Posts Tagged ‘Dubai’

Dubai and Kuwait Artificially Created Wealth Doomed to Go Down?

The United Arab Emirates has seen a significant increase in tourist activities in the past decade, thanks to savvy marketing campaigns and dispelling myths that people mistaken take for truth. Made up of seven sovereign states, the United Arab Emirates is an exciting and fascinating region to visit, filled with so activities and places that people of any country or culture wish their stay was longer.

Indeed, some of the attractions are just the opposite of what most people think of finding in the Emirates. The Palm Islands, a group of beautiful manmade islands with luxury accommodations, will surprise and delight travelers who think of the region as a desert with only archeological artifacts to attract tourists. The truth is, the United Arab Emirates have stepped into the 21st century and have as much or more to offer than any region in the world.

Potential visitors are surprised to learn that the Emirates are more than desert sands, as depicted in the movies. Hundreds of miles of pristine beaches and sparkling ocean waves are home to turtles, dolphins, whales and other marine life. Coral reefs attract divers from all over the globe and the sailing and snorkeling is unrivaled.

Sports fans will find that they can join in or watch games of cricket and golf, horse or camel racing. Formula One race tracks are popular as are speed boat races. There are also several world class golf courses and resorts that have accommodations that meet the most exacting standards of service.

Shoppers will think they’ve gone to heaven when they see all the shopping malls and specialty boutiques flourishing in the UAE. From designer clothing and accessories to the newest electronics, these shops leave nothing to be desired. Traditional souqs also abound, allowing shoppers access to cultural items, local crafts and art, as well as the usual souvenirs.

You will find everything under the sun in the UAE, including a fascinating culture that is thousands of years old. Tourists will find that the Bedouin tribes are respected and preserved in the UAE, their customs and way of life revered. Those interested in getting to know the culture are welcome to spend a night in a Bedouin camp, enjoying traditional cuisine and customs.

The United Arab Emirates is a vacation destination that serves every taste and need. Whether you want to enjoy top-notch service and accommodations, participate in or watch world-class sports, indulge your passion for diving or shopping or just want to visit a region of the world that’s as old as civilization but as modern as tomorrow, the UAE is the perfect destination.

For more information on Dubai, visit http://www.dubaimicroblog.com. For more information on Kuwait, visit http://www.kuwaitmicroblog.com.

Discover the Past, Present and Future in Dubai

If you’re seriously interested in knowing about Dubai, you need to think beyond the basics. This informative article takes a closer look at things you need to know about Dubai.

The rich culture of the desert city of Dubai draws on its ancient Arabian heritage, vast modern technology and cosmopolitan luxuries. For centuries a land devoted mainly to herding and trade, Dubai was rocketed into modern times by the discovery of oil just off of its coast in 1966. Enormous riches funded by oil production have produced a native population which, in the main, is well educated, healthy, highly paid and liberal minded. Tourism is actively courted in Dubai, particularly in the impressive Palm Islands development.

Touted as the eighth world wonder, Palm Island is a an incredible tribute to engineering, design, and absolute opulence. Palm Island – Deira is the largest of the three Palm Islands. A unique man-made phenomenon, the Palm Islands can be seen from space by the naked eye. A trunk, a 41- frond crown, and a water- breaking crescent island form Palm Island – Deira. Nearly eight thousand villas and apartment homes, private and public beaches, shopping, recreation and sports facilities are included in the plans for this incredible development. Fantastic resorts and attractions are also available for those looking for the ultimate upscale vacation experience.

Sport is a huge part of the culture of Dubai, and is reflected in the many entertainment options open to visitors of the city. Polo fields and golf courses abound. The richest horse racing event in the world, The Dubai World Cup, is run on a Dubai track and attracts visitors from around the world. Water sports from the most adventurous to the most tranquil are available in the warm waters off of Dubai’s white sand beaches. Viewing some of the region’s more traditional sporting events such as camel racing, dhow sailing and falconry should also not be missed.

