HORSING AROUND
Saddle up for the Dubai World Cup 23
LIFE BY THE BEACH The city’s most popular shores 42
SHOPPERS STOP Dubai Shopping Wonderland 46
Dubai Events Galore THREE MONTHS OF NON-STOP EVENTS TA K E O V E R T H E C I T Y
Rediscover Dubai’s Iconic Gathering Place Following a recent renovation, we are delighted to announce the reopening of Dubai’s iconic Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers on the 9th April 2014. • The Lady of the Creek will be back with 268 modern rooms and suites fully equipped for both the business and leisure traveller. • Enjoy our range of 6 distinctive food and beverage outlets, including speciality restaurants Vivaldi, award-winning Ashiana and Creekside Japanese. • 6 meeting rooms with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment. /sheratondubaicreek
@sheratondxb
/sheratondubaicreek
W: www.sheratondubaicreek.com | E: reservationsdubaiuae@sheraton.com | T: +971.4.228.1111
©2014 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest, SPG, Sheraton and their logos are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates. For full terms and conditions, visit sheraton.com/dubai
published by motivate
FEB 2014 – APRIL 2014
senior editor leah fielding
deputy editor tracey scott
senior art director
victor mingovits
assignments editor ingrid valles for dtcm
director of communications charlie taylor ctaylor@ dubaitourism.ae
director of media and advertising
moza al youha myouha@ dubaitourism.ae
overseas offices
australia and new zealand dtcm_aus@ dubaitourism.ae
brazil and south america
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18 28 art
music
An overview of Art Dubai — find out why curators, collectors, artists and art lovers are all heading to Dubai
A highlight of Dubai’s alternative music venues, the movers and shakers of Dubai’s music scene and where they hang out in the city
34 50
literature
food
Embark on a literary tour of Dubai, highlighting the bookstores and bookshop-comecafés dotted about the emirate
Experience food at its best with independent restaurants and food experiences in Dubai – from dining in the dark to floating down Dubai Creek
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france and benelux
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22 38 42 46
HORSES
BUSINESS
Saddle up, Dubai’s business it’s time to facilities and follow us on conference an equestrian centres, trail around including Dubai. From business lunches, the stables business-class to horseback transport and trekking, we’ve how to plan a got it covered conference
BEACHES
SHOPPING
A focus on Dubai’s best beaches, beach facilities, waterparks, and boats for hire, break out your sunscreen
An insider’s guide to Dubai’s shopping malls, markets and souks, you’ll learn how to get there, where to stay and where to eat
elsewhere
4 CALENDAR This season’s events revealed. Got your tickets?
10 EXPLORE The world famous Downtown Dubai uncovered 14 VOICE Dubai through the eyes of its creative residents 16 #MYDUBAI Candid moments captured in the emirate 17 A LESSON IN Dubai’s International Airport 61 CORPORATE News from the DTCM 66 INFRASTRUCTURE A look at the city’s architectural marvels ON THE COVER Illustration by Scott Sosebee
u.k. and ireland dtcm_uk@ dubaitourism.ae
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february bowled over The ICC U19 Cricket World Cup Tournament makes its UAE debut. Challenging players under 19 years of age, the biennial tournament will see teams from South Africa, West Indies, India, Pakistan, Scotland, England, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea battling it out for the coveted title. February 14 – March 1 at the Dubai Sports City Cricket Stadium
dream melodies Leading British soprano Sarah Brightman is all set to charm Dubai with her soulful singing. The legendary songstress will be performing her internationally-heralded ‘Dreamchaser’ tour at the Dubai World Trade Centre on February 6 and 7. jazz it up In its 12th year now, the Emirate Airline Jazz Festival has been wowing fans each year with some of the most legendary jazz and blues artists performing live. This year’s edition, themed Much More Than Jazz is promising audiences twice the jazz as well as classic rock, indie rock, pop and urban beats. February 13 - 20 at the Festival Park, Dubai Festival City
bike through dubai The UAE makes its debut on the International Cycling Union’s racing calendar with the Dubai Tour. The event is bringing to the emirate some of professional cycling stars and will see cyclists circuit around Dubai’s most icocnic landmarks including Burj Khalifa, Nad Al Sheba Cycle Track, Palm Jumeirah and even the by-lanes of old Dubai. February 5 – 8 dubai polo gold cup The Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series (Silver Cup) will play host to some of the best polo teams in the world. An exciting mix of top-class sportsmanship and glamour, the event is one of the most awaited on the international sporting calendar. February 1 – 15 at the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club, Arabian Ranches
FOOD FEST
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For 23 days Dubai’s diverse culinary offering will be on show with the inaugural Dubai Food Festival. Kicking
off with the Dubai Food Carnival (21-22 February) and ending with Taste of Dubai (13-15 March), the city-wide festival
game, set, match The world’s best tennis players return to the city for the 22nd Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships from February 17 to March 1 at Aviation Club Stadium, Garhoud. The men’s championship star line-up features Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Tomas Berdych, and Svetlana Kuznetsova, to name a few.
includes a number of major events, pop-up restaurants and special menus in hundreds of restaurants, not
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to mention promotions in supermarkets and malls. www.dubaifood festival.com
march spoken word, bringing people of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds together with authors from around the world to promote education, debate and, above all, a love of reading and writing, in a celebratory and enjoyable way. colours galore Art Dubai’s extensive programme includes commissioned projects and performances, artists’ and curators’ residencies, educational workshops, the unveiling of works by the winners of the annual Abraaj Group Art Prize and the critically acclaimed Global Art Forum. March 19-22 at the Madinat Jumeirah
eric clapton live Seventeen-time Grammy winner, legendary guitarist Eric Clapton will be performing for the first time in Dubai at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre on March 6 . The three-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, will span decades of classics with hits like “Tears in Heaven”, “Layla” and “Wonderful Tonight”.
both local and international builders together with the latest innovations in marine industry. It will be held from March 4 – 8 at the Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi. frame by frame The annual Gulf Photo Plus brings the world’s best photographers and instructors to Dubai to share their knowledge and experience with the photography community. March 31 – April 2 at the Al Serkal Avenue, Warehouse D36, Al Quoz
masters of the sea Dubai International Boat Show is the largest, most important and most established event of its kind in the region and one of the fastest growing leisure marine industry exhibitions in the world. The 22nd edition of the event will be a classic showcase of yachts, supercars, equipment and supplies from
prose perfectThe Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, taking place at the Dubai Festival City from March 4-8, is the Middle East’s largest celebration of the written and
april comic capers Following the ground-breaking success of its previous years, the Middle East Film and Comic Con’s third season will feature Sylvestor McCoy from the Dr. Who series and The Hobbit film, and the incredibly talented Seth Green, voice of Chris on The Family Guy series as well as the co-creator of Robot Chicken and in the Austin Power film series. April 3 – 5 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
bridal shower With thousands of inspirational ideas, BRIDE Dubai is the ultimate destination for all brides-to-be looking for the latest trends in fashion and beauty. April 2 – 5 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre off to emerald city Join Dorothy, Tin Man, Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion as they set off to Emerald City to meet the magical
For more information on all events: dubaicalendar.ae
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Wizard of Oz. Recreating the magic of the 1900 novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz theatre production will take you through a mysterious land of magic and monsters from April 3 – 18 at the Madinat Jumeirah Theatre tea time The Global Dubai Tea Forum is back, bringing together key participants from across the international tea industry. April 8 -10 at the Sofitel, The Palm. @dubai_calendar
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eat
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new and now dubai marriott hotel al jaddaf While Marriott
Al Jaddaf is primarily for the discerning business community, leisure seekers will not be disappointed either. The 352-room, 5-star property is close to the arterial Sheikh Zayed Road and DIFC in addition to attractions
Indulge in the flavours of Spain at the cielo tapas bar and sky lounge . Launched
at the Dubai Creek Yacht Club, the rustic Bodega style venue will serve specialty paellas, broths, Canelones, complimented by a variety of wines, sangrias and cocktails. Cielo is the latest concept in the Whissle portfolio, who also have OKKU, Claw, Riva and Sophie’s Gastro Cafe. www.facebook.com/cielodubai
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such as Dubai Mall and Dubai Festival City. High speed internet, sleek business centers and abundant meeting spaces take care of corporate needs while a rooftop pool, gym, saunas and a bouquet of renowned global cuisines aid relaxation. www.marriott.com
An assortment of new cafés have swung open their doors in Dubai. From authentic patisseries to quintessential tearooms, let’s take a look
Self proclaimed literary salon, hugo café is inspired by Victor Hugo (the pen behind Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame). We expect this to soon
anantara dubai, the palm resort and spa
Bringing in the best of Asian-inspired luxury to Dubai, the lavish Anantara hotel brand has debuted on the Palm Jumeirah. Apart from the 260 lagoon view rooms and 12 beach pool villas, the hotel is the only
Chef Darren Velvick brings more than 20 years of experience to Hilton Dubai Creek’s table 9 . Velvick, who is replacing the successful outgoing chef duo Nick Alvis and Scott Price, has got a brand new menu on offer. Think classic roast chicken, stuffed with foie gras and truffles; a crab, pear and almond starter; and marinated scallops with lime and avocado. www3.hilton.com
become the haunt of the city’s literati. Palm Strip Mall, Jumeirah Beach Road 043863100 With a casual French bistro vibe and exceptional
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Gallic cuisine, the madeleine café & boulangerie has become our favourite Parisian hangout. The Foie gras terrine with fig jam, salad Niçoise, tartiflette and
cassoulet, madeleine cakes in orange, chocolate, and pistachio flavours and surreal views of The Dubai Fountain ensure repeat visits. The Dubai Mall 044384335
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There’s a flow of new outposts, openings and offerings making their way to Dubai. Here’s just a sample selection.
one in the UAE to offer ‘over water villas’ – graceful villas set poised directly over the Arabian Gulf, complete with glass viewing panels in the floor. dubai-palm. anantara.com
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waldorf astoria, palm jumeirah Set atop one of the
world’s most exotic locations, the 319-room Waldorf Astoria Dubai – Palm Jumeirah is the celebrated luxury hospitality brand’s first property in Dubai. Perched on the East Crescent of the Palm, guests at the hotel have a choice of six restaurants and bars including the New York inspired Social
The Dubai outpost of London favourite la porte des indes at The Address Dubai Mall is wowing connoisseurs with its unique French- Creole fare. The emirate’s first Gallic-inspired eatery, its exotic menu is an artful combination of dishes representative of Pondicherry, a former French colony in India. www.laportedesindes.com
café culture
Book store meets café. bookmunch is ideal for individuals craving classic French bites and ofcourse, a good read. Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah. 043884006
Boosting the city’s caffeine quotient, caffe vergnano’s menu reads like a mocktail list for coffee fans. We recommend the estivo – elegant
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by Heinz Beck eatery by multiaward winning European chef and author Heinz Beck. The centre piece of the hotel is Peacock Alley, named after the famed promenade lounge which connected the original Waldorf and Astoria hotels in New York. waldorfastoria3. hilton.com
New York favourite clinton street baking company is all set to make its Dubai debut at Burj Views, Down Town. Dubbed the ‘King of Brunch’, the New York institution is said to have diners queuing up for over three hours. We suggest you make your bookings now. twitter.com/clintonstdubai
cappuccino made with hot espresso and cold milk foam. The Dubai Mall 043882088 After casting its spell on celebs like Lady Gaga,
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Elton John, Penelope Cruz, Brangelina and U2 frontman Bono, monaco’s sass café has finally reached Dubai’s shores. The cult café
brings with it a delectable Mediterranean menu and its legendary live piano bar ambience. Al Fattan Currency House, DIFC.
