Al Maktoum International Ruway (GFDL/Fatma3298)

Dubai officially opened its second Al Maktoum International Airport on Sunday for cargo operations. Previously known as Jebel Ali International Airport, it is the emirates second airport and supposed to become the world’s largest. In a statement issued by Dubai Airports, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum , president of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Airports said “the opening is the first step in a long infrastructure development project that over time will see our new airport transformed into the world’s largest global gateway and a multi-modal logistics hub that plays an increasingly integral role in the ongoing economic and social development of Dubai. It is a proud day for Dubai and an auspicious occasion for the future of global aviation”.

Phase 1 of the Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum International (DWC) features a runway that is capable of accommodating a super-jumbo Airbus A380 jet, 64 remote stands, a cargo terminal with a capacity for 250,000 tonnes a year and a passenger terminal designed to accommodate 5 million passengers a year.

The completion of the USD$10.9 billion project is estimated to take 10-15 years and will have five runways, up to four terminal buildings and the capacity for 12 million tonnes of freight and 160 million passengers a year.

Passenger flights are planned to start by March 2011, dependent on IATA regulations.

Sheikh Ahmed said in May “Dubai first airport, the Dubai International Airport is capable of handling 2.5 million tonnes of cargo and is expected to increase its capacity by 48 percent to 3 million tonnes by 2015″

It is estimated that 98 million passengers will pass through Dubai International Airport by 2020 and will rocket to 150 million by 2030.

Dubai Airports have stated, Dubai International Airport is the fourth largest airport globally for international passenger traffic.

Committed cargo carriers for the new airport include Aban Air, ACI, Aerospace Consortium, Aviation Service Management, Coyne Airways, EuroAsian Services, Gatewick, Ramjet, Reem Style, Rial Aviation, Rus Aviation, Sonic Jet, SunGlobal, Skyline and United Aviation Services with operations steadily increasing over the next few months.

AP / Kamran Jebreili

Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) festivities kick off in the shadow of Dubai Shopping Festival, a far more popular event taking place during the tolerable climate months of January-February. DSS is not far behind and together with DSF plays a major role in characterizing Dubai as the Mecca for shopaholics.

This year, the festival has started on 17 June with 52 days of international fashion events, shopping discounts in malls, food, entertainment, kid’s events, concerts, musicals and cartoons enthralling every one.
Presented by Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (DEPE), formerly known as the Dubai Shopping Festival Office, DSS delegates Dubai on an international level as shoppers from all around the place, are lured by the amazing discounts on merchandise. Nowhere will you find special offers like Best Buys, Buy One Get One Free, Added Value, and deals that are more interesting.

DSS’s lucky mascot ‘Modhesh’ has marked down its favorite merchandise, which could be gold & jewelry, electronics, international fashion labels, luxury watches, hotel accommodation or fine dining across various locations in Dubai. In addition, to make the customers feel pampered there are various deals across all the major spas and salons around Dubai.

It is not always true to say, money burns a hole in one’s pocket. DSS proves it wrong with its Raffles draw where you get a chance to win 14 BMW series 3 luxury sedans. Draws will be held every Thursday from June 24, except for the Final Draw that will take place on Saturday August 7.

Other than shopping, Dubai is admired for its perfect blend of outdoor attractions and historical monuments. Complete your trip to Dubai with a Desert Safari besides visiting the Park, Art Galleries, Golf Courses, Zoos and Museums. Alternatively, spend a little more to book yourself a helicopter ride to enjoy a view of the eye-catching Arabian Gulf.

Souqs & Markets

Gold Souq:
A place not to be missed, the Gold Souq is the ‘soul’ of Dubai and earned its rightful place as the ‘City of Gold’. Situated in the narrow alleys of Deira, well-known brands along with unbranded outlets sell gold in a wide range of accessories.

Spice Souq:
Spices typical to the Arab world are to be found only in the alleys of Dubai. Overpowering fragrances of strong spices fill the Arabian styled market. This is the ideal place to buy Arabian souvenirs that you’ll want to remember forever such as sheesha pipes, henna, incense sticks, sandalwood, etc.

