Welcome To: Dubai 2010/11 by Niche Media

WELCOME TO DUBAI 2010/2011

NOT FOR SALE PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE

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info@levant.com | www.levant.com AL QASR +971 4 4243892

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BURJ AL ARAB +971 4 3483131

MINA A’ SALAM +971 4 3686262

ATLANTIS +971 4 4226717

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P u r e l u x u r y . S i n c e 1 9 2 1.

W i t h t h e g o l d s i g n e t . N e c k l a c e : Ta h i t i , S o u t h S e a a n d F r e s h w a t e r c u l t u r e d p e a r l s . www.schoe el -pearl.com

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info@levant.com | www.levant.com AL QASR +971 4 4243892

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BURJ AL ARAB +971 4 3483131

MINA A’ SALAM +971 4 3686262

ATLANTIS +971 4 4226717

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Contents

WELCOME TO DUBAI 016

Credits

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Message from the Director General

020 Message from the Managing Editor 022 Welcome to Dubai

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028 Fast Facts 033 Express Yourself 034 Must Dos 038 Events

ESSENCE OF DUBAI

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042 Past and Present 048 Architecture in Dubai 054 Arts and Culture

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062 Fashion in Dubai 068 Jewellery 078 Timepieces

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Contents

EXPERIENCE DUBAI 086 Shopping in Dubai 098 Sport and Outdoors 106 Dining in Dubai

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124 Beyond Dubai 130 Luxury Hotel Guide 134 Arabic

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WELCOME TO DUBAI 2010/2011 GROUP PUBLISHER Tina Cooper MANAGING EDITOR Matty Soccio SUB-EDITOR Madeleine Swain ART DIRECTOR Louise Ayres SALES AND ADVERTISING InterCommunications PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR Julia Garvey PRE-PRESS Nicole Gauci CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jackie Ciccone Alison Copley Rebecca Feller Julia Garvey Rose Hartley Bonnie Ho Jacklyn Lloyd Lauren Rosewarne Nyssa Veraphunt COVER PHOTOGRAPH Arabic hospitality Photographer: J. Oat

CHAIRMAN AND GROUP PUBLISHER Nicholas Dower MANAGING DIRECTOR Paul Lidgerwood GENERAL MANAGER Vicki Likoudis FINANCIAL CONTROLLER Sonia Jurista STUDIO DESIGN MANAGER Keely Atkins CIRCULATIONS AND MARKETING - GENERAL MANAGER Chantelle Ford OTHER TITLES IN THE WELCOME TO… SERIES INCLUDE: Welcome To Abu Dhabi Welcome To Australia Welcome To Bahrain Welcome To China Welcome To New Zealand Welcome To Victoria South Africa Guest Information

BAHRAIN Niche Media 142 Dorcas Street South Melbourne VIC 3205 Australia Tel: +61 3 9948 4932 Fax: +61 3 9948 4933 Email: tina.cooper@niche.com.au DUBAI/ABU DHABI InterCommunications Advertising PO Box 55894 Dubai UAE Tel: +971 4 2281 977 Fax: +971 4 2231 732 Email: adil1@emirates.net.ae NEW ZEALAND Niche Media 142 Dorcas Street South Melbourne VIC 3205 Australia Tel: +61 3 9948 4932 Fax: +61 3 9948 4933 Email: tina.cooper@niche.com.au SOUTH AFRICA Niche Media 142 Dorcas Street South Melbourne VIC 3205 Australia Tel: +61 3 9948 4932 Fax: +61 3 9948 4933 Email: tina.cooper@niche.com.au

ALSO PUBLISHED BY NICHE MEDIA PTY LTD AR (Architectural Review Australia) Australian Macworld Desktop FM (Facility Management) HeliNEWS (inside) Australian Design Review Marketing MoneySaver Coupon Booklet CRYSTAL – A Crown Publication The Welcome To publications are distributed annually to the guest rooms of prestigious international hotels in the aforementioned countries. Other destinations will follow. While every endeavour is made to avoid errors, some information contained within may be superseded during the term of publication. The publishers would appreciate advice of any changes which may occur after publication. This book is copyright 2010/2011. No part may be reproduced by any process without the written permission of the publishers.

For all advertising inquiries relating to the prestigious international Welcome To series, read by millions of affluent travellers each year, please contact the following: AUSTRALIA Head Office Niche Media 142 Dorcas Street South Melbourne VIC 3205 Australia Tel: +61 3 9948 4932 Fax: +61 3 9948 4933 Email: tina.cooper@niche.com.au

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DUBAI WELCOME TO

PHOTOGRAPHY Thank you to the Government of Dubai, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing for providing some of the photography in this publication.

WELCOME TO DUBAI IS PUBLISHED BY Waiviata Pty Ltd ABN 89 005 577 873, a member of the Niche Group ABN 20 097 172 337

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MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR GENERAL KHALID A BIN SULAYEM Welcome to Dubai. It gives me a great pleasure to introduce the latest edition of this informative publication. Dubai is a year-round destination with an ever-expanding portfolio of tourist attractions, events and exhibitions. The readers will get valuable insights into Dubaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s social life, art and culture, events, architecture, recreational and shopping opportunities. In Dubai, the visitors will be able to experience the old world charm of Arabia along with the best of modern life. This book will help the visitors maximise their experience and make the most of their time in Dubai. We trust your visit to Dubai will be comfortable and satisfactory.

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DUBAI WELCOME TO

Khalid A Bin Sulayem Director General Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM)

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AUBERTSTORCH JEAN-PAUL GOUDE POUR

THE LARGEST DEPARTMENT STORE IN DUBAI! French Shopping Experience. Glamorous brands, trendy home collections and exquisite culinary products… all waiting for you in the largest mall in Dubai. It is sooooo… how do you say? Formidable!

Galeries Lafayette Dubai Mall.

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MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR MATTY SOCCIO There’s an Arabian proverb that says, ‘To the pure, all things are pure.’ For those of you who are visiting Dubai, these words will ring true. Purity is a point of view. The sand of the surrounding desert is pure. The water of the surrounding straits is pure. And the friendliness of its inhabitants is pure. It’s these considerations that have led to Dubai becoming the modern capital of the Arab world. In a culture that has spent the best part of 50 years bridging tradition with modernity, you can indulge here in way you cannot in other parts of the Middle East. Dubai can offer you the silence of the desert, the grandeur of the world’s tallest building, the excitement of the spice markets, the history of a museum in a fort and the luxury of cities within a city. It is a place where architectural wonders, such as the Palm and World islands, can attract travellers from all over the world, like moths to the proverbial golden flame, in the same way as the simplicity of the city’s many souks or the buildings on the Bur Dubai side of the Dubai Creek can. Another testament to its ambition is the world’s tallest indoor ski slope at the Mall of the Emirates. You may choose to dine at any of the massive malls that feature food from all over the world, or try local dishes at a shawarma (sandwich wrap) diner followed by Arabic coffee at a qahwa (coffee) boutique, which are located throughout the city. In all of these places you’ll find the welcoming Dubai hospitality filled with pure generosity, built on a base of multicultural diversity and brought to you by the people who make this region the special place it is. Whether you’re in the United Arab Emirates for a short trip or a long stay, the people of Dubai will be the shining light of your journey; it is for this reason that you should be mindful that you respect all local laws and customs. There is much to learn here for the passionate traveller who takes their first steps in this land. So rich are the aspirations of Dubai that it can legitimately claim the title of one of the world’s great cities – aspirations its people are willing to share with all of its visitors; a pure, unhindered hospitality.

Matty Soccio Managing Editor Welcome To luxury travel series The definitive resource for discerning travellers.

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Enjoy your Dubai experience. Salaam alaikum.

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Dubai Marina. © Mikko Hyvärinen

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Welcome to Dubai THE CITY OF GOLD

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Encountering elements of both a thriving city and peaceful desert surroundings, visitors to Dubai will experience joys unlike any theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had before, says Rose Hartley.

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s you enter Dubai in a taxi, you can feel the warmth on the side of your face as you shade your eyes from the glittering reflection of glassy skyscrapers. On the way to the city centre from the airport, the sleek office towers along Sheikh Zayed Road glisten and shimmer in the morning sun. Lines of glass-panelled hotels and office blocks sparkle, while roadside flower gardens offer bursts of unlikely colour in the desert climate. Keep an eye out for Porsches and Ferraris with personalised numberplates cruising the freeway and overtaking at break-neck speeds. You will be hard pressed to find a car more than five years old in this city. These first impressions hint at what Dubai is all about – you have landed on a glossy, sparkling, high-rise planet. Among the skyscrapers, on the Bur Dubai side of the river, the sight of the Grand Mosque Dubai is a reminder of Dubai’s Arabic Islamic traditions, as well as an allusion to the importance the city’s inhabitants place on architectural beauty – the Grand Mosque has the tallest minaret in Dubai, at 70 metres high. Religion is important in Dubai and visitors will always be reminded of this. After a few days spent here, the call to prayer, which is played over loudspeakers five times a day throughout the city, becomes familiar – a reminder to take a moment to stop and reflect. During Ramadan the working day is shorter and public eating, drinking and festivities are banned before nightfall.

Dubai is a sheikhdom and, being an Islamic society, there are expectations that visitors will respect the culture and laws forbidding public displays of affection. Visitors are also advised to dress modestly away from the beaches. If you look closely, you may notice the way the locals woo each other, with men in one car and women in another – glances passed between slowly cruising cars by the beach. Modesty prevails however, and there is no direct contact; flirtation is conducted from a distance at all times. Dubai could aptly be called a city of gold. Gold is everywhere, and not only in the form found in the famous Gold Souk. Gold leaf gilds the domes of the mosques, gold jewellery adorns the hands and throats of the Emiratis, gold stilettos clack across the marble floors of the hotels, and gold satin drapes across silhouettes and shines on eyelids. Beneath their abayas (long black robes with a black headscarf) the Emirati women in Dubai are exceptionally stylish. No expense is spared: hair is cut in top salons, nails are manicured, skin is buffed, make-up is elaborate and expensive perfume wafts after the walker. A blooming design culture has seen the popularity of gilded and decorated abayas grow. Dubai has an abundance of glitzy, stylish people living in glitzy, stylish environments. The high-rise apartments that characterise urban living in Dubai are usually equipped with

Gold shop. © Dubai Tourism

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Dubai could be called a city of gold. Gold is everywhere, and not only in the form found in the famous Gold Souk.

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Arabic hospitality. ÂŠ Philippa Banks

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Outside of the city lies the desert, a short drive from the city centre. Sumptuous desert hotels offer short breaks and weekends away full of luxury. Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa is located in the heart of the desert, a 45-minute drive from the city centre. The opening of Al Maha heralded the beginning of the eco-tourism movement of Dubai. The resort has spectacular views of the Hajar Mountains and surrounding dunes, as well as open desert views from your personal infinity pool. The focus is on nature and wildlife watching, protected within more than 80 square miles of conservation park. There are many options to explore the desert outside of desert hotels, the most popular being an afternoon excursion that takes you sandboarding, dune bashing, camel riding and dining under the stars. It is a city set in the desert, which offers both the majesty of a thriving metropolis and the peacefulness of the surrounding sand dunes – all for visitors to enjoy. A sunset in Dubai’s desert is not to be missed; the sun is large enough to appear like a golden next-door neighbour, adding to the city’s already golden reputation. w

Did you know?

Dubai’s surrounding desert is teeming with wildlife, including striped hyenas, caracal wildcats, desert foxes, falcons and Arabian oryxs.

DUBAI WELCOME TO

Golf aficionados will adore Dubai for the complex courses, some of which have been designed by golfing champions Greg Norman and Tiger Woods.

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rooftop pools and saunas. No expense is spared on interior fitouts, with marble walls, floors and columns common in residential buildings and hotel lobbies. With all the high-rise towers, however, Dubai is not a crowded city, nor is it even particularly densely populated, with around 1.8 million people. Construction has slowed in recent years, but it hasn’t stopped. You may see some skyscrapers with unmoving cranes and unpopulated building sites, but Dubai is beginning to recover from the financial events of recent times. Tourism remains strong. The World Islands are under development, as is the ingenious palm tree-shaped island. Building islands is somewhat of a pastime in Dubai. If you are interested in architecture there are some marvels to see, including the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa. It recently opened to the public and the view from the top level is extraordinary – it is also claimed to be six degrees Celsius cooler at the top than on street level. Driving in Dubai can be an interesting experience. If the traffic and high-speed lane changes intimidate you, it’s best to take taxis around the city, as they are clean, efficient and well priced. The roads in Dubai can be confusing, due to an unusual system of sign posting and the high rate of construction, so pay close attention. If you want to avoid driving, Dubai has a comprehensive taxi network, there are some buses available and a brand new metro rail system that is regarded as world-class. The year-round warm weather in Dubai encourages a beach lifestyle. Boating, water-skiing and wakeboarding are popular activities in the shallow, azure water. As well as numerous public beaches, Dubai has a Wildlife and Water Park Sanctuary where pink flamingos are present during the winter months. For children there is Creekside Park, which has a themed activity centre and children’s museum. Modern beach resorts are in plentiful supply: Al Qasr at Madinat Jumeirah is one of three exclusive properties of the Madinat Jumeirah Resort – it is a palatial oasis of waterways, wind towers and a long private beach. The nightlife in Dubai is mostly contained within high-rise city hotels, the restaurants of which are the only places licensed to serve alcohol. Hotel restaurants serve a huge range of cuisine from around the world. Of all the hotels, the most famous and impressive is the Burj Al Arab, the world’s first seven-star hotel – an iconic sail-shaped building that is featured in almost all the tourist shots from Dubai. Set slightly offshore, it has its own private bridge to access it. Along with views over the city and the Arabian Gulf (as well as its own island, Palm Jumeirah), it features waterfalls, gold sculptures and a dazzling atrium. The restaurant at the top of the tower, Al Muntaha, is reached by a high-speed lift, beyond which you will discover dizzying views. Don’t miss the nightly coloured laser show. Aside from the beaches and exclusive hotels, there are several other reasons to visit Dubai. The shopping may well be the best in the world. Mall of the Emirates is enormous and is also home to the infamous indoor ski slope, Ski Dubai. Wafi City offers high-end designer stores, while traditional souks are the best places to go for gold, jewellery, antiques and traditional textiles. Another drawcard is golf, the sport of choice in Dubai. The Dubai Desert Classic draws all the famous names to the world-class golf courses and their lush greens. Golf aficionados will adore Dubai for the complex courses, some of which have been designed by golfing champions Greg Norman and Tiger Woods.

