Category Archives: Middle East

UAE to Provide Visa-On-Arrival to Travellers from 13 European Union Countries

UAE-to-Provide-Visa-On-Arrival-to-Travellers-from-13-European-Union-Countries

The UAE is all set to catch the fancy of international tourists and boost the demand for air tickets aboard flights arriving in the nation. This nation that offers a wild smorgasbord of incredible charms will soon be offering visa-on-arrival facility to 13 EU member countries.

UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs have recently announced to expand its visa policy in a bid to boost the already soaring popularity of the emirates of the UAE amongst European tourists. It is extending the visa-on-arrival (VoA) to tourists from about 13 European countries with effect from March 22, 2014.

At present, UAE offers VoA to tourists who book UAE bound flights from other 15 European member states, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy and Holland.

The 13 European countries that will come under the new visa exemption policy are Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Hungary, Latvia, Estonia, Malta, Cyprus, Croatia, Romania and Bulgaria.

The UAE has long been a favourite amongst holiday makers and corporate jetsetters from European countries and the new development is sure to make it easy and convenient for such travellers to plan trips to emirates in the UAE.

Industry insiders believe that the lifting of visa restrictions may also spell as the launch of direct flights connecting the UAE and the 13 EU member countries in the near future. The opening of a second state-of-the-art international airport in Dubai is also sure to make the UAE ever more accessible from across the world.

Dubai’s Department of Tourism in the UAE believes that the ease in visa norms will help it double its annual visitor numbers from 10 million in 2012 to 20 million in 2020.

The UAE is one of the most popular destinations across the globe and never fails to impress with its treasure trove of natural splendour, historical treasures and cultural resplendence. No wonder, this Middle Eastern nation tempts millions of leisure flyers into booking flights to the country, year on year. But its not just leisure vacationers who flock to the country, a fair share of business travellers from Europe and other parts of the world also hop aboard flights to the country for meetings, seminars and other business related trips.

Wild Outdoor Adventures to Enjoy in Dubai, UAE

With the biggest skyscrapers, most innovative man-made creations and the world beating seven-star hotels, Dubai is widely known and esteemed by all and sundry! The destination offers vast range of indoor activities, but it is the wild outdoor activities that recently took the world by storm. Many tourists are now planning their winter vacations during October to March for taking pleasure in umpteen opportunities for action on land, sea or in the air.

dubai camel

Skydiving

Nothing can beat the thrill and overwhelming feeling of skydiving in Dubai!! The bewildering and adrenaline pumping sight of city’s legendary man-made landscape with the world’s tallest building, opulent hotels and scintillating skyline, costs worth more than the cost of tickets on Dubai bound flights. Jumping out of a Cessna and plummeting towards at fast pace is the most sure-fire way to experience the splendour of this 21st Century city.

Mountain biking

Dubai’s spectacular dunes are catching the fancy of host of mountain bikers and setting them on a mad scramble for tickets on flights. The key attraction remains the Hajar Mountains that runs east of Dubai through Ras al-Khaimah emirate and Oman and offer mind-blowing labyrinth of big-time trails. The wild routes through craggy terrain around the Showka area boasts narrow trails, wadi beds and animal paths. The company of wild donkeys, lizards and snakes make the experience all the more breathtaking. These difficult climbs and rough ground are not suitable for novices, but promise a challenging task to veterans.

Desert Camping

Desert Camping in Dubai is the most quintessential experience of basking in Dubai’s glory. The campsites are extremely popular among locals as well as all those international tourists who invest on tickets aboard flights and Dubai vacations. Shwaib is a popular spot located just couple of hours from the city that enjoy immense popularity for remarkable evening of barbecuing amid the arid desert under the starry night. Tourists can take advantage of various companies that offer guided camping safaris and ensure whale of time.