Sophistication is one of the hallmarks of the Dubai – and larger United Arab Emerates – culture. World- class cosmopolitan restaurants sit next to local establishments serving the best in local cuisine and fresh juices. Indian, Lebanese, and Thai flavours are often featured in the most popular restaurants. Many of Dubai’s best restaurants are inside of, or within easy walking distance of, the city’s hotels, which are allowed to serve alcohol despite the city’s Islamic roots. Prices range from very affordable to astronomically high, depending on one’s tastes, and menus and service are most often available in English as well as the native Arabic.

So far, we’ve uncovered some interesting facts about Dubai. You may decide that the following information is even more interesting.

Shopping in Dubai is amongst the best in the world, with designer boutiques offering the most exclusive fashions and products to savvy shoppers. Jewelery, vehicles, electronics, décor items and sports equipment are also common purchases, often offered at low prices. There are no local taxes on purchases, and for those skillful at bartering, the souks (markets) offer vast opportunities for bargains on indigenous goods. Must-see sightseeing sites in Dubai include the Gold Souk, the Deira Covered Souk, the Spice Souk, the Palm Island development, Al Boom Tourist Village, Bedouin Village, the Dubai World Trade Centre, and the Jumeirah Mosque. Archaeological enthusiasts will enjoy the Al Ghusals, Al Sufooh and Jumeirah excavation sites featuring graveyards and artifacts more than 1,000 years old.

Dubai’s ultra- contemporary architecture, panoramic ocean vistas, beautiful beaches, and historical sites are all fetching subjects for photography buffs, but it is wise to refrain from taking photos of government facilities, sea- and air ports, and military installations. Permission should also be asked and granted before photographing the local population, particularly Muslim women, who may be offended at having their photo taken.

Highly accessible to international traffic, Dubai is served by 90 airlines. Major European centres such as London are only seven hours away by plane with regular in- and out- going flights.

Arabic is the official language of Dubai, but written and spoken English is heavily used in the business and commercial sectors as well as in the tourism and entertainment industries. Dubai is a progressive Islamic country. Respect for local customs and religious traditions is expected and appreciated, but not to the extremes of some Islamic- ruled areas. In return, the Dubai people offer tolerance for differing lifestyles. Women are not discriminated against and may travel freely unescorted. Western visitors are able to dress as they like, however modesty in clothing is recommended. Limit very short, tight, or revealing items of clothing. The local population has adopted some styles of western dress, but it is most common to see men wearing the traditional white dishdasha or khandura robe and gutra (headdress), and women wearing modest black abaya robes and a head scarf over their regular clothing. These styles of dress suit the religious requirements of the Islamic population and offer protection from the hot desert sun.

Dubai’s weather is picture perfect for most of the year, combining the best features of a sub-tropical, arid climate. Rain is very infrequent, falling an average of only five days each year (mostly during the winter season), but the temperature can vary by nearly 40 degrees Celsius between 10 degrees and 48 degrees Celsius.

Demand for property in Dubai has surged in recent years, driven by a burgeoning population of nearly four million people and the recent ability of foreigners to hold real- estate. Dubai’s safe lifestyle, positive tourism investment potential, favorable tax rates and perceived high property value have all contributed to the current interest in buying property in the city. In addition to the variety of hotels, resorts and other standard tourist accommodation options, private accommodations from apartments to luxury villas located on secluded beaches are available for sale and rent in Dubai.

If you learned anything new about Dubai in this article, you should file the article where you can find it again.

Top 7 Must-Visit Places in Dubai

Dubai is one of the United Arab Emirates. It’s a prosperous, advanced nation in a vigorously developing area of the world. Fantastic towers and brilliant ideas rise out of a desert which Omar Khyyam would have recognized and on a sea which has been the cradle of human history for thousands of years.

Your travel dollar will get real value in Dubai. Hotels in Dubai base their businesses on providing absolute top quality luxury accommodation, service and amenities for guests. The hotel packages are specifically designed to attract attention from experienced and highly selective travelers.

When you come to Dubai, you will experience the extraordinary and the unique on a daily basis. These are just some of the places you must see:

Dubai World

Dubai World is a range of artificial islands which form a map of the world. There are 300 islands with designer living as the keynote concept. The islands have facilities for visitors, shopping, Dubai World is the modern world’s answer to the great designer cities of the past, a triumph of civilization.

