Travel Arabia Nov 07 by Kalimat Group International

Online Version: www.travel-arabia.com

November 2007, Volume 3, Issue 10

Bahrain

More than a shopperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paradise The Malls of the Emirates

Shop till you drop Persian Carpets A treasured heirloom

DISCOVER

GOA

The Land Of Sun, Sand & Sea

N CTIO es A R T AT lac la Pa rts e e L The Reso & s l e Hot

editor’s note

was invited to join a familiarization trip to India along with other members of the UAE media last September. It was my first assignment abroad since joining Travel Arabia and I would sum up the experience as interesting, amazing and enlightening. It was a trip sponsored by The Leela Group and Etihad Airways. We visited the four Leela properties in Mumbai, Goa, Bangalore and Kovalam Beach. All four properties have similar design, character and ambience but their location has different stories and history to tell.

match was between India and Australia. I didn’t understand the mechanics of the game but the mood of the crowd every time the Indian players scored a point will surely get your attention.

While in Goa, I managed to walk around the beach. It was the monsoon season so the Colva Beach was empty except for a handful of tourists loading a van for a rented trip and local women selling saris and offering henna. On the other hand, the mood in Kovalam was the opposite. A walk down a steep cemented road from the hotel took me to Eve’s Beach where large group of people congregate for what seemed a social event.

Speaking of India, November is another merrymaking month for the Indian nationals residing in the UAE, who will be celebrating the Diwali or the Festival of Light (page 48). History said that the festival is being held annually to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. Diwali is one of the most popular and eagerly awaited festivals of India. Most of the Indian homes will be decorated with lights; others will be adorned with marigold and most of the Indian population will shop for new clothes, jewelry and a lot of gift-giving.

It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon and the sea was packed with swimmers who are unmindful of the gigantic waves. The sound of the waves pounding the shore filled the air coupled with whistles from policemen signaling the swimmers to head back to shore. The mood was lively and the people were very friendly. There were parents walking with their children, a couple sharing a meal, friends who are chasing each other, locals posing for a picture with a tourist and vendors selling peanut, tea, souvenirs and handicrafts. Two of the vendors obliged for a picture and looked so proud. The mood during the evening was another revelation. The open bars and cafes along the beach were filled with tourists and locals who were there to watch the cricket game. The power went off for a short time but the visitors did not mind the darkness because the lighted candles plus the light coming from the light house added to the romantic ambience of the place. No wonder the area is fully booked during the season as one of the owners claimed. The night we were in Kovalam, the cricket

Of all the four states that I have visited, I decided to write about Goa because this is where I enjoyed the weather most and had the time to explore the sites. From a tourist perspective, Goa is a place to visit if you are into sand, sea and sun, not to mention nature and privacy. Read about the experience on page 42.

If you are reading this issue, I hope you are out in a café or sitting at your porch sipping your coffee or your tea while enjoying the cool breeze of winter. Winter is here and the mood in the Emirates will definitely change. Dining places will start offering outside seating for its guests, parks will provide more entertainment for its patrons, stage performance will be plenty and the shopping malls will get even livelier for its shoppers. The November issue is full of interesting topics. Drop us a line on what you enjoy most about the issue and what else you want us to feature. I would love to hear from you. Ciao!

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 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

your letters

Reader’s view of Travel Arabia.

Happy Thanksgiving!

While the Muslim population celebrated Ramadan and Eid and the Indian residents are celebrating Diwali or the Festival of Lights this month, I would like to take this opportunity to say “Happy Thanksgiving” to all the Americans in the Gulf. Thanksgiving is an annual celebration to commemorate periods of good and poor fortune. Thanksgiving is considered a big day for the Westerners and most families get together on this day. They prepare food, eat together at dinner time and utter a prayer for all the blessings that they have received. Turkey is always a part of the Thanksgiving meal together with the yummy Pumpkin Pie and Cranberry Sauce. Thanksgiving Day falls on November 22 this year. Happy Thanksgiving (Turkey) to all. Charles Douglas, Dubai

Out in the Park It’s nice to see families and friends come together during the Eid celebration. It was a long holiday and I spent the whole day with my family at Za’abeel Park. The atmosphere was festive. There were people of different nationalities enjoying the day. This is the first time I’ve seen Za’abeel Park so crowded. The children were very happy playing and running around while the parents were busy barbecuing, preparing snacks and resting. Long holidays don’t come often in Dubai and I’m glad there are parks to go especially for families or people who can’t afford to leave the city or relax in some luxurious hotels. The weather was cooperating too. It was breezy so I know a lot of us who were at the park enjoyed it. I’m sure the beaches and the parks in Dubai and the whole of UAE are packed with visitors. Ramesh N., Karama

Erratum

The Photos in the dining promotions on page 61 and page 63 of October Issue 07 are mistakenly identified. Credits should go to Habtoor Grand Resort and Spa instead of Courtyard and Metropolitan Palace instead of Sheraton Dubai Creek. Our apologies. Editor, Travel Arabia

Kicking Butts

I would like to applaud several malls in Dubai that are now enforcing the smoke-free policy on their premises in support of the Dubai Government’s initiative of a UAE-wide smoke free environment. The initiative which started on September 15, 2007 is a positive action. Burjuman Centre and Dubai Festival City are two of the malls that I have so far visited carrying no-smoking signs in prominent areas on the premises. It is a relief to learn that shoppers can now enjoy clear air while shopping at the same time. We all need a clean environment especially with all the global warming issues. I hope most of the establishments in the UAE follow the same step and enforce a non-smoking policy. Let’s do it for the generations to come. Thomas Joseph, Dubai

Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa Thank you for featuring Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa in your October issue. I have stayed in the resort and completely agree with you that this is an ideal retreat from the city. It is not far from Dubai and once you get there, the warm and friendly atmosphere plus the view of the sea from the lobby will make you forget the city. The spacious gardens, the mountains and the cosy rooms will invite you to stay longer. Louise T., Dubai

Travel Arabia would like to receive your comments and suggestions. Write to editor@travel-arabia.com

The malls of the Emirates

The Carpets of Persia

Bahrain: More than a shopper’s paradise

Goa – the Land of Sun, Sand and Sea

In the Emirates, shopping malls are sprouting like mushrooms. And with plenty of places to shop, hardly anyone goes home emptyhanded. Most of the time, the stores will tempt you to max your credit card so definitely, window shopping is a “no-no”. Here’s a quick look at some of the major malls in the Emirates.

I was awakened by the chirping of the birds and the raucous cry of the crow. The rain had finally stopped and I can feel the warm rays of the sun seeping through the wooden blinds. As I looked out I see the beautiful lagoon inviting me to come out and smell the fresh scent of the morning breeze. It was a lovely day to start my tour of Goa, a land blessed with lush green fields, warm hospitality, white sandy beaches and rich heritage.

About the Cover: There is India many haven’t seen. The beaches, the river, the people, all in its authenticity. Shades of lush green greets you as nature plays perfect host.

Celebrate Diwali – the Festival of Lights

The Leela Palaces & Resorts – The Essence of India

Best of International Dining at Choices Restaurant

Diwali is a major Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Indian Buddhists festival. Known as “Festival of Lights”, it symbolizes the victory of good over evil and lamps lit are a sign of celebration and hope for mankind. Diwali this year falls on November 9.

The Leela epitomizes the most premium and luxurious stays in India – be it for the business traveller or holiday maker. Guests are the priority of The Leela Palaces & Resorts. “Atithi Devo Bhava”, a Sanskit word which means “A Guest is the Incarnation of God”, is the principle behind everything The Leela offers.

Choices restaurant at the Al Bustan Rotana Hotel is the newest and perfect choice for international dining in Dubai! The suitably named restaurant is an artistically designed venue featuring contemporary settings and sophisticated ambience.

GALLERY SCAN VALENCIA-MODERN ART MUSEUM MARRAKESH

80 Personal Grooming With A Difference Retreat Health and Spa at Grosvenor House in Dubai offers top-to-toe treatments and a holistic approach to health and beauty

Events NOVEMBER Dubai Motor Show

Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre November 14 – 18, 2007 The two year wait is over and across the Gulf motor enthusiasts have booked their flights to Dubai for the biennial Middle East International Motor Show, popularly known as the Dubai Motor Show. The 9th edition of the region’s largest and most prestigious motor show will display an incredible selection of the latest models from all around the world. The show takes place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 14-18 November 2007, where it will occupy over 50,000sqm with manufacturers, tuners and designers. The event is expected to attract approximately 100,000 motor enthusiasts, including famous personalities and celebrities from across the region. Apart from the regional motoring enthusiasts the show has a reputation of attracting royalty, VIPs, top government officials and international celebrities. The event will showcase a dazzling array of passenger cars, off-road vehicles, concept cars, high-performance sports cars, luxury vehicles, custom-built vehicles, commercial vehicles and motorcycles. Over one hundred manufacturers, tuners and modifiers will display the industry’s latest technology and designs. The fast-growing motorsports industry in the region attracts car imports of more than $ 2 billion, as well as billions of dollars of spare parts. The auto parts and accessories sector is amongst Dubai’s top ten re-exports, and continues to grow at a rapid pace. As in the past, the Dubai Motor Show will incorporate two other exciting events - ‘MotorPlus’ and ‘Motor Parts & Accessories’. These areas will cover the aftermarket which are extremely important and fast growing sectors in the region MotorPlus will feature a host of automotive-related products and services including racing gear, kit cars, car entertainment, official merchandise, memorabilia and high end car finish products. Motor Parts & Accessories is dedicated essentially motor parts, components, accessories and forecourt equipment. Both shows will run in conjunction with the Dubai Motor Show.

Carmen

I Travel Arabia I November

Kids Party

Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi November 16, 2007 Remember this date .....and tell all your friends about it... Friday 16th of November 2007 at the Grand Ballroom of the Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi, from 6pm till 10 pm, the most exciting kid’s party will take place in town. In cooperation with Fun World, the party will include magic show, clown show, raffles, bouncy castle, dooby appearance, face painting, gifts etc. All this is for only 65 dhs per person (whether adult or child). Topped by a huge tentalizing buffet specially selected by the most famous chefs in the region. Hurry and buy your ticket now....Places limited. For further information please call 026146006 or 02-6146012.

Emirates Palace November 8 – 11, 2007 An all-new cultural extravaganza is set to unfold at Emirates Palace with the staging of Georges Bizet’s world renowned opera, Carmen, from November 8-11, 2007. Featuring the International European Touring Cast, the opera brings together prestigious orchestra, choir and ballet companies from around the world, as well as well-known soloists such as Russian mezzosoprano Galia Ibragimova as Carmen, baritone Niko Isakov and Austrian tenor Emil Ivanov. Carmen speaks of the tragic love story of Carmen, Don Jose and Escamillo, and how a beautiful woman is adored and scorned by the men she loves. It first premiered at the Opera Comique in Paris in March 1875, and has since been staged in various theatre productions all over the world, enthralling millions of audiences with its passionate arias and dances. Under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the forthcoming staging of Carmen follows a string of successful cultural and entertainment programs hosted by Emirates Palace, including Aida Monumental Opera on Fire; and the Broadway hit musical, Chicago. Tickets for Carmen range in price from AED 350 to AED 750.

‘Harvesting the Ocean’ by Subodh Kerkar The Jam Jar, Al Quoz November 14 – January 5 As Dubai opens its eyes to new genres of art from around the world, it will soon witness a whole new perception with renowned artist, Subodh Kerkar. A passion for art and an avid fan of the ocean, Kerkar will hit the shores of Dubai from November 14 to January 5 with his

show ‘Harvesting the Ocean’ at the art lovers hub in Al Quoz – The Jam Jar. The visual arts show, which will see a personal appearance by Kerkar himself, is set to spur innuendoes in the minds of art lovers with its archaic treatments of old fishing boats, perfectly merged with glass creations. Kerkar adds extravagance to the boats with copper and

iron mesh, giving it a contemporary quality. A contrast to reality but a tribute to originality, this show evokes memories of the sea, boats and sand. And goes further to take the onlooker on a journey – from the carpenters’ hands that built the boat to the impressions of fishermen’s bodies on the boat’s surface. On the other hand, the show could also be viewed as Kerkar’s effort to salvage an age old heritage of using fishing boats, which have been replaced with fiberglass boats in modern times. By mixing archaeology with cultural interpretation in the context of contemporary art, Kerkar proves that reality indeed has a place in the world of art. Kerkar conceptualized and completed the installations for ‘Harvesting the Ocean’ on a quick journey between Siolim, Goa and his studio. By the time he reached his studio, the only thing left was the physical act of production. This accounts for the pace at which Subodh works – finalizing his work in his mind way before they are immortalized on a canvas, or in this case – glass and wood. The ‘Harvesting the Ocean’ show will be open to all art lovers who will be welcomed to The Jam Jar by the artist on 14th of November.

Recollection:

Works by Monir Farmanfarmaian 27 October – 15 November 2007 The Third Line is proud to present Recollection: Works by Monir Farmanfarmaian. This exhibition highlights the journey of Monir, whose work synthesizes the intricate ornamentation of Iranian architecture and the paired down aesthetic of modern abstract expressionism and minimalism. Throughout her long career, Monir’s work exhibits a strong connection to the history of Iranian reverse glass and mirror mosaics, a skill traditionally passed on from father to son. This cross section of work demonstrates Monir’s commitment to this traditional craft with the addition of a fine art element. Her work brings together the tradition and the avant-garde to form colourful and geometric motifs: circles, rectangles, squares and polygons are skilfully cast within the rigorous mould of classical Islamic geometrical design, referencing an immaterial world. Born in 1924 in Qazvin, Iran, Monir attended the Fine Arts College of Tehran. In 1945 she travelled to New York to finish her studies where she was engulfed in the epicentre of the modern art world. To this day, Monir remains the only artist who has explored the potential of mirror and glass in this way. Her work shows the journey of a person exploring the geometry, craftsmanship and aesthetics of her country, coercing her audience to observe an old beauty with an avant-garde appreciation. Her work has created a voice that at once and with equal relevance, engages in a dialogue around traditional Iranian crafts, as well as in international contemporary art. Monir is now in her early eighties and lives and works in both New York and Tehran.

10 I Travel Arabia I November

SPECIAL FEATURE

The

malls of the Emirates

12 I Travel Arabia I November

November I Travel Arabia I 13

Mall of the Emirates Mall of the Emirates Mall of the Emirates, the world’s first entertainment and shopping resort, opened in September 28, 2005, and is the largest shopping centre outside of North America. Strategically located in the heart of what is now deemed ‘new’ Dubai, this centre of over 603,000 square metres offers a diverse and integrated range of shopping, leisure, and entertainment. Mall of the Emirates is home to over 450 international retailers including popular names and exclusive fashion boutiques. It also has an impressive array of department stores. Harvey Nichols and Debenhams open their largest stores in the region at Mall of the Emirates, while 66 outlets including Aizone, Bois & Chiffon, Reiss, M Missoni and Marc Jacobs make their Middle East debut with MoE. With stores grouped in themed precincts and the two levels of the mall interconnected by a network of escalators and travelators, shopping is always a pleasure. The impressive depth and breadth of retail offer is complemented by a compelling range of family entertainment including a two level Magic Planet, family entertainment centre, a 14-screen CineStar Cinema

14 I Travel Arabia I November

complex and of course, Ski Dubai - a 400m ski slope and snow park. The mall also offers over 70 restaurants and coffee shops with everything from fast food to themed restaurants and exclusive dining alternatives. Mid 2006 a 5-star Kempinski hotel has opened with 394 rooms including some exclusive chalet suites with views over the ski hill, business facilities, a host of licensed restaurants, tennis courts, swimming pools and spas. The Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Center has a 500-seat theatre and art gallery. Ibn Battuta Mall Ibn Battuta Mall is one of Dubai’s most visited sites due to its selection of retail outlets, offering the best in quality and excellence. The entertainment options offered at the mall range from a fully themed children’s area called Kidzone, to a themed Chinese garden and a uniquely designed food court, all of which promise to offer experiences that are both enjoyable and exciting. Ibn Battuta Mall is home to a 21 screen cinema Megaplex, including the UAE’s first IMAX cinema. The Mall has attempted to create an environment that is appealing to all who visit, offering the community a ‘home away

from home.’ The architectural inspiration behind the distinctive design of the shopping mall is based around the travels of renowned 14th century explorer, Ibn Battuta, a man who travelled over 75,000 miles during his lifetime. The mall is grouped into six distinct architectural zones, representing key destinations visited by Ibn Battuta. The six courts are comprised of the Andalusian Court, the North African Court, the Egyptian Court, the Persian Court, the Indian Court and the Chinese Court. The architecture within the Mall’s six main courts is a reflection of the most influential places Ibn Battuta travelled during his time, allowing visitors an invaluable glimpse into the past. Located adjacent to Sheikh Zayed Road between interchanges 5 and 6,

Ibn Battuta Mall

Shopping is an integral part of every travel. Nowadays, investors are funding projects to build gigantic and luxurious malls to attract all kinds of shoppers. You can find everything under one roof at today’s malls. From the chic designer brands to teen fashion, the latest electronics gadgets and furniture, jewellery, shoes, bags, toys, books…anything you could possibly wish for!

the Mall combine retail, entertainment, restaurants and family activities all within a uniquely themed environment that is designed to reflect the unique combination of the various heritages and cosmopolitan lifestyle that is the very essence of Dubai.

Wafi

BurJuman Centre Burjuman Centre is considered the most luxurious shopping destination in Dubai. Here is where the world’s leading brands mingle comfortably with one another like Louis Vuitton, Dior, Hermes, Valentino, Emanel Ungaro, Loewe, Etro, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Christian Lacroix, Salvatore Ferragamo, Just Cavalli, and many more. Temptations abound, but the feeling of getting the finest in an ambience of absolute comfort and luxury is wonderful. BurJuman has more than 300 prestigious stores including Saks 5th Avenue occupying several floors of the Centre. You can also choose from a wide selection of restaurants, a food court and cafes. Located in the heart of Dubai, the BurJuman Centre is a distinctive landmark which comprises of 800,000 square feet of retail space. The centre’s atrium courtyards flooded with sunlight, comfortable seating and abundant foliage creates a relaxed yet vibrant shopping environment. Wafi Wafi is synonymous with style and class and is the home of exclusive and luxurious retail. Currently offering more than 1000 leading brand names with over 200stores catering to the most discerning consumers who are seeking unique retail choices. Located just south of Dubai Creek, Wafi enjoys an excellent position and is an award-winning lifestyle destination for both residents and visitors. The major expansion has been completed and has added an extra 250,000sq ft of retail space offering an additional 100stores, plus a 100,000sq ft department store from Salam, which will include many new exclusive brands to Wafi and Dubai. The two floors of retail boasts a list of new occupants that reads like the who’s who of leading fashion

brands, Roccobarocco, Gerard Darel, Von Dutch, Philipp Plein, Roberto Cavalli, Ginger & Lace plus new arrivals from the world of perfumery with Caron, Penhaligon’s and L’Artisan and premium makeup from FACE Stockholm, not forgetting accessories from Bric’s and Lancel, to mention a few, and also renowned jewellery brands such as Roberto Coin, David Morris and Pasquale Bruni. To cater for the additional shoppers at the new extension an underground car park with 1,200 spaces has been created and is easy accessible from the Planet Hollywood or existing entrance to the site and valet parking is still available. Exceeding the expectations and demands of its customers is the driving force behind Wafi’s evolution since it first opened in 1991.Wafi is part of the

November I Travel Arabia I 15

Festival City like Marks & Spencer and Toys ‘R Us. The first retail district at Dubai Festival City, Festival Power Centre, introduced the ‘big box’ retail concept to the Middle East. Covering 650,000 sq. ft. it launched in November 2005 with the largest IKEA store in the UAE. Festival Power Centre was completed in May 2006 with the opening of Hyperpanda Hypermarket, Plug-ins ElectroniX and Ace Hardware.

charming atmosphere that is unique in the Middle East. Designed in a Venetian theme, it blends Italian, French and Spanish designs to recreate an authentic European marketplace. Located along Jumeirah Road, the mall provides more than just world-famous brands, it offers an unforgettable shopping and entertainment experience, right down to the cobblestone bridges and stone archways.

