reality of the society, both caused by the nation’s rapid economic development in a global setting. His works include “On the Wall” photo series (2001), “Bird’s Eye” photo series (2002), installation “Viewing Stand” (2003) and “Staring at the Sea” photo series.

The photos taken by Weng Fen always leave the viewers with a complicated sensation that recedes slowly. In his works, issues of traditional and modern life, economic globalization and China’s own path, as well as the unbalanced development in the urban consumer society are intertwined in the common background of modernity.

Therefore, his work brings out subtle emotions that used to hide deep in our minds, leading to strong and irresistible emotional fluctuations. We also get the feeling of becoming an integral part of the pictures.

Weng Fen’s photos and installation will be on display at The Jam Jar, Al Quoz, between 15 March to 15 April, 2008. Please contact 04-3417303 / gallery@thejamjardubai.com or visit www.thejamjardubai.com for more information.

Gulf Photo Plus (GPP) 2008, the region’s only experiential Photography Event will be held at Knowledge Village in Dubai from 29th April to 4th May. The event, which exposes the secrets of worldwide photography experts and talents, has attracted 14 big international names, among them, Joe McNally, David Hobby, Drew Gardner, Ben Willmore and Chase Jarvis who will facilitate hands-on workshops, present lectures and interactive forums.

According to the event organiser and Gulf Photo Plus founder, Karen Hook, the annual event continues to grow, with interest in not only digital photography, but changing trends in photographic styles and new lighting techniques, advances in editing software and better home printing results.

A programme has been created that meets the needs of photographers of all levels and wide ranging interests. With over 50 workshops and 30 very popular ‘Photo Friday’ lectures and interactive forums, participants will not be disappointed.

Prices range from US $15 (AED 55) at Photo Friday to US $720 (AED 2,650) for a place in the three day advanced commercial workshop with renowned photographer Chase Jarvis.

For more information about the course content, dates and bookings visit www. gulfphotoplus.com or telephone +971 4 360 2365.

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COVER STORY

Flying

High

The Gulf’s airline industry

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Despite the continued rise in fuel costs which clearly translates to high cost of air fare in both domestic and international services, a lot of people continue to fly. Flying has become a necessity and year after year, the number of airline passengers continues to grow.

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The airline industry is a very competitive and in-demand industry which is the reason why most airline companies are developing new concepts and creating innovations year-after-year to get a share of the million passengers travelling worldwide.

Every airline has a goal of making each passenger’s trip enjoyable and memorable so concepts like hassle-free booking, shorter queues, lesser check-in times, state of the art airport lounges, restaurant-style in-flight meals, flat bed seats, refreshed cabin interior, spacious cabin and touch-screen entertainment system, are just a few of the things being promoted by the carriers to appeal to a wide range of passengers.

Despite the continued rise in fuel costs which clearly translates to high cost of air fare in both domestic and international services, a lot of people continue to fly. Flying has become a necessity and year after year, the number of airline passengers continues to grow.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) projects that in 2011 the air transport industry will handle 2.75 billion passengers (620 million more passengers than in 2006).

The strongest international passenger demand growth is forecast for the Middle East, with UAE (8.4%) showing the strongest growth. Total international passenger numbers are forecast to be around 105 million in 2011, an increase

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of 30 million over 2006 levels.

“The numbers clearly show that the world wants to fly. And it also needs to fly. Air transport is critical to the fabric of the global economy, playing a critical role in wealth generation and poverty reduction. The livelihoods of 32 million people are tied to aviation, accounting for US$3.5 trillion in economic activity,” said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s Director General and CEO. Carriers in the Middle East recorded an 18.1% increase in passenger demand continuing a four-year trend of double digit increases. This was the highest among all regions, resulting from strong regional economies, the impact of oil wealth, expanded capacity and new routes.

Emirates Emirates is the international airline of the United Arab Emirates, based in the city of Dubai. Since taking its first flight out of Dubai in October 25, 1985, Emirates has evolved into a globally influential travel and tourism conglomerate known the world over for its commitment to the highest standards of quality in every aspect of its business.

With a fleet of 115 aircraft, Emirates fly to over 100 destinations in 62 countries around the world and still expanding. Wholly owned by the government of Dubai, Emirates has excelled through innovation and the boundless energy of its more than 30,000 staff, as they pursue the highest standards of customer care.

Although government-owned, Emirates is not subsidised in any way by the authorities. In fact, the airline has recorded a profit in every year. Growth has never dropped below 20 per cent.

In the financial year 2006/07, the airline recorded revenue of US$8.1 billion and net profit of US$844 million compared to US$6.3 billion revenue and US$674 million net profit in financial year 2005/6.

Emirates also carried 17.5 million passengers and 1.2 million tonnes of cargo in the financial year 2006/07,

using one of the most modern fleets in the world. Nearly 800 Emirates flights depart Dubai each week on their way to destinations on six continents. In fact, Emirates flights account for nearly 50 per cent of all flight movements in and out of Dubai International Airport, and the aim is to increase this market-share to 70 per cent by 2010.

Emirates’ aim is to develop Dubai into a comprehensive aviation hub that will ultimately serve as an important global long-haul hub. Emirates’ route portfolio is also fast expanding. New routes added in 2007 included Houston, Venice, Newcastle, Toronto, Sao Paulo and Ahmedabad. The ancient city of Guangzhou, now China’s economic powerhouse, will join Emirates’ sprawling non-stop network beginning 1st July this year. Guangzhou will be Emirates’ fourth gateway in China, after Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong. Services to Cape Town were also launched in 30th March and the airline has also announced services to Kozhikode (Calicut) beginning 1st July.

Emirates’ current order-book stands at 244 aircraft, with a total value of approximately US$60 billion. Emirates, the first, and by a large margin, the leading customer for the A380s with 58 on order, will take delivery of five of the double-decker aircraft this year. Other configurations in the A380 fleet will feature a medium-range three-class 517seater; and a medium-range two-class aircraft with 604 seats.

The arrival of the first Emirates A380 will prove to be a major milestone for the airline as it takes the first step in the gradual build-up towards becoming the world’s largest operator of the super-jumbo. By the end of the decade, Emirates’ distinctive livery colours on the A380 will have become a familiar sight to millions of travellers worldwide.

One of the secrets of Emirates’ amazing success stories is to lead by innovation and forward thinking. The Emirates team is constantly looking at what it does and whether the best possible service is being given.

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Etihad Airways Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, was established in July 2003 by decree of the UAE Government signed by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. The airline’s home base is Abu Dhabi and flight operations began on November 5, 2003. Since its inaugural

flight, the airline has strategically increased the number of destinations it flies to, adding at least one route each month. It now, currently offers flights to 45 destinations across the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia-Pacific.

Last March 30, Etihad began its four flights a week from Abu Dhabi to Beijing. Beijing is Etihad’s eighth destination in its rapidly expanding flight network in the Asia-Pacific region which already includes services to Brisbane, Sydney, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Bangkok.

Etihad’s focus is on doing things differently – innovating the way an airline works and changing the way people see the world. James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive, said, “Our intense activity in 2007 witnessed another year of significant expansion for Etihad. The story has been one of both quantity and quality, with record passenger numbers and seat factors together with growing recognition for the quality of Etihad’s products and services as witnessed by a number of top industry awards.”

Etihad Airways has revealed its best ever passenger figures for 2007, a huge 67 per cent rise on the previous year.

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The airline carried more than 4.6 million passengers during 2007 compared to 2.8 million in 2006.

During the 12 month period, the airline achieved seat factors averaging 69 per cent across its network of 45 destinations, its highest ever achievement. The airline boosted its fleet by 13 aircraft to a total of 37, launched nine new destinations and expanded its flying programme with additional frequencies added to a number of its key routes.

Routes in the Middle East which performed particularly well during 2007 include Damascus and Amman, achieving average seat factors of 71 and 72 per cent, respectively.

Services to the Indian subcontinent once again experienced particularly strong demand, with average seat factors in economy on Dhaka, Islamabad and Lahore routes of more than 80 per cent. Etihad’s most recently launched destination – Kathmandu - has quickly established itself as one of the airline’s most popular, achieving an overall average seat factor of 80 per cent since it was launched in October 2007.

Hogan added, “Early indications are that 2008 will be another strong year for Etihad, with the first few days of the new year seeing the airline enjoys recordbreaking passenger numbers across the network. This year promises to be as exciting as the last, with key highlights including the launch of our first flights to China and the airline’s move to a new, dedicated airport terminal at our home base Abu Dhabi.”

Qatar Airways Qatar Airways, the national airline of the State of Qatar, is one of the aviation industry’s success stories. The award-winning airline is also one of the fastest growing carriers in the world with unprecedented expansion averaging almost 40 per cent year on year that industry peers can only admire with envy.

Since its relaunch in 1997, Qatar Airways has achieved staggering growth in fleet size and passenger numbers.

From only four aircraft in 1997, the airline grew to a fleet size of 28 aircraft by the end of 2003 and a milestone 50 by October 2006. Today, the airline operates 60 aircraft. By 2015, the fleet size will almost double to 110 aircraft.

From its hub in Doha, capital of Qatar, the airline has developed a global network of 81 destinations, covering Europe, Middle East, Africa, Indian subcontinent, Far East and America.

The launch of New York flights in June 2007 marked the airline’s entry into the North American market for the first time. The airline added daily non-stop flights to Washington DC in July 2007, and launched flights to the central Indian city of Nagpur on September 23. The Swedish capital Stockholm comes online on November 27, followed by Ahmadabad in western India on December 12. In March 31, Qatar Airways began services from Doha to the southern Chinese industrial city of Guangzhou and expand the number of flights to a host of other destinations in the airline’s rapidly growing network.

The airline has grown under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker, who has been instrumental in turning Qatar Airways into an award-winning carrier and among the best in the world.

Qatar Airways is one of only six airlines in the world with a Five Star ranking for service and excellence awarded by Skytrax, the independent aviation industry monitoring agency.

Skytrax also named Qatar Airways’ cabin crew as Best in the Middle East for the fifth year running in 2007 following a survey of more than 15 million passengers worldwide.

Air Arabia Air Arabia is the Middle East and North Africa’s leading low-cost carrier (LCC). Air Arabia commenced operations in October 2003 and currently operates a fleet of 11 new Airbus A320 aircraft, serving 39 destinations across the Middle East, North Africa, Indian Subcontinent and Central Asia through its main hub in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

Air Arabia is modeled after leading American and European low-cost airlines, and its business model is customised to accommodate local preferences. Its main focus is to make air travel more convenient through Internet bookings and offering the lowest fares in the market along with the highest levels of safety and service standards.

The company achieved a net profit of AED 376 million for the financial year ending December 31, 2007, as against a net profit of AED 101 million in 2006, an increase of 272 per cent.

The carrier posted a turnover of AED 1.283 billion in 2007, up 71.3 per cent compared to AED 749.16 million in 2006. Passenger average load factor (passengers carried as a proportion of available seats) stood at 86 per cent.

Overall, a total of 2.7 million discerning passengers chose to fly with Air Arabia in 2007. This is an increase of 53.2 per cent compared to 1.76 million passengers in 2006.

Commenting on the results, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammad Al Thani, Chairman of Air Arabia, said, “The year 2007 saw Air Arabia achieve unprecedented success in the low-cost carrier segment, a market we introduced to the Middle East just four years ago. From our successful initial public offering, to orders for aircraft acquisition, to the launch of new destinations and new hubs across the region, 2007 was truly a landmark year for the Air Arabia.”

“The year 2008 will see us continue our journey of expansion and market leadership. Our expansion throughout the wider region will enable more consumers than ever to have access to the highest quality of service at the most competitive fares, providing them with the ability to make air travel a larger part of their lives than ever before,” he added.

The year 2007 was an eventful one for the leading LCC in the MENA region. The carrier’s initial public offering opened in March and achieved

great success. Air Arabia was able to use the proceeds from the offering in part to fund its record purchase of Airbus A320 aircraft, aiming to triple the size of Air Arabia’s fleet and underlining the company’s stated ambition to increase its total operating fleet to over 50 aircraft by 2015 and become a world-leading airline.

The company launched its service to the Indian capital, New Delhi, in March 31, 2008. Flights initially operate at four times per week between New Delhi and Sharjah but beginning of May, the service will become daily.

New Delhi is Air Arabia’s 11th destination on the Subcontinent, the largest destination network in India of any Middle East-based carrier.

Currently, Air Arabia provides direct service to Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Jaipur, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mumbai, Nagpur and Thiruvananthapuram.

RAK Airways RAK Airways, the fourth national airline of the UAE, was established in February 2006 under an Emiri Decree

by H.H. Sheikh Saqr Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.

The carrier launched its inaugural

flight in November 2007 to Beirut, Dhaka, Colombia and Sofia. This year, there are plans to unveil more

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destinations, including cities in India, Nepal, Qatar and Tanzania, as part of the airline’s growth strategy.

RAK Airways is operating Boeing 757s for its start-up operations but recently announced its first aircraft order of four new generation Boeing 737 – 800 NG with purchase rights for two additional airplanes. The carrier is the first in the UAE to buy the Boeing 737 -800 NG - a short-to-medium-range airplane. The deal is worth AED 1.65 Billion.

Within the next two years, RAK Airways plan to expand over 20 destinations within the Gulf, South Asia, Middle East and East Africa. The airline plans to undertake trans-continental flights over the next two to three years.

Captain Khalid Almeer, Chief Operating Office of RAK Airways, said, “Air traffic in the UAE is estimated to grow at the rate of 15 percent per annum and the trends are promising.

Ras Al Khaimah has a strong traffic base and we will tap into that. We estimate approximately one million passengers a year and the annual projected growth over the next two, three years is 20 percent.”

RAK Airways will operate both charter and scheduled services to meet the demand of the various markets that the airline will serve. The airline will provide a high level of service to passengers whether scheduled or charter, aligned with the best service standards in the industry.

“We plan to adopt a hub and spoke network strategy by attracting passengers from other countries to Ras Al Khaimah

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and then flying them to onward destinations. We are looking to venture into new markets in East Africa, Middle East, Gulf and South Asia,” said Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Chairman, RAK Airways.

The launch of RAK Airways is aimed at supporting the economic development of the Emirates of Ras Al Khaimah, as it embarks upon an ambitious expansion programme.

Gulf Air Gulf Air has come a long way since it launched services in 1950 as Gulf Aviation Company. Now fully owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain through Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, the airline started as a small scale commuter service, serving the oil fields of the Gulf and some regional customers.

Today, Gulf Air is a major international airline serving over 40 destinations worldwide. However, whether it is 10 or 100 destinations, seven seater planes or the latest state of the art jets, their goal has remained constant - a commitment to the latest aviation technology and an adherence to traditional Arabian hospitality.

Gulf Air launched a new revamped network in July 2007, which offers more than 400 flights per week in the region.

The airline will also introduce non-stop service to Shanghai as part of the airline’s growth strategy commencing on 16th June. The four times a week service will be later upgraded to daily flights, effective winter schedule 2008.

“China is one of the fastest growing economies in the world and for Gulf Air it is strategically important that we launch into this booming market this year,” says Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer Björn Näf.

“We will be offering our sky beds and other award-winning in-flight services, such as the Sky Nanny service, to this new route and we are looking at other international destinations to expand our network as part of our strategy to become the airline of choice.”

Gulf Air has also has signed an agreement with Boeing Co. to purchase up to 24 B787 Dreamliners in a deal valued at nearly $6 billion at list price.

The agreement is for 16 B-787s on direct order with the right to purchase eight more airplanes. The first 787 deliveries will be made in 2016. By 2019 the B-787s will make up Gulf Air’s entire wide-body assets.

Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner has been validated across the globe and is the fastest-selling new airplane program in history with a total of 833 orders from 56 customers since launch in 2004.

In addition to bringing big-jet ranges to mid-size airplanes, the B-787 provides unmatched fuel efficiency and will use 20 percent less fuel for comparable missions than today’s similarly sized airplane.

The Dreamliner travels at speeds similar to the current fastest wide bodies, Mach 0.85 and also allows airlines greater cargo revenue capacity. Passenger improvements on the B-787 include larger windows, an interior environment with higher humidity and overall increased comfort and convenience.

SPECIAL FEATURE

Emirates First Class Lounge

Airport lounges have become less of a place to kill time and more of a place to hang around with amenities like spas, Jacuzzi, shower facilities, dining and wining rooms, private concierge, to name a few.

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Sit back and relax Enjoy waiting time at today’s

airport lounges

Airport lounges around the world have always been a place to kill time while waiting for connections or delayed flights. Passengers travelling on first and business class are afforded the luxury of staying in lounges where they could find comfortable seats, snacks or meals, plasma TVs, free internet access, and other entertainment.

But because air travel has been very in demand nowadays and passengers who are paying huge fares expect a higher level of service, airline companies have developed ways to improve the lounges, making it a more comfortable and luxurious place to stay especially with full flights and rampant delays.

Most airlines are renovating their lounges adding amenities like spas, facials, manicures, private nap rooms, shower facilities, meal selections, a wide choice of wine and liquors, cigar bar, secretarial service, private concierge and a whole lot more.

A search on the world’s amazing airport lounges revealed two of the region’s renowned airlines included on the list – Emirates and Qatar Airways.

Emirates Lounge at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York is luxuriously appointed with cream leather, burled wood, and Italian marble countertops and floors. This lounge for business- and first-class passengers also has showers, a business center with 18 Internet stations (and complimentary Wi-Fi), and TV-viewing areas with 42inch plasma TVs. The upgrade does not stop there. In its ongoing efforts to provide superlative OSIM Chair Spa at Emirates Lounge

customer care to its First, Business and Skywards Gold passengers, Emirates Airline will be equipping all its lounges at major airports around the world with OSIM’s world-renowned massage chairs.

Dale Griffith, Divisional Senior Vice President, Airport Services, Emirates Airline, said, “Emirates Lounges around the world are designed to provide a luxurious sanctuary for our premium customers, and we are delighted to partner with OSIM to add another dimension to this comfort by offering complimentary massage to relax and refresh our passengers who are in transit or waiting to embark on their journeys.”

Tucked away in a corner of the Emirates lounge is a cosy corner which OSIM has helped turn into a seat spa – a private sanctuary for passengers needing a few moments of pampering. The semiprivate enclosure of the OSIM chair spa is custom built using premium finishes and furnishings which complement the luxurious and relaxing surroundings of the Emirates Lounge.

On the other hand, Qatar Airways Premium Terminal in Doha serves firstand business-class passengers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Built in just nine months at a cost of US$90million, the 10,000 square meters Premium Terminal features facilities ranging from exclusive check-in, duty-free shopping, conference rooms, nursery and play area to spa treatment rooms, sauna, jacuzzi and fine dining restaurants. Water features are evident throughout the Premium

Terminal offering tranquil and serene surroundings.

Bright and airy, the Premium Terminal offers a world of comfort, redefining air travel from the ground up. At the Premium Terminal, your boarding pass also serves as a reservation for breakfast, lunch and dinner at the First and Business Class Lounge. An endless choice of hot and cold fool is available around the clock and from around the world. The impressive menu combines European style with Arabian and Eastern cuisine. There’s also a choice of champagne, wines and spirits as well as freshly squeezed juices, savoury snacks and delicious canapés.

Relax before your flight or unwind between flights with a soothing massage, Jacuzzi and sauna. Full facilities are available for both male and female and rejuvenating treatments are carried out by trained therapists, from facials to full muscle massage.

For those travelling with children, the Premium Terminal has a safe play Etihad Airways Premium Lounge

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Etihad Airways Premium Lounge area where kids are entertained with games like the virtual Racing Pod, Sony Playstation 2 and portable play station.

If you are looking for a little quiet time, nannies will be happy to take care of your children while you are taken care of elsewhere in the Premium Terminal.

The innovative facilities are designed to provide Qatar Airways’ most loyal customers with the best levels of comfort and hospitality prior to catching their flight. The development is part of a

“This kind of service and attention to passengers’ needs will make a good impression on customers and allow Emirates to differentiate themselves from other airlines,” said Alan Tan, Head of Branding and Strategic Marketing.

Qatar Airways Premium Lounge

US$200million expansion at Doha International Airport.

Etihad Airways has also announced details of a multi-million dollar re-design and refurbishment of its premium lounge in Terminal 1 at Abu Dhabi airport.

More than three times the size of the existing facility, the new 855 square metre lounge will be able to cater for up to 200 customers at any one time, and will feature an exclusive new area for first class customers as well as an improved business class lounge section.

First class customers will be able to eat prior to their flight in a new fine dining area, which offers an a la carte as well as a snack menu. All meals will be prepared in a new ‘open kitchen’ and be accompanied by a range of new wines and beverages.

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Other key features of the new-look lounge include a TV ‘den’ area, a hi-tech computer and electronic games room, a viewing deck looking out onto the airfield as well as a ‘well-being’ zone where customers will be able to enjoy a range of relaxing spa treatments.

The interior design of the new lounge features luxurious furnishings from around the world, including elegant leather products from renowned Italian furniture designers, Poltrona Frau.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ executive vice president of marketing and product said, “Our new Abu Dhabi lounge facilities represent a major investment and demonstrate the airline’s commitment to deliver world-class premium products and services to its first and business class customers, both in-flight and on the ground.”

The Gulf Air experience is not confined to the sky - it begins on the ground, in the dedicated First and Business Class lounges, available in major destinations on their network.

These lounges provide premium passengers with comfort, privacy and unmatched individual service in truly luxurious settings.

Passengers can relax in the tranquillity of the quiet areas, catch up with home or the office using state-ofthe-art business facilities or freshen up using renowned Temple Spa toiletries in the fully stocked washrooms.

Designed to reflect the essence of Gulf Air and its traditions of Qatar Airways Premium Lounge

hospitality, the Gulf Air lounge at Bahrain International Airport features personalised service in a contemporary setting. Every facility is available, for those who wish to work, to snooze or simply to catch up on global events.

Upon entering, guests are welcomed by a gracious hostess and immediately assailed by the aroma of fresh coffee - a far cry from the usual bustle of international airports. A panoramic view of aircraft taking off and landing provides a diverting backdrop to the sleek minimalist Arabian style incorporated throughout the lounge.

Elevated seating areas offer comfort and privacy to guests, while plasma screens hanging from the ceiling provide news and entertainment.

Facilities include a First Class section featuring a private ‘majlis’ or traditional Arabic seating area. At specific times, Gulf Air’s Sky Chefs are on hand to create a personal menu of European and Middle Eastern dishes. Dedicated childcare service for children has been extended to the Bahrain lounge, and the Sky Nanny is available from 0800 to 1400 each day to provide a wide range of onthe-ground services to complement the much heralded on board service.

The Business Centre is fully equipped with telephones and fax services as well as Apple Mac computers, a world first in an airline lounge. And for the convenience of those with their own laptops, wireless Internet access is available allowing connection from anywhere in the lounge.

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sky

Gourmet in the

Airlines throughout the world wanted to offer its guests the most authentic dishes possible, served with the warmest hospitality. Part of the in-flight service is to prepare the meal in a most creative way. On board, the hosts will do their very best to serve their guests’ need and expectations.

Etihad Airways

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An airline meal or in-flight meal is a meal served to passengers onboard a commercial airliner. These meals are prepared specifically for this purpose by special airline catering services.

The average airline meal typically includes meat (most commonly chicken or beef), a salad or vegetable, a small roll, and a dessert. Caterers usually produce alternative meals, like low-calorie, lowsalt, halal and vegetarian. These special meals are usually ordered in advance, sometimes when buying the ticket.

Condiments like salt, pepper and sugar are supplied in small sachets. For sanitation, most meals include a napkin and a wet wipe (also called a moist towellete), often moistened with scented water.

Depending on the time and duration of your flight, airlines may serve breakfast, lunch or dinner on board.

Coffee and tea are offered as well, and sometimes hot chocolate. Other airlines offered complimentary liquors to their passengers. On a long-haul overseas flight, two meals and one snack will typically be served during the flight.

Passengers who are travelling with children can specifically request for children’s meal when they make their bookings or buy their tickets. Airlines sometimes served the children’s meal on lunch boxes or creative and colourful utensils for the kids to enjoy their meals during the flight.

The quality of airline meals actually varies considerably from one airline to another. On the longest flights in first class and business class, most Asian and European airlines serve multicourse gourmet meals, while airlines based in the US tend to serve large, hearty, high quality meals including a large salad, steak or chicken, potatoes, and ice cream.

At Emirates Airlines, the airline’s First and Business Class passengers can order multi-course meals created by top international chefs from an extensive menu including stylish sundries such as

Emirates

hot toast and cappuccino coffee at any time via a phone call to the crew.

Emirates’ Business class passengers are treated to a sumptuous array of hot breakfasts, pastries, five-course meals and dessert. Recently the airline has been awarded “The Most Creative Business Cabin Food & Beverage of the Year” award from M.I.C.E Travel, China.

Terry Daly, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President Service Delivery said, “In-flight catering is a source of pride for Emirates, and we treat our passengers as discerning gourmets. Our passengers can look forward to the finest cuisines, complemented by beverages sourced from some of the oldest and best known suppliers worldwide.”

Emirates’ Economy class passengers enjoy five course meals from hors d’oeuvres and salads, to main courses, desserts and chocolates. A wide range of 23 special meal varieties are available to meet religious and medical dietary needs across all three classes. Passengers also can savour ethnic variations on its

90-plus routes.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE prepare their meals according to Halal requirements. They take pride in taking personal care of their guests, calling them by their first names and making sure they meet each passenger’s need and expectations.

Etihad Airways has been awarded “Outstanding Food Service By A Carrier” in the Middle East category in the Pax international readership awards 2007.

The Pax awards are dished-out by the travel catering industry to recognise excellence in performance, achievement and product development across air, cruise, land and rail travel.

This latest award follows Etihad’s success in August 2007 when the airline was found to serve up the “Best Economy Class Food in the World” in the global survey by Skytrax.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ executive vice president marketing and product, said, “We pride ourselves in continually seeking to challenge traditional industry norms and provide the best possible levels of hospitality

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possible luxury in the air, Gulf Air brings world class gourmet cuisine. The menu, which is different for First Class and Business Class guests, reflect a modern contemporary design with the influence of Middle Eastern and international fusion cuisine.

Gulf Air introduces an all-new selection of fine wines for the First and Business Class guests. The new list combines “the best of the regions of the world”. From the traditional, there are choices from the classic regions of France alongside exciting “new world” wines from Australia, California and South Africa. And to ensure that the wine list continues to surprise and delight, a new

wine is introduced every three months.

All passengers on Gulf Air may request a special meal to suit their dietary requirements. Orders should be placed when making your ticket reservation and no later than 24 hours prior to departure. The meal orders could be from low calorie, low protein, high fibre, vegetarian to non-dairy, diabetics, gluten free, low salt and low cholesterol, Child’s meals are supplied in attractive and bite-sized portion and ingredients are guaranteed not to upset your child’s digestion. All food on Gulf Air is ‘‘halal’ and there is no need to request a Muslim meal.

Qatar Airways across our international flight network.”

“In-flight dining is a fundamental part of the Etihad travel experience. At Etihad we look to recreate the same fine dining experience that our customers would expect at a top restaurant,” he added.

Qatar Airways promises to provide its passengers with one of a kind inflight cuisine menu. A healthy, fresh and appetizing meal is guaranteed to all passengers in all destinations the airline flies to. As a Five Star airline, premium passengers will get a variety of signature delicatessen such as foie grass, caviar, and salmon where they will dine a la carte.

As a passenger travelling on Qatar Airways, you will be able to select from more than 20 special diet meals.

In order to assist with your dietary needs make your request when you are booking your flight.

The effort and care the airline puts in selecting the food and drinks are reflected in the awards they receive on a continuous basis. Qatar Airways received the ‘Business Traveller Cellars in the Sky’ award in 2006. Qatar Airways is one of the only five 5-Star rated airlines globally.