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Fast

FACTS

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS Ambulance and Police: 999 Fire: 997 Directory Assistance: 181 AIRLINES Emirates Airlines: +971 4 214 4444 Etihad Airways: +971 4 343 4443

ALCOHOL Alcoholic drinks are served in major hotels and clubs, but not in restaurants outside of hotels. Non-Muslim residents can buy supplies of liquor for home consumption by obtaining a permit. It is against the law to drink alcohol in public areas. During Ramadan, only hotels can serve alcohol, and serving cannot start until 7pm. BUSINESS HOURS The working week in Dubai runs from Sunday to Thursday. Government and corporate offices are open between 8am and 5.30pm. However, some businesses trade between 8am and 1pm, then break for lunch and re-open from 3pm or 4pm until 7pm or 8pm, but these are generally located outside of the city. The Islamic weekend generally begins at noon on Thursday, while Friday is recognised as a holy day when businesses close down completely. On regular days, shops are open from 9am until 1pm, and from 4pm until 9pm or later. Most supermarkets remain open all day except Friday, when they close for prayers between 11.30am and 1.30pm.

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Air Canada: +971 4 294 5645 Air France: +971 4 602 5400 Air India: +971 4 222 3221 American Airlines: +971 4 393 5792 British Airways: +971 4 352 0000 Cathay Pacific: +971 4 295 0400 Continental Airlines: +971 4 351 9519

Finnair: +971 4 397 8434 Gulf Air: +971 4 800 2200 Kuwait Airways: +971 4 228 5896 Lufthansa: +971 4 343 2102 Qatar Air: +971 4 229 2229 Royal Brunei Airlines: +971 4 351 4111 Royal Jordanian: +971 4 294 4322 Saudi Airlines: +971 4 229 6227 Singapore Airlines: +971 4 228 2486

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CLOTHING Light clothing is suitable all-year round, but a jacket may be required for cool winter nights. Many of the air-conditioned hotels and restaurants can also be quite cold, so carry a jacket out with you. During the summer months it is advisable to wear loose, comfortable, washable clothes in fabrics that are suitable for hot and humid conditions. Except on beaches and around swimming pools where modern swimwear can be worn without contravening local dress codes, visitors are expected to dress conservatively in public. It is highly recommended to protect yourself with sleeved clothing, hats and sunglasses. Hotel restaurants do not insist that male guests wear ties, but most men, if not wearing a lightweight suit and tie, will at least be in smart casual attire. Men should not wear open-toed shoes.

FINANCES Credit cards Major credit cards are accepted in hotels and some of the larger stores. Cash is preferred by most market vendors and will usually gain visitors a better price. Currency Dirhams and fils are the units of currency with 100fils to the Dirham (Dh). The Dirham is tied to the US dollar at a steady exchange rate of US$1 = Dh3.672. Banks usually give the best rates on foreign currency exchange, but hotels and airports are often quicker and are open outside of normal banking hours. Moneychangers tend to have a wider range of currencies, but their rates may be higher. DUTY FREE ALLOWANCE Dubai’s Duty Free allowance permits two litres of spirits and two litres of wine (for non-Muslim adults only), 400 cigarettes or two kilograms of tobacco and a reasonable amount of perfume.

DUBAI WELCOME TO

COMMUNICATIONS Newspapers There are a number of English language newspapers, inlcuding 7DAYS, The Khaleej Times and Gulf News, which are published daily, along side several Arabic newspapers. Foreign newspapers, especially British, are freely available in hotel bookshops and supermarkets, albeit a day or two late. A glossy local colour magazine called Time Out reports on social and cultural events throughout the UAE. Radio Both Arabic and English commercial radio stations broadcast in Dubai. UAE Radio Dubai broadcasts in English 24 hours a day on 92 MHz FM. Telephone and internet Telecommunications in Dubai are modern and efficient. Telephone calls within Dubai are free of charge and International Direct Dialling is available to most countries. Pay phones can be operated by coins

(Dh1 or 50 fils) or phone cards, which may be purchased from the Etisalat Company, post offices or licensed agents throughout the city. Major hotels also have fax and telex services and can organise internet access. Internet services are modern and very fast due to large investments made in the broadband infrastructure. WiFi hotspots are found in hotel receptions and many modern cafes however you do need to pay a small fee. Television Arabic and English commercial television stations broadcast from mid-afternoon until late evening. Channel 33 televises a variety of programs in English. Some are locally produced, but most originate from the UK, the US and Australia.

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Date palm tree. © Orhan Çam

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Madinat Souk. © Dubai Tourism

There are no restrictions on the amount of currency you may bring to Dubai and no customs duty on personal effects accompanied or unaccompanied. There is a Duty Free store at the airport for incoming visitors that also stocks liquor. ELECTRICITY The electricity supply is 220/240 volts AC at 50 cycles. EMBASSIES Most diplomatic missions are located in the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi. There are, however, some consulates and commercial attachés in Dubai.

MEDICAL CARE There are several well-equipped, modern hospitals, including the New Dubai Hospital, regarded as one of the best medical centres in the Middle East. Most hotels have their own doctor on 24-hour call, and pharmacies carry the most common medicines and health products. PHOTOGRAPHY Dubai is popular with photographers worldwide for its diverse scenery. Photographers must note, however, that certain restrictions are enforced. It is forbidden to photograph Muslim women and military

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS As the dates of Islamic holidays are not fixed, it is best to ask a local or consult the daily newspapers for information. There are some fixed non-Muslim holidays such as New Year’s Day on 1 January, the holiday to mark the Accession of HH Sheikh Zayed on 6 August and National Day on 2 December. Western companies often observe Christmas and some diplomatic missions may observe Easter. Ramadan Ramadan signals a month of fasting when Muslims abstain from eating, drinking or smoking during daylight hours. Non-Muslims should observe these religious customs when in public view. During Ramadan, working hours are reduced and business is sometimes conducted after dark. The end of Ramadan is marked by ceremonial cannon shots, followed by joyous feasting and dancing during the three-day Eid Al-Fitr holiday. The dates of Ramadan change every year. RELIGION Islam is the official religion, but other creeds are tolerated. Every Muslim has a duty to pray five times a day, with the precise times published daily. TRANSPORTATION Driving licences A temporary local driving licence is issued when you hire a vehicle, if you can produce a valid passport, two photographs, and an international driving licence. A national licence from any of the

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LANGUAGE The official language is Arabic, but English is widely understood in hotels and shops, and used as a second language in commerce. Because of the cosmopolitan expatriate population in Dubai, many languages are spoken, particularly Urdu, Hindi and Farsi.

or other government installations. It is courteous to ask permission before photographing any nationals. Take particular care to protect your photographic equipment from the sand and heat.

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following countries is acceptable in place of an international licence: Germany, Spain, Belgium, Austria, Italy, Netherlands, Ireland, France, Switzerland, Greece, Turkey, the UK, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, the US, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. Taxis Taxis are plentiful, relatively inexpensive and they are easily obtainable in Dubai. The Dubai Transport Corporation’s ivory-coloured cabs are fitted with fare meters. In the case of all other taxis, fares are subject to negotiation between the driver and passenger. Taxis operate a very cheap service rate, Dh10 for pick-up, followed by Dh1.7 per kilometre. For longer journeys, an hourly rate of about Dh30 is reasonable and for the whole day the price is negotiable upwards of about Dh500. Dubai Taxi also offers SMS and online booking services. You can text 4774 or visit www.dubaitaxi.ae to take advantage of these services. TIME The UAE time is four hours ahead of UCT (Universal Coordinated Time – formerly Greenwich Mean Time). There are no special summer daylight savings times.

TIPPING Tipping practices in Dubai are comparable to most places throughout the rest of the world. Even when a service charge is applied, staff expect a little extra – 10 percent is acceptable in hotel restaurants; for luggage porters at airports a tip of Dh5 or Dh10 is standard, depending on the amount of luggage. The same applies for taxi drivers. VISAS Most visitors are eligible to enter the UAE on either a 30-day tourist visa or a visit visa for up to 60 days. Citizens of the UK (or those who hold right of abode), France, Italy, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Finland, Spain, Monaco, Vatican City, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea and holders of Hong Kong SAR passports are granted, free of charge, a one-time entry visit visa on arrival. Those travelling on Israeli passports are not allowed entry. WATER Tap water comes from desalination plants and is not ideal to drink. Bottled water is freely available and served in hotels and restaurants. w

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Dubai’s new metro train system. © Dubai Tourism

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Express

YOURSELF La’

Hello

Marhaba

Thank you

Ashkurak (female – ashkurik)

Welcome

Ahlan wa sahlan

How are you?

Kaif halak? (female – Kaif halik?)

Very well, thank you

Taib katheer, shokran

I am grateful

Ana muttashakkir

Thank you for your hospitality

Shokran ala hathihi-l-dhiafah

Good morning

Sabah al-khair

Good evening

Masa’al-khair

Goodbye

Fi aman lllah

How much?

Qadaish

On the right

‘Ala yaminak

On the left

‘Ala shimalak

Straight ahead

Doghri

When?

Emta?

I do not have…

Ma’indi…

Stop

Qif

Imshi

I don’t speak Arabic

Ma ata – kallam Arabi

What time is it?

As-sa’a kam?

Call me a taxi

Areed taxi

I want to buy…

Areed ashtiri…

Do you sell…?

Andak…?

Where is the market?

Wain is-souq?

One

Wahid

Two

Ithnain

Three

Thalatha

Four

Arba’a

Five

Khamsa

Six

Sitta

Seven

Sab’a

Eight

Thamaniya

Nine

Tis’a

Ashara

100

Mi’a

1000

Alf

Sunday

Yom al-ahad

Monday

Yom al-ithnain

Tuesday

Yom ath-thalatha

Wednesday

Yom al-arba’a

Thursday

Yom al-khamees

Friday

Yom al-jum’a

Saturday

Yom as-sabt

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Na’am

DUBAI WELCOME TO

Yes

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MUST DOS Dubai 2010/2011 DUBAI CREEK

GRAND MOSQUE

One of the most picturesque locations in Dubai is the waterfront along Dubai Creek, a large saltwater inlet that in 2010 was extended all the way around Bur Dubai and into the Persian Gulf. Catch an abra (a boat taxi) along the waterfront and take in the Dubai skyline, eat at one of the many street vendors or take the hour-long tour in a traditional dhow sailing boat past the Dubai trading ports to the tip of the creek.

The religious hub of Dubai is the Grand Mosque located in central Bur Dubai. With the capacity for 1,200 worshippers, this elaborate mosque is one of the largest in the UAE and, at 70 metres, boasts the tallest minaret in Dubai. While non-Muslim visitors aren’t permitted inside, the mosque’s traditional Islamic architecture – featuring an ornate domed roof, stained glass and wooden shutters – makes the exterior an impressive sight, particularly at night when the mosque is spectacularly lit.

www.tour-dubai.com

www.dubaicity.com/attractions/grand-mosque.htm

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Dubai Creek. © Philip Lange

Grand Mosque. © Fotonium

SOUKS

MAJLIS GALLERY

Dubai is famous for its shopping and, while the large airconditioned shopping malls can be a great escape from the heat of the day, nothing really compares to the bustle of Dubai’s markets, or souks. Situated in Deira, Dubai’s souks trade in gold, spices and ittar (a spicy Arabian perfume). Even if shopping is not your activity of choice, the souks are wonderful places to people watch and take in the sights and smells of traditional trading in Dubai. Watch the abbaya-clad women testing the burning oud (fragrant wood), the rows and rows of glittering gold jewellery or take in the pungent aromas of the spice souk. Why not try the Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh Tour through Icon Holidays?

Dubai’s longest-standing gallery, Majlis, has been operating since 1976 as a commercial gallery and meeting place for artists. Compared to some of the more contemporary galleries in Dubai, Majlis exhibits more traditional Arab painting, craft and furniture, as well as special exhibitions and workshops through the year. It is located in the historic Bastakiya district in Bur Dubai. Artists can book studios in the gallery to work and the gallery offers a residency program for overseas artists to exhibit in Dubai. www.themajlisgallery.com

www.iconholidays.com/Dubai/Dubai.html

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BASTAKIYA DISTRICT

DUBAI MUSEUM

The Bastakiya district of Dubai, with its narrow laneways and stone streets is a must for anyone interested in the history of the emirate. Established at the end of the 19th century, the district features traditional courtyards, wind towers and bustling markets. Many of the traditional buildings house galleries, cafés and boutique hotels. Part of the old city wall that surrounded Bur Dubai, built in 1800, can still be seen here, in one of the most elegant areas in Dubai.

