Dubai Shopping Spots

Dubai, a city in the United Arab Emirates over the Persian Gulf is build up on certain principles like charge free trade and foreign savings. To distinguish it from other emirates, Dubai is sometimes also referred to as the Dubai city. Dubai also happens to be the world’s fastest growing city and is located on Africa, Europe and Asia’s crossroads. A large number of tourists are attracted by the rising glory of the city. Due to world class facilities, and adventures of the Middle East, Dubai stands to be an exotic place to visit and reside offering a cosmopolitan lifestyle. Dubai is also UAE’s uninterrupted sports capital, hosting world class events internationally and attracting the big names in the respective sports. Dubai holds second position after Abu Dhabi in terms of area and at the same time. It has the highest population.

The trade sector in the Middle East has been served by Dubai for hundreds of years. There are hundreds of things to do in Dubai whether you have grown along with the city or you are completely new to the place. Check out these happening places to shop and explore this wonder.

Dubai Festival City

Positioned on the ancient Dubai Creek, Festival Centre, that observed its second anniversary recently in March 2009, offers as many as 400 top-notch retailers, 60 world class bistros, cafes and restaurants, a complex of 12-screen Grand Festival Cinema and parking for over 10,000 cars. It also flaunts a strikingly beautiful Marina and some of the most scenic sunset vistas of the emirate. This place also hosts parades, events, musicians and entertainers every week ensuring guests and their families are always engaged and rewardingly entertained for their visit.

Dragon Mart

Dragon Mart, Dubai’s greatest trading hub products from China, outside the mainland of China is approximately 1 km stretched structure shaped as a dragon that includes shopping arenas, showrooms, warehouses and restaurants. It is a home to as much as 4000 enterprises that deals in products from China. This destination for shopping has been channelized into various sections like clothing, furniture and hardware and products in these are so reasonably priced that you may not even find the need to bargain again.

Al Ghurair City

The brand new look of Al Ghurair City blends together the best of Arabic tradition and culture with a glorious contemporary design that has been integrated into the external streetscape, vibrant retail mall, and residential area in and around the complex. Wall to wall glass porticos are featured by all retail outlets for maximum visibility of their stocks for consumers and the newly renovated Food Court is constructed in a manner such that it integrates the theme of rich heritage of the United Arab Emirates.

Al Mamzar Shopping Centre

One of the most exclusive destinations for shopping in the United Arab Emirates is the Al Mamzar Shopping Centre. It covers an area ranging from 53,000 square feet of retail, including 2 shopping galleries, 700 square feet of excellent Food Plaza that offers intercontinental cuisines, Kiddie Land spacious Entertainment Centre for families and 65 shops. It has a parking area to accommodate over 300 cars and an exotic Health Spa.

Al Manal Centre

Al Manal Centre is especially well known for the excellent textile shopping it provides. In its 97 shops you can also find excellent buys in fashion, casual or sportswear, perfumes, cosmetics, watches, jewelry, textiles, lingerie or more.

Abraj Centre

The elongated customary Deira Souk region has become a home to a contemporary, brand new, commercial modernization - the Abraj. A convoluted and advanced finish provides the building a modernistic and daunting appeal, with an extended range of retail outlets spread over three tiers of t5he centre, spacious offices with mesmerizing views, a food court and 24 hour maintenance and security services.

Al Khaleej Centre

Well known for its convenient and graceful location, Al Khaleej Centre is an exclusive and overwhelming experience being a winning combination of residential and business facilities guaranteed to cast an impression and

Explore the Dubai Dragon Mart

Outside the Chinese mainland, the greatest centre of products from China, Dubai Dragon Mart, is a huge attraction for a large number of holiday makers to Dubai since its launch in the year 2004 on December 7. Situated in the international City and a Nakheel development, in the Al Warsan district in Dubai, the Dragon Mart has a structure inspired by the shape of a dragon and about 1.2 km in length and that attracts thousands of visitors from all the emirates. These visitors come a long way to enjoy a memorable shopping extravaganza while browsing and exploring a varied collection of products from China.

What are the main attractions in Dragon Mart?