Souk Al Bahar Wafi Group, owned and operated by MKM LLC. Wafi offers world class shopping, as it accommodates over 300 shops and is a leading venue for international brands with many exclusive labels. Wafi is a premier destination that includes world class restaurants, cafés, an extensive health and leisure complex with the stunning Cleopatra’s Spa and Raffles Dubai. Dubai Festival City The landmark 2.8 million square foot urban retail resort combining Festival Waterfront Centre and Festival Power Centre forms the epicentre of Dubai Festival City and is one of the

Mercato Centre Appealing to the population of Dubai as well as regional and international tourists, this vibrant destination offers a complete experience second to none.

Dubai Festival City UAE’s most exciting retail, dining and leisure destinations. When completed, the retail resort will have 550 shops, including 25 flagship and anchor shops as well as many new-to-market specialty boutiques and international brands. There will be over 90 international restaurants, bistros and cafés including 40 al fresco dining venues along the water. Additionally, a Skywalk Entertainment level will be home to a 12-screen Grand Cinema Complex, Electronics Collection, Bowling City, a Skywalk food court, Fitness First and Magrudy’s. Some of the biggest stores outside of the UK are located in Dubai

16 I Travel Arabia I November

Deira City Centre Deira City Centre is one of the busiest shopping malls in the Middle East and provides the ultimate shopping experience. It houses the Carrefour and more than 300 outlets spread over three storeys including restaurants, fast food outlets, children’s entertainment centre and a Cineplex. The mall has a designated Textile Court for some stunning fabrics and the Jewellery Court for the most exquisite and charming gems. Don’t forget to stop by the Arabian Treasures section where you can shop for oriental souvenirs, rugs, carpets and antique furniture. Mercato Centre Mercato (Italian for market) offers a

The Abu Dhabi Mall The Abu Dhabi Mall opened to public on 15th April 2001, and spans a total built-up area of over 220,000 sq meters. It offers over 220 outlets, comprising children’s wear, women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, make-up and perfumes, music, books and stationery, soft furnishings, household furniture, electrical goods, gifts, health-food, pharmacies, dates and confectionary, sportswear and shoes. The Abu Dhabi Mall Shopping Centre is located in the heart of Abu Dhabi in the Tourist Club Area, in the Abu Dhabi Trade Centre, between the Beach Rotana Hotel and the Marina. Some of the leading stores are, Paris Gallery, Salam Store, Jashanmal, Grand Cinema, Pan Emirates Abu Dhabi Cooop Hypermarket. The Mall also boasts the very best in dining with 40 international food outlets and restaurants plus an extensive food court. A family entertainment area, cineplex, kids’ edutainment centers

November I Travel Arabia I 17

Marina Mall

18 I Travel Arabia I November

and a bowling center are located on the 3rd floor. The visiting artists who regularly entertain the crowds and, above all, the extensive underground parking facilities make Abu Dhabi Mall the perfect shopping destination. Marina Mall Marina Mall is a one-stop leisure and shopping and destination offering a wealthy of stores from fashion, jewellery, footwear, electronics, sports good, household and cosmetic items. It is currently the second largest mall in the Abu Dhabi Emirate and the fifth largest in the United Arab Emirates. There are 345 shops with four supermarkets and two hypermarkets. Some popular stores in Marina Mall are Versace, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Woolworths, Carrefour and IKEA. Situated on Abu Dhabi’s Breakwater, the mall’s main attraction lies in the center of the mall with its dancing fountain. It has a leisurely shopping atmosphere, a multi-screen cinema for your total entertainment and choices of restaurants to satisfy your appetite. A new expansion to Marina Mall will include Snoworld, a snow-skiing facility with a 110-metre high viewing tower. Al Ain Mall Located in the eastern region, the lush city of Al Ain boasts the impressive Al Ain Mall, located in Al Ain City at the heart of the Al Kuwaitat district, an international standard, family oriented retail and leisure facility established in 2001. The mall is one of the most prestigious in the country, covering an area of 108,000 sq. m. featuring two levels of retail, dining, entertainment outlets and more than 1000 covered car park areas. And for the first time in UAE, Al Ain Mall encloses five entertainment facilities under one roof, including an Ice Rink, a Bowling centre, 4 Cinemas, Kids play Area (Action Zone) and a spacious Food Court. The Mall’s unique combination of shops and family attractions draws visitors from far and wide. On an annual basis, the mall attracts more than 5 million visitors, of which 50%

Abu Dhabi Mall are UAE Nationals. Once inside the Mall’s cool and spacious surroundings, visitors discover a whole new world – a world that offers them access to more choices, more freedom and more fun than they ever imagined. Skylights above the central atrium cast dramatic shadows across the massive dorned ceiling, infusing the walkways with natural light and illuminating the stylish décor and gleaming floors. Sahara Center Sahara Centre opened in February 2002, becoming Sharjah’s leading mall. Sahara center, offering a unique blend

of shopping and entertainment, is located on the Dubai - Sharjah highway, just off the Al Nahda Interchange and directly on the Dubai - Sharjah border. Sahara center offers over 125 popular brand name stores and services. In addition to its wealth of first-class Sahara Centre retail outlets, Sahara features the 70,000 square foot Adventureland, a dynamic children’s play zone housing 20 thrilling rides, including the UAE’s first indoor roller coaster, a multi-level train and water flume ride; Grand Sahara Cinemas, equipped with state-of-the-art screens for the latest movies in town and a multicultural food court featuring Dubai Mall 42 outlets and an intriguing array of

November I Travel Arabia I 19

Kempinski Hotel Mall of Emirates

international cuisines. Spectacular architecture, bright open spaces, comfort seating throughout and full service Customer Service are just some the extra features you will find at the center. Sahara center not only provides the shopper with a host of great brands and exciting entertainment, but also allows for plenty of relaxation spots in between shopping and playing. The Sahara Centre is open from 10 am to 10 pm on weekdays and from 10 am until 11 pm on weekends. Sharjah City Centre When it comes to shopping, you’ll be over the moon with the stunning choice and variety that Sharjah City Centre has to offer. With so many big brands and numerous names under the one roof, Sharjah City Centre is the undeniable star of the show. With over 110 international and local retail shops to satisfy your retail needs, you will find exactly what you’re looking for at Sharjah City Centre. From designer labels to modern fashion attire, from exquisite perfumes and gold jewellery to electrical appliances and computers, this City has so much to offer. Sharjah City Center, which opened in September 2001, is conceived to be the dominant retail center in Sharjah offering one-stop convenience and comparison shopping plus essential day-to-day services. The Center is located in Sharjah’s premier retail area, Al Wahda Street and is well placed to serve the most densely populated districts of Sharjah and the neighboring districts of Dubai. Sharjah City Center has been specifically designed to meet both the traditional and local needs of Sharjah residents whilst satisfying demand for branded goods. It is a true community center for Sharjah residents offering a complete range of value-formoney shopping choices. Along with retailers as Sun & Sand, Areej, Landmark, Woolworths and Carrefour Hypermarket, Sharjah City Center also has a children’s entertainment center called Magic Planet Kids, a wide choice of local and international food outlets and a parking area for 1500 vehicles.

20 I Travel Arabia I November

Safeer Mall Encompassing a whopping 1.2 million sq. ft. of space, housing 140 specialty stores in all of 500,000 sq. ft. of retail space, Safeer Mall has separate zones designated for electronics and mobiles, jewelry and watches, fashion and lifestyles, and home furnishings and gift ideas. The penthouse floors house the Space city, the largest indoor family amusement facility in UAE. Spread over 100,000 sq. ft., Space City reflects a futuristic theme complete with asteroids, meteors, space ships, Galactica Soldiers, the devilish space creatures, and the friendly alien,

2000 vehicles makes Safeer Mall the most convenient shopping and entertainment destination. Sharjah Mega Mall Mega Mall owned by Citadel Properties is conveniently located in the heart of Sharjah at Abu Shagara. Mega Mall encompasses the most popular international, regional, and local brands primarily targeting the middle and upper income groups and family shoppers. The mall boosts a wide diversity of outlets with over 143 retail shops; 5 anchor stores such as Zara, Mango, Paris Gallery, Bhs and Mega Mart Supermarket; 7

Dubai Festival City

C2. It features more than 10 mind boggling rides – Satellite Coaster, Lunar Express, Orbiter, Space Wheel, Space Flight, Space Train, Swing Ride, Bumper Boat, Bumper Car, and Jumping Star, some of which are regarded as one-of-its-kind and 100 plus thrilling electronic games, all imported from Italy, USA and Japan. Savour the best in world cuisine from the food court with 28 food and beverage outlets. Mouth-watering preparations ranging from pizzas to kebabs, fried chicken to french-fries, biryani to burgers, fruit drinks to cappuccino, shawarma to dosas. Prepared fresh and served hygienically with efficient customer service as the garnish. The Food Court adjoining Space City accommodates 350 pax comfortably. A parking facility for

Grand Cinemas screens; Antic’s Land family entertainment centre and food court with over 15 outlets spread across four floors. Other major stores include Damas, Nine West, La Senza, Aldo, Rivoli, Promod and more. The Sharjah Mega Mall opened in December 2001. The mall has achieved and maintained astonishing levels of visitors with over 18,000 visitors per day during the weekdays and increasing to over 23,000 visitors during the weekends. Conceived as a world-class destination, Mega Mall has included Sharjah into the international arena and continues to dominate in the retail and leisure sector, making it one of the pleasurable, shopping, dining, leisure and entertainment destinations in the UAE.

October I Travel Arabia I 21

Souk Madinat Jumeirah

The

Carpets 22 I Travel Arabia I November

of Persia

The finest carpets, as we all know, come from Iran (Persia). Called the Persian carpets, the carpets are handmade from silk and often bear the signature of its creator with the designs specific to a particular family or tribe. The Persian carpets have become treasured heirlooms passed on from one generation to the next. During the Safavid Dynasty (15021736), Iran attained its artistic height. Court weaving, together with the arts of calligraphy, miniature painting, and tile work, flourished to exceptional heights. This brilliant era witnessed the development of highly qualified carpet factories in the cities of Kerman, Isfahan, Kashan, Tabriz, and Herat. Persian carpet exports began in the 16th century. Starting in the 1850s, American, English and German firms established new factories in Mashed, Tabriz, Kerman, and Sultanabad (now Arak), thereby ensuring the art formâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s continued development. Under Reza Shah Pahlavi, royal factories were established to utilize the finest materials and methods of manufacture. Persian carpets and rugs have always been and still are an intrinsic part of Iranian culture and its peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daily lives. Indeed, carpets and rugs are in many cases the most valued possessions, and they are an integral part of an Iranian home. Persian carpets are traditionally known for their tremendous variety in design, color, size, and weave. Moreover, they are known for the uniqueness of each and every rug produced. Carpets are generally named after the village, town or district where they are woven or collected, or by the weaving tribe in the case of nomadic pieces. Each carpetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s particular pattern, palette, and weave are uniquely linked with the indigenous culture, and weaving techniques are specific to an identifiable geographic area or nomadic tribe. Categories of Carpets Persian and Oriental carpets and rugs can be categorized into two sections, which correspond to the method in which they are made. The first is known as piled, while the second is called non-piled. Piled carpets (also known as hand knotted carpets) are created by tying

One of the best places to buy Persian carpets outside of Iran is the United Arab Emirates. Carpet stores located in the shopping centres and the local souk (market place) offer a wide variety, both ancient and modern. a short strand of yarn (wool or silk) around two warp strands (wool, silk, or cotton), causing the ends of the yarn to face upwards, which creates the surface of the rug also known as the pile. This process is known as knotting and generally starts from one side of the rug to the other side. Each woven row of knots is beaten down, to create the required compactness needed before the starting of a next row. Piled rugs are normally woven on a horizontal or vertical loom. Non-piled carpets (also known as hand woven carpets or kilims) are generally known as flat weaves. Kilims are made by tightly interweaving the strands of the weft with the warp strands. The weft strands form a pattern on the surface of the rug, which can be seen from either side of the rug. The kilim soumak has a design created by wrapping a weft thread around four or more warp strands, and then drawing it back and wrapping it around two warp strands. The easiest way to recognize

a kilm soumak, is to turn the rug over and note the shaggy like unclipped weft strands hanging from the back. There are no knots in non-piled carpet. The Elements of a Carpet The four main parts, portions, elements, or components of a Persian carpet are the warp, weft, pile and edge finish. Warp is the main backbone of a carpet and it consists of yarn strands that stretch from top to bottom (heightwise, vertically). These strands are stretched on the loom before weaving begins. Once the rug is completed and cut from the loom, the ends of the warp make up the fringe. The warp is normally made of wool, cotton or silk. Wefts are yarn strands that are inserted perpendicular to the warp strands, and woven in and out of the warp strands during weaving. It is normally made up of the same material as the warp, but is only visible from the back of the rug. The number of weft

November I Travel Arabia I 23

strands that pass between the rows of knots are referred to as shoots, and sometimes the weft strands are dyed. Pile is referred to as the collection of knots of yarn that are twisted between the warp strands. The knots are weaved in either the Turkish knot, or the Persian (Commercial, Senneh, Asymmetrical) knot. The Turkish knot is a double knot formed by looping the pile yarn across two warp strands and then drawing each end back through the inside of both warps. The Persian knot is a single knot formed by looping the pile yarn through two warp strands and then drawing it back through one. Both edges of a woven rug are covered with overcast (a simple running stitch) or salvaged (finished with a woven band) in order to reinforce the edges, as they are particularly susceptible to wear. Places Where Persian Carpets Are Made Qum is a holy town 140 km south of Tehran. Here one finds the tomb of Shah Abbas (1586-1628) the great patron of carpet weaving. These carpets are very tightly knotted and the pile mostly of silk. You can even find extremely fine carpets where both pile wrap and weft are of silk. If the pile is of wood there is often silk décor in the details. Qum has a great variation of pattern. Nain carpets are made in the small town of Nain, which has always a reputation of producing high quality wool. The carpets from Nain are also known for their fine pattern, similar to those of Isfahan. Many carpets have patterns of plants and animals, but most of them have intertwined branches with small flowers. The colors are typical of the region, light ivory or white with branches in blue or green. Isfahan carpets come from the old Persian capital and were probably first to be recognized in the west as during the region of Shah Abbas, many carpets were sent as gifts to the rulers of western countries. The Isfahan carpets have designs of intertwined branches, often with medallion or hunting scenes and the tree of life. Isfahan had the most beautiful palaces, mosques and libraries. Rare and precious carpets from this period are now kept in museums all

24 I Travel Arabia I November

CARPET BUYING TIPS Select the shopping area carefully. Upmarket places such as The Mall Of The Emirates, and the Arabian Treasures section at Deira City Centre sell the best (and most expensive) locally made rugs. For a cheaper rug or carpet, hit the souks (traditional Arabic markets). Before you go shopping, make sure you know the size and color of the rug or carpet that you need, as well as the maximum price that you are willing to pay for it. Choose which kind of rug you will purchase. It sure pays to research about the rug that you want so you can test the quality of the rug and prices. Check out a number of stores before you settle on your favourite, and then be prepared to haggle for all you’re worth.

over the world. Very fine well-knotted carpets are still being made in Isfahan today. Tabriz is the second largest city in Iran, situated in the north. The carpets from Tabriz are high quality. The pattern could be floral, vases, trees, hunting scenes or teardrop medallions. The most famous design is called “Mahi”. The pile is of wool or wool/silk, the wrap cotton or silk. Antique carpets from Tabriz are extremely valuable and can be found in museum or in exclusive private collections. The Tabriz carpets are of very good quality, finely knotted and made of strong lustrous wool. There are old carpets in private homes, used for years, which are still in excellent condition, and the colours have kept their brightness. The usual Tabriz design is a medallion surrounded by flowers and tendrils; however, some carpets have a design with repeating patterns. Kashan is a well known industrial town of Iran. The carpets produced in this region are called Kashan carpets. There are two types of Kashan carpets, one kind is made of unbleached cotton wraps and woolen pile, and the second kind of Kashan uses pure silk wefts and double silk wraps. Mehrab and Medallion are common pattern of Kashan carpets. The Kashan district is possibly one of the best producers of Persian carpets. Due to the very high quality of the wool, the very fine weaving and the beautiful colours and designs, Kashans have come to

be classified among the finest Persian carpets. The usual kind of background colours for Kashan carpets are brick red and dark blue, and alongside these are a series of very rich colours that give these carpets a unique appearance. The town of Kerman is in Eastern Iran, and has always been one the carpet weaving centres. Kerman carpets are highly prized because of the quality of their design and colours. They are made of fine, lustrous wool, coloured soft red, green, blue, yellow and ivory. The village of Ravar situated twenty-five miles from Kerman, also produces very beautiful carpets of high quality and design. These carpets are known as “Kerman Ravar”. Kerman carpets are mostly in floral designs. Many have rich

central medallions, the motifs of which are also used in the borders and in the corners. On the larger Kerman carpets there are animal designs or repeating patterns, the smaller ones are often decorated with vase patterns or pictorial subjects. The success of the Kerman carpets is mainly due to the skill of the pattern designers, called “ustad”. The result is that while all Kerman carpets have something in common, which distinguishes them from those of other areas, they are also made in a wide variety of designs. Shiraz has been known for centuries as the city of roses, which is reflected in the motifs of many of the carpets. However, the most common motif, and one by which the carpets may be identified, is the diamond-shaped lozenge by itself in the centre of the carpet or repeated along the length twice or three times according to the size. The diamond motif of the Shiraz carpets is usually in light or dark blue and the background is normally red with decorations of stylised plants and flowers. The border consists of a number of narrow bands framing a wider band, which is often decorated with motifs resembling pine, or palm leaves. The Shiraz carpets are very soft and it is advisable that only the best are used on the floor, to protect them against wear and tear. Carpets from Different Countries Tekke is a Turkmen carpet by the Tekke tribe and is known in the west as “Bokhara”. The town of Bokhara was the main trading center of the area. The typical Tekke has a broad border and the center field is decorated with octagon shaped “guls”. The pattern is always geometric and the colors are often dark red with the pattern in blue and white. Afghan carpets are made by Afghan nomads in the Khoresan area (from the town of Meshed). They use horizontal primitive looms and weaving various sizes carpets. The pile is often sheep wool dyed into a brick red or blue color but they also use camel hair in brown and goat hair from the edges. The wrap is often of wool, except in the Meshed. Hereke is a city in Turkey close to the Sea of Marmara – not far from Istanbul. This is a high quality carpet

