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11 Issue 116 May 2015
International Media Production Zone
Volume
Arabian Experience
Spa rituals of the desert
How about a ‘sparty’?
Special Feature
Magical Arabia
Just plain out of this world!
Global cities
Dubai
15 not-to-miss bucket list activities
Sublime Moroccan treat . Sojourn by the Nile
TRAVEL TREATS
Abu Dhabi summer jamboree . Ajman palatial bliss
KSA sr 15 UAE aed 15 OMAN ro 1.5
BHRbd1.5 QATARqr15 KUWAITkd1.5
DO YOU TRAVEL
TO SEE OR
TO DISCOVER?
Isn’t the real excitement of travel about discovering something new? At InterContinental®
we use our local knowledge of a destination so you can enjoy what makes it unique.
In London, for example, our Concierges will help you explore the city’s lesser known
historic markets such as Leadenhall; a beautifully covered Victorian arcade nestled
amongst the city’s modern skyscrapers, offering some of the finest food and boutique
stores in London. Whatever you choose to do, we can help you discover truly authentic
experiences that will stay with you long after you come home.
Do you live an InterContinental life?
As a valued IHG® Rewards Club member, the luxuries continue:
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In over 170 locations across the globe including DUBA I • KUA L A LUMPUR • LONDON • SINGA POR E
www.travia360.com
Publisher
KGI
Address
Travel Arabia Head Office
Office G4, Building No.1
Phase One, P.O.Box 502408
Dubai Media City, UAE
Tel +971 4 391 0410/1/2/3
Fax +971 4 391 6619
CEO
Hekmat el Zein
General Manager
Shaza Sharaffdeen
Editor
Jojo Dass
dass@kalimatgroup.com
Features Writer
Ayesha Attique
* Mediterranean: The islands are the main characteristic of Greece’s morphology and an integral part of the country’s culture and tradition.
EDITOR’S NOTE
For the 22nd edition of Arabian Travel Market, we present magical Arabia!
A flying carpet, Sinbad, Ali Baba’s “Abracadabra,” the Jinni, Aladdin’s magic lamp and more – the
offspring of belly dancing Scheherazade’s wild imaginations live today in desert camp-outs and off-thewall entertainments.
The magic of Arabia was borne from stories prepared by Scheherazade, who escaped death from a
paranoid husband by telling him a thousand and one bedtime stories from whose characters and plots
present-day planners derive out-of-this-world visions of the future.
And so you have a ski slope in the middle of the desert – and a skating rink, too! A man-made island in the
shape of a giant palm with high-rise hotels. The world’s longest unmanned rail train network. And now,
underwater hotels; a six-metre-deep canal with more hotels, a shopping centre and restaurants linking
Dubai Creek to the Arabian Gulf; and, yes, an “Aladdin City,” where dragon-shaped, air-conditioned
bridges have moving floors connecting towers, parking lots and driveways.
Across the region are at least five state-of-the-art rail projects from Abu Dhabi to Doha, Jeddah and
Riyadh, and the Makkah Grand Mosque redevelopment.
Indeed, Scheherazade, the virgin – the last remaining one during her time, at that! – who had the
misfortune of being married to a bedeviled sultan killing his wives after honeymoon, would have loved
to see all this and, perhaps add some more – a camel singing a karaoke tune, for instance, or whatever
have you.
Guest Writers
Monica Kapila
Gemma Q. Casas
Kate Midttun
Sibylle Zita Mueller
Doreen Jose (North Africa)
Photographer
Naseer M. Siddiquee
Maher Youssef
Creative Manager
Karen Haroon
Creative Designer
Najeeb Hamza
Sales & Marketing Director
Syed Muhammad Arif
arif@kalimatgroup.com
Business Development Director
Mazen Abdallah
mazen@kalimatgroup.com
Circulation Manager
Ihab Abdallah
Distributor
Jashanmal National Co. LLC
Travel Arabia Lebanon Office
Riad el solh 11072070
P.O.Box 11-1197, Beirut, Lebanon
Tel +961 3 435 780
Fax +961 7 762 104
Read on.
Jojo Dass
Editor
Travel Arabia disclaimer
All text and layout remains the copyright of KGI
unless stated otherwise. Travel Arabia is fully
independent, and its views are not those of any
company mentioned herein.
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without the written permission of the publisher.
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Travel Arabia
9
CONTENT
may 2015
FEATURES
EDITOR’S NOTE
Our take on current
09
ON THE COVER
22
events, and more.
Volume
28
Global cities
So Dubai!
WE HEAR YOU
This month, readers take
a break, relax and
speak out
13
Arabian Experience
Spa rituals of the desert
How about a ‘sparty’?
34
Special Feature
Magical Arabia
Just plain out of this world!
special feature
Global cities
Magical Arabia
TRAVEL TREATS
Check out our top picks
fashion
what’s on the catwalk
Dubai
15 not-to-miss bucket list activities
17
Sublime Moroccan treat . Sojourn by the Nile
TRAVEL TREATS
Abu Dhabi summer jamboree . Ajman palatial bliss
38
KSA sr 15 UAE aed 15 OMAN ro 1.5
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arabian
11 Issue 116 May 2015
International Media Production Zone
DEPARTMENTS
experience
Spa rituals of the desert
68
44
holidays
Magical Arabia
46
Experiences that are just plain out of this world. (Contributed photo)
73
STOP & SHOP
A quick look at our
monthly vitrine
70
56
Short
Breaks
Uniquely UAE
74
Travel Arabia 11
Experience the all new
Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights.
Now Open.
Just 10 minutes away from the airport, business
and entertainment districts; connect, relax and recharge
while we take care of all the details which matter most.
For reservations, call +971 4 209 6922
or visit dubaicreek.regency.hyatt.com
© 2015 Hyatt Corp. HYATT name, design, and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved.
THIS MONTH, READERS TAKE A BREAK, RELAX AND SPEAK OUT
Gourmet temples and
global casseroles
Why
London?
Why not?
A dozen top shopping
destinations not
to mention major
attractions, how could
you ever go wrong?
L
ondon is the political, economic and
cultural capital of Britain. You can
visit the Queen’s official residence
at Buckingham Palace and tour the
Houses of Parliament, historic home of the UK
government.
The city has five international airports connecting
it to over 50 countries within a three-hour flight
time; over 300 international destinations have
direct links to London. It also has the high-speed
Eurostar rail link.
London, as they put it, is a “city at the centre
of the world – and a world in one city.” Around
230 languages are spoken here and you’ll find
a wealth of different cultures and communities
throughout the capital.
The city’s history goes back over thousands
of years, and the it boasts four World Heritage
Sites: the Palace of Westminster and Westminster
Abbey, the Tower of London, Maritime Greenwich
and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
London’s world-class tourist attractions are
renowned across the globe. Many of the most
famous attractions are free to visit, for example
Tate Modern, the National Gallery and the
Victoria and Albert Museum.
Meantime, the river Thames runs through
the heart of London, from Richmond in the
west, through the central London borough of
Westminster, to Greenwich in the east. London
river cruises and river buses are a great way to
see the city.
Interestingly, about one third of London is
devoted to parks and open spaces, so there are
plenty of places to relax on fine days. Make sure
you visit The Royal Parks as well as Hampstead
Heath in North London, which offers amazing
views over the city.
Good news for the gourmands, London has
over 6,000 with some 65 of them Michelinstarred restaurants. Several celebrity chefs are
based here, and there are plenty of good, less
expensive options, too.
Want to bring your kids to London? They’ll
have a great time. London is full of child-friendly
attractions, and many – including the Science
Museum and Natural History Museum – are free
to visit.
Whether you want to stay in a well-known
five-star hotel or a cosy bed and breakfast or a
cheap backpackers’ hostel, London offers a wide
range of quality accommodation.
One never gets lost in London, which has a
fantastic transport system, with its Tube, red
Dear editor.
Your special dining edition (April 2015) was
gorgeous!
Yes, Dubai has come a really long way to become the
city of “gourmet temples and global casseroles,” as
your article so wonderfully put it.
With thousands of hotel restaurants and thousands
more stand-alone ones, indeed, it’s every chef to his
best shot – which is why it is always a pleasure to
go dining in the city; you’ll never really run out of
options, never can you go full circle because there
will always be something new on a menu here and
there to try and savour.
In this context, Dubai is a wonderful gourmand’s
paradise, an epicurean delight, a bon vivant’s haven.
Also loved the piece about the star chefs and, yes,
your run down of the “Top Tables,” the mostpreferred dining venues in the city.
All said, cheers!
Megan Courel
Bristol, UK
Dear Ms Courel,
That was really flattering. Thanks so much. Yes, from
shawarmas to Lobster Thermidor – the choices are just
so vast.
Editor
Travel Arabia
Read with approval your latest edition’s piece
on traveling to London. Indeed one never gets
wrong going to a place with a dozen top shopping
destinations not to mention major attractions.
I would just like to add data from VisitBritain, the
United Kingdom’s tourism body, which, in its latest
report, said that the UK welcomed 2.08 million visits
in February 2015, a figure five percent less than the
same period last year.
It added, “Over the three months from December
2014, holiday and VFR visits posted decreases of six
percent and five percent respectively, while business
visits rose seven percent.”
What I found interesting to note was how exchange
rates play a vital role.
Said VisitBritain: “In recent months, the sterling
has strengthened against the euro – making the UK
a relatively more expensive destination for visitors
from euro countries, while sterling has weakened
against the dollar, resulting in the UK becoming a
comparatively cheaper destination for US visitors
than previously.
There, I hope this helps put things into perspective.
Anwen Carter
Staffordshire, England
Dear Ms. Carter
Thanks for sharing.
Editor
London? Why not?
1
Dear editor
Travel Arabia 13
LET’S DO IT THIS summer
A selection of events in the region
over 300 non-consecutive weeks on the billboard
charts, this band that was formed in 1969 have
some of the biggest hits under their belts and
they are now coming to Dubai. Performing
the entire list of songs from their latest album
“Legend” which includes all-time classics such as
“No Woman No Cry” and “Buffalo Soldier”, The
Wailers are ready to jam at the Irish village for one
night only.
More details at http://www.theirishvillage.com/
news-and-events
Enquiries and reservations: Call + 971 4 239
5000, +971 4 2824750/ +971 4 2824752; or
email info@theirishvillage.com.
Al Gaffal Traditional 60ft
Dhow Race 2015
Arabian Travel Market
2015
May 4 – 7, 2015
Dubai World Trade Centre
ATM is the most popular annual travel and
tourism event in the region. Designed to
unlock the business potential within the
Middle East for inbound and outbound
tourism professionals, ATM has been held
annually at the Dubai World Trade Centre
for 19 years and counting. With over 2,500
exhibitors, and 15,000 meetings set at the
2014 event, ATM is the region’s premier
travel trade forum and exhibition.
Enquiries and registration: + 971
4 364 2811 or visit http://www.
arabiantravelmarket.com/
1st Oman Dragon Boat
Festival
May 8 -9, 2015
Millennium Resort Mussanah
The event will include the famous 300-metre
dragon boat racing, a family carnival, BBQ
party and a fun filled day for the whole
family.
Enquiries and registration: Call +971 4 311
6651 (UAE) or +968 9885 4561 (Oman)
for entry forms; or r visit http://www.
dragonboatmea.com/
For hotel reservations: Email reservations.
mrmo@millenniumhotels.com or call +968
26871518
Italian Opera Gala at
Madinat Theater
8pm May 14, 2015
Madinat Theatre, Madinat Jumeirah
Admission:
AED 150, AED 175, AED 250
Expect to hear some of the classics at this
musical night. Don Giovanni, Barbiere di
Siviglia and more will be performed by a
talented lineup of artists.
Enquiries and reservations: https://
madinatjumeirah.etixdubai.com/shows/
show.aspx?sh=ITALIAN15
The Wailers Live at The
Irish Village
7pm May 21, 2015
The Irish Village
Garhoud, Dubai, U.A.E..
Admission: AED 130
The Wailers are one of the music industry’s
finest and greatest bands. Having spent
May 23, 2015
Admission: RTA Dubai Ferry silver class ticketsAED 275, RTA Dubai Ferry gold class ticketsAED 375
Telephone:
The Al Gaffal Dhow Race is a traditional sailing
race designed to honour the pearl divers who were
integral to the emirate’s development as a young
trading port. Celebrating its 25th anniversary
in 2015 the race features around 100 traditional
boats, measuring 60 feet each.
To watch the races book a Dubai Ferry with the
RTA. Tickets are on sale from April 30.
Enquiries and reservations: Call 600 555559
International Jewellery &
Watch Show Abu Dhabi
May 5 – 9, 2015
Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre
Abu Dhabi, uae
Dedicated to all who are passionate about
exquisite fashion jewellery, the event showcases
some of the best names in the business, the latest
jewellery & watch trends.
Enquiries and reservations: Call +971 2 4917615
or visit http://www.jws.ae/
Muscat International
Jewellery Exhibition
May 26 – 30, 2015
Oman International Exhibition Centre
The IJEX Muscat features the finest in gold, silver
and diamonds as well as other precious stones
and beads, providing a rare glimpse of the rich
artistry at the heart of an international collection
on display.
Enquiries and reservations:
Call +968 24 512100 or
visit www.omanexhibitions.com
Travel Arabia 15
TRAVEL TREATS
CHECK OUT OUR TOP PICKS
17 top holiday choices
From Dubai to Doha and on to Alexandria
1
Iconic beachfront indulgence
Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa, a distinct fivestar beachfront resort located in Dubai has joined
the Autograph Collection, Marriott International’s
exclusive global portfolio of independently owned
hotels.
The new partnership will elevate the Habtoor Grand
Resort & Spa’s iconic status throughout the region
by participating in Autograph’s global sales and
marketing channels, the award-winning Marriott
Rewards frequent travel program and the company’s management and franchise expertise.
Autograph Collection is an evolving ensemble of
strikingly independent hotels, with each destina-
tion thoughtfully selected for its bold originality,
rich character and uncommon details. With this
partnership, Autograph Collection is also able to
leverage the expertise of a successful local brand
with a strong heritage to further expand its footprint
across the region.
“We are incredibly proud to be adding the Habtoor
Grand Beach Resort & Spa to our unique portfolio
of independent hotels across the globe. Autograph
Collection is known for creating authentic experiences at hotels that have rich personalities and a
spirit of independence. The combination of distinct
leisure and culinary experiences and an iconic lo-
cation in Dubai provides guests and travelers with a
truly unique travel experience that fits perfectly with
Autograph collection.” said Julius Robinson, Vice
President, Autograph Collection.
The hotel also welcomes a new Consultant General Manager, Rick Zeolla who will lead the beachfront property with more than 25 years of hospitality
experience and welcome guests looking for a bespoke travel experience.
“It is a great honour to be a part of the first Autograph Collection property in the region, set in a
distinct beach-front location and in one of Dubai’s
most sought after neighbourhoods,” said Zeolla.
Travel Arabia 17
TRAVEL TREATS
Perfect 10 in
Doha
3
2
Maldivian treat for the family
The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, flagship property
of Sun Siyam Resorts, is offering guests the
chance to escape to paradise with the full family, without breaking the bank.
A stay at this truly beautiful Maldivian getaway
now comes less expensive to families as a
child can travel from Male to the resort on the
exclusive seaplanes for free, when another
child’s place is reserved. As well, the adult
return seaplane journey has also been reduced
by 10%, making it $475 return.
Available on travel between March 1, 2015 and
June 26, 2015, this offer will help bring families
together on this magical resort island and can
even be combined with the phenomenal “Kids
Stay, Play and Eat for Free” offer.
Two children under the age of 12
stay for free when their parents
book a Deluxe Beach Villa or
Sunrise Deluxe Beach Villa,
and three kids stay for free
when staying in a Beach
Pool Villa. They eat for free
from the buffet or kids menu
at Iru Restaurant and receive
18 Travel Arabia
75 percent off all a la carte menus throughout
the resort. In addition, children can enjoy being kids at the resort’s amazing “Koamas” kids
club, which features its own pool, indoor and
outdoor play areas as well as a packed calendar of fun activities for the little ones.
