Travel Arabia Jan 2008

Online Version: www.travel-arabia.com

January 2008, Volume 4, Issue 1

Kuwait

A fortress built near water Travel Trends

The next travel hotspots

HOLIDAY

CRUISING In the Middle East

Canal du Midi

Cruising along a heritage site

TION C A R i ATT Duba s e fl Raf

editor’s note

H

ow time flies! It seemed like yesterday but 365 days have already gone by. It’s now 2008 and we all look forward to what this year brings to us. What does the year 2008 bring for the travel and tourism industry?

With a burgeoning economy like the emirate of Dubai and with the rest of the emirates heading the same direction, we can be sure that the year 2008 will bring more visitors and travels to the UAE. Like any developing country, we can expect that construction work will continue in the UAE this year. Road widening, construction of new bridges, hotels, residential and commercial buildings will still be part of our daily lives. We will still see hundreds of hanging cranes on top of the buildings and road diversions will be plenty.

With the construction of the new roads and bridges comes the never ending traffic. More traffic means more time spent on the road. But we know this won’t take long. We are now seeing the results of the Road and Transport Authority’s effort in providing a safe and smooth traffic flow in Dubai. The Business Bay Crossing was opened to respond to the city’s growing traffic and transport needs as well as the opening of the Floating Bridge, the widening of Al Maktoum Bridge and the Emirates Road.

The Dubai Metro project is now beginning to look real, in the sense, that the foundations have been erected and the tracks have mostly been connected to each other. Soon, the new Al Garhoud Bridge will be completed plus other plush hotels and buildings that we will all be proud of.

So it would be a busy year ahead of us. So busy that starting this month, we will notice the arrival of luxury ships at the cruise terminal.

Dubai is expecting to receive more than 200,000 passengers aboard several cruise ships this season.

It started as early as November last year and will continue till May of this year.

Our feature on the cruises this issue reveals that it is one segment of the tourism industry that is

fast emerging and creating its own market. We are featuring some of the cruise lines that will make a port call this season to Dubai. Be fascinated by the images of the facilities on board which you wouldn’t think exist. They looked similar to the facilities offered by most luxurious properties.

The cruise ships which are arriving here are among the finest and the top of the line so you would definitely enjoy your time on board. If you want to experience it yourself, the cruise lines are offering trips from Dubai to several ports in the region.

This month will also see the 13th edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival, the biggest shopping and entertainment extravaganza in the UAE. This year’s edition of DSF will be unique in its own way when it welcomes visitors to a new season – ‘The Fifth Season’. So while the rest of the world will witness four seasons in a year, visitors to Dubai can bask in a fifth season that will be the best among them all. There will be unlimited excitement complete with the finest possible entertainment and shopping opportunities.

These happenings are just a tip of what is going on in Dubai this year. We have not mentioned those from Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain. These emirates have their own projects and celebrations for the year 2008.

And that is where Travel Arabia comes in. This year, we will exert our endless effort to continue giving you, our dear readers, interesting stories, escapades, places to see as well as new hotel attractions, food and spa reviews and everything that comes with travel and tourism. Enjoy our first issue for 2008 and to a great year ahead!

Cheers!

Flor B. Pamintuan

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

Reader’s view of Travel Arabia.

Happy Holidays!

The Christmas and New Year celebrations may be over but the spirit is still felt around. I agree that this is the most wonderful time of the year when you can see happiness on everyone’s face, people wishing everyone they meet and most of all, the children who are really happy and excited with the celebration.

I wish it would be Christmas everyday (but that would be expensive) so problems, disagreements and arguments will be set aside and happiness, peace

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 Mahesh Kumar Duvvuru Maher El Zein Samir Ahmed Designer Mohammed Usman Siraj Assistant Designer Mohd Noufal Althaf Hussain Sales & Marketing Manager Syed Muhammad Arif arif@kalimatgroup.com 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. © 2007 Kalimat Group International

Christmas around the World

and love fill the air all year round.

Do you know how Russian celebrates Christmas?

“Most Christian Russians belong to the Eastern Orthodox Church, and it is customary to fast until after the first church service on Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve dinner is meatless but festive. The most important ingredient is a special porridge called kutya. It is made of wheat berries or other grains which symbolize hope and immortality, and honey and poppy seeds which ensure happiness, success, and untroubled rest. A ceremony involving the blessing of the home is frequently observed. A priest visits the home accompanied by boys carrying vessels of holy water, and a little water is sprinkled in each room.

The kutya is eaten from a common dish to symbolize

Maritess Manansala, Dubai

unity.” Thanks for this feature.

air-conditioned waiting stations.

Natalia G., Sharjah

Paul White, Dubai

Aircon bus stations

I drive around Dubai everyday and I noticed that the Road and Transport Authority are now in full swing in erecting the air-conditioned waiting stations for bus passengers.

However, I noticed that these stations have very limited seats compared to the actual passengers who are queuing up for the bus. I echoed the sentiment aired by one citizen which I read in the local newspapers. This move, to me, was very impractical and just a waste of money. I wished they could have just built a large waiting shade so even during the hot weather the commuters can stay under the shade and wait for the bus than stay inside the crammed

A merry December issue

I would like to thank you again for having an excellent December issue. I read it from cover to cover. Thank you for your Editor’s Note where you featured the Christmas and Happy New Year greetings in different languages. With a place like Dubai I think this helps. I work with colleagues of different nationalities and they were happy when I greet them in their language. This may be a little thing to others but seeing their faces lit up when I greet them in their language is a wonderful feeling. Thank you again for a good issue.

Ihman A. Dubai

Travel Arabia would like to receive your comments and suggestions.

Write to editor@travel-arabia.com

10

16

20

30

Cruising your Holiday Dreams

Travel Trends for 2008

Dubai Shopping Festival 2008

Kuwait: A Fortress Built Near Water

Within only a couple of years, Dubai has established itself as the leading cruise destination between Europe and Asia. This winter season Dubai expects about 200,000 passengers arriving in the city aboard several luxurious cruise ships.

Travel experts picked out the key trends for holidaymakers planning their vacations for 2008 and places that will serve as the next travel hotspots.

The 13th edition of Dubai Shopping Festival, one of the leading shopping and entertainment extravaganzas in the world, will be held for a period of 32 days, commencing on January 24, 2008 and will run till February 24.

From a nation of pearl divers and spice merchants to one of the worlds’ largest oil exporters, Kuwait has undergone many exciting transformations. Kuwaiti society is truly cosmopolitan and modern and yet it remains true to its heritage and traditions.

About the Cover: Cruising, as a holiday option, is regarded globally as the fastest growing segment of the travel industry. It has become a very popular form of luxury holiday among the Arab nationals.

42

50

Raffles Dubai A stunning 19-storey pyramid rises in the heart of Dubai, inspired by the captivating beauty of an ancient Egyptian architecture, inspired with 21st century technology.

68

RAK’s new airline has landed

The pride of Café Chic

RAK Airways, the UAE’s fourth national carrier made its inaugural flights to Colombo, Sofia and Dhaka after months of preparation. Captain Khalid Almeer, Chief Operating Officer, talks to Travel Arabia about the airline and reveals the plans in the years ahead.

Two Star Michelin Chef Philippe Gauvreau returns to Dubai to introduce an exciting new menu this season to cater to the most discerning clientele of Café Chic, Le Meridien Dubai’s signature restaurant.

GALLERY SCAN WATER POT - DOHA, QATAR REFLECTIONS

70 LeSpa Bienvenue à LeSpa, where superluxe facilities meet a superior service for the first time in the Middle East at the new luxurious hotel – The Palace, The Old Town.

Events RY J A N UA ABU DHABI GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP Abu Dhabi Golf Club January 17-20, 2008

Elton John and His Band Emirates Palace January 22, 2008 International icon and legendary musician Sir Elton John and his band are set to enthrall fans with a once-in-a-lifetime performance at Emirates Palace on 22 January 2008. Playing in Abu Dhabi for the first time in his career, the flamboyant performer will light up the outdoor West Wing stage with renditions of his all-time favorite hits.

The multiple Grammy Award Winning artist is renowned for his charisma and stage presence, constantly filling stadiums and concert arenas around the world due to his distinctive style and amazing musical talent. Best known for his tribute song to Princess Diana, ‘Candle in the Wind’, which became the best selling single of all time; almost everyone recognises the genius of Elton John in hits such as ‘Your Song’, ‘Rocket Man’, ‘Crocodile Rock’, ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’, ‘Saturday Nights Alright For Fighting’, Philadelphia Freedom’, Pinball Wizard’, ‘Circle of Life’ – which featured in his Lion King movie and stage show - and more recently the poignant hit ‘I Want Love’.

The Elton John concert, produced by Event Solutions is the latest in a series of high calibre events secured by Emirates Palace and by far the most significant yet.

Ideal for festive season gifts, tickets for the 9pm show go on sale from 14th December 2007 and will be available in three categories priced at AED 295, AED 595 and AED 950. Doors open at 5pm. For bookings and inquiries please go to wwwtimeouttickets.com or call 800 4669.

I Travel Arabia I January

The Abu Dhabi Golf Championship 2008, fully sanctioned by The European Tour and the UAE Golf Association with a US $2 million prize fund, is planned to showcase an intriguing, star-studded international player line-up. In addition, plans are afoot for further golf course layout enhancements and improved club facilities.

The 2008 Championship is set to build on the success of the previous two events. The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), which owns the tournament, says the Championship has continued to live up to its aim of placing the capital on the global golfing map.

All four days of the Championship are covered live reaching a global TV audience of over 140 million in key markets around the world.

The Abu Dhabi Golf Championship 2008 will begin on Wednesday, January 16 with the Al-Masaood Pro-Am and Awards Gala when sponsors and their guests will have the chance to play and socialise with some of the world’s best professionals.

This year’s glittering line-up includes: England’s Paul Casey – the 2007 Abu Dhabi Golf Championship defending champion; Australian Adam Scott, ranked sixth in the World; Open Champion Padraig Harrington, the World number seven; Scottish maestro Colin Montgomerie; Swedish number one, Henrik Stenson and Luke Donald, the current World number 17 who is widely regarded as having one of the best swings in golf.

Tickets for the Championship remain at 2007 prices of AED 125 for a daily pass and AED 400 for a four-day pass though preferential rates of AED100 and AED300 respectively apply to UGA members. Children under 18 will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Car parking will be free during the Championship.

Tickets are available via the official website – www.abudhabigolfchampionship.com – online at www.timeouttickets.com and www.itptickets.com, via the ITP toll free hotline 800 4669 or for international clients, +971 4 210 8943 and at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

Fabricated: Painted material by Pouran Jinchi The Third Line, Al Quoz 18 January – 14 February, 2008 The Third Line is proud to present Fabricated: Painted material by Pouran Jinchi.

Pouran Jinchi incorporates delicately crafted paintings of patterned and branded fabrics with traditional calligraphy and Islamic geometric design to form her own unique line of post modern headgear. By focusing on the garment and labelling, Jinchi reconfigures these high end lifestyle items in an effort to articulate a personalised identity, so much so, that the wearer of these garments disappears and only the object remains.

Jinchi trained as a calligrapher while growing up in Mashad, Iran. Her work typically focuses on the incorporation of the traditional aspects of her culture and calligraphy to pursue her own aesthetic investigations. In Fabricated, Jinchi examines the blending of her ancient language and the new language of commercialism where, Nike, Burberry and ancient calligraphy morph into one creating customary head gear – these gauche of paper works make comment of ethnic marketing, deconstructing notions of identity and renegotiating how these identities are formed in a globalised society.

The Fabricated series is the first of its kind for Jinchi, who is an artist whose work continually evolves as her ideas and motivations shift. Jinchi’s work always stays true to a consciousness which acknowledges both past and present artistic production.

Y

COVER STORY

Cruising your

Holiday

dreams Cruising, as a holiday option, is regarded globally as the fastest growing segment of the travel industry. It has become a very popular and accepted form of luxury holiday among the Arab nationals, who mostly prefer to cruise towards Europe and the Caribbean.

Last winter season, running from October to May, Dubai has received about 85,000 passengers which is 20,000 more than what is expected. This winter season (2007/08) Dubai expects about 200,000 passengers arriving at the Dubai Cruise Terminal.

Dubai began to tap the potential of the cruise industry in the mid-1990s.

The Dubai Cruise Terminal was built specifically for this purpose. The ship-shaped building is located on a 335-meter quay offering the capacity to berth two ships simultaneously, while the terminal itself is around 3,300 square meters in size.

Seabourn Spirit, a luxury US cruise ship from Cunardlines, is the first to

10 I Travel Arabia I January

visit Dubai this season carrying 365 tourists and crew members for a threeday sojourn. The cruise ship passengers were of different nationalities, including USA, Australia, Canada, UK, Germany, Denmark and Belgium.

Other cruises are expected to make a port call this year including many well-known German cruise operators like Aida Cruises, Hapag Lloyd, Peter Deilmann with ships like “AIDA Cara”, “MS Europa” and “MS Deutschland” and many more.

“Cruising today in the Middle East region has become a much popular concept than it ever was. Dubai as we all know is becoming very popular with the tourist because there is a lot of inbound traffic coming from all over the globe. It definitely has to do with a lot of shopping, the culture, the modern constructions, and the desert safaris and with departures from Dubai, it adds as another reason for the inbound tourist travellers,” said Nicky Bijlaney,

Within only a couple of years, Dubai has established itself as the leading cruise destination between Europe and Asia. This winter season Dubai expects about 200,000 passengers arriving in the city aboard several luxurious cruise ships.

Leisure GSA Sales Executive of Sharaf Travel, the agency that also markets Costa Cruises, MSC Cruises and Peter Deilmann Cruises.

Alpha Holidays, an agency that also promotes Costa Cruises revealed that the cruise will use Dubai this year as its Gulf hub for three ships with 39 sailings. Costa is the first company, worldwide, to choose Dubai as a home port for regular cruises in the Arabian Gulf region giving a tremendous impulse to the development of cruises out of Dubai.

After the success of the Costa Classica last season, Costa Romantica and Costa Europa will continue the dream holiday with a scheduled arrival early this moth. Both Costa Romantica and Costa Europa and one from Aida Cruise (AIDA Cara) are expected to bring a total of 103,000 passengers to the emirate.

The Costa Cruises’ 2008 brochure is offering cruises for 18 to 22 nights from the Mediterranean to Dubai and then for 16 nights from Dubai to the Mediterranean starting from 2529 USD for cruise only. The itinerary includes visits to sites of interest from both a cultural and an archaeological perspective. The cruise ports include Muscat, Salalah, Yemen, Safaga, a spectacular journey through the Suez Canal, Alexandria and the final destination of Savona.

A seven-night cruise from Dubai is

also offered aboard Costa Europa and Costa Romantica starting from 1259 USD for cruise only. The cruise will commence in Dubai, Muscat, Fujairah, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and back to Dubai.

When the ship is stationed in Dubai for four months, tourists fly into Dubai to get the cruise departing from Dubai and have a glimpse of the city. The local market also gets onto the cruise for a short 7-day holiday. These departure are consecutive and once after every seven days.

“Mild winter weather, development of world-class waterfront projects, increasing appeal of cruising as a holiday alternative and high disposable income of Middle East residents are primary growth drivers of the region’s cruise sector,” said Dario Rustico, Director of Sales at Costa Cruises.

Tourists from Europe, the Americas and Asia are already showing keen interest in heading to Dubai and other regional destinations which indicate the robust potential of the local cruise tourism industry, according to Rustico.

