TRAVEX Dubai: May 2015

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MAY 2015

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DUBAI

A FAMILY DESTINATION

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After you touch down, let the journey continue with Europcar. Discover the ultimate car rental experience with Europcar. To begin with, we have an extensive fleet of the latest cars. Our car rental locations are spread across the UAE, ensuring easy access to world-class services. Our team of well-trained, professional chauffeurs makes your experience doubly delightful. Our Chauffeur Service caters to all airport and business travel requirements of executive travellers like you – no matter whether it is a transfer, day trip or travel for several days. Go ahead, celebrate every ride with Europcar.

• 24 hours Chauffeur Service • Well-maintained vehicles to ensure safety • Airport transfer services • Short and long-term rental • International car hire booking • ISO certified company For booking please call 00971 4 3381600 or reservations@europcar.ae For all other inquiries mkt@europcar.ae



.

Jumeirah Mosque Cultural Inductions

Experience Emirati Culture www. cultures.ae 9714 353 6666

Heritage Tours Cultural Meals




Editorial Chairperson Khalfaan Alkaabi

TRAVEX is the definitive dubai guide, an essential companion during a stay in the city

Founder & Managing Director Wasim Khan Founder & Finance Director Harsh Shah Editorial Team Mrudvi Bakshi, Sarah Azad, Shaz Riz, Khalfaan Alkaabi, Wasim Khan, Design Team

Research & Development Ken Rodricks, Tasneem Akil Sales & Marketing Monique Naval, Nasir Surti Legal & Administration Shamjeed Navan Veedu, Roba Printed By Express Printing Press Special Contribution Bhushan Kanekar, Boban Idiculla, Namita Ramani, Zomato Exclsuive Marketing, Operating & Brand Rights

Goldfilled FZ LLE PO Box No 487177, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Advertising sales@travex.org Marketing, sponsorship & strategic alliances marketing@travex.org Editorial coverage requests and updates editorial@travex.org

WELCOME TO DUBAI!

W

hatever one may travel for, be it business or fun, each experience should have some memorable stories and fun-filled times. We at TRAVEX are passionate about helping you make your trip to Dubai full of such moments, which you can recount back at home. From practical considerations like SIM cards, driving licences and transport options to finding the right spot for an adventurous night out or a day of family fun, we cover everything for you. Whether you are a connoisseur of fine dining or simply love grabbing a bite at a small marina eatery, we tell you where to find it all. And when you visit Dubai, the world’s dream destination for shopping, wouldn’t you just love to see as much as possible? We select and guide you to the best shopping malls, luxury flagship stores, designer boutiques, brand outlets, budget shops, local markets, discount sales and then some more. Remember to carry around a copy of TRAVEX when you are in Dubai, it is as good as having a Habibi - a local friend - with you all the time. With a finger on the pulse of the city, we tell you where to find the most happening events with the confidence of someone who knows the city inside out. And being avid travellers ourselves, we also recognize a special destination when we see it - check out some of the finest sun and sand experiences of Dubai in the next pages. And as they say in Dubai, “Ahlan Wa Sahlan”, TRAVEX welcomes you.

WASIM KHAN

Managing Director wasim@travex.org


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Send us your experiences of Dubai in 500 to 600 words and your travel diary could appear on these pages. Don’t forget to add those perfectly framed photographs of your trip too! Simply email us at info@travex.org.

While every effort and care has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions it may contain. The Opinions and views in this might not necessarily be that of the publisher. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission in writing of the publisher. Copyright Š Goldfilled FZ LLE. All Rights Reserved.

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DUBAI

THE ULTIMATE BEACH DESTINATION

traveller | airlines | stay | spa & salon | eating out | get, set, go! | metro route | night life monthly events

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APRIL 2015

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Contents

10

traveller

Entering Dubai......................................... 12 Information on visa options and all the must-have documentation

Staying Connected.................................. 13 Information on SIM card options and their features, along with dialing prefixes

Dubia: a family Destination........10

Arabic Conversation................................15

The Wind tower..........16

Emirati Culture & Beliefs.........................17 Do’s and don’ts, knowing the culture and religious etiquette

Transportation........................................18 Dubai Taxi, Metro, bus, water taxi & abras. Driving in Dubai and comprehensive car rental company listings

Airport...................................................... 26 All the latest airport news and information. Airline contact listings and flight schedules

Hyatt Place Dubai..................36

Embassies & Consulates......................... 29

Hotel Apartments.......44

Information on SIM card options and their features, along with dialing prefixes

Currency Matters.....................................33 Contact details of country embassies and consulates in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi as well as all the up-to-date emergency contact numbers

Money Exchanger .................................. 34

Fishing................51

The Walk at JBR.........................57

stay Hotels by nightly room rate range

FRAME IT Capturing moments

events MARCH 2015

eating out Gourmet food.......64

Best Dim Sums in Dubai.......................72

Dubai’s restaurants by cuisine

nightlife Hottest spots in the city to dance the night away

shop Dubai is a haven for shoppers

spa

36 46 60 64 80 84 94

Rejuvenation

Buddha Bar..........80

Carpets....................84

Spas, salons and meditation activities

getaways Explore the Emirates.

real estate Investing in Dubai’s booming property marketn

business Moroccan Bath.....................94

The global business hub in the Middle East.

Town Square...........112

102 110 118


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DUBAI

MAY 2015 | 10

A FAMILY DESTINATION

To recall the good old school days, English grammar had two degrees of adjectives – comparative and superlative. While comparative adjectives compared two objects, the superlative adjective defined the maximum possible upper or lower limit of the adjective. If cities too had grammar of their own, you will find that only the superlative exists in the syllabus of Dubai, and how! Dubai has the world’s biggest mall, tallest hotel, and largest aquarium. It is also home to world’s highest restaurant, highest nightclub and highest observation point. We might do well to add the world’s tallest residential tower, biggest indoor snow park, and the biggest indoor ski- resort. And Dubai is where you will find the world’s largest man-made island, highest water fountain and the second largest artificial marina, as well as the world’s longest automated rail network run without drivers. When it comes to fun, Rosso, the World’s fastest roller coaster is in Dubai. And the world’s biggest entertainment zone, Dubailand, similar to Disneyland, is coming up fast in Dubai. As for the religious minded, the world’s highest mosque is also to be found in Dubai. Quite naturally, the world’s largest handmade carpet is also in Dubai, in Sheikh Zayed grand mosque. Dubai’s infatuation with superlatives is not limited to structures alone. World’s largest gold chain, all of 4.2 kilometres long, was made of 22 kilos of


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gold for the 1999 Dubai shopping festival. Dubai is where the world’s richest horse racing takes place with total prize money of $27 million. Dubai police uses some of the most expensive cars in the world – the Ferrari FFs, Bugattis and Lamborghini Aventadors cost around $500,000 and Aston Martin One-77 comes at $1.79 million; remember, the costs are for one car each of the said model! And to complete the other end of the superlative spectrum, Dubai has almost 0% crime rate. So it is no wonder that 5.82 million tourists visited Dubai, in just the first 6 months of 2014. Dubai’s 603 hotels and hotel apartments offering 81,492 rooms made sure that their stay was a comfortable one. With such a wide range of accommodation options, Dubai is indeed the best destination for a family holiday and offers the best of sightseeing, entertainment, eating out, and of course, shopping. While the superlatives do get mind-boggling, and one may not have the time to cover them all, the must-see and mustdo for families visiting Dubai include: • Sunset visit to Burj Khalifa tower – see the bird’s eye view of Dubai • The Dubai Mall, Global Village and Souks – shop till you drop • Desert Safari – enjoy an authentic Arabian sands experience • Dhow cruise between Bur Dubai

MAY 2015 | 11

and Deirah – to take in the skyline of Dubai • Jumeirah Beach and/or the ‘Ladies Only’ Al Mamzar beach (on Mondays & Wednesdays) – for sun and sand, water sports • A drive on Sheikh Zayed road at night – to see the dazzle of Dubai • Children’s city – for kids from 2 -1 5 years to enjoy nature, science and culture • Ski Dubai at the Mall of the Emirates – indoor ski slope for skiing, snowboarding, or just snowball fights • Ferrari World,Wild Wadi,Wonderland and Splashland – theme parks, amusement park and water park, fun for the entire family While Dubai offers several luxurious options for dining out, the budget-minded will find value for money food at Pars Iranian Restaurant and other eateries at Al Dhiyafah road in Satwa, just off Jumeirah road and the Afghan

Kebab House behind Naif Mosque, off Deira Street. Other popular foodie haunts include the Curry Leaf in Mussalla Tower Mall at Bur Dubai, the Fish Basket at Oud Metha, Karachi Durbar and Arbel Iraqi Kabab at Al Muteena street, Deirah. These are the places where locals of Dubai indulge in food and eating out like the locals do will not cost you a fortune. When your family vacation to Dubai is about to end and before you say Ma’Assalama – goodbye – to the city, do give in to the lure of gold; visit the Gold Souk in Deira which is a maze of walkways with hundreds of shops selling gold or simply withdraw gold from an ATM: Dubai ATMs give out 24-karat gold in more than 300 different forms, ranging from bars and coins to jewellery by weight in varying grams. If you prefer to drink gold, the Golden Lemonade available at the Vogue Cafe in Dubai Mall actually has 24 carat gold dust sprinkled on to it.


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Entering Dubai

MAY 2015 | 12

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dubai Visa essentials And Documentation must haves Dubai offers many visa options depending on the purpose of the visit. The most common types of visa are the tourist visa and visit visa. The Tourist Visa has a validity of 30 days after the date of issue, and is valid for a 14-day stay once you have entered Dubai. It can be issued by a hotel when a paid booking has been made or through a tour and travel operator. This visa type cannot be extended. A visit visa has a validity of 30 days, and cannot be extended. This visa again can be obtained through authorised travel and tour operators, hotels and airlines. A 90 day visit visa is also available; One can check with airlines for special ticket plus 90 day visa package The Department of Naturalisation and Residency Dubai (DNRD) looks after entry permits and visas for travelers entering the UAE through Dubai. For more information on visa types and regulations, visit www.DNRD.ae for the latest updates. visa on arrival for below nationals Andorra Lithuania Australia Luxembourg Austria Malta Belgium Malaysia Brunei Monaco Bulgaria Netherlands Canada (Holland) Croatia New Zealand Cyprus Norway Czech Republic Paraguay Denmark Poland Estonia Portugal Finland Romania France San Marino Germany Singapore Greece Slovakia Hong Kong Slovenia Hungary South Korea Iceland Spain Ireland Sweden Italy Switzerland Japan United Kingdom Latvia United States Liechtenstein Vatican City Citizens of GCC countries Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia do not need a visa in order to enter the UAE

Carry a passport with a validity of at least six months if you are on a business visa, and three months if here on a tourist visa Ensure your visa is valid. Usually there is a validity of 30 – 60 days from the time of issue. GCC resident-visa holders from certain professions should carry proof of their occupation from the country of employment. Pick up a SIM card from local providers du or Etisalat (Details on page 13) Alcohol is mostly only available at hotels. The amount of alcohol permitted to be bought at Duty Free is four litres QUICK FACTS lways have your passport, National ID and A visa copy at all times urrency of UAE is the Dirham and anything C below 1 Dirham is known as fils (Details on page 29) anks operate six days a week B (Saturday – Thursday) and are open from 8.00 am – 2.00pm Banks and the majority of other organisations remain closed on Fridays

Carry a passport with a validity of at least six months if you are on a business visa, and three months if here on a tourist visa E nsure your visa is valid. Usually there is a validity of 30 – 60 days from the time of issue. CC resident-visa holders from certain G professions should carry proof of their occupation from the country of employment.


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Staying Connected

MAY 2015 | 13

TIPS o ensure your data plan is deactivated on your D roaming phone. S ome service providers in travellers’ home countries charge on disconnecting calls while on international roaming, so be sure to check.

ETISALAT Cost of SIM: DHS 55 with DHS 5 credit Local call charges: 0.6 fils/sec; Local SMS: 18 fils; international SMS: 60 fils; You can either pay 2 fils/kb or activate monthly packages for data usage. Top-up credit by dialing *120* and entering the top-up code number # You can check your balance by dialing *121* www.etisalat.ae

S pending a fortune on international roaming can be avoided by buying a local SIM card which is easily available. The only document required for a SIM is a passport copy. Etisalat and Du are the two telecom operators in the UAE.A visitor is entitled to a pre-paid package, and direct dialing around the world does not require any special activation. Refer to the table on the below to see what both service providers have to offer. PUBLIC PHONE BOOTH Though local calls from landline to landline are free, public pay phones require prepaid phone cards which are widely available in supermarkets, gas stations, and grocery shops

DU T he Visitor Mobile Line (VML) costs only AED 35 (equivalent of $ 9.54) and is loaded with free benefits*, so you can use it from the get-go! - 20 flexible minutes (national or international**) - 20 flexible SMS (national or international) - 200 MB of data *All benefits are valid 7 days from the time of line activation. **Minutes used to make international calls are applicable for 175 destinations Local Call charge is 1 fil/sec and Local sms @ 18fils/sms. You can either rpay 1fil/Kb or activate data bundle. 2 national numbers can be activated for free calls. You can choose AED 2 /per day for unlimited social media package. One can recharge by dialing *135* recharge code # for regular calling recharge, *136* recharge code # will give you 25 % extra talk time if you sure of suing it within 30 days, *138* recharge code # for usage for inly international and * 131 * recharge code # for charging data. The card is active for 90 dys and need to be topped up by AED 20 for renewal. Log on www.du.ae/personal/mobile/plans/ visitor-mobile-line-en

Know your Number If this is your UAE number 055 1234567 Calling from outside the UAE is: 00 971 55 1234567 Dialing you from within UAE: 055 1234567 Like in many countries, when dialing a landline from your mobile, dial the city code first and then the landline number. Abu Dhabi 02 Dubai 04 Ajman 06 Fujairah 09

Ras Al Khaimah 07 Sharjah 06 Umm Al Quwain 06 Inside UAE 04

Options to Refill Calling Credits Printed refill slips as well as scratch cards are available at super market, gas stations, grocery stores, and other authorized stores across the city for both, Etisalat and DU.


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MAY 2015 | 14

RESPECT FOR THE ROYAL FAMILY

The Ruler of Dubai is addressed as ‘His Highness’, and is looked upon as a fatherly figure by local people. In most offices and hotel lobbies, you will see pictures of the Ruler and Crown Prince.

His Highness Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan HH Sheikh Khalifa, the eldest son of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, was born in 1948 in Al Ain, in the Eastern Region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. He was named after his great grandfather, Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbout. His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the second President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the 16th Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the largest of the seven Emirates, which comprise the UAE. A worthy representative of the Al Nahyan family, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan grew up displaying a sincere modesty towards his fellow citizens. Today, despite his high position as President, he is renowned for his unequivocal courtesy and politeness, receiving people with the utmost courtesy.

His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi from 1966 to 2004 and First President of the United Arab Emirates from 1971 to 2004, is widely recognized as the ‘Father of the Nation’. He was born in Abu Dhabi around 1918, the youngest of the four sons of Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi from 1922 to 1926. After the death of his father, Sheikh Zayed was raised in Al Ain and it was here that he received the education that would shape his life and character. Schooled in traditional values, he had a deep love and respect for the environment and was initiated into falconry, which became a lifelong passion.

His Highness Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was born in 1949. On January 4th, 2006, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum became the Ruler of Dubai following the death of his father - Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Sheikh Mohammed embodies energetic and successful leadership. He is a man who has made promises and kept them; he has insisted on excellence and achieved nothing less; he has defined the role of leadership and fulfilled it. Thanks to his vision, Sheikh Mohammed has competently authored the Dubai success story in record time and put the United Arab Emirates on a unique course, which nations around the world co​mpete to replicate.


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MAY 2015 | 15

Arabic Conversation Arabic is the national language but it’s very easy to communicate and navigate Dubai without any major language barriers. Government departments, taxi drivers, store staff and hotel workers are very well versed in English, making traversing Dubai almost as easy as in an English-speaking home country. There is also a large expat population from all corners of the globe and as a result, a wide variety of languages is understood. However, trying to master a few basic phrases in Arabic is a nice way to show respect to local culture and traditions. on Public Transport Go straight Turn left Turn right Wait Please take me to...

Seeda Yaseer Yameen Intazir Laww samaht awassilniy lil

some useful Arabic Phrases Hello/ Welcome Marhaba How Are You? Kayf haalak? (m) / haalik? (f) Fine, Praise be to Bi Khair, Zayn or Al Allah HamduLillah And You? Wa Ant? (m) Wa Anti? (f) What is your Ma esmouk (m)? Ma name? esmouki? (f) My name is ….. Esmi (Name) Where are you Inta Min Weyn from? What’s new? Mal Jadeed Nothing much La ShaiJadeed Thank you Shukran You’re welcome Aafwaan Congratulations Mabrook Everything okay KulluTamaam Excuse me Laww samaht Sorry Aasiff! No problem La moshkelah Nice to meet you Motasharefon (m) / motashare fatun (f) bema’refatek Goodbye Masalaama See you later Araka (m) / Araki (f) Fi’ Ma’Baad Good night AlaKhair I do not Laa afham understand. I’m lost Ana dhaaye-a Please Min faddlak Yes Na-am No Laa

Shopping How much is it? What is the final price?

Bikam haatha? Haatha Akher se-er? Days of the week

At a restaurant: Please bring me the menu I can’t eat salt I’m a diabetic Can I have the bill please? Enjoy (for meals)

Mumkin ta-atiyniy qaaimat il-akel Ana laa aakul il-milh Ana aaindiy is- sukkariy Al-hissab laww samaht? Shahiatayebah!

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Al-ahad Al-ithnayn Ath-thulathaa Al-arbi’aa Al-khamiis Al-jumu’a As-sabt

numbers Zero One / First Two / Second Three / Third Four / Fourth Five / Fifth Six

Sifr Waheed / Awaal Etnein / Dhani Talata / Dhalidh Arbaa / Radi Khamsa / Khamis Sitta

Seven Eight Nine Ten Fifty One Hundred One Thousand

Sabaa Thamania Tesaa Ashaara Khamsin Me-a Alf


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MAY 2015 | 16

A wind tower or Barjeel is the traditional architecture found throughout the Arabian Gulf, in particular Dubai & Bahrain, and also throughout Persia, parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Its origins go as far back as Ancient Egypt, with examples of wind tower construction dating back to 3100BC.

The Wind tower

An Early Feature of Residential Life in Dubai

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n arid climates the wind tower acts as a ventilation system allowing hot air to rise out the top of it, and cooler directed winds to flow down into the home. Wind tower houses along the Dubai Creek were constructed of palm fronds known as Bait Areesh and was the standard material used for constructing homes in the region pre-1900’s. The Coral or Sea Stone home locally known as Bait Morjan was constructed using sea stone and coral from the Dubai Creek which was stacked in a bricking fashion, set with a mixture of mud, sand, gypsum and sometimes limestone. Later the building was covered with a layer of sand, mud and rock for added insulation and protection. The oldest of these types of homes date back to the 1800’s. Historians attribute this abrupt change in building materials to a fire that swept through the Deira side of Creek in 1894, virtually destroying most of the market and surrounding Areesh homes. Residents looked to a more fire resistant material in the construction of their homes and sea stone and coral were readily available. At the turn the 20th century these buildings were considered to be the best type of home, and

in the early 1900’s only a few landmarks, such as the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House in Al Shindagah were built of sea stone and coral using wind tower technology. In the past these types of buildings signified wealth and status. The later more elaborate homes were built with a central courtyard or majlis commonly seen in Islamic architecture, and the wind towers would be situated on one or more exterior rooms. This type of construction became more common as merchants and traders, and local families settled along the Dubai Creek and their living conditions gradually improved. The homes along the Dubai’s Creek eastern shore in Bur Dubai are separated into two sections separated by the Souq Al Kabir or Meena Bazzar, the Al Fahidi Historic District (formerly known as Al Bastakiya) and Al Shindagah where the Al Maktoum’s ruling family resided. In the 1980’s a restoration project began to preserve these original homes along the Dubai Creek. The area known as Al Fahidi Historic District, (Al Bastakiya) is the center of the restoration effort and the neighborhood, open to the public contains more than 55 homes. The Sheikh Mohammed Centre

for Cultural Understanding has called this neighborhood home since 2004, and occupies one of the original wind tower houses. Visitors can take a tour of the neighborhood with the centre year round. The second phase of restoration is continuing in Al Shindagah area and currently you will find a labyrinth of historic homes and Mosques, as well as the Diving Village. The Sheikh Saeed House now a museum, is one the original residences of the ruling family and formerly the seat of government in Dubai. These historic areas are open year round, but the best times to visit are in the cooler months so that you can spend more time in the beautiful neighborhoods meandering through the homes, art galleries, restaurants, boutique hotels, museums and cultural centre. The SMCCU provides a variety of authentic Emirati cultural experiences for individuals as well as institutions. Please visit our website at www.cultures.ae for more information contact the SMCCU offices at 9714 353 6666.


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MAY 2015 | 17

Emirati

Culture & Beliefs Though the modernisation of Dubai and the prevalence of the English language makes visitors feel quite at home, it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the local customs to avoid causing any offence during your stay. RESPECTING THE RELIGION The United Arab Emirates is a Muslim country and as you would expect, the Islamic faith permeates almost every aspect of life and culture here. A common sound is the Adhan (call to prayer) from nearby mosques which occurs five times in a day. During prayer time (five to 10 minutes) leverage is given for activities to be put on hold if one intends to pray. Usually, people visit the mosque or nearby prayer room, although folllowers are permitted to pray wherever is convenient.

the Meet and Greet The traditional greeting between Emirati men involves exchanging kisses on the cheek, or connecting with each other by the tip of the nose.

Emirati women greet each other with multiple kisses on the cheek. This greeting can be exchanged only among the same gender.

TIPS Do not distract those who are praying, or walk in front of them. D o not enter the mosque unless on a guided tour P lease remove shoes before entering a mosque. W omen should carry scarves to cover their heads Do not offer a handshake to an Emirati of an opposite gender. Photography of Emirati women is not permitted. Showing of strong emotion in public, even if in a legal relationship, is not accepted. Revealing dress in public and in family places is looked upon as a sign of disrespect. Alcohol is only available in hotels. Don’t consume alcohol elsewhere. Consumption/possession of drugs is prohibited and can be penalised by life imprisonment Dubai follows strict traffic rules, and the same applies for pedestrians - jaywalking is not allowed and offenders can be heavily fined, use zebra crossings and foot bridges to cross roads. The Sheikh Mohammed Centre of Cultural Understanding is a MUST VISIT, to understand the Emirati culture and also experience the award winning programs. 04 353 6666, Bur Dubai.


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MAY 2015 | 18

NoL: Your 24/7 Transport Access Key Benefits of Nol Cards You can travel around Dubai, and pay for parking, using a single card You no longer need to carry cash or worry about having the correct change You will enjoy low cost fares and flexible transfers across different modes of transport Special fares are available for concession types of nol blue card (for students, senior citizens and those with special needs)

NoL Card is a smart card that enables you to pay for the use of various RTA (Road Transport Authority) modes in Dubai with a single card. You can use your NoL Card to travel on Dubai Metro, buses and water taxis, as well as to purchase RTA’s Paid Parking. NoL comes with a simple electronic swipe- and-go operation where the cost of travel is automatically calculated based on the destination of embarkation and disembarkation. There are various types of NoL card depending on your usage. The silver NoL card is the most popular and its features are outlined below.

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Cost: DHS 20 (with an e-purse* value of DHS 14) *Minimum DHS 7.50 should be there in the NoL card to use any public transport For use on: Metro, Dubai Bus, Water Taxi, Paid Parking Purchased from: Metro stations, Metro ticket offices, RTA customer service centres, Authorised sales agents Documents required: none Activation required: none Validity: five years Refill limit: DHS 5000

Y ou can top-up NoL cards by paying at the counter or at ticket machines at metro stations and other locations. Cash is not accepted to board the metro, bus or water taxis. Only one NoL card can be used per person on a single trip. Loss of the card should be reported immediately. Children below the age of five are allowed free travel within Dubai


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MAY 2015 | 19

METRO

Dubai Metro is a driverless, fully automated metro rail network consisting of the Red and Green Line. The Green Line has 20 stations and the Red Line has 29. (Rashidiya to Jebel Ali).

TRIVIA 9 stations, 9 underground 4 75 kilometers Dubai Metro currently carries 13,000 passengers per hour, per day and has the peak capacity to carry 26,000 passengers per hour, per day

A DIFFERENT CLASS

CHANGING ROUTES / EXITS:

The Metro is split into three classes: Gold class, women and children, and Silver class. Gold class has 18 seats and is furnished with a plush interior Women and children’s class has space for strollers and bags All train cards have reserved wheelchair spaces for those with special needs Gold Class is at the front of the train if you are travelling towards Jebel Ali and at the back if you are headed towards Rashidiya

There are two stations to swap from the Red Line to the Green line, Union and BurJuman There are two – four exits at each metro station so ensure and ask for the correct exit for your destination. DON’Ts Travellers are not permitted to eat, drink or sleep on the metro. PAYMENT You can either pay a ticket or use NoL Card

TRAVEL FRIENDLY

Operating Hours:

Metro Stations are manned by wardens to help travellers around the metro. Trains run at a frequency of three minutes during peak hours.

Saturday – Wednesday 5.30am to midnight Thursday 5.30am to 1am Friday 1pm to 1am

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TRAM

MAY 2015 | 20

The Dubai Tram is a tramway located in Al Sufouh, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It runs for 14.5 KM (9.0 mi) along Al Sufouh Road from Dubai Marina to the Burj Al Arab and the Mall of the Emirates

A DIFFERENT CLASS ubai Tram system is fully air-conditioned. Each D tram measures 44 meters in length with a capacity of 405 passengers T he Tram has one carriage designated for the gold class, two carriages for women & children and the remaining 4 carriages are for the standard Silver Class. Phase One tram fleet consists of 11 trams T he Dubai Tram is linked with the Dubai Metro in two stations, namely the Damac and the Jumeirah Lakes Towers stops, in order to ensure the integration of public transport means and ease the mobility of travellers around and Marina and JBR areas.

TRIVIA P hase One of Dubai Tram includes 11 stations, covering densely populated areas along the tramway line, out of which, seven stations at road level and four stations are elevated. The passenger platform in Tram stations spans 45 meters Dubai Tram is the first tram in the world equipped with Platform Screen Doors that are fully aligned with the tram’s doors opening and closing mechanism Dubai Tram is considered the world’s first tramway project outside France powered by a ground-based electric supply system extending along the track, thus obviating the need for overhead power cables. Kempinski

Taj Exotica

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

Royal Amwaj Palm Jumeirah

One & Only

Sheraton Jumeirah

Ritz Carlton

Le Royal Meridien

Le Meridien Mina Siyahi

Westin

Rixos the Palm

One & Only Royal Mirage

The Walk Al Sufouh Dubai College Dubai Media City

Emirates Hills

Emirates Golf Course

Knowledge Village

Madinat Jumeirah


TRAVELLER

MAY 2015 | 21

DUBAI BUS CONNECTING DUBAI WITH CONVeNIENCE The Dubai bus service is a well-managed transport system, one that is used extensively by the city’s commuters. It consists of nine bus stations, over 1,860 bus stops, 1,302 passenger shelters, and point timetables at more than 500 bus stops for traveller convenience. The bus service is available throughout the day and visitors to the city will find a bus stop outside every Dubai Metro station. Night buses are available for travel in the evening with bus stops and stations at major points across the city. Visitors to Dubai can also use the bus for onward travel to other Emirates and special routes operate daily. An airport bus service is available 24/7, connecting the airport to the city, while a free shuttle service transfers between terminals.

TIPS P lease pick up a time schedule book available at all bus stations

TRIVIA L ocal bus service 6am til midnight every 5 minutes Airport bus service to city 24 hours, every 30 minutes Inter-terminal shuttle service 24 hours, every 20 mins Dubai to onwards, from Jebel Ali 8am – 8pm Metro feeder buses 6am - 1am Cash is not accepted on Dubai buses so ensure you have a NoL Card One NoL card is valid for one passenger only The front of the bus is reserved for women and children Eating is not allowed on the bus


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MAY 2015 | 22

DUBAI TAXI

Along with the metro and bus, opting for a taxi is a convenient and affordable way to get around the city

Special taxis are available for ladies and can be identified by their pink roof.The cars are driven by women from the airport and have extra baggage space and room for wheelchairs.

TAXI BOOKING Dubai Taxi (red roof) 04 - 2080808 Al Arabia Taxi (green roof) 04 – 2855566 City Taxi (white roof) 04 – 3331110 Cars Taxi (blue roof) 04 – 2693344 Metro Taxi (orange roof) 04 – 2673222 National Taxi (yellow roof) 04 – 3399000

TIPS P re-book Dubai taxi well in advance if required between 4PM - 5 PM

TRIVIA B asic taxi fares are DHS 12, though the meter starts from DHS 4.5 Crossing certain bridges and highways adds to the meter with a Salik charge of DHS 4 Salik is not charged on Maktoum Bridge between 10pm and 6am. 5pm is the shift change time, making it a little more difficult to book a cab from 4:15 pm to 5:15pm Halla Taxi - Black Roof. Only for booked pick-ups, can’t be hired on road

DUBAI WATER TAXI Water taxis can be hired from the stations below, on an hourly basis, by calling 04 - 2080808

The oldest and most traditional form of transportation in Dubai is by boat. Crossing the creek from Bur Dubai to Deira costs just DH1 on a motorised ABRA boat service. As the city has grown, so too has water transport options. Water Bus (Dubai Creek)

Tariff

Frome Al seef station to Baniyas to Dubai old souk-(turns Back)

2 AED (per Trip).

Station (Marina Terrace-Marina Walk - Marina Mall - Marina Prominade) and back way.

2 AED (per Trip).

Al Mamzar Al Seef Jebel Ali Golf Resort Deira Old Souk Creek Park - A Atlantis Al Sabkha Creek Park – B Mina Seyahi Baniyas Al Boom Tourist Village One & Only Royal Mirage Dubai Festival City Al Ghubaib One & Only The Palm

Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club Jumeirah Open Beach Rixos Hote Shindagha Jumeirah Beach Park Dubai Marina Mall Bur Dubai Jumeirah Beach Hotel Mina Rashid Station Al Fahidi Dubai Marina Safouh Sofitel Resort, The Palm

Working Days / Hours Saturday to Thursday

Thursday Only

Friday and public holidays

7:00 am to 22:00 pm

N/A

10:00 am to 24 midnight

From 10:00 am to 10:00 pm

From 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

From 12:00 midday to 12:00 midnight

Frequency Time

Route Code

15 minutes

B1

15 minutes

BM1


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MAY 2015 | 23

DRIVING IN DUBAI

Dubai has a modern road network and routes are well sign-posted making it quick and easy to navigate the emirate by car. Motorists are expected to abide by strict traffic regulations designed to ensure the safety and convenience of all road users

TRIVIA isitors whose international V licence is valid should produce their passport along with an international driving licence. Without an international driving licence, a temporary one can be issued as long as the person holds a valid licence from one of the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the UK and USA. Canadian nationals must obtain an affidavit from the Canadian Consulate in Dubai, verifying the licence before visiting the Traffic Department. Driving in the UAE is on the right hand side. Pedestrians have right of way and drivers should slow down and give way to people crossing on foot.

BASIC DRIVING RULES T here are numerous speed cameras on the roads and motorways. Fines in the UAE are heavy T ail-gating, speeding, racing, lane jumping and using a mobile phone while driving are all against the law The UAE has a zero-tolerance policy on drink driving I t is advisable for children to wear seatbelts at all times and be seated in an appropriate car seat for their age Wearing a seatbelt is mandatory ot all international licences are valid; check before N getting behind the wheel or face a heavy fine



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MAY 2015 | 25

car rentals

ALAMO Hermitage Building Office No 101, Karama

04 3355447

TIPS A void self driving, if not confident; as if found guilty during an unfortunate accident, the car rental will still be applicable till the period of car repair.

EUROPCAR Office

AVIS Dubai Airport Terminal 2:

04 2245219 04 2995465

BUDGET Dubai International Airport (Terminals 1 & 3): Dubai International Airport (Terminal 2)

04 8840022 Toll free: 800 2722 +971 50 5573766 +971 50 6508189

city 555 luxury transport Raffa Road, Near Raffa Police Station P.O.Box: 103770, Bur Dubai – UAE +971 4 3938055 DIAMOND LEASE

Call centre

04 885266

Dubai International Airport (Terminal 1- Arrivals)

04 2200325

DOLLAR

Chauffeur service

04 3394457

Bus hire

+971 55 7898877

Dubai Airport Terminal 1

04 2245240

Dubai Airport Terminal 3

04 2203933

Jumeirah Beach Hotel

04 3481635

FAST Sheikh Zayed Road

04 3387171

Dubai International Airport (Arrivals Terminal 1):

04 2245040

Dubai Airport Departure Terminal

04 2200544

Office

04 2245222 04 2203013

04 3365065

Dubai International Airport Terminal 3

Dubai International Airport (Terminal 1- Arrivals)

04 2200325

NATIONAL Al Ittihad road

THRIFTY 04 3412921 Toll free: 800 4770 (04) 2245404

04 2060206 Toll free: 800 43789

Dubai International Airport Terminal 1

Arenco Building, Zabeel Road

Dubai Airport Terminal

800-38767227

HERTZ

Dubai Investments Park

Office

04 3394433 04 43381600

04 2832020 Toll free – 800 3031

SIXTH Office

04 3479777

Dubai Airport Terminal 1 & 3 04 2200777


TRAVELLER

MAY 2015 | 26

Airport Dubai INTERNATIONAL airport hAS EMERGED AS the world’s busiest airport FOR INTERNATIONAL PASSENGERS, outstripping London’s Heathrow in 2014.

Few would have predicted that, what started as a small base for British-operated flying boats, would grow into the world’s leading aviation hub. The first airfield wasn’t built on the site until 1960 and would grow to serve 66.4 million passengers, handling 22.4 million tons of cargo in a year, by 2014. Dubai International Airport today has three passenger terminals and is home to Emirates Airline, rated as one of the number one airlines in the world. Emirates shares the space with flydubai and 125 international

airlines serving 239 destinations across the globe. The airport is also home to a sizeable cargo terminal. To accommodate growing demand, a second airport, Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport, has recently been opened. Initially the facility serviced cargo planes but has oficially been open to passenger aircraft since October 2013. If completed as planned, the airport will have a passenger capacity of up to 160 million people per year with five runways, three passenger terminals and multiple concourses. AIRPORT facilities Childcare rooms to provide privacy while taking care of little ones. Dubai International Hotel provides meeting and boardroom facilities without having to exit the airport. Relaxation facilities such as a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and spa are also at the hotel. World-class medical facilities and response teams available 24/7. Prayer rooms throughout the airport, and in the car park areas. Well ventilated smoking lounges. ATM and money transfer/ Exchange facilities. 30 minutes of free Wi-Fi access, allowing access to emails and the web. Complimentary shower facilities located on the departures level. Special assistance and service facilities for passengers with special needs or who require special assistance. World-renowned restaurant outlets throughout the airport.


