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Duty Free Shops in Dubai

June 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Duty Free Shops in Dubai

Duty Free Shops in Dubai

Dubai is a shopping sanctuary which caters to every shoppers need. Dubai’s tourism industry is thriving on the fact that the city is tax free. Many tourists visit throughout the year and stock up on these tax free goods. There are goods for all kinds of shoppers from Quality leather goods to electronic items. ‘Dubai Duty Free’ is the mother of all the duty free shopping centres in the city. It is located in the Sheikh Rashid Terminal of Dubai International Airport. Established in 1983, it has won several awards for its innovative work and service.

Shopping at ‘Dubai Duty Free’ is an elevating experience due to the highly pleasant rates and its quality driven products which no other retailer in the world has. Some of the products that ‘Dubai Duty Free’ is known best for are; Liquor, Tobacco, Perfume, Designer Clothing, photographic equipment Sunglasses, Sports Wear, Food Items, Gifts, Tapes, CD’s, DVD’s, Crystal ware, Leather Goods, Toys, and Books. Even gold and jewellery are popularly sold items. Prices are extremely competitive and duty-free promotions, in which you can win significant cash prizes and luxury cars, are spectacular. Dubai Duty Free constantly promotes tourism by hosting a series of events through sponsorship and by conducting lucky draws.

As one of the primary international airport retail operations, ‘Dubai Duty Free’ has considerably improved and set the standard for the airport retailing business in the Middle-Eastern countries. Their main objective is to bring everything under one roof. Providing shopper friendly ambiance, a myriad product range, and high quality merchandise make shopping at ‘Dubai Duty Free’ real fun for tourists. They offer nearly 35,00 different products. ‘Dubai Duty Free’ shops at the Ra’s al-Khaimah and Sharjah International Airport are the most popular amongst travellers. The product range shows their dedication towards their regular customers. The goods available there reflect the sort of visitors they see on a daily basis and their choice of items. Only a handful of duty free shops are found in the arrival section of the airport. Most of them are in the departure side and are open 24 hours a day.

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Luxury Cruise from Dubai

June 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Luxury Cruise from Dubai

Luxury Cruise from Dubai

Cruises are one among the things you should definitely do when you’re in Dubai. The calmness of the Arabian gulf gives you a tranquil feel midst the clear waters. Usually, cruises in Dubai are taken by couples who want to just enjoy a romantic evening. On a cruise you can get a glimpse into the diverse nature of the city. One can see the abra’s (ferry) criss crossing between each other through the prominent places in Dubai. The cruise takes you through the beautifully restored Bastakiya area, the splendid skyline of the city, the souk’s, the heritage village and finally, the Dubai rulers office.

Dubai Creek is where most of these tours take place. It is considered as a hot spot for tourists mainly for its dhows-wooden cruise. This area gives tourists the chance to experience the pristine waters of the gulf which is exceptional during dawn and dusk. Dubai Creek has more than 150 dhows for conducting cruises from early morning till midnight. The Creek gives a holistic and beautiful view of all the major attractions in Dubai. Luxury cruise tours in Dubai give a whole new meaning to cruises where the royal treatment and services will leave you aching for more. On luxury cruises in the creek, you will be given a buffet menu with international cuisine ranging from oriental to continental. There are also exotic local delicacies which will be served on demand. Fishing is an add on if you want to do something fun during the cruise.

Dubai cruises will be one of those larger than life experiences which you will treasure in your life for years together. The radiant sun as it sets in the horizon and the shimmering moonlight as you see the city are sights which will be etched in your memory. Offshore cruises are also an option in Dubai because of the artificial islands that have been constructed. For e.g. The Palm Islands features the spectacular Atlantis Resort, which is a very popular hotel worth visiting. Some cruises also take you towards the other emirates in the UAE. Many private tour operators conduct cruises in Dubai. The price is synonymous with the type of liner you choose and the time you spend in it.

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Tallest Buildings of Dubai

June 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Tallest buildings of Dubai

Tallest buildings of Dubai

Dubai’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Defense Minister of the United Arab Emirates and the President of the Dubai Development and Investment Authority (DDIA), has a vision to attract 15 million tourists to the city in the year 2010. To realise this dream the city has been subject to number of superlative architectural projects. Dubai, a relatively tiny city has many buildings scaling the skies.

