Largest hotel development yet to be born in Dubai

By Hazel Heyer, Special to ETN | Jul 25, 2008

If this Gulf state never seizes to amaze you, then brace yourself for more. The largest hospitality and leisure development in the world is yet to descend on the planet. And yes-- in Dubai again.

Located towards the Bab al Shams Desert Resort and Spa (near Sheikh Mohamed’s remote, private retreat in the desert where the ruler’s pricey camels and stallions breed I reckon) and near the future Dubai Investment Park and upcoming new Jebel Ali Airport is the monster development of Bawadi.

Set to be one of the premier tourist destinations in the world, Bawadi will have the largest clusters of hotels in the globe boasting 51 hotels offering 60,000 hotel rooms sprawled over a 10-square-kilometer space. Bawadi is being groomed to be the world’s most exciting entertainment and leisure destinations, offering amusement centers, shopping malls, theaters, restaurants and convention centers. To underscore Dubai’s namesake of being the world’s shopping capital, Bawadi will create the largest shopping area, providing over 40 million square feet of gross leaseable area with malls, boutique malls, street shopping and an underground shopping connecting all Bawadi’s elements into the longest shopping boulevard on earth.

Being developed in five phases to match the growth of tourism in Dubai, Bawadi’s shopping feature will enhance its offerings and accelerate its drive to develop a world-class hospitality and tourism project in the Emirates and the region.

Arif Mubarak, CEO of Bawadi said with confidence: “Bawadi is a destination by itself. As we are owned by Dubai’s Tatweer, a company owned by Dubai Holding, we are developing en-masse our own hotels. Out of the 60,000 rooms, we will own 30,000 keys, run our investments, own our business plans and do our own feasibilities. We’ve also signed up with Emaar Properties that owns a piece of land with 5,000 rooms in Bawadi; we are the destination managers for the overall project.”

For such a gigantic project, developing almost a Las Vegas strip, construction must be a big challenge. With construction costs going up, Mubarak discloses that cost will not affect the returns on hotels though. He said they sit on the high side of the hotel returns, specifically with the ROI. “There will be a drop but it will not be considerably negative. Hotels will remain profitable and will be a very lucrative business,” the Bawadi CEO said.

Is Bawadi looking to market to the US and the Europe? “People come and go to Dubai and make a fortune. The hospitality and tourism industry has become a great support for investments. The slowdown in US market gives Dubai and this region a great advantage. This region will definitely capture that slowdown. The US market is not and has never been a prime market in Dubai and for this region. We always looked at the 4 to 6 hour flights for markets. Any market within the 4 to 6 hour flying distance gives us the advantage,” said Mubarak.

Mubarak, however, said Dubai should improve on its convention and meetings facilities. Hotels and attractions related to entertainment will not be enough to cater to the conventions. As Dubai has now come up with three hubs serving its visitors, such as the current World Trade Center hub, the new airport hub and the upcoming Bawadi hub, Mubarak believes they have a responsibility to support the MICE sector of Dubai in return.

A huge convention facility will be in place to cater to the visitors of the 51 hotel operators, complementing the family entertainment offerings of the biggest development on earth. Dubai’s business now actively driven by the new drivers, such as media (Dubai Media City), IT (Dubai Internet City) and the education (Dubai Knowledge Village) sectors outside the already jam-packed Free Zone will be good for the Bawadi hotel chains. “This makes us attractive that hotels are not identified with any of these zones specifically or exclusively, but they all become part of Dubai, selling product and receiving tourism product which leverages hotel operation in the most effective ways,” added Mubarak.

Bawadi has made a commitment to sustainability incorporating green and sustainable design throughout the development. Landscape and green spaces will be used to provide a structure to the development by helping to define the boundary of the development and character areas and through providing connecting green corridors which link the character areas.

The so-called Boulevard will be a wide heavily-landscaped shopping street adapted for outdoor use throughout the year. Arterial routes will be provided with street trees to help mitigate the effects of traffic and provide a more pleasant street environment. “We are pushing the developers, who always push us back, to abide by the ruler Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s new initiatives for sustainability. Developers complain about the cost related with going sustainable but Bawadi will stay sustainable; in the long-term, developers will get back more than what they are saving from being sustainable. This is more attractive than being just a door and window hotel,” explained the head of Bawadi - the newest of Dubai’s cultural melting pot that offers an exhaustive selection of hospitality, entertainment, shopping and food and beverage in the middle of what is today’s patch of desert - but not for long .