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MAY 2015 | 27

AIRLINES DEPART / ARRIVE AT TERMINAL 1 EMIRATES has been rated as a no. 1 airline in the world www.emirates.com.

Aeroflot Russian Airlines Aerosvit Ukranian Airlines AeroTech Aviation (Eastern Skyjets) Air Algerie Air Astana Air Berlin Air China Air India Alitalia Armavia Airline Austrian Airline Azrebaijan Airlines Bahrain Air Biman Bangladesh Airlines Bombasa Airline British Airways Cathay Pacific Airways China Southern Airlines Cyprus Airlines Czech Airlines Daallo Airlines Delta Airlines Donbass Eastern Ukranian Airline Egypt Air Eritrean Airlines

+971 (4) 222 2245 +971 (4) 221 1176 +971 (4) 299 4884 +971 (4) 295 9060 +971 (4) 224 5590 +971 (4) 214 6977 +971 (4) 214 6975 +971 (4) 220 0880 +971 (4) 216 2902/2800 +971 (4) 228 4646 +971 (4) 224 4281 +971 (4) 266 0122 +971 (4) 294 1403 +971 (4) 295 6860 +971 (4) 228 4042 +971 (4) 228 4034 +971 (4) 216 2895/21 +971 (4) 295 6295 +971 (4) 307 5777 +971 (4) 216 6865 +971 (4) 220 0966 +971 (4) 221 5325 +971 (4) 294 5666 +971 (4) 2161 853 +971 (4) 220 0216 +971 (4) 295 6295 +971 (4) 216 2830 +971 (4) 273 3082 +971 (4) 271 2449

Airport Lounges lounges at gate C23/C9 are usually less occupied and quite. Ahlan: p ersonal airport concierge service 04 2164195 AL MAJLIS: VIP airport service 04 2165287 business lounge at gate C8

Ethiopian Airline Gulf Air Indian Airlines Indigo Iran Air Jat Airways Jazeera Airways Jet Airways (India) Kazakstan Airlines Kenya Airways KLM - Royal Dutch Airlines Korean Air Kuwait Air

+971 (4) 216 2833 +971 (4) 216 2836 +971 (4) 216 1845/46/47 +971 (4) 355 7355 +971 (4) 216 6838 +971 (4) 352 0300 +971 (4) 224 4488 +971 (4) 216 1880 +971 (4) 299 4446 +971 (4) 216 2355 +971 (4) 224 4747 +971 (4) 216 2342 +971 (4) 224 4190 +971 (4) 216 1870/2848

other Airport contacts Sharjah airport 06 5581111 Abu dhabi airport 02 5055555 Fujairah airport 09 2226222 Ras al khaimah airport 07 2075200 Ajman & umm al qwain do not have international airports Libyan Arab Airlines Lufthansa M.E.A. - Middle East Airlines Mahan Air Malaysia Airlines Olympic Airways Oman Air Pakistan Intl Airlines Qatar Airways Royal Air Morocco Royal Brunei Airlines Royal Jordanian Airlines Royal Nepal Airlines SAS

+971 (4) 227 4224 +971 (4) 216 6855 +971 (4) 216 2864 +971 (4) 216 5810 +971 (4) 216 6850/45 +971 (4) 222 8689 +971 (4) 216 2370 +971 (4) 220 0946 +971 (4) 216 2898/67 +971 (4) 224 4515 +971 (4) 286 9499 +971 (4) 216 2922 +971 (4) 216 6810 +971 (4) 224 6102


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MAY 2015 | 28

AIRLINES DEPART / ARRIVE AT TERMINAL 1 +971 (4) 336 0530 Saudi Airlines Shaheen Air Intl Siberia Airlines Singapore Airlines Sri Lankan Airlines Sudan Airlines Swiss International Airlines Syrian Arab Air Taag Angola Airlines Tarom Romanian Air Transaero Airlines

+971 (4) 216 6824 +971 (4) 216 1866/79 +971 (4) 295 6295 +971 (4) 216 6878 +971 (4) 216 2808 +971 (4) 216 2849 +971 (4) 295 2221 +971 (4) 216 1862 +971 (4) 396 6255 +971 (4) 221 1176 +971 (4) 282 2199

Tunis Air Turkish Airlines Ukraine Intl Airlines United Airlines Uzbekistan Air Vim Airlines Virgin Atlantic Wataniya Airways Yemenia Yemen Air Thai Airways

+971 (4) 223 7776 +971 (4) 216 2882 +971 (4) 295 8994 +971 8000 441 5492 +971 (6) 572 5214 +971 (6) 557 1247 +971 (4) 216 1801/02 +971 (4) 216 2813 +971 (4) 224 4309 +971 (4) 216 2356 +971 (4) 224 4305 +971 (4) 216 2324/65

AIRLINES DEPART / ARRIVE AT TERMINAL 2 African Express Air India Express Air Zimbabwe Airblue Limited Alexandria Airlines Aria Air Ariana Afghan Airlines AVE.COM Caspian Airlines Condor Airlines Fars Air Qeshm Finn Air FlyDubai Georgian Airway GMG Airlines Hainan Airlines China Iran Aseman Iraqi Airways Jordan Aviation Kalitta Air Kam Air Kish Air Qantas Airways

+971 (6) 559 3816 +971 (4) 216 5828/29 +971 (4) 211 2540 +971 (4) 211 2535 +971 (4) 299 0809 +971 (4) 352 1010 +971 (4) 221 8008 +971 (4) 295 5666 +971 (6) 557 2522 +971 (4) 353 4444 +971 (4) 216 5814 +971 (4) 216 5818 +971 (4) 273 3394 +971 (4) 282 1522 +971 (4) 299 5961 +971 (4) 231 1000 / 301 0800 +971 (4) 316 6981 +971 (4) 406 0416 +971 (4) 3595000 +971 (4) 216 5808 +971 (4) 298 0003 +962 (6) 550 1760 Ext. 310 +971 (4) 299 0929 +971 (4) 228 1281 +971 (4) 216 5800 +971 (4) 272 0006 +971 (4) 504 8176

Safi Airways Somon Air (Tajikistan) Taban Air United Airways (Bangladesh) Ural Air Vaso Airlines

+971 (4) 299 8890 +971 (4) 393 6800 +971 (4) 266 5506 +971 (4) 273 9461 +971 (4) 335 2433 +971 (4) 282 6696

FIRST CLASS Lounge Emirates AIRLINES LOUNGES Indulge in a first class experience before takeoff. Emirates has opened its second First Class Lounge at Terminal 3 - Dubai International Airport. The lounge is the fourth premium Emirates Lounge in the airport and thefourth premium Emirates Lounge in Dubai. EMIRATES airlineS HAS A DEDICATED TERMINAL 3 HOTLINE: 600555555 Sales & Reservations Offices: Airport Area A Terminal 1 Entrance A - Terminal 3

Emirates Ticket Office: Clock Tower, Deira. Timings: Sat - Thurs: 8am to 9:30pm, Fridays: closed

Emirates Travel Hub: Dubai Airline Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road Sat – Thurs; 9am – 6pm Fridays: closed

Town Centre, Jumeirah Beach Road Sat – Fri: 10am – 9:30pm


TRAVELLER

MAY 2015 | 29

Embassies & Consulates DUBAI and ABU DHABI are home to almost all embassies and consulates of the world. Major world organisations are also present such as, UNICEF, WHO and RED CRESCENT, meaning assistance is never far away. Most embassies are in the capital while consulates can be found in Dubai. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (UAE): 04 4040001 For international calls, please dial +9714 / +9712 instead of 04 / 02

World Embassies and Consulates in Uae ASIA

Malaysia BANGLADESH

EMBASSY Al Rowdha Area, Delma St.,Abu Dhabi CONSULATE Abu Hail, Deira, Dubai

(02) 4465100 04 2651116 04 2388199

India EMBASSY Diplomatic Area, Off-Airport Road, Abu Dhabi CONSULATE Al-Hamaria Diplomatic Enclave, Dubai

(02) 4492700 (04) 3971222 / 333

Pakistan EMBASSY Diplomatic Enclave, Abu Dhabi CONSULATE Khalid Bin Walid Road, Bur Dubai

(02) 4447800 (04) 3973600

Sri Lanka EMBASSY Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi CONSULATE Al Hudhaiba, Dubai

(02) 6316444 (04) 3986535

Nepal EMBASSY Airport Road / Cornish Area, Abu Dhabi

(02) 6344385/ 634 47 67

Thailand EMBASSY Abu Dhabi CONSULATE Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai

(02) 4482 775 (04) 3985 843/ 3985 847

China EMBASSY Al Khaleej Al Arabi St, Abu Dhabi CONSULATE Umm Al Sheif Road, Safa 2 Area, Dubai

(02) 4434276 (04) 3944733

South Korea EMBASSY Saeed bin Tahnoon St, Abu Dhabi CONSULATE Jumeirah 2, Dubai

(02)6439122 (04) 3449200

Japan EMBASSY Mubarak Bin Mohammed St, Abu Dhabi CONSULATE Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai

(02) 4435696 (04) 3319191

Phillipines EMBASSY Street 8, Zone 2, Abu Dhabi (02) 6390006 CONSULATE Beirut St, Al Qusais 3, Dubai (04) 2207100

Russia

(02) 557 6551 (04) 348 9550

EMBASSY Khalifast, Abu Dhabi CONSULATE Umm Al Sheif, Jumeirah, Dubai

(02) 222 20 83 (04) 321 9498

EMBASSY AlMuroor, Abu Dhabi CONSULATE Al-Jumeirah 3, Dubai

Singapore EMBASSY Al Khaleej Al Arabi, Abu Dhabi CONSULATE Al Satwa, Dubai.

CONSULATE New Corniche, Abu Dhabi Mankhool, Bur Dubai, Dubai

(02) 6721797 (04) 3285347

Uzbekistan (02) 4422215 (04) 3947400


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MAY 2015 | 30

Kazakhstan

Greece

EMBASSY Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum (02) 4498778 St, Al Safaraat District, Abu Dhabi CONSULATE: Umm El Sheif Area, (04) 3397156 Jumeirah, Dubai

Iran EMBASSY Karama St, Abu Dhabi CONSULATE Diplomatic Area, Dubai

(02) 4447618 (04) 3444717 (02) 4418022 (04) 3584700

Palestine CONSULATE Umm Hurair 1, Dubai

(04) 3972020

Taiwan CONSULATE Umm Hurair 1, Dubai LIAISON OFFICE: Bur Juman, Khalid bin Al Waleed Road, Bur Dubai, Dubai

(04) 3977888 (04) 3977888

(02) 4454448 (04) 3985666

Vietnam EMBASSY Al Mushrif area, Abu Dhabi CONSULATE: Al Jafiliya, Dubai

(02) 622 3630 (04) 3094444

(04) 3498888

EMBASSY Al Masaood Tower, Hamdan Street, Abu Dhabi CONSULATE Modern Printing Press Building, Airport Road, Dubai

(02) 6328927 (04) 282 3338 / (04) 282 3041

Turkey EMBASSY Embassy Area

(02) 410 99 99/ (02) 441 76 66 (04) 331 4788

Romania EMBASSY Al Rodha Area, Abu Dhabi CONSULATE Jumeirah 1, Dubai, UAE

(02) 4459919 (04) 3492971/ (04) 3492972

EMBASSY Madinat Zayed Area, Abu Dhabi CONSULATE Al Kharbash Tower, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Trade Centre 1, Dubai

(02) 632 7586 (04) 385 7668

EMBASSY Al Otaiba Tower, Abu Dhabi CONSULATE: Dubai Dry Docks Complex, Dubai

(02) 6210162 (02) 4178800 (04) 3457716

EMERGENCY NUMBERs

Spain (02) 6269544/ (02) 6270585 (04) 331 3565

Italy EMBASSY Al Nahyan Street, Al Rowdha, Abu Dhabi CONSULATE World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai

(04) 3972333

Sweden

France EMBASSY Angle Delma street, Al Nahyan (02) 44 35100 street, Abu Dhabi CONSULATE Api Tower, Sheik Zayed (04) 332 9040 Road, Dubai Habtoor Business Tower 32 Jumeirah (04) 408 4900 Beach Rd - Dubai

CONSULATE Spanish Trade Office, Emirates Towers

(02) 6446693

Ukraine

United Kingdom

EMBASSY Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi

EMBASSY The Towers at the Trade Centre, West Tower, Abu Dhabi Mall CONSULATE Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road, Bur Dubai Jumeirah I, Street 14A

CONSULATE World Trade Centre, Dubai (02) 4496710 (04) 3988924

EUROPE EMBASSY: Abu Dhabi Al Seef Road, Bur Dubai, Dubai

(02) 6958000/ (02) 632.1920 (04) 4407600

Finland

Indonesia EMBASSY Sultan Bin Zayed Street, Abu Dhabi CONSULATE: Al Hudaiba, Bur Dubai

Netherlands (Holland) EMBASSY Al Masaood Tower, Sheikh Hamdan Street, Abu Dhabi CONSULATE Al Habtoor Business Tower, Dubai Marina, Dubai Germany

Iraq EMBASSY Al Safarat, Abu Dhabi CONSULATE: Bur Dubai, Dubai

EMBASSY Al Muroor Area, Abu Dhabi (02) 4492550 Al Maktoum Street, Al Reem Tower, Dubai (04) 2272106

(02) 4435622 (04) 3314167

Dubai Police & Ambulance

999

Fire Department

997

Al Wasl Hospital

334 1111

Dubai Hospital

271 4444

Rashid Hospital

337 1111

American Hospital

336 7777

Wellcare Hospital

282 7788


TRAVELLER

MAY 2015 | 31

Ghana

Norway EMBASSY Hamdan Street, Abu Dhabi CONSULATE Al Falah Street, Bur Dubai, Dubai

(02) 6211221 (04) 3533833

Poland EMBASSY Delma Street, Abu Dhabi

(02) 4465200 (02) 4410104 (02) 677 2000 (04) 348 0877

Ireland EMBASSY Al Sultan Bin Zayed St, Abu Dhabi

(02) 495 8200

Portugal EMBASSY Marina Park Office, Abu Dhabi (02) 6505541

(02) 444 8943 (02) 444 8949 (04) 344 43 77

Uganda EMBASSY Al Falah Street 9, Al-Bateen, Abu Dhabi

(02) 6659931

Burundi CONSULATE: Al-Nahda 1, Al-Itihad Road,Dubai

(04) 392 9410

Seychelles EMBASSY Murror Area, Abu Dhabi

(02) 491 7755

Sudan (02) 822 7502 (04) 397 7722

Libya

Egypt (02) 444 5566 (04) 3971122

EMBASSY Al Karama Street, Abu Dhabi CONSULATE Khalid Bin Waleed Road, Umm Hurair First, Dubai

(02) 445 0030 (04) 397 3972

Angola

Morocco EMBASSY Al Nahyan Street, Al Manasereen Area, Abu Dhabi CONSULATE Jumeirah 1, Dubai

CONSULATE Jumeirah 2, Dubai

EMBASSY Hamdan Avenue, Abu Dhabi CONSULATE Umm Hurair 1, Dubai

AFRICA EMBASSY DIPLOMATIC DISTRICT, Abu Dhabi CONSULATE KHALED IBN EL WALEED ST, Bur Dubai, Dubai

Algeria EMBASSY Al Safarat, Abu Dhabi

Denmark EMBASSY Umm Suqeim 2, Dubai CONSULATE Nissan Bldg, Najda Street, Abu Dhabi Umm Suqeim 2, Al Beteel Street, Dubai

CONSULATE Al Jafiliya, Bur Dubai, Dubai (04) 3982012 (04) 3987799

(02) 4433973 (04) 3496355

EMBASSY Al Mushrif Area, Salama Bint Butti St, Abu Dhabi CONSULATE Jumeirah 1, Dubai

(02) 4477042 (04) 3447541

South Africa EMBASSY Al Mushref Area, Abu Dhabi CONSULATE Khaleed bin Al Waleed Street, Bur Dubai, Dubai

(02) 4473446 (04) 3975222

South America

(02) 631 3088

EMBASSY Madinat Zayed Street 5, Abu Dhabi

Brazil

Tanzania EMBASSY Madinat Zayed Street 14, Abu Dhabi CONSULATE: Al Safa 2, Dubai

(04) 3940200

Ethiopia CONSULATE Al Mankhool St, Bur Dubai, Dubai Abu Hail Road, Al Wuheida, Dubai

(04) 269 9111 (04) 269 9111 (02) 6666300 (04) 3428111

(02) 4472022

Uruguay CONSULATE Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre 1, Dubai

(04) 329 7369

EMBASSY Al Rawda Area - Street No. 11, (02) 443 6838 Abu Dhabi Peru CONSULATE Al Habtoor Business Tower, Dubai Marina, Dubai

Nigeria EMBASSY Off Arab Gulf Road, Third Street, Abu Dhabi CONSULATE Abu Hail, Deira, Dubai

Chile EMBASSY Street 4, Mushrif, Abu Dhabi

Argentina

Kenya EMBASSY Al Manhal, Falah Street No.9, Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi CONSULATE Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai.

(02) 632 0606

(02) 4431503

Venezuela

(04) 2664642

EMBASSY Al Karama Street, Abu Dhabi

(04) 422 7550

(02) 445 2240


TRAVELLER

MAY 2015 | 32

GCC

around the world BAHRAIN

EMBASSY Paynoonah Road, Albuteen District, Abu Dhabi

Australia (02) 6657500

Kuwait EMBASSY Street 23, Mashraf District, Abu Dhabi CONSULATE Naif Road - Deira, Dubai

(02) 4477146 (04) 3978000

Oman - or Sultanate of Oman EMBASSY Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi CONSULATE Umm Hurair First, Bur Dubai, Dubai

(02) 4463333 (04) 3971000

Qatar EMBASSY Diplomatic Area, Abu Dhabi CONSULATE: Umm Hurair First, Dubai

(02) 4493300 (04) 3960444

Saudi Arabia - or Kingdom of Saudi Arabia EMBASSY Al Safarat, Abu Dhabi CONSULATE Hamriyah - Al Seef Road, Bur Dubai, Dubai

(02)4445700 (04) 3979777

EMBASSY Sheikh Zayed the First Street, Abu Dhabi CONSULATE BurJuman Business Tower, Khalifa Bin Zayed Road, Dubai

(02) 401 7500 (04) 5087 100

New Zealand EMBASSY Al Karamah St, Al Karamah Area, Abu Dhabi, UAE CONSULATE Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai,

(02) 4411222, (04) 3317500 (04) 3317500

Unites States of America EMBASSY Al Khaleej Al Arabi St, Abu Dhabi (02) 4142200 CONSULATE Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed (04) 3094000 Rd, Dubai Canada EMBASSY West Tower, Abu Dhabi Trade (02) 694 0300 Centre CONSULATE Khalid Bin Al Waleed Street, (04) 314 5555 Dubai

dubai duty free Over the past three decades, Dubai Duty Free has become a highly recognized global brand that has shown considerable sales growth, consistently setting new retail milestones, when it recorded sales figures of US$1.8 billion last year. The operation, which is the single largest airport retailer in the world in terms of turnover, is expected to achieve sales of US$1.9 billion in 2014. Its founding principal of providing travelers with a first class retail experience in a shopper-friendly environment and a diverse range of products still holds true to this day.


TRAVELLER

MAY 2015 | 33

Dirhams & Fils For travellers to Dubai and the United Arab Emirates, some knowledge of the local currency and its denominations is useful. Whether sorting out finances on arrival or haggling for souvenirs in the souks, it pays to make some time ahead of your trip to take note of money matters

TIPS T henumber 5 in Arabic looks like a zero in English, so be careful when reading notes and receipts The currency in Dubai is the Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) or UAE Dirhams. The abbreviation used is either AED or DHS. One Dirham is made up of 100 fils, although these coins aren’t often used. Fils are available in denominations of 5, 10, 25, and 50. The highest value coin is DHS 1. Notes are available in denominations of AED 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000.

Sam ple

5 dirham note

Sam ple

20 dirhams note

Sam ple

10 dirham note

Sam ple

50 dirhams note

Essential phrases: Where can I change some money? Ayn yumkin an asarif il-maal Is there a bank close by? Hal yuwjed bank qariyb min hunaa What is the rate today? Ma Kimat sarf al umlah al yaum Where do I sign? Ayn awaqe-a

25 Fils Coin

Sam ple

100 dirham note

Sam ple

200 dirham note Sam ple

Sam ple

500 dirhams note

50 Fils Coin

1,000 dirham note

1 Dirham Coin


TRAVELLER

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Money Exchanges in the city AL AHALIA EXCHANGE CUSTOMER SERVICE NO: 04 2593898 TOLL FREE NO: 600 546 645 DEIRA Naif Road: 04 2266007 Qusais: 04 2638585 BUR DUBAI Al Fahidi Street/Bank Street: 04 3535577 KARAMA Opp Karama Centre: 04 3977668 JUMIERAH Dubai Investment Park: 04 8847547 Satwa: 04 3326766 AL ANSARI EXCHANGE CUSTOMER CARE: 60054600 Head office: +971 4 377 2777 Dubai Airport: Terminal 2 Arrival Dubai Airport Terminal 1 Departure JUMEIRAH Souk MadinatJumeirah: 04 4362372 MALL: Al Barsha Mall: 04 3549361 Al Diyafah Centre: 04 345 8585 Lulu hypermarket: Al Barsha, Dragon Mart, Ibn Batuta Mall (2), Jumeirah Beach Centre: 04 3445622 Sheikh Zayed Road (SZR) Al Ghadeer Tower: 043291536 Al Murooj Complex: 0434 34 559 City Tower 1: 04 3321669 Gold & Diamond Park: 043471731 Dubai Internet City: 04 3918686 MALL: Mall of the Emirates, The Dubai Mall Jumeirah Beach Residence

04 4243880 Jumierah Lakes Towers 04 3687891 BUR DUBAI Al Gubaiba Bus Station: 04 3257512 Al Khaleej Centre: 04 3515879 MALL: Wafi Centre KARAMA Ansar Gallery: 04 3965389 Karama Market: 04 3353599 MALL: Lamcy Plaza DEIRA Al Riqqa Street: 04 2690741 Ansar Gallery: 04 2955873 Baniyas Square: 04 2503371 Fish Roundabout: 042221233 Hamarain Centre: 04 2694422 Naif Street: 042260806 Dubai Festival City: 042329698 MALL: Deira City Centre, Mirdiff City Centre, Lulu Hypermarket Al Qusaias AL FARDAN EXCHANGE Bur Dubai (Regional Office) Khalid Bin Walid Road: 04 3513535 DEIRA Al Maktoum Street, Behind Twin Towers: 04 2280004 Gold Land Building, Near Gold Souk: 04 2266442 Damascus Road, Next to Dubai Residential Oasis. Al Qusais: 04 2578303 MALL: Dubai Festival City JUMEIRAH Opposite Al Hana Centre, Satwa: 04 3988852 MALL: The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates

Al ROSTAMANI EXCHANGE TOLL FREE NO: 8004250 CUSTOMER CARE: 04 4543219 Dubai Airport Terminal 3: Arrival & Departure SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD Twin Towers: 04 3327444 Dubai World Trade Centre 04 3328339 DNATA Building: 04 3397777 Emirates Hills: 04 4538855 MALL: Ibn Battuta Mall, Mall of the Emirates, The Dubai Mall BUR DUBAI Al Khaleej Centre: 04 3511125 KARAMA Kuwait Street: 04 3344662 DEIRA Hor Al Anz: 04 2657727 Al Nahda: 04 2588979 AL SHARAF EXCHANGE Terminal 2 Arrival & Departure Bur Dubai (Head Office) Opp Ramada Hotel, Mankhool Road: 043554560 Deira Sabka, Gargash Centre: 04 2221036 Karama Al Kuwait Street: 043706211 Sheikh Zayed Road: Times Square Centre: 043234112 MALL: Ibn Batutta Mall JumeIrah Al Wasl Road: 04 3217340 Jumeirah Beach Road 04 4270354 Dubai outsource zone: 04 4240177 MALL: Mercato Mall


TRAVELLER AL GHURAIR EXCHANGE Head Office: 04 2535600 MALL: Deira City Centre, Al Reef Mall BUR DUBAI Bank Street: 04 3964845 MALL: BurJuman Shopping Centre KARAMA Opp Al Attar Centre:04 39777733 JUMEIRAH Al Diyafah, Satwa: 04 2953530 Sheikh Zayed Road MALL: The Dubai Mall GCC EXCHANGE DEIRA 04 2243655 BUR DUBAI FAHIDI STREET: 04 3540466 EMIRATES INDIA INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE CUSTOMER SERVICE: 04 3358514 DEIRA: 04 2232261 BUR DUBAI: 04 3536469 KARAMA: 04 3364559 SATWA: 04 3440514 QUSAIS: 04 2633636 ORIENT Exchange HEAD OFFICE: Customer Service: 04-2522599 AL QUOZ Al Quoz Mall: 04-3284649 AL QUSAIS Shop No. 1, Ground Floor, Spinneys Bin Sougat, Fortune Hotel Fortune Hotel Apartments Bldg: 04-2635462 Bur Dubai Spinneys Supermarket Trade Centre Road, Next to Burjuman mall: 04-3518429 Spinneys Mankhool Road Next To Ramada: 04-3859101 Wholesale Textile Market Paramanand Jethanand Bldg: 04-3531422

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DIP 1: Dubai Investment Park 1: 04-8895591 DIP2: Royal Parco Super Market Building: 04-8895591 DUBAI MALL: Lower Ground Level Dubai Mall: 04-3308720 DUBAI SILICON OASIS1 spinneys supermarket, near semmer villa: 04-3264690 DUBAI SILICON OASIS 2 Shop No. 4 Spinneys Supermarket Jumeirah Beach Road 04-3208200 JEBEL ALI: Nesto Supermarket, Jebel Ali Industrial Area 1: 04-8829200 JUMIERA: Shop No. 4 Spinneys Supermarket Jumeirah Beach Road: 04-3445943 KARAMA Kuwait Street: 04-3372666 MIRDIF Spinneys Supermarket 04-2884480 OASIS CENTRE Oasis Centre Mall Sheikh Zayed Road: 04-3397532 SATWA: Al Hudhaiba bldg. ground floor shop no 5, next to Al maya Super Market: 04-3448312

CUSTOMER SERVICE (WPS) 600522204 Al Muteena Deira: 042690914 Al Quoz Mall: 043214165 Al Qusais: 042988119 Dubai Investment Park-1: 048848744 Dubai Investment Park-2: 048829758 Jebel Ali Mall: 048829617 Karama: 043576621 Mina Bazar, Burdubai: 043590941 Musalla Road, Deira: 042324828 Naif Road, Deira: 042509381 Satwa: 043550337 Sonapur: 042574260

UAE EXCHANGE Al Barsha 04 3418822 Al Fahidi Metro 04 3796604 Al Ghubaiba Metro 04 3799895 Al Quoz Mall 04 3402972 Al Qusais 04 2617575 Al Qusais II 04 2930870 Al Rigga 04 2225636 Bur Dubai 04 3537070 DAFZA Metro 04 2513021 Deira Dubai 04 2268616 Lotus Boutique 04 2712100 Naif II 04 2297373 Dragon Mart 04 2519541 Dubai Airport Terminal 3 04 2567085 Dubai Media City 04 4255701 Emirates Metro 04 2559548 Emirates Tower Metro 04 3799470 Etisalat Metro 04 2344539 Hatta Emirates Cooperative 04 8526294 Lotus Executive Apartments 04 2658444 Internet City (Tecom) Metro 04 3792061 JAFZA Mall 04 8807811 Jebel Ali Free Zone 04 8873663 Dubai Investment Park 04 8850802 Green Community Shopping Centre 04 8854055 Jebel Ali Metro 04 8855219 Karama 04 3352444 Burjuman Metro 04 3578307 Lulu Village Al Muhaisaah 04 644402 Madina Mall 04 2809959 Mirdif City Center 04 2843262 Oud Metha Metro 04 3852136 Rashidiya Metro 04 2565837 Salah Al Din Metro 04 2552861 Satwa 04 3325435 Mall of the Emirates 04 3413133 Mall of the Emirates Metrolink 04 3996590 Dubai Mall 04 3398301 Sheikh Zayed Road 04 3866926 Union Metro 04 2502787 Deira City Center 04 2504265 DWC Al Maktoum Airport 04 8879628 Al Rigga Metro 04 2951988 Abu Baker Al Siddique Metro 04 2660662


STAY

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Hyatt Place Dubai Al Rigga Review Al Rigga in Deira has got a new home and it’s none other than the Hyatt Place Dubai / Al Rigga, the first in the Middle East by the global brand giant Hyatt. The second Hyatt Place is set to open in Dubai/ Baniyas Square this summer, which will add to their impressive 215 hotels portfolio around the world.

Deira is known for its bustling busy atmosphere yet the hotel seamlessly radiates serenity and style. It’s the ideal hotel for business travellers as it offers a range of 24-hour thoughtful amenities such free Wi-Fi for all guests, remote printing from the convenience of your room or anywhere, free public computers and a three-course business lunch. You can even plan to have your meetings at one of the hotel’s five meeting places. There is a 24 -our Stay Fit gym and guests can enjoy the complimentary breakfast buffet when they

stay at one of the 210 rooms or 84 – studio, one or two bedrooms. All rooms are spread out over 35-sq-metres and in fact have been dubbed ‘roomy rooms’. An added bonus is that the rooms can easily be converted to a triple sharing as it features a sofa bed or ‘cosy corner’. All guestrooms and suites are equipped with an individual air-conditioning control unit, a mini bar, tea and coffee making facilities, swivelling 42” flat screen HDTV, a secure safe and a work area with high speed internet access.


STAY Guests who opt to stay at the Hyatt Place Dubai / Al Rigga have just a five minute walk to the Oud Metha Metro Station, allowing easy access to all of what Dubai has to offer. There is a shuttle bus that reaches Deira City Centre, Al Ghurair Centre, Outlet Mall and Al Mamzar Beach. The hotel is a truly different place, where style, innovation and 24/7 convenience is a norm. In fact the 24/7 Gallery Market offers freshly prepared meals and beverages, ideal to grab with you before you head out on a tour or a stroll. If you want to dine at the hotel, then the gallery kitchen has an Arabic, Indian and Italian spread prepared just for you. The Hyatt Place Dubai / Al Rigga is located in the heart of many restaurants serving a variety of cuisines just a short walk away. Dubai is

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indeed a multicultural city and during your stay you can try Indian, Chinese, Arabic and Iranian dishes just to name a few. It is also just minutes away from the Dubai International Airport, the Dubai Museum, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, Gold, Spice and textile Souks, the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping mall and world’s most-visited lifestyle destination. Hyatt Place Dubai / Al Rigga is a brand of its own and once you experience it, you might not want to stay anywhere else, as it is, as the hotel says a ‘different place’.


STAY

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Dubai’s most popular landmark is a hotel. Not just a hotel, but one of the world’s finest, standing on its own manmade island. Welcome to Burj Al Arab.This opulent property perfectly shows that staying in a hotel in Dubai can be an experience, and a vacation, in itself. From beach-front spa resorts to wild desert hideaways, rooms in the tallest hotel in world to views of the tallest building in the world - It’s all here in Dubai. The city’s hotels and accommodation can be primarily divided into five options - landmark hotels and resorts, five star, midrange, four and three star, hotel apartments, and long stay villas and apartments. Airport hotels also provide a perfect business stopover without having to travel too far. No matter the purpose of your visit, Dubai has space to accommodate all needs.