Cairo – Useful Airport Info for Arriving Travelers

Cairo International Airport is the major international gateway for most Egypt bound flights. It is one of the largest airports in the nation and remains the key aviation hub for Egypt’s capital city. Handling thousands of Egypt flights every year, it is among the busiest airports in Africa. Here is some useful information for travelers who board flights to Cairo and land here.

Nightlife-in-Cairo---Two-Bars-Giving-Flights-to-Fancies-of-Revellers!

Passenger-Friendly Services

Cairo International Airport is home to four state of the art terminals, each featuring a vast range of passenger-friendly amenities and efficient baggage handling systems. There are banks and ATMs in Terminals 1 and 3. In addition, 24-hour bureaux de change can also be found in the departure areas of almost all the terminals. Communication is extremely easy with airport’s public telephones and Wi-Fi facility in many areas of the terminals.  Transit passengers and waiting fliers can also satiate their hunger at immense collection of international fast-food and coffee chains strewn across the airport. One can also find various bars in departure halls of Terminals 1 and 3 that are open 24 hours a day. What’s more, wide-ranging shops including duty-free outlets and business centres are also there.

To and From the Airport

Cairo International Airport is located 13.5 miles northeast of Cairo in Heliopolis with easy accessibility via public as well as private transportation. Buses, shuttle and taxis are some of the public services that offer convenient connectivity to key areas of the city.  However, shuttle and taxi remain the most popular means among international tourists who take Egypt bound flights and get in the city. A shuttle bus service consuming 45 minutes links the airport with Heliopolis and central Cairo.

Nearby Hotels

Business travelers and time-pressed vacationers have number of options when it comes to choosing ideal airport hotels. Most of the hotels are located in immediate vicinity and provide complimentary shuttle buses from the terminals. The five-star Concorde El Salam hotel is located ten-minutes away from the airport and remains the famous accommodation option among leisure as well as business travelers.

Popular Activities along the Corniche, Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE, has slowly but surely assumed a place of importance in the minds of international tourists booking air tickets to the Middle East in search of winter sun holidays. Among the numerous outdoor attractions on offer, the scenic Corniche of Abu Dhabi is one of the most popular where visitors do not require entry tickets to enjoy its beauty. Following are top activities on offer at this incredibly beautiful waterfront that seems to be without end.

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Swimming Among the Waves of this Beautiful Coast

The Corniche is one of the best places in Abu Dhabi for a swim in the sea and the Blue Flag status attributed to this sandy strip emphasizes its safety. Travellers booking flight tickets to reach this glitzy emirate can ill afford to miss out on the opportunity to enjoy the rolling waves. Due to the popularity of this destination, beach umbrellas are in high demand especially on weekends hence arriving early is a good idea. As part of the many safety features in place, the swimming area is fenced a short distance off the coast by means of floating fences and there are many lifeguards posted nearby to ensure the safety of bathers. Moreover, the beachfront is divided into separate areas for singles, families and general public for the benefit of those interested in enjoying the sun and surf. There are over a thousand parking spots on offer and tickets to these spaces are available from the strategically placed kiosks nearby. Families with children who book air tickets for a visit to the picturesque emirate of Abu Dhabi can be sure that their kids will stay engaged at designated play areas of the beach.

Cycling Along this Stretch

The Abu Dhabi Corniche is a long stretch and the best way to enjoy the area is by means of a bike ride. Not only are there designated paths for bikes along this scenic waterfront, but various types of bikes may be rented for a ride to immerse oneself in the sunny scenery. There are four separate points from which the machines may be hired in lieu of an hourly fee. This fun way to immerse oneself in the scenery is sure to leave travelers gloating over their decision to book tickets on flights to reach Abu Dhabi in the UAE.

Some Pointers Regarding the Tipping Culture in the UAE

Tipping is essential a gesture of appreciation for services rendered, but for many in the services industry, these tips form an integral part of total earnings. The culture of providing such incentives tend to vary for each country with some like the United States requiring mandatory tips at restaurants, while others like Bangkok having no official or unofficial rules. The etiquette even varies within the country with some parts of the UAE such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi featuring large expatriate populations with differing ideas about how much to leave on the table. Furthermore, some establishments have strict rules regarding tipping and there have been instances when employees have been let go for accepting tips from customers. Following are some must know ground rules regarding these monetary incentives in the UAE if one is boarding flights arriving in this Middle Eastern destination.