Source:Eturbonews

Spa Salvation

Escape the mayhem of Dubai and indulge in a spot of spa therapy!



In a city as fast paced and hectic as Dubai, the need for relaxation and escapism is upmost. We put up with the daily drain of the pollution of heavy traffic, dusty construction sites, the battle against the AC and the fight against the sweltering heat, but sometimes we need to take a break and really pamper our bodies and minds.

We have to take a step back from the mayhem and allow our bodies to re-align themselves and rejuvenate before once again submitting them to the stresses and strains of life in Dubai. There are many ways to do this, but seeing as Dubai is home to so many wonderful spas, why not make the most of what is on offer. Why should Dubai's spas only be for the tourists and holidaymakers? Whatever treatment you are after and from whatever part of the world, you will find it here in Dubai.

Sometimes, taking time out to pamper ourselves isn't that easy and convenience is the key. SensAsia Urban Spa in The Village Mall, Jumeirah is an ideal spa for those high-living city dwellers who want an express treatment in a contemporary yet Balinese inspired setting. Another city-slick contemporary Asian-inspired spa is Dragonfly Spa in Burjuman.

It is the perfect retreat for weary shoppers in need of a little spa therapy.
For Dubai's financial wizards a male spa has now opened up in DIFC, the Urban Male Lounge and offers massages, facials, shaving etc while incorporating all the latest design and technology. 1847 and H20 Male Spa in Emirates Towers are also perfectly placed for Sheikh Zayed Road's busy male office workers and are chick free zones!

If you like to keep on the pulse of the latest happenings then why not indulge in a treatment in one of the eleven treatment rooms at one of Dubai's newest deluxe spas on the block, Heavenly Spa at the luxury Westin Hotel (next to Le Meridien Mina Seyahi).


Or at the opposite end of town, the newly opened Rafflesamrita at Raffles Dubai offers the ultimate in grandeur and sophisticated spa going.
If you are a regular spa bunny then why not try something a little different and opt for a Hammam treatment at Oriental Hammam in the One&Only Royal Mirage. Famed for its traditional hammam treatments this trip to the spa will leave you feeling buffed and glowing -the Grand Lube of spa treatments!!

If your pampering allowance is a little tight then a simple Thai massage at Bliss Relaxology in Garhoud (behind Chilis restaurant) won't blow the budget, or for those with money to blow, then why not overindulge yourself with t

The Talise Absolution treatment at Talise Spa in Al Qasr at The Madinat Jumeirah.

Source: Dubai Selected

Nobu comes to Dubai - what is next?

As Atlantis, The Palm Dubai prepares to welcome its first visitors in September, we look at what is in it for us the residents and what is next on the big Dubai master plan.

Back in December 1999 the infamous Burj Al Arab opened up its doors and became the world's first 7 * hotel and one of the most luxurious hotels not only in Dubai but across the globe.

But this was just the beginning. It seems Dubai has the monopoly on the biggest, the best and the tallest with some awe inspiring architecture such as the Burj Dubai which is already the world's tallest manmade structure.

The World with its 300 manmade islands in the sea, Dubailand which is planned to be home to over a dozen theme parks and of course not forgetting The Palm Islands.


The Palm Jumeirah, the first of the three Palm Islands is already inhabited by some 2000 families, boasts the ubiquitous Costa Coffee chain and now even has several licensed restaurants including Bidi Bondi, an Australian themed waterside sports bar and restaurant.

But there is one new branch to this Palm that is set to knock the socks off all that has come before in Dubai and that is the new Atlantis Hotel set to open in September.

This mega-resort, nestled at the tip of The Palm's crescent will bring the lost ancient city of Atlantis to the Arabian seas and attract thousands of visitors to Dubai every year to its 1539 sumptuous rooms and suites, 170,000 sqm of beachfront, 17 hectares of adrenalin pumping water park attractions at Aquaventure, 65,000 marine animals in The Lost Chambers and 28 dolphins at Dolphin Bay. Great for the tourists, but what about us residents?