A paradise beach resort located in the Noonu
Atoll Maldives, The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi features 221 luxury ocean-front villas, including 70
over-water bungalows, 14 restaurant and bar
choices, a 20-room tropical spa, and range
of activities and local explorations. The resort
is committed to offering boutique service on
a grand scale, balancing exceptional facilities
and heartfelt service with a wider dedicated focus on the surrounding community.
The resorts “Exploration and Discovery” activities take advantage of the surrounding natural
beauty and rich culture, ensuring guests come
away feeling like they have had a true Maldivian experience: from kids’ club cooking classes
and visits to the local habited islands
Enquiries and reservations:
Call +960 300 0868 or visit
www.thesunsiyam.com/irufushi
Four Seasons Hotel Doha, an award-winning oasis-like property ideally located on a private beach
in the heart of Doha’s cosmopolitan city, is pleased
to kick off a year of celebration in honor of the
hotel’s 10th anniversary. Recognized as a global
hospitality leader for the past decade, Four Seasons Hotel Doha first opened its doors on April 23,
2005 and has since accommodated more than
1.12 million guests, all of whom have experienced
exceptional service, luxurious accommodations
and exquisite culinary offerings.
To commemorate the milestone anniversary, Four
Seasons Hotel Doha is offering a decade worth of
promotional opportunities that range from spa and
culinary, to a chance to win an annual visit for the
next 10 years, including:
• Perfect 10 • 10 percent discount on Best Available Rate
• 10 percent discount on Food & Beverage
throughout stay
• 10 percent discount at The Spa
• Commemorative Anniversary amenity
• Available April 23, 2015 to December 30,
2015
The Spa is also featuring the rejuvenating and
youthful 80-minute Peaceful Touch treatment that
combines synergy of different massage techniques
spanning the globe – from Ancient Egyptian, Royal
Thai, Lomi Lomi, to Scandinavian and Moroccan,
resulting in a relaxing respite for the body and
mind. The Spa will also donate 10 percent of the
proceeds from the Peaceful Touch treatments to
a local charity.
Enquiries and reservations:
Call +974 4494 8888 or book online.
4
Ajman palatial bliss
The Ajman Palace Hotel has launched an unbeatable
Summer Promotion Package to help you escape
from the hot summer days.
Ferghal Purcell, General Manager of The Ajman Palace Hotel, said that the resort, set on a private beach,
is ideal for family fun. “Whether you are planning an
annual summer vacation or or a short break, the
Summer Promotion Package has been designed to
make your holiday memorable during this often hectic
season.”
The hotel offers two specially designed summer
promotion packages to give your family the ultimate
escape. The first package offers three-night stay
in a Deluxe Room for AED1,500, while the second
package offers two night accommodation in a Deluxe
Room for AED1,100.
The package includes complimentary breakfast at
all-day-dining restaurant, complimentary Internet service, free access to beach, pool, lifestyle health club,
and a whooping discount of 30 per cent at the Spa.
Depending on availability, the hotel will also upgrade
your accommodation to Sea View Deluxe Room for
free, with an option for late check-out till 3pm. The
offer allows two adults and one child below 12 years
per room in existing bed, while children accompany-
ing the paying parents will get 50 per cent off on Food
& Beverage.
To avail the package, make your bookings before
May 30, 2015, for arrivals from May 10 to Sept.10,
2015. Any reservations/amendments must be made
at least one day in advance.
Enquiries and reservations:
Visit http://www.TheAjmanPalace.com
The package includes complimentary breakfast at
the all-day-dining restaurant and complimentary
Internet service among others.
Sublime
Moroccan retreat
5
Before bracing the heat of the Middle East’s
summer months, residents of the region
can treat themselves to four days of sublime therapy at Palais Namaskar, Marrakech, a gem of the Oetker Collection.
The four-day wellness experience at the
luxurious Palais Namaskar, will have guests
feeling transformed in body and mind, leaving with vital lessons for a healthier lifestyle. The serene natural surroundings and
peaceful spa will seduce guests into relaxation, until the stresses of a busy life are
finally relinquished. There are personalised
therapies inspired by the guiding principles
of Feng Shui; purity, energy and balance, to
discover a complete sense of rejuvenation.
The Wellness offer includes a three-night
stay with an “Earth & Health” breakfast for
two; roundtrip airport transfers in private
car; an organic “Earth & Health” lunch for
two; and sport activities by a “Champion
Spirit” coach among others.
Enquiries and reservations:
Visit www.namaskar.grandluxuryhotels.com
Travel Arabia 19
TRAVEL TREATS
6
Three-month
Abu Dhabi
summer jamboree
7
Two-bedroom family suites
The Oberoi, Dubai announces the launch of its Two
Bedroom Family Suites. Each of these family suites
comes with a private balcony offering breathtaking
views of the city’s most incredible architectural marvel, the Burj Khalifa.
These Two Bedroom Family Suites span over an expansive 200 square metres encompassing a grand
master bedroom, a richly-furnished living room, a
dining room for six guests, Italian marble bathrooms
with a double vanity counter. Floor-to-ceiling windows in all rooms allow an abundant flow of natural
light. Furnished in hues of white, beige and touches
of red, the décor of these suites exudes warmth and
comfort while the tasteful abstract art by Mrinmoy
Barua adds a touch of exotic elegance.
Exquisite restaurants offer a wide range of the finest international cuisine. Chic and sophisticated,
they are filled with natural light and afford matchless
views of Dubai’s iconic skyline. Umai offers contemporary Japanese cuisine, Ananta serves Indian
cuisine with a modern twist while our all-day dinning
Nine7One is home to world-cuisine.
After a long day sightseeing or shopping, guests can
relax in The Lobby Bar where the hotel’s friendly and
talented mixologists will create a bespoke mocktails
and cocktails. Guests can also enjoy over 30 vareities of shisha in the tranquil surroundings of the hotel’s courtyard which is adorned with an expansive
water body home to frangipani trees and sample the
delights of this traditional Middle Eastern ritual.
At The Oberoi Spa, an extensive menu offers range
of body and beauty treatments including Ayurveda,
Aromatherapy, Balinese, Classical Swedish, Shiatsu
and Thai massages, exotic body scrubs, floral baths
20 Travel Arabia
and revitalizing beauty treatments using chemicalfree organic products from Sodashi.
Every guest at The Oberoi, Dubai enjoys the convenience of in-room check-in and access to 24 hour
Butler service, complimentary daily yoga classes
and use of the gymnasium, open 24 hours a day,
and the infinity swimming pool. Complimentary highspeed WiFi and scheduled transfers to Dubai Mall
and World Trade Centre are also included.
Enquiries and reservations:
Call +971 4444 1444 or
e-mail reservations.todb@oberoihotels.com
Guests at The Oberoi, Dubai enjoy the convenience of a 24 hour Butler service.
Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA
Abu Dhabi) has unveiled the Abu Dhabi
Summer Season programme for 2015, a
thrilling show-packed summer season for all
the family.
Abu Dhabi Summer Season – featuring
headline theatre shows, a world famous illusionist, live international children’s shows,
top Arab and European comedy acts, and
live concerts will take place across the emirate with events in Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain and
Al Gharbia (Western Region) for almost three
months.
The Summer Season will run from June 11,
2015 to Sept. 5, 2015 with the
period covering the school
holidays, Ramadan and
Eid Al Fitr.
Promising “Fun for
All,” the season of
major events will also
involve malls, attractions and hotels to make
Abu Dhabi an attractive
proposition in which to spend summer.
TCA Abu Dhabi has teamed up with leading UAE event organisers to bring some
spectacular events and deliver a memorable
three-month season for our stay-at-home
residents and visitors, particularly from the
GCC, India and Europe. Flash, Alchemy
Project, YAK Events and MBC Group will
deliver a programme packed with different
headline shows from across the world.
A wide-scale marketing and promotional
campaign to promote the summer season
has been launched across the GCC and
India.
Abu Dhabi-based FLASH Entertainment will
be bringing a weekend comedy extravaganza of international and regional comedians
to Abu Dhabi city. To help celebrate the first
night of Eid Al Fitr, Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed Abdo will serenade his legions of fans
at Yas Island’s du Forum, while fans of Emirati singer Habeeb Alyasy will be treated to
two of his performances in Al Ain and on Yas
Island.
Alchemy Project will be bringing six shows to
the emirate for Abu Dhabi Summer Season
with a total of 44 performances in Abu Dhabi
city, Al Ain and the Western Region.
YAK Events will be bringing a ‘Comedy Friday’, and Indian singing sensation Shreya
Ghosal to Abu Dhabi as part of the summer
season.
Enquiries and reservations:
Visit abudhabisummerseason.ae
8
Sports car thrill
Following a successful test drive in 2014, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts shifts into the fast
lane with the global launch of Waldorf Astoria
Driving Experiences, now bookable for guests
across North America, Europe, and the United
Arab Emirates at 12 of the brand’s 26 hotels
and resorts.
The package includes access to new Ferrari,
McLaren, Lamborghini, and Porsche models,
tips from experienced racing professionals,
and the opportunity to drive along beautiful predetermined routes giving guests a truly unforgettable day on the road.
Waldorf Astoria Driving Experiences provides
guests with a premier supercar driving experience that gives each guest the thrill of driving a
Ferrari 458 Italia, McLaren MP4-12C, Porsche
GT3, Lamborghini Huracan, and Lamborghini
Gallardo.
9
World-class professional racecar driver Didier
Theys returns as the Americas Driving Director,
in addition to two new award-winning Driving
Directors in Europe and UAE – Vanina Ickx and
Eric Van De Poele, respectively.
Corporate group packages are also available to
add adrenaline to any meeting.
Enquiries and reservations:
call 1-800-WALDORF (1-800-925-3673)
or www.waldorfastoria.com/drivingexperiences.
Five-star bathroom elegance
Hansgrohe, the German bathroom specialist, has
been selected to bring contemporary elegance to
Abu Dhabi’s newest luxury hotel - Four Seasons.
This landmark waterfront five-star property will equip
its bathrooms with Hansgrohe and Axor products
that are in line with the hotel’s stylish and exquisite
design. Located at Al Maryah Island, Four Seasons
Abu Dhabi will set new standards in hospitality, with
elegant accommodation and five-star facilities in an
architecturally stunning building.
Complementing the sophisticated interior décor of
the luxury hotel will be the award winning Hansgrohe
PuraVida mixers. These slim-line mixers, which will be
featured across the guest rooms, will perfectly embody the purist design concept of the hotel.
The Axor Citterio M range will add a touch of simplistic luxury to the hotel’s 127 apartments. The collection is the result of a collaboration between Axor,
the designer brand of Hansgrohe and the Milanese
architect and designer Antonio Citterio. Axor Citterio
M is characterized by strikingly slender forms, lightness and an overall appearance of elegance. Selected in line with the overall contemporary styling of the
property, the fittings represent the fine art of ageless
design and are beautifully integrated into the diverse
bathroom style.
The Four Seasons at Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi will
open its doors end of 2015 and is equipped with 200
guestrooms,45 serviced apartments, 73 apartments
for annual lease and sale including two penthouses.
The hotel also houses five F&B outlets and a garden
set alongside a waterfront promenade with spectacular views of the Sowwah Square bay and the Abu
Dhabi skyline
Enquiries and reservations: www.bncnetwork.
net/.../Four_Seasons...Al_Maryah_Island/E9nB
10
Best Airport Hotel
Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain added another prestigious award to its growing list of achievements,
winning Best Airport Hotel in the Middle East at the
2015 Skytrax World Airport Awards in Paris. It also
ranks as one of the top 10 airport hotels in the
world.
Established in 1999 when Skytrax launched its
first global Airport Customer Satisfaction Survey,
the non-profit World Airport Awards invited 13 million global travellers over a span of nine months to
elect a winner. It is perceived as a global benchmark in airport and hospitality excellence.
“Being a great airport hotel isn’t just about having
a convenient location close to an airport,” says
Hotel General Manager Daniel Kaan. “Our team is
exceptionally proud of this achievement, which reflects the effort they put into making weary air travellers feel instantly welcomed in a new city through
a variety of exemplary initiatives.”
Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax said “winning this
global award underlines the popularity of Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain. The awards recognise hotels
that combine convenience, comfort and top quality
service as an integrated package for today’s travellers, and Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain was a high performer in all of these categories to win this year’s
award for Best Airport Hotel in the Middle East.”
The 2015 awards for best airport hotels were
based on nominations from around 1.5 million
airport hotel guests, evaluating key performance
indicators in guest satisfaction. These included
leisure, fitness and spa facilities, quality of food,
cleanliness, comfort and accessibility to the airport, amongst others.
Just a two-minute walk from Bahrain International
Airport, the 106-room Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain is
only 15 minutes by car from the business centre of
Manama. The boutique hotel overlooks the sprawling Arad Bay Lagoon, one of Bahrain’s protected
areas. Award-winning dining experiences and
Rimal Spa, which features non-invasive therapies
in 12 treatment rooms, add to the offering. The hotel also values its thoughtful environmental footprint
and won the award for Best Sustainable Hotel in Arabia at the recent
International Hotel Awards.
Enquiries and reservations: Visit
www.moevenpick-hotels.com
Travel Arabia 21
TRAVEL TREATS
Mussanah room
stay delight
12
11
Alexandria beach holiday
Discover another side to a beach-front holiday in
Egypt, with a family vacation in Alexandria this summer.
With echoes of its legendary status as a glam Mediterranean resort still lending the city a charming elegance and plenty of historical sites to give the children
a dose of holiday culture along with the sun, beach
and plenty of fun, there couldn’t be a better time to
visit Alexandria.
Families looking for a great resort-style vacation on
the shores of the Med can look forward to receiving incredible value
during the summer holidays as
Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano offers a
special Suite Stay with 15%
off or 50% when booking a
connecting room for kids until
July 15th, 2015. Young guests
will also be pampered with special
kiddie treats – including a personalised welcome
amenity and children-sized bathrobes throughout
their stay.
From the nine restaurants and lounges offering different cuisines, two-storey spa, infinity pool, fitness
center, squash court, private beach access and direct link to a shopping mall with a cinema complex
– there’s plenty to keep the entire family happy without ever stepping out of the relaxing sanctuary that is
Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano.
But for those venturing further, the dynamic sea-port
city is a fascinating destination with a rich history
awaiting exploration. Families can spend their vacation admiring the stunning architectural masterpiece
that is the Bibliotheca Alexandria, delve into the city’s
fascinating past at the Catacombs of Shouqafa, Roman amphitheatre and Montaza Palace or take in
the bustling contemporary vibe with a horse-cart ride
22 Travel Arabia
down the Corniche – an experience that is essential to any visit to Alexandria. A boattour during the
day and a fishing trip are other exciting summer time
experiences to look forward to with the entire family.
Once back at the hotel, kids can jump in a variety of
memorable and educational activities at the “Alex the
Camel” Kid’s Club where a daily “Kids For All Seasons”
program of professionally organized and supervised
activities are offered on a complimentary basis to all
of the Hotel’s youngest guests. From swimming pool
games, face painting, necklace making, painting,
drawing, arts and crafts to outdoor playground, there
is lots to keep the kids happily occupied for hours
while they create unforgettable memories. While kids
make new friends, parents can head to the Hotel’s
Spa for relaxation.
Enquiries and reservations:
http://www.fourseasons.com
Take a short drive to total relaxation in Oman with
the special summer offers from Millennium Resort
Mussanah from May 2015 to September 2015 and
choose the right promotion for you from the selection below.
The Stay a Little Longer Promotion encourages you
to spend just one more night relaxing at Millennium
Resort Mussanah by offering you the third night free
of charge. In other words, book three nights in a
deluxe or superior room and you will pay for only
two. Based on best available rate for the days you
select.
Extra bed and sea view upgrade supplements apply. Base on room only.
