Online Version: www.travel-arabia.com
November 2008, Volume 4, Issue 10
Living Arabia
Marrakesh Jewel of the Desert Art Exhibit
Suhoor, An Emirati Exhibition
Profile:
ERNIE ELS on THE ELS CLUB THE CITY’S GOLF COURSES
CTION t A R T AT Resor a r a t n nd Ana Thaila , t e k Phu
There Is No Substitute For Experience
Majesty The 88 foot Majesty Fly bridge Berthed at Al Raha Beach hotel -Abu Dhabi has a cruising speed of around 25 knots. Majesty can accommodate up to 28 guests for day trips and comfortably sleep 8 guest in 4 cabins (Master en-suite)for overnight/multiday trips. Libra is fully air-conditioned with state of the art entertainment systems including with DVD’s and ipod dock so guests can listen to their favourite tunes whilst soaking up the rays on the sun bed.Majesty also has a jacuzzi, sun bed barbecue and wet bar as well as jet ski.
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Aquarius
The 60 foot Princess Fly bridge Berthed at the Creek Yacht Club has a cruising speed of around 26 knots, and can accommodate up to 10 guests for day trips and comfortably sleep 6 guest in 3 cabins (Master en-suite)for overnight/multiday trips. The 60 has a sunbed, barbecue and wet bar, as well as spacious seating, is air conditioned and has an entertainment system with DVD’s, and ipod dock so guests may bring along their ipod to listen to favorite tunes whilst soaking up the rays on the sun bed.
STARTING RATE FROM 2 HOURS Dubai Tel : +971 4 2271226 Fax: +971 4 2272808 Dubai email:info@leisuremarinecharters.com Web: www.leisuremarinecharters.com
Capricorn
Victoria
The 35 foot Aqualum Fly bridge Berthed at Abu Dhabi Al Raha Beach Resorts can accommodate up to 6 guests for day trips and comfortably sleep 2 guest in 1 cabins (Master en-suite) for overnight/multi day trips. The 35 has a sun bed, barbecue and wet bar, as well as spacious seating, is air conditioned and has an entertainment system with DVD’s, and ipod dock, so guests may bring along their ipod to listen to favorite tunes whilst soaking up the rays on the sun bed.
The 86 foot Majesty Fly bridge Berthed at the Creek Yacht Club has a cruising speed of around 25 knots. Victoria can accommodate up to 35 guests for day trips and comfortably sleep 8 guest in 4 cabins (Master en-suite)for overnight/ multiday trips. Libra is fully air-conditioned with state of the art entertainment systems including with DVD's and ipod dock so guests can listen to their favourite tunes whilst soaking up the rays on the sun bed.Victoria also has a jacuzzi, sun bed barbecue and wet bar as well as jet ski.
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Leo The 46 foot Fairline Phantom Fly bridge Berthed at the Creek Yacht Club has a cruising speed of around 28 knots, and can accommodate up to 10 guests for day trips and comfortably sleep 6 guest in 3 cabins (Master en-suite)for overnight/multiday trips. The Phantom 46 has a sunbed, barbecue and wet bar, as well as spacious seating.is air conditioned and has an entertainment system with DVD’s, and ipod dock, so guests may bring along their ipod to listen to favorite tunes whilst soaking up the rays on the sun bed.
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Searunner
Virgo
The 42 foot Princess Sports Cruiser Berthed at the Creek Yacht Club Dubai has a cruising speed of 34 knots and maximum speedof 39 knots. She can accommodate up to 8 guests plus 2 crew for daily coastal cruising and 2 guests in a full width master cabin, plus 2 crew for overnight trips. The 42 has a seating and dining area in the cockpit, a spacious saloon inside with a large seating/dining area, which as well, as the guest cabin, is air-conditioned.
The 45 foot Ferretti Fly bridge Berthed at Al Raha Beach Hotel has a cruising speed of around 24 knots, and can accommodate up to 10 guests for day trips and comfortably sleep 4 guest in 2 cabins (Master en-suite) for overnight/multi day trips. The 45 has a sun bed, barbecue and wet bar, as well as spacious seating, is air conditioned and has an entertainment system with DVD’s, and ipod dock, so guests may bring along their ipod to listen to favorite tunes whilst soaking up the rays on the sun bed.
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Bluewater The 36 Luhrs Fly Bridge Berthed at Dubai Creek has a cruising speed of around 30 knots and can accommodate up to 8 guests for day trips and comfortably sleep 2 guests in 1 cabin (Master en-suite) for overnight/multi day trips. The 36 Luhrs has the Fishing Facilities, as well as spacious seating, is air conditioned and has an entertainment system with DVD’s.
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editor’s note
M
y first encounter with golf was a decade ago when I was still residing in Saipan, an island in the Pacific which is famous for its beaches and golf courses. In such a small island, there were about six professional golf courses. Most of the residents there play the sport and if you want to discuss business and get a potential client, you need to learn the game. I once asked a player why he is so fascinated with the game when all you do is hit a small ball as far as you can. He said it’s the feeling of conquering the greens, no matter how challenging or complicated the fairway is. He said the game relaxes him and keep his mind away from all the worries of the world even for a short period of time. Tiger Woods entry into the world of golf created uproar to the industry. The world clearly monitored Tiger’s career and to my opinion, the game has gathered more followers since then, as well as aspiring talents who want to become as famous and excellent player like Tiger. The golf craze has not spared Dubai. Golf is becoming a sensation here and spreading obviously in the Arabian Desert. From the initial Emirates Golf Club in 1988, Dubai now boasts several golf courses, described as the region’s premier courses designed by wellknown golf players. In fact, Tiger Woods himself designed one of the upcoming golf course projects, the Al Ruwaya to be built in Dubailand, a 7,800 yard, par 72, 18-hole championship course with dramatic elevation changes, lush landscaping, stunning water features and an overall design
that will challenge and entertain golfers of all playing abilities. With the weather cooling down in Dubai and the rest of the Emirates, this is the best time to get out to the city’s lush golf courses. We are featuring the golf courses in Dubai this issue to give you an idea of what these golf courses offer. You will be fascinated with the design of each golf course plus the facilities they offer. If you have been recently introduced to the game, there are tips on how you can get the best out of your practice session. We are also featuring an interview with Ernie Els who talked about The Els Club which will be part of Dubai Sports City. And have you ever wondered who the men behind the industry are? We don’t pay much attention to these people when we go to the clubs but these people practically run the whole show so this is the perfect time to know them. Finally, if you are a business person who wants to play golf but too busy to do it during the day, our feature on Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club will help you find time to play even in the evening because of their newly introduced fully flood lit golf facilities. The November issue also features destinations like Marrakesh and Los Angeles.There are newly opened properties in Thailand and China that you may want to discover on your next trip to these countries. Whatever your plans are this month, be it playing golf, enjoying the cool weather, travelling on weekends, dining with your friends and families or relaxing with a much -needed massage, simply take pleasure and delight in them. Till next issue.
Flor B. Pamintuan
10 I Travel Arabia I November
www.travel-arabia.com Publisher KALIMAT GROUP INTERNATIONAL FZ-LLC Travel Arabia Head Office Office G4, Building No.1 Phase One, P.O.Box 502408 Dubai Media City, UAE Tel +971 4 391 0410/1/2/3 Fax +971 4 391 6619 E-mail editor@travel-arabia.com
your letters Emirates Terminal 3 I want to congratulate the Dubai Airport for the recently opened Terminal 3 facility dedicated for Emirates Airlines. I want to tell your readers that the new terminal is really huge and offers a lot of facilities especially for the first and business class travellers. The water fountain that greets you when you ride the lift as well as the Zen garden which gives you comfort are two of the highlights of the new airport that I really like. Of course, the fabulous shopping at Dubai Duty Free is one not to be missed. The great dining choices and spectacular views will make Emirates Terminal 3 a word in the travel industry.
General Manager Hekmat el Zein Editor Flor B. Pamintuan editor@travel-arabia.com Staff Writers Anjana Das Habeeb Salloum Contributors Eugene Correia Angela T Chuck Wightman Ty Treadwell Photographers Maher El Zein Samir Ahmed Designer Altaf Hussein df Assistant Designer Allan Ronald Castro 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.
Mark Smith Dubai
September issue I just want to thank you for a beautiful September issue. I want to commend your cover which truly depicts the essence of Ramadan. It’s very solemn and timely. You would easily get attracted to it and you will end up reading the issue from cover to cover. Thank you for such a wonderful concept. Keep up the good work! Monica Reyes Abu Dhabi
Atlantis, The Palm
Cityscape Dubai
The opening of the Atlantis, The Palm is really worth the wait. From its skeleton structure that I see everyday on my way to Dubai Media City to what it is now, I really admire its design and concept. So when it opened to the public in September I was one of those curious residents who went to the property to check it out. I was not disappointed but absolutely impressed at the way it was built. I didn’t book for a room because the hotel is really full but I get to see what the property offers, from the gigantic aquarium to the magnificent lobby that displays elegance and style. This is one property that people will always go and visit. I want to try the Aquaventure on my next visit and will try dining at their restaurants as well. Thanks for featuring the property in your October issue.
I visited Cityscape Dubai last month and was amazed at the enormous projects and developments that are coming to this city in the future. These projects really command attention and having Dubai as the location of these projects will really put this emirate on the map. We are now seeing projects like Burj Dubai, the Palm, The World and all other projects coming to life and I think this is the best time to be here – for guests and investors because we can actually see how things are shaping up. I can’t wait till all the projects are in place and operational. Dubai is really something.
Marie Lucas Deira
Richard M. UAE
© 2007 Kalimat Group International
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Travel Arabia would like to receive your comments and suggestions. Write to editor@travel-arabia.com
CONTENTS november 2008 30
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22 The best of golf courses Dubai has been dubbed one of the world’s most impressive destinations to play golf. Take a look at the city’s best golf courses and learn its unique features and what it offers to professional and amateur players.
30 The Els Club
32
Ernie Els talks about The Els Club, the jewel of the residential development, Victory Heights at Dubai Sport City, a destination where the world of sport unites, where people with a passion for the game combine with only the very best in global facilities.
32 Golfing Tips Want to perfect that swing? Try these helpful tips from our golf professionals.
38 Marrakesh
42
38
48
The capital of Southern Morocco, Marrakesh is not exactly a secret travel destination. Its enticing attractions have been known to the Arab world since the 11th century and to Western visitors since the late 1920’s.
42 Los Angeles, California A winter holiday in Los Angeles may not leap immediately to mind for those not huge fans of American football and parades, but the City of Angels can offer a pleasant respite from the cold and great value for your dollar.
52
48 Suhoor, An Emirati Exhibition An event which featured young and promising artists, some of whom have never displayed their work publicly. Their works were exhibited alongside established artists juxtaposing the future of the country’s art with its present.
66 About the Cover: Suhoor, an Emirati exhibition featuring young and promising artists, some of whom have never displayed their work publicly.
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52 The Ritz-Carlton, Sanya Luxury living is put firmly on the map today in China’s tropical Hainan island province with the opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Sanya, combining stylish hotel room accommodation and luxurious private villas with eight dining experiences, a world-class spa and designer brand shopping.
66 November Treats The month of November is packed with celebrations and festive events so check out our restaurants for an enjoyable meal with your friends, co-workers, family and loved ones.
November Events 1
“A Land of Dream and Love” ORHAN COPLU presents his most recent work at Art Attack Gallery in Dubai. Coplu’s work is a mirror, reflects the feelings, beliefs, thoughts, fears and experiences. The figures in his paintings are mainly the human beings and relations between themselves and the environment. He combines three creative elements in the simplest but most effective way to define his themes, so that people from any nationality, race or age can understand them. For information, call Art Attack Gallery at +971 4 344 9008: or email artattack@eim.ae
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Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA) Dubai Airport Expo
November 16 – 18 Massive growth in the global business aviation market, which is predicted to expand by 39,000 aircraft over the next 20 years, is driving exhibitor sign-up at this year’s Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA) show – the dedicated B2B conference and exhibition for the business aviation sector. MEBA, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of the Emirates Airline Group, is organised by F&E Aerospace on behalf of MEBAA.
Learn about the most pure and ancient form of Feng Shui known as Chue Style Yuen Hom in a two-day workshop facilitated by Deana WylandFries at The Monarch Dubai on 23/24 November. Deana chooses to facilitate smaller, more intimate groups for her workshops and as such places are limited. To book email deana@rebalance.eu or call +9715 0 9155888.
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Artparis-AbuDhabi is the first exhibition to bring European art fair to the Middle East. The great exhibition marks the participation of 22 countries exhibiting more than 3,300 artworks through 58 international galleries. Notably, artparis-AbuDhabi offers all art lovers a unique experience as it takes them in a tour through different ages each with its distinctive artistic movement. The artworks vary between paintings, sculptures, photos, and installations displayed by 700 artists.
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The Atlantis Hotel, Palm Jumeirah The Summit, with its special focus on the Middle East-China diamond and jewellery trade, aims to enhance trade relationships across the entire value chain of this fast-growing industry in both regions. The Summit was ideally positioned to highlight the growing trade opportunities between the Middle East and China. This initiative was in line with the Government of Dubai’s efforts to boost bilateral trade with China, and follows closely the leadership’s visit to China earlier this year.
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Workshop on Feng Shui The Monarch, Dubai, November 23-24
Artparis-Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, November 17 – 21, 2008
8
Middle East Diamond and Jewellery Summit November 8 – 9, 2008
23
Excellence in Customer Service November 23 -24, 2008
The Middle East Council of Shopping Centres (MECSC) has announced that Barbara Wold, Author of the best selling, Retail Success Guide will facilitate their popular Customer Service Workshop . The training programme is part of MECSC’s ongoing efforts to develop strong professional talent in the region to meet the needs of the growing shopping malls industry. For more info. please contact the MECSC office on register@mecsc.org, telephone +9714 359 7909.
COVER STORY
Emirates Golf Club
Dubai a golf destination
Dubai boasts some of the region’s premier golf courses. The city has pioneered the trend of creating golf courses in the deserts of Arabia.
Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club
W
ith the cooler winter weather beginning to surround Dubai, it is the perfect time to get out on one of the city’s lush golf courses. Dubai is the piece de la resistance in Middle Eastern golf, being voted the world’s leading golf destination by the International Golf Tour Operators Association (IGTOA). Dubai boasts some of the region’s premier golf courses. The city has pioneered the trend of creating golf courses in the deserts of Arabia. By 2007, there were five well-appointed clubs with six world class, 18-hole championship grass courses situated within the emirate – enough to enjoy a different course each day of the week. At present, there are eight golf courses in Dubai and more projects are underway like the spectacular Tiger Woods-designed Al Ruwaya Golf Course in Dubailand and Nakheel Golf, a prestigious project consisting of six golf courses. Dubai’s golf boom started in 1988 with the inauguration of the Emirates Golf Club, followed by the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club five years later. The ‘Desert Miracle’ was the name given to the landmark Emirates Golf Club when it became the first all-grass championship golf course in the Gulf. Its iconic clubhouse resembles a group of Bedouin tents, carved in white and standing out majestically against the emerald-green carpet laid before it. The golf courses in Dubai are varied and with wide ranging tee positions, have been designed for enjoyment, challenging the world’s best professionals while rewarding the weekend and holiday golfer. In fact, some of these courses are designed by international masters like Colin Montgomerie, Ernie Els and Greg Norman.4
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Emaar’s Saheel Golf Homes
For golf enthusiasts, the golf courses in the Dubai are the best place to work on their swing, tee off or simply observe the great landscape surrounding the greens. Most golf clubs offer state-of-the art teaching and practice facilities. Most of the leading golf courses are nestled on the outskirts of the city to offer a peaceful and picturesque environment. International tournaments have been held in Dubai’s golf courses, the most prestigious of which is the Dubai Desert Classic, one of the European PGA Tour’s top events. The yearly Dubai Desert Classic has attracted many of the world’s leading golfers and thousands of avid spectators, year after year. Tiger Woods is a regular visitor to the Dubai Desert Classic (where he won more than once next to Ernie Els). The other event played in Dubai is the Dubai Ladies Masters which inaugurated in 2006 and also commands global attention because of the top female golfers in the world who participate in the event.
In the coming years, several more golf courses will open including Al Ruwaya Golf Course, the world’s first golf course designed by Tiger Woods. Embodying Tiger Woods’ vision of creating a spectacular, challenging golf course, Al Ruwaya, will be a 7,800 yard, par 72, 18 hole championship course with dramatic elevation changes, lush landscaping, stunning water features and an overall design that will challenge and entertain golfers of all playing abilities. The 13 million sq. ft. golf course will offer only 200 memberships with residents of the community being given top priority. In addition, Al Ruwaya will also include a professionally-staffed golf academy, a 145,000 sq. ft. clubhouse with premium amenities, and a highend destination spa. Luxury residences at The Tiger Woods Dubai will include 22 palaces, 75 mansions, and 100 signature villas. The 360,000 sq. feet luxury boutique hotel will include 90 suites and 14 bungalows in sizes varying from 1,600-9,500 sq. feet.The interiors of The Hotel will be designed by renowned Lebanese designer Elie Saab and reflect his personalized style that is defined by a fusion of simplicity, luxury and modernism. It will also feature Michelin three-star chef Guy Savoy’s first signature restaurant in the region.
A truly exclusive address, this private golfing community is scheduled for completion in September 2009. It will occupy an area of 55 million sq ft in Dubailand off Al Hibab Road; a 30 minute drive from Dubai’s city center and the Dubai International Airport. Nakheel Golf is another project that consists of six prestigious golf courses designed by international golfing star Greg Norman. These courses will be located in Dubai at selected Nakheel projects. Four championship golf courses are designed around the elements of earth, fire, air and water. All its courses will focus on eco-friendly principles and feature flora and fauna that are indigenous to the region. One of Nakheel Golf ’s project is the Little White Shark, located on the Jumeirah Islands and features a 3 par 6 hole course. A family-oriented venue, the highlight of the course is its Clubhouse, built in the shape of a shark, which is also the logo of Greg Norman’s private company. The most spectacular course of this project is the Inspiration, which is designed as a tribute to Greg Norman’s long career in the sport. The course is based on a realistic re-creation of the legendary golfer’s favourite holes from around the world. The Inspiration is located at Dubai Lost City. n
20 I Travel Arabia I November Four Seasons Golf Club
the best of
Golf Courses
Dubai has been dubbed one of the world’s most impressive destinations to play golf. Take a look at the city’s best golf courses. EMIRATES GOLF CLUB Designed by Karl Litten and the brainchild of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Emirates Golf Club is the first all-grass championship golf course in the Gulf region. Host to the annual Dubai Desert Classic the club comprises of two championship courses, the Majlis and the Wadi. The Courses • Majlis: 18 hole championship course, plays to a par of 72 • Wadi: 18 hole par 72 course, dominated by a spectacular landscaped wadi. Facilities • The impressive Clubhouse, designed in the style of a group of Bedouin tents, is among the most recognised landmarks in international golf. • Superb five star French restaurant, plus bars and lounges. • 3 hole Academy Course for tuition and practice; two driving ranges; air conditioned teaching centre with the latest in video swing analysis equipment. • Swimming pools squash and tennis courts, gymnasium, grass football pitches; well-stocked Pro Shop. Rules of Play • All players must have a handicap of 28 or less for men and 45 or less for women. • The dress code requires collared shirts and golfing shorts or longer covering on the course and in the clubhouse. Contact PO Box: 24040, Dubai, U.A.E. Tel: (9714) 3473222 Fax: (9714) 3472888 Website: www.dubaigolf.com4
22 I Travel Arabia I November Emirates Golf Club
Sheba horse racing circuit. The club offers a floodlit driving range. The Course • 18 holes, par 71-6428 yard course. • Built around eight lakes, three of which are for irrigation. • The golf course layout has all the characteristics of a Scottish links, with rolling fairways and deep pot bunkers. The course is generally flat with the new front 9 holes featuring elevated tees.
Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
DUBAI CREEK GOLF & YACHT CLUB Opened in January 1993, Dubai’s second world class golf course in the centerpiece of a 80-hectare sports and leisure complex that also incorporates a 115-berth marina. Originally designed by Karl Litten but revamped by Danish golf professional Thomas Bjorn, it is located close to the city centre and Dubai International Airport on the banks of the Dubai Creek. The Course • The main championship 18-hole, par 71 course is 6,839 yards in length. • Three ornamental lakes and a further three seawater hazards are a feature of the course. • The 9-hole, par 3 course, fully floodlit, is a unique facility to practice the short game, day or night. Facilities • Designed in the shape of the billowing sails of a traditional Arabian dhow, the 45-metre high clubhouse captures the essence of Dubai’s sea-faring traditions. • Bars and function rooms overlook the ninth and 18th greens, while the Fairways restaurant combines quality cuisine with breathtaking views of Dubai. • Golf Academy, High Tech Studio and a double ended driving range with instruction from six PGA qualified professionals. • The separate yacht club incorporates the “Aquarium”, a seafood restaurant, as
well as the popular “Board walk”, and the new “Boardwalk Café”. • Tennis courts and gymnasium with teaching programmes are also available. Rules of Play • Visitors are welcome on a “pay-asyou-play” basis. • All players must have a handicap of 28 or less for men and 45 or less for women. • Players should adhere to the dress code, which requires proper golfing attire at all times. Contact Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club can be contacted for advance and group bookings Tel: (9714) 3475201 Fax: (9714) 3475404. Website: www.dubaigolf.com NAD AL SHEBA GOLF CLUB Dubai’s third grass course, with its links course straddling the Nad Al
24 I Travel Arabia I November Montgomerie, Dubai Clubhouse
Facilities • The three-storey blue-tiled clubhouse offers panoramic views across the race track and golf course. • Built in the traditional style found at British golf courses, the interior features panelled walls and leather sofas. • Facilities at the superbly equipped clubhouse include a Pro Shop, bars and a 100-seater Steakhouse restaurant. Rules of Play • Visitors are welcome on a “pay-asyou-play” basis, as well as to use the public driving range. • The dress code requires collared shirts and golfing shorts and proper golfing attire. • All players must have a handicap of 28 or less for men and 45 or less for women. Contact P.O. Box 52872, Dubai, U.A.E. Tel: (9714) 3363666 Fax: (9714) 3363717 Website: www.nadalshebaclub.com4
THE MONTGOMERIE The Montgomerie, Dubai is located in the prestigious Emirates Hills Residental Estate. Covering more than 200 acres, this spectacular golf course provides the player with undulating ‘links land’ style fairways which challenge and intrigue all levels of player. The Course • 18 hole par 72 championship golf course designed by Colin Montgomerie and Desmond Muirhead • Unique characteristics include a handshaped bunker on hole 17, a mammoth 656 yard 18th • 81 bunkers and 14 lakes • The course features 419 fairway grass and all its greens are kitted with Tift Eagle ultradwarf Bermuda grass allowing for a perfect green. • For evening golfing enthusiasts, the course boasts a 662 yard floodlit 9-hole par 3 Academy course. Facilities • Academy by Troon Golf Coaching facility offering specialized individual lessons, long term coaching package and personalised corporate clinics, devised and facilitated by world-class coaches • There are four international food and beverage outlets offering dining alternatives from 6:30 am to late evening, 7 days a week.
Four Seasons Dubai Golf Club
Arabian Ranches Golf Club
• 21 stylish boutique guest rooms, each generously sized, personifying minimalist design and contemporary chic. • Angsana Spa offering a comprehensive menu of wellness treatments. Rules of Play • The Montgomerie Dubai offers membership in limited numbers • Visitors and groups are welcome • All players must have a handicap of 28 or less for men and 45 or less for ladies • Players should adhere to the dress code, which is smart golfing attire at all times. Contact Tel. +971 4 3905600 Website: www.themontgomerie.com ARABIAN RANCHES Formerly known as The Desert Course, Arabian Ranches, was built as a true 18 hole, par 72, desert style grass course, a signature course designed by Ian Baker-Finch in association with Nicklaus Design. The Course • 7,092 yards, 18-hole desert style, par 72 golf course from the Gold Tees. • GPS (Global Positioning System) on each golf cart to inform players of the exact yardage service available on every golf cart. Facilities • Spanish Colonial style Clubhouse boasts the Ranches Restaurant and Bar, with a terrace overlooking the panoramic scenic views over the 9th and 18th holes, • Within the Clubhouse there are
26 I Travel Arabia I November 26 I Travel Arabia I November
11 luxurious Guest Rooms with spectacular views overlooking either the Golf Course or the Lake. • The fully qualified Golf Professionals at the Golf Academy,, offer a variety of teaching programs for either the beginner or the more experienced golfer wishing to improve their game. Contact Tel +9714 3663000 www.arabianranchesgolfdubai.com FOUR SEASONS DUBAI GOLF CLUB Since opening early in 2007, Four Seasons Golf Club Dubai Festival City, has fast become a favoured location for local and international golfers seeking more than just manicured greens. The Course • Home to an outstanding Robert Trent Jones II designed championship golf course, this par-72, 7,303 yard course offers every handicap an appropriate and enjoyable level of play in the surroundings of a desert oasis theme. • The 11 lakes, ponds and cascading waterfalls provide an aesthetically pleasing environment while ensuring a risk / reward element for all golfing skills. Facilities • The Golf Club with its state-of-theart golf academy offers a world-class facilities include two swing studios, a floodlit driving range, chipping area and practice putting green. • The most impressive coaching tools of the academy are the region’s only TaylorMade Performance Lab and MATT swing analysis and club fitting system, and an indoor Science and4
is the first golf course in the Middle East designed by US Open and Open Champion, Ernie Els. The Els Club takes advantage of dramatic topography resulting in a course that is aesthetically stunning and exciting to play.
Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa
Motion putting laboratory (SAM Putt Lab), which focuses purely on improving putting skills. • Relaxing and well appointed locker rooms complete with lounge areas, Jacuzzi, steam, sauna & personal lockers. • Four exceptional indoor and outdoor dining alternatives Contact Tel: + 971 4 601 0101 Website: www.fourseasons.com JEBEL ALI GOLF RESORT & SPA The Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa opened in October 1998 and over the past 10 years has become renowned in the local and international golfing community for its excellent condition year round. The Course • Designed by Swiss golf course architect Peter Harradine. • Each hole has been landscape with lush trees exotic shrubs and original desert flora such as ghaf trees and cacti. Five of the holes are designed around a salt water lake, featuring three wooden bridges. • 9-hole par 36 course with a selection of 4 different tees which offers the opportunity to play either a 9 or a 18 hole round.
Facilities • Well stocked professional shop. • Floodlit driving range and short game facilities. • Golf instruction from qualified PGA professionals. • Video swing analysis. • Corporate golf days or individual packages can include combinations of a wide range of facilities such as golf, fishing, shooting, riding, tennis, snooker, pool and many more. Rules of Play • Visitors are welcome on a pay as you play basis. • Visitors without handicap certificates are welcome. However, they must hold a valid players certificate or be an experienced bon-handicap golfer possessing a sound knowledge of the rules and etiquette of the game. • To avoid disappointment, book your tee times in advance this winter Contact P.O. Box 9255, Tel: +971 4 883 6000 E-mail: jagrs@jaihotels.com THE ELS CLUB The Els Club at Dubai Sports City
28 I Travel Arabia I November The Els Club Dubai Residential
The Course • Stretching 7,538 yards with four sets of tees allowing golfers a selection of differing lengths from which to play • 18-hole championship course, situated within the Victory Heights development in Dubai Sports City • Four boxes of tee boxes on each hole • 211 acres combining 131 acres of maintained turf, 69 acres of native vegetation, 5 acres of bunkers and 6 acres of lakes Facilities • With superb clubhouse facilities, floodlit areas and the only Butch Harmon School of Golf outside the USA. • Temporary Clubhouse: Like the beautifully appointed corporate chalets that you find at top professional golf events, this temporary structure will have all the amenities necessary to service your needs during a visit to the club. • Permanent Clubhouse: At 60,000 sq ft and with no expense spared, this Mediterranean masterpiece will echo the high standards already set by a course expected to become one of the most acclaimed in the region. Rules of Play • Membership: Individuals, families and corporations are invited to pay a one-time fee for the ‘right to play golf’ at the club, in lieu of a traditional, onetime ‘joining fee.’ In addition, members are asked to pay an annual fee that is in line with current Dubai golf club annual membership rates. Contact: Tel: 971 4 329 3300 Website: www.dubaisportscity.ae n
PROFILE
Ernie Els talks about
The Els Club
The Els Club is the jewel of the residential development, Victory Heights, at Dubai Sport City, the world’s first fully integrated athletic metropolis – a destination where the world of sport unites, where people with a passion for the game combine with only the very best in global facilities.
Q
uestion: How and when did your relationship begin with Dubai Sports City? Ernie Els: I’ve been coming to Dubai since 1994. I’ve always had a special affinity with the city as it has grown. I’ve also been pretty successful here in the Dubai Desert Classic. When I saw the plans for Dubai Sports City, I knew that this was going to be a great project. We met with Khalid, Bala and the team and agreed a way forward. Initially, we were involved with this project in partnership with Nicklaus Design. But we are very much a stand alone business now and as a result of that restructuring we took over this project in the very early planning stages. Being able to design a golf course in Dubai – you know, that’s pretty special. And obviously this whole project at Dubai Sports City is incredibly exciting – I mean, I think it’s fair to say there is nothing else like it in the world. Question: Has the course design emerged as how you originally saw it? Els: Yeah, definitely. We felt that we could create a desert style links and I think that’s exactly what we’ve achieved Working with Greg Letsche and the Els Design team, I think that they’ve done a great job in shaping the course. The greens will mature and the bunkers are tough. I also think that the desert wind will give the course a good links feel. Question: Why “The Els Club”? Els: The Els Club is the first of a select number of chosen projects that will bear my name. They will comprise of an 18-hole signature Els Design course plus a unique hospitality offer in the club house….good food, great bars, a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere with great
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service from the moment you arrive. Basically, everything you want in a great day’s golf. We’ll also definitely serve my wine! Hopefully, the formula will be the best of all the clubs where I have played over the last 20 years. Question: How many Els Clubs do you expect to build over the coming years? Els: I don’t know. Time will tell on that one. We have no specific plans today. The important thing is that we are looking for the right opportunities in the right locations around the world. Places likes South Africa, the UK and the US are obvious potential locations given my links with all three. But I am keen to explore the potential in some of golf’s emerging markets such as China, India and the Far East. Question: What do you want The Els Club legacy to be for members and visiting golfers in Dubai? Els: For the members, that they enjoy a great course with a fun clubhouse. For the visitors, that they walk away having had a great day on and off the golf course. Question: Are you genuinely going to be involved with The Els Club? Els: We are actually setting up our office at the clubhouse, although I am not going to be at the course every week or month, because my focus is professional golf and the Majors. I will be keeping a close eye on the Els Club here in Dubai and I am sure that I will visit it regularly over the next couple of years. Question: Where do you feel that this course sits amongst your global designs to date?
Els: That’s for others to judge. You mature as a designer and I genuinely feel that this is a great course. I am very proud of what we’ve achieved here. I’m confident it will rank amongst the best golf courses in the Middle East for many years to come. Question: What makes it so special? Els: Well, being part of Dubai Sports City which will become perhaps the most prominent location for sports on the planet helps. The course itself has come together well because of Greg Letsche and the Els Design team and the shaping of the course. It just feels like a desert links. It will be a good test for all levels of golfer. Question: Which is the best hole in your view? Els: There are several holes which spring to mind: The 9th is a long par 4 which plays downwind in the morning and upwind in the afternoon. The 12th is inspired by Muirfield in Scotland. The 16th is great risk/reward short par 4. It is drivable……The 17th is the best par 3 whilst the 18th is great par 5 finishing hole. Question: Is the Els Club environmentally friendly? Els: We’re always careful about the impact on the environment. For example, we’ve created wetlands and lakes which will encourage both birds and fish to flourish at The Els Club. Right now we’re testing solar panel golf carts to reduce electricity consumption. We have also sourced trees and vegetation from sustainable forests or carbon neutral nurseries worldwide.
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Tips
to a successful practice
Session
1. Before arriving at the practice facility have a clear purpose to the practice session and designate a timeframe to the session. 2. Warming up is vital to a good practice session so before hitting shots allow time for adequate stretching. 3. Maintaining energy levels or focus during practice is important, so keep water and nutritious foods handy (eg. Bananas) 4. Always start hitting shots with mall swings with the most lofted club in your bag, and then move through the set. In a good practice session you should use every club in your bag.
Luke Cantelo Professional and Senior Golf Instruction Manager The Montgomerie, Dubai
5. Have a pre-determined amount of balls to hit with each club. Don’t spend long periods hitting the driver as it is better to practice with this club in small doses.
6. Vary your targets regularly so that you stay focused with each shot. 7. Develop a pre-shot routine to perform with each shot during practice, and then use this on the golf course. 8. If your professional has given you specific swing drills or exercises to work on, integrate these into every session. 9. Take short breaks if you feel tired or experience a loss in intensity and don’t practice outside your pre-determined session timeframe. 10. Understand that to practice for golf effectively, at least 50% of your time should be spent on the short game (putting, chipping, pitching and bunker play) this is the easiest way to lower shots from your score.
Want to perfect that swing? Here’s some helpful tips from our golf professionals. 1. Make your set up and preshot routine the foundation of your game.
game vary club selection to develop a variety of shots.
2. A good balanced posture is essential to swinging any club well.
7. Routinely develop your putting skills from 8 feet and in the most crucial part of scoring.
3. When making a full shoulder turn keep the body and the arms connected. 4. For any shot requiring power ensure the lower body and the upper body coordinate. 5. In the short game, maintain soft hands for control around the green. 6. To get the most from your short
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8. When putting green consider reading the slope and distance to determine the line and pace. 9. In any game department above all be decisive and committed in your choices. 10. Don’t dwell on bad shots; accept, regroup and focus on hitting your next shot.
Malcolm Young P.G.A. Professional Arabian Ranches Golf Club
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The People
behind the sport When the game of golf is mentioned, the first thing that comes to our mind is Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, Phil Mickelson or Annika Sorenstam. Yes these are the superstars of golf but then there are people behind the scene who help these stars put together the game. Let’s find out about them.
time. Starters must possess excellent interpersonal skills and be able to handle customers in a friendly and courteous manner. Starters also are very important in making sure that customers have properly paid for their round. The starter also helps golfers find a game if they are by themselves. The starter also is an important part of making sure customers will have a pleasant golfing experience.
Golf Shop Staff
Ranger
The golf shop staff assists and registers customers for play. Staff may also help with tee times, merchandising, receiving and banking of player fees, tournament administration and much more. Good interpersonal skills and customer service are needed to be successful at these positions. The golf staff is the front line of communications and helps to ensure that a golfer has a good experience. One of the usual perks for working in the golf shop is the ability to play free rounds of golf at the course.
The ranger travels around the golf course, monitoring the pace of play and helping golfers. The key to this position is being friendly and courteous when directing play. Good interpersonal skills and tact is very important when helping to speed play. The ranger also serves as a communications vehicle back to the pro shop for status reports and emergencies.
Starter The starter maintains the starting times and tee sheet, and ensures that golfers get off the first tee in a prompt and orderly manner. This job is crucial in keeping the tee times on
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Golf Car Maintenance This position calls for the mechanically minded employee with a knowledge of motorized vehicles who can keep the fleet of golf cars clean, safe and operational. Golf car fleets can be gas or electrically fueled. A good golf car mechanic ensures that a preventative maintenance schedule is kept to ensure that the golf cars operate properly.
Locker Room Attendant Locker room attendants should have a penchant for neatness and orderliness. The attendant is in charge of the locker room housekeeping.
Golf Course Maintenance People most suited to work on the golf course maintenance team are those especially fond of nature and working with the land. This position usually reports early in the morning and is off work by 2:00 or 3:00 pm. This outside position could be responsible for cutting grass, irrigation, sodding, trimming, applying fertilizer and pesticides and much more.
Equipment Mechanic Golf courses use many different types of hand tools, cutting devices and motorized vehicles. This mechanic’s position would be responsible for keeping everything in working order and is crucial to the facility’s smooth operation.
Food and Beverage A key component to many golf facilities are its dining rooms, grills rooms and snack bars. Employees in this area might be involved in everything from ordering food, inventory management, sales, waiting tables, menu planning and running the kitchen on both a daily basis and for big events. There are also on-course food and beverage car sales.
Marketing / Promotions A creative mind is the first requirement for a marketing position. Here you will help create programs that will attract new business, customers or tournaments to the club.
Revamp Your
H
Night Life
ow many times did you end up wanting to play the game of golf but couldn’t do it because it’s dark and the fairway is no longer open? How frustrating it is when you know that you can hit the ball at night but end up practicing on the driving range? Well, these things are all possible now with the introduction of the fully flood lit facilities at Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club. Golf aficionados can now play their favourite sport any time of the day at this nine-hole Peter Harradine designed course. “Business people don’t have the time to play golf because they are busy. Even if they want to play they end up not playing because it’s already dark so in here they have a chance. They can come after work and practice. It’s perfect because it has become possible to play at
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night,” says Noubar Melkonian, Sales and Marketing Manager. Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club introduced the flood lit facilities in August to accommodate a number of players from Sharjah and Dubai who are too busy to play during the day. Players can now play until 11:30 pm, seven days a week and 365 days a year. Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club which opened in November 2005, boasts a 9 hole, fully floodlit golf course which will enable players to play well into the evening. Designed by acclaimed architect Peter Harradine, if played twice, this wall to wall grass oasis will provide a par 72 layout that stretches in excess of the 7,300 yard mark. Described as a pleasure to play but a challenge to par, the course features between 5 and 7 different tees on every hole, vast water features, large
and challenging bunkers and unique undulations, all of which ensure this golfing paradise will offer a fair but tough test to every level of golfer and one you will relish time and time again. The club has a Golf Academy where one can have the opportunity to learn and improve their golfing skills. The facility which includes a 300m fully grassed driving range, 6425 meter squared world class short game area and a 1095 meter squared undulating putting green. This completely floodlit facility allows golfers to practice or learn all aspects of the game morning, afternoon or evening. The totally grassed, floodlit driving range, putting green and short game areas are all designed and maintained to internationally acclaimed standards. There are special programs for children to be golfers as well as parents
For rates and enquiries, please call 06 5487777 or log on to www.golfandshootingshj.com
creating a total family golfing experience. Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club not only boasts of its first fully grass golf course but also for paintball, rifle and pistol shooting. Melknonian explained that aside from golf, paintball is another activity that they offer. Paintball is most often played on an open filed where each player gets an airgun .68 paintball marker and two teams compete against each other wearing different coloured uniforms. The paintball park includes two phases – the Jungle and the Savannah – and can accommodate up to 150 players in one session and a maximum of 14 players in one team. The play fields include bunkers, hut, trees, towers, aircrafts, jeeps, bridges and more. Sharjah Paintball Park is considered one of the best in the Middle East and sets world renowned standards. The
paintball park facility includes state of the art paintball equipments, flood lights (which allow play both day and night), fully grassed arenas and showers and changing rooms (men/women). Additional features also include out door music, a live BBQ station and a lot more. The Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club brings the exciting sport of shooting to all walks of life, ages and nationalities. The shooting range features indoor pistols, rifles and revolvers, as well as 25 & 50 Meter German Technology Ranges. The club prides itself on its friendly and relaxed atmosphere with safety remaining one of its most paramount prerequisites. All these are underlined by the provision of your own personal, fully trained safety instructor who are available at all times. Regular open and exclusive member’s pistol shooting competitions are also a fundamental
feature of the Club’s atmosphere The club is complimented by the Sensi Restaurant, an Italian restaurant where all your senses are satisfied. An array of palate tantalizing Italian foods is made exclusively for guests by their multi award winning culinary team. The Sensi restaurant is just a taste of what’s to come. Our expansion will introduce international cuisines such as Indian, Japanese, Chinese, British and Mexican, all prepared at live cooking stations by highly experienced and specialised chefs. Soon, a spa with state-of-the art facilities, where players and members can unwind after a game of golf will open. The club will also offer special lounge and conference rooms designed for business meetings, seminars, presentations, gatherings and corporate events that can accommodate up to 500 guests. Membership to Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club is still open. There are three kinds of membership – golf, lifestyle and full membership.
November I Travel Arabia I 37
LIVING ARABIA
Marrakesh
Jewel of the Desert
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I
n the old days, the only way to ancient Marrakesh was to take a train to Casablanca going south, the Marrakesh Express. Nowadays the world flies direct to this astoundingly beautiful place in an oasis in the middle of the Moroccan desert. The capital of Southern Morocco, Marrakesh is not exactly a secret travel destination. Its enticing attractions have been known to the Arab world since the 11th century and to Western visitors since the late 1920’s, when the famous La Marmounia hotel was created. Built in sumptuous art deco style in the garden of the palace of an 18th century prince, Moulay Marmoun, the rich and beautiful of the West flocked to La Marmounia to take the winter sun. Churchill and Clemmy stayed there every year for two decades. Rita Hayworth, Arletty, Paul Valery, the Rothschilds and Erich von Stroheim also came. Maurice Ravel brought his piano with him on holiday – it still stands in the lobby – and Marrekesh is reportedly Mick Jagger’s favourite holiday destination. The city is at the foot of the snowy Atlas Mountains, inland from the Atlantic coast between Casablanca and Agadir and stands behind ochreorange mud brick rampart walls that have been there since the 12th century. Known as El Hamra, the Red City, it sparkles under a crisp blue sky in sunlight so pure it reflects Marrakesh’s colours like jewels - shining marble, glazed green roof tiles, golden courtyards and astonishingly bright flowers and trees. Purple jacarandas, pink oleanders, pomegranates, bouganvilleas, orange trees and palms line elegant boulevards and twisted streets, and the famous Marrakesh rose makes it a rose-perfumed heaven. In one palace the water of the decorative pools was covered in so many floating red rosebuds that it looked like something out of the Hollywood film, American Beauty. Marrakesh has been an imperial city that kings have always fought for and its beauty goes back to ancient times
when an ingenuous system of spring irrigation was set in place to provide water for the town and 13,000 hectares of surrounding vegetation, which now includes orchards, the Majorelle Gardens and the famous Palmeraie (palm grove) with its pretty villas, lakes, pavilions and world-class golf course, where, incidentally Sean Connery met his wife, Micheline. Yet despite all this sumptuous luxury, a simple lunch of sheep’s heads and cow’s hoofs in the High Atlas mountains can be as close as 20 kms away, along a road of Berber villages, hundred-year-old walnut trees and the seven waterfalls of Setti Fatma. The timeless city is compact within the walls. Inside the Medina, with its
winding passages, palaces, carpeted courtyards and museums, are several souks where Berbers and Arabs come with the finest craftsmanship that seem to have hardly changed in the past thousand years. Things are cheap to buy but only after a bit of friendly bargaining, when your top price rises to meet their bottom price. I found that hawkers responded to the word “no” when I didn’t want to scrutinise their wares and I never felt pressured as a tourist, not even when I nearly stood on the snake charmer’s black adder. Marrakesh seems to have a calm graciousness about its bustling streetmarket style, and the street-traders with their dated French and broad smiles4
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Euro) or so. I spotted a few fast food places, but none yet in the Medina, and the nearest I got to noticing blatant advertising was a very old, faded Lux soap placard above a shop in one of the souks marketplaces. It is easy to get around Marrakesh, walking or by taxi. Taxis are everywhere - Peugeot 205 taxi’s for three passengers and Mercedes for bigger loads. They have meters but you need to request for them to be switched on. Like everything else, fares are negotiable, although there seems to be only two (verbal) fares for urban trips – 20 and 50 dirhams, about 2.20 Euro to 5 Euro. Also available are horse-drawn taxis and dusty buses. They all racket along to an undefined code of the road which seems to give horse and donkey-drawn vehicles and cyclists priority, and not a traffic accident insight. Or maybe we were just there on a day when His seem attractively old-fashioned. In the centre of town is the massive square of Jemaa el Fna where people sip mint tea at pavement cafés and stroll in the shade of tall trees. On the marketplace everything from snake-charming, fortune-telling and apothecaries jostles for space with hot food stalls and political debaters. Just when you think you have found a tiny spot of calm in which to compose your photograph and take stock, someone will rustle up a cobra or a roast corn on the cob or an amber and silver necklace, and you’re back in the swing of it all. There are now many smart restaurants in Marrakesh complete with elegantly decadent belly-dancers and, for the foreign market, alcohol. Yacout, at 79 Rue Sidi Ahmed Soussi (tel 00 212 44338 2929) is the bestknown and most lavishly decorated restaurant in Marrakesh, but there are also many little cafés with names like Jamal and Laksur, with terraces on the roof or courtyards tangled with jasmine and honeysuckle, where you can eat an excellent kebab, cous-cous, omelette or salad for a pound (1.5
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Majesty King Mohammed VI was in town and everyone was driving really carefully. When a tourist brochure claims that some place is a haven of beauty and peace, this would actually be true of Marrakesh. It is a place I would rush back to at the drop of a rose petal. In its glorious setting of mountains and terraced green landscape it would be lovely to travel there overland next time. It could just be the time to take the Marrakesh Express from Casablanca going south. n
Where to stay Hotel prices vary according to the time of year. High season is during European winter, from about October to April. Low season is European summer. • • • •
La Marmounia, Avenue Bad Jdid 40 000 Marrakesh Tel 212 (0) 44 44 44 09 email resa@mamounia.com Kempinski Hotel Mansour Eddahbi Avenue Mohammed VI, Marrakesh Tel 212 (0) 44 33 91 00 email lemansour@iam.net.ma Casa Lala Riad, 16 Derb Jamaa, Marrakesh Medina Tel. 212 (0) 44 42 97 57 email contact@casalalla.com Caravan Serai 264 Ouled Ben Rahmoun. Marrakesh Tel. 212 (0) 44 30 03 02 www.caravanserai.com
OUTSIDE ARABIA
Los Angeles A
winter holiday in Los Angeles may not leap immediately to mind for those not huge fans of American football and parades, but the City of Angels can offer a pleasant respite from the cold and great value for your dollar. Downtown hotel bookings are easy and economical, with a wide variety of choices available for every budget, and great packages for even the best hotels. Many Angelenos themselves leave the city over the holiday season, thus the gridlock the city is famous for disappears with them. The over the top Christmas decorations city denizens adorn their homes with may seem a bit odd absent snow, but for snow bunnies, the slopes are a mere two hours to the northeast in the town of Big Bear Lake. In the heart of downtown, the rejuvenated Pershing Square features winter skating and a host of skateboarding surfaces with the added curiosity of historical ceramic postcards embedded in its benches.
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For college football fans, tickets for the Rose Bowl go on sale in the first week of December, and packages of four or five nights, often including parade breakfasts on New Year’s Day can be arranged through the Tournament of Roses website (www.tournamentofroses. com). Tickets are available separately for the Parade of Roses, but the locals simply head down to Pasadena’s Colorado Boulevard on New Year’s Eve, camp out and make a giant party of it. The Tournament of Roses was originally conceived by the Valley Hunt Club in 1890 as a parade of flower laden buggies followed by foot races and tugs-of-war. In 1902 the football game joined the tradition. Today’s floats cost upwards of a quarter million dollars and use some one hundred thousand blossoms each. If parade queues aren’t quite your style, the floats are visible in their entire
for the Holidays
splendor for several days after the parade in Pasadena’s Victory Park for a nominal viewing fee. For a serene recovery from the New Year’s excesses, Griffith Park makes an excellent day of exploring. The largest urban park in North America, 1200 hectares are criss-crossed with hiking and equestrian trails, and within moments the city melts away. The Los Angeles Zoo, Aquarium, and the newly renovated Griffith Observatory on Mount Hollywood, are all tucked within Griffith’s bounds, offering adventure for all ages and interests. Perched atop Mount Lee, on Griffith’s western edge, the Hollywood sign has become an icon the world over for the Silver Screen. Originally a promotional billboard for the Hollywoodland real estate development, the sign – minus its last four letters – was deeded to the city in 1945.
It makes a fabulous afternoon hike, with inspired views of the city, observatory, and the picturesque Hollywood reservoir. Relax and wait for the sunset. The reservoir affords another scenic hiking opportunity, though finding it requires wending your way through a bizarre spiral of residential streets, populated by homes clinging to hillsides on impossibly tiny pillars. The area is wonderfully treed, and popular with local joggers, a paved road running the reservoir’s perimeter. Conceived by Harry Sugarman to honour those who put Hollywood on the map, the Hollywood Boulevard Walk of Fame began with Joanne Woodward in 1960, and today boasts more than 2000 bronze and marble stars. Beginning with the Four Ladies of Hollywood Gazebo at La Brea, the walk continues to Gower Avenue, also running along Vine Street between Yucca and Sunset. Each sidewalk block contains the celebrity’s name and a symbol identifying their genre, divided amongst film, television, radio, recording or live theatre.