Textile Market:
Textile Market is an excellent place to buy cloth from traders at reasonable rates. Items on display are exports from Afghanistan, India, Iran, UAE, Pakistan and Oman.

Participating Malls in DSS

Al Bustan Centre

Mall Timings:
Saturday to Thursday: 10am to 11pm
Friday: 2pm to 11pm

Contact Information:
Tel: +971 4 263 0000
Fax: +971 4 263 0005
Toll Free: 800 4648 (UAE Only)
Website: www.al-bustan.com

Al Ghurair City

Mall Timings:
Saturday to Thursday: 10am to 12am
Friday: 2pm to 12am

Contact Information:
Tel: +971 4 2055309/285
Fax: +971 4 2229028
Website: www.alghuraircity.com
Email: infoagc@al-ghurair.com

Arabian Center

Mall Timings:
Sunday to Wednesday: 10am to 10:30pm
Thursday to Saturday: 10am to 12 midnight

Foodcourt & Restaurant Timings:
Sunday to Wednesday: 10am to 12 midnight
Thursday to Saturday: 10am to 12:30am

Contact Information:
Tel: +971 4 2845555
Fax: +971 4 2845444
Website: www.arabiancenter.ae
Email: arabian.info@lalsgroup.com

Century Mall

Mall Timings:
Saturday to Wednesday: 10am to 10pm
Thursday: 10am to 11pm
Friday: 2pm to 11pm

Carrefour Hypermarket:
Everyday: 8:30am to 12 midnight

Jungle Bungle:
Saturday to Wednesday: 10am to 11pm
Thursday: 10am to 1am
Friday: 2pm to 1am

Food Court:
Saturday to Wednesday: 10am to 12 midnight
Thursday: 10am to 1am
Friday: 2pm to 1am

Lamcy Plaza

Mall Timings:
Sunday to Wednesday: 9am to 10:30pm
Thursday to Saturday: 9am to 12 midnight

Foodcourt Timings:
Sunday to Wednesday: 9am to 12 midnight

Contact Information:
Tel: +971 4 3359999
Fax: +971 4 3359996

Mercato

Mall Timings:
Sunday to Wednesday: 10am – 10pm
Thursday to Saturday: 10am – Midnight

Spinneys Supermarket:
Everyday: 8am to 12 midnight

Grand Cinemas:
Everyday: 10am to 12 midnight

Contact Information:
Tel: +971 4 3444 161
Fax: +971 4 3490 066
Website: www.MercatoShoppingMall.com
Email: management@mercatotowncentre.ae

Oasis Centre

Mall Timings:
Sunday to Wednesday: 10am to 10pm
Thursday to Saturday: 10am to 12 midnight

Contact Information:
Tel: +971 4 515 4000
Fax: +971 4 515 4001
Website: www.oasiscentremall.com

Palm Strip

Mall Timings:
Saturday to Thursday: 10am to 10pm
Friday: 2pm to 10pm

Contact Information:
Tel: 04-3461462
Fax: 04-3461206
Website: www.dipllc.ae

The Dubai Mall

Mall Timings:
Everyday: 10am to 12 midnight

Contact Information:
Tel: 800 38224 6255 (800 DUBAI MALL)
Website: www.thedubaimall.com

GFDL/ Nevit Dilmen

Tired of roaming under the scorching heat in the sandy dunes of Dubai? Try sipping  an afternoon tea at any of the cafes on the streets of the city. The tea, that sounds like a basic drink comes  with a lot of delicacies that actually make your mouth water after doing some shopping inside the air conditioned malls or the sunlit streets. A seven course tea includes a glass of champagne, some sandwiches, sorbets, scones and salmon-en-croute followed by some petits or chocolates and French pastries along with a plate and a knife,  but no fork!

A few cafes offering delicious afternoon tea:

Ahlan Lounge

A cozy place situated on the Al Fahidi Street inside the Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa at Bur Dubai, Ahlan Lounge serves delicious tea along with some mouthwatering Starbucks, pastries, sandwiches and other snacks.

Address: Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa, Bur Dubai, Dubai
Tel. No: 04 351 9111

Al Fayrooz

Set on the Jumeirah Beach Road inside Al Qasr Hotel, Al Fayrooz hosts a lovely tea set along with some live music for  afternoon tea lovers. For  an unforgettable experience, try out the smoked salmon sandwich served here.

