UAE Area Guide, Part 4 Of 8 – Dubai
Dubai is one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates; its capital city, also called Dubai, is probably the best known area of the United Arab Emirates (the UAE) to those who reside outside of the UAE. Dubai is a modern and rapidly growing city that is full of high quality luxury hotels, and is famous for certain well known tourist attractions such as The Palms, The World and the Burj Al Arab Hotel on the Jumeirah Beach resort; this article will show you that Dubai has much more to offer tourists than just these well known attractions. Dubai literally has something for everyone.
Dubai is a must travel to place for any shopaholic. Dubai city not only has many shopping malls but small street markets and bazaars or souks. Dubai even holds a shopping festival once a year where the whole city basically turns into one huge shopping mall! Whatever you want to buy from disegner fashion and electrical goods through to local arts and crafts you will be able to find it in Dubai. Check with your travel agent or hotel there are many shopping tours available for tourists to take in Dubai.
Culture is very important in Dubai both for the entertainment and education of tourists and in keeping the traditions alive for future generations of locals. There are several places to visit, tours and tourist attractions devoted to the native culture of the UAE. You can visit numerous museums and galleries throughout Dubai as well as places such as the Dubai dhow wharf where you can view traditional dhows that still trade today in exactly the same way they have for centuries. There are also many opportunities and tours available to experience the traditional Bedouin lifestyle, and the local area including both four wheel drive safaris of the deserts and four wheel drive wadi tours. (Many of these tours break for a meal or stay overnight in traditional Bedouin style camps.)
Sport plays another huge part in the lives of the Dubai residents, you are able to view and or partake in almost every sort of sporting activity imaginable when you visit Dubai. Golf is huge in the UAE with several world class courses located in Dubai. The traditional sports of camel and horse racing are prominent features on Dubai’s sporting calendar. Every imaginable form of water sport from sailing to jet skis and water skiing are available at Dubai Creek. Motor sport is also building a growing following with several forms of international motor racing being held regularly in Dubai.
Modern tourist attractions such as the indoor ski slope Ski Dubai which houses five full sized snow ski runs as well as toboggan runs inside with real snow 365 days a year are a huge hit with both tourists and locals alike. Dubai also has water parks the most famous and well known one being the Wild Wadi Water Park. There are many theme parks all over Dubai that cater for families and young children through to those adventurous folk who love riding amusement park rides.
Dubai also has a vibrant and modern night life with many venues to dance and party the night away – something many people do not associate with an Arab country.
The Hottest Property For Sale in Dubai
December 5, 2009 by admin
Filed under Tourists Attractions
Dubai properties have become very lucrative for investors and also for people who want to move residence or set up businesses there. Dubai, with its limited land space and great demand for property, has caused property developers and construction companies to invest heavily in developing residential and commercial properties. Some of the buildings, especially high rises in Dubai, are awe-inspiring, as architects have turned their dreams into realities over here. Dubai Marina is one of the man-made wonders being constructed, and will have more then 200 high rise buildings and some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers. Infinity Tower, Marina Terrace, and Princess Tower are some of the high rises being constructed here. Man-made islands like the Universe, the World and Palm Island will offer more beaches and more space for construction. The height of buildings in Dubai is not a consideration, and right now there is a competition going on as to which company will construct the tallest building of the world in Dubai. Right now the sail-shaped Burj al Arab hotel is the tallest building in the world.
Currently, the much-publicised rotating tower is the hottest property in Dubai. Each floor will rotate independently and so the buildings shape will change continuously for the onlookers, and so will the view for the residents. The speed of the rotations will be so slow that residents will not feel the floor turning. Wind turbines will provide power for the building and for surrounding buildings and there will be solar panels also installed.
So whether residential or commercial, there are a number of properties vying for the top spot in Dubai. Residential property on the new man made islands, in Dubai marina and close to Jumeriah Beach, are considered to be the hottest properties in Dubai. With a projection over 600 high rise buildings eventually constructed, and millions of visitors flocking to this jewel in the Middle East, it becomes difficult to project which is the hottest property in Dubai. With so many new projects in the pipeline and each one boasting its exclusive features, selecting the hottest property can be quite taxing.
For residential hot properties, the high rise apartment buildings along Jumeriah Beach and Dubai Marina are hot favourites, but now residential properties in the sports complex are also becoming hot favourites. How can a choice be made, when each building has its own virtues, its own features and no negative points? The city has been so well designed that it is like a dream city on earth, and it keeps growing everyday. People looking to make money invest in futuristic properties that are under development, as they feel that they will not loose as most of the developers guarantee a minimum return.
The price of the hottest properties in Dubai sits in the millions of dollars, and getting a mortgage is not as easy as it is in the UK or the US. Therefore one needs to have the available cash flow to purchase the hottest property over here.