The honour is a purchased one, conferred by fans through the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. The same people can also be seen scrubbing their favourite stars, which offers an entertainment value all its own. Notables include Big Bird, Sting, Charlie the Starkist Tuna and Samuel L. Jackson. The Rock Walk of Fame (on Sunset in front of the Guitar Centre) features the hand prints of Eddie Van Halen and Stevie Ray Vaughn, among other luminaries. Unlike the city’s other famed walks, each year new inductees are selected from nominations by past ones, based upon merit. Complementing the Walks of Fame, the forecourt of Mann’s Chinese Theatre features impressions of various body parts in its concrete, from the likes of Betty Grable, Denzel Washington, Richard Gere and some 150 other film stars. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, the Guinness World Records Museum, and the Hollywood Wax Museum add to the glitz and kitsch, while the Egyptian Theatre, with its King Tut motif stands as a surreal monument to the first
Hollywood premier. The boulevard also features all manner of gift shops, peddling everything from t-shirts to stuffed toys, postcards, and countless unusual trinkets. Notable landmarks feature throughout Los Angeles include the Capitol Records building’s unique “stack of records” motif, to the Coca Cola bottling plant, famed for its Streamline Moderne design inspired by an ocean liner. Local architecture is also a sight to behold. Cast as the Daily Planet in4
Superman, City Hall also served as the police station in the Dragnet series, while the Westin Bonaventure Hotel, its retro interior decor contrasted by the sleek modernity of its five glass cylinders, will be familiar to Terminator fans. Elevators glide down the outside of the Westin, providing incredible views of the downtown core. A short distance away, the Angel’s Flight Funicular Railway once ascended the steep hill between Olive and Hill streets, alleviating the strain on Los Angeles’ well-to-do. Refurbished and resurrected in February 1996, the railway was mothballed after an accident in 2001. A groundswell of nostalgia has brought upgrades and refurbishment again, and the Angel’s Flight is slated to reopen later this year, offering a unique glimpse at the downtown of old. History buffs will find a visit to the El Pueblo de Los Angeles an intriguing delve into Los Angeles’ origins. Site of the original city founded in 1781, walking tours of the historic area’s two dozen preserved buildings can be arranged from the Sepulveda House visitor’s centre. Various cultural celebrations including Mardi Gras, Cinco de Mayo and Las Posadas are marked throughout the year with music, dancing and fabulous displays. Strolling through the theatre district, the ornate Pantages, Orpheum and Los Angeles theatres suggest the magnificent history of film in the city. While the Orpheum has been converted to a modern movie theatre, sadly much of the district sits empty or has endured conversion to stores. For those curious for some of Los Angeles’ grit, the Homeless Poet’s Corner on a pair of Iron Gates at the south end of Little Tokyo, (opposite a pair of street missions) offers thoughts on everything from drug addiction to the colonization of Africa. The local “residents” gathered quietly behind me as I stood in silence admiring the beauty and the weight of their words. It is simply not possible to go to Los Angeles without shopping. What and where depend on who you are, but rest
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assured there is something to cater to the shopper in everyone. Amoeba Records is paradise for the musically inclined, while Los Feliz offers several bohemian cafe/bookstores. Rodeo Drive retails the height of sheik, with prices sure to inspire vertigo, while Melrose Avenue caters to the quirkier side of fashion – a peak in the window of Retail Slut is like viewing an amalgam of outrageous tabloid headlines.
Capping the day with a trip to Santa Monica’s Promenade offers the perfect blend of stores and eateries, and affords an opportunity to take in a fabulous sunset in Palisades Park overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Couples make picnics from nearby cafes and stare into the pink hues, as the lights of Pacific Park’s solar powered Ferris wheel glow above the waves.
Accommodation
Getting There & Getting Around • L.A.X. International airport is served by the subway/LRT, though a transfer is required to get downtown. Shuttle vans offer an affordable alternative, with fares averaging U.S.$15 to downtown. • Despite its reputation for urban sprawl, and image as kingdom of the car, using Los Angeles’ transit system is efficient and easy. Four subway/LRT lines crisscross the city, with a network of express, regional and local buses fanning out from major stops. Well used by locals and travellers alike, you feel right at home with operators who are helpful with directions and tips.
• Los Angeles has no shortage of hotel options even during the Rose Bowl, however downtown hotels are well connected to all the sites and tend to offer the best value. • The Westin Bonaventure’s retro interior, is contrasted with sleek exterior glass-paned elevators, affording amazing views over downtown. (ph 001 213 624 1000; www.starwoodhotels.com; 404 South Figueroa Street). • The Figueroa Hotel has hosted several movie premiers, yet boasts a bizarre bedouin feel in its foyers and an old world literary charm to its rooms that conjures images of Joyce or Miller bent clacking at an Underwood. (ph 001 800 421 9092; www.figueroahotel.com; 939 South Figueroa Street). • Downtown’s Millennium Biltmore offers plenty of high end pizzazz and divinely priced eats just across from Pershing Square. (ph 001 800 245 8673; www.millenniumhotels.com; 506 South Grand Avenue). n
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AROUND TOWN
Traditional
Enjoy the sound of
Arabic Music
at Khan Murjan
Khan Murjan is Wafi’s latest development and is an authentic Islamic souk with an Arabic architecture based on a 14th century souk in Baghdad.
A
t the heart of the souk is a courtyard restaurant that is air conditioned providing the lively social scene of Khan Murjan; it is a place where people can gather to enjoy an authentically cooked meal, shisha, lively conversation and musical entertainment. The three Syrian musicians play the Arabic drum, the qanoon, the oud plus the violin and sing. The band provides an enchanting atmosphere that visitors can experience the captivating sounds of traditional Arabic music. They play daily at the Khan Murjan Restaurant from 8pm until midnight and they play in the afternoon during weekends from 2:30pm until 4pm.
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“The Syrian band sings traditional middle-eastern songs that go well with the theme of the restaurant and the whole souk,” said the Manager of Khan Murjan Restaurant. “The band completes the traditional atmosphere in the way they dress and sing, bringing back the old beautiful days to life.” Khan Murjan offers 150 bazaar style shops in its four quarters – Egyptian, Syrian, Turkish and Moroccan with a wealth of goods from artisans; many of whom will be happy to share their experiences with guests. Khan Murjan is open daily from 10am until 10 pm and is open until midnight on Thursday and Friday.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Suhoor an Emirati Exhibition Event organised by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority to promote and nurture national talent
U
nder the patronage of HH Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; HE Dr. Omar Bin Sulaiman, Governor of Dubai International Financial Centre and Managing Director of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority opened an exhibition that features the works of upcoming UAE national artists. The event is organised by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority in line with its committment to promote and nurture local talent. ‘The Suhoor, an Emirati Exhibition’ was displayed at Al Bastakiya, a heritage district being revived by Dubai Event Management Corporation as a cultural platform for creativity and arts. HE Dr Omar Bin Sulaiman, Managing Director of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority said: “The Arab World is the historical fountainhead of numerous creative endeavours, be it art, music, architecture, poetry or drama.” “H.H. Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority,
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has taken the initiative to develop and promote Arab talent in a diversity of artistic fields and to position Dubai as the foremost platform for artistic creativity. “The UAE and the Arab world have a wealth of artistic talent, but much of this talent is unrecognised. This exhibition, which forms part of our efforts to vitalise the practice and appreciation of art in Dubai, provides unrecognised artists a
channel for displaying their works to the greater public. It also seeks to generate awareness about upcoming artists who are critical to the development of any country’s artistic scene,” HE Dr Omar Bin Sulaiman said. Organised in partnership with Dubai-based Art Connection, the event featured young and promising artists, some of whom have never displayed their work publicly. Their works were exhibited alongside established artists juxtaposing the future of the country’s art with its present. “We are truly deligthed that such a platform has been created by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. Art and artists cannot survive without
recognition. Many talented and dynamic artists have not had the opportunity to display their works in the past and an event such as the Emirati Exhibition gives us a chance to catch the attention of patrons and appreciative audiences not only in the UAE, but across the region and the world,” said A ِ lia Al Shamsi, a local artist. “I thank the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority for the wonderful opportunity it has provided through this event. This exhibition will encourage artists across the UAE to strive for greater creative excellence,” she added. ‘The ‘Emirati Exhibition’ featured 22 artists. In all, 90 works were on display. The Emirati Exhibition is part of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority’s efforts to enrich and develop the cultural life of Dubai which in turn contributes to the organisation’s vision for developing Dubai into a global hub for art and culture.
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ATTRACTION
Anantara
Resort Phuket, Thailand Explore the vibrancy of southern Thailand and see Phuket through new eyes with a wide range of cultural experiences.
W
ake up to a brand new Phuket where Anantara launches its new resort and spa. Discovery, adventure, culture, luxury – this is what defines the unique experience that is Anantara. Situated in the serenity of Mai Khao Beach, just 15 minutes from Phuket International Airport and a short drive
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from the bustling beaches of the South, Anantara Phuket Resort & Spa presents a world of unspoilt beauty and unexpected surprises. Anantara will give guests the opportunity to indulge in the beautiful nature of the island by enjoying one of the many newly revealed daily excursions available at the resort including:
CAVE CANOEING UNDER THE STARS Uncover the pristine beauty of Phuket by day and night as you explore the limestone cliffs and turquoise waters of Phang Nga Bay. Managed by veteran canoe specialist John Gray, guests are ensconced in safe hands as you navigate the bay’s nooks and crannies with the
In addition Anantara Phuket Resort & Spa will offer a wider an array of eye opening experience for guests such as: Elephant Trekking Catch a glimpse of rare birds soaring overhead and watch the forest come to life during a morning elephant trek through the island’s jungles.
Excursions to Koh Phi Phi Koh Phi Phi is a perennial favourite with visitors for the many excursions, such as diving, snorkeling, rock climbing, and kayaking.
Gibbon Rehabilitation Project team of local guides. A private pick-up from Anantara takes the group to the escort boat. As the motor-boat journeys its way around the bay, a scrumptious Thai lunch will be served on board. Spend the afternoon exploring the sea caves and limestone islets as the guides gently paddle past low-roofed caverns filled with bat colonies and giant stalactites into secluded hongs. A hong is a lagoon surrounded on all sides by towering cliffs. At dusk, set adrift the kratongs as the sun dips beneath the watery horizon. Tuck into a ravishing Thai seafood buffet dinner underneath the stars. The final highlight is a moonlight canoe into a hong beautifully lit by stars, fireflies and phosphorescence, capping the sea sojourn perfectly.
Spectacular diving in the Andaman Sea The Andaman Sea is long famed for its clear turquoise waters, colourful coral reefs and astounding plethora of marine life ranging from the tiny nudibranch to the majestic whale shark. Considered the diving mecca in Southeast Asia, Phuket is an excellent base to discover the pleasure of diving in the premier dive sites of the Andaman Sea. In the morning, a private shuttle from the Anantara will take scuba divers to the harbour, to board the boat and sail into the open seas. Depending on the weather, tides and underwater visibility, the experienced
dive master will select the best diving spot for the day. Guests will get to enjoy two dives (up to a maximum depth of 30 metres) with a scrumptious lunch and drinks in between dives. After a day of diving, the beauty of the underwater world will be surely be etched onto your memory for a long time to come. Nondivers need not worry about missing the underwater treasures; simply join in the snorkeling fun!
SERENITY AT SEA There is no better way to discover the stunning beauty of Phang Nga Bay than a personalised trip in its emerald waters. Anantara presents guests with the unique opportunity of experiencing a romantic sunset cruise on a private fishing boat. Following a late departure from the hotel at mid-afternoon, guests will head to the harbour to board the Woranari. When the boat stops by a scenic spot, enjoy a refreshing dip in the azure waters while relishing chilled beverages served by a floating bar man. On the deck, relax on comfortable cushions with canapes as our guide shares the stories and ways of life of the local fishermen. As dusk falls, the golden hues cast by a dipping sun onto the limestone karst formations and waters of Andaman Sea make breathtaking moments. After an afternoon of idyllic sailing, eating and resting, guests return to Anantara Phuket.
Visit one of the most inspiring animal rescue ventures in Thailand. The Gibbon Rehabilitation Project has successfully reintroduced gibbons to the wild with the most progressive conservation techniques.
Golf Tee off in a challenging and beautiful course set between the hills of Phuket.
Phuket Town Stroll through the island’s historic district, lined with Sino-Portuguese mansions that reflect Phuket’s intriguing cultural blend and wealth that was introduced from the tin mining industry.
Similan Islands National Park Explore a beautiful ecosystem of islands, forests and incredible coral reefs - some of the most renowned and best - preserved in the world!
Visit to Koh Sireh Meet the people who descend from Phuket’s first inhabitants.
Yachting Charter a luxury yacht and set sail along the Andaman Sea or Phang Nga Bay, a turquoise bay with majestic islands, limestone cliffs and uninhabited islands. For more information on Anantara Phuket and other Anantara Resorts & Spas visit www.anantara.com
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A Touch of Luxury to
Tropical CHINA
Luxury living is put firmly on the map today in China’s tropical Hainan island province with the opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Sanya. Combining stylish hotel room accommodation and luxurious private villas with eight dining experiences, a world-class spa and designer brand shopping, The RitzCarlton, Sanya confirms Sanya as the next tourist hot-spot Asian destination.
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“We are delighted to be able to bring a resort hotel to China to complement our city destinations on the mainland. Sanya is a beautiful, paradise island offering visitors perfect white sandy beaches, stunning mountains, rain forest, mangrove reserves and year-round sunshine,” explained Simon F. Cooper, president and chief operating officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.
The hotel’s 450 rooms include 33 pool villas, each with their own private butlers, in addition to 21 luxury suites. Being nestled between the pristine white sand beach of Yalong Bay on one side and a mangrove reserve on the other, views from all guest rooms are breathtaking. Each of the 33 one-, two-, and three-bedroom private pool villas are tastefully and sensitively furnished
with a large outside deck, double and single sun loungers for lazy days and evenings, and intimate infinity pools which merge with the horizon. The property is designed by WAT&G Design and draws influence and inspiration from the classic building design of Beijing’s Summer Palace, with high pitched ceilings, dark rich wood, intricate carvings and mosaic detailing, coupled with grand water features and opulent furnishings. Merging seamlessly with this Asian graciousness is a Western modernity, coupled with The Ritz-Carlton’s outstanding level of commitment to service and guest satisfaction. This all adds up to a great sense of place with immaculate detailing and service.
Guests staying in the 66 Club rooms and suites, located in an exclusive wing and accessible by private keycard, will also enjoy a personalised concierge service and a private ocean view Club Lounge serving all-day complimentary gourmet food and beverage at the top level of the hotel. The hotel’s Lagoon guest rooms have the added luxury of a private Jacuzzi and steps down to one of the resort’s lagoon swimming pools. Here guests can choose a leisurely swim in the water or sit pool-side and enjoy a daily selection of the hotel’s signature coconut-based cocktails or healthy vitamin drink boosters. The culinary shell at the Ritz-Carlton, Sanya is an odyssey of unique dining experiences that follows the principles of S.P.I.C.E: simple, pure, innovative, consistent and engaging. ‘Fresh8’, the resort’s all-day dining restaurant, has eight show kitchens to delight guests, while ‘Sophia’ offers southern Italian cuisine in a stylish and contemporary setting. ‘Pearl’ showcases the very best in new Cantonese cooking, and, for those who enjoy a more casually luxurious experience, ‘Sand’ is an al fresco dining option right on the beach featuring fresh seafood and barbecues. ‘Scene’, ‘Zig’ and ‘Cube’ also offer guests a great selection of drinks and snacks in luxurious settings in the resort. The ESPA spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Sanya will the biggest Ritz-Carlton spa in the region offering 24 private treatment rooms - six of which are private spa suites. The spa will feature cool mist showers, jade steam showers, outdoor vitality pools with jets, plus a number of relaxation and fitness studios making it an unrivalled retreat for those in need of pampering. ESPA treatments are a marriage of ancient
Eastern philosophies and the latest relaxation and rejuvenation techniques. Signature treatments will use advanced natural skin-care products and will be performed by fully qualified and trained ESPA therapists. A designer on-site boutique shopping arcade with five of the world’s top brands: Louis Vuitton, Ferragamo, Tod’s, Paul & Shark and Zegna is a first for Sanya and is ideal for visitors wanting to mix shopping with sun worshiping. Discreetly located at lobby level, the stylish arcade blends in with the remaining hotel architecture and all retail outlets are open daily. The resort’s mystique is further enhanced by the The Ritz-Carlton, Sanya’s ‘Romanceologist’. Prepped with the essential skills for igniting romance in any relationship, the resort’s Romanceologist is on-hand to organise a special something to meet a guests’ every whim, be it an intimate beach BBQ or lavish and unforgettable ‘will you marry me moment’. As The Ritz-Carlton, Sanya also boasts a stunning beach-side wedding chapel, there can be no better or more romantic place to say ‘I do’. For meetings, conferences and special social events, The Ritz-Carlton, Sanya provides 1,700 square meters of flexible space, including a 900-square meter ballroom that is divisible by four, along with an additional nine meeting rooms. The resort is just 40 minutes from Sanya Phoenix International Airport, so it is very convenient for meetings and incentive groups flying to the island. For more information, contact The RitzCarlton toll free reservations line at 1 (800) 241-33333 or visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com, or consult a travel professional.
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PROPERTY
Maison Residence Collection Hong Kong-based boutique developer Maison Limited, has unveiled its first project in Dubai, ‘Maison Residence Collection’ at Downtown Jebel Ali. The AED 860m development is a prestigious boutique residence, offering sanctuary in the heart of New Dubai; home to the Palm Jebel Ali, Techno Park and Dubai Waterfront as well as Dubai World Central. The G+17 residential tower will be located on Phase Four of Downtown Jebel Ali and - as the gateway to Dubai on approach from Abu Dhabi - it is set to become a landmark of the emirate. ‘Maison Residence Collection’ includes 102 units of lofts, two and three bedroom apartments as well as terrace penthouses and ultra penthouses. The development will also offer an exclusive five-star hotel experience and will feature spacious, elegantly designed homes, with private access and security. The importance of space, privacy and individuality is all-encompassing, the intention being to provide an environment that makes the residents feel at complete ease in body, mind and soul.
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All residences have an extraordinary space volume, with ceilings of up to 7 meters high and all possess master bedrooms. Clients can enjoy fully furnished and serviced units, with interiors tailored to their preferences. Features include hand-picked natural materials such as red brick and natural limestone façade, stained glass skylight with themed landscape Zen and Japanese gardens. The elegant interiors of ‘Maison Residence Collection’ at Downtown Jebel Ali are complemented by convenient lifestyle features in the kitchens and bathrooms. A fully-equipped gym, multifunction areas for entertaining, an infinity pool and sundeck are also features. One of the largest indoor spas is at 20,000 sq. ft. A VIP ‘Turquoise Class’ is offered to residents at ‘Maison Residence Collection’ which includes world-class concierge services, a Maybach limousine service, a private club lounge, a 24-hour medical centre, a fully managed business centre and 24-hour housekeeping. It will also feature boutique retail shops and signature restaurants in its lobby, where residents may enjoy elite shopping and
leisure options. ‘Maison Residence Collection’ is designed by Creative Kingdom, designer of premium developments such as Dubai Creek Park Hyatt and the Culture Village Development. The environment is a key priority with recycling facilities provided in each home. The tower will be built adhering to industry leading standards and will be a certified green building. ‘Maison Residence Collection’ is due for completion on the last quarter of 2011, with negotiations for enabling work with premium suppliers currently underway.
Luxury Golf Homes
in Arabian Ranches Golf Homes is a celebration of the finest standards in modern home building, and offers an unparalleled lifestyle experience for residents.
E
maar Properties has unveiled luxurystyle Golf Homes, a limited collection of homes in Arabian Ranches. Defined by ultra-luxury standards and elegantly detailed architectural features, the Golf Homes are set on the scenic fairways of a golf course. Golf Homes is a celebration of the finest standards in modern home building, and offers an unparalleled lifestyle experience for residents. Apart from the location advantage of being part of the Arabian Ranches Golf Course, the homes also provide residents easy access to a diverse range of lifestyle amenities. Residents can look forward to leisure pursuits at the Arabian Ranches Golf Club and the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club. The homes are also in close proximity to the Arabian Ranches community centre, a retail hub and schools. The community features only 18 spacious homes designed in three styles – Hacienda, Suncadia and
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Castilla - featuring Arabian and Spanish architectural elements. The Castilla Homes are 8,270 sq ft in size and consist of rooms wrapped around terraces, a verandah, courtyard and a grandiose entry court with a central fountain. Sprawling over 6,900 sq ft, the Hacienda Homes have over 10 rooms, reception courtyard, grand dinning room, three terraces, two gallerias and two spacious living rooms. Suncadia Homes are two-floor villas with a wrap-around promenade, an entry tower and entry arcade. Providing the ambience of a private country home set around a green fairway, the Golf Homes are works of art with a variety of cultural influences. The interiors are sub-divided into wide and private units. All 18 like estates are surrounded by meticulously tended lawns and expansive “sun lounger� terraces, creating an aura of luxury even before entering the homes. Inside, the immaculately
designed homes feature doors of porcelain, wood, and stone, intricately detailed ceilings, walls with a two-colour, textured paint effect and bronzed leaf grille work windows. The latest appliances and amenities and elegant iron-embellished wardrobes all combine to create a warm and luxurious ambience. Easily accessible from the three highways connecting Dubai and Abu Dhabi and in close proximity to Jebel Ali and other business centres of Dubai, Arabian Ranches is a serene getaway from the bustle of the metropolis and has established itself as a community with a difference. The golf course, polo and equestrian facilities, schools and a spread of retail and leisure outlets make it a truly integrated lifestyle community. The 18 hole, Par 72 desert-style Arabian Ranches Golf Course is a choice destination for golfers and has been designed by Ian Baker-Finch and Nicklaus Design.
Millennium Hotel Sharjah Receives
World Travel Award M
illennium Hotel Sharjah was lauded as “ Sharjah’s Leading Hotel” for the fourth time in a row by the prestigious World Travel Awards. The award ceremony was held in the exclusive Atlantis Palm Jumeriah on October 28th 2008. Following 2007’s award, the hotel was voted as the emirate’s best once again in 2008. Travel trade professional voting for this award is cast by travel agents in over 200 countries around the world. Hundreds and thousands of votes each year are registered online at the official World Travel Awards website, with most of the leading travel internet sites offering additional online voting facilities. Since its opening in December 2002, Millennium Hotel
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Sharjah has constantly devoted its efforts towards providing its guest with the highest standards and quality. With 259 exclusive rooms and occupying one of Sharjah’s most desirable locations on the banks of Khalid Lagoon, the property is attracting guests from all over the globe and prides itself with one of the highest number of regular guests in the UAE. We feel honored that we were chosen to receive this major industry accolade for the fourth time. At the same time we truly thank our guests and our partners in the travel trade to continuously placing their trust in us and thus giving us the energy to constantly strive for best and to provide our guest with top of the range facilities, adds Sherif Ezzat, Acting General Manager of Millennium Hotel Sharjah.
Banquet Hall
Plan your events at
Millennium Hotel Sharjah Whether you are planning for a wedding, a conference, a private gathering to celebrate an occasion or corporate meetings, Millennium Hotel Sharjah is the perfect venue. Thanks to an extremely flexible conference and banqueting operation, the Millennium Hotel Sharjah’s dedicated facilities can be adapted to meet almost any needs. From big business to small business, from intimate gatherings to society wedding, the Hotel’s grand ballroom and three meeting rooms are designed to match the setting and the occasion with style and efficiency. “We have established our place in Sharjah in terms of holding events,” said Ajith Ranasinghe, Banquet Manager, who reveals that the hotel is known in the community for weddings, gettogether and mostly corporate events. Millennium Hotel Sharjah’s Al Jawarah Ballroom can sit up to 400 guests and can also be divided into three sections. There are three boardrooms that can be used for
corporate meetings. All the rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art conference technology and supported by a team of qualified audio-visual engineers and event planners. Ranasinghe also pointed out that the hotel can provide secretarial services if the client requests such during meetings. These services could include taking notes, making document copies or sending faxes. “As long as we can accommodate the request of our clients, we are flexible and can provide that.” If one is looking at holding elegant outdoor events, the two swimming pools at this 5-star property is a nice venue especially during the cooler months. The pool facing the Khalid Lagoon can accommodate up to 450 guests and the pool facing the sea can accommodate up to 300 guests. The hotel has an event planner team that can also assist clients in terms of preparing and planning for events such as weddings. Ranasinghe explained that client just need to tell the team what they need and
what they wish to have in terms of concept, theme, and food as well as the number of expected guests and they will prepare a package that suits their budget and ideas. “We have been very successful in doing these which is the reason why most of our clients are repeatedly holding their meetings, gatherings and even weddings in our ballroom and boardrooms,” he adds. “We have a good team who handles their work very well so most of our guests are satisfied because of the service, the friendliness of the staff and of course, our location.” Reservations for events must be made 48 hours prior so the team can do all the preparations but last minute changes can still be accommodated as long as it’s doable. Big, small or somewhere in between, the Millennium Hotel Sharjah has a solution that will make your event something to remember. For enquiries and bookings, please call (06) 556 6666.