Situated close to Dubai Creek and Bastakiya heritage area in Bur Dubai is the Dubai Museum. The museum is housed in Al Fahidi Fort, an impressive building with previous incarnations as a palace, garrison and prison. Completed in 1787, the building is the oldest in Dubai and is worth a visit for the history of the museum itself. A circuit of the museum takes around an hour, but some have been known to spend a whole afternoon, taking in the life-sized dioramas that depict everything from traditional Arab houses to mosques, the souk and desert and marine life. The pearl diving exhibit is not to be missed.

www.dubaitourism.ae

www.visitdubai.info/dubai_museum.htm Dubai Museum. © Fotonium

DESERT SAFARI

TALISE SPA

One of the most exciting and popular Dubai activities is a desert safari tour. With numerous tour operators to choose from and the option of morning, evening or overnight safaris, it’s a chance to encounter the rolling deserts of the UAE up close and, depending on the tour, experience an adventure-packed morning or an evening of traditional food and culture. Dune bashing (a white-knuckle four-wheel drive ride through the sand dunes), camel rides, belly dancing and an unforgettable desert sunset are all part of the desert safari experience.

Talise Spa at Madinat Jumeirah resort is the way to be pampered in Dubai. Offering massage, treatment baths (the seaweed bath is a favourite), facials, along with Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines, Talise is offers a holistic approach to beauty and wellness. Partake in the Full Moon Yoga class, enjoy a massage or simply meditate in the luxurious and tranquil surrounds. The spa also features a restaurant serving fresh, organic meals with a focus on health and wellbeing. For bookings go to: www.jumeirah.com/en/Hotels-and-Resorts/Spa Or for other spa destinations in Dubai go to: www.spa.ae

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Bastakiya district. © Andrzej Gibasiewicz

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CAMEL RACING

BURJ-KHALIFA

Camel races are a national pastime in the UAE and are taken very seriously by locals. The races are free to attend and take place every Thursday and Friday from October to March, offering morning and afternoon races of between four and 10 kilometres. The spectacle is a must both for the camels themselves and for the rally of Land Rovers that circle the track, men hanging from windows, caught up in the excitement of it all. The Meydan Racecourse in Dubai or a bit further afield, the Al Wathba Racetrack near Abu Dhabi are the best places to experience camel racing.

One of the most recent editions to Dubai’s skyline is also one of its most spectacular. At 828 metres tall and 160 storeys, Dubai’s Burj-Khalifa skyscraper is the tallest man-made structure on Earth. The tower’s observation deck, on the 124th floor, unveils astonishing views of central Dubai. Named after Sheikh Khalifa, the President of the UAE, Burj-Khalifa was six years in the making and offers shopping, restaurants, parks and gardens and is the home of the Armani Hotel Dubai. More information: www.burjkhalifa.ae

More information: www.uaeinteract.com Burj Khalifa. © jbor

HERITAGE AND DIVING VILLAGE

RAS AL KHOR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Pearl diving is an ancient tradition in the UAE and once provided the only real income for residents of the city of Dubai. The industry prospered in the 18th and 19th centuries when demand for pearls in neighbouring India grew, but faltered in early 1930s with the Great Depression. Dubai’s Heritage and Diving Village offers a rare and fascinating look at the history of pearl diving in the UAE, the daily demonstrations a must for anyone interested in the cultural history of Dubai.

About 15 minutes from the centre of old Dubai at the head of the Dubai Creek is the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, home to more than 300 types of flora and fauna. In the colder months (October to May) Dubai’s population of 3000 flamingos flock to hides along the bank of the creek, creating a sea of pink against the backdrop of Dubai’s bustling metropolis. Binoculars can be borrowed to view the birds from a distance. The sanctuary also goes by the name of the Dubai Creek Wildlife and Waterbird Sanctuary or simply, Al Khor Nature Reserve. More information: www.wildlife.ae

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Camel racing. © Vatikaki

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SHEIKH SAEED’S HOUSE

SKI DUBAI

Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum was the leader of Dubai from 1912 to 1958 and the grandfather of the current president. His house, at the Shindagha end of Dubai Creek, has been restored to its former glory and exhibits photographs, lithographs, coins and art that vividly depict the history of the UAE. The house itself is worth the visit, typical of 19th century Islamic architecture. Particularly impressive are the four tall wind towers that flank the house, designed to catch the wind and relieve the household of the afternoon sun.

A stark contrast to the sometimes stifling mid-afternoon heat of Dubai is Ski Dubai – the Middle East’s first ski resort. The huge resort has five runs that range from beginner to advanced and even offers a 90-metre long half-pipe for the snowboarder in the family. Ski clothing and equipment are provided as part of the cover price and there are professional instructors on-site if you need to brush up on your skills. For details and online bookings visit: www.skidubai.com

AL-MAMZAR PARK

Dubai has some gorgeous parks and Al-Mamzar is one of the best – sandy white beaches, a crisp green lagoon, children’s play areas, swimming pool and private chalets for hire. Al-Mamzar offers respite from the bustling city with 106 acres of greenery. To get around the park you can hire bicycles or take a train tour of the grounds. There are numerous activities held here throughout the year, including Dubai’s Shopping Festival. Entrance fees are Dhs.5 per person or Dhs.30 per car. w

Did you know?

A half-day of dune bashing with a tour company in Dubai generally costs between US$40 and US$60 per person or US$300 to rent a six-seat vehicle with a driver included.

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For information on Al-Mamzar or the Dubai Shopping Festival go to: http://mydsf.ae

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Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House. © Tom Cummins

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2010/2011

7TH DUBAI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

DUBAI INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL

DUBAI TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS

12 to 19 December 2010

Date: 1 to 18 February 2011

An integral platform for filmmakers from all over the Middle East, Africa and Asia, the Dubai International Film Festival (affectionately known as DIFF) presents cinema from all of these regions. It also supports independent and commercial films through its Muhr Awards – a must for all cinephiles! Location: Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai www.dubaifilmfest.com

Offering quality music and spectacular performances, the annual Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival attracted 42,000 visitors in 2010. Since the first event in 2003, the festival has been held at Dubai Media City. Location: Dubai Media City www.dubaijazzfest.com

The US$1 million Dubai Tennis Championships attracts many of the world’s top male and female players to the city’s impressive stadium. The tournament incorporates both Men’s ATP and Women’s WTA Tour events and features both singles and doubles competitions, with luxury viewing packages available to those who book before the event. Location: Dubai Tennis Stadium www.dubaitennischampionships.com

DUBAI POLO GOLD CUP CHALLENGE

DUBAI WORLD CUP

Date: March 2011

The mile-and-a-quarter group one race for four-year-olds and above offers an incredible US$6 million prize fund, with US$3.6 million going to the winner. It is no surprise that the best horses, jockeys and trainers make the annual trip to the UAE for this premium event. Location: Nad Al Sheba Racecourse www.dubaiworldcup.com

The Dubai Polo Gold Cup Challenge is a prominent annual rendezvous on Dubai’s social calendar. Attracting some of the game’s leading players, celebrities, VIPs of the Dubai social scene and fans of the royal game of polo, it’s one of Dubai’s most highly anticipated events. Location: Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club www.dubaipologoldcup.com

Date: 1 February to 31 March 2011

Date: 1 to 31 March 2011

DUBAI AIR SHOW

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This comprehensive show grew to 890 exhibitors and almost 53,000 industry professionals from 138 countries in 2010 – an 18 percent rise in attendees. The 2011 show promises to be even more spectacular. If you love your aircraft, this is an event not to miss. w Location: Airport Expo, Dubai www.fairs-exhibs.com

DUBAI WELCOME TO

Date: 13 to 17 November 2011

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Wind Towers. © Dubai Tourism

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ubai is a truly unique city that moves so quickly it is constantly evolving before our eyes. Just think, more than 40 years ago this sandbox in the middle of the desert was struggling just to stay above water economically. Today Dubai is a thriving emirate in its own right, both progressive and reflective of its traditional past. FROM THE PAST... Perhaps surprising to some is the fact that the emirate of Dubai was on the map long before it became renowned for producing manmade islands and seven-star hotels. Human occupation of the United Arab

Emirates (UAE) dates back as far as 5500 BCE and evidence of communication with other tribes and areas from this period has also been discovered. The Portuguese arrived in the Gulf area in the 1500s and briefly defeated the local Arab tribes. The British, who came with intentions of controlling the trade routes to India, then followed the Portuguese. All the while, the pearling industry was on the rise and Abu Dubai, later the capital of the UAE, was constantly growing as a port. Dubai’s luck took a turn for the worse during the 19th century when it suffered two major catastrophic events. An outbreak of smallpox in the Bur Dubai area forced residents to relocate to Deira in the east, which then suffered a major fire in 1894. Despite these two unfortunate events Dubai was still a bustling port city, with its growing pearling market and lowered taxes to encourage consistent trading. With its pearl industry remaining the backbone of Dubai’s economic life for so long, the emirate took a hit during the 20th century when it suffered greatly during World War I and the subsequent Depression.

Achieving more than 99 percent in a recent survey, the punctuality rate of Dubai Metro is the highest of any driverless metro system in the world, according to Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority.

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Dubai Metro Train. © Philip Lange

... TO THE PRESENT So just how quickly is Dubai developing? Well, between 2000 and 2008 the Nakheel Company (one of the world’s largest property developers) created and built a set of three manmade islands off the Persian Gulf coastline, designed to depict palm trees, reaching a total cost of US$12.3 billion. But this is old news! Now, the theory ‘strive for bigger and better’ rules the building industry, construction companies spare no expense when it comes to designing these lavish and flamboyant superstructures. The latest success in Gulf is the Atlantis Hotel – a sprawling US$1.2 billion resort boasting a US$20,000-a-night suite, with dolphins flown in from the South Pacific, all housed on a palm tree-shaped island!

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The industry all but died out after World War II after the Indian Government raised taxes on purchases and the people of Dubai had to look elsewhere for revenue. This is where luck turned in the region’s favour. Oil − one of the world’s most lucrative industries. In 1966 oil was found in Dubai, radically changing the now sparkling city and prompting its population to multiply 300 percent over the next 20 years. Dubai experienced a major construction boom, boasting two major shipping ports – Jebel Ali and Port Rashid – and the 39-storey Dubai World Trade Centre, which arguably began the fascination with tall, extravagant buildings that influences the city’s character today.

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Transport Authority. This ever-growing, well-established and affluent city on the water encapsulates every bit of the word ‘wealth’. With Dubai’s highend fashion, overwhelming architecture, booming theatre and arts scene, and numerous upscale clubs, you can’t help feel envious at the thought of such an exuberant lifestyle. Its love affair with new and improved infrastructure is ongoing, allowing this city to forge ahead into the future. w

Did you know?

Heritage Village of Hatta, situated 115 kilometres southeast of Dubai City in the heart of the rocky Hatta Mountains, can be traced back between 2,000 and 3,000 years.

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An 1,800-seat theatre nearby will also house a permanent Cirque du Soleil show beginning in the summer of 2011. “Palm Jumeirah in and of itself will become one of Dubai’s major tourist attractions,” Joe Cita, chief executive of Nakheel’s hotel division, has said. If you thought this lavish lifestyle was prestigious enough, for all you designer label lovers out there, a number of fashion houses are also behind Dubai’s real estate industry. Versace, Chanel and even Armani are involved in teaming up to design illustrious buildings such as the Armani Hotel Burj – coined the tallest commercial and residential building in the world. One of the most progressive developments is the Dubai Metro, which was launched on 9 September 2009 and is considered a historic achievement for Dubai. Achieving more than 99 percent in a recent survey, the punctuality rate of Dubai Metro is the highest of any driverless metro system in the world, according to Dubai’s Road and

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In 1966 oil was found in Dubai, radically changing the now sparkling city and prompting its population to multiply 300 percent over the next 20 years.

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Architecture

IN DUBAI

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With its ever-evolving skyline, Dubai is a premier destination for architecture and design, as Lauren Rosewarne discovers.

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Jumeirah Village. ÂŠ Nakheel

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The Palm Jumeirah. © Nakheel

Continuing the maritime theme is the distinctive Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, a stellar example of modern architecture. Topped by three white triangular canopies – their appearance again distinctly sail-like – bearing strong semblance to the Sydney Opera House, the club became an instant design destination on opening in 1993. Completed in 2000 was the Emirates Towers Complex: two towers on the busy commercial strip of Sheikh Zayed Road. The larger tower is the head office for the airline Emirates, with the smaller being home to a hotel and shopping mall. Of greatest design note is the juxtaposition between the two towers depending on where in the city you stand – from some vantage points, the towers appear miles apart, at other junctures they appear fused. Wherever you stand, both appear imposing. At a staggering 828 metres, the world’s tallest tower is Burj Khalifa, which appears to pierce the sky with its needle of fine glass. Often also called Burj Dubai, Khalifa was built at a cost of US$1.5 billion and was unveiled in 2010. The tower broke not only height records but construction records too, utilising 330,000 cubic metres of concrete, 39,000 metric tonnes of steel and 142,000 square metres of glass. Khalifa is home to a diverse mix of residential, commerce, shopping and leisure facilities and the first Giorgio Armani hotel. While an unequivocal example of cutting edge modern architecture, Khalifa

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trategically positioned on the trade route between Europe and Asia, Dubai has long been an important hub for commerce. Boasting oil and natural gas reserves, the world’s largest manmade port and a thriving banking sector, Dubai is a prosperous state and the most populous emirate in the UAE. Wealth catapulted Dubai onto the world stage as a major player in business; riches are also behind its positioning as a world-class architectural destination. Dubai is perhaps best known for Burj al Arab, a 321-metre white spinnaker yacht sail, dominating the skyline. Built offshore in the Arabian Gulf on a spectacular manmade island, the sail is home to a multi award-winning $650 million seven-star hotel. At night the sail is illuminated in a dazzling multicoloured light display. Perhaps the most intriguing feature of the complex is the submerged Al Mahara Restaurant, which diners need to access via submarine, travelling down through a two-storey tropical aquarium. The first modern building in the city, the National Bank of Dubai, is located in the eastern part of the city on the banks of the Dubai Creek. Upon completion in 1998, the bank was the fifth tallest building in city. As with Burj al Arab, the city’s rich maritime history is evident in its sail-like design – the building boasts a large curved frontage made of gold glass and reflects the creek below.