250 - 450 Very Economical 450 - 650 Economical 650 - 850 Mid Range 850 - 1200 Affordable Luxury 1200 - 1500 Mid Luxury 1500 - 2500 High Luxury 2500 Above World Class Luxury

BUR DUBAI, KARAMA, JUMEIRAH 1 Very Economical Al Shams Hotel Apartments Bur Dubai, Al Mankhool Road, Behind Standard Chartered 04 355 1200 Ambassador Hotel Bur Dubai, Al Falah Street next to Al Refaa Police Station. 04 393 9444 Astoria Hotel Bur Dubai, Meena Bazaar, Al Fahidi Road, 04 353 4300 Chelsea Plaza Hotel Jumeirah 1, Al Diyafah Street, Satwa Roundabout 04 398 2222

CityMax Hotel Bur Dubai, Kuwait Street 04 407 8000 Country Club Hotel Bur Dubai, Sheikh Rashid Street, Behind New Gold Souq 04 398 8840 Golden Sands Hotel Apartments Bur Dubai, Al Mankhool Road 04 355 5553 Imperial Suites Bur Dubai, Al Rolla Street, Near Al Khaleej Centre, 04 351 5100 Jormand Hotel Apartments Bur Dubai, Al Mankhool, behind Standard Chartered Bank 04 352 2555 London Crown Hotel Bur Dubai, Near BurJuman Centre, opposite RAK bank on Khalifa Bin Zayed Street 04 357 2000 Manhattan Hotel Bur Dubai, Al Mankhool Road 04 351 4222 Palm Beach Hotel Bur Dubai, Khalid Bin Walid Street 04 393 1999

Panorama Grand Hotel Bur Dubai, Khaleed Bin Al Waleed Road 04 393 4777 Panorama Hotel Bur Dubai, next to Khalij Centre 04 351 8518 Pearl Residence Hotel Apartments Bur Dubai. Mankhool Road 04 355 8111 President Hotel Karama, World Trade Centre Road 04 334 6565 Rainbow Hotel Bur Dubai, Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road, Near to BurJuman Centre. 04 357 2172 Ramee Apartments Bur Dubai, Al Rolla Rd 04 352 2277 Ramee guestline 2 Behind New Spinney’s Next to Burjuman Shopping Centre, Al Mankhool Street Bur Dubai 04 355 3344


STAY Ramee Royal Hotel Bur Dubai, Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road, Opposite Al Maktoum Bridge. 04 334 4088 Regal Plaza Hotel Bur Dubai, opposite Jumbo Electronics, next to Al Ain Shopping 04 355 6633 Regent Beach Resort Jumeirah 1, Jumeirah Beach Road. 04 344 5777 Regent Palace Hotel Al Karama, Opp BurJuman Centre 04 396 3888 Rose Garden Bur Dubai, behind BurJuman Mall 04 355 8355 Sea View Hotel Bur Dubai, Al Mina Road opposite Dubai Ports and Customs Building. 04 3558080 Winchester Deluxe Hotel Apartments Bur Dubai, Al Mankhool area 04 354 3444 Winchester Grand Hotel Apartments Bur Dubai, Mankhool area 04 355 0222 Xclusive Hotel Apartments Bur Dubai, behind Spinneys, next to BurJuman Mall 04 359 9925 York International Hotel Bur Dubai, Khaleed Bin Waleed Road, Next to Al MusallaTower 04 355 5500 Economical Al Raya Hotel Apartments Bur Dubai, Mankhool Area, Kuwait St, 04 355 5200 Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa Bur Dubai, Al Fahidi Street, opposite Dubai Museum. 04 351 9111

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Burjuman Arjaan Rotana Bur Dubai,Trade Centre Road, BurJuman Mall 04 352 4444

Rose Garden Hotel Apartment Behind Burjuman Shopping Mall / Citi Bank, Bur Dubai 04 323 4999

Dhow Palace Hotel Bur Dubai, Kuwait Road, 04 359 9992

Royal Ascot Bur Dubai, Khalid Ibn Al Waleed street 04 355 8500

Four Points by Sheraton Bur Dubai, Khalid Bin Walid 04 397 7444 Holiday Inn Bur Dubai, near BurJuman Center. 04 357 2999 Howard Johnson Hotel Bur Dubai, Khaleed Bin Waleed Street 04 393 9911 Jumeira Rotana Jumeirah 1, 2nd December Street, Satwa 04 345 5888 Majestic Hotel Tower Dubai Bur Dubai, Al Mankhool Road next to Standard Chartered Bank 04 501 2666 Mercure Gold Hotel Jumeirah 1, Al Mina Road, Satwa. 04 301 9888

Samana Hotel Bur Dubai, Port Rashid Road 04 325 9966 Savoy Central Hotel Apartments Bur Dubai, Al Rolla Road 04 393 8000 Savoy Crest Exclusive hotel Apartments 10 B Street - Dubai 04 355 4488 Savoy Park Hotel apartments 10 B Street - Dubai 04 355 0303 XVA Art Hotel Bur Dubai, Al Souq Al Kabeer (Meena Bazaar), Al Bastakiya 04 353 5383 Ramada Dubai Hotel Bur Dubai, Mankhool Road, Next to Al Ain Centre 04 351 9999

XVA Art Hotel Since the 2003 inauguration, heritage and history have merged to create a constantly evolving designer haven called the XVA ART HOTEL. The inspired owner, Mona Hauser, has created 13 unique and individual guest rooms which showcase architectural and cultural motifs of the region. Within an internationally acclaimed art gallery, the hotel also boasts an award-winning restaurant. The hotel is located in

the heart of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, the oldest community in Dubai. Unique for its Persian architectural heritage, the mystery of its traditional maze-like alleyways and proximity to the Creek, Al Fahidi is viewed as one of the most important heritage sites in Dubai. XVA occupies the former home of the Seddiqi family. 04 3535383, www.xvahotel.com


STAY Mid Range Melia Hotel Kuwait Street, Port Rashid 04 386 8111 Park Regis Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed St, Al Karama, Bur Dubai, Opp Burjuman Center. 04 377 1111 Raviz Centrepoint hotel Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road, Mankhool, Bur Duba - Opp. First Gulf Bank. 04 388 7770 Tulip Hotel Apartments 5 A Street - Bur Dubai. 04 355 5505 AFFORDABLE LuxurY Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa Jumeirah 1, Jumeirah Beach Road, Opposite mosque, next to Open Beach 04 346 1111

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Dubai Grand Hotel Al Qusais, Damascus Street 04 263 2555

Broadway Hotel Deira, Riggat Al Muteen Road, 04 221 7111

Emirates Concorde Hotel & Residence Dubai Deira, Al Maktoum Street, Riqqat Buteen 04 223 0003

Carlton Tower Hotel Deira, Baniyas Street, After Twin Towers Deira. 04 222 7111

Fortune Grand Hotel Deira, Omar Bin Khatab Street, next to Dewa Office 04 271 9998 Landmark Riqqa Hotel Deira, Al Jazeera Street, between Al Ghurair Center and Reef Mall. 04 294 6677 Metropolitan Deira Hotel Deira, near Clock Tower 04 295 9171 Moscow Hotel Deira, Al Maktoum Street near Clock Tower 04 228 8222 Ramee Guestline 2 Deira, Al Rigga Street 04 229 9111

Grand Hyatt Hotel Bur Dubai, Oud Metha Next to Wafi Shopping Mall, 04 317 1234

Royal Falcon Hotel Deira, Salahuddin Street Al Muteena 04 273 2222

Movenpick Hotel Bur Dubai, Oud Metha 04 336 6000

Sadaf Hotel Deira, Omar Bin Khatab Street 04 2225510

DEIRA, GARHOUD & EXTENDED AREAS Very Economical City Season Hotel Dubai Airport road Deira Dubai 04 294 27777 Claridge Hotel Deira, Fish Market Roundabout, close to Al Ghurair Shopping Centre 04 271 6666 Comfort Inn Hotel Deira, Al Rigga Road, opposite Al Ghurair Centre 04 222 7393

Suhacity Hotel Deira, Al Ittihad Road Port Saeed, Dubai, near Deira City Centre 04 209 5000 Versailles Hotel Deira, Al Rigga Street behind Al Dana Centre 04 227 7880 Economical

Copthorne Hotel Dubai Deira, Port Saeed Road behind Day to Day. 04 295 0500 Delmon Palace Hotel Diera, Maktoum Street, 04 222 2333 Flora Creek Deluxe Hotel Apartments Deira, near Deira City Centre, Port Saeed Road 04 230 9000 Holiday Inn Airport Ummu Rumool street,Garhoud, Opp. Dubai int’l airport term. 3 04 290 0111 Holiday Inn Downtown Deira, Al Rigga street, behind Al Safadi Restaurant 04 228 8889 Hyatt Regency Hotel Dubai, Deira, Al Khaleej Road, 04 209 1234 IBIS Diera City Centre Near Deira City Center, 04 292 5000 Landmark Grand Hotel Deira, Riqqa Road, opp Al Ghurair Shopping Mall 04 250 1111 Lotus Boutique Hotel Deira, Naif Road, Frij Murar, Next to EPPCO Petrol Station 04 273 5555

Al Khaleej Palace Hotel Deira, Al Maktoum Road, near Etisalat Building. 04 223 1000

Lotus Hotel Deira, Al Riqqa Street, opposite Al Ghurair Shopping Mall. 04227 8888

Avari Dubai Hotel Deira, adjacent to Al Rigga Post Office, near clock tower roundabout. 04 295 6666

Marco Polo Hotel Deira, Al Muteena Street 04 272 0000


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Metropolitan Palace Hotel Deira, Al Maktoum Street, next to Al Dana Centre. 04 227 0000 Movenpick Hotel Deira Deira, corner of Abu Baker Al Siddique and Sallahuddin Road 04 444 0111 Radisson Blu Deira Deira, Baniyas Street, Opp Dubai Creek. 04 222 7171 Rihab Rotana Suites Diera, Port Saeed, Near Deira City Centre 04 294 0300 St. George Hotel Deira, Al Ras area, near public library, Gold souk. 04 225 1122 Sun and Sand Downtown Deira, Opposite Louts Hotel next to Hall Mark Hotel. 04 222 2110 Sun & Sands Hotel Deira, Riqqat Al Buteen street, near Clock Tower. 04 223 9000 Time Grand Plaza Hotel Al Ghusais, Damascus Road 04 233 4444 Traders Hotel Deira, Salah Al Deen Street 04 265 9888 Taj Palace Hotel Deira, between Al Rigga and Al Maktoum streets. 04 223 2222 Mid Range Asiana Deira, Salahuddin road, 04 238 7777 City Season Suites Dubai Port Saeed District, 8th street, Deira 04 294 27777 Hyatt Regency Hotel Al Khaleej Road, Deira, 04 2091234

Hyatt Place Hyatt Place Dubai/Al Rigga is conveniently located in the heart of Deira - Dubai’s historic district on the eastern side of Dubai Creek - famed for its accessibility and offering a wealth of enriching individual experiences to both business and leisure travellers alike. The hotel is just minutes away from Dubai International Airport and the key business districts of Dubai International Financial Centre,

Dubai Media City and Dubai Airport Free Zone, and is adjacent to the Dubai Metro and bus stops. HYATT PLACE Dubai/Al Rigga also offers easy access to many of the city’s best heritage and modern-day tourist attractions and world-class luxury shopping at Deira City Center, The Dubai Mall and Festival City. 04 608 1234 www.dubaialrigga.place.hyatt.com

JW Marriott Hotel Deira, Abu Baker Al Siddique Road, adjacent to Hamarain Shopping Centre 04 262 4444

Sheraton Deira Hotel & Towers Deira, Al Muteena Street 04 268 8888a

Jumeirah Creekside Hotel Al Garhoud, Deira 04 230 8555

Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City Deira, Dubai Festival City 04 701 2222

Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre Garhoud, opp Terminal 1 04 217 0000

Hilton Creek, Dubai Deira, Baniyas road Close to Deira City Centre Mall 04 227 1111

Le Meridien Fairway Garhoud Bridge, opp Creek Golf Club 04 283 3000

InterContinental Dubai Festival City Deira, Dubai Festival City 04 701 1111

Novotel Hotel Deira, Deira City Centre Port Saeed 04 292 5200

Marriott Executive Apartments Dubai Creek Deira, Rigga Al Muteen St 04 213 1000

Pullman Dubai Deira City Centre Deira, Adjacent to Deira City Centre Mall 04 294 1222

Park Hyatt Dubai Deira, along Baniyas Road, Opp Deira City Centre 04 602 1234

Samaya Hotel Deira, Riggat Al Buteen Street, opposite Dubai Chamber 04 703 3333

AFFORDABLE LuxurY

Hyatt Place Dubai Deira, Al Rigga Road, Near Rigga Metro Station 04 608 1234


STAY

SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD, DOWNTOWN DUBAI, UMM SUQEIM, AL BARSHA AND DUBAILAND Very Economical Abidos Hotel Al Barsha, Dubailand Residence Area 04 437 8500 IBIS World Trade Centre Hotel Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai World Trade Centre 04 332 4444 Premier Inn Dubai silicon oasis 04 382 1555 Economical CityMax Hotel - Al Barsha Al Barsha1, behind Mall of the Emirates 04 409 8000 Dunes Hotel Apartments Al Barsha, near Mall of the Emirates 04 323 6333 Holiday Inn - Barsha Mall of the Emirates 04 323 4333 Hotel Novotel Dubai Al Barsha 1, opp Sharaf DG 04 304 9000 IBIS Barsha Hotel Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha 04 399 6699 Novotel Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai World Trade Centre 04 332 0000 Rose Rayhaan by Rotana Sheikh Zayed Road 04 323 0111 The Apartments Dubai World Trade Centre 04 331 4555

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Towers Rotana Sheikh Zayed Road, World Trade Centre 1, Dubai, near Financial Centre Metro Station 04 343 8000 Suite Novotel Mall of the Emirates 04 382 3200 Mid Range

Shangri-La Hotel Sheikh Zayed Road, opposite Dusit Thani Hotel. 04 343 8888 Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road, Mall of the Emirates, Barsha 04 377 2000

Centro Barsha Al Barsha 1,Road 392 04 704 0000

Sofitel Hotel Sheikh Zayed Road - Downtown Dubai 04 503 6666

Crowne Plaza Sheikh Zayed Road, right side 04 331 1111

The Oberoi Hotel Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay. 04 444 1444

Dusit Thani Sheikh Zayed Road, Opp Shangri-La Hotel 04 343 3333

Vida Downtown Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road, The Old Town, Downtown Dubai 04 428 6888

Gloria Hotel Sheik Zayed Road, Next to Internet City Metro Station 04 399 6666

Mid Luxury

Radisson Royal Hotel Sheikh Zayed Road Trade Centre District 04 308 0000 Yassat Gloria Hotel Apartments Sheik Zayed Road, Next to Internet City Metro Station 04 381 8888 AFFORDABLE LuxurY Al Manzil Hotel Sheikh Zayed Road, Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, The Old town, Downtown Dubai. 04 428 5888 Damac Masion Hotels and Hotel Apartments Downtown Dubai 04 323 8888 Desert Palm Hotel Hatta Oman Road, near International City 04 323 8888 Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road, next to Crown Plaza Hotel 04 323 0333

Fairmont Hotel Sheikh Zayed Road, opposit Dubai Convention Centre 04 332 5555 Hilton Dubai Jumairah Resort Jumairah Beach Road, Dubai 04 3991111 Jumeirah Emirates Towers Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre 2, Dubai 04 330 0000 Jumierah Living World Trade Centre Residence Dubai World Trade Centre, Zabeel Road 2 04 511 0000 Kempinski Hotel Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road, 4th Interchange, Al Barsha 1, Dubai, Near Mall of the Emirates 04 341 0000 Mina A’Salam Jumeirah Road, Jumeirah beach 04 366 8888 Ramada Downtown Dubai Near Spinneys Supermarket, Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard 04 330 7330


STAY Ritz Carlton (DIFC) Sheikh Zayed Road, Gate Village, Next to gate 5 04 372 2222 High Luxury Al Murooj Rotana Al Murooj Rotana Suites, Financial Centre Road,Trade Centre 2, Opposite The Dubai Mall 04 321 1111 Armani Hotel Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road, Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard Downtown Dubai. 04 888 3888 Marriott Marquis Sheikh Zayed Road, Business bay. 04 414 0000 The Palace Downtown Sheikh Zayed Road, The Old Town Downtown Dubai. 04 428 7888 Jumeirah Beach Hotel Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim 04 348 0000 World Class Luxury Al Qasr Hotel Madinat Jumeirah, Al Sufouh 04 366 8888 Road Dar Al Masyaf & Malakiya Villas Madinat Jumeirah 04 366 4888

NEW DUBAI: MARINA, JLT, PALM JUMEIRAH Economical Lotus Hotel Apartment & Spa Marina Dubai Marina, near Trident Waterfront 04 4402888 Movenpick Hotel Jumeirah Lake Towers Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Cluster A 04 4380000

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Mid Range

Mid Luxury

Arjaan by Rotana Dubai Media City, near MBC Building, Al Sufouh Road 04 4360000

Grosvenor House Hotel Dubai Marina, next to Jumeirah Beach. 04 399 8888

Dusit Residences Dubai Marina 04 4259999

Hilton Dubai The Walk The Walk, Jumairah Beach Residence 04 3991111

Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa Jumeirah, Al Sufouh street near Dubai Marina 04 3995000 Media ONE (DMC) Dubai Media city, behind Shatha Towers. 04 4271000 Radisson Blu (DMC) Dubai Media City, ppposite HSBC Bank Middle East Al Sufouh Road 04 3669111

Jumierah Zabeel Saray Palm Jumierah, Cresent Road West 04 4530000 Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa Al Sufouh Road 04 3995555

AFFORDABLE LuxurY

Pulllman Hotel Off Sheikh Zayed Road, Exit Number 32,Cluster T,Jumeirah Lake Towers 050 640 2425

Bab Al Shams Dubai Al Ain Road, Al Qudra Area. 04 8096100

Ramada - JBR Bahar 7, Gate No 4, JBR 04 439 8888

Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites Dubai Marina, near Damac Heights, Al Sufouh Road 04 319 4000

Sheraton Beach Resort Sufouh Road, 04 3995533

Fairmont The Palm Dubai Palm Jumeirah, opposite Golden Mile 04 4573388 Hilton Dubai The Walk & Hilton Jumeirah Resorts Dubai Marina, Near Al Fattan Marine Towers Bahar Tower 3, Jumeirah Beach Residence 04 3991111 Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence 04 4484848 Sofitel The Palm Dubai Resort & Spa Palm Jumeirah, East Crescent Road 04 4556677

High Luxury Atlantis The Palm, Dubai Palm Jumierah, Crescent Road 04 4262000 Kempenski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumierah, Crescent West 04 4442000 Ritz Carlton Jumeirah Beach Residences 04 3994000 The Address Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai 04 436 7777 World Class Luxury Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa Dubai - Al Ain Road, Al Murquab Area 04 8329900


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Hotel Apartments It all started during the medieval ages, or perhaps even earlier, as quaint inns made of wood and stone that offered the weary traveller a place to eat and lay his head down at night. The latest in the evolution of such places are the hotel apartments that are fully-fitted with every little thing that a home would have. These serviced apartments can be booked for long periods, and do not have the restrictions of a contract involved in renting. Moreover, the checkout time need not be strictly specified in terms of ‘room nights’ as the hotel apartments offer wide options for the length of stay that range from days to months to even years.


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MAY 2015 | 45

U

nlike regular hotels, the hotel apartments allow the residents to clean, wash and cook, giving them a true homelike feel and convenience. Quite naturally, these usually find favour from those who wish to stay for long periods, including those who need an alternate accommodation till their new home is built or the old one gets renovated. Besides, travellers who intend to stay for an extended period of time at one place also prefer living in a proper apartment with different rooms instead of the single tiny room of a hotel, especially true for any major global city. Hotel apartments also evoke a better feeling of privacy and homely ambience, as compared to the regular hotels. In every sense of the word, the hotel apartments are truly ‘a home away from home.’ When it comes to Dubai, you will find several hotel apartments that will make you wish you stayed even longer. Also called aparthotels and apartels, many of them i are situated in Dubai neighbourhoods that are interesting and offer convenient transportation links to the main centres of the city. The Grosvenor House Dubai at Al Sufouh Road, Dubai Marina heads the list and is among the winners of Travellers’ Choice 2015 Awards; it is followed by The Address Downtown Dubai in Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, close to the

Dubai Mall. Being luxury options, a night at these apartment hotels costs around AED 900 upwards for a couple per night. The Flora Park Deluxe Hotel Apartments near Deira City Centre, the Moevenpick Hotel & Apartments in Bur Dubai, the BurJuman Arjaan by Rotana on the World Trade Centre road, Arjaan in Al Sufouh road, Media City, the Dusit Thani at Sheikh Zayed road and the Villa Rotana at Sheikh Zayed road, next to Mazaya Centre charge around AED 400 500 for two persons, per night. For those looking at the AED 300 - 400 range, the Savoy Crest Exclusive at Al Mankhoul Street, the Pearl Marina at the marina waterfront, the Savoy Suites at Burdubai and Park Hotel apartments at Oud Metha road, Adaf area would fit the bill. Al Khoory and City Stay at

Note: Readers should appreciate that the rates given are only indicative at the time of writing and will vary with the season, duration of stay and as per the apartments’ management discretion; the prevailing rates during your intended stay should be rechecked with the hotel apartments or your travel agents. Al Barsha, the Al Bustan Centre & Residence at Al Qusais, the First Central and Gulf Oasis at Tecom, Grand Midwest Tower in media city, Golden Sands in Bur Dubai and Lotus Grand and DAMAC Maison Cour Jardin in Dubai offer stay around AED 300 for a couple, per night.


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FRAME IT! Capturing moments Dubai’s richly varied landscape offers myriad opportunities for photographers with everything from dynamic cityscapes featuring state-of-the-art high rises to the rolling dunes of the desert and stunning ocean views to inspire an album of impressive holiday snaps

TIPS E nsure your camera is completely charged with an extra set of batteries. You don’t want to leave this experience uncaptured

al fahidi historical neighbourhood The historic area on the Bur Dubai side of Dubai Creek gives an insight into the city’s cultural side. Al Fahidi Fort can be found here and is the oldest building in Dubai dating back to the 1780s. Dubai Museum, Majlis Gallery and Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) are also here.

Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding TIPS Carry a piece of cloth or a scarf to cover your head and men and woman should not wear revealing clothing during the visit here

The tour includes a walk through the Al Bastakiya neighborhood of the Al Fahidi Historic District and a visit to the Diwan Mosque. Guests then return to the SMCCU house for a cultural discovery Q&A session and will be treated to Arabic tea, coffee and dates. Tours are held every Saturday 9am - 10:30am & every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30am - 12:00pm. Heritage Tour (90 minutes) AED 65 per person Creekside Tour (150 minutes) AED 275 per person, 10 person minimum. More details log on to cultures.ae or 04 353 6666.


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TIPS isit after sunset and enjoy V a meal and shisha at the creek side restaurants.

Heritage & Diving Village The Heritage and Diving Village showcases Dubai’s maritime history with photographs and exhibits focused on the emirate’s pearling past. Arabian handicrafts are also on sale as well as traditional Emirati food while vendors offer afternoon camel rides. The Heritage and Diving Village lies within walking distance of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House. 04 2081455 Location: Near Shindagha Tunnel

WONDER BUS TOURs The first sea and land bus tour in the Middle East that offers a fun-filled sightseeing tour in Dubai creek which will let you unfold the heritage marvels of Dubai. Adult/Child: AED 160/115 Family package for AED 500 (2 adults + two child below the age of 12) wonderbusdubai.net or call 04 3595656

TIPS Y ou can also plan your complete Dubai tour through their special rate packages.


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Top of the world: Burj Khalifa

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Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, standing at 160 storeys and more than 800 metres high. The tip of the spire can be seen from as far as 95 km away, and the specially designed elevators are amongst the fastest in the world, with a speed of up to 10 metres per second to take you up to the world’s highest viewing platform.

Takes you to the 124th level observation deck. A ED 125/ AED 90 (morning and evening) AED 150/ AED 120 (midday) Fast track AED 300 Sky Ticket: Takes you to the 148th observation deck and the 125th floor observation deck as well. AED 400 (General Admission) AED 500 (Fast track) For More information call 04 8888124 TIPS ubai fountain, The Dubai Mall, and Souk D Al Bahar are all interconnected and can be covered during a day trip to Downtown Dubai. For those who love to shop, spend a leisurely few days exploring the vast Dubai Mall.

HeliDubai

TIPS eliDubai now offers a new Night H Lights tour to see the sights as the sun goes down. Fly over Palm Jumeirah, Burj Khalifa and Dubai Marina for a fresh perspective on the sights and a view of the shimmering evening scene.

HeliDubai is the only helicopter tour company in the UAE providing aerial scenic tours of Dubai. Its packages include the heritage tour, explorer tour and the night light tour and are for 12 min and 22 mins. Heritage tour: AED 595 Explorer tour: AED 895 Night Light tour: AED 1095 Special group offers are available. For more details log on to helidubai.com or call 04 208 1455


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Burj Al Arab

One of the world’s most luxurious hotels, Burj Al Arab is also one of the most iconic symbols of the city. Shaped like a sail and standing on its own manmade island, its innovative design and opulent offering make Burj Al Arab a must-visit during a visit to Dubai. 04 301 7777

TIPS l an a day at Wild Wadi Water Park, nestled in the shade of the hotel. Afterwards, dine in one of the world-class restaurants or enjoy a drink at the stunning Skyview Bar.

BIG BUS TOUR

For a novel way to see the city why not take a tour in an open-top, double-decker bus. The journey takes you through Dubai’s landmark attractions, with a free dhow cruise and Dubai Museum ticket is included in the fare. Choose between a day or night tour. 24-hour ticket AED 240 / AED 100 (Adult/Child) 48 hour ticket AED 295/ AED 130 For more information call 04 340 7709

TIPS A great way to begin an exploration of the city.


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Miracle Garden

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www.dubaimiraclegarden.com 04-4228902

The Dubai Miracle Garden Second Phase is now open with added beauty and life to the garden by the inclusion of new flowers, plants and butterflies. This season has more designs, new ideas and new colours that will surely take you to a new world of enjoyment and fun. The attractions include:

- Seven Flower Pyramids including a huge one with the UAE flag designed by Flowers. - Five Domes raised distributed in the middle of the Garden, shaded by coloured flower baskets designated as seating areas. - Floral Clock - A masterpiece of technology, a form of art and a first idea in Dubai. - Peacocks - As the Peacock is the most colourful species of Birds, Miracle Garden implemented three. - The garden is open from 9am – 9pm on weekdays and 9am – 11pm on weekends (Friday and Saturday). The rates are 30 AED for regular admission and free for disabled and three years and below.

Al Mamzar Park The Al Mamzar Park is open from 9 am to 9 pm on Sunday to Wednesday and 9 am to 10 pm on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, public holidays and during Ramadan. Mondays and Wednesdays are “Ladies Only” days, so plan accordingly. The park charges are divided into per person entry fee 5 Dhs, car fee 30 Dhs, pool entry 10 Dhs for adults and 5 Dhs for children, rental for large chalet (6 people) 200 Dhs and small chalet (4 people) 150 Dhs.


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fishing

We pick and hone-in on a timely, must-do exciting activity that travellers and tourists can engage in on their trip.

Dubai is surrounded by the breathtakingly beautiful waters of the Arabian Sea. If you love to be on the beach and in the ocean then fishing is no doubt on top of your things to do no matter where in the world you visit. Dubai, of course has become one of the best sporting destinations in the world and fishing is a sport that has always been popular. In fact, fishing and pearl diving are part of the UAE’s history and it is still considered an occupation by some. Fishing was the traditional lifeblood of the community, locals and the sea always have had a bond - they believed in only taking what they needed - which stands true even to this day. So it is not surprising that visitors and residents who come to Dubai for its sun, sand and lifestyle, want to be able to taste the freshly caught seafood after a day of fishing. And we agree, catching your own dinner isn’t difficult, and the experience is unbeatable. You can catch Barracudas, Cobia, Groupers, King Fish, Snappers, Travallies, Fluke, Bluefish, Flounder, Striped Bass, Blackfish, Sherry, Sultan Ibrahim, Hammour and Small Shark. All you need is a sturdy rod and with the best fishing technology in Dubai, you got yourself a catch! A drive to other emirates such as Abu Dhabi, Ras Al

Khaimah, Fujairah and even Oman will also be the perfect backdrop to a fishing trip. However remember that it is important to go fishing with a licensed company, as Environmental organisations such as Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) make sure that fishing remains sustainable and they carry out regular surveys to ensure the ocean is balanced. Fishing licences are limited and the use of traps and net sizes are regulated. So choose to go with companies such as Deep Blue Sea Fishing Yachts and Boat Rental (055 902 0111) ABSea Tours JLT, who arrange trips form Abu-Dhabi, Dubai & Ras Al Khaimah. Dubai Fishing Trip (04 4327 233) or Fishing Tour Dubai (050 496 7367). Hotels offer fishing excursions too, opt to go with Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa (04 814 5555) or the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort (04 399 3333).

If you want your own license for recreational hook-line fishing and are a resident of the UAE then head over to your respective municipality; tourists can get a short-term license with the help a fishing tour company. Some good spots for fishing include the Dubai Creek, beyond Jebel Ali Free Zone, near the Maktoum Bridge and in the East Coast in Dibba. Remember to wear light clothing as it is the summer in Dubai and it tends to get hot, in fact the fish too go deep into the ocean due to the heat so the best time for deep sea fishing is before sunrise, after sunset or full moon nights. While the weather is perfect to be outdoors we urge you to spend a day, or night, fishing and have a ‘reel’ feel of what the Arabian seas have to offer.


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GET,SET,GO Let the action begin SKI dubai

Skiing in the desert might seem like a dream to some, but in Dubai, that dream has become a reality at Ski-Dubai. With real snow and a wide selection of activities to suit all levels, choose to ski, snow board or simply play in the snow. Don’t miss the chance to meet the adorable penguins who live here and love to make friends.

Mall of the Emirates TIPS S ituated in the Mall of the Emirates, plan your shopping and entertainment in one. Enjoy a delicious meal at ST.TROPEZ before embarking on a session on the slopes at Ski Dubai.

Mall of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha 04 4094000

GETTING THERE

Bus Taxi METRO: Located on the red line; Mall of the Emirates metro station has direct acces to the sprawling mall.

IFLY dubai Mirdif City Centre,

The closest you can get to ski diving without actually jumping from a thousand meters above the earth. IFly Dubai allows you to practice and experience ski diving from the safety of indoors. Mirdif City Centre, Mirdif, 04 231 6292 www.playmania.com

GETTING THERE Bus

Taxi

TIPS I FLY Dubai is conveniently located in Mirdif City Centre Mall. Visit the attractions and combine a day of shopping with catching up on the latest movie releases at the VOX cinema before enjoying a delicious meal.


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OPTIONS FOR ENJOYING 8GREAT THE GAME OF GOLF Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, off Baniyas Rd, Garhoud (04) 295 6000 www.dubaigolf.com The Els Club, Dubai Sports City, Emirates Road, Dubai (04) 425 1000 www.elsclubdubai.com Al Badia Golf Club by InterContinental Dubai Festival City (04) 601 0101 www.albadiagolfclub.ae Emirates Golf Club, Emirates Hills (04) 380 2222 www.dubaigolf.com The Montgomerie, Emirates Hills (04) 390 5600 www.themontgomerie.com Arabian Ranches Golf Club (04) 366 3000 www.arabianranchesgolfdubai.com Meydan Race Course (04) 381 3733 www.meydangolf.com Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa Jebel Ali, Dubai (04) 814 5555 www.jaresortshotels.com

GOLFING dubai

Dubai attracts golfers from all over the world to its first-class golf courses. Some of the sport’s greats have been instrumental in the design and planning of these spectacular spaces. The result is an incredible selection of golfing venues to choose from. Tee off in the shade of towering skyscrapers or take to the fairways at night and beat the summer heat. There’s something to suit all golfers on Dubai’s green scene.

SKYDIVE dubai SKYDIVE DUBAI Palm Jumeirah 04 377 8888 www.skydivedubai.ae

Skydive Dubai, the world’s premier skydiving location, neighbouring the luxurious manmade island The Palm Jumeirah and the Dubai Marina. With these beautiful and breathtaking views Skydive Dubai has always been the people’s number one choice for skydiving. Skydive with video and still: AED 1999 Skydive without video and stills: AED 1799

GETTING THERE

Bus Taxi METRO: Located along the red line at Dubai Marina station.

TIPS P lease note your should be above 18yrs and your BMI should be under the allowed range and you need a medical certificate if over 60 year of age. To check you BMI and more info log on to skydivedubai.ae


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dubai autodrome Watch regional and international races at Dubai’s leading automotive circuit or take to the track behind the wheel of an Audi R8 V10 or a single-seater F1 car Motor City Dubai Arabian Ranches interchange www.dubaiautodrome.com

04 367 8700

TIPS E xperience the kart racing at the kartdrome at Dubai Autodrome.

TIPS Y ou can take a seaplane to Abu Dhabi YAS island, and then plan a day exploring the capital. For more information on things to do in Abu Dhabi check page number 113

Dubai Seaplane Adventures by Seawings Experience the UAE from above on a thrilling airborne adventure that takes in the best of the country’s attractions. Sail through the skies with local tour company Seawings, which offers a range of routes around Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the other emirates. You can a catch a plane from the Dubai Creek Golf & Yatch Club to Ras Al Khaimah & Jebel Ali beach hotel and further from there to Abu Dhabi Yas Island. Adult: AED 895/ Child 760 (You can upgrade for a premium seat / full seawings experience) 04 8070708 or log on to seawings.ae


GET,SET,GO!

The Yellow Boats are rigid inflatable crafts powered by the latest generation engines that are custom-designed for both speed and safety. As the boat industry goes, these 12-seat rib boats are top-of-the-line and they are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and machinery. Palm Jumierah, Burj Al Arab and Dubai Marina Tour: 90 Minutes AED 280/ 210 (Adult/Child)

hot balloon So close, yet so far from the glitz and the glamour of the city of Dubai! Enjoy a magic carpet ride over an endless ocean of sand dunes, emerald green oases, oryx, gazelles and wandering camels. Witness a breathtaking sunrise with the backdrop of the majestic Hajjar Mountains and be welcomed by the warmth of the desert people we chance to meet on landing. All this is only a 30-minute drive from Burj Khalifa! For Adult: AED 995, For Children (5-12years): AED 850 Various packages available for group booking, and special private charters. For more information log on to ballooning.ae or 04 285 4949.

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Burj Al Arab: 75 minutes AED 200/150 (Adult/Child) Dubai Marina: 30 Mins AED 80/ AED 60 (Adult/Child) Various other packages available for full charter for families. For more details log on to yellowboats.com/ dubai or call 971 (0)4 800 8044


DAY PLANNER

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A day in the desert makes for one of the most memorable outings to be had in Dubai. Choose from various safari packages that include morning, evening and overnight options. Head out across the dunes in 4x4s and experience the thrill of dune bashing, enjoy a camel ride, meet a majestic falcon and dine at a traditional desert camp as the sun goes down.

desert safari

A large number of local tour operators run desert excursions, including Arabian Adventures, Platinum Heritage and Desert Safari Dubai

TIPS T ake time out and experience the activities during an overnight stay. Call NORTH Tours for the best deals 04 456 9944


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The Walk at JBR Every city in the world has one stretch that is undeniably a must-see for any tourist or resident. For instance La Rambla in Barcelona and Taksim in Istanbul and in Dubai it has to be The Walk along the Jumeirah Beach Residence or as residents like to call it JBR, Dubai’s first and only outdoor promenade by the beach.

A range of medical clinics, health facilities, 30 spas and modern well equipped gymnasiums, shopping, banks and even a cinema are also available.

With so much to see and do in Dubai, The Walk at JBR is for sure one of the places that allows a quick fix of relaxation. It offers an unparalleled number of 305 international and local branded restaurants with over 30 types of cuisines from around the world. There are more than 10 hotels including Ritz Carlton, Sofitel, Movenpick, Rotana, Jebel Ali International Hotels, Hilton, Ramada & Sheraton, not forgetting bars and lounges such as the renowned Café Del Bar and the locally grown Meydan Beach Club.

There is constantly something going on at the 1.7km strip which spans both ground and plaza levels. Developed by Dubai Properties Group, The Walk at JBR offers all ages of people memories to remember as there is street painting, recycled art displays, comedy shows, sand sculptures, photography displays, and booths selling fashion accessories and crafts.

The Walk at JBR is one of the best stretches of beaches in Dubai, where you can bask in the breath-taking views of the Marina and the Palm Jumeirah while enjoying a scrumptious meal with friends, family or by yourself and just watch the world go by, and you could even spot some of Dubai’s trendsetters.

An ongoing program of worldclass events and activities throughout the year ensures

everyone, including children, entertained and engaged. Some past events include the Dubai Polo Parade, Light Up Your Eid, DPG’s Winter Wonderland, ‘Your City is Your Canvas’ and ‘Art Dubai’ outdoor art exhibition, Red Bull X Fighters, and the Dubai International Film Festival. Getting to The Walk at JBR is easy; Metro stations stop at the Marina, taxis are very familiar with the stretch and the newly opened tram runs directly by its entrance. You could even drive as The Walk at JBR offers 1,200 parking spots but remember it’s very crowded on weekends so public transport is recommended. The Walk at JBR itself looks amazing as it has a design of its own, there is a jogging track, and portable vendors selling ice cream the popular local favourite Kunefa. It will take more than half a day to explore it all. We suggest going there in time for sunset as it’s the perfect venue for memories with or without pictures.