Well, if your days of Wild Wadi have become exhausted and you are looking for a new water playground, Aquaventure will allows outside guests for around 220 Dhs and you are guaranteed to not get bored! With uphill rides, downhill coasters, a 2km long wave river and the Daddy of all rides the Ziggurat - a 27.5 metre near-vertical drop which propels you through a submerged tunnel into a shark-filled lagoon, this has to be the ultimate water park!

With some of the world's top Michelin star chefs launching their restaurants in Atlantis, this will certainly be a favourite haunt for Dubai's socialites and gastro connoisseurs.

One of these restaurants is the long awaited and world-famous Nobu. As a favourite with celebs around the world and with its fantastic Asian fusion cuisine, Nobu is bound to be the new it' place to be seen. Other hot seats to tickle our taste-buds will be Italian restaurant Ronda Locatelli - brought to us by Italian celebrity and two star Michelin chef George Locatelli.

Rostang - a French Brasserie by two star Michelin Chef Michel Rostang and Ossiano - world renowned three star Michelin chef Santi Santamaria's signature gourmet seafood restaurant.

As we eagerly await Atlantis to open its doors, we can be rest assured than in another 6 months something bigger and better will be fighting for the limelight

Perhaps Trump International Hotel and Tower at the trunk of The Palm Jumeirah with its suspended sky lobby or any of the other 28 hotels planned on The Palm, or the uber stylish Armani Hotel at The Burj Dubai and not to mention the 51 hotels at Bawadi, part of Dubailand. This is one skyline which will continue to dazzle brighter and brighter.

source:Dubai Selected

New Dubai property will further open up market

The opening of the 1,539-room Atlantis The Palm hotel in Dubai in September will drive Hayes and Jarvis’ plans to double its passenger numbers to Dubai within the next 18 months.

Hayes and Jarvis Middle East and Far East regional product and contract manager Andrea Loddo said within the past year alone the operator has seen its visitor numbers to Dubai increase by up to 40%.

He added the biggest problem currently in achieving further growth is a scarcity of available hotel rooms - a problem which should lessen when the new property on the Palm Jumeirah opens.

He added: “There’s no low season in Dubai, the growth (in visitor numbers) is incredible even in the summer season when it is 50 degrees centigrade.

“What is great about Dubai is during the summer season hoteliers always offer free up grades and half board. In the summer season it seems like it is great value for money.”

Loddo said Hayes and Jarvis and parent company Thomson send around 12,000 visitors to the destination annually. Despite the fact that up to 30% of these customers are visiting the destination as a stop-over, the average stay remains seven days.

The Atlantis The Palm hotel will open on September 24 and will also feature an Aquaventure water park which will be opened to the paying public.

Source:TravelWeekly

Bollywood to get a permanent Dubai address

By Jan Aslak Stannies | Jun 18, 2008

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (eTN) - Hollywood has already set its footprint in Dubai, now Bollywood moves into the Emirate. India-based Yash Raj Films (YRF), one of the world’s largest film distribution houses, and Dubai Infinity Holdings announced a joint venture to build a multi-million dollar theme park.

To be called the Yashraj Films Entertainment District, the theme park will offer attractions, a movie palace, hotels and unique Indian genre entertainment concepts.

"This is both an encouraging and exciting step for us," said Samira Abdul Razzak, CEO of Dubai Infinity Holding. "Bringing such an honored name into the UAE has been a strategic move as it attracts the core demographic of the country.”

Yash Raj Films, which started as a production house in 1970, is behind the success of many Indian blockbusters. Over the years, the company has grown to an entertainment giant running a studio, a music label and a home entertainment label for releasing DVDs and VCDs of movies.

“As cinema statistics indicate that Bollywood films gross higher than western films,” Samira Abdul Razzak added. “This will be a one of a kind partnership here in the UAE.”

"When YRF decided to venture into the theme park business, we found Dubai to be the most strategic location,” said Yash Chopra, chairman of Yash Raj Films. “Dubai has a booming tourism industry and aims to be the most visited destination in the World by 2015.”