Dubai Underwater Hotel

The Dubai Underwater Hotel, under construction off Dubai, is huge and it’s dazzling. It’s 260 hectares in size, (about the size of London’s Hyde Park) and the bubble-shaped suites are 20 metres underwater. The twin domes rise out of the water giving a magnificent view of the Dubai skyline. It’s one of Dubai’s biggest tourist attractions.

Palm Islands

Dubai’s famous Palm Islands are the largest man-made islands ever built, and are being called “The Eighth Wonder of the World” by their admirers. They’re packed with features for tourists and great hotel packages. (If you don’t want to leave, everyone will understand.)

Dubai desert safari

The desert experience is a Don’t Miss adventure. You can travel by Hummer, camel, and sandboard, go dune bashing, experience the desert night, and learn about Arab Belly Dancing, all on one tour.

Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House (Museum)

Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum was the ruler of Dubai between 1912 and 1958, and the father of the present ruler of Dubai. His house is a history of Dubai in microcosm. This is one of the great cultural features of Dubai, as well as a link to the past. Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House (Museum) is an example of the architectural heritage of Dubai, ahead of its own time and a good example of the local talent for creating opulent, spacious living.

Scenic Flying

Scenic flying is a tour of the city and countryside by hot air balloon. This is a tour of a wonderland, an overview of an incredible achievement. Dubai looks fantastic on the ground, but from the air it’s astonishing.

Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa is the gigantic tower synonymous with Dubai which stunned architects as much as the rest of the world when it was designed. This is tallest building in the world, twice the height of the Empire State Building. It’s a residential building, also housing corporate offices and hotels.

You will never forget Dubai. The more you see, the more you will want to see.

Dubai – Planned to Perfection

Dubai is fast establishing itself as the worldâ??s number one location in which to hold conferences and enjoy the holidays. With the benefit of an all-year round fantastic climate and an ever-burgeoning business centre, this city offers a host of superb attractions and a multitude of reasons for visiting.

Its rise to prominence was entirely by design and determination rather than by accident. Everything that has happened in the United Arab Emiratesâ?? leading city has been planned for the majority of the developments down to meticulous detail. Every bit of building and major construction has been linked to the expansion of the cityâ??s infrastructure to ensure that everything runs smoothly and is sustainable. Itâ??s all part of the big development plan for Dubai, first chalked out in 2002 to cover the period up to 2015.

Even though Dubai got its first big break from oil revenues in the late 1950s and early 1960s, the cityâ??s leaders had the foresight to realise that they needed to develop ways of encouraging other industries and investments within the Emirate if they were to ensure a sustainable future. Now oil revenues represent less than 10% of Dubaiâ??s GDP, with the rest coming from manufacturing, financial services and the fastest growing sector within the last ten years â?? tourism.

Technology is extremely advanced in the city and many of the worldâ??s major players have established offices within Dubai. The development of the Dubai Interent City certainly helped, especially as it was established as a free trade zone in which company and private earnings are exempt from taxation. That incentive has attracted some of the worldâ??s leading multinationals including Cisco, IBM and Microsoft.

Away from the business hub Dubai has been busy developing tourist facilities, including not only thousands of hotels but also a series of amazing and enormous visitor attractions. Already constructed is Ski Dubai which features 22,500 square metres of real snow 365 days a year spread throughout the worldâ??s largest indoor ski facility; unique in a city whose temperature rarely falls below 70°F, even in the coldest month of January!

Under construction in the city with an anticipated completion date of sometime in 2010, the amazing MotorCity development will also prove a massive attraction. It contains the worldâ??s first Formula One theme park â?? F1-X as well as a full-size F1 racing circuit interweaved amongst a series of residential apartments and hotels.

The worldâ??s largest building is now in Dubai. The Burj Dubai stands at a staggering 818 metres high and dominates the cityâ??s skyline. Offering residential and office space in addition to a hotel the building officially opens in December 2009.

Finally, there is the Palm Jumeirah, an island reclaimed from the Arabian Gulf in the shape of a palm tree which features a series of homes, shops and hotels that is allegedly visible from space. With such a host of fabulous attractions and outstanding features the city of Dubai will be wooing millions of visitors for years to come.

