Category Archives: UAE

Three Delightful Options to Enjoy a Stay near Jumeirah Beach, Dubai

Bursting with world-class facilities and exciting attractions, Dubai is a majestic destination. Among its myriad tourist attractions, Jumeirah Beach is certainly one of the top ones.

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The Jumeirah beach is the longest beach in Dubai and stretches from Bur Dubai to Jebel Ali. The Jumeirah Beach Residence facing the beach is a hub of all the major hotels in Dubai. Perhaps, the best part about these hotels lining the beach is that they offer a magnificent view of the Arabian Gulf and parts of Palm Jumeirah. Here are three of our picks of the top hotels near Jumeirah Beach Residence.

JA Ocean View Hotel

Located in a bustling area close to the Jumeirah Beach, this contemporary hotel is the perfect choice for people travelling for leisure as well as business. The property, with its luxurious and modern facilities will rejuvenate your mind and make your experience unforgettable. The hotel is just a 30-minute convenient drive from the Dubai International Airport and around 70 minutes from the Abu Dhabi Airport. Being the only outdoor beachfront promenade with restaurants, shops, and seasonal entertainment events in Dubai, JA Ocean View Hotel is a tourist destination in itself. If you are a foodie, get set to enjoy the scrumptious fares dished out at its seven restaurants and bars.

Hotel Sofitel Dubai

Located in a prime location at the Jumeirah Beach, Hotel Sofitel Dubai is just a short walk from Dubai Marina Mall and 15-minute drive from Ibn Battuta Mall and Mall of Emirates. A stay at this 5-star property places you in one of the best locations of the most dynamic city of U.A.E. The hotel boasts a beautiful blend of French art and Arabic decor that will be a treat to your senses. The panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf from the rooms are truly magnificent. The property’s easy connectivity to Dubai’s business areas, luxury boutiques, cafés, and entertainment spots makes it an ideal option for both business and leisure travellers.

Hilton Dubai The Walk

Hilton Dubai The Walk is located on ‘The Walk,’ in the heart of Jumeirah Beach. The hotel is just a 40-minute drive from the Dubai International Airport. The location of this property in the famous shopping mile makes it a paradise for shopping buffs. There are 15 on-site restaurants, bars, and event venues to add to your experience. You can unwind with a round of golf at the Emirates or Montgomerie golf clubs, or experience adventurous highs at the nearby Ski Dubai and Wild Wadi Waterpark. If you are a sports enthusiast, you can enjoy a wide range of water sports near this hotel.

Top Traditional Markets in Dubai

Dubai is rich in art and traditions, and one of the best ways to explore this element is to check out its traditional markets or souks. These souks often seem to bring out the real essence of Dubai’s Arabic culture. The souks are bright, colourful, crowded, and fascinating. A tour of Dubai is incomplete if you come back without a souvenir from one of these markets:

The Gold Souk

Located near Dubai Creek in the Al Ras area of Deira, The Gold Souk of Dubai is among the most famous gold markets in the world.

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Explicitly beautiful and eye striking jewellery is available here across numerous modern and traditional designs in 22 and 24 karat gold. Haggling about the price is a tradition here, so bargain as much as you can!

Spice Souk

One of the most popular souks in Dubai is the Spice Souk, located just next to the Gold Souk. This narrow-passage market presents an interesting spectacle of colourful heaps of spices. This market probably has every known spice. Apart from spices you can get a wide variety of tea leaves, dry fruits, rice, nuts, dates, tobacco, and sheesha here.

Naif Souk

Naif Souk situated in the old Deira district of Dubai is amongst the oldest souks of Dubai. It was a market for the full-fledged trade of camels in the past and later on evolved into a well-developed marketplace. Nowadays the souk possesses more than a hundred fully air conditioned shops. The souk is famous for souvenirs such as leather wallets and handbags, watches, ornaments, and fabrics.

Meena Bazaar

Meena Bazaar is like a mini Indian Bazaar. As India plays a vital part in the business cycle of Dubai, this market further adds on to it. It is a hub for buying traditional Indian jewellery, special wedding jewellery, Indian textiles, Indian furniture, and accessories. In this market you will also find two Hindu temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna respectively.