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searide dubai
speak dating sandro and maje
about town discover: The legacy of the Dhow
Head to the jaddaf dhow building yard (across Dubai Festival City) for a lesson in Dubai’s sea-faring heritage. In spite of tough competition from the fancier and faster boats of today, the artisans at the dhow yard still toil away at the dhows, employing only traditional tools and techniques to carve them from teak and shesham wood. Don’t forget to take your camera: an elegant dhow picture is a welcome addition to any home.
learn: A new lingo Dubai’s Eton Institute is running a free language course each month. There’s a new dialect to pick up 8
each time. The free cultural evenings showcase the traditions, language and cuisine of a specific country along with ‘speak dating’ nights, are a happy bonus. Knowledge Village, www.eton.ac Tel: 800 3866
buy: Parisian Threads French brands sandro and maje bring yet another slice of European chic to Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates. Founded by sisters Evelyn and Judith, the boutiques come as a pair and one is never far from the other. Sandro fulfils the need to have sophisticated separates while Maje caters to the modern boho with its relaxed Moroccan-inspired outfits.
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dubai dhow hands in hope
dubai creek dhow
From shopping and gastronomy to entertainment and the arts, Dubai is brimming with cultural experiences. Let’s take a look at what’s on offer. Accessory store boom and mellow is now letting shoppers peruse their eclectic collection online. Visit www.shopboomandmellow.com for all things fashionable, from statement necklaces and quirky feathers to fashion savers.
experience: Energy healing Bogged down by everyday stress or plagued by chronic pains? Try some alternative healing therapies at hands in hope, the UAE’s first energy healing centre. Energy guru Barbara Jackle uses gentle hand techniques to re-pattern the patient’s energy field and accelerate healing of the body, mind and spirit. Seekers have claimed to feel a sense of euphoria and d e f i n i t e l y
even complete freedom from pain. Starts at AED600 for a 30 minute treatment. Office 214, Jumeirah Terrace Building, Jumeirah 1. Tel: 04 351 7901
compete: Fly Boarding Tired of the clichéd adrenaline pumps of jet skiing and surfing? Try the newest craze to hit Dubai waters. Fly Boarding, created by French jet-ski designer franky zapata, consists of a flyboard (much like a small wakeboard) connected to a jet-ski via a pipe. The jet-ski engine pumps water on to the board through the pipe and viola – the board rider ‘flies’ above the ski. Try fly boarding at searide dubai; AED300 for a 30-minute session. www.searide-dubai.com d u b a i
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IN THE PIPELINE: NEW TOWER
Arabtec Holding will build a 77-storey mixed-use tower, one of the top ten towers in Dubai at a height of 369 metres. It will contain 22,000 square
metres of office space, 908 square metre retail area, a 350-room luxury hotel, 180 apartments and 83 serviced apartments. The development is due for completion in May 2017.
sleep The Address Dubai Mall
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Directly linked to shopping haven The Dubai Mall, The Address Dubai Mall blends local customs with a contemporary edge effortlessly. Nearby you’ll find The Address Downtown Dubai, equally as luxurious and upmarket as its sister hotel. theaddress.com
The Palace Downtown Dubai
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Like an Arabian village in its design, this stunning hotel is situated by Burj Lake, directly connected to dining and entertainment complex Souk Al Bahar. Request a room with fountain views and you won’t be disappointed. theaddress.com 5
Al Manzil Downtown Dubai
Representing boutique hotels in the Downtown area is Al Manzil, an upscale four-star hotel that fuses the traditions of Arabia with amenities fit for the modern traveller. Perfect for business or visitors wishing to stay in the heart of new Dubai, it’s time to check-in. almanzilhotel.com
Radisson Blu Downtown Dubai
The hotel occupies the upper floors of a mixed-use building close to the thriving Business Bay. The rooms offer a stunning view of the surrounding landmarks and the hotel is an ideal MICE hub. radissonblu.com 12
Besides being accessible by Dubai’s metro system, the Downtown area is covered by an extensive and efficient bus and taxi service.
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Angelina
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If it’s good enough for Coco Chanel, then it’s good enough for Dubai. This Parisian tea room, once a popular hangout for the designer, has swung open its doors in The Dubai Mall. angelina-paris.fr 4
Fuego
This contemporary Mexican restaurant serves up everything from tacos to tender meats from its spot in Souk Al Bahar. Sticking with Mexican and you’ll find Café Habana nearby, a popular lowkey haunt from New York. fuego dubai.com, cafehabana.com 5
Claw
For American-style dining head to Claw at Souk Al Bahar. Think show-stopping seafood served in gigantic portions. Take note: the bucking bronco is almost as good as the food here. clawbbq.com
At The Top Tour
Seeing the Burj Khalifa in a magazine is one thing, but taking a look around this architectural marvel is something else. The At The Top tour transports visitors from the ground, up 124 floors to the landmark’s observation deck. Book online to save yourself hundreds of dirhams. burjkhalifa.ae 4
The Dubai Fountain
Designed by the team behind the world-famous Bellagio Lake in Las Vegas, this choreographed fountain system lights up the centre of Downtown Dubai each evening at 30-minute intervals. This stunning water display can be seen from various vantage points in the area. 5
Byky
Saddle up and cycle along the entire Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard on the city’s rent6 Asado a-bike service, Byky. Simply hop on, ride, and then hop off at one of the Looking for quality food, excellent fountain views and ample five stations around the Downtown opportunity to people watch? Head area, passing 50-plus food and beverage outlets as you go. Check to lively Argentinean grill, Asado, out Burj Plaza, Burj Park and Burj found in The Palace Downtown Steps for photo opportunities. Dubai. theaddress.com bykystations.com/en/dubai 7
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TRANSPORT
La Serre Bistro & Boulangerie
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Offering the sophistication of a French bistro and the laid-back feel of a bakery, La Serre serves French-Mediterranean fare throughout the day at its base in Vida Downtown Dubai. vida-hotels.comoneandonly resorts.com d e f i n i t e l y
Boulevard Bus Tour
A bus tour is a great way to explore a city, and the Boulevard Bus Tour is no different. For just Dhs5 for a daily pass, you can hop on and hop off at your own leisure. Tickets can be purchased at dedicated kiosks around Dubai Mall and at the ticket desk of At the Top, Burj Khalifa.
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(Advertisement released by Arabian Travel Agency, G.S.A for Air India Ltd in U.A.E.)
YEARS
MILESTONE
ANNIVERSARY
AS YOU CHANGE, WE CHANGE.
Courtyard is officially celebrating 30 years of service. As we commemorate our 30th brand anniversary and completed renovations of our hotel, we invite you to rediscover Courtyard and enjoy an exciting range of offers. Discover our ‘All Italian Friday Brunch’ at Cucina or famous BBQ nights at our newly renovated Pine Grill. Relish traditional afternoon tea with stunning lake views at Rendezvous Lounge.
Courtyard by Marriott ® Dubai Green Community Dubai Investment Park, P.O.Box 63845, Dubai, UAE T +97 1 4 885 2222 F +97 1 4 885 2525 marriottdiningatcy.ae cydubaigreencommunity.com arabic.marriott.com
Whizzing around town with Rebecca
Fine Art Commissions’ Middle East representative and independent art consultant,
My most recent find in Dubai was
her artistic take on what to do in Dubai
ikonhouse – an inspiration. A great showroom with some wonderful furniture and art. ikonhouse.com
For boutique shopping at its best head to
Rebecca de CourcyIreland , gives readers
v o i c e
start your day with a run around the archeological site in Jumeirah, one of the most significant archaeological sites in the UAE, followed by a visit to Raw Coffee in Al Quoz – this boutique coffee house serves the best cuppa in Dubai.
Comptoir 102, it is difficult to leave emptyhanded from this café-cum-shop. comptoir 102.com
if i had only 24 hours to explore dubai I would make sure I went camel racing at first light, followed by a meander around the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and the Majlis Gallery, which has always been a firm favourite of mine. From there, take a trip to the Dubai Fish Market in Deira, close to the Gold Souk and the Shindagha Tunnel.
The last gallery I visited in the city was
i would stay at The Desert Palm. Perfect for lunch, polo or simply relaxing, this is a real oasis not far from the city.
Meem Gallery in Al Quoz, a stunning space specialising in Arab and Iranian art. meemart gallery.com
For quiet time head to The Archive in Safa Park. The atmosphere and general vibe of the place reminds me of the Serpentine Bar & Kitchen in Hyde Park , London – my home town. serpentine barand kitchen.com
the ultimate art tour of dubai would include Alserkal Avenue, an industrial space home to many of Dubai’s greatest galleries. A visit here never disappoints, especially the Salsali Private Museum. an unforgettable place i’ve visited in the city is The Pearl Museum, home to a collection of pearls donated by Sultan Al Owais, one of Dubai’s most important pearl merchants, poets and philanthropists. show off by heading to The Farm for lunch. Located in Al Barari Villas, Emirates Road, this tranquil restaurant serves great food amid a stunning landscape – think lakes, waterways and botanical gardens. clink glasses at 101 at The One & Only on the Palm. This fine dining restaurant and bar can be accessed by boat from Jetty Lounge bar at its sister property on the mainland, The One & Only Royal Mirage. most people don’t know this but to get a true taste of the local culture go shopping in Union Co-op Supermarket early in the morning, a busy supermarket great for people watching.
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appitude In Dubai without a holiday itinerary? Check out our favourite free apps to help you navigate your way around this 24-hour city
definitely dubai Explore Dubai with this easy-to-use location-based app. Available on iPhone devices and Android
dubai calendar The official listing of events in Dubai. Available on iPhone devices, Android and BlackBerry
the entertainer Discover unbeatable value with thousands of buy1-get-1-free dining, leisure, wellness, entertainment and hotel accommodation offers. Available on iPhone, Android and BlackBerry.
downtown dubai From the iconic Burj Khalifa to the enormous Dubai Mall, have the whole of Downtown Dubai at your fingertips with this interactive guide. Available on iPhone.
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@louisebeautypages
@anasbukhash
#MyDubai
@danyeidphotography
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai recently called for all of the Emirate’s residents and visitors to join him in ‘writing the first autobiography of a city’. Share your stories by using #MyDubai on Instagram and twitter.
@joanasp57
@medamin
@baderbinmubarak
@monaindubai
@variablecontrast
@yakubanto
@yasiruae
a lesson in:
Dubai International Airport Voted the best airport in the middle east at the World Travel Awards 2013, and ranked the second busiest airport worldwide, Dubai International Airport offers an eye-opening transit experience. Whether you’re an inbound or outbound passenger, here’s how to make the most of your airport encounter SNOOZE Catch up on some shuteye at the airport’s quiet lounges, found at Gates C23 and C9 (Terminal 1). Alternatively, take a power nap at Snooze Cube – state-of- the-art, compact sleeping pods found at Terminal 1. snoozecube.com
SCOFF The food court is located on the departures level, while transiting passengers can pick from over 70 food options at the airport, including fast food, local grub and gourmet food.
MARHABA Offering a range of ‘meet and greet’ services – such as a dedicated escort on arrival, fast-track immigration and transfers – ‘Marhaba’
(meaning hello in Arabic) is the perfect way to make visitors feel welcome when they arrive in Dubai.