“Typically for travellers from Middle Eastern countries the months of June, July and August are popular for family holidays. Many families will take an extended holiday of six to eight weeks to travel to Europe or the United States and will specifically ‘bolt-on’ a cruise holiday in the Mediterranean or Caribbean as part of their overall holiday experience,” explained

January I Travel Arabia I 11

A cruising holiday is a luxury and an up market product for most of the expatriates in Dubai but they can now and ready to afford this kind of holiday as it is a once in a lifetime experience.

Debbie Summers, Regional Manager, Marketing & Communications of Royal Carribbean Cruises Limited which operates Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises.

“Mediterranean sailings are usually scheduled until October or November and the accessibility of transiting the Suez Canal to reposition ships on Middle Eastern itineraries, during the cooler months of November to April, offers cruise lines the opportunity of deploying their ships in this region rather than the more costly experience of repositioning to the Caribbean or Bahamas for the winter months. With more and more ships being deployed to Europe during the summer season there is clearly plenty of scope for cruise ports in this region to attract more ship visits,” added Summers.

Although the cruises do not call into Dubai on a regular basis, two of their ships, Legend of the Seas and Azamara Quest are scheduled to visit Dubai this coming November. A 24night cruise from Athens to Singapore on board Azamara Quest is being sold on the internet starting from 4,499.00 USD. The cruise ports include Athens (Piraeus), Greece, Alexandria, Egypt, Suez Canal (Passage), Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Bombay (Mumbai), India, Cochin, India, Penang, Malaysia, Port Kelang, Malaysia, and Singapore.

Aside from family traveller, strong demands are seen for honeymooners and couples. Most of the cruise passengers from Middle East are the local Emaratis, followed by GCC residents, Asian and Australian nationals.

“A cruising holiday is a luxury and an up market product for most of the expatriates in Dubai but they can now and ready to afford this kind of holiday as it is a once in a lifetime experience,” said Bijlaney.

Legend of the Seas Thousands of windows showcase the world’s most memorable coastlines and ports. Whether you’re cruising the Inside Passage or docked in Cozumel, you’ll never lose sight of the reason you came aboard. Filled with an endless supply of entertainment and relaxation options, Legend of the Seas boasts 70,000 tons of fun and adventure for up

12 I Travel Arabia I January

to 2,076 guests. With 9-hole miniature golf, four whirlpools and a Solarium with a sliding roof, there’s something for everyone onboard this cruise ship.

Ship highlights include a rockclimbing wall, glass-walled dining rooms, a casino, themed bars and lounges, Stunning Centrum, an open atrium featuring shopping and ShipShape® Day Spa and Fitness Center.

If you are on a business cruise Legend of the Seas has conference facilities including one conference center and six alternate rooms for use as meeting/breakout rooms complete with TV, VCR, overhead projector, slide projector, podium, microphone, video projector, easel and dry-erase board.

For more information, log on to www. royalcaribbean.com Azamara Quest Azamara Cruises, unveiled in May 2007, was designed to fill a niche: a cruise product presenting a more intimate, exclusive onboard experience, while allowing access to the less-traveled ports of call experienced travelers want to visit.

According to Azamara Cruises President and CEO Dan Hanrahan, “Azamara Cruises is expressly designed for experienced travelers who appreciate what a cruise vacation has to offer, but are looking for something a little different, and a little more special. And what’s special about Azamara Cruises is its pampering and personalized service, extraordinary cuisine, and off-thebeaten-path destinations, with truly immersive excursions.”

Like its sister ship, Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest offers butler service in every stateroom and suite; concierge-style amenities, including fresh-cut flowers, fresh fruit and Elemis toiletries; complimentary use of Frette cotton robes, two complimentary pairs of slippers; plasma TVs, and plush European bedding.

Azamara Quest features the Mediterranean-influenced “Aqualina” and the stylish steak and seafood restaurant, “Prime C.” Guests staying in suites receive two nights of complimentary dining in the specialty restaurants, while guests in staterooms receive one. Resort casual apparel is welcome in every venue day and night,

January I Travel Arabia I 13

and the main dining room features open seating.

For more casual dining, Azamara Quest presents Breeza and Windows Café, and the new “Mosaic Café,” open from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily, presenting a varied selection of pastries and savory dishes by day, and assorted hot and cold tapas for night owls.

Guests also can raise a glass to Azamara Quest’s spectacular wine cellar, and participate in wine and champagne tastings, seminars, and mini-pairings of food and wine, or enjoy fine vintages by the glass or bottle either with meals or curled up with a good book.

Azamara Quest presents an enhanced emphasis on rest and relaxation with “AstralSpa,” an inviting and meditative space that promises indulgence and pampering at every turn, and treatments comparable to those offered in some of the bestknown spas on land. Guests in suites can enjoy certain spa services in the privacy of their room. Azamara Quest also offers an outdoor spa relaxation lounge and an aesthetics suite offering acupuncture, microdermabrasion and facials.

Azamara Quest invites guests to experience less-traveled ports of call.

An onboard “excursion expert” not only will help guests select shore excursions based on their personal interests, but also serve as a destination guide offering detailed information about the culture and history of each port of call. For more information visit www. azamaracruises.com.

Costa Crociere Costa Crociere is an Italian cruise company and the market leader in Europe and South America. In 2006 Costa carried a total of 880,000 cruise Guests and this figure topped the historic one million mark in 2007.

Its fleet, Europe’s largest and most advanced, has a total of 12 ships in service and three under construction.

By 2010 the Costa fleet will be 15 strong with total Guest capacity of approximately 30,800.

All of the vessels fly the Italian flag and are deployed in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, South America, the

14 I Travel Arabia I January

Arabian Gulf, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. The Costa Crociere S.p.A. Group also operates the brand AIDA Cruises, which is the number one cruise company for the German market with four ships in service and three under construction and the brand Iberocruceros, which is based in Spain with two ships in service and one under construction.

The Costa Romantica cruise ship epitomizes Costa’s devotion to Italian design. Richly embellished public rooms feature rare woods and Carrara marble, exquisitely detailed by the finest European artisans. Millions of dollars have been invested in original works of art including sculptures, paintings, murals, wall hangings and hand-crafted furnishings. Guests of the Costa Romantica cruise ship can refresh themselves in a fully contained spa which offers beauty treatments, therapies and personalized instruction or they relax in her generously proportioned and luxuriously appointed staterooms.

The Costa Romantica is one of the most comfortable and elegant ships in the Costa fleet. This ship has been made even more elegant after the restyling that introduced new and sophisticated features, making the restaurants and all the common areas of the ship even more beautiful and the cabin and suites even more comfortable.

The sophisticated Costa Europa cruise ship reflects the style and

atmosphere of continental Europe, blending rich colors and Old World artistry in a refined style, accentuated by the mystery of Greek myths and legends. Roomy lounges and cozy corners and prestigious works of art create the charm of the Costa Europa cruise ship. A stroll around the nine spacious decks: Hercules, Auriga, Cassiopea, Orion, Perseus, Andromeda, Pegasus, Sirens and Centaurus, guests will find a selection of elegant lounges, cafes and cozy corners, the shopping area, the casino and all the glitter and glamour of nightlife.

On board Costa ships cuisine is a truly Italian specialty, a real art form that the Executive Chefs perform with skill, originality and sophistication creating more than 50 different recipes every day, which will never be repeated more than once during a cruise! Special dietary problems are no problem at all since Costa use more than 3,500 different ingredients. The quality and variety of Costa’s cuisine will amaze, delight and indulge the guest at any time of the day.

All Costa ships have well-equipped areas especially for children and teenagers’ leisure and entertainment with dedicated specialized staff, day and night. This means parents can enjoy the ship and excursions and treat themselves to a romantic dinner while their kids are being entertained by the staff. For more information, visit www.costacruisesasia.com.

January I Travel Arabia I 15

SPECIAL FEATURE

Travel trends for 2008

16 I Travel Arabia I January

Travel experts picked out the key trends for holidaymakers planning vacations for 2008 and places that will serve as the next travel hotspots.

January I Travel Arabia I 17

Air travel continues to be one of the fastest, safest and most economical ways to travel. To ensure this continues, airlines such as Etihad and Emirates are constantly reviewing and improving the customer experience both on the ground and in the air.

Etihad projected to carry more than 4.5 million passengers by the end of 2007 and this is expected to increase further this year. Etihad’s growth in the four years since the airline was formed has been impressive with 340,000 passengers flying with Etihad in 2004.

This grew to one million in 2005 and 2.8 million in 2006.

Adrian Parkes, Etihad Airways’ Vice-President for Sales, said that 2008 will see Etihad serving several of the world’s most popular business and commercial destinations including Sydney, Singapore, New York, London, Paris, Frankfurt and Mumbai with demand for flights to these cities growing year-on-year.

“In terms of new destinations for 2008, Etihad is looking to enter the Chinese market and also new destinations in India. Both China and India are among two of the most dynamic economies in the world and there is considerable demand for Etihad flights to these markets from Europe and the Middle East,” he added.

In terms of leisure destination for 2008, Etihad’s most popular holiday destinations are Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi in Kerala and Queensland’s Gold Coast in Australia. Other key destinations in demand are the holiday venues such as Boracay and Cebu in the Philippines. Air travellers can access these destinations conveniently following Etihad’s new codeshare deal with Philippine Airlines.

18 I Travel Arabia I January

“The travel industry in the Middle East is booming with development taking place throughout the region. In testament to this growth Etihad increased its flight frequencies and depth in its 2007 winter schedule by 29 per cent. This saw services to Bahrain increased to four flights a day, Muscat to three flights a day and Doha to double-daily.”

“The development of Abu Dhabi’s infrastructure has also increased enormously, with more than $270 billion of investment taking place which will help diversify the city to cater for the growing numbers of business and leisure travellers. Events such as the Abu Dhabi Golf Championships and 2009 Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix will also ensure customers have a wealth of activities and choice,” added Parkes.

For Emirates Holidays, the top destinations leisure travellers will visit

in 2008 will be dominated by Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia in the Far East.

There is also a preference for travel to the Indian Ocean islands of Maldives, Mauritius and the Seychelles. A strong leisure movement in seen to continue this year in Germany, France, United Kingdom, Austria and Switzerland.

Other holiday hot spots include Egypt, Turkey and Australia.

“Enhanced marketing from National Tourist Offices resulting in a higher awareness of the range of activities offered by these destinations has led to their increased popularity amongst Middle East travellers,” said Dina Al Herais, Vice President Commercial Operations, Emirates Holidays.

“Almost all of them cater to single, couple and family travel. Also, they offer a diverse range of interests and activities that range from city stays, shopping, and cultural and historical excursions which are critical for markets that consist of a mix of nationalities and cultures, such as the UAE,” she added.

Other factors travellers consider when choosing holiday destinations include the range of activities available at the destination; frequency of flights; range of accommodation; competitive pricing; multiple food options; and security.

January I Travel Arabia I 19

20 I Travel Arabia I January

The 13th edition of Dubai Shopping Festival, one of the leading shopping and entertainment extravaganzas in the world, will be held for a period of 32 days, commencing on January 24, 2008 and will run till February 24.

The most celebrated annual shopping and family entertainment event is around the corner again and there can be no doubt that every edition surpasses the previous one in terms of excitement, innovation, and the true sense of festivity.

Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is unlike any other event in the world. While successfully combining three of its core elements - shopping, family entertainment, and winning, DSF is also very much a celebration of Dubai that hosts no less than 200 nationalities, living all in piece and harmony, displaying the warmth and hospitality of this cosmopolitan city.

Indeed, the slogan for DSF ‘One World.

One Family. One Festival’ embodies the values that are the main characteristics of Dubai.

Since its inception in 1996, DSF has endeavoured to provide visitors from around the world an unparalleled experience and an unforgettable holiday in Dubai. It is not unusual for visitors to come back for another DSF edition the following year simply because the festival has carved for itself a reputation for setting the highest standards and constantly innovating on what it has to offer.

DSF 2008 – A season of endless festivities This year’s edition of DSF will be unique in its own way when it welcomes visitors to a new season – ‘The Fifth Season’. So while the rest of the world will witness four seasons in a year, visitors to Dubai can bask in a fifth season that will be the best among them all. Complete with the finest possible entertainment and shopping opportunities, DSF visitors will be treated to a period of non-stop festivities for 32 days from January 24 to February 24, 2008.

are not surprising because, without import duties, Dubai is home to the largest collection of international consumer durables in the region.

The Dubai Shopping Malls Group (DSMG) and the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group (DGJG) play a key role in setting the shopping trend in Dubai.

Goods such as electronics, garments, and jewellery have long been in demand and during DSF, promotions and discounts make it possible for shoppers to buy branded products at extremely competitive prices.

With one of the highest retail spaces in the region, Dubai boasts of sprawling malls that not only act as busy shopping venues but double as tourist attractions.

While providing the perfect avenue to shop, each mall is represented by architecture combining Eastern and Western elements in design thus giving each venue a distinct identity. Work is also underway to complete what will be the largest shopping mall in the world – the Dubai Mall.

Dubai – A shopper’s Paradise Since the start of DSF in 1996, shopping has been a mainstay of the festival. When initially it was aimed at enhancing commercial activity in Dubai, shopping today constitutes a major part of visitor spending during DSF. The increasing spending figures

January I Travel Arabia I 21

DSF has also got its share of jewellery enthusiasts who turn up from every region of the world each year to purchase the finest jewellery assured of quality and price. The Gold Souq, a multi-storied complex housing over 275 jewellery outlets among the 800 in Dubai, is a marvellous example of what Dubai has to offer jewellery shoppers.

Every shopper in Dubai is also amply rewarded in DSF; raffle draws conducted by the DSF Office in coordination with DGJG and DSMG, give away prizes each and every day of the festival worth millions of dollars.

Visitors in the previous editions have taken home luxury cars, kilos of gold, and amazing cash prizes. There’s no end to expect what a shopper could win during DSF. In addition to the city’s bustling souqs and vibrant malls, specially allocated shopping destinations will offer a wide array of promotions during DSF 2008. From Thursday sale and product launches to early bird offers and discount gold prices, Al Seef Street, Global Village, and the Carpet Oasis will be the main shopping destinations.

Global Village: As the name suggests, Global Village is a massive gathering of pavilions and stalls of countries around the world where indigenous products are displayed for sale. One among the best shopping destinations during DSF, the venue is a separate entity by itself where select popular DSF entertainment events are organised.

Al Seef Street: Slated to be the shopping alley of DSF, Al Seef Street is a long stretch of various outlets on the bank of the Dubai creek. Along a picturesque backdrop, the venue features medievalthemed souqs, kiosks, and provides the perfect ambience for a relaxed shopping trip. One of the highlights of the Al Seef Street will be the Night Souq, where shoppers can visit outlets till the early

22 I Travel Arabia I January

hours of the morning.

Carpet Oasis: Carpet Oasis is the largest display of rugs and carpets in the region with sales running into millions of dollars. From the rare to the exquisite under one roof, the venue is a must-see during DSF and the best deal for carpets.

DSF 2008 - Excitement Unlimited Entertainment, another key feature of every DSF edition, consists of numerous international entertainment ventures of which a majority make their Middle East debut in Dubai.

Designed to cater to every age category and member in the family, DSF events are renowned for their ability to keep visitors coming year after year.

Signature events represent and define the majority of DSF’s entertainment activities and are soughafter events in each edition.