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Listings of

tour & travel guides AL FUTTAIM TRAVELS 101, Business Point, Behind Nissan Showroom, Deira 04 2319200 Mall of the Emirates: Ground Floor (Opposite Carrefour) 04 3410237 04 8816413 JAFZ – R/A5 – R/A6 Al Futtaim Building. Al Riqqa Road, next to Al Ghurair Shopping Centre and Union Metro, Deira 04 2177500 AL NABOODAH TRAVEL & TOURISM AGENCIES LLC Al Shoala Building - C Block Al Ittihad Road Opposite DNATA, Next to City Centre 04 2940099 AL RAIS TRAVELS Ground Floor, Al Rais Centre, Al Mankhool Street, Bur Dubai 04 3557700 04 3519135

AL SHARAF TRAVELS Khalid Bin Waleed Street, Bur Dubai 04 3976161 Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road 04 3278596 Dubai Internet City 3M Innovation Centr Building No.10 04 3900646 Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) 04 3637313 Jebel Ali Free Zone 04 8819396 Near Naif Police Station, Deira 04 2736655 Dubai Women’s College, Ghusais 04 2089605 AL ROSTAMANI TOURS & TRAVELS Al Maktoum St, Dubai. 04 2956777 The Maze Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai

04 4543300 Al Wasl Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai 04 378 5900 Mall of the Emirates, Dubai 04 3410995 Jebel Ali, Dubai. 04 8818169 ALPHA TOURs Al Ittihad Road, Deira Al Owaisi Bldg, 5th Floor 04 2949888 ARABIAN ADVENTURES Emirates Holidays Building Sheikh Zayed Road 04 2144888 ATLANTA TOURISM & TRAVEL Yasmin Building, Salahuddin Road, 04 2683100 COZMO TRAVELS G-20, Ground Floor, Business Bay, Bay Avenue Mall 04 4396622


Tour & Travel DAHLA TRAVEL & TOURISM 04 2590983 FCM Level 20 Sidra Tower, Al Soufah 04 3623048 FUN TOURS 1st Floor Room No. 4 Al Garhoud 04 2830889 GREEN LAND TOURISM 04 2599980 GLT DUBAI 04 2666969 INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL SERVICES KARAMA 04 3351135 RADISSON BLU DEIRA 04 2274103 KANOO TRAVELS Dubai Internet City 04 390 1990 - 994 Karama 04 3341444 Jebel Ali Free Zone 04 8815050 / 8816350 Khalid Bin Walid Street, Bur Dubai 04 3938400 Burj Dubai Business Centre, 050 5539431

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KNIGHT TOURS Al Wadi Buiding Sheikh Zayed Road, 04 3437725 LAMA TOURS Al Sayegh Building, second floor, Office Complex Oud Metha Road, Dubai 04 3344330 / 3357676 NET TOURS & TRAVELS L.L.C 102, Al Zarouni Building, Al Barsha First, Sheik Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE 04 3762333 056 171888 OASIS TOUR OPERATORs Marrakech Street, Sheikh Omar Al Majed Building, Office No. 2 Near Dubai Duty Free, Dubai 04 2844900 ORIENT TOURS & TRAVELS 04 2828238 3206, Churchill Executive Towers, Burj Khalifa Area, PO Box 33501, E: info@northtours.net W: www.northtours.net 04 4569944

3206, Churchill Executive Towers, Burj Khalifa Area, PO Box 33501, E: info@northtours.net W: www.northtours.net 04 4569944 SUN & SKY TOURISM & TRAVEL Khalid Bin Waleed Road, Bur Dubai, 04 3516300, Near Deira Sabka Bus Station 04 2227585 Rolla Street, Bur Dubai 04 3529911 Nasr Square, Deira 04 2296060 TRAVEL GUIDE TOURISM Raja Khurram 050 5158201 Raja Adil 050 4961274 04 3938055 UNIVErSaL TRAVEL & TOUR Al Satwa 04 344 4311 04 3446766


eventS

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EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS THIS MONTH: MAY EAST WING PRESENTS SURVEILLANCE.02 East Wing gallery exhibits art created with high tech satellites, drones and more. Date:Thursday, 12th March - Friday, 1st May 2015 Venue: East Wing, Limestone House #12, DIFC Admission: Free Admission + 971 50 553 3879 THE DUBAI INTERNATIONAL ARABIC CALLIGRAPHY EXHIBITION Witness some of the finest and most exquisite calligraphic works at this exhibition. Date:Tuesday, 14th April - Friday, 15th May 2015 Venue: Wafi Mall Admission: Free Admission DUBAI DOLLAR PROJECT : HEROE$ & VILLAIN$ The Dollarsandart art program returns with an all new art exhibition. Date: Wednesday, 15th April - Monday, 1st June 2015 Venue: Rira Gallery Admission: Free Admission + 971 50 140 7238 LADIES IN PAINT ART EXHIBITION A series of portrait paintings of women that stand out from the crowds. Date: Wednesday, 15th April - Monday, 15th June 2015 Venue: Z Gallery, Four Points by Sheraton, Sheikh Zayed Road Admission: Free Admission + 971 4 323 0333 STREETCON - URBAN ART JAM

Al Ghurair Centre celebrates local urban art with an exhibition of some of the region’s finest WORKS. Date:Thursday, 23rd April - Saturday, 2nd May 2015 Venue: Al Ghurair Centre Admission: Free Admission CHILDRENS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL The UAE’s only national-level children’s film festival. Date:Thursday, 23rd April - Saturday, 2nd May 2015 +971 4 434 5895 NATIONAL WINTER TOURNAMENT 2015 - AGE GROUPS AND SENIORS 50M A national swimming competition open for all ages, local and expat, part of any UAE swimming clubs. Date: Friday, 24th April - Saturday, 2nd May 2015 Venue: Hamdan Sports Complex +971 4 264 8717 Landscape Painting: Dubai and Beyond Artist Nabil F. Safwat exhibits oil paintings of landscapes from Dubai. Date: Sunday, 26th April - Wednesday, 13th May 2015 Venue:Total Arts at The Courtyard Gallery Admission: Free Admission +971 4 347 5050 THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA - LIVE ON STAGE Bring the family to watch “The Tiger Who Came to Tea”, a musical play full of surprises. Date:Thursday, 30th April - Friday, 1st

May 2015 Venue: DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates Admission: Regular stalls- AED 155, VIP stalls- AED 180 +971 4 341 4777 BLENDED 2015 Blended returns with a brand new lineup of smooth and funky artists. Date:Thursday, 30th April - Friday, 1st May 2015 Venue: Dubai Media City Amphitheatre Admission: Picnic Style tickets- AED 395, Blended Lounge- AED 695, VIP- AED 1395 INTERNAL AFFAIRS - A COMEDY THEATRE PLAY A comic stage play that is sure to crack you up. Date:Thursday, 30th April - Saturday, 2nd May 2015 Venue: Grand Midwest HOTEL Admission: Silver- AED 150, Gold- AED 200, Platinum- AED 300 + 971 55 395 5885 A PRELUDE TO A KISS BY BACKSTAGE PRODUCTIONS Backstage bring another play to stage about an old man who asks a bride-tobe for a kiss at her wedding. Date:Thursday, 30th April - Tuesday, 5th May 2015 Venue: DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates Admission: AED 100 +971 4 341 4777 NASIMI SESSIONS FEAT. EXAMPLE Nasimi Sessions returns this month and leads by Example. Date: Friday, 1st May 2015


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Venue: Nasimi Beach, Atlantis,The Palm Admission: Online early bird- AED 100, At the door- AED 150, Women enter for free 2pm till 7pm + 971 55 200 4321 THE ARABIC HERITAGE OF ASTRONOMY Learn about the fascinating history of Arabic astronomy. Date: Friday, 1st May 2015 Duration: 1 day Timings: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Venue: Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding Admission: Free Online Registration + 971 4 353 6666 7TH GPCA SUPPLY CHAIN CONFERENCE Bringing together members of the petrochemical and chemical industries. Date: Sunday, 3rd - Tuesday, 5th May 2015 Venue: InterContinental Hotel, Festival City + 971 4 451 0666 WINGS FOR LIFE WORLD RUN Take part in the Wings for Life run to raise funds for spinal cord research Date: Sunday, 3rd May 2015 Venue: Dubai Autodrome, Motor City +971 4 2995151 ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET 2015 The most popular annual travel and tourism event in the region. Date: Monday, 4th - Thursday, 7th May 2015 Venue: Dubai World Trade Centre + 971 4 364 2811 LEATHERWORLD MIDDLE EAST The Middle East’s premier TRADE show dedicated to the leather industry. Date: Monday, 4th - Wednesday, 6th May 2015 Venue: Dubai World Trade Centre + 971 4 3894500 DCD CONVERGED UAE Datacentre Dynamics (DCD) brings together global data centre MARKET leaders and others in the business of data centres. Date: Monday, 4th May 2015 Venue: Madinat Jumeirah WONHO CHUNG LIVE IN ENGLISH Wonho Chung, the Saudi born korean comic performs his first English stand up act. Date:Tuesday, 5th May 2015 Venue: DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates Admission: Balcony- AED 150, StallsAED 250 + 971 4 341 4777

ATM is the most popular annual travel and tourism event in the region. Designed to unlock the business potential within the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals, ATM has been held annually at the Dubai World TRADE Centre for 19 years and counting. With over 2,500 exhibitors, and 15,000 meetings set at the 2014 event, ATM is the region’s premier travelTRADE FORUM and exhibition. NINO KATAMADZE AND INSIGHT ORCHESTRA Celebrating 15 years of music together, Nino Katamadze, the Insight Orchestra and more at Musichall. Date: Wednesday, 6th May 2015 Venue: MusicHall Dubai Admission: AED 300 + 971 56 270 8670 SHORTER+SWEETER - THE BEST OF SHORT+SWEET Experience the best of the Short+Sweet plays in just two nights. Date:Thursday, 7th - Friday, 8th May 2015 Venue: Madinat Theatre, Madinat Jumeirah Admission: Adults- AED 75, Children- AED 50 +971 4 366 6546 COMEDY NIGHT WITH ANUVAB PAL Catch of India’s top comics Anuvab Pal at DUCTAC this May Date:Thursday, 7th - Friday, 8th May 2015 Venue: DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates Admission: Regular Tickets- AED: 75, VIPAED 120 +971 4 3414777 ANNE CURTIS LIVE IN CONCERT 2015 Philippines’ sweetheart Anne Curtis is returning to Dubai with her second tour. Date:Thursday, 7th May 2015 Venue: Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium Admission: VVIP- AED 350, PlatinumAED 300, Gold- AED 250, Silver- AED 150, Bronze- AED 100 THE LAUGHTER FACTORY (MAY 2015) The monthly comedy store returns this

year with a new season and a fresh batch of comics. Date:Thursday, 7th - Thursday, 14th May 2015 Admission:The Fosters Laughter Factory +971 4 355 1862 THE CHUCKLE CLUB MONTHLY INTERNATIONAL STAND-UP COMEDY TOUR This monthly comedy club brings comics from around the world to Dubai. Date:Thursday, 7th - Friday, 8th May 2015 Admission: AED 140 LE VOYAGE FE LA FEE MELODIE AT DUCTAC Following the search for a lost musical note by the Melody Fairy, this French play is an interactive experience on stage. Date: Friday, 8th - Saturday, 9th May 2015 Venue: DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates Admission: AED 150 + 971 4 341 4777 DANS LA PEAU DE CYRANO AT DUCTAC Blending in with the story of Cyrano De Bergerac, this play is a beautiful story. Date: Friday, 8th - Saturday, 9th May 2015 Venue: DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates Admission: AED 150 + 971 4 341 4777 WORLD CLASSICAL MUSIC SERIES PIANO DUO Two talented pianists WORK their magic for the next episode in the World Classical music Series. Date: Friday, 8th May 2015


eventS OTHER EVENTS LINED UP IN JUNE 2015: - Dubai Dollar Project - Heroes & Villains - Ladies In Paint Art Exhibition - Automechanika Dubai 2015 - Middle East Event Show 2015 - Hardware+Tools Middle East 2015 - Al Noor Annual Gala Dinner 2015 - Dubai Desert Road Run (June 2015) Summer Scorcher - Internet Of Things Expo - The Big Data Show 2015 - Disney On Ice 2015 - Princesses and Heroes - Indian Property Show 2015 - Michael McIntyre “Happy and Glorious Tour” 2015 - Ramadan in Dubai 2015 - Dubai Sports World 2015 Venue:The One & Only Royal Mirage, Dubai Admission: Gold- AED 250, PlatinumAED 350, VIP- AED 550 +971 50 870 2674 PIKNIC ELECTRONIK DUBAI (MAY EDITION) Piknic Electronik is an internationally renowned brand of family-friendly daytime electronic music festivals. Date: Saturday, 9th May 2015 Venue: Dubai Sports City Admission: Advance Booking- AED 130, General Admission- AED 150, Children under 12 go free (2 for every accompanying adult) +971 56 210 4996 OMID DJALILI LIVE IN DUBAI 2015 Comedian Omid Djalili returns to Dubai for a night of laughter Date: Saturday, 9th May 2015 Venue: Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Hotel Admission: Balcony- AED 195, RegularAED 295, Premium- AED 495 MUSICIANS UNITED 1ST ANNIVERSARY Musicians United celebrates a year of home grown music. Date: Saturday, 9th May 2015 Venue:The Music Room – Majestic Hotel – Bur Dubai Admission: Free Admission + 971 50 202 0165 /

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+971 50 715 0655 THE AIRPORT SHOW 2015 Join 1000’s of aviation professionals and experience cutting edge innovation and the latest regional developments in the airport industry. Date: Sunday, 10th - Tuesday, 12th May 2015 Venue: Dubai World TRADE Centre + 971 2 491 7615 CARDS AND PAYMENTS MIDDLE EAST 2015 The region’s largest smartcard, payments and ID card event. Date:Tuesday, 12th - Wednesday, 13th May 2015 Venue: Dubai World Trade Centre + 971 4 440 2522 THE MOBILE SHOW MIDDLE EAST 2015 Learn about the latest trends in mobile technology, mobile apps and solutions at The Mobile Show. Date:Tuesday, 12th - Wednesday, 13th May 2015 Venue: Dubai World Trade Centre + 971 4 440 2520 ARAB MEDIA FORUM 2015 A flagship project of the Dubai Press Club to foster dialogue on subjects of regional relevance. Date:Tuesday, 12th - Wednesday, 13th May 2015 Venue: Madinat Jumeirah + 971 4 383 3330 E COMMERCE SHOW MIDDLE EAST 2015 Introducing the public to online business and e commerce through talks, workshops, networking and more. Date:Tuesday, 12th - Thursday, 14th May 2015 Venue: Dubai World Trade Centre +971 4 440 2500 RETAIL SHOW MIDDLE EAST 2015 Targeting those in the retail industry and how they react to buying practices around the world. Date:Tuesday, 12th - Wednesday, 13th May 2015 Venue: Dubai World Trade Centre +971 4 440 2500 FUTURE BANK MIDDLE EAST Planning, discussing and networking on the future of the banking industry. Date:Tuesday, 12th - Wednesday, 13th May 2015 Venue: Dubai World TRADE Centre +971 4 440 2535

ITALIAN OPERA GALA AT MADINAT THEATER A night of amazing opera at the Madinat Theatre. Date:Thursday, 14th May 2015 Venue: Madinat Theatre, Madinat Jumeirah Admission: AED 150, AED 175, AED 250 EYEDEX - EARLY YEARS EDUCATION EXHIBITION The go-to exhibition for new parents and those with children who want to find out about schools. Date: Friday, 15th - Saturday, 16th May 2015 Venue: Conrad Dubai Admission: Free Admission + 971 50 892 5092 21ST GCC SMART GOVERNMENT AND SMART SERVICES CONFERENCE Helping integrate TECHNOLOGY with government departments and services. Date: Saturday, 16th - Wednesday, 20th May 2015 Venue:The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC + 971 4 332 6688 MALEK JANDALI UAE TOUR One of the world’s foremost and sought-after pianists is coming to Dubai for two nights only. Date: Saturday, 16th - Sunday, 17th May 2015 Venue: Madinat Theatre, Madinat Jumeirah Admission: Balcony- AED 200, StallsAED 350/500 + 971 4 366 6546 12TH ANNUAL CSR SUMMIT An event that addresses corporate social responsibility among companies and corporations. Date: Monday, 18th - Wednesday, 20th May 2015 Venue:The Address, Dubai Marina +971 4 335 2437 INDEX 2015 The International Design Exhibition celebrates 25 years of service in the industry. Date: Monday, 18th - Thursday, 21st May 2015 Venue: Dubai World Trade Centre Admission: Free Online Registration for Trade Professionals, General Public AED 250 +971 4 438 0355 MIDDLE EAST STONE Bringing together members of the stone industry to share ideas and network.


events Date: Monday, 18th - Thursday, 21st May 2015 Venue: Dubai World Trade Centre Admission: Free Admission +971 4 438 0355 GOVERNMENT AND ENTERPRISE ASSET MANAGEMENT CONGRESS 2015 Aimed at asset management professionals, the GEAM addresses issues faced by the industry and how to overcome them. Date: Monday, 18th - Thursday, 21st May 2015 Venue:The Address, Dubai Mall +971 4 335 2437 THE WAILERS LIVE AT THE IRISH VILLAGE Jamaica’s biggest band in history is coming to Dubai for one night only. Date:Thursday, 21st May 2015 Venue:The Irish Village Admission: AED 130 +971 4 239 5000 THE FOURTH ANNUAL UAE EPILEPSY CONGRESS 2015 A conference aimed at those interested in the field of neuroscience and epilepsy. Date: Friday, 22nd - Saturday, 23rd May 2015 Venue: InterContinental Hotel, Festival City + 971 4 453 2975 EMIRATES NBD CLASSICS IV PRESENTS SOL GABETTA Sol Gabetta is a professionally trained and terrifically skilled cellist, coming to Dubai. Date: Friday, 22nd May 2015 Venue: DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates Admission: Balcony- AED 150, Regular Stalls- AED 200, VIP Stalls- AED 300 +971 4 341 4777 AL GAFFAL TRADITIONAL 60FT DHOW RACE 2015 This is the Silver Jubilee 25th anniversary of the iconic boat race. Date: Saturday, 23rd May 2015 Admission: RTA Dubai Ferry silver class tickets- AED 275, RTA Dubai Ferry silver class tickets- AED 375 + 971 56 412 2574 + 971 4 396 3135 GLOBAL SPACE & SATELLITE FORUM Satcom experts and space AGENCIES will meet in Dubai to showcase the latest developments of the industry. Date:Tuesday, 26th - Thursday, 28th May 2015 Venue: Conrad Dubai

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Admission: Government pass: 2,569 AED, Industry pass: 3,300 AED +971 4 447 5357

Admission:Thursday- AED 99, FridayAED 139, Season pass- AED 199 + 971 4 239 5000

BEAUTYWORLD MIDDLE EAST 2015 One of the biggest exhibitions for haircare, fragrances, beauty products and wellness is back this year. Date:Tuesday, 26th - Thursday, 28th May 2015 Venue: Dubai World Trade Centre + 971 4 389 4500

LA LISTE DE MES ENVIES AT DUCTAC What would you do if you won the lottery, this French play tells the story of a lady who just won. Date:Thursday, 28th May 2015 Venue: DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates Admission: AED 275 + 971 4 341 4777

SPE PETROLEUM ECONOMICS IMPROVING THE BOTTOM LINE VALUE Bringing together members of the petroleum industry to discuss bottom line value in current markets. Date:Tuesday, 26th - Thursday, 28th May 2015 Venue:The Address, Dubai Marina + 971 4 457 5866

AIBAGULF - Arab Indo Bollywood Awards The first ever AIBA will bring the best in Indian and Arabic entertainment together for a night of awards and recognition. Date: Friday, 29th Saturday, 30th May 2015 Venue: Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse, Nad Al Sheba Admission: GOLD: AED 300, VIP: AED500, Star enclave: AED 3000 + 971 55 935 9361

7TH DUBAI TANGO FESTIVAL The annual Tango festival is back in Dubai for a night of dancing and fun. Date: Wednesday, 27th - Sunday, 31st May 2015 Venue: Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse, Nad Al Sheba + 971 50 6223679 DUBAI DUTY FREE DARTS MASTERS 2015 The exciting darts championship returns to Dubai. Date:Thursday, 28th - Friday, 29th May 2015 Venue:The Irish Village

WORLD CLASSICAL MUSIC SERIES - A NIGHT OF OPERA, IT’S ALL ABOUT LOVE Performing famous love songs in German, Russian, French, English and other languages. Date: Friday, 29th May 2015 Venue:The One & Only Royal Mirage, Dubai Admission: Gold- AED 250, Platinum- AED 350, VIP- AED 550 + 971 50 870 2674

Al Gaffal Traditional 60ft Dhow Race 2015 Spectators can see all the on water action of the dhows with their beautifully polished hulls and crisp sails from ashore or from specially chartered Dubai Ferries.

The Al Gaffal Dhow Race is a traditional sailing race designed to honour the pearl divers who were integral to the emirate’s development as a young TRADING port. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2015 the race features around 100 traditional boats, measuring 60 feet each.

Keep an eye out on this page for more updates. Last year, viewers got to enjoy watching the races which began at Sur Bu Nair island off the coast of Dubai, while on Dubai Ferries that picked up and dropped off travellers at the Marina Mall. Please also note that due to the reliance of the sport on local weather conditions, the schedule of the Gaffal Dhow races may change accordingly. To watch the races call + 971 56 412 2574 / + 971 4 396 3135 to book a Dubai Ferry with the RTA.


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gourmet food

The French people are known across the world for three things: romance, food and drinks. Quite naturally, they are the ones who gave the word gourmet to the food universe. The word comes from Old French word gromet, which denoted the serving boy at the food table. Over a period of time it came to be used for people of refined taste in food and drinks. The gourmets cultivated a highly discriminating palate for good food and fine drinks; the kind of fancy and exotic food that appealed to such connoisseurs definitely needed a term to set its status apart from regular food and thus the concept of gourmet food was born. Preparation of gourmet food is quite elaborate and so is its presentation that needs to be aesthetically pleasing. The French gourmet phrase – “J’aime un ragoût, et je suis friend” – states that the pleasure is also visual and perfectly captures

the visual aspect of gourmet food. Gourmet food is painstakingly prepared with the highest quality of ingredients, freshest organic produce and is presented in a decorative style. Being exclusive creations, gourmet foods are quite expensive and are eaten more for the unique taste and epicurean status than for simply satiating the hunger. The exclusive experience of having had gourmet food in Dubai is something worthy of reminiscing at home for years to come and thus justifies the price one pays for it. Among the several international recognitions and achievements of Dubai on the world map, gourmet food ranks right at the top. Giving the connoisseur food establishments in Paris, New York and London a run for their money, Dubai has an enviable collection of gourmet restaurants. The food and


EATING out service at the Dubai gourmet lounges are above par and easily hold their ground against some of the finest in the world. Fine dine Japanese food is among the most difficult to make and Dubai restaurants like Zuma, Okku Toko and Nobu also have stunning decor that complements the magic of gourmet food. True to the predictions of world-renowned chefs like Anthony Bourdain, René Redzepi and Alex Atala, the steak-and-grill Latin American cuisine is fast becoming a food craze in Dubai. Italian, Arabic and Indian follow in the order, thanks to the developing tastes of immigrants and expats in Dubai. With a great view of the waterfront and Burj Khalifa tower, the Souk Al-Bahar in Dubai offers a variety of gourmet restaurants on two levels, accessible through an amazing boardwalk from the Dubai Mall and other locations. Exotic Italian, fine-dine Thai, authentic Sushi, upscale British, true Lebanese, French Bistros and other classy cuisine fusions await the food connoisseur here. Omnia Gourmet at Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, Boulevard Gourmet at Radisson Blu Hotel near Dubai Deira Creek, Gourmet Corner at Radisson Royal Hotel in Trade Centre Area, Skyler’s Gourmet Bistro in the Dubai Outlet Mall, Lafayette Gourmet in the Dubai Mall, Wafi Gourmet Cafe in downtown Dubai offer gourmet cuisine for around AED 200-250 for a couple. On the more expensive side, a gourmet experience at La Petite Maison and Caramel Restaurant & Lounge at DIFC, Gate Village 8,Tresind at Radisson Royal Hotel in Trade Centre area, The Meat Co steakhouses at Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Latitude and Jamie’s Italian at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Umm Suqeim, Hakkasan at Jumeirah Emirates Towers and Ewaan Lounge at The Palace in downtown Dubai will cost around AED 500-600 for two. You can look forward to the finest gourmet versions of Arabian, Italian, Middle Eastern, French, Mediterranean, Japanese, Mexican, Spanish, Continental and Indian cuisines created by some of the most

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renowned chefs in these places.And when you visit a French gourmet restaurant, do remember to ask for “Le plat du jour” (pronouned as leh plah dew zhoor) to get the special dish of the day.


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Arabic & Middle Eastern Food ABD EL WAHAB Downtown Dubai,Souk Al Bahar, 04 4230988 140 Lebanese AL AMOOR Abu Hail, Al Muteena, beside Happy Land Supermarket, Other Location: Karama 04 3470787 70 Egyptian AL FANAR restaurant & cafe Canal Walk, Dubai Festival City 04 2329966 100 Emirati Food Al Hallab Level 2, Dubai Mall 04 3308828 200 Middle Eastern, Lebanese AL MALLAH Satwa 04 3984723 Arabic & Lebanese

60

AL NAFOORAH Sheikh Zayed Road, Emirates Towers 04 3198088 300 Arabic, Lebanese AL REEF Al Karama, opposite post office 04 3961980 70 Lebanese, Arabian Bakery. AL SAFADI RESTAURANT Al Rigga Street 04 2279922 150 Lebanese, Middle Eastern AROOS DAMASCUS Deira, Al Rigga, 04 Muraqqabat Street 2219825 100 Lebanese

ARZ LEBANON Dubai Marina, Marina Promenade 04 4221995 140 Arabic, Lebanese, Middle Eastern AUTOMATIC RESTAURANT Bur Dubai, Al Khaleej Centre 04 3550333 60 Arabic, Lebanese BAIT AL MANDI Deira,Muraqqabat St, Al Rigga 04 2629139 50 Emirati Food CAFÉ ARABESQUE Deira, Park Hyatt 04 3172222 300 Pan Arabic buffet CASTELLO RESTAURANT & CAFE Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1 04 3422280 200 Arabian CEDAR TREE Next To Spinney’s, Motor City 04 4475889 90 Lebanese, Arabian

KHAN MURJAN Garhoud, Wafi City 04 3279795 250 Arabic Lebanese KING KOSHARI Dubai Marina, near Radisson Blu apartments 80055 50 Egyptian MAN’OUSHE STREET Icon Towers, TECOM 04 457 9456 600 566667 80 Mediterranean, Arabian, Lebanese MARAKESH Sheikh Zayed Road, Shangri-La Hotel 04 4052703 350 Moroccan MASGOUF Next to Mercato Mall, Jumeirah 2 04 3420999 200 Middle Eastern

FAIROUZ RESTAURANTJUMEIRAH Beach Road, Jumeirah 2 04 3443024 200 Middle Eastern, Arabian

MEZZA HOUSE Downtown Dubai, MBR Boulevard 04 420 5444 140 Middle Eastern, Arabian, Lebanese MOULIN D’OR Al Karama, Next to Karama Post Office 04 3369994 140 Arabian, Bakery, Middle Eastern

ISTANBUL FLOWER Sheikh Zayed Road, Safestway Shopping Centre 04 3434585 200 Turkish

NOOR AL MANDI RESTAURANT Burj Al Noor Tower, Al Nahda 04 2390700 / 04 2390600 85 Mandi, Arabian


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OTTOMANS Dubai Marina, Grosvenor House 04 3998888 600 Turkish PARS Satwa, Jumeirah 1 04 3898444 200 Iranian REEM AL BAWADI Marina Walk, Dubai Marina 04 4522525 180 Lebanese, Middle Eastern

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SAMAD AL IRAQI Jumeirah Beach Road, Beach Park Plaza Centre 04 3427887 180 Iraqi

ZAROOB Restaurant Sheikh Zayed Road 04 3276060 120 Lebanese, Middle Eastern

SHABESTAN Deira Creek, Radisson Blu Hotel 04 2227171 400 Persian ZAINA Al Barsha, Rose Garden Hotel 04 325 6100 Other Locations: JUMEIRAH BEACH ROAD 04 3944990 80 Yemeni

ZATAR W ZEIT Sheikh Zayed Road 600 522231 120 Other locations: Mall of the Emirates, Marina Walk, Dubai Festival City, Mirdif, JBR, The Dubai Mall Arabian

Indian, Pakistani & Afghani cuisine 25 DEGREES NORTH Damac Executive Heights Towers, Tecom 04 4527779 055 5894840 200 Biryani, Mughlai, Indian ADUKKALA Near Lamcy Plaza, Oud Metha 04 3344043 40 South Indian AMALA Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai 04 4530444 570 North Indian AL AFGHAN AL KABAB Deira, Naif Road 04 2733330 50 Other locations:Qusais, Damascus Road Afghani AL IBRAHIMI PALACE Opposite Burjuman Centre, Al Karama 04 3977070 70 Pakistani, Indian

AL KABAB AL AFGHANI Nakhil Road, Naif 600 522554 50 Afghani, Arabian Asha’s Oud Mehta, Wafi 04 3244100 320 North Indian ANTIQUE BAZAAR Bur Dubai, Four Point Sheraton, 04 3977444 300 Pan Indian ASHIANA Deira, Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers, Baniyas Street 04 2071733 450 Indian ARYAAS Bur Dubai, Bank Street, Opp BurJuman 04 3577800 80 Other Locations: Al Qusaias Al Karama 04 3355776 Al Karama, behind Park Regis Hotel

04 396 8813 South Indian

80

BIKANERWALA Al Karama, Behind Park Regis 80 Hotel, 04 396 8813 Chaat, Rajasthani, Sweets BILAL AFGHANI Restaurant V 14 Building, Russia Cluster, International City 04 50 4227922 04 4227923 Afghani BOMBAY CHOWPATTY Al Karama, behind Park Regis Hotel 04 3964937 60 Indian BOMBAY DINING Deira, Rigga Road 04 2238800 145 Other Locations: Mankhool, Bur Dubai BUNDOO KHAN Riggat Al Buteen, 04 2336333 70 Pakistani, Mughlai Cafe Aisha


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Y 01 Building, England Cluster, International City 04 4474775 40 Pakistani, Biryani, Indian CALICUT PARAGAON Al Karama, Opp Lulu Center 04 3358700 100 South Indian CHATORI GALI Oud Metha 04 3578484, 800 2428674 60 Indian DAILY RESTAURANT Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road 04 3373123 04 3373307 60 Pakistani DELHI DARBAR Al Karama, Zabeel Road 04 2356161 100 North Indian DELHI RESTAURANT Frij Murar, Naif 04 2711885 75 Pakistani DUM PUKHT Near President Hotel, Al Karama 04 3371782 Indian, Pakistani

120

Traditional North Indian HANDI Deira, Taj Palace Hotel 04 2322222 350 North Indian HOT N SPICY Al Shaiba Towers A, Tecom 04 3688508 100 Pakistani, Indian INDIAN PALACE RESTAURANT Garhoud, Deira 04 2869600 120 Other Locations: Jumeirah Beach Residences, The Dubai Mall, Marina Mall, DFC, Ibn Batutta North Indian INDEGO BY VINEET Dubai Marina, Tower 1, Grosvenor House Hotel 04 3998888 650 Indian KAMAT Bur Dubai, Mankhool 04 3598444 70 Other locations: Qusais, Dubai Internet City Vegetarian

ERICS Al Karama, B-2, Sheikh Hamdan Colony, Opp BurJuman Centre 04 3965080 80 Goan Flames Grills & Curry Lake Terrace Tower, Jumeirah Lake Towers 04 4526664 100 Indian

KARACHI DARBAR Al Karama Shopping Complex, Near Emirates Bank 04 3347272 40 Other Locations: Pakistani, Mughlai Khazana Oud Metha, Al Nasr Leisure Land 04 3360061 150 Indian

GAZEBO Bur Dubai, Kuwait Road Al Mankhool 04 3598555 130 Traditional North Indian

KULCHA KING Al Saya Building, Al Karama 04 3278622 050 583 8381 100 North Indian, Indian

GHARANA Al Barsha, Holiday Inn 04 3234333 200

MAHARAJA BHOG Al Karama, Ansar Gallery Near Post Office

04 3964744 70 Vegetarian Gujurati, Marwadi, Rajashthani Thali MANVAAR Al Karama, Opp Reem Residency 04 3368332 120 Rajasthani MEERATH KEBAB Al Karama, near post office, 04 3583676 65 Kebabs MEHEC Deira Le Meridian Dubai, Airport Road, 04 2170000 300 Indian, Contemporary MEMSAAB CURRY & TANDOOR Lake Front, J2 Tower, JLT 052 8483361 04 4429816 75 Indian, North Indian MINI PUNJAB RESTAURANT Meena Bazaar 04 351 5436 04 3515437 100 Indian MUMTAZ Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, Garhoud 04 2170000 250 North Indian OPTIONS Dubai World Trade Centre Office Tower 04 3293293 300 Other locations: Movenpick Deira 04 444 6466 Indian PAK LIYARI Al Fahidi Street, Meena Bazaar 04 3535587 Pakistani PARATHA KING Building 12, Dubai Internet City 4456977 50 North Indian

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PIND DA DHABA Behind Jumbo Electronics Al Karama 04 3885333 100 North Indian Qureshi’s Kebab & Curry Bur Dubai, Mankhool Country Club 04 3988840 200 Awadhi & Lucknowi RAVI Al Karama, Trade Centre Road Opposite BurJuman 04 3528090 50 Other Locations: Satwa, Al Qusais, Al Nahda Pakistani RED ONION Bur Dubai, Khaleed Bin Waleed Street, Meena Bazaar 04 3880832 80 Indian Fast Food SANKALP Al Karama, Near Lamcy Plaza

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04 3795493 70 Vegetarian South Indian and North Indian SARAVANAA BHAVAN Abdul Aziz Mirza Building, Al Karama 04 3345252 50 South Indian SIGDI Al Karama, Zabeel Road, 04 3548978 100 North Indian SIGNATURE Bur Dubai, Melia, 04 3868111 350 Indian by Celebrity Chef SANJEEV KAPOOR Sindh Punjab Al Karama, Al Karama Shopping Complex 04 3375535 80 North Indian, Punjabi

Other Location: Meena Bazaar Bur Dubai SPINZER City House 1, Barsha 1 04 3236701 / 04 3236702 60 Indian, Pakistani SUKH SAGAR Al Karama, Opp BurJuman Centre 04 3967222 85 Other Locations: JLT, Jumeirah Beach Residences, Al Quoz, Al Qusais Vegetarian ZAFRAN Dubai Marina Mall, Dubai Marina 04 3997357 150 North Indian / Mughlai ZAIQA –E- DILLI Al Qusais, Damascus Road 04 2382090 80 Mughlai, Kashmiri, North Indian

italian ALTA BADIA Jumeirah Emirates Towers 04 3198771 550 Italian

Jumeirah Beach Resort 04 5117391 400

Italian

BICE MARE Downtown Dubai, Souk Al Bahar 04 4230982 500 Italian

CASA MIA Deira Le Meridien Airport Hotel 04 7022506 400 Italian

BICE RISTORANTE Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort, Jumeirah Beach Residence 04 3182000 600 Italian

CUCINA JW Marriott Hotel Dubai, Al Muraqqabat, 04 607 7977 04 6077009 300 Italian

BUSSOLA Umm Suqeim, Westin Dubai

DA VINCI’S Garhoud, Millenium Airport Hotel

04 7028888

400

Italian

DELI Armani Hotel Dubai,Downtown Dubai 04 8883888 700 Italian DUCATTI CAFÉ Downtown Dubai, The Dubai Mall 04 3253321 200 Italian EATALY Lower Ground Level, Dubai Mall 04 3308899 180 Italian


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IL RUSTICO Satwa, Chelsea Plaza 04 3982222 200 Italian

RISTORANTE Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa 04 8883888 800 Italian

JAMIE’S ITALIAN Dubai Festival City 04 2329969 550 Italian

ROBERTO’S Gate Village, Building 1, DIFC 04 3860066 400 Italian ROCCOCO Sofitel JBR 04 4484848 400 Italian

GRAMO Indigo Icon Tower, Jumeirah Lake Towers 04 4300212 200 Italian LUCIANO’S Dubai Marina,Habtoor Grand Beach Resort 04 3995000 300 Italian PAX Sheikh Zayed Road, Dusit Thani Hotel 04343 333 400 Italian

RONDA LOCATELLI Atlantis The Palm, Dubai Palm Jumeirah 04 4262626 500 Italian ROSSO Amwaj Rotana, Jumeirah Beach Residence

04 4282000 Italian

300

SEGRETO Umm Suqeim, Souk Madinat Jumeirah 04 3666730 350

Italian

SERAFINA Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai 04 3638447 380 Italian SPLENDIDO Ritz Carlton JBR 04 3994000 Italian

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VAPIANO Al Thuraya Tower 2, Dubai Media City 04 4370786 200 Italian

AFRICAN Kif Kif Opposite Emirates Petrol Station, Next to First Gulf Bank 04 3212766 100 Tagine One&Only Royal Mirage The Palace, One&Only Royal Mirage, Al Sufouh Road 04 3999999 350 Almaz by Momo Near Harvey Nichols, Level 3, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai 4 4098877 230

Tajin & Tanjiah Abu Hail 42599099 50 Hadoota Masreya Matloob Building, Between Noor Islamic Bank & First Gulf Bank Metro Stations, Sheikh Zayed Road 04 3809000 150 El3ezba Central Lake Tower, Al Abraj Street 04 4511000 140 Dar Elkamar Dorrabay Boardwalk, Next to Jewel

Towers, Dubai Marina, Dubai 04 3951933 150 Al Ammour Zabeel Road, Near Sana Fashion 04 3707060 100 Al Qaherah Restaurant And Cafe Trident Bayside Tower, Dubai Marina, Dubai 04 4470047 200 Geddy Ora Marina Tower, Dubai Marina, Dubai 600529997 120


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Best Dim Sums in Dubai

The simpler things in life are so often the finest of the lot. Take dim sums, for instance. Unassuming dough pockets, filled with meat or veg and steamed or gently pan-fried. So easy, and yet one of the most comforting of comfort foods. The folks at Zomato have picked out 5 of the best dim sum destinations in the city where you can go get your fix.