SHOP Open 24 hours daily, Dubai Duty Free currently operates 26,000-square metres in retail space across all three terminals, of which perfumes, liquor and gold remain the top three bestsellers dubaidutyfree.com
SCHMOOZE Whether you ‘re looking to network or relax, there’s a handful of lounges at the airport. VIP travellers look out for the Al Majlis Lounge; Emirates first class passengers will find the first class lounges at Terminal 3, Concourses A and B, or Concourse B for
Emirates business class travellers; and for business class passengers whose airlines come without a dedicated lounge at DXB, head to the Dubai International business class lounge, found at Gate C8 (Terminal 1).
DXB TERMINALS • • •
TERMINAL 1 Serves all airlines
TERMINAL 2 Serves charter and special flights
TERMINAL 3 Dedicated for use by Emirates Airline
STAY CONNECTED The Concourse area has two business centres – Global Link (near Gate C16 (Terminal 1) at the departures floor and Connect Business Centre (Terminal 1). Both offer work stations and secretarial services. Web access kiosks can also be found opposite the first class lounge (Gate C9 (Terminal 1) and the Irish Village (Gate C23 (Terminal 1). Wi-Fi is also available free-of-charge across DXB.
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IN NUMBERS Dubai International (DXB) serves some 140 airlines connected to over 260 destinations. It handles over five million passengers every month. dubaiairport.com 17
graffiti art at level 9, media one hotel dubai media city 18
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Creating an Artmosphere A strong visual arts movement is sweeping across the city. Think paint, print, contemporary, conventional, international and regional.
curators, collectors, artists and art lovers are all heading to dubai. read on to find out why. Dubai is garnering the interest of discerning culturati, both locally and globally. At the crux of this strong shift in interest is the fact that art has become an important means of expression for Emiratis. Shedding off social inhibitions, Emirati art has taken on a more dynamic and forward identity. Brushing aside the clichéd images of horses, falcons and dhows, more and more artists are taking to canvass to
express deeper emotions such as identity struggles or the recent changes being ushered across the Arab world. Art pioneers such as Abdul Qader Al Rais, Dr Najat Makki and Abdulrahim Salim, and upand-coming artists like Reem Al Ghaith and Wasel Safwan are all expanding known artistic horizons. Their styles, all different, are proof that Emirati art is not a homogenous field. Dubai’s growing interest in art can also be credited to distinguished Emirati collectors such as Sultan Al Qassimi, Muna Al Gurg and Mishall Khanoo, who are using their dynamic profiles to promote d e f i n i t e l y
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art and its role in modern Emirati life. Art collector Ramin Salsali is also successfully portraying a refined image of the Arab world through his art museum. His recent Brian Ferry exhibition has already toured London, Paris, Los Angeles, Berlin and Oslo. His grand scheme to open Dubai’s first museum of contemporary art, DMOCA, in Downtown Dubai, marks Salsali’s lofty aspirations to transform the city into a world-class hub for art and culture. The Dh25 million ($6.8m) project, which is currently in the sketching stages, has Iraqi-British artist Alia Dawood at its helm as creative director. 19
Galleries Galore duBai’s arT galleries have become hotspots for the city’s culturati and venues such as DIFC, Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz and Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (formerly Bastakiya) have become buzz words in art circles. The contrast between these localities is striking and almost artistic. The elite DIFC, the city’s financial centre, boasts some of the best architecture, a bouquet of trendsetting restaurants and cafés, topped off with over a dozen popular art galleries such as Christie’s, Cuadro and XVA to name a few. While the humbler Al Serkal Avenue is only a cobbled cul-de-sac of warehouse spaces, it is home to more than ten galleries, including Mojo and Green Art Gallery, as well as purpose built exhibition spaces. Al Serkal’s quirky mix of art is almost providing the blueprint for Dubai’s cultural future. In some ways, this diversity, along with growing competition among gallery owners, has deepened Dubai’s art market. Apart from the galleries mushrooming across the city, art is now taking over public spaces too. Take for instance last year’s The City Is Your Canvas project launched by the Dubai Culture and Art Authority, which saw The Walk in JBR become an outdoor art gallery with everything from stairs to plant pots being used as canvases.
The Graffiti Revolution
Graffiti art is exploding on to Dubai’s art scene. Spanish street artist Ruben Sanchez who came to the city as a part of Tashkeel’s artist residency programme, has already created a buzz with his Cubist-meets-Arabia murals, which have cropped up around the city. Dubai-based graffiti couple 20
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Art Dubai 2014 venue: madinaT jumeirah when: march 19-22 discover the work of more than 500 artists from more than 80 galleries spanning 35 countries at the eighth edition of Art Dubai. The fair will bring to Dubai some of the world’s most influential galleries along with dynamic young art spaces, promising to be the most innovative so far. This year will also see the launch of a new segment, Art Dubai Modern, a series of solo and twoperson booth exhibitions devoted to modern masters from the Middle East and South Asia. Curated by the artists Slavs and Tatars, Marker, the event’s curated programme of galleries and art spaces, which focuses each year on a particular theme or geography, will be focusing on Central Asia and the Caucasus. Marker exemplifies the fair’s role as a site of discovery and crosscultural exchange, and is an important feature of Art Dubai’s extensive not-for-profit programming. Besides the gallery halls, the extensive event schedule includes commissioned projects and performances, artists’ and curators’ residencies, an exhibition of new works by winners of the annual The Abraaj Group Art Prize and the critically acclaimed Global Art Forum.
Sya One and Steffi Bow have become the go-to writers for many local and global corporations. They have had a number of commission jobs and creative projects in the UAE such as painting the largest indoor piece of aerosol art in the country at the Aloft Hotel in Abu Dhabi, painting live at DIFC Art Night and d e f i n i t e l y
painting at The Emaar Pavilion Downtown for its opening. Anonymous Dubai graffiti writer Arcadia Blank is another artist stirring up the Dubai scene. He usually tags temporary structures, such a construction boards, with existential, out-of-context phrases, signing them off with a U or blown up triangle.
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THE DUBAI ART SCENE This shifT in Dubai’s cultural and artistic landscape would not have been possible without the earnest support of the emirate’s ruling family. Dubai is now home to headline events such as Art Dubai, Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, SIKKA Art Fair, Art Dubai, Design Days Dubai, and Dubai and the Gulf Film Festivals. A part of Art Week, an umbrella initiative that highlights the plethora of exhibitions, projects and events, Art Dubai is the region’s first art fair and is also the largest and the single most important structuring element of Dubai’s art scene. The art fair, run by Antonia Carver, provides art professionals and art lovers from all over the world with a convenient reason to visit Dubai and to return, because its scale of programmes and activities expand each year. In the last edition 75 galleries from across 30 countries participated, showcasing the work of over 500 artists. As internationally acclaimed artists, collectors and curators make their way to Dubai, it is fair to say that the emirate is taking its art seriously.
Live the Art Life Besides Being an internationally acclaimed art gallery in the Al Fahidi Neighbourhood, XVA Gallery also boasts Dubai’s first “art hotel”. The chic XVA Hotel is set in the heart of the neighbourhood and its ten exotic rooms have been individually designed by Zayan Ghandour, Numa, Nada Debs & Karim Rashid (Gaia&Gino). Three windtowers, two courtyards, arabesque flourishes, a brilliant café (Gordan Ramsay’s favourite) along with resident artist Halim Al Karim’s magnificent sculptures have made this hotel a “not to miss” venue on Condé Nast Traveller. A favourite hangout for the city’s arty types, XVA has also played host to Hermès, Chanel and Louis Vuitton among others.
The Artist’s Quarter house 44 at the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood is, without a doubt, one of the most artistic in the emirate. Art Dubai, arts centre Tashkeel and the Delfina Foundation offer artists up to three-month residencies at 44, making it a hub for a flurry of international artists. At the same time, House 11 offers them studio space. Recently, the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature moved its headquarters to this dainty neighbourhood while the Dubai Arts and Culture Authority often uses the venue to showcase talent from across the UAE. The cobbled streets and vintage homes of the neighbourhood have become the launch pad for many artists, cementing Al Fahidi’s reputation as an international creative quarter.
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2005
Marked the arrival of Christie’s in Dubai – the first international auctioneer to open shop in the city. Since then, they have sold art, jewellery and watches amounting to more than $220 million,
and established over 350 new artist records at auctions for Middle Eastern artists.
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Last October, Christie’s sold one of Middle East’s most expensive paintings, Break of the Atom and Vegetal Life by celebrated TurkishJordanian artist Fahr El Nissa Zeid, for us$2.7 million (dhs9.9m)
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horsing around
Saddle up! Dubai’s fast-paced, best-dressed, trophy-winning race season culminates with the dubai world cup. Definitely Dubai finds there also are plenty of horsey adventures to be had for polo fans, novice riders – even horse whisperers.
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BE ST
the arabian horse is the in c l a s s supermodel of the equestrian world – tall, slender, with cheekbones you could cut yourself on and a neck deliberately arched so that it can look down on other wanabe horses. Don’t let its slender frame and aristocratic proportions deceive you, however. The Arabian horse, native, as if you couldn’t guess, of the Arabian Peninsula, has always been prized for its strength and stamina – Omar Sharif and Peter O’Toole wouldn’t have made it across all that desert on anything else. Arabians are bred for their performance in endurance races such as the Tevis Cup, in which they can cover up to 160km in a day.
Back to school
Not everyone is a natural-born rider, but it’s never too late to start school. There are plenty of courses around Dubai for novice riders as well as visitors who want to experience the desert on horseback. jebel ali golf resort
horses it looks after aren’t working it for the camera, they are patiently trotting on with paying customers on their backs. Horses and camels are available here for private hire, for riding lessons, for children’s party bookings and corporate team-building events – the perfect place to unleash your inner cowboy for the day. dubaicitystable.com
al dhabi horses and camels rental at dubai city stables
hoofbeatz
This is the only Dubai resort with its own air-conditioned stables, as well as a paddock for lessons. Both are open to hotel residents and cater for beginners and those riders with more experience. The hotel also organises desert rides for confident riders. jaresortshotels.com
Al Dhabi trains horses for use in TV and films, but when the
Situated opposite the Dubai Outlet Mall on Al Ain Highway, Hoofbeatz is a riding school with a difference. Co-founder Eileen
Verdieck, who is a world authority on Arabian horses, has created a teaching programme based on natural horsemanship, that is: no stirrups, reins or saddle. It might sound a bit daunting, but it helps students learn to ride intuitively and has excellent results with young and novice riders. For riders with plenty of experience and few nerves, Hoofbeatz runs Extreme Riding. Taught by a professional stunt rider, this is your chance to learn to ride backwards, sideways, upside down – great for that budding circus career. hoofbeatz.com
WHISPER IT Hoofbeatz also runs Speak Horse, a horse-whispering course that gives riders an insight into horse behaviour and temperament. The stable’s motto is ‘Horses and Humans in Harmony’ and Speak Horse is a positive way to achieve that.