Carpet Qum 2x3 ft 2500 dhs from Persian Carpet House and the pattern has many variations and is most decorative. They might be floral gardens, medallions, animals, tress or hunting scenes and the colors mild often rust or yellow. There are two kinds of Hereke, one has a pile of wool and cotton wrap and the other a pile of silk with silk wrap. Caucasian rugs have warm and natural colors and shades. The strong designs are the common feature of these rugs. If used with modern or antique furniture they will give a new dimension of luxury to homes. The majority of Caucasian pile rugs have woolen wraps and wefts. There are many kinds of Caucasian pile rugs relating to the places like Koba, Baku, Shirvan, Kazak, Karabakh and Azerbaijan. Baluch carpets are made by Baluchi People in the Khorestan area (In town of Meshed and Afghanistan). They use horizontal primitive looms and mostly weave small carpets. The pile is often sheep wool dyed into a dark red or blue color but they also use camel hair in brown and beige goat hair from the edges. The wrap is often of wool except in the Meshed-Balush where they use cotton. Kilim differs from one another depending upon region of origin. There are many kinds of Kilim. Some Kilims are made by unbleached woolen wraps,

November I Travel Arabia I 25

and some with single unbleached woolen wefts. In making kilims like Somac, Turkish techniques are used with unbleached woolen wraps and single natural woolen wraps. Carpet Stores Established in 1979, Persian Carpet House (PCH) is the premium merchant of fine handmade Persian carpets, handicrafts and antiques in the United Arab Emirates. With shopping outlets in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, PCH continues to deal in wholesale, import, export, and retail of the highest quality carpets, handicrafts and antiques at competitive prices through its 23 showrooms. PCH is considered the largest showcase of hand knotted carpets in

26 I Travel Arabia I November

the UAE region. The most exclusive collection of rugs from Iran, India (Kashmir), Pakistan, and Afghanistan, as well as small quantity of rugs from Turkey, China, and Russia are sold by PCH. PCH main Office & Showroom is located at Ibrahim Mohamed Al Midfa Street, Near Etisalat (main), P.O. Box: 5020, Sharjah, UAE; Phone: +971-6562 5070; Fax: +971-6-562 4404; Email: pchuae@pch.ae. National Iranian Carpets The company was founded in 1917 in Esfahan, where the original shop, now a UNESCO-protected site, still stands. The family run company has shops in Saudi Arabia, Dubai, as well as Europe. The company has prospered

thanks to its commitment to offer the best possible service to its customers. N.I.C. takes care of shipping, repairs and cleaning no matter where in the world a customer lives. If you cannot find exactly what you want from the thousands of carpets and styles stocked by N.I.C., the company will import alternatives from Iran. It can also have carpets woven to order. All the staff in N.I.C. shops are trained, through visits to the great carpet centres in Iran, to offer expert advice and every carpet sold comes with a full warranty. National Iranian Carpets have branches in Souk Madinat Jumeirah and Mall of the Emirates in Dubai. You can call +971 4 368 6003; Fax : +971 4 221 76 32; E-Mail: info@niccarpets.com

November I Travel Arabia I 27

ARABIAN GALLERY

Marrakesh

28 I Travel Arabia I November

November I Travel Arabia I 29

LIVING ARABIA

Bahrain More than a shopperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paradise

Like any other city in the Gulf, there is more to Bahrain than shopping. Bahrain is a land of beautiful contrast. With superb landscaped gardens, rare plants and exotic fauna, Bahrain offers a wealth of historic and cultural sites.

30 I Travel Arabia I November

November I Travel Arabia I 31

For the past decade, Bahrain was called the “Hong Kong” of the Middle East. Aside from being one of the most important aviation hubs in the Middle East, travellers visit this country to shop for signature bags, the latest electronic gadgets, perfume, gold, jewellery, and a whole lot more. No visit to Bahrain would be complete without a trip to one of its shopping malls, the soukh or the Bahrain Duty Free located at the Bahrain International Airport which recently underwent a multi-million dollar expansion that increased its size and expanded its product ranges. The country’s largest soukh is located in Manama, Bahrain’s capital. Here you will find an abundance of colors, sounds, and aromas. Enjoy the brightly coloured display of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as the scents of herbs, nuts and spices as you walk around the surrounding alleys of the central market. Check out the cloth of colors and textures as well as the gold and jewelry. Bartering is expected, and indeed turns the whole experience of shopping into a challenge to see who can obtain the best price. The Gold Souq is home to Bahrain’s gold, usually 21 carat and is available in an infinite number of styles, including the traditional Bedouin designs as well as the more contemporary European

32 I Travel Arabia I November

jewelry. The Gold Souq is a two-storey structure with more than 80 shops selling all kinds of jewellery, stones and precious metals. If you can’t see what you want, pieces can be made to order, but it is wise to confirm a price before the craftsmen go to work. If you are looking for materials of all textures, colors and origins, then the Cloth Souq is where you can hunt from silk to cotton and wool. If you have a sketch or an item to be copied, the many tailors shops which are dotted throughout the soukh can make you a new suit or outfit, at a fraction of what you would pay in Paris or Hong Kong. While the soukhs in Bahrain offer visitors a chance to see the country’s traditional way of life, both locals and visitors are increasingly heading to the air-conditioned shopping malls where you can find large department stores, upscale boutiques, food courts, and entertainment facilities. The oldest shopping mall in Bahrain, Yateem Centre, was completed in 1980. Other famous malls are the Bahrain Mall, Seef Mall, Dana Mall, Al A’Ali Complex, Gosi Complex, Lulu Center and the Marina Mall, next to the Central Market in Manama. Like any other city in the Gulf, there is more to Bahrain than shopping. Bahrain is a land of beautiful contrast. With superb landscaped gardens, rare plants and exotic fauna, Bahrain offers a wealth of historic and cultural sites. Recent discoveries have revealed a great deal about the rich history and ancient civilizations of Bahrain. As the Arab world’s only island state, Bahrain, which comprises 33 islands in all, is a constitutional monarchy. The king, H.H. Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, succeeded his father, the then Amir, H.H. Shaikh Isa bin Hamad Al Khalifa, on 6 March 1999. His Majesty King Hamed bin Isa Al Khalifa has continued in steering the country towards prosperity, development and democracy. Bahrain became a member of the United Nations and the Arab League in 1971. In 1981 it joined its five neighbours - Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar - to form the strategic alliance called the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC). Bahrain has an independent legal

and judicial system with a framework of commercial laws and on this strength and its well developed infrastructure has become an international and GCC arbitration centre. Bahrain Island is the largest of the islands; at about 48 kms long and 16 kms wide it covers some 700 sq kms. By contrast, Muharraq, the second largest island, is only 21 sq kms. Manama, the capital, is where much of the business is concentrated. It is easily accessible from all parts of the country. At the centre of Bahrain is its highest point, Jebel Dukhan. The majority of Bahrain’s oil wells are to be found in this area. The main island has the valuable asset of an adequate supply of fresh water, unique in the region. There are extensive date gardens to the north with irrigated vegetable and fruit grounds. Bahrain’s population of around 650,000 consists of a significant percentage of expatriates from all over the world. Locals and expatriates live together and interact in a rare bond of fraternity and brotherhood. Such charms, along with an excellent network of hotels, apartments and restaurants, attract an increasing number of regional and international tourists. Recent finds have evidenced that Bahrain was indeed the site of the lost civilization of Dilmun dating from the third millennium B.C., often referred to as the Garden of Eden and described as paradise in the Epic of Gilgamesh. The land is repeatedly mentioned in Sumerian, Babylonian and Assyrian inscriptions as an important seaport between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley, due to the perennial abundance of sweet water. By 300 B.C., Bahrain was absorbed into the new Babylonian Empire and

Bahrain’s population of more than 600,000 consists of a significant percentage of expatriates from all over the world. Locals and expatriates live together and interact in a rare bond of fraternity and brotherhood.

once again flourished as a prosperous entreaty. In 323 B.C., two of Alexander the Great ships arrived and new trade routes opened, resulting in such a strong Greek influence that Dilmun was renamed Tylos. Bahrain was also the largest ancient cemetery in the world. At one stage, an estimated 170,000 burial mounds covered the central and western areas. Archaeological finds of those that have been uncovered, revealed evidence of two distinct civilizations the Dilmun and Tylos, (2000 years apart), dating from the third and first millennia, respectively. The 16th century Arad Fort is probably one of the first landmarks you will see upon arrival to Bahrain due to its proximity to the airport. It has undergone extensive restoration, and is now illuminated at night, presenting a magnificent sight. Little is known of the fort history, and there is no firm evidence of the precise date of construction, but comprehensive excavations have been undertaken in order to discover its past. The Siyadi House is one of the most impressive examples of a 19th century built by the pearl-merchant Ahmed Bin Qassem Siyadi and has many fine features to look out for, including ornate ceilings, stained-glass windows, carved screens and a large safe set into the wall of a small, upper reception room. The twin minarets of the Al-Khamis Mosque are easily identifiable as you drive along the Sh. Salman Road. The mosque is considered as one of the oldest relics of Islam in the region, and the foundations are believed to have been laid as early as 692AD. An inscription found on the site, however, suggests a foundation date sometimes during the 11th Century. It has since been rebuilt twice in both 14th & 15th centuries, when the minarets were constructed. The mosque has been partially restored recently. The first dwellings on the Bahrain Fort are believed to have been constructed around 2800 BC, and have subsequently been overlaid by numerous fortified settlements. The last was built in the early 16th century to defend Portugal’s recent acquisition of the islands-for this reason, it is also known locally as the Portuguese Fort. Numerous excavations have uncovered a variety of

ACTIVITIES Horse Riding: The Middle East is renowned for its love of horses, and Bahrain is no exception. There are a few stables to choose from, with mounts for all ages and abilities. Bahrain’s love of all things equestrian is further revealed in its splendid racetrack, together with a grandstand that can seat 10,000 spectators. Meetings are held every Friday from October to March. Car parking and programs are free; however, betting is strictly prohibited. Golf: Construction work has started on the first 18-hole green course in Bahrain. US-based Karl Litton, one of the leading golf course designers, has designed the BD 7 million ($18.6m) Riffa Golf Course. The Riffa Golf Club is being constructed to professional Golf Association standards with the first seven holes on a dramatic Wadi terrain and remaining 11 holes lay out around and over four lakes. The nearly 63 hectares (155 acre) site for the new golf course on undeveloped land has been carefully chosen for both access and terrain. The course is par 72 and is 6.286m (6.875 yards) in length with some 24 hectares (60 acres) of grass and will landscaped with palms and shrubbery to give a tropical feeling in the desert terrain. Environment will be cheered to know that the green terrain will be watered and irrigated by using recycled wastewater brought in from the sea, factories and various plants, and not precious water destined for public consumption. Diving: History and ancient history would suggest that diving itself was probably born in and around the warm shallow waters of Bahrain. Recorded as far back as 5000 years ago, Pearl Diving has been Bahrain’s heritage for millennia and today, these same productive oyster beds (the largest of their kind in the world) continue to flourish, offering some very unique, rewarding and exciting recreational diving opportunities all year round. With water temperatures ranging from 34C in summer to 20C in winter, providing comfortable diving conditions year round, up to 30 species of coral and in excess of 200 species of fish can be found, in particular, on the northern offshore reefs of Bahrain.

November I Travel Arabia I 33

IF YOU GO 1. Valid passport for at least six months is required by all. No visa is required for GCC nationals but provided they bring all other travel documents. Any European national coming to Bahrain; Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland and USA may obtain an “on-arrival visa” which permits them to stay for a maximum period of two weeks. Other passport holders should apply for a visa in advance at the nearest Bahrain embassy. 2. The national currency is the Dinar, with each dinar divided into 1,000 fils. The dinar has been officially pegged to the US dollar at the rate of $1 = BD0.375 (375 fils). The reverse conversion works out to BD1 = $2.65. Currency can be changed at the airport, hotels, banks and exchange houses. Rates at exchange house are generally better than you might get at the airport or at hotels. There are no restrictions on currency movement in or out of the country. 3. Arabic is the official language, although English is widely understood and it’s used by most businesses. 4. Islam is the religion of Bahrain and is practised by a large, majority. Places of worship of other faiths exist on the island. 5. Credit cards and travellers cheque are widely accepted in hotels and most business establishments, although some smaller shops may prefer to deal in cash. Though Bahrain has

34 I Travel Arabia I November

a very low crime rate, it is still important to note separately the serial numbers of your cheques or credit cards and the telephone numbers to call in case of loss. 6. Most Bahrain businesses work a five and a half day week, from Saturday to Thursday, with Friday the weekly holiday. Twenty-four hour ATM facilities are available at most banks. Shops generally stay open from 08:30-12:30 and from 15:30-19:00, Saturday through Thursday and 08:30-12:30 on Fridays. Credit cards are widely accepted. 7. The climate is hot in summer and mild in winter. From November to April is very pleasant, with temperatures from 15 to 24 degrees centigrade. Temperatures are coolest between December and March when northerly winds prevail. From July to September temperatures average 36 degrees centigrade with high humidity. 8. The drinking of coffee is a traditional part of Bahrain welcome, and begins with the preparation of the coffee itself. Coffeepots can be found in many shops on the island, as well as in the soukhs. They make an ideal reminder for the hospitality and welcome extended to visitors by the people of Bahrain. For more information, call the Directorate of Marketing & Tourism Promotion located at Adliya Avenue, Telephone number (+973) 17 717212, 17 711026; Fax number (+973) 17 717565 or log on to www.bahraintourism.com

relics from the forts past. The Museum of Pearl Diving building is regarded as one of the most important and historic buildings in Bahrain. Its importance derives from being the first official center for the Bahrain Courts. In addition, it is a vital witness to what Bahrain has achieved through its long history in regard to the application of civil law and regulations, and the establishment of the principles of justice on solid legal foundations. The current Museum of Pearl Diving building is under the authority of the Directorate of Archaeology and Heritage, which is one of the major Directorates of the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and Information. The Museum of Pearl Diving building is a source of pride to Bahrain, for it contains the story of Bahrain, its governors, and its people from the past till the present. The House of the Qur’an was built to accommodate a comprehensive and valuable collection of the Holy Qur’an and manuscripts, a concept which is unique in the Arabian Gulf. All visitors are welcome, and the complex comprises a mosque, a library, an auditorium, a school and museum consisting of five exhibition halls. Other sites to see Shaikh Isa’s House, in the old town of Muharraq, was once the home of the Amir`s great-grandfather, Shaikh Isa Bin Ali Al khalifa . It provides a fine example of local architecture, complete with wind tower, wall carving and lattice work, and its representative of traditional 19th century life. One of the early forms of “air conditions” was the wind tower, a traditional landmark of local architecture. This would act as a funnel, catching the breeze and drawing it down it down into the cavities below, as well as allowing the

release of hot air like a chimney. Standing alone in the desert about 1.2 miles (two kilometers) from the Jebel Dukhan, the Tree of Life is a flourishing mystic tree that provides welcome shade from the heat of the day, although its source of water remains a mystery. As its name suggests, Oil Well No. 1 is the first oil well in the Gulf. “Spurted” on 16th October 1931, the well finally began to blow heads of oil on the morning of 2nd June 1932, too much celebration on the part of those involved in the project. It is situated below Jebel Dukhan, the Mountain of Smoke, which, at a height of 134 meters (450 feet), is the highest point of the island. Its name comes from the misty haze, which frequently surrounds it on a hot and humid day. Opened in 1986, King Fahad Causeway, a remarkable 15.5 miles (25km) feat of engineering links Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. It is one of the most expensive bridges in the world. The causeway traverses Umm Nasan Island, which is a sanctuary for wildlife, and at halfway point there is a facility area, including a restaurant, which you can visit even if you don’t travel the whole distance to Saudi Arabia. If you are a visitor to Bahrain, or even a resident who would like to know a little more about what makes Bahrain tick, then a trip to the National Museum is essential. Situated on the intersection of the Muharraq Causeway and King Faisal Highway, it houses a wonderful collection of exhibits, from contemporary Bahraini paintings, sculptures and ceramics to scenes depicting life in the Dilmun civilization of 6000 years ago and even a reconstructed burial mound, complete with skeleton!

Theme Nights at the Millennium Hotel Sharjah

Najib Bensouda, General Manager of Millennium Hotel Sharjah

36 I Travel Arabia I November

If you have visited the Millennium Hotel Sharjah during the Eid and Ramadan holidays, you will definitely admire the staff and management of the hotel for its effort in decorating the lobby and the restaurants to create an atmosphere similar to the famous city of Djemaa el Fna in Marrakesh. The curtains, the food trolley, the tent, the lamps, the floor cushion where you can comfortably sit and enjoy Arabic coffee indicate that much thought have been given to prepare for the celebration. So if you have enjoyed the good food and the nice atmosphere during the Eid and Ramadan festivals, expect a greater

experience this month at Millennium Hotel Sharjah. Guests can look forward to “Theme Nights” which the hotel launched this month for a more enjoyable and memorable stay. Topping the list is the Barbecue Night to be held every Thursday night at the Pool Deck located at the second floor of the hotel overlooking the Khalid Lagoon. “We’ll be having grills and live cooking. It will be a beautiful atmosphere now that the weather is getting better,” said Najib Bensouda, General Manager of Millennium Hotel Sharjah. Bensouda is very proud to reveal that one of the reasons why guests continue to return and eat at Millennium Sharjah is their use of fresh food. “We are the only hotel that serves fresh meat and fresh fish. We don’t use frozen fish. We get our meat and ostrich from a farm. We go to the market every morning and buy the fresh fish every day.” This means that diners can enjoy grilling or barbecuing their favourite meat, fish and vegetables without having

to worry about the freshness of their food. The Barbecue Theme night on Thursday will occupy the whole of the pool deck and guests can choose from a wide selection of ostrich meat, beef, lamb, chicken and different fish. “It will be a buffet style but you will see our Chefs in action. The chef will be grilling and barbecuing different types of vegetables, meat and fish. The guests can go around and choose what they want and the chef will cook it right in front of them,” added Bensouda. The Millennium Hotel Sharjah has special weekend packages that include staying at the hotel on Thursday nights and get to dine during the Barbecue Night and the Friday brunch. If you don’t have plans for Thanksgiving Day this year, Millennium Hotel Sharjah is the place to celebrate. Since Thanksgiving Day falls on Thursday, why not spend it at Millennium Hotel Sharjah during the Barbecue Night and enjoy your favourite turkey and pumpkin pie with your grilled meat or fish. You will not feel

bored because there will be music to entertain you while you enjoy the cool breeze and the breathtaking view of the Khalid Lagoon. Bensouda added that the hotel will also hold Moroccan theme nights at the Citrus Restaurant starting November. “Our guests enjoyed the Moroccan food and the Moroccan atmosphere during Ramadan so we decided to have a Moroccan theme night.” “People will go out and eat and our hotel is known for serving tasty and excellent food. This is why we try to create new things for our guests so instead of going elsewhere, why not go to Millennium Sharjah? And it’s a lot easier now for the people from Dubai to come to Sharjah so this is the best time to start the promotion.” Tasty food. Great atmosphere. Affordable prices. Accessible location. What more can you ask? Millennium Hotel Sharjah is definitely the place to be this season. For more information and reservations, call +971 6 5566666 ext 2045 or 2040.