The Family Favorite Bed & Breakfast Package gives
you a break on that second room when travelling
with children. Give the kids their own space without
it costing a fortune.
The package covers overnight stay in a Deluxe
room; free upgrade to sea view (based on availability); bed and breakfast basis for two adults; 50%
discount on the second room for family with children
up to 16 years old; extra bed on BB supplement;
breakfast for 2 persons.
Bookings must be made at least two days in advance. Reservations must be made via reservations.mrmo@millenniumhotels.com quoting “The
family favorite offer”.
Stay and Spa Promotion offers that little extra indulgence with a classic relax massage for two including an overnight stay in a Deluxe room; breakfast
two persons, all taxes included; and Classic Relax
Massage for two persons (30 minutes each)
Summer Value Meal Offer which is designed to help
you with your budget for the whole family.
Enquiries and reservations: Call +968 26871518
visit reservations.mrmo@millenniumhotels.com
Shop and win at
Dubai Mall
13
The Dubai Mall, the world’s most-visited retail and entertainment destination, is offering
visitors the opportunity to be rewarded for
weekday shopping.
For every AED 300 spent at the mall on
retail, dining or leisure from Sunday to
Wednesday, visitors have the opportunity
to triple their chances to win AED 50,000
weekly.
The promotion runs until May 11, 2015,
and is valid across all outlets of the mall
including the 1,200 retail stores, over 200
F&B outlets and the world-renowned leisure
attractions.
Until June 2015, the mall has extended
opening hours from 10am to 11pm during
weekdays and from 10am to midnight on
weekends.
There are also exhibitions in the mall including: Exclusive interactive display of Dubai
Expo 2020 at the mall’s Star Atrium and the
promenade; Graffiti installation near Dubai
Ice Rink; and an awareness campaign to
promote healthy children in the UAE, organised by the UAE Ministry of Cabinet Affairs
under the theme “Healthy Children Campaign #2021STEPS.”
The Dubai Mall, the flagship asset of Emaar
Malls, is the must-visit retail and entertainment destination, with several world class
leisure attractions including Dubai Aquarium
& Underwater Zoo, Dubai Ice Rink, SEGA
Republic, KidZania® and Reel Cinemas.
A 155-million-year old real dinosaur fossil,
named Dubai Dino, is a compelling attraction at The Souk.
Enquiries and reservations:
Call 800-382246255 or
visit www.thedubaimall.com or
www.facebook.com/thedubaimall
14
Dine out and get rewards
Southern Sun Abu Dhabi has launched the Flavours
Dining Loyalty Programme to meet a rising demand
for rewarding F&B experiences.
Consisting of three appetizing categories, the Flavours Loyalty Programme is a tiered membership
open to all, beginning with registration as a “Honey”
cardholder. Members can upgrade to “Saffron” after
accumulating 1500 points and to the premium “Caviar” category with another 2500 points.
With a line-up of five eclectic outlets in its F&B portfolio – including award-winning steakhouse The
Foundry and Kahraman, the hotel’s Middle Eastern
restaurant whose kitchen is home to the ‘Best Arabic Chef’ award winner at the regional Emirates Salon
Culinaire at Gulfood 2015 – the launch of the loyalty
programme comes at a time when Abu Dhabi is firmly
establishing its position as the region’s newest food
capital.
Members can look forward to collecting additional
points when enjoying Southern Sun Abu Dhabi’s
special culinary activities running throughout the
year, including The Foundry’s Steak & Jazz Brunch,
which has earned a reputation as a top Friday afternoon destination for food lovers in the UAE, and
Sushi Classes at Kahraman. Guests
can enjoy double points at Ladies
Night every Tuesday at Balcon
Lounge & Terrace and when enjoying Afternoon High Tea at Filaments lobby lounge.
Caviar cardholders will have the
luxury of priority booking, exclusive
invitation to events, early bird offers and
complimentary cake, bubbly or soft drinks on their
birthdays. Saffron cardholders will also have the convenience of priority booking, and a complimentary
cake and house grapes or soft beverages on their
birthdays. Honey cardholders will be offered a complimentary cake on their birthdays. Points can also
be exchanged for accommodation privileges which
must include a Thursday, Friday or Saturday night.
As part of the programme, Caviar cardholders will
collect 2 reward points, Saffron card holders will receive 1.5 reward points and Honey cardholders will
accumulate 1 reward point for every AED 10 spent at
any of the hotel’s five dining venues.
Enquiries and reservations:
Visit www.southernsunabudhabi.com
Travel Arabia 23
15
Treasured time
Indulge in the comfort
of world-class luxury and
hospitality
Located in the heart of Dubai’s Media
City, the Arjaan by Rotana overlooks the Palm
Jumeirah Island. We ensure you will have a
treasured time at Arjaan by Rotana, with our
luxury home-comforts featuring world-class
hospitality services.
Arjaan by Rotana’s suites and apartments
features contemporary Moorish-style interiors
which open onto balconies with picturesque
cityscape and sea views. Guests can experience the
true luxury residence by relaxing in the spacious
living room with an LCD TV or prepare their
own meal in the fully-equipped kitchen. All hotel
rooms feature private bathrooms. Experience
plunge pool luxury in our premium suites.
Dining options include a poolside snack bar
Veranda and Arabesqué Restaurant, which opens
24 Travel Arabia
for breakfast, lunch and dinner, including theme
night dinners on weeknights and an acclaimed
Friday brunch. There is a food court along with a
myriad of shops close by. Along with this, guests
can relax in the temperature controlled outdoor
swimming pool and modern gym.
The hotel offers a separate swimming pool
for children and baby-sitting facilities. Front
desk is open 24 hours a day and the various
services include dry cleaning, laundry and valet
parking. Guests can also enjoy beach access at the
Riva Beach Club on the Palm Jumeirah for an
entrance fee, with complimentary shuttle service
provided by the Hotel. Arjaan by Rotana - Dubai
also offers complimentary pick-up and drop-off
to Mall of the Emirates.
Arjaan Dubai is ideally located 15 km from
Dubai International Financial City and 25 km
from Dubai International Airport and a few steps
away from the Dubai tram connecting you to
other parts of the city. Other attractions in the
vicinity include city’s major shopping malls, golf
clubs, the famous JBR district and Dubai Marina.
TRAVEL TREATS
World’s largest
Nobu thrill
16
Four Seasons Hotel Doha, an award-winning oasis-like property ideally located on a private beach
in the heart of Doha’s cosmopolitan city, is pleased
to announce – in partnership with acclaimed Chef
Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa, the highly anticipated
debut of Nobu Doha opening last April 17, 2015.
Located at the water’s edge along the hotel’s private marina, Nobu Doha showcases Chef Matsuhisa’s innovative signature new-style Japanese
cuisine complemented by an equally imaginative
setting in the 26,000 square-foot contemporary
restaurant.
Offering a truly exclusive culinary experience, found
nowhere else, the tri-level Nobu Doha boasts the
largest of its kind in the world and is the only Nobu
at a Four Seasons in the Middle East.
Chef Matsuhisa, who is celebrating 20 years as
a successful chef and restaurateur, is renowned
for his loyal clientele of the world’s most affluent
celebrities and connoisseurs. Drawing inspiration
from Matsuhisa’s classical training as a sushi chef
in Tokyo, his life abroad in South America, and his
travels around the world, Nobu’s signature style of
cuisine is internationally recognized as new-style
Japanese fare.
As a result, Nobu Doha’s menu is influenced by his
extensive travels and international training, while
also incorporates new creations infusing local ingredients representative of the region.
The menu features a repertoire of signature dishes
including the Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno,
Lobster with Wasabi Pepper Sauce, and perhaps
Chef Matsuhisa’s most notorious recipe – the
Black Cod Miso.
The restaurant captures a distinct look and feel for
Nobu’s largest global outpost. As a clever homage
to Doha’s rich pearl diving past, the circular threestory restaurant resembles an ornate coiled shell.
Inside, Nobu Doha seamlessly transitions the
shell-like inspiration throughout the seven distinct
dining and lounge areas. Each space incorporates
Nobu’s iconic design palette influenced by nature,
such as warm wood, shimmering glasswork to reflect water elements, and rich layering of textiles.
Ideal for large or small gatherings, the airy dining
and lounge spaces include an expansive 134-seat
interior dining area; intimate 10-seat sushi counter; two exclusive private dining rooms; a sophisticated White Pearl Bar & Lounge; a stylish Black
Pearl Bar & Lounge; and a one-of-a-kind 38-seat
roof top lounge that encompasses both indoor and
outdoor seating options. Strategically positioned
along the Arabian Gulf, guests can experience unobstructed panoramic water or cityscape views,
whether dining inside or out.
Enquiries and reservations:
Call +974 4494 8888 or book online.
26 Travel Arabia
17
A 36-hour weekend escape
Weekend staycationers can linger a lot longer at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi with this new
package that guarantees the luxury of time.
The 36-hour weekend includes a complimentary sea view upgrade, two full day’s access to the hotel’s private beach club, and
a sumptuous breakfast for two. Enhancing
the weekend escape is a very early 8am
check-in and a much later 8pm check-out
the following night, ensuring that time away
is enjoyed to the fullest.
With rates starting at AED870++, guests
booking Thursday through Saturday receive:
complimentary upgrade to a Superior King
Sea view Room; guaranteed early check
in (8am); guaranteed late check out (8pm);
breakfast for two at The Terrace; full access
to The St. Regis Nation Riviera beach club;
full access to Remede Spa’s his-and-hers
saunas, steam rooms and spa pools; and
full access to the two swimming pools and
exercise rooms
Each of the luxuriously-appointed guest
rooms situated between the 33rd and
49th floors offers breathtaking views of the
Arabian Gulf and the UAE capital. Guests
can delight in the signature St. Regis Butler Service, which provides complimentary
beverage service, complimentary garment
pressing services, unpacking and packing,
and 24-hour access to the eButler service.
Wi-fi and valet parking are complimentary for
guests as well.
Enquiries and reservations:
call +971 2 694 4444. or
visit www.stregisabudhabi.com
Global cities
So Dubai!
15 bucket list activities you shouldn’t miss
28 Travel Arabia
Travel Arabia 29
and you should not let it the chance go.
The world-famous indoor ski slope in the Mall
of Emirates has some amazing setting for beginners
and intermediaries to enjoy snow activities like
skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing.
Indeed, Ski Dubai has become the unavoidable
activity whether you’re looking to ski, improve your
skills through lessons, check-out the mind blowing
snow park or encounter real penguins.
Tickets are available at reasonable prices. Ski
jackets and pants are provided at the resort and
included in the ticket price so don’t have to worry
about clothing. Gloves and headwear are available
at the ski shop facing the entrance of the indoors
snow zone.
Enquiries and reservations:
Visit http://www.skidubai.com
2. Ice rink skating
The rink offers all the thrills and chills of ice
skating. Professional ice skaters can be hired here
for private tuition. The team will also take enquiries
for cool kids’ parties, which can be organized for a
maximum of 15 children.
Enquiries and reservations:
Call + 971 4 448 5111
Anyone’s who’s been to
Dubai but had nary a try
of a sky dive just missed
it totally.
D
ubai, an international city home to
about 202 nationalities from Algeria
to Kazakhstan, Australia to Romania
and South Africa to Japan, holds 60
world records. Burj Khalifa, the tallest building
at 828-metres high. The highest restaurant,
At.mosphere on Burj Khalifa’s level 122 at 441.3
metres. The JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, the
highest hotel at 355.35 metres.
The largest automated parking at Emirates
Financial Towers, which at 27,606.14 square
metres, can store 1,191 cars with a peak capacity
of 360 cars per hour. The longest driverless metro
system – the Road and Transportation Authority’s
red and green lines totalling 74.694 kilometres.
30 Travel Arabia
The largest shopping centre, Dubai Mall, which
covers a total area of 1.12 million square metres.
The fastest steel roller coaster – Ferrari World,
which runs at 239.9 kph at a 52-metre incline in
less than 4.9 seconds. The largest indoor billboard
at Dubai International Airport, which was put up
by Nissan, measuring 174 square metres.
The list goes on.
Indeed, where else could you clear your bucket
list of fun than in this sleepless city of superlatives
that just wouldn’t run dry of est-suffixed words?
From hot-air balloon flights to skiing on a slope
at a mall in the middle of the desert, adrenalinepumping 4x4 ride up and down 90-degree desert
dunes, and jumping off a plane for a 13,000-feet
skydive, indeed Dubai is the place to clear your
bucket list. And here are the top 15 choices of
visitors to the city.
1. Ski in the desert
Call it surreal. But skiing in the middle of the
desert is something as quirky as quirkiness can be –
3. Camel racing
You were in the desert and haven’t seen a bit of
camels racing?
This traditional sport has been renewed with
much enthusiasm in recent years. Informal desert
tracks, and now quite a few official ones have been
assigned for this purpose - a large 10-kilometre
track on the Al Ain road, about 45 kilometres
from Abu Dhabi city; at Al Ain itself, at Dubai and
Umm Al Quwain.
Certain slender, finely formed breeds such as
the white or golden ‘Anafi’ and the brown or black
‘Boushari’ are more suitable for racing. Training
for camels commences at about six months of age
and entrance for official races begins at about three
years.
Camel races are usually held every Thursday,
Friday, Sunday and occasionally on Monday
mornings, providing visitors with a unique
opportunity to observe local Emiratis in harmony
with their surroundings. Camel racing season
begins in October until April.
Enquiries and reservations: Call +971 4 327 0000
4. Jump off a plane at 13,000 fee
Anyone’s who’s been to Dubai but had nary a try of
a sky dive just missed it totally.
Skydive Dubai, which has had its share of the
record-breakers on February 10, 2013 with the
most number of people to parachute simultaneously
from a balloon at 25, is where one goes for a bird’s
eye view of The Palm, Jumeirah Beach and other
landmarks. Enquiries and reservations:
Visit http://www.skydivedubai.ae
5. Balloon ride
Hot air ballooning is the oldest and most
romantic way to fly; a balloon ride over Dubai’s
sand dunes and the rugged red Hajjar mountains is
Enjoy the Thrill and Fun of
DESERT SAFARI
Proud to be SAFARI LEADERS
Safari Trip Includes
Dune Bashing - Sand Boarding & Camel Riding - BBQ Dinner - Arabic Tea & Coffee - Soft Drinks &
Refreshments - Photographs in Local Dress - Henna Painting - Tattoos and a lot
more entertainment throughout the evening
Per Person
AED 200/-
Timing: Pick up: 3:00 - 3:30pm Drop-off: 9:00 - 9:30pm
Pick-up & Drop-off facility from anywhere in Dubai & Sharjah
24 Hrs. Reservation
TOURISM L.L.C
ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company
Tel: 04-2686826 / 04-2628832
Web: www.opdubai.com
a magical experience you will never forget.
Rising with the sun above the desert, and
drifting silently on the wind at approximately
2,500 feet will make you feel like time is standing
still, before the exhilarating blast of the burners gets
the pulse racing once more.
Have your camera ready to capture bird’s-eye
views of the desert that stretches out as far as the
eye can see. As you watch the sun rise over the redtinged sand dunes, listen to your pilot talking about
the barren landscape mapped out beneath you, and
learn about the wildlife —think camels and gazelles
— that prosper in the harsh desert conditions.
After landing, you can celebrate your achievement
with a satisfying breakfast and refreshing drink in
the sun.
There are plenty of companies offering balloon
rides, among then Amigos Balloons http://www.
amigos-balloons.com/, which pioneered this
activity in the city.
6. Dune safari rollercoaster
Visitors to Dubai have it in their itinerary: a
day in the dunes.
Desert Safaris is a great way to explore the
outdoors and meet other people, as well as find out
a little bit more about the Arabic culture. Safaris
generally last for half a day and can include an
overnight stay in one of the Bedouin tents.
Activities include driving in the sand which
can be a thrilling experience by itself as it combines
the excitement of a roller coaster ride with the
challenge of remaining mobile on the shifting
surface. Courses in sand driving are available during
which four-wheel-drive vehicles are provided along
with expert instructor.