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experience authentic
Oriental dining at
Ewaan
Ewaan restaurant at The Palace - The Old Town offers authentic Oriental hospitality with the choicest flavours served in exceptional settings
A
n Oriental dining out experience becomes most memorable when it comes with a touch of exoticism. It is like a gastronomic tour into the intricacies of Oriental cuisine – a vast platter of influences and counterinfluences, shaped and perfected through several cultures. Naturally, Oriental cuisine is not merely about the food – it is about the ambience, the décor, the warm welcome and the overall hospitality quotient, which reflects on powerful traditions that have not been watered down with the passage of time. Ewaan at The Palace encapsulates the true Oriental dining experience, and it starts with the welcome through the décor to the extra touches. The Ewaan experience, indeed, is unparalleled in Dubai, and is the choice of the connoisseurs. Ewaan’s uniqueness is defined by its spectacular location, as part of The Palace - The Old Town. The name speaks for itself: designed and implemented to roll out the true feel of an Arabian palace, the hotel sits by the placid blue waters of a lake, and overlooks the towering majesty of Burj Dubai, the world’s tallest tower. The architectural features are reminiscent morethe information: 428 ofFora reservations bygone eraand while amenities04are 7951 or ewaan@thepalace-dubai.com ultra-modern: a true blend of the past and
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present, indeed. Ewaan restaurant, having established itself as an Arabic venue of choice, was the flavour of the city during the Holy Month of Ramadan, when it hosted one of the finest Ramadan settings by the poolside. For guests, the experience was vintage Arabian: dining out under starlit skies, cherishing the flavours of traditional delicacies, and enjoying the genuinely warm hospitality of the service staff… The Majlis ambience offered by Ewaan continues to be a benchmark in traditional Arabian hospitality. Now, Ewaan adds an extra dimension to Oriental hospitality by evolving as Dubai’s choicest destination for an unparalleled guest experience. The Ewaan Lounge that extends through the poolside is a welcome sojourn for the cool winter months to spend time with friends and family. Luxurious drapery and rich accessories set the décor… and the mood – unmistakably Oriental. Past the gracious hosts and hostesses, one can recline in comfortable seating indoors or al fresco listening to the soothing strains of live music and choosing from a diverse array of sheesha options.
The menu is extensive and a true recreation of Oriental flavours. Pick your choice from a platter of the finest delicacies from Arabic, Indian and Mediterranean gastronomies. Savour the large selection of hot and cold mezzehs; revel in the chef specialities and take in the sheer workmanship as you watch the chefs in action at the show cooking stations. Ewaan restaurant is open from 12 noon to 12 midnight for that delectable Oriental dining out experience while Ewaan Lounge is open from 6pm to 2am for “Drinks, Music, Shisha, Mezzeh”. For reservations and more information: 04 428 7951 or ewaan@ thepalace-dubai.com
Traders Hotel, Dubai
PRESENTS “RASA MALAYSIA” PROMOTION
T
raders Hotel, Dubai presents authentic Malaysian cuisine promotion at The Junction restaurant from 7 till to 30 November 2008. The promotion themed as “Rasa Malaysia” will be presented by Malaysian chefs, Chef Tan Jake Poh and Chef Ridzuan, both from Shangri-La Golden Sands Resort, Penang in Malaysia. The three-week “Rasa Malaysia” promotion is a reflection of the multi-racial and various ethnic groups’ influence on the Malaysian cuisine. The distinctive dishes reflect the culinary diversity of Malaysia’s multi-ethnic population, mainly from the Malays, Chinese, Indians. The Malaysian cuisine promotion offers diners a buffet spread with more than 35 Malaysian delicacies.
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Diners can sample a selection of popular Malaysian dishes such as Satay with Peanut Sauce, Nasi Goreng Kampung (Malaysian Style Fried Rice), Nasi Lemak (Steamed Coconut Flavoured Rice), Roti Canai (Indian Pastry Pancake), Mee Goreng Mamak (Indian Style Fried Noodles), Char Koay Teow (Fried Flat Rice Noodles), Laksa Lemak ( Spicy Noodle Soup in Coconut Milk) and more. Diners can also indulge in Malaysian’s mouth-watering desserts such as Pulut Hitam (Black Glutinous Rice Porridge), Bubur Cha Cha (Yam and Sweet Potato in Coconut Milk and Sago), Portuguese Pineapple Tarts, Almond Jelly with Sweet Longan, Kuih Talam (Steamed Coconut Pudding), selected tropical fruits and lots more. The buffet dinner, available daily from 7:30 pm to 11:30 p.m., is priced at AED99 nett per adult and AED49 nett per child. The buffet is also available on Fridays for brunch, from 12:30 pm to 3:30 p.m. at the same price. For enquiries and reservations, please call The Junction restaurant at (04) 214 7272.
Geographically, Malaysia is as diverse as its culture. The capital city is Kuala Lumpur, and the country’s population stands over 25 million, with its largest ethnic groups consisting of Malays, Chinese and Indians. Malaysia is rich in its natural resources such as agriculture, forestry and minerals. Cool hideaways are found in the highlands while warm, sandy beaches and rich, humid mangroves surround the coastal lines. Multiculturalism has made Malaysia a gastronomic paradise to many food lovers. Malaysians are warm and friendly people who are fond of celebrating each other’s festivity. For the perfect holiday full of surprises, eclectic cultures and natural wonders, Malaysia is the ideal holiday destination. Malaysia, truly Asia.
GREAT FLAVOURS
F
Le Bistrot defines
French cuisine
Best
at its
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rench cuisine is often misconstrued as expensive dining. People associate it with classy restaurants exuding elegant ambience so diners usually belong to the elite or the affluent class of the society. But little did people know that French cuisine although displaying a very stylish way of dining is not all about prices. It is about the quality of food plus the satisfaction and delight one gets from enjoying French dishes. Regarded as one of the best cuisines in the world, French cuisine is famous because the dishes were created out of the French ongoing love affair for food. Others call it haute cuisine because it demands careful preparation and presentation, timely and careful service and often display rich taste. At Le Bistrot located at Le Meridien Abu Dhabi, one can experience all these. The restaurant clearly defines authentic French cuisine. With dishes created by Sous Chef Nicolas Beau, dining at Le Bistrot will make you enjoy traditional French food without having to spend so much for your meal. Chef Nicolas, who has been with Le Bistrot for a year now, reveals that he wants the people in Abu Dhabi and the rest of the emirates to appreciate and take delight in French cuisine. After touring France for six years exploring authentic French cuisine from all parts of France, we can say that his culinary skills are definitely worth trying. “It’s quite difficult in this country because when they hear French cuisine, they feel like it’s a strange cuisine. So what we do is try to adapt ourselves to the way people like it here. One example is the snail. I am serving here some snails but not like the French way which is to cook it with a lot of garlic and butter. What I do here is give it only a taste of garlic and serve it with vegetable and or mix it with food that people from here are familiar with. So I keep the French traditional way but adapt to the situation and we’re successful at that,” explains Chef Nicolas.
Le Bistrot serves authentic French dishes like the foie gras (duck liver), which is a signature dish. Fadi El Fahel, the restaurant’s manager is proud to say that Le Bistrot is famous for its duck liver and they have regular customers who come to the restaurant just to sample the dish. Aside from the elegant décor and sophisticated setting, the restaurant has a wine cellar that could serve as a private room for group gathering, a special dinner or a private lunch. Chef Nicolas said that a group of 10 or more guests who are dining in Le Bistrot can order dishes that are not listed on the menu but he will prepare for them. The menu at Le Bistrot changes occasionally and mostly depends on the season. Chef Nicolas said there are dishes that he cannot serve during summer because it is a winter dish. Summer dishes are usually light, he explains, while
winter dishes are always heavy. El Fahel adds that the menu is also updated based on comments and feedbacks from the guests. This month, Chef Nicolas will be preparing dishes using Beaujolais Nouveau, a special red wine made from the finest Gamay grapes fermented for just a few weeks before winemakers start racing to sell it to different markets. “We continue moving. I never try to make the same thing all the time. Even with the same exact item, I can prepare it using two different ways so we have two different items on the plate at the end,” says Chef Nicolas. But there are dishes that Le Bistrot keeps for its regular guests like the onion soup, the beef which most locals prefer, the duck liver and the lamb. Le Bistrot serves Australian Beef, New Zealand Beef, Special Wagyu Beef and the US Black Angus Beef. There are different
sauces that come with it as well. Prices of the food are also very affordable because Chef Nicolas tries his best to get his supplies and ingredients locally but cook it and present it in a way that you might get it in other restaurant that is five or six times the price. Starters are as low as 30AED to 65AED. Main courses are from 65AED to 90AED and they serve vegetarian dishes starting from 55AED. The prices of the beef depend on the serving. French cuisine always go together with wine and Le Bistrot has the perfect wine for your dish. So if you want to experience and enjoy authentic French cuisine without costing so much on your budget, Le Bistrot is the place. Open for lunch and dinner everyday except Saturday (dinner only) and a lunch buffet on Friday, call 02 644 6666 for enquiries and reservations.
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November
Treats
DINING PROMOTION
AL BUSTAN ROTANA Blue Elephant Celebrate the Full Moon Festival from November 12th-14th commemorating Thailand’s ‘Loy Krathong’. Be part of this grand tradition as Blue Elephant brings the festivities to Dubai and enjoy an extensive buffet of Thailand’s regional dishes featuring authentic cuisines from Phuket, Pattaya, Bangkok and Chiang Mai for only AED 179* inclusive of selected beverages.
JW Marriott Hotel
Great tasting pies and tarts are on spotlight at Siji Café this month. Perfect as appetizers, entrees or desserts, savor traditional as well as unique and creatively filled baked crust with choices of Chocolate Tart with nutty chocolate crunch sugar base filled with a rich choco mousse and topped off with light choco glaze, Pumpkin Pie, Puff Almond Tart with almond cream and almond flakes, Key Lemon Pie with meringue, apple cookies in cinnamon in Cinnamon Scented Apple Pie. Prices start at Dhs15.
Choices Celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau Day, a well-observed tradition in most European cities especially in France to commemorate the end of harvest. Discover the distinctly fruity taste of Beaujolais Nouveau with a sumptuous dinner buffet on Thursday, 20th November for only AED 199* and continue the adventure as the same wine goes free-flowing the next day Friday, 21st of November at the Choices Global Friday Brunch for only AED 199*, inclusive of other unlimited selected beverages.
Luscious Lobster Dishes
Al Bustan Rotana Al Murooj Rotana
The award-winning dining outlets introduce a new menu featuring the most luscious lobster dishes this November. Whether you want the traditional steamed lobster or succulent lobster prepared with the freshest ingredients, the hotel’s expert chefs are ready to indulge your senses. These luscious lobster creations are available at Choices, Rodeo Grill, Come Prima, Blue Elephant, Gazebo, Aquarius, Benihana and Room Service. For further information call +971 4 2820000.
AL DIAR SIJI HOTEL Siji Cafe
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Zorba Bar & Lounge Classic and scrumptious chicken meals are on offer this month that will surely satisfy your tastebuds. Choose one or enjoy them all for Dhs45 per set meal served with fresh vegetable salad. For enquiries call 09-2232000.
AL MUROOJ ROTANA Pergolas Discover the countries and continents throughout the week while tantalizing your taste buds with mouthwatering and masterfully prepared dishes during daily theme nights. Get transported back into the Orient Express era every Monday. Tuesday nights are seafood night, Far Eastern night on Wednesday, Al Dente on Thursday and Sabor Latino on Fridays. Friday Brunch is from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm.
Double Decker Starts the season with revamped and some completely new theme nights. Choose your day and make it your place! Double Decker Pub is open every day from 12:00 noon till 3:00 am. For more information, please call on (04) 3211111.4
Friday Jazz Champagne Brunch The Friday Brunch at Dusit Thani Dubai now offers flowing Champagne Jazz 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. For reservations kindly contact +971 4 317 4515 or email dine.dtdu@dusit.com
DUBAI POLO & EQUESTRIAN CLUB Epona Enjoy a different dining experience, every night of the week. Monday is Oriental stir fry feast, Tuesday is Family night, Wednesday is Spanish Fiesta, Thursday is Curry Trail, Friday is Super Seafood and Saturday is Aussie BBQ. Meet with friends to enjoy a healthy breakfast buffet at the Epona with stunning views overlooking the riding arena. AED 55.00 per person inclusive of tea or coffee.
Palermo
Four Points by Sheraton Bur Dubai
BURJ AL ARAB
DUSIT THANI DUBAI
Al Muntaha
The Californian Restaurant
Spend an evening with renowned Italian cheese affineur, Mr. Guffanti on 12th of November and enjoy a 4-course dinner along with a selection of finest Italian cheese. Sumptuous choices of grape beverage are also offered to pair with the meal and cheese for AED 795 per person (additional AED 250 for the grape beverage offer)
Every evening a variety of themed buffets from Seafood, to Asian to Arabic, at The Californian Restaurant. International Lunch Buffet from Saturday to Thursday. Try the Asian Buffet from Saturdays to Wednesdays, Sea Food Buffet Dinner every Thursday, Oriental/Arabic Buffet Dinner every Friday.
Majlis Al Bahar
The Benjarong, Royal Thai Cuisine
Spend a perfect evening gazing at the moon every full-moon night. Dine on the beachside with a sumptuous Moonlit dinner especially created for this very special moment. Full Moon Nights and Regular Evenings on offer. For more information, contact Burj Al Arab Restaurant Reservations at +971 4 301 7600 or email: BAArestaurants@ jumeirah.com
The popularity of Thai cuisine has grown worldwide, earning its status as one of the world’s most popular cuisines. Chef Naruemol’s Thai Cooking Class prides itself in presenting the authentic art of Thai cooking and culture on a plate. Taking place every Wednesday, join the Thai cooking demonstration and lunch for only AED 169 per person.
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Looking for a different venue to sit back and enjoy some time with your family? Try the Friday Brunch at Palermo. With views overlooking the polo fields, there’s plenty of room for the kids to run around. Please call 04 – 361 8111 for more information on the above.
FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON BUR DUBAI Promenade Restaurant Back by popular demand, the Asian dinner buffet at Four Points by Sheraton Bur Dubai’s Promenade Restaurant is all set to tempt your tastebuds with new dishes on its buffet line. Available every Thursday evening, the delicious spread Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club
boasts of delicacies from Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, China and Japan. This value for money spread is only priced at AED99 net per person, inclusive of one beverage and is available every Thursday from 7.30pm to 11pm. For those who love a Mexican meal, look no further as The Promenade serves up a delicious spread every Tuesday evening. On the buffet table, look out for Enchiladas (beef, chicken & cheese), Fajitas, Cajun Grill Salmon, Tex Mex Lasagna, Mexican Rice, Tortilla Soup, Beef Gree Chilli Stew and much more. The buffet is priced at AED99 net per person, inclusive of one beverage and is available every Tuesday from 7.30pm to 11pm. For reservations call +971 4 397 7444.
HABTOOR GRAND RESORT & SPA
JW Marriott Hotel
Sushi bar is sizzling this November with 3 great offers. Choose from the Sushi rainbow promotion served with a jug of Japanese beverage for AED 180* per person or Thai sizzler dishes starting from AED 80* per person to refreshing cocktail twins for AED 45* per cocktail and get a complimentary similar beverage.
Al Dhiyafa Enjoy a Friday Bubbly Brunch for only AED 275* per person. Enjoy a sumptuous international buffet with a wide selection of culinary delights accompanied by free flowing bubbly every Friday from 12.30 pm until 4.00 pm. Call restaurant reservations at the Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa on +971 4 399 5000 or email hgrs. fbreservation@habtoorhotels.com
JUMEIRAH BEACH HOTEL
that an evening spent at the new La Parrilla is an incomparable dining experience. Live tango dancers and exquisite steaks, cooked the La Parrilla way offer a true taste sensation in ambient surroundings.
The twenty fifth
Carnevale
Latitude
Indulge in premium pan-fried angus fillet cooked to your liking accompanied by cepes relish, garlic potato puree, tapenade baked artichoke and truffle or opt for grilled black angus fillet topped with creamed spinach, potatoes, buttered baby vegetables with thyme essence only for AED 200* per dish.
Visit Carnevale for your business lunch as the restaurant offers new two or three course business lunch menu with an authentic taste of Italy. If your meeting demands privacy then our private dining rooms offer a unique meeting space for up to 10 people.
Diners at Latitude can now enjoy a sumptuous selection of fresh seafood alongside an extensive International buffet. Latitude offers an electric mix of live cooking stations and cooking styles from around the globe, making your dining experience an exciting journey from entrée through to desert. For more information, please contact +9714 406 8999 or email: JBHboxoffice@jumeirah.com
La Parilla Munchi The traditional Thai restaurant and
Stunning views combined with the passion and flair of Argentina ensures
Renaissance Dubai Hotel
JUMEIRAH EMIRATES TOWERS The Agency We are keeping up with tradition every Sunday and inviting connoisseurs to join us for a complimentary taster evening. Every Monday, the harvests travel to the guest, who can sample some of the world’s finest and renowned grape varieties, all in one sitting. On Tuesdays guests can take pleasure in a complimentary plate of finest canapés with the purchase of every bottle of fine bubbly. Every Wednesday, choose from a list of selected grape beverages by the bottle and enjoy a plate of cheese to suit the individual palate! With a wide selection of the finest fondues, The Agency offers a night filled with fondue fun for everyone every Thursday. For 4
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overlooking the waterways, including a glass of bubbly on arrival.
Pai Thai
Renaissance Dubai Hotel
more information, please contact +971 4 3198088 or email: JETrestaurants@ jumeirah.com
JW MARRIOTT DUBAI Vienna Café Start to order your turkey now for Thanksgiving on 26 November. Executive Chef Raimund Braun has prepared the traditional Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey with Apricot and Walnut Bread filling served with Giblet Gravy and Cranberry Sauce. If you want to get away from the traditional practice, then we recommend the Stuffed Leg of New Zealand Lamb with Rosemary Sauce. For beef lovers, you cannot resist the Black Angus Prime Rib of Beef with Jus and Creamed Horseradish and check out the Honey Mustard Glazed Ham with Bourbon Sauce. Round up your order with a Pecan Pie or a Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Cream. The New York Cheese Cake with Strawberry Sauce and the Apple Pie with Vanilla Ice-cream is a must try. Orders have to be made 48 hours in advance. The turkey price is Dhs88 per kilogram and you can take home the whole turkey or it can be presliced. For reservations, call 04 6077977 or log on to www.marriottdiningatjw.ae
MADINAT JUMEIRAH Friday Brunch Madinat Jumeirah Friday brunch offers diners a choice of five magnificent locations at Mina A’ Salam (Al Muna and The Wharf) and Al Qasr (Arboretum, Al Hambra and MJ’s Steakhouse). Each hotel offers a variety of food and freeflowing beverages with stunning views
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Enjoy your Friday brunch with an Asian twist. Diners can arrive by abra, receive a welcome cocktail in coconut shell and enjoy the taste of Thailand in a beautiful and calm setting amid the lush gardens and tranquil waterways of Al Qasr.
Zheng He’s The master Chefs of Zheng He’s have created an ample menu of favourite dishes for a brunch that everyone can enjoy. The menu will be an ideal opportunity for everyone at the table to indulge in new world Chinese cuisine without ever having to leave the seat, where they can enjoy stunning views of Burj Al Arab. Free flowing beverages and Asian Cocktails are also available throughout the afternoon. For more information, please contact +971 4 366 6730 or email: MJrestaurants@ jumeirah.com
MOEVENPICK HOTEL BUR DUBAI La Veranda Thursday night is a treat for all seafood lovers. From 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm La Veranda presents itself as your personal fish market. Select your catch of the day. Grilled, steamed, poached or Bouillabaisse – our chefs will prepare your selection, cooked to perfection. Accompanied by a great range of sides, guests can sit back and enjoy a nice evening in great atrium style atmosphere. Price is AED 149 net per person for food only, AED 199 standard drinks.
glass of bubbly before feasting on an international buffet with cuisines from around the world including Mexican, Thai and Italian. Priced at AED 149 for food and a complimentary glass of bubbly. For a free flow of house wine and beer it is priced at AED 199.
PARK HYATT DUBAI The Thai Kitchen Chef Supattra and her team of native Thai chefs look forward to welcoming you at this new lunchtime venue during November. Experience the authentic tastes from the special lunch à la carte menu. Alternatively, try the Roast Duck Curry, Pork with Chilli Dip and Crispy Vegetables and Sesame Shrimp Toast. Finish with Seasonal Fruit on Ice and Sago with Pomelo Shreds and Coconut Milk. The Thai Kitchen is open daily for lunch from noon–3:30pm.
Traiteur Every Friday guests will be able to experience a wide variety of culinary delights, from 12:00–4:00pm. Enjoy the stunning architecture and theatre-style kitchen of Traiteur whilst listening to the live jazz entertainment; alternatively, relax and enjoy your brunch at the outside terrace area overlooking the yachts, as the temperature drops in the winter months. This interactive bunch will allow diners to experience the
The Fountain Join in the Friday Madness for the popular Family Brunch complete with Emma Children’s Club for the youngsters. Start with a complimentary
Moevenpick Hotel Bur Dubai
different elements of cuisine from the Chefs of Park Hyatt Dubai, priced at Dhs 550 per person including the exclusive Veuve Clicquot Champagne, which cannot be found at any other brunch in the city
The Terrace The Terrace is the perfect venue to relax and enjoy watching the sunset overlooking the marina. The Terrace offers an à la carte menu every Friday from 4:00pm–1.00am. . For reservations, please call 04 317 2222.
Raffles Dubai Raffles Dubai will launch its first gastronomic event in the Middle East, the extraordinary Raffles Wine, Food & Arts Experience. This creative event is reflective of the culinary excellence that Raffles is renowned for, and is scheduled to take place from the 18th to 21st November to celebrate Raffles Dubai’s first year anniversary. Raffles Dubai’s Raffles Wine, Food & Arts Experience will feature three of Europe’s most renowned chefs: Two Michelin Stars Chefs - Nicolas Le Bec from restaurant Nicolas Le Bec in Lyon, France, who received his first Michelin Star just two months after opening his restaurant, Philip Howard from The Square in Mayfair, London, who has been Chef de Patron at The Square for over 17 years and One Michelin Star Chef - Atul Kochhar from Benares in Berkeley Square, London, who is distinguished as the first Indian Chef to have been awarded the Michelin Star. For dining enquiries and reservations, please call us at +971 4 314 9888 or email dining.dubai@raffles.com
Island Spice Fresh and rich Spanish delicacies await you with Tapas such as: Fried goats cheese with honey, mushrooms with parsley sauce, marinated tuna cubes, Catalan grilled fish with broth, poor man’s potatoes and grilled lamb kidneys as well as Paella and more. Served with refreshing Sangria.
Harry’s Place Harry’s Place presents “The big bucket” promotion: 5 bottles per bucket. Mix and match or stick with the same brand. Collect 8 bottle caps and receive a plate of Buffalo wings on us. Dhs.119/-. For inquiries, call +9714 608 8006
SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, ABU DHABI The Friday Brunch Treat yourself to a different experience every Friday at the Brunch at ShangriLa, located in Sofra bld. Indulge in an endless parade of exotic eastern and western flavours while enjoying al fresco dining with waterfront views. The multitude of culinary delights is sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Friday Brunch is served from 12noon to 4pm and is priced at Dhs220++ including a glass of house sparkling and unlimited soft drinks and juices.
Yam Cha If you don’t have time for a long lunch but want to experience something new, why not try Yam Cha at Shang Palace. Enjoy an all you can eat menu of twelve kinds of steamed Dim Sum, with your choice of soup and dessert which can also be enjoyed from Sofra bld
extravagant dessert station. Promotion is priced at Dhs 138 from Saturday to Thursday and Dhs 191 on Fridays. Lunch is served daily from 12noon to 3pm.
Pearls & Caviar The latest trendsetter in the capital, Pearls & Caviar blends elegant fine dining and a lively lounge bar into a rich, pure and stylish venue like no other. Quality ingredients from the Gulf region combine with fresh flavours for a unique dining experience. The rooftop bar slowly evolves throughout the night from a pre-dinner cocktail venue, to a lounge serving elegant drinks with live entertainment from the resident DJ playing soulful house late into the night. Pearls & Caviar is open for dinner from 7pm10pm daily. For more information or to make a booking, please call 02-509-8888 or Sheraton Hotel, Abu Dhabi email slad@shangri-la. com
SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, DUBAI Hoi An Popular Vietnamese dishes take on a contemporary look this November as Chef Phu gives a gastronomic makeover to some of the well-loved Vietnamese delicacies. Feast on a set menu which includes Seared sea scallops with duck liver pate and lotus tea sauce, Steamed Alaskan cod fish with crab curry as well as Summer mushroom with truffles, salmon and coriander. Set menu at AED 320 per person.