According to Chopra, the first phase of the YRF Entertainment District is scheduled to be completed by 2012. It will then be in good company with the outlets of western entertainment giants such as Universal (King Kong, Jurassic Park), Marvel Entertainment (Spider-Man, The Fantastic Four), Paramount and SeaWorld, which all announced to open theme parks in Dubai between 2010 and 2012.

Also, MGM Mirage and Warner have announced plans to bring their superheroes to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

Source:Eturbonews

World’s largest shopping mall to open in Dubai

The world’s largest shopping mall, the Dubai Mall, is due to open in Dubai at the end of August 2008. Set to be Emaar Malls Group’s flagship shopping mall development, Dubai Mall will be located at the centrepiece of the region’s most prestigious urban development to date, Downtown Burj Dubai, soon to be home to the world’s tallest building.

The Dubai Mall will add to the emirate’s impressive portfolio of shopping excellence, resulting in an unprecedented surge in Dubai’s retail sector, which is the fastest growing industry in the Middle East. According to industry forecasts, it has recently been announced that the retail sector is projected to exceed £250 billion in the Middle East by the year 2010, with Dubai leading the way in the region.

Dubai accounts for more than 50 per cent of the UAE’s shopping footfall and has long been famed for its world-class malls and the range of shops on offer. With everything from high-street stores such as Boots, Debenhams, and H&M to a range of designer boutiques including a branch of Harvey Nichols, shopping in Dubai has something to offer everyone. And now with the opening of the Dubai Mall, visitors can expect even more from the emirate.

The size of 50 football pitches, Dubai Mall is expected to attract well over 30 million visitors in its first year alone. The project will be a lifestyle and entertainment destination that will introduce pioneering and innovative leisure and entertainment concepts, set to revolutionise the modern shopping experience.

Amongst some of the ground-breaking attractions that the Dubai Mall will offer are 1,200 stores and 120 food and beverage outlets. It will also boast magnificent water features and one of the world’s largest indoor aquariums, the world’s largest indoor gold souk, an Olympic-size ice rink, and the region’s first SEGA indoor theme park.

In addition to the Dubai Mall, there are well over 50 other shopping malls with a variety of retail outlets including Souk Al Bahar an entertainment destination with over 130 shops. Dubai Outlet Mall, which launched at the end of 2007, and promotes value-shopping by retailing big brands such as Calvin Klein and Guess at fantastic discounts. And Wafi Mall one of the first shopping malls in the emirate and part of the Egyptian themed Wafi City, which boasts Cleopatra's Spa, Pharaoh's Club including a climbing wall and lazy river, and Khan Murjan - a subterranean artisan's market. More information on Dubai’s shopping malls and facilities can be found at dubaicityguide.com/shop.

Dubai Duty Free at Dubai International Airport is about ten minutes from the city centre and ranks among one of the largest duty-free operations in the world. Furthermore, the emirate has created a range of events to celebrate its shopping excellence. Dubai Summer Surprises, which runs in the summer months, and Dubai Shopping Festival which is the largest retailing event in the Middle East and runs in the winter, are host to a variety of activities.

Shopping malls are converted into venues for live entertainment, music, dancing, competitions, workshops and interactive programmes. These events are organised and promoted by a unique partnership between the Government of Dubai and the city’s enterprising corporate sector, acting as a catalyst in the development of Dubai’s growing retail sector and establishing the emirate’s place on the regional and international map.

For a more authentic experience, Dubai’s traditional Arabian souks showcase the emirate’s finest local products, from gold, spices and textiles through to fruit and fish. Remnant of the 19th century, the majority of souks are located in the Deira and Bur Dubai districts and are great places to haggle for a bargain.

Ian Scott, UK and Ireland director of the Government of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing comments: “Dubai has seen an incredible boom in its retail sector with many exciting and pioneering shopping developments being created to inspire visitors. Dubai’s world-class shopping malls and trailblazing projects such as the Dubai Mall showcase how people have come to expect the best from the emirate. And, with all prices tax-free Dubai is well and truly setting itself apart from other holiday hotspots.

“Combined with the ever expanding and exciting new retail developments, such as the world’s first fashion island Isla Moda, new malls such as the Mall of Arabia which will be part of the City of Arabia in the Dubailand theme park, and Dubai Festival City which will comprise over 600 shops including 25 flagship stores, the emirate continues to fuel the ever-increasing demand, with its phenomenal growth on track to welcoming 15 million visitors by 2015.”