Other activities include sand-skiing and desert
feasts, the latter of which make safaris are more
32 Travel Arabia
pleasurable by culminating into an evening with
spectacular sunset views followed by a traditional
Arab barbecue under the stars.
Check online for the hundreds of companies
offering safari rides.
7. Helicopter ride
Seeing Dubai from the air is a truly exceptional
perspective of the most controversial city in the
world. Experience our stunning Helicopter Tour
which takes off from Marina and flies over beach
hotels, providing beautiful scenery of the coastline
and a bird’s eye view of famous landmarks like Burj
Al Arab, The Palm Island and much more.
Be prepared to see a different side of Dubai
while soaring over the modern skyline through
Sheikh Zayed Road. Diverse aspects of Dubai of
the city will further be revealed overlooking the
creek before landing. Exclusive private flights are
available upon request.
Enquiries and reservations:
Visit.http://www.skidubai.com/helicopter-tourover-dubai
8. Tour the city on a rolling
terrace
The Big Bus Tour is just the thing if you want
to visit all the famous landmarks of Dubai in the
relaxing atmosphere of an air-conditioned bus.
Featuring two routes, the Day Tour and the Night
Tour, the hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour lets you
choose between 24-hour and 48-hour ticket letting
you plenty of time to visit the attraction and shop
for souvenirs.
There are freebies as well included in the tour
such as a free dhow cruise, free entry to Sheikh
Saeed Al Maktoum’s house and free entrance to
Dubai museum. Those opting for a 2-hour night
tour will enjoy the illuminated skyscrapers beaming
their flashy lights.
Tourists have the choice of getting on and off
at any of the pre-decided bus stops, so that they
can combine their itinerary for the day with the
Big Bus Tour.
Enquiries and reservations:
Visit www.bigbustours.com
9. Dine on a Dubai Creek dhow
cruise
Cruising down Dubai Creek is a once in a
lifetime experience particularly when it’s on a
traditional dhow in the shadows of the moonlight.
If you are traveling as a couple, the cruise sets up
a perfect romantic setting amidst the flickering
background lights, music and belly dancing and
BBQ buffet dinner. The cruise takes approximately
two hours of sailing along the Dubai Creek.
It’s amazing when the dhows take off from
the dock almost simultaneously and cruise down
the creek in what would look more like a fluvial
procession. Fireworks lit up the sky as dinner is
served.
Indeed, many who had tried to dhow cruise
have come back for more. There are several
companies offering dhow cruises on the creek.
Check them online.
10. Wild Wadi water park plunge
Twelve acres of desert filled with 30 million
litres of water, solely dedicated for having fun.
This is what Wild Wadi in Dubai, with 23 rides
to entertain and excite every member of the family,
all about.
The water park has been more than just a
refuge for those wanting to escape the heat of
the desert. Adrenaline seekers will love Jumeirah
Sceirah - a 33-meter high slide with steep angles
to propel riders up to 80km per hour. There is also
Breakers Bay, which has a wave machine creating
1.5-meter waves all day.
Enquiries and reservations:
Call +971 4 348 4444
11. Deep sea fishing
The Gulf is rich in marine life, and so fishing
was once a mainstay of the local economy. Kingfish,
jackfish, red snapper, rock cod (the popular
hammour on most Dubai menus), barracuda and
other species are caught commercially and not
for sport. Sailfish and bottom-feeding sharks are
regularly caught by visiting fishermen on deep-sea
fishing trips who hire fully-equipped boats with
crew.
Enquiries and reservations: Call +971 4 342 4255
12. Fly on a seaplane
Now here’s a new meaning to the phrase,
bird’s eye view. See the sights of Dubai without
having to drive far by taking the express route
and overlooking the magic city from above. If you
haven’t flown in one of Seawings’ seaplanes, and
safely landed in the middle of the Arabian Gulf,
you haven’t lived or seen Dubai.
The flight takes 40 minutes and the hybrid
boat/plane has a capacity of up to 8 passengers. You
will enjoy sceneries like the Palm of Jumeirah, Burj
Khalifa the longest tower in the world, the royal
Burj Al Arab and many more sights from a bird’s
eye view.
Enquiries and reservations:
http://www.skidubai.com/tour/seawings-overdubai
13. View the world from the top
The high point of any Burj Khalifa
experience is the view from At The Top, Burj
Khalifa’s observation deck. Located on level 124
of the world’s tallest tower, this observatory is the
highlight of any visit to the Middle East.
The journey begins in the lower ground level
of The Dubai Mall. Throughout the journey to
the top, visitors are entertained by a multi-media
presentation of the exotic history of Dubai and the
marvel of Burj Khalifa.
Take home a lasting memento of your At The
Top experience. Shop at either of two At The Top
boutiques: on Level 124 for ticket holders, or the
publicly accessible boutique on the lower ground
level of The Dubai Mall.
Enquiries and reservations: Visit www.burjkhalifa.
ae/en/ObservationDeck/ObservationDeck.aspx
14. Tee off
Dubai is really golfers’ paradise. The Dubai
Creek Golf &Yacht Club and the famous Emirates
Golf Club are the venues of the European PGA
tour. The Nad Al Sheeba Golf and Racing Club
even offers night golf for the enthusiasts who want
to beat the summer heat of Dubai.
Other golf courses abound.
Enquiries and reservations: Call +971 4 366 3000
15. See a horse race
The sport of kings has rapidly become Dubai’s
most popular spectacular event attracting crowds of
more than 15,000. Race meetings are held weekly
during the cooler months at one of the UAE’s
four race courses. Dubai Racing Club situated at
the Naad Al Sheba is the city’s largest and most
spectacular track and home to the Dubai World
Cup - the sport’s richest horse race.
Horse riding is part of the local tradition and
is upheld today by several centres including the
Dubai Equestrian Centre.
Travel Arabia 33
special feature
Photo courtesy of dubaifashionista.tumbir.com
34 Travel Arabia
Magical
Arabia
Just plain out of this world
BY JOJO DASS
A flying carpet, Sinbad, Ali Baba’s
‘Abracadabra,’ the Jinni, Aladdin’s magic lamp
and more – the offspring of belly dancing
Scheherazade’s wild imaginations
live today in desert camp-outs and
off-the-wall entertainments.
T
he magic of Arabia was borne from
stories concocted by a virgin with the
wildest of imaginations: Scheherazade,
who escaped death from a paranoid
husband by telling him a thousand and one
bedtime stories from whose characters and plots
present-day planners derive out-of-this-world
visions of the future.
A ski slope in the middle of the desert – and a
skating rink, too! A man-made island in the shape
of a giant palm with high rise hotels. The world’s
longest unmanned rail train network. And now,
underwater hotels; a six-metre-deep canal with
more hotels, a shopping centre and restaurants
linking Dubai Creek to the Arabian Gulf; and,
yes, an “Aladdin City,” where dragon-shaped, airconditioned bridges have moving floors connecting
towers, parking lots and driveways.
Across the region are at least five state-of-theart rail projects from Abu Dhabi to Doha Jeddah
and Riyadh, and the Makkah Grand Mosque
redevelopment.
Indeed, Scheherazade, the virgin – the last
remaining one during her time, at that! – who
had the misfortune of being married to a bedeviled
sultan killing his wives after honeymoon would
have loved to see all this and, perhaps add some
more – a camel singing a karaoke tune, for instance,
or whatever have you.
Magic
As they say in Arab folklore, the Bedouin falls
silent whenever the sand whispers. And there lies
the magic of Arabia.
It all began ages ago when a group of nomadic
people preferred to live in the open desert while all
the rest were settling along river plains or next to
the sea for subsistence.
The Bedouins who have survived the deserts,
these most inhospitable parts of the Earth,
were always in the backdrop of any tales from
Scheherazade’s1001 Arabian Nights – the lowly,
adventurous sailor, who traveled the world to battle
monsters and giant birds for the finer points in life;
the peasant conned by a dastardly magician into
retrieving a jinni lamp from a cave, and so on.
But who were they? What can be said of them?
Bedawi.com, a site on everything Bedouin,
says: “The Bedouins are seen as Arab culture’s
purest representatives and (that) they continue to
be hailed by other Arabs as ‘ideal’ Arabs, especially
because of their rich oral poetic tradition, their
herding lifestyle and their traditional code of
honour.”
There are Bedouin communities in many
countries, the website says, among them Syria,
Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Iraq and Yemen
in the Middle East and Morocco, Sudan, Algeria,
Tunisia and Libya in North Africa.
Altogether, the Bedouin population numbers
about 4 million, according to Bedawi.com.
It says Bedouins are distinct from other
Arab’s because of their extensive kinship networks,
which allow them community support and the
basic necessities for survival. Such networks have
traditionally served to ensure safety of families and
to protect their property.
“The term ‘A’raab’ has been synonymous with
the term ‘nomad’ since the beginning of Islam,” the
site says.
The Bedouins are recognized by their nomadic
lifestyles, special language, social structures and
culture. However, the juggernaut of modernization
changed this and to date, only few Bedouins live
as their forefathers had, which was in camel- and
Travel Arabia 35
goat-hair tents, raising livestock, hunting and
raiding.
Their numbers have been decreasing and
nowadays, there are approximately only five
percent of them who still live as pastoral nomads.
Some Bedouins of Sinai are still half-nomads,
according to Bedawi.com
The Bedouin men wear long “djellabaya”
and a “smagg” – a red white draped head cover
– or “aymemma,” a white one, or a white small
headdress, sometimes held in place by an “agall,”
a black cord.
For their part, the Bedouin women usually
wear brightly coloured long dresses but change
to an “abaya,” a thin, long black coat sometimes
covered with shiny embroidery, when they leave
home. They also always cover their head and hair
with a black thin shawl called “tarha” when in
public.
Traditionally, a woman’s face was hidden
behind a highly decorated “burqa’ah,” but this
is now only seen with the older generations. The
younger ones cover their face simply with their
“tarha.”
The Bedouins have a rich culture and their
own Arabic “Bedawi” language, which has
different dialects depending on the area where they
live, according to Bedawi.com.
Belly dance
Another interesting feature of magical Arabia
is belly dancing, which is widely believed to have
originated in ancient Greece and Rome, but was
likewise a staple of Egyptian celebrations and
pageantry.
On some accounts, Scheherazade was said to
have also done belly dancing before her husband
as a prelude to the next edition of the story telling.
Belly dancing is believed to have had a long
history in the Middle East, but reliable evidence
about its origins is scarce, and accounts of its
history are often highly speculative, according to
Romanian belly dance star Carolena Varga Dinicu
in her book
“You Asked Aunt Rocky: Answers & Advice
About Raqs Sharqi & Raqs Shaabi.”
Edward Lane, British researcher, who also
translated 1001 Arabian Nights, aside from
Richard Francis Burton, wrote about the Awalim,
your present-day high class performers, who in the
18th and 19th centuries, were women taught the
art of singing and poetry and perform before the
courts of the majesties.
Egypt, in the yonder days, also had the
Ghawazi, the traveling performers that Napoleon’s
soldiers met in 1798 during his first expedition to
the country.
Today, belly dancing is a staple of desert dinner
safaris, where tourists are treated to an Arabic meal
with performances by a professional belly dancer.
Most night clubs too, have belly dance numbers.
The professional dancers are often frowned
upon, especially by conservative Arabs, because
they expose their body to the public and such is
considered haram by the Quran.
Nonetheless, the Bedouins – their ways of life,
culture and heritage – and the belly dancers, with
Scheherazade’s tales in the backdrop, have become
the seminal formula for what is now the magic of
Arabia.
One might think the bedtime storytelling
virgin couldn’t agree more.
As they say in Arab folklore, the Bedouin falls silent whenever the sand
whispers. And there lies the magic of Arabia. The Bedouins, who have survived
the deserts, these most inhospitable parts of the Earth, were always in the
backdrop of any tales from Scheherazade’s1001 Arabian Nights.
36 Travel Arabia
Travel Arabia 37
arabian experience
38 Travel Arabia
Spa
rituals
of the
desert
Thought you’ve done
it all? How about a
‘sparty’?
Arabian Date Body
Wrap. Arabic Coffee
Scrub. Caviar Facial. Milk
and Honey ablution.
A ‘Dead Sea Journey.’
Gold Clay and Myrtle
Wrap. A ‘Royal Ottoman’
hammam treatment. The
list goes on…
H
as it been a long week? Muscles
getting numb? Just want to hit the
sack and hibernate?
One really nice thing about being in the
Gulf is the endless choices of spa and hammam
rituals perfected to invigorate, rejuvenate and set
you up and running once again. Not pulling legs
but these treatments work like chargers do on
mobile phones – the bars come back.
The following is a list of the top spa and
hammam therapies for your wearied soul.
• La Prairie Extreme Indulgence. Running
150 minutes, this luxurious ritual, which comprises of caviar facial and body treatments, is
designed to have an immediate firming effect
and to leave your skin with a youthful glow all
over. Available at Burj Al Arab’s Talise Spa, winner of the “Best Luxury Hotel Spa” award in the
“World Luxury Spa Awards Global Winners”
category for the second year running in 2014.
Travel Arabia 39
Enquiries and reservations:
Call +971 04 301 7365 or visit www.jumeirah.
com/Talise-Burj-Al-Arab
• ‎A Touch of Gold. Experience a day of pure
luxury and majestic opulence at Emirates Palace
Spa. Your 5.5 hours of pampering begins with a
Signature Palace Massage to relax your muscles
before your body is treated to the luxurious hammam. You will then take a break to indulge in
a light lunch and juice prepared by world class
chefs before your decadent 24 Carat Gold Radiance Facial. Your finishing touch will include a
classic pedicure from the Bastien Gonzales Salon
as well as a small treat to take home.
Enquiries and reservations:
www.kempinski.com/en/abudhabi/emiratespalace/luxury-spa
• Milk and Honey Immersion. The first use
of milk as a rejuvenation ingredient dates back to
nearly 5,000 years ago and was reserved for only
the wealthiest of families in ancient Arabia.
Today, Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel &
Suites’ Saray Spa’s Milk and Honey Immersion
transports you into a different era, place and
time. Begin with a gentle exfoliation of oatmeal
and Black Seed oil to stimulate skin cells gently
preparing your skin. A warm massage of milk,
honey and rose oil will aid in profound relaxation and serenity.
Milk and Honey’s natural enzymes will gen-
40 Travel Arabia
tly wash away the worries of time promoting a
healthy glow and appearance. Follow this serene
ritual with a full body massage using hot stones
dipped in Rose oil.
Treatment is for 90 minutes.
Enquiries and reservation:
Call + 971 4 3194630 or visit http://www.spa.
dubaimarriottharbourhotel.com
• Choco Coco Heaven. One hundred minutes
of immersion in a heavenly body treatment at
Ritz Carlton Doha’s spa, with an exclusive chocolate-themed body treatment featuring a choco
body polish and chocolate fondue body wrap
finished with a 30-minute massage. An amazing
experience with a combination of sweet, delicious aromas that stimulates happy feelings and
leaves your skin revitalized and nourished.
Enquiries and reservations: Visit www.ritzcarlton.com/Doha
• Dead Sea Journey. Legend has it that both
the Queen of Sheba as well as Cleopatra, “the
The first use of milk as a
rejuvenation ingredient
dates back to nearly
5,000 years ago.
women who time could not wither,” set up their
own personal spas along the shores of the Dead
Sea.
This signature Journey takes place in JW
Marriott Marquis Dubai’s one-of-a-kind treatment room equipped with its own Dead Sea
Floatation Pool. Begin with an energizing scrub
utilizing aromatic Dead Sea salts followed by a
full body mask coating you with rich remineralizing mud also from the shores of the Dead Sea.
Next you will soak via effortless floatation
in your own private heated pool of therapeutic salt minerals rich in high levels of calcium,
magnesium, bromide, potassium and sulfate. All
reputed to assist in various ailments of the skin,
muscles and joints.