November I Travel Arabia I 37

AMBIENCE

Valencia

38 I Travel Arabia I November

Modern Art Museum November I Travel Arabia I 39

OUTSIDE ARABIA

40 I Travel Arabia I November

GOA on my

Mind Taking her first assignment abroad, FLOR PAMINTUAN traveled to India and explored three of the country’s 28 states. Here, she writes about Goa, India’s premier resort which has more to offer than just sea and sand.

So much has been written and said about India. And yet we haven’t seen and heard much of it. Every visitor to this enchanting country is truly amazed by its culture, tradition and its people. Considered one of the most populated countries in the world, India is home to some 935.7 million people, scattered in 28 states and six territories. Each state has its unique story to tell. Goa – the Land of Sun, Sand and Sea I was awakened by the chirping of the birds and the raucous cry of the crow. The rain had finally stopped and I can feel the warm rays of the sun seeping through the wooden blinds. As I looked out I see the beautiful lagoon inviting me to come out and smell the fresh scent of the morning breeze. It was a lovely day to start my tour of Goa, a land blessed with lush green fields, warm hospitality, white sandy beaches and rich heritage. “You have come during the end of the monsoon season,” said Ramiah, our host for this trip. It was pouring heavy the night before so I didn’t believe that the sun would actually show up today. Goa is less than an hour flight from Mumbai, our point of entry. It was

drizzling when the plane landed so the weather to me was perfect. I missed the rain so much so seeing it and feeling it after a long time is “heaven”. Our group stayed at The Leela, Goa which is a 45 minute drive from the airport and along the way, the awe inspiring greens and the sceneries will attract your attention. The colonial-style houses, the long stretch of sandy beaches, the mountains, the coconut trees, the paddy fields, and the animals - all these make this place a perfect holiday destination. Goa offers an enthralling experience, whether you are seeking adventure, on a family bonding trip or just exploring a different culture. Here, you can sit on the beach while reading your favorite book, watch the fishermen pull their catch of the day or just squat around and do nothing. Goa’s history dates back during the powerful Vijayanagara Empire which ruled over South India. In 1510, Alphonso de Albuquerque along with his men, sailed down the River Mandovi and captured Goa. The land became the capital of the Portuguese Empire in the East and mistress of the sea – from the Cape of Good Hope to the China Seas. The Goan way of life is highly influenced by the 450 years of Portuguese colonial rule.

November I Travel Arabia I 41

Goa was liberated by the Indian Army from Portuguese colonisation on December 19, 1961 and became a Union Territory along with the enclaves of Daman and Diu. On May 30, 1987 Goa was conferred statehood and became the 25th state of the Indian Republic. “All of Goa’s history is the 450 years of Portuguese rule until 1961 when Goa finally decided to rule on its own,” said Jonas, our tour guide. Goa is one of the smallest states of India with a total population of over 1.3 million, 68 percent of whom are Hindus, 26 percent are Christians and 6 percent are other denominations including Muslim. While English is widely spoken all over Goa, Konkani and Marathi are the state languages. The national language Hindi is also well understood in most areas around the state. Portuguese is still being spoken by a third of the population. While 2.5 million tourists visit Goa every year, tourism is not the state’s biggest industry. Tourism ranked third to mining and fishing. The other industry Goa is currently undertaking is the export of vanilla and cashew. Jonas said that two of the world’s top beverage companies are the top importer of vanilla from Goa. Of the total tourist arrivals in Goa, 70 percent are foreign nationals (mostly Europeans and Russians) who visit from September to March (tourist season) when the weather is usually dry and pleasantly cool and the remaining 30 percent are residents who visit during the off season (May to late August) when Goa receives the full blast of Indian monsoon with downpours and thunderstorms. But it is during the monsoon season that Goa is at its most beautiful, with greenery sprouting all around. Goa is a favourite of travellers around the world because of its beaches. 92 kilometres of Goa’s 3,702 sq. km. total area are beaches. The beaches of Northern Goa between the Mandovi river in the south and the Chapora river in the north are the most popular. The beaches of Southern Goa are beautiful yet generally less crowded. Thick coconut groves and lush greens are a familiar sight in Southern Goa. If you take a walk on the beach on a breezy afternoon, you’ll find locals offering water sports activities and rides plus women selling sari, others offering foot massage and henna. But then Goa is much more than just the sand and the sea. Some of the finest churches in India are found in Goa. In fact, two of the 26 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India are found in Goa, the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Se Cathedral.

42 I Travel Arabia I November

November I Travel Arabia I 43

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is the repository of the incorrupt body of St. Francis Xavier. The relic is kept 6 metres high in a silver casket and every ten years it is displayed for viewing. This has been an attraction in Goa and those who have seen the relics have different stories to tell. “Some say the hair got longer, others say the arm got bigger,” tells Jonas. The Se Cathedral, the seat of the Bishop, is the largest cathedral in Asia because of its 15 altars. The cathedral carries the largest church bells in Goa. Inside is a 15th century pipe that the congregation still uses during mass service. The cathedral is packed on Sundays with people coming from all parts of Goa. The churches of different architecture were located across each other so you will visit both sites in one trip. The tour then took us to North Goa, the seat of the government offices. On the way to North Goa which is divided by the Mandovi River, one gets to see the capital city called Panaji or Panjim, the Land that Never Gets Flooded. Here, boat cruises are popular among the tourists in the evenings. During the day, the city is filled with stores selling branded products from Benetton to Nike to Levi’s as well as the famous Goan cashew nuts (in salted, plain or masala flavour), colourful shawl and sari, handicrafts, papier-mache and other souvenirs. Most of the vendors will offer you different prices so be sure you know how to bargain. And while you’re in Goa, don’t forget to buy a bottle of its famous feni and port wine. They say that no visit to Goa is complete without trying the Goan dishes. Goan cuisine is a blend of different influences the Goans had to endure during the centuries. The staple food in Goa is fish, curry and rice, both among the Hindus and the Catholics. Unlike the Christian food the Hindu Goan food is not strongly influenced by the Portuguese cuisine. One famous restaurant in Goa is called O Coquiero (Portuguese for coconut tree). O Coquiero opened in 1968 and run by two friends named Lucio Miranda who lived opposite Christavap Pinto. O Coquiero is famous for its authentic Goan Portuguese food and hospitality and also where the famous and one of the world’s most wanted

44 I Travel Arabia I November

Charles Shobraj was arrested while having a meal. Beside the magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendour of its temples, churches and colonial houses, travellers to Goa love the laid-back, peaceful, warm and friendly nature of its people. There is something to interest everybody in Goa. Whether you’re a water sports enthusiast, a lover of nature, a culture buff or simply want to chill out, amenities are here for all your need. Goa is a place where you can relax and people will give you the muchneeded relaxation that you deserve.

IF YOU GO • All foreign nationals need a visa to visit India. One can apply for a visit/tourist visa at the Indian Consulate General in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. • The currency unit in Goa as in the rest of India is the Indian rupee. One dirham is equivalent to approximately 10.20 rupees. The rate varies (very minimal) in foreign exchange centres, bank, hotels and the airport.

near the port town of Vasco-da-Gama. The airport is about 30 kms from the capital city of Panaji and is owned by the Indian Navy. Major airline operators such as Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Air Deccan and Kingfisher Airlines have flights carrying passengers and cargo in and out of Goa. Besides these, a number of chartered flights land in Goa from UK and other European countries. The national airline Air India also lands a few international flights, especially from the Gulf countries.

• Accommodation in Goa is plentiful with a variety of hotels, resorts and guest houses to suit every budget and every taste. There are simple and bare rooms available for the thriftiest of back-packers and five-star deluxe luxury suites for those that want to indulge their fancies.

• It is advisable to book your tickets well in advance, especially during the high peak tourist season of October to January when most flights run full. It is also essential to re-confirm your flight timings at least 24 hours before departure.

• Goa is well connected by airline services to most major cities in India. All flights, national and international, to and from Goa, operate from the Goa Airport at Dabolim

• For more of Goa, visit www.goatourism. org or email the Department of Tourism Government of Goa at goatour@ sancharnet.in

November I Travel Arabia I 45

SPECIAL FEATURE

46 I Travel Arabia I November

Celebrate

Diwali the Festival of Lights

With over 1 million Indian nationals in the Emirates, expect a festive atmosphere this month when most of the homes will be decorated with lights in celebration of Diwali, known as “Festival of Lights.” Unlike in India where the celebration usually lasts a week and often highlighted with elaborate fun, festivity, eating and celebrating with families and friends, the celebration in a foreign country may be shorter. Like Ramadan and Eid, Diwali falls on different days of the year and is reckoned according to the position of the moon by following the Hindu calendar. The celebration of Diwali usually occurs in October

or November and is one of the most popular and eagerly awaited festivals of India. During Diwali, every house is lit with little earthenware vessels containing oil and a lighted wick, and groups of men and women assemble along the river bank setting these little lanterns afloat on tiny rafts and watching with intense interest the frail craft, as they float down streams. Others make rangolis (designs made on the floor with coloured powder or flowers), decorating the house with marigold flowers, playing cards and lighting firecrackers. Over the years Diwali has also become associated with the goddess of

November I Travel Arabia I 47

Diwali marks the day when the year officially changes, according to the Hindu calendar.

wealth Lakshmi and on this day prayers to Lakshmi are offered by Hindus throughout India to propagate the goddess and grant them wealth. Diwali is the gayest of the festivals; an occasion of great excitement and rejoicing. The reason for celebrating Diwali differs across faiths but one famous reason to celebrate is the return of the Hindu god Ram after killing Ravan the demon during his exile for 14 years. The myth behind the origin of Diwali is that Lord Vishnu in his eighth incarnation as Krishna, destroyed the demon Narakasura, who was causing great unhappiness amongst the people of the world. Diwali or Narakachaturthi celebrates the end of this evil. Diwali is a festival in reverence to Lord Rama. Illuminating the house with colourful lights means that the mind should be decorated with spiritual accessories such as peach, love, tolerance, generosity, etc. The earthly lamps called Deeyas (Deep) represent the body, which is a combination of the five elements i.e., fire, water, air, space and earth. It is perishable and is only lent to us for a period of a time. The Diwali festival is a five day festival, which includes Laxmi Pujan,

48 I Travel Arabia I November

Narak Chaturdashi, Deepawali and Bhau Beej. Laxmi Pujan is the day, when people buy new utensils. Narak Chaturdashi is known as Chhoti Diwali (minor Diwali) when in every household 5-7 panteo (lamps) are lit on the door and corners. Diwali falls on the day of Amavaseya, the next day of which is called Pratipad, when every kind of transaction, receipt or payment and business is postponed. On this day, many people try their luck of gambling. Bhau Beej falls on the next day, when the brothers visit their sisters, out of love and affection. As the time of Diwali approaches, there are grand preparations by young, old, rich, poor, weak and strong. The buildings, trees, animals, man kinds and statues are all adorned with colourful lights and costumes. This festive mood fills the air with great excitement, joy and happiness. Twenty days after Sudsehra, every house is illuminated on the day of Diwali, to commemorate the return of Rama after 14 years in exile. Cultural programmes and night long fire works mark the occasion. Diwali marks the day when the year officially changes, according to the Hindu calendar. During such time,

the business men close their books of old accounts and start new ones. This denotes the giving up of bad habits and cultivating new attitudes. Exchanging cards and gifts means to share the most elevated teachings (Godly teachings/ Knowledge) and have good wishes and pure feelings for all. Indians purchase gold, gifts decorations and household appliances during this festival. There are lots of new clothes during Diwali as old clothes are cast off as a reminder that the old world, now in the Iron Age, will end and make way for the new. Families also visit each other’s homes and exchange sweets and savouries. Food is distributed as acts of charity. A bath before sunrise is accepted as a way of purifying soul and body and auspicious way to begin the day. Such cleaning and focus on newness are symbolic of the casting off of the last year’s sins and hope for a fresh new year. Though the celebration in the Emirates will not be as elaborate as that in India, one can join the celebration by sending Diwali greeting cards or by simply saying “Happy Diwali”. If you have been invited to a Diwali party, it is polite to take along a gift.

Though the celebration in the Emirates will not be as elaborate as that in India, one can join the celebration by sending Diwali greeting cards or by simply saying â&#x20AC;&#x153;Happy Diwaliâ&#x20AC;?. If you have been invited to a Diwali party, it is polite to take along a gift.

November I Travel Arabia I 49

ATTRACTIONS

The Leela Palaces & Resorts

The Essence of India The Leela epitomizes the most premium and luxurious stays in India â&#x20AC;&#x201C; be it for the business traveller or holiday maker.

50 I Travel Arabia I November

The Leela Palace Kempinski, Bangalore Group headed by Capt. C.P. Krishnan Nair, Chairman The Leela Palaces & Resorts.

November I Travel Arabia I 51

“The Leela objective is always to provide discerning travellers memorable, warm and relaxed stays in an ambience that embraces the essence of India,” Capt. C.P. Krishnan Nair, Chairman The Leela Palaces & Resorts.

52 I Travel Arabia I November

“A very important aspect of staying at a Leela Hotel is that the experience stays with you long after you’ve returned back home, making you yearn to come visit again. . .” So goes the line at The Leela Palaces & Resorts’ website. You might think it’s one of those marketing strategies to attract visitors to the property. The claim will definitely arouse your interest especially when it comes with images of breathtaking views, live catch from the sea, spacious rooms, relaxing spas, grandiose architecture, impressive facilities and the warm and hospitable staff. But to say the least is an understatement. Having stayed at all Leela properties (both business hotels and luxury resorts), I am yearning to visit again. Yes, I’ve been there. Tried it. Tested it. Amazing. Guests are the priority of The Leela Palaces & Resorts. “Atithi Devo Bhava”, a Sanskit word which means “A Guest is the Incarnation of God”, is the principle behind everything The Leela offers. They love and enjoy caring for its people. Ensuring that every guest experience is taken to reverential height, whether it’s for business or purely relaxation. The Leela is a world class property. Thanks to its founder, Capt C.P. Nair, a charming, articulate and down-toearth man who always believed in the potential of his country to make it world class. He is the man behind the Leela Group (named after his wife Leela) and now employs over 25,000 people in the tourism, handloom and apparel industry in India. The call to establish his own hotel happened when Capt. Nair first visited Germany in 1957 as a member of the first trade delegation from India. After staying in Kempinski Hotel in Germany, he felt that the hotels were world class and this is what he wanted for India. The dream was realized in 1987 when he tied up with Kempinski Hotels, the oldest hospitality group in Europe, established in 1897 in Germany. Since then, The Leela Palaces & Resorts have established a global leadership position in the luxury hotel and resort by offering premier locations, elegant facilities and personalized service to the world’s most discerning travellers. The Leela Group has four luxurious

properties. Each of the four properties is singular in design, character and ambience. The Leela Kempinski, Mumbai, built in 1986 portrays a contemporary style. The Leela Palace Kempinski, Bengalore opened in 2001 and recreates the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire. The Leela, Goa opened its doors in 1991 as a world class resort spread over 77 acres, cradled between the Arabian Sea and the River Sal. The newest addition is The Leela Kovalam, Kerala’s largest resort which opened in 2005. It was built on a rock-face and cradled between two wide sweeping beaches with a stunning view of the Kovalam coastline. The Leela Palaces & Resorts is today India’s finest group of luxury hotels and are recognized worldwide, the latest being The Leela Palace Kempinski, Bengalore ranked as the World’s No. 1 Favourite Overseas Business Hotel by Conde Nast Readers Travel Award of 2007. Evergreen Concept Capt. Nair’s concern for the environment extends beyond the confines of The Leela properties. He is responsible for converting acres and acres of space into verdant havens. In all four cities, he personally supervises the landscaping and plantation of exotic and rare plants and deploys a major part of his resources for the purpose. Capt. Nair has received numerous recognitions for his conservation, protection and preservation efforts. He is the recipient of Global Laureate Roll of Honour by the United Nations Environmental Programme in 1999 and the Maharana Mewar Foundation National Award in 2002 for “outstanding practical achievement in the protection and improvement of the environment.” Capt. Nair believed that “the green ambience will only add value to customer experience at each of our splendid properties.” The conservation effort is also reflected in the properties. All Leela hotels don’t use plastics. The laundry, pressing, dry cleaning and shoe bags are made of cheese cloth with embroidered designs. The packaging for the toiletries and other bathroom accessories is of recycled materials. There are cards

reminding guests on the towel usage displayed in the bathroom.

Chimera Pillow, the Firm Pillow, Contour Pillow and the Slim Pillow.

