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.

There are many recreational options available for women like shopping at some of the world’s largest malls or joining a sports or hobby club. During the weekends, you could laze out at the Jumeirah beach or have a night out at any of the nightclubs or pubs. Just remember that alcohol is prohibited in public places and drunken driving means you risk bags of money as fines.

Workplaces are secure for women as sexual harassment could lead to severe repercussions for men. Women do have the choice to choose the type of industry they want to work in and some of them have women occupying especially high positions.

Remaining in par with international standards, even Dubai observes a five day working week, with a compulsory holiday on Friday. The other non-working day could be a Thursday or Saturday where international companies prefer Saturday to remain in conjunction with their offices abroad.

Respecting the law and religion in any country is a basic pre-requisite and not an exception in Dubai.

• 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.

“We want people to fast from smoke and continue doing it even after Ramadan,” said Dr Hanan Obaid, leader of Tobacco free Dubai project and Head of Nad Al Sheba Health Centre as she analyzed the reasoning for launching the programme at the end of Ramadan.

“There is a need to change people’s perceptions about smoking, which despite several awareness campaigns are still incorrect. We want to target their belief about smoking. People still think that smoking shisha is safer than a cigarette. This is incorrect since one hour of smoking shisha equals to having smoked 100-200 cigarettes.” she said.

Puffing shisha goes back ages and forms a part of traditional Arabian culture and is considered more than authentic and attractive than modern cigarettes, especially during Ramadan.

Dubai has banned all kinds of smoking in Ramadan tents this year.

Several educational brochures have been distributed in about 40 mosques and tents as a part of the awareness programme.

The second phase of the four-phase programme will aim at students while the third phase in January 2010 will include shopping malls and institutes.

The fourth phase will include anti-tobacco counseling for women through educational institutions, clubs and colleges

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

There are around 14 flights of the Emirates flying to Dubai from Sydney per week along with an everyday non-stop service with an addition of about seven flights per week through Bangkok. Also, from Melbourne Emirates airlines has got around 14 flights swaying off to Dubai per week along with its everyday non-stop service between Melbourne and Dubai along with another service via Singapore. The airline offers daily flights from Brisbane to Dubai through Singapore in addition to an all-time everyday service from Perth to Dubai and vice versa.

If you are traveling in an Economy Class on the Emirates Airbus 3320 Airline then you can enjoy watching different shows on your personal television that has around 18 channels along with a few audio channels, while if your are traveling in business or first class then there is a film library that houses a collection of films that you can watch on your personal in-seat video player. Also, a chauffeur service is offered to the Business or First Class passengers from selected cities that also include Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth.

Furthermore, all Emirates Airlines departing from Australia provide a cabin, for its first class passengers that include luxury sleeper seats along with entertainment and dinning options. The airline also offers private suites tendered with private mini bar, storage options, vanity desk and a coat closet, on selected aircrafts, for its first Class travelers from Perth.

Passengers travelling by business class can enjoy a luxurious flight on their way to Dubai. There are lie-flat and sleeper seats on selected aircrafts in addition to the tempting dining options offered during your flight. Also, you can charge your phone or laptop with the ports provided inside.

If travelling by First Class then you have got a variety of in-flight entertainment options that include a wide LCD screen television along with an array of more than 600 channels. Dining options include a la carte gourmet options and for long trip passengers there is a seven course meal on the menu. All the seats in the First Class Suite can be stretched to a complete flat bed.

There is an additional room inside the Economy Class of the Emirates airlines that also offers a comfortable flight along with the entertainment options that include personal TV monitors and much more. There are delicious multi-course meals along with complementary beverages provided during your journey.

There is an Emirates Lounge service offered for the Business or First Class or the passenger who is a Skywards Gold member in Zurich, Sydney, Singapore, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Perth, New York John F. Kennedy, Munich, Mumbai, Melbourne, London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Kuala Lumpur, Johannesburg, Hong Kong, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, Dubai, Brisbane, Beijing, Bangkok and Auckland. There is a wide selection of tempting delicacies and beverages along with a large buffet showcasing fresh and healthy food options along with a full bar service. You can also watch different programs on a big plasma television kept inside. Furthermore, there is a business centre equipped with broadband connection, WLAN and independent work stations.

All this does not end here. If you are young and travelling alone then you are offered a separate check-in facility as well as a dedicated Emirates staff member accompanying you to and from the aircraft. Families with young children can enjoy the priority boarding service. Kids can play video games or watch cartoons and movies on their personal seatback TV that has children’s channels along with brightly coloured headsets. If you are travelling on your partner’s or family members birthday, who is on flight with you, then just tell one of the staff members and they will arrange a special cake for you along with a gift to celebrate your close one’s special day.

A frequent traveler with the Emirates Airlines can take the advantage of the Skysurfers programme that helps in earning free flights, free trips to the Wild Wadi Water Park, toys, books and much more.

Address: Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Telephone: +971 4 21 44444
For more information visit your local Emirates website.

