Dubai
Dubai in an extreme example of foreign occupation. 75 percent of its 1.5 million residents are foreigners. In Dubai you will easily meet a Philippines security guard or an Indian taxi drivers. In higher society there are many executives running various businesses, both local and foreign investments. Many hotels are manned by foreigners, from the General Managers to chefs and housekeeping staffs.
TRANSPORTATION
Dubai is well connected to main cities worldwide, not only to international hubs like Frankfurt or Singapore but also to smaller cities – in term of airline traffic – like Jakarta. At the moment, taxi is the only public transportation available in Dubai. The government is building a skytrain network, but will not be completed before 2010.
PLACE OF INTEREST
Construction of Burj Dubai is getting closer to completion. Built up to 818 high, it will be braking the record of Taipei 101 as the highest skyscrapers of the world by a significant 300 meters difference. So high that it will be the only building on earth where elevators are allowed to remain in operation on fire.
Armani Hotel has reserved a number of floors in the building, but the majority of the building will be operated by Burj Al Arab at the very luxurious manner. Whist the management declared an operation at five-star grade, many publication medias preferred to talk about seven-star.
Designed by Tom Wright, with the exterior in the shape of boat sail soaring up to the sky, this building definitely deserve an iconic status. Only hotel guests are allowed to enter. The interior represents Arabian taste of luxury with domination of gold, red, green, and blue colors throughout.
Jumeirah Beach Strip, Tel. 971 4 3017777, www.jumeirah.com
The Dubai Museum is the right place to look back into the history of the country. Located inside Fort Al Fahidi built in 1787, the museum displays the history in form of diorama. There are a room in form of old market place completed with working ironsmiths, prototype of fishermen fishing for pearl, and many more.
Fort Al Fahidi, Bur Dubai, Tel. 971 4 3531862, open for public every day.
ACCOMMODATION
Al Maha Desert Resort is suitable to those seeking for authentic middle east sensation. This luxurious resort is located within a natural conservation area in the middle of Arabian desert. Guest can enjoy their time watching wild oryx in the back yard from their private swimming pool.
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Tel. 971 4 8329900, www.al-maha.com, price starts from $881
Located in Dubai Marina area, The Harbor Hotel and Residence offers breath taking views of Dubai downtown with its soaring skyscrappers and the coastline filled with luxurious yachts.
Al Sufouh Road, Dubai Marina, Tel. 971 4 319400, www.emirateshotelsresorts.com. A special deal of one night free on three nights stay is available at $260 per night.
DINING
Consisting of 44 different restaurants, Madinat Jumeirah has something fits to every stomach. Some interesting highlights include traditional afternoon tea at Al Samar Lounge with its liquid and relaxing atmosphere. We spend our time at its terrace whilst enjoying the garden and the Burj al Arab in a distance.
Jumeirah Beach Strip, Tel. 971 4 3665000, www.jumeirah.com
If Dubai holds a culinary competition then Sukhotai may comes as the winner. This Thai restaurant is located at the back yard of Le Meridien Hotel. The interior is accented by various Thai elements from the doorsteps to every little corners. Among the must try items from its menu is som tam goong sod, fresh prawn in spicy salad.
Le Meridien Dubai, Garhoud, Tel. 971 4 2170000, www.starwoodhotels.com
SHOPPING
If Mall of the Emirates has sky area, Dubai Mall has Dubai Aquarium. The giant water tank hosts 33 thousands marine creatures behind its glass wall. When it comes to shopping, Dubai Mall has all world’s top end brands from Hermes to Gucci, including fabulous department store Bloomingdale’s opening in 2010.
Financial Centre Road, Tel. 971 4 4373200, www.thedubaimall.com
For unique and cheap souvenirs, Karama has everything, from camel shaped ash tray to colorful belly dancing costume. Most sellers are Indian and though in setting their price. Your bargaining skill gets the top challenge here.
Al Karama District, close to Za’abeel Road
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