Opening and closing ceremonies: DSF opening and closing ceremonies are world-class events by themselves featuring a multitude of artists from all over the world against themed backgrounds and technologically advanced sets in place. An exquisite

November I Travel Arabia I 23

also sets apart four to five days for amateur fashion designers to promote talented individuals.

•HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed: “The success of DSF has set the ground for a vibrant entertainment industry in the region.”

celebration of light and sound, combined with extremely talented international performers and a massive production provide for the beginning and the end to an event as grand as DSF. Dubai Fashion Festival: Featuring the biggest names in the global fashion industry, labels such as Valentino, Christian Lacroix, Sonia Rykiel, Christian Dior, Paul Gaultier, and Kenzo have showcased their latest collections in Dubai. The event

24 I Travel Arabia I January

Food Festival: This event, one among the favourites during DSF, can be summed up in three words – enormous mouth-watering feast.

Featuring cuisines from every corner of the globe, visitors get a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity to taste hundreds of flavours in a span of a few days. Food festival also brings together the finest hotels and restaurants in Dubai in one venue.

Guinness Book of World Records: Dubai is especially known for creating records, an example being the world’s tallest building. As Dubai’s brand ambassador, DSF has contributed through numerous world records. Every year, officials from the Guinness Book of World Records oversee the attempts and creation of extraordinary human feats, involving the general public in a fun-filled event, especially for families in Dubai and bringing about a profound sense of camaraderie amongst visitors and residents. Past records include the ‘largest human national flag’, ‘biggest name gathering’, ‘largest buffet in the world’, and the ‘largest game of Chinese whisper’ to name a few.

Dubai Carnivals: Generating a feeling of festivity throughout the city of Dubai, Dubai Carnivals will comprise of floats, performers, fireworks, and laser shows in various locations in an effort to take the festival to people.

Apart from these, Signature events will also include a Fireworks Festival and a Street Art Festival, all being organised to highlight the innumerable entertainment activities during DSF 2008.

Along with the Signature events, Weekend Packages will offer international overnight visitors the option to come to Dubai during the weekend and witness the best of DSF’s entertainment and shopping. Visitors will be treated to concerts, shows, and special promotional discounts and offers on international brands and goods.

At the end of it all, DSF 2008 is the ideal time to discover more about the magical city of Dubai.

The city currently boasts of over 400 international hotels and hotel apartments and the best prices come during the festival. With an admirable infrastructure and visitor-friendly atmosphere, Dubai makes room for everyone and during DSF 2008 every visitor can be assured that the Fifth Season will be a season to be remembered for a long time to come.

Entertainment, another key feature of every DSF edition, consists of numerous international entertainment ventures of which a majority make their Middle East debut in Dubai. Designed to cater to every age category and member in the family, DSF events are renowned for their ability to keep visitors coming year after year.

January I Travel Arabia I 25

BUSINESS FEATURE

The

Etihad Experience Abu Dhabi- Mumbai

26 I Travel Arabia I January

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is known for treating its passengers as distinguished Guest. You will notice the difference the moment your journey begins.

Whether you’re flying First Class or Business Class in the Diamond and Pearl Zones, you will enjoy a free limousine transfer service anywhere in the UAE. If your flight is delayed, you could be comfortably staying at a luxurious property in Abu Dhabi and be pampered with meals and other services. (It is advisable to contact your local Etihad office for your flight schedules if you are coming from Dubai or the other emirates.)

Or you can wait for your flight at the Etihad Premium Lounge where you can relax and enjoy the comfort, space and facilities that you may require to make your journey a pleasant experience. Situated on the first floor of the Abu Dhabi International Airport, the Lounge is well equipped with laptop connections, high-speed internet access, fax and telephone facilities. There’s also a health club, a lay room and an excellent range of audio and video programmes to keep you entertained. And there’s a fine selection of refreshments and hot and cold buffet dishes to choose from.

There is an exclusive check-in facility for Diamond and Pearl Zone passengers so queuing time is kept to an absolute minimum and the ground host will attend to you immediately. At the same time, you can request a seat of your preference.

After passing through security checks, you’ll head straight to the cabin

350 hours of world-class entertainment (playing the latest Hollywood and Bollywood films) with the advanced audio-video-on-demand system. The 15-inch personal LCD screens, the largest in comparable cabins in the industry, add a whole new dimension to entertainment in the air. You can also track the flight details on your screen.

Taking off is smooth and once the captain leveled the plane at cruising altitude, the in-flight hosts will provide you the menu complete with an appetizer, salad, assorted breads (chapatti, garlic bread, paratha), choices for the main course and dessert. You can select juice, soft drinks, tea, coffee where smiling and beautiful in-flight or hot chocolate or cocktails, wine and hosts will welcome you in a warm and beers to go with your meal. friendly manner. You will appreciate Etihad’s menus are tailor-made more the experience because the hosts according to a variety of factors, will call you by your first name. While including flight destination, duration sitting comfortably in the awardof flight and Guest profile, in order winning Pearl Zone seats, they will offer to determine the best possible menu you drinks and reading materials. options for that particular flight. Since The Pearl Zone seat is available this flight will go to Mumbai, the main across Etihad’s new fleet of Airbus and courses offered are Indian dishes.

I had Boeing aircraft. The seat offers superior prawn biryani for the main and lots of paratha.

Etihad operates daily flights to Delhi and course The flight from Abu Mumbai. It also flies to Kochi (Cochin) Dhabi to Mumbai takes less and Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). than three hours. I didn’t In addition to the two Kerala flights even finish watching my movie when the hosts started increasing to daily in October, Etihad is collecting the headphones also looking to start services to other to prepare for landing. major Indian destinations including Landing is another surprise Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad. To because the screen shows you the track the plane is book your flight, log on to taking which is quite scary. www.etihadairways.com.

But overall, it was a pleasant experience. Etihad has proven that its high standards are comfort, reclining to a full 180 degrees reflected in all aspects – be it the quality into a flat 6 ft 1 inch bed (which is of cuisine, service, and programme. definitely a good choice for long hauls), footrests and laptop/mobile chargers.

The seat has a built-in massage facility to help you relax. You can choose from Waves Massage or Spot Massage (for certain areas of the body).

With an 88-inch pitch and direct access to the aisle, the Pearl Zone seat offers plenty of space and privacy. The window seat is superb, you will get complete privacy while watching the latest blockbuster movie, reading your favourite book or just enjoying the comfortable flat beds.

The Pearl Zone offers more than

January I Travel Arabia I 27

ARABIAN GALLERY

Water Pot- Doha, Qatar

28 I Travel Arabia I January

Oyster & Pearl Corniche

January I Travel Arabia I 29

LIVING ARABIA

Kuwait A fortress built near water

From a nation of pearl divers and spice merchants to one of the world’s largest oil exporters, Kuwait has undergone many exciting transformations. Kuwaiti society is truly cosmopolitan and modern and yet it remains true to its heritage and traditions.

30 I Travel Arabia I January

January I Travel Arabia I 31

Since ancient times, Kuwait has served as the gateway to the Middle East because of its geographical location. Situated in Southwest Asia, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, Kuwait is known locally as a center for pearl diving and boat construction.

There are nine islands off the coast of Kuwait: Failaka, Bubiyan, Miskan, Warba, Auhha, Umm Al-Maradim, Umm AlNaml, Kubbar and Qaruh.

The country came to international prominence in the post-World War II era largely because of its enormous oil revenues. After the discovery of oil, a nation of fishermen and traders was transformed into one of the richest and developed nations in the world -offering state-of-the-art amenities, secure infrastructural facilities and technical excellence -- and is respected around the world.

Kuwait’s emergence as an independent political entity dates back more than 380 years ago, to 1613. This has been established by new research initiated by the Kuwaiti government after the liberation of the country from the Iraqi invasion. According to Dr Abdallah Al-Ghoneim, the President of the Centre for Kuwaiti Research and Studies the new research proves that Kuwait existed as early as 1613 and not 1752 as formerly

believed.

HH the Amir’s fifth son, HH Sheikh Abdullah-Al-Sabah was selected to succeed his father. Under his stable rule, Kuwait transformed into a prosperous and influential independency. In the latter part of the 18th and early 19th centuries Kuwait became a major port of call on several international trading routes.

Pearls were Kuwait’s only natural resource and each year hundreds of pearling ships made for the lucrative pearl banks to return at the end of summer.

Shipbuilding and using imported materials became an important industry.

In winter, large trading dhows set out for India to return with merchandise (and mail) which was loaded onto desert caravans bound for the Mediterranean.

Caravans from southern and eastern Arabia also passed through Kuwait on their way to Syria. Kuwait’s markets were crowded with Bedouins selling their products and services or buying imports for resale in the interior.

HH the Amir, Sheikh Jaber I Al-Sabah (1812-1859) ruled in consultation with the merchants of Kuwait, and managed to maintain good relations with all the major powers of the day. However, as Kuwait prospered throughout the 19th century its independence came under threat from regional and European powers.

To counter growing Turkish ambitions, HH the Amir, Sheikh Mubarak (1896-1915) signed treaties with the global powers of that time.

The country prospered greatly under HH Sheikh Mubarak’s rule. Hundreds arrived to settle in Kuwait, attracted by

its orderly administration and increasing commercial activity.

But trade declined sharply in Kuwait from the 1920s onwards due to the worldwide recession, Kuwait’s reduced importance as a major link in 20th

32 I Travel Arabia I January

century international trade routes, and because of hostilities from the Ikhwan, tribesmen from the interior of Arabia, who were only finally defeated in 1930.

Kuwait’s pearling industry, which once boasted 800 pearling ships, almost disappeared with the introduction of Japanese cultured pearls and the worldwide fall in demand for luxury goods following the Wall Street Crash of 1929. However, in the 1950s and 1960s, Kuwait underwent a transition from a small Amirate to an internationally influential modern state because of the oil boom.

The Discovery of Oil The first exploration well was drilled in Bahrah when a geophysical exploration was carried out. Oil was first discovered in Burgan in 1938. Because of the Second World War exports did not start until 1946. As oil exports increased, Ahmadi -named after HH the Amir Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah -- was created near the oil fields as a township for oil company personnel.

The oil embargo in 1973 resulted in substantially improved oil prices. In 1975 the government took 100 per cent control of the State’s oil resources. The resulting massive inflows of funds were spent on developing the country’s infrastructure and in improving living standards.

Modern infrastructure rose from the arid desert as roads, ports, factories, power generating stations, and desalination plants came into being. The population increased as thousands of foreign technical advisors and workers arrived to service the huge development schemes. Many Kuwaitis, members of a privileged minority, found themselves in new roles as importers, contractors, landlords and government officials.

The government’s role in the economy and administration naturally increased under the impact of the new wealth and development. Modern business laws were promulgated. A new administrative order was devised as the government expanded. Though Shura (consultation) had always been a part of political life in Kuwait since the reign of the first Al-Sabah ruler, the government began developing a new style of constitutional rule.

Though Kuwait had been an independent political entity for more

IF YOU GO * Nationals of the Gulf Cooperation Council states (GCC -- Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman) do not need entry visas.

All other nationalities require entry visas. Visas can be obtained from Kuwaiti embassies and consulates or through a sponsor in Kuwait or from the Ministry of the Interior. * Hot for most of the year, and generally dry, the hottest months are from April to October with temperatures ranging from between 28 to 50 degrees Celsius. December to February is the coolest months with temperatures from 8 to 18 degrees Celsius. * Arabic is the official language; however, English is widely spoken. * Islam is the official religion of the State of Kuwait. However, Christians and many other religious minorities enjoy complete religious freedom in Kuwait.

* The unit of currency is the Kuwait Dinar (KD): KD1 = 1,000 fils. The denominations of bank notes are: KD20, 10, 5, 1, 0.500 and 0.250; those of coins are 100 fils, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. * Taxis and buses run 24 hours a day. Although certain taxi fares are fixed, they are generally negotiable. As a visitor you can drive a vehicle with an international driving licence. * There are more than 20 hotels in Kuwait, including the transit hotel at the airport. These are officially classified as Deluxe, First Class, and Second Class. The ‘Deluxe’ category is comparable to the best internationally. * Mobile telephone : GSM 900 and 1800 networks. Network operators include Mobile Telecoms Co (website: www.mtc.com.kw) and National Mobile Telecommunications Co (website: www.wataniya.com).

January I Travel Arabia I 33

ACTIVITIES Pearl Diving: Pearls (dana), not oil, once formed the basis of Kuwait’s wealth. Now, annual pearl diving festivals help today’s generation experience the excitement and hardship that their forefathers faced. Such festivals are a tribute to men who dedicated their lives to the pearling industry.

The young divers make extensive preparations for the event: they train rigorously in diving and sailing; meet experienced captains and old divers who explain the intricacies of pearl diving; and familiarise themselves with the equipment.

Traditionally, ships or dhows were prepared by first beaching them along the shore and caulking cracks with cotton dipped in shark oil. Then, a thick coating of noora (a mixture of shark oil and powder) was manually smeared over the hull, up to the water line.

Dhows made of Indian teak are waterproofed with the traditional mixture of sheep’s oil and lime.

The clothes of today’s pearl-divers are the same as their forefathers.

The wazar (a wrap-around skirt that also serves as a head wrap) is worn along with diving trunks and T-shirts. Also worn is the fotam (nose clip), dieng (neck basket) and hajer (toe anchor). During the dive, the diver is secured to the ship’s railing with a rope tied around his waist. When he is ready to surface, he tugs on the rope -- which his helper must hold at all times -- and the latter then pulls

up the diver. The qafal (the end) of the festival is celebrated with traditional singing and dancing.

Water Sports For speed boating, windsurfing, jet skiing, water skiing, yachting and scuba diving, tourists have to buy their own equipment from dealers as hiring facilities are few. Boats and equipment usually have to be bought for long-term enjoyment.

These dealers also have details of clubs and specialist courses available in Kuwait. Most of these sports can be enjoyed off the beaches all along the coast.

Yachting: Kuwait is a sailor’s paradise. The sea offshore is seldom really rough, but there is nearly always a moderate breeze. Boats range from small sailing dinghies to large yachts.

The Yatch Club has a marina with 300 fully serviced berths. Many of the sea clubs have marinas and organise sailing activities. The Kuwait Offshore Sailing Association organises races, including one from Kuwait to Bahrain.

Diving: Despite the pollution, a result of the retreating Iraqi troops setting the oil wells afire, the seas around Kuwait are comparatively clear and marine life is thriving.

Scuba diving is a popular sport.

Much of the activity takes place over reefs offshore and around the islands. SSAC and PADI courses are available. Al-Boom Divers offers certification through NAUI and CMAS and organises diving trips.

than two centuries, it gained international recognition as a sovereign state in June 1961. A few weeks later Kuwait joined the Arab League. In 1963 the country became a member of the United Nations. The State of Kuwait’s Constitution was ratified on November 11, 1962. Its National Assembly was convened under the Constitution on January 29, 1963.

34 I Travel Arabia I January

Places to visit A highly urbanised state, Kuwait offers a host of attractions and services to tourists and visitors to the country.

It offers a world class experience in hospitality through its small yet strong hotel industry.

Kuwait has a very rich cultural tradition and heritage. Visitors to the country can get a glimpse of these at the fascinating places of tourist attraction. The Kuwaitis’ pride in their history, heritage and national progress has given rise to an identity which is uniquely Kuwaiti.

The shopping experience in Kuwait, too, is very rewarding. From ancient souks to sprawling malls selling the latest consumer goods, the range and variety is huge.The transport system is ultramodern with all the latest features and facilities.