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The Musicians, DJs and Producers Helping Dubai’s Scene Thrive e v e ry y e a r , Dubai draws the finest in international music talent to its shores. High-profile events such as the Emirates Airline Dubai International Jazz Festival, and Virgin Radio’s Redfest DXB boast some of the biggest names in the business, and rarely a month goes by without the announcement of another major show or festival. But Dubai also boasts an increasingly vibrant local music scene. Indeed, earlier this year, industry titan Quincy Jones was in town to check out what the city’s performers had to offer. While still in its infancy, the Dubai scene is in the ascendancy, with more musicians, DJs and producers than ever. Meet some of the people helping push Dubai’s music scene forward, all of whom believe that the emirate is going from strength to strength.
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Tim Hassall musician
For singer-songwriter Tim Hassall, the music bug bit early on in life. Aged just 15, he took part in a battle of the bands competition at Dubai’s Aviation Club, and there was one particular moment that sticks in his memory. “We played an original song called New Beginnings,” Hassall recalls. “It starts off on acoustic guitar and builds into this heavy riff. And seeing the crowd go crazy was the biggest rush. It was just awesome. I remember seeing that and thinking, ‘This is something powerful I’ve got going on here.’” As Hassall continued to perform, he soon found himself able to take on music full-time. “There’s a difference between deciding that music is what you want to do, and that it’s what you can do. I didn’t know I’d be able to do it until demand took over. People wanted it enough that I could quit my other work. When I was 22 or 23, I started to play four, five nights a week. I only had two nights regularly, but I was getting calls all the time to play. That was a blessing. I never presumed that it would be like that.” Hassall, who released his second album, Gallatin, in December 2013, has had a front row seat for the development of Dubai’s music industry since he moved here in 2000. “It’s becoming more openminded,” says the singer, now aged 28. “People are travelling more and seeing how progressive other countries are. And it’s not just expats, but all communities. The market in general is slowly becoming more progressive. That’s really cool, because maybe the days of just hearing cover bands playing The Doors or Pink Floyd are going to end. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but there’ll be space for some fresh ideas, some fresh music. I think that’s happening already. That’s the most promising thing.”
Joshua F Williams producer
There aren’t many musicians in Dubai who haven’t worked with Joshua Williams. The producer, who grew up in the US before moving to Dubai in 2006, got his first taste behind the console as a member of a punk band in Los Angeles. “We needed to record an album, and my friend had some really cheap recording equipment,” recalls the 33-year-old Williams. “So we did it ourselves. From there I went to school for it, though at that point I wasn’t really planning on a career. But three days after graduation I found myself working on the movie Shrek, so I sort of took that as a sign that maybe I should do this full-time.” For Williams, who now runs his own production company, JFW Music and Sound, Dubai offered the chance to work on an exciting array of projects. “I was working for a company in LA that had a studio 30
in the Hollywood Hills, and I was pretty much the only one there every day. It got a little bit boring and old.” During a visit to Dubai, Williams was invited to work with hip-hop artist Scratch (from Grammy Award-winning group The Roots) and has been in town ever since. “In LA I was doing the same thing over and over again. I would either do rock & roll or hip-hop, but it was the same kind of music. I felt like Dubai was a place where everyone comes from such a different background, that I would eventually find myself working on some very original, creative music.” And Williams has also witnessed the number of acts increase exponentially. “Every year there are more and more artists,” he says. “The albums get better, the songs get better. Every year the entire scene gets better.”
Natalie Brogan dj
It’s testament to Dubai’s burgeoning music industry that the club scene has flourished in recent years, drawing many of the world’s top DJs – including David Guetta, Tiësto and Swedish House Mafia – to the emirate. But it’s a lucrative time for the city’s local artists as well. “There’s something going on every night of the week,” says DJ Natalie Brogan, a regular of the circuit in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. “Events like Sandance bring over international names, but that also shows you how popular good music is over here.” Brogan, who moved to the Emirates four years ago, started out DJing in her native Manchester, before a summer in Ibiza led to a job offer in the UAE. Nine months after she arrived, the 28-year-old began working for herself and booking her own gigs. And, while Dubai is relatively young compared to other, more-established international scenes, the city has already developed a diverse offering for clubbers. “There’s a lot of venues that can cater to different music tastes,” Brogan says. “The one place I enjoy [when I’m not working] is 360˚. The music is always decent, and you’re guaranteed that it’s going to be a good night. It’s outdoors and it’s got great views. It’s always been number one for music.” What’s more, the city’s clubbing offering looks set to improve even further, with news that international icon Pacha is to open its doors in Dubai at the start of 2014. Proof, if more were needed, that Dubai’s DJ scene is certainly in the ascendancy. “Bringing over a brand like Pacha is good for the city,” Brogan says. “Global brands like that put Dubai on the map for being a real clubbing destination.”
Hamdan Al Abri musician
UAE-born vocalist Hamdan Al Abri has become virtually synonymous with Dubai’s nascent music scene. As a solo artist, Al Abri has been featured in US
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A Selection of
the act
DU BAI’S MU SIC VENUE S THE MUSIC ROOM Bur Dubai, Mankhool Road 04 359 8888 www.themusicroomdubai.com
THE ACT Shangri-La Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road 052 811 9900 www.facebook.com/theactdubai
MUSIC HALL Zabeel Saray 056 270 8670 www.themusichall.com
THE FRIDGE #5 Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz 04 347 7793 www.thefridgedubai.com
JAZZ@PIZZAEXPRESS Next to Mövenpick JLT 04 441 6342 www.pizzaexpressuae.com
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TV shows CSI and The Ringer, and he was nominated for an MTV EMA in 2013, while his work with Dubaibased bands Abri and Bull Funk Zoo have helped him garner a reputation both within the region and internationally. It’s a long way from the sceptical reactions he received when he first set out to make a career in music. “My mum was a doctor, and she thought it would be better if I got a more stable job than being an artist, or a musician,” the 32-year-old says. “Obviously being a musician is not the kind of job that will give you that stability. People are always puzzled by the fact that I’m a full-time musician. They always think that I have a job on the side. But I think, as soon as they see me on stage, they take it more seriously.” While Dubai’s entertainment scene 32
remains in its infancy, there’s a marked change in attitude to the idea of pursuing music as a career – a paradigm shift intrinsically linked to the city’s appreciation for an ever-expanding array of musical styles and genres. “I love the fact that there’s more choice than there was before. Back in the day it was always hip-hop or R&B, and that was the only thing you could listen to,” Al Abri says. “Now you can go out there and know that there’s more [on offer] than just the popular music playing in clubs. I love going to Casa Latina. The guys from Deep Crates Cartel play a really eclectic mix of music, which I love. I like what the guys from Dust are doing as well. It’s something a little bit more underground, which is what I’m into. And it’s cool that those nights exist.” /
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Have you ever seen Dubai from the sky?
B E S TS E L L E R
D UB A I A ER I A L TO UR N E W E D I T I O N N O W AVA I L A B L E
Published with the support of
The Emirates Airline festival of literature is the highlight of the literary year in Dubai, a city that celebrates bookshops, book clubs and resident writers. Read all about it!
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ubai’s international reputation might rest on its fabulous shopping malls, glittering hotels, desert adventures and warm seas, but settle yourself in one of the city’s hip cafés and the chances are you’ll find yourself in the middle of a book club meeting or next to someone busily tapping out their first novel. Dubai’s bubbling literary scene is fuelled by cafés that have morphed into bookshops, a garden centre that is also home to a book exchange, and a healthy cross-section of independent and international bookshops. When its inhabitants aren’t reading the latest Booker Prize winner, they are busy writing their own d e f i n i t e l y
mini masterpieces. There are well over 1,500 Dubai book enthusiasts and published writers in the Dubai Writers’ Group, which meets regularly to discuss books and writing and keep the light of inspiration burning brightly. The icing on the literary cake is the muchanticipated return in March of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, now in its sixth page-turning year. The festival, March 4–8 (emirateslitfest. com) is the Middle East’s largest celebration of literature, taking in the contemporary novel, poetry, children’s literature, illustration and calligraphy, and local and international authors. If it’s worth reading, debating or listening to, it’s going to be at the Emirates lit fest. d u b a i
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Page-Turners: We Browse Dubai’s Best Bookshops Bookmunch
Serving tasty food and selling a hand-picked library of books, Bookmunch is the equivalent of a warm hug, a place to tuck into to hearty bowl of harira soup while leafing through one of its thoughtfully selected books. It hosts regular readings, book events and signings and arranges weekly reading sessions in various languages for children and babies. bookmunchcafe.com
Magrudy’s
This is one of the oldest bookshops in Dubai, having been established in 1975, and still one of the best. While Magrudy’s also has university campus shops in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the Jumeirah Beach Road branch is still
excellent for general literature, children’s books, and arts and crafts materials. magrudy.com
international literature alongside a broad range of special interest titles. jashanmalbooks.com
Kinokuniya
Virgin Megastore
If it’s Japanese or Chinese literature you’re after, Kinokuniya, in the Dubai Mall, is the place to go. Along with books in English, the shop stocks titles covering computing to cookery to comic books. The large store has special child-sized seats for smaller readers. kinokuniya.com
Jashanmal
The chain of Jashanmal stores across Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, as well as its online store, offers a good one-stop-shop option, with a good selection of well-sourced Arabic and
The music might be the first thing that hits you in Dubai’s Megastore outlets, but beyond the CDs Virgin stocks a smartly-edited range of mostly contemporary reads, as well as children’s books. virgin.com
Borders
Another megastore experience, Borders in Mall of the Emirates has the feel of an international bookshop, with a pretty comprehensive selection of the latest titles, classics and foreign language originals. borders.com
The Write Stuff For well over a decade, The Dubai Writers’ Group has been meeting to discuss literature, critique each other’s work and to share a love of the written word. We jotted down a quick Q&A with co-organiser Heidi Frost. Is there anything else quite like The Dubai Writers’ Group? Not quite, in fact I’m still looking for other groups like us to collaborate with, so if any are out there I’d love them to get in touch. Who can join? We’re open to anyone, even if they’ve never written before. I do ask that if someone comes to the critique group, they’ve read other people’s work so they can contribute to our discussions. I usually ask new people what their writing goals are so we can help them figure out which groups to join in. What kind of writers do you attract? We get quite a big cross section – published 36
authors, poets, aspiring journalists. One of my biggest goals for the future is to get more of Dubai’s Arabic writers and poets together.
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Do you critique each other’s work? We have two regular meet-ups, one where we write and one where we critique each other’s writing. We all post our work, read it, then go through it and offer feedback. We’ve had quite a few lively debates and if your piece was the one to inspire said debate, it usually means you’re doing something right! How do you keep the meetings exciting? One of our organisers, Will, gets authors and actors together, having them say our dialogue aloud so we can hear it, or inviting sculptors and poets in so we can write a poem while watching someone sculpt in clay.
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Bookworm
If you are having trouble getting your children to dip into a book, or if they are already avid readers, Bookworm in Al Safa, Jumeirah, is for you, with an enticing collection of just-for-children titles covering classics and recent releases.
Archies Lending Library and Bookshop
For a modest membership fee, Archies offers an unconventional but highly rewarding selection of books from its long-established Karama base. You need time to browse, but it’s worth it.