The journey concludes with a massage done
using a nourishing body oil appropriate to the
journey of your choosing: Soothing Rose or
Stimulating Black Seed and Citrus. (A treatment
option of 115 minutes can be done in any of the
treatment suites and excludes the utilization of
the Dead Sea Pool and soak time.)
Enquiries and reservations:
Visit www.marriott.com
• Arabian Date Body Wrap. A 60-minute
skin nourishment using a blend of dates, coconut milk, almonds and vanilla at CHI, The
Spa at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri Abu Dhabi.
Indulge in an envelope of the scented infusion
while it gently exfoliates, hydrates and enriches
Embark on a mystical journey to
inner peace and
rejuvenation
To find out more and book your Anantara Spa indulgence,
please call +971 4 567 8140 or visit spa.dubai@anantara.com
Embracing the spirit of its ancient Thai origins, Anantara Spas offer a selection of timeless revitalising
spa experiences. Soothe aching muscles and cleanse body and mind as you relax in a tranquil haven
of indulgence, surrounded by unique, natural beauty. Take an exotic journey to relaxation and
rejuvenation and let worldly cares slip away in a luxurious surroundings of Anantara Spa.
Anantara Spa Signature massages start from AED 500* for 60 minutes of bliss.
The greatest stories are felt, not told. Visit spa.anantara.com
your skin with essential vitamins and minerals.
Enquiries and reservations: Visit www.shangrila.com/abudhabi/shangrila/health-leisure/chithe-spa
• Padabhyang Foot Massage. Foot massage
has a very special place within the Ayurvedic
tradition. It is helpful in the treatment of illness, and significantly prominent in the area of
preventative medicine. In India, Padabhyanga is
commonly practiced as a daily ritual, especially
before retiring at night. There is a wonderful an-
cient Indian saying: “Disease does not go near
one who massages his feet before sleeping, just as
snakes do not approach eagles.
Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman offers this
treatment, which runs 75 minutes.
Enquiries and reservations:
Visit: www.sixsenses.com/ZighyBay
• Arabic Coffee Awakener. Coffee is well
known for its antioxidant properties as well as
being a natural stimulant.
This 90-minute ritual available at Dubai
Spiced pomegranate and Moroccan yoghurt:
Detoxifier Pomegranates deliver a powerful
antioxidant punch to this completely natural face and
body mask designed to cleanse, refresh and renew.
Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites’s Saray Spa
begins with a full exfoliation using Black Arabic Coffee and Dead Sea Salts to stimulate and
cleanse the body. Once complete a mask of Dead
Sea Mud and Black Arabic Coffee is prepared as
a cocoon in which your senses are transported to
a higher level. This session is followed by a full
body massage.
Spiced pomegranate and Moroccan yoghurt: Detoxifier Pomegranates deliver a powerful antioxidant punch to this completely natural
face and body mask designed to cleanse, refresh
and renew. Your therapist will apply a warmed
mixture of pomegranate and Moroccan yoghurt,
delivering powerful Antioxidant properties that
will cleanse, refresh and renew your skin. Once
the yoghurt is removed, a light mist of Desert
Oasis Body and Linen will be applied prolonging the effects of sensual treatment.
Enquiries and reservation:
Call + 971 4 3194630 or visit http://www.spa.
dubaimarriottharbourhotel.com
• Royal Ottoman. Relax in the splendour of
the hammam at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray’s palatial Talise Ottoman Spa as the heat and delicate
aromas prepare you for the traditional kese mitt
body polish and foam massage.
Savour the warm glow from the marble as
your hair is shampooed and your scalp is massaged followed by moisturising conditioner.
While your body is enveloped in an ultra
nourishing cream masque enjoy a facial cleanse,
exfoliation and masque to revitalise your complexion. You will be radiantly refreshed with
delicate perfumes of the Orient.
Winner of multiple awards including The
World Travel Awards ‘UAE’s Leading Spa Resort’ in 2014 three years running, ‘Best Luxury
Hotel Spa’ in the Luxury Spa Awards and the
‘Best Spa’ category in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards 2013,
Talise Ottoman Spa is an experience like no
other.
Enquiries and reservations:
Visit www.jumeirah.com/Zabeel-Saray
• Four Hands Massage. In Morocco, they do
it with four hands. Sultana Spa at La Sultana
Hotel in Marrakech offers a special hammam
therapy called Four Hands Massage. A powerful
treatment with four hands working in unison.
An ideal choice for those who find it difficult to relax and or release tension. This approach ensures that you maximise the benefits of
massage for the most effective therapy.
Enquiries and reservations: Visit www.lasultanahotels.com/Marrakech
• Royal Orange Oasis Ritual. Awaken your
senses with a rush of citrus energy in this
sumptuous 120-minute treatment by The Spa
at The Palace Downtown Dubai. Developed
especially to protect skin from dryness and to
keep premature ageing at bay, the secret lies in
its combination of rejuvenating, antioxidant
42 Travel Arabia
and firming properties.
Enquiries and reservations:
www.theaddress.com/en/hotels/the-palacedowntown-dubai
• Philippine Hilot. This 60-minute authentic deep pressure massage at CHI, The Spa at
Shangri-La in Muscat, Oman that follows ancient methods passed down through generations
of Philippine culture. Virgin coconut oil and the
healing hands of the Hilot detect areas of energy
imbalance and blockage in the body and release
areas for total well-being.
Enquiries and reservations:
Email chi.muscat@shangri-la.com
• Palm Retreat. Embark on a journey to outer
wellbeing and inner fulfillment with this collection of soothing therapies, designed to satisfy all
of the five senses for couples at Anantara Dubai
The Palm Resort & Spa – Floral Foot Ritual, Exotic Herbal Bath, Arabian Exotic Scrub, Arabian
Exotic Wrap and Arabian Massage.
Enquiries and reservations:
www.dubai-palm.anantara.com
• Pregnancy Massage Experience. Pregnancy is a precious time for a woman, a time when
her heart and soul is open, receptive and very
sensitive.Pregnancy is also a time of nurturing
peace and stillness. Balance is essential for the
developing baby to feel secure and happy. In this
gentle 115-minute treatment the entire body is
renewed and calmed through a Himalayan Salt
and blackcurrant body scrub and massage with
special infused herbal oil. Available at Talise Spa
at Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa in Kuwait.
Enquiries and reservations:
Visit www.jumeirah.com/Jumeirah-Messilah
• ‘Oil of Lebanon’. Travel back in time to
the Incense Road of antiquity. This 120-minute treatment at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai
is encompassed around the healing wonders of
Olibanum – “Oil of Lebanon” or pure Frankin-
cense which, at one time, was considered more
precious than Gold. First utilized in a gentle yet
purifying exfoliation massage of rich oils, Frankincense and Arabian Coffee. Next a full body
90-minute massage with a soothing body oil of
Frankincense, Hazelnut and Citrus is performed
inclusive of a 20-minute foot treatment where
pure Olibanum essential oil is applied to the
Vita-Flex points of the feet.
Enquiries and reservations:
Visit www.marriott.com
• Sparty time! It’s a spa party, perfect for all
occasions and corporate events at the Ritz Carlton Doha
At The Ritz-Carlton Spa, a Spa Party, also
known as Sparty, is the perfect way to treat yourself and your friends to the luxuries of a day
spa. Sparties can be custom created to suit your
personality and your occasion. Every Sparty is
unique and can be built around any theme or
any special occasion. Enquiries and reservations:
Visit www.ritzcarlton.com/Doha
Travel Arabia 43
holidays
Greece
A Mediterranean getaway
44 Travel Arabia
Travel Arabia 45
Greece is one of the
richest countries in terms
of natural spas.
A
short break in Greece can take you a
long way.
Apart from the rare landscapes
and special natural beauties, nature
has also endowed Greece with springs having
important therapeutic properties. Spas are part
of the country’s national wealth; their therapeutic
properties already known in ancient times.
Natural therapeutic springs are found in
many parts of Greece, and the water from specific
springs differs from ordinary water owing either
to its high temperature, or to the presence of rare
active components. Greece is one of the richest
countries in the world in terms of natural spas.
Thermal and mineral springs appear at 850
different geographical locations.
In addition to revitalising the spirit, the large
number of mineral springs in Greece offers visitors
an opportunity to receive treatment for chronic
conditions in a natural way (hydrotherapy).
Ailments like arthritis and rheumatic
disorders are traditionally associated with the
elderly, and therefore everyone believes that spas
are for the “therapeutic” treatment of mainly
senior citizens.
The beneficial properties are much broader
as they also benefit people of all ages. They start
46 Travel Arabia
by improving appearance, which concerns mainly
the condition of the skin, and arrive at the more
generalized feeling of relaxation and well-being.
Moreover, thalassotherapy is used as a
combination of relaxation, revitalisation, recreation
and healing that is achieved in the ideal climatic
conditions of Greece and with the use of its
excellent seawater. Natural resources are still in
use but a holistic provision of body and soul is
being introduced including wide spectrum of
fitness and wellness products and services.
Islands
The islands are the main characteristic of
Greece’s morphology and an integral part of the
country’s culture and tradition. Greek sovereign
land includes 6,000 islands and islets scattered
in the Aegean and Ionian Seas, of which only
227 islands are inhabited. This is a truly unique
phenomenon for the European continent.
The Greek archipelago takes up 7,500 km of
the country’s total 16,000 km coastline, offering
a highly diversified landscape: beaches stretching
over many kilometers, sheltered bays and coves,
sandy beaches with sand-dunes, pebble beaches,
coastal caves with steep rocks and dark colored
sand typical of volcanic soil and coastal wetlands.
Many of these Greek beaches have been
awarded the blue flag under the Blue Flags of
Europe Program, providing not only swimming,
but also scuba diving, snorkeling, water skiing,
sailing and windsurfing. Some of the oldest
European civilizations developed on the Greek
islands, therefore they have unique archeological
sites, a distinctive architectural heritage and the
fascinating local traditions of a centuries-old and
multifaceted civilization. Most of the islands are
found in the Aegean Sea and are divided into
seven groups from north to south.
Lifestyle
Greece is famous for its vivid lifestyle. To
start with, a lot of theatres, music cafes, trendy
shops, music stages, cinemas, bars, night clubs,
dancing clubs, funky restaurants, classy meeting
points, casinos and after hours bars are easy to
access everywhere in Greece, all year round.
Greek cities are full of possibilities, easily
accessible and visitor-friendly, offering a great
sum of modern facilities and choices. A walk
around the old neighborhoods reveals the
coexistence of different eras in the cities’ heart.
Old mansions, many of them well-preserved,
luxurious department stores and small intimate
shops, fancy restaurants and traditional taverns
are located one next to another. All have their
place here!
The age-old history of each Greek city together
with local traditions has created a richly-hued
urban culture. Each city’s monuments, suburban
landscapes, the events it hosts throughout the
year, their totally distinctive customs provide an
enchanting, multicoloured “canvas” that waits for
each traveller to add his own colours.
The Greek spirit, a force of creativity and
renewal throughout Greece’s long history, has yet
The islands are the main characteristic of Greece’s morphology and an integral
part of the country’s culture and tradition.
again transformed the urban landscape. Greece is
a unique destination that combines business and
pleasure in the best possible way.
Luxurious hotels with services that combine
entertainment, leisure areas and excellent conference
facilities, constitute yet another powerful incentive
for someone to enjoy a magnificent city break or
even close a business deal in Greece.
Even museums can wonderfully combine a
tour to an archaeological site with a philosophical
conference, thus demonstrating the magnificence
of ancient civilization through modern culture!
Greek cities never sleep. Greeks’ hospitality,
their open-heartedness and anthropocentric
outlook will make the visitor feel he is among
friends. Attractive restaurants, nightclubs,
luxury hotels and warm guesthouses create ideal
conditions for one to enjoy staying in Greek cities.
Shopping
Greece is the ideal destination for buying
goods, offering a wide range of products that will
satisfy every taste and desire. Here you will find
all the European brand-names, the renowned
multinational chains, as well as many Greek
products – either in clothing-shoes or popular art
or décor. The price-tags on these products vary, so
as to satisfy the wallet of every visitor.
The opening hours of the stores are not
the same everywhere in the country. The usual
opening hours for stores in the centers of the
large cities are continuous (9:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m.),
for suburban stores the working hours are split
shifts three days a week (Tuesday, Thursday and
Friday – 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.-8:30
p.m.) and morning shifts for the other three days
(Monday, Wednesday and Saturday – 9:00 a.m.3:00 p.m.). Supermarkets operate a continuous
shift up to 9:00 p.m., while all the stores are
closed on Sundays.
However, you will come across various stores
(mini-market, wholesale cigarette stores, kiosks)
that remain open almost day and night -even
on Sundays- especially those situated in tourist
regions.
Source: http://www.visitgreece.gr
How to get there
Emirates Airlines (www.emirates.com) and
Etihad Airways (www.etihad.com) have regular
flights to Greece.
WHERE TO STAY
• Lindos Blu
(www.lindosblu.gr), which ranked first on
TripAdvisor’s listing of the top 25 hotels
in Greece. Around 650 of the 733 reviews
voted the hotel as excellent.
• Sani Asterias Suites
(www.sani-resort.com), which ranked
second on TripAdvisor’s listing of the top
25 hotels in Greece. Two hundred and
ninety four of the 341 reviews voted the
hotel as excellent.
• Trapezaki Bay Hotel
(www.trapezakibayhotel.com), which is
also in the top 10 of TripAdvisor’s listings
of the 25 best hotels in Greece.
• Canaves Oia Hotel
(www.canaves.com), which is fifth in
TripAdvisor’s top 25 hotels in Greece.
• Ammos Hotel
(www.ammoshotel.com), which ranked
sixth in TripAdvisor’s list.
Travel Arabia 47
Lebanon
The crossroads of civilizations
‘Lubnan’ its Arabic name, means “white” the color of the mountains.
In the winter, the high peaks are covered with snow and in the summer their
limestone slopes glimmer white in the distance.
“
Lubnan” at the meeting point of three
continents, the crossroads of many a
civilization for centuries, is white as the
colour of mountains, whose peaks are
covered with snow in the winter and limestone
slopes glimmering white in the summer, whose
traces of a multicultural past abound in the
countryside, a place of rocks, cedar tress and
magnificent ruins that look down from mountains
to the sea.
“Lubnan” is Arabic for “white,” for Lebanon.
Two rocky ranges traverse Lebanon parallel to
the sea coast, separated by the high plateau of the
Beqaa valley. On the coast are five famous towns
known to every archeologist and school child Berytus (Beirut), Byblos, Sidon , Tripoli and Tyre
— the names of ancient Phoenicia.
Lebanon has not shortage of good hotels
including a number of outstanding luxury
establishments. In Beirut there are also many
small, well-run hostels. Several of the older large
hotels have refurbished their premises and once
48 Travel Arabia
again offer an elegant and convenient place to
stay.
Hotel space in the mountains is abundant, the
majority in the second and third class category.
Generally open in the summer season, these are
clean but basic establishments perfectly adequate
for short stays. There are some grand hotels in the
mountains as well, open year-round. Furnished
apartments, which offer self-service facilities, are
found throughout Greater Beirut and in other
population centers.
Many people in Lebanon speak some
French or English in addition to Arabic, and
often other languages. Foreign news papers and
magazines are available and the prolific local press
publishes in French and English as well as Arabic.
Communication is definitely not a problem.
perpetuate costumes of the distant past.
Both in night clubs and in private parties
and celebrations, oriental or “belly dancing” is a
always a great attraction.
Known for its night life before the war, the
Lebanese capital is still the place to go for excellent
night outs and discotheques. About 24 km north
of Beirut, the Casino du Liban at Maameltein,
is famous for its top international shows and
luxurious gaming facilities. With the Lido de Paris
in charge of entertainment, world-class shows can
be expected every evening.
Every sport can be enjoyed in Lebanon
including water skiing, snow skiing, yachting and
tennis. Clubs are open to tourists for golf, tennis,
karate and riding. The Beirut race course, set in its
pine woods, is a favourite with race goers.