Kuwaitis are warm, hospitable, friendly and helpful, which makes a visit to the country a very enriching and memorable experience.

Kuwait National Museum: Located on Arabian Gulf Street, the museum is comprised of four buildings and a planetarium. It was looted and burned by the Iraqis during the occupation. The museum includes Al-Sabah Collection of Islamic Art and was acclaimed by international art historians as one of the most comprehensive collections of Islamic art in the world. Unless its treasures can be recovered, the museum is unlikely to be the fascinating place it was prior to the invasion.

Sadu House: This is located near the National Museum and is not just an exhibition of traditional Bedouin weaving but also a way of keeping that craft alive.

Bedouin women can be seen weaving in the courtyard and courses are run. Sadu House is also an outlet for the sale of traditional weavings. The house is worth a visit as a rare model of houses constructed

during the pre-oil era.

Tareq Rajab Museum: It has a large and very important collection of ceramics, manuscripts, metalwork, textiles, costumes and the largest collection of silver folk jewelry from the Arab and Islamic world on public display.

Bayt Al-Badr: Situated between the National Museum and the Sadu House, this is an old house built between 1838 and 1848. It was owned and occupied in the past by Al-Badr family and is currently used for exhibitions of local handicrafts.

Old City Wall Gates: The wall was originally built by Sheikh Salim AlMubarak in 1922 to keep the marauding desert tribes out of the town. Although largely demolished in the 1950s, the gates are still standing at various key points in the city. All of them are on, or adjacent to, the First Ring Road.

The Red Palace: Situated in Al-Jahra district, the palace was built by Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah between 19141915 in a location liking the Kuwaitis and the other Arab tribes living in the neighbouring desert. Because it was used as the main Kuwaitis’ fortress, it is commonly associated with Al-Jahra battle, which took place in 1920.

Dickson’s House: It was built in the 19th century and owned by a Kuwaiti merchant. In 1929 it was occupied by colonel Dickson, the British commissioner in Kuwait. With 30 rooms on the second and third floors, the mansion has four main gates, three of them facing Arab Gulf Street. Following the death of colonel Dickson’s widow, Um saud, in 1990, the mansion was taken care of by the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, which is currently in charge of restoring it.

AMBIENCE

Reflections

36 I Travel Arabia I January

January I Travel Arabia I 37

OUTSIDE ARABIA

Cruise along the

Canal du Midi This 360-km network of navigable waterways linking the Mediterranean and the Atlantic through 328 structures is one of the most remarkable feats of civil engineering in modern times. It was listed as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in 1996. MICHAEL DWYER tells his journey.

Arriving in Europe is always a shock for me. While I love Europe, that first day across the ocean is rough; after traveling all night, changing planes in Paris, and losing several hours to the time change, everything seems a bit off. I am sleepy, but excited. Today is just an adjustment day; I begin a much-awaited cruise tomorrow – I will be traveling on the Canal du Midi in the south of France.

I chose to overnight in Montpellier – it is a smart idea to arrive at least one day before going on any cruise or tour. France’s eighth largest city is just a few miles from the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It has 300 days of sunshine per year, offers fantastic dining, sightseeing, and museums, and boasts about its many language schools. Well worth

38 I Travel Arabia I January

several days by itself, Montpellier is a clean and efficient university town.

As with any place that makes itself home to 80,000 students per year, you can imagine there are many bars, pubs and restaurants luring young people away from their homework and out to learn the virtues of the world. Therefore, for purely cultural reasons, I joined the masses flocking to the Ayers Rock Australian Café.

Known for a huge selection of Australian beers and traditional Aussie food, this fun bar along the river hosts a big party once a month and I just happened to be there for their rendition of a Jungle Party. All the employees (both male and female) were dressed in leopard-print skimpy outfits and

palm tree decorations filled the entire bar.

The bartenders are Top Gun trained, which means they toss bottles in the air, spin around, catch the bottles and pour your drink. Sometimes they jump on the bar, dance, and throw souvenirs, such as t-shirts, into the audience. Rent the movie Cocktail or Coyote Ugly if you cannot picture the choreography.

Packed by 11:00pm, the music was bounding and the people were dancing.

Smoke filled the dance floor and everyone had a drink in his or her hand. I am sure the Jungle Party theme was more entertainment for the staff than for the guests, but it made for a wild time. After eight pints of heavy beer, I stumbled the mile or so back to my

January I Travel Arabia I 39

hotel room. The combination of the beer and jet leg put me right to sleep.

Subtract my quick stop in the outback and I wake-up for a new day in France. Montpellier is a great walking town and they have a good tram system for the long hulls. I explored the streets and sights; and enjoyed the throngs of people going about their business in this pedestrian-friendly, very French, city.

Montpellier was a great introduction to the Languedoc-Roussillon region; I really enjoyed my overnight stay and first full day in southern France. Now that I am somewhat adjusted to the time change, I depart for Béziers to board the boat that I will make my home for three

Paul Riquet, a French baron turned engineer, who started the construction in the 17th century.

The next day, we start-up the motor of our floating motel to heat the water for our morning showers, and after a quick breakfast we begin the cruise along the Canal du Midi. Lined with gorgeous, giant trees, the canal offers a relaxing view. Our first encounter is a lock (a small version of the Soo Locks). One person must pilot the boat as two others jump to shore and hold the boat in-place with ropes as the lock fills with water.

Once the water level matches the upper

tie-up your boat, and go to the visitor center to learn all about it. There is also a dried-up lake from the 13th century where the villagers of the time turned it into a geometrical pattern of agricultural fields.

Be sure to arrange to have bikes on board; many towns are just a short ride from the canal and offer wine tasting, great dining and wonderful historical sites. Other towns are right off the canal making it convenient for visiting. One such hamlet is Le Somail. This fun stop has a floating market, a hat museum, and a large bookshop with books in many languages.

My favorite stop was the walled, medieval city of Carcassonne. Roam around, explore, get lost, and have lunch.

I enjoyed a local dish called Cassoulet: a hot stew-like meal of meats and beans.

“Be sure to arrange to have bikes on board. Many towns are just a short ride from the Canal and offer wine tasting, great dining and wonderful historical sites.” nights as I cruise the Canal du Midi, built between 1667 and 1694 and paved the way for the Industrial Revolution.

I discover I will be sharing the boat with Kent from New York and John and Lisa from England. We are on one of the larger boats that have four cabins – so we each get our own room. The cabins are small but comfortable. The kitchen area is very nice and the table folds into a fifth bed, thus creating a boat that can accommodate 10 people if you sleep two per bed. Most folks hire the boat for a week or two and I would never want to try to live with nine other people on the boat – I feel four was the perfect number.

After we were settled-in, I joined my new friends for dinner in Béziers at a nice restaurant. During dinner, I learned that the canal was the work of Pierre-

40 I Travel Arabia I January

part of the canal, we jump back to the boat and continue. There are many locks on the canal; so be prepared and take turns, it is tiring work.

Besides the locks, you will discover other interesting engineering structures.

One such marvel is the Pont Canal – a water bridge for the canal that actually goes over a flowing river! It was strange to see boats sailing under the canal we were floating on. Another engineering feat is the Malpas Tunnel – part of three tunnels in one. While on the boat you float through a tunnel with cars passing over on the road above and trains going underneath you on another tunnel, with yet a third drainage tunnel below that.

You may stop,

I was told that I must have wine with the entrée (of course the French say this about every meal), so I did – it was good!

After three nights on the boat, my cruise ended. I savored the taste the Canal du Midi gave me of southern France – so many fantastic cities and sights to see. I loved the food, the wine, the architecture and the people. Whether you decide to visit by boat on the canal, by train or by car, southern France welcomes visitors and offers them a taste of the good life in a beautiful setting.

January I Travel Arabia I 41

ATTRACTIONS A stunning 19-storey pyramid rises in the heart of Dubai, inspired by the captivating beauty of an ancient Egyptian architecture, inspired with 21st century technology.

Raffles Dubai

A new

Legend

begins in Middle East

42 I Travel Arabia I January

Raffles Dubai, the much awaited addition to Raffles Hotels & Resorts’ collection of luxury hotels, celebrated its opening, marking the Group’s debut in the Middle East.

The 19-storey hotel features a striking pyramidal design inspired by ancient Egyptian architecture. It enjoys an unsurpassed location at Wafi, a unique destination in the heart of Dubai, which offers an unrivalled collection of the best the world and the region has to offer in art, food, fashion, entertainment and lifestyle. Raffles Dubai is only 15 minutes away from Dubai International Airport and a short drive to the business district.

Sheikh Mana bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Chairman, MKM Commercial Holdings LLC, which owns Wafi, said “Raffles Dubai, being the first Raffles hotel in the United Arab Emirates, is an indication of Dubai’s ability to attract global brand

names and further enhances Dubai’s reputation as one of the leading cities in the region.”

“It is particularly fitting that the Raffles brand should be introduced to the Middle East by Wafi, a destination renowned within Dubai for innovation and creativity.”

The hotel’s stunning interiors draw design elements from both the Middle East and Asia. Columns intricately carved with Egyptian hieroglyphs decorate the hotel’s impressive lobby, continuing the ancient Egyptian theme that inspired the hotel’s pyramidal structure.

Raffles Dubai assures its patrons of unparalleled luxury with its wellappointed and spacious rooms, each occupying at least 70 square metres.

All 248 rooms and suites at Raffles Dubai feature private balconies with panoramic views of the city and interiors that exude a sense of

January I Travel Arabia I 43

An abode of unparalleled luxury, Raffles Dubai is central to exclusivity in the heart of Dubai, serenely nestled away from it all, yet within one of the city’s largest shopping and leisure destinations, Wafi. intimacy, luxury and residential charm – distinctive qualities in Raffles hotels and resorts across the globe.

The hotel’s four Presidential Suites are also each thematically designed to embrace each of the elements of life - earth, wind, fire and water. One of the highlights at the hotel is its impressive one-hectare tropical Raffles Botanical Garden which displays over 129,000 plants, carefully selected to depict the four elements. Situated on Raffles Dubai’s third level, the botanical garden proffers the ultimate in serenity.

Meandering paths in each four themed gardens converge at a magnificent domed-shaped centrepiece, the Eye of Horus, tribute to the Egyptian god of health and vitality.

The hotel also features Raffles Hotels & Resorts’ award-winning lifestyle concept, RafflesAmrita Spa. According to an ancient Sanskrit legend, ‘Amrita’ is the gift of living well, sought by deities. RafflesAmrita Spa at Raffles Dubai offers an extensive menu of wellness treatments and indulgences.

RafflesAmrita Spa in Raffles Hotel in Singapore and Raffles Resort Canouan Island in The Grenadines are acknowledged as the best spa in its respective destination by prestigious publications such as The Robb Report.

When it comes to dining, gourmands will be spoilt for choice as Raffles Dubai’s 11 restaurants and bars offer an exquisite myriad of cuisines from around the world, such as fresh seafood and premium steaks at Fire & Ice - Raffles Grill, contemporary Chinese cuisine at The Noble House, Pan Arabic cuisine at the all day dining restaurant Azur, English afternoon tea at Raffles Salon and innovative cocktails including the Singapore Sling at the Balinese styled Crossroads Cocktail Bar. The Singapore Sling originated at the Group’s flagship hotel, Raffles Hotel Singapore.

Champagne Bar are located within the glass capstone that forms the top 3 levels

44 I Travel Arabia I January

of the hotel.

For meetings and conferences, 11 large meeting rooms with customisable capacity, a ballroom for 500 guests, and a state-of-the-art Business Centre are also featured in Raffles Dubai. Each meeting room enjoys natural daylight and offers access to the hotel’s library. The library at Raffles Dubai houses a collection of 15,000 books on the region’s history, culture and arts.

Diana Ee-Tan, Managing Director, Raffles Hotels & Resorts said, “Dubai is a vibrant destination, renowned for its architectural and cultural diversity, with spectacular events all year round. In addition, it is also a successful business hub and continues to attract increasing numbers of both business and leisure travellers, and Raffles is delighted to be part of this dynamic and exciting landscape.”

“Raffles Dubai will bring to the Middle East the heartfelt and gracious service, creative dining concepts and cultured luxury that Raffles hotels and resorts are known for. International flair, uncompromising service and breathtaking vistas will make the Raffles experience a truly memorable one,” said Mr Hagop Dohramadjian, General Manager, Raffles Dubai.

Raffles Dubai is owned by MKM Commercial Holdings LLC, a Dubai based conglomerate with businesses in property asset management, manufacturing and industrial services and freight forwarding, shipping, trucking, car rental and shipping agency.

Raffles Hotels & Resorts is owned by Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, a leading global company with over 80 hotels in 25 countries worldwide under the Raffles, Fairmont and Swissotel brands. The company also owns Fairmont and Raffles branded Residences, Estates and luxury private residence club properties.

For more information, call +971 4 324 8888 or log on to www.dubai.raffles.com.

The Traveller’s Palm A native of Madagascar, the Traveller’s Palm depicted in the Raffles logo was introduced to Singapore in the early 1990s. Adapting quickly to the local climate, it soon became a favourite in the landscaped gardens all over the island.

It was widely believed that water stored in the v-shaped base of each palm leaf sustained travellers in earlier days. The leaves are also know to res in an ‘east-west’ direction, serving as an informal compass for travellers making their way home after long journeys.

Today, upon checking into any Raffles hotel or resort, guests are greeted by our staff each wearing a Traveller’s Palm pin. This pin tells you that you have found your way home.

January I Travel Arabia I 45

PROPERTY

Marsa Plaza Executive Rentals For more information on renting options at Marsa Plaza, please visit our website http://www. dubaifestivalcity.com or call us on 800-RENTAL. Our leasing agents are also available at our show home from 8am to 6pm from Saturday to Thursday.

46 I Travel Arabia I January

Dubai Festival City launches Marsa Plaza, an exclusive residential tower within Dubai’s latest waterfront lifestyle destination. With a distinct architectural design, Marsa Plaza is already a landmark on Dubai’s urban skyline and its prime downtown waterfront setting offers an ideal home to executives and professionals looking for one of the most prestigious addresses in town.

Marsa Plaza comes on line to meet the growing demand for quality, well positioned resort-styled accommodation for busy people. Richard Polkinghorne, General Manager - Development at Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate said: “We have seen an increase in market demand for superior rental properties, offering luxurious accommodation for executives working in key business districts across Dubai such as the Festival Tower, one of the commercial towers in Dubai Festival City”.

In keeping with the demand mentioned by Polkinghorne for quality, serviced living accommodation, Marsa Plaza offers exclusive one-tofour bedroom apartments, duplexes, triplexes and penthouses with panoramic ‘through views’ overlooking

the Creek and downtown Dubai.

The tower comprises 510 residences that include 212 fully serviced, extended stay apartments managed by InterContinental Hotels and Resorts Group. An integrated premium set of luxurious amenities will be available to residents including valet parking, maid service, door to door laundry service, airport transfers, 24 hour concierge, room service and secure basement parking.

Every luxury apartment will feature Broad Band Internet connection, access to 1,000 television channels, an unlimited number of telephone lines upon request, free wireless internet in all public areas and access to a fully equipped business centre.

Marsa Plaza also houses a health club with a 25 metre lane lap pool and a recreational pool. Other on-site facilities include bank outlets, beauty and grooming salons, florists, pharmacies and perfumeries, convenience and grocery stores, all day cafés and bistros with delivery services, a digital printing centre, laundry and dry-cleaning services.