Culture & Co Bookstore
This online French outfit offers an exciting range of French literature, children’s books, lifestyle and cultural titles and, of course, bandes dessinées – comic books to you and me. culturecodubai.net
House of Prose
If you stop by the Dubai Garden Centre for a potted plant, stay a while longer because the House of Prose offers a tried and tested (ie second-hand) selection of good reads. Buy a book, read it and keep it if you choose, or bring it back and get a 50 percent refund. Can’t get fairer than that. dubaigardencentre.ae
Books Arabia
The online arm of Motivate Publishing (booksarabia.com) sells a fascinating range of books on the history, culture and current events in Arabia, the Gulf and particularly Dubai, with archive photography and original documents. Several of its authors will be at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature: Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor Khalaf Al Habtoor’s eponymous autobiography tells the story of the Dubai-born businessman’s
rise to prominence at the head of one of the region’s major companies, taking readers through the formative commercial years in Dubai. Frauke Heard-Bey Bey’s fascinating From Trucial States to United Arab Emirates charts the discovery of oil in the region in the 1960s and the rapid development of the UAE from that point.
David Heard
From Pearls to Oil examines the heroic efforts of the men who pioneered the search for oil in the region between the two world wars, using contemporary letters, rare photographs and maps. Camellia Panjabi 50 Great Curries of India is a delicious collection of triedand-tested curries that Panjabi has perfected over more than 20 years.
Dubai-based authors to look out for at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature Liz Fenwick, despite living in Dubai, dreams of the distant fields and cliffs of Cornwall, where she has based her first two novels A Cornish House and A Cornish Affair. Cornwall will also be home to her projected third novel. Julia Johnson’s background is in the performing arts and education, but she is best known for her regionally inspired children’s stories such as The Pearl Diver, One Humpy, Grumpy Camels and, most recently, The Turtle Secret.
Rachel Hamilton was one of the discoveries of the 2013 festival, winning second prize in the First Fiction Competition for her humorous books for nine to 13 year olds, which champion the quirkiness that makes us all special. She now has a two-book deal with Simon & Schuster. Silvena Rowe is one of Britain’s top chefs and an award-winning cookery writer, having authored eight best-selling books. She is also a TV chef and currently writes for the Guardian newspaper and Gulf News magazine. d e f i n i t e l y
Expanding Their Universe: Books for young adults by Emirati authors
Poetry Please: Emirati poets at the festival
AA Bukhatir has created a parallel universe for young readers in his fantasy adventure Dragon Boy and the Witches of Galza, the first in a planned series.
Khalid Al Budoor is a founding member of the Emirati Writers’ Union and an award-winning modernist poet, having attracted regional and international attention with his five published collections of poetry.
Dubai Abulhoul’s first foray into a mythical world was Galagolia, the story of an Emirati girl who finds a portal into a new world, one in which she has inherited the throne.
Khulood Mu’alla has four volumes of poetry to his name and has won several poetry awards. Her latest collection is called I Hold the Edge of the Light.
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Business Incentives The UAE has won the Expo 2020, the world’s largest trade event, which will attract millions of visitors to the country. Avant garde venues across the Dubai made it a strong candidate for the Expo 2020 bid. From sophisticated meeting rooms to sprawling conference centres, Dubai will meet and even exceed all your conference and event-related needs. Dubai is the leader of the regional business
tourism industry and a force to be reckoned with globally. It has cemented its position as one of the world’s top international exhibition and convention hubs.
Armani Hotel DOWNTOWN DUBAI Discreet and stylish boardrooms, meeting rooms and lounges make the Armani Hotel the perfect space for corporate events. Modern spaces with fully equipped communications and presentation systems are furnished in Armani’s signature sophisticated minimalist style. The elegant Armani ballroom seats up to 450 people; the Armani Pavillion set amidst the gardens at the foot of the Burj Khalifa d e f i n i t e l y
can accommodate up to 400 people and the Majlis, located on the lobby level provides an Arabian style meeting place.
Atlantis THE PALM Atlantis, The Palm was the first flagship resort to open on the revolutionary man-made island, the Palm Jumeirah. Offering unmatched conference, banqueting and entertainment facilities, the Atlantis has one of the biggest meeting spaces in the city. Exceptional facilities are combined with unique leisure opportunities and some of the finest dining in Dubai against the stunning backdrop of the Arabian Gulf. www.atlantisthepalm.com/groups d u b a i
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The Address DOWNTOWN DUBAI Flanked by the iconic Burj Khalifa and the colossal Dubai Mall, The Address – Downtown Dubai stands in the most prestigious square mile in Dubai. The 196-room property has 634sqm of elegantly appointed meeting venues that include two magnificent ballrooms, a boardroom and two meeting rooms. The Symphony ballroom is adorned with unique themed lighting schemes, Arabic patterns and elegant wood panelling. Divisible into three smaller, soundproof sections, it features floor -to-ceiling glass windows, offering stellar views of Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain. Each venue comes complete with cutting-edge audio-visual and IT equipment, and is serviced by a team of exceptionally helpful professionals who are on hand to assist with all aspects of a successful event. www.theaddress.com
Burj Al Arab JUMEIRAH
Sheraton
The world’s most iconic hotel and the symbol of new Dubai, the magnificent Burj Al Arab has lavishly appointed banqueting venues and a ballroom, which are ideal for prestigious gala dinners, award ceremonies and corporate functions. Burj Al Arab is also the preferred venue for international forums, business seminars and cultural events. Illuminated by vast windows offering stunning panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf and a magnificent gold dome lit by a crystal chandelier, the Al Falak Ballroom provides a first-class performance venue, combining functional elegance with taste and tradition. The two-tiered ballroom adapts superbly to any banqueting occasion and benefits from a portable stage, banquet-style lighting and a full range of audio-visual equipment. The beautiful outdoor Marina Garden and the unique Assawan Amphitheatre on the 18th floor are also ideal venues for formal and informal events. www.jumeirah.com
MALL OF THE EMIRATES Set amongst one of Dubai’s most fantastic shopping experiences, Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates is a contemporary sanctuary that offers a wide choice of event space possibilities. Its nine function rooms ranging in size from 35 to 420 sqm can be set up in a variety of ways such as conference, theatre and banquet styles. Sporting contemporary and elegant design and equipped with
JW Marriott Marquis BUSINESS BAY Dubai’s latest hospitality offering, this landmark hotel is the world’s tallest. Soaring above Downtown Dubai’s business district – the Business Bay – the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai features more than 8,000 sqm of indoor and outdoor event space, including two ballrooms, and a large selection of world-class dining and entertainment options along with cuttingedge technology and intuitive services. Its facilities will include a Business Centre and concierge with secretarial services, 28 meeting and 33 breakout rooms; its Dubai Ballroom will be the hotel’s largest meeting room with a space of 14,477 sqft and will seat up to 1,548 people. www.marriott.com
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state-of-the-art facilities and the latest technology, the venues at Sheraton can accommodate 40 to 370 people. Video and telephone conferencing, AV system, pre-function areas, WiFi and a connectivity lounge with computers, fax machines, scanners, printers and USB connections are just some of the amenities the hotel offers to meeting organisers. A dedicated convention services team is always on hand to ensure that your event runs smoothly. www.starwoodhotels.com
Dubai World Trade Centre
Crowne Plaza
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DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY
Established in 1979, the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has been instrumental in establishing Dubai’s position as a global financial and commercial hub. DWTC has become renowned for the staging of mega-shows, exhibitions, trade fairs and congresses. Its multi-faceted expertise, infrastructure and facilities also enables it to stage smaller conferences, meetings, product launches, concerts and other live events, widening Dubai’s event-related tourism offer – for both local and international audiences. The 39-storey landmark on Dubai’s skyscraper corridor of Sheikh Zayed Road includes the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Convention Tower office building, on-site accommodation at the Novotel and Ibis hotels, serviced accommodation at the Dubai Trade Centre Hotel Apartments and the massive Sheikh Saeed Halls. www.dwtc.com
Start your business success story at the Crowne Plaza located along the bank of the historic Dubai Creek. From sleek executive boardrooms to an elegant ballroom, the hotel offers some of the choicest meeting venues in the city. A dedicated team headed by the Crowne meetings director ensures that all your event needs are met with the utmost efficiency and professionalism. The hotel’s USP is its unique ‘two-hour response guarantee’ where the all requests will be answered within two hours. If the hotel misses its twohour window, they guarantee a five percent discount upon completion of the event. www.ihg.com
Arjaan and Al Ghurair Rayhaan by Rotana DEIRA The Rotana group offers business guests the choice of two luxurious hospitality offerings in Deira, Dubai’s thriving business and commercial district. The rooms and suites at each hotel are furnished with luxurious amenities and modern facilities such as high-speed wireless internet, IDD telephone with voice mail, and multi-channel satellite television. Al Ghurair Rayhaan presents ample meeting facilities in the form of a majestic ballroom and six spacious meeting rooms, supported by efficient multi-lingual staff and state of the art equipment. The Rayhaan hotel also offers guests four multi-cuisine F&B outlets as well as the award-winning flagship spa concept – Zen the Spa at Rotana. All of Rayhaan’s facilities are open to guests at the Al Ghurair Arjaan by Rotana. Both hotels are connected to the historic Al Ghurair Shopping Centre.
Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa MINA JEBEL ALI Set on the golden shores of the Arabian Gulf, within 128 acres of stunning natural features, the awardwinning five-star Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa combines exceptional leisure options with professional meeting facilities. With the ideal combination of business meeting options from small meeting rooms and a largescale ballroom to leadership training sites and a sports academy, every occasion can be tailor-made to exact guest requirements and needs. Also on hand are a team of experienced event planners who are committed to assisting with the organisation, set-up and flawless execution of any kind of event. When staying at the resort, guests may choose accommodation in the Jebel Ali Hotel or the luxurious Palm Tree Court & Spa, a member of ‘The Leading Hotels of the World’. www.jebel
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Grand Hyatt OUD METHA Close to the city’s financial and entertainment centres, the Grand Hyatt rests on the banks of the historic Dubai Creek. Equipped with ultra-modern digital technology, the hotel offers more than 4,340 sqm of meeting and function facilities. Its two high-ceilinged and pillar-free ballrooms are completely soundproof and are divisible into
three sections. Each section has its own designated pre-function area. The hotel’s 11 multi-use meeting rooms range in size from 31sqm to 91sqm and include two executive boardrooms and a landscaped lawn for outdoor events, as well as a VIP room with a separate entrance to the convention centre and a state-of-the-art media room that provides integrated video conferencing. www.dubai.grand. hyatt.com
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Life by the
BEACH Dubai loves its beaches. Take a look at the city’s most popular shores.