Dragon Mart comprise of shopping areas, showrooms, warehouses and restaurants. These warehouses comprise of 4000 enterprises that deal in products from China. The Mart is channelized into several service and commercial areas, business centre and an office area. It also has conference rooms and negotiation rooms within the commercial areas. Another magnetizing factor that fascinates visitors is the unique architecture of the Mart which is very rarely seen in this region of the world. Dragon Mart is spread over 150,000 square meters and is the first component of the International Projects of Nakheel.
When should one visit?

Dragon Mart’s popularity has risen over the years as a lot of people have come to know about the quality services and products that the Chinese manufacturers have to offer. Importance of Dubai as a tourist destination or a destination to import and export products, assures the growth of its market for several concepts of innovation like the ones developed by Nakheel. International City offers world class amenities that attract thousands of visitors from all parts of the world whether on cheap holidays or luxury breaks.

Design and Architecture of the Dragon Mart

The commercial areas, tourist landmarks and residential districts that constitute the International City were completed with construction in the year 2005. A complex comprising of 25 buildings for residential purpose is located adjacent to the Dragon Mart at about 300 meters of a distance. The section constitutes of about 1900 supreme apartments compiling the portrait of a fusion based development

The Dragon Structure

The Dragon shaped structure is spread at a length of 1.2 km, and is a permanent space for exhibition, comprising of business facilities and showrooms including negotiation and meeting rooms, post offices, full general and commercial services and the most exotic Chinese components will be assembled under one roof. The Dubai Dragon Mart, which was being heavily promoted by Nakheel developers and Chinamex Middle East Investment and Trade Promotion Centre, is spread across an area of 150,000 square meters along with 30,000 square meters of warehouses. The prime hosting by the Dragon Mart will be Chinese businesses or that associated with services and products from China including companies taking control through the Chinamex Middle East Investment and Trade Promotion Centre and some joint venture companies.

The various channels in the Dragon Mart host a wide range of commodities and products including garments and textiles, groceries and food, electric appliances and household, home furnishing, interior decoration, chemical products, arts and craft, leisure and sports accessories, lifestyle and electronics products. The interior space of the Dragon Mart will comprise of exhibition spaces channelized into six zones, further divided into four areas of exhibition. There is an open space between every two consecutive areas and it is covered by a huge tent of about 17 meters of length, to represent the Spine of a dragon.

The Dragon Mart has exhibited the ability of Nakheel to understand and scrutinize evolving business and market trends, and the ability to offer the right solutions of infrastructure for business activities and outperforming excellence. For Chinese business activity, the Dragon Mart is the hub in the Middle East. This project also makes possible the realization of the longstanding relationship of the Middle East with the Government of China and the community of Chinese expatriates.

Do’s and Don’ts in Ramadan in UAE

Dubai is an amazing destination to explore and live an exotic life. There are no forceful restrictions upon tourists and guests and the incredible lifestyle is at par. However, things are not the same throughout the year especially in the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is the holy month in which there is a pre -requisite of knowing the whereabouts of the Islam culture and be aware of the respectful way to portray yourself, particularly in the Ramadan month which happens to be a very important Muslim month.

Fasting is the greatest pillar of Islam to show faith. Muslims also derive a reminder out of fasting that there still are some people in the world who are living a life below poverty line. Religious and holy practices are observed throughout the month of Ramadan. The night of power or “Laylat al-Qadar” is known to be the most holy night during Ramadan.

The ninth month of the traditional Muslim calendar is the holy month of Ramadan, dedicated to Islam. The actual date is calculated with the help of the lunar cycle. Incredibly vital, Ramadan is celebrated with unmatched enthusiasm and vigor to accomplish all crucial traditions, observations, rituals and expectations. The month of Ramadan offers a pleasant environment with high levels of mercury and a warm breeze. These are the most awaited days to practice recognition and surrender to Allah, to observe self control and keep clean the environment, body, soul and heart. The most important components of Ramadan are: fasting, giving charity, praying, self- accountability and meditating. The significance of this holy month can be discovered in Quran, the holy book of Muslims.