Pillow Menu To make your stay really comfortable, The Leela Palaces & Resorts offers a Pillow Menu. The rooms are provided with goose down feather pillows but you can order pillow for your sleeping comfort and experience. The menu offers Spelt Pillow, an ecological pillow ideal for guests who need to take care of their neck; Horse Hair Pillow, a cushy and comfy baby pillow specially created for the ultimate comfort of young guests; Down Special Pillow, a super soft pillow which is the most preferred choice of lady guests; Non Allergy Bolster, an ideal alternative for those who prefer a stable, firm bolster roll, designed to help you relax and eases the stress of a hard day’s work. The Smoker Pillow is creatively designed for smokers, a whole new offering in sleep therapy. The pillow is created with an anti-smell treatment, hypoallergenic and is made from natural materials for extreme comfort and relaxation. Then there’s the Standard Duofill Pillow, the Supersoft Pillow, the

The Leela Kempinski, Mumbai The Leela Kempinski, Mumbai is The Leela Group’s first five-star deluxe hotel. Set in an 11 acre of lush landscaped garden, cascading waterfalls, lotus pools and fountains, the hotel is a 5 minute drive from the international airport and 15 minutes from the domestic airport. It is located in close proximity to North Mumbai’s commercial centre and export zone. The 396 room property portrays a contemporary style. You will not miss the hotel’s magnificent lobby with its graceful columns. Set on three levels, it has a backdrop of a musical cascade of running water in the second level. A beautifully rising dome with a roof-top made of beaten gold leaf rises majestically to provide an ethnic touch to the grand lobby. The hotel completed a US$25 million renovation of its rooms and is preparing to enter its 4th phase of upgrading and refurbishment. Each of the 396 rooms and suites is attended to with meticulous care and sensitivity for

the guests’ personal and business needs. Suites include one Presidential Suite, three Junior Presidential Suites and 11 Royal Club Rooms. The Royal Club is located on the 6th to 8th floors of the hotel. This exclusive accommodation has its own personalised butler service, check-in counter, exclusive club lounge, well stocked library, private boardrooms, 24 hour in-room dining and dedicated concierge services. Guests staying in the Royal Club rooms have complimentary use of internet at the business centre, wi-fi service in the lounge and five complimentary food and beverage presentations per day. The rooms focus on the aesthetic and functional needs of the guests, with fully computerized features that can be operated from a bedside digital panel and contemporary furnishings made from warm-hued woods. There are a range of restaurants like the Citrus, the 24 hour brasserie which serves spectacular contemporary international cuisine; Stella, the roof-top Italian restaurant; Jamavar, the signature Indian restaurant; Six Degrees, a new bar with a vibrant and cosmopolitan feel; and

The yoga centre at Tle Leela Kovalam Beach

November I Travel Arabia I 53

The Leela Mumbai Amnesia, a lounge bar/night club. The Leela Palace Kempinski, Bangalore The Leela Palace Kempinski, Bangalore is India’s answer to Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Palace. Built in the architectural style of the Royal Palace of Mysore, the Leela Palace Kempinski is located majestically amongst 9 acres of lush green gardens. Situated on Airport Road, the palace is in close proximity to all business, shopping and cultural centres. Staff in their traditional clothes will welcome you at the spacious lobby with a reception fit for a royalty. A short walk from the lobby will lead you to a beautifully landscaped scenic garden with cascading waterfalls, colourful flowers and lily ponds. Inside, gold leaf domes, ornate ceilings and grand arches are a familiar sight. In the evening, musicians fill the air with their soothing music. The property was built in August 2001 and has since been a favourite with business travellers to India. Most of the top CEOs of prestigious IT companies like Dell, IBM, Yahoo, have dined, if not stayed at The Leela Palace. No wonder, it has been honoured as the “Favourite Overseas Business Hotel In The World” by over 30,000 business travellers and readers in the Conde Nast Traveller

54 I Travel Arabia I November

Readers Choice Awards, the only Indian hotel to have received the recognition. The hotel has six floors with 357 lavish rooms and suites. The rooms are spacious and elegantly designed, with contemporary furnishings and have extra large and beautifully appointed bathrooms. Each of the rooms has a private balcony that overlooks either the azure pool or the landscaped courtyard. The beds are “posturepedic” and scientifically equipped to de-stress and ensure “baby like” sleep. The platter of pillows in the menu adds to the ultimate “Leela sleep experience”, like serving “sleep a la carte”. Fine dining is at its best at The Leela Palace. Jamavar, the signature restaurant has been host to famous dignitaries and celebrities. The ambience of the restaurant is enhanced by the Jamavar Wall paintings done with pure 24-carat gold leaf and vegetable dyes, decorative Jamavar shawls and lavish silver table settings. The exclusive menu includes North Indian and South Indian cuisine. Another outlet, Zen, a pan-Asian restaurant serves Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Thai and Malay cuisine. Citrus, the 24 hour brasserie serves contemporary international cuisine and the Library Bar, where you can unwind, has the world’s finest collection of cigars and martinis.

The Leela Goa The atmosphere at The Leela Goa suits more of the nature lover and those who need complete privacy and relaxation. As you enter the property, the lush green sceneries will mesmerize and captivate your senses. If you need to run away from the city life, the place is a perfect choice. Situated on the Arabian Sea and bordered by the River Sal, The Leela Goa is a 152 room deluxe resort sprawled in an idyllic 75 acre resort, just 50 minutes by air from Mumbai and 45 minute drive through verdant coconut groves. The exclusive resort is designed to reflect its Portuguese and Indian heritage with spacious villa-style rooms and suites that provide the ultimate leisure experience in gracious living. There are Pavilion Rooms, Lagoon Suites, Lagoon Deluxe Suites, Royal Villas and Presidential Suite. Former US President Bill Clinton was one of the guests of this luxurious resort. All villas are well-appointed, with a living room and a bedroom, spacious bathroom and outdoor shower, with ceiling fans, and central air-conditioning. Each features a full balcony or a private terrace. The Leela Goa’s restaurants include the signature Jamavar, which offers a fine choice of regional Indian and Goan cuisine; the Café which overlooks the

November I Travel Arabia I 55

The Leela Goa swimming pool and gardens offers Western and Asian cuisine and a choice of indoor or outdoor seating; the Riverside restaurant overlooks the River Sal, a perfect place for a romantic dinner, which features an exciting Italian homemade cuisine with a Mediterranean twist; and the beachside restaurant Susegado (open only during season) which offers a variety of local fresh seafood, snacks and salads. The Leela Goa is being managed by General Hotel Management Ltd., a group of experienced hoteliers whose goal is to develop and manage a select group of hotels, resorts and clubs in prime location.

For reservations and bookings, call The Leela Sales Office - Dubai Mr Dinesh Madhavan Mob No: 050 4225080 Email: dinesh.madhavan@ theleela.com

The Leela Kempinski Kovalam, Kerala Unique. Unmatched. Exceptional. These adjectives best described The Leela Kempinski Kovalam Beach, Kerala. If you found the images on its website truly amazing, wait till you see the actual place. Perched atop a cliff amidst beaches laced with the rich greenery of coconut palms, The Leela Kovalam, the largest resort in Kerala, is a treasure found. Spread over 44 acres, The Leela Kempinski Kovalam Beach is the largest cliff top beach resort overlooking the Arabian Sea that curves around its feet. The five star deluxe resort is a traveller’s haven designed to the finest international standards. It houses elegant indoor and open air terrace dining with an array of superlative restaurants and lounges. All 182 guest rooms including suites overlook the sea. The large and airy Beach View Rooms with private sun

56 I Travel Arabia I November

decks are a unique blend of convenience and comfort. The Club at The Leela Kovalam is India’s only cliff top Club overlooking the Arabian Sea. It offers 49 rooms, six executive suites and one deluxe suite. Built on the edge of the cliff, all the club rooms offer an astounding view of the Arabian Sea. Standing on the balcony of the room, each designed like a private sea-deck, one can gaze miles into the expanse of the deep blue waters. In fact, you’re so close to the restless Arabian Sea that the pounding of the waves on the rocks below acts as the perfect lullaby. Kerala is the birthplace of Ayurveda so The Leela Kempinski Kovalam Beach has professional therapist performing the treatment at Divya, the Ayurveda Wellness Spa that also houses the Yoga Centre. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science of life is practiced to perfection in eight treatment rooms sprawled over 8000 sq. ft. Each room carries state-of-the-art amenities with centuries-old wisdom and learning to give you treatments for a host of ailments, both of the mind and body. For the food connoisseur, choices are from the open air dining The Terrace, the all day dining restaurant which serves contemporary International and authentic Kerala cuisine; the Skybar and the Tides, the elegant beach-side restaurant with a rustic ambience serving fresh seafood. Upcoming Projects India’s capital, New Delhi, will see the opening of a new landmark hotel,

The Leela, Kempinski Gurgaon, Delhi scheduled to open in 2008. This is Leela’s first operation and management contract. The hotel will feature 319 rooms and suites and 90 apartments which will constitute The Leela Residences. A new palace hotel in Udaipur overlooking the picturesque Lake Pichola, The Leela Palace, Kempinski Udaipur is under construction and scheduled to open in 2008 with 80 oversized guest rooms and Royal Suites evoking the life and times of the royal past. In the harbour city of Chennai, formerly Madras, a 15-storey hotel, The Leela Palace, Kempinski Chennai with over 300 rooms is being constructed and will open in 2009. The Chennai project will coincide with a further investment of US$70 Million to be made in a luxury hotel in Hyderabad, strategically located in the Deccan plains. The 325 room property, The Leela Palace, Kempinski Hyderabad will welcome guests to a very upmarket central location in Banjara Hills in 2010. Pune, the new IT hub, is the fastest growing second tier city of India. The Leela Palaces & Resorts and a business park is part of this development. The group will invest US$30 million into building a 250 luxury room hotel by 2010 on a 5 acre plot close to the airport. The group also has recently won a bid for a hotel plot in South Delhi at a price of US$152 million. The freehold plot is strategically located on Vinaj Marg/Africa Avenue. The Leela Palaces, New Delhi is scheduled to open in 2010. The Essence of India The Essence of India… It is something poets and philosophers alike have tried to capture for many millennia. It is something that neither time nor traveller has been able to fully define. And this is because the essence of India is something that is best discovered by personal experience, not another’s narration. At the Leela, they understand that better than most. That’s why they will not attempt to explain to you the very essence of India. That’s a tale better told by the hotels and the guests to discover. – Flor B. Pamintuan

November I Travel Arabia I 57

PROPERTY

Rahat serviceshort-term for occupancy

Jamal Al Habtoor Jamal Al Habtoor Real Estate, one of the leading real estate agents in the UAE, has launched its new Rahat service to provide the burgeoning hospitality sector with a fresh supply of fully furnished serviced apartments in the heart of Dubai Marina. The Rahat service, offering one, two, and threebedroom apartments, takes off as Dubai anticipates a surge in visitors in view of upcoming global networking events and winter attractions. Initially 15 apartments for shortterm occupancy are available, all fully furnished with sea views, and incorporating the latest technological amenities such broadband internet, cable TV and telephone. The apartments also offer full housekeeping services and 24hour security. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Rahat service will offer visitors a cost-efficient, spacious and luxurious alternative to a regular hotel room. Our apartment facilities are equipped with a complete set of amenities and hotel-style room services at very reasonable prices, aside from offering a strategic location that is just minutes away from all major destinations in Dubai,â&#x20AC;? said Jamal Al Habtoor, Chairman, Jamal Al Habtoor Real Estate.

58 I Travel Arabia I November

The Rahat apartments are located in Dubai Marina with easy access to the beach, shopping centers and Sheikh Zayed Road. The apartments are also just five minutes from Ibn Batutta Mall, 10 minutes from Mall of the Emirates, and a short walk away from the new Marina Mall. Dozens of local food shops, cafes and fine-dining restaurants offering a range of gastronomic choices are in the vicinity. “Current room occupancy rates are already very high, with most hotels indicating between 80 to 90 percent occupancy in a season when outbound tourism is at its peak. Within the next few months, inbound tourism to the UAE will boom as many visitors will attend various global networking events and other winter attractions such as the Dubai Shopping Festival. As a result, we can expect the corresponding increase in number of visitors to strain the current supply of hotel rooms. This will open an exciting growth opportunity for Jamal Al Habtoor Real Estate through our new Rahat service,” Al Habtoor said. According to recent reports, the Middle East posted the second strongest results in global tourism in the first four months of 2007, outperforming both Europe and America with an impressive nine per cent growth. In the UAE, growth was pegged at six per cent, led by Dubai’s rising popularity with its impressive infrastructure development, widespread promotions, and a booming events sector. This has been manifested

by Dubai’s outstanding hotel room occupancy rate, which stands at 89.4 per cent, the best in the Middle East and significantly higher than the region’s average of 71 percent. However, according to the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Dubai’s tourism growth was restrained in 2006 because Dubai’s 40,000 rooms were not enough to accommodate the volume of visitors. Dubai now targets some 22,000 new rooms to be opened by end of 2008 to meet the strong demand. Established in 1989, Jamal Al Habtoor Real Estate deals with all aspects of real estate services for both individual and corporate clients, including property and land sales, property investment, residential rentals and commercial leasing, and comprehensive property management services. The company mainly deals with prestigious properties such as Burj Dubai, The Palm and The World islands, Jumeriah Golf Estate and Business Bay. Serving clients from countries such as United Kingdom, Italy, France and the entire Gulf Region, Jamal Al Habtoor Real Estate also offers a range of value-added services such as interior design, financial and legal advice, and top-to-toe property management, which have helped diversify and increase the company’s customer base. Other innovative services offered by the company are helicopter and yacht tours of the properties for potential clients.

November I Travel Arabia I 59

ENTERTAINMENT

60 I Travel Arabia I November

Magical

Night

Coral International Hotels, Resorts & Spas and Qanat Al Qasba stage Verdi’s most famous opera in Sharjah Verdi’s most seductive and lush musical score, La Traviata was staged for the first time in Sharjah to a packed house at Qanat Al Qasba on October 18, 2007. The event was attended by top dignitaries and VIPs including H.E. Sheikha Lubna Al Qassimi, UAE’s Minister for Economy, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Faisal Al Qassimi, H.E. Edward Oakden, British Ambassador to the UAE, among others. La Traviata, where passion leads to betrayal, beauty to corruption and appearances are often deceptive, is considered Giuseppe Verdi’s most popular opera. Performed by the European Chamber Opera (ECHO), a leading European opera production company, the exquisite evening provided a piquant visual experience. The audience had the opportunity to hear to some of the most beautiful and resonant melodies in opera, such as “Libiamo” the drinking song, “Sempre Libera” and “Di Provenza”. La Traviata is the third most performed opera after Madama Butterfly and La Boheme. As far as melodies are concerned, it is the most poignant of the lot. La Traviata literally means The Woman Who Strayed or The Fallen One to put it figuratively. The 2001 film Moulin Rouge was inspired by this 18th century opera and even the Richard Gere-Julia Roberts film Pretty Woman features it. Stefan Paul Sanchez, Artistic Director ECHO, said, “La Traviata is the story of Violetta Valery, the most beautiful woman in Paris who is also the most famous courtesan. To stop herself falling into a world of poverty, she must sell herself, falling instead into a world of frivolity, jewels and flowers. Liberated by her intense passion for Alfredo, they retreat to the country and create an idyllic world for themselves, built on their joyful and truthful discovery of each other. But love cannot keep the real world away. The harsh realities of respectability, morality

and disease rear their ugly heads, and Violetta cannot escape for long. This is the first time in seven years that we performed this opera and it turned out to be an awesome evening.” The setting was as beautiful as the performance. The opera was stage in a magnificent tent at Qanat Al Qasba that was specially designed to recreate mid-19th century splendour with beautiful dresses reflecting on the large mirrors that were part of the backdrop for the first act. The look was very versatile, with gorgeous lighting and different entrances and exits to heighten the drama. About Sharjah as the venue, Sanchez said, “Opera has taken off well in Sharjah and the feedback has been tremendous. A new venue like Qanat Al Qasba only made the whole experience all the more interesting.” Stefan Paul Sanchez trained as a singer and pianist at the Royal Academy of Music, London, and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He was a principle baritone for New Sadlers Wells Theatre, Pavilion Opera and has worked extensively throughout Europe, Asia, Middle East and the USA. Some of his roles have included Figaro, Guglielmo, Papageno, Malatesta, Conte Di Luna, Renato, Dapertutto, Eisenstien, Falke and Germont Pere. Having produced several musical events in England and Spain, Stenfan founded the European Chamber Opera in 1991 with a performance of II Trovatore. The group was founded under the patronage of the famous Spanish Soprano Montserrat Caballe after she was impressed with the company’s first production. Organised by Coral International Hotels, Resorts & Spas under the Kind Patronage of H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Faisal Al Qassimi and Qanat Al Qasba, the Grand Opera Gala was sponsored by Guerlain Paris, Royal Dream Tours, Eslam Group and United Arab Bank. The spectacular event was hosted by Coral Beach Resort, Sharjah and witnessed by an exclusive gathering of over 500 people who came from all over the UAE.

November I Travel Arabia I 61

Are

Women Human?

An exquisite collection of “reflections” by Durre-Shahwar Jafri deals with the penetrating truth about women in an expansive and meaningful way will be launched this month at The Palace-The Old Town in Downtown Burj Dubai.

More than likely as one reads this book, one finds oneself at crossroads in life where one understands the difference between merely surviving in life and succeeding in life. “There are women who are almost like super human but there are others who may be human but they are being treated as a subhuman species, there’s such a contrast so what they really are is the reason behind the title,” said Durre-Shahwar Jafri, an eminent member of the Pakistani community in the UAE, on why she

62 I Travel Arabia I November

chose the title “Are Women Human?” The book will launch at The Palace-The Old

Town in Downtown Burj Dubai as an expression of the hotel’s support for art and literature. The book tells about the stories of nine women, belonging to different ages and classes of the society. “The stories are about sub-continental women but of course they are relevant to any woman in any part of the world. Why subcontinental women? Because that was my first hand experience and I wanted to stay close to it for my first book,” explained Jafri. The stories are interspersed with customs in their picturesque-ness, ceremonies in their opulence, gracious living of the ‘Nawabs,’ etiquettes of the ‘Begum Sahibs,’ the colour of ‘Henna, the tinsel of jewellery, the traditional wardrobes, the advent of spring, the dramatic touches of Delhi and Luckhnow, reflection of emotions behind the enclosures, vanished loyalties, nostalgia of the parents’ home, stress and strain of relationships, attractive ensemble of varied expressions and references. “Women are mostly taken for granted in most societies, even in the progressive and modern world of today. If a woman puts up with the most unreasonable behaviour of those around her, she is at times deified, in the later years of her life. If however, she stands up for her rights, she is criticized and condemned.” “The role of women is mostly considered to be secondary, even on the professional front, though they may work their hearts out. The promotion graph of men and women is quite imbalanced, at times even in the so called progressive countries.” Jafri added that men and women are both humans. They are two different genders----but both are equal as human beings. Both have duties and rights, which may be similar as

human beings or different as male and female. Once people realize this they would lead much more peaceful lives. Neither would the society and the male members treat a female as cattle or sub-human species; nor would the psuedo progressive females need to shout and raise senseless banners. The so called women activists would not propagate the rights that are sheer negation of duty, which no responsible human being can enjoy in a society. Give and take and mutual understanding are the bane of any social fabric. A balanced attitude about any issue is essential for its progress. What message does the book give its readers? “Cherish life and don’t try to trample upon other people’s right. You should know your boundaries and don’t forget that people co—exist. Respect the difference of thinking. You may be thinking on one way but the other person may be thinking the other way, there are discourses in which people discuss ideas but don’t try to trample upon the absolute belief of people,” she concluded.