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From glamorous celebs to the family next door, there’s a beach for
every kind in Dubai. Dubai’s panoramic seafront recently made news and set a Guinness Record when it became the venue for the world’s largest fireworks display. But even before this, the emirate’s beaches were renowned for their shimmering waters and virgin sands. Slather on the SPF, grab your shades and flip flops and head down to the beach that’s perfect for you. We reckon you’ll have a tough time deciding…
Club Joumana at the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa What we love about this relatively peaceful beach club is the brand new Watercooled water sports hut on the beach. From adrenaline pumping Zapcat rides to tamer wind surfing sessions, Watercooled has every water sport covered. The fact that the long beach eventually extends straight into the sea earns brownie points from us (most other hotel’s beaches lead onto a public beach). Advance booking is necessary. getting there: Club Joumana at the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa is located at Mina Jebel Ali. 048145555
Nasimi Beach
Riva Beach Club
Known for its rip roaring beach parties and the hugely popular Sandance fest, Nasimi at Atlantis, The Palm is Dubai’s most glamorous beach. Bar, restaurant and club, all rolled into one Nasimi is a favourite hotspot for the city’s socialites and other jet-setters. Take your pick from sun loungers, ritzy day beds and intimate cabanas as sun kissed beats set the tone for a relaxing day. AS the sun sets, the club comes alive to the music of resident DJs Smokingroove and David Craig alongside top international DJs, musicians and entertainers. getting there: Nasimi Beach is located on Atlantis The Palm, Crescent Road, Palm Island. 0552004321
Exuding an almost Ibiza-like vibe, Riva is Dubai’s first stand alone beach club. One of Palm Jumeirah’s most romantic spots, the club’s landscape is dotted with palm trees, sun loungers, plush day beds, a paradiseisland style bar, pools and ofcourse a pristine beach. Riva is at its best come sunset… a multitude of twinkling candles scattered around the club make it perfect for sundowners and intimate dinner dates. getting there: Riva Beach Club is located between Building 7 and 8 of The Shoreline, Palm Island. 044309466
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BIGGER AND BETTER! 2014 is going to be the year of better beaches. This year will see
the completion of the eagerly anticipated Jumeirah Corniche extension. Dubai’s Corniche will be elongated to an impressive 14 km, making it the longest in the UAE. The new extension will include a walkway and jogging track that will connect six residential districts making the venue a lively promenade for joggers, walkers and cyclists. Stretching from Dubai Marine Beach Resort Hotel to the Burj Al Arab Hotel, the extended Corniche will eventually link in with the Dubai Canal Project. Another shoreline acquiring a facelift is the Al Mamzar Corniche. 60,000 square metres of beach are being added to broaden beach area opposite Palm Deira, between Al Mamzar Park and Al Hamriya Port. The extra beaches are expected to open soon.
waterfront promenade, palm jumeirah
Aquaventure Beach at Atlantis The Palm A visit to the massive Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm is doubly enjoyable. Not only do you experience some of the Middle East’s most exciting aquatic thrills – the 9 storey high Leap of Faith slide; the shark infested lagoon of the Tower of Neptune; the burst of weightlessness at Zoomerango; the adrenaline pumping dual loop Poseidon’s Revenge and the world’s largest serpentine waterslide Aquaconda – but you also get access to the exclusive 700metre Aquaventure Beach. Emerald greens frame the golden sands that lead on to azure waters – paradise gained. getting there: Aquaventure is located on Atlantis The Palm, Palm Island. 044260000
Madinat Jumeirah If you’re looking for an ultra luxurious day at the beach, look no further than Madinat Jumeirah. Exceptional views of the Burj Al Arab and kilometers of pristine sands complemented with five-star pampering, make it Dubai’s swankiest beach. There’s even a beach butler offering fresh fruit and cool towels while guests lounge in luxurious sunbeds and comfy cabanas. A day pass at this deluxe seaside comes bundled with access to two hotel pools (at Mina A’Salam and Al Qasr), free beach toys for kids and food and drink vouchers to spend at the excellent beach bar. getting there: Madinat Jumeirah is located on Jumeirah Beach Road. 043666821
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Le Méredien Mina Seyahih
Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Club
The beach at this iconic Dubai hotel is perfect for everyone – couple, families, kids and teenagers. With 500m of private beach front, variety of water sports to choose from, six pools (including an infinity pool, lap pool, horizon pool, rock pool and kid’s pools, tennis courts, gym, swim-up bars and the award winning Barasti beach bar – what’s not to love about Club Mina? getting there: Le Meredien Mina Seyahi Is located on Al Sufouh Road, Jumeirah Beach. Day passes available. 043181420
With over 200 palms dotting it, the Sheraton feels more like a tropical island than beach. Straightforward in facilities and design, the venue offers comfy sunbeds, a beach volleyball court and a range of watersports including scuba diving, kayaking and wind surfing. Perhaps its location is its USP – a prime spot on The Walk at JBR makes it ideal for combining sand play with highlife. getting there: Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Club is located on on Al Sufouh Road. 043995533
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SUNSET BEACH The most picturesque coastline, Sunset Beach boasts fantastic views of Dubai’s first Burj – the Burj Al Arab, and as the name states, idyllic sunsets. The beach is a staple hangout for seasoned surfers and windsurfers. getting there: The Umm Suqeim Park next door is an added advantage. Off Al Thanya Street, next to Jumeirah Beach Hotel, opposite Umm Suqeim Park.
J UM EIRAH OP EN BEAC H
mamzar beach park
MA M ZAR B E AC H PAR K Like Jumeirah, Mamzar is a two-in-one facility as well. Both the public beach and the beach park are popular weekend favourites amongst residents and it’s not hard to guess why… Mamzar Beach was recently awarded the blue flag beach status, making it one of the most coveted venues in the emirate. All its five beaches (in coves) around the coast of the park have sheltered areas complete with changing rooms and showers. The park also lets you rent chalets on a daily basis. Barbecue areas, two large swimming pools , sun loungers and cafés are also present. getting there: Mamzar Beach Park is located approximately 5 km after the turn off to Hamriya Port.
Dubai’s oldest and most beloved beach, Jumeirah has been attracting bathers for years. Though other beachfronts have been developed across the city, this remains the people’s favourite. Claiming a greater stretch than the other beaches further up the coast, Jumeirah also has an attached beach park, which offers visitors the option to frolick in the sand or roll in greener pastures. The open beach has its own 1.8km running track, showers, toilets and a fair sprinkling of refreshment shacks. getting there: Jumeirah open beach is located just past the bustling Palm Strip mall.
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KITESURFING BEACH
While this beach is hugely popular with kite surfers – the name says it all – it’s also a major draw for soccer and volleyball players and kayakers. You’ll even find kitesurfing schools here. getting there: Kite beach is located just after the World Project Office, at the corner of 2d and 35a street, behind Saga World, Umm Suqeim 1, Dubai.
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The public beach at JBR is the most economical way to enjoy the highlife! In close proximity to The Walk, there’s plenty of glitz to keep you busy as you lie on the sands – think exotic bikes, luxury cars and the gleaming skyline. An eclectic menu of juice bars, burger joints and gelato corners keep energy levels up. getting there: Beach access is available at several points along the road.
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SHOPPERS’ STOP
We prove why Dubai can easily be aliased Shopping Wonderland. From best kept secrets to the biggest names in the retail industry – our shopping guide covers every inch of the city’s shopping scene. The 19th edition of the mega Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) has just drawn to an exciting close. While the statistics are still rolling in, experts surmise that this DSF has been the biggest one in the event’s history. And it had to be – after Dubai winning the prestigious World Expo bid, it was only befitting that the city put up a show that the world would remember. “With all eyes on Dubai after the Expo 2020 win, we are fully aware that we have to rise up to the expectations as DSF 2014 is the first festival after the announcement,” said Laila Mohammed Suhail, the chief executive of DFRE. “We have made extra efforts to make sure 46
that DSF truly lives up to its reputation as a festival for all.” With 70 malls and over 6,000 retail outlets participating, organisers Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), made sure that there was literally something for everyone. Set around the theme ‘Shop At Your Best’, DSF 2014 not only extended its reach but also pumped up the winning quotient. Apart from the malls that have defined the city’s shopping culture, this year’s DSF promotions and raffles were also extended to community malls and mid-sized shopping centres, giving shoppers the chance to win AED500,000 on a minimum spend of AED200. Millions of dirhams in prizes d e f i n i t e l y
have been given away to delighted shoppers as part of the fantastic promotions and giant raffles. For instance, just on day one of the event, shoppers took away prizes worth half a million dirhams, through the DSF Lucky Shopper activity. Global Village gave away two luxury Infiniti models QX60 and G25, and a cash prize of Dhs100,000 at its Infiniti Mega Raffle draw on DSF 2014’s opening night. Adding a sparkle to the already glitzy gift list were the give-aways of gold and diamonds by the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group (DGJG) – shoppers were awarded a kilogram of gold and a diamond solitaire for each day of the festival. Undoubtedly, Dubai became the jewellery destination of the world.
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Missed the DSF? While there’s nothing like quite like it, the upcoming Gitex Shopper Spring edition and the Dubai Summer Surprises will help you get your retail fix. Gitex is the region’s largest technology event where shoppers receive whopping discounts on the latest gadgets from mobile phones to laptops. The event is also the preferred launch pad for new technology and sees a series of new product launches all through its duration. This year Giltex hits the city from April 23 to 26. Apart from the malls, do visit the massive GITEX exhibition hall at the Dubai World Trade Center – it’s every gadget geeks dream come true, aisle upon aisle of the latest gadgets up for grabs at unbelievable prices. A few summers ago, heading down to the desert in the middle of summer sounded like hara kiri to most people. But since the Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) made their debut, Dubai has become the ultimate summer holiday destination for the world. Part of the ‘Summer Is Dubai’ calendar, DSS brings together the greatest shopping bargains and edutainment deals for the entire family. Think 6,000 participating stores, a flurry of raffles of gold bullions, luxury cars and even air miles, generous price slashes at almost all high street fashion stores, indulgent spa packages at rock bottom prices and some of the biggest and best entertainment shows from around the globe. Modhesh World – a massive kids’ entertainment dome with electronic rides, live performances by popular cartoon characters and a host of fun activities, is the highlight of the DSS event. Last year, the DSS fest was conjoined with the Ramadan in Dubai, Back to School and Eid in Dubai fests with celebrations lasting three glorious months. This, coupled with unbeatable offers like free accommodation, meals and entries to some of Dubai’s biggest attractions like Ski Dubai and Aquaventure for children under 12, made the emirate the world’s summer holiday destination.
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“ Festivals and events play a key role in support growth of Dubai’s tourism industry,”
said Helal Saeed Almarri, director-general, DTCM. This support is evident in the numbers; DSF alone accounts for 25 percent to percent of annual retail sales in the emirate. According to Laila Mohammed Suhail, CEO, DFRE, the festival has helped to reinforce the city’s reputation as a global tourism landmark. Since its launch in 1996, the event has grown to become the biggest shopping extravaganza in the Middle East attracting 4.66 million visitors last year. d e f i n i t e l y
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Entertainment Mega events like Michael Jackson, The Immortal World Tour by the scintillating Cirque du Soleil, the Flying Superkids Show from Denmark, The 7 Sopranos Show and Salaam Dubai 2014 at which Bollywood’s most wanted music artistes such as KK, Arijit Singh and Monali Thakur serenaded audiences were part of the 150 cultural, entertainment, art and fashion events organised for this DSF. According to DSF organisers, this year’s carnival was the biggest in the festival’s history. Key DSF Destinations like the Al Seef Street, Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Boulevard, Jumeirah Street, Al Riqqa Street and Global Village played host to a variety of parades and street performances, turning the whole city into a stage. Other much loved events included the ‘Fashion Squad’ – a four man team of bloggers, style gurus and presenters trawled the city looking out for the city’s most stylish – and the Carpet Oasis, which rolled out the rarest, largest and even most unique carpets from around the world.
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TAKE A SHOPCATION Here’s our own simplified shopping directory.
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BurJuman
Featuring labels like Saks Fifth Avenue, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel, Hermes, Valentino, Dolce and Gabbana, Versace, Fendi, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Just Cavalli, to name but few of its 300 leading haute couture brands, BurJuman has been appropriately called the residence of high fashion.
Deira City Centre
Dubai’s first lifestyle mall, DCC remains the most popular choice amongst shoppers inspite of grander malls opening their doors in the past few years. Each year over 20 million shoppers walk through DCC, making it one of the region’s the most visited destinations. From classy to casual, the 300+ stores at DCC have every shopping niche covered.