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Grand Jumeirah Mosque. © Dubai Tourism

At a staggering 828 metres, the world’s tallest tower is Burj Khalifa, which appears to pierce the sky with its needle of fine glass.

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Burj Khalifa © Emaar

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MANAGING DIRECTOR HOPKINS ARCHITECTS What are some of the most interesting aspects of architecture in Dubai? The fact that large and complex projects were commissioned by clients, along with the fact they got built in a short period of time – also the challenge of building in a hot and dry climate, creating quality and a contextual architecture. What is unique about the Hopkins approach to design? We always try to design buildings that are unique to their context and place, with special attention to crafted details and natural materials. We enjoy designing for people and projects that can change and adapt. What has been the most exciting project Hopkins has been involved with? I suppose the most exciting project has been our Gate Village project for The Dubai International Finance Centre. This is a low energy, high density and mixed-use group of 10 buildings with offices, shops, apartments, galleries, hotels and restaurants all designed within a network of shaded pedestrian streets... and all designed and built within 20 months! How has architecture in Dubai changed over the past decade? I think more clients are now looking for low energy projects than they were 10 years ago. Also, big and brash is less in demand (fortunately). Looking forward, how do you imagine architecture in Dubai changing in the future? Now that the boom has ended, I believe there will gradually be more of a demand for smaller projects that fill the gaps between the major developments. Dubai now needs to concentrate on ‘connecting the dots’ – more ‘human-scaled’ projects and less mega developments.

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Simon Fraser

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Atlantis Hotel. © Nakheel

Built in 1896, the palace of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum is located on the historical Shindagha waterfront and was home to royalty until the late 1950s. Undergoing substantial restorations in 1986, the palace reopened as a museum and now displays an enormous collection of photographs documenting the pre-oil history of Dubai. Of design note is the use of ‘wind towers’, an effective early air-conditioning system. Illuminated at night, the rose-coloured sandstone Jumeirah Mosque is the only mosque in the UAE open to non-Muslims. Built in the 1970s in the Fatimid tradition, the Mosque is an essential visit. The glitz and the glamour of Dubai will compel even those with the scantiest interest in architecture to become connoisseurs. Boasting grand examples of both preserved and modern Islamic, Iranian, Indian and Arabic design right through to spectacular skyscrapers and manmade islands, the emirate ensures that all that steel, sand and stone is put to exceptional use. w

Did you know?

Port Jebel Ali is the world’s largest manmade harbour, the biggest port in the Middle East and the 7th-busiest port in the world.

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pays homage to a number of Islamic and Arabic traditions evident in the incorporation of onion domes, pointed arches and desert flowers into the design. Madinat Jumeirah is an Arabian-style complex of hotels and restaurants, conference facilities, spas, malls and markets located a 30-minute drive from Dubai Airport. Inspired by the Arabian royal summer palaces, the complex boasts sand-coloured buildings flanked by waterways and gardens. While complexes like Madinat Jumeirah may take inspiration from Dubai’s past, most buildings in the city are fewer than 20 years old. Those rare exceptions of the past, however, are well worth a visit. The Bastakiya Quarter should be atop any list of architecture heritage sites in the UAE. The Quarter is a complete restoration of a wealthy neighbourhood settled in the late 1800s by Persian traders. A beautiful labyrinth of narrow laneways and cosy coffee shops, the Quarter is a lovely locale to wile away an afternoon. Another example of the city’s restoration work is the Al-Ahmadiya School, a superb example of traditional Islamic architecture. The school, founded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Ahmed bin Dalmouk in 1912, was in operation until 1962 and is now open as an education museum. Al-Ahmadiya has undergone extensive renovations to preserve the classrooms as they appeared in the 1920s and 1930s. While providing a fascinating insight into education in a bygone area, the school also offers visitors some beautiful design work, notably the intricately carved arches and decorative gypsum panels.

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The glitz and the glamour of Dubai will compel even those with the scantiest interest in architecture to become connoisseurs.

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Arts Culture AND

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Nyssa Veraphunt discovers that it is not just oil that forms the fountain of Dubaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wealth, but also its art and culture, that reveals a treasure trove of riches.

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Traditional arabian wood boat, Dubai Creek. ÂŠ Shao Weiwei

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ARTS Dubai’s vibrant arts scene began the moment people first inhabited the region thousands of years ago, when the stories of events such as hunting expeditions or fishing missions were passed down from generation to generation through music, song and dance, which is characterised by the use of percussion and drums. Today this art form survives with these same traditional performances enjoyed at cultural occasions such as festivals, national holidays or weddings. The artefacts of Dubai’s art history have been preserved at many of the city’s museums, including Dubai Museum, which showcases the local antiques and handcrafted specimens of bygone eras. In terms of modern day masterpieces, the best of the region’s art can be found in Dubai’s numerous art galleries, museums and art centres, many of which are recent developments and have paved the way for an exponential growth in the local arts scene in recent years. The city has many galleries, such as Majlis and XVA, which are popular choices for viewing and purchasing art, including paintings, sculptures, glassware, ceramics and jewellery from local and international artists. Contemporary art has also built up its profile as well, with the Green Art Gallery and Gallery 76 (at the Dubai International Art Centre) leading the way for the movement in the city, as well as Art Dubai, a contemporary art fair held at Madinat Arena every March. The rise in modern art is exemplified even further each year with the awarding of the Abraaj Capital Art Prize, which, with a $US1 million prize pool, offers the greatest payment of its kind anywhere in the world. This honour is awarded to proposals, rather than completed pieces, so that funds can be used toward a piece that may not otherwise have had funding. Theatre has also captivated Dubai in recent times, with the Madinat Theatre established in 2004 and the Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre (DUCTAC) coming two years later. Both centres are regarded as world class, and feature a range of performances year round.

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Dubaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s geographical location and close proximity to Asia, Europe and Africa, has also played a part in shaping its cultural identity, which celebrates its own multicultural and cosmopolitan nature as a Mecca for cultures and people.

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ÂŠ Dubai Tourism

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CULTURE Placing your finger on one feature that perfectly describes Dubai’s culture is a difficult task − it’s new while being old, humble, yet opulent and Middle Eastern, yet cosmopolitan. And so, the best way to describe Dubai is as an exciting and vibrant mix of contrasts and juxtapositions. The lifeblood of Dubai’s culture is Islam, which inspires almost every aspect of the city’s daily life, from the wearing of the traditional white robe, or dishdasha, worn by the men and the black head-to-toe abbaya worn by the women, to the mosques that are a centrepiece of most neighbourhoods. There is also a culture of hospitality, courtesy, warmth and friendliness in Dubai, which is reminiscent of many traditional Arab communities. Layered on top of these ancient customs are distinctively modern ones, however, which have also shaped Dubai’s rich culture. Examples include the wealth found in modern day oil drilling that has brought

a new affluence to the city and consequently seen the emergence of skyscrapers and luxury cars, as well a large expat population, which has brought a distinctly European influence to the city. Dubai’s geographical location and close proximity to Asia, Europe and Africa, has also played a part in shaping its cultural identity, which celebrates its own multicultural and cosmopolitan nature as a Mecca for cultures and people. Shopping and trade are embedded in Dubai’s culture. The city began with the pearl trade, but has now expanded to souks or traditional marketplaces that sell anything from spices, gold, clothes, crafts and perfume to everyday items like groceries (Deira is a good place to visit for these), or plush department stores and shopping centres. For a traditional culture fix, take in some of the city’s old architecture (Al Fahidi Fort and Jumeirah Mosque are highlights) or perhaps catch an abra (traditional wooden boat) across Dubai Creek. Or you could get yourself down to a camel race or go for a stroll through the Bastakiya region, with its late 19th century maze of lanes and restored art galleries, cafés, traditional houses and boutique hotels. Dubai’s new traditions are just as exciting and include the annual Gulf Film Festival, watching a game at the Dubai Sports City sporting stadium, tobogganing at Ski Dubai or enjoying the city’s new wave of contemporary art, all of which adds to the delightful dalliance of contrasts and range of experiences that has created Dubai.

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Go for a stroll through the Bastakiya region, with its late 19th century maze of lanes and restored art galleries, cafés, traditional houses and boutique hotels.

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Handmade Arabic Crockery. ÂŠ H Aider

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Placing your finger on one feature that perfectly describes Dubai’s culture is a difficult task – it’s new, while being old, humble, yet opulent and Middle Eastern, yet cosmopolitan.

ART GALLERIES Dubai International Art Centre Villa 27, Street 76b, Jumeirah Here you’ll find one of the city’s largest collections of local and international paintings, photography, sculptures and installations. It also houses a library and a learning centre complete with art classes for those who have been particularly inspired by their experience here. Tel: +971 4 344 4398 www.artdubai.com

Majlis Gallery Bastakiya Roundabout, Bur Dubai This beautifully restored villa in historical Bastakiya provides a meeting point for artists and art lovers alike, with the latter often working from within the ground’s courtyard to produce some of the many paintings, drawings, furniture, ceramics, jewellery and glass sculptures found here. Tel: +971 4 353 6233 www.majlisgallery.com

THEATRE Madinat Theatre Souk Madinat, Jumeirah Opening in 2004, Madinat was Dubai’s first purpose-built theatre and showcases a range of productions including operas, dramas, film screenings, magic shows and musicals throughout the year. Tel: +971 4 366 6546 www.madinattheatre.com Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre (DUCTAC) Sheikh Zayed Road Just as the name suggests, DUCTAC is dedicated to the arts, boasting world-class facilities including a 543-seat theatre, an art gallery and the Dubai Centre for Musical Arts, as well as various art studios, which hold regular workshops. Tel: +971 4 341 4777 www.ductac.org

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Green Art Gallery Villa 23, Street 51, Jumeirah If you’re interested in viewing the work of local artists while in Dubai then this is the place to come, as the Green Art Gallery was one of the first galleries in Dubai to exhibit Arab art, and continues to support the region’s emerging contemporary artists. Tel: +971 4 344 9888 www.gagallery.com

XVA Gallery Bastakiya, Bur Dubai This predominantly contemporary art gallery is also the place to visit for screenings of local and international arthouse films, boutique hotel accommodation, a bite to eat at an award-winning vegetarian café or the purchase of locally inspired jewellery, artwork or crafts. Tel: +971 4 353 5383 www.xvagallery.com

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Dubai Drama Group This not-for-profit theatre company has been run by local acting enthusiasts for the past 25 years and showcases an eclectic mix of performances that include both classic and original scripts. www.dubaidramagroup.com Tel: +9750 509 4211

Did you know?

Art Dubai’s 2010 Contemporary Art Fair attracted 18,000 locals and visitors. It will next be held in March 2011.