Providing travellers with every

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Emirates new children‘s products

How your in-flight meals are prepared

1. In First and Business Class, the meal is sometimes served on trolleys. After use these trolleys are then folded and stored in the galley.

2. The full size carts are used to serve meals in the Economy class and have compartments for storing equipment and utensils as well as amenities.

3. In the galley are warming cabinets that are used to warm up food and utensils. There are two to three cabinets (depending on the size of the galley) and the temperature for each is set to approximately 175 degree Celsius to retain heat.

4. There are convection oven in the galley which functions as a heater for ‘ready packed, precooked meals. The meal boxes are delivered frozen and stored in food carts by the caterers.

The meals take time to prepare because the cabin crew needs to remove the meal boxes, heat them up before serving them to the passengers, which is why meal time don’t take place immediately after boarding and which is why meals are still hot when it arrives on your tray.

5. The storage place called standard units are used for utilities and service equipments such as bread baskets and trays. Standard units are stowed away conveniently in these speciallydesigned compartments to maximise space.

6. Coffee and tea are served onboard and passengers can request for them through a flight.

Guest in Business and First Class can also enjoy espresso, brewed from the small coffeemaking machine.

Enjoy your dining experience!

April I Travel Arabia I 27

BUSINESS FEATURE Reed Travel Exhibitions, the world’s leading events organiser for the travel industry, has intensified its preparations to accommodate an expected record turnout at this year’s Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings (GIBTM) exhibition, being held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from April 08 – 10, 2008.

An estimated 1,500 visitors and more than 250 suppliers from the Gulf and abroad are expected to take part in GIBTM 2008, the Gulf ’s premier meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE) forum. Following the overwhelming success of the inaugural edition of the exhibition in 2007, the expectations for GIBTM 2008 have been steadily escalating, as major industry players underline the importance of the event as a platform to support the Abu Dhabi Government’s strategy of promoting the emirate as one of the most important meetings and incentives destinations in the world.

H.E. Ahmad Humaid Al Mazrouie, Managing Director, ADNEC, commented: “GIBTM 2007 was a phenomenal success and this year’s second edition is shaping up to be another breakthrough event with numerous return participants and a steadily growing portfolio of new exhibitors. As business tourism is a key component of the government’s

GIBTM

gears up for record 2008 participation

Gulf ’s foremost MICEoriented event is expected to gather over 1,500 international visitors and 250 global suppliers at ADNEC.

economic diversification strategy, ADNEC will offer its world-class facilities to ensure the success of GIBTM and subsequently help Abu Dhabi consolidate its potential in this rapidly growing sector.”

Organised under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of ADNEC and

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the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), GIBTM 2008 aims to provide a business-to-business platform in the Middle East for international and regional venues, hotels, destinations and suppliers to interact with meeting planners, incentive travel buyers and those involved in the meetings and incentives industry. GIBTM was launched in 2007 in response to the demand by the region to have a dedicated and regular event for the meetings and incentives industry, also known as MICE. GIBTM 2008 will enable participants to discuss with exhibitors and experts various regional trends and other key concepts related to organising successful events in the Gulf region.

Moreover, GIBTM 2008 will also feature the Professional Education Programme, which incorporates seminars on how to do business in the region, as well as sessions on industry trends and technology.

To further enhance participation, the organisers have set up the GIBTM Hosted Buyer Programme, in which a dedicated team will organise all aspects of each participant’s visit. Senior-level executives, as well as PAs responsible for arranging meetings and finding venues, can join the programme by pre-registering at: www.gibtm.travel/ hostedbuyers.com Leveraging the benefits of the unique programme, Hosted Buyers can receive complimentary flights and transfers, complimentary accommodation at the official 4 and 5-star hotels in Abu Dhabi, a personal diary of appointments with exhibitors of the buyer’s choice, access to the professional education programme, entrance to networking events and exclusive opportunities such as Hosted Buyer lounge privilege, and invitations to post and pre-event familiarisation trips.

“International business tourism

is a multi-billion dollar market in which Abu Dhabi has a substantial strategic advantage because of worldclass facilities such as ADNEC and a comprehensive line of support infrastructure and services dedicated to MICE activities. Abu Dhabi’s substantial investments are opening more growth opportunities in this sector, and this has driven MICE planners to significantly increase their focus in the emirate,” said Paul Kennedy MBE, Group Exhibitions Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions.

GIBTM will take place at Hall 1 and 2 of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), an impressive exhibition complex with multi-purpose halls, dedicated conference facilities, banqueting areas, offices and food courts.

The venue is located close to the major hotel developments and a short distance from Abu Dhabi Airport. It is a mere 15 minutes drive from any point in the city of Abu Dhabi and is located on the crossroads of an easily accessible motorway network that connects the capital to the emirate’s other cities and beyond. The surrounding road network has been planned to allow for easy access and exit to the centre and multi-storey car parks will provide ample capacity for visitors and exhibitors.

On Monday, April 7th, GIBTM is offering Hosted Buyers the opportunity to take part in a pre show Abu Dhabi tour entitled “Experience the Magic”.

Organised in partnership with NCC (member of the Net Group), and sponsored by ADTA, delegates will be able to witness how Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, has transformed itself from a small fishing village before the discovery of oil in the early 1960s, to a metropolis which blends modernity and traditional Arabian culture, making it the perfect destination for meeting professionals and those

involved in the industry.

Hosted Buyers on the tour will see new developments including the iconic architectural landmarks being built on Saadiyat Island and the TDIC (Tourist Development and Investment Company) exhibition at the Emirates Palace.

Hosted Buyers will be given explanations on both the world-class museum devoted to modern and contemporary art to be called the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, which is being designed by the internationally-acclaimed architect Frank Gehry, and the Louvre Abu Dhabi designed by French architect Jean Nouvel which built will be a microcity under one big dome and a work of art in itself.

In the afternoon there will be a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest in the world and is a truly international piece of architecture using artisans and materials from all over the world. Hosted Buyers will then have the option to select a programme of tailor-made hotel inspections or visit the Khayal al Sahara Desert Camp. Khayal al Sahara (Sahara Illusion) follows the local traditional style that reflects part of the Qasr al Hosn historical building in Abu Dhabi.

In the evening, Hosted Buyers will be invited to the pre-event GIBTM Ice Breaker networking reception sponsored by, and taking place at, the Hilton Abu Dhabi.W The Technology & Event Services Village @ GIBTM is another new element in 2008 and helps to establish one of the fastest growing sectors for the industry through the Gulf region’s only dedicated meetings event. This dedicated area will feature the latest technology products as well as an array of support services and products for the meetings and incentives industry.

The European Pavilion is an area dedicated to convention bureaus, NTOs, conference venues and hotels from Europe. It has been created to enable those companies who do not have the Middle East as a priority market at the moment but do have an interest in it, to participate in a smaller, more cost effective way.

A new coach transfer service is being introduced this year to enable visitors from Dubai to attend the show. Further information on GIBTM can be found at: www.gibtm.travel.com

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ARABIAN GALLERY

LAmp Post (Ajman)

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LIVING ARABIA

The mosque is named in honour of His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, the man who was known as ‘The Father of The Nation’ for his work as an architect of the United Arab Emirates’ Federation.

The Sheikh Zayed

Mosque

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An architectural masterpiece, one could not help but admire the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque in Abu Dhabi as it stands proud in the middle of the capital city overlooking the Maqta Bridge. Built only with the finest white marble, some encrusted with pure gold, rare and semi-precious stones, the mosque is at its grandest during the evening when it is flooded with lights and shines like a castle.

One of the world’s largest mosques, it stands as a symbol of the warm hospitality and traditions of Abu Dhabi and a realization of the project launched in 1998 by HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. The mosque is named in honour of the man who was known as “The Father of The Nation” for his work as an architect of the United Arab Emirates’ Federation.

It took years before the mosque was finally completed and is now open for Muslims to pray and non-Muslims who want to get an insight into Islam and Abu Dhabi’s heritage.

Set to become a signature building for the UAE capital, the mosque is clearly visible from main approach roads into Abu Dhabi city.

“It stands as a symbol of the warm hospitality and traditions of Abu Dhabi and subtly informs travellers of this message as they approach the capital.

The role of the mosque embodies the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Arabic and Islamic traditions,” said Nasser Saif Al Reyami, Director of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) Licensing and Classification Division.

Covering 22,000 square metres, this landmark architectural statement on the UAE capital’s evolving landscape, combines traditional Islamic designs and modern architectural techniques.

With a capacity to accommodate

40,000 worshippers, the mosque has four minarets on the four corners of the mosque with a height of about 107 metres each. The mosque consists of 57 domes covering the outside yards, main and side entrances.

All the domes of the mosque are decorated with white marble and the interior decor was made of the white gypsum. The best types of the coloured floral marble and mosaics have been used to pave the courtyard of the mosque which is about 17,000 square metres.

“Late Shaikh Zayed had chosen the design and location of the mosque himself as he wanted it to be in the middle of Abu Dhabi,” according to Engineer Khowlah Sulaiman Al Sulaimani, director of the project.

Abu Dhabi’s universality approach also extended to the building of the mosque with craftsmen from all corners of the world commissioned to produce the finest of construction and interiors materials. These include the world’s largest carpet from Iran; the world’s biggest chandelier from Germany made from one million Swarovski crystals; 28 different types of marble and 24-carat gold throughout.

Seven copper and goldplated chandeliers from Germany will welcome worshippers and visitors inside the mosque. The largest chandelier having 10-metre diametre and 15- metre height is installed in the main dome.

Another feature of the mosque is the grand carpet measuring 7,119 square meters from Iran, the largest in the world. Some 1,200 weavers, 20 technicians, and 30 workers took part in making this large hand-made masterpiece. The carpet, which weighs 47 tonnes, 35 tonnes of wool,

and 12 tonnes of cotton, is unique in its designs, colours, and the number of knots totaling 2,268,000. The carpet covers the floor of the main prayer hall.

Two rooms next to the main prayer hall, with a 1,500-capacity each, have been reserved for women, who can follow sermons delivered by prayer leaders on giant television screens.

Sheikh Zayed, who died in November 2004, is buried in a courtyard adjacent to the mosque.

«The mosque is dedicated to the father of the nation, whose vision was founded on dialogue between religions, civilisations and cultures,» say brochures handed out to visitors by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.

The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority has organized scheduled guided tour of the mosque in a move to promote greater cross-cultural religious and heritage understanding.

“To reflect the true spirit of Islam, a religion of peace, education and tolerance, the mosque tours will allow residents and tourists alike to experience this inspiring addition to Islamic architecture and to receive an insight into Islam and Abu Dhabi’s heritage from trained and certified national tourist guides,” said Al Reyami.

“The introduction of the mosque tours reflects Sheikh Zayed’s internationally recognised unifying influence, a legacy which is being upheld today by the Abu Dhabi Government. The tours also demonstrate Abu Dhabi’s inclusive approach to becoming a global tourism destination with true universal appeal,” he added.

ADTA manages and conducts training programmes to support the tourism industry for the entire emirate, which includes general tourist guide training, site guide training for

April I Travel Arabia I 33

Sheikh Zayed Mosque has the capacity to accommodate 40,000 worshippers and will have the world’s largest carpet at 7,119 square meters from Iran, the world’s largest chandelier from Germany made from one million Swarovski crystals and 28 types of marble.

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museums as well as the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque. UAE nationals are being encouraged to sign up for training and join the professional team of mosque tourist guides.

“The experience of guiding guests through the mosque is truly rewarding,” says Ahmed Al Muhaiby, one of the ADTA guides. “I feel so satisfied when I can answer their questions and see

the smiles on their faces when they leave. There is a role for all nationals to be involved in this programme and, as we represent only a small percentage of the population, it is our duty to welcome visitors to our great emirate and make their visit to Abu Dhabi a truly memorable experience.”

The ADTA is also urging tour operators throughout the emirate to embrace training and career advancement for tourist guides in Abu Dhabi.

“ADTA has strong commitment to the tourist guide role and is encouraging the private sector to also embrace the need to ensure all guides operating in the emirate are fully-trained, recognised and remunerated in line with the value that they bring to the destination,” added Al Reyami.

The Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque guided tours, which take between 60 to 90 minutes, will operate at 10am, Saturday to Thursday.

Registered visitors are requested to be at the mosque 15 minutes before the tours start.

As a mark of respect to a place of prayer and contemplation, visitors must wear modest, conservative loose fitting clothing with women covering their heads. Long sleeves are necessary and shorts or short skirts will not be acceptable. As footwear has to be removed before entering the mosque, slip-off shoes are recommended.

“And non-Muslims must not touch the Koran,” the Muslim holy book, copies of which are stacked in every prayer room, cautions one of the guides.

Visitors need to pre-book the complimentary tours by emailing zayedmosquetour@adta.ae. Visitors will be allowed to take photographs.

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AMBIENCE

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Relaxation

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OUTSIDE ARABIA

Ruta del Che means Che Guevara Trail. In late 1967, legendary revolutionary Ernesto “Che� Guevara was captured by Bolivian security forces in the scrub forest of the eastern Andes mountains. A few days later he was fatally shot in a tiny village nestled in some arid foothills.

The route Che followed, the place where he died and at the end of the trail, the dismal open air laundry where his body was displayed to the public and the press has become a pilgrimage trail for the curious as well as wouldbe followers.

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Che

La Ernesto “Che” Guevara was born in 1928 to a middle class family in Argentina, and his consciousness was awakened at an early age. Che decided that personal sacrifice and violent revolution was the only way to create a society of equality. Rejecting his comfortable lifestyle, he set off to travel around Latin America.

In Mexico, Che met Fidel Castro.

With a small army they overthrew the administration of president Fulgencio Batista in Cuba. Che Guevara acquired Cuban citizenship and, after having worked as a doctor, military commander, president of the National Bank and minister, he traveled to, and set up his base in, Ñancahuazu, 250 km southwest of Santa Cruz, Bolivia.

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Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, now the largest city in Bolivia and one of the fastest growing in South America, is a good starting point for the Che trail. When Che Guevara passed this way secretly in 1966, en route to La Paz, the Bolivian capital, many of the streets close to the centre were still unpaved and American made WW2 Willys Jeeps were a common sight.

The state of Santa Cruz is rich in natural resources; the city itself, despite considerable modernization, still retains much of its colonial past and is characterized by its ethnic diversity (owing to the large number of immigrants it has attracted in recent years).

Santa Cruz, which shares many historical links with neighboring Argentina and Brazil, is Bolivia’s center of economic growth. This region around the city is rich in tradition and folklore and the nearby rainforest offers abundant opportunities to lovers of outdoor activities (such as fishing or swimming). The area’s rich cuisine is also to be sampled.

Some of the main attractions in Santa Cruz are: · The Cathedral Museum of Sacred Art, where one can find a collection of religious art divided into four rooms: cut out in wood, liturgics ornaments, silver ware and picture gallery (besides jewelry and medals).

The museum is located inside the Cathedral.

·

·

The Arenal Ethnographic Museum, located on the Island of the Murals.

It has a collection of utensils and decoration handicraft of the Guarayos, Chiquitanos, Ayoreos, Izoseños, Tupi-Guarani and the halfcaste of the valleys.

The Noel Kempff Mercado Natural History Museum, that depends on the Rene Moreno Autonomous University. It is a valuable collection of botanic samples, animals, fossils, rocks and minerals. The fossils of the dinosaurs found not far from the city are outstanding.

Casa de la Cultura, which is in activity since 1978 offers lectures, theater works, concerts, movies, videos, courses and workshops, paint exhibits, photographs, sculpture and others. Besides, it has a library specialized in regional publications.

Another attraction in the city is the

Zoological Park of South American Life. This park presents a variety collection of the animal life of South America, with valuable species that are not found in other zoos, like: the borochi or mane wolf (Chrysocyon brachiurus), the mount dog (Speothos venaticus) and the solitary hog (Catogonuswagneri).

Cabañas del río Piraí. At a few minutes away from downtown and a set of rustically buildings, many small restaurants run that offer a wide variety of samples of the delicious cruceña (from Santa Cruz) cooking. It is an ideal place for a picnic.

Samaipata Visitors on the Ruta del Che trail

will also visit Samaipata, a town that was once overtaken by Che Guevara’s “guerrilleros”. Samaipata is a small town in the foothills of the Andes mountains, about 120 kms from Santa Cruz. On 6 July 1967 the guerrillas attacked a small army post and took ten prisoners. They captured some weapons and a truck.

They left the prisoners naked by the road about a kilometre from the town.

Samaipata lies at a distance of 120 kilometres on the older of two asphalt roads to Cochabamba and can be reached in little over two hours.

For the first 60 km the route takes you west through tropical lowlands before reaching the foothills of the Andes, which can be seen from far away.

Peasants from arid mountain areas have settled along the road. On their small holdings they produce mainly citrus fruit and milk, which they sell in Santa Cruz.

The second part of the trip leads through mountain scenery of outstanding beauty. Enthusiastic tourists enjoy taking photos of the breathtaking views. During the gradual ascent a fresh mountain breeze replaces the tropical heat. Several knowledgeable guides take visitors by four wheel drive jeeps on short trips and on excursions lasting various days. If needed, they will provide camping gear.

Among the highly recommended destinations when visiting Samaipata are: · A visit to Amboro National Park is a must. Situated on the eastern slopes of the Andes at altitudes from 300 to 2,500 metres, it comprises various climatic zones with an incredibly rich flora and fauna. Biologists constantly discover new plant species and insects here. Over 830 bird species have been identified. The park is accessible by four wheel drive and visitors will need the services of an experienced guide. · “El Fuerte”, meaning “The Fortress”, was first settled by tribes from the Amazon and Gran Chaco lowlands and later by the Incas. This is an archaeological site situated on a mountain top at 8 kilometres from the centre of Samaipata and provides a spectacular view of distant mountain ranges. Its predominant feature is the world’s largest carved stone, forming a platform of 300x40 metres. A few years ago UNESCO declared “El Fuerte” World Cultural

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Heritage site. Some visitors sense a special energy emanating from the red sandstone rock and the ruins.

At a distance of 60 kilometres from Samaipata on the road to Santa Cruz is Laguna Volcan, Vulcano Lake, worth a visit too. It evolved in the crater of an extinct volcano in a mountain range of red sandstone.

Hikers enjoy the view and a dip in the lake. The area is a nature lover´s paradise with rare plants and many species of birds and butterflies.

At a distance of 65 kilometres from Samaipata on the road to Cochabamba and 5 kilometres from the village of Mataral, visitors admire caves with prehistoric rock paintings and 6000-year-old petroglyphs depicting magic rituals and scenes of everyday life. The caves are set in beautiful landscape where crystal clear waters cascade into natural rock basins, offering refreshing baths. Only a few kilometres away is the Mataral Cactus Desert with various species of amazing giant cacti.

The cascade of La Pajcha lies 45 kilometres south of Samaipata on a dirt road but can easily be reached by jeep. Surrounded by a stretch of unspoilt countryside, it is a place where people like to spend the night by a campfire, listening to the sounds of nature and watching the southern sky.

·

Just off the main road to Santa Cruz at a distance of 20 kilometres from Samaipata, the cascades of Cuevas are easily accessible. They attract many visitors, who like to bathe in the natural pools in surroundings of outstanding natural beauty.

Vallegrande to La Higuera leads to a cluster of humble houses, walls plastered with Che’s images and graffiti. In the middle of the village is a cobbled starshaped square with a small bust of Che; next to it is a large altar with a cross and a big grey sculpture of Guevara.

La Higuera

Vallegrande

Following en route to Vallegrande are the beautiful small village of Pucará, and Quebrada del Churo, the site of Che’s last resistance. Next is Higuera, where you can visit the site of Che’s execution. La Higuera (the name comes from a type of fruit or ‘fig’) is a tiny village near the spot where the Rio Grande - an Amazon tributary begins to leave the Andes mountains. La Higuera survives on the legend of Che. It is still a quiet backwater where life continues peacefully.

In1967, after months of guerrilla warfare, Che Guevara was captured and executed in La Higuera, Bolivia. The Bolivian army took the wounded Che Guevara to the tiny schoolhouse in La Higuera. A statue to the hero now stands outside. While wounded and bound in the schoolhouse Che Guevara was shot in the chest several times. In this region, images of Che hang next to images of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, Pope John Paul II and Bolivia’s President Evo Morales.

Stories of miracles have mushroomed.

The winding road that connects

Vallegrande is approximately 125 kms southeast of Santa Cruz. It was here in Vallegrande, 40 years ago, that the corpse of Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara lay on display, eyes open, in a small open air laundry, in the grounds of the hospital of Our Lord of Malta. The body of Che Guevara was laid across two shallow basins of the laundry and local officials and then the Press were allowed to see the corpse.

After the Press had reported from Vallegrande the authorities decided not to bury Che Guevara and others of the revolutionary group in the local cemetery. They were afraid that it could become a place of pilgrimage for potential rebels so instead they took the bodies to a corner of the airfield and buried them hastily.

In 1997/1998 the Bolivian President was persuaded to disinter the remains and return those of Che Guevara to Cuba. An impressive protective cover has since been built over the site of the graves and visitors can see the pit where the bodies were found. Others who

TRAVEL FACTS Samaipata

were buried here included ‘Willy’ Simon Cuba Sarabia who helped Che when he was wounded in the Quebrada de Yuro.

Others were Orlando Tamayo “Antonio’; Aniceto Reynago Gordillo “Aniceto”; Rene Martinez Tamayo; Alberto Fernández Moises de Oca “Pacho” and Juan Pablo Chang Navarro.

In Vallegrande you can visit the hospital laundry room where Che’s body was displayed to the public and the press before disappearing. The laundry is now disused and maintained as part of the Ruta del Che. The laundry is now a shrine and many visitors try to leave their mark, sometimes with just a name and occasionally a sentiment or two by scratching the plaster wall. All messages to Che from tourists, most of which were from Argentina and other South American countries.

Other attractions in Vallegrande include the traditional colonial architecture, the Che museum and the Che memorial – on the recently discovered burial ground before his 1997 Cuban burial.

To this day, Che Guevara became an even greater hero and martyr for the cause of international revolution.

Far from being dead and forgotten his images spread around the world in their millions. The most famous and now iconic photograph was taken in March 1960 by Cuban photographer Alberto Díaz Gutiérrez known as Korda.

1. Visitors not travelling in their own vehicles can hire a car or use public transport in Samaipata. There are taxi service, private taxis and mini bus. Bus fare: 15 Bolivianos (US$2); Taxi fare: 25 Bolivianos (shared taxi with 4 passengers) and Express taxi: 100 Bolivianos. 1 Boliviano is equivalent to 0.132787 US$.

2. Accommodations: · Quinta Piray. A spacious modern complex of 19 comfortable self-contained bungalows invites the discerning visitor. Quinta Piray is a quiet place in wellkept grounds on a gentle slope, which offers an impressive view over the valley of Samaipata. The place is the ideal destination for individual travellers as well as couples, families, and groups who want to spend a pleasant weekend or a relaxing holiday. For further information contact Tel./ Fax: +591-3-944 6136 or E-mail: quinta-piray@cotas.com.bo ·

Achira Sierra Resort. The resort is at 112 Km (70 miles), at two hours driving from the Santa Cruz de la Sierra City on the paved highway to Cochabamba and 8 km (5 miles) from Samaipata. It can be easily reached by car, taxi or bus. It offers cabins some with kitchens, with capacities for 2, 4, 6, 7, 9 and 18 persons. The rustic cabins with capacity for 4 persons, along with the camping area are located in the midst of a tangerine cove; they both have barbecue grills and tables. For more information log on to www.achiraresort.com

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El Pueblito Resort. El Pueblito Resort Hotel is located on the outskirts of the town of Samaipata in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Located at 5791 feet above sea level, El Pueblito offers a beautiful view of the entire valley of Samaipata. This unique hotel is a small replica of a colonial town with a flavor of the oriental area of Bolivia of the XVIII century and with exclusive and creative artistic touches. For bookings, log on to ww.elpueblitoresort.com

Santa Cruz 1.

The Viru Viru international airport is the main access door for visitors from all over the world. Daily flights coming from La Paz, Sucre and Cochabamba arrive to this terminal. Some flights coming from Brazil arrive here too.

2.

Accommodations range from three to five star properties. · Buganvillas Hotel Suites and Spa is 5 minutes away from Santa Cruz City centre. Buganvillas Hotel extends on an area of 6 hectares, and it is surrounded by magnificent vegetation. The comfortable suites consist of 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedrooms, living room and kitchen. Buganvillas Hotel consists of 116 Suites and 4 Grand Suites. 180 workers make up the Buganvillas staff who are willing to offer impeccable service. For bookings, log on to www. hootelbuganvillas.com ·

Toborochi Suites Apart Hotel, which has 35 beautiful suites, is located in the residential area of Equipetrol, very close to important stores, many boutiques, exclusive restaurants, and places for recreation. The one- and two-bedroom suites, besides having a living-room, kitchen, bathrooms and balconies with panoramic views, are totally equipped and furnished to provide you with the best service, with the sole purpose of making you feel at home, in other words, providing you with “the warmth of a home”. For bookings log on to www. toborochisuites.com

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Los Tajibos Hotel & Convention Center – A tropical oasis on a 6-hectare extension of exuberant vegetation, birds and waterfalls next to the most exclusive residential neighborhood of Santa Cruz. It is located 10 minutes away from downtown and 15 minutes away from Viru Viru International Airport.

With 185 rooms: standard, executive, suites and non-smoker rooms, all of which have balconies and magnificent views of the gardens, waterfalls, the colonial patio or the swimming pool. For rates and enquiries, log on to www. lostajiboshotel.com

April I Travel Arabia I 41

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Art& Antiques

Categories on display included Islamic works of art; silver; antique and modern jewellery; rare porcelain and ceramics; a broad range of furniture and decorative arts; and fine art, including Middle Eastern, Indian, and Western paintings, drawings, and sculpture.

HE Al-Owais and Humaid Mohammed Obeid Al Qutami at Bernard Shapero’s stand

An unparalleled number of art enthusiasts from around the world arrived in Dubai for the premier of Art and Antiques Dubai, the region’s first event of its kind, with participating galleries and attendees labeling the fair “best-in-class for the Middle East region.”

The fair which took place at the Madinat Arena, Madinat Jumeirah last February 21 to 24 was held under the patronage of His Excellency Abdul Rahman Mohammad Al-Owais, UAE Minister of Culture, Youth & Community Development, along with the full support of Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing.

“The extremely positive response from the Arab world to the fair clearly indicates the emergence of a new market for top quality art,” said Brian Haughton, organizer of Art & Antiques Dubai.

VIP attendees included respected members from leading families from across the region and top level executives from government institutions.

“The Middle Eastern connoisseur is the new segment of sophisticated Arab art buyers joining the international art collectors circle,” further commented Brian Haughton.

With strong support from the global art and antiques spectrum, the Haughtons are successfully pioneering this emerging market and look to support Arab collectors with an annual platform to top-flight fine art and antiques dealers.

One of the world’s most important dealers in fine 18th and early 19th century English furniture, Simon Phillips of Ronald Phillips Ltd in London enjoyed widespread interest at the fair. “People here are hugely interested and curious, which is very exciting,” said Simon Phillips.

Lesley Kehoe Galleries from Australia, an antique and contemporary Japanese art dealer, reported major sales exceeding 100,000 USD. New York based Alastair Crawford deals in Georg Jensen silver and also reported substantial sales reaching multiple thousands in USD. HE Al-Owais at Simon Phillips

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April I Travel Arabia I 43

Universal accolades for Al Ain

Classical Music Festival 44 I Travel Arabia I April

The largest and most successful Al Ain Classical Music Festival to date has drawn to a close, amid full houses, standing ovations and glowing reviews, signifying a strong future for the festival.

“Our ambitions to develop a world-class classical music event that will eventually rank among the most acclaimed are well on their way to being realised with encouraging support for the festival from both the world-class performers and the diverse audiences,” said His Excellency Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH).