Source: Easier Travel

The World's first man-made snorkeling lagoon - Dubai

A snorkelling lagoon with coral reefs and marine life is being built at the Oqyana World First project on Nakheel's offshore development The World.

Snorkellers will be able to swim amongst the marine life in a safe environment. The Reef Lagoon will be serviced by an adjacent scuba centre and will offer diving and boat related activities. It will be located on the Great Barrier Island, on of 22 islands that form the shape of Australia and New Zealand.

Oqyana is being built across the island and will have villas, water-homes, and apartments, plus hotels and restaurants.

The islands have been reshaped to ensure that water is continually circulated for purity and sustainability of marine life, according to the project's CEO Dr. Wadad Al Suweyah.

The World is a group of man-made islands of the shores of Dubai. which will be a development of residential areas, marinas, restaurants and ultimate ocean lifestyle.

Source:Deeper Blue

De La Soul Live in Dubai

Chi at The Lodge has seen some of the world's best DJs and live acts and is truly one of Dubai's top entertainment venues.

With its 4 rooms including the large outdoor terrace and dance floor and the luxey AC fused VIP room for those well needed escapes from the heat, Chi at The Lodge is a place to meet up with a group of friends and leave all your cares behind you for a truly old school night.


For the ultimate in old school clubbing, who better to play the beats and provide the tunes than the old school peace and love affirming masters of soul and hip hop De La Soul. On June 3rd Chi at The Lodge opens its doors to the legendary hip hop artists. It is time to flash back to the 80s and travel through decades of top tunes from the 'alternative' rappers who progressed the evolution of hip hop to a more peaceful and positive genre. Lasting the test of time, this new wave of hip hop has continued to please the masses so why not be there in person to witness some of the best hip hop culture.

DE LA SOUL DETAILS
Venue: Chi at The Lodge
Dates: 3 June
Cost: 140 Dhs

Source: Dubai Selected

Dubai Skiboard World Cup 2008

Dubai is fast becoming quite a hub for extreme sports. The kind of hair raising activities that send your heart beat over the monitor and keep adrenalin junkies on the straight and narrow - dune bashing, sky diving, wake boarding and bungee jumping to name but a few.

But now that Dubai has gone from simply a barren desert to a cosmopolitan metropolis boasting an arctic snow dome, the type of extreme sports we can get up to has expanded to those on snow and ice. Dubai has even attracted international status, with the city being chosen to host the Skiboard World Cup 2008 in May.

The three-day competition will take place at Ski Dubai from 22 - 24 May and promises some of the most extreme and exhilarating performances from some of the world's best skiboarders from 13 countries across the globe. Although a relatively young snow sport, skiboarding is in fact the fastest growing snow-borne activity, perhaps due to its unique combination of the best elements of snowboarding, skiing and inline skating.

Skiboarding is a great spectator sport with skiboarders knocking out endless fancy aerial tricks and turns and cheeky maneuvers to keep even the most proud thrill seekers entertained.

SKIBOARD WORLD CUP DETAILS
Venue: Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates
Dates: 22 - 24 May
Cost: TBC
Timings: 10am - 5pm
Tickets: 04 4094104

Source: Dubai Selected

Cream of UAE golfing talent to showcase skills in Dubai Trophy

Dubai: The cream of golfing talent in the UAE will display their skills when the eighth edition of the Dubai Golf Trophy, featuring the country's top 16 professionals and top 16 amateurs from the UAE PGA and UGA Orders of Merit, gets under way at Emirates Golf Club's Wadi by Faldo course on May 24.

The two-day event, sponsored by Dubai Golf, will follow a singles and doubles matchplay format, similar to the Ryder Cup, with eight fourball matches in the morning followed by eight foursome matches in the afternoon on the first day, and 16 singles on the second day.

Since its inception in 2000 as a social season-ender, the tournament has gone from strength to strength and is now one of the major highlights of the amateurs' season despite the domination of pros, who have won it six times while the amateurs winning in 2005 and 2007.

The amateurs, led by Steve Kelly, are running high on motivational ammunition, hoping to hold on to their title they won last year with a massive 21-11 margin.