About the Author Born in 1951 in the orchard city of Sindh Mirpurkhas; her father’s association with the superior civil services of Pakistan (CSP) enabled Durreshahwar Jafri and her siblings to enhance their affinity with the various cultures and languages of Pakistan. She went on to receive her Masters degree in English Literature from the University of Peshawar in N.W. F.P Pakistan. In 1972 she settled in matrimony with Mr. Naimatullah Jafri. Along with bringing up her son Qaiser Hussain and daughter Mariam Zehra, she pursued her career in education. In 1995 she was inducted as the Vice Principal of the prestigious Pakistani Community School in Sharjah U.A.E. Currently she lives in Dubai and is in the process of assimilating research for a Doctorate degree in ‘Female Education in South Asia.’

November I Travel Arabia I 63

Anti-Ageing Duo

Time Defence

SHOPPING

Elemis, the leading British spa and skincare brand, introduces two new scientifically proven Anti-Ageing products to its Time For Men line-up – Time Defence Wrinkle Delay and Time Defence Eye Reviver. Evidence shows that men’s skin ages differently to women’s. To meet the challenges unique to male skincare, in particular the ageing effects of dehydration. Elemis has developed cutting edge formulations specifically for men and independently clinically trialed on a male tester panel to measure the effect on their skin and around their eyes, whilst using the products. Part of the Elemis 3-phase grooming programme, Time For Men – an award-winning range with two consecutive accolades for Best NEW Men’s Products for SOS Survival Cream and Daily Moisture Boost – features ten powerpacked treatment products created to Cleanse, Shave, Protect and now defend against Ageing with the NEW Time Defence AntiAgeing Duo.

Vero Moda’s Autumn Collection

Brazil’s national icon Gisele Bundchen is the new face of Vero Moda. Renowned for her stunning looks and killer appeal, Gisele follows Vero Moda’s illustrious brand ambassadors Kate Moss and Helena Christensen. The city of New York is in the spotlight once again as Vero Moda’s new advertising campaign with Gisele featuring the latest autumn collection was shot in the city. Full of positive energy, an attribute one seldom associate with super models in her league, Gisele aptly reflects Vero Moda’s core brand values: Passion, Spirit and Energy.

64 I Travel Arabia I November

Tiger Woods golf watch

The Xleep Pillow By Duxiana

The famous Xleep pillow, by high performance Swedish bed manufacturer DUXIANA® is now available in Dubai. Xleep is perhaps the greatest innovation in sleeping comfort today. The problem with conventional pillows is that they are either too hard or too soft. Hard pillows cause neck problems. Soft pillows, even those made of the most exclusive down, let your head sink in. Using an entirely new technology, DUXIANA® has developed a ‘precision spiral’ for pillows. A spring so thin that you are not even aware of it; it is simply there, providing the active support you need. Your head rests on a layer of the finest down supported underneath by the high performance, ultra thin DUXIANA® spring system.

A unique golf watch designed to the exacting standards and ergonomic requirements of Tiger Woods is now available at select stores throughout the region. Tiger Woods is widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers in the history of the sport and the first golfer to win four consecutive major championships as also the youngest player to have won three green jackets at the US open. His personal obsession with results and perfection, his ability to withstand pressure, to meet expectations and exceed them, but also his love of discipline - makes him a natural partner for the Tag Heuer. Tiger Woods has been closely involved with the development of a completely new watch, the first professional golf watch specifically designed to meet the unique ergonomic requirements of the game.

November I Travel Arabia I 65

DINING PROMOTIONS

Chic November treats

Whether it’s a special treat, a cosy time with friends or to celebrate Thanksgiving Day with your family, try out the delicious treats offered by our hotels’ famous outlets.

JW Cucina 66 I Travel Arabia I November

carefully selected wines for each individual dish, with the sophisticated ambience of the restaurant as your venue. Enjoy this stylish gastronomic experience for only AED 275* net per person. Price is inclusive of 10% municipality fees and 10% service charge. For further information, please call +971 4 2820000.

Al Murooj Rotana Hotel & Suites

Al Bustan Rotana Hotel

Al Bustan Rotana Hotel Come Prima restaurant, the trendy Italian dining venue at the Al Bustan Rotana Hotel is proud to host the world famous ‘Prince of Pasta’ Vincenzo Spinosi and guest chef, Paolo Antinori from November 06th till 09th for exciting culinary adventures guests will truly enjoy. Mr. Spinosi, who owns the internationally renowned company named after himself is a multi-awarded entrepreneur recognized worldwide for his trademark pasta brand. Producing only a limited quantity of his products annually to ensure the best quality, his pasta is sought after by the experts in Italian cuisine.

During the four-day promotion, Mr. Spinosi, Chef Paolo and Come Prima’s resident expert Chef Luca will present a special ala carte menu of flavoursome main courses and tempting desserts prepared with Mr. Spinosi’s signature brand of hand-made egg-legend pasta. A cooking class will also be featured where guests can make their own delightful and authentic pasta dishes with the three Italian experts as their culinary mentors. Rodeo Grill and Bar, the sophisticated steakhouse at the Al Bustan Rotana Hotel takes dining to a new level with its latest Wine and Dine promotion. On November 05th, 2007, sit back, relax and delight your senses with the finest and most exclusive three course-set menu with

The famous and “double favourite” Double Decker Pub in Al Murooj Rotana Hotel & Suites happily announces the launch of its new daily theme nights. The selection of themes and special offers promises endless fun and lots of entertainment for everybody, and the performance of two well known in Dubai guest DJ’s will top the new program. Double Decker Pub is open every day from 12:00 noon till 3:00 am. Zaika restaurant will be hosting once again the Punjabi Food Festival from the 17th till 30th of November. The restaurant master chef will be showcasing delicious culinary creations from this Northern region of India, skillfully prepared to perfection with the finest ingredients.

The diners will be offered to indulge into exclusive a la carte menu featuring traditional delights for both lunch and dinner. The dining pleasure will be doubled with some lively entertainment. Zaika restaurant is open every day from 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm – 11:30 pm. For reservations and more information please call 04-3211111.

Burjuman Rotana Suites Pamper yourself with an afternoon tea at the Gallery Restaurant in Burjuman Rotana Suites. Enjoy your afternoon tea by choosing from your favourite two palettes of Picasso and Da Vinci. For those who strive on sweet and sour can choose from the various palettes’ combinations of assorted mini sandwiches, muffins, cake, cookies and ice cream with their favorite coffee or tea for just AED 39*. Offer is from 3:00 pm to 6:00 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 59* or feast on the varieties of a la carte menu and enjoy a 15% discount from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. For reservation call

Al Murooj Rotana

November I Travel Arabia I 67

Burjuman Rotana Suites

agent’s tastes. If Bond is your man, then this is your bar. For reservations call 04 885 2222 or log on to www. marriottdiningatcy.ae.

Dusit Dubai

UAE Toll Free: 800 ROTANA or 971 4 3524444.

Courtyard by Marriott Dubai Green Community Join us at Cucina and enjoy the new sumptuous brunch every Friday from 12:00 noon to 16:00 hrs. The brunch includes your Italian and international favourites plus unlimited beverages. Book in advance and get free transportation* to and from the hotel. Prices start from Dhs 125 to Dhs 250. Children up to 14 years eat free! Free transportation is applicable for minimum booking of four guests. Set sail to a multitude of destinations with buffets from around the world every night at The Pine Grill. Enjoy this fresh and exciting concept with live cooking stations and Flavours from exotic locations. Indulge in this worldly adventure for only Dhs 119 with unlimited soft drinks, water and coffee and Dhs 179 with unlimited house beverages. Tomorrow never dies at The Bar from November to January, when you can live like Bond, James Bond. Whether you like your Martini’s shaken or stirred, The Bar has a selection of martinis, champagnes and canapés to satisfy any secret

68 I Travel Arabia I November

The Friday Brunch at Dusit Dubai now offers flowing Charles Heidsieck Champagne Brunch. 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. Join the fun with family or friends for only Dhs 199 per person for unlimited house beverages or Dhs 299 per person for unlimited Charles Heidsieck Champagne. Open from 12 noon to 3 pm, The Brunch at the Dusit Dubai on the 24th Floor can’t be missed! PAX Jazz Bar welcomes new Jazz entertainment with Loni Clark, direct from the U.S.A. Loni’s face and voice became the favoured and familiar as lead singer for Motown’s group, For the best Jazz in town, hit PAX. Located on the 24th Floor of the Dusit Dubai and open 7 days a week from 12 noon until 2am. 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 flavors 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 149 net per person including house beverages, except Thursdays.

Grand Hyatt Start your weekend with

an international indulgence – for all the family! Enjoy the perfect all-day Friday brunch, whatever your age! AED 120 per adult (including selected free-flow soft drinks); AED 210 per adult (free-flow alcoholic beverages: sparkling wine, red / white wine, beer); and AED 60 per child (6 - 12 years; including selected free-flow soft drinks). Every Friday, from 12:30pm until 1am. For an authentic Italian Friday look no further than Andiamo!’s mouth-watering Friday Gourmet Lunch. And with free-flow Prosecco, Italian wines and beer also available, let Andiamo!’s lively atmosphere start your weekend with a fizz! Every Friday, from 12:30pm until 4pm. Let Grand Hyatt Dubai’s newest restaurant, iZ, serve you the very best in authentic tandoor cuisine in a contemporary and casual setting. Opening for lunch from 12:30 to 3 pm and dinner from 7 pm to 2 am (open until 03:00 hrs on Thursdays and Fridays) Marriott Dubai

Peppercrab serves authentic Singaporean cuisine set within a modern interior. Open from 7 pm to 12 am (open until 01:00 hrs on Thursdays and Fridays). For reservations, please call 04 317 2222

Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa Sample the rich authentic Thai cuisine at Munchi and choose from seafood, chicken or beef to savour your stir fried rice noodles. Alternatively, get the best all you can eat and drink themed nights from around the world with live entertainment at Al Dhiyafa for AED 199 per person. Dine on the breathtaking terraces and experience the ambience of the 25th Restaurant with our Hammour and wine package for AED 185 per person. Treat yourself in true Italian style at Luciano’s to lobsters featured in a special a la carte menu and get one glass of house wine prepared in true Italian style at Luciano’s.

JW Marriott Hotel All three restaurants at the JW Marriott Dubai: Bamboo Lagoon, The Market Place and Hofbräuhaus tie-up to bring you the only *12-hour brunch existing in Dubai. Diners can choose from delicious Far Eastern, International and German specialities and with a dedicated, supervised area just for children’s entertainment until 6:00 pm the brunch at the JW Marriott Dubai becomes the perfect place for families, friends and colleagues to get together. Brunch Packages (12:00 noon to 6:00 pm). Starting from AED 185 per person, including unlimited soft drinks. Extend you package from 6:00 pm to 12 Midnight for an extra charge of only AED 100 per person. For more information and reservations please call 04 607 7977/04 607 7099or log on to www.marriottdiningatjw.ae

Kempinski Mall of the Emirates Sezzam, Dubai’s favourite family restaurant, in Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, has introduced fabulous children’s packages which include special kid’s

menus and a variety of fun-filled entertainment and activities. The packages are available every day of the week for individual children and groups starting at AED 88 per child. The package includes a specially prepared menu of kid’s favourites such as pizzas, chicken nuggets, chocolate brownies, assorted cookies and sweets, as well as mouth-watering penne pasta in tomato sauce. Providing entertainment throughout the day is a bouncing castle, trampoline, face painting, cartoons and passes to Magic Planet. For children’s birthday parties or group outings, Sezzam will arrange a limousine pickup service, professional magician and baking activities for a small additional charge.

Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina Tang is the place to be for the discerning food lover who is passionate about food and style. This month, Tang’s new menu showcases the best of molecular gastronomy and applications of Liquid Nitrogen. Eight courses of journey into amazing world

Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina

of tastes and textures for AED 495 per person not including beverages. Open daily from 19:00- 24:00. For reservations call: +971 4 3181 307. The Dhow Sushi & Seafood Restaurant, located in the Main Lagoon on a traditional Arabic Dhow offers a modern, vibrant seafood and sushi restaurant with a lounge and bar on the upper deck, moored at the luxury 200 berth Marina. Join us at the Dhow for dinner between 7 & 11pm and enjoy the catch. For reservations call: +971 4 3181374 Brasserie and pizzeria with a spacious “al fresco” terrace and live music at Waves. Dine a la carte or try the themed evening buffet. Open 24 hours a day every day. This November, try the ‘All ‘U’ Can Eat & Drink Brunch Buffet’ every Friday from 12:15 to 3:30 pm for AED 195 net per person inclusive of house beverages and AED140 net only for food. Kids between age 6-11 pay AED75 only for food and AED 95 for food & beverage. For more information call +971 4 3181309

Le Royal Meridien

JW Marriott Hotel

Abu Dhabi Soba brings the Japanese Seafood Festival this month. Amalfi will feature special clams menu. Al Fanar will offer an exclusive Champagne Dinner serving Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte on Thursday, 1st November 2007 & Thursday, 6th December for AED 350. For the whole month of November, enjoy the live Canadian lobster promotion Shuja Yacht will offer Seafood Dinner Cruise, daily, except Sundays for AED 170. Boarding time is at 8 pm for dinner and on Saturdays, enjoy a Bubbly Brunch aboard Shuja Yacht for AED 165. Boarding time for the brunch is 12:30 pm. L’opera Brasserie has themed nights for your dining experience. Saturday is Far Eastern Night; Sunday is Latin Night; Tuesday is Oriental Night and Wednesday is French Night for AED 110- per person. A new Thursday BBQ Seafood Night for AED 160 and a Friday Lunch Buffet with BBQ on the poolside Terrace at AED 130- Please call 02 674 2020. All above Prices are

November I Travel Arabia I 69

Le Meridien Mina Seyahi subject to 10% service charge and 6% tourism fee.

Marriott Executive Apartments If the thought of a thick, juicy, glorious beef burger, perfectly charred on the outside, dripping with good beef flavour on the inside, topped with melted bleu cheese and roasted red onions gets your taste buds dancing, Skywalk Café is the place to satisfy your burger cravings. With gourmet vegetarian offerings like the Portobello Mushroom burger, served on a sun dried tomato bun, dried oregano and grilled peppers, there’s a treat for everyone. Our burger selection is available all day long, and comes at a steal for only Dhs 40 each. So A l Bustan Rotana come on down and indulge in burger bliss! For more information and reservations please call 04 213 1000.

Metropolitan Palace Unwind in opulent Arabic style at Al Diwan Four Points by Sheraton Restaurant. Early birds can choose from a 3 course set menu for AED 129 per person including unlimited beverages. Taste the exotic spices in Tahiti and choose from a mixture of fresh salads, succulent grills and island seafood from the AED189 all you can eat buffet inclusive of beverages. Opt Renaissance Hotel, forRenaissance innovative Mediterranean Hotel Thailand style lunch and dinner at

70 I Travel Arabia I November

Sketch and create your own pasta from a special a la carte menu.

Metropolitan Hotel Dubai Reserve your table from 4th to 10th November and celebrate the great Diwali Festival at Shahjahan with special set menus priced at AED 99 per person or head to Red Lion throughout the month for exotic English style curries along with a glass of house wine for only AED59. Chef Kwan invites you to experience his scallop specialties at the splendour of Summer Place while traditional Thai chefs lets you select the type of cooking you prefer from the large display of fish, prawns and vegetables at Fish Bazaar. Dine every night between 6-7pm and get 20% off on your total bill.

Metropolitan Deira At the Al Riqa Restaurant, choose one of five lunchtime options with combinations of soup, salad and live cooking and buffet delights priced from AED 29-89 or feast on international flavours every night from Kashmir to Greek priced at AED 95 per person. Summer Place, Dubai’s top Chinese Restaurant now has a second home at the Metropolitan Hotel Deira. Set in an authentic Chinese Ambience reminiscent of the Land of the Dragons, Summer Place brings you the most

lavish selection of the most popular dishes.

Moevenpick Hotel Bur Dubai 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 flavourful Italian red and white grape juice flowing from 7.00pm to 11.00pm, it is an ideal Tuesday evening for only AED 75.00 per person. Enjoy the cool air of the atrium style lobby restaurant, while indulging in a great selection of sumptuous food. Take pleasure in our Friday Family Brunch - an exploration for the whole family. While the little ones have fun, Mums and Dads can relax and enjoy the fantastic Brunch for just AED 120.00 including soft drinks. Children under 6 years dine free, and for Children from 6 to 12, we offer a 50%

AlMurooj Rotana

discount. Every Friday from 12:00noon to 3:00pm. Catch up on your tan with a free pass to the Rooftop pool afterwards. Experience the authentic Lebanese hospitality and cuisine served in an ambience that takes fine dining to the next level. Enjoy sumptuous mezzeh, and rich Arabic coffee, live music and elegant belly dancers at Fakhreldine. Choose from the a-la-carte menu until 10:00pm and there after set menus from AED 125.00. It is open daily from 12 noon till 3pm. After the summer break, the Mongolian Barbecue on the Rooftop Terrace of the Moevenpick Hotel Bur Dubai is back. Dine out under the stars at the Rooftop on Wednesdays from 7:00pm onwards. Priced at AED 85.00 per person food only. AED 99.00 per person inclusive of a glass of house drink.

The Radisson SAS Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek

November I Travel Arabia I 71

Radisson SAS Deira From the 22nd until the 24th of November, Palm Grill, contemporary steakhouse, offers a sumptuous 5 – course Thanksgiving dinner set menu for Dhs 240 per person, specially made by the Palm Grill Chefs for the occasion. On November 22nd, Boulvar restaurant is serving Thanksgiving lunch and dinner buffet featuring hot and cold starters, followed by a choice of main courses including the traditional Whole Roast Turkey with Chestnuts, Brussel Sprouts, Pecan Pie and much more for only Dhs 135 per person. From the 19th until the 25th of November, the hotel’s famous Cake and Pastry shop, the Boulevard Gourmet offers traditional Pumpkin Pie for only Dhs 70 and the Pecan Pie for only Dhs 80. For more information, please contact the Information Centre on 04/205 7333 or 7444.

beverages. Children between 6 and 12 pay Dhs 69. Please call Spice Island on 02-262 5555 for more information and reservations. Dine at Sails Restaurant before 7:30 pm and savour premium wines, beers and spirits for the price of our grand experience. The offer is available every Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday from November 1st -25th. Whether you go weak at the knees for Thai cuisine or simply want to try something new, we really recommend you pop down to Spice Island during our Thai food promotion from October 27th to November 16th. Tiki Bar continues to rock with our live Cuban band in November and December. Our ace barmen effortlessly create just the right mood for you with a variety of innovative specials like Blue Bayou, Saronno Peach Fuzz, Midori Margarita and Cuban Breeze among others. Please call 04 2625555 for more information.