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Royal China This London-based chain made its way to Dubai a couple of years ago and has grown in popularity as a spot to satiate your Cantonese cravings. The dim sum platter is a big hit among patrons, and they have numerous daily specials as well. You could also stop by on a Friday for the traditional Yum Cha experience. Whatever you do, make sure you get your hands on (and your teeth into) any of their prawn dumplings. with one of their uniquely flavoured iced teas, the dumplings make for a perfect Friday lunch.

Ping Pong Dim Sum Located in the sprawling Dubai Mall, this London import is everything you want it to be. They offer a wide variety of options, including set menus for one or two, not to mention baked, steamed and fried dumplings. If you want to really go all out, they have an unlimited dim sum offering on Fridays for just Dhs. 135. Perfect for fans of lazy Fridays. Or dumplings. Or both. While a bit on the pricey side, you get exactly what you pay for - top quality food.

Yalla Momos While you won’t find the true cantonese dim sum here, you do get excellent variations of its subcontinental cousin, the momo. But don’t feel for one moment like you’re settling. Styled after any of the hundreds of street food stalls you’d find in India, Yalla Momos has some intriguingly delicious fare - including cheese and mushroom, spinach and cottage cheese and chicken mixed with cheddar, capsicum and a hint of chilli.Very light on the pocket and absolutely massive on flavour.

Hakkasan It’s time to break the bank a bit, but all for a good cause - a scrumptious meal that will satiate every dumpling craving you’ve ever had. Hakkasan pull out all the stops and serve up some truly exotic dim sums. Scallops, lotus stem, chive flower and satay ostrich all feature on the menu, each on a completely different dumpling experience. Certainly more expensive than your average dim sum fix, but completely worth it.

The China Club - Radisson One would think lunch at the Radisson would be a bit heavy on the pocket. But China Club’s yum cha deal is one of the best you could hope for - Dhs. 99 for unlimited dim sums is pretty hard to beat! They even add the traditional touch by bringing the delicately steamed dim sums on trolleys. Paired


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SOUTH & FAR EASTERN / ORIENTAL ASIAN FUSION Deira, JW Marriott 04 6077977 400 Thai, Malay, Indonesian, Japanese, Chinese, Mongolian BAMBOO LAGOON Deira, JW Marriott 04 6077977 800

Far East

BENJARONG Sheikh Zayed Road, Dusit Thani 04 3433333 350 Thai BETAWI CAFÉ Karama, behind Ministy of Health bldg 056 7598118 100 Indonesian BLUE ELEPHANT Al Garhoud, Al Bustan Rotana Hotel 04 2820000 380 Thai CAFÉ SUSHI Sheikh Zayed Road Fairmont Hotel Dubai 04 3118316 400 Japanese

DA SHI DAI JBR, Murjan Bldg 04 4264636 100 Chinese

HANNABI Deira, Asiana Hotel 04 2387777 400 Japanese

EAUZONE Al Sufouh, One and Only Royal Mirage 04 3999999 450 Far Eastern

HOI AN Sheikh Zayed Road, next to ShangriLa Hotel 04 4052703 350 Vietnamese

ERIC’S Ground Level, Block B2, Street 10B, Sheikh Hamdan Colony, Al Karama 04 3965080 / 3964447 80 Thai

HOMEY CHINESE RESTAURANT JLT, Goldcrest Views 1 04 4317106 120 Chinese

FUCHSIA Two Towers, Al Khareef Road, TECOM 3617117 100 Thai

04

HAKKASAN Sheikh Zayed Road Emirates Towers 04 3848484 600 Chinese

CHINA SEA Deira, Near Clocktower 04 2959816 150 Chinese

HAKO SUSHI Lake Level, Platinum Tower, Near Almas Tower, Cluster I, Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) 04 4343423, 8004256 200 Japanese

CHINA TOWN Near Al Fahidi Metro Station, Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road, Dubai 04 3977342 / 04 3979434 100 Chinese

HAN CHENGGUAN Next to Union Bank, Omar Bin Al Khattab, Al Rigga 04 2299620 / 056 6192990 100 Korean

HUKAMA The Address Downtown Dubai 04 8883444 400 Chinese HYU KOREAN Oud Metha, behind Aroma Gardens 04 3344294 175 Korean ICHO Sheikh Zayed Road Radisson Royal Hotel 04 3080000 550 Japanese JULES Le Meridien, Airport Road, Garhoud 04 2170000 400 Filipino KATSUYA Level 1, Dubai Mall 04 3153633 200 Japanese


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MAY 2015 | 75

KOREANA Sheikh Zayed Road near Ibis Hotel 04 3929918 150 Korean

MAX’S RESTAURANT Bur Dubai, Trade Centre Road, next to Spinneys 04 3257797 120 Filipino fast food

KIKU Garhoud, Le Meridien 04 7022703 350 Japanese

MERLION’S KING Platinum Tower, Jumeirah Lake Towers 04 4564954 / 052 8724669 170 Singaporean

KRIS WITH A VIEW Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel, Level 19, Opposite Burjuman Centre, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street, Al Karama 04 3771111 300 Malaysian KUNG Byblos Hotel, Mezzanine Level, TECOM 04 4327966 / 056 1422394 300 Korean LAMESA Asiana Hotel, Deira 04 2837777 200 Filipino, Asian & International LEMON GRASS Oud Metha, next to Lamcy Plaza 04 3342325 175 Thai LONG YIN Le Meridien Hotel Deira 04 7022325 300 Cantonese & Szechwan LOLA’S BEST RESTAURANT Satwa, opp Hana Centre 04 3989193 50 Filipino MANILA 365 Ramee Guestline Deira Hotel, Al Rigga 04 2958777 300 Filipino MANNALAND KOREAN RESTAURANT Mina Road, Satwa 04 3451300 / 04 3453200 200 Korean

MINATO Deira Creek, Radisson Blu Hotel 04 2227171 250 Japanese MIYAKO Deira, Hyatt Regency 04 2091234 350 Japanese NOODLE FACTORY Dubai Marina, Marina Mall 04 4342701 150 Chinese, Malaysian, Thai NOODLE HOUSE Dubai Media City, Gloria Hotel 04 3818065 Other Locations: DIFC, BurJuman, Souk Madinat, Emirates Towers, Dubai Mall, Clover Creek Hotel Apartments, South East Asian OKKU Sheikh Zayed Road The H Dubai 04 5018777 800 Japanese P.F.CHANG’S Lower Ground Level, Dubai Mall 04 3253341 200 Chinese PAI THAI Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah 04 3666730 / 04 366 8888 370 Thai PEACOCK Dubai Marina, Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort 04 3995533 350 Chinese

PEPPERCRAB Oud Metha, The Grand Hyatt 04 3172222 350 Singaporean ROYAL BUDDHA Al Barsha, Holiday Inn Hotel 04 3234333 250 Thai ROYAL CHINA DIFC, Precinct 4 04 3535543

350 Chinese

SEAFOOD IN A BUCKET New Al Attar Centre Al Karama 04 3885219 80 Filipino SHANGHAI CHIC The Gardens, Movenpick Hotel 04 4445613 600 Chinese SHANGHAI KITCHEN Emirates Cooperative Building, Al Mankhool Road, Satwa 04 3982131 / 055 8555481 80 Filipino, Chinese SIAM Deira, Asiana hotel 04 2837777 450 Thai SINGAPORE DELI CAFÉ Karama, Opp BurJuman Centre 04 3966885 100 Singaporean, Malaysian SOBAHN Matloob Building, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Safa 1 04 3807888 / 050 5845022 300 Korean SONAMU Deira, Asian Hotel 04 3287777 400 Korean SUKHOTHAI Deira, Le Meridien Airport Hotel 04 7022307 450 Thai


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SUMIBIYA Deira creek, Redisson Blu Hotel 04 2227171 200 Japanese, Korean, Asian SUSHI COUNTER Paloma Building, Marina Promenade, 04 Dubai Marina 4427503 / 04 4427506 150 Japanese TANGERINE Bay Avenue, Executive Towers, Business Bay 04 4238040 150 Malaysian, Singaporean THAI KITCHEN Deira, Park Hyatt Hotel 04 3172222 100 Thai

MAY 2015 | 76

TOMO Oud Metha, Raffles, Wafi 04 3577888 400 Japanese TONG THAI JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road,Business Bay 04 4143000 270 Thai TOSHI Grand Millennium Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, TECOM 04 4299999 350 Malaysian VOI Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray 04 4530444 1000 Vietnamese

THE CHINA CLUB Deira, Radisson Blu Hotel 04 2227171 300 Chinese

WAGAMAMA Sheikh Zayed Road Crowne Plaza 04 3056060 Other Locations: JBR 04 3995900 The Greens 04 3615757 150 Japanese

THIPTARA Downtown Dubai, The Palace 04 4287888 500 Thai

WOX Oud Metha, Grand Hyatt 04 3172222 200 Chinese, Vietnamese

XIAO WEI YANG Deira Creek, near Radisson Blu 04 2215111 100 Other Locations: International City Chinese YAKITORI Bur Dubai, Ascot Hotel 04 3520900 200 Japanese YUM! Deira Creek, Redisson Creek hotel 04 222 7171 200 Japanese, Malaysian, Singaporean YURAKU IZAKAYA Deira, Asiana hotel 04 283 7777 300 Japanese ZHENG HE’S Madinat Jumeirah, Mina A’Salam 04 366 6730 800 Chinese ZUMA DIFC, Gate Village 6 04 425 5660 800 Japanese


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MAY 2015 | 77

AMERICAN / south american ASADO Downtown Dubai, The Palace 04 888 3444 600 Argentinian BEACH HOUSE CABANA CLUBHOUSE Azraq, Shoreline Apartments, Palm Jumeirah 04 361 8856 300 Latin American BLUE FLAME Garhoud Jumeirah Creekside Hotel 04 230 8580 400 Seafood, Steakhouse CRAVIN CAJUN Novotel Al Barsha, Sheikh Zayed Road, Barsha 1 04 3049000 150 American CUT BY WOLFGANG PUCK The Address, Downtown Dubai 04 888 3444 500 American Steakhouse EL MALECON Jumeirah 1, Dubai Marina Beach Resort 04 346 1111 550 Cuban

IHOP Level 1, Dubai Mall 04 325 3223 150 American Fastfood JW‘S STEAKHOUSE Deira, Al Rigga, JW Marriott Hotel 04 607 7977 500 Steakhouse MO’S City Walk & Al Wasl Road Intersection, Al Safa 04 344 3305 100 American PACHANGA Hilton Dubai, Jumeirah Resort 04 318 2530 500 Latin American PALM GRILL Deira, Redissone Blu Hotel 04 222 7171 Steakhouse

350

GAUCHO DICF, Gate Village 5 04 422 7898 300 Argentinian

RIBS & RUMPS Downtown Dubai, The Dubai Mall 04 434 0438 250 Steakhouse

HARD ROCK CAFÉ Next to Marks & Spencer’s, Festival City 04 232 8900 / 04 232 8744 250 American

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE Sheikh Zayed Road, The H Dubai 04 454 9538 600 Steakhouse

THE ACT Shangri-La, Sheikh Zayed Road, DIFC 04 342 5859 052 811 9900 600 Latin American THE RIB ROOM Sheikh Zayed Road, Emirates Towers 04 319 8088 European, Continental, Steakhouse THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY Downtown Dubai, The Dubai Mall, 04 325 3521 280 American, Desserts TEXAS ROADHOUSE Downtown Dubai, The Dubai Mall 04 325 33951 200 American Steakhouse TONY ROMA’S Dubai Festival City 04 232 9750 200 Other Locations: Ibn Batutta Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road 03 331 3777 Steakhouse, Seafood TORO TORO Dubai Marina, Grosvenor House 04 399 8888 800 Latin American WINGSTERS Marina Diamond 1, Dubai Marina 800 94649 / 04 427 9900 American Fastfood

100


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MAY 2015 | 78

EUROPEAN CUISINE AOC Sofitel Jumeirah Beach Residences 04 448 4848 400 French

LA CAFETTE BY CARPE DIEM Town Centre, Jumeirah 1 04 344 3629 225 Belgian, European

APRES Level 1, Mall of the Emirates 04 341 2575 300 European, Pizza

LA PETITE MAISON DIFC 04 439 0505 French

HOFBRAUHAUS Deira, Al Muraqqabat, JW Marriott Hotel 04 607 7977 250 German IMPERIUM Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Palm Jumeirah, 04 453 0444 575 French JONES THE GROCER Etihad Travel Mall, Al Safa 2 04 388 1038 230 European KITCHEN 45 Grosvenor House, Tower 2, Dubai Marina 04 399 8888 500 European

700

Palm Jumeirah 04 426 2626 French SEVILLE’S Wafi, Oud Metha 04 324 4777 Spanish

450

300

NINETEEN Emirates Hills The Address Montgomerie 04 390 5600 600 European

TABLE 9 BY DARREN VELVICK Hilton Dubai Creek, Baniyas Road 04 212 7551 400 European

PICANTE Bur Dubai, Four Point Sheraton, 04 397 7444 300 Portuguese, Grills, Sea Food

THE AGENCY Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, DIFC 04 330 0000 04 319 8088 350 European

PINE GRILL Courtyard Marriott,Green Community Village, Dubai Investment Park 04 885 2222 300 International, European RHODES MEZZANINE Dubai Marina, Grosvenor House 04 399 888 500 European ROSTANG Atlantis The Palm, Dubai

THE ROTISSERIE One&Only Royal Mirage, Arabian Court, Al Sufouh Road 04 399 9999 300 European TRAITEUR Deira, Park Hyatt 04 317 2222 450 French & European


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MAY 2015 | 79

RUSSIAN CUISINE ALSAHA Deira,Naif Road next to Galaxy Supermarket 04 272 7937 45 Other Locations: Sheikh Zayed Road, JLT 04 452 2289 Russian Amadeus Marina Byblos Hotel, Dubai Marina 04 448 8222 300 Russian Arbat Carlton Tower Hotel, Baniyas 04 222 7111 500 Russian

Bolshoi Moscow Hotel, Maktoum Road, Baniyas 04 228 8222 300 Russian Gulnaz The Point Tower, Dubai Marina 04 453 4887 200 Russian NEFERTITI Bur Dubai Khalid Bin Walid Street 04 355 8855 100

Russian

SUVOROFF Dubai Marina Jumeriah Beach Residence 04 437 0178 200 Russian

Tashkent Dusseldorf Business Point, Barsha 1 04 447 0706 / 050 115 7060 Russian 80 Tchaikovsky Marina Byblos Hotel, Dubai Marina 04 448 8222 200 Russian TROYKA Bur Dubai, Al Fahidi Ascot Hotel 04 352 0900 200 Russian Uzbegim The Zen Tower, Dubai Marina 04 392 7311 / 056 754 1461 180 Russian


NIGHTLIFE

MAY 2015 | 80

Buddha Bar Grosvenor House, Dubai The world-famous Buddha Bar, the anchor venue of the Grosvenor House Dubai, offers guests an evening of pure theatre from the moment they cross its velvet-roped threshold. A wealth of sensory experiences awaits – colours, textures, taste, and of course, the unmistakable chill-out lounge music that owes its roots to the original Buddha Bar in Paris. The awesome spectacle of the main bar and dining room, with its soaring vaulted ceiling and burnished gold walls, stops many first time visitors in their tracks. The room is dominated by two main features. The first is a four-metre high gold statue, specially commissioned in Thailand for Buddha Bar Dubai. The second, a 20-metre floor-to-ceiling glass window - covering one whole length of the room - dressed with swooping, velvet theatre-style drapes. Sparkling ruby chandeliers simply add to the drama as do the details that that give the bar its Oriental soul - Tibetan prayer rolls and lanterns adorn the walls, embroidered dragons run riot on the dramatic dining chairs, hot colours make striking impact against ebony wood. Buddha-Bar is legendary, its awesome spectacle instantly promising guests an evening of pure theatre and pure pleasure. One of Dubai’s hottest hot-spots, the buzzing main bar and dining room is dominated by Buddha-Bar’s famous four-metres high gilded statue and an entire wall of glass, soaring to 20 metres height. To the sensual sound of chill-out music, guests can luxuriate in a menu inspired by the cuisines of Thailand, China and Japan, with fresh seasonal ingredients from Arabia. Opening hours: 7:30pm – 2am (Thursday and Fridays until 3am), Dinner 7.30pm-11pm (Daily). Contact address and telephone number: Grosvenor House Dubai, Tower One, 043176000 Website: http://www.grosvenorhouse-dubai.com/en/ grosvenor-house-dubai-restaurants-bars

The restaurant’s menu blends the culinary essence of Thailand, China and Japan together with fresh, seasonal ingredients of Arabia to create its light, flavoursome cuisine. Dishes are served platter-style, and perfect for groups to share. The main bar area is also within the dining room and as the evening wears on and Buddha Bar pulsates with Dubai’s ultra-stylish party crowd, people-watching becomes yet another part of the captivating experience. Behind the main dining room, a sake bar with tatamistyle seating offers truly authentic Oriental dining, whilst throughout the whole space, intimate seating areas, lit by lanterns and decorated with Asian curios and artefacts, allows guests to seclude themselves to soak up the unique ambiance. A dramatic staircase leads to the mezzanine floor and the Zen lounge where Mao-suited waiters offers a full bar menu and a range of light snacks. It’s the perfect vantage point to see Buddha Bar in full flow – and come the weekends, the hottest tables in town.


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NIGHTLIFE dubainight.com

DRINKS

LIVE MUSIC 360 DEGREES: Voted

as one of the Top 100 clubs in the world for three years running. Spectacular view overlooking Dubai’s coastline. Caters to dance enthusiasts with quality house music Open Sun-Wed 5pm-2am;Thu-Sat 5pm-3am Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Umm Suqeim 04 4068999

40 Kong: 40 Kong is an outdoor rooftop cocktail lounge and restaurant, located at One Sheikh Zayed Road, the center of Dubai’s busiest business district. Roosted on the 40th floor of the H Hotel, with stunning panoramic views of the city. Sunday to Saturday from 6 p.m till 3 a.m. H Hotel Sheikh Zayed Road, 40th floor 04 3558896 ABOVE: Above at Sofitel Dubai Downtown is the latest rooftop bar and lounge. The rooftop oasis offers the perfect haven to enjoy an array of signature cocktails, international cuisine and and beats from resident and guest DJs. The ambiance brings together an eclectic design with gorgeous views of downtown Dubai and The Burj Khalifa Open Daily from 6pm to 3am Sofitel Dubai Downtown 052 925 9111 AMIKA: Amika serves sophisticated food and cocktails with an abundance of style and class, this is the ultimate ambiance with a plethora of live performers to sit back and admire, or dance! The H Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, 8pm - 3am 04 5018888 Après: Overlooking the slopes of Ski Dubai, Apres ski-lodge offers cocktails and delicious fondue. For those taking a break from their shopping spree, this place is a welcome respite. Open: Sun-Wed noon-1am, Thu-Fri noon-2am. Mall of the Emirates, Barsha. 04 3412575 Armani Prive:

MAY 2015 | 81

SHISHA

DANCing

AtMosphere Lounge Stylish cocktails, snacks and unparalleled views of the skyline. This is nothing less than spectacular. Free entry, minimum spend AED400 for window table per person,AED300 for non-window table per person. Open daily noon-3pm: 5pm-2am, Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai. 04 8883828 Barasti:

A laid-back beach venue to relax with good music. Barasti serves tasty food and delicious cocktails. Open Sun-Wed noon-1.30am; ThuSat noon-2.30am Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, Umm Suqeim 04 3181313

Bliss Lounge:

Lounge located in Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort is promising the best chill out afternoons and up beat nights. Resident DJs mixing the best of chill out and deep house music. Bliss combines the contemporary outdoors with the sands of Jumeirah Beach. Sheraton Dubai Jumeirah 04 315 3886

BLUE MARLIN:

Imported from the smooth shores of the Mediterranean, Blue Marlin Dubai Beach Club encompasses the true Ibiza lifestyle. Open Friday 1pm-11am and Saturday 1pm-9pm. Ghantoot Exit 399 056 113 3400

Boudoir: A bar and club with a rich decor, top-rated DJ’s spinning the latest tunes and a hot spot for celebrities. Open daily: 10pm-3am. Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, Jumeirah 04 3455995 Buddha Bar:

Extravagant dining experience thats nothing less than chic with exclusive offerings of cock-

AL FRESCO

tails, fine bubbly, and lovely food. Its unique interior and ambience - simply heaven. Open Sun - Wed 8pm - 1am. Thu - Fri upto 2am. Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina. 04 3998888

Calabar: Vibrant, Latininspired Calabar is a premium lounge bar, attracting Dubai’s fashionable and elite. As the sun sets behind the Burj Khalifa, Calabar’s sundowner terrace comes alive with an energetic buzz. The Address Downtown, 6pm - 2:30am. 04 4507766 Caramel: Caramel Restaurant & Lounge boasts a warm inviting ambience and relaxing atmosphere that offers drinking, dining, and entertainment at one centrally located hot spot. DIFC, 7pm - 2am 04 4256677 Cavalli Club: Inspired by renowned designer Roberto Cavalli, a fashionable venue with Italian cuisine and exotic cocktails. Open daily 8pm-3am Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road 04 3329260 Chameleon: Whether you’re a visual creature, or tantalised by taste, textures and sublime sounds, Chameleon Club has something for everyone who wants to experience something totally unique in the clubbing world. Byblos Hotel, 8pm - 3am. 04 4488000 China White: Chinawhite Dubai is the epitome of luxury and exclusivity, taking nightlife to a new level in Dubai. Staying true to its ethos, Chinawhite Dubai is all about the people, providing an intimate yet collective clubbing experience where you can feel truly special. Grand Hyatt, 10pm - 3am. 050 2736283

A venue that draws in the cream of Dubai’s fashionistas and hedonists.The decor dazzles with the mezzanine that entertains VIP tables and booths and an outdoor veranda overlooking the Dubai Fountain. The Armani lounge, exclusivity for an unparalleled nightlife. Open Tue-Sun 10pm-3am Armani Hotel Dubai, Downtown Dubai, Dubai 04 8883308 / 056 6833943

Atelier M: The epitome of a great dining experience and nightlife venue situated in the heart of Dubai Marina. Pier 7, Dubai Marina, 7pm - 3am 04 4507766

BLISS


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NIGHTLIFE dubainight.com Cielo: Cielo is an ultra-

chic roof terrace that is set to become the destination in Dubai, featuring the best DJs not to mention one of the most attractive places to enjoy sundowners combined with the spectacular views of the Dubai skyline.The Dubai Creek Yacht Club, 7pm - 3am. 04 4161800

Cirque le Soir: A nightlife clubbing experience like you’ve never experienced before. Clowns, snake charmers, dwarfs, contortionists, stilt walkers, sword swallowers, fire eaters and mixologists are all on the list for the greatest show. Fairmont Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, 11pm - 3am. 04 3627900 Clé: Cle Dubai unlocks the experience of contemporary Middle Eastern cuisine as expressed through Michelin-starred Chef Greg Malouf’s eyes.Al Fattan Curreny Tower, 6pm - 2am. 04 3525150 DistricT Lounge: The Capital Club is a prestigious private business and social club located on the top floors of DIFC, 9pm - 3am 04 8802285 DUBAI MARINAYACHT CLUB:

An impressive clubhouse and four marinas spread over a manmade 3.5-kilometre canal and state-of-the-art marina facilities. Open FriWed 6pm-2am;Thu 6pm-midnight Dubai Marina Yacht Club, Dubai 04 3627900

Embassy:

At the top of Tower Two, panoramic 360 degree views over three floors of an exclusive late night supper club for an ultimate night out. Open Tue-Sat 8pm-2am; Close on Sundays and Mondays. Grosvenor House Dubai, Dubai Marina 04 3176000

GQ Bar Dubai: Inspired

temporary interiors, the Jetty Lounge is an elegant beachside bar. Beverages and wines are complemented by a selection of light snacks such as mezzeh, Spanish ham and cheeses as well as dips and Asian-inspired platters. One & Only Royal Mirage, 2pm - 2am. 04 3999999

Karma Kafé: Fine dining experience that will satisfy those with a discerning palate given the venue’s signature dishes and magnificent decor. Open Sun-Thu 4pm-2am; Fri-Sat noon-2am. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai 04 4230909 Mahiki: Mahiki is the ultimate party destination with its Tiki décor, delicious fresh fruit cocktails and tropical flowers adorning every Honolulu Honey’s hair; a night out is set to be unique in every respect. Jumeirah Beach Hotel, 7pm - 3am 04 3807731 Malecon: The place to be for the full-on Latin experience, a zesty blend of Latin American cuisines and a carefully selected fusion of international styles. Dubai Marine Resort & Spa, 7pm - 3am. 04 3461111 Maya: Having recently been revamped to usher in a new dining & entertainment experience for the many guests who visit Maya Modern Mexican Kitchen + Lounge, by celebrity chef Richard Sandoval. Le Royal Meridien Resort & Spa, 5pm - 2am 04 3165550 Movida: Five star hospitality along with special VIP Valet entry to the club. Music comes from world renowned DJ’s. Open Wed-Fri 11pm-3am, Radisson Royal Hotel Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road 04 3866844

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by the contemporary men’s lifestyle magazine, GQ Bar offers much the same as its namesake; a sophisticated restaurant and bar, along with a separate shisha terrace, combining stylish interiors, upbeat music and a delectable food menu with an elaborate cocktail list. JW Marriott Marquis, 7pm - 3am. 04 3214541

Iris DUBAI: Located on the twenty-seventh floor of The Oberoi Dubai, Iris Dubai transforms the upper deck into the perfect tropical yet modern getaway amid Dubai’s concrete skyscraper jungle. Iris Dubai stands out as Dubai’s ultimate outdoor rooftop experience featuring an extensive menu of international meals and creative specialty fruit cocktails and mocktails, sophisticated ambiance, stunning views of the city, complete with the best sounds of smooth lounge music courtesy of a live band every Sunday and Tuesday. Open seven days a week from 6 PM to 2 AM. The Oberoi, Dubai, 27th Floor, Business Bay 056 9511442 Jetty Lounge:

Housed in chic Arabian architecture with con-

Music hall: The mythical MusicHall has brought its unique and original concept to Dubai, offering to cosmopolitan guests its distinctive short. Live shows are interspersed by the best DJ music sets Dubai Zabeel Saray 056 2708670 Nasimi Beach: An oasis of tranquility with a stretch of white beach where the DJ spins. Open Sat-Thu, 9am-1am; Fri 9am-2am, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, Palm

MAY 2015 | 82 Jumeirah 04 4262626

N’dulge:

A high-tech nightclub with dance areas providing the ultimate experience. Open, daily 9pm-3am. Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, Palm Jumeirah 04 4260561

Neos: Panoramic views of Burj Khalifa, classic cocktails and fine Champagne with its elegant interior creates an ideal lounge experience. Open daily 6pm-2am The Address Downtown Dubai 04 4367700 Okku: A winner of many awards, Okku is a contemporary Japanese dining scene with a cutting edge service, style, and design combined with a see-and-be-seen atmosphere.The H Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, 7pm - 3am. 04 5018888 Pacha Club Dubai: Pacha Ibiza continues its history and global expansion by opening its doors this November 6th in Dubai. Staying true to its Ibiza roots, Pacha Ibiza Dubai will host world-class visiting DJ’s, but will also feature local talent. Souk madina Jumeirah. Reservation 04 5670000

People by Crystal: Nestled on the top levels of a large glass pyramid, People defines clubbing excellence. Its gorgeous swanky interior along with the panoramic views it affords of Dubai makes it the hottest social spots in Dubai. The interiors bound to enchant many.Open daily 10pm-3am. Raffles Dubai, OudMetha, Dubai 050 2972097 Provocateur New York:

The club is expected to open in December. Based on an intimate lounge in The Meatpacking District, Provocateur Dubai promises a new clubbing experience in which“all of its attributes sit in distinct contrast to the city’s existing nightlife landscape and is a truly unique version of its New York counterpart.” Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach 04 270 7777

Q43: Q43 is a New York loft style bar/lounge. Situated on the 43rd floor of Office Tower, Media One Hotel, Media City the new nightspot offers stunning vistas of The Palm 43rd Floor, Media One Hotel, Media City 04 4435403 Qbara: “The Q is calling” A vibrant venue that invites to see and be seen. Join us for an atmospheric journey that juxtaposes the ancient with the contemporary to touch your every sense and imagination… Located in Dubai’s famous Wafi Fort Complex adjacent toThe Raffles Dubai. Saturday-Wednesday 7:00PM - 2:00 AM, Thursday - Friday 7:00PM - 3:00 AM, Friday & Saturday Lunch 1:30 PM-4:00PM. 04 7092500


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NIGHTLIFE dubainight.com Rock Bottom Café: The

casual everyday spot with no frills and fancy and some good music and affordable priced menu, makes this an ideal pre drink place or a lighter night out. Open daily 6pm-3:30am Ramee Rose Hotel, TECOM. 04 4500111

Sass Cafe: Sass Café Dubai will offer what very few can – a place to enjoy an intimate dinner, followed by a place to enjoy a vibrant atmosphere into early hours of the evening. Tower 2, Podium level, Al Fattan Currency House – Dubai. 04 3527722 Shocho: The Shocho “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. Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa. Open everyday from 7pm - 3am 04 3461111 Siddharta Lounge: A lounge by Buddha bar with an ambience that oozes class and sophistication. Excellent signature drinks with an array of Asian and Mediterranean dishes. Open Sat-Wed 10am-midnight; Thu-Fri 10am-1am, Grosvenor House Dubai, Dubai Marina 04 3998888 Societe: Societe is Dubai’s most entertaining nightclub with a clear vision for each of our guests. Nothing but the best night out. All about the music, entertainment and experience, giving guests and customersa stylish adventure, with music from the 80s, Marina Byblos Hotel, Dubai Marina, 1st floor. OPENING HOURS:10pm - 3am, Open :Tuesday, to Friday Closed : Saturday / Sunday / Monday 050 3571126 Spin: SPIN Dubai features

eleven designer Ping-Pong tables, a world class bar, a fusion of international cuisine and a shisha lounge on the terrace. This stylish new venue is the first venue to open outside of North America. Wafi City, Monday to Sunday 6pm to 1 am. 04 3707707

The ACT: The Only place where

one can enjoy great shows and performances over some lovely diner and drinks.The highlest level of performances at the highest theatre in

MAY 2015 | 83

the world on the 42nd floor of the Shangri-la Hotel, Open Sun-Thu 9:30pm-3am Sheikh Zayed Road. 04 3551116

The Irish Village: An Irish pub with a vibrant atmosphere that’s bound to make you feel at home. Great food and drinks served with warm hospitality. Open Sun-Wed 11am-1am; Thu-Sat 11am-2am. Dubai Tennis Stadium, Garhoud 04 2395000 The Music Room: Incorporating a unique style with theme nights, this venue is a platform for talent. Open Daily 6pm - 3am. Majestic Hotel, Al Mankhool Road, Dubai 04 5012534

Toro Toro: PAN LATIN RESTAURANT & LOUNGE by Chef Richard Sandoval. Located in Grosvenor House Dubai / Mon - Wed: 19:30 - 02:00 ; Thu: 19:30 - 03:00 ; Fri: 12:30 - 16:00, 19:30 - 03:00; Sat - Sun: 19:30 - 02:00. 04 3176000

/ Wed - Fri: 23:30-03:00

055 2464555

VIP Room Dubai:

VIP Room, the famous club brand of Paris, St Tropez and Cannes Film Festival has hit Dubai. The opulent two level nightclub is located in the JW Marriott Marquis. 04 8818888

Voda bar: THE ULTIMATE BAR AND LOUNGE EXPERIENCE.Immerse yourself in sophistication at Voda Bar, the most stylish bar and lounge in Dubai. from 18:00 to 03:00 Sunday to Thursday and Saturday Happy Hour from 16:00 on Fridays. Jumeirah Zabeel Saray – Dubai / Palm Jumeirah. 04 4530444 White DUBAI: WHITE Dubai has made nightlife history as Dubai’s very first outdoor rooftop nightlife experience. WHITE Dubai is a high-tech and ultramodern outdoor rooftop space that is the ultimate go-to party destination to steer anyone’s evening escapades in the right direction. Open on Thursdays and Fridays from 10 PM to 3 AM. Meydan Grandstand Rooftop, Dubai. 050 4430933

Trader Vic’s:

A combination of live Cuban music and refreshing cocktails makes this place a haven to unwind. Open daily 5.30pm-2am, Crowne P l a z a D u b a i , S h e i k h Z a ye d R o a d 04 3311111

T rader

Vic ’ s :

A Tiki-themed restaurant & bar offering lovely signature cocktails and Polynesian cuisine. Open daily noon-1.30 am. Dubai Festival City Mall 04 2559000

Trader Vic’s Mai-Tai Lounge: A venue that features a live band

to delight many and strong mixed drinks. Tiki Puka Puka, being a popular concoction. Open daily 4pm-2am, Oasis Beach Tower, The Walk. Dubai Marina 04 3998993

Vanity: Located in heartbeat of Dubai night life at the 5 star hotel al Murooj Rotana opposite to Dubai Mall and few minute from DIFC with one of the best location for people“to see and be seen”. Mon: 23:30 - 03:00

XL Beach Club: A popular beach club that resonates luxury and a sophisticated ambience. Open daily 5pm-3am Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai Marina 056 6406161 Zero Gravity: Voted as one of the Top 100 clubs in the world for three years running. Spectacular view overlooking Dubai’s coastline. Caters to dance enthusiasts with quality house music Open Sun-Wed 5pm-2am;Thu-Sat 5pm-3am Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Umm Suqeim 04 3990009 Zuma: The zuma bar and sake lounge have become stable fixtures on dubai’s social scenewith an eclectic mix of guests. the ambience is complimented by seductive lighting and the resident DJ’s artistic a Coustics. Sat – Wed 12.00 - 01.00; Thurs & Fri 12.00 - 02.00. Gate village 06, DIFC 04 4255660


SHOP

Carpets While ancient folklore recounts the tales of Alladin and his carpet, historical evidence suggests that the antecedents of carpets have been around since 7000 BC, the time of the Neolithic age. While exactly when and how the woven carpet came in to existence will always remain a mystery, two theories about the origins are widely accepted. The first one suggests that the nomadic civilization invented the knotted carpet to avoid direct contact with the ground, especially for insulation during the cold weather. These carpets were created in vertical looms that could be dismantled and taken away from place to place, as the nomads wandered about. The second theory believes that carpets were first made by the settled people to serve as an artistic and functional addition to the homes. Full of distinct designs and motifs, these knotted carpets were made on the horizontal loom, which needed a stationary setup.