"As Captain of the 2008 amateur team I have a great act to follow with the amateurs having had such a strong performance last year," said Kelly.

Friendly rivalry

"I am sure both teams will be keen to impress and play the game in the spirit we have come to enjoy over previous years. I look forward to renewing the friendly rivalry with Elliott Gray and his team.

"It was a privilege and an honour to have had Dave Wall select me as his Vice Captain for the 2007 tournament. I have chosen Paul King of Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club as my Vice-Captain for this year's event," said Kelly.

However, the professionals are keen to regain the prestigious trophy back from the amateurs. "Like all previous years, the Dubai Golf Trophy means a lot to each player selected to represent their respective side.

"I'm sure it will be another tremendous two-day match between the amateurs and the professionals and hope that the spirit of all the matches played equals that of last year. I really enjoyed my time being Vice Captain last year assisting Captain Alan MacKenzie and have selected Justin Parsons from The Montgomerie Dubai to be my playing Vice Captain this year," commented Elliott Gray, the Captain of the professional team. "Steve Kelly is a good friend and I know he will want to keep the trophy in the amateurs' cabinet, but lets see what happens, as we all know, in golf anything can happen!"

Grand final on Saturday

The 26-player draw has been published for the Grand Final of the 2007 - 08 TNT Amateur Order of Merit Golf Series to be held at Arabian Ranches Golf Club on Saturday.

The elite field have all qualified by virtue of being in the top 20 and ties in the eight-event series TNT Order of Merit held throughout the season at Arabian Ranches Golf Club. In addition the winners of the Qualifying Rounds also are in the Grand Final field. The winner of this Saturday's 18-hole Stableford format with full handicap allowance will join Mark Clifton (17) (UGA) and Francisco Giles (5) (DCGYC), who all receive invitations to participate in the Travis Perkins plc Senior Masters pro-am.

Source: Gulf News

Spot Dubai Released "Reserve your accommodation in Dubai"

Now the travelers wishing to go to Dubai have the possibility to send a request to Spot Booking Team and ask for rates for their desired hotels.

Click here To Send your Booking Request

The Big Ball Dubai 2008

This year's glitzy, exclusive ball will be bigger than before and is scheduled for June 1st, 2008 at the luxurious Al Bustan Rotana, Dubai with more than 700 prestigious guests. The objective of this gala event is to raise $US 250,000 to aid UNICEF and underprivileged children worldwide, through the auction, sponsorship and table sales.

Beneficiaries for The Big Ball 2008:

In Aid of

Unicef Initiative: Adopt-A-School, Lebanon

Dubai Autism Centre

to Read more about this event go to : The Big Ball

Dubai really is becoming the Las Vegas of the Gulf

Bar the gambling and a few other sins, Dubai really is becoming the Las Vegas of the Gulf.

As Dubai sees the further development of its international airport as well as the construction of a bigger and brighter airport in Jebel Ali, it is hard to picture this crazy town before its globalization and rise to glory. A time when people wondered why on earth Dubai needed its own airport when there was one down the road in Sharjah.

Dubai has seen a mammoth transformation from a small trading port in the desert to a post-urban metropolis; to the Vegas of the Middle East. The ruling Maktoum family, have long had a clear vision for the development of Dubai and even though the UAE and the USA are two countries very far apart in distance and culture, it cannot be denied that the brains behind the two uber cities seemingly have a lot in common.

The cultures behind Dubai and Vegas have masterminded two cities flying high on the commercial and tourism radar, serving up glitzy hotels, flashing neon lights, big brash shows, music, clubbing and a general 24 hour shining light in an otherwise barren desert. Gambling and other sins of the West may be banned here but under its glittering surface Dubai is just like any other big city where money can pretty much buy you anything and the sky really is the limit.
Not to be outshone by anyone else though, world records seem to play a big part in Dubai's development - the tallest tower, the biggest hotel, the largest shopping mall and the world's greatest theme park to name but a few. Commercialism is rife here, and Dubai is sailing off the back of its reputation as the next big city in terms of tourism and trade.

There is no surprise that trades such as tourism are being developed to keep the luxury lifestyle afloat and the dream alive, as unknown to many, Dubai has very little oil income of its own. It is its neighbouring Gulf States that are sitting on the oil revenue.