Relax
There is always something entertaining in
Lebanon. Traditional dances such as the dabbke
and sword dances are immensely popular and they
Shopping
Few visitors to Lebanon can resist its
handicrafts, either in old style or tasteful modern
adaptations of traditional designs. There is pottery
fashioned in the peasant manner, glassware and
cutlery.
Brass and copper goods of all kinds can be
found with attractive hand-worked designs.
Exotic caftans and abayas are always appreciated
as gifts. Gold and silver prices are especially good,
and skillful local jewelers charge moderately for
their work. As for clothing, everything is available
- from the top Paris designers to jeans and leisure
ware. Lebanon’s shopping arcades and busy main
streets are crammed with shops selling every
necessity and luxury, both local and imported.
Car rental companies provide self-drive
cars or cars with a chauffeur. Lebanese taxis are
comfortable and reasonably priced. Even cheaper
is the “service-taxi” which allows one to share the
cost of a trip with other passengers. Bus service is
also available to certain destinations.
Winter sports
Lebanon is one of the few winter sports centers
in the Gulf and certainly the most extensive. The
season begins in December and continues until
April in a winter landscape unique in the world.
The larger resorts have hotels, chalets and other
facilities, including good ski lifts.
There are six winter resorts: The Cedars at
2,300 meters; Faraya/Ouyoun es-Siman at 1,890
meters; Laqlouq at 1,740 meters; Faqra at 1,750
meters; Qanat Bakiche at 1,990 meters; and
Zaarour at 1,990 meters.
In Lebanon you can swim in the sea in the
winter as well as spring and, an hour later, ski at
Travel Arabia 49
1,900 meters. It almost never rains between June
and October so in summer and autumn it is easy
to go from sea to mountain, where another world
awaits. Lebanon’s mountain villages and towns are
worth a visit any time of the year. While some
have been damaged by war, most are thriving that
offer not only entertainment but a glimpse of the
traditional life style not often seen in the large
cities.
Shouf
In the Shouf mountains is Deir El Qamar with
its white houses and red tile roofs built on steep
slopes. This was the residence of the governors
of Lebanon in the 16th-18th centuries. Many
historic buildings here have been restored, such
as the Fakhreddin Mosque and the Baz and AlKharge palaces. Most recently the central square
of this historic town was cleaned and restored.
Bsharré in the north, the picturesque gateway
to the Cedars of Lebanon, is the birthplace of
the famous Lebanese poet Gibran Khalil Gibran.
Here one may visit the Gibran Museum and the
many ancient churches and monasteries in the
vicinity.
Zahlé, the main city of the Beqaa, is popular
for its arak, wine and delicious food. It’s not
surprising then that one of the main attractions
here is the oasis of vine-covered restaurants situated
beside the cool Bardouni rive. A picturesque town
known for its comfortable climate, Zahle is often
referred to as the “Bride of the Beqaa.”
50 Travel Arabia
The coastline between Tripoli and Sidon is
punctuated by all kinds of leisure facilities from
well-equipped swim resorts and family-run fish
restaurants to luxurious condominiums.
Between Beirut and Byblos is the town
of Jounieh which has a lovely bay with craggy
mountains rising just behind. Jounieh enjoys one
of the most beautiful natural settings on the coast,
although since 1975 high-rise buildings and resort
complexes have somewhat dwarfed the old town.
Jounieh has long been known for the landmark
statue of the Virgin of Harissa high above the bay,
reached by road or by spectacular, near-vertical
cable car ride.
Lebanon has always been a special country.
Despite the recent years of war, Lebanon’s long
history, natural beauty and the spirit of its people
give it a place in the hearts of all who have been
there --whether in the halcyon years, or during
periods of crises. An independent republic since
1943. It is a compact country of 10,452 square
kilometers with a population approaching 4
million.
History
Lebanon was given freedom in 1918 by the
victory of the Allies and achieved full independence
in 1943. Always a nation of travelers and traders,
by the early 1970’s there were some 2 million
Lebanese living in their homeland while an almost
equal number had settled in every continent of
the world. After 1975 the war encouraged even
larger numbers to emigrate to western and Arab
countries where they have contributed their skills,
notably in the fields of science, medicine and
commerce. At home or abroad the Lebanese are
known for their kindness and hospitality. These
qualities, combined with family oriented way of
life, make visitors feel both welcome and at ease.
Source: www.lebanon.com
How to get there
Emirates Airlines (www.emirates.com) and
Etihad Airways (www.etihad.com) fly regular
flights to Lebanon.
WHERE TO STAY
Raouche Arjaan by Rotana (www.rotana.
com/RaoucheArjaan-Beirut), which ranked
first on TripAdvisor’s list of 30 top hotels in
Beirut with 165 of 254 reviews voting it as
excellent.
• Le Gray Beirut (www.campbellgrayhotels.
com/), which ranked second on the list with
188 of 257 reviews voting excellent.
• Hotel Albergo (www.albergobeirut.com)
– third on the TripAdvisor list.
• City Suite Hotel (www.citysuitehotel.
com/) – a business hotel and fourth on the
TripAdvisor list.
Oman
Get closer to nature
Discover yourself in scuba diving, mountain climbing, whale watching,
camping and more.
C
raving nature? Oman it is. From
reserves to scuba diving, the country
offers a host of activities for one to
enjoy.
And like the diversity of the environments and
terrains in Oman, Omani people’s features differ as
well. The desert dwellers’ features are different from
those of mountain dwellers, and the features of the
urban population are different from those residents
of remote villages who depend on agriculture and
livestock for their livelihood.
In all, the Omani features are characterised by
a broad smile and the authentic Arabic generosity
that is in the Omani blood. This is evident in the
Omani hospitality widespread throughout the
country, whether be it the aromatic Omani coffee
offered to visitors or the laden palm trees that
welcome anyone who wishes to taste their fruit.
52 Travel Arabia
Mountain climbing
For the mountaineer in you, Omani mountains
with their towering heights, rocky and steep slopes
and rugged tracks constitute a challenge. There are
several climbing areas in Oman and their diversity
corresponds to the climber’s skill, as there are the
paved paths for beginners and the very rugged for
the more experienced climber. Wadi Ghool in
A’Sharqiyah South Governorate which rises to 300
metres provides an ideal spot for climbing.
Jabal Misht remains the best location for
mountain climbing with its rocky front, perhaps
the largest in the Arabian Peninsula. Its southeast
front extends for approximately six kilometres,
rising up to 850 metres and providing trails of all
levels of difficulty. The Musandam Governorate
is famous for its many mountains. Also spread
around Muscat are hills of various heights for
climbing, whether for the beginner or the seasoned
Mountains constitute a large percentage of the
environment of Oman. The flora and fauna living
in these mountains vary. Al Hajar Mountains are in
the north of Oman and extend from Musandam
Peninsula in the north to Ras Al Hadd in Al
Sharqiyah South Governorate. Wadi Samail divides
it into two parts: east and west. Jabal Shams (Sun
Mountain) summit is the highest point in the Al
Hajar Mountains, rising at an altitude of 3,009
metres above sea level.
In the south, the mountains of Dhofar
region extend from east to west off Al Hillaniyat
Islands. Samhan Mountain, which includes the
Arabian Leopard Reserve in the east and Jabal Al
Qamar (Moon Mountain) in the west, is the most
prominent mountain range in the region, rising to
an altitude of 2,500 metres.
A particularly interesting place is Natif- Hasik
or the Water Mountain. Natef is the site of a spring
located in Wilayt Sadah in Dhofar Governorate.
The location of this spring is an extension of
Samhan mountaintops, in particular the Natif
region. Natif means distillation of water. This site is
characterised by constantly dripping water from the
sediments and pools present on the mountaintop.
beach where it was born decades ago.
Ras Al Jins is a quiet sanctuary for turtles where
they lay their eggs, securing the continued survival
of the species and protecting them from extinction.
Apart from the turtle breeding season, which
extends throughout the year in varying degrees,
you can enjoy the beauty of the beach and view the
magnificent tracks left by the turtles.
Whale watching
Whales visit the shores of the Sultanate at
irregular intervals, particularly in A’Sharqiyah
South Governorate and AlWasta Governorate
and Dhofar Governorate. The most famous types
of whales that visit Oman are: Bryde’s Whales
or Tropical Whales, Blue Whales, Humpback
Whales, Sperm Whales, Dwarf Sperm Whales,
Cuvier’s Beaked Whale, Pygmy Killer Whales,
Killer Whales, Melon-Headed Whales and False
Killer Whale. Note that the dolphins seen in
Omani waters belong to the whale species.
Scuba diving
Oman is one of the most popular diving
destinations in the region. It has an exceptionally
diverse marine life and a number of marine cliffs,
small islands, bays and caves, as well as a diverse
and unique marine life and coral reefs. The best
months for diving in Oman are the period from
April to July, but diving can be enjoyed at all times.
The most prominent diving areas around
the capital Muscat are: Al Khayran, Al Fahil
Island, Dimaniyat Islands, Al Makbara Bay (Old
Muscat), in addition to Al Jissah Beach. Each of
the above mentioned locations contains not less
than 11 different diving sites, each with a diverse
environment.
Turtle reserve
The beaches extending from Ras Al Hadd
to Masirah Island in the Al Sharqiyah South
Governorate are considered a turtle reserve,
including the green turtle, which is a rare species
that returns every year to lay its eggs on the same
54 Travel Arabia
Camping
Many people like to take a break away from
the hustle and bustle of city life with its pampered
lifestyle and go camping to break the routine of
their lives. The diverse environment of Oman
allows many options when it comes to camping.
Camping is enjoyed on Shatti Qantab in
Muscat Governorate, Shatti Ras Al Hadd in
A’Sharqiyah South Governorate, on mountain
tops in Jabal Shams (Sun Mountain) or Al Jabal
Al Akhdar (Green Mountain) in A’Dakhiliyah
Governorate, camping in the desert, both in
Badiya sands in A’Sharqiyah North Governorate,
or in The Empty Quarter in Dhofar.
This is not to mention the magnificence of
camping in Dimaniyat Islands in Al Batinah South
Governorate, or camping in one of the secluded
beaches that spread in Musandam Governorate.
Source: http://www.omantourism.gov.om
How to get there
Oman Air (www.omanair.com) is the national
carrier of the Sultanate of Oman.
Besides Oman Air, many airlines operate
direct flights to Muscat International Airport
among them Emirates Airline (www.emirates.
com); Etihad Airways (www.etihad.com); Air
Arabia (www.airarabia.com); flydubai (www.
flydubai.com) and 16 others from the Gulf
region and elsewhere around the world.
WHERE TO STAY
• Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel (www.
ritzcarlton.com/), which tops TripAdvisor’s list
of the top 38 hotels in Muscat with 733 of 1,028
reviews voting the hotel as excellent.
• The Chedi Muscat (www.ghmhotels.com/en/
muscat/) – second on the TripAdvisor list with
1,051 of the 1,539 reviews voting it as excellent.
• Crowne Plaza Muscat (www.crowneplaza.
com/Muscat) – third on the list with 301 and
397 of the 835 reviews voting it as excellent and
very good, respectively.
• Grand Hyatt Muscat (www.muscat.grand.
hyatt.com) – fourth on the list with 294 and
218 of the 635 reviews voting it as excellent and
very good, respectively.
Opening soon
Hyatt Place Dubai/Baniyas Square is conveniently located in the heart of Dubai’s historic
district on the eastern side of Dubai Creek, which is famed for offering a wealth of enriching
individual experiences to business and leisure travelers. The hotel is just minutes away from the
gold, herbal and textile souks, Dubai International Airport and is adjacent to the Dubai Metro
and bus stop. Hyatt Place Dubai/Baniyas Square also offers easy access to many of the city’s best
heritage and modern-day tourist attractions and world-class luxury shopping at Deira City
Center, Al Ghurair Mall, The Dubai Mall and Festival City.
Hyatt Place Dubai/Baniyas Square features 126 spacious guestrooms ranging in size from 28 to
33 square metres. All guestrooms offer the latest amenities and facilities and cater to the needs
of today’s business and leisure travellers.
Guests can order freshly prepared appetizers, soups and greens, as well as sandwiches and
pasta from the 24/7 Gallery menu. Guests can also sample bakery items from the Grab ‘N Go
selection; both are available 24 hours a day.
Recharge in our free StayFit Gym, open 24 hours a day and equipped with state-of-the art
equipment. Watch your favorite shows while you work out, using the touch-screens on our
cardio machines. The hotel also has a relax and unwind at the swimming pool.
We look forward to welcoming you in a different place.
Enquiries and reservations: Call + 971 4 404 1212 or visit dubaibaniyas.place.hyatt.com
Short Breaks
The Mandarin Oriental in Prague
An 11th century Franciscan monastery becomes the perfect place
Monica Kapila
Even the suite
Madonna stayed in
is compact and cosy
despite having separate
areas for sleeping,
sitting and dressing.
56 Travel Arabia
I
t’s a well known fact that Prague is a
famously historic city rich in culture and
tradition but what’s less well publicized is
staying at the Mandarin Oriental really
makes your travelling there worthwhile.
The hotel has been expertly converted from
an 11th century Franciscan monastery and is
steeped in history itself. You have arrived at
one of Prague’s historic sites that cloaks you in
luxury from the moment you walk in the door.
The hotel is located in the Mala Strana area
of Prague, known as the Lesser Quarter, and
is just 5 minutes walk to the iconic Charles
Bridge. Mala Strana is tranquil and less chaotic
and noisy than across the bridge.
The atmosphere here is genteel and almost
has a fairy tale like quality to it. You may hear
classical music being rehearsed as you walk past
a window, see fresh apple strudel and coffee
being made in one of the independent cafes or
see people stopping to admire the detail in the
doors of the grand buildings that now house
ambassadors and embassies.
It’s a completely safe area too so you’ll be
restored features such as art deco floors and
vaulted ceilings where possible. The terrace from
the presidential suite offers a spectacular view
of all of Prague’s spires and rooftops and is also
a stop off on the fabulous hotel tour that lasts
about an hour. The tour provides a fascinating
insight into the history of it’s construction and
you get to see suites that are decorated with
Moser crystal vases and chandeliers as well as
underground cellars.
At the moment these tours are only run on
a Saturday but this may change. They are free of
charge and you’ll learn about a style of design
called Monastic Chic!
The Spa
If you have time, do try the Spa at the
Mandarin Oriental in Prague. It’s extremely
well run and boasts an impressive range of
treatments. The geranium and rose facial using
Aromatherapy Associates products comes highly
recommended and if by so doing you gain a
complexion anything like those of the therapists
there it will be money well spent. But the
spa also incorporates some history and the
expertly created glass floor shows off the relics
of centuries gone by perfectly. This is the spot
where yoga classes are also conducted and
it makes a unique setting to Salute the Sun.
Luckily coming from the UAE means time is on
your side so you should easily be able to fit in a
yoga class before breakfast.
Service
Service at the Mandarin Oriental in Prague
is exceptionally high. The concierges are very
forward thinking and anticipate all kinds of
guest requests. They even stock items such as sim
card adaptors that fit all smart phones and are
genuinely delighted when they can help. Don’t
be surprised if carelessly discarded magazines
are book marked for you at the precise page you
were reading with beautiful mandarin fans upon
your return!
Your writer’s only regret is not being able
to try the newly opened Spices restaurant run
by acclaimed chef Jiri Stift as it only opened in
the second week of April. Just one of the many
reasons to return to the Mandarin Oriental in
Prague, it really is worth travelling to.
Visit http://www.mandarinoriental.com/
prague/hotel/ for more about Mandarin
Oriental in Prague
Photos by Anjali Kapila
glad to return there after your sightseeing trips.
Being only five minutes away from Charles
Bridge enables you to visit at different times
of the day and night so you can experience the
famous gothic atmosphere of the bridge and
easily walk back to your hotel. Prague is all about
walking and breathing in the architecture, sites
and sounds of the city so being located so close
to all the important sites is perfect.