DO’s:

• Keep pure thoughts and actions
• Engage in spiritual meditation
• Keep in touch with family and friends and pay visits to them
• Be good to your parents
• Visit the sick
• Control your anger
• Control your desires
• Help the needy and give away charity
• Follow sunnah (sit and drink water, wash your hands before eating etc.
• Be polite to Muslims
• Respect their fasting

DON’TS :

• Don’t indulge in drinking, smoking or worldly pleasures
• Don’t shout or be furious
• Don’t indulge in undesirable emotions like envy, greed, anger or lust
• Don’t stare at any Emirati women or indulge in any crime
• Don’t drive rash
• Don’t try to pester a Muslim into breaking his or her fast.
• Don’t eat or drink in public before sunset. This includes consuming anything in your car or cab.
• Don’t show public display of affection
• Don’t wear revealing clothes
• Don’t raise the volume of your stereo or TV during the prayer hours
• Don’t swear in public.

The best part of the Islamic traditions in the UAE is that the non Muslims are not forced or pressurized to follow any traditions of the Muslims. The non Muslims are not obliged anything other than showing respect for the Muslims and their beliefs, by avoiding drinking and eating out in public during the fasting hours. Most of the organizations and work places tend to reduce the working hours for their employees during the Ramadan month. During the working hours, almost all work places provide a room to non – Muslims where they can have something to eat or drink. However, the non Muslims are required to keep the eating and drinking in private and be aware to keep the doors of the room closed while they eat or drink.

The holy month of Ramadan is concluded gracefully by the observing the moon. This day is called Eid al Fitr. The event dedicated to close the fast comprise of prayers at the mosques followed by celebration with close ones like family and friends along with the elderly. All workplaces of the government remain closed to celebrate the awe of the festival. In other words, Ramadan is an ideal time to capture the celebrations and make the most out of the spirits.

Recipes for Mouth Watering Arabic Dishes

Rice with Chicken in the Bottom

This Arabic recipe is from Celia Ann Brock - Al Ansari’s “The Complete United Arab Emirates Cookbook.” Here’s the special recipe for you to pamper your taste buds and fill in your appetite.

You will need : Bezar(Arabic curry powder), salt, chicken (1 kg/2.2 lbs), cardamom, turmeric, basmati rice (2 cups), vegetable oil, garlic, sliced onions, tomato puree(available in the market), saffron (soaked in water), yoghurt, lemon slices, spices, dried limes, a cooking pot, a pan, a wet cloth or wet paper towel.

Prepare this dish in a non-stick pot, for once it is cooked, the process of transferring it to a round rice platter can be tricky, Care must be taken to avoid breaking the crust which forms around the bottom of the rice pot. It is an attractive and mouth watering dish to present which is usually served with sliced limes plain yoghurt and raw sliced onion. This grand dish can also feature meat or fish instead of chicken.

The basic ingredient for an Arabic spice mix is called bezar or bizar. Widely available in the local grocery stores, it is similar to the Indian curry powder. These ingredients might cost somewhere around 11 dhs (US$3) and could be made very easily by grinding up whole spices or even buying the mixed powder ones.

To start, clean up the whole chicken (1 kg/ 2.2 lbs), rub it with salt, bezar, turmeric and cardamom and let the chicken absorb the mixture by keeping it undisturbed for 15 minutes. While the chicken is left to be marinated, boil 1 cup of basmati rice in water and put salt in accordingly.

Depending upon the number of people to serve, one can manage the quantity of rice from 2 cups or 4 cups.

After 15 minutes get over, take out the chicken from the mixture, by now most of it must have been absorbed by the pieces. Now take not more than 1 table spoon of vegetable oil and heat in a wide pan that can hold all chicken pieces. Once it gets heated, put the chicken pieces in the hot oil and let them brown. The browning of chicken would definitely seem very tempting because of the aroma of all the spices including bezar and specially cardamom.

Once it gets brown, take out the chicken from the pan and put in some more oil to brown some garlic and onions and add some grounded loomi (dried limes), chickpeas (just a little bit), and tomato paste with a little water. Tomatoes can be used in the form of tomato puree available in the market which happens to be a thick paste of tomatoes.