Sheraton Abu Dhabi Venture into Flavours Restaurant 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. Sample some of our delicious and authentic recipes from the Chinese cuisine, order some Sushi made with only the finest seafood available…Oriental Favourites are prepared daily by our Chef Dai and don’t forget the best dessert corner in Abu Dhabi! The best seafood Night in town with an incredible variety of seafood specialities from around the world is offered at Flavours for its Fisherman’s Wharf every Wednesday Night. Chef Peter and his team have up with a spectacular buffet that will tantalise the real connoisseur – lobsters oysters, prawns and more. Rise and shine with Bubbly Brunch every Friday. Bring your friends, family and loved ones to Flavours Restaurant for a Bubbly Brunch to remember. Enjoy the extravagant brunch with a serene panoramic view of our gardens, pools and beach. Every child under 6 years enjoys a free meal and the parent’s complimentary

bubbly. If you are “health nut” on a “protein diet” or simply love beach life come on over to the Beachcomber for a special Beach Barbie! Eat all you want of your favourite protein filled food be it meat, chicken or seafood. We will have it ready for you! Pick and choose from a variety of zesty sauces, top it with fresh vegetables and potatoes for those who want to cheat a bit. Splurge with our salad bar so you’ll not feel guilty… and work it out dancing with DJ Tony dedicated to entertain you with his favourite Latino beats! Want to know the best part? It is all that for only at AED 59 per person.

Sheraton Deira Hotel Dine at ‘The Terrace restaurant at the Sheraton Deira Hotel, for lunch anytime from 12 noon till 3pm for Dhs. 40 net. One of the nation’s most well liked fruits – berries, has appreciatively been incorporated into our diets and lifestyle today. Chef Robin and his team have concocted

Renaissance Dubai Hotel Following the overwhelming success of its Friday brunch, diners in Dubai have the opportunity to indulge in a brand new Saturday brunch at the award winning Spice Island restaurant at the Renaissance Dubai Hotel. The Saturday brunch is available in 3 packages priced at Dhs. 139 including unlimited soft drinks, Dhs. 179 including house beverages and Dhs. 239 including premium

72 I Travel Arabia I November

Moevenpick Hotel Bur Dubai

Sheraton Deira Hotel

few tantalizing recipes with berries which are brimming with vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. The limited menu selection for berries includes blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries as coulis, sauces or used whole. For more information, contact 6068615. Enjoy the latest in music at the Stars Studio Discotheque, Sheraton Deira Hotel and dance to Reggae, R&B, Pop, Jazz or Disco with DJ Erhan Ustun from 9pm onwards. Tickets - Gents at Dhs. 75 and Ladies at Dhs. 30. Call 04- 2688888 Ext. 8626 for more details. Enjoy a lavish Friday Family Brunch with your loved ones at the Mediterranean styled The Terrace restaurant from noon till 4 pm at Dhs. 89 for a limited selection of seafood with non-alcoholic beverages and Dhs. 115 net inclusive of unlimited flow of alcoholic beverages, house wines and beers and an upgraded seafood selection. The Terrace Restaurant- located in the Sheraton Deira Hotel - features a fabulous daily Lunch buffet full of tempting choices for Dhs. 75 net per person. Call 04- 2688888 Ext. 8615 for more details

Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers All of us enjoy a good brunch and it is even better if we can continue the experience over a two-day weekend. Now this is possible as we unveil a delicious Japanese Brunch spread at the Creekside Japanese restaurant. More than 50 brunch items are offered on the buffet table. Chef Narit and his team have cooked up quite a feast for you to share quality time with your favourite people. Priced at AED129 net per person, the Japanese brunch is available every Saturday, from 12pm to 3pm. Step into the Creekside Japanese Restaurant on Friday, 23 November for some good ol’ traditional Asian street food specialities. Available every Friday evening from 23rd November, the Asian Street Food theme night buffet is priced at AED140 net per person. For reservations, please call 04 207 1735. Chef Andrea and his kitchen team at the Vivaldi Italian Restaurant are again recommending the White Truffle experience. For the

Sheraton Dubai Creek

entire month of November, you will have the opportunity to go extravagant and experience the world’s finest truffles – the White Truffle. For reservations, please call 04 207 1717. From 7 to 16 November, Ashiana Indian Restaurant offers you the best of Salmon recipes with a modern twist, served with the utmost care and attention, in majestic surroundings. For reservations, please call 04 207 1750.

Four Points by Sheraton Bur Dubai Calling all kebab-fans! From 28th November to 7th December, the Antique Bazaar will be staging a delicious kebab festival. Using the freshest of ingredients, the kebab a la Carte menu offers a variety – chicken, mutton, seafood and even vegetarian! Served skewered with a traditional sword, Chef Muna Singh’s recommendations include Murgh Afghani Kebab, Mal Malai Sheekh, Amritsari Machili Kebab, Kasoori Jeenga and Jaipuri Sabz Sheeh. Price is from AED40 net per dish. The special Kebab menu is

Renaissance Hotel only available for dinner. Guests will also receive a complimentary sweet of the day if they partake in the kebab menu. Reservations can be made at 04 397 7444.

Kempinski Hotel Ajman The best of sea, sun and sky await you at the best private beach in the United Arab Emirates at the Kempinski Hotel Ajman. Enjoy a full day of basking in the sun, swimming in the pool or at the beach complimented by a delicious spread of international cuisine at Café Kranzler. Package is priced at AED 210 on Saturdays to Thursdays. Package is priced at AED 225 on Fridays. Rate is inclusive of a buffet, fullday access to the beach, pool facilities taxes and service charge. Buffet is served at Café Kranzler from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. For bookings, please email laguna@kemp-aj.com or call our Laguna Beach Club Team at T. +971 (0)6 714 5555 Dine at Hai Tao, Sabella’s or Bukhara on the date of your birthday and receive a discount equal to your age. Proof of age is required, and discount is valid for up to four guests dining together. Promotions exclude discount on beverages. Offer until valid 23 December 2007. For bookings e-mail fnb.secretary@kemp-aj.com or telephone 06 714 5582

November I Travel Arabia I 73

GREAT FLAVOURS

74 I Travel Arabia I November

Best of International Dining at

Choices Restaurant Choices restaurant at the Al Bustan Rotana Hotel is the newest and perfect choice for international dining in Dubai! The suitably named restaurant is an artistically designed venue featuring contemporary settings and sophisticated ambience. Highlighted by warm colors, matching new furniture and brilliant lighting, Choices, which was previously Fontana is part of the refurbishment of the hotel. Opening this November, Choices will showcase the best of international dining with its six live cooking stations and wide array of authentic dishes from all over the world. Choices’ menu is entirely new, creatively designed by Al Bustan Rotana Hotel’s team of expert chefs. The restaurant’s multinational cuisine is well researched and a wide variety of culinary options for breakfast, lunch and dinner are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. From Arabic to Italian to Indian to Japanese to Continental, name it and you will find it at Choices. Six live cooking stations including Tandoori, Noodles, Pasta, Grilled (BBQ), Falafel and even the extraordinary Teppan Ice Cream station is available to ensure that only the freshest and most delectable dishes are prepared in front of the guests for both buffet and ala Carte menus. Choices’ Theme Nights make the gastronomic experience even more exciting as guests can enjoy ‘themed dining’ in the most modern settings. Seafood Night every Sunday makes diners indulge in the widest array of seafoods from lobsters to shrimps to hammour. Surf and Turf Night every Tuesday brings together the goodness of poultry, seafood and steaks for a great culinary experience. Curry Night every Wednesday features a splendid spread of hot and spicy curries for the more adventurous diners. Mexican Night every Thursday offers the best of Mexican cuisine with Burritos, Tacos and Nachos partnered with Margarita and Corona beer. The Global Family Brunch every Friday makes for a special family weekend dining experience as it showcases a lavish buffet of international cuisine as well as entertainment for the kids. With a very extensive menu of authentic international cuisine in a contemporarily designed venue, the suitably named Choices restaurant will definitely be the perfect choice for unforgettable international dining pleasure.

November I Travel Arabia I 75

SPA REVIEW TRANQUIL MOMENTS

Ultimate Spa Experience at Banyan Tree Desert Spa and Resort, Al Areen

Personal with a difference

76 I Travel Arabia I November

Retreat Health and Spa at Grosvenor House in Dubai offers top-to-toe treatments and a holistic approach to health and beauty.

Natural décor and ingredients are key to Retreat Health & Spa, the personal grooming and spa floor at Grosvenor House at Dubai Marina. According to hotel general manager, Pam Wilby, the new facility has been designed to cater to current requirements for organic health products as well as fast track treatments for the time-pressed executive of today. “Both hotel and apartment suites guests and Dubai residents will appreciate the grouping of hair, nail, spa and health facilities on one floor, and we expect the 55-minute spa special to become a popular choice for those whose busy schedules leave little time to spare for relaxing leisure,” she said. “But, for those on a less pressured agenda, the introduction of Middle Eastern Rasul treatments will be welcome, particularly given the healthgiving properties of muds and steam in cleansing the system.” As well as seven treatment rooms, all named after flowers and decorated with rock and blossom features to provide a focal point for those undergoing treatments, Retreat health & Spa includes N.Bar for nailcare, Dubai’s second 1847, a dedicated men’s treatment centre, plus the new concept hair bar, specialising in all types of cuts, curls and tints. In addition, a juice bar serves healthy snacks, smoothies and other drinks. The Retreat Health & Spa at the Grosvenor House hosts an entire floor dedicated to male and female

grooming. With a gym, a SPA, a luxurious Rasul, steam, sauna, Jacuzzi and Cleopatra bath to indulge every desire, the Retreat Health & Spa is a complete escape from modern life, a relaxing haven for mind, body and soul. On the same floor, N.Bar offers ‘fast glamour for nails’ whilst JetSet is designed for the woman on the go, specializing in all types of hair styles, curls and tints. But men are not forgotten, they find their own cocoon in 1847, a lounge exclusively dedicated to their grooming needs. 1847 is the first brand of dedicated grooming lounges for men in the Middle East. The name originates from a turning point in the history of men’s grooming with the revolutionary discovery of the safety razor, patented by English inventor William Henson. In March 2004, the flagship 1847 lounge was unveiled at the chic Boulevard of Emirates Towers Hotel, launching a pioneering concept to the region. Designed to suit the needs of today’s fast-moving executive lifestyle, 1847 delivers the optimum in personalized care for men through its defining principles of highly trained professionals, stringent clinical hygiene standards and the world’s finest products. The Chill-Out Lounge, The Study, The Barber Shop, The Therapy Suite and The Mint are the various specialized areas of 1847. Offering innovative and sophisticated features such as state-of-the-art personal plasma screens, private libraries and wireless

November I Travel Arabia I 77

to join the Starwood Spa Collection this year, representing an impressive 40% growth of its award-winning portfolio of spas. The inspiration for each member of the Starwood Spa Collection is “The Seven Pillars of Well-Being”. While guests can expect a comprehensive offering of spa services from each member in the Collection, no one experience will be like the other. Instead, the Starwood Spa Collection celebrates cultural differences and provides spa enthusiasts with boundless travel choices to fulfill their personal quests for well-being. The Seven Pillars of Well-Being philosophy that distinguishes each member of The Starwood Spa Collection are:

LAN, 1847 promises the unique experience of ‘executive grooming’ through a range of high-end services from shaves to shoe shines, manicures to pedicures, and massages to facials. 1847’s wide variety of choice offers everything from the quick and basic to the long and the leisurely. N.Bar, JetSet and 1847 are located adjacent to each other on the Retreat Floor of Grosvenor House. While N.Bar and JetSet opens for business every day between 9.00 am and 9.00 pm, 1847’s operating hours are 9.00 am

“We know that more than 90 per cent of travellers seek out spas overseas when they are at leisure, but people are generally restricted by time pressures at home – and it’s here we can fill that gap.” -Wilby

78 I Travel Arabia I November

to 10.00 pm. The 45-storey, 422 rooms, suites and apartment suites, Grosvenor House, West Marina Beach by Le Meridien, is the first hotel and apartment suites complex on the Dubai Marina and has already made a name as a leader in lifestyle trends with cosmopolitan dining and entertainment venues. “With the opening of Retreat health & Spa, we are adding another name to the impressive roster of spa facilities available in Dubai, but the difference at Grosvenor House is that we also offer beauty and health treatments tailored to the needs of residents too, or anyone that needs a quick fix for their personal grooming requirements,” said Wilby. “We know that more than 90 per cent of travellers seek out spas overseas when they are at leisure, but people are generally restricted by time pressures at home – and it’s here we can fill that gap.” The Grosvenor House, Dubai is a member of the Starwood Spa Collection, one the world’s largest collections of premier spas. The Starwood Spa Collection is comprised of more than 50 hotels and resorts from all corners of the globe that are renowned for their incomparable service, luxurious treatments and unwavering standards of excellence. Grosvenor House is one of the 17 spas

• Beauty – A celebration of inner and outer beauty • Life Balance – Mind and body in peaceful symmetry • Harmony – Achieving an inner peace where all the senses balance in harmony • Aqua - Water – the source of life and the heart of the spa experience • Vitality – Heightened energy and vigor – expanding your fitness horizon • Nature – Centers the mind, body and spirit with earthly elements • Nutrition – Healthy nourishment for the mind and body These elements serve as the benchmark for the treatments and services available throughout The Starwood Spa Collection. Retreat Health & Spa’s signature treatment is the Rasul, an oriental skin ceremony since ceremony which draws upon ancient traditions. The Rasul treatment uses specially selected natural mud that holds detoxifying and healing properties combined with low humidity and steam making it a truly unique experience. The Rasul treatment strengths the skin and influences muscle tone and stimulates the metabolism. Retreat Health and Spa is open to guests and walk-in visitors from 0615 hrs to 2145 hrs hours, and appointments can be made by telephoning 04 317 6762.

November I Travel Arabia I 79

INDUSTRY NEWS

Dusit signs project in New Cairo

Plans for an innovative Mövenpick Hotel in Abu Dhabi On the island of Al Reem, located to the northeast of the city of Abu Dhabi, a large number of ultramodern residential and commercial districts will be developed within the next 15 years. The first project, set for completion in 2009, is called Marina Square: Alongside a vast array of shopping outlets, entertainment opportunities and restaurants, the new 5-star Mövenpick Hotel Al Reem will be constructed there. Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has recently signed a management agreement for the project with the owner Tamouh Investments LLC. “Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry in the Middle East and has built up an excellent reputation,” explains Joe Ong, CEO of Tamouh Investments LLC. “The international hotel group is in a process of substantial expansion in the United Arab Emirates and we look forward to working together with them for many years to come.” “We believe that the rapid development and remarkable construction projects in and around Abu Dhabi offer great potential,” says Jean Gabriel Pérès, President & CEO Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts. “Alongside Dubai, gaining a foothold in Abu Dhabi and other emirates is one of our clear expansion targets. We

80 I Travel Arabia I November

are proud to have found, in Tamouh Investments LLC, a strong partner for this extraordinary project.” The Mövenpick Hotel Al Reem will boast 445 generous modern rooms and suites, spread across 41 floors. Both business travellers and holidaymakers will feel equally at home in the 130 spacious suites housed in a separate building. An underground car park will offer space for 330 vehicles. A total of four firstclass restaurants, one of which will be situated at the beach, will offer a range of culinary delights. The trendy bar located on the roof of the hotel will afford guests breathtaking views. An area of 3,000 sqm will be covered by the hotel’s flexible conference and banquet complex equipped with state-of-the-art technical facilities. The extensive range of services offered by the hotel will be rounded off by a ballroom catering for up to 1400 guests, as well as a business centre. In addition, a myriad of sport and leisure activities will be available: The plans include tennis courts, two swimming pools, a modern fitness studio and a luxurious spa and wellness area. The hotel’s younger guests will also find much to entertain themselves at the Kid’s Club, complete with playground.

Extending its reach to newer horizons, Dusit Hotels & Resorts has entered into an agreement with United Company for Tourism & Real Estate Development, owners of LakeView Hotel, Spa and Villas, to develop a project comprising a hotel, residences, and spa project in the New Cairo district of Egypt. The New Cairo district, referred to as the “Land of Gold,” is a unique strategic location. It has the hallmark of being one of the best new urban developments in Egypt, adjacent to the main Southern Highway Route that serves road traffic to all of the coastal tourist areas on the Red Sea, Hurghada, Al Gouna, Quesir, and others The LakeView development is catering exclusively to an A-plus market of locals and expatriates. Within walking distance of the developments, there are at least 10 international schools and five universities, where a hospitality college is envisaged by Mr Emad El Hazek, the developer of LakeView Villas. In addition, the resort complex will also be an attractive destination for the US and European leisure and corporate travelers. The Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo will open in two phases. The first phase is the hotel with 203 rooms and suites, a club lounge, an all-day dining restaurant, swimming pool and laundry, will open in June 2008. The second phase completes the full serviced apartments project in December of the same year. It comprises 106 residences with one or two bedrooms, an Asian-themed restaurant, a large, fully equipped ballroom occupying 1,536 sqm including a pre-function terrace, a gourmet bakery, a business center, a unique multi unit shopping Bazaar as well as a bank. Additional facilities, in phases three and four, are the opening (Dec 2008) of the Spa & Wellness Center and the opening (Dec 2009) of the Country Club respectively. The former will provide private treatment rooms and a beauty salon, covering an area of 3000 sqm. The latter will incorporate a large pool and bar, 15 cabanas for day use, kid’s club, gymnasium (600 sqm), six tennis courts, two squash courts, two ethnic restaurants, as well as a clubhouse that houses a cigar bar, coffee shop, game room, meeting rooms and a large reception bar.

Mr. Hussein Hachem with Dubai Women’s College students

Contributing to the success of Emiratization Al Murooj Rotana Hotel & Suites, one of the leading business properties on Sheikh Zayed road, is actively supporting the process of Emiratization, which has gradually embraced the major sectors of Dubai economy. The property maintains close contact with Maharat educational program aiming to attract more local young people into hospitality industry. It also extends every possible assistance to Dubai educational institutions in order to help foster better understanding of business by the National students. Mr. Hussein Hachem, the General Manager of the hotel has recently received five Higher Diploma students from Dubai Women’s College. The visit was part of their research project in order to familiarize themselves with

company’s operation, its present and future plans. During the meeting, Mr. Hachem has also enlightened the students about latest trends in Dubai economy and tourism sector in particular. The present multinational team of Al Murooj Rotana Hotel & Suites comprises staff members of more than 40 nationalities. As per Hussein Hachem, the future focus lies on increasing the number of local employees, especially in such departments as Guest Relations, Government & Employee relations. Commenting further, Hussein Hachem added that such collaboration contributes immensely to the overall success of Emiratization process and also reflects commitment of Rotana

Hotels to providing UAE nationals with challenging career opportunities, which has resulted in formation of Duroob Program. DUROOB is a fast track development program that will be a drive for UAE Nationals to grow faster within the hospitality industry. This program is instrumental in helping young national secure jobs by providing them with the necessary training and work experience to understand the working environment and be motivated to pursue a career within this industry. Mr. Nasser Al Nowais, Chairman, Rotana Hotels said: “There are no better people to run the tourism industry in the UAE than the nationals themselves, they know our country and they can see the potential of growing with it”.