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MUSEUMS Dubai Museum Housed in the 220-year-old Al Fahidi Fort, this is worth visiting just to explore the building. However, you will be equally impressed with its interior as you delve into Dubai’s history on inspection of the museum’s resident relics, dioramas of life here before the discovery of oil, as well as its displays of regional artefacts and antiques. Tel: +971 4 353 1862

Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding Set to the backdrop of another of the city’s heritage buildings, this cultural centre was established in order to teach people of all backgrounds, the traditions and customs of the Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. w Tel: + 971 4 353 6666 www.cultures.ae

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to Dubai, thus playing a role in developing and building on the fashion industry as a whole. Dubai is [already] known for its fashion presence; however, it’s events like Dubai Fashion Week that will represent the growth of the fashion industry that we seek to achieve,” Khan adds. With Dubai relying on tourist dollars, events such as Dubai Fashion Week could not continue to prosper if a direct monetary gain was not evident as a result. “Dubai Fashion Week offers a platform for cultural exchange and we see several international designers coming into the city. These designers are then exposed to the Arabian hospitality and way of life,” says Khan. “This is a vital opportunity for an international understanding of our ways of life and the cultural influences that we hope designers from around the world will be able to take away. Financially, Dubai Fashion Week brings in international guests, which translates into hotel occupancy and spending in the city.” While global consumer events are often assured mass interest, Khan is also able to keep his business-driven mentality at bay, enabling him to encourage the creativity and emergence of a unique style for which Dubai is fast becoming recognised. “Dubai is influenced by several fashion backgrounds. The city enjoys multiple cultures and therefore we are able to accept different fashion styles. We cannot really say that Dubaians have a specific design style, but [we] have a combination of influences that each fashionista creates for individuality,” explains Khan. With such a fertile slate on which to mould a new design or style aesthetic, it is not hard to see

why emerging designers are enticed by Dubai’s oasis of boundless promise and limitless possibility for creativity. For Canadian-born designer, Asma Chapti Dadabhoy, moving to Dubai was a sheer blessing in disguise, “Moving to Dubai was purely coincidental. My husband and I were living in London, but as part of a work transfer we moved to Dubai. It was in London where I was fortunate to have landed an internship and work for fashion icon Vivienne Westwood. That’s where it all began for me. Once we moved to Dubai and with the experience gained from working at Vivienne Westwood’s headquarters, I felt inspired by Dubai itself, the people and culture, which essentially cultivated me to start my own collection,” reflects Dadabhoy. Asma Chapti Dadabhoy’s collection is mesmerising and her designs have been described as uniquely ‘haute vintage’. Continuously inspired by the movement and colour of Dubai, Dadabhoy views her time there as creatively immeasurable. “By being in Dubai I get a lot of inspiration,” she says. “Dubai is so cosmopolitan, with such a rich mix of cultures, that I find it very interesting seeing how women dress. I also travel a lot and always take note of how women dress in their own cities. But Dubai is different and women here are oozing elegance. My collection is all about elegance and glamour and, most of all, feeling comfortable from within. “Dubai is such a fashion hub; it’s become a real melting pot of different people and different cultures, all being brilliantly fashionable,” continues Dadabhoy. “Take the local culture for example − while an abbaya can be considered as a black cloak, women here are so

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Dubai is such a fashion hub; it’s become a real melting pot of different people and different cultures, all being brilliantly fashionable. ASMA CHAPTI DADABHOY

Warda Haute Couture. © Dubai Fashion Week

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SAIF ALI KHAN, VICE PRESIDENT, DUBAI FASHION WEEK Who are some of the designers from 2009 Dubai Fashion Week that really wowed the crowds? It’s difficult to say as each and every designer brought a different style and edge to the collection. We had the likes of Walid Atallah, whose couture line and bridal collection was exquisite, while HSY’s traditional couture collection received great reviews from the buyers and the audience. Emirati designers like Das Collection and Mariam Mazrou continue to enchant the crowd with their traditional abbayas and prêt collection − it’s great to be able to bring a diversity of designers under the one umbrella of Dubai Fashion Week. What do you thinks makes Dubai such a fashionconscious emirate? Dubai has always been the known as the fashion hub of the Middle East, with several international brands as well as boutiques setting up office in the city. Dubai boasts the largest number of international brands in the region and every year we see an increase in brands from all over the world. The city provides a complete shopping experience with an extensive list of shopping malls established to deliver fashion to the region. We are witnessing emerging designers targeting Dubai as their new market and this is because of the city’s reputation as a regional fashion location. Dubai readily embraces fashion from around the world due to the multicultural background that the city enjoys. We see regional, Asian, European and US designers constantly targeting Dubai for brand exposure.

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Industry insight

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If you look at Elie Saab, he’s a fantastic Lebanese designer and has dressed more stars than anyone else. HASSAN SHEHERYAR YAS

creative and make a fashion statement through this cultural garment. Dubai has also become so international that fashion reaches from rich Indian outfits to traditional Arabic garments to Western clothing. Dubai’s fashion industry is next to none, especially when you consider the international appeal.” Perfectly representing the style and desires of Dubai’s local women (where a particular charm and elegance matches their subtly commanding demeanour), Dadabhoy’s collection is definitely for women who dress to impress and this is apparent in the fine detail of each precious garment. Naturally, most women in Dubai enjoy the elegance associated with a cosmopolitan lifestyle, and evening gowns from Fendi and Ralph Lauren are often commonplace. It’s the Middle East’s rich culture and opulent design aesthetics, however, that are characteristically identifiable in Dubai. Fashion designer, Hassan Sheheryar Yas, also known as HSY, is a passionate advocate of Dubai’s distinct style. “If you look at Elie Saab, he’s a fantastic Lebanese designer and has dressed more stars than anyone else,” he says. “What he does with his embroideries, I don’t think Oscar de la Renta or Balenciaga have a patch on that. They can’t do it, it is just not part of their culture.” Although Elie Saab was born in Lebanon, his dreamlike gowns are quintessentially Middle Eastern and his magnificent pieces are available in Boutique 1 in Dubai. Saab’s presence also looms large on the international fashion stage. He has shown at Paris Fashion Week and dressed celebrities like Angelina Jolie, Drew Barrymore, Sarah Jessica Parker, Beyoncé, Gwyneth Paltrow, Halle Berry, Rihanna, Dita Von Teese, Christina Aguilera, and Hilary Swank. His designs are a clear illustration of the fusion between Middle Eastern aesthetics paired with Westernised couture. Further still, Saab’s designs are reflective of a typical Emirati’s lifestyle: that of fantasy and creativity, and often excess and indulgence.

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Evidently local designers are proving to be both domestically and internationally successful. “You will find [roughly] 78 nationalities in any place [in Dubai]. It’s phenomenal. So why not come to Dubai?” urges Yas. And who could argue? The Autumn/Winter 2010 collection at Dubai Fashion Week promises to be bigger and better than ever. “We have a lot more designers showcasing their new collections this time around. Over the years the show has grown and during this season we have 45 designers on board, covering the local, regional and international designers. We have a few newcomers, including Andrés Aquino from Couture Fashion Week in New York and returning designer Barbara Bella from Brazil. We are definitely witnessing the growth of Dubai Fashion Week, as more designers, buyers and sponsors come together season after season,” Khan gushes proudly. While New York, Milan, London and Paris have always been regarded as fashion capitals, Dubai, the second largest emirate of the UAE, is hot on their heels and is definitely one to watch with bated breath. w

Did you know?

DUBAI ESSENCE OF

While Dubai fashions features many examples of traditional dress, such as the kandura, Western-style clothing is becoming more dominant in Dubai because of its large expatriate population.

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Poseidon bracelet. © Scavia

are up to 60 percent cheaper than their European or North American counterparts. Finding the perfect diamond can be a once-in-a-lifetime affair, as these gems are as unique as they are rare. The perfect choice will come down to personal taste, but also a combination of the four ‘Cs’ – carat, colour, clarity and cut. The ‘carat’ is the weight in which the diamond is measured: one carat equates to one fifth of a gram. Carats are divided into 100 points, so a 10-point diamond weighs 1/10 of a carat. Generally the higher the carat, the higher the price. Diamonds span a spectrum of colours including blue, pink and even black, which are graded from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow). There are also ‘fancy colour’ diamonds that have a high saturation of colour and are extremely difficult to come by, thus is highly sought after and expensive. The ‘clarity’ of a diamond refers to its internal and external characteristics, which basically comes down to whether or not the stone has any flaws. Flawless stones are graded as ‘FL’, whereas, at the other end of the scale, imperfect stones (that have inclusions that can be seen with the naked eye) are labelled ‘I’. The angles and proportions at which the diamond has been sculpted, as well as its symmetry and polish, create the ‘cut’ of a diamond. A well-cut diamond will seem to be illuminated from within because of skilfully cut angles that reflect the light off one another; conversely, if the diamond has not been cut well, the light inside of it will tend to escape through the sides or bottom, thus not appearing as brilliant.

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Trinity pendant and bracelet. ÂŠ Dusan Reljin and Cartier

DUBAI ESSENCE OF

Finding the perfect diamond can be a once-in-a-lifetime affair, as these gems are as unique as they are rare.

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DUBAI ESSENCE OF

A well-cut diamond will seem to be illuminated from within because of skilfully cut angles that reflect the light off one another...

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ÂŠ Tiffany & Co

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Pearls occur naturally in about one of every 10,000 oysters, making them an anomalous commodity − hence the reason that most pearls on the market today are cultured in pearl farms. This does not, however, make them any less spectacular. Pearls from Dubai are said to be some of the best natural pearls in the world. The warm and shallow waters from which they come give many of them a prized golden hue. The value of a pearl is determined by a combination of factors, including size, colour, lustre, shape and surface quality. Pearls are weighed in carats and measured in millimetres; if a pearl is considered desirable in its other qualities, the bigger the pearl the

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PEARLS Before the discovery of oil in the region in 1966, the culture and economy of Dubai was based on the harvesting of pearls. The gem has a long association with the area – archaeologists have even found the remains of a threaded pearl dated from 7,000 years ago and, according to Arabic legend, they were formed when oysters ventured from the ocean to swallow moonlight dewdrops. We know today, however, that a pearl is created when a mollusc or oyster tries to dispel a foreign object from within its shell by coating it with minute and concentrated layers of calcium carbonate in crystalline form – years of layering result in a beautiful object.

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Dubai is often referred to as ‘the City of Gold’ because of the prevalence of this precious metal in the markets, malls and high-end stores throughout the city.

Did you know?

Dubai’s Gold souk is a multi-storied complex housing around 300 jewellery outlets among the 800 in the city.

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more valuable it is likely to be. Symmetry is also valued in a pearl and the most common and valuable shapes are spherical, but tearand pear-shaped pearls are also highly sought after. Baroque pearls, which are irregular in shape, can also fetch a high price if they have an alluring lustre and size. The ‘lustre’ of a pearl refers to its sheen – the higher the lustre, the shinier and more mirror-like it will be. A low lustre pearl will appear matt, chalky and therefore be less desirable. The surface quality of a pearl refers to its flaws – a pearl with flaws will be generally lower in value. Coloured pearls (as opposed to those that are plain white) are the most highly prized, particularly those with silver, pink or gold tints. GOLD Dubai is often referred to as ‘the City of Gold’ because of the prevalence of this precious metal in the markets, malls and high-end stores throughout the city. In fact, there are more than 25 tonnes of gold on display in jewellery shop windows at any one time. Gold is big business here – the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group fixes the rate of gold twice a day in accordance with international gold rates. In addition, any gold sold in Dubai by law must have a gold purity hallmark. Carats are used to measure the purity of the gold, with 24 carats being the purest form. Pure gold is very malleable and easy to scratch and misshape, so, to strengthen the gold, it is often mixed with different alloys – the combination of which lessens the carat rating, but also affects the colour of the gold (depending on the metal used), with white, yellow and pink tinges being the most popular outcomes. w

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info@levant.com | www.levant.com AL QASR +971 4 4243892

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BURJ AL ARAB +971 4 3483131

MINA A’ SALAM +971 4 3686262

ATLANTIS +971 4 4226717

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MEN’S 1. Rado’s The limited Sintraedition Pave has rose 431 gold yellow Master sapphires Grand(1.336ct) Tourbillon setfrom into the Jaeger-LeCoultre dial was released beneath sapphire to commemorate crystal. A gold-coloured its 175th anniversary. scratchproof The Tourbillon ceramic watch case features a titanium and bracelet carriage tops off and this beautiful a leathercreation. wristband, and there are only 575 models available worldwide. 2. Vacheron Constantin’s Kalla Lune watch features a diamond set 2. The Rolex white moonphase and agold totalDay-Date of 840 IIdiamonds watch withset a President in white bracelet gold totalling features a pavé diamond dial and approximately 42 acarats. bezel set with 80 baguette diamonds, totalling 3.47 carats. 3. Blancpain Vacheron Constantin’s Tourbillon Diamants Kalla Lune is a watch Calibrefeatures 25A, a self-winding a diamond set Tourbillon moonphase and a total of 840 movement with diamonds seven-day set power in white reserve, goldmade totalling up ofapproximately 239 parts, housed 42 carats. in w a 40mm white gold case, water resistant to 100 metres. It is adorned with 480 baguette-cut diamonds, totalling 58 carats.

2. Rolex. 2. © Rado Courtesy J Farren-Price

DUBAI ESSENCE OF

1. © Rado

2. © Vacheron Constantin

3. © Blancpain

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3. © Vacheron Constantin

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Emirates Towers Boulevard Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Tel: +971 4 330 0034 Burjuman Mall Bur Dubai, Dubai Tel: +971 4 355 3533 Al Saman Building Hamdan Street, Abu Dhabi Tel: +971 2 627 0000

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Cartier Fine Watchmaking Collection Since 2007, Cartier has entered into the world of fine watchmaking with tremendous achievements, earning the much sought-after Geneva Seal for the Ballon Bleu Flying Tourbillon. Ever since, Cartier has aspired to push the boundaries in fine watchmaking with creativity and impressive technology. This year Cartier has launched five new fine watchmaking movements and nine new models. This challenge, which calls for technical and aesthetic creativity, as well as exceptional expertise, has resulted in a range of movements that are as rare as they are spectacular: the Astrotourbillon movement, the Geneva Seal

skeleton tourbillon, the perpetual calendar, and lastly, the flying tourbillon. Drawing on the skills and excellence of its master watchmakers and designers, this year Cartier once again demonstrates that it is a genuine creator of fine watchmaking marvels.

DUBAI ESSENCE OF

Cartier Boutiques Dubai Mall Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Tel: +971 4 434 0434

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Shopping bag one DUBAI MALL

You would be hard pressed to walk out of the Dubai Mall empty handed – with more than 1,200 stores on offer, it would be almost impossible. Setting precedents in luxury, design, entertainment and sheer size, no retail stone has been left unturned. There are also more than 150 dining outlets to boost those shopping sugar levels – a wide range of cuisines are available in a variety of cafés, fast food eateries and fine dining restaurants. www.thedubaimall.com

Shopping bag two

MALL OF THE EMIRATES

A central city hub of shopping, leisure and entertainment, Mall of the Emirates is Dubai’s first ‘shopping resort’. With an eclectic mix of brands such as Bally, Dolce & Gabbana, Carrefour, Zara, Harvey Nichols and Virgin, Mall of the Emirates caters to every shopper’s needs… every shopper and skier that is! The world-famous indoor ski resort, Ski Dubai, is also located here. It’s open all-year round and hosts myriad winter activities guaranteed to entertain any snow bunny for hours. www.malloftheemirates.com

With an eclectic mix of brands such as Bally, Dolce & Gabbana, Carrefour, Zara, Harvey Nichols and Virgin, Mall of the Emirates caters to every shopper’s needs.