Now it is time to assemble everything. Put some oil in the pot in which the dish is supposed to be cook. Let the amount of oil be such that a crust is formed at the bottom of the pot. Add rice, chicken and hot onion/ tomato mixture. Press everything with a tablespoon and then pour in the saffron that had been soaking in hot water. Let the mixture heat in the pot and cover the hot pot with a wet cloth or paper towel. Let the mixture simmer for 20 min and then take it off the heat. Let it cool for 10 minutes.
Now flip the pot upside down to obtain the dish at a platter and decorate the dish with coriander leave to make it attractive. Garnish the dish well. So for the record, you have prepared “Rice with Chicken in the bottom”. To serve, use lemon slices and yoghurt with sliced onions.

Meat Fried with Spices

Another very simple dish to make is Meat fried with spices, but take my words, it comes out to be the most delicious dish on earth. It is called ‘La ham nashif’ in Arabic or meat fried with spices and is a simple one pot dish. The spices in the dish include the bezar, ground cardamom and turmeric.

Cut the lamb and clean to prepare some lamb chunks. Boil them in water for 45 minutes to make them tender.

Fry some sliced onions in the in the vegetable oil until they turn golden brown.

Add spices and garlic to the onions after they brown in the oil.

After a few minutes, add the lamb pieces and some water to make thick gravy.

Heat it till it forms a thick curry and serve it all up over basmati rice. The spices bring a miracle to the tender lamb pieces.

I hope these dishes make a good food for you and you cherish the taste.

Dubai Travel Guidelines

Blessed with a diverse culture, there is an enormous piece of land within the Middle East, called as The United Arab Emirates. All across the UAE, there is so much to experience, whether you go for a business trip or on a leisure trip , there are so many things to see. The most popular emirate in the UAE is Dubai and to some extent, Abu Dhabi.

The Best Time to Travel

The most pleasant time to visit the UAE is from the month of October to until May. The weather may still be hot in October but the blue skies and warm evenings are attractive. The tourism in the UAE is most prevalent in this season.

Temperature during the day is ideal in the months from November to February, even though, the evenings may be a little cool. Sometimes, north westerly winds blow during these months of winter, carrying the sea water. Most of the rainfall occurs from the month of December to the month of March, but this tends to be a short heavy downpour that clears away instantly and leaves the entire span of winters being a dry season.

By the end of March and the beginning of April, temperatures tend to rise especially in the month of July and August. However, golf clubs, hotels and other resorts offer very nice deals in during the summers and all of them are fully air conditioned.

Visit UAE

Travelling to the UAE had never been simpler since it is and has always remained a famous tourist destination across the world. Most of the leading airlines of the world fly to the UAE, but there is also a provision to travel by the road or the sea. A large number of travelers take advantage of the beneficial deals offered by a number of operators in the tourism industry.

Safety

Amongst one of the safest places in the world, the United Arab Emirates happens to be the safest holiday destination in the world. This designation has been given by the international travel industry on two consecutive occasions. Nonetheless it does not harm to take out the insurance for travel and to take precautions to safeguard your family and your valuables along with your own.

Just for the sake of security, here is a list of important information for you to make a note of , before you travel to the UAE.

Police Headquarters

Abu Dhabi 02 4461461
Dubai 04 2292222
Sharjah 06 5631111
Ajman 06 7436000
Umm al-Qaiwain 06 5656662
Ra’s al-Khaimah 07 2333888
Fujairah 09 2370000

Photography

It will be considered courteous to ask permission before photographing people in general. Avoid photographing Muslim women or holy places and airports.

Time

The UAE stands four hours ahead of GMT. There is a three hour difference between UK and UAE in summers and about four and a half hour time difference in winters.

Travelling with Family

The UAE is a very friendly country that offers a suitable environment for travelers who come as a family. Kids are treated with special care all around the place, and everywhere inside the country like Dubai spots and hotels, kids are the prime concern in the family. Restaurants and food joints across the country give special attention to to very small children and infants. All popular hotels in the nation provide baby sitting facilities as well. Children under the age of 12 are given special discounts at most of the museums, swimming pools, amusement parks and entertainment centers.