RENAISSANCE DUBAI HOTEL
Dunes Café
Sails
In November, experience the vibrant Thai countryside as our award-winning chefs pay homage and celebrate the land’s bountiful harvests. Whether it’s the produce from its lush fields or the freshest catch from its waters, feast on scrumptious offerings that are purely divine.4
The perfect combination of fresh seafood, steaks and your choice of side dishes paired perfectly with South African red and white wines. Don’t miss this “All you can eat and drink” experience! Dhs.199/- net per person.
November I Travel Arabia I 71 Shangri-la Hotel, Abu Dhabi
Shangrila
Amwaj Chef Clinton invites you to revel in true luxury with a lavish spread of some of the finest delicacies. In November, indulge in a raving choice of oysters, served ‘au natural’ with shallot vinegar, lemon and Tabasco or in a more vibrant Vietnamese dressing complemented with seaweed salad and chilled sake shot. For reservations and inquiries, please call 02 405 2703.
SHERATON ABU DHABI
Sheraton Deira Hotel
Flavours Every Wednesday, Chef Peter and his team create a spectacular buffet that will tantalise the real connoisseur – lobsters, oysters, prawns and more. Taste some of the ever-changing specialty prepared by our Chefs at their sauté station. Join us at Flavours every Wednesday for an unforgettable evening! Let Olexandra “take you away” on the notes of her repertoire. For reservations, please call 02 697 0262.
La Mamma La Mamma presents Crespelle, Italian pancakes. A whole variety of fabulous fillings from Raddicchio and Cheese, Meat and Mushrooms will be available freshly prepared for you by Chef Rakesh For reservations or take away Pizza orders, please call 02 697 0258
El Sombrero This November, come on over to El Sombrero for some street Tacos. With a selection of home-marinated specialities to fill the taco shells, one visit to El
Sombrero will for sure not be enough. Whilst you’re at it, why not share a jug of our award winning recipe frozen Margarita. For reservations, please call 02 697 0238
SHERATON DEIRA HOTEL The Terrace ‘Noodling’ is invited this November at the newly revamped The Terrace restaurant. A limited luncheon menu is available from 12 noon till 3pm with prices starting from Dhs. 45 net. The noodle menu offers varieties from all origins, catered to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. So noodle eating lovers visit The Terrace. Theme Nights at The Terrace Restaurant throughout the week starting with Italian cooking every Monday, Steak Night on Tuesdays, Asian fusion cuisine on Wednesdays, Seafood night on Thursdays and Indian Roti and Curry Nights on Fridays. Enjoy a lavish Friday Family Brunch with your loved ones from noon till 4 pm at Dhs. 89 for a limited selection of seafood with nonalcoholic beverages and Dhs. 115 net inclusive of unlimited flow of alcoholic beverages, house wines and beers and an upgraded seafood selection. Children have an exclusive play area under professional supervision with their own little buffet corner. Call 04- 2688888 Ext. 8615 for more details.
SHERATON DUBAI CREEK Vivaldi Why not drop by at the Vivaldi Italian Restaurant for some tasty servings of Sheraton Dubai Creek
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game dishes this November. Game is non-domesticated animal hunted for food which is savoured by many around the world for their freshness and texture of the meat. Prices start from AED42 net per dish. For reservations, please call 04 207 1717.
Ashiana Restaurant For the month of November, Ashiana is going frenzy with its kebab promotion. These skewers of meat, fish or vegetables grilled over fire has been a long time favourite since the early days where fresh meat were smoked or cooked over a simple wooden fire with a little salt and chilli powder. Prices start from AED34 net per dish. For reservations, please call 04 207 1733.
Chelsea Arms Pub & The Lobby Cafe Feeding on naturally-grown crops, free range poultry are considered to be healthier and tastier than factory-farmed poultry so for the month of November, we will give you a chance to indulge without having to worry about your waistline!. Prices start from AED36 net per dish. For more information, please call Chelsea Arms Pub at 04 207 1721 and The Lobby Café at 04 207 17
THE PALACE, THE OLD TOWN Asado Go for a typical Latino ambience when finishing work and bring colleagues and friends to share a selection of traditional Argentinean samples. The tapas-style
eatery is a unique dining experience, one that is fun, adventurous, and a great way to share food and conversation. A wide variety of appetizers along with the largest Argentinean wine list in Dubai accompanied with our exclusive live band will leave you breathless! Tapas is more than just a way of eating, it’s a way of life! Daily A la carte Tapas – from 7pm onwards For reservations and more information: 04 428 7971 or asado@ thepalace-dubai.com
Spend a relaxing day by the gazebo pool at the Hatta Fort Hotel. Enjoy a special Saturday BBQ and full use of the pool facilities for only AED 125* per person.
present delicious Mongolian Steamboat throughout November. Mongolian steamboat refers to several Chinese varieties of steamboat stews. It consists of a simmering metal pot of stock at the center of the dining table. While the hot pot is kept simmering, ingredients are placed into the pot and are cooked at the table. Typical hot pot dishes include thinly sliced meat, leafy vegetables, mushrooms, wontons, egg dumplings and seafood. In many areas, hot pot meals are often eaten in the winter. At Soie, choose from flavoursome spicy or non spicy stock with slices of turkey, beef, chicken, lamb, vegetables or seafood in the Mongolian Steamboat.
International Buffet Lunch
Al Safir
Enjoy that weekend feeling as you savour dishes from around the globe in Jeema Restaurant at the Hatta Fort Hotel. Enjoy a selection of delectable treats on Friday’s from 12.00-3.30pm for only AED 160* per person. Call the Hatta Fort Hotel on 04 852 3211 or e-mail hfh@jaihotels.com
Al Safir, would host an elaborate Thanksgiving Day buffet feast on November 27, 2008. On offer would be a sumptuous International buffet with traditional delights including Turkey with chestnut stuffing, giblet gravy and cranberry sauce; barbequed veal ribs and chicken legs; roasted duck legs; glazed potatoes and pumpkin; blue berry pie, apple pie and more!
Sheraton Al Nahda
groups and charters are also available. To make a reservation please call Bateaux Dubai on 04 3994994 or e-mail mail@ bateauxdubai.com.
THE HATTA FORT BBQ Lunch
The Palace - The Old Town
THE JEBEL ALI GOLF RESORT & SPA Ewaan
White Orchid Lounge
Start your Fridays with family and friends at Ewaan and experience an exclusive gastronomic journey serving the pleasures of International cuisine in the most perfect indoor and outdoor location. A fabulous brunch buffet with live cooking stations accompanied with unlimited Champagne at AED 450 per person or AED 350 per person with soft beverages. For reservations and more information: 04 428 7951 or ewaan@ thepalace-dubai.com
DJ Paul will groove you with sounds of Latino and Salsa music while our internationally acclaimed singer Therese Neaimé will ensure an unforgettable evening. Feel the rhythm every Thursday from 9pm onwards.
BATEAUX DUBAI Dinner Cruise on the Creek Cruise down the enchanting Dubai Creek under the starlit sky in airconditioned comfort onboard Bateaux Dubai. Throughout November enjoy this unforgettable luxury cruise experience on water, which can be savoured for AED 325* per person including a welcome beverage. Tailor-made packages for
Sunset Lounge
An Nada An Nada would offer mouth-watering Burgers this November. Further, enjoy choicest beverages along with a smashing performance by the in-house band ‘Music N Magic’ at An Nada. For more information please call Sheraton Bahrain Hotel on 17 533533. n
Sample a selection of classic tea time treats such as cucumber sandwiches and mini pastries alongside a wide variety of carefully selected teas. Enjoy the live musical entertainment whilst relaxing in the sunset lounge this November. Tea will be served every afternoon from 3.30pm-5.30pm for AED 85* per person. For more information and reservations call the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa on 04 883 6000 or e-mail jagrs@jaihotels.com
SHERATON BAHRAIN HOTEL Soie Soie, fine dining Chinese restaurant, will Sheraton Bahrain Soie
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TRANQUIL MOMENTS
Amara introduces Aromatherapy Associates ceremonies A
mara is a unique place where the senses awaken with calm settings, a scent of rare oils, captivating lush gardens and a serene swimming pool. With the soft evening light of flickering candles and oil lanterns, Amara spa is reminiscent of the ‘Arabian Nights’ tale. Amara and Aromatherapy Associates are proud to present the ‘Enrich’ range, a brand new luxury range of products using the highest quality ingredients. ‘Enrich’ was formulated for the driest of skins in mind and not only is this range very effective, but its luxury ingredients of Sweet Primrose, Macadamia, Jasmine, Vanilla, Tonka bean also makes it hypnotically fragrant. During November, Amara has created two packages for its guests from the Aromatherapy Associates ‘Enrich’ range with the second package including a premium facial from Anne Semonin. The minute you step into Amara, you will feel a sense of luxury with its elegant Arabic décor, spacious lounge and serene surroundings. It’s like relaxing in your own home because you won’t find guests loitering around. Each guest is escorted to the treatment room where you will be welcomed with friendly therapist like Sai.
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The Enrich package begins with a refreshing rain shower in the private garden of your spacious spa suite. This will prepare you for your rose petal foot and hand cleansing ritual. Before the treatment, you can choose your own music style with the unique and beautiful music menu including Arabic, Bali, Classical, Mediterranean, Oriental, New Age and Water. I chose the Water music with its soothing sounds of ocean waves and flowing water. The Coffee and Frankincense ‘Enrich’ Body Polish is a 30-minute scrub that will leave your skin looking and feeling smooth and polished. It will detoxify your skin so you will feel light and the scent leaves you so relaxed and refreshed. The luxury massage with elements of Swedish, Reflexology and Indian Head, using the Enrich’ massage oil of Coconut, Ylang Ylang, Vanilla and Geranium will leave you rejuvenated. Sai concentrated on my tight neck and shoulder where tension build-up is present caused by the rigours of work and urban living. She also massages my spine and lower back which put me into
sleep only to be awakened by her soft voice telling me to turn. The finale is a Hydra Radiance facial by the exclusive Spa brand Anne Semonin to cleanse and revive the complexion, exclusively designed for your skin type. After the treatment, you will be escorted to the tranquillity garden where you can enjoy your cuisine from barbecued chicken to noodle salad and sandwich complete with dessert. The ‘Enrich’ package also entitles you to a full day use of the 25-metre swimming pool with four whirlpools, fragrance steam room and gymnasium. These ceremonies may be enjoyed either individually, or alternatively, in the couples’ suites. Amara features eight spacious luxury suites, each with its own private outdoor terrace, lounge area and indoor and outdoor rain showers. Each of the three couples’ suites offers its own large private outdoor terrace with lush gardens and outdoor rain shower. Amara’s rituals gently restore your balance, spirit and well being, leaving a completely new you and ready to face the city life again.
‘Enrich’ – One hour and 30 minutes - Dhs 695 per person
• Outdoor rain shower • A foot and hand cleansing ritual on your private terraced garden
• Choose your music style with a unique and beautiful music menu
• Coffee and Frankincense ‘Enrich’ Body Polish, which will leave skin looking and feeling smooth and polished • A luxury massage with elements of Swedish, Reflexology and Indian Head, using the ‘Enrich’ massage oil of Coconut, Ylang Ylang, Vanilla and Geranium • A selection from the Spa cuisine menu, poolside at the Amara lounge • Full-day use of the 25-metre swimming pool with four whirlpools, fragranced steam room and gymnasium
‘Enrich’ Deluxe – Two hours Dhs 890 per person
• Outdoor rain shower • Foot and hand cleansing ritual on your private terraced garden
• Choose your music style with a unique and beautiful music menu
• Coffee and Frankincense ‘Enrich’ Body Polish, which will leave skin looking and feeling smooth and polished • A luxury massage with elements of Swedish, Reflexology and Indian Head, using the ‘Enrich’ massage oil of Coconut, Ylang Ylang, Vanilla and Geranium • A Hydra Radiance facial by the exclusive Spa brand Anne Semonin to cleanse and revive the complexion, exclusively designed for your skin type • A selection from the Spa cuisine menu, poolside at the Amara lounge • Full-day use of the 25-metre swimming pool with four whirlpools, fragranced steam room and gymnasium For enquiries and reservations call +971 4 602 1234 or log on to dubai.park.hyatt.com
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Abu Dhabi’s New Runway Opens The second runway at Abu Dhabi International Airport is now operational for arrivals and departures, following the completion of the main construction in early September and certification by the GCAA. The new AED 1bn, 4,100m runway is located two kilometres to the north of the existing runway. Work on the project began in May 2006 and includes the development of the airstrip, two major taxi-ways, two cross-field taxi-ways and two fire stations. ADAC chairman, Khalifa Al Mazrouei, said: “ADAC has achieved significant progress in the journey to transform Abu Dhabi International into a world class gateway airport. The new runway will form a key part of our plan to increase total capacity at the airport that will culminate with the construction and completion of the midfield terminal facility. The second runway and the new Terminal 3 developments are part of a largescale development programme to transform Abu Dhabi International Airport into a world-class gateway airport. Plans for the airport’s expansion aim to meet the projected increase in business and leisure traffic, the growth of Etihad, as well as demand from other airlines wishing to fly in and out of Abu Dhabi. n
Panceltica Inaugural Corporate Golf Challenge Doha Golf Club played host to the first Panceltica Corporate Golf Challenge last October 6, 2008. The format was a four man Texas Scramble. Prior to the golfers teeing off, Panceltica sponsored European Tour star player Jeev Milkha Singh gave a one hour golf demonstration and clinic for all the participating players. This was a unique opportunity for the guests to pick up tips from one of the European Tour’s finest players. Singh had flown overnight from Scotland to do the clinic having completed all four rounds of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, shooting 67 at St Andrews in his final round. The Panceltica Corporate Golf Challenge included prizes for the top three teams and a number of special prizes, which included a beat the pro on hole number 8, with Jeev standing there all day hitting shots into the par three. The winning team was Simon Westley, Scott McShane, Don Burley and PK Matthew with a net score of 56 Taking second place with a net 57 was the team of Ian McInerney, Mohammed Al Nuami, Phillip Fraser and PK Viswanath. The team of Will Fatherley, David Brooks, Phil Hardy and Pasha Bakhtiar took third spot. The Champions received Panceltica embossed Belding tour golf bags at the prize giving dinner and awards ceremony, and various other golfing equipment prizes were presented to the other winning teams. n
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Passengers Fly Free as Air Arabia Celebrates Anniversary Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa, offered its passengers a day of free flights in celebration of the airline’s fifth anniversary. Passengers who travelled on October 28, 2008, to any destination on the airlines’ network were entitled to a full credit of the fare and surcharges paid. The offer excludes government and airport taxes, which were borne by the passengers. The anniversary culminated in a celebration week from October 26-31 and concluded on October 31 with Air Arabia hosting a day of celebration and family fun at Qanat Al Qasbaa, Sharjah. The celebration activities were open to all age groups and cultures. Since Air Arabia’s inception in 2003, the Sharjah-based carrier has witnessed unprecedented growth and now offers one of the largest destination networks in the Middle East, South Asia and North Africa. The carrier, which now operates a fleet of 16 new Airbus A320 aircraft, currently flies to 42 destinations globally, a figure that will rise to 44 with the introduction of flights to Nairobi and Hyderabad later this month. The airline has also witnessed a significant growth in the number of passengers, passing the 10 million passenger mark this year. “As I reminisce on five years of dramatic change within the airline industry one thing has remained constant: we have remained focused on our initial promise to offer the very highest standards of service and to offer reasonably priced air travel. As we continue to grow our fleet of aircraft and expand our list of global destinations we hope to introduce many more passengers to our multi-award winning service and competitively priced fares,” said Adel Ali, Board Member and Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia. “In celebration of this milestone for Air Arabia, it is a pleasure to announce new special offers and a day of family celebrations so that our customers have the opportunity to join with us in marking five years of excellence and growth. Our customers have helped make us the leader of the low-cost carrier segment in this region, and one of the fastest growing airlines in the world,” Ali added. n
Rotana wins five awards at the World Travel Awards 2008 Rotana has been recognized for its continued resounding success by attaining five awards at this year’s 15th Annual World Travel Awards, the premier global awards event that promotes excellence in the travel and tourism industry. Rotana, and for the second year on a row, was voted The Middle East’s Leading Hotel brand. Al Murooj Rotana was voted Dubai’s Leading Meetings Hotel and Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa voted The Middle East Leading Family Resort. As for the Beach Rotana it was awarded Abu Dhabi’s Leading Beach Resort and Leading Business Hotel. Mr. Selim El Zyr, President & CEO of Rotana expressed his great pride on receiving the awards. “All credit goes to the hard work and dedication of our Rotana Team which continually exceeds the expectations of our guests, as evidenced by these awards. With thousands of votes cast by noteworthy industry professionals across the globe, we are honored to win five awards this year”. Hailed by the Wall Street Journal as the “Travel industry’s equivalent to the Oscars”, World Travel Awards are considered the most comprehensive and prestigious in the global travel industry today. Each year the World Travel Awards hit the travel industry community, building to a crescendo with the annual Awards Presentation Ceremony. The World Travel Awards were established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate the enormous achievements to be found in all sectors of the global travel industry. “Year after year, Rotana is gaining strength and positioning itself as an industry leader within the region and beyond. These awards stand testimony to the passion and commitment we have as an organization to play a pivotal role in the growth of Rotana. The enthusiasm and sheer professionalism that our entire team shows towards their work and the hospitality industry is what has allowed us to achieve our success. We have gone from being a recipient of one award last year to five in 2008 and are delighted that our efforts have been recognized”, concluded El Zyr. n
The Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi Truly Reflects The Depth of Hospitality Driven by a boom in the tourism sector and standing elegantly on Khalifa Street, nestles the Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi in the heart of the Capital, a 325 room property which has all the elements leading to endless opportunities for growth and expansion. The property is continually introducing new service standards along with the latest technologies to suit the modern world, making sure all elements are put at your fingertips to provide every imaginable convenience for its guest, whether working or relaxing. “There are many intangibles that go into making an excellent service,” says Moine Kandil the General Manager of
the Hotel. “Examples of those are an eye on details, a promised commitment and a passion for perfection.” “At the Millennium Hotel these attributes and many more are reflected into each of our operations and making our guests’ stay a memorable one is our goal and we reach that by focusing on quality in full capacity,” elaborated Kandil. Try as many hotels as you can, unless you have seen the Millennium Hotel, you can’t imagine the depth of hospitality where you are surrounded by both style and luxury; so next time you are planning a trip to Abu Dhabi, make sure you consider the Millennium. n
Moine Kandil Welcomes Nashwa Al Ruwaini Moine Kandil the General Manager of the Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi welcomed Mrs. Nashwa Al Ruwaini, the most famous and recognized face on television who produces and presents her own talk show during her last visit to the Hotel. Mrs. Al Ruwaini is currently the Executive Director of the Middle East International Film Festival and is the CEO of Pyramedia, a media consultancy and cinema television producion Company. Born in Egypt, Mrs. Nashwa was named as the Arab world’s 20th most powerful business woman by Forbes Magazine in 2005. n
November I Travel Arabia I 77
Oasis of the Seas To Feature Youth Zone The final neighborhood to be added into the deck plans of Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas was announced. The Youth Zone, a haven for children and teens, joins the ranks of six other previously-announced, diverse neighborhoods that will be aboard the world’s largest and most revolutionary cruise ship due to launch in November 2009. Oasis of the Seas features a unique concept that will provide guests with the opportunity to seek out relevant experiences based on their personal style, preference or mood in seven neighborhoods, including Central Park, Boardwalk with the AquaTheater, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place, and the Youth Zone. “We thank American Express Travel, for partnering with us to unveil the last neighborhood of Oasis of the Seas,” said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Oasis of the Seas will offer more of everything for every member of the family, including more for our younger guests. The Youth Zone aboard Oasis of the Seas will continue to build on our award-winning Adventure Ocean youth and teen programs, and expand to include dedicated space and programming for our guests as young as six months.”
A Decade of Resort Course Golf
T
he award-winning Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa proudly celebrates its 10 year-anniversary as Dubai’s ‘Only True Golf Resort Destination’ this year after a decade of building up its enviable reputation as flagship property of hospitality company, Jebel Ali International Hotels. Opened in 1998, the Jebel Ali’s Golf Resort & Spa continues its market leadership position as the region’s leading international golf course destination favoured by golfers and professionals alike. The 9-hole par 36 Resort Course is both scenically stunning and a fair and inspiring challenge to any level of player- beginner, intermediate or advanced. Each hole is uniquely landscaped with lush exotic trees, shrubs, wooden gazebos and panoramic serene views of the Arabian Gulf. Exotic peacocks, guinea fowl and partridges freely roam the course – a
The latest neighborhood unveiling introduced a wealth of kid- and teen-friendly adventures that lie within the Youth Zone - covering a total expansive area of more than 28,700 sq. ft. (2,669 sq. meters) - including, Kids Avenue, a central boulevard connecting children with dedicated Adventure Ocean spaces and various themed play areas; the cruise line’s first nursery for infants and toddlers (six months or older); and state-ofthe-art teen areas. A video preview of these areas, including interviews with Royal Caribbean executives, is now available online at www. OasisoftheSeas.com. When she launches in November 2009, Oasis of the Seas will be the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural marvel at sea, she will span 16 decks, encompass 220,000 gross registered tons (GRT), carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,700 staterooms. n unique concept that brings an experience of intimacy and tranquillity within the 128 acre resort’s lush gardens. In addition, experienced PGA qualified professionals offer golf lessons at the academy at the resort. In its ten year history, the Resort Course also hosted the ‘Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa Challenge Match’ between 1998 and 2006 as the annual curtain raiser for the European Tour Event, the Dubai Desert Classic. Players who participated in the 9-hole match included golfing greats such as Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, Nick Faldo and Seve Ballesteros. As part of the celebrations, the Resort Course is running a special midweek golf promotion to all golfers who mention the ’10 year anniversary’. The Nine for 99 offer includes a 9-hole green fee including cart and range balls for only AED 99 per golfer. The offer is valid from Sunday until Thursday through until the end of November 2008. For tee-time reservations, please contact the golf reception on +971 4 804 8046/48. n
First Offspring of Dolphin Bay Family is Born at Atlantis, The Palm The Marine Mammal Team welcomes the birth of first offspring at Dolphin Bay Dubai, United Arab Emirates The first offspring from the Atlantis family of dolphins was born at Dolphin Bay, the new dolphin encounter and education center at Atlantis, The Palm resort in Dubai. The calf was born to Butters on the evening of 23 August 2008 at 19:20in August in a special maternity pool within the habitat. Mother and calf have spent the first days nurturing and bonding. “The calf is being monitored 24 hours a day by our marine mammal specialists to ensure the calf is healthy and developing on schedule,” said Frank Murru, Chief Marine Officer, Kerzner International. “This is the first birth for our Dolphin Bay family, a true testament to the acclimation of these incredible animals.” In addition to the interactive lagoons, Dolphin Bay will also serve as the first marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation centre in Dubai. It will be the only centre for stranded animals in the Arabian Gulf. Every year, many injured marine mammals are stranded and need assistance.
78 I Travel Arabia I November
Now with Kerzner’s marine life expertise and new facility, some of these animals can be rescued, rehabilitated and returned to the wild. The centre will also provide a broad range of educational opportunities including graduate and undergraduate programming, currently being developed in conjunction with universities and local educational institutions. The dolphins who call Atlantis home have their own dedicated facilities and highly experienced team to ensure their health and wellbeing. Dolphin Bay is a 4.5 hectare environment with three interaction lagoons complete with sandy beaches in a tropical setting. The habitat provides the dolphins with seven interconnected resident pools, sheltering from inclement weather and 26 million litres of crystal-clear seawater, which exceeds all marine mammal regulations in the United Arab Emirates. “We are proud to say our facility is one of the largest man-made coastal dolphin habitats in the world” said Al Kordowski Vice President, Dolphin Bay. “Along with our state of the art medical laboratory and quarantine facility which allows us the proper space to safely care for stranded animals and pregnant or nursing mothers.” n
ALGERIA
GENERAL INFORMATION
Argentina 718683 643843 7 Rue Hamani Australia 40593300 592081 7 Rue Jean Rey, 75724 Paris cedex, France Austria 562699 567352 Les Vergers,Rue No.2 DZ-16330 Bir Mourad Rais Bangladesh 594805 603629 14 Ave.des Frères Oughlis Belgium 922446 925036 22 Chemin Youssef Tayebi,El-Biar Brazil 749575 749687 48 Boulevard Mohammad V Bulgaria 691514 691787 13 Boulevard Bougara,El Biar Canada 914951 693920 18 Mustafa Khaled St.,P.O.Box 48 China 692724 693056 34 Boulevawrd Des Martyrs Colombia 922090 923817 7 Avenue Malika Gaid,El-Biar Cote D’ivoire 692828 693683 Parc Paradeaux P.O.Box 710,Hydra Czech Republic 692274 693031 P.O.Box 999,Villa Malika Denmark 692234 692846 12 Ave.Emile Marquis,Hydra Egypt 691807 692952
80 I Travel Arabia I November
Airports
may have a mixture of 127 and 220 volts.