In some countries, it might be mandatory to tip taxi drivers, but not in the UAE. However those disembarking flights in the UAE should follow the accepted practice of rounding the fare to the nearest Dhs5. This is of course discretionary and in many cases travellers have only paid the basic fare because of reasons such as rash driving.

Petrol pump attendants, parking valets, hotel bellhops and shopping packers are some of the other service providers who come in contact with holidaymakers disembarking flights in the country. Usually loose change or smaller notes are sufficient to ensure service with a smile the next time one visits. In case of beauty therapists and hairdressers, it is acceptable to add a Dhs10 note as a gratitude for the job well done.

Eating out at one of the local establishments specializing in ethnic cuisine is among the favourites of those booking their passage on-board international flights to United Arab Emirates. In most establishments, a 10% service tax is added to the bill amount, which is supposed distributed among the staff periodically. However, in some instances, it has been alleged that this amount has never made it to the pockets of those who actually deserved it. It is thus advisable that one provides the tip in cash to the deserving party and the amount range from 10% to 15% of the total cost of the meal.

A Brief Guide to Hotel Grand Nile Tower in Cairo

Egypt’s colorful capital of Cairo teems with a vibrant range of accommodation options that can put even some of the royal palaces to shame. But the one that simply hogs all the limelight is Grand Nile Tower, formerly Grand Hyatt Cairo hotel. Overlooking the River Nile, this luxurious property remains popular with a huge fraction of travelers booking Cairo flights to explore popular attractions such as the Citadel, the Egyptian Museum, the Giza Pyramids, and the Sphinx. Here is a brief guide to this lavish retreat in the city of Cairo.

A-Brief-Guide-to-Hotel-Grand-Nile-Tower-in-Cairo

Accommodation options

GrandNileTower features 715 well-appointed rooms and suites that have all been done elegantly and offer sweeping views of the Nile. The wide variety of rooms ranging from Standard Rooms, Club Rooms, Grand Suite, Diplomatic Suite and Royal Suite allow travellers to take their pick. All rooms and suites in the hotel feature modern amenities such as high-speed Internet access, marble bath, air-conditioning, satellite TV, work desk, twin beds or king bed to ensure comfortable stays for luxury seekers on flights to the city. The wide variety of rooms ranging from Standard Rooms, Club Rooms, Grand Suite, Diplomatic Suite and Royal Suite allow travellers to take their pick.

Dining & Entertainment

The GrandNileTower in Cairo gives other hotels a run for their money when it comes to dining and entertainment. Tantalizing dining seems to be the forte of this luxurious property and the hotel features many fascinating venues to treat taste buds to some of the world’s most coveted flavours. Sakya, the Revolving Restaurant, Okashi, Fontana, La Dorada, Chingari, La Famiglia and NubianVillage are just some of the many venues that dish out a countless variety of multi-ethnic cuisines making this hotel a preferred choice amongst epicureans booking Cairo flights. Likewise, the property never fails to impress when it comes to entertaining its visitors on Cairo flights with daily live entertainment. Some of the popular venues within the hotel for entertainment seekers are Baccarat, The Revolving Restaurant Lounge, Lobby Lounge and Pool Lounge.

Recreational Activities

The hotel leaves no stones unturned when it comes to entertaining those with a penchant of shopping, sightseeing or other recreational activities. The hotel features Galleria shopping arcade and entertainment centre, cinemas and food court, Royal Club and heated outdoor swimming pool. Besides, the hotel also offers Nile River cruises aboard its private yacht, Marquise.

Add Oriental Charm with Asian Delicacies While in Dubai!