Most of Dubai’s ambitious building projects are in planning or early construction stages. This emirate’s current skyline is dotted with cranes. According to a study published by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the construction and building sector contributes 12.2% of the emirate’s non-oil GDP. To speeden its tourism industry, Dubai’s developers are engaged in an intense reshaping of the urban landscape. Dubai is striving to break as many records as it can in terms of “tallest,” “largest,” or, simply, “first.” It is home to some of the tallest buildings in the world.

The tallest buildings in Dubai are as follows:

Burj Khalifa

Located in Sheikh Zayed road is Dubai’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, which began construction in 2004. The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building, freestanding structure, and man-made structure of any kind ever built in the world. It attracts many tourists as it is dubbed the centre for the world’s finest shopping, dining and entertainment.
Emirates Park Towers: It is a twin-tower complex currently under construction in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Once completed, at the cost of AED 1.8 billion, the twin tower will become a 1,612 room hotel run by Marriott International. Situated alongside Sheikh Zayed road, It will also have some residential complexes. It is the 17th tallest building in the world.

Almas Tower

The construction of this skyscraper in Dubai began in early 2005 and was completed in 2009. The building stands at a brilliant 360 m (1,180 ft), making it the third-tallest building in Dubai. This landmark building was built with a purpose to cater to the specific needs of the Precious Gems industry. It is located in Jumeirah.

Emirates Office Tower

It is also known as Emirates Tower One, this 54-floor office building is situated along Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Connected with the 56-floor Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel by a retail boulevard. Along with the Emirates Park towers this is referred to as the Emirates Tower Complex.

Marina Torch

Its is also known as The Torch. This super tall residential skyscraper is located in the Dubai Marina. The tower reaches 345 meters (1,132 feet) in height with 80 floors above ground.

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Cinema Movie Theatre houses in dubai

June 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Cinema Movie Theatre houses in dubai

Cinema Movie Theatre houses in dubai

The film industry in Dubai had just started its journey in the year 2010 with the screening of the first emirati film ‘ The city of life’. The film was shown in theatres nationwide. Apart from this the cinema culture in Dubai is very vibrant because of the diverse culture in the city. Owing to the growing number of expatriates from different parts of the globe, the city has movie houses screening a variety of genre’s and cinematic styles. You can catch the latest 3D, RealD or IMAX in Dubai. Cinema houses play films ranging from bollywood saga’s to foreign art films.

Dubai is the proud host of its own film festival, Dubai International Film Festival.The fervour doesn’t end there, the film industry’s zealous interest is evident from local groups such as The Scene Club. It is the UAE’s first official film club founded by D-Seven Motion Pictures and is under the patronage of the Dubai International Film Festival. One thing to note is that there are strict laws in Dubai about exposure, so you can expect scenes being cut due to non approval by the Media Council.

You can catch your favourite movies in any of these theatres:

Cinestar Mall of the Emirates

Dubai’s favourite theatre which screens entries from the Dubai Film Festival during the period.

Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha

T: 04 341 4222

www.cinestarcinemas.com

 

CineCity

Al Ghurair City, Deira

T: 04 228 9898

www.grandcinemas.com

 

Cinemacity

Arabian Centre, Mirdif

T: 04 284 5900

www.cinemacity.ae

 

Cineplex

Near Grand Hyatt Dubai, Umm Hurair

T: 04 324 2000

www.grandcinemas.com

 

Lamcy Cinema

This is the place to go if you want to catch the latest Bollywood blockbusters.

Next to Lamcy Plaza, Umm Hurair

T: 04 336 8808

www.gulfcinema.com

 

Cinestar Deira City Centre

Deira City Centre, Deira

T: 04 294 9000

www.cinestarcinemas.com

 

CinestarMirdif City Center

Mirdif City Center, Mirdif

T: 04 341 0330

www.cinestarcinemas.com

 

Grand Festival Cinemas

With a seating capacity of 2200, this multiplex has twelve screens.

Dubai Festival City, Deira

T: 04 232 8328

www.grandcinemas.com

 

Grand Mercato

Mercato Mall, Jumeirah

T: 04 349 9713

www.grandcinemas.com

 

Metroplex

Dubai Metropolitan Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road

T: 04 343 8383

www.grandcinemas.com

 

Megaplex

The only cinema house with an IMAX screen in Dubai, this theatre has 21 cinema halls.

IbnBattuta Mall, Jebel Ali

T: 04 3669898

www.grandcinemas.com

 

Reel Cinemas

This gigantic cinema complex features 22 screens with a seating capacity for 2,800 persons.