Don’t Miss these Hotel Beauties during Your Cheap Holidays in Dubai

The larger than life emirate of Dubai has earned well deserved epithets like ‘Venice of the East’ and ‘City of Merchants’. Unsurprisingly, people flock to Dubai in hordes and the country makes sure that its guests receive unparalleled service. Dubai is as famous for its hotels as for its other tourist magnets. In fact, some of the hotels in themselves have become the biggest crowd pullers. Let us take a look at three of the biggest charmers.

Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai

This is the latest addition to Dubai’s treasure kitty. This hotel is like a gigantic ocean based theme park complete with heady water rides and submerged old ruins. One can get up close to creatures like sharks and dolphins. Sitting in the world’s largest artificial island, Atlantis offers you amazing aquatic attractions spread across more than 15 million gallons of fresh and sea water attractions. The Aquaventure water playground is packed with a plethora of heart pumping delights. Imagine, being flung thirty feet into the air and dashed through lagoons teeming with sharks. The different rides through simulated tidal waves and rapids are just hair rising.

The Royal Towers offers over 1,500 guest accommodations with more than 16 restaurants, lounges, bars, and cafes. The stunning Palm Terrace and Royal Palm ballroom are just two of the conferencing facilities. For shopping, there is a mind boggling array of designer brands to choose besides local goodies. The overall awesome luxury makes the word cheap belong to some other dimension among those who celebrate their holidays in Dubai at the Atlantis

Burj Al Arab

No discussion on hotels or for that matter on holidays in Dubai can be complete without an allusion to the Burj Al Arab. Being the tallest hotel in the world, its appearance reflects its reputation. Stretching way up into the clouds from its own small Island, the Burj looks like a giant ship from some science fiction flick. During dark, the effect is astounding, when the hotel explodes into thousands of gleaming lights. Guests are treated like royalty with a Rolls Royce limousine pick up service from the airport. Every floor has a private reception, while every suite has butler service. There are as many as six restaurants and lounges. Burj al Arab is highly renowned for its al Mahara and al Muntaha restaurants. The al Mahara is an underwater restaurant reached by a submarine ride, while the al Muntaha is a suspension restaurant nestling among the clouds.

Shangri-La Hotel Dubai

Housed within the Al Jaber multipurpose complex, Shangri-La is not only conveniently located in the heart of the city, but also commands one of the best sea views. One may choose from one bedroom to four bedroom suites. The hotel boasts some of the roomiest accommodation facilities. There are nine restaurants and bars dishing out a wide array of exotic cuisines, including Cantonese, Moroccan, Vietnamese, and seafood delicacies. The Business Centre offers well trained professional staff along with state of the art technology catering to the requirements of executives on the move. The Horizon Club rooms give a host of extra services like complimentary breakfast and beverages during the day and cocktails during evenings. Shangri-La is definitely one of the best places for spending a holidays in Dubai.

Although, these three hotels are among the most well-known ones, but by no means are they the exclusive options. Dubai is just crawling with accommodation facilities of all types, be they big and small or expensive and cheap.

Dubai Hotel Options For Both Small and Large Budgets

Dubai has become known as a millionaire’s playground, with many celebrities and movie stars owning villas and apartments there. However in recent years the Gulf state of Dubai has become one of the most popular destinations for Europeans wanting some sun for a few days, and to party at the many bars and clubs which have sprung up over the past few years. As a result, there is a multitude of choice when it comes to choosing from a variety of Dubai hotels.

There is a huge selection of Dubai hotels, from 7 star luxury, complete with gold plated taps, to more basic 2 and 3 star accommodation for the budget traveller. What is for sure|definite, is that you will be able to find one of the many Dubai hotels which meets your exact requirements.
Of the most luxurious and feature packed Dubai hotels, perhaps the Atlantic Hotel wins this prize. This hotel opened a few months ago surrounded by a sea of celebrities, including Robert de Niro and Denzel Washington, and Kylie Minogue even performed a concert (which the organisers reportedly paid $4 million!).

Dubai has long been famous for its wide range of activities on offer – the air conditioning provided by Dubai hotels are great to escape the intense heat of the midday sun, but when it gets a bit cooler in the late afternoon, you can engage in a multitude of activities, such as the world’s biggest indoor ski resort, or even skiing in the desert! However, guests at the Atlantis Hotel hardly need to leave their hotel for the entire duration of their stay, as the activities available are so plentiful – you can even swim with dolphins, or spend time at the enormous water park on the site.