More than 20,000 people witnessed the performances in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi and an audience of millions will be able to witness the festival through Abu Dhabi TV’s broadcasts of six major performances.

With an audience of UAE nationals, expatriates and tourists, many of whom were introduced to classical music for the first time, some of the festival highlights

us to look forward to coming festivals with renewed vigour. The support from within the Emirates and internationally has reaffirmed our belief in the bright future of art and culture in Abu Dhabi,” said Zaki Nusseibeh, Vice Chairman of ADACH and the Abu Dhabi Concert Committee Chairman.

Many of the performers were so pleased with the attendance and feedback from this year’s festival that they have already expressed their eagerness to sign up for the ninth Al Ain Classical Music Festival next year.

The UAE Philharmonic Orchestra (UAEPO), who made their debut this year, is keen to continue because of the international profile world-class music associations that it affords them.

“We were able to meet with the Staatskapelle Dresden and actually had three members of their orchestra

included the region’s first Arabic performance of Mozart’s Don Giovanni, the first Wagner concert recording made in the Arab world featuring one of Europe’s most prominent orchestras - the Warsaw Philharmonic, and acclaimed performances by the famed Accademia Teatro alla Scala - the performing arts academy of Milan’s famous opera house.

“The resounding success of this year’s expanded festival has encouraged

stay on to perform with us. Through this meeting, we are negotiating future collaborations which will allow our orchestra to benefit from the expertise of one of the world’s oldest orchestras,” said the UAEPO’s conductor and founder, Philipp Maier.

The Festival Director Massimo Nebuloni - the Project and Tour Manager of the Accademia Teatro alla Scala – said that several other performers are also enthusiastic about future

participation.

“La Scala, who were heavily involved in this year’s festival, performing four times and presenting educational workshops on festivals and the performing arts, want to continue their involvement, while the Staatskapelle Dresden said they would love to return,” Nebuloni said.

The Abu Dhabi Concert Committee extended the festival in duration and expanded its location to include Abu

Dhabi in order to afford greater access to music lovers throughout the UAE and the neighbouring region. The festival ran for 11 nights – from March 6 to 16 – instead of the traditional single weekend, and music lovers enjoyed the world-class performances in both Al Ain and Abu Dhabi.

“The Garden City of Al Ain, a central figure in the culture and heritage of Abu Dhabi and the Emirates, remained at the heart of this festival, as it will in future years, while it continues to evolve its reputation to stand alongside the world’s best,” explained Sheikh Sultan.

This year’s event also featured a series of festival and performing arts workshops aimed at enhancing the skill base within the emirate for this and other festivals in the future.

April I Travel Arabia I 45

ATTRACTIONS

Six Zighy Bay Senses Hideaway

46 I Travel Arabia I April

Multi award-winning global resort and spa operators Six Senses opened the new Six Senses Hideaway and Spa, Zighy Bay, Oman. The remarkable Hideaway hosts 82 luxury private pool villas and pool villa suites, including an exclusive private Reserve and Retreats.

Hidden by the Hajar Mountains, Six Senses Hideaway, Zighy Bay, allows true escapism in a stunning sensory location. Presenting bare-foot luxury, all accommodation includes a full range of services including a personal butler, gym instructor and the L.I.F.E (Leisure, Innovative, Fun and Experience) service which offers excursions to the most magnificent places of interest in Musandam and the surrounding regions.

Since opening early this year, The Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay has already established a new benchmark for the region. Located on a secluded fishing village on the Musandam Peninsula, the resort is a 90-minute drive from Dubai.

It is designed with 82 luxury private pool villas and pool villa suites. The setting is quite dramatic, with mountains on one side and a 1.6 kilometer sandy beach at Zighy Bay, on the other.

The design and material selection of this new Six Senses Hideaway is based on attention to detail and commitment to the environment, creating an uncompromising standard of luxury and Redefining Experiences.

Naim Maadad, Six Senses’ Area Director for the Middle East comments:

“I am proud to welcome you to the dishes, Six Senses’ highly distinguished new Six Senses Hideaway, Zighy Bay, chefs offer inspired world cuisine both broadening the unique Six Senses on and off location. experience across the Middle East.

The resort offers guests truly unique Our guests are offered a truly holistic dining opportunities. Dining on the experience, whether it is through Edge overlooks Zighy Bay from atop the the Spa treatments, fantastic dining mountain range. Dining on the Sands opportunities or simply the service presents a variety of Asian, Middle provided by our dedicated hosts. Our Eastern and Continental specialties. new Hideaway is a place where all can Other options include the Deli and truly balance their senses.” the Marina option. In-villa dining is a The Six Senses Spa presents a delightful experience as are the many selection of holistic treatments in an ecoprivate locations for romantic dinners friendly atmosphere and is a key element and picnics. to Zighy Bay’s serene and relaxing The exceptional experience, environment. Offering a however, begins even before comprehensive selection arrival at the Hideaway. of Six Senses signature Showing true Six Presenting treatments, focusing Senses style, guests bare-foot luxury in a on holistic and can choose one of sustainable environment, three spectacular pampering therapies, guests can truly arrival opportunities the new enliven and balance to the new Middle Middle East haven their senses.

Eastern resort. Take is a place where Using only in the breath-taking all can truly balance natural and location by arriving environmentally at the bay by boat, take their senses. friendly products, the Spa a spirited 4WD voyage is designed and constructed over the Hajar Mountains, to reflect the Omani style and or make the daring arrival aesthetic traditions of the region. Guests as a companion passenger with the can take part in traditional Arabian Hideaway’s professional paraglider and spa treatments to renew their senses land on our beach. including two Arabian-style Hammams.

Six Senses Hideaways offer private Exquisite dining at Zighy Bay villas of contemporary architecture, delivers the most mouth-watering of reflecting the destination and positioned experiences. Featuring an all day outlet with an image supporting the Six Senses and a poolside deli serving international Hideaway theme.

The accommodations of Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay are a blend of the surrounding Omani traditional style, with modern amenities which provide luxury amidst local cultural themes.

The two Private Retreats offer an unsurpassed level of comfort, luxury and privacy. Enjoy the intimacy of your own private beach, spa indulgence treatment room and oversized infinity swimming pool. With their two bedrooms, separate living and dining room areas, a library, kitchen and personal butler service, they are your haven away from home Located at the far end of the bay on its own stretch of private beach, the Private Zighy Reserve has been carefully

designed to reflect the traditional local Omani architecture with its private entrance leading to an open court which looks over the three buildings making up this Arabian palace of wonders. Within, you will find vast open spaces set on multiple elevations offering spectacular views over the Gulf of Oman. With its four bedrooms, the Reserve also includes a traditional copper bathtub in the master bedroom, a variety of separate living and dining room areas for entertaining, a private gym, private wine cellar, a maids’/nannies’ quarters, a private security office an oversized infinity swimming pool, and comes with a live-in Butler who will cater to your every need 24 hours a day. Grandiose, yet subtle, the emphasis is on privacy and space with particular attention to detail.

Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay is located at Dibba Musandam, Sultanate of Oman. For bookings and information please contact +968 267 35555 or log on to www.sixsenses.com

April I Travel Arabia I 47

FACE TO FACE

aloft Abu Dhabi

The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina

Ahmed Abdel Baki, Regional Director of Sales & Marketing ME

Starwood’s

star shines in the Middle East 48 I Travel Arabia I April

With 48 hotels across the Middle East and a further 16 hotels in the pipeline, Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ growth in the region is exceptional. This year, the group is set to open three new hotels and has recently announced three new signings, among them a landmark entry with the opening of The Luxury Collection in Ras Al Khaimah.

At this year’s Middle East roadshow, Ahmed Abdel Baki, Regional Director of Sales & Marketing for Starwood Hotels & Resorts in the Middle East, discussed the importance of this market to the overall success of the group and revealed several upcoming projects.

“The role of the Middle East region is very important because it is the fastest growing market in the world. Nobody can deny this fact. It is so competitive; it keeps everybody on their toes. It creates a cut throat edge between different industries and I am not only talking about the hotel industry today but I’m talking about the airline industry, the travel agencies and the ground handlers. All of those who thrive for excellence to reach a point of service that can actually compete easily with the best places in Asia Pacific today which is the optimal kind of service level,” said Baki.

Baki acknowledged that the growth in the region is mainly driven from the UAE but he stressed that things are also doing great in places like Doha, Riyadh and even Saudi Arabia. “That is why the need to bring the hotels in these key destinations to start meeting our customers, getting to know each other by doing some customer events and bridging the gap between our hotels and our partners in this part of the world. We started that and it proved to be a great success.”

At present, there are five existing Starwood brands in the Middle East namely The Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, Le Meridien and Westin. Three new brands are coming namely St. Regis, W and aloft.

“We’re all over the Middle East. We started bringing down brands that did not exist in the Middle East before and we can see that most of the investors are looking for something new today, something different. They don’t need the traditional brands anymore in the same way it was done 15 or 20 years ago,” added Baki.

“They want to feel a different experience so we started a little bit into branding. Today we have nine brands under Starwood. I believed we have five brands in this part of the world. We’re still missing a few brands but we’re working on this very fast with a lot of partners and I’m sure that in the near future the Middle East will be one of the few regions in our company that we have the complete nine brands in here.”

This year, Starwood Hotels & Resorts will open three hotels namely the Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina and the W Doha Hotel & Residences.

The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina, the flagship Westin property in the UAE, featuring 294 rooms is scheduled to open in May. About the same time the Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road featuring 390 rooms is also opening.

The W Doha Hotel & Residences, the region’s first W hotel will open in the third quarter of the year. The W Doha features 291 guest rooms and suites. Plans are also underway for a W Hotel in Amman, Jordan. Scheduled to open in 2011, this highly anticipated development is expected to become a vibrant destination in the city of Amman.

The group also signed The Luxury Collection brand in Ras Al Khaimah within the Saraya Islands. The Luxury Collection Resort is expected to open in 2011 and will have 300 lavishly decorated guestrooms, including 40 suites, all with breathtaking views and the latest modern conveniences.

Starwood Hotels & Resort will also bring St. Regis hotel in Bahrain, one

of the most thriving destinations in the Middle East. Scheduled to open in 2010, the 300-room hotel will introduce an unrivaled dimension of luxury and bespoke service at one of the world’s best addresses.

The aloft brand will also open in Abu Dhabi in 2010. aloft is partnering with Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company to open the 300-room hotel which will be located within the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center, a key part of the Capital Centre mixed-used development.

“We are reopening Sheraton Oman in November this year after 20 months of closure. We did a full make up for the hotel. We spent more than 20 million dollars on that and it’s going to be a complete brand new hotel outside and inside. We have also finished the renovation of Sheraton Bahrain comprising of 256 rooms with a modern and stylish décor,” Baki added.

Despite the presence of other hospitality groups in the region, Baki believed that the diversity of their brands is one big factor in getting a big share of the market.

“We have brands that cater to the luxury or niche market. We have brands that cater for families, we have brands for the business travellers, for the four star market and for extended stay markets.

I think our distribution channels are very strong. We became very strong with our online systems, with our internet, our distribution booking system, our global sales representations. In Europe and Middle East we have eight global representations. That’s the strength that covers key accounts in corporate and leisure segments,” said Baki.

“When we talk about our existence, the hotel portfolio, the number of hotels, you can find us today in every destination, every city that you go around not only in the Middle East but in the world. We have more than 900 hotels in 100 countries today. So that’s a big portfolio and you don’t find this today in other competitors. We are today one of the biggest hotel chains worldwide.”

Baki also observed that the market is growing in the Middle East because of the region’s stability. “There is a sense of security that was created. There’s a lot of credibility that the Europeans or the international traveller today

W Doha understand exactly what’s happening in Dubai, what’s happening in Saudi, what’s happening in Jordan. They understand that if you want to go in Jordan for vacation, is it safe because that’s far away from Iraq. There’s a sense of credibility today within the destination, with the geographical movement in this part of the world.”

How about challenges? Challenges are always part of any industry and in the hospitality industry especially in this region, the biggest challenge is finding the right talent to fill in the right vacancies.

“It’s a challenge especially that the hotel industry is not only catering towards that. Today if you’re looking for a customer relationship manager in a bank they would try to get the best talent from the hotel business. Airline is the same, travel agency is the same, and real estate business is the same so today everybody is trying to get the best talents out of the hotel industry because they are the best, well refined people that you can find in the market. So basically finding the right talent is a challenge.”

But Starwood Hotels & Resorts have existing human resources concepts and programs that look into these talents while they are still in school.

“We have a lot of tie ups or partnership with a lot of academies, university and educational institution that would give us the opportunity to take care of them while they are young, growing through the career with them and taking them on board to start while they’re fresh graduates so we have a lot of these programs on board.”

Starwood Hotels & Resorts anticipates another year of extraordinary growth in 2008, building on the company’s record setting success in 2007. “Whatever happens so far since the beginning of the year for Starwood has been very strong. We’ve seen the strong performance in quarter one this year. I see no reason for the trend not to continue for the rest of the year,” Baki concluded.

April I Travel Arabia I 49

FASHION & STYLE

& g n i r Sp r e m Sum n

o i t c e Coll

Check this year’s Spring & Summer Collection from the leading brands in the UAE. The new materials, cuts and design will surely catch your flair for fashion.

Don’t forget the shoes and accessories to finish that look!

50 I Travel Arabia I April

Emanuel Ungaro

H&M

Ralph Lauren

April I Travel Arabia I 51

Men’s Accessories Hogan

Tod’s

Hogan

Lacoste

Lacoste

Saks Fifth Avenue Manish Arora Marlboro Classics

Tod’s

52 I Travel Arabia I April

Women’s Accessories

Hogan

Club Monaco

Marlboro Classics

Lacoste

Marlboro Classics

Emanuel Ungaro

Tod’s

Hogan

Lacoste

Tod’s

April I Travel Arabia I 53

Al Rais Travel provides solutions to your travel needs

Al Rais Travel is one of the largest independent travel agencies in the UAE and has grown since its commencement of operations of 1977 into a large travel and shipping agencies group offering a diverse range of tourism and transportation packages to all corners of the globe. It is General Sales Agent for 20 international airlines including Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air, Kenya Airways, Continental Airlines to name a few and has 37 strategically located offices throughout the country.

Al Rais Travel uses its vast resources to provide innovative and cost effective travel solutions to business and leisure travelers to all parts of the world.

Our expertise in sourcing, planning and implementation provides our clients with viable options to their requirements. With a strong global networking and reliable service providers

54 I Travel Arabia I April

in place, Al Rais Travel provides a hassle free holiday or business trip anywhere in the world.

Al Rais Holidays Centre in Bur Dubai caters not only to direct customers but also provides support to customers visiting the outlets on the Al Rais network who are unable to reach the Holidays office.

Al Rais Holidays wide range of international holiday packages as well as in house tailor made packages to worldwide destinations are available to all individual and corporate clients.

With its own online booking system catering to B2B and B2C clients the online system will be one of the most powerful booking systems in the Middle East.

Established in 2002, Al Rais Rent-ACar provides a smart fleet of top models economical and luxury vehicles Started

in 1983, Al Rais Cargo today, is one of the largest independent cargo agencies in the UAE providing cargo and freight forwarding services to destinations worldwide.

Al Rais operate a state-of-the-art logistics centre spread over 20,000sqm with 19,000 pallet positions in Jebel Ali Free Zone. It offers a “one stop shop� freight and logistics solution including outsourcing opportunities to major corporations worldwide, warehousing and inventory management (WMS) solutions, third party logistics effectively catering to customer requirements under one roof.

Al Rais is the first local company in the UAE, to be granted AOC (Air Operator’s Certificate) for cargo and passenger flights by GCAA on September 28, 2004. Al Rais owns two 727-F200 aircrafts and offers feeder service in the Middle East region.

April I Travel Arabia I 55

Fresh from the Ocean to your table

Seafood, especially fish, is a safe, wholesome and nutritious food product that should be an integral part of a well-rounded diet. The American Heart Association says that Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish are good for the heart. Not only that, it is also good for your brain and entire body.

56 I Travel Arabia I April

Nutritionists advise eating seafood at least twice a week. Health experts say that people who are at high risk or who have already been diagnosed with heart disease can benefit from eating seafood.

Fish and shellfish are generally low in fat, and the small amount they do contain is actually beneficial.

Seafood is also rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, generally low in sodium, and very low in saturated fat.

Besides these healthy attributes, seafood is “Nature’s original fast food,” says Executive Chef Wassim B-Fakhreden With the entire health benefits one can get from eating seafood along with the many dishes you can prepare, Millennium Hotel Sharjah is launching a Seafood night every Wednesday throughout the month of April, commencing on the 2nd.

Mojo Restaurant located at the second floor of the five-star property will be transformed into a seafood market

where the freshest catch of the day will be displayed on a boat found inside the restaurant. Guests can choose from a wide selection of fish, shellfish, lobster, shrimps, prawns, only to name a few.

“Seafood is a lot healthier than meat and chicken and there are a whole lot of scrumptious dishes that can be prepared,” says Chef Wassim.

“The idea is for our guest to have the largest variety of fresh seafood cooked to their liking, whether grilled, pan-fried, broiled, poached, or barbecued. You can also request fresh seafood fused with Mediterranean, Chinese, Thai, or European cuisine,” added Chef Wassim.

Chef Wassim and his team will be creating signature dishes to include Mediterranean prawn tempura with jalapeño, New-man pasta, Malaysian prawn fritters, Balinese-style crispy fish, Singapore-style steamed fish, Hot and Sour Indonesian prawns, grilled fish in Banana leaf , poached salmon with shitake mushroom sauce as well as special requests (upon availability of items).

“We have been working on this idea for a while now as we would like to serve our guests only the freshest and healthiest of food. Our seafood is guaranteed fresh and our concept will be the best in Sharjah,” he added.

Our display will have a variety of hammour, red snapper, pom fret, sultan ebrahim, Crab, Dover sole, Salmon, King fish, mussels, oyster, squid, tiger prawn, shrimps, Lobster, Milk fish, lady fish, needle fish, red mullet, Cuttlefish and the catch of the day.

While tickling your palate with our seafood dishes, increase the sensations of your taste buds with the lavish international buffet made up of fresh and healthy salads like Greek, Nicoise, Thai Seafood, Crisp Noodle with Chicken, Smoked Fish, and Scottish mussels with matsuhisa salsa. An eyecatching live corner of Sushi & Sashimi from our professional Sushi Chef flown in from the Far East will add an oriental touch to your evening. Dishes from around the world like Seafood Paella, Stir fried organic Vegetables, Wild Mushroom and Goat Cheese Strudel, Roasted Duck, Grilled Ostrich Steak with sharp pepper Sauce will just make your mouth water.

Now for those with a sweet tooth, end your feast with alluring choices of desserts like Tiramisu, Coffee and Chocolate Bombe, Berry Brule Tarts, Iced Orange, Royal Pistachio Cake, Red Fruit Salad, Date & Almond Tart, Sicilian ricotta Cake, Cassata Cake, Spicy Fruit Cake from Siena.

The only addition that can make this evening even more memorable is the breathtaking view of Khalid Lagoon that can be seen straight from your seat while savoring every bite.

The seafood theme night is available every Wednesday night in April from 7:00 pm till 11:30 pm for AED 130+++ per person excluding beverages.

Children between 5 and 12 years get 50% discount. For reservations and enquiries, call +971 6 5566666 or email sales. sharjah@mill-cop.com

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Prepare your senses for an authentic culinary experience like no other and savour the selection of the many fine dining options available as each meal presents a visual feast. Diners may choose from La Baie, the seafood restaurant, Splendido, the contemporary Italian restaurant and Gulf Pavilion at the poolside. The cathedral-like splendour of the Lobby Lounge is the perfect backdrop for traditional afternoon tea, and the Library Bar and Cigar Room are ideal for aperitifs or after dinner drinks. Amaseena®, a restaurant of Bedouin tents offers traditional Arabic cuisine under the stars by the shores of the Arabian Gulf.

Spectacular Seafood and Sushi

Culinary Creations at the

Ritz-Carlton, Dubai

Dubai is a city of distinctive venues and gastronomic delights that offers a range of cuisines to satisfy every taste. Situated in the heart of the new Dubai Marina, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai is an intimate retreat that contributes to the culinary innovations of this vibrant city, presenting cuisine that will inspire even the most discerning palates.

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As the hotel’s signature restaurant, La Baie offers a refined yet intimate ambience where the menu is enhanced with progressive seafood dishes, presented as works of art and yet retaining the natural flavours of the finest produce available. Chef de Cuisine is Umit Kaygusuz and his degree in architecture might explain his beautifully constructed dishes. Now stunning guests in La Baie, Chef Umit professes to a liking for earthy, seasonal ingredients, organic and locally sourced where possible.

The spacious dining room of the restaurant boasts an aquarium and a sushi bar for the freshest of seafood offerings and the resident sommelier will be delighted to make a recommendation to suit your tastes. La Baie Terrace has an alternative menu of sushi, sashimi, snacks and salads and is served to the background of lounge music, while white, low-rise seating that offers a view of the beach, provides the perfect ambience.

An Italian Jewel Open from early morning through to late at night, Splendido, a contemporary Italian restaurant combines the well-known warmth and friendliness of Italy with the cosmopolitan flair of Dubai. The décor is a contemporary New York style with an eclectic mix of wood, copper and marble. For guests who prefer to dine al fresco, a large outdoor patio with expansive sea-views provides the perfect

setting anytime of the day.

Experience authentic Italian cooking combined with the freshest herbs and ingredients to create a host of tasty and stylish creations. Undergo a taste explosion with signature dishes like the Wagyu Beef Ravioli and the Porcini Mushroom Risotto. Friday Brunch is a must as chefs demonstrate their talents at numerous live stations with a dazzling array of antipasti, meats and fish as well as the many amazing desserts that end brunch on a definite high note.

Splendido piazza is the perfect place for a business lunch with an innovative menu guaranteeing quick yet freshly prepared cuisine that tempts the taste buds and yet ensures that you get back to the office in time. A light lunch menu of Italian dishes for al fresco dining includes favourites such as Caprese Salad with Sweet Basil Pesto, Pine Nuts and Zucchini and Tomato Risotto with Mascarpone, dishes that complement a sunny setting in landscaped gardens.

An Arabic Experience An alternative outdoor dining experience can be had every night at Amaseena, a tented Bedouin Village.

Select a private tent with friends and family and relax under a starry sky for the evening. Choose from a nightly buffet of traditional Arabian specialties and enjoy aromatic shisha while being entertained by a talented belly dancer and her mesmerising moves. A feast of seafood takes centre stage with a succulent selection of the freshest of fish cooked a la minute by Chef Fayez and his team.

The Tradition of Tea Afternoon tea is a hallowed ritual that takes place every afternoon in every Ritz-Carlton across the globe. At The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, The Lobby Lounge, with its cathedral-like wooden ceiling and paladin windows is the architectural showpiece. Oversized sofas and comfortable chairs provide the perfect place to escape from the desert heat whilst enjoying traditional afternoon

tea with all the luxurious delicacies one would expect. A classical duo lends a touch of elegance as smoked salmon and cucumber finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with Devonshire clotted cream and jam, and a selection of pastries are served with a choice of over sixty different types of tea. Become a tea expert as certified tea sommeliers who are only too delighted to impart their tea knowledge and wisdom offer personalised one hour tea tutorials, detailing the story of tea, from past to present day.

Soulful Sounds The Library Bar and the adjoining Cigar room are intimate, comfortable and stylish, epitomising the very spirit of Ritz-Carlton graciousness. The Library Bar is stocked with a selection of premium malts, cognacs and wines, and the cigar menu has been created especially to complement the tastes of aficionados. The leather sofas and winged chairs surrounded by rich carpets and tapestries create the perfect venue for aperitifs or a night cap after dinner.

Soulful singer/songwriter Therése Neaime is now bringing her own style of soul and jazz to The Library Bar, showcasing her debut album and enlivening guests with her dulcet tones.

Therése is of Lebanese and Swedish origin and has a unique sound that will perfectly complement The Library Bar, an ideal place to gather with friends for an after-work cocktail or a relaxing weekend evening. An outside terrace provides unsurpassable views of the Arabian Gulf and affords an opportunity to relax in an exclusive haven amidst the new Dubai Marina.

Chef in Charge Marcus Dudley, Executive Chef, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, oversees the entire culinary division and all restaurants at the hotel. A safari enthusiast with a wild passion for cycling does not sound like your stereotypical Executive Chef and Australian national, Marcus is certainly anything but typical. Marcus brings a

wealth of experience to the role despite his young age and has worked his way up the ranks to become the youngest Executive Chef in The Ritz-Carlton Company L.L.C. An interest for travel as well as food has seen Marcus work throughout Australia, America, Europe and the Middle East gaining extensive knowledge and skills in his field. He is actually the first non-European chef to receive a Michelin star, which he was awarded in London in 2002.

Since receiving his Chef’s Diploma in the U.K in 1990, Marcus has continued to amass qualifications including a certification in the Production Techniques and Knowledge of Wines and Spirits, so he can perfectly recommend the ideal beverage with which to pair his dishes! Affiliated with a number of trade associations including Les Toques Blanche and the UK’s Craft Guild of Chefs, Marcus is regularly consulted for culinary advice and has most recently become a regional judge for the Nespresso 50 Best Restaurants Awards 2008.

Throughout his illustrious career, Marcus has prepared a dinner for Colonel Khadafi, Fidel Castro and Nelson Mandela and catered for the birthday celebrations for Nelson Mandela and the Queen of Thailand.

He has also amassed an impressive collection of menus and wine lists from restaurants around the world, currently totaling over 2,500!

Chef Marcus is excited to be at the helm at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, and most enjoys guiding, “professional, well-rounded chefs, who are developing careers full of promise.” He is certain that, “in a city famed for its restaurants, the fresh ingredients, skilled chefs and innovative concepts embraced by the culinary team at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai will ensure even greater success than that already attained”.

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In Thai “Rak Talay” means “to love the sea” so if you’re a lover of Thai food with a twist on seafood, this is definitely the dining house for you. Start with refreshing beverages on the sand few steps away from your exclusive dining experience in your private Thai house overlooking the sea.

Talay restaurant is situated in Le Méridien Village in Abu Dhabi, and is introducing privacy dining at a new level. Rak Talay is a private dining space for two people. Special privacy is known for Thai spas, it has now been introduced into dining, whereby the private house has been themed for you and your special partner.

The Thai Chef will create a menu for your taste buds, all is required is to let the friendly and attentive crew at Talay know what your mood for food is like and they will fulfill your request with a friendly smile.

The Ocean View is clearly visible in this space, as windows have been designed into the Rak Talay, with slim bamboo curtains to transfer your mood to your recent vacation. Themed by the Creative and Arts Manager at Le Méridien Abu Dhabi.

Just in time for Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year starting April 13th every year for three festive days.

Songkran is a Thai word which means “move” or “change place” as it is the day when the sun changes its position in the zodiac. It is also known as the Water Festival as people believe that water will wash away bad luck. As the festival falls during the hottest period of the season, everybody loves to soak in water to feel refreshed and cool. Songkran festival is also called the Public Spring Cleaning Day. Come and celebrate Songkran day with us at Talay in Le Méridien Abu Dhabi on the last day of Songkran Festival Tuesday April 15th where a special Ar Han Thai Thai Buffet is for AED 121.00++ per person.

For more information and for reservations please call 02 644 6666.

Talay hours are from 12:30 – 3:30 pm and evenings from 7:00 – 11:30 pm

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Rak Talay Privacy taken to a new level with Talay Thai house overlooking the sea

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DINING PROMOTIONS

Spring comes with a lot of dining deals.

Our restaurants are booming with culinary adventures to tickle your palate so check which place will suit your taste.

Spring

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Dining Deals

Al Bustan Rotana Dubai Take part in a very special dining adventure as Gazebo lobby lounge presents an exceptional chocolate promotion! Award-winning French Chocolate Master Jean Francois Langevin, a recipient of The Meilleur Ouvier de France (Best Chocolate Maker in France) will showcase a buffet of his exquisite chocolate creations at the lobby, which will

also be served to guests of Choices, Blue Elephant, Benihana, Come Prima and Rodeo Grill.