As many more companies seek to set up in Dubai, Marsa Plaza becomes an

If you live the life of a busy corporate executive or simply want a change of scene, then you will be interested in the latest downtown waterside address debuting on Dubai’s rental market at Dubai Festival City.

attractive landmark address - a tranquil waterside retreat yet positioned close to Dubai’s burgeoning down-town business district. “Marsa Plaza is the ideal residential address for frequently travelling corporate personnel,” added Polkinghorne. “It’s situated only 2kms away from Dubai International Airport and it is easily accessible to the rest of Dubai via several key roads including the 13-lane Business Bay Crossing and Garhoud Bridge”.

Dubai Festival city recently introduced a new concept of a retail resort at Festival waterfront centre that brings together a magnificent retail offering unsurpassed selections of restaurants, cafés, a rich entertainment experience, a 12 screen cinema complex, a 100 berth Marina and world renowned hotels all within an architectural masterpiece.

The retail resort promises to be one of Dubai’s most exciting retail, dining and leisure attractions. Two distinct shopping districts - Festival Waterfront Centre and Festival Power Centre offer an unrivaled selection of international and local retail brands through 550 shops including 25 anchor stores. An

eclectic mix of 90 restaurants and cafés, including the largest al fresco gourmet dining in Dubai, provide residents and visitors with an unparalleled experience.

The shopping centre is connected via the Marina Promenade to three international hotels, an Event Centre and the luxury Mediterranean-styled Festival Marina which will dramatically transform the retail and tourism landscape of Dubai. The Four Seasons Golf Club and two international schools complement the executive and family lifestyles in Dubai Festival City.

Dubai Festival City will ultimately cater to more than 150,000 people living, working and enjoying its vibrant environment. Once the entire development is complete it will be home to more than 70,000 residents occupying 21,000 homes.

January I Travel Arabia I 47

Le Méridien Abu Dhabi celebrates Australia Day 2008 Get ready to immerse yourself in the outdoor settings of Le Méridien Village, as the Le Méridien Abu Dhabi promotes An Australian Affair - Celebrating Australia Day - that will be engaging and purely entertaining.

The program features Aussie Entertainment

from 4th Down, a Sydney based group with two finalist in attendance from Australian Idol 2005, Chis Luder and Roxanne Lebrasse who has just released a single in Australia called “Sexy” a retake of the band Salt and Pepper; a didgeridoo artist called Larry Dullagah

sponsored by Koori Kids, a foundation based in Sydney, raising funds for the aboriginal community specialising in sports and the indigenous welfare of young aboriginals across Australia.

This celebration is featured at the beautiful surroundings of Le Méridien Village in Le Méridien Abu Dhabi from the 24th to 26th of January 2008, from 3pm onwards.

Food Stalls will host an array of Australian Cuisine, with the Centre Garden hosting a large BBQ with Le Méridien Village Head Chefs carving and serving the guest. The BBQ spread includes snacks made from kangaroo, emu, crocodile and obviously, a tasty selection of famous Australian beef and lamb products. To fulfil your thirst a range of Aussie beverages will be offered.

We know that the Australia Day celebrations in Sydney are befitting of Australia’s oldest and biggest city with events and activities spread far and wide, on the beaches, in the backyards, in the sky and in parks, it’s a day to celebrate in true Aussie style. Now being based at Le Méridien Abu Dhabi allows me the opportunity to showcase this great event in our hotel gardens, which is always a draw card for the community and a welcome treat to boast about our outdoor venues which is part of the typical Aussie lifestyle.

For reservations or for more information please call Le Méridien Hotel at 02-644 6666

Le Méridien Abu Dhabi Championship at NRG Catch your championship league and cup football games this January live at your favourite sports café NRG in the village garden of Le Méridien Abu Dhabi hotel. Munch on the best snacks and food along with your mates.

The atmosphere will transport you right into the arena and the cheers of fans will carry you with your team to the anticipated glory.

For more information please call Le Méridien Hotel at 02-644 6666

48 I Travel Arabia I January

January I Travel Arabia I 49

FACE TO FACE

RAK’s new airline has landed RAK Airways, the UAE’s fourth national carrier made its inaugural flights to Colombo, Sofia and Dhaka after months of preparation. Here Captain Khalid Almeer, Chief Operating Officer, talks to Travel Arabia about the airline and reveals the plans for the years ahead.

Capt. Khalid Almeer, Chief Operating Officer; Mohammed Abdul Hye, Consul General of Bangladesh; HE Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, ViceChairman of RAK Airways; Dr. Khater Massad, CEO RAK Group and Saeed Almadhani, Security Manager (DCA) and Mohammed Mahmudur Rahman, Commercial Councilor of Bangladesh.

50 I Travel Arabia I January

Travel Arabia: What is the purpose of RAK Airways?

KA: RAK Airways aims to redefine the way you fly, making world-class services affordable. It means when I Fly You, a luxurious flying experience is assured no matter which class you are flying in, or where you are flying to.

RAK Airways will open a new chapter of progress in the fastest growing emirate of the UAE, driving up trade and tourism

figures - giving them a flying start.

TA: What are the factors that contributed to the delay of the airline’s launch?

KA: We received our Air Operators Certificate (AOC) in June 2007 and since then our focus has been on obtaining aero political rights to operate flights to various destinations earmarked by us.

Our efforts for traffic rights to many countries are still in the pipeline and we hope to conclude many of them over the next two or three months.

Despite all the difficulties we’ve faced, we have already launched flights to Dhaka, Colombo, and Beirut on 13th December 2007.

TA: Currently RAK flies to Beirut,

Dhaka, Colombo, where is the next destination and when?

KA: RAK Airways will be expanding in three phases – each being six months in duration. The first phase will see us launch our services across five destinations. The second phase will focus on six more destinations and third phase will cater to eight additional destinations.

We currently operate three weekly flights to Dhaka, three weekly flights to Colombo, and three flights per week to Beirut. We also expect to launch operations to India, Nepal, some GCC countries, and Dar Es Salaam. It is expected that these will commence over the next three to six months.

Thus, the first two to three years will witness the growth of RAK Airways to the Indian subcontinent, GCC, Middle East and East Africa. Routes like the Philippines will be on our radar as and when we introduce wide-bodied aircraft to our fleet.

TA: What kind of airline is RAK Airways? Will it be a low-cost, budget airline?

KA: RAK Airways is a full service airline and our aim is to create a niche carrier catering to the expectations of all passenger segments.

TA: How much of the current passenger ratio do you think RAK Airways will attract?

KA: We estimate approximately one million passengers a year and the annual projected growth over the next two- three years is 20 percent. Subsequent to launching our trans-continental flights to Europe and the Far East, we expect the number to grow exponentially. We are still working on the projections and will share the same with you once we are ready.

TA: What type of aircraft are you using?

KA: RAK Airways has launched its services with a Boeing 757. We are still evaluating other aircraft such as the Boeing 737-800 and a decision will be taken in due course. We currently own one aircraft and as per our business plan requirement, we hope to acquire 6-8 narrow-bodied aircraft initially. We plan to grow our fleet organically, on an as needed basis.

TA: What is the seat configuration of your aircraft?

KA: We offer dual class configuration of 25 premium and 168 economy seats in our B757 aircraft. We have the flexibility of changing the aircraft configuration within minutes from 200 economy seats to 25 premium and 140 economy seats TA: How is RAK airport preparing for this?

KA: Over the last three decades, RAK airport has evolved from a small local airport to becoming a full-service international airport offering the entire spectrum of civil aviation services. Today, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is one of the fastest growing airports in the Middle East -- a modern, secure and efficient airport with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.

The airport is strategically located – it is just 40 minutes away from Dubai and three hours drive from Abu Dhabi, the

capital of UAE. The airport also achieved ISO 9001:2000 accreditation for quality management – only the second airport in the GCC to earn this coveted recognition – is the least congested airport in the UAE and a preferred venue for training of pilots.

To date, a total of 27 airlines operate passenger and cargo (scheduled and charter) services, linking the airport with destinations in the Middle East, Central Asia, Indian subcontinent, Africa and the Far East.

TA: How do you think this will affect tourism in Ras Al Khaimah?

KA: RAK International Airport is one of the pillars of success for Ras Al Khaimah as a business and leisure centre and a gateway for tourists, travelers and visitors to the UAE. The airport is going to play a major role in bringing new businesses to RAK. The revamped, refurbished airport will significantly boost the number of residents and tourists flying into the country through the emirate.

The airport is undergoing a complete revamp. In the next five years, a new state-of-the-art terminal will be built south of the existing terminal. With RAK Airways launch, the airport is expected to handle over 350,000 passengers a year.

In view of the increasingly competitive business environment for the airport industry, we must continuously strengthen our competitiveness.

TA: Do you have initial promotions to attract passengers to the emirate?

KA: We are offering many facilities to attract passengers to Ras Al Khaimah.

The national airline RAK Airways is the first step in this direction. We are offering a high class service at attractive prices, and this is further enhanced through initiatives like visa facilitation, complimentary surface transportation to arriving and departing passengers. Soon we will create attractive tour packages.

TA: Why did you choose the “I Fly You” tagline for RAK Airways? What does it signify?

KA: ‘I Fly You’ is based on personalization; RAK Airways being customer-centric and offering good personalized service. In our communication and marketing to passengers, we wanted to come across as talking directly to the passenger, and assuring them of personalized service one every flight.

TA: How does 2008 look for RAK Airways?

KA: 2008 will be a very important year for us, full of excitement, growth and challenges. We will launch new destinations, increase our fleet, hire more staff and much more, we recommend you to watch this space in the coming future.

January I Travel Arabia I 51

DINING PROMOTIONS

Gastronomic finds

52 I Travel Arabia I January

Start the new year with a bang by heading to your favourite restaurant and savour that good old meal that you missed during the holidays.

Al Murooj Rotana Hotels & Suites Forget about that travel hassle and get prepared to discover the world on your plate with mouth watering theme nights at Pergolas Restaurant. Every Wednesday is Far Eastern night at AED 169* net per person including selected beers and wines. Savour the best the Orient has to offer in an atmosphere of real Far Eastern fayre. Every Thursday is Italian night at AED 169* net per person including selected beers and wines. The main focus is made on Pasta dishes with ten different types cooked live.

Every Friday is South American night at AED 169* net per person including selected beers and wines.

The lavish buffet spreads with authentic Latino dishes from ceviches to empanadas

Moevenpick Hotel

highlighted by the first ever Argentinean barbecue.

Theme nights are available from 7:00 pm till 11:30 pm.

Don’t forget the Friday Brunch from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm at AED 159* net per person including soft drinks and mineral water or AED 179* net per person including unlimited selected beverages. For reservations and more information, please call 04-3211111.

Al Diar Siji Hotel, Fujairah Al Diwan Restaurant is proud to offer the juiciest and the most delectable buffet carvery specials in the East Coast for Dhs85++ (lunch) and Dhs95++ (dinner). Have your fill of perfectly baked special pizzas with your favorite salad at Zorba Bar & Cocktail Lounge. Pizza fanatics can choose from the popular

January I Travel Arabia I 53

international singers. Come and enjoy the true Arabian night life. Traditional Lebanese mezzeh and A La Carte menu served. Al Tannour offers Lebanese Early nights with live entertainment from 9.30pm onwards.

Get 50% off the set menu and entrance if your dining order is placed before 10pm.

Dusit Thani Dubai

Burjuman Rotana Napolitana, Capriciossa, Italian, Norwegian, Hawaiian and Calzone pizza with Hawaiian, Mexican, Greek, Oriental, Mediterranean or Ceasar salad.

Meantime, cake lovers can pick out from the mouth-watering flavours of Opera Choco-coffee, Marshmallow Chocolate, Baked Brownies Cheese Cake, Truffle Sour Cherry, Mango “Two Layer” Mousse Cake at Siji Cafe. For enquiries call (09) 223 2000.

Burjuman Rotana Suites Have an afternoon tea with an open free internet wireless connection at the Gallery Restaurant. Those who strive on sweet and sour can choose form the various palettes’ combinations of assorted mini sandwiches, muffins, cake, cookies and ice cream with their favorite coffee or tea with an open free internet wireless connection for just AED 39*.

Afternoon tea time is from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm and free internet connection from

54 I Travel Arabia I January

3:00 pm to 11:30 pm.

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 69* or feast on the varieties of a la carte menu and enjoy a 15% discount from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Price is inclusive of municipality fees and service charges. For reservation call UAE Toll Free: 800 ROTANA or 971 4 3524444.

Crowne Plaza Seafood dinner. Choose it. Grill it. Eat it. Like it…. and more. Reef seafood supper at Crowne Plaza Dubai brings you the freshest seafood straight from the reef. A lavish buffet with the finest selection of fresh seafood. Not enough? Order from our bucket and pan deals or daily fresh display.

Celebrating? Try the seafood Crowne Olaza

party packages for 10 or more people. Located on the 2nd floor Al Dana restaurant l. Open daily from 6.3011.30pm.

The light and airy Al Fresco is a pleasant hybrid of a Victorian greenhouse and the restaurant carriage of the Orient Express with a beautiful Terrance. Al Fresco has a wide selection of Italian pizzas, pastas and Dubai’s best Tiramisu. Business lunch or a romantic date, the unique ambiance caters for all. Come and meet our Italian chef for his personal recommendation. Special recommendations from the chef on the black board.

Come and explore the true Middle East culture with all the traditional trimmings at Al Tannour Lebanese Restaurant located at the 4th floor. Experience the live entertainment with belly dancers, Arabic band, and

The Friday Brunch now offers flowing Charles Heidsieck Champagne Brunch for Dhs 299 per person or with unlimited house beverages for Dhs 199 per person. The culinary delights on offer have been revamped to include over 120 dishes offering an array of cuisine from around the world with live cooking stations, healthy fresh salads and tempting desserts The finest taste of Thailand can be experienced at Benjarong Restaurant!

Enjoy traditional Thai music and dancing complemented by the aromatic and spicy dishes from Thailand.

For the authentic taste of Asian cuisine, sample the best of an Asian buffet at The Californian Restaurant, located on the 24th floor. The evening buffet features Asian flavours from every region with sushi, sashimi, noodles, dumplings, dim sum and much more, complemented by spectacular views of both the old and new Dubai. Try our Asian Buffet at Dhs 169 net per person including house beverages, except Thursdays.

Start the weekend in Dubai with a delightful Seafood Buffet in The Californian Restaurant.

Enjoy selected seafood cooked in spices accompanied by a wide variety of salads, vegetables

January I Travel Arabia I 55

from 12noon – 9pm.

Andiamo!’s mouth-watering Friday Gourmet Lunch.

Including a temptingly extensive antipasti buffet, gourmet pastas, gelato bar and a live tiramisu station, fans of true Italian cuisine will be spoiled for choice.

And with free-flow Prosecco, Italian wines and beer also available, let Andiamo!’s lively atmosphere start your weekend with a fizz! For AED 120 per person, or AED 220 with free flow of Prosecco, Italian wines and beer. AED 60 per child (6 - 12 years; including selected free-flow soft drinks). Every Friday, from 12:30pm until 4pm.

For reservations, please call 04 317 2222

Grand Hyatt Dubai

JW Marriott Dubai

Fujairah Rotana Resorts & Spa and delectable desserts. At Dhs 189 per person including wines and beers, you’ll agree the seafood buffet gives you truly great value for money every Thursday from 7pm10.30pm. For reservations, call 971 4 343 3333.

Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa 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. Happy Hour every day from 5 pm – 8pm (50% off on selected beverages). Every night except Mondays feature live band entertainment from the newly arrived Mauritian band “Creole Stars”. Cuban night every Thursday night. Come join us in the legendary Tabu bar for an evening of explanation and entertainment. It’s your chance to discover how the cigars are made, try a large selection of Cuban cigars, taste cocktails and indulge in dancing to Cuban music.

The all day Mozaique dining restaurant reflects

56 I Travel Arabia I January

international flavours in a simple yet refined cuisine, superbly prepared and served with flair. The atmosphere offers a combination of cosmopolitan and casual tones combined with timeless elegance and a genuine local flair. Start the day with an extensive selection for breakfast and at night explore the rich culture and vast array of flavours from around the world. Lovers of wine will find the perfect match in our carefully selected collection of new world wines. Enjoy our Friday Brunch from 1pm – 4pm.

Come and unwind at our brand new addition to our beautiful beach front.

Sharkeys Beach Bar combines the tranquil atmosphere of warm soothing breezes with some relaxing tunes. Enjoy refreshing drinks, mocktails and cocktails specially selected by experienced Sharkeys bar staff. To accompany your drink we offer a selected menu of delicious snacks. Sharkeys is the perfect place to end your day of excitement and start taking it easy enjoy your drink and listen to the waves of the Indian Ocean. Open

Celebrate Dubai’s perfect weather with a relaxed barbecue at Grand Hyatt Dubai’s beautiful poolside bar – every day of the week!

Choose to sit at a table or on one of our giant bean bags, and relax with a wide range of barbecue favourites, shisha, candles and lounge music while taking in the tranquillity of the largest outdoor pool in Dubai.

Feeling the January blues? Hold on to that festive feeling a little longer by joining the special celebration of Russian Christmas on Sunday the 6th of January. An elaborate menu of Peppercrab’s specialities will complement the celebratory atmosphere, allowing you to enjoy Christmas all over again!

With dishes such as salt and pepper crab, stir-fried rock lobster and wok-fried asparagus with scallops, you can be sure of a late Christmas feast with a difference at AED 420 per person, set menu.

For an authentic Italian Friday look no further than

Immerse your senses with unique flavours and products from down under from 10th January to 28th February, 2008. Food devotees from around Dubai will have their pleasure thresholds heightened at JW Marriott Hotel Dubai’s two months long Australian Food Promotion accompanied by selection of fine beverages.

JW Marriott Dubai

January I Travel Arabia I 57

Moevenpick Hotel For these two months our guests will experience the best products and ingredients from Down Under highlighted on the menu at three of our restaurants with the “Taste of Australia” promotion. The Australian food promotion at JW Marriott Dubai will be offered in the hotel’s signature restaurant, JW’s Steakhouse; the all day dining, Market Place and Champions Sports Bar. JW Marriott Dubai will also host several Australian celebrations in Radisson SAS the hotel during the Taste Deira Creek of Australia promotion. more information on “Taste of Australia” promotion call 04 607 7588 / 04 607 7977 or logon to www. marriottdiningatjw.ae.

Moevenpick Hotel Al Bustan, Rotana 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 Radisson SAS and live cooking stations Hotel Deira with traditional dishes like Rösti will be served keeping you licking your lips all night

58 I Travel Arabia I January

long. It will launch on 9th January and starts at 19h00 running until midnight.

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 at La Veranda. 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 7.00pm to 11.00pm, it is an ideal Tuesday evening for only AED 95.00 per person.

Busy doing business?

Then the Executive Lunch Buffet is the right break for you. Make your lunch break an enjoyable one starting at only AED 85.00 per person from 12.00noon to 3.00pm, every day except Friday.

Thursday night is a treat for all seafood lovers. From 7:00pm to 10:30pm the Fountain Restaurant presents itself as your personal fish market. Price is AED 135.00 net per person for food only and AED 185.00 including standard drinks.

Let the flavours of the Far East take you on a taste extravaganza every Sunday night from 7.30 pm until 10.30pm. Our Chefs will

cook up dishes such as Malaysian beef randang, nasi goring and mango sticky rice amoung other Asian favourites and live cooking stations. Priced at AED 135 for food only or AED 185 to include standard beverages, it is the perfect spice kick to start the week.

Join in the Friday Madness at the Fountain Restaurant for the popular Family Brunch complete with Emma Children’s Club for the youngsters. Priced at AED 149 with children 6-12 half prices, and under 6 years for free come and enjoy the live entertainment and relaxed atmosphere.

Mövenpick Resort & Residence Aqaba With the coming of a brand new year, Mövenpick Resort & Residence Aqaba has some delightful dinning surprises full of warmth during these cooler days and nights.

Al Sufra Mediterranean Restaurant & Terrace is having a Sea Food Promotion starting this month. A selection of sea food meal from the wide varieties of lobster, fish, calamari, shrimps and more, elegantly presented in a sea food trolley, with the

gutests’choices lively cooked at their taste. An extensive wine list and a chef’s daily sew food special is available Guests can enjoy the live preparation of chocolate drinks at Al Nafoura Bar. A good variety of hot and cold chocolate drinks, with alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages will be prepared right in front of you like Caramel Chocolate, Melted Chocolate drink, Hot Island chocolate, Chocolate Beach, Chocolate Colada and many others.

Enjoy the taste of pastry chef creation, one special kind of cake, tart or sweet at the Bakery Shop. This January, our chef will be preparing the famous opera Cake. For reservations, call +962 3 2034020.

Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead At this time of the year when the thermometers are not hitting the usual heights, Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea planned to provide a number of special activities to take your mind off this cool weather and long nights.

Throughout January, every night except Sunday is Fondue and Raclette night at The Grill. These delicious and typical Swiss cheese

January I Travel Arabia I 59

Moevenpick Hotel

of meat such as Australian Wagyu, Australian Angus Beef and Australian Grain Fed are also available a la carte. Palm Grill restaurant is open daily starting 7:30 pm, however, you can sip on deliciously creative drinks at Palm Grill Bar daily starting 6:30 pm.

The Pub provides a traditional English pub ambiance where you can also indulge in popular Australian flavors during this week: savour Australian Wagyu Rump Steak with Grilled Vegetables and Mashed Potato for only 110 dhs net per person and only 172 dhs with a bucket of ice-cold Foster Beer (three bottles).

A delicious selection of a la carte items is also available.

The Pub is open daily for lunch and dinner. For more information or bookings, please contact the Information Centre on 04- 205 7333/ 7444

Renaissance Dubai Hotel

dishes will keep you warm inside during the cooler winter nights.

Every Tuesday and Saturday, 8.30 pm is the time to sit back and enjoy a selection of movie blockbusters right at the hotel’s auditorium. Add in a selection of drinks and cinema-style snacks and it’s easy to see who has got the best seats in town…For reservations, call +962 6 4655345.

60 I Travel Arabia I January

Radisson SAS Dubai Deira Creek The Radisson SAS Dubai Deira Creek hosts a unique Australian week at its renowned venues Palm Grill and The Pub. Enjoy authentic Australian delicacies at contemporary steakhouse Palm Grill for only 350 dhs net per person. Complement each course with a glass of wine for only 479 dhs net per person. A tempting array

Spin the wheel of fortune at Sails. Enjoy our seafood or reef and beef theme nights throughout January and get a chance to spin the wheel of fortune. Lots of exciting gifts await you including a complimentary seafood dinner buffet for 2. At Sails, everybody is a winner!!

Theme nights are priced at: TEE TOTAL Dhs. 159/; The Original Grand Buffet inclusive of soft drinks at Dhs. 199/-; The Original Grand Buffet inclusive of regular house beverages Dhs. 259/; The Original Grand Buffet inclusive of a large selection of premium beverages. Add Dhs 99 for unlimited sparkling wine Celebrate your birthday at Sails throughout January and eat for free when you dine with a group of 4 or more. We’re even throwing

in a celebratory chocolate cake for you! So come on and make your special day a memorable one with your friends and family. Minimum of 4 guests required in order to avail the promotion For a blissful end to a hectic day wind down your meal at Spice Island with our luscious chocolate creations.

This array of comforting desserts is sure to indulge the chocolate lover in you.

Packages priced at Dhs 149 onwards.

For coffee lovers who are passionate, uncompromising and almost never satisfied, we’ve got great news. We are brewing fusion coffees to perfection and these can only be enjoyed at the Aquarium Lounge. Combining Italian tradition with advanced technology, Illy’s rich, distinctive taste rewards the senses and the spirit, creating a uniquely satisfying coffee experience you’ll want to enjoy again and again. Please call 04 2625555 for more information.

Sheraton Abu Dhabi Join our Resident DJ’s Dizzy Dean & Tony at ZENITH and experience the seven wonders nights, ZENITH is far more than just a place to drink and dance; it is a dazzling, stunningly designed destination in itself.

So do not wait, come on over

Renaissance Dubai Hotel

Radisson SAS Dubai Deira Creek to shake your booty to the rhythm of the beat…

Venture into Flavours and walk from food station to food station. Pick your favourite fresh ingredients from the market stalls and our chefs will cook your dishes the way you like them.

Priced at AED 105 per adult and AED 55 per child (below 11 years). For reservations please call 02 697 0262 Take away one of La Mamma’s piping hot pizzas.

Add a fragrant salad and a scrumptious dessert and you’ll have a stress free dinner, the ideal ending of a busy day without any dishes to wash! For reservations or take away Pizza orders please call 02 697 0258. For reservations please call 02 697 0238.

If the king of the crustaceans is on your “favourite food” list come over to II Paradiso to sample Chef Ahmed`s Innovative Lobster creation. Select live lobsters and fish from the seafood market and our team of culinary experts will prepare it “just the way you like it”.

Reserve a table on our timber deck, experience our “Al Fresco” dining and watch the sea shimmering under the starlight! Alejandra is there to play you some of her wide repertoire on her harp. For reservations please call 020 697 0279.

Sheraton Bahrain Hotel A special ‘Sizzling Promotion’ at Soie, fine dining Chinese restaurant awaits guests throughout the month of January.

This promotion will have delicious preparations (sizzlers) cooked and presented on a hot plate.

Sizzling food is prepared fresh and has enhanced flavours and aroma of the sauces and spices in the dish accompanied by a ‘crackling sound’ on presentation.

Soie, serves authentic Chinese cuisine. A dramatic

silk canopy, dark wooden floors, Oriental ornaments, and lanterns give the restaurant a charming ambience. Soie’s vast menu offers mouthwatering delights from all over China including the mouthwatering lobster cooked in two flavorsome sauces.

An Nada, the cocktail lounge, is the perfect place to enjoy a drink in warm, comfortable ambience at the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel. With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the pool area, live entertainment every evening and choicest beverages, An Nada creates the right mood to connect and relax.

An Nada would be hosting ‘Taste of Italy’ promotion during January 2008. Relish ‘Crumbed lamb chops with Parmesan’, Marinated chicken wings with mozzarella choices, ‘Burchetta – sliced bread toasted with garlic, fresh basil, tomatoes and tossed with pepper’ and much more.

Foody’s, the fast food eatery located at City Garden Mall adjoining Sheraton Bahrain would have a special ‘Panini and Pizza’ Promotion during January 2008.

Enjoy delectable beef, turkey and seafood ‘Panini’ or Italian Sandwich at Foody’s during this promotion.

Mouth-watering Pizzas like Margarita, Giovani, Supreme and much more would be on the menu as well. For more information, please call Sheraton Bahrain Hotel on 973 17 533 533.

Sheraton Deira Hotel Feel the ‘Mediterranean’ while you enjoy the Friday Brunch at the Terrace restaurant at Sheraton Deira Hotel from 12 noon till 1600

hrs. The lavish Friday Brunch serving Mediterranean specialties offers an array of International hot and cold dishes, soups, veggies, salads, cold cuts, seafood, meats, rice, noodles, sweets, all for Dhs. 115 net per person. Also included within the price are House beverages - soft drinks, mineral water, red/ white house wines. Another option is to go for Dhs. 89 net, which accompanies soft beverages. For reservation or more information, please call 04-2078615.

Come and try the Oriental sandwiches for lunch in January at The Terrace restaurant as a detox after the festive eating from 12 noon till 3pm for Dhs. 35 net. Chef Robin has prepared some mouth-watering sandwiches in healthy pitta breads, roll, burger bun, and French loaf. For more information and reservation call on 04 606 8615.

The recently launched theme night ‘Indian Roti and Curry Night’, is available every Friday’s as of 7.30pm till 11pm for Dhs. 79 net per person. Your best bet to be on a Friday while you enjoy the sumptuous Indian culinary journey with either ‘Sweet lassi’ or Jeera Pani’ and wheel through the buffet arcade.

Call 04- 2688888 Ext. 8615 for more details.

The Fairmont Dubai Break the New Years resolutions and revel in the start of 2008 with the enhanced ‘Brunch in the City’ experience at the award winning Spectrum on One. Now in its fourth year, the culinary brigade at The Fairmont Dubai invites guests back to the bustling downtown brunch for a true epicurean adventure, highlighted by the addition of two dedicated gourmet

January I Travel Arabia I 61

Sheraton Deira delicatessen rooms, live cooking stations and an extensive range of international beverages and cocktails to complement the unlimited pourings of Möet & Chandon.

On Friday, January 11, 2008, Spectrum on One will welcome internationally renowned Chef Pascal Tinguad, for an exclusive one-brunch-only limited engagement. The culinary ambassador of the Möet & Chandon Champagne house and 3-star Michelin chef will provide Friday brunch enthusiasts with a rare glimpse into the exquisite world of food and Champagne pairings.

The enhanced ‘Brunch in the City’ is from available every Friday from 12 – 3pm, from 4 January 2008 and is priced at Dhs 450 per person. For reservations, please phone 04 311 8316.

Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai Home is where the heart is. Join resident Vietnamese Chef Phu as he embarks on a personal journey and rediscovery. Discover exciting flavours that awaken the senses as he whips up dishes reminiscent of home. Delight in time-honoured dishes that were passed on through

62 I Travel Arabia I January

generations, evocative of fragrant kitchens of his past.

Enjoy Spicy beef in light curry broth with lemongrass, Minced duck salad with onion and sweet basil, Crispy seafood in wonton served with sweet and sour sauce as well as Wok-fired medallions with asparagus and chilli bean sauce. For the whole month January, Hoi An is your home away from home.

Available for dinner.

When the world is your oyster – enjoy it in Shang Palace. Forget about oyster sauce. It’s honest to goodness oyster-lovers’ delight in the city’s premier Chinese restaurant with an array of traditional as well as popular oyster dishes prepared to impress. Using only the freshest oysters specially flown in, indulge in Baked oysters with XO sauce, Deepfried oysters with golden garlic and dried chilli, Baked oysters with red pepper sauce as well as Deep-fried oysters “Ji Li” style, among others. Whether to usher in a whole evening’s feasting or as accompaniment to an equally delicate wine, it’s yours for the picking. Available for lunch and dinner the whole month of January.

The ongoing Yum Cha promotion is a much anticipated weekly event.

Experience the splendour of

Shang Palace whilst enjoying the Yum Cha menu: a soup, an unlimited selection of Dim Sum, a delicious dessert and traditional Chinese tea.

Yum Cha is available on Fridays, Saturdays and Public Holidays from 13h00 at AED 98 per person. Early birds arriving and completing their Yum Cha experience before 12h30 pay just AED 78 per person. Prices are subject to 10% Municipality fees and 10% service charge.