Address: Al Qasr Hotel, Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah, Dubai
Tel. No: 04 366 6730

Al Murjan

A simple yet stylish tea lounge located on the Al Sufouh Road inside the Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, Al Murjan serves carefully brewed tea along with delicious sandwiches, mini fruit scones, strawberry tart, pistachio torte, glazed pear flan and American chocolate cake.

Address: Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai Marina, Dubai
Tel. No: 04 399 5555

Dunkin Donuts

Decorated with melamine topped tables and black metal chairs placed in shiny grey tiled floors inside the cream and burgundy coloured walls hosting a shocking pink and orange logo, Dunkin Donuts is a place for all  members of the family. Serving some colourful delicacies topped with chocolate, double chocolate, apple, banana, blueberry, strawberry, lemon and coconut along with radiant yellow icing and bright orange or blazing green frosting in addition to brown smilies and stripes, the place is made to attract the kids.

Address: Karama, Trade Centre Road, Dubai
Tel. No: 04 397 9874

Lobby Lounge

With the late afternoon breeze swinging inside the cool and cozy ambience, Lobby Lounge is one of the popular places to enjoy afternoon tea with leisure.  Complete  with a beautiful view across the city, the place offers three deliciously different tea options, Arabic, traditional British and Chocolate, to choose from. Visit the place towards the end of the day to capture some stunning views of the sunset across the city.

Address: One&Only Royal Mirage, Al Sufouh Road, Jumeirah, Dubai
Tel. No: 04 399 9999

More

One of the most reasonably priced cafes located on the Al Doha Street inside the Dubai Mall, More is a famous venue for afternoon tea, business lunches and family get-togethers. The place also serves delicious brunch along with its hot tea and other food items on the menu.

Address: The Dubai Mall, Al Doha Street, Downtown Burj Khalifa, Dubai
Tel. No: 04 339 8934

Sahn Eddar

If you  stumble across this place, you are sure to spoil yourself! Located inside the magnificent Burj on the Jumeirah Beach Road, Sahn Eddar serves luscious and scrumptious tea along with a glass of champagne accompanied with some mouth watering delicacies that make your visit  worthwhile.

Address: Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah, Dubai
Tel. No: 04 301 7600

Kambaa

Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Marina, Dubai
Tel. No: 04 436 7777

Karat

Address: Dubai Mall, Al Doha Street, Downtown Burj Khalifa, Dubai
Tel. No: 04 438 8888

Leaves

Address: Grosvenor House Dubai, Al Sufouh Road, Dubai Marina, Dubai
Tel. No: 04 399 8888

Pearl Bar

Address: Le Méridien, Airport Road, Garhoud, Dubai
Tel. No: 04 217 0000

Raffles Salon

Address: Raffles, Sheikh Rashid Road, Oud Metha, Dubai
Tel. No: 04 314 9888

XVA Café

Address: XVA Art Hotel, Al Fahidi Street, Bur Dubai, Dubai
Tel. No: 04 353 5383

Arabian Travel Market

Arabian Travel Market is a universally recognized travel and tourism industry event held to promote the business opportunities in the Middle East for international tourism professionals. Nations from around the world take part in the event to display and announce various upcoming projects, tourist attractions, and airline routes in an effort to sustain and boost tourism infrastructure.

This year, the event is being held from 4 – 7 May 2010 in Dubai with a comprehensive list of programmes planned during the event. Prominent features of the event include:

Seminar & Debate Programmes: Seminar & Debate Programmes at the Arabian Travel Market include participation of top-notch professionals in the travel and tourism industry including Google, Euromonitor and many more.

Travel Agents Day: ‘Travel Agents Day’ provides companies the opportunity to promote their products and destinations to Travel Agents visiting the stands. This year they even have a ‘Passport to the World’ competition that will entitle you to win a prize through a lucky draw. Check for more details on Arabian Travel Market’s official site.

Careers Day: Careers Day allows fresh candidates to pave their career path with the help of Arabian Travel Market. Exhibitors and candidates get to know each other throughout the day with various activities arranged specially for them. These include Onsite Interviews, Workshops and Seminars, and Careers and Training Advice.