Women travelers are given prior importance in this esteemed nation in order to make them comfortable and satisfied. The very first concern is the safety of women and in every other way the country strives hard to provide them a safe and secured environment to travel and stay. Women can have a more relaxed visit than any other if they stay in one of the five star hotels in the UAE with all the luxurious facilities like the availability of beaches and pools. The United Arab Emirates has strong traditional roots and this should always be kept in mind by the women travelers. In the United Arab Emirates, women are more liberal than in any other Gulf counterparts.

Women in Dubai

Dubai is a country that offers dynamic and tax free lifestyle thereby, attracting people from around every corner of the world. Although, the country is quiet strict as far as the laws and policies are concerned, but they provide hearty welcome to their guests with a sense of friendly environment. The responsibilities for women are constantly changing and so are the expectations in this rapidly evolving world, thus, to be in line one has to move with time. Moreover, to make this world a better place to live in, every citizen of the country should try and contribute. Throughout this region, women have been an inseparable part of the society.

Women Power in Dubai:

Women in Dubai are being treated with high levels of respect. The role of women in Dubai has grown in line with country’s vast development and there have been constant efforts in improving women’s lives since then. Women in Dubai are considered equal with men and have equal rights to participate in the development of all areas of their society and it has also been mentioned in the UAE constitution. They enjoy the same legal status as men do in Dubai. The women power in the emirate is given great importance in all respects. Moreover, just like men they have all the rights to practice the profession of their own choice. Women here have been rising in the positions of power and influence.

Women Dressing in Dubai:

As far as dressing for women here is concerned, there are two distinct types of women clothing. One is for the expatriates and the other is for the local women living in Dubai. Generally, women in Dubai are dressed according to their religious customs, which means that they have to cover most of their body from head to toe and are not allowed to wear any revealing clothes. Women here generally wear abaya outside their home. An abaya is a traditional ankle length black colored gown which is to be worn over your normal garments. Moreover, as compared to other Middle Eastern countries, dress code in Dubai is still liberal.

In residential western expat areas women wear sleeveless shirts and shorts. Even at work there is a proper dress code in Dubai. Women at work in Dubai may wear ankle length dresses or skirts and even trousers are allowed, however, the sleeves must cover the upper arm. Even tourists are advised to follow these dressing rules as far as they are in Dubai.

Women Safety:

Despite its modern outlook, the emirate strictly follows Islamic laws which should be respected by all citizens and travelers of course. They want the women living in Dubai to dress sensibly from safety point of view. Moreover, women are generally safe at workplace because of some sever punishments. Women should avoid being too friendly towards Arab men at workplace as they might just misunderstand your intensions. Moreover, if we compare Dubai or UAE from any other country or city across the world, UAE is the safest places of all to visit.

Education for Women in Dubai:

The emirate offers a complete educational system for both girls and boys and has established primary level to higher level education. Over half a million students have been taking education. Although, UAE has achieved much in the education field, however, the constant up gradation of policies and infrastructure is required to ensure education to almost every citizen of the country. Moreover, the number of registrations for female students at schools, colleges and other educational institutions are constantly rising. As far as women education in Dubai is concerned, they are showing impressive results, outstripping their male counter parts at every level. Strong focus is being given to English language and computer literacy to equip young emirates with necessary skills. In the UAE state-funded educational opportunities have come up.

Thus, these are some of the primary traits that are being followed by women in Dubai as far as their education, dressing style, employment and safety is concerned.

Arabian Perfumes

The word ‘perfume’ is derived from a Latin word ‘per fume’ that means ‘through smoke’. The burning of aromatic herbs has been used through several cultures and civilizations as a perfume by Ancient Chinese, Egyptians, Greeks, Arabs, Romans and Hindus. The ancient use of perfumed bottles can be reflected back to over 2000 years when the Egyptians who made their scents and stored them in a attractive glass perfume bottles. There are certain things that make you fall in love with life. Perfumes are one of them. By mesmerizing the senses of individuals, they are associated with well being, culture and sophistication. Perfumes have been in existence since the ancient times, with the start of civilizations.

There are various reasons for which people wear perfumes and they vary with their individualistic tastes. Primarily, a feel good effect is what people look for in a fragrance. A gradual loss of senses of a male on detecting pheromones from the females over the millennium has most probably led to the perfumes’ evolution. In the present era, perfumes play the role of pheromones in ancient times. The personality of a person is reflected by the choice of the perfumes he wears.