Dubai, a contemporary holiday destination, is known for flaunting an enchanting multi-cultural society. This spectacular facet of the Middle Eastern gem is enhanced by mouth-watering dishes served in sophisticated restaurants. If your taste buds are craving for specialities of Asian nations while holidaying in Dubai, you won’t find scarcity of options. Holidaymakers boarding Dubai bound flights can choose from plethora of restaurants serving delectable fare from India, China, Thailand and Japanese.

Add-Oriental-Charm-with-Asian-Delicacies-While-in-Dubai!

Hashi

This world class restaurant is a part of the exclusive Armani Hotel. This upscale eating joint entices guests with its elegant decor, world class service, a view of Dubai fountains and of course, appetizing Japanese cuisine. The twist of traditional and modern dishes of the nation makes for an interesting dining venue for epicureans booking flights arriving in the extravagant metropolis. Besides sushi, other worth-trying specialties on their menu are Robatayaki, Raw Fish, Teppanyaki and Tempura – all well capable to give wings to your flights of fancy!!

Amal

This is another site at the third floor of world-class Armani Hotel with an ability to satiate the appetite of foodies longing for Indian cuisine after disembarking flights at Dubai. Its elite setting and calm ambience is well complemented by captivating views of Downtown Dubai. This award-wining joint is the swankiest Indian restaurant in the entire city and is an integral part of the itineraries of holidaymakers longing to taste delicious curries and exotic desserts prepared in a traditional manner. Drinks menu is highlighted by authentic teas.

Benjarong

For those interested in savouring a truly Thai experience, dining at the Benjarong is a must! This magnificent restaurant is a signature establishment of Dusit Thani, a luxurious hotel located at flamboyant Sheikh Zayed Road.  As you step into Benjarong, the aura and ambience transforms to royal Thai sophistication from Arabic charisma. Scrummy hot and sour soup i.e., Tom Yam Koong is just a start of a lip smacking experience which includes dishes like Kong Wang Ruammitr Benjarong, Mee Grob Chao Wang and Kong Wang Ruammitr Benjarong. Surely, a place worth enough to invest money on flights and hotel rooms in Dubai!

Top Places and Tips for Shopping in Dubai

If you find shopping beguiling and feel a sense of gratification during or after it, then pack your bags for a Dubai holiday. The dazzling metropolis of the UAE is home to some of the best shopping enclaves in the Middle-East and creates an urge in keen travellers to book tickets onboard flights for basking in its incredible shopping extravaganza. From swanky malls to glittering souks and impressive street markets; the city is sure to leave customers spoilt for choice. Here are some tips for those buying tickets for immersing into the emirate’s quintessential retail therapy.

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Dubai Mall

A part of the lustrous Downtown Dubai complex, this world’s largest mall is a wonderful place to satiate one’s appetite for brand shopping and hence sets keen travellers from across the globe on a mad scramble for travel tickets for Dubai.  The festival time sees a huge influx of shopaholics, locals and internationals tourists alike, due to the attractive sales taking place in the mall. Besides an amazing shopping extravaganza, the place overwhelms one with an avalanche of dining avenues and exotic entertainment options.

Dubai Souqs

Visit them to sample Dubai’s opulence along with its intriguing traditional cultures. Bustling with people and replete with everything your heart desires, these Middle Easter-style bazaars are a must visit for all those grabbing tickets on cheap flights arriving in this leading metropolis of the UAE.

One of the popular Dubai Souqs is Bur Dubai Souq, a textile bazaar with fabrics and carpets of eclectic variety and some appreciable antiques and Indian Saris on sale. Gold Souq sells a broad range of souvenirs and of course gold in its many attractive forms. Quality of gold here is better, and price is negotiable too. So be ready to haggle. Spice Souq, as the name indicates, is a place to find some of the best quality spices in the Middle East.

Diera Mall

It is another preferred shopping spot for locals as well as tourists booking tickets on Dubai bound flights. Among the best buys are clothes, shoes, electronics and supermarket goods. Prices are pretty much at par, if not cheaper than the local markets. Go there towards the end of the summer and you will get some really good deals.