Dubai Mall
High life personified, Dubai Mall’s colossal interiors home some of the biggest names in the fashion world – Armani, 48
Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Ralph Lauren, Dior, Fendi, Marc Jacobs, Moschino, Roberto Cavalli and Ermenegildo Zegna amongst others. With over a 1,000 outlets, Dubai Mall definitely has everything you can possibly desire. We also love that Dubai Mall keeps the kids happily busy at KidZania, SEGA Republic and the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink. The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo and Dubai Fountain ensure that each moment at the mall is awe-inspiring.
Ibn Battuta Mall
If there was ever a cultural shopping experience, it has to be here. Designed around the travels of the famous Arab explorer, Ibn Battuta is the world’s largest themed shopping mall. Named after the countries Ibn Battuta travelled to – China, India, Persia, Egypt, Tunisia and Andalusia – the mall is divided into six different zones, each recreating the splendor of these countries. Once you
get over the delightful designing, fall preymall to the ibn battuta material temptations in over 275 outlets. From high street shopping to affordable style, Ibn Battuta takes care of all budgets and tastes.
Wafi Mall
It tends to get overshadowed by the city’s glitzier malls, but Wafi makes up in substance what it may lack in glamour. If you’re serious about your fashion, Wafi is the place to head to without a second thought. From stalwarts like Bugatti, Chanel, Escada, Roberto Cavalli and Missoni to new waves like Ginger and Lace and Valleydez, Wafi has every inch of niche retailing covered.
Mall of the Emirates
MoE’s – as Dubaiians lovingly call this popular mall – first claim to fame is probably the worldrenowned Ski Dubai, the Middle East’s first indoor ski resort and snow park. But there are other sensational offerings too: 560 international brands under one roof,
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mall of the emirates of which more than 80 are the world’s most sought after designer brands, the city’s largest Carrefour hypermarket and the distinguished Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre. A 14-screen cinema and Magic Planet – the largest family entertainment centre in Dubai featuring several awardwinning rides and games keep the family happy while you delve into the depths of retail therapy.
JBR Mall Hop Apart from the glorious beaches and lavish hotels, Jumeirah Beach Road also claims the highest concentration of malls on a single tar strip. dubai mall
Jumeirah Town Centre
Ticking most boxes, this address lets you do a variety of things from booking your next holiday to practising yoga and Pilates. Stores include Anne Klein, Boom and Mellow, Café Ceramique, Naturalizer, Emirates Travel Hub, Paris Gallery, Sumo Sushi, Party Zone, Hello Kitty Beauty Spa, Zen Yoga, Kaya Skin Clinic, Dubai Physiotherapy & Family Medicine Clinic and many more.
Mercato Mall
Dubai glamour meets Italian flair at this Renaissance reminiscent mall. Complete with cobbled streets and Mediterranean décor, Mercato houses high street labels like Top Shop, Pull and Bear, Bershka, Laura Ashley and luxe chocolatier Patchi.
Magrudy Shopping Mall
Regarded by the company as their ‘spiritual home’, Magrudy’s Jumeirah has been crafted to fulfill all literary cravings. From children’s books and educational toys to adult fiction, mother and baby, and cookery
titles amongst many, many others; Magrudy’s is Dubai oldest and most revered book mall. There’s also a wide range of cards, stationery and arts and craft materials to choose from.
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Jumeirah Centre
One of the earliest retail stops on Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah Centre has the ambience of a warm community mall with stores that cater to a wider audience. Shops include Benetton, Emirates Sport and The Body Shop. Discounted designer fashions can be found at Blue Cactus and local handicrafts at Sunny Days. Textiles and Persian rugs are further highlights.
Beach Park Plaza Centre
The Thai Elite Spa, fine hair dressers Salon INK, portraiture Foto Fahed and an exciting gaming area make this mall worth a stop.
The Village Mall
From boutique shops showcasing avant garde haute couture to quirky stores, The Village is a treasure trove of one-off boutiques such as Ayesha Depala and Backstage (known for sourcing eclectic beauty d e f i n i t e l y
brands unavailable in the Middle East). A SensAsia Spa adds bliss to the proceedings.
credited to the happy mix of jewellers, fashion wear, electronics, beauty salons and even a gym.
Jumeirah Plaza
Palm Strip Mall
This quaint mall is hard to miss with its eye-catching pink front. Peep inside and you’ll find gift shop Susan Walpole, the second-hand bookshop House of Prose, an artistic T-shirt design shop, fan alternative medicine shops well as a few craft and rug shops plus a safe play area for children.
J3 Mall
A recent addition to the Jumeirah community, J3 has quickly become popular with residents and tourists alike. The popularity can be d u b a i
Another Jumeirah gem, Palm Strip is a hot spot of a variety of brands such as Makeup Etc. Boutique, Lovin’ My Bags (the city’s first handbag and leather restoration store), Zeena Zaki and Frost Boutique. There’s even an art gallery to add a pop of culture to its retail front.
Sunset Mall
Stocking designers not available elsewhere in the city, Sunset is a relative newbie on the shopping scene. It houses much loved stores such as Rivaage, West LA and Socialista. 49
le petit maison
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you’ve landed in Dubai,
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what next? Eat. Then eat some more. From Arabic, Chinese and Indian, to African, American and European, the food in Dubai will take your palate across all seven continents with culinary ease. Like the restaurants themselves, the chefs, too, are a diverse bunch. There’s a host of homegrown, international, celebrity and Michelin-starred chefs who spend their days planning, preparing and presenting top-notch grub to residents and visitors to Dubai. And while the obvious choice for breakfast, lunch or dinner would be to head to one of the city’s 600-plus hotels, there’s a bunch of restaurants that can be accessed from street level. Here’s a sample selection.
Al Quoz tom & serg Set across two floors, hip and healthy café Tom & Serg is creating quite the stir with foodies in Dubai. With its delistyle menu and exposed setting, this beautifully furnished hangout has added a new dimension to café culture in the emirate. You can find this cool addition to Dubai’s organic food scene near Ace Hardware along Sheikh Zayed
Road. Nearby there’s Raw Coffee Company, tucked behind Noor Islamic Metro station in Al Quoz 1. While there’s no food at this independent café, the coffee is spectacular.
Jumeirah Comfortably filled with unique accessories and homeware, Comptoir 102 is a small retailercum-restaurant. At the helm of the café here is a dietary nutritionist, serving healthy, guilt-free lunch while you shop. Nearby, you’ll find Jumeirah’s answer to neighbourhood pizzeria, Itzza Pizza, serving quality pizzas in an authentic environment. It’s time to get a slice of the action. Comptoir 102, Jumeirah Beach Road (number 102, opposite The Beach Centre mall); comptoir102. com. Itzza Pizza, Jumeirah Beach Park Plaza.
Dubai Marina What happens when a menu crafted by a Michelin-starred chef is paired with fancy cocktails and a dance floor? O Cacti, that’s what. This sizzling Mexican restaurant combines food, art and entertainment in stylish fashion.
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The menu, created by Marco Abed, boasts a multitude of Mexican dishes, including grilled meats, marinated seafood, tacos and fajitas. Claiming the corner spot in Pier 7, Dubai Marina, it’s time to dine Latino-style. ocactiuae.com
On the beach While Bu Qtair is quite tricky to find, for it’s a small beachside Portakabin after all, the food is well worth a few wrong turns. Occupying a small plot of sand a few metres from the sea at the Burj Beach, you’ll be able pick your fish from the kitchen before settling at a plastic table to wait. Expect to be presented with grilled fish, salad, sauces and a very small bill. Burj Beach, off Beach Road, Jumeirah.
Downtown You’ll find an assortment of new cafés peppered along the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard and nearby Boulevard Plaza. For casual fare along this popular strip there’s popular Lebanese-Armenian café Mayrig or neighbouring French bakery Fournil de Pierre, located at Standpoint Tower. A hop and skip from there, in the Plaza, there’s
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stylish new diner/café Kris Kros, a cool concept where the food is broken up into sections based on countries.