Without surprises, the Middle East is considered as the heart of the industry of perfumes. The crusaders in the Middle East gained the knowledge of oriental perfumery and medicine to Europe in the 12th century. A comparatively recent foundation, alcohol based synthetic perfumes, constitute as much as the $40 billion global perfume industry today.

At present, Ajmal Perfumes is synonymous with mesmerizing perfumes, high quality Arabic fragrances for the home and body and several other beauty products. It is believed that when a rice farmer, Ajmal Ali, from Assam, an Indian state, came to Bombay to try his luck in the trade business of perfumes. With the crops of rice falling randomly owing to the scarcity of right levels of rains, life was difficult in Assam. The Abundance of oudh and agarwood in his native state gave him the idea that he could possibly make a living out of trading in this natural resource, a major ingredient of all oriented fragrances. With his entire starting capital being a sum of 500 rupees and some oudh oil, he left Bombay with high hopes and aspirations.

In the hope of a great progress, Ajman Ali worked in Bombay in a dingy house in the early 1950s blending and mixing together fragrances to make a perfect one that impresses several Arab traders. Half a century later, Ajmal Ali’s son, Nazir Ajmal, at present presides over the Dubai based company located worldwide and has a turnover of $167 million annually and has a huge portfolio of over 100 of the most captivating and finest fragrances. Since then, Ajmal Perfumes has established over 100 exotic outlets for retail exclusively across the Arabian Gulf and across the globe.

What is the way to distinguish fragrances from men and women? Predominantly, fragrances for women tend to be stronger while on the other hand, fragrances exclusive for women exudes sweet, fruity and floral touch. While typically, men’s fragrances are associated with woody snd spicy scents. However, the usage patterns have blurred the boundary lines ending up in most of the fragrances being unisex these days. To sustain the business in the present scenario, the manufacturers of perfume have to consistently be creative and innovative. Ajmal Perfumes has its own marketing and advertising teams that market the perfume to consumers. Marketing of perfumes is an art in itself. The shape of the bottle and its color is determined to a great extent by the aesthetics. New technological advancements and innovative ideas help in choosing the final design of the bottle.

Demands of the fragrances ascend during Ramadan and Shabaan. But like the case of art and music, there will always be, wherever humans exist, demand for perfumes both from amateurs and connoisseurs.

Dubai Tourism and Hospitality Industry

Over the last few years, the tourism and hospitality industry in Dubai has spectacularly increased and this expansion is on the rise day by day. Moreover, if we talk about the fastest growing sectors here in Dubai, then tourism and hospitality sector are at the top in the league and then comes the real estate sector. This fastest growing sector of the economy is accounting 30 percent of the direct GDP. Thousands of tourists travel to Dubai for holiday or for official purposes, moreover, vast choices of flights are available. Not only this, but for long-haul passengers there are stop-off destinations.

Earlier, Dubai’s services and industries were majorly centered on its ports and oil fields, but now economy has learnt how to grow with other major industries. Moreover, it has been done after the establishment of some high quality Dubai property constructions including Dubai Investment Park, Jebel Ali free zone and various local business houses. Therefore, Dubai hospitality and tourism industry is witnessing an upswing world over. Dubai with its leisure and duty free lifestyle has a lot to offer to those who travel from tourism point of view. Those who look from investment point of view it will be an all time profitable affair to invest in Dubai hospitality and tourism industry.

It will be a promising forecast to invest in Dubai tourism industry. Although, Dubai has become a major business hub, but as far as tourism industry is concerned, the emirate is no less than any other beautifully developed countries. It is prominent in tourism sector offering world class luxury, style and comfort and is considered to be on par with the best in the world. This hot tourist destination features some of the luxury hotels thus, making the tourism industry well positioned. Those who come from investment point of view are welcomed in the desert’s most exciting city. Dubai is known as the city of surprises and you will find varieties of options ranging from duty free shopping to adventure trips etc.