Dubai Jazz Fest 2015 is Set to Rock the Music Scene of the UAE

dubaiThe calendar of Dubai is sprinkled with numerous musical events. This world-class city has emerged as a coveted destination among music buffs for watching their favourite international artists in action. Many die hard Jazz fans have already planned their trips to Dubai to catch the Dubai Jazz Fest, which is scheduled from 25th to 27th February. These three days of musical extravaganza will also be a wonderful time for experiencing quintessential Arabian hospitality and the upscale lifestyle of Dubai.

Urban Sessions

While the main gigs will unfurl from 25th to 27th February, the buzz will start with the Urban Sessions from 19th February. It will be held at exclusive locations such as Radisson Blu Hotel’s Up On The Tenth Jazz Bar, Frankie’s Italian The Walk JBR and Jazz@PizzaExpress. You won’t require tickets for these sessions but prior reservation is mandatory. Spending your evenings at these spots will allow you to experience a splendid blend of sumptuous dining and groovy music.

Venue

Dubai Media City Amphitheatre will host the main gigs. This venue features numerous concerts, festivals, conferences and events all through the year. Taxis and metro connect this facility to the major points of the city.

Artists

On all the three days from 25th – 27th February, power-packed performances will leave the audience spellbound. The entertainment will be dished out by two different international artists every day.

Day 1: Gifted artist Christina Perri would be the first to set the stage on fire with her powerful voice and captivating performance. This US singer is also adept at playing the piano and strumming the guitar. The next artist of the night is James Blunt. Be there before 10:30 to enjoy the soulful numbers by this talented English artist.

Day 2: The startling performance of Lindsey Stirling marks the commencement of the second day of the event.  The act of this American violinist starts at 2100 hrs. At 2230 hrs, Golden Globe and multi-Grammy winner, Sting will rock the podium with his award-winning numbers.

Day 3: On the final day of Dubai Jazz Fest, two renowned American artists, Esperanza Spalding and John Legend, will represent a new facet of jazz music. Both, Spalding and Legend, are Grammy winners and have sold millions of copies of their albums across the globe.

Upcoming February Events Give More Reasons to Book Flights to Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi hosts numerous events all year round. No matter whether you are a fan of Arabic culture, fond of Arabic food or just want to cheer the sportsmanship at notable sporting events, Abu Dhabi would have a perfect menu for you. Abu Dhabi’s February is full of fiestas as well. If Abu Dhabiyou have booked tickets to be at the capital city of the UAE during the month, here are two popular events you can consider adding to your travel plan.

Abu Dhabi Food Festival  

Foodies disembarking flights in Abu Dhabi between 05th and 21st February can catch the scrummy action of Abu Dhabi Food Festival. Three of its major highlights are The Emirati Kitchen, StreetFeast and Gourmet Abu Dhabi. The Emirati Kitchen is scheduled from 05th to 07th February at various venues across the city. Visit any venue to gorge on authentic delicacies of the emirate prepared by top rated chefs.

If upscale hospitality tops your list, Gourmet Abu Dhabi is your kind of event. The magnificence of this gastronomic extravaganza is highlighted by the captivating presentations and culinary delights by Michelin-star chefs. This upscale event is taking place at various hotels across Abu Dhabi from 11th to 20th February. StreetFeast is first of its kind in the Gulf region. In this event, food trucks make a kitchen caravan where you can taste the delectable street food of the UAE.

Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2015

History lovers and culture vultures have already grabbed tickets to Abu Dhabi to participate in one of its oldest fiestas, Qasr Al Hosn Festival. If you want to take a closer look at the traditional character of the UAE, find last minute deals on tickets bound for its capital city. From 11th to 21st February, an array of cultural, historical and traditional events as well as exhibitions will take place at the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi. Besides, the festival also boasts hordes of activities for families such as traditional workshops and visual and performing arts programmes.