Elite Jets welcomes new aircraft Elite Jets, the luxury private jet operator in the Middle East, proudly adds to its existing executive aircraft fleet the new Bombardier Challenger 604 (CL604), a one-of-a-kind business jet that exemplifies excellence in travel for the corporate VIP or leisure traveller in the Middle East. “I am very pleased with our new aircraft and strongly believe that our clientele will derive great pleasure from their travel experience on board the new CL 604,” said Mr. Ammar Balkar, President and CEO of Elite Jets. “This jet not only offers corporate travellers unmatched aesthetics, but also the flexibility to facilitate meetings en route through superb ‘office in the sky’

amenities, two features in which we take a great deal of pride,” Balkar adds. The CL 604 provides a 7,551 km range, offering non-stop flights from Dubai to London, Singapore and Seychelles, and Riyadh to Paris or TransAtlantic from London to New York, among other numerous key destinations. Additional features of the CL 604 include, double-club seating, divan, tracking seats, extendable work tables, and an expansive 19 m² cabin. With a passenger capacity of up to 10 people, the CL 604 is a high-altitude Boardroom for true class in executive travel. The exceeding six-foot cabin height is another magnificent facet of the aircraft, as it allows executives to

move about freely, work or relax in a spacious environment. A business person’s in-flight work capabilities are virtually limitless with the satellite-based, state-of-the-art voice communications, data transmission, and networking technologies provided.

November I Travel Arabia I 81

One & Only Maldives at Reethi Rah is one of several dream destinations showcased by The Honeymoon Collection.

Honeymoons

are the new wedding gift of choice

Sharaf Travel has announced “The Honeymoon Collection,” a new online bridal registry service specifically linked to honeymoons. The site www.honeymoon.ae started on 1 November, 2007. The Honeymoon Collection provides bridal couples with the opportunity to select the honeymoon of their dreams and then through the expert assistance of the Sharaf Travel team, have it broken down into smaller components, enabling guests to contribute to the cost of specific experiences instead of a traditional gift. “Personalisation is key. Being able to select a very special experience that you gift to someone is the important part of the entire concept.” said Sharon Garrett, spokeswoman for Sharaf Travel. The Honeymoon Collection offers escapes to a variety of destinations from island escapes and big cities, to African safaris and cruises. The types of experiences that bridal couples could put on their honeymoon registry include his and hers massage, scuba diving experiences, sundowners, city tours, a special theme dinner, spending money, and more. Even the airfares can be broken down into packages of say 500 miles. Seat upgrades, accommodation upgrades and even limousine transfers can all be included. “The concept works from the perspective of the bridal couple as well as the guests. Imagine if you have invited friends and family from abroad and they cannot make it to the wedding but still want to send you a gift to acknowledge your special day – their choice is limited due to courier charges and fragility. The Honeymoon Collection offers solutions for these guests to participate in the big day since it is an online service.” said Sharon Garrett. The Honeymoon Collection offers the bride and groom a one page website where they can post details of the wedding, a photo of themselves or the honeymoon destination and also where guests can view their registry list, following a simple surname search of either the bride or groom. The site is updated in real time and the bridal couple can simply log-on to see what has already been purchased for them. Complimentary “registry cards” especially designed to be included with the wedding invitation are provided free of charge to inform guests about the registry. The Honeymoon Collection also offers an email template for bridal couples to send to their friends. The Honeymoon Collection bridal registry is free of charge, however a 10% service charge is deducted from the total value of the Honeymoon (including guest contributions / spending money). In addition, there is a refundable AED500 setup charge, which is returned or put towards the dream honeymoon trip on ticket confirmation.

Iberotel to implement green policy at

Fujairah property Reiterating their global commitment to environment issues, Iberotel has announced that the Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort will implement green policies across all its operations. The five-star property in Fujairah is the hotel and leisure group’s first offering in the UAE, with launch imminent in the last quarter of 2007. Announcing details of the groups’ global green policy, and its implementation across their activities and operations in Fujairah, Ashraf Helmy, Area Business Development Manager, Miramar Al Aqah

82 I Travel Arabia I November

Beach Resort, said that overall objectives of the programme are to conserve, protect and enhance the environment. “Our environment pledge and policy is multi-faceted and manytiered, and it covers almost all aspects of our operations - ranging from the obvious conservation of energy and water, to more select programmes like waste segregation and recycling,” he explained. Energy and water consumption are monitored and controlled diligently at all Iberhotel properties,

with strong in-house programmes including a spectrum of meter readings, spreadsheet-based tracking and controls, and there will be no exceptions in Fujairah. “We are also finalising plans for a desalination plant to be located on the property that will treat consumed water, and recycle it for use in gardening. Likewise, waste water will be used for irrigation,” he added.

Mountain biking at

Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa

Kitson Boutique opens in Wafi

Wafi has added a number of eclectic stores and boutiques from different categories to its retail mix to satisfy its wide range of customers. One of the latest boutique that has recently opened in Wafi is Kitson, which offers men and women’s fashion. Kitson, an internationally known multi-brand store, is a top LA based fashion boutique and is well known for being a favourite of many Hollywood celebrities. The trendy retailer, who is always on top of the latest fashion and designers, has launched a broad selection of clothing items including t-shirts, hoodies and jeans, as well as accessories. Kitson also offers kids collection, as well as clothes for pampered pets such dogs. Kitson provides the latest trends in fashion and its customers are always on the hunt for the latest collections. It includes collections from different brands such as David and Goliath, Joseppe Perotti, 2B Free, Bejewelled, Philipp Plein and more. Some of the biggest fans of Kitson are Victoria Beckham, Usher and Cindy Crawford. “Opening a boutique such as Kitson is a great opportunity especially that it is a first for Dubai and is well known and favoured by many of the Hollywood celebrities,” said Victoria Smith, MKM Marketing Director. “Wafi strives to offer the premium brands for our discerning customers so they get to see the latest collections first in Dubai.”

Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa in association with professional mountain biking company, “Dream Adventures” have organized the first official mountain biking tour in the UAE. Representatives from the well known multi-national communications corporation “Nokia” together with the guide left the beaten track to explore the majestic heart of the Hajar Mountains. Stay with Fujairah Rotana to receive the widest range of professionally guided mountain bike tours in the UAE. We offer a complete range of tours starting from gentle and easy to hard and difficult. From individuals to group and families, this is a great way of entertaining everyone and experiencing the local scenery. “Our mountain biking safaris are the ultimate new experience in the UAE and should not be missed”, says Sean Andrews, the Recreation Manager of Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa.

A new band at

Sheraton Bahrain Hotel Sheraton Bahrain Hotel announced that ‘NORTHBOUND’, a popular band from Philippines would entertain guests at An Nada, the cocktail lounge of the hotel. ‘Northbounds’ young members hail from the northern part of Cebu, Philippines from where the country usually gets its famous singers and musicians. ‘Northbound’ includes seven members, DrummerEric; Lead Guitarist-Barry; Bass Guitarist-Bryan; Keyboardist-Wilfredo and the singers Darlene, Jessica and Merla. ‘Northbound’ plays all kinds of sounds and has a diverse repertoire which includes contemporary music as well as that of yesteryears. This band likes to interacts with the guests and are always happy to play their requests. Currently the band performs in most of the five star hotels in Cebu, Philippines. Further, the band has traveled extensively in Asia - Japan, Hongkong, Singapore, Malaysia and Bali, Indonesia. From Latin American beat to rock and roll, light jazz, top 40 on American and British charts, Evergreens and standards, Rhythm and Blues (R&B), ‘Northbound’ can play it all! With ‘Northbound’ entertaining at An Nada, Sheraton Bahrain Hotel is the right place to belong to, for a lively evening!

November I Travel Arabia I 83

ART Marine

exclusive Ramadan event

ART Marine, The Leading Marine Hospitality Company in the Middle East, held its first Exclusive Ramadan Event at the Dubai Creek Marina on the 29th of September, from Iftar to Suhour. The venue was completely privatized on this occasion and selected guests enjoyed a preview of the Company’s most stunning yachts. With fourteen yachts in water ranging from the Monte-Carlo Marine 890 to the Azimut 62, ART Marine obtained a good number of serious sales leads. The atmosphere and ambiance of this private boat show was created keeping in mind the Holy Month of Ramadan. The Creek Marina Island had been given a very subtle look with beautiful lighting on the palm

trees, delicious Iftar catering and Ramadan tents put up to add to the atmosphere. Business deals were discussed, while smoking Shishas and listening to Oud players on the island, which befitted the Ramadan theme. The Exclusive Ramadan Event has created a very positive impact on the ART Marine events’ history and has firmly positioned the Company higher in the marine industry.

KM Properties and National Bank of Dubai

sign escrow account KM PROPERTIES once again leads the way with regards to the Dubai Land Department’s implementation of Law No. 8 of 2007, concerning guarantee accounts of real estate, with the signing of an Escrow account with National Bank of Dubai, making it one of the first developers to fully adhere to the new legislation. KM Properties has established its own Escrow account to protect all its existing and future property owners and investors. KM Properties, which became the first private developer to embrace Law No. 8 when it registered with the Land Department in August as a real estate developer, now offers Escrow facilities on its multiple properties. “An Escrow Account is an important and effective mechanism that is used to reduce risks over Real Estate investments in Dubai. The working idea of this mechanism is dependent heavily on the supervision role of RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) – division of the Dubai Land Department – over all amounts deposited by clients, and by verifying that the developer is spending these deposits in the best way in favor of its developments” said Khulood Abdulla

84 I Travel Arabia I November

Al Rostamani, co-founder and group director of KM Holding, parent company of KM Properties. And regarding the efforts made by KM Properties in preparation for this major step, Khulood added: “KM Properties started one year ago to prepare all its departments & divisions to comply with the new law – the Law No. 8- as soon as the government of Dubai issued it. This task was carried out to make it possible for KM Properties to lead the way in complying with the new law”. KM Properties, one of the largest property developers in the Emirate, has set up an Escrow account in conjunction with National Bank of Dubai (NBD). KM Properties already has strong relationships with the bank having recently entered into a strategic agreement with NBD for the granting of mortgages on KM Properties’ commercial and residential

developments. “We are glad that KM Properties has chosen to partner with us to safeguard its investors’ interests. In addition, customers of KM Properties can benefit from the finance assistance value offer made possible by our strategic partnership. Through this service, NBD is supporting government initiatives to raise the standard of real estate industry and ensure the continued prosperity of Dubai’s property market,” comments Rajesh Thapar, Group Head of Corporate and Institutional Banking, National Bank of Dubai. NBD offers mortgages of up to 85% on residential units and 75% on commercial spaces at TAMANI Exclusive at El Matador tower located in Jumeirah Village Triangle, as mortgage partner to KM Properties. This appointment will complement NBD’s leading position in the mortgage finance market, adding value both to KM Properties and its customers. “NBD was the natural choice for our Escrow account. Not only is this is a well respected financial institution but one with which we have a strong relationship,” Al Rostamani remarked.

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 - donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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: November I Travel Arabia I 85 Travel Arabia Subscriptions, P.O.Box 53777, Dubai Media City, Bldg 1, Phase 1, Office G4, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

New website for

Starwood preferred guest Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced the re-design of SPG.com, the dedicated website for members of Starwood Preferred Guest - the industry’s top rated hotel loyalty program. The re-designed site showcases a new look, new tools, features and downloads unprecedented in the hospitality industry that provide members with personalized access and a rich, customized on-line experience. “The new SPG.com highlights the synergies between our award winning Loyalty program - Starwood Preferred Guest and Starwood’s forward thinking and innovative web strategies,” said Mark Vondrasek, senior vice president, Interactive Marketing and Loyalty Program, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Worldwide, Inc. “Our goal has always been to offer our members benefits that set a benchmark in the way travel loyalty programs do business and the new site remains true to this promise by

delivering a vanguard and unique on-line experience that can only be found on SPG.com.” One of the highlights of the re-designed site is MY SPG – a personal portal that allows members to access their SPG account, customize the information displayed, and search for properties based on their own unique interests and favorite travel destinations. Through MY SPG, members can select which tools will appear in their portal every time they log on, including Special Offers, My Favorites, Award Quickfind and TheLobby.com. The new site also allows members to add innovative tools to their personal portal like the Starpoint Tracker which helps members manage and keep track of their Starpoint balances and wish lists. Members can also download SPG Check-In, the first desktop application in the hotel industry that sends personalized, daily alerts to members with special offers based on their preferences. SPG Check-In also

features the top stories of the day from the TheLobby. com, Starwood Preferred Guests’ content-rich daily travel blog. To make sure members don’t miss out on a great deal, SPG Check-In can be viewed on any handheld mobile device. “As the industry’s leading hotel loyalty program, we are constantly striving to offer a rich, personalized on-line experience that goes beyond the transactional by also focusing on the lifestyles and passions of our members,” said Robin Korman, vice president of loyalty marketing for Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. “The new SPG. com offers our members an easy way to book a stay, manage their account and access insights and recommendations on great new destinations that cater to their interests and travel persona. Our goal was to introduce cutting edge features that provide our members with a truly enriching on-line travel experience while saving them valuable time.”

Refad becoming a major hospitality player in Middle East Kuwait’s Refad Hotels & Resorts is rapidly becoming a major player in the Middle East hospitality market with a growing portfolio of five-star properties across the GCC. Refad Hotels & Resorts has five international properties in operation and a further six under construction. It plans to acquire 30 new properties over the next five years. It currently has properties in Germany, Kuwait and Lebanon, with their flagship hotel, The Monarch Dubai, due to open later this year. On the drawing board is a second Monarch on the iconic Oqyana (Australasia) island group as part of The World offshore development in Dubai. Refad Hotels & Resorts chairman Waleed Al-Humaidhi says the head office

86 I Travel Arabia I November

in Kuwait provides hotel management, development, ownership investment as well as financing worldwide. “The inspiration behind the foundation of Refad Hotels & Resorts is the introduction of a new living concept that reflects and answers the growing global trend towards the specialization of hospitality products,” he said. “Our unifying aim is the provision of exceptional hospitality services to corporate individuals and groups, ensuring that the Refad brands are recognized globally as being synonymous with absolute excellence.” Refad Hotels & Resorts provides and manages a range of hospitality solutions through innovative hotel brands. All will be showcased at the World Travel Market in London in November.

MTPB partners with SIA

to offer special travel package for Dubai travelers

The Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB) has announced that it aims to reach the 50,000 mark - for the number of UAE tourists visiting Malaysia in a year - in 2007, as it unveiled details of a strategic partnership with Singapore Airlines (SIA) to promote a special travel package for the UAE’s residents, in line with the ‘Visit Malaysia Year 2007’ campaign launched earlier this year. As part of the MTPB’s regional campaign to boost the country’s tourism industry, Singapore Airlines has introduced a specially-designed three days / two nights holiday package to three prime destinations in Malaysia - Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Langkawi at competitive prices starting from AED 1,490/ from October to November 2007. “Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage and natural attractions have made it one of the favorite destinations for tourists all over the world, and taken Malaysia’s tourism industry growth to new heights,” said Tuan Razali Tuan Omar, Director, MTPB. “In the UAE alone, we have experienced an overwhelming growth of 22.2 per cent from last year, a figure we intend to better this year with our efforts to target Dubai’s residents who have always fancied a holiday in Malaysia. Through our partnership with Singapore Airlines, we hope to make their trip to Malaysia very pleasant, comfortable and more importantly affordable.” Malaysia attracted a multitude of tourists from the Middle East, with numbers rising up to more than 180,000 in 2006 prior to the launch of ‘Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2007’, and this year around 300,000 tourists from the

region are expected to visit the country. Exciting theme parks and awe-inspiring natural wonders such as Sunway Lagoon and Genting Highlands, the pristine beaches in Langkawi and Penang, along with a choice of luxurious shopping malls, are some of the attractions that await tourists in this culturally-affluent country. MeowSeng Lim, General Manager Gulf, Singapore Airlines, said, “Our partnership with the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board brings us closer to our goal of providing people with a more personal and relaxing travel experience. With our desire to offer the best vacation experience possible, we have introduced specially made Holiday Packages, which will make the Malaysia escapade all the more appealing to a wider range of vacationers.” “The specially designed package includes Return Air Ticket, Hotel Accommodation, Airport/Hotel transfers, Daily American Breakfast, Complimentary Ticket for Eye on Malaysia and a host of other benefits offered through Singapore Airlines Boarding Pass Privileges. Singapore Airlines Boarding Pass opens up a wealth of privileges for the travelers by simply presenting their Boarding Pass at over 300 locations for discounts on shopping, dining, tourist attractions and transport services. Boarding Pass Privileges is available in two cities in Malaysia - Kuala Lumpur & Penang. We are positive that Malaysia’s vast array of tourist attractions, and the hospitality and warmth of its people, will be key factors that will continuously draw visitors from

THAI launches Airport Spa Treatments

Premium class travellers on THAI can now enjoy a range of exceptional lounge and spa facilities at the world’s newest gateway, Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. Of all the outstanding passenger handling facilities at Suvarnabhumi Airport, THAI’s home base, none are more impressive than THAI’s Premium Service Lounges, devoted to the needs of THAI’s Royal First, Royal Silk and Royal Orchid Plus Gold members plus qualifying travellers on other Star Alliance Airlines. In addition, Royal First Class travellers have access to the sumptuous Royal Spa, a haven of well-being with three luxuriously appointed spa suites providing gentle and relaxing full body massage using traditional techniques with pure herbal essence aromatherapy oils, changeable-colour water Jacuzzi, Sauna and Steam rooms. Located in Concourse D, the Royal Spa provides Royal First Class passengers with a complimentary 75 minute full body massage on a first-come-first-served basis. Royal Silk passengers are invited to enjoy a complimentary 30 minute reflexology/neck & shoulder massage, again on a first-come-first-served basis. Additional services include showers and relaxation lounge. Access to the facilities is available to premium travellers whether departing, arriving or in transit between international and domestic flights, and represents an ideal way to pass the time between flights away from all crowds and stress.

November I Travel Arabia I 87

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

88 I Travel Arabia I November

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

November I Travel Arabia I 89

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

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

90 I Travel Arabia I November

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

November I Travel Arabia I 91

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

92 I Travel Arabia I November

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

November I Travel Arabia I 93

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

94 I Travel Arabia I November

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

November I Travel Arabia I 95

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

96 I Travel Arabia I November

765474

762237

755120

755410

764003

765425

764746

767003

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 November I Travel Arabia I 97

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).

98 I Travel Arabia I November

Electricity

220/240 Volts 50 cycles AC.

SAUDI ARABIA

KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

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 Kingdomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

November I Travel Arabia I 99

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

100 I Travel Arabia I November

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

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

November I Travel Arabia I 101

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:13â&#x2C6;&#x17E; 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: 35â&#x2C6;&#x17E;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

102 I Travel Arabia I November

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

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 Intâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

November I Travel Arabia I 103

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 employerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

104 I Travel Arabia I November

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

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 105