Why is Dubai Swarmed By Celebrities?
September 30, 2009 by admin
Filed under Tourists Attractions
If you looked on the various news headlines emerging from the Middle East, you will notice a substantial shift taking place in the manner they have been reporting about this region as a whole. From various military coups to the stories of political vendetta; from gun totting hostage takers to the unnerving interpretation of Islam; and from the so-called lack of democratization to the non existent human rights, the Middle East has always had to bear the brunt of hostile news reporting. But, the emerging trade and commerce and tourism activities in Dubai are fundamentally changing this long held stereotyped interpretation of the Muslim world now.
Don’t be surprised therefore, if the British footballer David Beckham and the Spice Girl Victoria are seen walking out of one of its famous five star hotels, or if the reigning formula one champion Michael Schumacher is spotted unwinding somewhere on its breathtaking shorelines. You will also come to notice some very famous names from the corporate world making regular rounds of this famous city. From top cine stars to sports celebrities and from the multi-billion empire holders to the average holiday making freaks, all are increasingly being seen on Dubai’s soil these days. This in itself, speaks a lot of how dramatically the world’s vision of the Middle East has transformed.
The next round of Dubai Tennis Championships to be held in February and March 2007 will be another treat for the tennis lovers and the media managers both. Names like the William sisters – Serena and Venus and Andre Agassi have played on this venue and enthralled the audiences in the recent past. Equally reported have had been the events like a friendly match organized between Andre Agassi and Roger Federer on the helipad of Burj Al Arab hotel. Tennis balls kept falling down inside the Arabian sea as the two players proceeded with some of their favourite strokes. Not too behind was Tiger Woods who made use of the same helipad for his golf practice. Woods was in Dubai to take part in the Dubai Desert Classic and couldn’t resist the temptation of practicing on such a breathtaking height.
If the celebrity spotting has become one of the new trends in Dubai’s social life, then so is the emerging competition among the hotel owners for making the best out of this pulsating market. They are making all efforts, like building of more niche hotels, to cap this upscale clientele. This means exclusively targeting the business travellers and the multimillionaires from across the globe. Apart from Dubai, Lebanon and Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt have also been trying to raise their stakes. However, the former is well ahead in the race involving these three.
Dubai’s desire of opening its borers to the outside world has been well received and reciprocated by the latter. As a result we are witnessing the very fundamental image of the Middle East taking a new turn in the global environment. By allowing so many expatriates on its soil, Dubai has made its friendly intentions clear. Expatriates will continue on playing a crucial role in the local economy, hence making the exchange of the Arabian peninsula with the outside world stronger. It speaks of a pleasing scenario, which will continue to get on more shades with each passing day.
Posting your Hotel Experience on Youtube or Flickr
For avid travellers, it’s unquestionable that the internet has revolutionised the way that people plan their holidays. Not only can you book flights and accommodation online, but the birth of Web 2.0 has meant that many holidaymakers are able to read reviews of a particular beach resort or five-star hotel before deciding on their destination of choice. However, written reviews and user comments can only go so far – in order to really know what a particular holiday location might be like, photographs, virtual tours or online videos can be a lot more helpful.
In fact, many travel writers and bloggers are becoming increasingly aware of the fact that people don’t want to be told about how beautiful Miami Beach is in July or how spectacular the Alps look from Grenoble – they want to be able to see it for themselves. This is where social sites like photo-sharing service Flickr and online video website YouTube come into their own. Sites which allow travellers to share images or videos are quickly being flooded with everything from amateur holiday snapshots to semi-professional video tours of hotels in an effort to share their travel experiences with like-minded individuals.
For instance, a simple search for Dubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab hotel on Flickr currently generates over 6500 images. These include photos of the Burj Al Arab rising above the Dubai skyline, as well as images of the hotel’s lavish interior and vistas of the city from the building’s apex. So anyone planning to book a stay at the Burj Al Arab will be able to get a taste of what awaits them through the photo-sharing site.
Additionally, the search engine Yahoo!, which owns Flickr, has recently begun to integrate popular Flickr images into its search results. So if you’re searching for the Taj Mahal or the Pyramids of Giza in Yahoo! when planning a possible holiday, you’ll easily be able to find images as well as more information to help you come to a decision.
Moreover, posting your hotel experience on YouTube is also a great way to share your travel memories. Whether you’ve just come back from an unforgettable hotel that you want other people to enjoy too, or you’re keen to make sure people avoid a particular place to stay, you’ll certainly be providing web savvy travellers with a valuable resource.
While many hotels offer virtual tours on their own sites, these often require the installation of QuickTime or Windows Media Player before viewing. If you don’t have these pre-installed, watching these virtual tours can be rather time consuming. As a result, a lot of people planning a holiday are more likely to watch hotel tours on YouTube because it tends to be both quicker and easier. It’s also true that people are more likely to trust videos on YouTube as a more honest representation of the hotel in question, rather than simply as a video tour that’s been vetted by the hotel to make it look as good as possible.