Enjoy chocolate buffet at its best when you dine Ala Carte in any of the participating outlets for only AED 40*. Or come enjoy any of our restaurants’ theme nights and the chocolate buffet is totally free!

The Orthodox Easter global Brunch at the Al Bustan Rotana Dubai on Sunday 27th of April 2008

is not to be missed in the lobby, and Choices restaurant will be set up for a fabulous brunch with live cooking stations offering specialties from around the world through buffets from all the award winning restaurants, for only AED 250 inclusive of selected beverages.

Kids will have fun in the entertainment area with face painting, clown, and video games at only AED 100 for kids from 6 – 12 years and free for children 5 years old

and below.

The award winning Blue Elephant Restaurant @ the Al Bustan Rotana Dubai invites you on a journey to Thailand from 13th to 19th of April 2008. The Thai Festival will offer an exquisite, sumptuous and stunning buffet menu prepared by our master chefs, who invite you on a journey to the regional and savoury flavours of Thailand.

Your Thailand round trip at Blue Elephant is available for only AED 179* inclusive

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Al Bustan Rotana Hotel Al Murooj Rotana Hotel & Suites

Al Murooj Rotana Hotel & Suites

of selected beverages. For reservations, log on to www.rotana.com or call 00 971 2820000.

Al Diar Siji Hotel, Fujairah Al Bustan Rotana Hotel

Bateaux Dubai

There is nothing like a delicious panini sandwich to enjoy any time of the year. This month, Zorba Bar and Cocktail Lounge offers delightful sandwiches from fresh vegetables and other unique ingredients for a tasty treat. Wonderfully crisp and flavorful grilled chicken sandwich is guaranteed to satisfy your taste.

Siji Café will surely satisfy your sweet tooth this month with its fresh baked doughnuts offerings. A wide variety of flavors are made from the freshest ingredients for a yummy snack. Siji Café also serves a selection of cakes and pastries, as well as a wide variety of tea and Starbucks coffee.

Meantime, carvery specials continue to take centerstage at Al Diwan Restaurant’s daily lunch and dinner buffet offerings. A wide array of appetizers and desserts are also lined up in the beautifully set up buffet table. Al Diwan also features additional food stations at the Terrace for Friday Brunch. For enquiries and reservations call (09) 223 2000.

64 I Travel Arabia I April

Passionate about seafood? Then make Pergolas restaurant at Al Murooj Rotana Hotel & Suites your harbour to indulge into blue waters’ delicacies with their exotic seafood night.

The mouthwatering spread features more than hundred dishes masterfully created and displayed on over 10 stations including live cooking and tempting seafood BBQ. The menu offers some exotic dishes inspired by cuisines from various countries around the world. It is a true feast for Seafood connoisseurs. Step in, indulge and feel enriched.

The seafood theme night is available every Tuesday from 7:00 pm till 11:30 pm.

There are two packages available AED 185* net per person including soft drinks, chilled juices and mineral water or AED 225* net per person including selected beers & wines. Children between 5 and 12 years get 50% discount.

For reservations, log on to www.rotana.com or call +971 4 321 1111.

Bateaux Dubai Delicious culinary delights and a cruise on the Creek’s calm waters – what more reason do you need to book a dinner cruise onboard Bateaux Dubai? The delectable 4-course a- lacarte dinner can be enjoyed for just AED 295* per person, including a welcome drink on arrival.

Boarding starts every night at 8.00pm and Bateaux Dubai departs at 8.30pm from the pier in Bur Dubai opposite the British Embassy.

To make a reservation please call Bateaux Dubai on 04 3994994 or e-mail mail@ bateauxdubai.com.

BurJuman Rotana For those who strive on sweet and sour can choose from the various palettes’ combinations of assorted mini sandwiches, muffins, cake, cookies and ice cream with their favorite coffee or tea including half an hour internet connection for just AED 49* Reserve your business lunch buffet table and savour international cuisine every Sunday to Thursday in the most relaxing and business like settings for just AED 89* or feast on the varieties of a la carte menu from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Look no further than The Gallery at S3 level, mall entrance to BurJuman Rotana, next to BurJuman Business Tower. For reservation call UAE Toll Free: 800 ROTANA or call 971 4 508 7783 or email Burjuman. suites@rotana.com

Copthorne Hotel Dubai Ideally located for business guests, the hotel recently introduced Business Lunch Specials in the Crystal Restaurant from 12.30 – 2 pm Sunday to Thursday for a special rate of AED 70 net per person.

Situated on the Ground Floor with direct access from the elegant white marble lobby, the Crystal Restaurant is open all day long with a la carte menus as well as buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Lunch guests can enjoy Burjuman Rotana

an excellent array of hot and cold dishes with separate soup, salad and dessert counters. The price includes one soft drink and coffee or tea at the end of your meal.

Members of the Press enjoy a further 20% discount upon presentation of their business card. Restaurant Reservations can be made direct with the hotel by calling +971 4 295 0500.

Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa Waves Restaurant offers a delicious a la carte lunch and dinner menu, combined with its renowned freshly prepared seafood dishes, using top quality ingredients. After the sun sets over the Indian Ocean, Waves transforms into the perfect setting for a romantic candle-light dinner.

Choose your fresh fish from our special display, the local catch of the day is selected by our Executive Chef Mauro. Whether you like your fish grilled, fried or boiled, the choice is yours.

This special offer is available daily for lunch and dinner.

Welcome to the ideal exotic venue with an abundance of legendary “Tabu” cocktails, shooters and specialty drinks. Enjoy a large selection of Cuban cigars, relaxing with cool tunes and a hint of tropical vibes.

Tabu offers Happy Hour every day from 6pm – 8pm (50% off on

Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa selected beverages). Step in and boogie at the most happening bar on the East Coast! Our resident band “Creole Stars” will perform the tunes of 70’ and 80’ that we all love. Don’t miss the BOOGIE NIGHTS in Tabu Bar every Thursday. Opening hours from 6pm – 1am. For more information, please call 09/244-9888

Grand Millennium Dubai Come together at the Atrium and enjoy a delicious family dinner. Let us treat your taste buds while exploring Mediterranean specialties from Italy, Spain, Greece and Portugal including a glass of white (Gentil Hugel & Fils) or red wine (Cotes du Rhone, Rouge, Guigel)….And don’t miss Chef Eric’s Boujabaise Soup. The Mediterranean Buffet is priced at Dhs. 140 per person from 7pm to 11.30pm.

Spend some quality time with your beloved ones every Friday from 12noon to 3pm! Relaxing atmosphere, entertaining activities for the kids and a delicious buffet to choose from with all your favourites: from croissants to roast of the day, cakes to salads. Enjoy the Friday fun from 12noon to 3pm for only Dhs. 160/- per person inclusive all soft drinks & water or for Dhs. 240/- per person including white & red wine and house spirits.

Special treatment for the little ones: Children up to 10 years - Dad saves 50 %, Children

up to 5 years - Eat for free!!!

Immerse yourself in a different culture and explore the culinary diversity of the multi-ethnic Malaysian cuisine influenced by traders on their journeys throughout the east at Toshi, the authentic Asian restaurant.

Lamb Curry, Fried Rice, Penang Noodles and Sago Bulalao are reflecting the array of delicious dishes from this rainbow of gastronomic spectrum. Try Toshi’s menu inclusive shot of Sake for Dhs. 140 per person. From 7pm to 11.30pm.

It is everyone’s favourite - The Italian pasta creation at Dante! Using its own pasta machine, home-made family recipes and only the freshest ingredients, Chef Carmilo will enchant you with its spaghetti, macaroni, fusilli and lasagna. Priced from Dhs. 60 to Dhs. 80 including a glass of white wine or a glass of red wine from 7pm to 11.30pm.

For details and reservations call + 971 4 429 9999.

Hatta Fort Hotel Give your meetings a convenient and idyllic setting just an hours drive from Dubai at the Hatta Fort Hotel. With breathtaking views of the majestic Hajar Mountains, this retreat provides the ideal venue for all your functions. A day delegate package inclusive of

meeting room hire charges, AV equipment, two tea/coffee breaks and a set menu or buffet lunch* for only AED 265* per person.

The Hatta Fort Hotel also offers great team building facilities such as clay pigeon shooting, target archery, mini golf and driving ranges, in addition to temperaturecontrolled swimming pools, wellness treatments and much more. For reservations, please contact the Hatta Fort Hotel on 04 852 3211 or email hfh@jaihotels.com

Hilton Dubai Creek The Glasshouse Mediterranean Brasserie offers ‘one Dirham a drink’ on Mondays and Wednesdays. Available during dinner only, this popular promotion means that small change is all you need; simply order two courses to enjoy drinks for just one Dirham each. Offer available on house beverages.

Every Friday from 12:30 to 15:30, The Glasshouse Mediterranean Brasserie offers a free-flowing brunch with an extensive a la carte menu, overseen by the legendary Gordon Ramsay.

Choose from a variety of classic brunch favourites such as Eggs Benedict or Roast Beef with Yorkshire pudding, washed down with free flowing Pimms, Sangria, Bloody Mary, Long Island Iced Tea or Sparkling Wine. From Dhs 150 to Dhs 225 / per person depending on the choice of beverage.

For further information or reservations, please contact: (04) 212 7551 or email glasshouse.creek@hilton.com Hatta Fort

Hilton Dubai Jumeirah

Hilton Dubai Jumeirah BiCE utterly oozes Italian sophistication. With a menu mixing traditional Italian comfort food with the latest dining trends straight from Italy, BiCE is the place to come for an authentic experience. Sample Chef Andrea Mugavero’s Wagyu Prestige Dinner Menu this month with specialties including Seared Foie Gras with Wagyu Tartar and Wagyu Beef Tenderloin. To top it all off, make your way to BiCE Sky Bar to enjoy a relaxing drink as you gaze at the amazing views over Dubai’s skyline.

Pachanga, Dubai’s favourite Latin American restaurant has a fabulous new chef and a mouthwatering new menu although the old favorites, the Churrasco and the Chocolate soufflé remain.

Chef Ruben Rebuffo from Venezuela has brought with him influences from back home in the form of Lagosta grelhada do Mucuripe – a grilled lobster tail with a creamy garlic sauce, and Paella a la Veracruzana – his own Latino version of the classic seafood rice, made with squid ink for a fabulous visual presentation. Dinner daily. For further information or reservations, please contact: (04) 318 2530.

Burjuman Rotana

Grand Millennium

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celebration, in-house DJ will cheerfully provide the live music entertainment.

Is there any doubt how Boston survived for a decade?

Then join the fun and see it for yourself! For reservations or information call 00 971 4 345 58 88 or email jumeira. hotel@rotana.com

JW Marriott Dubai Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa

Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa Jumeira Rotana

JW Marriott

Whether you like relaxed mornings or a refreshing and invigorating start to your day, you will certainly enjoy the delicious breakfast on the beach next to Captain’s.

Enjoy this experience until 15th April, 8.00 am – 10.00 am for only AED 140* per person including food and beverages. Choose from the specially selected table d’hote menu and unwind with inspiring views of the Arabian Gulf.

Every Saturday from 7 pm until 11 pm the Palmito Garden welcomes you to an authentic Arabian barbeque night. For Just AED 180* per person excluding drinks, experience an Arabian evening with belly dancing, shisha and mouth watering Arabian Barbeque in a breathtaking atmosphere.

Every Thursday from 7 pm until 11 pm the Palmito Garden invites you to an evening of international cooking stations. For Just AED 180* per person excluding beverages, enjoy an evening under the stars, by the sea while savouring delicacies from around the world.

Enjoy evenings with Wild Strawberries’ live performance while you sip on your favourite beverages at Plantation Bar. Pop and

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Classic tunes are the order of the day. Open daily from 7.00pm until 2.00am except Saturdays. For more information & Reservation call Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa on 04 883 6000 or e-mail jagrs@jaihotels.com

Jumeira Rotana Hotel To survive in Dubai’s growing competition, it takes innovative skills, energetic passion and a whole lot of fun!

This year, Boston Bar and Restaurant at Jumeira Rotana Hotel is celebrating a decade of fun on the 10th of April.

Guest must be warned and be prepared to be showered with lots of surprise gifts as the clock strikes 10:00 pm. Special beverage offers are sure to fuel up the fun and ladies will be devotedly pampered with 4 free drinks.

What’s more, ladies and gents who comes in their best dress will get a chance to bag a pleasurable free dinner for 2! And to complete off the Jumeira Rotana

To commemorate World Health Day on April 7, JW Marriott Dubai will be the only hotel in Dubai to go healthy on this day. To protect our health in this changing climate, all our restaurants will serve low calorie dishes without cream.

To stay hale and hearty, the special a la carte menu and buffets will feature an endless variety of nutritious soups, salads, lean meat and vegetarian dishes, nourishing appetizers, natural greens and fresh fruits. Detox your body with all these wholesome food and delight in a well balanced diet that will make you feel fit and strong for the entire day. Available for lunch and dinner.

JW Marriott Dubai takes great pleasure to be the first hotel in Dubai to celebrate Secretaries’ Day. Secretaries’ Day is to recognize and celebrate the hard work and dedication of secretaries, administrative assistants and other office professionals for their growing and diverse contributions to the workplace. In many countries, it is customary to take them out for lunch

on this day and to give flowers and other gifts of appreciation. Secretaries Day will be held on April 17 at the Town Square from 12 noon to 4 pm for Dhs 195 per person including buffet lunch with free flow of wines, beer, soft drinks and juices. For reservations, please contact 04 6077977/7009/7588 or log on to www.marriottdiningatjw.ae

Le Meridien Abu Dhabi Spring is almost here, and in preparation Le Méridien’s famous pastry chefs at Al Finjan will be making delicious desserts numbers where “Ananas” are the main players. Pappagallo will have a special menu, where vegetables and meat with traditional home made Pappagallo pasta will be offered in the month of April.

Le Bistrot launches new menu created by the newly appointed French chef Nicolas Beau who has an extensive experience in French cuisine from the high mountains of France where he brings us new delicious recipes to create a whole new menu for all the food connoisseurs in the city.

This April La Brasserie, international buffet presents another theme night on Fridays, Masala Night.

Also on Fridays Extended Breakfast up till 3:30pm. On Mondays dive into the largest selection of Seafood with grill stalls on the terrace. Grill Night every Thursday from 7–11:30pm.

There are many ways in which squid is eaten worldwide. Enjoy how the squid can be prepared in different ways, and always taste delicious at Talay Thai restaurant. Then on April 15th celebrate Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year. A special Arhan Thai

Thai Buffet on the last day of Songkran Festival for AED 121.00++. For reservations, please call +971 2 644 6666.

Le Meridien Dubai All fellow Aussie’s, indulge in specialities from down under at the first authentic Aussie Barbie every Wednesday night at Yalumba. From lamb chops to sirloins, sink your teeth into a truly mouth watering buffet accompanied by an extensive salad and seafood buffet. Finish off with a sinful array of deserts.

Also, check out the “Cook your own Barbie” & our Wine & Bar lounge with Aussie wines, beers and other regular beverages. All you can eat & drink for Dhs 199 net per person from 8:00pm to 11:00pm – happy hour from 11pm to 1:30am.

Le Meridien Dubai

Enjoy a great international culinary experience every Thursday.

Sample some of the world’s most popular signature dishes accompanied by Laurent Perrier Brut NV. Alternatively indulge in our extensive a la carte option guaranteed to satisfy all your taste bud requirements for Dhs 399 net with Laurent Perrier Brut N.V – unlimited from 8:00pm to 11:00pm – happy hour from 11pm to 1:30am.

For light French cuisine, operated under the patronage of 2 Michelin star Chef, Philippe Gauvreau* go to Café Chic. Open for Lunch and Dinner (except for lunch on Fridays), try the 3 course Chic set lunch for Dhs 89 net or Dhs 110 with a glass of selected wine Whether you are an experienced connoisseur or

have a passion for the finer things in life, the wine class at Café Chic offers you an enjoyable journey through the delightful, sometimes baffling world of wine. Each class will focus on different vineyard destinations. This will class will introduce the complexity and richness of wines from the French Alsace region. As seating is limited, reservations are essential prior the event on Monday, 28th April 2008, 8pm onwards for Dhs 490 net per person.

Partake in the traditions of yesteryears and celebrate the Thai water festival “Songkran” at Sukhothai.

An exotic menu has been specially created by Chef Montri for this auspicious occasion from 12th to 14th April 2008. Set menu is priced at Dhs 149 nett per person (lunch & dinner). For reservations, call +971 4 217 0000.

Moevenpick Hotel Bur Dubai Every Wednesday dine out under the stars with Swiss Chill Out night at the Roof Top Bar. Kick back and relax on beanbags while indulging in cheese and chocolate fondue accompanied by free flowing house white or red. A host of other Swiss delicacies and live cooking stations with traditional dishes like Rösti will be served keeping you licking your lips all night long. It starts at 7.00 pm running until midnight and costing AED 120 it is an ideal setting for an evening with friends. For bookings please call +971 4 336 6000.

Pizza, Pasta e basta!

– The choice is yours on Tuesdays. Create your own Italian masterpiece from a wide range of fresh pizza toppings or sumptuous pasta choices and our Chef will

prepare it to your liking.

With unlimited Italian red and white flowing from 7.00 pm to 11.00 pm, it is an ideal Tuesday evening for only AED 95.00 per person.

Thursday night is a treat for all seafood lovers. From 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm the Fountain Restaurant presents itself as your personal fish market. Select your catch of the day. Grilled, steamed, poached or Bouillabaisse – our chefs will prepare your selection, cooked to perfection. Accompanied by a great range of sides, guests can sit back and enjoy a nice evening in great atrium style atmosphere. Price is AED 135.00 net per person for food only and AED 185.00 including standard drinks.

For reservations, call +971 4310 4202.

Le Meridien Dubai

Moevenpick Bur Dubai

Moevenpick Bur Dubai

Moevenpick Resort & Residence Aqaba The Red Sea Grill is located right on the hotel’s private beach with magnificent views of the Red Sea. Serving some of Aqaba’s best fresh seafood specialties with an Afro-Arab twist – including the famous fish dish Sayadieh – the Red Sea Grill will remain open throughout the year until the end of November.

Our famous BBQ candle light dinners are back every Thursday at Palm Court Restaurant & Terrace. Enjoy delicacies from several exciting live cooking stations

Moevenpick Residence Aqaba

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Moevenpick Bur Dubai and live entertainment from our talented musical due and belly dance. Priced at JD 18++.

Starting 15th March, Take advantage of our special pasta promotion at our fine dining restaurant at Al Sufra Mediterranean Fine Dining.

We will also have a selection of local and imported wines to accompany the pasta.

For reservations, call +962 53561111.

Oasis Beach Hotel Charlie Parrot’s is thrilled to exclusively host the debut of Swedish pop duo ‘Missmatch’ in Dubai.

Following their recent top #12 chart success in Sweden with the single ‘Breath

The Oasis Beach Hotel

in/Breath Out’, the stars will dazzle you with live performances six nights a week 8.30pm. Showcasing pop music from their award-winning album, the international stars promise a lively, up-beat and fun filled evening!

Every Wednesday at 7pm the Oasis Beach Hotel gardens are transformed into an Arabian village complete with welcome coffee, authentic Bedouins, shisha, belly dancing and traditional Arabic cuisine.

Get a few friends together and experience the charm of Arabia in new Dubai!

Available for just AED 175* per person (food only) or AED 250* per person (food and regular beverages).

Join the Thai New Year Celebrations at Singapura this April at the Oasis Beach Hotel. Traditionally, Songkran is a time to gather family, friends and neighbours to enjoy the company of one another, whilst savouring delectable dishes. Enjoy the ‘Thai’ experience with a 3 course set menu and welcome drink for only AED 175* per person.

Festivities will run every evening from Monday 7th until Sunday 20th April from 6:00pm onwards.

Sample a wide section of delectable international cuisine with special themed buffets each night of the week, in Bazaar at the Oasis Beach hotel, from 6.00pm till 11.00pm. Sunday evening is Seafood night, Monday is Steak and Carvery evening, Far Eastern cuisine is served on a Tuesday, Wednesday is Tex Mex evening, Italian evening on a Thursday, Friday is Indian night and the Saturday buffet serves traditional Arabian cuisine.

Enjoy these themed buffets for only AED 135.00 per person. For more information call Oasis Beach Hotel on 04 399 4444 or e-mail obh@ jaihotels.com

Renaissance Dubai Hotel If you enjoy flambe’s, then you have to head down to Sails Mediterranean restaurant to try our selection of lobster, prawns and mussels flambéed in Renaissance Hotel

your choice of liquor. Our chef’s promise you a taste of something new each time you dine - lobster with cherry brandy or prawns with Jack Daniels. Available with our Grand and Premium buffet.

Theme nights are priced at Dhs. 179/, The Original Grand Buffet inclusive of soft drinks; Dhs. 229/- The Original Grand Buffet inclusive of regular house beverages and Dhs. 299/The Original Grand Buffet inclusive of a large selection of premium beverages.

Renaissance Hotel

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Reward your palate with a sublime globally inspired cuisine during the ‘Sri Lankan Food Fest’ at Spice Island. Sri Lankan cooking has been marked by many culinary practices, some of the most noticeable influences being that of Portuguese, Dutch, Moor and Malay. Discover a delightful medley of flavours as our chefs ensure an enthralling Sri Lankan food experience.

Unique specialties of Sri Lanka include Kottu rotti, String hoppers, Sambals and authentic curries made with chicken and fish.

It just keeps getting better at Harry’s Place! We know how much you enjoy our burgers, and how much you love a cold beer, so we’ve decided to marry the both.

2 pints of beer and a mouth watering Harry’s Burger for the price of AED 74. So what are you waiting for, swing

by Harry’s and indulge in memories. Promotion runs from 6pm - 9pm.

On our 10th anniversary, we are ushering in the festivities with a great deal for all April birthday celebrants.

Enjoy a 20% discount on your favourite cakes whether 1/2 kg, 1 kg or 2 kg on your birthday. Choose from a variety of yummy chocolate, mango, strawberry or black forest cakes or just create your own. So come on over and join in the celebrations.

Please call 04 2625555 for more information.

Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai Resident Chinese Chef Ken prepares a feast of traditional as well as contemporary lobster dishes you will surely adore at Shang Palace. Dine like an emperor and savour masterpieces like Wok fried lobster with XO sauce, Stir-

fried lobster in Szechuan sauce and Stir-fried lobster with black pepper sauce, among others. Available daily for lunch from 13h00 to 15h00 and dinner from 20h00 to 23h30.

Join resident Vietnamese Chef Phu as he takes you on a tour of the Mekong River to uncover a wealth of culinary delights along its course at Hoi An. Every bend offers out of the ordinary dishes such as Seafood in fresh coconut shell, Giant clams sautéed in oyster sauce and basil as well as Wok fried lobster medallions with tamarind sauce among others. Available daily for dinner from 19h00 to 23h00.

Indulgence is all sweet talk. A homage to a temptress. Wicked yet gratifying, scrumptious cheesecakes take centre stage during teatime at the Lobby Lounge. Sample these velvety delectations such as New York style – plain with a golden brown patina fresh from the oven or blanketed in a warm glaze of apricot or apple. Available daily from 15h00 to 18h00. The Lobby Lounge is open 24 hours.

For enquiries on restaurant promotion please call 04 405 2703.

Sheraton Bahrain Hotel Soie, fine dining restaurant serves authentic Chinese cuisine at the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel.

Soie would present ‘Noodles and fried rice’ promotion’ this month. Enjoy mouthwatering preparations including ‘Fried Hong

Sheraton Bahrain Kong noodles with chicken, cabbage and sprouts’, ‘Crab meat fried noodles’, ‘Cantonese fried rice with scallops’, ‘Yung Chou fried rice’ and more!

To blend with the Formula 1 fever in Bahrain this April, An Nada, the cocktail lounge at the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel would host a special ‘Formula One Burger’ promotion.

Some of the dishes on the menu include the ‘First Lap start burger’- a choice of mini beef or chicken

piece band – Northbound!

For more information please call Sheraton Bahrain Hotel at 17 533533.

Sheraton Deira Hotel Make eating and feasting on Tapas this April an integral part of your everyday life by visiting the Mediterranean style outlet – The Terrace, Sheraton Deira Hotel for lunch from 12 noon till 3pm.

Tapas and everything related to its cooking,

lemon herbs. All the above Tapas creations will be served along with fresh green salads and assorted bread basket.

Enjoy yummy and succulent ‘Steak Night’, every Tuesday evening from 19.30 hrs till 23.30 hrs in two packages, with only soft drinks for Dhs. 95 net per person and with alcohol for Dhs. 140 net per person.

You can choose your favorite cut from the meat trolley which includes, rib eye steak, sirloin steak, tenderloin steak, rack of lamb, chicken breast, kofta kebab, duck breast, salmon steak, hammour filet. Let the Chefs know your required cooking point and then choose from a selection of sauces: pepper sauce, mushroom sauce,

Sheraton Deira

Sheraton Deira Hotel Sheraton Dubai

burger with French fries; ‘Pole Position Burger’ - Lentil potato burger with French fries & carrot salad; ‘Formation Lap burger’- Thai flavored chicken burger topped with fried egg & fries amongst several others.

Enjoy all this with the choicest cocktails and beverages along with performance by the seven Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai

presentation and consumption represents a unique culture which you will find at The Terrace.

The highlights of the menu include magic mouthfuls of mozzarella and zuccini marinated with cajun spices, tuna cubes and yellow tomatoes flavored with B&B sauce, chicken and figs marinated with honey lemon dressing, veal and pineapple touched with sweet chilli sauce, quail egg and bottom mushrooms flavored with ItaIian spices, salmon cubes and red cherry tomatoes marinated with

red wine sauce, bearnaise or BBQ sauce. Accompaniments include grilled tomato, fried onion rings and a choice of vegetables, rice, potato and corn on the cob. For reservations, contact 2688888.

Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers In Japanese cuisine, scallops may be served in soup or prepared as sashimi or sushi. In April, Chef Narit is serving up some exquisite scallops delicacies. On the menu you can enjoy scallop

April I Travel Arabia I 69

bread toast and pickles) or Fish Mousse Timbale, Creamy Lobster Sauce served with Rice Pilaf and for the sweet tooth, indulge in the famous Tarte Tatin served with cinnamon creamy sauce and vanilla ice cream. Price is from AED44 net per dish. For reservations call (04) 201 1719 - The Lobby Café and (04) 201 1721 – Chelsea Arms Pub.

Sheraton Dubai Creek sashimi (fresh scallops with Wasabi and white radish), scallop in apple (grilled scallop mushroom and miso with apple) or scallop butter Yaki (grilled scallop with butter and Enoki mushroom). Price is from AED35 per dish. For reservations, call (04) 207 1750 Tawa is one of the most traditional Indian cooking cuisines. It derives from the cooking pot called a Tawa, which is a round, thick iron griddle, used when cooking in very high temperatures is required. From 2nd to 11th April, Ashiana’s team shares with you some exclusive Tawa dishes like Tawa Hammour (Griddlefried fillets of Hammour marinated with chillies, garlic and turmeric, perfumed with garam masala) or Tawa Pudina Seekh (Lamb mince kebabs stir-fried with onions and capsicum, scented with mint), amongst others.

Price is AED48 per dish. For reservations call (04) 207 1733.

For the month of April, Chef Fabien will be taking you on a gastronomical tour of a traditional French Bistrot where you can enjoy a Duck Rillette (Duck meat slow cooked, mixed and served cold with ciappata

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Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort & Towers The Asparagus season is here. During month of April and May, Chef Santos Montes and the Grill Room team have prepared special dishes to pamper your taste bud. It’s all about Asparagus.