Area
Algiers (920 Km from city centre)
Visas
2,381,741 Sq.Kms
Annaba (12 Km from city centre)
Visas are required by all except nationals of
Population
Constantine (9 Km from city centre)
Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya,
33,739,635 (2008 est.)
Wahran 910 Km from city centre)
Mauritania, Morocco, Sudan,Syria, Tunisia,
Capital
Tlemcen (20 Km form city centre)
Yemen, Andorra Denmark, Finland, Guinea,
El-Djazair (Algiers)
No airport tax on departure
Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Leichenstein, Mali, Monaco,
Main Cities
Ports
Norway, San Marino, Sweden, Switzerland
Algiers, Wahran/Oran,
Algiers (principal), Annaba, Oran, Skikda,
Customs Regulations
Constantine, Annaba Al-Boulaida,
Mostaganem, Bejaia
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 400 gr of
Si di Bel-Abbes, Setif, Tizi Ousou.
Business Hours
tobacco and 1 bottle of wine are admitted free
Temperature/climate
Government offices and state Enterprises
of Duty
Summer: 27 to 32C
08.00 to 17.00 Sat to Wed
Currency regulations
Coast temperature,13 to 24C
0800 to 12.00 Thu
Any amount of foreign currency may be taken
Winter:Temperature variations inland,dropping to
Banks
into Algeria but is prohibited to take any Algerian
as little as 10C in the Sahara at night
09.00 to 16.00 Sat to Wed
currency into or out of the country. Proof of all
Languages
08.00 to 12.00 Thu
foreign exchange transactions must be presented
Arabic (official)
Electricity
on departure.All foreign visitors must change a
French (commercial)
220 volts (110 volts in some areas).
minimum of AD 1000.
Berber (in rural areas)
A continental adapter is necessary 127 volts or
Currency
3-phase 127/220/380 AC 50 cycles. Hotels
1 Algerian dinar (AD) =100 Centimes
P.O.Box 297,Hydra Finland 691212 691637 P.O.Box 256 Hydra France 692488 691369 25 Chemin Gaddouche,Hydra Germany 741956 740521 P.O.Box 664,165 Chemin Sfindja Greece 600855 691655 60 Blvd.Col.Bougara Holy See 623430 572375 1 Rue Noureddine Mekiri 16090 Bologhine Hungary 691709 694431 P.O.Box 68 ,El-Mouradia India 923444 924011 14 Rue Des Ambassades Iraq 603125 601097 4 Rue Arezki Abri,Hydra Italy 292330 793766 18 Rue Mohammad Ouidir,Amellal Al-Biar Japan 912004 912046 1 Chemin Al Bakri,El-Biar Jordan 692031 691554 6 Rue Chenoua,Hydra Korea Repub 692076 693014 21 Rue Stambuli El-Mouradia Kuwait 693408 693037 Chemin Abdel Kader Gaddouche
Lebanon 594977 692397 Rue Du Hoggar,Hydra Libya 921502 924687 15 Chemin Sheikh Bashir Ibrahimi Mauritania 792139 784274 107 Lot Baranes,Air de France, Bouzareah Mexico 924023 923451 P.O.Box 329,El –Biar Netherlands 922828 923770 P.O.Box 72 El-Biar Nigeria 691849 691175 P.O.Box F629,Hydra Oman 941310 941375 126 Rue Didouche Mourad Pakistan 693781 692212 P.O.Box 621,Djeann El-Malik,Hydra Poland 922553 37 Ave.Mustafa Ali Khodja,El-Biar Portugal 925313 92541 12 Lot El-Feth El-Biar Qatar 922856 922415 P.O.Box 118,Bin Aknoun Romania 690871 693642 24 Rue Arezki Abri, Hydra Russia 783134 782882 Chemin Prince D’Amman El-Biar Saudi Arabia 603518
4 Rue Arezki Abri,Hydra Spain 922713 922719 10 Rue Azil Ali Sweden 692300 691917 Rue Olof Palme Nouveau Paradou,Hydra Switzerland 737310 738158 P.O.Box 482,27 Boulevard Zirout Youssef Syria 912026 912030 11 Chemin A.Gaddouche Hydra Tunisia 691388 692316 11 Rue Du Bois De Bologne Hydra Turkey 691257 693161 Chemin De La Rochelle, Blv Col.Bourgara UAE 692574 593770 P.O.Box 454 El Mouradia UK 230068 230067 P.O.Box 8,7 Chemin DES Glycines USA 691255 693979 4,CHEMIN Sheikh Bashir El-Ibrahimi Yemen 693085 691758 Villa 41,Ave.Les Verges Venezuela 693846 607555 Chemin du Kadous Hydra Zaire 591227 5 Rue Saint Georges,Kouba
KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN
Business Hours
Customs regulations
Area
Government Offices
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, 250g of loose
716 Sq.Km
07.30 to 14.30 Sat. to Wed.
tobacco, 8 oz of perfume, 1 liter of wine and gifts
Population
Commercial Offices
up to the value of BD 250.00
(2007 estimate) 1,046,819
07.30 to 12.30 and 15:30 to 19:30 Sat to
Capital
GENERAL INFORMATION
Thu.
Currency regulations
Manama
Banks
There are no restrictions on the amount of
Main Cities
7.30 to 14.00 from Sunday to Wendesday.
currency bring in/take out of Bahrain.
Manama, Muharraq Town, Isa Town, Jidhafs,
Thrusdays bank are open from 7.30 to 13.00
Currency
Rifaa.
but closed on Friday and Saturday.
1 Bahraini dinar (BHD)=1.000 FILS
Temperature/climate
Electricity
Qatari riyal and UAE dirham are exchangeable at
Summer: 40 to 45 C,hot, humid.
220-240 volts, Single-phase AC and 400 volts,
rate of DH 10 or QR 10=BHD 1.
Winter: Warm, dry, 10 C to 20 C.
three-phase AC.
Languages
Visas
Arabic (official), and English (commercial).
Visas required for all except GCC and UK
Airport
nationals.
Muharraq (505 Km from Manama)
Tourist visas available at Bahraini embassies or
Taxis, hotel reservations, duty free shop Airport
on arrival at entry points-Bahrain Airport or the
tax on depature BHD 3.
King Fahd Causeway from Saudi Arabia.
Ports Mina Sulman
EMBASSIES & CONSULATES
Algeria 713669 P.O.Box 26402,Manama Bangladesh P.O.Box 26718,Manama 714717 Belgium P.O.Box 5820,Manama China P.O.Box 3150,Manama Denmark P.O.Box 997,Manama Egypt P.O.Box 818,Manama
224631 723800 725119 720005
France P.O.Box 11134,Manama 291734 Germany P.O.Box 10306,Manama 530210 Greece P.O.Box 5790,Manama India P.O.Box 26106,Adiliya
Iran P.O.Box 26365,Manama 722400
722101
New Zealand P.O.Box 5881,Mnama
210284
210271
Sweden P.O.Box 412,Mnama
531085
530063
710031
Iraq P.O.Box 26477,Manama 786929
786220
Norway P.O.Box 10580,Manama 531480
530158
Switzerland P.O.Box 795,Manama
227811
224623
229994
Japan P.O.Box 23720,Manama 716565
715059
Oman P.O.Box 26414,Manama 293663
293540
Tunisia P.O.Box 26911,Manama 714149
715702
727304
Jordan P.O.Box 5242,Manama
291980
Pakistan P.O.Box 563,Manama
255960
Turkey P.O.Box 10821, Manama 533448
536557
826582
Korea Rep P.O.Box 11700,Manama 291629
291628
Palestine P.O.Box 1102
276054
UAE P.o.Box 26505, Manama 723737
727343
721518
Kuwait P.O.Box 786,Manama
536475
Philippines P.O.Box 26681,Manama 710200
710300
UK P.O.Box 114, Manama
534404
531273
293655
Lebanon P.O.Box 2102,Manama
784998
Portugal P.O.Box11030,Manama 531533
272594
536282
Libya P.O.Box 26062,Adliya
262358
713662
291109
534040 786994
259211 712785
Netherlands P.O.Box 350,Manama
715527
224320
276099
530445
USA P.O.Box 26431, Manama 273300
Russia P.O.Box 26612,Manama 725222
725921
Yemen P.O.Box 26193,Manama 277072
740178
Saudi Arabia P.O.Box 1085,Manama
537722
533261
212295
Sudan P.O.Box 5438,Manama
252546
252578
714162
Morocco P.O.Box 26229,Manama 740566
244113
November I Travel Arabia I 81
EGYPT
GENERAL INFORMATION Area
997.738 sq.Km
Population (2008 est.) 80 million
EMBASSIES & CONSULATES Afghanistan 4177236 4177230 59 El Ourouba St. Heliopolis Algeria 3407671 3414158 14 Al-Brazil Street, P.O.Box 39, Zamalek Argentina 3401501 3414355 8 Al-Saleh Ayoub street,Zamalek Australia 5750444 5781638 1191 Corniche El-Nile, Boulaq Austria 5702974 5702979 5 Wissa Wassef St.Giza Bahrain 3407996 3416609 15 Brazil Street,Zamalek 3407996 3416609 Bangladesh 3402642 3412631 47 Ahmed Heshmat Str.Zamalek Belgium 3547494 3543147 20 Kamel El-Shinnawi St.Garden City 1125 Brazil 5756938 761040 Corniche El-Nile Maspero Bulgaria 3543110 3563548 6 El-Malek El-Afdal Street, Zamalek Canada 3543110 3563548 5 El-Saraya El-Kobra Square,Garden City China 3411219 3409459 22 Bahgat Ali Street,Zamalek Cyprus 3411288 3415299 23 A Ismail Mohammad Street,Zamalek Czech Republic 3485469 3608089 4 Dokki St.,Giza
82 I Travel Arabia I November
Local airports at Aswan, Hurghada, Luxor, Sharm
declared on entry.
El –Seikh.
Goods valued up to £E100 may be
Ports
exported.200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 200
Alexandria (principal), Port Said, Suez, Damietta,
gms tobacco,1 litre wine or spirits.
Safaga.
Capital
Business Hours
Cairo
Government: 08.00 to 14.00 Sat.to Wed,08.00
Main Cities
to 13.00 Thu,10.00 to 12.00 Sun.
Cairo,Alexandria,Ismalia,Port Said.
Businesses: Variable (some closed on Fri, others
Temperature/climate
on Sun.)
The import or export of Egyptian currency is
Banks
Winter: 9 to 22 C in Cairo.
09.00 TO 13.30 Mon.to Thu.,10.00 to 12.00
More temperature along Mediterranean coasts
Sun.
“Khamsin” (hot,dry wind in Spring)
Electricity
Languages
220/240 volts 50 cycles AC in Maadi and
Arabic, ( official),English and French (
Heliopolis some 110 volts, 50 cycles AC.
commercial).
Visas
Airports
Visas are required by all foreign visitors except
Cairo (22.5 Km from city centre).
most Arab nationals.
Coaches/taxis,duty-free shop,airport tax on
Customs regulations
departure.Alexandria (8 Km from city centre)
Currency,jewellery and other valuables must be Lebanon 3610623 5 Ahmad Nesim Street,Giza Libya 3402487 7 El-Saleh Ayoub,Zamalek Mauritania 3490671 14 Mohu El-din Abou El-Ezz St.,Dokki Mexico 5716156 6 Ahmed Shawki Street,Giza Morocco 3409849 10 Salaheddine Street,Zamalek Netherlands 3401936 18 Hassan Sabri Street,Zamalek Norway 3413955 8 El-Gezira St.Zamalek Oman 3031708 52 El-Hegaz Street, Mohandiseen Pakistan 3487504 8 Al-Salouli St. Dokki Portugal 3363950 57 El- Giza St.,Giza Qatar 3604693 10 El-Themar St.,Dokki , Giza Romania 3410107 4 Aziz Abaza Street, Zamalek Russia 3489354 95 Giza St,Giza Saudi Arabia 3490797 2 Ahmad Nessim St.,
prohibited.All receipts for the exchange of foreign currency into Egyptian pounds should be kept to be presented on departure.
Currency 1 Egyptian pound(£E)=100 piastres=1.000
Summer 22 to 35 C in Cairo,
Denmark 3402505 3411780 12 Hassan Sabri Street,Zamalek Finland 3411487 3421376 3 Abdul Feda Sreet,Zamalek France 5703920 5710276 29 El-Giza Street, Giza Germany 3410015 3410530 8 Hassan Sabri Street,Zamalek Greece 3547200 3563903 18 Aisha El-Taimouria St.Garden City Holy See 3402250 3406152 Apostolic Nunciature 5 Mohammad Mazhar Street Hungary 3408634 3408648 29 Mohammad Mazhar Street, Zamalek India 3413051 3414038 5 Aziz Abaza Street,Zamalek Iraq 3408087 3415075 9 Mohammad Mazhar St.,Zamalek Italy 3543194 3540657 15 Abdel Rahman Fahmi St. Garden City Japan 3553963 3563540 2 Abdel Qader St.,Garden City Jordan 3485566 3601027 6 El Guhaini Street,Dokki,Giza Kenya 3453628 3443400 7 El-Mohandis Galal St.Mohandisin Kuwait 3602661 3602657 12 Nabil Al-Wakad Street,Dokki
Currency regulations
3610463
3489060 5783040 3400937 3415249 3420709 3036464 3480310 3363952 3603618 3410151 3609074 3494590
millimes.
Singapore 3490468 40 Babel Street, Dokki Slovakia 3486550 4 Dokki St. Dokki Spain 3406397 44 Ismail Mohammed St.Zamalek Sudan 3545658 3 El Ibrahimi Street, Garden City Sweden 3411484 13 Mohammad Mazhar St.Zamalek Switzerland 3402250 10 Abed Al Khalek Sarwat St. Syria 3358320 18 Abdel Rahim Sabri St. Dokki Thailand 3408356 2 Malik El-Afdal St.Zamalek Tunisia 3408962 26 El-Gezira street,Zamalek Turkey 3563318 25 El-Falaki Street,Bab el-Louq UAE 3609722 4 Ibn Sina St.,Giza UK 3540850 7 Ahmed Ragheb St.,Garden City USA 3557371 5 Latin America Str.,Garden City Yemen 3614225 28 Amin El-Rifaii Street,Dokki
3481682
3547359 3542693 3404357 5745236 3358232 3400340 3412479 3558110 5700844 3543065 3573200 3604815
IRAQ
GENERAL INFORMATION
Visa applications should be made well in advance
Ports
Area
Basra (principal),Fao (oil)
and supported by a written invitation from a
438.317 sq.Km
Government Offices: Summer 08.00 to 14.00
government organization.No admission granted
Population
Sat.to Wed & 08.00 to 13.00 Thu.
to visitors holding passports showing evidence of
29.58 million(2006 est.)
Winter: 08.30 to 14.30
travel to Israel.
Capital
Sat To Wed. and 08.30 to 13.30 Thu.
Visitors must register for stays exceeding
Baghdad
Shops and Firms: Summer 08.30 to 13.00
14 days and exit visas are required for visits
Main Cities
and 16.00 to 20.00 Sat.To Wed.& 08.30 to
exceeding 30 days.Apply to Directorate of
Baghdad, Basra, Mosul, Kirkuk
13.00 Thu.
Residence,52nd street Baghdad, Tel:92377 Test
Temperature/climate
Winter:08.30 to 14.30 and 17.00 to 19.00 Sat
for HIV (The Aids Virus) is required.
Summer 24 to 42C in Baghdad,humid,hotter
To Wed and 08.30 to 13.30 Thu.
Customs Regulations Country under UN embargo,The import of most
and more humid in Basra
Banks
More temperature in north.Winter:4 to 16 C in
Summer 08.30 to 12.30 Sat to Wed. and
Baghdad.
08.30 to 11.30 Thu.
Currency
Languages
Winter: 09.00 to 13.00 Sat To Wed. and 09.00
1 Iraqi dinar (ID)= 1.000 FILS
Arabic (official and commercial).
to 12.00 Thu.
Airport
Electricity
Baghdad (17 Km from City Centre)
220 volts,50 cycles AC.
goods is prohibited.
Coaches/taxis,duty free shop-airport tax on
Visas
departure
Visas are required for all visitors except nationals of Egypt, Jordan, and Sudan.
Afghanistan P.O.Box 674 5560562 Algeria P.O.Box 444, Lane 35 5372181 Argentina P.O.Box 2443,Lane 24 7768140 Australia P.O.Box 661, Al Masbah 7193434 Austria P.O.Box 294,Lane 2 7199033 Bahrain P.O.Box 27117, Lane 7 5428945 Bangladesh 75/17/929 Hay Babe 7196367 Belgium Hay Babel,Mahallat 929 7198297 Brazil P.O.Box 2088, Lane 16 5411365 Bulgaria 5568197 Amireyah Embassies Quarter Canada P.O.Box 323,Lane 1 5421459 China P.O.Box 225 5562741 Czech Republic Mansour St., Lane 37 7767367 Denmark
5430275
P.O.Box 2001, Alwiyah 7717052 Egypt P.O.Box 6315,Lane 11 5430572 Finland P.O.Box 2041, Alwiyah 7766271 France P.O.Box 118 7196061 Germany P.O.Box 2036, Lane 2 7192037 Greece 63/3/913 Hay Al-Jamia AL-Jadiriya 7766572 Holy See P.O.Box 2090,Lane 2 7195183 Hungary P.O.Box 2065 7765000 India P.O.Box 4114, Adhaiyah 4222014 Indonesia St. 2, Houre 77, P.O.Box 420 7198680 Italy P.O.Box 2043,Lane 73 7765058 Japan P.O.Box 2369, Lane 17 7195157 Jordan Kindi Quarter 1 sec.213 5412892
EMBASSIES & CONSULATES 7170635
7760488
7180340
7196520
4229549 7198677
7196186
Korea Rep. 915/222/8278, Hay al -Jamia Malaysia 6/14/929 Hay Babel 7762622 Mauritania Al Mansour, Baghdad 5518261 Mexico 601/11/45 Al- Mansour 7198039 Morocco P.O.Box 6039,Lane 11 5421779 Netherlands P.O.Box 2064, Lane 35 7767616 New Zealand P.O.Box 2350 7768176 Norway 20/3/609 Hay-Al Mansour 5410097 Oman P.O.Box 6180, Lane 13 5518198 Pakistan Al-Mansour 14/7/609 5415120 Palestine P.O.Box 3122 7183146 Philippines P.O.Box 3236,Lane 3 7193228 Poland P.O.Box 2051, Lane 13 7190297 Portugal
7765496
P.O.Box 2123,Lane 25 7764953 Qatar P.O.Box 2445,Lane 46 5412186 Romania P.O.Box 2571 7762860 Russia 4/5/605 Al-Moutanabi 5414749 Somalia P.O.Box 2078, Lane 1 5410088 Spain P.O.Box 2072, Lane 1 7192852 Sudan P.O.Box 213, Lane 15 5424889 Sweden P.O.Box 720, Lane 41 7195361 Switzerland P.O.Box 2107, Lane 5 7193091 Thailand P.O.Box 6062, Al-Mansour 5418795 Tunisia P.O.Box 6057,Al Mansour 5517786 Turkey P.O.Box 14001,Waziriya 2220021 UAE P.O.Box 6192, Lane 13 5417026 Yemen P.O.Box 13037,Lane 28 7760647
2228353
November I Travel Arabia I 83
JORDAN
GENERAL INFORMATION
08.30 to 15.30 Sat to Thu Ramadan: 09.30 to 13.30 Sat to Thu.
Currency
92.000 sq.Km
Commercial Offices:
1 Jordanian dinar(JOD)=1.000 fils.
Population
Summer:08.00 to 13.30 and 15.30 to 19.30
Area
EMBASSIES & CONSULATES
on entry is permitted.
(2000 est.) 5 million
Sat to Thu.
Capital
Winter: 08.30 to 13.30 and 15.00 to 18.30
Amman
Sat to Thu.
Main Cities
Banks
Amman, Aqaba, Irbid, Zarka
08.30 to 15.30 Sat. to Thu.
Temperature/climate
Electricity
Summer 18 C to 22 C in Amman,Dry,
220 volts,50 cycles AC.
Winter 4C to 12 C in Amman,dry.
Visas
Languages
Visas required by all and can be obtained from
Arabic (official), English (commercial)
any Jordanian consulate.
Airport
Some visitors may acquire visas on arrival at
Amman (32 Km from city centre. Taxi, duty free
International airports.
shop,airport tax on departure.
Customs regulations
Port
200 cigarettes,25 cigars or 200 g tobacco,1
Aqaba
bottle of spirits.
Business Hours
Currency regulations
Government Offices:
Export of currency equal to the amount declared
Algeria 4641271 P.O.Box 1223,3rd Circle,Jabal Amman
4616552
France P.O.Box 5348,Mutanabi St. 4641273
Australia 5930246 Bet.4th & 5th Circles,Zahran St.
4616552
Germany Jabal Amman
4612725
Greece P.O.Box 35069
5664190
Holy See Amman
Belgium 5931859 5930487 Hawari Boumedienne St.,Near 4th Circle
Hungary Amman
Brazil Jabal Amman,3rd Circle 5925416 Bulgaria Amman
4659606
Libya Amman
5930351
5932887
Morocco Jabal Amman
5672331
5696591
5929934
5693404
Sudan Jabal Amman
4644251
4644187
5921771
5925185
5930179
Oman Jabal Amman
Sweden 5931177 12 Embassy St. Jabal Amman Jabal Amman 5931416
5686155
5680404
5694059
Pakistan Jabal Weibdeh
4624680
4611633
5925614
5930836
Philippines Amman
5518134
5518441
4612964
India P.O.Box 2168,1st Circle 4623175
4619172
Qatar Jabal Amman
5607311
5607350
4659730
Romania 5667738 Jabal Amman, P.O.Box 2869
5684018
UAE Jabal Amman
5932666
5539393
Italy 4638185 5/7 Hafez Ibrahim St.,Jabal El Webdeh
5934780
5529391
Canada 5666124 P.O.Box 815403,PC 11180
5689227
Japan 5930486 Al-Aqsa Street,Jabal Amman
5931006
Russia Jabal Amman
4641158
4647448
UK 5923100 P.O.Box 87, Abdoun, Amman
5923759
5920101
5920121
4642381
4654717
Austria Jabal Amman Bahrain Jabal Amman
4644635 5664148
5693102
Syria Jabal Amman, 4th Circle 4641935
4651945
Tunisia Jabal Amman
5674307
5605790
Turkey P.O.Box 2062,PC 11181 4641251
4612353
China P.O.Box 2023,PC 11181 5931530
5932607
Kuwait Jabal Amman
5675135
5681971
Saudi Arabia Jabal Amman, 5th Circle 5924154
5921154
USA P.O.Box 354,PC 11181
Egypt Jabal Amman,3rd Circle 5605175
5604082
Lebanon 2nd Circle, Amman
5929111
5929113
Spain Jabal Amman
4614173
Yemen Jabal Amman
84 I Travel Arabia I November
4614167
5930685
KUWAIT
GENERAL INFORMATION Area
17.8182 sq.Km
Population (2005 estimate) 2.7 million
Capital Kuwait City
Main Cities Kuwait City, Ahmadi, Hawali, Farwaniya, Al-Jahra
Temperature/climate Summer 40 to 45 C, dry, dust, storms. Winter cool, some rainfall in November to January.
Languages Arabic (official), English (commercial).
Airport Kuwait (16 Km or 30 mn from city center). Taxis, duty-free shop, no airport tax.
continiuing their journey to a third country bt the
Business Hours
same aircraft,or by passengers transiting within
Government Offices:
24 hours.However,passengers must have tickets
Winter 07.30 to 13.00 Sat to Wed.,
with reserved seats and valid documents for their
07.30 to 11.30 Thu.
onward journey.With visas for a visit sponsored
Summer 07.00 to 13.00 Sat.to Wed.
by a kuwaiti resident a form in duplicate must
Ramadan 08.30 or 09.00 to 13.00 Sat to Thu.
be validated by the Ministery of Interior.For a
Commercial Offices:
visit without a sponsor, form in duplicate can
08.00 to 12.00 and 15.00 to 18.00 Sat.to
be obtained from a Kuwaiti consulate.Some
Wed.08.00 to 12.30 Thu.