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.

For them luxury denotes wheelchair access or a wheel-in shower or a stair free restaurant in the hotel. It’s just utilizing most of the services offered by the hotel without any restrictions. Hotels that cater to all types of guests can be termed as ‘complete’ in the true sense as they pay attention to every minute need of their guest, whether physically able or disable. Dubai is a traveler’s paradise and the finest hotels in the world have found their grounds here. So expecting hotels to suffice the need of a physically challenged guest wouldn’t be expecting much and neither does Dubai disappoint. Here’s a list of hotels that pay special attention to their guests and are categorized according to their star rating.

5 star Hotels	4 star Hotels	3 star Hotels	2 star Hotels
Al Bustan Rotana Hotel	Al Manzil Hotel	Dubai Grand Hotel	Holiday Inn Express - Safa Park
Al Murooj Rotana Dubai	Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa	K-Porte Inn Dubai	Holiday Inn Express Jumeirah
Al Qasr Madinat Jumeirah	Capitol Hotel Dubai	Regal Plaza Hotel	Ramee Guestline Deira
Atlantis the Palm Jumeirah	Carlton Tower Hotel
Crowne Plaza Dubai	City Seasons Hotel
Dusit Thani Dubai	Grand Moov Hotel
Fairmont Hotel Dubai	Holiday Inn Downtown Dubai
Grand Hyatt Dubai	Holiday Inn Dubai Al Barsha
Grand Millennium Dubai	Jumeirah Rotana Hotel Dubai
Grosvenor House Dubai	Le Meridien Fairway
Hyatt Regency Dubai	Lotus Boutique Hotel
InterContinental Dubai Festival City	Lotus Hotel
Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa	Manhattan Avenue Hotel
Jumeirah Beach Hotel	Qamardeen Hotel
Jumeirah Emirates Towers	Radisson Blue Hotel, Dubai Media City
JW Marriott Hotel	Ramee Royal Hotel
Kempinski Hotel Mall of The Emirates	Regent Palace Hotel, Dubai
Le Meridien Dubai	Towers Rotana Hotel
Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa	Traders Hotel
Media Rotana Hotel Al Barsha
Mina A' Salam Hotel
One & Only Royal Mirage Dubai
Park Hyatt Dubai
Raffles Dubai
Renaissance Dubai Hotel
Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai
Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort & Towers
Taj Palace Hotel Dubai
The Address Down Town Burj Dubai
The Montgomerie Hotel
The Palace Hotel - The Old Town
The Ritz-Carlton Dubai Hotel

Public Transport: Public Transport in Dubai includes traveling in buses whether in city or inter-emirates. Bus services are large and expansive as it’s the most cheapest and easiest way to reach any destination. Currently RTA runs 504 buses on peak schedules on 62 bus routes. On weekends, Fridays and public holidays schedules are re-arranged to accommodate increasing passenger traffic.

RTA also organizes night bus services which operate between 23.30 till 6.00 pm in the morning. This bus service is linked with regular bus service maintaining the fluidity in the timetable of buses.

RTA also connects itself with other Emirates in UAE with Inter-Emirates bus service via 11 routes, 12 take off points and 17 drop off points.

Bus timetables can be found on RTA’s official website.

Dubai Taxi: Dubai Taxi has its own official website as Dubai Taxi Corporation. Dubai Taxi is a public transport service availed by many visitors as its convenient and offers more privacy and luxury. Whether you book a pre-paid taxi or negotiate for a more agreeable rate, taxis are generally more preferred way of traveling in Dubai. Various services are offered by Dubai Taxi Corporation to suit each individual visitor. These include direct booking service via a 24-hour phone number where the taxi will arrive in 15 minutes to your preferred destination. Also is available Dubai Airport service for airport shuttle, Special Needs service for physically handicapped passengers, Taxi Parking service where you can hire a taxi from any one of the taxi ranks across Dubai and Ladies Taxi Service especially for ladies and families. Fares for different taxi services can be found on Dubai Taxi Corporations official site.

Dubai Metro: To learn more about Dubai Metro you can visit the post

http://blog.dubai.com/dubai-metro-solving-traffic-snarls/

Water Taxis: Water travel assumes much importance in Dubai as it connects old and new Dubai via Dubai Creek. It is one of the oldest and traditional methods of getting across from Bur Dubai to Deira through ‘Abras’ or waterbus. While the Abras are more conventional, the waterbus is an advanced version of the Abra; a more luxurious and comfortable approach to water transport. Water taxi time tables can be viewed on RTA official website.

Air Travel: Traveling within the Emirates or arriving from an outside country to Dubai, Air Travel proposes services to its customers like no other. Especially the Dubai International Airport is known more for its Duty Free Shopping rather than its main function i.e. as a travel medium. To learn more about Dubai International Airport visit the post http://blog.dubai.com/dubai-international-airport/

and for Duty Free Shopping visit the post http://blog.dubai.com/dubai-duty-free-shopping/