Dubai Luxury Hotels:

As far as Dubai tourism is concerned, it continues to be a premier holiday and of course business destination. Moreover, a recognized center for real estate investments. Visitors will be delighted beyond their expectations. When it comes to accommodation in Dubai, the emirate offers world class hotels with luxury at its best. The hotels and other accommodation sources are considered to be among the top list of places to go. Moreover, it has its own share of luxury resorts, hotels and other accommodations. All international and local guests are welcomed and are catered with the same level of hospitality. Some of the best hotels include:

Madinat Jumeirah: This is the Arabian resort in Dubai which offers a magnificent tribute to Dubai’s rich cultural heritage. If forms a virtual island boasting of its traditional elegance. The resort features around 45 restaurants, lounges and bars arranging world class cuisines along with a vibrant atmosphere. Moreover, this luxury destination offers one of the leading spas featuring 26 treatment rooms.

Raffles Dubai: It is a luxury 5 star hotel constructed in a pyramid shape. The interior of the hotel is amazingly designed with an Egyptian themed pyramidal structure. The hotel has various striking features, one of which is its Botanical sky garden. This is a 19 storey hotel and is just 15 minutes away from Dubai International Airport.

Jumeirah Beach Club Resort & Spa: This stunning resort features 141 suites offering unparallel luxury features. Moreover, it is just short distance away from Dubai International Airport and city center. It offers a unique experience in the exclusive locations in Dubai. This is an ideal accommodation especially for the guests who demand of high standards and luxury settings. It offers world class dining facilities and clubhouses.

Other than this, Dubai tourism and hospitality industry has a lot more to give you. Accommodation is just one phase, however, another major important thing are tourism spots in the emirate. Dubai offers quite a lot adventure, fun and excitement. There are adventure safaris, shopping and other fun activities. Thus, these things are combined together thereby, turning into the most well positioned place as far as tourism and hospitality industry is concerned.

Things to know about Dubai Customs and Beliefs

As far as Dubai customs and beliefs are concerned, they are still liberal as compared to other Islamic countries and other emirates in the UAE, however they are quiet staunch when it comes to the Islamic religion. Dubai’s culture is rich in various complicated tapestries. Although, they are staunch followers of their religion, the UAE is welcoming and tolerant for foreigners those who don’t follow Islam. Expatriates have freedom to follow their own religion; however, there are some basic customs which the residents must follow.

Culture in Dubai and in other Arab countries is based on deeply rooted beliefs and customs in Islam. Arabic is the official language in the emirate, however, you will generally find people speaking in English.

Dress Code Customs:

When it is the matter of dress code, you need to pay attention to it as you can’t wear something very revealing in Dubai. This is especially, the case with females. Islam requires ladies to cover themselves completely from head to toe and they are supposed to wear loose clothes covering their arms and legs. Even at work, women have to follow proper dress code for that matter. As per the dress code customs in Dubai, one should avoid mini-skirts, shorts and tight pants. They typically wear a long black robe known as ‘abaya’ as its cultural custom. As far as men are concerned, they also have some restrictions in terms of dress code. Culturally it is more acceptable to avoid wearing shorts or going shirtless.

Dubai being a cosmopolitan city allows visitors to dress the way they like, however, one should always have a fair amount of respect for the local customs.

Wudoo in Islam:

It is the Islamic act of washing body parts using water as Muslims are required to be clean for their ritual prayers and ceremonies. Moreover, they are also required to be clean when reading or handing their holy book Qur’an. Purification of clothes and body is known as Taharah. They first start by saying Bismillah. As far as the acts of Wudoo are concerned, there are four obligatory acts. None of these acts have to be omitted.

1. You need to wash the face once
2. Washing both arms including the elbows once
3. Performing Masah of one fourth of the head
4. Washing both the feet once which should include the ankles

In Dubai and other emirates women are not subjected to any sub-standard conditions and they are entitled to non-discrimination. The emirate treats every individual with courtesy and hospitality, as these are the main virtues of the city.

Promotion of Sporting Events:

Dubai rulers are adamant in keeping their traditions, customs and beliefs intact, they ensure this through various practices. One such practice which they follow in order to protect their customs is through promotion of their sporting events. Dhow sailing and Falconry camel racing are some of the popular examples of such sporting events.

These are some of the important things that one should know about Dubai’s customs and beliefs and one should always try to obey these and respect it as you give to your religion.