The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai

T: 04 449 1988

www.reelcinemas.ae

 

The Picturehouse

Film lovers can catch critically acclaimed art and independent films in this cinema hall. It has four Platinum Movie Suites, which offers a private lounge and a personal butler service throughout the movie.

Reel Cinemas, The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai

T: 04 449 1988

www.reelcinemas.ae

 

The oldest theatre in Dubai, it was renovated in 1997 and plays a host of Bollywood movies.

Near Al Ghubaiba Bus Terminal, Bur Dubai

T: 04 393 9966

www.plazacinemadubai.com

 

 

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Dubai Heritage Village

June 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The Heritage Village takes you through the cultural legacy of Dubai. Also known as the Hatta Village, it is located in Shandaghs road near the Creek Walkway. The Dubai Heritage Village dates back to the 16th century and is one of the oldest villages in Dubai. There is a large central tower named ‘Hatta Fort’ which overlooks the Dubai Heritage Village. These towers, which were built in the 1880 were used to protect the city from outside invasion.

Dubai Heritage Village

Dubai Heritage Village

Constructed around an old settlement, it is a traditional style mountain village set in an oasis.The village epitomises ancient Arabic architecture allowing you to relive the old world charm of mud houses. An oasis and vegetated seating areas gives you the opportunity to refresh your feet.

The main catch to visiting this place is the marvellous work which is displayed by potters and weavers. The village shows the flip side of architecture in Dubai, it has buildings which are contrary to the ones existent in modern Dubai. The diving village is another appealing factor. It takes us back to Dubai’s old trading activities.

Located near the mouth of the creek, this place has open cafeterias and live entertainment in the evenings. The diving village also reveals the past of Dubai’s pearl divers through a collection of photographs and artifacts. The charm of the black and white photographs takes us through the strain tolerated by divers before scuba diving was invented.

Navigation through the village is made easy with signs put up both in English and Arabic. A two hundred year old mosque at the site reveals its archaic value. Various natural products can be obtained here. For e.g. The Palm tree house displays and sells products made out of palm trees. Similarly, Handicrafts house presents handicrafts made with the expertise of zealous craftsmen. Heritage village stands apart for its barsati homes. Tourists can serve their taste buds with the sumptuous traditional Arabian cuisine available in the outdoor kitchen which is attached to the area. Camel rides and boat rides in the diving village can also be done. There is no entrance fee.

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Dubai Shopping Festival

June 10, 2011 By 1 Comment

Dubai is unique in the world map as the city is tax free. This is one of the main reasons that Dubai is flocked with tourists, just for a wholesome shopping experience. In an attempt by the Government to revive retail trade, the Dubai Shopping Festival was started on February 15 1996. The theme of the Dubai Shopping Festival is ‘One World One Family One Festival’. Earlier, the theme was ‘Where the celebrations last a month and the memories, a lifetime’.

Dubai Shopping Festival

Dubai Shopping Festival

Apart from tax free shopping, tourists can avail discounts up to 75% on a variety of items ranging from jewellery, perfumes, textiles, handicrafts and electronics items. The Dubai Shopping Festival harboured the one of a kind idea known as the ‘Global Village’. A common shopping destination where people from different nations can showcase their products in their traditional and cultural style.

The worlds best brands are offered at all time low prices. Retailers are at loggerheads to make their products attractive to the visiting customers. However, the Dubai Shopping Festival is not about shopping alone. The city plays host to a variety of cultural programs which take place during the event. Nights are particularly colourful with spectacular fireworks display. Special show for children are also arranged.

A wide range of special events like business conventions, seminars, exhibitions, book fairs are conducted. For sports lovers there are sporting events including Open Tennis Championship, Hockey on Synthetic Surface, Ice Hockey, Football Tournament, Russian Ballet on Ice, and Skating and Rowing Championships. The fascinating festival comes to an end with extravagant closing ceremonies.

The Dubai Shopping Festival 2011 was held from January 20, 2011 to February 20, 2011. Participants set up their pavilion in the Global Village. The 32-day long shopping event attracted millions of bargain hunters from across the globe. It’s estimated that around 6000 retail outlets and 50 shopping malls participated in the event. The loyalty of the expatriates in Dubai makes the experience more exquisite. The city gives them an opportunity to showcase their culture which helps them grow more attached to Dubai. The Festival is a major boost to the country’s economy. It promises to deliver a memorable experience to all its visitors.

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