Rooms
Because the hotel has been converted from
a monastery it’s impossible to create very large
rooms at the Mandarin Oriental in Prague.
Space is at a premium. Even the suite Madonna
stayed in is compact and cosy despite having
separate areas for sleeping, sitting and dressing.
Each room does though incorporate gorgeously
Travel Arabia 57
Welcome to paradise
Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara offers
exceptional experiences
B
anana Island Resort Doha by
Anantara, the newly opened luxury
destination in Qatar, developed by Al
Rayyan Hospitality, offers a paradise
island setting for guests to enjoy, both above and
below the water activities with extensive facilities
for everyone from honeymooners to families,
with unlimited opportunities for relaxation and
adventure, wellness, romance and indulgence.
Because of its prime location in the heart
of Doha’s turquoise sea, Banana Island Resort
Doha by Anantara is a family resort that offers
exceptional access to the sites, attractions, and
activities to further enhance guests’ spectacular
vacation in Qatar. Besides a vast array of
luxurious experiences to be had on property,
guests and families can also enjoy the pleasures
of the surrounding landscape with some
sporting action.
Guests looking for recreation options on
dry land are spoilt for choice, from tennis,
basketball, beach volleyball and a fitness centre,
to an entertainment centre with a nine-hole
putting golf course, eight pin bowling alley and
58 Travel Arabia
VIP cinema theatre.
With dedicated facilities and fully qualified
professional child minders, families are welcome
at the Cool Mint Kids’ Club and Pepper Mint
Teens’ Club, where they can make new friends
and socialize, play games and get active on the
obstacle course and in the adventure zone.
The island’s setting and tropical climate
make water sports a popular choice, whether the
guest is tempted by activities that offer thrilling
speed, an underwater adventure, peaceful
fishing trip or relaxing ocean cruise. The Resort
provides guests the opportunity to enjoy
personal watercraft rentals and tours, banana
boat rides, ocean kayaking, sport fishing, wake
boarding, wind surfing, snorkeling, and so
much more.
For guests looking to discover a whole other
world of sunken shipwrecks and exotic sea
creatures, the resort offers scuba diving lesson for
beginners, through to courses for professional
dive instructors at the resort’s Diving Centre.
Guest can also sign up for a trip out at sea and
test their skills against prized catches. Beginner
or a seasoned angler, a team of competent crew
and experienced fishermen will ensure that
groups of up to four people discover the area’s
very best fishing spots and are well taken care of.
Also, guests will learn how to surf without
braving the ocean in a controlled environment
with professional instructors. In Banana Island
Resort Doha by Anantara, two lane surf pool
waves can be created to suit your skill level,
allowing guests to master the techniques more
easily than out at sea. Surf boards are available
to rent at the Surf Pool. In addition to the above
activities, and as Qatar’s leading and unique
resort destination, Banana Island Resort Doha
by Anantara strives to keep guests happy with
a smile on their faces at all times by offering
something for everyone, from kids’ clubs,
teenage vibes to parent’s pleasures. The resort
offers the promise to experience leisure facilities
that are quite simply, second to none.
Enquiries and reservations:
Call +974 4040 5050
Email reservations.doha@anantara.com
or visit http://doha.anantara.com
Sojourn on the Nile
Conrad Cairo spares nothing when it comes to comfort
Conrad Cairo is located in the heart
of Cairo and stands impressively above the
River Nile from most of the hotel’s 614 airconditioned guest rooms and suites. The hotel
offers sophisticated luxury for both business
and leisure travellers and is a perfect base for
exploring historic Cairo. In addition to its
convenient down town location, every aspect of
the hotel interior was designed to nourish, relax
and entertain.
As soon as you step into Conrad Cairo, you
are greeted by our friendly doormen and guided
to the stylish hotel Lobby, where a warm Conrad
welcome at Reception awaits. The Conrad Cairo
of our hotel guests - the hotel’s numerous inroom amenities, such as multiple telephone
lines, Internet access, satellite television and
elegant marble bathrooms with separate
showers, have all been designed with your
satisfaction in mind. If you are looking for extra
pampering you will enjoy the Executive Floor,
with its panoramic private lounge overlooking
the Nile and Butler service.
The hotel offers a wide range of dining
options featuring nine international restaurants
and bars depending on your whim. Allday dining experience at Solana Restaurant
60 Travel Arabia
overlooking the Nile; Oak Grill Restaurant, the
finest dining restaurant serving the finest meats
and seafood; and Jayda Restaurant, which offers
delicious Lebanese cuisine overlooking the Nile.
The others are Kamala Restaurant, which
offers varieties of South East Asian dishes;
Stage One, the top night life venue in Cairo;
El Mojito, a privileged open air lounge and
bar with an incredible view on the Nile (opens
during Summer); Atrium, the lobby lounge
offering snacks and pastries; The Pool Bar
offering snacks and cocktails and the in-room
dining which is available 24 hours a day;
Executive Lounge featuring express check-in
and check-out, breakfast buffet, tea and coffee,
soft drinks and light snacks throughout the
day; and Happy Hour with a range of alcoholic
drinks and canapés.
Conrad Cairo is the perfect place for
meetings and conferences. The hotel’s 11
versatile meeting rooms, encompassing 3500
square metres (37,600 square feet) of function
and meeting space, enable meeting planners
to hold a range of events from small board
meetings to receptions for up to 1200 guests.
The hotel also features an around-theclock casino, beauty salon, gifts bazaar and
a comprehensive Health Club, with a fully
equipped gym, sauna, steam room and massage
treatments and heated outdoor swimming pool.
Enquiries and reservation:
www.placeshilton.com/cairo
opening soon
in istanbul
A premier in Turkey –The first Park Inn by Radisson Hotel opens!
Located 4 kilometers away from Ataturk International Airport, with easy connection to Istanbul’s
largest fair site, CNR Expo, the new Park Inn by Radisson Istanbul Ataturk Airport provides
state-of-the-art facilities as well as free high-speed wireless Internet. Be one of our first guests
and enjoy a positive and personalized experience.
Opening date: Q2 2015
Call +90 212 697 71 71, info.ataturk.istanbul@rezidorparkinn.com
parkinn.com
Park Inn by Radisson Hotels 100+ hotels
in Europe, Middle East and Africa.
a really memorable stay in Dubai
Rose Garden Hotel Apartments - Al
Barsha is your first choice if you are looking
for class, comfort and convenience with fourstar standards. The hotel enchants with 144
beautiful, thoughtfully designed, very spacious
Studios, One and Two Bedroom Apartments
with complete amenities, kitchenette, free wifi,
leisure facilities, coffee shop also with free wireless
internet, covered parking and endless hospitality
for a really memorable stay in Dubai
Located on Sheikh Zayed Road, Rose Garden
Hotel Apartments is a walk away from Mall of the
Emirates, as well as Ski Dubai and just a minute’s
walk to the Sharaf DG Metro Station.
Rose Garden Hotel Apartments - Al Barsha,
provides fast and easy access to the World
Trade Center, Dubai International Financial
Center, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media
City, Knowledge Village, Dubai Land, Dubai
Investment Park, Madinat Jumeirah, The Palm
Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa,
Jumeirah Beach, Ibn Battuta Mall, Techno Park
and Jabel Ali Free Zone.
The property also offers welcome drinks
on arrival, among them a pack of tea or coffee.
Likewise a fruit basket is given upon arrival.
A daily newspaper in English and Arabic is
available.
Facilities
Studio: Each apartment measures a spacious
39 - 43 sq m or 418 – 467 sq ft, with LCD TV,
fully equipped pantry kitchen, refrigerator, hot
plate, micro oven, washing machine, safe deposit
box, flat iron, ironing board, hair dryer, cutleries
and crockery’s.
01 Bed Room: Each apartment measures 82
sq m or 885 sq ft, with a separate bedroom, living
room with dining, LCD TVs, safe deposit box,
flat iron, ironing board, hair dryer, and a washing
machine. It also has a vastly equipped separate
kitchen with hot plate, micro oven, refrigerator,
cutleries and crockery’s.
02 Bed Room: Each apartment measures
126 – 146 sq m or 1358 – 1570 sq. ft, with two
separate bedrooms one of which has a king size
bed and one with twin beds; living room with
dining, two separate bathrooms, LCD TVs,
safe deposit box, flat iron, ironing board, hair
dryer, and a washing machine. It also has a vastly
equipped separate kitchen with hot plate, micro
oven, dish washer, refrigerator, cutleries and
crockery’s.
Leisure Facilities: A full-fledged hi-tech health
club with gymnasium and sauna to stay in shape.
A swimming pool for adults and a separate pool
of their own, for the kids to enjoy are available at
the roof top.
Parking: Covered car parking available at
basement one and two. Value Added Services:
Laundry and dry cleaning, currency exchange,
a doctor on call, baby sitting can be arranged
upon request on a 24-hours’ prior notice, flight
re-confirmation, tours arrangements, car rental
service and airport transfers. All apartments
have an individually controlled central airconditioning, multi-satellite TV channels, wifi
internet, and direct dialing telephone facilities.
A comfortable living experience in a
family atmosphere
Rose Garden Bur Dubai offers a truly
lavish and comfortable living experience with a
family atmosphere. If you are looking for class,
comfort and convenience without compromise,
then Rose Garden Bur Dubai it is.
Rose Garden Bur Dubai promises to please
with 56 delightfully furnished Studio, One &
Two bedroom executive apartments with full
service facilities and endless hospitality giving
you the chance to enjoy your stay in Dubai.
Rose Garden – Bur Dubai is behind Khalid
Bin Waleed Street, also known as Bank Street.
It is just a minute’s walk from Burjuman
Shopping Centre and Burjuman Metro
Station.
It provides fast and easy access to the Dubai
Creek, Dubai Museum, Dubai Maritime City,
Jadaf Port and Dubai Festival City/Business
Bay, among others. Complimentary are free
Travel Arabia
wi-fi; welcome drinks upon arrival, including
a pack of tea or coffee, as well as a fruit basket.
Daily newspaper is also available.
Studio: - Each apartment is spacious 41
sq m, with LCD TV, fully equipped kitchen,
Refrigerator, Hot Plate, Micro Oven, Washing
Machine, Safe Deposit Box, Iron, Iron board
Cutleries and Crockery’s.
01 Bed Room: Each apartment measures
88 sq m, with a separate bedroom, living room
with dining, safe deposit box, flat iron, ironing
board, and a washing machine. It also has a
vastly equipped kitchen with a cooking range,
micro oven, dish washer, refrigerator, cutleries
and crockery’s.
02 Bed Room: Each apartment measures
114 sq m, with two separate bedrooms, a
living room with dining, safe deposit box, iron,
ironing board, washing machine. It also has a
vastly equipped kitchen with a cooking range,
micro oven, dish washer, refrigerator, cutleries
and Crockery’s.
Leisure Facilities: A full-fledged hi-tech
health club with a gymnasium and sauna to
stay in shape. A swimming pool for adults and
a separate pool of their own for the kids to
enjoy are available at the roof top.
Parking: Covered car parking available at
basement one and two. Value Added Services:
Laundry and dry cleaning, currency exchange,
a doctor on call, baby sitting can be arranged
upon request on a 24-hours’ prior notice, flight
re-confirmation, tours arrangements, car rental
service and airport transfers.
All Apartments have individually
controlled central air-conditioning, multisatellite TV channels, wifi, and direct dialing
telephone facilities.
adventure
Al Shujaat 2 is the latest addition to Al Wasl Yachts’ growing fleet of luxury vessels available for yacht charters and deep sea fishing in Dubai.
It measures 42 feet and can accommodate up to 14 passengers.
More fun ahead
Al Wasl to launch new Dubai excursion services
Choose what’s best for you
A. Dinner dhow cruise by the Creek
B. Yacht parties off Dubai Marina
C. Deep sea fishing.
D. All of the above
Tours and excursion companies in Dubai have
been continuously expanding their portfolios to
meet the growing tourism market in the UAE.
Ishrat Ali Khan’s group of tours and excursions
companies rides with the tide as they introduce new
and additional offerings to tourists and residents in
the country.
According to Ishrat Ali Khan, who sits as the
group managing director, the company is focused
on improving its products and services to bring
only the best Dubai travel experience to everyone.
“Every day, we are seeking new and better ways
to serve every tourist and resident in Dubai. We
don’t compromise on the quality of our services,
and we make sure that every guest gets a truly
64 Travel Arabia
enjoyable and memorable travel experience in
Dubai with us,” he said.
The group is composed of destination
management experts Asia Pacific Travels and
Tourism, desert safari and tours provider Oasis Palm
Tourism, and yacht charter company Al Wasl Yachts.
These companies are pioneers in the tourism
business in Dubai with over 10 years of experience.
Certified in ISO 9001:2008, they are one of few
companies who own and maintain their very own
infrastructure that includes luxury yachts and
fishing boats, desert safari camp, tour vans, and 4x4
SUVs among many others.
For this year, the company is adding a new
yacht, introducing their very own dhow cruise
dinner services, and launching an all-in-one
excursions website.
cruising
Dubai has a rich history deeply rooted in
seafaring and fishing. With its abundant marine
resources, cruising and deep sea fishing has become
a popular past time. To effectively serve this
growing market, Al Wasl Yachts recently added a
new yacht to its fleet: the new 42-foot Al Shujaat
2, which can accommodate up to 14 guests with its
comfortable lounge, bedrooms, kitchen, fly bridge,
and sundeck. It is perfect for family outings, small
group parties, and even romantic cruises.
Climbing aboard this luxury yacht for a cruise,
guests can enjoy the beauty of Dubai from the sea.
Casting off from the vibrant Dubai Marina and
cruising around the Palm Island, they are treated
to breathtaking views of the Burj Al Arab, Atlantis
The Palm, and the refreshing blue waters of the
Persian Gulf. With a deep sea fishing trip, guests
can enjoy the bounty of the Dubai seas, which is
Climbing aboard this luxury yacht for a cruise, guests
can enjoy the beauty of Dubai from the sea. Casting off
from the vibrant Dubai Marina and cruising around
the Palm Island, they are treated to breathtaking views.
famed as the number one sailfish destination in
the world.
The refreshing beauty of Musandam in Oman is only a
click away when you book your Musandam tour on Day
Out Dubai, the most complete tours and excursions web
portal in Dubai and the UAE.
Timeless dining
Al Wasl is also set to introduce this year its
very own classically elegant dhow cruise dinner
services. Two traditional dhows bedecked in
bright and colorful lights will be unveiled
in October to take guests on a beautiful and
romantic dinner cruise along Dubai Creek. The
floating restaurants can accommodate from 150
to 200 dining guests each.
Reflecting the culture and heritage of Dubai,
guests are treated to a sumptuous buffet of
Continental, Indian, and Asian dishes as well as
onboard entertainment on a traditional Arabian
wooden dhow. As the dhow gracefully cruises
down the historic Dubai Creek, diners are offered
a stunning view of the culture-rich districts of Bur
Dubai and Deira. A dhow cruise dinner is also
a unique way to celebrate special occasions like
birthdays, anniversaries, corporate get-togethers,
and many others.
One-stop online shop
Visitors and residents can explore, experience,
and enjoy Dubai and the rest of the emirates
with one of the most comprehensive tours and
excursions portal in the UAE – Day Out Dubai
on www.dayoutdubai.ae. From desert safari to
yacht charters to city tours to theme park access,
Day Out Dubai has a complete line-up of all the
things to do and places to see all over the UAE.
Day Out Dubai offers desert safaris, yacht
charters, fishing trips, dhow cruise dinners,
city tours, and Musandam tours. It also accepts
reservations for Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa, Yas
Waterworld, Ferrari World, and more. Hot air
balloon, seaplane, and helicopter tours are also
available from Day Out Dubai. Only tours and
excursions from trusted providers are listed on
Day Out Dubai. This assures every guest a high
quality and a truly memorable experience.
Manned by a team of expert tourism
professionals, the website also offers helpful
information about each tour and attraction, a
24/7 online chat and reservations facility, and a
blog and news section.