Consumer Day: Held on the last day of the event, i.e. 7^th May, Consumer Day is a gateway for tourists to discover new places, accommodations and exotic locations. Consumers are lured towards the event by promotional events, lucky draws and discounts.

If you want to know more about Arabian Travel Market, kindly visit its official site

Arabian Travel Market

United Kingdom

T: +44 208 271 2158

F: +44 208 334 0740

E: arabian.helpline@reedexpo.co.uk

Middle East & North Africa

T: +971 4 364 2814

F: +971 4 369 7560

Jumeirah Beach Park

Jumeirah Beach Park is the first beach park in Dubai and is one of best known beaches in Dubai with crystal white sand and turquoise blue water. Actually it’s a single soft unending carpet of sand dispersed with hotels, clubs and public access areas. The beach park is an ideal location for people of all ages as a picnic spot with kid’s recreation area, games area and restaurants / food courts jewelling the area. For a family picnic you can get together at the picnic tables, have a small barbecue, children can play at the kid’s area while you can relax or swim at the beachfront. Alert lifeguards, special swimming pools and showers are available whenever you are in the mood to swim. There’s even a small amphitheatre to showcase live musical or stage performances. Palm promenades and small wooden seats complete the picturesque view. If you want to visit this God gifted marvelous place, then Dubai government charges Dhs 2 per person or Dhs 20 per vehicle. The park is open from 8.00am to 9.00pm daily with Saturday’s and Sunday’s especially reserved for women and children.

Al Mazmar Beach Park

The conceptualization behind Palm Islands, World Islands have always surprised us and the same idea takes over behind the construction of the man made Al Mazmar Beach Park. An all-in-one beach projects its amusement, relaxation and pleasure all at one place. Covering 106 hectares its includes huge expanses of green coverage, an amphitheatre, numerous swimming pools, kid’s play areas, picnic and barbecue spots, lagoons and several beaches served by alert lifeguards and all the necessary luxury options. Al Mazmar Beach Park is not just about lazing at the beaches or playing watersports but also includes enjoying the different green zones, relaxing under the trees, laying out the picnic basket, flying the kites or playing football. Colors merge together at the Al Mazmar Beach Park which is open from 8.00am to 11.00pm daily except Thursday’s and Friday’s. Wednesday’s are reserved for women and children.

GFDL/Tobias Walter

While carrying out business in any foreign workplace, it is necessary that certain norms relating to etiquettes followed by that country should be embedded within us. Known officially as ‘Business etiquettes’ these norms follow different rules in each country. Working Hours:  Dubai is one of the seven emirates in the UAE located in the Mid East region. Topically it is known to face harsh summers with temperatures rising to boiling points. Due to this taking a break between working hours is a common practice in all Dubai offices. A typical working week in Dubai proceeds from Saturday to Wednesday with the working day starting at 8:00 pm till 1:00 pm. Afternoon hours from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm are siesta times after which business recommences at 5:00 pm and runs till 7:00 pm in the evening. During Ramadan working days are two hours shorter. Formal Dress Code: Although the most liberal of all emirates, Dubai still follows a silent and assumed dress code that adheres to mild conservatism. Business suits for men and formal office wear like jackets & trousers for women is essential as covered arms and legs are termed as appropriate. Women should dress conservatively refraining from short skirts and low necklines when on business. If you are working in rural Dubai, dress up in their traditional attire. Casual Conversations: Business meetings with Arab clients can take place in informal places such as restaurants. The conversation generally starts by inquiring about the family and making a polite chat; say about the Dubai weather. It’s possible that you may quickly arrive at the formal business conversation part with the meeting getting over in a shorter period of time than stipulated. Keep controversies apart: Don’t criticize an Arab business colleague or start a controversy regarding business or personal matters, in public places. This will be termed as an ‘insult’ of the colleague which will be resented by him. An Arab Handshake: Arab handshakes are very gentle compared to the West. Just the touching of the palms of the right hands is fine. Call the colleague by ‘Mr’ (Sayed) or ‘Mrs’ (Sayeda) if a woman. Don’t initiate a handshake with a woman, unless she offers to do so. Business Cards: Have one side of your business card translated in Arabia as a gesture of politeness. While presenting your business card to an Arab colleague/client keep the Arabic side of the card face up.