M

arco Polo noted in his accounts that carpet weaving flourished due to the Islamic culture, which nurtured the art of creating the most intricate and beautiful specimens to be found anywhere in the world. Several archaeological evidences suggest that carpet weaving was highly evolved in the Middle East, as far back as 2nd and 3rd centuries BC.As cultures migrated westward and eastward to Persia, Turkestan, Caucasus, as well as China and India, the art of carpet weaving spread and these locations came to be called as the ‘oriental carpet belt.’ Antique carpets are the most expensive of all carpets that are available today and are prized collector’s items. Technically, carpets woven before 1920 are termed as true antique carpets; the synthetic dyes were introduced in the 1860s and carpets made with traditional dyes earlier to this period are also considered true antiques.The semi-antique carpets are those woven between 1860s and the early 20th century, while those created from 1920s onwards are the modern carpets.

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SHOP There are a few basic things that you would do well to know, before going out to buy a carpet. These include the fibre, pile, density, weight and knots of the carpet. In terms of fibre, the basic material of the carpet, the choices include wool, nylon, polyester, olefin, acrylic and triexta. While wool is the authentic and traditional choice, the synthetic fibres are becoming popular for their durability, stain-resistance and ease of maintenance. The pile, also known by terms like the face and nap, is actually the height of the fibre and is of two types – cut pile and loop pile. As the name implies, the cut pile has the loop cut off and has soft feel and casual look, and is most popular choice for family rooms.The loop pile has the loop intact, is harder and stiffer than other options and is a good choice for high footfall areas. However, the large uncut loop piles carpets are unsuitable for homes having pets. Density and weight of the carpet are the other two important considerations. Density refers to the closeness with which the fibres are packed together – a higher density means a stronger carpet. As for the weight, face weight is the weight of the carpet surface alone; higher the face weight, better the quality. The knot density determines the strength and fineness of the carpet; push your fingertip to the base of the pile to test the knot density, the knots should feel tightly packed. To know the fineness, turn the carpet on its back and feel the bumps – each knot will feel as a bump and bigger bumps indicate coarser knots. While in Dubai, a carpet should definitely be on your mustbuy list as the city offers some of the finest carpets available anywhere in the world. Be it for making an elegant statement in the decor of your own home or for a precious gift to someone close to you, a carpet truly makes for a memorable purchase. Deira has a famous carpet market, and the various malls and Souqs of Dubai also house exclusive carpet stores.A notable one is the Gate of Tunisia in Al-Taawun Mall in Sharjah which has carpets ranging from the smallest pieces for chairs to huge spreads for large living rooms; these carpets come stamped by the Tunisian local authori-

MAY 2015 | 85

ty to authenticate the quality and origin. The Tehran Persian Carpet at the Dubai Mall, the National Iranian Carpet at Souk Al Bahar, the Persian Carpet House at the Souk Madinat Jumeirah, the Asala Antiques in the Mall of Emirates are some of the places to check out carpets. You will also find a lot of Afghani and Pakistani carpets at the Masafi Friday Market, alternately known as the al Juma Souk, on the DubaiFujairah Road; contrary to the name,the Friday Market remains open throughout the week.


SHOP Dubai is a shopper’s paradise. From some of the world’s most amazing malls, including the world’s largest shopping space, to the city’s atmospheric souks where traditional local commerce comes alive, the choice is endless. Spend some time in the modern bazaars of Souk Al Bahar and Souk Madinat Jumeirah and explore corridors filled with treasures and trinkets to take home as a fitting reminder of your time in Dubai. Or pay a visit to the Gold & Diamond Park where a shimmering selection of jewellery awaits, There is something to suit all shopping tastes in this eclectic city.

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ELECTRONIC SOUK

A treat for the gadgets enthusiast, the Naif area of the city is know as the Electronic Souq with more than a hundred shops offering miscellaneous gadgets. Prices are extremely reasonable but look out for products without warranty. Location: Naif Roa, Deira | :Union Metro Station. PERFUME SOUK

GOLD SOUK The glitter of gold enchants every visitor to this space where more than 300 retailers trade in jewellery. A hive of activity, the craftsmanship on display incorporates both traditional and modern designs. Precious stones and semi-precious gems are available as and all come with a certificate of authenticity. Prices are very reasonable and are primarily based on weight. Choose from gold in various colours from yellow to pink. Location: Deira, Gold Souk. : Gold Souk Metro Station OLD SOUK / TEXTILE SOUK

Indulge your senses at the perfume souk where fabulous aromas greet you upon arrival. Arabic ittars, a spicy local fragrance, and the latest perfumes are all available here. Take the chance to replenish your scents at this aromatic oasis. Location: Sikkat Al Khail Road, Deira, just east of the Gold Souk. SPICE SOUK

An assortment of fabrics of different hues, interlace, embroidery, souvenirs and various other goods avail. A huge variety of fabrics in all colours and designs are available in this rustic souq, which captures the essence of the old town from its location in Bur Dubai. Back when this part of the city was the main trading hub, the textile souq hummed with shoppers who came here to purchase their daily wares. Today, visitors can reach the souq via a pleasant abra (water taxi) ride across the Creek and wander through its atmospheric alleyways, soak up the sights, sounds and smells that hark back to a different time. A: Al Fahidi Street, Bur Dubai | : Al Fahidi Metro Station.

Adjacent to the gold souk is the fragrant Spice Souk boasting the rich scent of spices and a marvellous array of colours at every turn. Welcoming vendors ply their trade along its narrow alleyways. A delight for the senses, soak up the atmosphere and pick up spices from all corners of the globe. Location: Deira, Next to Gold Souk | :Gold Souk Metro Station


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GOLD & DIAMOND PARK

SOUK MADINAT JUMEIRAH A welcome haven from the bustling urban life of Dubai. Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a modern version of the Dubai Souk.The wind towers, wooden architecture, beautiful waterways and an open Emirati sky beckons any traveller. An array of inviting restaurants and coffee shops mean there are plenty of places to take a break from shopping.Take the opportunity to immerse yourself in Arabian c u l t u re a n d p u rc h a s e a hand-woven carpet, prayer beads or even some authentic Arabian coffee. Set around breathtaking waterways, the picturesque setting is in itself part of the souk’s charm. Location: Downtown Dubai, :Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall Metro Station SOUK AL BAHAR

TIPS TO BARGAIN Determine a maximum price that you are willing to pay from the outset and stick to it If the vendor refuses to budge on price, look elsewhere to see if another retailer stocks the same item. The chances are that they could be more accommodating Try to purchase as many items as possible from the same vendor as you are more likely to get a good discount this way Be friendly and light-hearted - bargaining is best treated as a game and if it looks like you aren’t going to achieve your desired result then just walk away Take time to browse rather than purchasing on impulse - often the best deals are to be had further inside the markets where the shops are less visible and receive less custom DUBAI FLEA MARKET

Souk Al Bahar (in Downtown Dubai) is another version of the Dubai Souk. An arabesque shopping mall with a distinct feel of Dubai’s past and present inextricably intertwined. The waterfront promenade along with the intermingling of cafes, restaurants and lounges is sheer brilliance.The mix of authentic handicrafts, fashion wear, perfumes, carpets are worthy to indulge any shopper.The ambience along with the Moroccan amber lighting adds to the magic. Simply utter bliss. A: Downtown Dubai| Dubai Mall Metro Station.

The biggest second-hand market in the region, it features 300 stands full of second-hand goods and handicrafts.To get the best bargain be there sharp at 8am on the first Saturday of every month at Safa Park, gate five, and the second Friday of every month at Uptown Mirdif, next to Spinneys, 3pm-8pm. 055 305 7389 ARTE MARKET / SOUK Over 340 stalls displaying handmade art and handicrafts from around the world. The market is indoor and can be visited through out the year. ARTE Market takes place at Festival City on the first Friday of the month, from noon until 9pm, while ARTE Souk is held at Times Square Centre on Sheikh Zayed Road on the second Friday of the month, noon until 7pm. Log on to arte. ae to find the next market date.

Located on Sheikh Zayed Road, the Gold & Diamond Park is Dubai’s leading destination for gold and diamond jewellery. The vast area incorporates commercial space for over 350 offices and around 90 leading retail outlets displaying unparalleled jewellery and gemstones. Admire the skills and expertise of the artisans who will handcraft jewellery designs tailored to individual preference onsite. A selection of cafés and restaurants adds to the shopping experience. It’s also possible to catch a glimpse of the very rare gold alloy purple gold, which is still very new on the jewellery market. Location: Shiekh Zayed Road, Sharaf DG Metro Station KARAMA A cluster of shops right in the middle of the city’s Karama district is the ideal place to pick up cheap clothing, shoes, purses, belts, and accessories. Put your bargaining skill to good use here. Location: Karama | : Karama Metro Station DUBAI Designer Market In the hub of international fashion brands, rest assured that local fashion talent falls not far behind. This weekly market displays the best of traditional designs infused with modern influences. Save some of your spending for here. Location: Meydan Hotel and Racecourse

TIPS Carry cash and small bills to Flea markets as credit/ debit cards won’t usually be accepted. Also carry a pair of sunglasses and some water to stay hydrated in the hot sun as you browse


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MALLs in DUBAI

Deira City Centre

Ibn Battuta Mall Mall of the Emirates With close to 500 retail stores, this sprawling shopping space has everything under one roof.There is also a host of activities to take part in during a visit including a session on the slopes at Ski-Dubai, the popular indoor ski resort. Location: Al Barsha 04 409 9000 : Mall of the Emirates Station

This venue is a must-visit as it is part mall, part educational spacel. It celebrates the travels of Ibn Battuta – the Arabic explorer who visited many parts of Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and China. The bold design sees a court within the mall dedicated to each region visited by the explorer – India, China, Tunisia, Egypt, Persia and Andalusia. Influences from each destination can be felt in design details peppered throughout the mall. Location: The Gardens | 04 362 1900 : Ibn Battuta Station

This mall is good if you are looking at buying items that have a touch of the Middle East. You can purchase specialities such as silk, cashmere and oriental rugs. There is also a cinema and Magic Planet. Location: Deira | 04 295 1010 : Deira City Centre

Mirdif City Centre Mall

Burjuman Centre The Dubai Mall A veritable shopping city with more than 1,000 retail outlets, this mall is the biggest in the world in terms of area. To navigate the sprawling space, hire a golf cart and speed up your shop. Awe-inspiring attractions here include an aquarium, ice rink and cinemas. Visitors to the mall can also access the Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa. For children, Kidzania and Sega Republic offer hours of fun. Location: Downtown Dubai | 04 362 7500 : Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall Station

For fans of high-end labels such as Louis Vuitton, Cartier and Bvlgari, this is the place to shop.The home of luxury brands, this mall is made up of sunny courtyards and impressive gardens. Location: Bur Dubai | 04 352 0222 : BurJuman Station

As well as having top retail brands this mall is also home to many local designers and boutiques. It offers an indoor sky diving experience which is also well worth a try. Location: Mirdif | 800 6422 : Mirdif City Centre

Dubai Festival City Built along the banks of Dubai Creek, Dubai Festival City has food, entertainment and shopping. Location: Deira 04 232 5444 : Dubai Festival City Mercato Mall

IbnBattuta Mall

Mall of the Emirates

Oasis Centre

BurJuman Centre

The Dubai Mall

Al Ghurair Centre

Deira City Centre Wafi Shopping Mall Dubai Festival City

Dubai Outlet Mall

Dragon Mart


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MALLs in DUBAI

Dragon Mart

Mercato Mall AL GHURAIR CENTRE One of the first malls to be built in Dubai, this shopping venue in the heart of Deira remains a popular retail destination for the city’s shoppers

Fashion brands, boutiques set in Italianthemed architecture.Location: Beach Road, Jumeirah 04 344 4161 : Financial Centre

The best deals on everything from fabric to furnishing are to be had in this quirky discount mall which focuses on Chinese wares Location: International City 04 428 5665 : Rashidiya

800 24227 : Union Station

boulevard Jumeirah Emirates Towers High-end boutiques. Part of the world famous Emirates Towers. Location: DIFC 04 319 8999 : Emirates Towers

Wafi Shopping Mall If you are an art enthusiast, this mall is for you. Not only is it possible to purchase pieces of art here, the architecture of the mall is fascinating with its distinctive pyramid shape that adds an important feature to the city’s skyline. Location: Oud Metha | 04 324 4555 : Healthcare City

Dubai Outlet Mall There are more than 1,200 retail brands here offering top-tier brands at reduced 04 423 prices from designer fashion to high-street stores. Area: Dubailand 4666 : Union Station

Mercato Mall

IbnBattuta Mall

Mall of the Emirates

Oasis Centre

BurJuman Centre

The Dubai Mall

Al Ghurair Centre

Deira City Centre Wafi Shopping Mall Dubai Festival City

Dubai Outlet

Dragon Mart


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Mirdiff City Centre 04 2843989 Centrepoint, Bur Dubai 04 3587002

DUBAI ELECTRONICS

TIPS E nsure you ask for an international warranty card and receipt. Also check on the permitted value of electronics you can carry back to your home country SHARAF DG CALL TOLL FREE NUMBER: 800 34435 Union Metro Station, Deira City Centre, Ibn Battuta Mall, Times Square Centre, The Dubai Mall, Union Co-operative Society off Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Wasl, Mankhool Street, Al Raffa, Union Co-op Muhaisnah, Bur Dubai oppo-

site Astoria Hotel Meena Bazaar, Union Al Tawar, Mirdif City JACKY’S Nasser Square The Dubai Mall

04 2238700 04 4340222

E-MAX Oasis Centre Mall of the Emirates

04 5154444 04 3996562

GOLD

Between the Gold Souk and the Gold & Diamond Market, you’ll find more than 700 jewellers, but there are many more to visit throughout the city.

DAMAs MALLS 04 3669944 Ibn Battuta Mall 04 4342530 Dubai Marina Mall Mall of the Emirates 04 3410633 04 3397441 Oasis Centre 04 3525566 BurJuman Centre 04 2953848 Deira City Centre 04 3398846 The Dubai Mall 04 2843597 Mirdif City Centre 04 2325554 / 2325958 DFC Emirates Towers 04 3303262 04 3420460 Town Centre Mercato 04 3498833 04 3355177 Lamcy Plaza Wafi Mall 04 324 2425 04 344 8821 Magrudy Jumeirah

Arabian Plaza Mirdif Al Bustan Centre Century Mall Reef Mall HOTELS: Sheraton Jumeirah Le Meridien Jumeirah Jumeirah Beach Hotel Burj Al Arab One&Only Royal Mirage OTHERS Barsha Gold & Diamond Park: Madinat Jumeirah Satwa Karama Centre

04 284 5571 04 263 0285 04 296 9963 04 222 4274 04 399 3449 04 399 3211 04 348 6716 04 348 4816 04 315 2172 04 341 8413 04 347 9663 04 368 6201 04 3326116 04 336 6690

JUMBO ELECTRONICS 04 2843470 Mirdif City Centre 04 352355 Mall of the Emirates Jumbo House, 04 3523555 Bur Dubai Centre, Union Co-op, Rashidiya, Al Barsha Mall, BurJuman 04 3685311 Ibn Battuta Mall 04 3253711 The Dubai Mall 04 232967 Dubai Festival City 04 2953915 Deira City Centre 04 3521323 BurJuman Centre 04 221 6673 Al Nasr Square PLUG-INS ELECTRONIX Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha 04-2950404 Diera City Centre Dubai Festival City 04 2066777 04 4340800 Dubai Mall 04 2283657 Al Ghurair Centre Karama Gold Centre 04 337 3744 Meena Bazaar (three branches): 04 3595757 / 3525515 / 353 5119 Gold Souk (three branches): 04 2255481 / 2255582 /2253315 Gold Centre (five branches): 04 2266527 / 2264076 / 22527072 / 2263678 / 2264849 Al Qusais Sheikh Colony: 04 2637751

TIPS old is typically G available in 18K, 22K or 24K. The karats refer to the gold content or purity of gold. 24 karat gold is the purest form of gold whereas 22K gold contains 22 parts of gold and two parts of other metal alloys. 18K gold is made up of 18 parts of gold with six other parts of metal alloys. Knowing the purity of gold by the colour: 24K Richest and warmest yellow colour, Pink Gold Copper + gold mix Green Gold Zinc + gold mix Silver / White Gold Nickel + gold mix


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ARY GOLD Deira,Gold Souk, Opposite Gold 04 226 3535 Souk Bus Station POPLEY Deira Gold Souk 04 225 8345 / 226 7954 / 256 1485 04 223 0558 Al Ghurair City Meena Bazar, Bur Dubai 04 3512133 / 528288 04 341 0885 MoE 04 296 9235 Century Mall 04 434 1514 The Dubai Mall MALABAR GOLD Al Fahidi Street, Meena Bazar, Bur Dubai 04 354 0123 04 252 2001 Deira City Centre Gold Centre Gold Souq 04 235 3916 04 358 4916 Karama Centre Meena Bazar, Bur Dubai 04 388 7916 Mirdif City Centre 04 285 2563 Lulu Hypermarket, 04 298 8926 Qusais KALYAN Al Fahidi Street, Bur Dubai 04 353 3533 Opp. Cosmos, Bur Dubai 04 352 5033 Opp Karama Park, Al Karama 04 396 4133 Damascus Street, Opposite Grand 04 263 6833 Hotel, Al Qusais

Kanz houses one of the finest jewelry collection from artist and designers across the world, also including the record making ring weighting almost 68 KGS. Br. 1 Br. 2 Br. 3 Br. 4 Br. 5 Br. 6 Br. 7

04 2265639 04 2266786 04 2266660 04 2262614 04 2266603 04 2353111 04 3400557

TIPS MUST VISIT

Joy alukkas: Gold Centre, Gold Souk, Deira 04 225 3646 Flagship Store 04 226 0930 Branch Store 04 323 4801 Barsha, Lulu Atlas 04 225 4235 Gold Centre Gold Souk 04 225 0977 Gold Land, Deira 04 359 5866 Rolla Street, Bur Dubai Fahidi Street, Bur Dubai 04 351 2147 Al Gubaiba, Bur Dubai 04 327 31 57 Maraya Center, Satwa 04 349 3395 Karama 04 334 8749/ 3353391 04 263 2325 Ghusais 04 225 4235 Global Village Damiani The Dubai Mall

04 339 8736

ANSAR GALLERY Ground Floor, Hamsah Complex, Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road Al Karama, Dubai, Near Dubai Ice Plant & Cold Store 04 357 7789 AJMAL PERFUMES BurJuman Centre Gold Souk Union Cooperative Jumeirah The Dubai Mall Lamcy Plaza Deira City Centre Murshid Bazaar Satwa Mirdif City Centre Bin Sougat Centre Emirates Cooperative Al Mizhar Mall Of the Emirates Arabian Centre

04 351 5505 04 226 9939 04 394 7992 04 339 9303 04 396 6725 04 295 3580 04 226 6274 04 344 1010 04 284 0400 04 285 7717 04 264 4281 04 341 4151 04 285 1157

AMOUAGE The Dubai Mall, Financial Centre Road, Downtown Dubai 04 330 8184 DEBENHAMS Deira City Centre Ibn Battuta Mall Mall of the Emirates Mirdif City Centre The Dubai Mall

04 294 0011 04 362 1900 04 340 7575 04 231 6600 04 339 9285

JASHANMAL The Dubai Mall, Star Atrium 04 325 3808 Mall of the Emirates 04 385 0139 Festival City Mall,

Dubai Festival City Mirdif City Centre Al Ghurair Centre

04 232 9023 04 283 9556 04 227 7780

SPLASH / Centrepoint Ibn Battuta Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road 04 429 7930 Near Maktoum 04 335 0525 Bridge 04 222 2512 Reef Mall 04 227 4796 Ghurair City 04 284 5440 Arabian Centre Splash (Centrepoint), 04 284 3343 Mirdif City Centre Splash (Centrepoint), Mall of the Emirates 04 341 0644 Splash (Centrepoint), 04 515 4304 Oasis Centre 04 325 3464 The Dubai Mall 04 451 5173 Outlet Mall Splash (Centrepoint), Next to BurJuman Mall, Bur Dubai 04 351 1130 SAKS FIFTH AVENUE 04 351 5551 Burjuman PARIS GALLERY Mai Tower, Al Nahda 1 Deira City Centre Festival Centre The Dubai Mall Ibn Battuta Mall Al Ghurair City Bustan Centre BurJuman

04 237 2222 04 295 5550 04 375 0550 04 330 8289 04 368 5500 04 221 1166 04 261 1288 04 359 7774

ARABIAN OUD 04 295 6767 Deira City Centre Wafi, Umm Hurair 2, Dubai Healthcare City 04 324 4117 Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, Dubai 04 368 6586 AREEJ Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha 04 340 5223 Mercato Mall, Jumeirah Beach Road 04 344 6894 Dubai Marina Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road 04 399 7436 LUSH 1st floor Dubai Mall Dubai

04 435 6114

L’OCCITAINE 04 339 8148 Dubai Mall Deira City Center Dubai 04 294 3153 Mercato Dubai 04 349 9271


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THE BODY SHOP Deira City Centre Jumeirah Centre, Jumeirah Road Spinney’s Al Ghurair BurJuman Centre

04 295 0701 04 344 4042 04 228 9494 04 351 9335

THE NATURE SHOP Sheikh Zayed Road, City Tower 1, Near Crowne Plaza Hotel 04 331 0303 Deira, 2nd Floor, 04 295 4181 Deira City Centre APPARELS Marina Mall Dubai 04 434 2563 04 232 6050 Festival City First Floor Ibn Battuta Mall India Court 04 368 5505 Mall of the Emirates First Floor 04 340 4309 City Centre Mirdif City Centre 04 284 38 89 Dubai Airport Terminal 3 RASASI 04 222 9109 Ghurair City 04 284 0121 Mirdif City Centre Mall of the Emirates 04 341 0616 04 295 0670 Deira City Centre 04 351 2757 BurJuman Centre 04 261 2451 Bustan Centre 04 345 6961 Jumeirah Palm Strip 04 296 7133 Century Mall Arabian Centre – 04 284 5800 Mirdiff 04 222 9109 Ghurair City 04 232 5635. Dubai Festival City 056-1491209 Dragon Mart BEAUTY & BATH BATH & BODY WORKS 04 340 4530 Mall of the Emirates 04 330 8839 The Dubai Mall 04 368 5975 Ibn Battuta Mall 04 231 6751 Mirdif City Centre 04 250 1029 Deira City Centre LUSH The Dubai Mall 04 435 6114 / Mercato Mall Mirdif City Centre Deira City Centre

04 454 7661 04 344 9334 04 252 4929 04 295 9531

AL MOTAHAJIBA DUBAI Buy colourful Arabic clothes at Al Motahajiba Dubai. Al Motahajiba sells a wide variety of sheilas, jalabiyas and abayas made from high quality, durable fabrics. Whether shopping for everyday wear or something for a special occasion, you will find it at any Al Motahajiba store, at Mall of the Emirates, Town Centre, and Wafi City. AL THAWB AL WATANI TAILORING 04 368 5324 Ibn Battuta Mall Al Dhiyafah Street, 04 398 8093 Al Satwa Jumeirah, Near Safa Park 04 263 4275, 04 394 7375 Al Qusais, Near Al Twar Centre 04 267 1453 At the Dubai Mall & Mercato Mall AL YASHMAC DUBAI Visit the Al Yashmac store in The Dubai Mall to buy Arabic clothing. The store offers a wide selection of clothes for the Arabic woman including abayas, jalabiya, sheilas, ready-made clothes and a range of colourful collections for special occasions. 04 269 0815 Hamarain Centre Bayat Al Yashmac-Hamarain 04 269 0853 The Beach Centre-Jumeirah 04 349 0244 04 261 0966 Al Bustan Center 04 288 8091 Uptown Mirdif

KASHKA CLOTHES For the best in Arabic clothes for women in Dubai, visit Kashka.The store sells a wide variety of tunics, sheila, jalabiya, scarves and accessories, made from high quality materials, designed in catchy colours.The Kashka store is located within The Dubai Mall. MAUZAN Mauzan is the leading luxurious abaya fashion house in the UAE. It is a high-class Emirati brand designing and producing beautiful abayas, sheilas and arabian perfumes.The company was founded in 1990 by the artist and designer Ms. Rafeea Bint Helal Al Qubasi. Dubai Mall 04 339 9505 MAX Al Ghurair Mall Oasis Mall Abu Hail Centre Opp BurJuman, Bur Dubai Ibn Battuta Mall

04 223 2272 04 339 7398 04 266 8660 04 397 5111 04 368 5435

MUMBAI SE Find beautiful Arabic clothes at Mumbai Se, the leading Asian clothing stockist in Dubai. Mumbai Se deals in al kinds of clothes for women, including tunics, abayas, jalabiya, sheilaa, hijab and a range of contemporary women’s clothes suitable for Arabic women. All clothing sold at Mumbai Se is made from high-quality fabrics and comes in colourful designs. 04 366 9855 LA REINE Collections of abayas and sheilas are specifically designed to suit a variety of occasions here. An extravagant line for weddings and parties, a casual yet elite line for a day shopping in the mall and a line for the trend-setters who like to show off their individuality. Available at The Dubai Mall 04 339 9432


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Must

Buys Al Nassma are the finest camel milk chocolates available. 04 2239289 www.al-nassma.com

shopping is central to any holiday in Dubai and a well-chosen souvenir offers a lasting memento of your travels. Here are some of the essential items to take away as a little reminder of Dubai.

Walk into any store at the Gold Present in almost all of the Souk and pick up city’s malls, Ajmal bring a cola bar or two lection of essences to suit all tastes. 04 3515505

The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates have plenty to offer by way of designer fashions or check out Dubai designer market (Page 95)

A SHEEBA IRANIAN CARPET makes a beautiful addition to the home. Central Market, Sharjah 06 572 7489 050 678 6168

Pick up an authentic Arabian ceremonial knife at Karama & Satwa Markets

Shisha pipes are available at the Spice Souk, Karama, or Satwa. The price starts from AED35

Robin Ruth 04 3465344 www.robin-ruth.me www.robin-ruth.com

Dates are a delicious gift from Bateel at locations across Dubai. www.bateel.com


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MAY 2015 | 94

Moroccan Bath

The Moroccan bath, known as hammam in Arabic, is a tradition stretched across the Middle East. It is done to clean, whiten and soften the skin. It even releases pain and stress from the body as the bath relaxes the muscles and boosts blood circulation in the veins and joints. The Moroccan bath varies in styles and settings. Moroccan bath makes use of a vital product in its massage. The product is known as Rhassoul-which is an organic cosmetic clay set up under the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Rhassoul clay is loaded with natural minerals like Magnesium, Iron, Calcium, Potassium and Sodium; all of which come with specific properties beneficial for human body. The clay is generally manufactured into a bar of soap, or is used as a peeling and massage balm. It has revamping, healing and appeasing effects.


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History & Cultural Importance of Moroccan Bath Moroccan bath or the hammam is said to have been originated in the days of Roman Empire. During those times, the Greeks laid high value on washing ―locals were made to visit the public bathhouses weekly to clean themselves.This importance of cleaning was soon adopted as a bathing ritual by the Arab culture. It was predominantly centered as a ritual to be done before prayer.They believed that this bathing ritual was the perfect way of cleansing the whole body and making it free of dirt. It was even associated with a number of health benefits like enhanced blood circulation, relief from stress & joint pains, as well as clear skin.

Transforming from cultural importance, Moroccan bath has now become modern day tool for a clean & clear skin. People in Middle East, as here in Dubai, love treating their bodies with highly rejuvenating and relaxing Moroccan bath.The popularity of same can be judged by the very fact that more and more spas and fitness centers are offering Moroccan bath in varied styles―each meeting a specific purpose. How is the Moroccan Bath done? It starts off with a body and hair rinse. Later, masseuse covers up your body with the Moroccan soap (made of the Rhassoul clay and is black in color). Once the whole

MAY 2015 | 95

Benefits of a Moroccan Bath I f you undergo a 40 minutes session of a Moroccan bath for at least twice a month, you instantly avail the following benefits: I t keeps aging at bay by enhancing skin elasticity and clarity. I t prevents acne and outbreak by balancing oil secretion in the skin. I t refines your skin texture by removing the layers of dead skin. I t rehydrates the skin by opening the pores and soothing redness and flakiness. M oroccan bath is your ideal way to bagging a cleaner, brighter and softer skin along with over all revitalization of the body!

body is covered with the black soap, you are made to sit in a steam room. As the body gets adapted to the steam, body pores start opening up.The masseuse then puts on the exfoliating gloves, and following a specific technique, removes dead skin from all over your body.The scrubbing is done vigorously so that the dead skin gets exfoliated properly. Post the scrubbing, a body masque is applied which is left there on your skin for nearly 15 minutes.This masque allows the dirt and impurities underlying the skin to rise to the surface. You are again made to sit in steam room where the masque is cleaned off. Another masque is then applied that marks the completion of the process, post which you feel fully refreshed.