The Grill Room offers White Asparagus for the whole month of April and May with treats from Fresh Asparagus with Proscuitto or Spanish Ham with Ginger Bread and Pickled Shallots, Asparagus Gratin with Parmesan Cheese, Saku Tuna with Salmon Roe then continue with White Asparagus Soup with Gambas and Garlic Bread.

For the main dishes of the night you can choose from Fresh Asparagus served with boiled New Potatoes Hollandaise sauce or melted butter, Ostrich Medallions and fresh Asparagus with Morels and tomatoes or Lobster Tail and Fresh Asparagus accompanied by crepes Mushroom Risotto.

Our Chinese Chef Xia Jun as maintained his high

Sheraton Jumeirah standards of creating culinary magic with his Szechuan and other traditional Chinese recipes at The Peacock.

The fruit of the sea during the month of April and May. Delicious selection of local and imported seafood with fresh ingredients, experience the exquisite ‘Seafood Szechuan Style’. The all time favourite Hot and Sour Seafood soup, Lobster Dumpling, Baked Prawn with cheese and butter, Steam Prawn with garlic and soya sauce, Stir Fried King Crab Legs with spring onion or with spicy salt and pepper.

With high demand the favorite Dim Sum trolley with a selection of authentic Dim Sum’s is certainly a great way to sample a large variety of tastes and flavours without feeling overly full. Every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 12.00 – 15.00.

For reservations, call +971-4399 5533.

Sheraton Khalidiya Hotel Abu Dhabi Downtown Restaurant offers Mongolian Stir Fry promotion every night from 6 pm. The Mongolian Barbeque found its origins in the 13th century when the warriors of the Great Khans, who ruled Mongolia, were rampaging through Eastern Europe. Using their upturned shields as woks they would prepare their evening meal

over the camp fires. They would then add their own herbs, spices, sauces, and aromatic oils which they carried with them, to create a huge stir-fry picking ingredients of meat, seafood & vegetables, sauces. AED 80++ The Daily Business Lunch from Saturday to Thursday offers a wide variety of quick and healthy dishes –salads Bar, Main courses and deserts – to keep you satisfied and energized for the rest of the day. AED 55++ .

3rd AVENUE offers daily special lunch, the perfect choice to what you’ve been looking for from 12noon onwards. Enjoy the real taste of the meat combined with a selection of vegetables & potatoes from 05:00 pm to 11:00 pm starting from AED 85.00 ++. For reservations, call +971.2.6666220.

The Fairmont Dubai Chef de Cuisine Steven Liu is pleased to extend the Great Wall of Chinese cuisine in Spectrum on One with Shanghai and Szechuan inspired fare at the Fairmont Dubai. From 15 April to 31 May 2008, the culinary brigade of the multi-award winning Spectrum on One will expand its specialised Chinese kitchen to feature an array of succulent delicacies from two prominent

Sheraton Khalidiya Hotel

areas - Shanghai, the eight most populous city in the world and Szechuan, the agricultural ‘province of abundance’ located in the western part of the country.

The award winning Exchange Grill invites guests to discover one of Spain’s most renowned wineries, Arzuaga Navarro. In celebration of this exclusive one evening only event, signature chef Graham Kruse has created an exquisite

The Fairmont four course tasting menu.

The one-day only Arzuaga Navarro experience takes place at The Exchange Grill on Tuesday 22 April 2008, featuring a four course wine tasting menu. This limited engagement is priced at Dhs 495 per person (inclusive of wine pairings).

Now in its fourth year, the culinary brigade at the Fairmont Dubai invites guests back to its renowned brunch for a true epicurean adventure, highlighted by the addition of two dedicated gourmet delicatessen rooms, live cooking stations and an extensive range of

international beverages and cocktails, to complement the unlimited pouring of Möet & Chandon Champagne.

The enhanced ‘Brunch in the City’ is available every Friday in Spectrum on One from 12 - 3pm and is priced at Dhs 450 per person.

This contemporary Japanese café will mesmerise diners with the colourful spectrum of revolving sushi and sashimi assortments circulating the modern conveyor belt. Guests can enjoy signature sushi creations, including the true favourite Fairmont roll with fresh lobster and asparagus, delicately wrapped in smoked salmon. Enjoy all you can eat sushi, every Saturday from 7 - 11pm at Café Sushi for Dhs 150. For more information or reservations, please call 1-800441-1414 or visit www.fairmont.com.

The Ritz Carlton, Dubai The month of April sees the four tea sommeliers of The Lobby Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai offering tutorials with afternoon tea. As couples, groups and friends luxuriate on oversized, comfortable couches, tea sommeliers will give personalised one hour tea tutorials, detailing the story of tea, from past to present day. Become a tea expert in your own right as you learn about the different types and origins of tea before you enjoy your choice of leaves, accompanied

The Ritz Carlton by mouthwatering scones and delicacies. Afternoon tea tutorial is AED 490 per couple, including a sparkling afternoon tea for two. Available from 1 p.m. onwards every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Reservations required 24hours in advance.

The chefs of Splendido restaurant introduce a light lunch menu of Italian dishes for al fresco dining like Caprese Salad with Sweet Basil Pesto, Pine Nuts and Zucchini and Tomato Risotto with Mascarpone. Splendido piazza is the perfect setting for a business lunch with the new menu guaranteeing quick yet freshly prepared cuisine that tempts the palate and yet ensures that you get back to the office in time.

La Baie also launches a new menu this month, and a new venue, as the terrace is transformed into a lounge area in which to relax and unwind. Lounge music accompanies the sushi, sashimi, snacks and salads on offer, while cool, white, low-rise seating that offers a view of the beach, provides the perfect ambience.

A feast of seafood takes centre stage in Amaseena.

Dine under the stars while you enjoy a succulent selection of the freshest of fish that accompanies an Towers Rotana Hotel

exciting spread of Lebanese specialties as Chef Fayez and his team cooks your chosen seafood a la minute.

Amaseena is open every evening except Tuesdays.

Regular buffet: AED 185 net, with Seafood: AED 295 net.

Barbeques can be enjoyed by the pool every Tuesday from 7.30 p.m. onwards, as Chef Clement and his team showcase the finest steaks, lobster and the catch of the day, all sizzled to perfection. A sumptuous buffet to accompany this barbequed feast includes salads, soups and appetizers, as well as delectable desserts from the famed pastry team.

For more information, call (971) 4 3994000.

The RItz Carlton

Towers Rotana Hotel The infamous contemporary all day dinning restaurant Flavours On Two has introduced a new Theme Night - “Flavours from India” every Monday.

Our International chefs have brought worlds flavours together, so put yourself in their hands and experience a truly International selection for only Dhs149* The finest cuisine at the trendiest venue offers the best value in town. Dine in Teatro between 6:00pm and 8:30pm and enjoy 50% off your food bill. (Last Order at 7:15pm) Long’s Bar offer a Daily Deals of 25% lunch discount, 40% selected beverages 12pm-8pm, Every-night drinks promos after midnight and Face club discounts (40%). For reservations, lease call 043122210 / 04-3122202.

April I Travel Arabia I 71

GREAT FLAVOURS

Now You Can Do

!

Brunch on a Saturday Too

All of us enjoy a good brunch and it is even better if we can continue the experience over a two-day weekend.

The good news is this is now possible as Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers unveils a delicious Asian Brunch spread at its famous Creekside Japanese restaurant.

More than 50 brunch items are offered on the buffet table. You can choose to start at the Breakfast Corner, where a selection of freshly baked croissant, breads and cakes awaits you.

In addition to the freshly squeezed juices of watermelon, orange and pineapple, you can also opt for delicious lassi – rose flavoured with pistachio, papaya and tropical muesli.

If you want to skip the Breakfast Corner, you can immediately begin

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your lunch with a soup. Try the Tom Yang Soup to awaken your appetite. The tanginess is just right and perfect to one’s taste.

At the Appetizer section, choose from a selection of fresh garden vegetables with varied condiments and dressing. Or try the Oyster, Boiled Shrimps and Smoked Salmon. If you want to sample the whole selection, there are individual portions of Korean Kimchi, Thai Beef Salad, Bean Sprout Salad, Smoked Duck Breast Salad, Edamame Salad, Seaweed Seafood Salad and Crab Salad.

A number of live stations will definitely tempt you into trying each and every cuisine. The Japanese station offers a selection of Sushi, Sashimi and Maki Roll served with Japanese condiments.

You will not forget the Tuna and Salmon sashimi that taste sweet and fresh. Not to mention the sushi and maki roll that would force you to try another serving.

The Noodle station is where you can have your Beef Noodle Soup cooked in Chinese style. Select from fresh prawn, salmon, beef tenderloin, chicken and vegetables at the Teppanyaki station and the food will be prepared fresh before your eyes. The Pad Thai and the Nasi Goreng station are also located at the Teppanyaki station.

The Duck Station is where you can sample the Roasted Duck rolled with Pancake with Hosin Sauce. I have tried this food in other restaurants in Dubai but I think Creekside Restaurant’s Roasted Duck beats them all.

Meanwhile, the BBQ station offers different kind of Satay like beef, lamb, fish, pork and chicken complete with peanut sauce, sambal olek, sambal terasi and lime.

If you are craving for tempura, the Deep Fried Station is where you can find Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura, Potatoes and Green Peas Samosa, Deep Fried chicken in Pandan Leaves, Spring Rolls and sauces. The Dim Sum Station has a selection of Chicken, Shrimps and Crab Dim Sum. If the above selection is not enough, there is Hot Food where you can find Steamed Eggs Shrimps, Chicken and Mushroom, Stir Fried Vegetables, Whole Hammour baked into Banana Leaves, Crab Claw Stew with Coconut Milk, Vegetable Chopsuey, Beef Alexander (Filipino Style), Roasted Duck Red Curry

and Thai Shrimps Green Curry. The selections may vary every Saturday.

For those with a sweet tooth, you will delight in the myriad of sweets on offer. Tuck into Red Fruits and Chilled Coconut Sago, Halo Halo Ice Cream, Baked Coconut Cream Custard, Passion Fruits Cheese Cake, Pineapple Crumble with Honey Yoghurt plus Fresh Fruits and Tropical Fruit Display.

Chef Narit and his team have cooked up quite a feast for you to share quality time with your family, friends, colleagues, business partner or prospective client. The place is cozy and the ambiance is very homey. You won’t feel disturbed and the staffs are very friendly and attentive to all your needs.

As you enjoy the mouth-watering specialities, your little ones can enjoy their brunch in the kid’s private area.

Kids will enjoy colouring activities and be entertained by the screening of their favourite cartoons.

The Asian brunch is available every Saturday, from 12pm to 3pm for AED129 net per person (inclusive of soft beverages) and AED169 net per person (inclusive of beers, regular spirits and house wines). For reservations, please call 04 207 1735.

April I Travel Arabia I 73

It has been nearly one year since LeSpa took its first steps in the Middle East in The Palace, The Old Town. It brought signature treatments that were not offered else where in the region and along with its first class service through The Palace. Today LeSpa has established itself as one of the finest spas in the region through its luxurious treatments, facilities and service.

LeSpa

review and membership options

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Talar Hagopian, manager, LeSpa says, “The response we have received for LeSpa has been overwhelming. We cater to tourists from around the globe and then we also have guests from the city itself. Our members and guests cherish their experience with us and we are committed to continue doing so.”

LeSpa offers a range of Soothing to Stimulating signature treatments which include The Zen, a relaxing one-hour lower leg and foot massage practiced with a Thai wooden stick. The treatment is perfect for the busy traveller, and can also exclusively be carried out in the comfort of one’s guestroom or suite.

Other stimulating massages include the one-hour Ethnic Fusion Massage, which combines Japanese, Chinese, Balinese, Thai and Oriental techniques to revive energy and tonifying benefits to the body. Also offered at LeSpa is the popular Euphorising Massage and is the only treatment of its kind in the Emirate in which Cool and Warm seashells are applied to the face and body as an extension of the therapist’s hands, leaving clients feeling mesmerised after an hour.

LeSpa provides a ten-minute foot bath ritual prior to any treatment and also serves the signature lemon-based LeSpa drink which refreshes the palate.

Once in the treatment room, LeSpa offers a music menu that spans the Far East, Asia, South America and the Middle East, taking clients right to the origin of the treatment itself.

Along with the variety of treatments, LeSpa also offers a range of premium membership programs.

The Palace Diamond Membership is a year long membership that includes 12 personal training sessions and unlimited spa treatments. The Diamond Membership also gives members unlimited access to all facilities which include the oriental bath house with hammam table, the fitness center and

pool.

The Palace Gold Membership is offered to individuals and couples and is also valid for 12 months. The package for the Gold Membership also gives members 12 personal training sessions.

In addition to the training sessions, the Gold Membership includes 12 signature spa treatments and unlimited access to the fitness center and pool.

The final membership option offered at LeSpa is The Palace Silver Membership which is valid for 6 months. The deal offers 6 signature treatments and 6 personal training sessions. The Silver Membership also offers unlimited access to the fitness center and pool and holds special offers for individuals and couples.

“The membership programs offer unique benefits and privileges. The packages cater to those who like to visit spas on a regular basis and those who like to go once in a while. The programs complement LeSpa’s commitment in delivering excellent standards of service dedicated to enhance ones state of mind and body”, added Hagopian.

Amidst the number of spas in Dubai and in the region, LeSpa has made its mark in the Middle East as a premier choice for spa treatment. With its relaxing and replenishing treatments and service, LeSpa not only provides but defines luxury.

For more inofmration on LeSpa, please contact : 04-4287888.

April I Travel Arabia I 75

INDUSTRY NEWS

Prestige, luxury, elegance, comfort & style at the Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi “With every passing year, Abu Dhabi is witnessing a rapid phase of evolution as a fast growing tourism destination and the hospitality business is becoming more competitive constituting the backbone of Abu Dhabi’s future development. The Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi blends harmoniously in this expansion because it has all the ingredients for making a mark in this industry,” says Moine Kandil, the General Manager of the Hotel.

“There are many hotels in the world but certainly the Millennium of Abu Dhabi is a signature for exclusivity and a venue with a difference,” explained Kandil. With a mélange of multicultures, the Hotel caters to all, reflecting traditional Arabic hospitality that incorporates modern and contemporary luxuries, and has earned itself -without doubt- a reputation of becoming today’s aspired Hotel on the top of the list of

BurJuman Rotana supports Regus Group Client Breakfast Regus celebrates its presence in Dubai by inviting clients to its BurJuman Centre. The Regus Group, the world’s largest provider of pioneering workplace solutions, invited its clients to a breakfast hosted by BurJuman Rotana to discover and enjoy its Burjuman business centre opened in April 2007.

The General Manager of BurJuman Rotana Mr. Mrad El Khoury, Regus Area Director, Mr. Patrick Gray and BurJuman, Centre General Manager Ms. Sonam Mirchandani, were present along with additional members of their respective teams.

The Regus Business centre and BurJuman Rotana are strategically located in the thriving commercial heart of Dubai, offering clients an instant access to the city’s corporate world.

Connected to the prestigious Burjuman mall which is 5 minutes away from the Dubai World Trade Centre and the Convention Centre, and at only 15 minutes drive from Dubai’s International Airport, both the Regus Business centre and BurJuman Rotana are easily accessible and give clients and guests the business visibility they need.

With 115 workstations and 3 meeting rooms over a total area of 1 569 sqm, this Regus strategic address in Dubai is offering an array of fully equipped offices, professional meeting rooms, business lounge and videoconferencing studio, thus enabling companies to rapidly seize new market opportunities with an office infrastructure already in place.

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every businessman.

The Millennium has been a magnet to business travellers where they discovered a new definition of a true meaning of hospitality offering all what they desire knowing that they will be extremely looked after. The Hotel’s progress was directed to meliorating guests’ service standards in accordance with their expectations based on their feedback to further enhance and continue the journey of staying abreast with the new developments.

“With a YES WE CAN attitude, my colleagues and me always work as a team to provide guests with the ultimate experience eliminating all barriers, where each one of us utilizes different skills complementing each other, and our commitment to quality is the promise we guarantee guests with,” remarked Kandil.

The Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi is a brand establishing itself strongly in the market and has witnessed an unprecedented growth in the last two years and is heading towards spectacular growth never been seen before.

With a combination of comfort and style the BurJuman Rotana’s 148 guestrooms, including upscale one Bedroom Suites, Duplex Town Houses and a Penthouse is the ultimate benchmark of modern architecture and interior design offering the best service and exclusive amenities to travelers.

The proximity to the BurJuman Centre enables all guests to appreciate the wealth of premier shopping and dining opportunities all within easy, air-conditioned walking distance, which is especially convenient when the summer heats up.

In order to answer to the rising demand from national and international companies for its products and services in Dubai, Regus keeps on expanding with the coming opening of a 5th and 6th centres in the spring/summer of 2008 in Dubai Festival City and Sharjah Megamall. These new strategic locations will allow companies to develop their business according to their needs in this booming and dynamic market.

Sensational Hats at Wafi

Kempinski Hotel Ajman Toasts to Ten Successful Years This year, Kempinski Hotel Ajman is celebrating ten distinctive years as the region’s favourite resort getaway. The original Kempinski property in the Middle East and the first luxury hotel in Ajman, the hotel has welcomed guests from all over the globe and remains a firm favourite with leisure travellers to the region. To mark the occasion, the resort has planned a continuous roll-out of special promotions and giveaways throughout the year, culminating in October.

“Kempinski Hotel Ajman was launched at a time when the tourism industry in the United Arab Emirates was still in its infancy. Ajman offered the ideal location for a secluded resort destination, steeped in local culture and history. This quiet hamlet possessed a natural charm owing to its tranquil environment and more importantly its fantastic coastline,” recalled Ulrich Eckhardt, Managing Director of Kempinski Hotel Ajman.

Few would ever question the wisdom of Kempinski’s bold initiative at that time, which lead the hotel in becoming a stand-alone resort destination in the area, a popular tourist magnate for Ajman in particular, and the United Arab Emirates in general.

Only minutes away from Dubai, nestled on a secluded stretch of coastline at the end of the Ajman Corniche, the 183-room resort boasts probably the most spectacular private beach in the country. This natural beauty paired with the elegant surroundings and facilities of the hotel itself, have ensured the resorts continued success in the now highly competitive hospitality industry. As a lush haven of leisure and recreation, the resort has long been a popular choice for weekend breaks and family holidays. A bevy of watersports activities, an outdoor temperature-controlled pool, beautiful beach, bowling alley and two spa’s – the holistic Softouch Ayurveda Spa and pampering Laguna Spa – have kept guests entertained and relaxed.

Over the years, the hotel has been also been the focal point of the emirate’s dining and entertainment scene with its superb collection of destination restaurants drawing a loyal following from both local community and the neighbouring emirates. Four specialised restaurants including Bukhara for succulent Tandoori, Hai Tao Chinese restaurant for Szechwan and Cantonese flavours, all-day international dining at Café Kranzler and fine Italian dining at Sabella’s, each have chefs hailing from the cuisines country of origin, ensuring an especially authentic dining experience.

Currently half-way through a major renovation program, the hotel recently upgraded all guest rooms, suites and corridors to a heightened level of refreshing modern luxury.

Moving forward into 2008, this refurbishment will be extended to renew both the grand lobby and also a complete facelift and expansion for the Laguna Spa, during the traditionally quieter summer months.

“As one of the pioneering five-star hotels in the United Arab Emirates, Kempinski Hotel Ajman has perfected the art of hospitality excellence over the last decade, gaining a loyal following of international and regional guests that return to us because of the wonderful experience they have here. Our goal is to grow and excel further with each passing year, ever enhancing our superb hospitality offering”, ended Eckhardt.

As part of Wafi’s collection, milliner Shai Tabassi displayed and produced her original hats at The Designer Club last month.

Shai Tabassi is renowned for her original creations and has been making hats since she was 14 years old. Shai usually works from her studio in Melbourne were she makes hats for private clientele and elite boutiques.

Shai has assisted the head milliner of the prestigious Melbourne Theatre Company in making hats for stage productions and brings her passion for originality and style to Wafi this month.

The Designer Club at Wafi is a complete fashion gallery and provides glamorous styles for special occasions for a sophisticated clientele as well catering to the young and career ladies with trendy daywear. St.John is one designer featured in the store and favoured by Angelina Jolie.

Shai first showcased her collection at the Designer Club in 2001 when she

specifically started creating hats for the Dubai World Cup. Shai follows trends but still links them to modernity, “My style has been described as ‘post modern’, in another words, classic with a twist which takes it away from conventionality,” said Shai Tabassi. “The most important fact about my design is that they are ONE OFF. For the past 7 years, I have made hundreds of hats; however, none has been repeated identically.”

April I Travel Arabia I 77

Rotana announces brand restructure Following 15 successful years of operation and as a result of the company’s growth, Rotana announced its exciting new brand structure with two unique additional offerings within its portfolio, alcohol-free hotels & resorts and, all-suite properties.

The brand revitalization builds

on the company’s strong foundations of enduring friendship and genuine dedication to serve, whilst making a promise for the future. A promise that time spent with Rotana will be “Treasured Time”.

The development of the brand builds on the existing equity of Rotana whilst setting in place the necessary tools with which to facilitate the company’s rapid growth. “With a commitment to open over 60 properties by 2012, Rotana is set to continue to deliver on its promise to owners and partners, colleagues and guests”, says Nasser Al Nowais, Chairman of Rotana.

Rotana’s brand revitalising was essential to ensure differentiation between the various products.

Commenting on this announcement,

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Selim El Zyr President & CEO of Rotana said “In recognition of the importance of our guests’ time, we have developed two new products, Arjaan by Rotana and Rayhaan by Rotana, to complement our existing portfolio. Rotana is a brand with an enviable equity, built up over the past 15 years, and this equity will be used to endorse the latest additions to the brand and ensure they provide the award winning standards of hospitality excellence that is intrinsic to Rotana”.

The name Arjaan, the arm of the company formerly known as Rotana Suites, leads the mind to a place providing a memorable experience, perfectly reflecting the freedom the suites offer.

First-class hotel apartments with a personal touch, Arjaan properties have been developed with both long-term guests and families in mind. Those staying longer than the average visitor will appreciate the particularly spacious accommodation, whilst families relish the promise of an environment which more closely resembles home. The stylish and fully equipped Arjaan suites are designed with the objective of closing the gap between hotel room and home, making Arjaan a natural choice for guests seeking a smooth transition into a new city.

In this ever changing world, some of our guests seek to reflect the values they hold in the accommodation they chose. Giving careful consideration to the diverse needs of our guests, we have introduced an alcohol-free option, Rayhaan, to Rotana’s hotel and resort portfolio. An Arabic name that refers to an aromatic plant mentioned in the sayings of prophet in the Holy Quran, Rayhaan reflects our respect for the culture and beliefs of our guests and our dedication to fostering a new Arabia in today’s world.

El Zyr said “to our valued patrons, Rayhaan offers an uncompromising alternative that upholds the world-class standards synonymous with the Rotana name. An entirely new concept in the region and on the market, the alcoholfree option has an inherent appeal to guests in the Middle East”.

In addition to the launch of Arjaan and Rayhaan, Rotana has also shaped a new name and a new identity for the

division formerly entitled Rotana Hotels, Suites & Resorts. Now operating under the name Rotana Hotels & Resorts and characterised by the excellence of its dining venues, the brand’s success is founded on its ability to attract some of the most renowned names in the restaurant world. Delivering award winning cuisine in inviting environments, Rotana Hotels & Resorts is one of the leading names on the market, offering first-rate food that caters for the requirements of the local markets in which the company operates.

One of the other products encompassed within the organization is Centro, which was launched in 2006.

Delivering superior accommodation at an affordable price, it redefines the conventional concept of economical comfort.

Working towards the opening of 25 Centro properties across the Middle East by 2014, the organization hopes to meet the demands of a new generation of traveller, seeking finesse and functionality at reasonable rates. Young and fresh, Centro is a contemporary concept that is original in its presentation and dynamic in its offerings.

As the name indicates, the Centro properties will be located at the heart of business and commercial districts in the major cities across the region. Providing unique living spaces in a contemporary environment, they provide amenities specifically geared to the needs of the travelling executive. Boasting rooms featuring the latest in technology and comfort, in addition to well equipped meeting rooms and business centres, Centro is destined to become synonymous with care and attention to detail.

Nakheel Reveals Waterfront City Masterplan

Nakheel, one of the world’s largest and most innovative real estate developers, has revealed the masterplan for Waterfront City, the vibrant centrepiece of Waterfront, the largest urban development project in the world.

Waterfront City is planned to become a lively city centre 24 hours a day for a predicted residential population of 92,000 and a working population of approximately 310,000 people. Covering a land area of more than 330 hectares, Waterfront City comprises of a central island surrounded by four neighbouring districts - the Boulevard, Madinat Al Soor, the Resort, and the Marina.

Located on the western shores of Dubai, the entire Waterfront development will transform 1.4 billion square feet of empty desert and sea into an international community for an estimated population of 1.5 million people that is twice the size of Hong Kong Island.

Matt Joyce, Nakheel Managing Director, Waterfront, said: “Waterfront City is set to form the ‘heart’ of Waterfront and the masterplan has been designed in such a way to cater not only for businesses, but for Dubai residents and visitors alike. Each of the five districts making up Waterfront City possess their own individual character and are vital for the promotion of a diverse and unified city.

“It will have a density similar to that of Manhattan, and with that in mind, commerce, retail, culture, and private accommodation will be overlapped to create a compact city centre. Waterfront City will include a central park, large mosque area, and iconic landmark attractions that will enable visitors and residents to enjoy a lively global city.”

The Central Island district, a grid of five streets by five streets, is the defining element of the design of Waterfront City; it will create walkable distances between blocks, easing the flow of traffic passing through the city. To ensure maximum shading and climate control in the city, the higher building masses are concentrated on the south side also making

efficient use of wind flows for cooling. To guarantee further protection from the sun each city block is lined with arcades and planted with trees.

Rem Koolhaas, Founder & Principal, the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), who were involved in the masterplanning of Waterfront City, said: “Waterfront is the largest and most ambitious urban development project to be masterplanned from scratch. We were tasked with creating a central business district that not only competes on a global scale, but that acts as the centre for a new, to be developed, city.

All of the surrounding areas as well as the Central Island will be connected by a comprehensive public transport system, including Dubai’s new metro train system. Waterfront City will also have a direct link to the Al Maktoum International Airport, currently under construction and set to become Dubai’s main airport hub.

The Luxury Collection Makes Landmark Entry into the UAE Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announces the entry of The Luxury Collection® in Ras Al Khaimah, the fourth largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates. Under a long-term agreement with Saraya Islands, PJSC., the hotel will be operated under the Luxury Collection brand within the Saraya Islands, a distinguished mixed-use destination in the heart of Ras Al Khaimah between the Hajjar Mountains and the Arabian Gulf. The Luxury Collection Resort is expected to open in 2011.

“We define The Luxury Collection by our guests and the experiences and services they demand and expect.

Nothing less than an exceptional level of service, perfect location and indigenous personal offerings will do,” said Ross Klein, President of Starwood’s Luxury Brands Group.

“The magical destination of Ras Al Khaimah on the edge of the Arabian Gulf creates the perfect setting for the debut of The Luxury Collection in the United Arab Emirates.”

The hotel’s 300 lavishly decorated guestrooms will include 40 suites, all with breathtaking views and the latest modern conveniences. It will serve a variety of international culinary options at its six food and beverages outlets, including two specialty restaurants, and offer approximately 43,000 square feet of indoor meeting space. The Luxury Collection Resort will provide guests with an exceptional level of service, a majestic ambience and exquisite oceanfront dining options. Guests can take a refreshing

swim in the pool, play an invigorating game of tennis, indulge themselves with a soothing spa treatment or simply enjoy the sun along the hotel’s beautifully landscaped property, which includes a private stretch of pristine beachfront.