• These days, traffic hassles and road congestion’s in Dubai have left an imprint on world maps. So be smart enough to get out in the sun only after the peak hours, which are from 8.00 am in the morning and from 4.00 pm in the afternoon.

• During the office hours roads in Dubai look like ant colonies where crossing a simple bridge is unimaginable. If the visiting place is nearby, go walking rather than a car whereby you will escape the experience of getting flustered in a car.

• While hiring a car check the credentials of the company. Rely on companies that the Dubai Airport recommends, most of which are International brands that have made their presence felt in the city.

• An International Driving Permit (IDP) plus a standard license is compulsory to hire a car.  While driving, you will notice that Dubai comes with ‘only’ six lane highways with no sidewalks or free parking places. Shell out about one or two Dirham per hour and five for two hours for paid parking. Do not take a risk by parking at a construction sand pit thinking it is free. The Dubai Police will sweetly rob you of 500 Dirham. The Arab Emirates are strict disciplinarians, so stay in speed limits of 100 to 120 kms per hour.

My first trip with Emirates was booked on an online booking site where I received quite a heavy discount considering I prefer to travel by Business class.

As I checked in, I saw no frustrated faces during boarding or otherwise on the flight. Many a times I have seen agents/attendants who have provided me services as if they are doing me a favor! But not so with Emirates.

What I liked best about Business class was the Inflight entertainment. During the 3 hour Mumbai-Dubai flight I could access international news channels; latest movies

During the flights, the cabin crew and attendants were really well mannered and polite. I just don’t remember the umpteen number of times I had hammered them to serve them my favorite glass of juice again & again. But thank goodness, they were patient!

The food was excellent and extremely delicious. It was well presented too – A heavenly experience.

The flight landed just in the nick of time; sometimes they even land earlier than presumed.

In conclusion I was floored by the five-star experience set out for me and would highly recommend Emirates airline

Hotel Apartments are an increasing choice for both leisure and business travelers from the world over. Situated in different parts of Dubai, they come in flexible prices, sometimes maybe expensive than other accommodations. But they are preferred stay for many as they offer many more amenities and added features than an ordinary hotel room. 24-hour assistance, fully equipped kitchen, cable television with access to international channels plus leisure options like swimming pool, gym, spa, kid’s activities, tour assistance are all available with hotel apartments. In case of any emergency, you always have the hotel desk at your service that would assist you further. But that would not be so, if you book a normal apartment which comes with very basic facilities. Also if you are traveling as a family or in a large group, booking an apartment makes sense as the whole package would cost you less than booking separate hotel rooms. Here’s a list of some of the Deluxe Dubai Hotel Apartments in Dubai:

Name of Apartment	Location
Al Murooj Rotana - Dubai	Sheikh Zayed Road
Arabian Dreams Hotel Apartment	Bur Dubai
Grand Midwest Hotel Apartments	Bur Dubai
Oasis Beach Tower Apartments	Dubai Marina
Marriott Executive Apartments Green Community	Deira
Almanar Hotel Apartments	Deira
Emirates Stars Hotel Apartments	Deira
Grand Midwest Tower Hotel Apartment	Dubai Discovery Gardens
Star Metro Deira Deluxe Hotel Apartments	Deira
Flora Park Hotel Apartments	Deira
Kirklees Hotel Apartment 2	Bur Dubai
Chelsea Gardens Apartment Hotel 1	Dubai Discovery Gardens
The Baron Hotel Apartments Dubai	Al Barsha
Ramee Guestline 2 Hotel Apartments	Bur Dubai
Sapphire Hotel Apartments	Al Barsha
Marriott Executive Apartments Dubai Creek	Deira
Chelsea Tower Suites and Apartments	Sheikh Zayed Road
Coral Boutique Hotel Apartments	Sheikh Zayed Road
Kazis Iconic Hotel Apartments	Al Barsha
Flora Creek Hotel Apartments	Deira
City Seasons Suites Dubai - Aparthotel	Deira
Rose Garden Hotel Apartments Barsha	Al Barsha
Topaz Living Courts - Apartments	Al Barsha
Dunes Hotel Apartment Al Barsha	Al Barsha
Dunes Hotel Apartments	Deira
Star Metro Al Barsha Hotel - Apartment	Al Barsha
Royal Plaza Hotel Apartments	Deira
Al Shams Plaza Hotel Apartments	Bur Dubai
Ramee Guestline Deira Hotel Apartments	Deira
Lotus Grand Hotel Apartments	Deira
Lotus Downtown Metro Hotel Apartments & Spa	Deira
Kirklees Hotel Apartment	Bur Dubai
Dar Al Sondos Hotel Apartments by Le Meridien	Bur Dubai
Belvedere Court Hotel Apartments	Bur Dubai
Emirates Concorde Hotel & Residence	Deira
Jumeirah Living - World Trade Centre Residence	Sheikh Zayed Road
Rihab Rotana - Dubai	Deira
Rimal Rotana - Dubai	Deira
Tamani Hotel Marina	Dubai Marina
Al Sondos Suites by Le Meridien	Deira