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Dubai Mall. © Philip Lange

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Shopping bag three IBN BATTUTA MALL

Named after the famous Arab explorer, Ibn Battuta Mall is the world’s largest themed shopping precinct. Uniquely designed to celebrate the adventures and travels of Battuta, the mall also houses 21 cinemas – including the UAE’s only IMAX theatre. And if you happen to be visiting on a Tuesday you’ll be treated to a whole host of generous discounts across the wide range of retail, food and entertainment outlets on offer. www.ibnbattutamall.com

Shopping bag four

DEIRA CITY CENTRE

Covering more than 115,000 square metres and averaging an annual footfall in excess of 20 million, Deira City Centre is firmly placed as one of Dubai’s retail giants. As the first large-scale, multi-use shopping mall to be built in the region, it revolutionised the concept of the ‘one-stop shop’. All categories are thoroughly covered, including fashion, jewellery, cosmetics, electronics, homewares, antiques, health, general services, dining and entertainment. www.deiracitycentre.com © Dubai Marina Mall

If the spectacular marina views aren’t enough to lure you here, then the four sprawling levels of retail heaven are sure to reel you in. This seaside mall is not the biggest contender, but it reigns supreme in the breathtaking views department. Perched on the shores of Jumeirah Beach, the Dubai Marina Mall is the perfect place to visit for a leisurely afternoon spree before resting on your shopping laurels to watch the sun set lazily over the Indian Ocean. www.dubaimarinamall.com

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DUBAI MARINA MALL

Shopping bag five

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Shopping bag six

Shopping bag seven

Touted as the world’s most luxurious shopping destination, the BurJuman Centre showcases a dizzying array of international designer labels. Masters of couture Valentino and Christian Lacroix are both residents as well as firm favourites Louis Vuitton and Burberry, just to mention a few. Located in the heart of Dubai, BurJuman is easily accessible and the luscious, sunlit atriums dotted throughout the centre are a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city outside. www.burjuman.com

The only true ‘outlet’ shopping precinct in the Middle East, the Dubai Outlet Mall is serious about savings. With more than 800 premium brands under the one roof, the bargains are endless. A free shuttle service is available to guests of selected hotels in the Deira, Sheikh Zayed Road, Jumeirah and Dubai Marina areas, so you can shop until you’ve literally dropped. www.dubaioutletmall.com

BURJUMAN CENTRE

DUBAI OUTLET MALL

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Market © Jose AS Reyes

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Gold Souk. © Mikko Hyvärinen

Shopping bag eight The Dubai souks are perfect for those wanting to brush up on their bartering skills and add a little culture to the shopping list. A trip to the Spice Souk will prove to be a feast for the senses. Let your nose guide you through the heady and colourful array of seasonings, herbs and spices, while you snack on a bag of freshly roasted nuts or some plump and juicy apricots. Further on is the Gold Souk, a glittering mass of precious wares where one can indulge in anything and everything golden. Just across the creek is the Textile Souk, filled to the brim with all the woven delights you could possibly imagine. There’s also the Fish Souk and the Perfume Souk, perhaps best explored in that order!

The Dubai souks are perfect for those wanting to brush up on their bartering skills and add a little culture to the shopping list.

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Shopping bag nine DUBAI DUTY FREE

If you’ve managed to stay on the sightseeing track and have triumphantly evaded all the shiny shopping areas on offer, then beware – Dubai Duty Free will surely get you on your merry way out of the country and onto your next destination! Conveniently located at not one but two of the terminals inside the airport, Dubai Duty Free is a hard temptation to resist, especially when those last few dirhams are floating around your wallet. w www.dubaidutyfree.com

Did you know?

In 2009 alone, there were 3.35 million visitors to the Dubai Shopping Festival, who spent Dh9.8 billion in the 32 days of the festival.

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SPORT in Dubai

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Combining modern facilities, world-class venues and the time-honoured cultural traditions of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai offers relaxation and exhilaration via its myriad sporting and leisure activities, as Julia Garvey discovers.

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18th green. © Dubai Tourism

Dubai Rugby 7s. © Promoseven Sports Marketing

lear blue waters, sandy desert dunes and rolling greens allow visitors to practise their golf swing, explore ancient coral reefs or ride across the rugged countryside on a camel’s back. Every taste and skill level is catered for with multimillion-dollar sporting facilities in abundance throughout the region. Warm temperatures and pristine beaches provide the perfect setting to get your feet wet with sailing, scuba diving and snorkelling facilities at every turn. For those who prefer to keep both feet firmly on the ground, horse racing, motor sports and international football matches offer speed, glamour and spectacle in the comfort of luxury autodromes and arenas.

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Dubai boasts a stunning portfolio of world-class golf courses, including the exclusive Emirates Golf Club, featuring two championship courses and a private nine-hole, par three course, along with two premium driving ranges designed to be enjoyed by golfers of all calibres. The internationally renowned greens play host to the Dubai Desert Classic and Dubai Ladies Masters, attracting a selection of championship players and golfing connoisseurs from the across the globe. The Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, situated in the heart of the city, is recognised by the superbly manicured fairways, undulating sand dunes and date and palm trees perched along the creek’s edge. This spectacular course is floodlit during the evening to cater to all schedules, as the clear waters of the creek wind alongside at least four holes where several artificial lakes embellish the expansive greens. After a round or two with friends or colleagues, members may also enjoy the excellent facilities including six award-winning restaurants and bars, fitness centre, swimming pool and 121-berth marina.

DUBAI EXPERIENCE DUBAI

GOLF

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HORSE RACING

Located at the grand Meydan Racecourse, the famed event showcases the world’s finest thoroughbreds competing for the staggering US$21 million prize winnings. It is one of the richest racing meets in the world and attracts crowds of up to 50,000 avid racing enthusiasts. The Maktoum and Millennium grandstands offer sweeping views across the course and, for those with a flair for fashion, the Dubai World Cup organisers present a prize for the best dressed as part of the ‘Style Stakes’.

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Dinner view of race course. © Meydan Race track

Being the sport of kings, horse racing is extremely popular in Dubai. There are three annual racing seasons from November through to April, which include the Winter Racing Challenge, Dubai International Racing Carnival and Dubai World Cup. The Dubai International Racing Carnival is held annually from January through to March, culminating in the illustrious Dubai World Cup. The invitation-only World Cup has been instrumental in bringing international thoroughbred racing and breeding to the heart of the Arabian Peninsula.

DUBAI EXPERIENCE DUBAI

Gladiatorus. © Dubai World Cup

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Venture a short journey away from the bustling city centre of Dubai, into the breathtaking natural landscape of the Arabian Desert.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

In recent years, the UAE has experienced football fever. Established in 2009, the Dubai Sports City Football Academy was designed to provide world-class training facilities for children, amateurs and professional teams and players. Similar word-class venues throughout Dubai host the UAE league matches, international friendly ties and the Professional League Association tournaments. The fact that a number of international teams now have Dubai-based owners has invigorated this country’s interest in the world game. During January, the Dubai Football Challenge attracts top players from Europe and South America, resulting in an edge-of-the-seat sporting experience not to be missed. During the winter months, the action moves indoors. Purpose-built facilities distributed across the emirate cater to professional and recreational sporting teams and, in the summer, the picturesque Jumeirah Beach hosts the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. Another football code that is avidly followed in Dubai is rugby. The Emirates Airlines Rugby Sevens is the biggest competition of its kind in the Middle East, with locals and visitors flocking to the newly-built stadium know as ‘The Sevens’ on the outskirts of Dubai city. This actionpacked event runs every year in early December.

Safari. © Dubai Tourism

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Venture a short journey away from the bustling city centre of Dubai, into the breathtaking natural landscape of the Arabian Desert. For true outdoor activity enthusiasts, a luxury four-wheel drive will transport you across the rugged terrain to experience a rush of exhilaration as your private off-road vehicle navigates the soaring dunes and steep slopes of the desert sands. For those who would prefer to experience the thrills of the emirate by the sidelines, camel racing is a popular national pastime. The UAE features 15 camel racing tracks across the countryside with spacious, well-equipped grandstands for local and visiting spectators. Binoculars are encouraged, as race distances can vary from four to 10 kilometres.

FOOTBALL

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ÂŠ Promoseven Sports Marketing

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AL MAHARA Burj Al Arab Tel: +971 4 301 7600

FAZARIS The Address, Downtown Burj Tel: + 971 4 436 8928

You may be surrounded by desert sands in the UAE, but at Al Mahara you can dive into an underwater adventure, beginning with the mock submarine that transports you from reception to your table and finishing with a fresh Asian inspired seafood menu.

East meets West at Fazaris where the melting-pot menu of Arabic, Asian, Indian and Mediterranean dishes reflect the multicultural influence of Dubai’s global visitors. Breakfast is a buffet with a difference, while lunch and dinner offer an à la carte menu. Try the seared scallops with iman biyaldi – a Turkish aubergine and tomato accompaniment. Diners also have the option of dining al fresco on the outdoor terrace overlooking the scenic Burj Khalifa.

BENIHANA Al Bustan Rotana Tel: +971 4 7054 818

It’s teppanyaki knives at dawn… or is it dusk? Dinner is quickly elevated into theatre as chefs prepare sumptuous Japanese dishes with lightning-fast knife skills at your teppan table. The à la carte menu allows you to graze as you go, whether it’s teppanyaki or fresh sushi rolled to order.

INDEGO Al Sufouh Road, Dubai Marina Tel: +971 4 317 6000

As the first Indian chef to be awarded a prestigious Michelin star, Indego’s consultant chef Vineet Bhatia has a reputation that precedes him. Diners will not be disappointed, however, when they sample Bhatia’s unique blend of subcontinent cuisine with classic European fare. Here’s a tip – leave room for his now famous chocolate samosa dessert.

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ÂŠ Rhodes Mezzanine

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Savour the unique sights, sounds and tastes of Moroccan cuisine in traditional courtyard surroundings at Marrakech.

MAHI MAHI Wafi Mall, Umm Hurair Tel: +971 4 324 4100

At Mahi Mahi, the world is your oyster… literally. Traditional menus are thrown aside for a unique dining concept that simulates a seafood market experience. Diners are presented with a stunning array of fresh shellfish and seafood from around the, cooked and dressed according to their tastes. If you’re not an expert on seafood there is no need to panic – attentive staff are more than happy to advise. MARGAUX Souk Al Bahar Tel: +971 4 439 7555

The old stalwarts of European gastronomy, French and Italian cuisine, unite under the skilful eye of Alain Ducasse-trained chef Julian Mercier, at acclaimed brasserie Margaux. Trust that you are in safe hands and try the ‘Menu of the Day’, a four-course feast chosen at the discretion of the kitchen.

Savour the unique sights, sounds and tastes of Moroccan cuisine in traditional courtyard surroundings at Marrakech. Try the pastilla bil hamam, a unique Moroccan wedding pie filled with tender pigeon meat, crushed almonds and scrambled eggs. NOBU Atlantis, Palm Jumeirah Tel: +971 4 426 2626

The Nobu name is synonymous the world over for mastery of Japanese fine dining, and its Dubai outpost is no different. Celebrated chef Nobu Matsuhisa creates an elegant and sleek space where diners can spoil themselves with the Chef’s Choice Omakase menu, featuring delicacies such as Alaskan king crab claw tempura with butter ponzu.

OSSIANO Atlantis, Palm Jumeirah Tel: +971 4 426 2626

Be transported from the moment you walk down the long winding staircase into the otherworldly space of this aquarium-walled restaurant. Spanish chef Santi Santamaria adds to Dubai’s galaxy of Michelin-starred chefs by heading up Ossiano, where Catalan tastes and traditions are bought to diners plate by plate.

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MARRAKECH Shangri-La Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road Tel: +971 4 405 2703

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This award-winning a la carte restaurant, located on Sheikh Zayed Road in the Towers Rotana Dubai Hotel, features a fusion of Indo-Asian and European cuisine that defines its popularity in the city. Teatro is set apart by offering 5 different cuisines, all in the same venue, ranging from Japanese and Chinese to Thai, Indian and Italian, as well as having an open kitchen, only partitioned by a glass wall. The glass encased walk-in wine cellar is a unique feature, stocking a large variety of exquisite wines from across the globe. Experience the theatrical dĂŠcor, attentive service and a wide range of fine beverages within an inviting ambience that has certainly proved to be the right recipe for dining success.