Saraya Islands, the luxurious mixed-use destination, is conveniently located fifteen minutes from Ras Al Khaimah’s international airport. The Luxury Collection Resort will occupy a prime spot in Saraya Islands. Within this destination, guests will have access to upscale shops, restaurants, entertainment outlets, indoor and outdoor sports facilities, a water amusement park and three miles of sandy beaches.

“It is only right and in sync with our strategy to partner with the best in the tourism field for Saraya Islands. Partnering with The Luxury Collection brand is our contribution to the hospitality sector in Ras Al Khaimah, which has witnessed substantial development in the past couple of years, and this hotel will add a further dimension of excellence,” said Mahdhar Al-Tamimi, General Manager of Saraya Islands.

“We are very proud to be chosen

by Saraya Islands for the management of this fantastic property and I am looking forward to expand our relationship in the near future,” said Roeland Vos, President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Europe, Africa and Middle East. “We are fully committed to providing exceptional service and memorable experiences to our customers and I am sure this Luxury Collection Resort will offer our global travelers the opportunity for an unforgettable, luxurious stay in United Arab Emirates.”

April I Travel Arabia I 79

No more fog related flight disruptions in Dubai

New Austrian Premium Service Austrian Airlines is introducing a new fleet of Airbus A320 aircrafts on a staged basis until September 2008. The Business Class zones of these aircrafts will be equipped with 24 exclusive Business Sleeper Seats made by Recaro. The seats will provide state-of-the-art features including 116 cm of legroom, a backrest set with a tilt, electronically adjustable backrest and footrest and integrated massage function. An integrated PC socket, individual reading light and personal screen complete the features offered by the seat.

Every passenger receives a personal and individually operable DVD player for the flight. A built-in Business Class wardrobe also provides passengers with plenty of storage space on board. Austrian also provides a wide-range of assorted newspapers and magazines with an exclusive fly & buy inflight magazine.

The upgraded aircrafts will be deployed exclusively on existing routes into the Middle East (Damascus, Cairo, Tehran and Dubai), and to Astana in Central Asia, from September 2008 onwards.

With an average age of 8.4 years, the fleet of the Austrian Airlines Group is approximately 2 years younger than the European average and is one of the most modern in the world.

80 I Travel Arabia I April

Diversion and delay of flights due to fog are now a thing of the past at Dubai International Airport, as a new category of Instrument Landing System became fully operational following certification from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) on March 10.

A major upgrade over the Cat I and Cat II systems that were in use at Dubai International Airport, the newly certified CAT IIIA Instrument Landing System (ILS) enables a pilot to land even with visibility as low as 200 metres. Dubai international airport is the first CAT IIIA compliant airport in the region, including the subcontinent.

Welcoming the certification from GCAA, UAE’s federal authority, HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), and Chairman of Dubai Airports, said “It is a big achievement for Dubai Airports and will positively impact our operations at Dubai International. Disruption or diversion of flights due to low visibility is a major inconvenience for passengers and a logistical challenge for the airlines and airports alike. The new system will translate into great benefits for the passengers, airlines and Dubai International airport by enabling low visibility operations.”

The new category of landing system has been in use for some time at Dubai International according to Mohammed Ahli, Director General of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) and CEO of Air Traffic Services (ATS). “We have been using the system for some time now; as a prerequisite for the certification from the federal authority we have tested it for 6,000 hours,” he said.

He added: “This upgrade was part of our plans for Dubai International for a long time now but could not have been fully operational due to activities connected to the expansion project.”

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports said that it is part of the company’s strategy to constantly work on enhancing our efficiency to benefit our customers. “This technological upgrade certainly will go a long way in ensuring better services for our customers, both airlines and passengers,” he said.

Griffiths added: “We will continue to assess our systems to determine the best possible upgrade requirements. While the new system, Cat IIIA, is fully operational, we will be working over the next few months to upgrade it to Cat IIIB. We intend to accomplish this by October 2008,” he said.

According to Griffiths, Dubai does not need a Cat IIIC which is a category that allows landing even when visibility is zero. “UAE experiences fog for only two or three weeks a year and it is not as dense as in Europe. The next upgrade (Cat IIIB) will enable us to operate in visibility of 50 metres,” he explained.

Tea Time at Le Méridien Abu Dhabi

Millennium Going Grand The Millennium Towers Hotel Dubai is now Grand Millennium Dubai, as part of the prestigious and luxury hotel brand under the Millennium & Copthorne portfolio, thus the first Grand Millennium in the Middle East.

Mr. Riad T. Al Sadik, owner of the property, who is also Chairman of the Habtoor Leighton Group and General Manager, Frank Tideman, are honoured counting “their” hotel amongst the few selected Grand Millennium properties in the world.

The new Grand Millennium brand by the Millennium & Copthorne Group was introduced in Malaysia. This luxury variant of the established Millennium branded properties stands out with its luxury in appearance, layout, furniture and finishes, full service and amenities, distinctive and impressionable design. In selected markets, located in key cities and major gateways one Millennium Hotel will be the chosen one.

To experience the new Grand Millennium Dubai, visit our website at www.millenniumtowershotel.com or call our reservations team on +971 4 4299999, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Le Méridien Abu Dhabi is introducing the tSeries from Dilmah Tea at Al Finjan and La Brasserie.

The founder of Dilmah Tea Mr. Merrill Fernando and his son Dilhan Fernando together with the General Manager of Le Méridien Abu Dhabi Mr. Jean Pierre Trabut hosted a special seated dinner event at Le Méridien Versailles ballroom.

A selected number of VIP guests were invited for this personable event. The evening started with special blends of tea tasting served cold as an exotic fruit cocktail infused with ginger, almond or mints.

Followed by an appetizing dinner and completed with an array of dessert plates inspired by Chef Jean Georges blended with variety of tea flavours. The dessert buffet was been built by the chefs Le Méridien as the guests were having their dinner.

Le Méridien Abu Dhabi currently offers a selection of these designer gourmet tea selections can be enjoyed hot, in the traditional way, or mixed with spirits and juices to produce cocktails and mocktails these infusions make up to 145 flavours including Rose with French Vanilla, Jasmine Green Tea, Italian Almond and Moroccan Mint Green Tea. Dilmah is unique amongst teas in that the brand is a product of its founder’s devotion of a lifetime to tea. Dilmah is also a business that embodies traditional family values with the commitment to ethics and integrity which made Dilmah the Medinge Group’s choice as Top Brand with a Conscience in 2005.

Dilmah was also felicitated in January 2008 for its contribution to the protection of the environment.

Through Dilmah Conservation and the MJF Charitable Foundation, Dilmah Founder Merrill J. Fernando has achieved his dream, conceived in 1950,

of building a business that offers ‘human service’.

Hence Le Méridien hotel is pleased to join efforts with a well reputed company of a unique product of tea and hopeful for a bright future in this venture together.

April I Travel Arabia I 81

TRAVEL DIRECTORY

ALGERIA ALGERIA General Information Area

Embassies & Consulates Argentina 7 Rue Hamani 718683 643843 Australia 7 Rue Jean Rey, 75724 Paris cedex, France

40593300 592081 Austria Les Vergers,Rue No.2 DZ-16330 Bir Mourad Rais

562699 567352 Bangladesh 14 Ave.des Frères Oughlis 594805 603629 Belgium 22 Chemin Youssef Tayebi,El-Biar 922446 925036 Brazil 48 Boulevard Mohammad V 749575 749687 Bulgaria 13 Boulevard Bougara,El Biar 691514 691787 Canada 18 Mustafa Khaled St.,P.O.Box 48 914951 693920 China 34 Boulevawrd Des Martyrs 692724 693056 Colombia 7 Avenue Malika Gaid,El-Biar 922090 923817 Cote D’ivoire Parc Paradeaux P.O.Box 710,Hydra 692828 693683 Czech Republic P.O.Box 999,Villa Malika 692274 693031 Denmark 12 Ave.Emile Marquis,Hydra 692234 692846 Egypt P.O.Box 297,Hydra 691807 692952 Finland P.O.Box 256 Hydra 691212 691637 France 25 Chemin Gaddouche,Hydra 692488 691369 Germany P.O.Box 664,165 Chemin Sfindja

741956 740521 Greece 60 Blvd.Col.Bougara 600855 691655 Holy See 1 Rue Noureddine Mekiri 16090 Bologhine 623430 572375 Hungary P.O.Box 68 ,El-Mouradia 691709 694431 India 14 Rue Des Ambassades 923444 924011 Iraq 4 Rue Arezki Abri,Hydra 603125 601097 Italy

82 I Travel Arabia I April

18 Rue Mohammad Ouidir,Amellal Al-Biar Japan 1 Chemin Al Bakri,El-Biar Jordan 6 Rue Chenoua,Hydra Korea Repub 21 Rue Stambuli El-Mouradia Kuwait Chemin Abdel Kader Gaddouche Lebanon Rue Du Hoggar,Hydra Libya 15 Chemin Sheikh Bashir Ibrahimi Mauritania 107 Lot Baranes,Air de France, Bouzareah Mexico P.O.Box 329,El –Biar Netherlands P.O.Box 72 El-Biar Nigeria P.O.Box F629,Hydra Oman 126 Rue Didouche Mourad Pakistan P.O.Box 621,Djeann El-Malik,Hydra Poland 37 Ave.Mustafa Ali Khodja,El-Biar Portugal 12 Lot El-Feth El-Biar Qatar P.O.Box 118,Bin Aknoun Romania 24 Rue Arezki Abri, Hydra Russia Chemin Prince D’Amman El-Biar Saudi Arabia 4 Rue Arezki Abri,Hydra Spain 10 Rue Azil Ali Sweden Rue Olof Palme Nouveau Paradou,Hydra Switzerland P.O.Box 482,27 Boulevard Zirout Youssef Syria 11 Chemin A.Gaddouche Hydra Tunisia 11 Rue Du Bois De Bologne Hydra Turkey

292330

793766

912004

912046

08.00 to 12.00 Thu

2,381,741 sq.Kms

Electricity

Population

220 volts (110 volts in some

31,19 million (2000 est.)

areas).

Capital

A continental adapter is

El-Djazair (Algiers)

necessary 127 volts or 3-phase

Main Cities

127/220/380 AC 50 cycles.

Algiers, Wahran/Oran,

Hotels may have a mixture of 127

Qacentina, Annaba Al-Boulaida,

and 220 volts.

Si di Bel-Abbes, Setif, Tizi Ousou.

Visas

Temperature/climate

Visas are required by all except

Summer: 27 to 32C

nationals of Egypt, Iraq, Jordan,

Coast temperature,13 to 24C

Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya,

Winter:Temperature variations

Mauritania, Morocco, Sudan,Syria,

inland,dropping to as little as 10C

Tunisia, Yemen, Andorra Denmark,

in the Sahara at night

Finland, Guinea, Iceland, Ireland,

Languages

Italy, Leichenstein, Mali, Monaco,

Arabic (official)

Norway, San Marino, Sweden,

French (commercial)

Switzerland

692031

691554

692076

693014

Berber (in rural areas)

693408

693037

Airports

Customs Regulations

Algiers (920 Km from city centre)

200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or

594977

692397

Annaba (12 Km from city centre)

400 gr of tobacco and 1 bottle of

924687

Constantine (9 Km from city

wine are admitted free of Duty

921502 792139 924023 922828 691849

centre)

Currency regulations

784274

Wahran 910 Km from city centre)

Any amount of foreign currency

923451

Tlemcen (20 Km form city centre)

may be taken into Algeria but is

No airport tax on departure

prohibited to take any Algerian

Ports

currency into or out of the country.

Algiers (principal), Annaba, Oran,

Proof of all foreign exchange

Skikda, Mostaganem, Bejaia

transactions must be presented

Business Hours

on departure.All foreign visitors

Government offices and state

must change a minimum of AD

Enterprises

1000.

923770 691175

941310

941375

693781

692212

922553

08.00 to 17.00 Sat to Wed

Currency

92541

0800 to 12.00 Thu

1 Algerian dinar (AD) =100

922856

922415

Banks

Centimes

690871

693642

783134

782882

925313

603518 922713

922719

692300

691917

737310

738158

912026

912030

691388

692316

09.00 to 16.00 Sat to Wed Chemin De La Rochelle, Blv Col.Bourgara UAE P.O.Box 454 El Mouradia UK P.O.Box 8,7 Chemin DES Glycines USA 4,CHEMIN Sheikh Bashir El-Ibrahimi Yemen Villa 41,Ave.Les Verges Venezuela Chemin du Kadous Hydra Zaire 5 Rue Saint Georges,Kouba

691257

693161

692574

593770

230068

230067

691255

693979

693085

691758

693846

607555

591227

Embassies & Consulates

BAHRAIN

KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

General Information Area

on depature BHD 3.

Tourist visas available at Bahraini embassies or on

707 sq.Km

Ports

arrival at entry points-Bahrain Airport or the King

Population

Mina Sulman

Fahd Causeway from Saudi Arabia.Visas cost BD

(200 estimate) 642.000

Business Hours

10 for 72 hours or BD 15 for 7 days.

Capital

Government Offices

Customs regulations

Manama

07.00 to 13.00 Sat. to Wed.

400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or _ 1

Main Cities

Commercial Offices

bs.tobacco,some perfume,2 bottles of wine or

Manama, Muharraq Town, Isa Town, Jidhafs, Rifaa. 07.00 to 13.00 and 15:30 to 18:00 Sat To Thu. spirits.

Temperature/climate

Banks

Currency regulations

Summer: 40 to 45 C,hot, humid.

8.00 to 14.00 and 16.00 to 18.00 Sat. to Thu.

There are no restrictions on the amount of

Winter: Warm, dry, 10 C to 20 C.

Electricity

currency bring in/take out of Bahrain.

Languages

220-240 volts, Single-phase AC and 400 volts,

Currency

Arabic (official), and English (commercial).

three-phase AC.

1 Bahraini dinar (BHD)=1.000 FILS

Airport

Visas

Qatari riyal and UAE dirham are exchangeable at

Muharraq (505 Km from Manama)

Visas required for all except GCC and UK

rate of DH 10 or QR 10=BHD 1.

Taxis, hotel reservations, duty free shop Airport tax

nationals.

Algeria P.O.Box 26402,Manama Bangladesh P.O.Box 26718,Manama Belgium P.O.Box 5820,Manama China P.O.Box 3150,Manama Denmark P.O.Box 997,Manama Egypt P.O.Box 818,Manama France P.O.Box 11134,Manama Germany P.O.Box 10306,Manama Greece P.O.Box 5790,Manama India P.O.Box 26106,Adiliya Iran P.O.Box 26365,Manama Iraq P.O.Box 26477,Manama Japan P.O.Box 23720,Manama Jordan P.O.Box 5242,Manama Korea Rep P.O.Box 11700,Manama Kuwait P.O.Box 786,Manama Lebanon P.O.Box 2102,Manama Libya P.O.Box 26062,Adliya Morocco P.O.Box 26229,Manama Netherlands P.O.Box 350,Manama New Zealand P.O.Box 5881,Mnama Norway P.O.Box 10580,Manama Oman P.O.Box 26414,Manama Pakistan P.O.Box 563,Manama Palestine P.O.Box 1102 Philippines P.O.Box 26681,Manama Portugal P.O.Box11030,Manama Russia P.O.Box 26612,Manama Saudi Arabia P.O.Box 1085,Manama Sudan P.O.Box 5438,Manama Sweden P.O.Box 412,Mnama Switzerland P.O.Box 795,Manama Tunisia P.O.Box 26911,Manama Turkey P.O.Box 10821, Manama UAE P.o.Box 26505, Manama UK P.O.Box 114, Manama USA P.O.Box 26431, Manama Yemen P.O.Box 26193,Manama

713669

713662

714717

710031

224631

229994

723800

727304

725119

826582

720005

721518

291734

293655

530210

536282

259211 712785

715527

722400

722101

786929

786220

716565

715059

291109

291980

291629

291628

534040

536475

786994

784998

714162 740566

740178

224320

212295

210284

210271

531480

530158

293663

293540

244113

255960

276099

276054

710200

710300

531533

530445

725222

725921

537722

533261

252546

252578

531085

530063

227811

224623

714149

715702

533448

536557

723737

727343

534404

531273

273300

272594

277072

262358

April I Travel Arabia I 83

General Information Area

centre)

997.738 sq.Km

Local airports at Aswan,

Population

Customs regulations

Hurghada, Luxor, Sharm El

Currency,jewellery and other

(2000 est.) 68.5 million

–Seikh.

valuables must be declared

Capital

Ports

Cairo

Alexandria (principal), Port Said,

Goods valued up to £E100 may

Main Cities

Suez, Damietta, Safaga.

be exported.200 cigarettes or

EGYPT

EGYPT

on entry.

Cairo,Alexandria,Ismalia,Port

Business Hours

Said.

Government: 08.00 to 14.00

litre wine or spirits.

Temperature/ climate

Sat.to Wed,08.00 to 13.00 Thu,10.00 to 12.00 Sun.

Currency regulations

Summer 22 to 35 C in Cairo,

Businesses: Variable (some

The import or export of Egyptian

Winter: 9 to 22 C in Cairo.

closed on Fri, others on Sun.)

currency is prohibited.All receipts

25 cigars or 200 gms tobacco,1

More temperature along

Banks

Mediterranean coasts “Khamsin”

09.00 TO 13.30 Mon.to

currency into Egyptian pounds

(hot,dry wind in Spring)

Thu.,10.00 to 12.00 Sun.

should be kept to be presented

for the exchange of foreign

Languages

Electricity

Arabic, ( official),English and

220/240 volts 50 cycles AC in

Currency

French ( commercial).

Maadi and Heliopolis some 110

1 Egyptian pound(£E)=100

Airports

volts, 50 cycles AC.

piastres=1.000 millimes.

on departure.

Cairo (22.5 Km from city centre).

Visas

Coaches/taxis,duty-free

Visas are required by all foreign

shop,airport tax on departure.

visitors except most Arab

Alexandria (8 Km from city

nationals.

Embassies & Consulates Afghanistan 59 El Ourouba St. Heliopolis 4177236 Algeria 14 Al-Brazil Street, P.O.Box 39, Zamalek 3407671 Argentina 8 Al-Saleh Ayoub street,Zamalek 3401501 Australia 1191 Corniche El-Nile, Boulaq 5750444 Austria 5 Wissa Wassef St.Giza 5702974 Bahrain 15 Brazil Street,Zamalek 3407996 Bangladesh 47 Ahmed Heshmat Str.Zamalek 3402642 Belgium 20 Kamel El-Shinnawi St.Garden City 1125 3547494 Brazil Corniche El-Nile Maspero 5756938 Bulgaria 6 El-Malek El-Afdal Street, Zamalek 3543110 Canada 5 El-Saraya El-Kobra Square,Garden City 3543110 China 22 Bahgat Ali Street,Zamalek 3411219 Cyprus 23 A Ismail Mohammad Street,Zamalek 3411288 Czech Republic 4 Dokki St.,Giza 3485469 Denmark 12 Hassan Sabri Street,Zamalek 3402505 Finland 3 Abdul Feda Sreet,Zamalek 3411487 France 29 El-Giza Street, Giza 5703920 Germany 8 Hassan Sabri Street,Zamalek 3410015 Greece 18 Aisha El-Taimouria St.Garden City 3547200

84 I Travel Arabia I April

4177230 3414158 3414355 5781638 5702979 3416609 3412631 3543147 761040 3563548 3563548 3409459 3415299 3608089 3411780 3421376 5710276 3410530 3563903

Holy See Apostolic Nunciature 5 Mohammad Mazhar Street

3402250 Hungary 29 Mohammad Mazhar Street, Zamalek 3408634 India 5 Aziz Abaza Street,Zamalek 3413051 Iraq 9 Mohammad Mazhar St.,Zamalek 3408087 Italy 15 Abdel Rahman Fahmi St. Garden City 3543194 Japan 2 Abdel Qader St.,Garden City 3553963 Jordan 6 El Guhaini Street,Dokki,Giza 3485566 Kenya 7 El-Mohandis Galal St.Mohandisin 3453628 Kuwait 12 Nabil Al-Wakad Street,Dokki 3602661 Lebanon 5 Ahmad Nesim Street,Giza 3610623 Libya 7 El-Saleh Ayoub,Zamalek 3402487 Mauritania 14 Mohu El-din Abou El-Ezz St.,Dokki 3490671 Mexico 6 Ahmed Shawki Street,Giza 5716156 Morocco 10 Salaheddine Street,Zamalek 3409849 Netherlands 18 Hassan Sabri Street,Zamalek 3401936 Norway 8 El-Gezira St.Zamalek 3413955 Oman 52 El-Hegaz Street, Mohandiseen 3031708 Pakistan 8 Al-Salouli St. Dokki 3487504 Portugal

3406152 3408648 3414038 3415075 3540657 3563540 3601027 3443400 3602657 3610463

3489060 5783040 3400937 3415249 3420709 3036464 3480310

57 El- Giza St.,Giza Qatar 10 El-Themar St.,Dokki , Giza Romania 4 Aziz Abaza Street, Zamalek Russia 95 Giza St,Giza Saudi Arabia 2 Ahmad Nessim St., Singapore 40 Babel Street, Dokki Slovakia 4 Dokki St. Dokki Spain 44 Ismail Mohammed St.Zamalek Sudan 3 El Ibrahimi Street, Garden City Sweden 13 Mohammad Mazhar St.Zamalek Switzerland 10 Abed Al Khalek Sarwat St. Syria 18 Abdel Rahim Sabri St. Dokki Thailand 2 Malik El-Afdal St.Zamalek Tunisia 26 El-Gezira street,Zamalek Turkey 25 El-Falaki Street,Bab el-Louq UAE 4 Ibn Sina St.,Giza UK 7 Ahmed Ragheb St.,Garden City USA 5 Latin America Str.,Garden City Yemen 28 Amin El-Rifaii Street,Dokki

3363950

3363952

3604693

3603618

3410107

3410151

3489354

3609074

3490797

3494590

3490468

3481682

3486550 3406397

3547359

3545658

3542693

3411484

3404357

3402250

5745236

3358320

3358232

3408356

3400340

3408962

3412479

3563318

3558110

3609722

5700844

3540850

3543065

3557371

3573200

3614225

3604815

IRAQ IRAQ

General Information Area 438.317 sq.Km

Population 21.7 million(2000 est.)

Capital Baghdad

Main Cities Baghdad, Basra, Mosul, Kirkuk

Temperature/climate Summer 24 to 42C in Baghdad,humid,hotter and more humid in Basra More temperature in north.Winter:4 to 16 C in Baghdad.

Languages Arabic (official and commercial).

Airport Baghdad (17 Km from City Centre) Coaches/taxis,duty free shop-airport tax on departure

Ports Basra (principal),Fao (oil) Government Offices: Summer 08.00 to 14.00 Sat.to Wed & 08.00 to 13.00 Thu. Winter: 08.30 to 14.30 Sat To Wed. and 08.30 to 13.30 Thu. Shops and Firms: Summer 08.30 to 13.00 and 16.00 to 20.00 Sat.To Wed.& 08.30 to 13.00 Thu. Winter:08.30 to 14.30 and 17.00 to 19.00 Sat To Wed and 08.30 to 13.30 Thu.

Banks Summer 08.30 to 12.30 Sat to Wed. and 08.30 to 11.30 Thu. Winter: 09.00 to 13.00 Sat To Wed. and 09.00 to 12.00 Thu.

Electricity 220 volts,50 cycles AC.

Visas Visas are required for all visitors except nationals of Egypt, Jordan, and Sudan.

Visa applications should be made well in advance and supported by a written invitation from a government organization.No admission granted to visitors holding passports showing evidence of travel to Israel.

Visitors must register for stays exceeding 14 days and exit visas are required for visits exceeding 30 days.Apply to Directorate of Residence,52nd street Baghdad, Tel:92377 Test for HIV (The Aids Virus) is required.

Customs Regulations Country under UN embargo,The import of most goods is prohibited.

Currency

Embassies & Consulates Afghanistan P.O.Box 674 Algeria P.O.Box 444, Lane 35 Argentina P.O.Box 2443,Lane 24 Australia P.O.Box 661, Al Masbah Austria P.O.Box 294,Lane 2 Bahrain P.O.Box 27117, Lane 7 Bangladesh 75/17/929 Hay Babe Belgium Hay Babel,Mahallat 929 Brazil P.O.Box 2088, Lane 16 Bulgaria Amireyah Embassies Quarter Canada P.O.Box 323,Lane 1 China P.O.Box 225 Czech Republic Mansour St., Lane 37 Denmark P.O.Box 2001, Alwiyah Egypt P.O.Box 6315,Lane 11 Finland P.O.Box 2041, Alwiyah France P.O.Box 118 Germany P.O.Box 2036, Lane 2 Greece 63/3/913 Hay Al-Jamia AL-Jadiriya Holy See P.O.Box 2090,Lane 2 Hungary P.O.Box 2065 India P.O.Box 4114, Adhaiyah Indonesia St. 2, Houre 77, P.O.Box 420 Italy P.O.Box 2043,Lane 73 Japan P.O.Box 2369, Lane 17 Jordan Kindi Quarter 1 sec.213 Korea Rep.

5560562 5372181 7768140 7193434 7199033 5428945 7196367 7198297 5411365 5568197 5421459 5562741 7767367

5430275

7717052

7170635

5430572 7766271

7760488

7196061 7192037

7180340

7766572 7195183

7196520

7765000 4222014

4229549

7198677

7198680

7765058 7195157 5412892

7196186

915/222/8278, Hay al -Jamia Malaysia 6/14/929 Hay Babel Mauritania Al Mansour, Baghdad Mexico 601/11/45 Al- Mansour Morocco P.O.Box 6039,Lane 11 Netherlands P.O.Box 2064, Lane 35 New Zealand P.O.Box 2350 Norway 20/3/609 Hay-Al Mansour Oman P.O.Box 6180, Lane 13 Pakistan Al-Mansour 14/7/609 Palestine P.O.Box 3122 Philippines P.O.Box 3236,Lane 3 Poland P.O.Box 2051, Lane 13 Portugal P.O.Box 2123,Lane 25 Qatar P.O.Box 2445,Lane 46 Romania P.O.Box 2571 Russia 4/5/605 Al-Moutanabi Somalia P.O.Box 2078, Lane 1 Spain P.O.Box 2072, Lane 1 Sudan P.O.Box 213, Lane 15 Sweden P.O.Box 720, Lane 41 Switzerland P.O.Box 2107, Lane 5 Thailand P.O.Box 6062, Al-Mansour Tunisia P.O.Box 6057,Al Mansour Turkey P.O.Box 14001,Waziriya UAE P.O.Box 6192, Lane 13 Yemen P.O.Box 13037,Lane 28

7765496 7762622 5518261 7198039 5421779 7767616 7768176 5410097 5518198 5415120 7183146 7193228 7190297 7764953 5412186 7762860 5414749 5410088 7192852 5424889 7195361 7193091 5418795 5517786 2220021

2228353

5417026 7760647

1 Iraqi dinar (ID)= 1.000 FILS

April I Travel Arabia I 85

Embassies & Consulates Algeria P.O.Box 1223,3rd Circle,Jabal Amman Australia Bet.4th & 5th Circles,Zahran St. Austria Jabal Amman Bahrain Jabal Amman Belgium Hawari Boumedienne St.,Near 4th Circle Brazil Jabal Amman,3rd Circle Bulgaria Amman Canada P.O.Box 815403,PC 11180 China P.O.Box 2023,PC 11181 Egypt Jabal Amman,3rd Circle France P.O.Box 5348,Mutanabi St. Germany Jabal Amman Greece P.O.Box 35069 Holy See Amman Hungary Amman India P.O.Box 2168,1st Circle Italy 5/7 Hafez Ibrahim St.,Jabal El Webdeh Japan Al-Aqsa Street,Jabal Amman Kuwait Jabal Amman Lebanon 2nd Circle, Amman Libya Amman Morocco Jabal Amman Oman Jabal Amman Pakistan Jabal Weibdeh Philippines Amman Qatar Jabal Amman Romania Jabal Amman, P.O.Box 2869 Russia Jabal Amman Saudi Arabia Jabal Amman, 5th Circle Spain Jabal Amman Sudan Jabal Amman Sweden 12 Embassy St. Jabal Amman Jabal Amman Syria Jabal Amman, 4th Circle Tunisia Jabal Amman Turkey P.O.Box 2062,PC 11181 UAE Jabal Amman UK P.O.Box 87, Abdoun, Amman USA P.O.Box 354,PC 11181 Yemen Jabal Amman

86 I Travel Arabia I April

4641271

4616552

5930246

4616552

4644635

4612725

5664148

5664190

5931859

5930487

5925416

4612964

5529391

5539393

5666124

5689227

5931530

5932607

Area

shop,airport tax on departure.