Flying to Dubai on Emirates the Leading Airline of the Year

Based in Dubai, Emirates, the national carrier of UAE has been honoured as “World’s Best Airline” by highly esteemed Skytrax at 2013 World Airline Awards. In addition, the premier carrier bagged two awards ‘Best Middle East Airline’ and ‘World’s Best In-flight Entertainment’. The World Airline Awards polled about 18 million business and leisure fliers from more than 160 nations all over the globe.

Factors-That-Make-Emirates-the-Leading-Airline-of-the-Year

The great honour is a testament to Emirates’ never-ending efforts to be the world’s best airline. It is very much apparent that passengers who book tickets on Dubai bound flights completely rely on airline’s peerless services that extend from the moment they make their reservation to the moment they arrive home at the end of the journey.

Many travel experts believe that it is the vast on-board facilities that play an important role in making Emirates, the world-class airline. From seating to dining and from entertainment to cabin crew, the Dubai based airline offers the best of everything. The comfortable and highly commodious seating in all the cabins of Emirates flights has been carefully designed. Air travelers booking economy class tickets on Emirates flights can take advantage of personal seatback monitors offering over 1,500 channels of news as well as entertainment. While Business Class seats are well-equipped with lie-flat bed and other superlative amenities including touch screen controller for adjusting the seat; in-seat power supply and more. First Class of this Dubai based carrier on the other hand, is all about privacy and personalized services with sliding door and various wonderful features.

Last year more than 30 million passengers took Emirates flights, connecting across the extensive network and enjoyed the vast on-board innovations such as the ground-breaking in-flight entertainment system ice offering over 1,500 channels of entertainment. The marvelous feature is a second to none way for killing the time and taking pleasure in latest movies, television, audio and games from around the world.

Airline dining on Emirates flights redefine the dining experience with brilliant kinds of dishes and refined wines that are carefully selected and prepared. Besides, passengers buying tickets for Emirates flights can use their mobile phones on certain aircrafts and they can chat, tweet or check email by connecting to OnAir Wi-Fi.

Dubai based Emirates has set an extremely high bar for others. Its impeccable in-flight services, global network and outstanding fleet sometime make one realise how less they paid for their tickets on Dubai flights and how much more they got in return!

All You Wanted to Know About Ajman: The Lesser Known Emirate of UAE

Ajman, is considerably less known among foreign tourists who book UAE flights in hordes to enjoy winter sun or engage in retail therapy due to the numerous cheap shopping deals on offer. But as it handles less tourist traffic, this part of UAE can provide the true feel of the Arab world unlike the leading hotspots of Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

Ajman

For starters, there is no expansive skyline or huge buildings in this UAE emirate and accommodation options are fewer as well. However, the Kempinski here is among the best hotels in the UAE with a friendly staff and a few popular restaurants nearby that serve up cuisines from around the world. The quality of service at this hotel is sure to leave travellers gloating on their decision to book flights destined for the country. Besides, alcohol is also available though one requires a license to buy liquor in many of the liquor shops of the UAE.

There are plenty of shopping options too for those booking flights destined to UAE though there’s nothing that can compare with Dubai Mall, but one is sure to get many bargains at the malls and shopping centres in this emirate. Most popular retail therapy destinations among travellers booking air tickets to this part of the nation include the City Centre, Dana Mall, Ajman Industrial Area and many others. Those seeking to relax can look forward to fishing trips and boat rides that can be gotten for cheap and no need to book these early either as there is practically no tourist rush even during winter months.

Other must visit places in Ajman for those reserving air tickets include the local museum, Royal Cinema, Shooters Club, Al Jarah Cultural Centre and much more. The nearest international airport is at Dubai, which handles international flights from all over the world and is only a short drive away from this emirate. Additionally, it is located centrally hence easily accessible even for those reserving tickets on flights that land at the international airports of Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.