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ALL ASALLA SPA

Al Asalla Spa is popular with the fitness-conscious ladies in Dubai. It offers specialised treatments for women of different ages and requirements. Unique treatment at Al Asalla Spa includes Reviving Back Cleanse that removes blemishes off the back, Arabic Rasul and traditional Moroccan baths.Dubai Ladies Club 04 3499922

Amara Spa

With facilities, treatments and indulgent elegance unrivalled in Dubai, Amara offers the ultimate luxury spa experience. It features eight spacious luxury suites, including three couples’ suites, each with its own private outdoor terrace, lounge area and indoor/ outdoor rain showers. Amara also offers a state-of-the-art sauna, a steam room, and a stunning 25-metre swimming pool featuring a series of palm islands. With its adjoining private courtyards and cascading water features, Amara is in perfect harmony with the sophisticated retreat atmosphere of Park Hyatt Dubai. Park Hyatt, Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club 04 6021234

ANCHOR BEAUTY SALON

Anchor Beauty Salon is situated in the heart of Karama, opposite Karama Centre, next to Talal Supermarket. We offer an array of services guaranteed to cater to all needs. Our team of qualified and friendly staff will assure our clients of professional and quality services while ensuring value for money. Opposite Karama Centre, next to Talal Supermarket. 04 3979875 / 055 7175689

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AZUR SPA

Azur Spa™, the unique and electric new spa introduces the latest craze,“SOCIAL SPA-ING”. At Azur Spa, we like to think that we are the solution to you gorgeous women who are just too busy. Gather your girlfriends and prepare to be pampered. Either come to our swanky salon or even better, we will come to you. With Azur Spa on Wheelz™…, we bring the treatments, machines, candles, decoration, therapists and the joy of getting pampered to the comfort of your home. Building D06 Area CBD 2-1 International City 04 4475284

BANYAN TREE SPA

The award-winning Banyan Tree Spa Al Wadi features lavish treatment pavilions and

state-of-the-art hydrotherapy facilities, The Rainforest. Complete with the finest décor and time-honoured spa healing therapies, Banyan Tree Spa Al Wadi is an ultimate Sanctuary for the Senses in the majestic desert. Under the intuitive touch of the professionally trained therapists, simple sensory pleasures are reawakened, completing the experience that defines Banyan Tree Spa. Banyan Tree Spa Al Wadi, P.O. Box 35288, Al Mazraa, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates 07 2067777

BEAUTY WITHIN

Beauty WIthin offers a wide range of luxurious treatments using the finest therapies from Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare and Tisserand. The Beauty Within team prides


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themselves on treating every client as an individual, to ensure that they receive maximum benefit from their experience. Level B1 of the Jewels (Building 1), next to Durrat Al Marsa (Kodak building) and opposite the back of Shams (JBR). 04 4308719

CHASLU WELLBEING CENTRE

We, at Chaslu, want to inspire you to live your life consciously and in a better way. We want you to feel good, to be in the best shape of your life, to feel more comfortable in your skin and to realize your power for living. Villa 15, St. 7B Umm Sequim 1, Jumeirah. Opp. of Miraj Islamic Art Centre 04 3955799

CINQ MONDE SPA

The internationally renowned French spa company was founded by Jean-Louis Poiroux, who was fascinated by massages, aromatherapy and cosmetics. Cinq Mondes combines traditional treatments and ancestral rituals with cutting edge cosmetology. He spent over 10 years travelling the world to find the best treatments and massages. In 2001, after years of research, he opened the first Cinq Mondes Spa in Paris. Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah , The Crescent West, Palm Jumeirah spa.thepalm@kempinski.com 04 4442000

Cleopatra’s Spa,

Drawing inspiration from the style and elegance of the legendary ancient Egyptian queen of the same name, Cleopatra’s Spa captures the wonders of Arabia presenting them in a superbly luxurious spa experience. As one of the largest day spas in the United Arab Emirates, it is renowned for its outstanding service, luxurious settings and wide selection of international treatments designed to accommodate every need. Cleopatra’s spa offers a high standard of service and opulent surroundings. The spa operates both a Male and Female Spa 7 Days a week to offer you your treatment when you need it most! Wafi City 043247700

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CLESSIDRA MED SPA

Boasting a wide range of treatments for the face and body, Clessidra Med Spa offers you beauty and wellbeing. If you truly care for your body and hope to get that wonderful shape you dream of, Clessidra Med Spa is your answer.Dubai Healthcare City, District A, Al Razi Building, Block D 2020 04 4233663

DE LA MER DAY SPA

De La Mer Day Spa is a peaceful sanctuary for women, far removed from the stress of the modern age and the urgency of everyday life. Walking through the doors guests are welcomed into a friendly and calm environment. Their tensions will immediately begin to dissolve in the tranquil and soothing atmosphere. With a total of 8 treatment rooms, clients can enjoy an array of services including a real Hammam experience, Hydrotherapy, Dry Floatation, Infrared Sauna, Facials and all types of Body Treatments. In the Beauty Spa, clients treat themselves to spa manicures, pedicures, waxing, makeup application and hair services. A haven to retreat to, dedicated to rest, getting back in shape, health and beauty. De La Mer Day Spa will be able to cater for all their needs inside and out by experienced accredited therapists and staff. Jumeriah Beach Road, Villa 783, Opposite the Surf Café 04 3282775

ELCHE NATURAL BEAUTY SALON

Visit Elche natural beauty retreat in Jumeirah, Dubai where highly-qualified professional beauty therapists from Hungary will give expert advice on skin type and condition, recommend and apply the customized treatment and essentials - all 100% natural and free of preservatives - to achieve the best results. Villa 42, Street#10, Behind and next to Jumeirah Plaza 04 3494942

ELITE BEAUTY STUDIO

Ever since its launch the Elite Beauty Studio has seen the whole Fashion crowd coming and going for treatment, for styling, for refreshing their look or just for being pampered. Entering an ELITE BEAUTY STUDIO, is entering a sensory universe of self abandonment. Jumeirah 1 Al Wasl Road G1 / U2 , 73595 Dubai 04 3442882

EMIRATES GRAND SPA

Perched sky- high on 45th floor of Emirates Grand Hotel Dubai, Emirates Grand Spa offers you an ultimate retreat within the vibrant city of Dubai. Emirates Grand Spa comprises of 13 luxurious treatment rooms, attached rain mist rooms, imbued with contemporary splendor and serenity to complement the authentic Spa experience. Emirates Grand Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road 04 3230000

ESSENSUALS AROMA THERAPY CENTRE

A holistic spa for ladies offering a wide variety of personalized treatments using pure organic oils according to the individual’s needs and requirement to help them to relax,unwind and rejuvenate. 1st Floor, Jumeirah Centre, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1 (Next to Spinneys & Magrudies) 04 3448776

ETERNAL MED SPA

Enter into the world of Eternel MedSpa, where you can be transformed in our relaxing first class medispa. With our extensive treatment list, offering a blend of medical and aesthetic skin, slimming and hair treatments, you can be assured you will leave feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to take on the world. Villa 397, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 2 (Opposite Gate 5 Jumeirah Beach Park) 04 3440008

FABIANAS HAIR AND BEAUTY SALON

At Fabiana’s, indulge yourself to a variety of first-class treatments to enhance your natural beauty. Get that glamorous look when you visit Rina at Fabiana’s. She has spent more than 20 years perfecting and specializing in hi lights and will help you choose your style and create it to your perfection, ensuring your cut , Hi lights and colour is perfect for your taste and lifestyle. Flat No. 406, Al Hawai Tower, Shaikh Zayed Road 04 3434323

FIRST SALT ROOM

First Salt Room is a newly opened company in JLT and it is the first of its kind in the Gulf Region.Operating as a part of a 10 year old Franchise from Croatia First Salt Room is introducing revolutionary type of Salt therapy also known as Halo Therapy. Halo Therapy has amazing curative effects on more than 20 different medical conditions such as; Asthma, Respiratory conditions, allergies and others…It has been used around the world for a decade, and First Salt Room as the name suggests is the First Salt Room in this part of the world.First Salt Room, PR Level Detached Retail, Cluster F, Jumeira Lake Towers 04 3918735

HAIR STATION LADIES SALON

Hair Station has a friendly atmosphere emulated by its incredibly talented and well trained staff who ensure that everyone from fashionista’s to fancy-free are made to look and feel special. Hair Station Ladies Salon Shop # J3, Uptown Mall, Uptown Mirdiff 04 2886483

HOMBRE MEN LOUNGE SPA

Hombre is Spanish for Man. Hombre Men Lounge Spa is the most prestigious Saloon and Spa for men in Jumeirah. We focus on really great and precise services in an envi-


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ronment that is not stuffy or pretentious. Tarish Ali Abed Al Mehairi Shop 2, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 3, 04 3383173

INFINITY HEALTH CLUB AND SPA

A unique experience opens its doors utilizing the most widely used therapy products, that will help you Escape to a tranquil retreat while enjoying our wide range of facial and body treatments, prepared with a delightful harmony by our Spa Therapists. Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. 04 3877777

LA CONTOUR SPA

La Contour Spa is an idyllic escape just minutes from Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Emirates Hills, Meadows and Springs. With spectacular views of the desert and homely, chic, country cottage décor, the scene is set for total relaxation and tranquility. 1901, Tiffany Tower Bldg, 19th Floor, Jumeirah Lake Towers 04 4473626

LILIAN BEAUTY SALON

Since its initiation in Dubai in 2009, Lilian Beauty Salon has managed to maintain a high standard using top quality products and skillful staff. Located in Business bay, we offer any beauty service ladies are looking for such as hair care, nail and spa, as well as professional make up, facial and other services.Shop No.R6 On Ground Floor, Empire Heights tower, Business Bay 04 4539900

LIME SPA

Situated at Desert Palm by Per AQUUM, LIME Spa offers six treatment rooms overlooking one of the four championship polo fields – a lush green landscape that is far removed from the hectic pace of the city centre, creating an inviting country backdrop and secluded oasis. Desert Palm Hotel Hatta Road, Dubai 04 3238888

MACHKA BEAUTY AND BODY DESIGNS

MACHKA is an exclusive world for ladies’ wellbeing providing a modern and chic concept in a convenient location. Offering an extensive variety of face and body treatments using exclusive and innovative products. Villa no 961 , Al Wasl Road, Al Manara, Jumeirah 04 3288800

MANCHESTER CLINIC MED SPA

Manchester Clinic MedSpa is dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of Medical, Surgical and dental facilities through a team of UK and US qualified specialists together with their assistants. Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 3 04 3956400

MAVEN SPA

Maven Spa, the ultimate traditional Spa in Dubai, is one of the few Spas where you can have absolutely authentic relaxation and beauty treatments in a very pristine, traditional Indonesian Spa atmosphere. There are eight spacious treatment rooms equipped with built in shower and (some) even with luxurious bath tubs for floral bath. Maven Spa uses 100% organic natural products which suits all skin types. Uptown Mirdiff 04 2888480

MORNING GLORY HEALTH CLUB & SPA

Morning Glory Health Club & Spa is about Health, Fitness, Wellness and Rejuvenation and many of those things rely on pleasure. We work on the principle of pleasure, enjoying a lot of what’s good for you and a little of what you like! 2nd floor Abaya Mall. street 37, 24b. Mirdif W: www.morninggloryspa.ae 04 2881166

NAIL CANDY BEAUTY SPA

Indulge in our luxurious line of treatments. ALL Hand, Feet & Nail Treatments. Facials, Massages, Waxing, Threading, Eyelash extensions, curling and Tinting. Come and discover Nail Candy’s sweet scented ambience and excellent customer service. Marina View Hotel Apartments, Dubai Marina. (Close to Marina Mall & Dubai Marina Metro Station) We have free valet parking. 04 4257788

OUR AL SHEHANA BEAUTY MEDICAL SPA Our Al Shehana beauty medical spa offers an oasis of rejuvenation in beauty, healing, relaxation and rehabilitation while under specialized medical supervision. We aim to enhance your beauty, revive your senses, detoxify your inner organs and clear any emotional blockage, stimulate your energy flow, restore your balance and improve your confidence and inner vitality.

American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Hospital, Dubai Healthcare city, Bldg No 73 W: www.aacsh.com 04 4237600

OXYGEN SPA

Oxygen Spa Treatments are designed to rejuvenate and transform your skin while you relax and drift away. Signature treatments include Oxygen Infusion and Multipeel Microdermabrassion facials, various massage treatments, traditional Moroccan bath rituals, Oxygen Infusion, Extensive Body Care and Slimming Programs together with traditional beauty anti-aging treatments. Marriott Executive Apartment, Tower B, Ground Floor, Maktoum Road 04 2222920

PAPION BEAUTY SALON

Saloon is dedicated to provide excellent service for customers. Services we are offering includes hair botox,keratin, rebonding and slimming cavitation. Movenpick hotel and apartment oud metha road Dubai United arab emirates. 04 3578887

PLATFORM 3 FITNESS

Platform 3 is an exclusive fitness facility located in the heart of Dubai Marina. P-3 consists of a team of health and fitness professionals that believe in a full-scale holistic approach when it comes to attaining physical fitness. Our approach towards better health and fitness is narrowed down to three vital components: Personal training, Sports Therapy and Nutrition. We believe by combining these elements we can achieve a higher level of health and wellness. Park Island, Dubai Marina 04 4358083

POUPA SALON

Poupa Salon & Nail Spa is a beauty lounge which combines grooming and beauty services under one roof. It provides a trendy and unique quality of pampering to ladies of different ages, nationalities and lifestyles. Poupa aims to deliver a superb customer


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service, with high standard of hygiene and personal care, executed through a professional team of well trained and experienced therapists using products that are focused on well-being. Citywalk, Junction of Al Wasl Road and Safa Road Jumeirah 04 3855551

REFLECTION HAIR AND BEAUTY CENTRE

Established in 1994, with the purpose of bringing a professional, top class, European styled hair and beauty centre to Dubai, Reflection Hair and Beauty Centre has become a bustling establishment looking after all hair, nails and beauty needs in a comfortable, friendly, professional and hygienic environment. Reflection is a beauty sanctuary for ladies looking for glamour and grooming. As soon as you enter the salon, your pleasurable moment of pampering begins. The tasteful, elegant salon creates the perfect location for indulging in relaxation and the calming ambiance allows the mind to rest, thus making one leave totally pampered.A beauty haven, Reflection Hair and Beauty Centre is your home from home salon. Villa 994, Umm Suqqueim 1, Al Wasl Road 04 3944595 /04 3949906

RIVA INTERNATIONAL SPA

Riva International Spa provides a serene and truly unforgettable experience of pure pampering and relaxation in exquisitely beautiful surroundings, using holistic therapies and massages which combine the very best of Eastern and Western practices. Mai Tower, 14th Floor, Flat No. 1410, Al Nahda 04 2327337

ROYAL RETREAT BEATY AND SPA

Royal Retreat Beauty & Spa is a perfect spa for well-being and beauty treatments from head to toes, in an exclusive peaceful and hygienic ambiance. It offers a comprehen-

MAY 2015 | 99 sive range of services from international brands for face and body, facial treatments and massages, scrubs, body wraps, traditional Moroccan bath and all the beauty cares. We are here to sooth, pamper, de-stress and invigorate your mind and body. Let us put back a little of what life takes out. DVilla 72a, St. 2b, St. 49, Al Badaa, Al Wasl Rd., Jumeira 1 04 3447540 / 04 3447530 / 04 3442540

SANCTUARY SPA

Sanctuary Spa offers a range of innovative spa treatments such as the relaxing “Light Legs” treatment which consists of a 45-minute leg massage involving enriching and calming oils. A beautiful infinity pool as well as a state-of-the-art gym also compliments this new Dubai spa located at The Pullman Hotel.Pullman Hotel, Mall of the Emirates 04 3772380

SENSASIA URBAN SPA

When spa-going urbanites, glam-loving locals & spa-hopping sightseers want their massage or facial fix, they can always ‘glow’...downtown. Located in Souk Al Manzil amongst the boutiques and cafes, we introduce our latest addistion-fighting female only urban escape. Just a stone¹s throw from Dubai Mall, there¹s easy access and basement parking. SensAsia Urban Spa, Downtown, is our newest addition to our midtown locations for our beauty obsessed. Souk Al Manzil, Downtown 04 4560866

SENSO WELLNESS CENTRE

Small spa with private rooms and facial treatment rooms. Hydro-massage bath and jacuzzi available in some of the rooms. Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City 04 3669165

SERENITY SPA AND WELLNESS CENTRE

Everybody needs a little self indulgence from time to time and what finer surroundings to relax in then at the Serenity Spa and Wellness centre. We have a wonderful range of massage treatments available all using natural organic blends of oils. Our superb facilities include swimming pool, thermal suites and life fitness gymasium. Flora Grand Hotel, Al Riqqa Street, Deira 04 2309898

SHANAZ HUSAIN SIGNATURE SALON

Shahnaz Husain’ runs over 400 salons and spas around the world offering herbal beauty treatments and ‘Shahnaz Husain Products’​. Her salon in Dubai is the latest offering.... The salon aims to cater to the busy women, whether homemakers or working ladies, who just don’t get enough ‘me’ time to pamper themselves. So that you can make the best out of your time, you can avail all the services under the same roof thus enabling you to get multiple services at one time... Shop 5, Zeenah building, opp Deira City Center P3 Parking, Deira 04 2594577

SIGNATURE LOUNGE

Signature Lounge is established since 2008 in Dubai Media City as most sought after grooming place for men. Since 2011 we have also established our dominance on female grooming. We provide Dubai’s affluent with excellent hair, skin, nail and beauty treatments. Our highly trained technicians will provide you top of the line nail art, our hair stylist can provide you with the classy hair up do that you always desired. Be it a basic haircut, blow dry or a stylish evening make up our stylist will pour all their expertise to bring out a new you. You could be modern day metro sexual men or affluent socialite women Signature Lounge


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– Grooming Passion is your one spot destination for all your grooming needs. Business Central Towers, Dubai Media City 04 4342110

SIMPLY SKIN CLINICAL CARE

For a woman, is there anything more satisfying than a great body and healthy glowing skin? Simply Skin offers a wide range of facials and body contouring treatments to tackle common skin problems and help you stay younger looking. All you need to do is set aside time from you routine and enter the Simply Skin Clinical Care in Dubai. Al Ghazal Mall Mezzanine Floor 04 3456080

SOMA HEALTH CLUB AND SPA

Soma Spa is the perfect blend of French elegance and Eastern tradition; harmonizing the whole persona by using western herbal based products, proven techniques and traditional Oriental aroma therapies to give you a distinct spa experience. 7th Floor, Pullman Dubai Deira City Centre 04 6038275

STYLE EXPRESS BEAUTY SALON

Style Express Beauty Salon has been opened for a simple reason – to provide quality service at reasonable price. It is for all those modern age women who see hair & beauty care as a significant part of their complete image. Whether you require a 15 minutes quick fix or an hour long pampering, our aim is to make each and every visit of yours to Style Express a pleasurable one. 4, Al Mansoori Building, 45A Street, Near Lulu Hypermarket - Karama, Behind Kalyan

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Silks, Opposite Pioneer Building # 38 04 3577167

SUN FACE BEAUTY

Sun Face Beauty, a Ladies Salon located in Jumeirah lake Towers is designed to be a relaxing environment dedicated to highly personalized service from highly trained designers and colorists. Shop 6, MAG 214 Tower, R Cluster, Jumeirah Lake Towers 04 4539784

TAJ SPA

One of the finest Spa in the city, Taj spa offers a sanctuary combines tranquility and expertise from the ancient healing wisdoms. Rejuvenate your body and soul with proven healing power of aromatherapy and massage treatments. Our highly trained Spa therapists are available by appointment for a variety of spa services aimed at total relaxation and wellness. Taj Palace Hotel – Deira 04 2113114

TALISE OTTOMAN SPA

Winner of multiple awards including The World Travel Awards ‘UAE’s Leading Spa Resort’ in 2011 and 2012 and the ‘Best Spa’ category in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards 2013,Talise Ottoman Spa is an experience like no other. With 42 treatment rooms, eight hydrotherapy rooms, steam rooms, saunas, snow rooms, floating baths and two thalassotherapy pools, you’ll discover almost limitless ways to treat yourself. The Spa Is the largest spa in the middle east. Talise Ottoman Spa, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Palm Jumeirah. W: JZSTalise@jumeirah.com 04 4530456

TECHNOSHAPE SLIMMING

TechnoShape Slimming Therapy in various outlets in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Active non invasive slimming therapy to lose stubborn fat from the midriff area. Lose 1-2 dress / trouser sizes with a course of sessions Various locations 800 497694

THAI PRIVILEGE SPA

Thai Privelege Spa is a renowed chain of international spas practising time honored Thai massage concepts within an ambiance of luxurious serenity. 1047 Uttamah Villas Al Wasl Road 04 3489679

THE CURE BEAUTY LOUNGE

Established for over 10 years in Dubai, The Cure Beauty Lounge offers an excellent range of treatments in Green Community. The Cure is a beauty and wellness lounge offering an excellent range of glamorous treatments, complemented by the highest quality products selected from across the globe. With an extensive treatment list, including hair, massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing and a range of slimming and specialist therapies, The Cure Green Community, DIP(Park & Shop supermarket, close to Armada II hotel) shop Nr.2 04 8830818 / 050 1574940

THE ORGANIC GLOW BEAUTY LOUNGE The Organic Glow Beauty Lounge is the UAE’s first completely green ladies salon, from our organic cruelty-free natural products, to our eco-friendly interiors. We’re


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MAY 2015 | 101 make your experience a remarkable and unforgettable. Seven kinds of massages are offered, with an advise of our consultants, you may choose what is suitable for you. Our special weight loss programs are unbeatable in price and results, One week is enough to let you loose unnecessary inches and wear your favorable dress or suit. Our consultants are happy to assist you at any time. Yassat Gloria Hotel Apartments, Dubai, Tecom. Just beside the Internet city metro station. Free valet parking availabl 04 3818936 / 050 8205403

XPRESSIONS BEAUTY SALON

TIPS E nsure you ask for an international warranty card and receipt. Also check on the permitted value of electronics you can carry back to your home country committed to providing our customers with safe toxic-free treatments, friendly service & utmost relaxation at an affordable price. Al Wasl Road 594, Jumeira 3, Opposite Safa Park 04 3804666

THE PURPLE SANCTUARY

The Purple Sanctuary is an independent boutique spa practicing time-honored Thai massage concepts within an ambience of luxurious serenity. It emerges with the spirit of restoring harmony and well-being to the body, mind and soul. Our Sanctuary was created to allow you to escape your routine and to be a catalyst towards regaining your inner serenity. The treatments at The Purple Sanctuary are intended to stimulate the body, mind and spirit and the experience will be unique, because you are unique. Uttamah Villas #1047, Al Wasl Road Jumeirah 04 3489678/9

THE SPA

The Spa at The Address Downtown Dubai is a world apart from the whirlwind of modern life. You will find yourself in a tranquil haven of contemporary luxury, where modern techniques combine ancient wisdom with the finest ingredients and The Spa’s unparalleled selection of treatment rituals. Discover a sumptuous sanctuary of absolute relaxation and rejuvenation, overlooking the Iconic Burk Khalifa and dancing fountains. The Address Downtown Dubai, Mohammad Bin Rashid Boulevard spa.downtowndubai@theaddress.com 04 4368755

TICKLES AND GIGGLES KIDS SPA

Tickles & Giggles Kid’s Spa is the place where your child highness pampered with the most delicious facials such as chocolate and yogurt and her little feet and hands are massaged gently and painted with one of our non-toxic, water based nail polish of her choice. Let us spoil your precious princess with a touch of luxury! Sadaf 2, Plaza Level, The Walk JBR 04 4328681

VITALITA SALON

A well established beauty establishment offering top notch services in hair styling, permanent & all-occasion professional make up and nail care. Located in the newly refurbished Habtoor Grand Hotel, its friendly ambience has attracted a loyal following who have been regulars since it opened its doors in 2005. It’s well-trained staff will attend to your needs to get you ready for any event. G/F Habtoor Grand Resort and Spa, Dubai Marina 04 3995020 / 055 4304151

WELLNESS LIG SPA

Wellness LIG Spa is a well-being destination where you can leave behind all your stress and tensions, to relax into a haven of wellness and relaxation. Our Turkish bath rituals and products which are specially imported from turkey, besides our Moroccan bath will

A premier Salon & Spa in the International City area in Dubai, Xpressions Beauty Salon was established in 2008 and has rapidly become one of Dubai’s most popular salon and spas. With their success, comes their highly dedicated, imaginative, and accomplished hair designers and spa and massage aestheticians. Whether you live in Dubai, are planning to visit or are doing business in the area, they are the perfect spa and salon for relaxation and tranquility. Dubai International City, England Cluster, S22, Block Z-02 050 4505127 / 055 9265058

YAS BEAUTY SPA

We strive to exceed each clients expectations by providing a salon and spa experience that nurtures each individual while bringing forth their own personal beauty and style.Souk Al Bahar, Level 2 & 3 near Dubai Mall 04 4513333

YHI SPA

Full service indoor spa including a spa salon,9 treatment rooms with Moroccan and Turkish bath and a dedicated couples suit with private Jacuzzi, separate ladies and gents sauna and steam room. The spa provides a state of the art health club and a roof top swimming pool. YHI Spa, Melia Hotel Dubai, #23 Kuwait Street, Port Rashid 04 3868111 / 04 3767475


getaways

IN & AROUND DUBAI

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The United Arab Emirates is a constitutional federation of seven emirates; Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah. The federation was formally established on 2 December 1971. Four-fifths of the UAE is desert, yet it is a country of contrasting landscapes, from awe-inspiring dunes to rich oases, precipitous rocky-mountains to fertile plains. After exploring Dubai, why not visit the many cultural sites and natural wonders to be found in the other emirates.

HATTA An enclave located not far from Dubai, Hatta is just 115 km east of the city and forms part ofthe stunning Hajjar mountains. Due to its altitude, the weather there is cooler in an area that consists of two military towers, 20 homes, and a Juma Mosque built in 1780. There is also Hatta Hertitage Village which gives an insight into the everyday life of local peoples past. Nestled in a rock crevice some 20km south of Hatta, beautiful natural pools form at the base of a hollow ravine. They fill up from natural spring water stores in the mountain and if there is enough rain during the year, there are two flowing waterfalls that make a lovely spot for a refreshing dip after an exploration of the surrounding wadis and mountains. You can reach Hatta by bus and tour operators also make the trip. Camp here overnight for a sensational evening under the stars.


getaways

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ABU DHABI Abu Dhabi is one of the most modern cities in the world and is the largest of the seven Emirates and the Federal capital of the UAE. It is the centre of government and business life in the UAE, headquarters to the emirate’s oil operating companies and home to all embassies. The architecture of its modern buildings and sky scrapers is among the finest in

Getting There Dubai to Abu Dhabi: 129km

the Middle East. Large gardens and parks sit alongside green boulevards and sophisticated high-rise structures. All the major international luxury hotel chains have a presence here and the city is home to a wide selection of shopping malls. There’s also cultural attractions and mega-events provide visitors with an unforgettable experience.

Approximate time: 145 minutes by bus Mode of Transport:Bus/ Taxi Intercity buses can be taken from major bus stations below: Dubai (Gubiba Station) to Abu Dhabi 20 DHS Dubai (Gubiba Station) to Abu Dhabi (Gazal Comp.) 15 DHS Dubai (Gubiba Station) to Al-Ain (Gazal Comp.) 20 DHS

CAPITAL ATTRACTIONS 1

Emirates Palace

The magnificent landmark Emirates Palace is a national landmark and one of the most impressive hotels and conference venues in the region. With a construction cost estimated to be roughly around $3 billion, it was, for a while, the most expensive hotel ever built. The hotel boasts stunning interiors spread over 400 rooms. Swarovski famously made a unique crystal chandelier just for this extraordinary hotel.

Abu Dhabi Heritage Village 4

Run by the Emirates Heritage Club, this reconstruction of a traditional oasis village provides an interesting glimpse into the country’s past. Traditional aspects of the desert way of life, including a campfire with coffee pots, a goats’ hair tent, and a falaj irrigation system, are attractively displayed in the open museum. There are workshops where craftsmen demonstrate traditional skills, such as metal work and pottery, while women sit weaving and spinning

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque 2

The stunning Sheikh Zayed Mosque is the biggest mosque in the United Arab Emirates, and one of the largest largest in the world. A structure that symbolises the diversity of the Islamic culture, the mosque was began by Late President His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The mosque is large enough to accommodate over 40,000 worshipers.

Emirates National Auto Museum Village 5

This fascinating museum, located on the road from Abu Dhabi city to Liwa, is home to the H.H.Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan’s extraordinary car collection. Take the time to make a trip out to this museum as the weird and wonderful automobiles parked here are well worth seeing and include some truly remarkable vehicles such as a Dodge Power Wagon truck that is eight-times the size of a regular model and has four bedrooms inside, alongside race cars, classic cars and various prototypes.

Ferrari World/ Yas Island 3

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the world’s first Ferrari theme park and largest attraction of its kind. Its iconic red roof is inspired by the classic double curve side profile of the Ferrari GT body, spans 200,000 square metres and carries the largest Ferrari logo ever created. Yas Marina Circuit is open yearround for karting, track days, drag racing and, passenger and driving experiences in a range of racing cars. A hub for families, adventure-seekers, racers and spectators, it also boasts renowned restaurants, world class hotels, water sports activities and shopping destinations.Yas Island is a day well spent in Abu Dhabi.


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SHARJAH Getting There Mode of Transport: Bus/ Taxi Intercity buses can be taken from major bus stations mentioned below: Dubai (Itihad Station) to Sharjah (Jubil Station) 5 DHS Dubai (Jabel Ali Stop) to Sharjah (Jubil Station) 10 DHS Dubai (BaniYass Stop) to Sharjah (Jubil Station) 5 DHS Dubai (Satwa Stop) to Sharjah (Jubil Station) 5 DHS

TOP ATTRACTIONS

Dubai (Workers Hostel Stop) to Sharjah (Jubil Station) 5 DHS

Sharjah is a city of learning and the arts, as confirmed by its 1998 UNESCO designation as the Cultural Capital of the Arab World. The city of Sharjah is home to over 20 museums with splendid collections of art and exhibits on science and natural history.

Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation 1

Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation is a good place to dive into the roots of Arab and Islamic culture. A number of scientific and religious manuscripts as well as a collection of Islamic arts and craftwork are on display. Features of particular note include the exhibit of clay, pottery and glass as well as metallic handicrafts inlaid with silver, gold and brass. The collection holds items dating back to the Abbasid and Omayyad eras, including a coin collection of silver dinars and dirhams.

2

Khorfakkan

The name Khor Fakkan translates to ‘Creek of the Two Jaws’ reflecting its setting in a splendid bay flanked on either side by two headlands. A long stretch of sandy beach backed by a promenade

runs alongside the bay and is a pleasant place to take a stroll.

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Kalba

The most southerly village in the United Arab Emirates, Kalba is a quaint fishing village with a lively fish market on the seashore. It’s a charming place for a stroll and is worth the trip for the Al-Hisn Museum (built as a fort 200 years ago) and the fully restored House of Sheikh Saeed bin Hamad Al-Qassimi with its displays of musical instruments and traditional furniture.

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Central Market

Sharjah’s Central Market is the city’s most famous landmark. The intricate blue tile work on the exterior has given it the nickname the Blue Souk. There are over 600 stores and stalls inside, where shoppers will find gold and jewellery, perfume, clothing, food, electronics and gifts. The upper

Dubai (Gubiba Station) to Sharjah (Jubil Station) 5 DHS Dubai (Satwa Stop) to Sharjah (Jubil Station) 5 DHS

floor has the atmosphere of an authentic Arabian bazaar with vendors selling antiques, carpets, Omani and Yemeni jewellery and all sorts of exotic souvenirs.

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Al Qasba

The suburb of Al Qasba in Sharjah is home to plenty of entertainment options, but its most famous feature is the big wheel known as the Eye of the Emirates. A ride gives you a soaring perspective over the city.

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Other Museums:

Sharjah Science Museum Sharjah Art Museum, Discovery Centre, Aquarium, Heritage Museum, Bait Sheikh Saeed Bin hamad Al Qasimi, El Esah School Museum, Hisn Museum, Majlis Al Midfa, Bait Al Naboodah, Al Mahatta Museum, Archaeology Museum, Maritime Museum, Classic Car Museum Visit: sharjahmuseums.ae


getaways

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FUJAIRAH Fujairah holds a unique position in the UAE. It is the only emirate that lies on the eastern side of the country, along the Gulf of Oman, while all six other emirates are along the Arabian Gulf. Its clean beaches, numerous water sports and deep-sea fishing attract tourists all year round.

Fujairah Fort

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Bull Butting

In Fujairah, bull butting takes place every Friday and is a

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Bus

Mode of Transport: Bus / Private rental car

popular family event. The day begins with 20 bulls battling each other, and numbers slowly dwindle as winners move on to the next round. The prize for the winning bull is to have his value increased.

Built in 1670, Fujairah Fort was badly damaged by a British attack in the early 20th century. Considered the oldest fort in the United Arab Emirates, it has served previously as both a defensive building and a home for the ruling family. For many centuries it was the only stone building along the Fujairah coast. The fort has three major sections, several halls, one square tower and two round towers. In recent years it has been fully restored to its former glory.

Dubai to Fujairah: 107km Time taken: 120 minutes

TOP 5 ATTRACTIONS

1

Getting There

Hajar Mountains

The Hajjar Mountains are the highest mountain range in the eastern Arabian Peninsula and run through both the UAE and Oman. The highest

named point in the UAE is located there, measuring 1,527 metres high and is called Jabal Yibir. This wild and beautiful mountain range stands proudly to the west of Fujairah. There are many hiking and tours to join. Some valleys to visit here include, Wadi Ham,Wadi Zikt,Wadi Al Wurayah (most visited), WadiSiji and Wadi Al Hail.

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Intercity buses can be taken from major bus stations mentioned below: Dubai (Itihad Station) to Fujairah 25 DHS

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Fujairah Museum

Just south of Fujairah Fort, the Fujairah Museum has an excellent collection of artifacts dating from the early Bronze Age that were unearthed during archaeological digs at Qidfa and Bithnah. Exhibits include Bronze and Iron Age weaponry, painted pottery, carved soapstone vessels and pre-Islamic silver coins. One of the museum’s prized pieces, discovered at Qidfa, is a bowl made from an ostrich egg dating back 2,200 years. There is also a section with displays of traditional Emirati life.

Ain al-Madhab Hot Springs

Located in the foothills of the Hajar Mountains, outside Fujairah city, the Ain al-Madhab Hot Springs are a popular local retreat. The mineral springs here produce warm sulphuric water that is pumped into two swimming pools. There are separate bathing areas for males and females. It’s a family-friendly place that gets packed on weekends.


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AJMAN The Emirate of Ajman is situated on the coast of the Arabian Gulf, extending over a distance of 16 km between the emirates of Umm Al Quwain and Sharjah. The two major regions in the emirate are Masfout, an agricultural area, lying at a distance of 110km long at the south-east, and Manama located 60 km to the east.

TOP ATTRACTIONS

Getting There Dubai to Ajman:

Bus

Time taken:

Mode of Transport:

1

Ajman Beaches

Ajman’s coastline is lined with luxury hotels, each with their own private patch of pristine white sand. Noted for some of the prettiest beaches in the United Arab Emirates, this is the place to come if you’re looking for relaxation. Non-hotel guests can usually use the beach and take advantage of the facilities by paying a day-pass fee. If you want a day of serious sun lounging, Ajman’s beaches really can’t be beaten.

21 km 45 minutes Bus / Taxi

Intercity buses can be taken from major bus stations mentioned below: Dubai (Itihad Station) to Ajman

7 DHS

Few hotels:Kempenski hotel, Ajman Palace Hotel, Ramada Beach Hotel

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Mowaihat

The Mowaihat archaeological site is located on the outskirts of Ajman city. It was discovered in 1986, when workers were laying a new sewage pipe. A circular Umm al-Nar type tomb was uncovered and a rescue excavation commenced. Numerous examples of soft-stone and painted Umm al-Nar ceramic vessels were uncovered, as well as over 3,000 beads, two stamp seals, a number of copper implements, and the remains of several dozen people. At the time of its discovery, the Mowaihat tomb was the first evidence of Umm al-Nar occupation in the Northern Emirates.

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Ajman Dhow Building Yard

Located on the north side of Ajman creek, the Dhow Yard is noted as the world’s largest dhow building centre. Dhows are built using traditional tools and manual skills that have been handed down through the generations, all without blueprints. The Dhow Yard in Ajman also crafts the speedsters that participate in the Dubai Powerboat meets. About 20 to 30 boats are built at one time, and anyone interested in this ancient craft should definitely make time for a visit here.

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Masfout Region

Located 130km from Ajman, the area boasts stunning scenery, such as mountains and valleys. Some to visit include Leshn, Gulfa, Leem, Defdhaa, Al Khanfareyah, Al Swamer and Hadf Valley.


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RAS AL KHAIMAH Ras Al Khaimah is the northernmost emirate in the UAE. Its history extends into antiquity.The traditional occupations of the emirate are mainly fishing, trading and agriculture, which have been heavily modernised to meet the demands of the UAE’s economy. Fruit, vegetables, milk and poultry are supplied to the other emirates from here where the ocean in particular offers a rich bounty. W: rasalkhaimahtourism.com

TOP ATTRACTIONS 1

National Museum

The National Museum, which is based in a fort in the western part of Ras Al Khaimah, was home to the ruling family until 1960. With many archaeological and ethnological artifacts, the museum provides the opportunity to learn about local architecture, pearl diving, date agriculture, farming and fishing. The Qawasim room has a display of manuscripts and

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treaties signed between the rulers of the emirate and the British government, along with weapons that once belonged to the ruling family. T: (07) 233 3411

Its waters are rich with minerals and reach an under depth of 90 feet with a temperature approaching 40C. T: (07) 244 8777| W: goldentulipkhattsprings.com

90 minutes

Mode of Transport: Bus / Private rental car

Falcon Show in Banyan Tree Al Wadi

T: (07) 243 5422

Khatt Springs is a natural hot spring renowned for its healing properties for a number of skin ailments as well as problems associated with rheumatic disease.

Bus

Time taken:

87 km

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RAK Country Club

Khatt Springs

Dubai to RAK:

Intercity buses can be taken from major bus stations mentioned below: Dubai (Itihad Station) to Ras Al Khaimah 20 DHS

This venue offers the ultimate outdoor experience in the middle of a stunning nature reserve. It also boasts a fantastic restaurant and bar, alongside a swimming pool and horse-riding arena. Some of the finest instructors in the country are based here and are happy to give riding lessons for adults or children six years and over.

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Getting There

4

Pearl Farm

RAK has long been known as a source of brilliant natural pearls. The Pearl Farm produces beautiful cultured pearls by combining science and traditional techniques and one can learn all about these gems on a tour on an Arabic Dhow. T: (07) 227 7088 | W: rakpearls.com

One of the famous traditions in the region is raising falcons. RAK presents a unique falcon show with an exclusive rapture display in the first desert spa resort of the Middle East - the Banyan Tree Al Wadi. Housing the region’s most diverse and interactive display of falcons, hawks, kestrels, owls and eagles, Banyan Tree invites you to be a part of the action at the Falconry Deck or just sit back and be amazed. Resident professional falconers fly their team of dedicated birds of prey using both traditional Arabic and modern Western techniques. A tour of the world class Falconry Mews Rehabilitation and Breeding Centre rounds off this one-of-a-kind experience. Also try the ancient art of archery here with a dedicated archery trial. T: (07) 206 7777| W: banyantree.com


getaways

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UMM AL QUWAIN Umm Al Quwain is situated between Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah on the west coast.The traditional occupation of this emirate has been fishing and date cultivation. Umm Al Quwain’s attraction lies in its long clean beaches, an enclosed lagoon and public horse riding stables. Located 50km south of here is Falaj Al Mulla, the agricultural part of the emirate. Seneyah Island, one kilometre away from the town of Umm Al Quwain, is a natural reserve for large species of birds, deer and Al Qaram trees.