Al Barari Venture outside of the city’s centre and you’ll find ecofriendly residential development Al Barari, home to The Farm, one of Dubai’s more unique dining experiences. Surrounded by manicured lawns, botanical gardens and waterways, this kitsch restaurant is set in the heart of a 14.2 million square foot estate. Here, the outdoors merges with the indoors, and quality food is order of the day. thefarmdubai.com
Dubai Creek Floating fine dining restaurant Bateaux Dubai is a gem in Dubai’s culinary crown. This stunning dinner cruise takes to the Creek’s waters each evening offering diners a set menu served to the sound of a live pianist. With space for only 300 guests, booking in 54
advance is recommended. Bateaux Dubai also offers afternoon tea, served each day from 3.30pm until 4.15pm. This is the perfect stop for those visiting the nearby Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. jaresortshotels.com
Wasl Square Sited opposite Safa Park is one of Dubai’s newest developments, Wasl Square. Here, you’ll find a selection of cafés and coffee shops to pick up a snack for an afternoon on Safa’s lawns. Foodies wishing to sit in and eat, however, should head to Pantry Café. With its wooden décor and rustic seating, a spot of lunch at this gourmet café comes highly recommended. From soups and salads to pizza and noodles, the food here is cooked using fresh, premium ingredients. pantrycafe.me
DIFC Some of Dubai’s finest restaurants are located at The Dubai International Financial Centre. d e f i n i t e l y
From award-winning French restaurant La Petite Maison (Gate Village 8) to contemporary Japanese restaurant Zuma (Gate Village 6), there’s more than a few banks to be found here. Also nestled in the DIFC, you’ll find traditional British seafood restaurant Wheeler’s of St James’s (Gate Village 2), Argentinian steakhouse Gaucho (Gate Village 05) and popular Italian restaurant Roberto’s (Gate Village 1). difc.ae/cafés-restaurants
Bur Dubai sea mood This strip-lit cafeteriastyle restaurant in Satwa is not only homegrown but it is also committed to serving sustainable fish and seafood. The food is simple, delicious and cheap; while the setting is casual, comfortable and carefree. You’ll find Sea Mood (seamoodrestaurant.com) in Al Mankhool Road, Satwa. Also tucked away in Satwa is Punjabi restaurant Ravi’s. The food here is excellent, excessive and very cheap. Ravi’s doesn’t take bookings – just turn up and claim a table. /
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Chuck E Cheese’s
There seems very little chance of getting your children to sit down long enough to eat anything at this pizza restaurant in the Dubai Outlet Mall. Although there are plenty of pizzas and child-friendly dishes to tempt them, the games arcade bristling with more than 200 consoles, driving games, rides and a mini carousel, not to mention the four-lane bowling alley and ice rink, might prove irresistible. There are even some games that parents are allowed to join in with, too. chuckecheesesdubai.com
Apple Seeds
The award-winning Apple Seeds nursery franchise, which started life in New York, has its own branch in Dubai. The indoor play and learning space for young children is a colourful, dynamic, well designed club with a wooden taxi to ‘drive’, play foods, slide, building bricks and so on. Classes introduce the children to singing, cooking, gym, football 58
and more, while the emphasis throughout is as much on having fun together as learning new things. Apple Seeds also runs a highly popular summer camp. appleseedsdubai.com
Kids Connection
nurseries for younger children
Also in the Wafi Mall is Kids Connection, perfect for the younger members of your family, from babies upwards. It’s a safe and engaging play zone with swings, a bouncy castle, trampoline and soft areas to crawl or toddle around. wafi.com
Encounter Zone: Galactica
Jumeirah International Nurseries
All parents know that a bored teenager is a dangerous beast, so head for Galactica at the Wafi Mall for dynamic teen entertainment. Gxpress is an indoor rollerblade and skateboard park with ramps and wheel grinds; Maxflight is a twin-seater virtual reality rollercoaster simulator ride d e f i n i t e l y
and Portal Reloaded is the ultimate gaming zone. A test of stamina and strategy, the Encounter Zone Extreme Paintball is fast-paced fun, and there is the Night Fire version for those with strong nerves. wafi.com
The three JINs in Dubai are set up to help young children make the easy and confident transition from playgroup to primary school. The time children spend in the nursery is both confidence-building and stimulating, with projects and activities designed to bring out each individual child’s talents and interests. Classrooms are decorated with children’s drawings and projects, and tables and chairs are set up in project. JINs offers a warm, supporting and nurturing environment that should put
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parents’ minds at ease before the move to ‘big’ school. jinspire.com
Caboodle
This is a bright and airy play area with a rainbow floor, mini helter-skelter, quiet areas and stimulating play zones. The theme here is ‘edutainment’, learning while having so much fun children don’t see it as learning. Creative classes include art, dance and cookery. The Mum & Me package is a chance for mums and their daughters to spend girly time together in the salon, dressing up and getting their toes and hair done. Caboodle, which has two branches in Dubai, also offers a good range of party packages. caboodle.ae
art, drama and music clubs
The JamJar
Dubai’s JamJar is a vibrant project that encourages and supports a range of artists and artistic enterprises in the city, with community and educational schemes to spread
the creative word. Among its workshops and talks is the Young Artist Programme, YAP, with terms kicking off in September and January. The foundation programme is suitable for children aged nine to 12 years old; JamJar is also planning to run a parallel and slightly more advanced programme for children up to 14 years. Students are introduced to drawing, painting and mixed media in an explorative, open-minded and exciting environment. thejamjardubai.com
stars in the making can join the Mini Show Stoppers or Scene Works classes, which are aimed at children between five and 10 and give them a taste of acting, singing and putting on a full-scale production. Royal Academy trained ballet teachers are on hand to take their students through the RA’s ballet exams. The centre also offers the ultimate music class for teens – Drop in and Drum – so you don’t have to listen to them practice at home! ductac.org
The Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre
KidzArt
The Community Theatre is a one-stop-shop for aspiring ballet dancers, actors, singers and musicians. Alongside classes for adults, the centre offers courses such as Mini Musos, which introduces five-to-six-year olds to percussion and the fun of making music together. Stage d e f i n i t e l y
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The concept behind KidzArt classes started in America, and sees art as a way to open up creative thinking on many levels, regardless of whether parents think they have ‘artistic’ children or not. Classes see children progress from Squiggles and Giggles, for two to nearly four-year-olds, then in stages through pre-school up to nine-to-12s. Art is seen as a tool for building confidence, selfexpression, creative thinking and problem solving, as well, of course, as having fun making wonderful pictures in a wide variety of media. kidzart.com / 59
WHERE CREATIVE LEGENDS ARE MADE Learn from the brightest minds and greatest storytellers at the Dubai Lynx International Festival of Creativity from 9-11 March 2014 at the Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai. Also come to the 2014 Dubai Lynx Awards Ceremony on 12 March to celebrate legends in the making. Demand is likely to be high so act soon to secure your table. www.dubailynx.com
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#mydubai
World’s first autobiography of a city through social media
food festival Dubai’s diverse culinary offerings and activities
in the news Fascinating metro facts
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THE TABLE IS LAID Dubai is launching its very first food festival. Here’s what foodies can look forward to...
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ust when you thought Dubai had all the festivals under the sun and there possibly couldn’t be one more, the creative folks at Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), announced the Dubai Food Festival (DFF). And this fest promises to be the mother of all festivals so far. Running over 23 days, including four weekends, the festival will feature a wide range of food-related activities, tastings, offers and events. Its first USP is that the event will bunch together four unique and totally delicious food events, making it, possibly, the largest of its kind in the region. When a city boasts over 5,000 restaurants (5,300 to be precise) and a demography of 200 nationalities, each of which has imported the flavours of their own hearths, you can be assured that the food is bound to be diverse. Packing this diversity into one amazing festival is just what DFF will be doing. “The packed 62
festival programme is designed to showcase the wealth of flavours and cuisines on offer in Dubai, and will promote the diversity, creativity and multi-cultural nature of Dubai’s culinary offering – one drawn from traditional Emirati cuisine as well as from the cuisines of the 200 nationalities living in the Emirate today,” said Laila Mohammed Suhail, CEO of DFRE, an agency of Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).
DUBAI FOOD CARNIVAL FEBRUARY 21-22 The food bash kicks off with the glorious Dubai Food Carnival. A cheerful collection of all things foodie, this two-day event (February 21-22) will turn the city into a veritable food paradise. Being hosted at the Dubai Festival City, the Carnival will offer a menu of over 100 food and drink stalls d e f i n i t e l y
where there will be plenty of live cooking and food samplings. Those who like their food paired with top-class entertainment won’t be disappointed. Emirati funny man Ali Al Sayed, named ‘one of the most influential comedians in the world’ by Toastmaster’s International Magazine, and chosen as one of the ‘funniest people of the year’ by Rolling Stone, will be making the event a truly happy one. There will also be a mixture of local music artists, food contests, celebrity Q&A’s and cultural shows. However, the highlight of the event will be, obviously, the celebrity chefs. Running their own pop-up restaurants, hosting cooking demos and even a ‘celebrity challenge’, the guest list reads like a whos’ who of the epicurean world – Tarek Ibrahim, award-winning Corporate Executive Chef for MLA; SIlvena Rowe, Britain’s top female chef ; Manal Al Alem, culinary icon of the global Arab
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community; Sanjeev Kapoor, Indian cuisine’s most celebrated face; John Torode, UK Masterchef extraordinaire and Chef Andy, the Chef de Cuisine of the legendary Hakkasan Dubai, among others.
GULFOOD FEBRUARY 23-27 Just as you finish licking your fingers at the Food Carnival, the mega Gulfood exhibition will open at the Dubai World Trade Centre from February 23 to 27. Targeted at those in the business industry who like to have a heads up on the latest food trends around the globe, Gulfood will bring together an incredible 20,000 brands and 4,500 exhibitors. The event will be a comprehensive showcase of every kind of food and beverage-related equipment, design and interior ideas for cafés and restaurants as well as food and drink samples from around the world. New features at the event include the World Cuisine
theatre where internationally renowned chefs will recreate their signature dishes; the Halal Heroes programme, Barista Bonanza and Coffee Council, which will present world-class barista master-classes in the Latte Art & Brew Bar plus conferences and workshops; the Expert Advice Clinic which will provide insights on legal issues, logistical challenges and other industry related matters, and the Tea House, which will be pouring rare and assorted flavourful tea blends for connoisseurs.
THE BIG GRILL FEBRUARY 27-28 Just as Gulfood rolls up its wares, The Big Grill will be igniting the city with its wide menu of grilled victuals. Touted as a celebration of meat and music, make sure you head down to the Emirates Golf Club for a generous serving of all things barbecued. If you think no one knows grill like
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you do, participate in the King of the Grill competition. The proceedings are bound to be flaming hot!
TASTE OF DUBAI MARCH 13-15 Though it will be the fest’s grand finale, Taste of Dubai is perhaps the event’s crowning glory too. The emirate’s original and best loved food, drink and music fair is promising to be bigger and even lip-smacking better this year. Dedicated to cooking and eating, the event is jam-packed with new restaurant launches, cooking classes, masterchef demos all served with an incredible lineup of music and entertainment. Thirty of the city’s finest dining establishments – Armani Café, Rivington Grill, Ruths Chris Steakhouse and Gaucho, to name a few – will be participating at the event too. Taste of Dubai is being held at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre from March 13-15. 63
#MyDubai
Twitterverse is abuzz with the #MyDubai initiative launched by the Crown Prince of Dubai
taking its tech-savvy image a step further, Dubai recently announced the #MyDubai initiative – creating the world’s first autobiography of a city through pictures, videos, tweets and other forms of social and creative media. The brainchild of the emirate’s Crown Prince, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed
Participate in
today to express your impressions of this beautiful city. Your pictures, stories and videos can be themed around anything that demonstrates the different facets of life in Dubai. Some theme ideas are family activities, scenic images, the desert, the emirate’s beaches, hidden parts of Dubai, iconic buildings such as Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa and Atlantis (tip: get shots from lesser known angles) and adventurous activities such as skydiving and desert safaris. Or simply tweet 140 characters beginning with ‘#MyDubai is...’ or ‘#MyDubai moment of the day was...’
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Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the idea seeks to encourage the city’s residents and tourists to share compelling moments of their life – moments that capture the true culture and soul of the emirate. Sheikh Hamdan launched this initiative through his Instagram account (@faz3). #MyDubai has received an overwhelming response – 75,000 photo and video submissions via Instagram, over 27,000 mentions and 198 million impressions on Twitter within its first week. Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), announcing its complete support for the plan, quickly set to work creating an online museum, #MyDubai e-Museum, to showcase a selection of the entries received. The e-Museum, housed on @ MyDubai – the official Instagram and Twitter pages for the initiative, is the first of a number of other projects visualised by the DTCM to create the multi-media autobiography. Every day throughout the year, 5-10 images submitted on the #MyDubai hashtag will be selected to join the museum’s ‘collection’ and shown on www.instagram.com/mydubai while www.twitter.com/mydubai will exhibit a selection of articles, stories, images and videos. The
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DTCM will also be selecting outstanding contributions and displaying them throughout the year at exhibitions and roadshows across the globe. The DTCM is additionally working with a number of partner organisations and governmental departments on other #MyDubai projects, which will provide a variety of channels for the people to participate through. Together with the photos, videos and stories, these projects will combine to create the world’s first autobiography of a city, told through a broad range of media and channels. #MyDubai initiative finds perfect description in the words of H.E Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, DTCM, who says “The best marketers of a city are the people who live in it and through DTCM’s involvement in #MyDubai, it is our intention to showcase the best of the city by curating images, videos and stories of residents experiencing the events, attractions, hotels, restaurants and other elements of our destination offering. We will launch a number of projects throughout the year under the #MyDubai banner, all of which will both encourage residents to be tourists in their own city and will highlight why Dubai is now the seventh most visited city in the world.”
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Guinness World Records has declared Dubai Metro as the world’s longest fully automated metro network spanning 75 kilometres
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Dubai Metro transported 33.3 million people in Q1 of 2013, a significant increase compared to the same period the previous year
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More than 110,000 people, which is more than 5 per cent of Dubai’s population, used the Metro in its first two days of operation
the dubai metro is a driverless, fully automated metro rail network of Dubai. The Red Line and Green Line are operational and run underground in the city centre and on elevated viaducts elsewhere. All trains and stations are air conditioned. The trains run from 6am to 11pm Saturday to Thursday and from 2pm to midnight on Friday. The Dubai Metro carried 10 million passengers from launch on September 9, 2009 to February 9, 2010 with 11 stations operational on the Red Line. Guinness World Records has declared Dubai Metro as the world’s longest fully automated metro network spanning 75 kilometres. 66
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