The Mediterraneo high lunch transforms Level 2 of the hotel into a Mediterranean dream, combining Amwaj, our seafood restaurant and Marrakech, our Moroccan restaurant. Amwaj features a range of the freshest seafood prepared to your taste in true Mediterranean style with Marrakech providing authentic culinary delights from across the North African and East Mediterranean regions.

The all inclusive experience is priced at AED 295 per person. Mediterraneo Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai

now includes a variety of Mediterranean wines, as well as the usual array of beverages: free flowing Champagne, bloody Marys, mojitos and martinis.

Price is inclusive of 10% Municipality fees and 10% service charge.

The I Kandy Ultra Lounge at the poolside on level 4 continues this month. This super stylish outdoor lounge on the pool deck is set to become the coolest evening venue in town and a great place to watch the sun set over the Dubai skyline. The I Kandy Ultra Lounge is a combination of sounds and cocktails and shisha and offers everything you could want for a great night out. The Lounge will be open daily from 20h00 to 02h00. A tapas menu will be available along with top of the range beverages plus nightly performances from world class DJ’s. For further information and reservations, please call (04) 405 2703.

Our annual rates:

Within the UAE - AED200

Within the GCC - AED350

Yes, I would like to Subscribe to Travel Arabia (11 issues per year).

International AED500

Name: (Mr/Mrs/Ms) Nationality:

Date sent:

Address: Country: Tel.

Fax:

E-mail:

Please start my subscription from

(month)

Signed:

If you would like to subscribe to Travel Arabia just fill out this form - don’t forget to fill out your name and address and post a cheque or money order in favour of Kalimat Group International FZ-LLC to: Travel Arabia Subscriptions, P.O.Box 53777, Dubai Media City, Bldg 1, Phase 1, Office G4, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The

64 I Travel Arabia I January

The Nutcracker ballet has become a treasured holiday tradition for Dubai. The Nutcracker is larger than life, the ultimate fairyland of dance and beautiful music.

An early Christmas treat was welcomed by residents and visitors of Dubai with the staging of the famous ballet show, “The Nutcracker”, at the Dubai Madinat Theater from November 29th to December 3.

The Great Entertainment Company presented its Winter Ballet Season, with the performances of The Nutcracker Ballet by Ballet Russe, the classical ballet company of Wales.

Cathryn Gaspar, chief executive of The Great Entertainment Company said, “It wouldn’t be December without ballet. The Nutcracker has become a perennial and seasonal favourite in the UAE, so we decided to stage it again with Ballet Russe, the only Russian ballet company to be permanently based outside of Russia.”

“Ballet appeals to young and old of all nationalities and cultures. The Nutcracker demonstrates the intricacies of dance, the grace of movement and the most memorable music that reaches out to tell the story,” she added.

Tchaikovsky’s the Nutcracker is based on the story of The Nutcracker and the King of Mice by ETA Hoffman and revised by Alexandre Dumas.

The show is divided into two acts. The first act begins on Christmas Eve, in the home of the Stahlbaum’s house, a large and grand house with the most beautiful tree imaginable. The family is hosting their annual party. The children, Clara and Fritz dance and play and welcome guests.

As the party begins to get going, Clara and Fritz’s godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer arrives. He is a skilled clock and toymaker and he presents two life size dolls as well as gifts for the children, including a beautiful nutcracker for Clara.

Fritz being a bit jealous grabs the Nutcracker from Clara and promptly breaks it. Clara is heartbroken but Drosselmeyer manages to repair the Nutcracker. The party comes to an eng and the guests left the house. The family goes to bed

but Clara, worried about her beloved Nutcracker, sneaks back to check on him and strange things start to happen.

At the stroke of midnight, the toys come to life and the room fills with mice led by the fierce Mouse King who does battle with the Nutcracker and overpowers him. Clara charges the Mouse King and throwing her slipper at him, he falls to the floor unconscious.

The Nutcracker turns into a prince who takes Clara on a journey to the Land of Snow, where she is welcomed by dancing snowflakes and then on the Fairytale Kingdom where she meets many magical characters and receives a celebration of dance, including The Spanish Dance, the Arabian Dance, the Russian Dance, the Chinese Dance and the Waltz of Flowers. As a finale, the Nutcracker Prince and Clara dance the beautiful Pas de Deux.

The dream ends and Clara awakens under the Christmas tree with her beloved Nutcracker.

The performers, Ballet Russe, is a dynamic young ballet troupe made up of professional dancers most of whom trained in Russia at the Bolshoi and Kirov Academies.

In 1998 a group of dancers arrived in Britain seeking better opportunities than at home. The company began its life in Bristol under the leadership of Mikhail Vorona, a former lead dancer himself, but rapidly having to learn new skills as a company director.

In September 1999, thanks to the vision and generosity of the City & County of Swansea, the company took up residence in the magnificent Grand Theatre, Swansea.

Ballet Russe takes ballet to a broad cross-section of venues ranging from theatres and school halls to outdoor stages. They expertly adapt their dances to the space available, performing in places where an audience would not normally have the opportunity to see Classical Ballet of this calibre.

The company is playing a major role in the resurgence of interest in classical ballet throughout Britain and also in Europe where their tours have been enthusiastically appreciated.

January I Travel Arabia I 65

GREAT FLAVOURS

66 I Travel Arabia I January

Waves

romantic setting offers a perfect

Illuminated only by burning torches and candles, our table was set out beneath the stars with a mild breeze and the sound of the sea as our soundtrack. It beats any luxury restaurant.

There are few experiences that can rival a family get-together over a delicious meal beneath the stars with the sound of surf gently lapping on the beach behind you. Obviously it helps if the food and wine complement the atmosphere and at Waves restaurant down by the beach at the Fujairah Rotana Resort and Spa, that is just what you get.

For a family dining event the menu is diverse enough to satisfy all tastes, young and old. From the delicious and mildly salty squid ink bread rolls to awake the palate to the incredible and vast seafood platter of tender fresh mussels, smokey barbecued shrimps, Omani lobster, clams, crab and jumbo prawns served with a choice of complementary sauces. Other seafood dishes on the main course menu are fresh red snapper, hammour and seafood curry while meat dishes include roast beef tenderloin, grilled veal, roast lamb and grilled chicken. But it is the local catch that tastes so ‘melt-in-the-mouth’ delicious with a mildly spicy flavour and hints of cinnamon, especially when accompanied by a glass of Vidal Sauvignon Blanc.

For kids whose tastes might be less adventurous there is a selection of pastas and the kitchen even prepared spaghetti bolognese for one of our party even though it wasn’t on the menu. The chef might be pleased to know that it was voted the best ‘spag bol’ he had ever eaten.

If the main courses were not enough to satiate you, then there is the dessert menu as well. Nothing too ostentatious here but again with a choice to satisfy every taste. We went for a wide selection of mango trifle, warm chocolate cake, crème brulee, fresh fruit platter and the hazelnut, honey and chocolate semi freddo. None disappointed. The mango trifle is served with a tantalising mango jelly with fresh-made vanilla cream, while the warm chocolate cake, for example, was delightfully moist and light and served with a raspberry jus.

But what makes the experience all the more rewarding is what goes on around the food. And then there is the attentiveness and friendliness of the staff. To have this all topped off with fresh, authentic and delicious dishes makes for a delightful evening. I was concerned that my guests might not enjoy the outdoor experience (even though they are Scandinavian): as it turned out, they could not have been happier.

If you don’t live in Fujairah, then Waves restaurant is the perfect way to round off a weekend break on the east coast. Go before it gets too humid in the evenings: you can sit inside all year round, but half the fun is in the setting.

January I Travel Arabia I 67

The pride of

Cafe Chic

Two Star Michelin Chef Philippe Gauvreau returns to Dubai to introduce an exciting new menu this season to cater to the most discerning clientele of Café Chic, Le Meridien Dubai’s signature restaurant. Creating dishes and menus according to the

season are the specialty of Chef Philippe Gavreau, a two star Michelin chef, who comes to Dubai four times a year to introduce a new menu for Café Chic, the vibrant and sophisticated French restaurant at Le Meridien Dubai.

And this season is all about lobster, the crustacean of choice among restaurants and diners in Dubai and the region because of its delicate flavour and a wide range of possible cooking methods along with its flexibility to be served with grilled vegetables, potatoes or rice.

Gavreau’s creations are “authentic but with a modern twist” and because lobster is the food of the season, he created four recipes based on the different parts of the lobster - one recipe for the head, one for the left claw, one for the right claw and one recipe for the body of the lobster.

A consultant to Café Chic for six years now, most of the dishes served at the restaurant are created by Gavreau. When he visits Dubai, he will communicate and share his ideas with the hotel’s Executive Chef and together they will agree to change the menus based on the availability of the food produce and in keeping with the restaurant’s standards.

“I change the menu based on the season and availability of the product. In this market there are certain products that you cannot use because of the heat. For example, you can’t serve deer, because when you serve deer it needs to be very cold. And there are certain products that do not cater to this market so what I try to do is work on a similar ingredient that is available in the local market and use it in the recipe. This system has worked out really well,” he said.

Café Chic is Gavreau’s primary focus and his visits usually follow a schedule which entails the launch of the new menu, the training of the chefs about the new dishes and a time to reconnect with Café Chic’s loyal clientele who

68 I Travel Arabia I January

makes a special visit to see him and be the first to sample the new dishes. These loyal patrons also become Gavreau’s critics and will always give their constructive feedback.

Gavreau observed that diners here in Dubai are loyal patrons who keep returning to a restaurant because “they enjoy the experience, the quality of the food, the presentation of the product and its general appeal. Diners here are patrons who want to sample French food so if they hear it’s a French restaurant they will come and most of them are people who heard about it from a relative, a friend or a colleague. So it’s mostly a word of mouth.”

Of the new dishes that he created this season, Gavreau recommends La grosse morille “Jumbo” farcie de cuisses de grenouilles et queues d’ecrevisses, sauce moussseuse a l’huile de noisette et ail doux (Jumbo morel mushroom filled with frog legs and crayfish served with sweet garlic cream) for starters; Tajine de homard entier, cassolette de semoule et aubergines confites, jus de crustace aux epices Orientales (Tajine of lobster with aubergine, artichokes, cherry tomato filled with a “ragout Nicois”, pine seed and raisin semolina, shellfish and Oriental spices juice) for the main course; and Le soufflé du Café Chic caramel de sucre Muscovado et glace a la vanille (Café Chic chocolate soufflé served with pistachio Muscovado sugar caramel and vanilla cream) for dessert.

When not visiting Dubai, Gavreau works at La Rotonde, a restaurant in France. His culinary career was influenced by his Uncle Francis who owned a pastry shop. To earn his pocket money, he would work on weekends and it was here that he discovered his passion for cooking.

After completing a qualification at a catering college, Chef Philippe commenced training in ‘La Vieille Maison’ in Chartres, the ‘Bristol’ thereafter moving to ‘Grand Vefour’. He went on to work in many prestigious restaurants and then finally he started to work in ‘La Rotonde’ in Lyon, the heart of French cuisine. It was here that all of his hard work and dedication paid off when the hotel was awarded a two star Michelin rating.

Chef Pierrick Cizeron, Executive Chef at Le Meridien Dubai, works closely with Philippe Gauvreau, and together they promise a menu that will delight even the most discerning diner.

Diners at Café Chic can also indulge in an award-winning wine selection endorsed by Wine Spectator’s Award for Excellence. Jean-Daniel Angibaud, resident Chef-Sommelier, recommends the wines to complement gourmet cuisine.

For those who prefer a luxurious setting, Café Chic has the upper deck with its plush red furnishing or the cosy winter garden with a fireplace. Cigar lovers can spend time before or after their meals at the cigar bar that offers a selection of cigars along with brief explanation of each.

So you don’t need to travel to France to experience authentic French cuisine and atmosphere. Café Chic is the place to be!

Chocolate Soufflé Serves 10 Ingredients: Milk Corn Flour Chocolate (70% Cocoa) Eggs White Sugar

600gr 40gr 600gr White 160gr

Egg Yolks

6

Method: > Preheat the oven to 190deg celcius. > Coat the inside of a copper pot, with butter > Mix the milk and corn flour and allow to boil. > Place the chocolate in a glass bowl, and pour the milk mixture over the chocolate so that it melts. > Then add the 6 egg yolks. > Remove from direct heat. > Beat the egg whites together with the sugar until light and fluffy. Fold into the chocolate mixture with a metal spoon. > Pour the mixture into the greased copper pot, and place in the heated oven. > Bake the soufflé for 16 minutes. > The soufflé should rise, and have a light and airy consistency. > Serve immediately.

Serving Suggestion Dust with icing sugar, and serve with vanilla or caramel ice cream.

January I Travel Arabia I 69

LeSpa SPA REVIEW TRANQUIL MOMENTS

LeSpa

Bienvenue à LeSpa, where superluxe facilities meet a superior service for the first time in the Middle East at the new luxurious hotel – The Palace, The Old Town.

Bathed in beige and maroon tones, the print of the spa brand worldwide, LeSpa is located on two separate levels of the hotel to cater separately to male and female guests.

An oasis of calm, LeSpa houses treatment rooms with private changing areas, the massage under a Vichy shower, an oriental bath house complete with hammam slab, monsoon showers, steam rooms and a hydrobath with therapy jet, together with a consultation space, relaxation lounge and retail counter.

Dedicated to the question of relaxation and rejuvenation, LeSpa offers signature treatments that range from Soothing to Stimulating.

The Zen, a one-hour lower leg and foot massage practiced with a Thai wooden stick is inspired by a form of Thai reflexology. Ideally suited to the busy traveller, the treatment can also be exclusively carried out in the comfort of one’s guestroom or suite.

Flow is another relaxing one-hour massage that uses gentle rhythmic movements to encourage circulation of the lymph and water away from swollen body areas, thereby promoting the removal of waste and toxins.

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.

The Euphorising Massage is the only treatment of its kind in the Emirate; 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 goes a step further in indulgence by providing guests a tenminute foot bath ritual prior to any treatment, in the calm of the

January I Travel Arabia I 71

relaxation lounge. Once in the treatment room, clients can opt from a music menu that spans the Far East, Asia, South America and the Middle East, taking you right to the origin of the treatment itself.

Luxury beauty house, Carita and the aromaskincare specialist DĂŠclĂŠor complete the LeSpa experience with exquisite products that are applied during facial and body treatments, achieving results that range from purifying to soothing and restoring.

The personalised service at LeSpa is a result of the talented and dedicated spa therapists that were sourced from around the world and trained by the venerable Galya Ortega from France, who is renowned for her specialised treatment consult.

With tranquil views of the Burj Dubai Lake and the fragrance of sweet frangipani oils in the air, guests will indisputably leave LeSpa and The Palace feeling relaxed and replenished.

Other recreational facilities at the hotel include a fitness centre with personal trainer and outdoor swimming pool. A hairdressing salon and barber shop will open shortly.

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

72 I Travel Arabia I January

INDUSTRY NEWS

Aloha Abu Dhabi!

Aloha! Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.® (NYSE: HOT) and its much-anticipated new lifestyle brand aloftSM hotels announced plans for the first aloft hotel in the Middle East - aloft Abu Dhabi. aloft is partnering with Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company PJSC (ADNEC) to open the new-build hotel in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

Construction starts in 2008, and the hotel is expected to open in late 2009.

The 408-room hotel will be located within the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, a key part of the Capital Centre mixed-use development.