However, the prize for the most elegant and extravagant of Dubai hotels must be awarded to the Burj al Arab. This is the only 7 star hotel in the world, and sits on top of a man made island. This hotel has welcomed millionaires and billionaires from all over the world, and even royalty have stayed at this most famous of Dubai hotels.

However, if you are on a tighter budget, there are still hundreds, if not thousands of other Dubai hotels you can choose from. Before you book a room, however, make sure that the hotel meets all of your requirements – for example – does it have a pool, is there a restaurant, is it close to the beach, or the business district, and how far is the closest shopping mall? Everyone has different requirements when they come to Dubai, so make sure that you choose a hotel which is right for you.

No matter which of the many Dubai hotels you choose, in terms of how much you will have to pay for your hotel room, it definitely pays to carry out research on the internet beforehand. One site I frequently use to book Dubai hotels is Dubai Short Stay.com You can book rooms for any of the above mentioned Dubai hotels at this site, and the prices are the lowest I can ever find.

Dubai Shopping Festival

Dubai is one of the travel destinations that experienced the fastest growth worldwide. It has all the necessary ingredients for a magic holiday: sun, sand, sea, sports, legendary duty-free zones, a traditional culture that intrigues the tourists and a safe, warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Dubai has established high global standards in every filed of activity. To become the tourism world leader, the UAE government built the first seven star hotel – Burj al Arab – and artificial islands located wherever they needed or wanted one. But a major part in the tourism growth was also played by the private investors. Dubai furnished villas are owned by private real estate agencies or property-owner. Together with Dubai furnished apartments, they back up the hotel industry. At the same time, Dubai furnished villas and apartments also compete with big hotel chains in surprising the tourists and drawing their interest, especially for extended stays.

To begin with, Dubai furnished apartments are much more personalized than the standard hotel rooms are. Similar to Dubai furnished villas, they allow for more space and privacy and other fine qualities that might not be present in every hotel. The facilities offered range from leather sofas to TV sets and electronic equipment, high speed Internet access and free local phone calls. Dubai furnished apartments provide a home-like comfort, sometimes even better, and all these come at a lower price when compared to hotels. Dubai furnished apartments are the unconventional choice much preferred especially by companies when sending their employees in business trips or organizing and attending conferences in the city. For a larger group, the perfect lodging solution consists in booking one of the many Dubai furnished villas.

With so many Dubai furnished apartments at hand and the constant assistance provided by websites such as dubaiapartments.biz, selecting an accommodation should be a hassle-free experience even during Dubai Shopping Festival, hosted every year by the welcoming megapolis. On February 1996, the Dubai Shopping Festival was initially envisaged as a genuine trade event under the commitment of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice president and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. Today, after one decade of annual results, we can definitely state that Dubai Shopping Festival has expanded into an all-inclusive tourism product.

During the Festival, from January to February each year, Dubai is swarmed by people. Hundreds of local and multinational brands make from Dubai their headquarters for at least one month. The companies bring along thousands of employees, thus the request for accommodation may easily surpass the offer of the hotels. This is when Dubai furnished villas and Dubai furnished apartments come into play. Bookings for Dubai furnished villas are made long in advance, especially for those positioned in the vicinity of the major locations of the Dubai Shopping Festival. Since the festival starts on the second day of January, most of the people who celebrate the arrival of the New Year in Dubai extend their stay in anticipation of the Shopping Festival.

The Dubai Shopping Festival is an impressive shopping and entertainment extravaganza. Each year, organizing institutions and participating brands promise fresh creative inputs and innovative promotions. These all come hand in hand with a huge wave of tourists which push the request for Dubai furnished apartments and Dubai furnished villas to the extreme. The festival itself is a tribute paid to the inherited ambition and strength of a mega-city, who already accommodates 22 mega-malls and several souks (traditional Arabian bazaars). Top malls such as BurJuman Centre, Deira Mall, Mall of the Emirates or Ibn Battuta Mall were magnets big enough to entice a wide-ranging shopping addictive community. So, coming to Dubai is a wonderful experience anyone should try at least once in a lifetime.