220 volts,50 cycles AC.

5605175

5604082

92.000 sq.Km

Port

Visas

Aqaba

Visas required by all and can be obtained from

4641273

4659606

Population (2000 est.) 5 million

Business Hours

any Jordanian consulate.

Capital

Government Offices:

Some visitors may acquire visas on arrival at

Amman

08.30 to 15.30 Sat to Thu

International airports.

Main Cities

Ramadan: 09.30 to 13.30 Sat to Thu.

Customs regulations

Amman, Aqaba, Irbid, Zarka

Commercial Offices:

200 cigarettes,25 cigars or 200 g tobacco,1

Temperature/climate

Summer:08.00 to 13.30 and 15.30 to 19.30

bottle of spirits.

Summer 18 C to 22 C in Amman,Dry,

Sat to Thu.

Currency regulations

5930351

5932887

5672331

5696591

5929934

5694059

JORDAN JORDAN

General Information

5925614

5930836

4623175

4619172

Winter 4C to 12 C in Amman,dry.

Winter: 08.30 to 13.30 and 15.00 to 18.30

Export of currency equal to the amount declared

4638185

4659730

Languages

Sat to Thu.

on entry is permitted.

Arabic (official), English (commercial)

Banks

Currency

5930486

5931006

Airport

08.30 to 15.30 Sat. to Thu.

1 Jordanian dinar(JOD)=1.000 fils.

5675135

5681971

Amman (32 Km from city centre. Taxi, duty free

Electricity

5929111

5929113

5693102

5693404

5921771

5925185

5686155

5680404

4624680

4611633

5518134

5518441

5607311

5607350

5667738

5684018

4641158

4647448

5924154

5921154

4614167

4614173

4644251

4644187

5931177 5931416

5930179 5930685

4641935

4651945

5674307

5605790

4641251

4612353

5934780

5932666

5923100

5923759

5920101

5920121

4642381

4654717

General Information General Information

Wed.08.00 to 12.30 Thu.

Area

Ramadan 08.00 to 14.00 Sat to Thu.

17.8182 sq.Km

Banks

Population

08.00 to 12.00 Sat.to Thu.

(2000 estimate) 2 million

Ramadan 8.30 to 12.30 Sat to Thu.

Capital

Electricity

Kuwait City

240 Volts single-phase

Main Cities

50 cycles AC

Kuwait City, Ahmadi, Hawali, Farwaniya, Al-Jahra

Temperature/climate

KUWAIT KUWAIT

Visas Visas or entry permits are required in advance by all

Summer 40 to 45 C, dry, dust, storms.

visitors except for nationals of the GCC states.

Winter cool, some rainfall in November to January.

Transit visas are not required by passengers

Languages

continiuing their journey to a third country bt the same

Arabic (official), English (commercial).

aircraft,or by passengers transiting within 24 hours.

Airport

However,passengers must have tickets with reserved

Kuwait (16 Km or 30 mn from city center).

seats and valid documents for their onward journey.With

Taxis, duty-free shop, no airport tax.

visas for a visit sponsored by a kuwaiti resident a form in

Ports

duplicate must be validated by the Ministery of Interior.

Mina Abdulla (oil)

For a visit without a sponsor, form in duplicate can be

Mina Al Ahmadi (principally oil)

obtained from a Kuwaiti consulate.Some Nationals

Shuwaikh (container,ro-ro, slipway) Shuaiba

require a No Objection Certificate issued by Minister

Business Hours

of Interior.

Government Offices:

Customs regulations

Winter 07.30 to 13.00 Sat to Wed.,

No alcohol,500 cigarettes,2lb tobacco.

07.30 to 11.30 Thu.

Currency regulations

Summer 07.00 to 13.00 Sat.to Wed.

There are no restrictions on the import or export of

Ramadan 08.30 or 09.00 to 13.00 Sat to Thu.

currency

Commercial Offices:

Currency

08.00 to 12.00 and 15.00 to 18.00 Sat.to

1Kuwaiti dinar(KD)=1.000 fils

Embassies & Consulates Afghanistan P.O.Box 22944 Safat,13015 Algeria P.O.Box 578,Safat Austria P.O.Box 44180,Hawali 32056 Bahrain P.O.Box 196,Safat 13002 Bangladesh P.O.Box 22344,Safat 13084 Belgium P.O.Box 3280,Safat Brazil P.O.Box 39761,Safat Bulgaria P.O.Box 12090,Kuwait City Canada P.O.Box 25281,Safat 13113 China P.O.Box 2346,Safat 13024 Cuba P.O.Box 23685,Safat 13124 Czech Republic P.O.Box 1151,Safat Egypt P.O.Box 11252,Safat Finland P.O.Box 26699,Safat France P.O.Box 1037,Safat 13011 Gabon P.O.Box 1230,Hawali 32013 Germany P.O.Box 5930,Safat 13060

2433075

5326274

2427185

2519497

2467421

2449993

5318530

5330882

2542688

5722018

2561029

2562153

2561029

2562153

5314458

5321453

2563025

2560173

5330165

5333341

5382024

2402971

2529015

2529021

2519955

2563877

5312890

5324198

5319850

2571058

4830975 4817055

2520763

Hungary P.O.Box 5671,Safat 13057 India P.O.Box 1450,Safat 13015 Indonesia P.O.Box 21560, Safat 13076 Iran P.O.Box 4686,Safat Italy P.O.Box 4453,Safat 13045 Japan P.O.Box 2304,Safat 13024 Jordan P.O.Box 5242,Safat 13053 Korea Rep. P.O.Box 20771,Safat 13068 Lebanon P.O.Box 253,Safat Libya P.O.Box 21460,Safat 13075 Morocco P.O.Box 784,Safat 13008 Netherlands P.O.Box 21822,Safat Niger P.O.Box 44451, Hawali 32059 Nigeria P.O.Box 6432,Hawali 32039 Oman P.O.Box 21975,Safat 13080 Pakistan P.O.Box 988,Safat 1310 Philippines P.O.Box 26288,Safat 13123

5312600

5313782

2530600

2525811

2514588

4819250

2560694

2529868

2445120

2445124

2518155

5326168

2533500

2570894

4814004

2526874

2562103

2571682

3529172

2575182

4813700

5317423

5312650

5326334

5316802

5652943

5320794

5320834

2561962

2961963

5327649

5327648

5329315

5329319

Poland P.O.Box 5066,Safat 13051 Qatar P.O.Box 1825,Safat 13019 Romania P.O.Box 11149, Dasmah 35152

Russia P.O.Box 1765,Safat 13018 Saudi Arabia P.O.Box 20498,Safat 13065 Spain P.O.Box 22207,Safat 13083 Sweden P.O.Box 21448,Safat Switzerland P.O.Box 23954, Safat 13100 Syria P.O.Box 25600,Safat 13112 Thailand P.O.Box 66647,Bayan 43757 Tunisia P.O.Box 5976,Safat Turkey P.O.Box 20627,Safat 13067

UAE P.O.Box 1828,Safat 13019 UK P.O.Box 2,Safat 13001 USA P.O.Box 77,Safat 13001 Yugoslavia P.O.Box 20511,Safat 13066

2510355

2534760

2513599

2563428

4843419

4848929

5646277

5659044

2400250

2420654

5325827

5325826

2523588

2564224

2551872

5340176

2531164

5396509

5317530

5317532

2522416

2528995

2531785

2560653

2518569

2526382

2403335

2426799

2424151

2407368

4818872

5327568

April I Travel Arabia I 87

LEBANON

LEBANON

General Information

Area

08.00 to 14.00 Monday to Thursday.

10.452 sq.Km

08.00 to 11.00 Friday, 08 to 13 Saturday.

Population

Commercial offices

(2000 estimate) 3.6 million

08.30 to 18.00 Mon.to Fri.

Capital

Banks

Beirut

08.30 to 12.30 Monday to Friday.

Main Cities

08.30 to 12.00 Saturday.

Beirut, Tripoli, Jounieh, Zahle, Sidon, Tyre

Electricity

Temperature/Climate

110 Volts,50 cycles AC and 220 volts,50 cycles AC.

Summer 23 C to 32 C in Beirut, humid.

Visas

Winter 11 C to 17 C in Beirut,moist, rainfall, especially in January.

Visas are required for all visitors except nationals of Syria.Telex/Fax

Highlands are cooler, with winter snowfalls.

invitation required from sponsor to be sent to Embassy.

Languages

Westerners wishing to visit Lebanon can get instant visas at Beirut airport

Arabic (official), French and English (commercial)

,seaport or at Lebanese border checkpoints.

Airport

Customs regulations

Beirut ( 16 Km from city centre) Coaches/taxis,duty-free shop-airport tax

Visitors should check with airport duty-free shops on current regulations.

on departure.

Currency regulations

Ports

No Restrictions.

Beirut (principal), Tripoli (main port for North), Jounieh, Sidon (main port

Currency

for South)

1500 Lebanese pound(ÂŁLeb)= 1 US dollars.

Business Hours Government offices

Embassies & Consulates

Algeria P.O.Box 4794,Jnah Argentina P.O.Box 11-5245,Starco Area Armenia Rabieh Australia Bliss Street,Ras Beirut Austria Tabaris ,Ashrafieh

88 I Travel Arabia I April

01/826711

826712

01/987900

987903

04/418860 01/374701

374709

01/217412

217772

Bahrain Bliss Street,Itani Bldg 03/611936 367952 Belgium Hebu Building,Baabda Beirut 05/920551 923987 Brazil P.O.Box 166175,Rue Des Antonins,Baabda 05/921138 923001 Bulgaria Raoucheh 01/861352 Canada Sheraton Hotel,Damascus 0211/6116851

611803 Jal el Dib Highway 04/713900 710595 Chile Naccache 04/418670 418672 China Ramlet Al-Baida 01/850315 822492 Denmark Ain Mreiseh 01/364264 372970 Egypt Ramlet El-Baida 01/867917 863751 France Hazmieh,Beirut 01/420000 420013 Germany P.O.Box 2820,Rabieh 04/914444 914450 Greece P.O.Box 309,Naccache 04/521700 418774 Hungary Fanar 01/898857 India P.O.Box 113-5240,Kantari St. 01/372811 373538 Iran Bir Hassan 01/821230 821224 Italy Centre Ville,Beirut 01/985200 985305 Japan P.O.Box 3360,Baabda 01/989751 989754 Jordan

Baabda Kuwait Bir Hassan,Jnah Libya Verdun,Beirut Mexico New Naccache Morocco Ain-el-Tineh Pakistan Shell Bldg,Raoucheh Philippines Raoucheh,Beirut Poland Baabda Qatar P.O.Box 6717,Chouran Romania Baabda Russia Mar Elias,Beirut Saudi Arabia Koreitem, Beirut Spain Palace Chehab, Hadath Antounieh Sudan Mme Curie St. Sweden Achrafieh Switzerland Ave.Fouad Chehab, Achrafieh Tunisia Hazmieh,Mar Takla Turkey Rabieh,Area 2,Str.3 UAE Wafic Tabbara Bldg,Jnah UK Zkak El-Blat USA Aoukar,Beirut Venezuela Zalka,P.O.Box 603 Yemen Bir Hassan,P.O.Box 114-5097 Yugoslavia P.O.Box 742, Sanayeh

05/922500

922502

01/822515

842220

01/806314

805349

04/418870 01/862966

865194

01/863041

864583

01/791093

791095

05/468152

746620

01/865271

810460

05/924484

924747

01/300042

303837

01/860351

861524

05/464120

464030

01/353270 01/339505

339394

01/324129

324167

05/457431

950434

04/412080

407557

01/857000

857009

01/990400

990420

04/542600

544136

01/888701

403670

01/852682

821610

01/739633

739638

LIBYA LIBYA

Embassies & Consulates Afghanistan Sharia Al-Aftas 4771183,4775192

4775192 Algeria Sharia El-Kairouan 4440052 4447042 Argentina Sharia Ibn Mufarrej 4770588 TX20190 Austria Dahra 4443393,444

4440838 Bangladesh Hadbe El-Khadra 903807

900856

901866 TX 20970 Belgium Tower No.4,5th Floor 3333660

3333771 75618 Benin Quartier Gout-Shaal 830990 Tx 20357 Bosnia Ben Ashour 602406 602162 Brazil S.Ben Ashour 607969,608 3614895 Bulgaria S.Benin Ashour 609690/4444 Burkina Faso Gergaresh 4771221 4772626 Chad Dahra 4443955 TX 20341 China Andalous 4775131 4775689 China-Taiwan Gergaresh 4775052/478

4774980 Cuba Andalous 4771346 4776294 Cyprus Ben Ashour 609728/6015

609547 Czech Rep. Ben Ashour 361543/37 600839 Denmark Andalous 606848 TX 20978 Egypt Sharia-El-Shatt 4444945

4448909 4449262 Finland Ghot Eshaal 830559 830559 France Andalous 4778267

4773807 4778266 Germany S.Hassan El-Mashai 4448552

4448333 4448968 Ghana Al-Suwae Khetumi 4444256 TX 20879 India S.Mahloud Shaltut 4447899

4441835 3337560 Iraq Gourgi 4770487

4770780 Iran El-Jamahiriya 606871

6069 602687 Italia S.Uahran 3334131/2/3

3333447 3331673 Japan Tower No.4 Hall 13/14 607462/3 607462 Korea Gergaresh 833484/

8331 833503 Kuwait Ben Ashour 4440282/

444 607053 Lebanon Ben Ashour 3333733/

334 TX 20609 Malaysia Andalous 833693/

8337 833692 Mali Rue Dahanal 33313304/

44 3331304 Malta

Rue Dahanal

Mauritania S.Eysa Wokwak Morocco April Str. Nicaragua S.Al Nassr Pakistan Manshia Ben Ashour Palestine Tripoli Philippines Tripoli Poland Ben Ashour

Ruanda Andalous

Romania Ben Ashour

Saudi Arabia Tripoli Slovak Rep Jallal Bayar St.

Somalia Gurji

Sudan

3338081/ 334

4448401

4443223/444 611101 3330800

TX 20346

608269 333600411

607619/ 6076

TX 20049

4772864/ 4772865

4770317

607904/ 6079

TX 20482

3330485/333 3332568/ 3332805 4773124/ 477

3332568

Gergaresh Syria Mohamed Rashed St.

Switzerland Ben Ashour

Togo Khalid Ibn Al Waleed Tunisia Tripoli

UAE Gergaresh

Uganda Ben Ashour UNDP Turkiya Street

UNICEF Adr.UNDP UNIC Andalous Venezuela Ben Ashour

Vietnam Gergaresh

4772728

4774781

3337955/ 333

TX 20218

607365/ 607366

607487

4449565

3332423

33.310.613.

331.052 TX 20217 4773146/ 47

TX 20189

4448006

TX 20219

3330852/ 3/4/5/7

3330856

4770251

TX 20733

3600407/ 36

3600408

833704/ 8307

830994

TX 2205

General Information Area

Business Hours

Visas are required for all visitors except nationals

1,757,000 sq.Km

Government offices

of all Arab countries.Passport may need Arabic

Population

Winter:(1 Nov.to 31 March)

Translation.Invitation from Libyan company

(2000 estimate)5.1 million

08.00 to 15.00 Sat.to Thu.

required.

Capital

Summer:07.00 to 14.00

Customs regulations

Tripoli

Sat.To Thu.

No alcohol.200 cigarettes,250 grams

Main Cities

Commercial offices

tobacco,0.25 litre perfume.

Tripoli,Benghazi,Misurata,Surt,Sabha

07.30 to 14.30 Sat.To Thu

Currency regulations

Temperature/Climate

16.00 to 17.30 Sat.To Wed.

A maximum of 20 Libyan dinar on entry and

In Tripoli:Summer:22 to 38 C,dry.

Banks

departure.No restrictions on other currencies

Winter:8 to 20C,most rainfall in January.

Winter:08.00 to 13.00 Sat. to Thu.

though the amount taken out must not exceed

Languages

Summer:08.00 to 12.30

that taken in.

Arabic(official),English and Italian(commercial)

Sat.to Thu.and 16.00 to 19.00 Sat.to Wed.

Currency

Airports

Electricity

1 Lybian dinar(LD) =1.000 dirhams.

Tripoli(25 Km from City Centre)

220 volts 50 cycles AC.

Benghazi(main port for East)

Visas

April I Travel Arabia I 89

MOROCCO MOROCCO

General Information

Area 710,850 sq.Km

Population 30.20 million(2000 estimate)

Capital Rabat

Main Cities Rabat, Casablanca, Fez,Marrakech, Meknes ,Tangier,Agadir

Temperature/Climate Summer 35 to 45 C in the interior,dry 18 to 28 C along the Mediterrenean,dry.

Winter wide daily variation in the interior,dry,8 C to 17 C in the North, With frequent frosts,rainfall in December.

Languages Arabic, French (commercial), Berber

Airports Tangier (15 Km from City Centre)

Embassies & Consulates Algeria 46 Boulevard Tarek Ibn Ziad Argentina 12 Mekki Bitaouri str.,Souissi Austria 2 Tiddas,Rabat Belgium 6 Marrakesh Ave., Rabat Brazil Cadi Benjalloun St.,Rabat Bulgaria 4 Ave.de Meknes Canada 13 Bisr Jaffar Assadik China 16 Ahmad Balagies Ave Czech Republic Ate.Zaers,Km 4,Souissi Denmark P.O.Box 203, 4 Khemisset St. Egypt 31 Alger Avenue Finland 16 Khemisset Street,Rabat France 3 Sahnoun Street,Rabat Germany 7 Maduine St. Greece Rte. Zaers,Souissi Holy See P.O.Box 1303, Souissi Hungary 21 Bisoulad Jerrar,Soussi India 10 Michlifen Street,Agdal Indonesia 122 Ambassador Quarter Rte.Zaers Iran Route des Zaers,Bin Kasem Quarter Iraq 2 Oukaimdem St.Agdal Italy 2 Idriss Al Azhar St. Japan 39 Ahmed Balafrej Ave., Souissi

90 I Travel Arabia I April

765474

762237

755120

755410

764003

765425

764746

767003

755291

755291

765477

763201

672880

672187

754056

757519

755421

755420

769293

769709

731833

706821

762312

463925

689700

689750

709662

706851

638975

702270

772277

756213

750757

754123

671339

671269

757861

757859

659121

659118

754466

754572

706598

706882

631782

750078

Rabat (10 Km from City Centre) Casablanca (30 Km from Town Centre) Agadir (20 Km from Town Centre) Jordan Villa Al-Wafae, Soussi Korea Rep 41 Mehdi Benbaraka Blvd Kuwait 300 Iman Malik Street, Km 4 Lebanon 19 Fes Avenue, Rabat Libya 1 Chouaib Doukkali Street Oman 21 Hamza Street, Agdal, Rabat Pakistan 11 Azrou Street, Rabat Portugal 5 Thami Lamdouar Street Qatar 4 Tarik Ibn Ziad Blvd.

Russia Km 4, Route des Zaers Saudi Arabia 43 Place de L’unite Africaine Spain 3 El Fath St. Sudan 5 Ghomara Ave, Souissi Sweden P.O.Box 428 Switzerland P.O.Box 169,Berkame Sq. Syria 5 Rte., Zaers, Km 1, Souissi Tunisia 6 Fez Avenue Turkey 7 Fez Avenue UAE 11 Alaouines Avenue UK 17 Tour Hassan Boulevard USA 2 Marrakech Street Yemen 11 Abou-Hanifa Street, Agdal

Ports 751125

758722

Casablanca (main sea port)

751767

750189

Tangier (sea port for the North)

751775

753591

Government

760728

766667

707400

705200

673788

674567

661611

766742

756446

756445

Winter 08.030 to 12.00,14.30 to 18.00 Mon to Fri 08.00 to 13.00 Sat. Summer 09.00 to 14.00 Mon to Fri. 08.00 to 12.030 Sat. Ramadan 09.00 to 14.00 Mon to Sat. Businesses 08.00 to 12.30 and 16.00 to 19.00 Banks Winter 08.15 to 11.30 and 14.15 to 16.30 Mon to Fri.

765681 753509

Business Hours

Summer 09.00 to 15.00 Mon to Fri 753590

Electricity 110V.,127V or 220V/50 cycles AC in Rabbat,

730171

Casablanca and Tangier.

268000

707387

115/50 cycles AC in Marrakech,110V/50 cycles AC in Fez.

752863

752865

Visas

759303

758048

706974

705749

757521

757522

Visas required except by nationals of Andorra, Argentine, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Congo, Côte D’ivoire, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guinea, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Lichtenstein, Luxembourg, Mali, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Niger, Oman, Peru, Philippines, Porto Rico, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Korea, Spain,

730636

Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, UAE, UK, US, Venezuela.

762605

704980

707070

742145

720905

704531

762265

765661

No Moroccan currency may be imported or exported.

674363

674769

Currency

Customs Regulations 400 grammes of Tobacco, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars are admitted free of duty.1 litre of wine or spirits.

Currency regulations 1 Moroccan Dirham (MD or DH)=100 centimes

OMAN OMAN

Embassies & Consulates

Mina Qaboos, Muscat (principal), Mina Raysut,

of the GCC.

(2000 estimate) 2053 million

Salalah (main port for Dhofar)

Capital

Business Hours

Customs regulations

Muscat

Government Offices

Main Cities

Currency regulations

Winter:7.30 to 14.30 Sat.To Thu.

No restrictions on the amount of currency taken

Muscat-Muttrah-Ruwi-Seeb,Salalah

Summer:7.30 to 14.30 Sat Top Wed.

into or out of Oman.

Temperature/Climate

Businesses

Currency

Summer: 35 C - 47 C, Very humid

08.30 to 13.30 and 16.00 to 18.00 Sat.to

1 Omani Riyal(RO)=1,000 Baizas

Winter: 20.7 C men minimum

Wed. 08.00 to 11.30 Thu.

Languages

Banks

Arabic (official), English (commercial).

08.00 to 12.00 Sat.to Wed.08.00 to 11.30

Algeria P.O.Box 216, Madinat Sultan Qabous

601698 Austria P.O.Box 2070, Ruwi 112 793135 Bahrain P.O.Box 66, P.C., 115 605912 Bangladesh P.O.Box 3959, Ruwi 112 707462 Canada P.O.Box 1275,Ruwi 112 China P.O.Box 315, Muscat 112 696782 Egypt P.O.Box 2252,Ruwi 112 600411 Finland P.O.Box 84, Muscat 113 702133 France P.O.Box 208, Muscat 115 604222 Germany P.O.Box 128, Ruwi 112 702482 India P.O.Box 1727, Ruwi 112 702960 Iran P.O.Box 3155, Ruwi 112 696944 Iraq P.O.Box 1848, Ruwi 112 604178 Italy P.O.Box 3727, Muscat 112 560968 Japan P.O.Box 3511, Ruwi 112 601028 Jordan P.O.Box 2281, Ruwi 112 786350 Korea Rep.of P.O.Box 2220, Madinat Sultan Qabous 115 691490 Kuwait P.O.Box 1798, Ruwi 112 699626 Lebanon P.O.Box 67, Ruwi 118 595844 Morocco P.O.Box 3125, Ruwi 112 696152 Netherland P.O.Box 3302, Rruwi 112 705410 Norway P.O.Box 89, Ruwi 112 703289 Pakistan P.O.Box 1302, Ruwi 112 603343 Qatar P.O.Box 802, Muscat 113 701802 Russia P.O.Box 80, Muscat 112 602893 Saudi Arabia P.O.Box 1411, Ruwi 112 601744 Sudan P.O.Box 3971, Ruwi 112 697875 Syria P.O.Box 85, Madinat Sultan Qabous 115 697904 Tunisia P.O.Box 220, Madinat Sultan Qabous 115 603486 Turkey P.O.Box 417, Muttrah,115 697050 UAE P.O.Box 551, Seeb 115 600302 UK P.O.Box 300, Muscat 113 693077 USA P.O.Box 202, Muscat 698989 Yemen

Airports

Thu.

P.O.Box 105, Madinat Sultan Qabous 115 600815

General Information General Information

Taxis,airport tax on departure,duty-free shop.

220/240 volts 50 cycles AC

Area

Salalah (domestic)

Visas

309.500 sq.Km

Population

Seeb (40 Km from City Centre).

Ports

Visas are required for all visitors except nationals

No alcohol.No Limit for Tobacco products.

694419 793669 605072

602322 603626 703826 604300 705690 797547 696888 605112

698720 619495

600972 695633 601114 799020 793892

794588 604189 603540 699065 603895 697778 697053 604182 693087 699189 605008

Electricity April I Travel Arabia I 91

QATAR

QATAR

Embassies & Consulates Algeria P.O.Box 2494 Bahrain Bangladesh P.O.Box 2080 Brunei China P.O.Box 17200 Egypt P.O.Box 2899 France P.O.Box 2669 Germany P.O.Box 3064 India P.O.Box 2788 Iran P.O.Box 1633 Iraq P.O.Box 1526 Italy P.O.Box 4188 Japan P.O.Box 2208 Jordan P.O.Box 2366 Korea Republic P.O.Box 3727 Kuwait P.O.Box 1177 Lebanon P.O.Box 2411 Libya P.O.Box 547 Mauritania P.O.Box 3132 Morocco P.O.Box 3242 Oman P.O.Box 3766 Pakistan P.O.Box 334 Russia P.O.Box 1540 Saudi Arabia P.O.Box 1255 Sudan P.O.Box 2999 Syria P.O.Box 1257 Tunisia P.O.Box 2707 Turkey P.O.Box 1977 UAE P.O.Box 3099 Uk P.O.Box 3 USA P.O.Box 2399 Yemen P.O.Box 3318

4831186 4839360

4836452 4831018

4671927 4884202

4671190 4873959

4884202

4873959

4832555

4832196

4832283

4832254

4876959

4876949

4672025

4670448

4835300

4831665

4672237

4673347

4667842

4664644

4831224

4832178

4832202

4832173

4832238

4838264

4832111

4832042

4477773

4478817

4667546

4660548

4836003

4836015

4831885

4833416

4670744

4670747

4832525

4832227

Area

Airport

4329117

4329118

11.437 sq.Km

Doha (8 Km from city centre). Taxis, No

Visas

4832030

4832720

Population

Duty- Free shop, no airport tax.

Visas are required for all visitors except nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and UAE.

4423007

4329118

Capital

Ports Ras Laffan (Gaz and ind.)

No objection certificate required from Qatari

4832409

4832139

Doha

Doha, Umm Said (oil and petrochemicals)

Minsitery of Foreign Affairs. Other businessmen,

4832649

Business Hours

if their visit is sponsored by a reputable Qatari,

4832645

Main Cities Doha, Rayan, Umm Said,

Government

may obtain a 72- hour visa at Doha Airport.

4835204

4835206

Al-Khor, Al-Wakrah, Ras Laffan

07.30 to 13.00 Sat To Thu.

Customs regulations

Temperature/Climate

Businesses

Alcohol is prohibited.No limit for Tobacco

Summer 36 to 40 C, in Doha very humid

07.30 to 12.00 and 15.30 to 18.00 Sat to

products.

especially mornings

Thu.