So whether you’re keen to stay at a luxury seven-star hotel in Dubai or you simply want to find a small beach hut in Goa, don’t underestimate the value of searching for an online video tour or photograph of your prospective hotel or holiday location on the internet. Your vacation is sure to benefit in the end!
Dubai 7 Star Hotel: Ixs
April 23, 2009 by admin
Filed under Restaurants
The Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai is the only 7-Star hotel in the world. It is a place where imagination becomes reality. Designed to look like the blowing sail of a yacht it is an impressive structure at 321 metres tall. It is also the tallest hotel of the World.Its sight at night is unforgettable. It is surrounded by choreographed colour sculptures of water and fire. This all-suite hotel reflects the finest that the world has to offer.
It is a stricking 28-story All-Suite Hotel housed in unique sail-shaped building overlooking Jumeira Beach. It charges from 1,000 US dollars per night for a one-bedroom Deluxe Suite to 10,000 US dollars for a Royal Suite. It has enjoyed growing popularity and 90 per cent occupancy rate six years after it opened in Dubai.
The hotel boasts of offering the world’s best service, and continues to attract guests from all over the world despite the emergence of more luxurious hotels, like the three-billion-US dollar Emirates Palace which opened in March, also in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Burj Al Arab (http://united-arab-emirates.ixs.net/hotels/burj-al-arab-hotel/index.aspx ) does not have rooms; it has 202 suites, each one arranged over two floors. Ranging from a capacious 169 sq. mts to an astonishing 780 sq. mts in size, the floor to ceiling glass windows offer simply breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf.
Decorated with lavish textures and exuberant colours, each suite features a sumptuous living and dining area, state of the art entertainment system and office facilities. Their sheer opulence in every tiny detail is underpinned with technology that does everything from controlling the 42 inch Plasma screen TV to closing the curtains.
With your chauffeur driven Rolls Royce, discreet in-suite check in, private reception desk on every floor and a brigade of highly trained butlers who provide around-the-clock attention, you can be assured of a highly personalised service throughout your stay.
Offering the highest levels of personalised service in the most luxurious surroundings imaginable, your private butler will ensure that every little need is met. Designed to provide maximum comfort, our unique service levels mean that even your check in will be in the privacy of your suite.
Its Deluxe suite having 1 Bedroom is ideal for life. With beautiful views of the Arabian Gulf, the Deluxe Suite features a handsome spiral staircase that leads you from one floor to the next, perfectly separating the entertainment and living spaces. Area – 169 sq. mts Lower level – Living room with large lounge, dining table for 4, private bar counter, guest washroom Upper level – Dressing room, bedroom with king size or twin bed, luxury bathroom with Jacuzzi Occupancy – 2 Adults and 2 Children below the age of 12, or 3 Adults. Transport – Chauffeur driven Rolls Royce or BMW available at a charge
Burj al Arab is full of Leisure Facilities. Assawan Spa & Health Club situated on the 18th floor with magnificent views over the Gulf. Treatment rooms, hydrotherapy baths, oriental massage, stand-up solarium, sauna, steam rooms and jacuzzi, two swimming pools, squash court, two fully equipped fitness studios and an aerobics floor. It also provides Unlimited access to Wild Wadi Water Park.
The wonderful Royal Suite of this only 7 Star Hotel in Dubai is located on the 25th floor. It is indeed the last word in luxury, with its lavishly appointed interiors, majestic colour scheme and sumptuous furnishings. The Exclusive privileges include private elevator and private cinema. Its special features are Marble and gold staircase, leopard print tufted carpets, Carrarra marble flooring and mahogany furniture Lower level – Dining area, Arabic majlis (reception) style lounge and library Upper level – Master bedroom with rotating four-poster canopy bed and second bedroom, each with adjoining marble bathrooms with spa bath, walk-in shower, fine porcelain fittings and full sized Hermes 24 – Faubourg fragrances and body products Occupancy – 4 Adults and 2 Children below the age of 12, or 5 Adults (only). Chauffeur driven Rolls Royce or BMW are also available at surcharge.
The world’s most luxurious hotel has its very own helipad 200m above ground, but it appears unlikely any helicopters will be landing.
Burj Al Arab ties to provide an international atmosphere to make guests from all nationalities feel comfortable. Its staff come from many countries and speaks 15 languages.
A Heritage Of Hospitality, A Vision Of The Future : Burj Al Arab is a Monument Worthy Of A New Millennium. The Arabian Experience, its Influence and achievements, can all be found in this true reflection of a culture of hospitality.
For more information about Dubai 7 Stars information visit: http://united-arab-emirates.ixs.net/hotels/dubai-7-star-hotel/index.aspx