TOP ATTRACTIONS

1

Getting There Dubai to Umm Al Qawain

Bus

Time taken:

40 km

60 minutes

Mode of Transport: Bus/ Private rental car Intercity buses can be taken from major bus stations mentioned below: Dubai (Itihad Station) to Um Al Qawain 10 DHS

Dream Land Aquapark

Dream Land is a viable alternative to Dubai’s Wild Wadi.The park opened in 1997 and is actually the largest water park in the Middle East. Because of its size, it never seems to get crowded, so you don’t have to queue for rides.

T: (06) 768 1888| W: dreamlanduae.com

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Umm Al-Quwain Fort and Museum

Umm Al-Quwain Fort once guarded the entrance to the old town by overseeing both the sea and the creek.The facade, with its two rounded towers, has been well restored.The fort now houses the town museum. Inside, the exhibits focus mainly on local archaeological sites including finds from AlDur.There are also ethnographic exhibits introducing local life and traditional customs.

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Seneyah Island

Beautiful Seneyah Island, just a short drive from Umm Al-Quwain, is a tranquil nature sanctuary where Al Qaram trees grow (native to the United Arab Emirates) and deer and many species of birds make their home. It’s a great escape from the city and due to its proximity to Dubai, is a favorite day trip for those interested in the Arabian Gulf’s stunning natural environment.


Book Now!!! 800-SAFARI(723274) | +971 52 904 2805


REAL ESTATE

Town Square What are the features, amenities, completion date, etc.? Why would investors look into it?

Perhaps you are a first time visitor to Dubai or you have been here a few times but either way this city has captured your heart and you find yourself wishing you lived here. If you feel this way we urge you look at Town Square’s exciting new Zahra Apartments. The apartments start at a modest AED 349,988 and span over a 750-acre (31 million sq ft) lifestyle concept the size of 16 football fields complete with the recently built Vida Town Square Dubai Hotel, Reel Cinemas Cineplex and an open-air cinema.

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Town Square is Dubai’s first-of-its-kind smartly designed, stylish, green neighbourhood by a developer by the name of Nshama and they have just unveiled their first phase of ‘live life at your price’ residential apartments. If you enjoy a mixture of city life and an active lifestyle with green walking trails, outdoor sports courts and cycling tracks then this apartment is ideal as the development is designed with a high land-to-building ratio, with more open spaces for a greener community. Nestled in New Dubai near Al Barsha, Town Square will feature over 3,000 townhouses and over 18,000 apartments. It is conveniently just a few minutes away from the Arabian Ranches Golf Course, Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club and Al Maktoum International Airport (the site of the World Expo 2020). Its location also promises close proximity to a 2.5 million sq ft retail space featuring over 600 stores and F&B


REAL ESTATE outlets. Day-care facilities, playgrounds, play zones for all ages, swimming pools, fitness centre, athletic spa, interactive water features, skate parks, adventure zones, modern medical facilities and splash parks are also available. Town Square gives its potential owners a choice of apartments, in the form of studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom apartments or three-bedroom apartments, upto 1,400 in sq ft. This means even if you want to live on your own and seek individuality or want to provide the perfect living space for your family,Town Square has options to suit your own requirements.

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Zahra Apartments are thoughtfully-planned, with living and dining areas full of abundant natural light, soothing tiled floors and sound-proof bedroom windows, in-built wardrobes, en-suite bathroom, together with district cooling and high-speed data connectivity. Outdoor terraces, direct access to the podium, parking, a vibrant courtyard, a swimming pool, kids pool, sunning deck and children’s play area can also be part of your living space. Other amenities include a gym and fitness centre for residents, lobby and concierge. Nshama is a private developer with international expertise of integrated lifestyle communities differentiated by its focus on offering distinct value propositions for aspiring home-owners. To find out more you can visit www. nshama.ae or call 800 674262 (toll free UAE) or +9714 3661682 (international).


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The 11th edition of the International Property Show (IPS) took place last month and was inaugurated by HE Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy for the UAE. Real estate is one of the most significant investments worldwide and it forms one of the main pillars of any economy.

The IPS revealed that over the years the UAE has gained tremendous expertise in the real estate field that it could benefit other countries in the wider region and can even be considered a model that other countries can follow and emulate. This world-class conference is timely as it comes at a time when institutional investors are looking at Dubai as a typical realty market that provides income generating assets in the mid and long run. IPS continues to attract hundreds of exhibitors from around the world, and this years’ show offered a variety of real estate investment options from places like the US, Spain and Canada to over 300 exhibitors from over 130 countries.

A full range of properties from ultra-luxury residences to more affordable developments in the UAE were on offer to interested buyers. Some even offer residence visas together with the purchase of the property.The exhibition was visited by a wide range of buyers who are very keen to purchase properties in certain locations in Dubai. Expatriates in the UAE showed preference for buying over renting as the majority of them look at living in the Emirate long term. There were a range of exhibitors consisting of developers involved in the development of residential communities and high-rise buildings, entertainment facilities, retail outlets, financial institutions, banks and investment companies, pension funds, asset management companies, authorities, investment zones and engineers of construction and interior design.


REAL ESTATE

The show is a one its kind, as it offers unique opportunities for visitors to buy properties according to their requirements of pricing, locations, payment schemes and quality of finishes. The show also comprises of the IPS Real Estate Forum organised in collaboration with the Association of International Property Professionals, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Dubai Land Department to provide insights into investment opportunities.

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Discussions covered various investment opportunities in key overseas property markets such as US, Canada, the UK, Turkey, India, Greece, Cyprus and Spain. Other topics included the effective use of expert witnesses in property disputes, international property standards, responsible business practice toolkit for the land, construction and real estate sectors and strategic facility management. Organised by Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions, the International Property Show, the exhibition is the biggest to date, and is supported by the Dubai Land Department. It has emerged as one of the leading regional real-estate meeting platforms for developers, investors and regional and international companies working in this field. Indeed the next year IPS organisers announced plans to double the exhibition area for the next edition based on the overwhelming participations and number of visitors seen this year. Travex magazine is one of the official media partners for The International Property Show 2015.


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(including The Address Downtown Dubai), three hectares (7.4 acres) of parkland, at least 19 residential towers, The Dubai Mal (the world’s largest shopping mall by total area) and the 12-hectare (30-acre) man-made

Palm Jumeirah by Nakheel Palm Jumeirah is the first manmade island to be completed in Dubai. This unique island is in the shape of giant palm tree and extends 6.5 kilometres into the Arabian Gulf, creating an extra 78 kilometres of waterfront property space on Dubai’s coastline. The island is surrounded by a 12 kilometer crescent shaped breakwater where the world-famous Atlantis resort is now situated. There are many options to choose here, from a 810 sqft fully furnished studio to a six bedroom Mediterranean waterfront villa.

Why Invest in Dubai Dubai is a tax-free city, with no

income or capital gain tax. This makes it extremely attractive for people from all around the world to come and work in Dubai, as well as invest in property.

Foreign investors are attracted to Dubai due to the various Free Zones.

Dubai is easily accessible, having

direct flights from all the major cities in the world.

Dubai remains a popular tourism

destination with its fabulous shopping malls, five-star hotels, beautiful beaches and numerous attractions.

Dubai is extremely safe, having a very low crime rate – making it a perfect place for families and wealthy individuals.

The climate in Dubai is very pleasant throughout the year, with only 3 months of summer heat.

TOP

Real Estate investment

Palm Jumeirah by Nakheel Palm Jumeirah is the first manmade island to be completed in Dubai. This unique island is in the shape of giant palm tree and extends 6.5 kilometres into the Arabian Gulf, creating an extra 78 kilometres of waterfront property space on Dubai’s coastline. The island is surrounded by a 12 kilometer crescent shaped breakwater where the world-famous Atlantis resort is now situated. There are many options to choose here, from a 810 sqft fully furnished studio to a six bedroom Mediterranean waterfront villa. WORLD ISLANDS by Nakheel Located just off the coast of Dubai, The World is comprised of 300 man-made islands, shaped to form the continents. This incredible development adds over 232 kilometres of new beachfront to Dubai’s coastline, offering astute investors unprecedented opportunities with leisure, residential and tourist developments. BURJ KHALIFA DOWNTOWN by Emaar Properties PJSC Downtown Dubai is Emaar’s flagship project in Dubai. Its home to some of the city’s most important landmarks including the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa - an architectural and engineering masterpiece offering premium residential, office and retail space and houses the luxury Armani Hotel. It is a development that would include 30,000 homes, nine hotels

WORLD ISLANDS by Nakheel Located just off the coast of Dubai, The World is comprised of 300 man-made islands, shaped to form the continents. This incredible development adds over 232 kilometres of new beachfront to Dubai’s coastline, offering astute investors unprecedented opportunities with leisure, residential and tourist developments. BURJ KHALIFA DOWNTOWN by Emaar Properties PJSC Downtown Dubai is Emaar’s flagship project in Dubai. Its home to some of the city’s most important landmarks including the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa - an architectural and engineering masterpiece offering premium residential, office and retail space and houses the luxury Armani Hotel. It is a development that would include 30,000 homes, nine hotels (including The Address Downtown Dubai), three hectares (7.4 acres) of parkland, at least 19 residential towers, The Dubai Mal (the world’s largest shopping mall by total area) and the 12-hectare (30-acre) man-made

TIPS avigate the legal requirements N with the aid of an attorney that specialises in local property law Be sure to visit the site of upcoming projects and go through the plans in detail to gain a thorough understanding of the project Always purchase through a developer or an authorized real estate agent. A fee of 2 to 5 percent is required by property agencies. This number should be clarified from the start


REAL ESTATE Burj Lake, The Dubai Fountain, the Burj Park Island (a private, manicured island with panoramic views and residential compound), and the Burj Vista. The Old Town and The Old Town Island is mostly low-rise residential buildings, in addition to three hotels and Souk Al Bahar. Emaar Boulevard, The Residences and South Ridge comprise high-rise residential towers. Emaar Square is a lowrise office complex. Jumierah Beach Residences(JBR) by Dubai Properties Group Jumeirah Beach Residence (also known as JBR) is a 1.7 kilometres (1.1 mi) long, two square kilometres (0.77 sq mi) waterfront community located on the edge of the Arabian Gulf. It is the largest single phase residential development in the world and contains 40 towers (35 are residential and five are hotels). JBR can accommodate about 15,000 people, living in its apartments and hotel rooms. The project has 6,917 apartments, from 900 sq ft (84 m2) studios to 5,500 sq ft (510 m2) penthouses. JBR has a total of six residential blocks - Shams, Amwaj, Rimal, Bahar, Sadaf and Murjan (in order from east to west). The Walk at JBR restaurant and shopping strip, which is adjacent to the beach behind JBR, is a very popular location for al fresco dining. Dubai Marina by Emaar Properties PJSC Dubai Marina is an artificial canal city, built along a two mile (three km) stretch of Arabian Gulf shoreline. When the entire development is complete, it will accommodate more than 120,000 people in residential towers and villas. Jumeirah Lake Towers A large development which consists of 79 towers constructed along the edge of artificial lakes as well as the JLT Embankment of eight towers facing Jumeirah Islands. The total area covered by the lakes, waterways and landscaping is730,000-square-metre (7,900,000 sqft). The towers range from having 35 floors to 45, except for the centerpiece, which is 66 floors. The tallest tower and the centerpiece of the entire complex is Almas Tower which is situated on its own island between Lake Almas West and Lake Almas East. All residential towers are placed in clusters of three. The towers in JLT proper

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are organised in 26 clusters named from A to Z. Each cluster has its own parking and retail waterfront. The towers are numbered 1, 2 and 3 but also have official names.

Business Bay by Dubai Properties Group The project features numerous skyscrapers located in an area where Dubai Creek will be dredged and extended. Business Bay will have upwards of 240 buildings, comprising commercial and residential developments when complete. Business Bay is a commercial, residential and business cluster along a new extension of Dubai Creek extending from Ras Al Khor to Sheikh Zayed Road. Covering an area of 64 million square feet, once completed it will comprise office and residential towers set in landscaped gardens with a network of roads, pathways and canals. It will become the region’s business capital as well as a freehold city.

Meydan Racecourse by Meydan Group A spectacular racecourse accommodating 60,000 spectators. The development also includes an nine-hole golf course.The 7.5 million sq. m Meydan Racecourse includes The Meydan — the world’s first five-star trackside hotel with 285 rooms. The site also has two race tracks and the Grandstand, which comprises the hotel, restaurants, a racing museum and 72 corporate suites for entertaining throughout the year. It also features the Winter Racing Challenge, Dubai International Racing Carnival and the Dubai World Cup, the world’s richest race day with over US$26.25 million in prize money The Racecourse district occupies 67 million square feet (620 ha), the overall Meydan City development however is 200 million square feet (1,900 ha). Meydan is closely affiliated with Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. DUBAI LAND A regional and international tourism hub, Dubailand is a unique multi-faceted district of sporting, entertainment and retail attractions sitting alongside growing residential communities. With an array of housing options that range from lush landscaped Mediterranean style villas, Spanish style haciendas, luxurious eco friendly villas set amongst exotic botanical gardens, communities set alongside stunning golf courses and lakes to spacious and affordable apartments, Dubailand caters to families with every budget. The district also has a good support


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environment. It will also feature a number of golf courses. Dubai Hills by Emaar Is situated in MBR and is part of the first phase.

infrastructure for families with a range of community retail, supermarkets, groceries, schools, sporting, leisure entertainment and cultural attractions, as well as activities for children and adults. Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) DSO offers a wide variety of high-quality villas and apartments for lease or purchase. These has been specifically planned and designed to create an authentic community of comfort and convenience. DSO offers schools, universities, hospitals, community centres, shopping complexes, swimming pools and tennis courts alongside the lush green parks, interconnected courtyards, and children’s play areas. Mohammed bin Rashid City by Meydaan & Sobha Developers Mohammed Bin Rashid City is set among a natural desert reserve in the heart of Dubai. Dubai Hills is located less than three kilometres from Burj Khalifa, with Al Khail Road providing easy access not only to Downtown Dubai, but also to Dubai International Airport, Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai International Financial Centre. This prime location is set to become a unique lifestyle destination within the heart of one of the most vibrant cities in the world. MRC wil have the largest family centre for leisure and entertainment in the Middle East, Africa Indian subcontinent and region. It will be surrounded by the largest mall in the world, Mall of the World, and over 100 hotel facilities. The mall will have a family entertainment centre which will be developed in collaboration with Universal Studios International. The new city will include residential areas built to green building standards in terms of energy consumption, waste treatment and conservation of natural

Dubai Pearl Dubai Pearl is a world class, mixed-use, 22 million sq ft integrated development by Pearl Dubai FZ LLC. Overlooking Palm Jumeirah in the heart of the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone, the development sets a new benchmark for sustainable urban communities in Dubai. Dubai Pearl offers a 24 hour living, walkable community where people can work, play and live in one destination. Dubai Pearl will redefine the pulse of the city by providing premium residences and offices, international retail and the highest quality dining, entertainment and leisure facilities. Dubai Pearl’s prime location will offer an unparalleled combination of free-hold in the convenience of a free zone with luxury, energy efficient sustainability and state-of-the-art technology. Dubai Waterfront by Nakheel Waterfront is planned add more than 70 kilometres to Dubai’s coastline and encompass an area of 1.4 billion square feet of water and land developments. It is expected to house an estimated population of 1.5 million people. Located near the new Al Maktoum International Airport, and with direct access to Sheikh Zayed Road, Jebel Ali Freezone and Abu Dhabi, the city would be fully accessible on a local and international scale. The hub of the development would be along the shoreline, stretching in-land to

offer a range of residences, commercial districts and industrial areas, with a number of major tourist attractions and leisure amenities. Extending from the coastline into the Arabian Gulf would be a series of connected islands featuring villas and high-end accommodation. DREAMZ BY DANUBE PROPERTIES provides modern residences with more than 40% land dedicated for open spaces. The development is planned over 700,000 Square Feet and will be equipped with state of the art infrastructure facility. Dreamz brings you a collection of 171 Luxury Duplex Townhouses with a choice of 3 & 4 bedrooms. Each house is individually designed keeping comfort and convenience in mind. Spacious living spaces for the family, combines with the right balance for privacy, safety and security. Every little detail you could expect exuberates and compliments the lifestyle for today’s urban family.

Developers Contact List akheel N +971 4 390 3333 Emaar Properties PJSC +971 4 367 3333 Dubai Properties Group +971 4 391 1114 Meydan Group 800 111 111 Damac Group +971 4 373 1000 Dubai Pearl + 971 4 433 1600 Dubai Silicon Oasis +9714 501 5000 Diamond Developers +971 4 232 9199 Cayan Developers +971 4 369 9910 Danube Properties +971 4 399 8333


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Cayan Towers by Cayan Developers The 80-storey residential tower that spirals in a smooth curve by an astonishing 90 degrees to give every apartment a stunning view of the sea or marina. Cayan Tower’s dynamic twisting shape challenges conventional architecture and redefines standards of luxury. Cayan Tower is situated in a key location at the mouth of Dubai Marina thus enjoying great views on to the marina, sea and Palm Jumeirah. It is truly an architectural vision. The units are special with spacious rooms, big courtyards with lots of sunlight that will enhance the feeling of space and freedom inside. AKOYA Park by DAMAC Welcome to your dream home, among 400,000 square metres of lush foliage. Pick your perfect space from a cluster of luxurious villas nestled within the breathtaking AKOYA by DAMAC, just off Umm Suqeim Road in Dubai.This is where opulent lifestyles, world class retail and leisure spaces, and spectacular outdoor living come to life across 28 million square feet of luxury. Fendi Casa,Trump and Paramount Hotels & Resorts are just a few of the world-renowned names who bring their globally coveted vision of the gold standard in luxury living. Dubai Sustainable Cityby Diamond Developers This city redefines sustainable living by providing an unprecedented experience in terms of no service or maintenance fees, energy efficient housing, green education and health care, eco-attractions and a full range of indoor and outdoor recreation opportunities.The City will generate much of its own electricity through city-wide and rooftop solar panels.The inspiring architectural designs take into consideration the natural aspects of sunlight, wind and orientation in order to improve air quality. REAL Estate Agents Listings Fidelity Fitness Club Ocean View Real Estate Dubai Next to Business Bay Metro Station, Sheikh Zayed Road Dubai, UAE +971 4 343 3256 Power House Properties Office 408, Al Barsha Business Center,

Dubai, U.A.E. +971 4 347 6853 HBS REAL ESTATE Office 813, Yes Business Center Al Barsha 1, Dubai, UAE +971 4 427 7224 Allsopp & Allsopp 26th Floor, Vision Tower, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE +971 4 429 4444 Prestige Real Estate Marina Plaza Office No. 1603, 16th Floor Dubai Marina Dubai, U.A.E. +971 4 446 8300 Better Homes The Village, Palm Strip, Jumierah Dubai, UAE 600 522212 Provident Real Estate After 4th interchange, Al Barsha, Sheikh Zayed Road, Maleka Zarooni Building, Office No. 602. +971 4 323 3609 Sherwoods Property SIP Properties Brokers LLC Ground Floor, Madina Tower, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai +9714 432 8221 Jones Lang LaSalle Emaar Square Building 1 Office 403 Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE +971 4 426 6999

Driven Properties Arenco Tower, office 604 Dubai Media City, Dubai, UAE +971 4 362 4046 Clover Bay Tower Office 909-910 Business Bay, Dubai, UAE +971 4 362 4046 A.A. Al Moosa Enterprises LLC Also known as: Al Moosa Group, Arenco Group Level 136, Arenco Tower, Dubai Internet City, Dubai United Arab Emirates, +971 4 440 1110, Eqarat Wafi Residence, Dubai, UAE +971 4 324 2224 BIN ZAYED GROUP 17th Floor, Emaar bouvelvard 2, Downtown Dubai, +971 4 373 9999 Union Properties PJSC (UP) Dubai Investment Park 1, Green Community, Near Marriott Courtyard Hotel, Block 1 Dubai, UAE +971 4 885 555 First Gulf Properties Shiekh Zayed Road, Next to Mall of Emirates, First Guld Bank building, Dubai, UAE +971 4 371 0000


business

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TRIVIA

BUSINESS PRESENCE IN DUBAI Dubai is definitely the location of choice - if you are looking for a unique destination that is both a dynamic business centre and a paradise offering attractions, shopping, fine dining and quality hotels, it’s all in the emirate The city attracts business houses from across the globe. Gems and jewellery, shipping, tourism, media, IT, retail, events and conferencing and banking are just some of the many industries that flourish Dubai. Though once an oil rich state, it is no

longer the case that most of the revenues that Dubai earns come from oil - it generates just less than 10 percent of Dubai’s revenues. Jebel Ali Free Zone and tourism make-up the rest of the emirate’s income.

ost Emirati businesses are family M run so you may be required to meet junior members to build a rapport before meeting the real decision makers E nglish is widely used in the city but if interacting with Emirati businessman, using a couple of Arabic words will be much appreciated Choose the best quality for your brochures and have the content printed in Arabic and English. It is advisable that the brochures or pamphlets don’t have pictures of women that might be considered provocative. Also, avoid pictures of alcohol or pork. I t is always advisable to arrive for meetings on time S tart a conversation over tea, coffee or a soft drink. You could also be asked to introduce yourself or your business over a meal. If you receive an invitation for a meal, it is considered polite to respond in kind


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TRIVIA P eople usually put greater emphasis on verbal agreement than most executives in the Western corporate world. In the UAE, your word is binding so make sure you mean what you say when agreeing terms or prices. Patience is the name of the game. Be prepared to put in considerable time to build the relationship. The attitude towards women in Dubai is much more liberal than in some Middle Eastern countries. However, there are still some points to keep in mind. At large multinational conventions or smaller meetings with Arab female staff or clients, you may find tables labelled ‘women only’. Women are not required to use these tables, but men are required to sit elsewhere, allowing women to separate themselves from male company if they choose to do so. At formal dinners, women and men may be seated at different tables or on different sides of the room. Some Muslim men won’t touch women to whom they are not related or married. Take your cue on handshakes from your host. If he offers his hand, shake it; otherwise make eye contact and nod in acknowledgement as you are introduced to each other.

Special Investment Incentives

100 per cent foreign ownership and control

Renewable 15-year guarantee and control

No custom duties Flexible investment options

Starting a business in Dubai is becoming faster and easier than ever, in line with the vision of the Department of Economic Development (DED) to help business owners launch and expand their operations without the need for lengthy processes and administration. Broadly, there are two jurisdictions in Dubai for conducting

Efficient transport and distribution facilities

Full administrative and recruitment support

business: Dubai ‘mainland, and more than 20 Economic Freezones in Dubai. Mainland and freezones offer different advantages depending on your business type and activities. If you choose to conduct business in Dubai mainland, you will need to register with DED, who will issue you with a Dubai business license.

The Eight Steps to Start a Business in Dubai

1

Select your business activity

2

Select a legal form for your business

3

Select a trade name for your business

4

Apply for an initial approval certificate

5

6

Prepare a Establish memoran- your dum business location

7

Get licensing approvals

8

Collect your business license

For more information, please visit : http://www.brl.gov.ae/en/startbusiness/registeryourbusiness/Pages/default.aspx


business

Jumeirah Lakes Towers Business and Leisure at its very best‌

Since its inception in 2002, the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) Free Zone in JLT is increasingly garnering a lot of attention from commercial giants, therefore making JLT a viable business hotspot. A perfect amalgamation of work, life and play located at the heart of Dubai, JLT projects a serene view of several high rise towers including the highest commercial tower; the 64 storey Almas Tower- tallest of its kind in the Middle East. All these offer a great combination of commercial, residential, as well as retail property to buy and lease.

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JLT also not being selective with its choice of companies seeking to venture in, as well as having no limitations on office space, fetches itself an edge over its counterparts. Rental and sale prices of commercial property around the area is considered more economical than the other Free Zones primarily as property is owned largely by investors with just a handful by the authority. Due to such convenience the number of registered companies within JLT multiply with each passing year.

Over the years with its rising popularity of being termed as the most sought after ‘business’ address offering a marketplace for business ranging from start-ups to multinationals, it is anticipated that the DMCC Free Zone will witness an expansion of a 107,000 sq.m Business Park with the creation of One JLT, at the heart of the Free Zone, which is due to go on floor during the third quarter of this year. In the league of becoming one of the fastest expanding Free Zones and carving a niche of being the frontrunner in the global commodities market, member companies get access to exclusive benefits in terms of market infrastructure, physical amenities across a wide range of trading platforms. As a free zone, JLT allows for 100% ownership of their company in a central location. Business owners can choose from either the DMCC license or the JLT license, wherein the former can be used for activities in commodities and related trade / services, whereas the latter will be effective for using across the various other business activities.

JLT Fact File - Waterfront location with access to approximately 220 retail outlets, beaches as well as the Marina. - Residents and visitors can enjoy at a wide range of restaurants and outdoor cafes all throughout the day. - Proximity to the renowned Emirates Golf course and the Montgomorie Golf Club. - Can be conveniently reached via the Dubai Metro. - Licensing and company set-up procedures take as much as 7 days to complete. - Feasible commercial property rates. - Visas issued in-house along with immigration and government services for all the DMCC member companies. - Many jewellery showrooms have set their base in JLT, alternatively giving it the name of the ‘jewellery hub’.


OUR ABILITY TO HANDLE CASES WITH FLEXIBILITY, SPEED, AND COST EFECTIVELY IS PERHAPS ARE BIGGEST STRENGTH. SERVICE WITH CARE DEDICATION AND PASSION IS WHY CLIENTS CHOOSE TO BESTOW THERE TRUST ON US TIME AND AGAIN.

E: khalfan@hojuae.com www.hojuae.com


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DESTINATION DUBAI

A quick guide to things you should know if you are planning to settle in Dubai

Except for UAE and GCC national citizens, other nationalities must obtain a UAE residence visa to legally live in Dubai, and other emirates. A residence visa is required to open a bank account, obtain a driving licence, register a car and apply for a PO Box.

A QUICK GUIDE

A driving licence is required in Dubai if your country’s driving license isn’t accepted. Dubai has right-hand side driving, so give way to your left.

Drinking and driving isn’t allowed in Dubai. Nudity and scant dressing is not allowed in Dubai Most companies will offer some sort of healthcare provision but it is important that you know exactly what you are covered for and also whether that covers your spouse and children. If you are pregnant in the UAE, then medical insurance is a necessity. There are many schools to choose from. Different curricula adopt different approaches but all lead to public examinations and qualifications.

Accountants 04 2228199 Baniyas Square, Deira

Litigation, Alternative Dispute Resolution & Arbritation, Legal Advisory, Corporate & Commercial Matters, Banking & Finance Law Firms 02 6261115

Al Maqtari Auditing Chartered public accountants & auditors serving businesses & the judicial system; provides expert & forensic accounting, arbitration, liquidation, trust work, & inheritance management; member of AGN International; offices: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, &Sharjah Accountants 02 6268636 Al Nwilati Chartered Accountants (NCA) One of the leading firms of chartered accountants, with headquarters in Dubai & a branch in Sharjah; offers accounting, auditing, management & financial consulting, arbitration, tax, company formation services etc to clients across UAE & the region

Al Suwaidi Advocates & Legal Consultants Business law firm with offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman and Sana’a (Yemen); specialises in corporate matters, intellectual property, information technology, and oil and gas; arbitration, international taxation, maritime law, etc. Law Firms 02 6266696 Al Tamimi & Co Law firm with offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah; practice: corporate law, information technology law, litigation, international business transactions, intellectual property, banking, insurance, shipping, construction and agency law Law Firms 02 6744535

Al Zarooni Tureva Hamarain Center, Dubai, UAE Map Dubai-based independent firm of business/ financial consultants & accountants; offers auditing, tax, company formation, offshore formation & maintenance, legal, & accounting services, & financial advice; has branches in Doha, USA & Switzerland Accountants 04 2689901 Abu Ghazaleh Intellectual Property Company in the Abu Ghazaleh group devoted to promoting the importance of intellectual property protection in Arab countries; services: trademark, patent, copyright and design registration, publication of cautionary and patent working notices etc. Law Firms 04 268 2192


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List of Free Zones in Dubai planned or Under Development

Abu Ghazaleh Legal Services ( ABLE ) Company in the Abu Ghazaleh group offering legal services; areas of practice: protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights, corporate and business practice, tax law, real estate law, employment law, alternative dispute resolution, etc Law Firms 02 6795957 Alliance Business Advisors Business Facilitators & Accountants 04 4520777 Jumeirah Lakes Towers Allied IP Attorneys Dubai law firm specializing in the prosecution, maintenance and enforcement of patents, designs, trademarks, copyrights, domain names, trade secrets and licensing of technology rights Law Firms 04 2829777 ASR Chartered Accountants International firm of auditors & business consultants, with a presence in Dubai, Singapore, Chennai, & Abu Dhabi; provides accountancy & auditing services, tax, management consultancy, new business entry, & business support services Accountants 04 3529941 Khalid Bin Waleed Road, Bur Dubai

BDO United Arab Emirates UAE branch of BDO International, the fifth largest network of public accounting firms in the world; services: audit & assurance, accounting, corporate finance, risk advisory, transaction advisory, tax, & outsourcing; offices: Abu Dhabi, Dubai etc Accountants 04 2222869 Behl, Lad & Al Sayegh (BLS) Al Ittihad Road, Dubai, UAE Map Middle-tier accounting & auditing firm in the UAE, serving local & international clients; affiliated to Geneva Group International; based in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah etc; one of the 2 audit firms recommended by BBC in Dubai City Guide Accountants 04 2942611 Caliber Middle East Chartered Accountants Professional firm of chartered accountants operating in Dubai; services: audit, financial accounting, company formation, business & management consultancy, accounting software solutions etc; a registered agent for JAFZA offshore companies Accountants 04 4329270 Clifford Chance International law firm with offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi; expertise: anti-trust, banking & finance, capital markets, e-commerce, insurance, intellectual property, litigation & dis-

ubai Aid City D Dubai Auto Parts City Dubai Biotechnology & Research Park (Dubiotech or Dubai Biotech) Dubai Carpet Free Zone - Deira. D ubai International Arbitration Center (DIAC) D ubai Maritime City D ubai Outsource Zone (DOZ) D ubai Studio City - Dubailand D ubai Techno Park (TP) - under development, tel +971-43328835, fax +971-4-3328853, email info@tp.ae D ubai Textile Village - Al Awir, scheduled completion October 2005? e Hosting Data Fort H eavy Equipment & Trucks Free Zone I nternational Media Production Zone M ohammad Bin Rashid Technology Park - Jebel Ali Area pute resolution, real estate etc. Law Firms 04 3620444 Dubai International Financial Centre Clyde & Co Trade, shipping, insurance and reinsurance, transport, energy, corporate and commercial law, finance, technology, international arbitration, and dispute resolution Law Firms 02 6446633 Emirates Advocates Attorneys & counselors at law; expertise: arbitration & dispute resolution, banking& finance, companies formation, corporate law, debt recovery,


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agreements & Contracts, intellectual property, maritime law, real estate etc Law Firms 02 6394446

Firms 04 3937700 Chattered Accounts & Business Management Consultants

Emirates Chartered Accountants International financial & business management consulting firm headquartered in Dubai; services include audit & assurance, accounts, bookkeeping & internal audit, management consultancy, & company formation & incorporation Accountants 04 2500290

Grant Thornton UAE Accounting, audit, & consulting firm in Dubai & Abu Dhabi, serving international & domestic businesses in investment, insurance, construction, financial services sectors etc& entrepreneurs; a member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd Accountants 04 3889925 Rolex Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road

Ernst & Young Global accounting and audit firm with offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai; services: audit, business advisory services, business community training, international taxation, business risk services/internal audit, technology & security risk Accountants

Griffin Nagda & Company Dubai-based firm of chartered accountants, auditors and management consultants; member of Moores Rowland International, an association of independent accounting firms throughout the world Accountants

Galadari & Associates Dubai-based law firm; offers services arbitration, mediation & alternative dispute resolution; expertise: banking & finance, corporate & commercial law, intellectual property, labor law, litigation, marine & insurance law, information technology etc Law

HOME AND BUSINESS SOLUTIONS Business set-up, consulting and business solution for SME and individuals. Services start from administrative work, visa processing and bank account opening to market analysis and advisory. Thereafter, follows up companies on a yearly basis assisting them in their daily

activities. Business Set up 04 4277224 HorwathMak Firm of chartered accountants based in Dubai with offices in Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah; services: audit, accountancy, company formation and maintenance, financial planning and control Accountants 04 2283008 Kant & Clients Accountants 04 2212168 Kothari Auditors & Accountants Accounting, auditing, management & financial consulting firm with offices in Dubai &Sharjah; Accountants 04 3526330 M&M Al Menhali Auditing Accountants in Dubai, providing internal & external audit, accounting, business & financial consulting, company registration, incorporation of offshore companies, receivables management & collection etc Accountants 04 4486424 Jumeirah Lake Towers


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entry strategy etc Accountants & Management Consultants 04 2236508 Saif Chartered Accountants Progressive medium-sized audit & accounting firm in UAE; services: internal audit, free zone services, company formation, business advisory, feasibility studies & project appraisals, payroll, liquidation etc; has offices in Dubai &Sharjah Accountants 04 4518600 The Prism, Business Bay, Sheikh Zayed Road Mashal Al Zarooni Chartered Accountants Chartered accountants in Dubai catering to national & international clients; services include feasibility studies & business plans, setting up business, book-keeping & outsourcing, financial & business consultancy, accounting etc Accountants 04 3589996 Al Attar Tower, ShaikhZayed Road Moore Stephens Middle East Ltd Network of accounting and consulting offices in cities ranging from Karachi in the east to Cairo and Beirut in the west; services include accounting, auditing, corporate finance, information risk management, taxation etc. Accountants Morison Menon Chartered Accountants Firm of chartered accountants; offers services in financial and tax consultancy, project feasibility, commercial and legal matters, business re-engineering including staffing, mergers and acquisitions Accountants N.R. Doshi & Partners Public accountants in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Jebel Ali, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimahetc, serving mid-sized companies; offers business modelling& planning, tax, company formation,

financial advice, audit, assurance etc; affiliated to DFK International Accountants 04 3528001 Khalid Bin Waleed Street, Bur Dubai Nayef Abu Sakran Company International (NASCSO) Public accounting firm based in Dubai; services include auditing & accounting, customised accounting software, trademark, patent, copyright registration, & company registration Accountants 04 2216158 Pannell Kerr Forster Firm of accountants and business advisors based in Dubai with representation in Abu Dhabi, Jebel Ali, and Sharjah; services: audit and management assurance, management consulting, corporate finance,

Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organisation Group of professional service firms in the field of accounting, management consulting, training, intellectual property, legal services, information technology, capacity building, credit information and legal translation Management Consultants, Law Firms & Accountants 02 6724425 UHY Saxena& Associates Dubai-based accountancy and audits firm that has also diversified into management consultancy; services: audits, due diligence, financial modelling, valuation, mergers & acquisitions, strategic & corporate planning, business restructuring etc Accountants 04 3517007


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