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Teatro offers early bird dining between 6.00pm and 8.30pm (last order 7.15pm), and you will only pay 50% of your total food bill. A maximum group of 8 people per table can be accommodated. Teatro seats 150 diners and the dress code is smart casual. Opening hours: 6.00pm to 11.30pm, 7 days a week

DUBAI EXPERIENCE DUBAI

3rd Floor, Towers Rotana Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Tel: +971 4 343 8000 or +971 4 312 2202

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REFLETS PAR PIERRE GAGNAIRE Intercontinental, Dubai Festival City Tel: +971 4 701 1111

Tumble down the proverbial rabbit hole at Pierre Gagnaire’s namesake Dubai restaurant. You would expect nothing but the unexpected from one of the godfathers of the molecular gastronomy movement and Gagnaire does not disappoint in this restaurant − his special alchemy of multisensory taste and textures makes eating here so much more than just a meal. RHODES MEZZANINE Grosvenor House Hotel, West Marina Beach Tel: + 971 4 317 6451

Traditional British cuisine meets the flair of Gallic cooking at prolific Michelin star celebrity chef Gary Rhodes’ Dubai venture. Choose from seasonal specials based around modern British classics, or even have a do-it-yourself gastronomic adventure with a Rhodes Mezzanine cooking master class. Each session includes a welcome breakfast, complimentary Bellini and a threecourse lunch with matching wines. YIA YIA Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa, Jumeirah Beach Road Tel: + 971 4 3461 111

Experience the magic of Greece in this authentic restaurant serving up heavenly, home-cooked food as you dance and break plates to the vibrant sounds of a live Bouzouki band. Come for dinner, but stay for the live music and dancing. VERRE Hilton Hotel Tel: +971 4 227 1111

Did you know?

The sale and consumption of pork and alcoholic beverages is regulated in Dubai so be mindful that a liquor permit is required if you want to purchase alcohol. However, alcohol is available in bars and restaurants within hotels.

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Gordon Ramsay may be known for his fiery on-screen persona, but at his Dubai restaurant Verre there are no wild tantrums, only his signature dish ravioli of wild quail. The restaurant has recently reopened to reveal a number of exciting developments including a new interior fitout, new head chef and menu, as well as a ‘Chef’s Table’ offering for the ultimate in fine dining experiences. w

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Rodeo Grill presents a sophisticated and elegant setting that elevates steakhouse dining to a whole new level. Savour the juiciest steaks from prime cuts of meat and enjoy other delectable dishes prepared by master chefs from the superb a la carte menu. Tastefully decorated with a country and western theme, complete with a magnificent bar featuring the finest wines, this cosy restaurant is the perfect venue for an intimate dinner with a loved one or a feast with family, friends and colleagues. Awarded as the Middle East and North Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best Fining Dining Restaurant

at the recent MENA Travel Awards, make your way to Rodeo Grill and enjoy a totally fine dining experience. Opening hours: Lunch 12.00noon to 3.00pm Dinner 7.00pm to 12.00midnight

DUBAI EXPERIENCE DUBAI

Al Bustan Rotana - Dubai PO Box 30880 Tel: +971 4 282 0000 Fax: +971 4 282 8100 Email: fb.albustan@rotana.com Web: www.rotana.com

Discover a fine dining steakhouse where the exquisite interior, refined ambiance and flavoursome cuisine compete for your attention.

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RODEO GRILL RESTAURANT & BAR

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LOCA RESTAURANT AND BAR

AL QASR

Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa Jumeirah, Dubai Tel: +971 4 346 1111 Fax: +971 4 345 8808 Email: fnb@dxbmarine.com Web: www.dxbmarine.com

The lead designer of Heineken Netherlands has designed the Loca Restaurant & Bar; it is a new outlook on pub concepts and brings Tex-Mex cuisine to new heights. The outlet design is earthy and has hints of industrial chic. Glass keg rooms, solid wood tabletops and cosy leather booths,

will definitely make our customers want to spend the afternoon watching a sports event or evening listening to some good tunes. Opening hours: 12noon to 2.00am 7 days a week

Enter the kingdom of 1001 delights â&#x20AC;&#x201C; fine Lebanese cuisine, a distinguished atmosphere, and live entertainment. This magnificent restaurant has carved a niche for itself in and around the UAE. Enjoy your meal indoors or on the picturesque terrace overlooking the garden, lush green landscape and

simmering pools of the resort. This spacious and airy restaurant with its splendid traditional dĂŠcor is ideal for party bookings as well as a quiet dinner for two. Opening hours: Lunch 12.30pm to 3.30pm Dinner 7.30pm to 2.30am

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Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa Jumeirah, Dubai Tel: +971 4 346 1111 Fax: +971 4 345 8808 Email: fnb@dxbmarine.com Web: www.dxbmarine.com

Beautifully situated on the breakwater overlooking the ocean. With an exquisite Italian cuisine Capanna Nuova offers the ultimate dining experience. No matter if you choose between romantic seating outside on the boardwalk, recommended especially during the cooler months, or dining indoor in a stylish 29320_3

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typical Italian surroundings, you won’t be disappointed. The menu is extensive – offering a wide range of delicious antipasto, pasta, pizza, seafood and meat dishes – plus a selection of marvelous mouthwatering desserts. Opening hours: 7.00pm to 12.00midnight

This authentic award winning Thai restaurant with its romantic setting overlooking the pool and lush gardens makes diners feel as though they have been transported back to the heart of old Siam. The restaurant offers traditional Thai Cuisine with an extensive range of Thai delicacies from Tom Yum Koong Soup to Pad

Thai Noodles, all of which are exquisitely presented in truly hospitable Thai style. Guests can dine at the poolside or in the beautifully decorated indoor restaurant. Once tasted and seen, this is a restaurant you will want to visit time and time again. Opening hours: Dinner 7 days, from 7.00pm

DUBAI EXPERIENCE DUBAI

THAI BISTRO

Dubai Marine Beach Resort & SPA Jumeirah, Dubai Tel: +971 4 346 1111 Fax: +971 4 345 8808 Email: fnb@dxbmarine.com Web: www.dxbmarine.com

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SHO CHO

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Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa PO Box 5182 Jumeirah, Dubai Tel: +971 4 346 1111 Web: www.sho-cho.com

For those looking for great Japanese food, a fabulous bar scene and an ultra-hip setting, look no further than Sho Cho. This modern Japanese restaurant and lounge has become one of Dubai’s ‘must see and be seen’ places. Offering an eclectic Japanese menu which includes fabulous appetisers, main courses and the freshest sushi in town, Sho Cho is the favourite haunt for the discerning diner. Patrons entering sho cho are greeted by a soothing blue glow from the concealed lighting, in a room furnished with white leather sofas. Porthole shaped aquariums create the feeling of being in a submarine, which adds to the cool, otherworldly atmosphere... And this is just the inside... The much talked about deck area, overlooking Dubai’s gulf coast, has become famous for the

best cocktails in town. Here you can chill out on the deck, eat amazing Japanese food, drink specially prepared cocktails and listen to the best that lounge and house music has to offer. Sho Cho regularly features renowned international DJs from the hottest clubs around the world, and is known for a truly great night out. The Sho Cho experience is something that has attracted people from all over the world, and it’s the place to go for dinning out and hanging out in Dubai. Opening hours: Every day from 7.00pm until late. Dress code: smart casual.

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Flooka offers a unique dining experience of best in Mediterranean seafood with a Lebanese twist. You can enjoy the daily catch on the terrace with uninterrupted panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf. Our chefs are at the top of their game, offering such seafood mézzes (starters to share) as ‘makanek’, traditional Lebanese mini sausages, made the Flooka way, with fresh fish instead of lamb; our scrumptious fish taouk (kebab) marinated in Arabian spices and charcoal grilled; or our delicate croquettes, lightly breaded deep fried gruyere and prawn patties. Flooka also boasts a tannour oven (traditional clay oven) where fresh tannour bread is baked to order. Mains include ‘samak bil meleh’ (fish steamed in rock salt). You can also choose from an array of fish and shellfish from the ice display and have it cooked in the clay oven, charcoal

grilled or deep fried. Daily dishes include ‘seafood paella’ and ‘sayadiyeh’, a Lebanese dish of grilled fish and rice with aromatic herbs and spices. Light wood ceilings and a combination of parquet and marble flooring give you the relaxed feel of a real Mediterranean seafood restaurant. The visual effect of the bar, which is made to look like a wooden boat being built, reiterates the fact that this place is for ‘seafood food lovers’. Flooka is indeed a very special dining experience and one that Dubai’s foodies flock to. Opening hours: Fri - Sat 12.30pm to 12.00midnight Sun - Thu 12.00noon to 3.00pm, 7.00pm to 12.00midnight

DUBAI EXPERIENCE DUBAI

Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa P.O Box 5182, Jumeirah, Dubai Tel: +971 4 346 1111

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FLOOKA

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Mall Of The Emirates I Ground Floor, Fashion Dome I 04 399 0289 Dubai Mall I Ground Floor, Fashion Avenue I 04 339 8024 I www.fauchon.com

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BOUDOIR Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa Jumeirah Beach Road Tel: +971 4 3455995 or +971 4 3452662 Email: info@myboudoir.com Web: www.myboudoir.com

Boudoir, the prominence of Dubaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vivacious nightclub, soars eminently through the flourishing nightspot locations in the metropolis. Lavishly tailored with French Renaissance flair, the astonishing centerpiece crystal chandelier is dramatically enhanced by the alluring black premised furnishings, which work in perfection with golden-framed work of arts. The enticing light effects and avant-garde music bring everyone onto the dance floor, and the drinks menu will see you splurge with an incessant flow of drink varieties. This has been the rationale and the place where the rich, the glamorous and infamous celebrities were spotted and gathered. Boudoir â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the cradle of frolicsome nightlife at its best!

Opening hours: Open daily from 9.00pm to 3.00am

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HOI AN

Level One, Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai Tel: +971 4 405 2703 Email: f&breservations.sldb@shangri-la.com

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Opening hours: Lunch 12.30pm to 2.30pm Dinner 7.00pm to 11.30pm

Hoi An is an ancient Vietnamese trading port renowned for its traditional colonial homes. Aspects of this fascinating place provided the inspiration for what is an evocative dining experience. Fresh, natural and healthy Vietnamese ingredients are subtly fused with a modern French approach. Discover the many tastes of one

of Asiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest cuisines, from exotic appetizers to delectable main courses. A comprehensive selection of fine loose teas, coffee and liqueurs is available as guests linger over a fine meal in this intimate setting. Opening hours: 7.00pm to 12.00midnight

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The signature restaurant of the Shangri-La Hotel, Shang Palace offers the best of traditional Cantonese dishes in an auspicious setting that is perfect for any gathering. Experience the best qualities of the freshest ingredients available. Famous for the Beijing Duck and its delightful dim sum, visiting Shang Palace is a must.

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SHANG PALACE

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PERGOLAS

ZAIKA

Sheikh Zayed Road Al Murooj Rotana Dubai Tel: +971 04 321 1111 Web: www.rotana.com Email: fbres.almurooj@rotana.com

Pergolas is an informal, yet stylish, all-day-dining restaurant, with a sizable terrace overlooking the Al Murooj complex. The outlet serves appetising buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner, which feature live cooking stations. An a la carte menu option is also available.

Opening hours: 6.30am to 11.30pm 7 days a week

Zaika is a refined restaurant serving the best of North Indian cuisine in a very traditional atmosphere. Sensational surroundings, exceptional food and impeccable service are the main features. The outlet is designed on two floors and offers 3 private dining rooms for up to 8 guests each.

Opening hours: Sun - Thu 12.00noon to 3.00pm, 7.00pm to 11.30pm Fri - Sat 12.00noon to 4.00pm, 7.00pm to 11.30pm

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DA VINCI’S

Lobby Level, Millennium Airport Hotel, Dubai Casablanca Street, Garhoud Area, Dubai Direct: +971 4 702 8855 Tel: +971 4 702 8888 Email: sales@mill-airportdubai.com Web: www.millenniumhotels.com

Lobby Level, Millennium Airport Hotel, Dubai Casablanca Street, Garhoud Area, Dubai Direct: +971 4 702 8811 Tel: +971 4 702 8888 Email: sales@mill-airportdubai.com Web: www.millenniumhotels.com

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The restaurant provides a perfect combination of excellent food and good value for money. Whether dining with a group of friends or on your own, Cactus Jacks always manages to serve up a good time. Opening hours: Sun - Thu 5.00pm to 3.00am Fri - Sat 12.00noon to 3.00am

This award-winning restaurant combines a warm Italian atmosphere with traditional pastas and pizza freshly prepared by our Italian chef. Open since 1989, it is a threetime winner of Dubai’s favourite Italian restaurant. The menu consists of a variety of traditional favorites and an extensive wine

list catering to different tastes and occasions. For a romantic or family meal, Da Vinci’s provides private dining rooms that are spacious enough for business lunch or dinners. Opening hours: Daily 12.00noon to 12.00midnight (open until 1.00am Thursdays)

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Serving up the best Tex-Mex food in town with a variety of excellent dishes and Mexican beverages and a nightly live DJ, Cactus Jacks is a clear choice. Cactus Jacks features a private gallery overlooking the restaurant’s bar area and outside terrace, as well as an inviting courtyard that includes a dance area.

DUBAI EXPERIENCE DUBAI

CACTUS JACKS

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For a beautiful day trip, the north-eastern part of the Persian Gulf is well worth a visit. Only a two-hour drive from Dubai, Abu Dhabi is the second largest emirate and home to the capital city, also named Abu Dhabi. With all of its modern luxuries and traditional Middle Eastern charm, it’s an ideal place to unearth the heart of the UAE. Characterised by a diverse range of glittering skyscrapers and top-class hotels, Abu Dhabi is a leader in luxury development and provides a lavish shopping experience for willing shoppers. It is, however, a place of contrasts and offers a dose of the old with the new, adding to its intrigue. The construction of Saadiyat Island, 500 kilometres off the coast of Abu Dhabi, promises exciting developments, such as the first international extension of the Louvre museum. It is tipped to be the only place in the world to house architecture designed by five individual Pritzker

prize-winners, due to open in 2012. This emirate also houses Al Ain, the proud birthplace of the late Sheikh Zayed’s father and home to the Al Ain Camel Market, the last of its kind in the UAE, which attracts customers from all over the Emirates and Oman. SHARJAH

The third largest emirate in the UAE, Sharjah is a pleasant 30-minute drive from Dubai. It’s the only emirate in the UAE to have coastline on both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, providing lovely scenery. It’s wellknown for possessing a rich cultural heritage, having won the prestigious UNESCO award in 1998 for being the cultural capital of the Arab world. The region boasts more than 20 museums and is often the first choice in the gulf for educational conferences and exhibitions of science and natural history.