This micro-city consisting of premium office towers, luxury hotels and residences, restaurants, shopping and a marina is located just 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and 15 minutes from the Abu Dhabi International Airport. Anticipated to become the premier lifestyle and business hub of Abu Dhabi, Capital Centre is expected to dramatically change the skyline of Abu Dhabi with a total of 23 skyscrapers.

“Rich with tradition and alive with excitement, Abu Dhabi is a prime location for the first aloft hotel in the Middle East,” said Brian McGuinness,

74 I Travel Arabia I January

Vice President of aloft & element hotels worldwide. “We are thrilled to introduce a bold new destination sensation to one of the richest cities of the world, by providing a setting that celebrates style, culture and creativity.”

In addition to its loft-like guest rooms, aloft Abu Dhabi will also feature three food and beverage outlets and a gym. Located off Mussafah Road and Khaleej Al Arabi Street, the hotel is expected to benefit from direct access to the Exhibition Centre and the commercial components of Capital Centre.

“Capital Centre is one of the Middle East’s most significant developments and I am very pleased to welcome Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. to the project,” said Simon Horgan, Chief Executive Officer of ADNEC. “This entire master plan has been focused on creating the world’s leading exhibition and lifestyle destination, and the inclusion of this hip, new Starwood brand will help us achieve this vision.”

The first aloft hotels are targeted to open in 2008, with locations expected to be anytown/anywhere… For more information on aloft, please visit www. alofthotels.com.

Beach Rotana Hotel & Towers stands out at the Time Out Abu Dhabi Awards 2007

The Beach Rotana Hotel & Towers once again stands out at the Time Out Abu Dhabi Awards ceremony 2007.

Finz Restaurant is the winner of the “Best Seafood Restaurant” award; Rodeo Grill is the winner of the “Best Steakhouse Restaurant” award and Indigo is the winner of the “Best Indian Restaurant” award.

Furthermore and for the second year, the Grand Prix goes for Finz voted as the “Restaurant of the Year”.

Mr. Freddy Farid, Area Vice President, Emirate of Abu Dhabi /Al Ain and General Manager of the Beach Rotana Hotel & Towers expressed his gratitude saying: “We are very proud of this accomplishment, and merely thankful to the partners and friends who continue to believe in our values and distinguish our quality of service delivered. Our team member’s dedication and hard work made it occur and will certainly continue to endeavour excellence in the diverse gastronomic venues presented at the Hotel”.

“Our aim is to constantly impress our clients, leaving them no alternative but to visit their preferred place in the City,” he concluded.

Millennium expanding in Dubai A new era will begin in the first quarter of 2008 with the opening of the five-star Millennium Towers Hotel Dubai, the jewel of the crown of the company’s properties in the Middle East. It is another milestone for the Millennium & Copthorne Group emphasizing on the highest levels of hospitality standards, quality and service.

With its unique location on the dynamic Sheikh Zayed Road between Mall of the Emirates and Ibn Battuta shopping mall, adjacent to Dubai Media City, Emirates Golf Club and The Montgomerie, the hotel is the location for all your needs within reach.

General Manager, Frank Tideman, is proud to be part of the expanding portfolio of the Millennium brand in the Middle East with the addition of its “five-star jewel” known as the Millennium Towers Hotel Dubai.

The management contract has been signed between Ali Hamad Lakhraim, President of Millennium Hotels & Resorts Middle East and North Africa, and Riad T. Al Sadik, owner of the property, who is also Managing Partner of the Al Habtoor Engineering.

The 352 stylish rooms and suites reflect modern comfort and designs including LCD TV with satellite channels, DVD player, voicemail, wireless internet connection and interactive TV system and cater to all needs of short- and long-term business and leisure travellers. The ultimate luxury is mirrored in The Penthouse, the hotel’s presidential suite, containing four bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, study room, separate living and dining room, TV hall and pantry, butler service as well as innovative high tech equipment including touch screen telephone,

LCD TV and screen.

The conference centre on the 1st floor, consisting of one conference-, two meeting- and one boardroom, is fully equipped with innovative high tech, secretarial, catering and audio visual services. With its stunning views of the Arabian Gulf, the 280sqm ball room with 180sqm of pre-function space provides the ultimate location to impress your guests during private dinner parties or international meetings and conferences.

The hotel houses six exciting restaurant and lounge outlets varying from the Italian hot spot Dante, the authentic Asian restaurant & bar Toshi, the sparkling Champagne Crystal Bar, the dazzling All-DayDining Atrium and the tropical JUZZ bar.

Additional facilities include a business centre with comprehensive secretarial services, health and fitness centre, temperature controlled outdoor swimming pool, hair and beauty salon and the Jasmine Spa. To experience the new Millennium Towers Hotel 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.

January I Travel Arabia I 75

Modern Mexican Maya celebrates first successful year

Maya, the first five-star Mexican restaurant in the region, celebrates its first year anniversary last December.

Celebrity Chef Richard Sandoval was in Dubai to blow out

the candles and celebrate a successful year with an exclusive party on its stylish rooftop terrace bar.

Le Royal Méridien’s Maya restaurant

Diplomat Radisson SAS opens new wellness centre in Manama

76 I Travel Arabia I January

is set in the gardens at the five-star resort and features floor to ceiling glass windows overlooking the waters of the Gulf.

The walls are

adorned with Mexican art to complete the scene. Its most stunning feature is the rooftop bar which has quickly established itself as the place to experience the best sunset in Dubai.

This rooftop bar will be the setting

for the one year anniversary party. Its exclusive lounge setting is the perfect place to enjoy pre or post aperitifs, against the beautiful backdrop of the Gulf coastline. With an impressive array of signature cocktails, accompanied by live Mexican music from Latino Connection, as well as smooth grooves from resident DJ Cliff, what better way unwind and relax at the week end or after a hard day at work.

Commenting on the restaurant, Pam Wilby, general manager of Le Royal Méridien said: “A year ago we set out to challenge Dubai’s taste buds once again with a new concept in Mexican dining. With the help of Chef Sandoval’s innovating cuisine, we have succeeded in changing the way people think about Mexican food and Maya has been thriving ever since day one.”

Sandoval and his team specialise in authentic Mexican food and use a contemporary interpretation in the presentation and ingredients. The beverage selection also benefits from Mexican influences with a Maya twist.

Set along the landscaped beachfront at Le Royal Méridien, Maya was created as part of a now completed US$7 million development project at the property which is part of an ongoing programme to meet and exceed guest expectations.

The Diplomat Spa, owned by National Hotels Company, a public Bahraini shareholding company and managed by Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts, the first class brand of The Rezidor Hotel Group, has opened in Bahrain’s capital Manama.

The US $4.5 million wellness centre, is the largest in Manama.

The state-of-the-art spa adjacent to the existing 246-room and 121 suites five star The Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel & Residence includes two health clubs, a 280 metre lagoon pool, an exclusive ladies spa with 11 treatment rooms, a mixed spa with 6 treatment rooms, relaxation areas, two state of the art gymnasiums, sauna facilities, three outdoor and one indoor pool for ladies, massage beds, hydro baths,

steam and Swiss showers, large fitness centre offering aerobics classes as well as tennis and squash courts.

“The Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel, Residence & Spa will help raise the standards of the Kingdom’s wellness facilities as well as help enhance Bahrain as a destination for leisure and corporate travel,” said Rick Erdos, General Manager, The Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel, Residence & Spa. “The spa offers traditional treatments as well as contemporary therapies combining the best of eastern and western techniques.”

The spa has a Thai ambience, with a team of 20 therapists trained at Sivalai Spa in Thailand. Sivalai Spa operates the

Whatever you dream,

you will achieve at the Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi It is hard to mention Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi without an impressive sigh. A visit to Abu Dhabi is not complete without a venture into the Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi. It is much more than just a room, a restaurant, a health club, a conference room.

For various reasons and a blend so rare, it is difficult to say what is in Millennium Hotel that will chain impress you most, and it may well take only one trip to find out yourself. Whatever that may be, the Hotel is sure to ignite an eternal passion that will surge every time you hear its name.

Connecting the past to the present with Arabic hospitality, stitched altogether and you are sure to get the perfect harmony all under one roof.

“Each guest is important to us and we want his journey to be both special and memorable, so we have joined forces with imagination and reality to create inspiring, yet practical and diversified services that bring the guests’ life in perfect balance, says Moine Kandil, the General Manager of the Hotel.

The Millennium Hotel - with its comprehensive yet innovative approach - showers travelers with its lavish hospitality which is the code of the Hotel to meet all their core needs.

Thanks to regular and continuous training on operational procedures, our staff with their profound expertise, maintain the highest standards of day- to- day operations and are prepared to respond swiftly to any guest requirement and could even tailor their needs to suit their desires promising them a ‘Yes We Can” attitude.

“We are drawing up development plans for the Millennium Hotel activities to integrate and reach a level of excellence with an unwavering commitment to make a telling contribution to Abu Dhabi’s dynamic development which is becoming the most modern and cultural cosmopolitan city in time to come, and this is manifested and illustrated in almost every scheme we undertake,” elaborated Kandil.

Luxury and comfort are the dreams of everyone, and only those that visit the Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi are lucky enough to reach it. So be one of the first to experience it !

spa at the Royal Bangkok Sports club owned by the Crown Property Bureau of Thailand.

The Diplomat Spa provides yearly, half-yearly and quarterly memberships for the health club, with a one month trial membership for those who want to experience it before committing to a long-term association including corporate wellness programmes. A range of fitness classes are also available including Yoga, Pilates, meditation, Tai Chi, body pump, body balance, body combat and spinning.

Rezidor to open its first UAE luxury apartments Brussels-based The Rezidor Hotel Group will launch its first UAE luxury apartments in the first quarter of next year with the opening of Radisson SAS Residence, Dubai Marina. The new development will be in the heart of Dubai Marina, the world’s largest man-made marina.

Radisson SAS Residence, Dubai Marina, owned

by Kuwaiti real estate developer Abyaar, will have 152 luxury apartments including 22 studios and 131 one and two bedroom suites.

It’s also close to the emirate’s two main business hubs, Media City and Internet City.

“This residence will set a new regional living benchmark in terms of size and exclusivity and our strategy is to ensure all our new properties have very distinctive and individual identities,” said Jean-Marc Busato, Area Vice President, The Rezidor Hotel Group.

“The main feature of this residence is five-star service all year round.”

The 20 floor residence has been designed by award-winning architects KEO International, which is behind some of the region’s most prestigious hospitality and mixed-use developments including: The Pearl – Qatar, the US $2.5 billion island being reclaimed offshore Doha and Abu Dhabi’s seven-star Emirates Palace Hotel.

In addition, the interiors of the residence have been conceptualised by Milan’s Matteo Nunziati, who is behind some of the most luxurious hotels in Italy and Switzerland. “We are targeting business travellers as well as families looking to stay long-term who appreciate class and quality,” added Busato.

“The residence will offer a variety of services, including 24 hour reception and concierge, butler and valet service, daily apartment cleaning, 24-hours oncall maintenance, baby-sitting and round-the-clock security.” The luxury development will also have a host of leisure and security value-added facilities, including separate gymnasiums and swimming pools for men and women, children’s play area, free high-speed internet access, express laundry service upon request and secure underground parking.

January I Travel Arabia I 77

Taj Palace Hotel

celebrates the

National Day of UAE Taj Palace Hotel Dubai celebrated the country’s 36th National Day by offering a series of events organized exclusively for the occasion. The hotel was dressed in rope lights for the whole week.

Mr. Helmut Meckelburg, General Manager of Taj Palace Hotel, Dubai said, “UAE is an amazing country with interesting history and culture. It is a land of opportunity and we are extremely proud to be part of the phenomenal growth the country is experiencing. We would like to pay tribute to the country by showcasing its rich history and culture as part of our National Day celebration.”

UAE’s history was showcased in the

78 I Travel Arabia I January

lobby for the history enthusiast and especially for the guests to know more about this amazing part of the world.

For women the traditional henna lady was present to make sure that they get the henna designs. Authentic Arabic dates and sweets were available throughout the day in the hotel lobby. The hotel also showcased a six feet cake in the form of a falcon marking the National Day. The lobby was also decked up with traditional displays and the hotel ambiance was festooned with the Arabic music and hotel associates serving guests in conventional UAE attire.

Scandinavian Airlines first in Europe to commence transAtlantic green flights Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa wins Primo Award 2007 SAS Scandinavian Airlines has concluded Europe‘s first commercial trans-Atlantic green approach trial, which is designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. SK904, an Airbus A330, from New York‘s Newark airport landed at Stockholm Arlanda Airport, following a successful Continuous Descent Approach (CDA).

With this initiative, SAS is the first airline in Europe to materialize its commitment to the emissions and noise reduction program AIRE (Atlantic Interoperability Initiative to Reduce Emissions). AIRE is a joint initiative from the European Commission and the US Federal Aviation Administration. SAS is carrying out the CDA program with partners Stockholm-Arlanda airport, Airbus and the Swedish state-owned aviation service company LFV. SAS has already carried out over 2000 A-CDAs (Advanced Continuous Descent Approach) on flights in Sweden with a Boeing 737 and is the only commercial airline worldwide to have invested in the environmentally conscious program and tested it during a number of years.

A trans-Atlantic green approach with an Airbus A330 is estimated to save initially approximately 150 kilos of aircraft fuel and 470 kilos of carbon dioxide (CO2). „The approach carried out at Arlanda was in fact very easy for us

pilots. The engines were running at idle power from our cruise altitude, until the final stage of the approach. The aircraft‘s Flight Management System was automatically flying the whole approach routing and the passengers conceived the approach as nothing but smooth and quiet,“ said Sigmund Lockert, Airbus 340/330 Fleet Chief Pilot, Scandinavian Airlines, who was also First Officer on today‘s flight. „This is a big step for the aviation industry, and Scandinavian Airlines is proud to once again lead the way when it comes to environmental issues.

Next year we will continue with this type of demonstrations, as we are truly committed to support research in this area and make all SAS International flights as environmentally-friendly as possible in the future,“ says Lars Sandahl Sørensen, Chief Executive Officer, SAS International.

Scandinavian Airlines will continue to test green approaches on transAtlantic flights from Chicago and New York to Stockholm arriving on off-peak slots. At present, this means flights arriving from the US on weekends.

In a future optimized Air Traffic Management system, and assuming SAS International would conduct CDAs on all its approaches, an estimated 492 tons of fuel and 1,550 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) would be saved per year.

Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa has been chosen as one of the 100 best and most popular hotels of Neckermann Reisen Germany 2007, thanks to delivering an extraordinary holiday experience to their guests.

Mr. Jean-Francois Laurent, General Manager of Fujairah Rotana has received the award on Wednesday, 14th November at the Savoy Hotel in London.

“It is our first award but not the last one! We are committed to excellence and this award is encouraging all of us to achieve the highest level of services and to provide our guest with a unique experience and everlasting memories” Mr. Laurent said.

January I Travel Arabia I 79

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

80 I Travel Arabia I January

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

January I Travel Arabia I 81

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

82 I Travel Arabia I January

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

January I Travel Arabia I 83

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

84 I Travel Arabia I January

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

January I Travel Arabia I 85

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

86 I Travel Arabia I January

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

January I Travel Arabia I 87

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

88 I Travel Arabia I January

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 January I Travel Arabia I 89

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).

90 I Travel Arabia I January

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

January I Travel Arabia I 91

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

92 I Travel Arabia I January

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

January I Travel Arabia I 93

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

94 I Travel Arabia I January

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

January I Travel Arabia I 95

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

96 I Travel Arabia I January

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

May I Travel Arabia I 97