But even without the oil, this city is awash with money. Just like Vegas, Dubai is a fantasy world, a playground and a toy town - but it is a toy town that is actually living and breathing, and allowing many pleasure-seekers to live the dream. (Even though many people have invested their life savings in to a home which hasn't even been built yet!) With Dubai spreading its wings into the sea and building homes on man-made islands and an underwater hotel, the big question is how long will it be before we are laying down the chips in off shore casinos? Only time will tell.

Source: Dubai Selected

The World Dubai Vision

Dubai is hot market for economy hotels

News
After establishing itself as a top luxury destination, Dubai is now becoming a strong market for economy hotels, said Yann Cailliere, COO of Accor Hospitality for France, Southern Europe, & MEA.
Dubai has taken about five years to develop into a market for economy hotels, he noted, whereas it normally takes fifteen years for an emerging market to reach this stage. Accor currently has 21 hotels in the region, and plans to increase that figure to 70 by 2012.

Source: Ame Info

The World’s Biggest Racetrack in Dubai

Yet another Dubai-based megaproject is underway—this time the world's biggest horse racecourse, and it's already being hailed as the future horseracing capital of the world, given the infrastructure it plans for the industry. Unlike Ascot, Lexington or Newmarket, Meydan will in fact be an ENTIRE CITY built around The Sport Of Kings—a gigantic mixed use development centered on the racecourse which will be the new home of the Dubai Racing Club and the Dubai World Cup.

The word Meydan in Arabic describes a meeting place where people discuss, compete and achieve: an environment that encourages competition and co-operation to live side by side in harmony. It's a man-made habitat created from scratch with lofty aspirations—"to promote excellence and fair play in sport, commerce and life

The landmark development is the vision of the remarkable Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and will span 76 million square feet and feature state-of-the-art dirt and turf tracks, while a world-class grandstand will boast a 55,000 to 60,000 capacity and span one kilometre.

It will feature a world-class hotel, more than 10 restaurants, the relocation of Godolphin Gallery, the home of Dubai Racing Club, a museum, as well as covered car parking for 10,000 and a four-kilometre canal which will run from Dubai Creek to the racecourse.

The grandstand will also serve during the off-season as a major dining, business and conference facility.

The target opening date is for the 2010 Dubai World Cup, and to mark its launch, the Dubai Racing Club has raised prizemoney for the showpiece race will be worth US$10 million to ensure the best horses in the world will be on hand for the opening.

The aim is to create a home to the international horse racing industry—the business community, owners, trainers, riders and so on.

The racing facilities will be outstanding, but the venue has been designed to maximize entertainment all year around. It can stage conferences, concerts, functions, and carry on through the off-season. It will be a tourist attraction as well as a business community.


The Cityscape events cover all the world hotspots, and attract regional and international investors, property developers, leading architects and designers to an annual forum that celebrates the very best in real estate, architecture, urban planning and design.

Source: Gizmag.com

Deep - Erick Morillo in Dubai

This week in Dubai… We welcome back superstar DJ Erick Morillo back to Dubai. The event will take place at the Mix, Grand Hyatt Hotel Dubai this Thursday, 25th April! Call 050 274 1111.



As a producer Morillo has been responsible for a bewildering array of tracks, under pseudonyms that include Ministers De la Funk, The Dronez (a project alongside Harry 'Choo Choo' Romero and Jose Nunez, which won the trio the remixer of the year award in 2001), RAW, Smooth Touch, RBM, Deep Soul, Club Ultimate and Li'l Mo Ying Yang amongst others. As a DJ, he's played the world over and from his legendary Subliminal Session parties at Pacha in Ibiza, to his roadblock events at the Crobar in Miami, Erick approaches everything he does with an unrivaled work hard/play hard mentality.

Jumana - Secret of the Desert

Jumana – Secret of the Desert (Aqua fantasy show with sound, lasers and fireworks)
This spectacular extravaganza celebrates the Arabian region’s rich history and culture, translating folklore themes from Persia, the Maghreb, the Levant, the Gulf region, Oman and Yemen into a spellbinding fantasy. Performed at the Al Sahra Amphitheatre, the show incorporates various imagistic theatre techniques such as laser and water effects, pyrotechnics and fireworks; 60 dancers and acrobats, camels and horses, complement the cast and Legend Omar Sharif is the voice of the narrator! The
Jumana show is unique in the Middle East and a ‘must-see’.