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ABU DHABI

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On Sharjah’s eastern coast is Khor Fakkan. This popular beach resort is an ideal spot for sightseeing, as it possesses gorgeous mountain and ocean views. The region also features coral outcrops, perfect for both diving and snorkelling. UMM AL-QUWAIN

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The name ‘Umm al-Quwain’, meaning ‘mother of two powers’, is a reference to the great seafaring history of this emirate. It is one of the smaller members of the UAE, but that does not hold its inhabitants back – Umm al-Quwain has a history of high-paced water sports, including waterskiing, windsurfing, kayaking and jet-skiing. Adrenalinefuelled options are plentiful, as the Umm al-Quwain Aeroclub, known for hosting parachute and skydiving championships, provides the opportunity for hot-air

The name ‘Umm al-Quwain’, meaning ‘mother of two powers’, is a reference to the great seafaring history of this emirate.

DUBAI BEYOND DUBAI

KHOR FAKKAN

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ballooning, parachuting and skydiving. For those in the mood for a quieter way to explore the nearby deserted islands and mangrove swamps, both sailing and canoeing are also on offer. Alternatively Seneyah Island, across the creek from Umm al-Quwain city, is ideal for nature enthusiasts as it is renowned for being a sanctuary to many different species of bird and deer. FUJAIRAH

Further down the east coast is the quiet emirate of Fujairah, one of the only UAE members that is almost entirely mountainous. The area is fast developing into a key area for water sports, but is notably a hotspot for diving. Agriculture and fishing are the two traditional mainstays of the economy and still feature prominently in the area. Fujairah also has excellent commercial port facilities and is of strategic importance as a safe haven for oil tankers and cargo vessels in times of war. AJMAN

Ajman, the smallest of the UAE members, is bordered by Sharjah and Umm al Quwain. With an eye for attracting holidaymakers, this emirate has plans to develop nearby Safia Island into a coastal tourist resort. In the meantime, visitors can discover traditional crafts and appreciate the artistry involved in converting gold bars into Bedouin jewellery. For a brush with history, the Mowaihat archaeological site is worth a visit, as it is where a circular Umm al-Nar tomb was discovered – the first sign of Umm al-Nar habitation in the northern Emirates. Here numerous soft stone and painted ceramic vessels have been found, as well as a number of other cultural artefacts, such as copper utensils and beads, all of which are on display at the Ajman Museum.

Situated on the northern end of the Persian Gulf coast is Ras al-Khaimah. The beautiful coastline includes views of tranquil lagoons and beaches, but also shares Oman’s dramatic mountains. The area is attempting to make its mark on the tourism front and provides some unique activities for tourists. If the idea of a desert safari is tempting, then this is the place to be. A swim in the Khatt Thermal Springs is an appealing option, while a spot of hiking in the surrounding mountains is a superb way to explore this region. w

Did you know?

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Sharjah Heritage District, which contains 17 museums, was named the Cultural Capital of the Arab World in 1998.

DUBAI BEYOND DUBAI

RAS AL-KHAIMAH

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JUMEIRAH THE MEYDAN HOTEL

WELCOME TO DUBAI is featured in the following luxury hotels:

THE ADDRESS, DOWNTOWN BURJ DUBAI Tel: +971 4 436 8888 Fax: +971 4 436 8880 www.theaddress.com

THE ADDRESS, DUBAI MALL

THE ADDRESS, DUBAI MARINA Tel: +971 4 436 7777 Fax: +971 4 436 7788 www.theaddress.com

Tel: +971 4 321 1111 Fax: +971 4 321 5555 www.rotana.com

ATLANTIS, THE PALM, DUBAI Tel: +971 4 426 0000 Fax: +971 4 426 0001 www.atlantisthepalm.com

BURJ AL ARAB Tel: +971 4 301 7777 Fax: +971 4 301 7000 www.jumeirah.com

AL BUSTAN ROTANA DUBAI

BURJUMAN ROTANA SUITES

Tel: +971 4 282 0000 Fax: +971 4 282 8100 www.rotana.com

Tel: +971 4 352 4444 Fax: +971 4 352 7666 www.rotana.com

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Tel: +971 4 438 8888 Fax: +971 4 438 7888 www.theaddress.com

AL MUROOJ ROTANA DUBAI

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Tel: +971 4 294 1222 Fax: +971 4 295 4444 www.accorhotels.com

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT GREEN COMMUNITY DUBAI Tel: +971 4 885 2222 Fax: +971 4 885 2525 www.marriott.com.au

CROWNE PLAZA DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY Tel: +971 4 701 2222 Fax: +971 4 232 9097 www.crowneplaza.com

HILTON DUBAI JUMEIRAH Tel: +971 4 399 1111 Fax: +971 4 399 1112 www.hilton.com

HILTON DUBAI CREEK Tel: +971 4 227 1111 Fax: +971 4 227 1131 www.hilton.com

HYATT REGENCY DUBAI Tel: +971 4 209 1234 Fax: +971 4 209 1235 www.dubai.regency.hyatt.com

DUBAI MARINE BEACH RESORT AND SPA

IBIS WORLD TRADE CENTRE DUBAI

Tel: +971 4 346 1111 Fax: +971 4 346 0234 www.dxbmarine.com

Tel: +971 4 332 4444 Fax: +971 4 331 1220 www.ibishotel.com

DUSIT DUBAI

INTERCONTINENTAL DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY

PO Box 23335 Tel: +971 4 343 3333 Fax: +971 4 343 3042 www.dusit.com

FAIRMONT HOTEL Tel: +971 4 332 5555 Fax: +971 4 332 4555 www.fairmont.com

GRAND HYATT DUBAI Tel: +971 4 317 1234 Fax: +971 4 317 1235 www.dubai.grand.hyatt.com

Tel: +971 4 701 1111 Fax: +971 4 232 9098 www.ichotelsgroup.com

INTERCONTINENTAL RESIDENCE SUITES DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY Tel: +971 4 701 3333 Fax: +971 4 232 9096 www.ichotelsgroup.com

JEBEL ALI GOLF RESORT AND SPA Tel: +971 4 883 6000 Fax: +971 4 883 5543 www.jebelali-international.com

GROSVENOR HOUSE DUBAI

JUMEIRAH BEACH HOTEL

Tel: +971 4 399 8888 Fax: +971 4 399 8444 www.grosvenorhouse-dubai.com

Tel: +971 4 348 0000 Fax: +971 4 348 2273 www.jumeirah.com

HABTOOR GRAND RESORT AND SPA

JUMEIRAH EMIRATES TOWERS

Tel: +971 4 399 5000 Fax: +971 4 4 399 4988 www.grandjumeirah.habtoorhotels.com

THE HARBOUR HOTEL & RESIDENCE

JUMEIRA ROTANA DUBAI Tel: +971 4 345 5888 Fax: +971 4 345 8777 www.rotana.com

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Tel: +971 4 319 4000 Fax: +971 4 319 4006 www.marriott.com

Tel: +971 4 330 0000 Fax: +971 4 330 3030 www.jumeirah.com

DUBAI LUXURY HOTEL GUIDE

CITY CENTRE HOTEL AND RESIDENCE

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JUMEIRAH THE MEYDAN HOTEL

PARK HYATT DUBAI

Tel: +971 4 381 3333 Fax: +971 4 381 3344 www.jumeirah.com

Tel: +971 4 602 1234 Fax: +971 4 602 1606 www.dubai.park.hyatt.com

JW MARRIOTT HOTEL

RADISSON BLU HOTEL, DUBAI DEIRA CREEK

Tel: +971 4 262 4444 Fax: +971 4 262 6264 www.marriott.com

KEMPINSKI HOTEL MALL OF THE EMIRATES Tel: +971 4 341 0000 Fax: +971 4 341 4500 www.kempinski.com

RAFFLES DUBAI Tel: +971 4 324 8888 Fax: +971 4 324 6000 www.raffles.com

LE MERIDIEN DUBAI

RENAISSANCE DUBAI HOTEL

Tel: +971 4 282 4040 Fax: +971 4 282 5540 www.lemeridien-dubai.com

Tel: +971 4 262 5555 Fax: +971 4 269 7358 www.marriott.com.au

LE MERIDIEN MINA SEYAHI RESORT AND MARINA

RITZ CARLTON DUBAI

Tel: +971 4 399 3333 Fax: +971 4 399 3000 www.lemeridien-minaseyahi.com

LE ROYAL MERIDIEN BEACH RESORT AND SPA Tel: +971 4 399 5555 Fax: +971 4 399 5999 www.leroyalmeridien-dubai.com

Tel: +971 4 399 4000 Fax: +971 4 399 4001 www.ritzcarlton.com

SHANGRI-LA HOTEL DUBAI Tel: +971 4 343 8888 Fax: +971 4 343 8886 www.shangri-la.com

MADINAT JUMEIRAH, THE ARABIAN RESORT DUBAI

SHERATON DUBAI CREEK HOTEL AND TOWERS

Tel: +971 4 366 8888 Fax: +971 4 366 7788 www.jumeirah.com

Tel: +971 4 228 1111 Fax: +971 4 221 3468 www.starwoodhotels.com

MILLENNIUM HOTEL DUBAI

TOWERS ROTANA DUBAI

Tel: +971 4 282 3464 Fax: +971 4 282 3781 www.millenniumhotels.com

Tel: +971 4 343 8000 Fax: +971 4 343 5111 www.rotana.com

NOVOTEL WORLD TRADE CENTRE DUBAI

THE PALACE – THE OLD TOWN

Tel: +971 4 332 0000 Fax: +971 4 332 0001 www.novotel.com

ONE AND ONLY ROYAL MIRAGE DUBAI Tel: +971 4 399 9999 Fax: +971 4 399 9998 www.oneandonlyresorts.com

Tel: +971 4 428 7888 Fax: +971 4 428 7999 www.theaddress.com

THE WESTIN DUBAI MINA SEYAHI BEACH RESORT AND MARINA Tel: +971 4 399 4141 Fax: +971 4 399 3000 www.starwoodhotels.com

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DUBAI LUXURY HOTEL GUIDE

Tel: +971 4 222 7171 Fax: +971 4 228 4777 www.radissonblu.com

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Keep an eye out for Welcome To Abu Dhabi in the following locations: ABU DHABI HILTON

LE MERIDIEN ABU DHABI

Tel: +971 2 681 1900 Fax: +971 2 681 1696 www.hilton.com

Tel: +971 2 644 6666 Fax: +971 2 644 0348 www.lemeridienabudhabi.com

AL AIN HILTON

LE ROYAL MERIDIEN ABU DHABI

AL AIN ROTANA Tel: +971 3 754 5111 Fax: +971 3 754 5444 www.rotana.com

BEACH ROTANA HOTEL AND TOWERS Tel: +971 2 697 9000 Fax: +971 2 644 2111 www.rotana.com

Tel: +971 2 674 2020 Fax: +971 2 674 2552 www.leroyalmeridienabudhabi.com

MILLENNIUM HOTEL ABU DHABI Tel: +971 2 614 6000 Fax: +971 2 614 6005 www.millenniumhotels.com

NOVOTEL CENTRE HOTEL Tel: +971 2 633 3555 Fax: +971 2 634 3633 www.novotel.com

CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL ABU DHABI

QASR AL SARAB DESERT RESORT BY ANANTARA

Tel: +971 2 621 0000 Fax: +971 2 621 7444 www.ichotelsgroup.com

Tel: +971 2 886 2088 Fax: +971 2 886 2086 www.qasralsarab.anantara.com

DESERT ISLANDS RESORT AND SPA BY ANANTARA

SANDS HOTEL ABU DHABI

Tel: +971 2 801 5400 Fax: +971 2 801 5404 www.desertislands.anantara.com

Tel: +971 2 615 6666 Fax: +971 2 633 5766 www.sands-hotel.net

EMIRATES PALACE ABU DHABI

SHANGRI-LA HOTEL QUARYAT AL BERI ABU DHABI

Tel: +971 2 690 8888 Fax: +971 2 690 9999 www.emiratespalace.com

Tel: +971 2 509 8888 Fax: +971 2 558 5999 www.shangri-la.com

HOTEL INTERCONTINENTAL ABU DHABI

SHERATON ABU DHABI HOTEL AND RESORT

Tel: +971 2 666 6888 Fax: +971 2 666 9153 www.ichotelsgroup.com

Tel: +971 2 677 3333 Fax: +971 2 672 5149 www.sheratonabudhabihotel.com

HOTEL INTERCONTINENTAL AL AIN

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Tel: +971 3 768 6686 Fax: +971 3 768 6766 www.ichotelsgroup.com

DUBAI LUXURY HOTEL GUIDE

Tel: +971 3 768 6666 Fax: +971 3 768 6888 www.hilton.com

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cartier.com

Boutiques in the United Arab Emirates: ABU DHABI Hamdan Street (02) 627 0000 DUBAI: The Dubai Mall (04) 434 0434 / Emirates Towers Boulevard (04) 330 0034 / Burjuman (04) 355 3533

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