• Restaurants can be expensive!
  

Be more partial towards café’s rather than restaurants as they are less expensive and serve more amount of food. Also you might get the extra additions with your meal like pickles, olives, bread, salad that will surely fill up your tummy. May be you won’t really enjoy the ambience all the time, but the food’s great and that surely should perk you up! If you are still adamant about eating at a 5 star restaurant then try business lunches which are much, much cheaper than their dinners.

• Pick up a villa or apartment rather than a Hotel Room

Villas or apartments can turn out to be a better deal especially if you are traveling as a family. They are inexpensive, self-catering, offer a larger space area, come with a fully equipped kitchen and are also nearby to Dubai’s attractions and beaches. Visit Dubai.com if you are in a search for an apartment or a villa.

• Taxis or Renting Car?

Taxis are cheaper than renting a car is common sense. But sometime luxury and need for privacy takes it toll on our minds and we feel the need for hiring a car. But hiring a car in Dubai doesn’t make any sense, because the traffic is not sane and you don’t want to spoil your day finding your way back to the hotel. There are plenty of taxis available so leave the reins in the hands of your taxi driver, just plop back and enjoy Dubai!

• Shop at markets rather than at expensive shopping malls

Instead of roaming around in huge shopping malls and gazing with sunken eyes at a Versace outfit, the best way out will be the nearest shopping markets at Diera where a little bargain haggling and nagging can let you lay your hands on some fresh produce and exquisite goods. Also you will get to enjoy the lively market atmosphere like the one back home!

• Carpooling

If you are tourist traveling alone or an expat in Dubai, then a car pooling is cheap way out to commonly accessed travel spots. You can car pool with your friends or even take advantage from RTA’s official car pool service. This is a great way to save costs and if interested their official website address is http://www.sharekni.ae/

• Bookings

Always make bookings well in advance and book a flight and hotel package which is always cheaper. Also check cheap and round trip flights to Dubai that will cut your traveling costs and will let you spend more during your stay in Dubai. The more in advance you book, the more discounts you can benefit from. Travel light as airlines always charge for extra baggage. An important tip is to travel off season when prices are at an all time low and the place is also less crowded.

• Smart Shopping

There are some people who think Dubai is all about gold. And it’s not completely wrong. Dubai is a tax free shopping hub in Middle East, but there are yet some shops which will offer you cheaper prices than the rest. Do some research about Gold Souks, Duty Free Shopping at airports, Dubai Tailors and fashion stores before spending your precious money.

• Entertainer Vouchers

There’s a great voucher book called the ‘The Entertainer’. You will find some amazing ‘Buy one, get one Free’ vouchers for local restaurants, golf courses and amusement parks. So it’s a great chance not only to save money, but also to try a different restaurant or mall that otherwise would have been too expensive for you. Visit their official site: http://www.theentertainerme.com/

• Self Catering

If you have decided to rent a villa or apartment then do make use of their kitchen because that will surely not only save your money but can be quite a fun if everyone joins in.