Nationals require a No Objection Certificate
Ramadan 08.00 to 14.00 Sat to Thu.
issued by Minister of Interior.
Banks
Customs regulations
08.00 to 12.00 Sat.to Thu.
No alcohol,500 cigarettes,2lb tobacco.
Ramadan 8.30 to 12.30 Sat to Thu.
Currency regulations
Electricity
There are no restrictions on the import or export
240 Volts single-phase
of currency
50 cycles AC
Currency
Visas
1Kuwaiti dinar(KD)=1.000 fils
Visas or entry permits are required in advance by
Ports
all visitors except for nationals of the GCC states.
Mina Abdulla (oil)
Transit visas are not required by passengers
Mina Al Ahmadi (principally oil) Afghanistan 2433075 P.O.Box 22944 Safat,13015 Algeria 2427185 P.O.Box 578,Safat Austria 2467421 P.O.Box 44180,Hawali 32056 Bahrain 5318530 P.O.Box 196,Safat 13002 Bangladesh 2542688 P.O.Box 22344,Safat 13084 Belgium 2561029 P.O.Box 3280,Safat Brazil 2561029 P.O.Box 39761,Safat Bulgaria 5314458 P.O.Box 12090,Kuwait City Canada 2563025 P.O.Box 25281,Safat 13113 China 5330165 P.O.Box 2346,Safat 13024 Cuba 5382024 P.O.Box 23685,Safat 13124 Czech Republic 2529015 P.O.Box 1151,Safat Egypt 2519955 P.O.Box 11252,Safat
Shuwaikh (container,ro-ro, slipway) Shuaiba
5326274 2519497 2449993 5330882 5722018 2562153 2562153 5321453 2560173 5333341 2402971 2529021 2563877
Finland 5312890 P.O.Box 26699,Safat France 5319850 P.O.Box 1037,Safat 13011 Gabon 4830975 P.O.Box 1230,Hawali 32013 Germany 4817055 P.O.Box 5930,Safat 13060 Hungary 5312600 P.O.Box 5671,Safat 13057 India 2530600 P.O.Box 1450,Safat 13015 Indonesia 2514588 P.O.Box 21560, Safat 13076 Iran 2560694 P.O.Box 4686,Safat Italy 2445120 P.O.Box 4453,Safat 13045 Japan 2518155 P.O.Box 2304,Safat 13024 Jordan 2533500 P.O.Box 5242,Safat 13053 Korea Rep. 4814004 P.O.Box 20771,Safat 13068
EMBASSIES & CONSULATES 5324198 2571058
2520763 5313782 2525811 4819250 2529868 2445124 5326168 2570894 2526874
Lebanon 2562103 P.O.Box 253,Safat Libya 3529172 P.O.Box 21460,Safat 13075 Morocco 4813700 P.O.Box 784,Safat 13008 Netherlands 5312650 P.O.Box 21822,Safat Niger 5316802 P.O.Box 44451, Hawali 32059 Nigeria 5320794 P.O.Box 6432,Hawali 32039 Oman 2561962 P.O.Box 21975,Safat 13080 Pakistan 5327649 P.O.Box 988,Safat 1310 Philippines 5329315 P.O.Box 26288,Safat 13123 Poland 2510355 P.O.Box 5066,Safat 13051 Qatar 2513599 P.O.Box 1825,Safat 13019 Romania 4843419 P.O.Box 11149, Dasmah 35152 Russia 5646277 P.O.Box 1765,Safat 13018
2571682 2575182 5317423 5326334 5652943 5320834 2961963 5327648 5329319 2534760 2563428 4848929 5659044
Saudi Arabia 2400250 P.O.Box 20498,Safat 13065 Spain 5325827 P.O.Box 22207,Safat 13083 Sweden 2523588 P.O.Box 21448,Safat Switzerland 2551872 P.O.Box 23954, Safat 13100 Syria 2531164 P.O.Box 25600,Safat 13112 Thailand 5317530 P.O.Box 66647,Bayan 43757 Tunisia 2522416 P.O.Box 5976,Safat Turkey 2531785 P.O.Box 20627,Safat 13067 UAE 2518569 P.O.Box 1828,Safat 13019 UK 2403335 P.O.Box 2,Safat 13001 USA 2424151 P.O.Box 77,Safat 13001 Yugoslavia 4818872 P.O.Box 20511,Safat 13066
2420654 5325826 2564224 5340176 5396509 5317532 2528995 2560653 2526382 2426799 2407368 5327568
November I Travel Arabia I 85
LEBANON
GENERAL INFORMATION Area
10.452 sq.Km
Visitors should check with airport duty-free shops
Capital Beirut
Commercial offices
Main Cities Beirut, Tripoli, Jounieh, Zahle, Sidon, Tyre
Temperature/Climate Summer 23 C to 32 C in Beirut, humid. Winter 11 C to 17 C in Beirut,moist, rainfall, especially in January. Highlands are cooler, with winter snowfalls.
Languages
on current regulations.
Currency regulations
Government offices 08.00 to 14.00 Monday to Thursday. 08.00 to 11.00 Friday, 08 to 13 Saturday.
(2007 estimate) 3.9 million
No Restrictions.
Currency 1500 Lebanese pound(ÂŁLeb)= 1 US dollars.
08.30 to 18.00 Mon.to Fri.
Banks
08.30 to 12.30 Monday to Friday. 08.30 to 12.00 Saturday.
Electricity
110 Volts,50 cycles AC and 220 volts,50 cycles AC.
Visas
Arabic (official), French and English (commercial)
Airport Beirut ( 16 Km from city centre) Coaches/ taxis,duty-free shop-airport tax on departure.
Visas are required for all visitors except nationals of Syria.Telex/Fax invitation required from sponsor to be sent to Embassy. Westerners wishing to visit Lebanon can get instant visas at Beirut airport ,seaport or at Lebanese border checkpoints.
EMBASSIES & CONSULATES
86 I Travel Arabia I November
Customs regulations
Beirut (principal), Tripoli (main port for North), Jounieh, Sidon (main port for South)
Business Hours
Population
Algeria P.O.Box 4794,Jnah 01/826711 826712 Argentina 01/987900 987903 P.O.Box 11-5245,Starco Area Armenia Rabieh 04/418860 Australia 01/374701 374709 Bliss Street,Ras Beirut Austria 01/217412 217772 Tabaris ,Ashrafieh Bahrain 03/611936 367952 Bliss Street,Itani Bldg Belgium 05/920551 923987 Hebu Building,Baabda Beirut Brazil 05/921138 923001 P.O.Box 166175,Rue Des Antonins,Baabda Bulgaria 01/861352 Raoucheh Canada 0211/6116851 611803 Sheraton Hotel,Damascus Jal el 04/713900 710595 Dib Highway Chile 04/418670 418672 Naccache
Ports
China 01/850315 Ramlet Al-Baida Denmark 01/364264 Ain Mreiseh Egypt 01/867917 Ramlet El-Baida France 01/420000 Hazmieh,Beirut Germany 04/914444 P.O.Box 2820,Rabieh Greece 04/521700 P.O.Box 309,Naccache Hungary 01/898857 Fanar India 01/372811 P.O.Box 113-5240,Kantari St. Iran 01/821230 Bir Hassan Italy 01/985200 Centre Ville,Beirut Japan 01/989751 P.O.Box 3360,Baabda Jordan 05/922500 Baabda
822492 372970 863751 420013 914450 418774
373538 821224 985305 989754 922502
Kuwait 01/822515 Bir Hassan,Jnah Libya 01/806314 805349 Verdun,Beirut Mexico 04/418870 New Naccache Morocco 01/862966 Ain-el-Tineh Pakistan 01/863041 Shell Bldg,Raoucheh Philippines 01/791093 Raoucheh,Beirut Poland 05/468152 Baabda Qatar 01/865271 P.O.Box 6717,Chouran Romania 05/924484 Baabda Russia 01/300042 Mar Elias,Beirut Saudi Arabia 01/860351 Koreitem, Beirut Spain 05/464120 Palace Chehab, Hadath Antounieh
842220
865194 864583 791095 746620 810460 924747 303837 861524 464030
Sudan 01/353270 Mme Curie St. Sweden 01/339505 Achrafieh Switzerland 01/324129 Ave.Fouad Chehab, Achrafieh Tunisia 05/457431 Hazmieh,Mar Takla Turkey 04/412080 Rabieh,Area 2,Str.3 UAE 01/857000 Wafic Tabbara Bldg,Jnah UK 01/990400 Zkak El-Blat USA 04/542600 Aoukar,Beirut Venezuela 01/888701 Zalka,P.O.Box 603 Yemen 01/852682 Bir Hassan,P.O.Box 114-5097 Yugoslavia 01/739633 P.O.Box 742, Sanayeh
339394 324167 950434 407557 857009 990420 544136 403670 821610 739638
LIBYA
GENERAL INFORMATION Area
1,757,000 sq.Km
Population (2003 estimate)5.5 million
Capital Tripoli
Main Cities Tripoli,Benghazi,Misurata,Surt,Sabha Temperature/Climate In Tripoli:Summer:22 to 38 C,dry. Winter:8 to 20C,most rainfall in January.
Languages Arabic(official),English and Italian(commercial)
Airports Tripoli(25 Km from City Centre) Benghazi(main port for East)
Business Hours Government offices Winter:(1 Nov.to 31 March) 08.00 to 15.00 Sat.to Thu. Afghanistan 4775192 Sharia Al-Aftas 4771183,4775192 Algeria Sharia El-Kairouan 4440052 4447042 Argentina Sharia Ibn Mufarrej 4770588 TX20190 Austria 4443393,444 Dahra 4440838 Bangladesh Hadbe El-Khadra 903807 900856 901866 TX20970 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 TX20341 China, Andalous 4775131 4775689 China-Taiwan 4775052/478 Gergaresh 4774980
Summer:07.00 to 14.00
departure.No restrictions on other currencies
Sat.To Thu.
though the amount taken out must not exceed
Commercial offices
that taken in.
07.30 to 14.30 Sat.To Thu
Currency
16.00 to 17.30 Sat.To Wed.
1 Lybian dinar(LD) =1.000 dirhams.
Banks Winter:08.00 to 13.00 Sat. to Thu. Summer:08.00 to 12.30 Sat.to Thu.and 16.00 to 19.00 Sat.to Wed.
Electricity 220 volts 50 cycles AC.
Visas Visas are required for all visitors except nationals of all Arab countries.Passport may need Arabic Translation.Invitation from Libyan company required.
Customs regulations No alcohol.200 cigarettes,250 grams tobacco,0.25 litre perfume.
Currency regulations A maximum of 20 Libyan dinar on entry and
Cuba Andalous 4771346 4776294 Cyprus 609547 Ben Ashour 609728/6015 Czech Rep. Ben Ashour 361543/37 600839 Denmark, Andalous 606848 TX20978 Egypt 4444945 Sharia-El-Shatt 4448909 4449262 Finland, Ghot Eshaal 830559 830559 France 4778267 Andalous 4773807 4778266 Germany 4448552 S.Hassan El-Mashai 4448333 4448968 Ghana Al-Suwae Khetumi 4444256 TX20879 India 4447899 S.Mahloud Shaltut 4441835 3337560 Iraq, Gourgi 4770487 4770780 Iran 606871 El-Jamahiriya 6069 602687 Italia 3333447 3331673 S.Uahran 3334131/2/3 Japan Tower No.4 Hall 13/14 607462/3 607462 Korea 8331 833503
EMBASSIES & CONSULATES Gergaresh Kuwait Ben Ashour Lebanon Ben Ashour Malaysia Andalous Mali Rue Dahanal 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
833484/ 444 4440282/ 3333733/ 334 833693/ 8337 33313304/ 44 3338081/ 334
607053 TX20609 833692 3331304 4448401
4443223/444 611101 3330800 TX20346 608269 333600411 607619/ 6076 TX20049 4772864/ 4772865 4770317 607904/ 6079 TX20482 3330485/333
Slovak Rep Jallal Bayar St. Somalia Gurji Sudan 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
3332568/ 3332805 4773124/ 477 4772728 3337955/ 333 607365/ 607366
3332568 TX 2205 4774781 TX20218 607487
4449565 3332423 33.310.613. 331.052 TX20217 4773146/ 47 TX20189 4448006 3330852/ 3/4/5/7
TX20219
4770251 3600407/ 36 833704/ 8307
TX20733
3330856
3600408 830994
November I Travel Arabia I 87
MOROCCO
Area
Ports
Visas
710,850 sq.Km
Casablanca (main sea port)
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, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, UAE, UK, US, Venezuela.
Population
Tangier (sea port for the North)
Business Hours
33.757 million(2007 estimate)
Capital
Government
Rabat
Winter 08.030 to 12.00,14.30 to 18.00 Mon
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
EMBASSIES & CONSULATES Algeria 765474 46 Boulevard Tarek Ibn Ziad Argentina 755120 12 Mekki Bitaouri str.,Souissi Austria 2 Tiddas,Rabat 764003 Belgium 6 Marrakesh Ave., Rabat 764746 Brazil Cadi Benjalloun St.,Rabat 755291 Bulgaria 4 Ave.de Meknes 765477 Canada 13 Bisr Jaffar Assadik 672880 China 16 Ahmad Balagies Ave 754056 Czech Republic Ate.Zaers,Km 4,Souissi 755421 Denmark 769293 P.O.Box 203, 4 Khemisset St. Egypt 31 Alger Avenue 731833
88 I Travel Arabia I November
762237 755410
765425 767003 755291 763201 672187 757519 755420 769709
706821
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
Customs Regulations
Banks
400 grammes of Tobacco, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars are admitted free of duty.1 litre of wine or spirits.
Winter 08.15 to 11.30 and 14.15 to 16.30 Mon to Fri.
Currency regulations
Arabic, French (commercial), Berber
Summer 09.00 to 15.00 Mon to Fri
Airports
Electricity
Tangier (15 Km from City Centre)
110V.,127V or 220V/50 cycles AC in Rabbat,
Rabat (10 Km from City Centre) Casablanca (30
Casablanca and Tangier.
Km from Town Centre)
115/50 cycles AC in Marrakech,110V/50
Agadir (20 Km from Town Centre)
cycles AC in Fez.
Finland 16 Khemisset Street,Rabat 762312 France 3 Sahnoun Street,Rabat 689700 Germany 7 Maduine St. 709662 Greece Rte. Zaers,Souissi 638975 Holy See P.O.Box 1303, Souissi 772277 Hungary 21 Bisoulad Jerrar,Soussi 750757 India 10 Michlifen Street,Agdal 671339 Indonesia 757861 122 Ambassador Quarter Rte.Zaers Iran 659121 Route des Zaers,Bin Kasem Quarter Iraq 754466 2 Oukaimdem St.Agdal Italy 2 Idriss Al Azhar St. 706598 Japan 631782
463925 689750 706851 702270 756213 754123 671269 757859 659118 754572 706882 750078
39 Ahmed Balafrej Ave., Souissi Jordan Villa Al-Wafae, Soussi 751125 Korea Rep 41 Mehdi Benbaraka Blvd 751767 Kuwait 751775 300 Iman Malik Street, Km 4 Lebanon 19 Fes Avenue, Rabat 760728 Libya 1 Chouaib Doukkali Street 707400 Oman 673788 21 Hamza Street, Agdal, Rabat Pakistan 11 Azrou Street, Rabat 661611 Portugal 5 Thami Lamdouar Street 756446 Qatar 4 Tarik Ibn Ziad Blvd. 765681 Russia Km 4, Route des Zaers 753509 Saudi Arabia 730171 43 Place de L’unite Africaine
758722 750189 753591 766667 705200 674567 766742 756445
753590
No Moroccan currency may be imported or exported.
Currency
1 Moroccan Dirham (MD or DH)=100 centimes
Spain 3 El Fath St. 268000 Sudan 5 Ghomara Ave, Souissi 752863 Sweden P.O.Box 428 759303 Switzerland P.O.Box 169,Berkame Sq. 706974 Syria 757521 5 Rte., Zaers, Km 1, Souissi Tunisia 6 Fez Avenue 730636 Turkey 7 Fez Avenue 762605 UAE 11 Alaouines Avenue 707070 UK 17 Tour Hassan Boulevard 720905 USA 2 Marrakech Street 762265 Yemen 674363 11 Abou-Hanifa Street, Agdal
707387 752865 758048 705749 757522
704980 742145 704531 765661 674769
OMAN
Business Hours
Currency
Area
Government Offices
1 Omani Riyal(RO)=1,000 Baizas
309.500 sq.Km
Winter:7.30 to 14.30 Sat.To Thu.
Population
Summer:7.30 to 14.30 Sat Top Wed.
(2000 estimate) 2.5 million
Businesses
Capital
08.00 to 13.00 and 16.00 to 19.00
Muscat
Sat.to Wed. 08.00 to 11.30 Thu.
Main Cities
Banks
Muscat-Muttrah-Ruwi-Seeb,Salalah
08.00 to 12.00 Sat.to Wed.08.00 to 11.30
Temperature/Climate
Thu.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Summer: 35 C - 47 C, Very humid
Electricity
Winter: 20.7 C men minimum
220/240 volts 50 cycles AC
Languages
Visas
Arabic (official), English (commercial).
Visas are required for all visitors except nationals
Airports
of the GCC.
Seeb (40 Km from City Centre).
Customs regulations
Taxis,airport tax on departure,duty-free shop.
No alcohol.No Limit for Tobacco products.
Salalah (domestic)
Currency regulations
Ports
No restrictions on the amount of currency taken
Mina Qaboos, Muscat (principal), Mina Raysut,
into or out of Oman.
Salalah (main port for Dhofar) Algeria 601698 P.O.Box 216, Madinat Sultan Qabous
EMBASSIES & CONSULATES 694419
Germany P.O.Box 128, Ruwi 112 702482
705690
Lebanon P.O.Box 67, Ruwi 118
595844
695633
Syria 697904 603895 P.O.Box 85, Madinat Sultan Qabous 115
Austria P.O.Box 2070, Ruwi 112 793135
793669
India P.O.Box 1727, Ruwi 112 702960
797547
Morocco P.O.Box 3125, Ruwi 112 696152
601114
Tunisia 603486 697778 P.O.Box 220, Madinat Sultan Qabous 115
Bahrain P.O.Box 66, P.C., 115
605072
Iran P.O.Box 3155, Ruwi 112 696944
696888
Netherland P.O.Box 3302, Rruwi 112 705410
799020
Turkey P.O.Box 417, Muttrah,115 697050
697053
Bangladesh P.O.Box 3959, Ruwi 112 707462
Iraq P.O.Box 1848, Ruwi 112 604178
605112
Norway P.O.Box 89, Ruwi 112
793892
UAE P.O.Box 551, Seeb 115 600302
604182
Canada P.O.Box 1275,Ruwi 112
Italy P.O.Box 3727, Muscat 112
560968
Pakistan P.O.Box 1302, Ruwi 112 603343
UK P.O.Box 300, Muscat 113 693077
693087
602322
Japan P.O.Box 3511, Ruwi 112 601028
698720
Qatar P.O.Box 802, Muscat 113 701802
794588
USA P.O.Box 202, Muscat
699189
Egypt P.O.Box 2252,Ruwi 112 600411
603626
Jordan P.O.Box 2281, Ruwi 112 786350
619495
Russia P.O.Box 80, Muscat 112 602893
604189
Yemen 600815 605008 P.O.Box 105, Madinat Sultan Qabous 115
Finland P.O.Box 84, Muscat 113 702133
703826
Korea Rep. 691490 P.O.Box 2220, Madinat Sultan Qabous 115
Saudi Arabia P.O.Box 1411, Ruwi 112 601744
603540
France P.O.Box 208, Muscat 115 604222
604300
Kuwait P.O.Box 1798, Ruwi 112 699626
Sudan P.O.Box 3971, Ruwi 112 697875
699065
605912
China P.O.Box 315, Muscat 112 696782
600972
703289
698989
November I Travel Arabia I 89
QATAR
Area
Doha, Umm Said (oil and petrochemicals)
Customs regulations
11.437 sq.Km
Business Hours
Population
Government
products.
(2004 estimate) 792,883
07.30 to 13.00 Sat To Thu.
Currency Regulations
Capital
Businesses
None
Doha
07.30 to 12.00 and 15.30 to 18.00 Sat to
Currency
Main Cities
Thu.
1 Qatari Riyal (QR)= 100 dirhams
Doha, Rayan, Umm Said,
Banks
Al-Khor, Al-Wakrah, Ras Laffan
07.30 to 11.30 Sat to Wed.
Temperature/Climate
07.30 to 11.00 Thu.
Summer 36 to 40 C, in Doha very humid
Electricity
especially mornings
220/240 Volts 50 cycles AC.
Alcohol is prohibited.No limit for Tobacco
Winter 13 to 23 C in Doha, very humid, wide
Visas
diurnal range
Visas are required for all visitors except nationals
Languages
of Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and UAE.
Arabic (official), English ( commercial).
No objection certificate required from Qatari
Airport
Minsitery of Foreign Affairs. Other businessmen, if
Doha (8 Km from city centre). Taxis, No
their visit is sponsored by a reputable Qatari, may
Duty- Free shop, no airport tax.
obtain a 72- hour visa at Doha Airport.
Ports
EMBASSIES & CONSULATES Algeria P.O.Box 2494 Bahrain Bangladesh P.O.Box 2080 Brunei China P.O.Box 17200
4831186
4836452
4839360
4831018
4671927
4671190
4884202
4873959
4884202
Ras Laffan (Gaz and ind.) Iraq P.O.Box 1526 Italy P.O.Box 4188
4672237 4667842
4673347
Morocco P.O.Box 3242
4831885
4833416
UAE P.O.Box 3099
4885111
4664644
Oman P.O.Box 3766
4670744
4670747
UK P.O.Box 3
4421991
4438692
4832525
4832227
USA P.O.Box 2399
4884101
4884298
Yemen P.O.Box 3318
4432555
4429400
Japan P.O.Box 2208
4831224
4832178
Pakistan P.O.Box 334
4873959
Jordan P.O.Box 2366
4832202
4832173
Russia P.O.Box 1540
4329117
4329118
4832238
4838264
Saudi Arabia P.O.Box 1255
4832030
4832720
Egypt P.O.Box 2899
4832555
4832196
Korea Republic P.O.Box 3727
France P.O.Box 2669
4832283
4832254
Kuwait P.O.Box 1177
4832111
4832042
Sudan P.O.Box 2999
4423007
4329118
Germany P.O.Box 3064
4876959
4876949
Lebanon P.O.Box 2411
4477773
4478817
Syria P.O.Box 1257
4832409
4832139
India P.O.Box 2788
4672025
4670448
Libya P.O.Box 547
4667546
4660548
Tunisia P.O.Box 2707
4832645
4832649
Iran P.O.Box 1633
4835300
4831665
Mauritania P.O.Box 3132
4836003
4836015
Turkey P.O.Box 1977
4835204
4835206
90 I Travel Arabia I November
KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA
GENERAL INFORMATION Area
2.240.000 sq.Km (approx)
Population
(2006 est.) 23.6 million
Capital
Ports
Riyadh
Main Cities Riyadh, Jeddah, Dhahran, Dammam, Al-Khobar, Qatif, Makkah, Medina, Abha, Khamis Mushayat, Taif
Temperature/Climate
Summer 38 to 45 C in Riyadh dry diurnal range up to 20 C. 35 to 42 C in Jeddha, very humid.35 to 45 C in Dammam, very humid. Winter 8 to 30 C in Riyadh, night frosts rain in March.19 to 33 C in Jedah,humid 15 to 30 C in Dammam, very humid
Languages
Arabic (official), English (commercial).
Airports
Algeria 4887171 P.O.Box 94388, Riyadh 11693 Argentina 4652600 P.O.Box 94369, Riyadh 11693 Australia 4887788 P.O.Box 94400, Riyadh 11693 Austria 4801217 P.O.Box 94373, Riyadh 11693 Bahrain 4880044 P.O.Box 94371, Riyadh 11693 Bangladesh 4195300 P.O.Box 94395, Riyadh 11693 Belgium 4882888 P.O.Box 94396, Riyadh 11693 Brazil 4880018 P.O.Box 94348, Riyadh 11693 Canada 4882288 P.O.Box 94321, Riyadh 11693 Denmark 4880101 P.O.Box 94398, Riyadh 11693 Egypt 4658425 P.O.Box 94333, Riyadh 11693 Eritrea 4801726 P.O.Box 94002, Riyadh 11693
Dammam (28 Km from City Centre) Jeddah (24 Km from City Centre) Medina (12 Km from City Centre) Riyadh (35 Km from City Centre) Taxis-no duty-free shops except at Jeddah-No airport taxes.