Currency Regulations

Winter 13 to 23 C in Doha, very humid, wide

Banks

None

diurnal range

07.30 to 11.30 Sat to Wed.

Currency

Languages

07.30 to 11.00 Thu.

1 Qatari Riyal (QR)= 100 dirhams

4885111 4421991

4438692

4884101

4884298

4432555

4429400

General Information

(2000 estimate) 700.000

Arabic (official), English ( commercial).

92 I Travel Arabia I April

Electricity

220/240 Volts 50 cycles AC.

SAUDI ARABIA

KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

General Information

General Information

Jeddah (24 Km from City Centre)

Ramadan 10.00 to 13.30

Area

Medina (12 Km from City Centre)

Electricity

2.240.000 sq.Km (approx)

Riyadh (35 Km from City Centre)

220 Volts and 110 Volts,60

Population

Taxis-no duty-free shops except at

cycles AC.

(2000 est.) 20 million

Jeddah-No airport taxes.

Capital

Ports

Visas

Riyadh

Jeddah(main port for Western

except GCC nationals.

Main Cities

province and the Kingdom’s

Applications have to be applies for

Riyadh, Jeddah, Dhahran,

principal port)

by sponsor in Saudi Arabia

Dammam, Al-Khobar, Qatif, Makkah,

King Abdel-Aziz, Dammam (main

To the Ministery of Foreign Affairs

Medina, Abha, Khamis Mushayat,

port for Eastern province)

who will inform Saudi Embassy

Taif

Jubail(industrial port for Eastern

On approval.Assistance from trade

Temperature/Climate

province)

associations and chambers of

Summer 38 to 45 C in Riyadh dry

Yanbu(industrial port for Western

commerce is advised.

diurnal range up to 20 C.

province)

Marriage certificate for travelers

35 to 42 C in Jeddha, very

Business Hours

accompanied by spouse required.

humid.35 to 45 C in Dammam,

Government

Customs regulations

very humid.

07.30 to 14.30 Sat to Wed.

No alcohol,600 cigarettes,100

Winter 8 to 30 C in Riyadh, night

Ramadan 09.30 tom 14.30

cigars or 500g tobacco.

frosts rain in March.19 to 33 C

Businesses

Currency regulations

in Jedah,humid 15 to 30 C in

Variable from business to business

No restrictions

Dammam, very humid

But generally,07.30 to 13.00 and

Languages

Currency

14.30 to 20.00 Sat to Thu.

1 Saudi Riyal(SR)=100 halala

Arabic (official), English

Banks

(commercial).

08.30 to 12.00 and 16.30 to

Airports

18.30 Sat to Wed.08.30to 12.00

Dammam (28 Km from City Centre)

Thu.

Visas are required for all visitors

Embassies & Consulates Algeria P.O.Box 94388, Riyadh 11693 Argentina P.O.Box 94369, Riyadh 11693 Australia P.O.Box 94400, Riyadh 11693 Austria P.O.Box 94373, Riyadh 11693 Bahrain P.O.Box 94371, Riyadh 11693 Bangladesh P.O.Box 94395, Riyadh 11693 Belgium P.O.Box 94396, Riyadh 11693 Brazil P.O.Box 94348, Riyadh 11693 Canada P.O.Box 94321, Riyadh 11693 Denmark P.O.Box 94398, Riyadh 11693 Egypt P.O.Box 94333, Riyadh 11693 Eritrea P.O.Box 94002, Riyadh 11693 France P.O.Box 94367, Riyadh 11693 Germany P.O.Box 9941, Riyadh 11693 Greece P.O.Box 94375, Riyadh 11693 India P.O.Box 94387, Riyadh 11693

4887171

4887616

4652600

4653057

4887788

4887973

4801217

4801526

4880044

4880208

4195300

4193555

4882888

4882033

4880018

4881075

4882288

4880137

4880101

4881366

4658425

4652800

4801726

4827537

4881255

4882882

4880700

4880660

801974

4801969

4884144

4884750

Iran P.O.Box 943394, Riyadh 11693 Ireland P.O.Box 94349, Riyadh 11693 Italy P.O.Box 94389, Riyadh 11693 Japan P.O.Box 4095, Riyadh 11491 Jordan P.O.Box 7455, Riyadh 11693 Kenya P.O.Box 94358, Riyadh 11693 Korea(Rep of) P.O.Box 94399, Riyadh 11693 Kuwait P.O.Box 2166, Riyadh 11451 Lebanon P.O.Box 94350, Riyadh 11693 Libya P.O.Box 94365, Riyadh 11693 Mexico P.O.Box 94391, Riyadh 11693 Morocco P.O.Box 94392, Riyadh 11693 Norway P.O.Box 94380, Riyadh 11693 Oman P.O.Box 94381, Riyadh 11693 Pakistan P.O.Box 6891, Riyadh 11452 Philippines P.O.Box 94315, Riyadh 11693

4881916

4888890

4882300

4880927

4881212

4886590

4881100

4880189

4880039

4880072

4882484

4882629

4882211

4881317

4883500

488368

4197000

4192767

4544511

4567513

4828218

4828379

4826382

4827016

4881904

4880854

4823120

4823738

4887272

4887953

4880835

4883945

Portugal P.O.Box 94328, Riyadh 11693 Qatar P.O.Box 94353, Riyadh 11461 Singapore P.O.Box 94378, Riyadh 11693 Spain P.O.Box 94347, Riyadh 11693 Sudan P.O.Box 94337, Riyadh 11693 Sweden P.O.Box 94382, Riyadh 11693 Switzerland P.O.Box 9265, Riyadh 11413 Syria P.O.Box 94323, Riyadh 11693 Thailand P.O.Box 94359, Riyadh 11693 Tunisia P.O.Box 94368, Riyadh 11693 Turkey P.O.Box 94390, Riyadh 11693 UAE P.O.Box 94385, Riyadh 11693 UK P.O.Box 94351, Riyadh 11693 USA P.O.Box 94309, Riyadh 11693 Yemen P.O.Box 94356, Riyadh 11693

4644688

4044419

4825544

4825694

4657007

4652224

4880606

4880400

4887728

4887729

4883100

4880604

4881291

4880632

4887481

4826196

4880300

4881179

4887900

4887641

4887721

4887823

4826803

4827504

4880077

4882373

4883800

4883278

4826764

4881757

April I Travel Arabia I 93

SUDAN

SUDAN

General Information

Area

Languages

to Thu

2,505,813 sq.Km

Arabic (official), English (commercial)

Banks

Population

Airport

08.30 to 12.00 Sat to Thu.

(2000 estimate) 35.5 million

Khartoum (4Km from city centre).

Electricity

Capital

Coaches/taxis, Duty-free shops,airport tax on

240 volts,single phase AC

Khartoum

departure.

Visas

Main Cities

Port

Visas are reqiured for all visitors

Khartoum, Oumdurman, Khartoum North, Port

Port Sudan

Customs Regulations

Sudan, Wadi Medani

Business Hours

200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 1 lb tobacco

Government Offices

Currency Regulations

Summer : 26 to 45 C, in Khartoum,sandstor

Khartoum :08.00 to 14.00 Sat to Thu.

Import or export of Sudanese currency is illegal

ms,humid,

Other centres :08.30 to 14.00(with Breakfast

Currency

Rain in August and September,hotter and more

interval)

1 Sudanese Dinar(SD)=100 piastres=1,000

humid in South.

Sat to Thu.

millimes

Winter : 15 to 32 C in Khartoum, dry, wide

Businesses

diurnal range, Chilly nights.

08.30 to 13.30 and 17.00 to 20.00 Sat.

Temperature/Climate

94 I Travel Arabia I April

Embassies & Consulates Algeria P.O.Box 80 Austria P.O.Box 1860 Belgium P.O.Box 969,St.33,House 15 China P.O.Box 1425 Czech Republic P.O.Box 1047 Denmark P.O.Box 2758 Egypt P.O.Box 1126 France P.O.Box 377, St.3, Plot 29 Germany P.O.Box 970 Holy See P.O.Box 623 India P.O.Box 707, 61 Africa Rd. Iran House No.8, square 2, Mogran Iraq Burri, Garden City Italy P.O.Box St.39 Khartoum 2 Japan P.O.Box 1649, St.43, House 67 Jordan 25 Sreet Number 7 Kenya P.O.Box 8242 Korea(Rep of) P.O.Box 322 Kuwait P.O.Box 1457 Lebanon P.O.Box 1407 Libya P.O.Box 2091 Morocco P.O.Box 2042 Netherlands St.47 House 76 Oman P.O.Box 2839 Pakistan P.O.Box 1178 Qatar P.O.Box 223 Romania P.O.Box 1494 Russia P.O.Box 1161 Saudi Arabia P.O.Box 258 Spain P.O.Box 2621 Sweden (Consulate)P.O.Box 2206 Switzerland P.O.Box 1707 Syria P.O.Box 1139 Tunisia P.O.Box 3533 Turkey St.2, House 31 UAE P.O.Box 1225 UK P.O.Box 801 USA P.O.Box 699 Yemen P.O.Box 1010 Yugoslavia P.O.Box 1180

451084 77170 489229

4899230

272730

271138

43448 80489 72836 471082

465928

77990 74692 451031

452266

81490

78668

271863 451614

451217

75875

77668

451164

451038

440386

452264

451136 81525

81142

45008 2235358 451603

451053

471012

471204

451605

451027

222000 451620

451036

338114

761113

451042 452583

451069

45072 71913 451010

452804

451152

451066

75906 471197

472542

451100 777105

776457

74700 451623 41252

451020

General Information General Information

Area 185,180 sq.Km

Population (2000 estimate)17.76 million

Capital Damascus

Main Cities Damascus, Aleppo, Homos, Latakia, Hama

Temperature/Climate Summer : 30 to 42 C, in Damascus, occasionally humid.

Winter : 0 to 20 C in Damascus, occasional snowfalls

Languages Arabic (official), French (widely understood in business and government) English (Sometimes used in Business)

Airport Damascus (32 Km from citycentre).

Coaches/taxis, duty-free shop, airport tax on departure.

Ports Latakia (principal), Tartous, Banias (oil).

Business Hours Government 08.00 to 14.00 Sat to Thu. Ramadan :08.00 to 13.oo Businesses Winter :09.00 to 14.00 and 16.00 to 19.00 Sat to Thu, Summer (May to October) :08.30 to 13.30 and 17.00 to 20.00 Sat to Thu. Banks 08.00 to 14.00 Sat to Thu.

Electricity 220 volts 50 cycles AC in Damascus.

115/220 volts in Aleppo

Visas Visas are required by all except nationals of Algeria, Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, PLO Gvt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Tinisia, United Arab Emirates And Yemen.

Appilications should be accompanied by supporting letter from employers.

Transit (for Visits up to 3 days), entry (for visits up to 2 weeks)and visit(for re-entry from neighbouring countries) visas are available.

Customs Regulations 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco and 1 bottle of wine and one bottle of spirits.

Currency regulations Up to £Syr 100 in local currency may be brought into or out of the country.Currency declarations are necessary for more than US$5000 in local or foreign curency.Visitors are advised to keep adequate amounts of Bank notes on hand since it is sometimes difficult to cash travelers checques

Currency 1Syrian pound (£Syr)=100 piaster or qirsh.

SYRIA

SYRIA

Embassies & Consulates Algeria Rawdah Street, Nass Bldg Argentina P.O.Box 116 Armenia Malekie-Ibrahim Hanano St. Austria P.O.Box 5634 Belgium 76 Ata Ayoubi Street Brazil P.O.Box 2219 Canada P.O.Box 3384 Cyprus P.O.Box 9269 Denmark P.O.Box 2244 France P.O.Box 769, Ata Al Ayoubi St. Germany P.O.Box 2237 Greece P.O.Box 30319, Mezzeh Holy See P.O.Box 2271, 82 Masr Street Hungary P.O.Box 2271, 102 al Fursani St. India P.O.Box 685 Indonesia 17 Assalam St., Bldg 10 Iran P.O.Box 2691 Italy 82 Al Mansour Ave Japan Al Mindi Bin Baraka St. Jordan

3334167

332732

3732992

3711757

3327691

3329232

3338098

330426

6116851

6114000

6130812

6130814

3331008

3337928

3327992 3323800

332812

2233009

2233035

3337966

3327550

3337966

6667917

3719580

3713294

6119630

6119632

6117675

6110997

3332621

3320325

3339181

3339920

Abu Roummaneh Street Kuwait Ibrahim Hanano Street Netherland P.O.Box 702 Pakistan P.O.Box 9284, Al Farabi St. Poland P.O.Box 501, M.Ben Baraka St. Qatar P.O.Box 4188 Romania 8 Ibrahim Hanano St. Russia Omar Ben Khattab St Saudi Arabia Al-Jala’ Avenue Slovakia P.O.Box 33115 Spain 81 Al-Jala’ Avenue Sudan Al-Jala’ Street Sweden P.O.Box 4266 Switzerland Al-Mahdi Ben Baraka St. Tunisia P.O.Box 4114 Turkey P.O.Box 3738 UAE 62 Rawda Street/Abu Rummana St. UK P.O.Box 37, Malki USA P.O.Box 29, No.2 Al Mansour St.

3334642

3336871

3339369

6662391

3339369

3330101 3336717 3327570

3327572

4423155

6669043

6616714

3332126 3327261

3327749

3715474

3321137

6660356 3331411

3339243

3333038 3739241

3731600

3332184

3319678

April I Travel Arabia I 95

Embassies & Consulates Algeria 18 Niger Street Argentina 10 H.Hassan Street Austria 16 Ibn Hamdis St., Menzah Bahrain 72 Bin Abi Soufiane, Menzah Belgium 47 1st January St. Belvedere Brazil 37 Africa Avenue, Menzah Canada 3 Senegal Street, Belevedere China 22 Dr. Burnett St., Mutuelleville Czech Republic P.O.Box 53, 1002 Tunis Denmark 5 Mauritania Street, Belevedere Egypt Ave.Med V, Mont Plaisir, Belvedere Finland 61 H.Bourghiba Ave., Carthage France Independence square Germany 1 al Hamra st., Mutuelleville Greece 9 Imp.Atlas, Belvedere Hungary 12 Achtart St., Al-Menzah India 4 Didon Square, Notre Dame Iraq 10 Ben Ashour Ave. Menzah Iran 10 Doctor Burnett St., Mutuelleville Italy 37 Jamal Abdel Nassr St. Japan 9 Apollo St. Mahrajenne Jordan 10 Chankatti st., Mahrajene Korea Rep

783166

788804

231222

750058

751091

767824

231811

766549

781655

792797

232538

750367

796577

792371

792107

792631

280486

793228

792600

790797

792233

794389

TUNISIA TUNISIA

General Information

Area

Government Offices

Kuwait, Liberia, Leichtenstein, Malaysia, Mali,

164,418 sq.Km

Winter :08.00 to 13.00 and 15.00 to 17.45

Malta, Mauritania, Mauritus, Monaco, Montserrat,

Population

Mon.to Thu.08.30 to 13.00 Fri.and Sat.

Morocco, Nevis, Niger, Norway, Pitcairn Is.,

(2000 estimate) 9.65 million

Summer:07.00 to 13.00 Mon.to Sat.

Porugal, Romania, St.Helens, St.Kittis, San

Capital

Businesses

Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Spain, Sweden,

Tunis

Winter:08.300 to 12.30 and 14.00 to 16.00

Switzerland, Turkey, Turks,& Caicos Is., UAE, UK,

Main Cities

Mon to Fri.

USA, Venuatu, Virgin Is,(Britsih) and Yugoslavia.

Tunis, Sfax, Ariana, Bizerte, Djerba, Sousse

Summer:07.30 to 13.00 Mon to Sat.

Customs Regulations 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 400g tobacco

721700

721670

Temperature/Climate

Banks

358000

358001

Winter:13∞ with frequent rain.

Winter:08.00 to 11.00 and 14.00 to 16.00

and 1 litre of alcohol are admitted free of duty.

786455

788242

Summer: 35∞C,hot and dry

Mon to Fri.

Currency regulations

Summer:07.00 to 13.00 Mon. to Sat.

The import or export of Tunisian currency is

288411

789518

Languages Arabic (official), French (commercial),

Electricity

prohibited.O departure all Tunisian currency must

Berber (in rural areas).

Domestic 220V and 110V.

be converted into foreign currency on production

Airports

Industrial 220V 50 cycles AC

of exchange slips from Tunisian banks. This can

Tunis (8 Km from Tunis)

Visas

be done at the Airport .The amount of excess

Skanes (8 Km west of Monasrtir)

Visas are required by all except nationals of

currency exchanged back must not exceed 30

Melita (6 Km west of Djerba)

Angiulla, Antigua, Austria, Bahrain, Barbados,

per cent of foreign currency originally exchanged

Tozeur (south oasis area)

Belize, Bermuda, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada,

or 100 dinars, whichever is the greater.

Ports

Cayman Is, Chile, Cuba, Denmark, Egypt, Eire,

Currency

Tunis (main port), Zarzis, Sfax,

Falkand Is, Fuji, Finland, France, Germany,

1 Tunisian Dinar(TD)=1,000 millimes(m)

Sousse, Bizerta

Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Giunea, Hong Kong,

Business Hours

Iceland, Italy, Ivory coast, Japan, Korea(South),

780544

781264

787819

783394

890347

799949

791015

783177

321811

324155

791251

786625

780875

784661

16 Caracalla St., Notre Dame Kuwait 32 Mansoura St., Ariana Libya 48 Bis., Rue du 1er Jiun, Belvedere Morocco 39 Rue du 1er Jiun, Belvedere Netherlands 6/7/8/ Mercen St.Mahrajene Pakistan 7 Ali Bin Abi Talib Street, Al-Menzah Portugal 2 Sufetula St., Belvedere Romania 18 Africa Avenue, Al- Menzah Russia Bergamate St., ManarII Saudi Arabia 16 Jugurtha Ave., Belvedere Spain 22 Conseil Avenue, Cite jardin Sudan 30 Afrique Avenue Sweden Berges Lac, Mhiri Switzerland 10 Echenkiti st., Mutuelleville Syria 119 A. Rebai St., Manar II Turkey 30 Ave. Africa UAE 9 Ashtart St., Belvedere UK 141 Liberty Ave., Belvedere USA 144 Liberty Avenue, Belvedere Yemen 9 A.Ibn Abi Taleb St., Menzah

96 I Travel Arabia I April

893060

791923

754811

767669

781913

795338

782775

795338

799442

785557

234366

752477

893981

791008

766926

767695

882446

882478

781722

783235

782217

786267

860580

860810

783997

788796

888018

887989

750668

767045

783522

783507

793322

792644

782566

789719

237933

UAE

UAE

Embassies & Consulates

Algeria P.O.Box 3070, Abu Dhabi Argentina P.O.Box 3325, Abu Dhabi Australia P.O.Box 58010, Dubai Austria P.O.Box 35539, Abu Dhabi Bahrain P.O.Box 3367, Abu Dhabi Bangladesh P.O.Box 2504, Abu Dhabi Belgium P.O.Box 3686, Abu Dhabi Brazil P.O.Box 3027, Abu Dhabi Britain P.O.Box 248, Abu Dhabi Canada P.O.Box 6970, Abu Dhabi China P.O.Box 2741, Abu Dhabi Czech Republic P.O.Box 27009, Abu Dhabi Egypt P.O.Box 4026, Abu Dhabi Finland P.O.Box 3634, Abu Dhabi France P.O.Box 4014, Abu Dhabi Germany P.O.Box 2591, Abu Dhabi Greece P.O.Box 5483, Abu Dhabi Hungary P.O.Box 44450, Abu Dhabi India P.O.Box 409, Abu Dhabi Iran P.O.Box 4080 Italy P.O.Box 46752, Abu Dhabi Japan P.O.Box 2430, Abu Dhabi Jordan P.O.Box 4024, Abu Dhabi Kenya P.O.Box 3854, Abu Dhabi Korea Rep P.O.Box 3270, Abu Dhabi Kuwait P.O.Box 926, Abu Dhabi Lebanon P.O.Box 4023, Abu Dhabi Libya P.O.Box 5739, Abu Dhabi Malaysia P.O.Box 3887, Abu Dhabi Mauritania P.O.Box 2714, Abu Dhabi Morocco P.O.Box 4066 Netherlands P.O.Box 46560

4448949

4447068

4436838

4431392

3217444

3212677

4766611

6715551

6657500

6674141

Area

Dubai International (4 Km east of city),

to Thu

4465100

4464733

90,559 sq.Kms

duty-free shop

Electricity

(including Offshore islands)

Fujairah Int’l, Duty-free shop

Abu Dhabi 220/240 volts, 50 cycles AC,

6319449

6319353

Population

Ras Al Khaimah International (20 Km south of

Northern Emirates

(2006 est.)4.10 m

Town), duty-free shop

220/380 volts, 50 cycles AC.

Capital

Sharjah International (10 Km southeast of

Visas

Abu Dhabi

Sharjah town and 25 Km north of Dubai Town),

Visas are required by all except GCC nationals.

Main Cities

duty-free shop

UK Citizens will be granted 30-day visa at

Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah,Ras Al-Khaimah

Ports

International Aiports.Other Will be required to

Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al-Qaiwan

Jebel Dhanna/Ruwais Abu Dhabi

obtain visas through sponsorship.

Temperature/Climate

Mina Zayed ( Abu Dhabi town, 20% UAE

Customs Regulations

Summer:35to 40C peaks up to 48C along Gulf

tonnage)

200 cigarettes or one half pound of

Coast,very humid in Dubai, more temperate

Mina Jebel Ali (Dubai)

Tobacco(Abu Dhabi), 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars

along eastern(Gulf of Oman)coast. Winter : 20C,

Port Rashid(Dubai Town), 50% UAE tonnage

or 500 gm tobacco(Dubai) are allowed duty-

very dry in Abu Dhabi, Wet in Ras El Khaimah

Ajman, Fujeirah

free.However locally retailed tobacco products are as cheap as duty-free goods.

6320606

6327727

6101100

6101518

6940300

6946399

4434276

4436835

6782800

6795716

4445566

4449878

6328927

6325063

General Information

4435100

4434158

Languages

Mina Saqr (Ras Al Khaima) Khorfakan (Sharjah/

6446693

6444942

Arabic (official), English ( widely spoken in

East coast), container terminal.

Alcohol, drugs, pearls and firearms are

4492550

4493119

Business and government)

Mina Khalid (Sharjah Town), 20% UAE tonnage

prohibited

Business Hours

Currency regulations

4470100

6667877

Airports Abu Dhabi International (19 Km southeast of

Government Offices

None

City), duty-free shop

08.00 to 15.00 Sat. To Wed. And 08.00 to

Currency

Abu Dhabi New International Airport (Nadia, 35

12.00 Thu.

1 UAE Dirham(Dh)=100 fils

Km form city centre), duty-free shop

Businesses

Al Ain International,Duty-free shop

08.00 to 15.00 and 16.00 to 20.00 Sat.

4492700

4444685

4447618

4448714

4435622

4434337

4435696

4434219

4447100

4449157

6666300

6652827

4435337

4435348

4477146

4477675

4492100

4493500

4450030

4450033

4482775

4482779

4462724

4465772

4433963

4433917

6321920

6313158

Norway P.O.Box 47270 Oman P.O.Box 2517 Pakistan P.O.Box 846 Palestine P.O.Box 841 Philippines P.O.Box 3215 Qatar P.O.Box 3503 Romania P.O.Box 70416 Russia P.O.Box 8211 Saudi Arabia P.O.Box 4057 Spain P.O.Box 46474

6211221

6213313

4463333

4464633

4447800

4447172

4434048

4434363

6415922

6412559

4493300

4493311

4459919

4461143

6721797

6788731

4445700

4448491

6269544

6274978

Sudan P.O.Box4027 Switzerland P.O.Box 46116 Syria P.O.Box 4011 Thai P.O.Box 47466 Tunisia P.O.Box 4166 Turkey P.O.Box 3204 UK P.O.Box 248 USA P.O.Box 4009 Yemen P.O.Box 2095

4446699

4490530

6274636

6269627

4448768

4449387

6421772

6421773

6811331

6812707

4453330

4452522

6326600

6318138

4142200

4142469

4448457

4443691

April I Travel Arabia I 97

YEMEN

YEMEN

Embassies & Consulates

General Information Area

Ports

527.970 sq.Km

Hodeida(principal), Aden, Mokha, Saleef(relief port for Hodeida)

Population

Business Hours

(2000 estimate)17.5 million

Government

Capital

08.00 to 13.00 Sat.to Thu.

Sanaa(political), Aden(economic)

Businesses

Main Cities

08.00 to 13.00 and 16.00 to 19.00 Sat.to Thu.

Sanaa, Aden, Hoddeida, Taiz, Ibb, Dhamar, Hajjah

Banks

Temperature/Climate

08.00 to 12.00 Sat.to Wed. and 08.00 to 11.30 Thu.

Summer:35 to 40 C,peaks up to 47 C in Hodeida,Very humid, rainfall

Electricity

cooler and drier in Sanaa.

220 volts, 50 cycles AC

Winter: 26 C in Hodeidah,Humid, much cooler , with occasional frosts,in

Visas

Sanaa.

Visas are required for all visitors.One application form and 2 photographs

Summer:average 35 C in Aden, very humid,hotter but wideDiurnal range

must be presented with employer’s supporting letter.

and drier inland.

Processing of applications takes 3 to 6 days.

Winter: average 28 C in Aden, humid, much cooler inland.

Visitors must register within 5 days to obtain an exit visa which can

Languages

sometimes also be arranged by hotels.

Arabic (official), English (commercial)

Airports

Customs regulations 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or _ lb tobacco and 1 qt wine are admitted

Al-Rahaba(10 Km north of Sanaa).

duty-free.

Hodeida

Currency regulations

(6 Km Southeast of city)

Because the exchange of riyals is difficult abroad, visitors exchange all local

Al-Janad

currency before departure.

(4 Km northeast of Taiz)

Currency

Khormasakar International

1 Yemeni Riyal(YR)=100 fils

(10 Km from Aden).

No duty-free shop.Sanaa

98 I Travel Arabia I April

Algeria P.O.Box 509, 67 Amman ST. Belgium P.O.Box 2616 Canada P.O.Box 340 China Al Zubeiri St Czech Republic P.O.Box 2501, Safia Janubia Denmark P.OBox 5302,Taiz Egypt Jamal Abdul Naser St. France P.O.Box 1286, Al Bounia Germany P.O.Box 41 India 12 Jiboti Street Indonesia Hadda Area, house 16 Iran P.O.Box 1437, Hadda Street Iraq P.O.Box 498 Italy P.O.Box 1152 Japan P.O.Box 817, street 38 house2

Jordan P.O.Box 2152 Korea(PDR) P.O.Box 1209, Al Hasaba Kuwait P.O.Box 17036 Lebanon P.O.Box 2283 Morocco P.O.Box 10236,Westy Safia Oman P.O.Box 105 Pakistan P.O.Box 2848 Poland P.O.Box 16168 Romania P.O.Box 2169 Russia P.O.Box 1087,26 sep.street Saudi Arabia P.O.Box 1184 Sudan P.O.Box 2561 Syria P.O.Box 494, Hadda Road Tunisia P.O.Box 2561,Diplomatic Area Turkey P.O.Box 18371, Al Safia UAE P.O.Box2250 UK P.O.Box 1287 USA P.O.Box 22347

* Whilst every effort is made to provide totally accurate information, no responsibility is taken for inaccuracies and omissions contained herein.

209689

209688

285865

289568

208814

209523

275337 247946 215170

244418 212334

275948

274196

268888

269160

413179

413179

508084

508105

414633

412956

412690

414139

244153 269164

266137

207356

209531

413279 232340 216317 203459 247964 208933 248812 413523

413647

205515

214100

278719

283142

240429 265231

265234

413153 240458 241395

241395

248777 264081

263059

238843

251563

April I Travel Arabia I 99

100 I Travel Arabia I April