Show timings : Daily Tuesday to Saturday 21:00, Sunday and Monday: No Show, Fridays: Special Events
Duration : 65 mins
Venue : Al Sahra Amphitheatre
Location : Al Sahra Desert Resort, Dubailand
Capacity : Permanent Seating: Amphitheater (1400 pax)



A choice of special ‘dinner and show’ packages are available for a true Arabic experience (menu ‘a la carte’ or buffet).


Description of attractions* (limited availability for certain attractions and upon reservation):

Falcon Display: learn all about the majestic bird of the desert, the Falcon, formerly used by the Bedouin for hunting; Experience the power, grace and beauty of a falcon in flight. With Guide, Time 17:30, duration 1h30
Camel Trek: enjoy an authentic Camel trek across the pristine dunes of Al Sahra, with our guide; Snacks and drinks will be served as the sun sets…Time 16:30 to 17:30
Camel Ride: experience a scenic camel ride (30 minutes) in tune with the desert and its nature at Al Sahra, watching the sun set behind the towering dunes; Includes guide, Time 16:30
Horse ride: enjoy a ride through the peaceful dunes on the beautiful Al Sahra horses; (experienced horse-riders only) Includes guide, Time 15:00 to 16:00
Donkey cart rides: a thrilling experience for all children who wish to wiz around in a cart driven by this affectionate animal! Includes supervisor; Time: all day
Belly-dancing*/Hip Hop class*: initiate yourself to the art of this traditional Oriental dance with the Egyptian, Moroccan and Tunisian dancers part of the Jumana cast, on the Al Sahra stage! (*minimum 10 guests)
Nature walks: discover the desert on a nature walk with our guide and learn about the astonishing flora and fauna; Experience date-picking at the Al Sahra Date Plantation; with guide, in season
Al Sahra petting zoo: ducks, geese, rabbits, goats…all animals make their home in the natural environment at Al Sahra
Traditional Crafts Souk: visit the Al Sahra Crafts Souk showcasing the many different traditions of the Arabic countries across the world, including a pottery workstation from Jordan, carpet-weaving from Egypt, a silversmith workshop, Omani Arts and Crafts, wood-carving…

BRITISH AIRWAYS’ THREE DAY APRIL SALE TAKES-OFF ‘Best ever fares’ for UAE customers

British Airways – the UK’s flagship carrier which operates 21 weekly flights from the UAE to London Heathrow – has unveiled a one-off three day sale, running April 15-17, offering UAE customers the best ever fares on the airline’s services to London’s principal airport.

With the April 15-17 sale covering an April 15 – December 31st travel period, UAE customers can book a World Traveller (economy class) ticket for only AED 1,000 return to London Heathrow and AED 2,000 return to select destinations in the airlines North American network – all prices exclude taxes, charges and service fees.

“We’re trying to highlight the cost benefits of booking early to our UAE customers,” said Paul Starrs, British Airways’ Commercial manager, Middle East.


A full list of all fares are available online at ba.com where customers can book, pay and even check-in online for their flights. They can also book and pay online for hotels and car hire. Alternatively, customers can visit their local travel agent.

British Airways currently operate 14 weekly services from Dubai International – as well as a daily service form Abu Dhabi – to London Heathrow. All flights are operated on Boeing 777 aircraft.

Click Here for More information about British Airways

Source: Eye of Dubai

Adel Imam in THE BODY GUARD play in Dubai

For the first time in Dubai Mr. Adel Imam & cast of 50 actors and actresses will perform there award winning play THE BODY GUARD live at the Cultural Theater on a 3 days extravaganza.

From : 15 May 2008
To : 18 May 2008

Venue : Cultural Theater Al Mamzar

Organizer Details:
Extreme Events
Nasser Tabbah
Phone: +9714 334 9745
Fax: +9714 334 9746
P.O.Box : 25488 , Dubai
E-mail : NASSER@EXTEVENTS.COM