4887616 4653057 4887973 4801526 4880208 4193555 4882033 4881075 4880137 4881366 4652800 4827537
Jeddah(main port for Western province and the Kingdom’s principal port) King Abdel-Aziz, Dammam (main port for Eastern province) Jubail(industrial port for Eastern province) Yanbu(industrial port for Western province)
Business Hours
Government 07.30 to 14.30 Sat to Wed. Ramadan 09.30 tom 14.30 Businesses Variable from business to business But generally,07.30 to 13.00 and 14.30 to 20.00 Sat to Thu. Banks 08.00 to 12.00 and 16.30 to 18.30 Sat to France 4881255 P.O.Box 94367, Riyadh 11693 Germany 4880700 P.O.Box 9941, Riyadh 11693 Greece 801974 P.O.Box 94375, Riyadh 11693 India 4884144 P.O.Box 94387, Riyadh 11693 Iran 4881916 P.O.Box 943394, Riyadh 11693 Ireland 4882300 P.O.Box 94349, Riyadh 11693 Italy 4881212 P.O.Box 94389, Riyadh 11693 Japan 4881100 P.O.Box 4095, Riyadh 11491 Jordan 4880039 P.O.Box 7455, Riyadh 11693 Kenya 4882484 P.O.Box 94358, Riyadh 11693 Korea(Rep of) 4882211 P.O.Box 94399, Riyadh 11693 Kuwait 4883500 P.O.Box 2166, Riyadh 11451
Wed.08.30to 12.00 Thu. Ramadan 10.00 to 13.30
Electricity
220 Volts and 110 Volts,60 cycles AC.
Visas
Visas are required for all visitors except GCC nationals. Applications have to be applies for by sponsor in Saudi Arabia To the Ministery of Foreign Affairs who will inform Saudi Embassy On approval.Assistance from trade associations and chambers of commerce is advised. Marriage certificate for travelers accompanied by spouse required.
Customs regulations
No alcohol,600 cigarettes,100 cigars or 500g tobacco.
Currency regulations No restrictions
Currency 1 Saudi Riyal(SR)=100 halala
EMBASSIES & CONSULATES 4882882 4880660 4801969 4884750 4888890 4880927 4886590 4880189 4880072 4882629 4881317 488368
Lebanon 4197000 P.O.Box 94350, Riyadh 11693 Libya 4544511 P.O.Box 94365, Riyadh 11693 Mexico 4828218 P.O.Box 94391, Riyadh 11693 Morocco 4826382 P.O.Box 94392, Riyadh 11693 Norway 4881904 P.O.Box 94380, Riyadh 11693 Oman 4823120 P.O.Box 94381, Riyadh 11693 Pakistan 4887272 P.O.Box 6891, Riyadh 11452 Philippines 4880835 P.O.Box 94315, Riyadh 11693 Portugal 4644688 P.O.Box 94328, Riyadh 11693 Qatar 4825544 P.O.Box 94353, Riyadh 11461 Singapore 4657007 P.O.Box 94378, Riyadh 11693 Spain 4880606 P.O.Box 94347, Riyadh 11693
4192767 4567513 4828379 4827016 4880854 4823738 4887953 4883945 4044419 4825694 4652224 4880400
Sudan 4887728 P.O.Box 94337, Riyadh 11693 Sweden 4883100 P.O.Box 94382, Riyadh 11693 Switzerland 4881291 P.O.Box 9265, Riyadh 11413 Syria 4887481 P.O.Box 94323, Riyadh 11693 Thailand 4880300 P.O.Box 94359, Riyadh 11693 Tunisia 4887900 P.O.Box 94368, Riyadh 11693 Turkey 4887721 P.O.Box 94390, Riyadh 11693 UAE 4826803 P.O.Box 94385, Riyadh 11693 UK 4880077 P.O.Box 94351, Riyadh 11693 USA 4883800 P.O.Box 94309, Riyadh 11693 Yemen 4826764 P.O.Box 94356, Riyadh 11693
4887729 4880604 4880632 4826196 4881179 4887641 4887823 4827504 4882373 4883278 4881757
November I Travel Arabia I 91
SUDAN
GENERAL INFORMATION Area
Currency Regulations
departure.
Import or export of Sudanese currency is illegal
Port
2,505,813 sq.Km
Currency
Port Sudan
Population
Khartoum :08.00 to 14.00 Sat to Thu.
Khartoum
Other centres :08.30 to 14.00(with Breakfast
Main Cities Khartoum, Oumdurman, Khartoum North, Port Sudan, Wadi Medani
Temperature/Climate Summer : 26 to 45 C, in
interval) Sat to Thu. Businesses 08.30 to 13.30 and 17.00 to 20.00 Sat.to Thu Banks
Khartoum,sandstorms,humid, Rain in August and September,hotter and more humid in South. Winter : 15 to 32 C in Khartoum, dry, wide diurnal range, Chilly nights.
08.30 to 12.00 Sat to Thu.
Electricity 240 volts,single phase AC
Visas Visas are reqiured for all visitors
Languages Arabic (official), English (commercial)
Airport
Customs Regulations 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 1 lb tobacco
Khartoum (4Km from city centre).
Algeria P.O.Box 80
451084
India 451031 P.O.Box 707, 61 Africa Rd.
452266
Libya P.O.Box 2091
2235358
Austria P.O.Box 1860
77170
Iran 81490 House No.8, square 2, Mogran
78668
Morocco P.O.Box 2042
451603
China P.O.Box 1425 Czech Republic P.O.Box 1047 Denmark P.O.Box 2758 Egypt P.O.Box 1126
272730
Holy See P.O.Box 623
271138
Iraq Burri, Garden City
Italy 451614 P.O.Box St.39 Khartoum 2
Jordan 25 Sreet Number 7
80489
Kenya P.O.Box 8242
72836 465928
Korea(Rep of) P.O.Box 322
77990
Kuwait P.O.Box 1457
74692
Lebanon P.O.Box 1407
92 I Travel Arabia I November
Netherlands St.47 House 76
271863
Japan 75875 P.O.Box 1649, St.43, House 67
43448
France 471082 P.O.Box 377, St.3, Plot 29 Germany P.O.Box 970
4899230
millimes
Government Offices
Capital
Belgium 489229 P.O.Box 969,St.33,House 15
1 Sudanese Dinar(SD)=100 piastres=1,000
Business Hours
(2007 estimate) 35.5 million
EMBASSIES & CONSULATES
Coaches/taxis, Duty-free shops,airport tax on
451164
451217
Oman P.O.Box 2839
77668
Pakistan P.O.Box 1178
451038
Qatar P.O.Box 223
Sweden (Consulate)P.O.Box 2206 71913 451053
Switzerland P.O.Box 1707
451010
452804
471204
Syria P.O.Box 1139
451152
451066
451027
Tunisia P.O.Box 3533
75906
222000
Turkey St.2, House 31
471197
451620
451036
UAE P.O.Box 1225
451100
761113
UK P.O.Box 801
777105
451042
USA P.O.Box 699
74700
452583
Yemen P.O.Box 1010
451623
Yugoslavia P.O.Box 1180
41252
471012 451605
Romania 440386
452264
P.O.Box 1494
451136
Russia P.O.Box 1161
81525
Saudi Arabia P.O.Box 258
45008
81142
Spain P.O.Box 2621
338114
45072
451069
472542
776457
451020
SYRIA
GENERAL INFORMATION Area
185,180 sq.Km
Population (2007 estimate)10.276 million
Capital Damascus
Main Cities Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, 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)
Oman, PLO Gvt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia,
departure.
Ports
Sudan, Tinisia, United Arab Emirates And Yemen.
Latakia (principal), Tartous, Banias (oil).
Appilications should be accompanied by
Business Hours
supporting letter from employers.Transit
Government
(for Visits up to 3 days), entry (for visits up to 2
08.00 to 14.00 Sat to Thu.
weeks)and visit(for re-entry from neighbouring
Ramadan :08.00 to 13.oo
countries) visas are available.
Businesses
Customs Regulations
Winter :09.00 to 14.00 and 16.00 to 19.00
200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 250 grams of
Sat to Thu,
tobacco and 1 bottle of wine and one bottle
Summer (May to October) :08.30 to 13.30 and
of spirits.
17.00 to 20.00 Sat to Thu.
Currency regulations
Banks
Up to £Syr 100 in local currency may be
08.00 to 14.00 Sat to Thu.
brought into or out of the country.Currency
Electricity
declarations are necessary for more than
220 volts
US$5000 in local or foreign curency.Visitors
50 cycles AC in Damascus.
are advised to keep adequate amounts of Bank
115/220 volts in Aleppo
notes on hand since it is sometimes difficult to
Visas
Airport
Damascus (32 Km from citycentre). Coaches/taxis, duty-free shop, airport tax on
cash travelers checques
Visas are required by all except nationals of
Currency
Algeria, Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan,
1Syrian pound (£Syr)=100 piaster or qirsh.
Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco,
Algeria Rawdah Street, Nass Bldg
Germany P.O.Box 2237
Argentina P.O.Box 116
Greece P.O.Box 30319, Mezzeh 2233009
3334167
Armenia 3732992 Malekie-Ibrahim Hanano St.
332732 3711757
3323800
EMBASSIES & CONSULATES
332812
Kuwait Ibrahim Hanano Street
2233035
Netherland P.O.Box 702
3336871
3339369
3327550
Pakistan P.O.Box 9284, Al Farabi St. 6662391
Sweden P.O.Box 4266
3327261
3327749
3339369
6667917
Poland P.O.Box 501, M.Ben Baraka St.
3330101
Switzerland Al-Mahdi Ben Baraka St. 3715474
3321137
3327691
3329232
Hungary 3337966 P.O.Box 2271, 102 al Fursani St.
Belgium 76 Ata Ayoubi Street
3338098
330426
India P.O.Box 685
3719580
3713294
Qatar P.O.Box 4188
6119632
Romania 8 Ibrahim Hanano St.
3327570
6110997
Russia Omar Ben Khattab St
4423155
Brazil P.O.Box 2219
Indonesia 17 Assalam St., Bldg 10 6119630
Canada P.O.Box 3384
6114000
Iran P.O.Box 2691
3332621
3320325
Saudi Arabia Al-Jala’ Avenue
3339181
3339920
Slovakia P.O.Box 33115
Cyprus P.O.Box 9269
6130812
6130814
Italy 82 Al Mansour Ave
Denmark P.O.Box 2244
3331008
3337928
Japan Al Mindi Bin Baraka St.
France 3327992 P.O.Box 769, Ata Al Ayoubi St.
3332126
Holy See 3337966 P.O.Box 2271, 82 Masr Street
Austria P.O.Box 5634
6116851
Sudan Al-Jala’ Street
6117675
Jordan Abu Roummaneh Street 3334642
Spain 81 Al-Jala’ Avenue
3336717
6669043
3327572
6616714
Tunisia P.O.Box 4114
6660356
Turkey P.O.Box 3738
3331411
3339243
UAE 62 Rawda Street/Abu Rummana St.
3333038
UK P.O.Box 37, Malki
3739241
3731600
USA 3332184 P.O.Box 29, No.2 Al Mansour St.
3319678
November I Travel Arabia I 93
TUNISIA
GENERAL INFORMATION Area
164,418 sq.Km
Population (2007 estimate) 10.276 million
Capital Tunis
Main Cities Tunis, Sfax, Ariana, Bizerte, Djerba, Sousse
Temperature/Climate Winter:13∞ with frequent rain. Summer: 35∞C,hot and dry
Languages
Arabic (official), French (commercial), Berber (in rural areas).
Airports
Tunis (8 Km from Tunis) Skanes (8 Km west of Monasrtir) Melita (6 Km west of Djerba) Tozeur (south oasis area) Tunis (main port), Zarzis, Sfax,
783166
788804
Finland 721700 61 H.Bourghiba Ave., Carthage
Argentina 10 H.Hassan Street
231222
750058
France Independence square
358000
358001
767824
Germany 786455 1 al Hamra st., Mutuelleville
788242
Bahrain 231811 72 Bin Abi Soufiane, Menzah
766549
Greece 9 Imp.Atlas, Belvedere
Belgium 781655 47 1st January St. Belvedere
792797
Hungary 12 Achtart St., Al-Menzah 780544
Brazil 37 Africa Avenue, Menzah 232538
750367
288411
Czech Republic P.O.Box 53, 1002 Tunis
280486
793228
Italy 37 Jamal Abdel Nassr St. 321811
Denmark 792600 5 Mauritania Street, Belevedere
790797
Japan 9 Apollo St. Mahrajenne 791251
Egypt 792233 Ave.Med V, Mont Plaisir, Belvedere
794389
Jordan 780875 10 Chankatti st., Mahrajene
Kuwait 32 Mansoura St., Ariana 754811
791923 767669
Currency regulations
The import or export of Tunisian currency is prohibited.O departure all Tunisian currency must be converted into foreign currency on production of exchange slips from Tunisian banks. This can be done at the Airport .The amount of excess currency exchanged back must not exceed 30 per cent of foreign currency originally exchanged or 100 dinars, whichever is the greater.
Currency
1 Tunisian Dinar(TD)=1,000 millimes(m) Sudan 30 Afrique Avenue Sweden Berges Lac, Mhiri
860580
860810
Switzerland 783997 10 Echenkiti st., Mutuelleville
788796
789518
795338 785557
Syria 119 A. Rebai St., Manar II 888018
887989
781264
Netherlands 799442 6/7/8/ Mercen St.Mahrajene Pakistan 234366 7 Ali Bin Abi Talib Street, Al-Menzah
752477
Turkey 30 Ave. Africa
750668
767045
UAE 9 Ashtart St., Belvedere
783522
783507
783177
Iran 791015 10 Doctor Burnett St., Mutuelleville
Korea Rep 893060 16 Caracalla St., Notre Dame
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 400g tobacco and 1 litre of alcohol are admitted free of duty.
Morocco 782775 39 Rue du 1er Jiun, Belvedere
799949
792631
Domestic 220V and 110V. Industrial 220V 50 cycles AC
Customs Regulations
795338
Iraq 890347 10 Ben Ashour Ave. Menzah
China 792107 22 Dr. Burnett St., Mutuelleville
Electricity
Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Giunea, Hong Kong, Iceland, Italy, Ivory coast, Japan, Korea(South), Kuwait, Liberia, Leichtenstein, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritus, Monaco, Montserrat, Morocco, Nevis, Niger, Norway, Pitcairn Is., Porugal, Romania, St.Helens, St.Kittis, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Turks,& Caicos Is., UAE, UK, USA, Venuatu, Virgin Is,(Britsih) and Yugoslavia.
Libya 781913 48 Bis., Rue du 1er Jiun, Belvedere
783394
792371
94 I Travel Arabia I November
721670
India 787819 4 Didon Square, Notre Dame
Canada 796577 3 Senegal Street, Belevedere
Government Offices Winter :08.00 to 13.00 and 15.00 to 17.45 Mon.to Thu.08.30 to 13.00 Fri.and Sat. Summer:07.00 to 13.00 Mon.to Sat. Businesses Winter:08.300 to 12.30 and 14.00 to 16.00 Mon to Fri. Summer:07.30 to 13.00 Mon to Sat. Banks Winter:08.00 to 11.00 and 14.00 to 16.00 Mon to Fri. Summer:07.00 to 13.00 Mon. to Sat.
Visas are required by all except nationals of Angiulla, Antigua, Austria, Bahrain, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Cayman Is, Chile, Cuba, Denmark, Egypt, Eire, Falkand Is, Fuji, Finland, France, Germany,
Algeria 18 Niger Street
Austria 16 Ibn Hamdis St., Menzah 751091
Business Hours
Visas
Ports
EMBASSIES & CONSULATES
Sousse, Bizerta
Portugal 2 Sufetula St., Belvedere 893981 Romania 766926 18 Africa Avenue, Al- Menzah
791008 767695
324155
Russia Bergamate St., ManarII
882446
882478
786625
Saudi Arabia 781722 16 Jugurtha Ave., Belvedere
783235
Spain 782217 22 Conseil Avenue, Cite jardin
786267
784661
UK 141 Liberty Ave., Belvedere 792644
793322
USA 144 Liberty Avenue, Belvedere 789719
782566
Yemen 9 A.Ibn Abi Taleb St., Menzah
237933
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
GENERAL INFORMATION Area
90,559 sq.Kms (including Offshore islands)
Population
(2007 est.)4.4 m
Capital Abu Dhabi
Main Cities Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah,Ras Al-Khaimah Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al-Qaiwan
Temperature/Climate
Km form city centre), duty-free shop Al Ain International,Duty-free shop Dubai International (4 Km east of city), duty-free shop Fujairah Int’l, Duty-free shop Ras Al Khaimah International (20 Km south of Town), duty-free shop Sharjah International (10 Km southeast of Sharjah town and 25 Km north of Dubai Town), duty-free shop
Ports
Airports
Jebel Dhanna/Ruwais Abu Dhabi Mina Zayed ( Abu Dhabi town, 20% UAE tonnage) Mina Jebel Ali (Dubai) Port Rashid(Dubai Town), 50% UAE tonnage Ajman, Fujeirah Mina Saqr (Ras Al Khaima) Khorfakan (Sharjah/ East coast), container terminal. Mina Khalid (Sharjah Town), 20% UAE tonnage
Abu Dhabi International (19 Km southeast of City), duty-free shop Abu Dhabi New International Airport (Nadia, 35
Government Offices 08.00 to 15.00 Sat. To Wed. And 08.00 to
Summer:35to 40C peaks up to 48C along Gulf Coast,very humid in Dubai, more temperate along eastern(Gulf of Oman)coast. Winter : 20C, very dry in Abu Dhabi, Wet in Ras El Khaimah
Languages
Arabic (official), English ( widely spoken in Business and government)
Algeria 4448949 P.O.Box 3070, Abu Dhabi Argentina 4436838 P.O.Box 3325, Abu Dhabi Australia 3217444 P.O.Box 58010, Dubai Austria 4766611 P.O.Box 35539, Abu Dhabi Bahrain 6657500 P.O.Box 3367, Abu Dhabi Bangladesh 4465100 P.O.Box 2504, Abu Dhabi Belgium 6319449 P.O.Box 3686, Abu Dhabi Brazil 6320606 P.O.Box 3027, Abu Dhabi Britain 6101100 P.O.Box 248, Abu Dhabi Canada 6940300 P.O.Box 6970, Abu Dhabi China 4434276 P.O.Box 2741, Abu Dhabi Czech Republic 6782800 P.O.Box 27009, Abu Dhabi Egypt 4445566 P.O.Box 4026, Abu Dhabi
4447068 4431392 3212677 6715551 6674141 4464733 6319353 6327727 6101518 6946399 4436835 6795716 4449878
Business Hours
Finland 6328927 P.O.Box 3634, Abu Dhabi France 4435100 P.O.Box 4014, Abu Dhabi Germany 6446693 P.O.Box 2591, Abu Dhabi Greece 4492550 P.O.Box 5483, Abu Dhabi Hungary 4470100 P.O.Box 44450, Abu Dhabi India 4492700 P.O.Box 409, Abu Dhabi Iran 4447618 P.O.Box 4080 Italy 4435622 P.O.Box 46752, Abu Dhabi Japan 4435696 P.O.Box 2430, Abu Dhabi Jordan 4447100 P.O.Box 4024, Abu Dhabi Kenya 6666300 P.O.Box 3854, Abu Dhabi Korea Rep 4435337 P.O.Box 3270, Abu Dhabi Kuwait 4477146 P.O.Box 926, Abu Dhabi
12.00 Thu. Businesses 08.00 to 15.00 and 16.00 to 20.00 Sat.to Thu
Electricity
Abu Dhabi 220/240 volts, 50 cycles AC, Northern Emirates 220/380 volts, 50 cycles AC.
Visas
Visas are required by all except GCC nationals. UK Citizens will be granted 30-day visa at International Aiports.Other Will be required to obtain visas through sponsorship.
Customs Regulations
200 cigarettes or one half pound of Tobacco(Abu Dhabi), 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 500 gm tobacco(Dubai) are allowed duty-free. However locally retailed tobacco products are as cheap as duty-free goods. Alcohol, drugs, pearls and firearms are prohibited
Currency regulations None
Currency
EMBASSIES & CONSULATES
1 UAE Dirham(Dh)=100 fils 6325063 4434158 6444942 4493119 6667877 4444685 4448714 4434337 4434219 4449157 6652827 4435348 4477675
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 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
4492100
4493500
4450030
4450033
4482775
4482779
4462724
4465772
4433963
4433917
6321920
6313158
6211221
6213313
4463333
4464633
4447800
4447172
4434048
4434363
6415922
6412559
4493300
4493311
4459919
4461143
Russia P.O.Box 8211 Saudi Arabia P.O.Box 4057 Spain P.O.Box 46474 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
6721797
6788731
4445700
4448491
6269544
6274978
4446699
4490530
6274636
6269627
4448768
4449387
6421772
6421773
6811331
6812707
4453330
4452522
6326600
6318138
4142200
4142469
4448457
4443691
November I Travel Arabia I 95
YEMEN
GENERAL INFORMATION Area
209688
Airports
Population
Al-Rahaba(10 Km north of Sanaa).
(2007 estimate)22.211 million
Hodeida
Visas
Capital
(6 Km Southeast of city)
Visas are required for all visitors.One application
Sanaa(political), Aden(economic)
Al-Janad
form and 2 photographs must be presented with
Main Cities
(4 Km northeast of Taiz)
employer’s supporting letter.
Sanaa, Aden, Hoddeida, Taiz, Ibb, Dhamar, Hajjah
Khormasakar International
Processing of applications takes 3 to 6 days.
Temperature/Climate
(10 Km from Aden).
Visitors must register within 5 days to obtain an
Summer:35 to 40 C,peaks up to 47 C in
No duty-free shop.Sanaa
exit visa which can sometimes also be arranged
Hodeida,Very humid, rainfall cooler and drier
Ports
by hotels.
in Sanaa.
Hodeida(principal), Aden, Mokha, Saleef(relief
Customs regulations
Winter: 26 C in Hodeidah,Humid, much cooler ,
port for Hodeida)
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or _ lb tobacco and
with occasional frosts,in Sanaa.
Business Hours
1 qt wine are admitted duty-free.
Summer:average 35 C in Aden, very
Government
Currency regulations
humid,hotter but wideDiurnal range and drier
08.00 to 13.00 Sat.to Thu.
Because the exchange of riyals is difficult
inland.
Businesses
abroad, visitors exchange all local currency
Winter: average 28 C in Aden, humid, much
08.00 to 13.00 and 16.00 to 19.00 Sat.
before departure.
cooler inland.
to Thu.
Currency
Banks
1 Yemeni Riyal(YR)=100 fils
508084
508105
Lebanon P.O.Box 2283
203459
Syria P.O.Box 494, Hadda Road 413153
Morocco 247964 P.O.Box 10236,Westy Safia
Tunisia 240458 P.O.Box 2561,Diplomatic Area
Oman P.O.Box 105
208933
Turkey P.O.Box 18371, Al Safia 241395
Pakistan P.O.Box 2848
248812
UAE P.O.Box2250
248777
Poland P.O.Box 16168
413523
413647
UK P.O.Box 1287
264081
263059
Romania P.O.Box 2169
205515
214100
USA P.O.Box 22347
238843
251563
Russia 278719 P.O.Box 1087,26 sep.street
283142
289568
Indonesia Hadda Area, house 16
414633
412956
Canada P.O.Box 340
208814
209523
Iran 412690 P.O.Box 1437, Hadda Street
414139
Czech Republic 247946 P.O.Box 2501, Safia Janubia Denmark P.OBox 5302,Taiz
215170
244418
212334
Iraq P.O.Box 498
244153
Italy P.O.Box 1152
269164
266137
Japan 207356 P.O.Box 817, street 38 house2
209531
274196
Jordan P.O.Box 2152
France P.O.Box 1286, Al Bounia 268888
269160
Korea(PDR) P.O.Box 1209, Al Hasaba 232340
Saudi Arabia P.O.Box 1184
240429
Germany P.O.Box 41
413179
Kuwait P.O.Box 17036
Sudan P.O.Box 2561
265231
Egypt Jamal Abdul Naser St.
275948
413179
96 I Travel Arabia I November
220 volts, 50 cycles AC
India 12 Jiboti Street
285865
275337
Electricity
527.970 sq.Km
Belgium P.O.Box 2616
China Al Zubeiri St
11.30 Thu.
Arabic (official), English (commercial)
EMBASSIES & CONSULATES Algeria 209689 P.O.Box 509, 67 Amman ST.
08.00 to 12.00 Sat.to Wed. and 08.00 to
Languages
413279
216317
265234
241395