Top Things to do in UAE

From the tranquility of the deserts to the hustle bustle of the city souks, the United Arab Emirates has kaleidoscope of attractions for visitors. International tourism is taking a fast pace as far as UAE travel is concerned. If we go in details, Dubai is one of that ultimate destinations led the way phenomenally with great infrastructure, opulent hotels and phenomenal investment. The emirate is a great holiday destination featuring the best of lifestyle and shopping. Other than this, Abu Dhabi has also developed to a great extent and is still developing at a fast pace. This modern and sleek city filled with skyscrapers and is a tourism spot enriched with cultural life and superb shopping.

From travel point of view, there are several things which can be done in UAE. Some of them are listed below:

Famous Souks:

Hang around at the famous Dubai souks which are the traditional markets and are a special attraction for those looking for spices, perfumes and especially for gold and jewellery bargains. These traditional souks are also called as the ‘Heart of Urban Arabia’ and are a striking contrast to the modern shopping malls. Shopping in Dubai is incomplete without a visit to these ultimate souks. People are busy bargaining the prices with shopkeepers. These are located at Deira and are the houses for jewellery, traditional spices, fishes and perfumes.

Off-Road Desert Driving:

Private vehicles are hired either with or without guides. There are various operators offering desert driving trips. Adventure safaris are arranged along with overnight desert camps. This is an adventurous and a fun trip especially organized to take a glimpse of the Arabic deserts.

Golfing:

Golf is like a prime sport in Dubai and other places in the UAE. Amazing and lush green golf courses make Dubai as one of the world’s top golfing destinations. Places like Emirates Golf Club regularly organize various international competitions. Golfing in Dubai is a big allure for the best golfers across the world and it is surely one of the best things to do in the emirate. The other well known places are: Al Badia Golf Resort, Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Jebel Ali Golf resort and lot more.

Theme Parks:

If you are traveling with kids, then you must visit some of the classic theme parks which have been constructed in such a deserted region. The UAE may soon turn out to be a premier destination for exciting theme parks and other entertainment destinations. The emirate is teaming up with their local developers in creating these fun filled destinations for children. Many of the parks are located in Dubailand and most of the other parks are still under development.

Superb Sandy Beaches:

You can lie down in the tranquility of the white sandy beaches, mush of the long expanse of Jumeirah Beach in Dubai. There are luxury hotels and the luxury facilities make you feel out of this world. You can try your hands onto deep sea fishing as well.

These are some of the best options which can be done in the UAE. So, if you are planning to visit this amazing country then make sure you enjoy each one of these.

Cruise Holiday in Dubai

Dubai is the largest part of the United Arab Emirates as far as population is concerned. It is the business hub and host for various sporting events. Moreover, it is a stunning cruise holiday destination organizing varieties of cruise holidays. As we all know, Dubai is a fascinating place and a great tourist destination. Other than loitering around the local destinations in Dubai, you can get an amazing experience by exploring some great areas in the Middle East in a cruise, starting and ending in the fascinating city of Dubai. It is a golden land with great combinations of mosques, best shopping malls, hotel accommodations and futuristic architecture.

Most of the tour companies provide the best offers along with beautiful sights and stopover at the night. Dubai cruise offers enjoyable Arab hospitality and a lavish living experience. Moreover, your cruise visa problems will be taken care by the tour company organizing the cruise tour for you. You have to just sit back and relax the ultimate Dubai cruises.

Best Dubai Cruise Lines:

This cruise line is quite popular among tourist travelers. It is quiet well known for its range of accommodation choices and other luxury options on board. Royal Caribbean features various ultimate tours along with Brilliance of the Seas at Dubai port. The Oriana, P& O Cruises will take you to a maiden voyage featuring great traditional buildings and the beautiful Arabian Gulf flanking in beside the cruise. Shore excursions are also provided and the Princess cruise also provides a trip to Nad Al Sheba Club.

Various other cruises offer onboard swimming pools, Jacuzzis along with a range of mouth-watering dining options. Enjoy a fabulous five course dinner at the ultimate dining rooms onboard. Other than these you can get completely relaxed during your holiday inside the Dubai Dhow Cruise. Generally, all cruises start at the Port Rashid from the Dubai cruise terminal.