The portal is a work in progress, and a secure
payment system is in the pipeline to enable
website visitors to immediately book and pay for
their tours online.
Embrace the golden sand dunes of Dubai on a desert safari adventure with Day Out Dubai, the most comprehensive tours and excursions web portal in Dubai and the UAE.
Travel Arabia 65
spa holidays
Turkish spa break
It’s just too good to miss
T
here is so much to love about Istanbul
and so many reasons to visit. For many
it is the historic sights and culture,
while for others it is the diverse and
ceaselessly sociable dining scene. For some,
though, the idea of a spa break in one of the
world’s most colourful cities is too good to miss,
particularly when the flight time is just a few
hours from most airports across the Middle East.
One of Turkey’s newest and most appealing
lodging options, the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa
Istanbul Tuzla, is a peaceful retreat in the Tuzla
neighbourhood of Istanbul set amid a forest of
pine trees. What makes this hotel special is that
it is just far enough away from the hustle and
bustle of the city to offer serenity and calm, yet
close enough for easy access to sightseeing. It is
also just three kilometres from the Sabiha Gokcen
International Airport.
Promising a serene stay, the calming effect of
this spa destination begins in the rooms which
are stylishly designed in neutral tones and offer
a choice of stunning views of the lush outdoor
garden or the tranquil Zen garden. While the
66 Travel Arabia
rooms are lovely, the main reason for staying at
this hotel is its stunning 4000 sqm wellness centre
and spa.
Spread over two floors, this beautifully
designed facility is light, bright and relaxing. You
can choose to spend time in the sky-lit indoor
pool, relax in the outdoor pool or take a more
invigorating swim in the performance pool.
Take your pick from the whirlpools, saunas, a
laconium, aroma-steam room or experience the
unique adventure shower tunnel. The outdoor
recreational Jacuzzis surrounded by natural
greenery beckon you to unwind in the Zen
garden where body and soul are restored by the
transformative power of the outdoors.
And, of course, no spa in Turkey would
be complete without the traditional Turkish
hammam, a soothing combination of hot
bathing that includes a gentle exfoliation and a
detoxifying cleanse designed to banish impurities
and rejuvenate. Step into the Elysia spa and you
are immediately wrapped in its lemon-scented
warmth. It is light and bright, taking advantage of
natural daylight and subtle low lighting to create a
feeling of space and relaxation. The wide choice of
treatment rooms also includes a selection of suites
that come complete with private pools.
The selection of treatments is extensive
ranging from Pañpuri facials to Balinese rituals.
The menu includes a traditional Balinese and hot
stone massage as well as the spa’s signature Inner
Peace Relaxing massage which uses Ylang Ylang
extracts coupled with a combination of Swedish,
Aromatherapy and shiatsu techniques to reenergise and revive.
The ultimate indulgence, though, is the
spa’s Ultimate Antioxidant Journey, a half-day
treatment that begins with a Thai Jasmine Honey
Bath and a gentle body polish using Siamese
Water Uplifting Body Polish. This is followed
by a mineral-rich Body Detoxifier and finally a
relaxing massage that uses the rich and sweet scent
of Thai jasmine blossoms.
The Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Istanbul Tuzla
is just 35 kilometres from the centre of Istanbul
and easily accessible for a weekend spa getaway.
Enquiries and reservations:
Visit www.radissonblu.com/hotel-istanbul-tuzla
fashion
what’s on the catwalk
ZILLI
FALL-WINTER
COLLECTION
2015-16
The 2015-16 Fall-Winter collection is undeniably
cosmopolitan, combining the simple comfort of cocooning
and the sophisticated elegance that is so inherent to ZILLI.
For over fifty years the iconic jacket has been symbolic
of the French brand, and this year sees it re-invented
once again. Vartex is a two-material model with a quilted
texture bearing the classic ingot pattern. The ZILLI grey
or midnight blue Snakeskin, resembling lambskin or
sheepskin in its lightweight and discreet cut, incorporates
a new style metallic zip fasteners.
The contemporary Trajan model is available in a selection
of ultra-mat carbon finishes: crocodile or lambskin. Wim
is a quilted glazed black lambskin jacket with a scattering
of engraved golden rivets. Qabala is in ultra-light unlined
cashmere, with a fur collar and removable lining. World
is a biker jacket with geometric embroidery on the
sleeves, which reminiscing of a luxury tattoo. Wilson is
a sumptuous ¾ length duffle coat in chinchilla cashmere
with contrasting anthracite suede inlays and a lynxlined hood. The Wonder is this season’s essential quilted
reversible twin material jacket, combining cashmere and
technical silk.
68 Travel Arabia
YACHT CHARTERS & FISHING
Turn Wonderful Moments into Priceless Memories
Charter with Family and Friends
AED 800/- Per Hour Onwards
LUXURY PRIVATE CHARTER
DEEP SEA FISHING
SUNSET CRUISE
Pick up & Drop-off facility from Hotels in Dubai
YA C H TS
ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company
www.alwaslyachts.ae
24 Hrs. Reservation
Tel: 04 2953485 / 04 2953486
STOP & SHOP
A QUICK LOOK AT OUR MONTHLY VITRINE
Mark
Webber
An exceptional
ambassador for Chopard
After enlivening F1 tracks for over 10
years, Australian Porsche Motorsport
driver, Mark Webber is now flying
the colours of the Geneva-based
manufacture.
70 Travel Arabia
Haute Joaillerie at
Chopard
Under the impetus of Caroline Scheufele,
Chopard Haute Joaillerie has been enriched
with a series of dazzling collections: Animal
World, Red Carpet, Green Carpet and
Temptations, to mention but a few, all reveal
the expertise in various artistic crafts dedicated
to serving a formidably modern creative vein of
inspiration.
Through these collections, Haute Joaillerie
has come to represent an acknowledged
centre of excellence of the Geneva-based firm,
encompassing all phases from design through
to production.
Driven by the passion and the guidance
provided by Caroline Scheufele, the artisans
pool their talents and their skills in creating
genuine works of art mingling traditional
techniques and cutting-edge technologies.
Imperiale 36mm
Joaillerie
When the codes of contemporary elegance
echo the grandeur of the Roman Empire,
a true classic is clearly in the making. The
Imperiale watch appeals first and foremost
by its harmonious proportions and refined
details. Endowed with a powerful and
symbolic character, it asserts itself as the
natural choice for daring women.
The new Imperiale 36mm Joaillerie model
beats to the rhythm of a self-winding
movement and reprises the collection’s
design codes with a regal bearing: the
dial appears adorned with magnificently
shimmering Tahiti mother-of-pearl, while
the bezel and the lug-covers are entirely
set with diamonds. The fascinating dial
reflections, together with the radiance of
diamonds, create a luminous harmony.
Mille Miglia GTS Collection
Over the years since its launch in 1988, the Mille
Miglia has become a flagship collection of Chopard.
In 2015, Chopard is entirely revisiting this grand
classic by introducing the collection dubbed Mille
Miglia GTS (for Grand Turismo Sport). This new
collection, composed of a three-hand and date
chronometer, a power reserve and a chronograph, sees
the introduction of a Chopard movement.
Travel Arabia 71
Istana unfurls Adler’s enchanting new
Flora collection
Istana presents renowned Swiss jewellery
brand Adler’s enchanting new Flora
collection spilling over with five-petal
blooms await a woman’s touch.
Inspired by ancient Europe’s Floralia
festival paying homage to Flora, the
goddess of flowers and the season of
spring, it unfurls multi-strand necklaces,
stud earrings, short drop earrings as well
as rings. Adler’s acclaimed craftsmanship
breathes life into delicate, twinkling
buds fashioned in 18k white gold
settings and featuring sapphires, rubies
and yellow and white diamond petals.
Adler’s Flora collection is exclusively
available at Istana, the UAE-based
multi-brand
jewellery
retailer’s
boutiques located at The Dubai Mall
and Four Seasons Resort Dubai.
Casuals
Keeping up with the
current fashion trend –
Coachella-inspired festival
fashion that includes best
selections from Bebe, Gaudi
Italia, Kingsley Heath and
Vince Camuto.
72 Travel Arabia
Montblanc Star Roman Small Second Automatic
The Montblanc Star Roman Collection distinguishes
itself by its traditional design elements, masterfully
balanced to deliver timeless timepieces for those who
value elegant simplicity with the distinctive Montblanc
style. With the introduction of the new Montblanc Star
Roman Small Second Automatic, Montblanc brings a
small complication to the Montblanc Star Roman
Collection, decentralizing the seconds display to
emphasize the pure and classical aesthetics of the watch
and its functional qualities.
Every detail of the Montblanc Star Roman Small
Second Automatic reflects Montblanc’s design DNA,
while the movement with automatic winding inside
the timepiece upholds the tradition of fine Swiss
watchmaking. The Maison’s heritage of sophistication
is expressed in the slim roundish polished stainless
steel case of three-hand watch with central hours and
minutes, and the silvery-white dial featuring a threedimensional central guilloché pattern.
Spring/Summer 2016
from Swarovski
Swarovski, the global leader in cut crystal and
fashion jewelry, introduces its dazzling new
loose crystal assortment of cuts, colors, effects
and line extensions for Spring/Summer 2016.
Inspired by the season’s inspiration, ‘Between
Heaven and Earth’.
This season focuses on the human quest for
happiness, strength, hope and fulfillment, and
the importance of visual representation as a
way of expressing these desires. Historically
imbued with perceived spiritual powers, such
symbols have acquired cross-cultural meaning,
exemplified by today’s emoji, which have
overcome all language barriers to become
accepted expressions worldwide. Four subthemes for Spring/Summer 2016 have been
identified, with their corresponding crystal
innovations.
Possess the
Ancient Power
Imperiale Collection
by Chopard
Chopard together with Ahmed Seddiqi &
Sons hosted an exclusive preview of Chopard’s
Imperiale Collection novelties through
a prestigious gathering at Burj Al Arab’s
sumptuous Sunset Garden.
When the codes of contemporary elegance echo
the grandeur of the Roman Empire, a true classic
is clearly in the making. The Imperiale watch
appeals first and foremost by its harmonious
proportions and refined details. Endowed with
a powerful and symbolic character, it asserts
itself as the natural choice for daring women.
A union becomes a legend, a union called
Mythos: the quintessential expression of
an unstoppable power. Mythos, the new
perfume by Zippo Fragrances, keeps you
in command and embodies an encounter
between universes, between sea and sky,
between men and the power of ancient
gods.
This perfume narrates a myth, a heroic
story in which masculine virility meets
and dominates the bursting energy of
the sea, the quintessential symbol of
boundless power and strength. Mythos
speaks of a legend of undisputed power
and greatness.
If you are living your life constantly
aiming at being the best then this perfume
will get you there in your imagination
as we all know our imaginations opens
for us vistas of reality. See yourself as
the leader confronting daily life with
determination, self confidence and
virility, knowing how to distinguish
yourself and commanding respect in
every situation.
Mythos makes the Brand Zippo more
accessible by captivating the imagination
with its array of colors shining through
the glass bottle giving a refined and
elegant appearance to any dressing table.
Travel Arabia 73
Uniquely UAE
Our cuisine is a multicultural combination
of Middle Eastern,
Mediterranean and
Indian-influenced dishes.
Soul Food
Al akl’ala kadd el mahabeh – “The food
equals the affection.”
By Salem bin Dasmal
As a child, I didn’t always fully appreciate
how important mealtimes were for my family. It
was usually loud, chaotic, and with one brother
and two sisters, it could get unruly. My mother
would spend the day preparing food that we
would all come together on and devour within
minutes. Some of our favorite childhood meals
were Saloona, Samak Mashwai and Fereed in
Ramadhan! Nothing pleased her more than to
see us eat.
In my late teens and early adulthood, I
came to appreciate the significance of sharing
a meal with others. Among Arabs, this is a
respected tradition and expression of kindness
and generosity. We love nothing more than to
feed and entertain our family and friends. It is
a custom we are taught to appreciate from an
early age, and one we enjoy continuing with as
adults. It is where we learn to respect our elders
by serving them and learn from their stories by
listening to them. This is a custom we continue
today. It is good for our soul and for the health
of our family.
In many Arab households, no meal is more
74 Travel Arabia
important than that shared on a Friday after
prayer. It’s the time when the whole family gets
together to reconnect, tell stories, laugh and
strengthen family ties. It is where boys learn
to become gentleman, and where girls learn to
become ladies. It is a big part of our culture,
and a tradition that keeps our family-oriented
culture alive.
Not only is our Friday lunch considered one
of the most important meals of the week; it is
the meal we most commonly invite guests to.
The meal when we open our house to welcome
family and friends with thoughtfulness and
hospitality. Our traditional food is as varied
and distinct as that you would see at any Friday
hotel brunch in Dubai – something that has
become an institution over the years, and an
opportunity for families and friends to get
together on the weekend.
However, one of the notable differences
between a hotel brunch and a traditional
homemade Arab lunch is the simplicity of
the dining experience. In fact, in many Arab
homes, you’ll find that the big family meals,
such as those served on a Friday, are still served
and eaten while seated on the floor. While
seemingly a strange custom for people to learn
of at first, it is one relished by many who find
the tradition friendly and relaxing. Moreover,
it’s practical when you are entertaining more
people than can be seated at your dining table
– not to mention that it’s highly beneficial for
digestion.
Our cuisine is a multi-cultural combination
of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Indianinfluenced dishes – with herbs such as mint,
thyme, oregano and parsley, and spices such
as cinnamon, saffron and turmeric, featuring
heavily. The food is abundant, aromatic and
rustic. And though some recipes are different
between different Arab countries and cities,
the ingredients are generally the same across
the Middle East. Good food is regarded as the
foundation of an inviting home, and so great
emphasis is placed on ensuring that the art
of cooking and entertaining is passed on to
younger generations – with the adventurous
adapting traditional recipes to meet changing
family needs. We have seen this evolution and
modernization of Arabic cuisine mirrored in
many popular Arabic restaurants over the past
decade, where food is simple, rich in flavor,
genuine and plentiful.
In addition to the dates, rice, meat and
laban for which we are known, hot beverages
– specifically tea and coffee – are consumed in
large quantities, and are very much part of our
entertaining and dining culture. This should
come as no surprise given the number of busy
coffee shops in and around the region.
So, if ever invited to share a homemade
Arab meal, embrace the opportunity to immerse
yourself in our customs and culture.
And remember Al akl’ala kadd el mahabeh
(which literally means ‘the food equals the
affection’)… so eat up!
About the author
Salem bin Dasmal is Founder Silver
Spoon Investments, a new UAEbased restaurant group focusing
on home-grown concepts. A UAE
tennis star, he, likewise, was former
chief executive officer of Dubailand.
Everyone
Eats for FREE
not just the little ones!
To take advantage of this fantastic offer, book a room
at any of our hotels this summer and enjoy a
complimentary half board upgrade.
That’s breakfast and lunch or dinner FREE for the entire duration of your stay.
Simply go online at www.millenniumhotels.ae/eatforfree or contact your
preferred hotel direct. Offer available from 15th May to 15th September 2015.
www.millenniumhotels.com
UAE
|
QATAR
|
OMAN
|
K U WA I T
|
IRAQ
Terms and Conditions apply.
|
SAUDI AR ABIA
|
JOR DAN
Summer special.
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This summer, book one night’s stay and get a second night or an additional room absolutely free, when you stay in
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From the mystical charm of the Liwa Desert at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, to the urban luxury of
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this summer, create twice as many unforgettable memories with Anantara.
Take advantage of our spectacular summer offer today, visit anantara.com/abudhabisummer and use the
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*Terms and conditions apply. Offer varies per participating property with limited rooms allocated to this promotion. Offer subject to availability
and valid for GCC residents only. Offer may not be combined with any other promotion/discount or exchanged for any other service or cash.
2nd night/room free valid for consecutive stays in the same resort.
Embark on a journey
rich with discovery
at anantara.com
Liwa Desert • Sir Bani Yas Island • Abu Dhabi