January Events for Travellers Vying to Experience the Sportsmanship of Abu Dhabi

abu-dhabTrip to Abu Dhabi is the best way to explore UAE beyond Dubai. The capital city of the UAE hosts several events offering an insight into the cultural richness of the Middle Eastern nation. Sports have become an integral part of Abu Dhabi’s lifestyle and culture. If you have booked tickets to disembark flights here in January, there are several sports events you can be a part of.  Here’s a list of upcoming 2015 events in Abu Dhabi that you can add to your itineraries.

The President Cup Falcon Competition 2015

Falcon shows are an integral part of holidays to Abu Dhabi. In January, the excitement of such shows is going to touch a new level of exhilaration with the President Cup Falcon Competition. The upcoming event is the second edition of the Falcon Competition and is scheduled to take place from 15th to 17th January at Abu Dhabi Falcon’s Club. The competitors will be judged on their performances in three competitions and the winners will take away a whooping prize of AED 25,000,000 along with 56 cars.

Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship

Golf lovers boarding flights to be in Abu Dhabi in mid-January should reserve 15th to 18th January in their travel plan to catch the action of Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship which is going to held at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. In the past, this championship has featured star players like Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Paul Casey, Rory McIlroy and Henrik Stenson. With the prize money of US $ 2.7 million, this is the richest golf championship in the Gulf region.

Mubadala World Tennis Championship

Into its seventh year, Mubadala World Tennis Championship is ready to welcome tennis lovers once again with its line up of top-notch tennis stars namely Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray. Other three players competing for prize money of US $ 2, 50,000 are Stanislas Wawrinka, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gael Monfils. From 01st to 03rd January, this 3-day event will be held at Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi.  Buy tickets at the official website to experience the thrill of nail-biting contest between the world’s best.

Want to Enjoy the Best of Dubai? Know the time to do that!

Dubai holidays mean sun, sea and shopping! And that too in excess! Hence, hordes of holidaymakers are found on a quest for air tickets to Dubai every year from all over the world. But, the dazzling emirate of the UAE features a tropical and arid climate due to its global position and geographical characteristics. Being a part of the Arabian Desert, Dubai features hot weather all through the year; however, the nearby sea cools down the temperature and provides relief to the locals as well as international tourists who plan vacation here.

dubaiDubai receives maximum number of tourists during winters i.e. the months between November and March. The months experience an average temperature of 15-20 degree Celsius, while the heat starts rising up from March. This period is relatively cooler than other seasons of the year and the climate is suitable for sightseeing and opting for various enthralling activities in Dubai. With enough sunshine in the day time and gentle breeze with infrequent drizzling, Dubai entices thousands of holidaymakers to browse through package deals to the emirate. Considered as the peak tourism season, Dubai becomes really crowded in winters. Hence, it is advised to make early reservation for tickets as well as accommodation.

dubai-aMillions of shopaholics are found on a mad scramble for air tickets to Dubai in January-February, to take part in the world famous Dubai Shopping Festival. Due to the large tourist influx, air tickets and accommodation rates get most expensive during the period. Hence, book in advance. Many pious souls prefer to visit the city during the month of Ramadan which occurs between July and September. The rates of air tickets and most of the hotels drop down up to 70% during this time as tourists are expected to follow the strict tenets of the Holy Month. Summers are best avoided for holidaying in Dubai as summer is really hot in Dubai. According to many, the scorching heat is not at all suitable for sightseeing and other activities. Sill, few tourists prefer to visit Dubai in summers to avail great discounts on air tickets, hotels and holiday packages to Dubai.

Sample the Exquisiteness of Most Popular Ramadan Markets in the World!

Ramadan is a time of the year when you can experience varied facets of the Muslim world. Besides spiritual significance, this month allows you to rejuvenate your senses while being a part of the cultural extravaganza. Shopping is another highlight of Ramadan. Around the world, several special marketplaces known as Ramadan Market are set up, where one can buy best of the items at throw away prices and gorge on scrumptious fare. Here are few popular markets worth a visit to add a new chapter of shopping to your travel diaries.

Malaysia

Malaysia is one of those countries where shopping has emerged as one of the most favourite pastimes. During the Holy Month, a good number of Ramadan Bazaars come to prominence. Travellers buying tickets aboard flights to the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, during Ramadan must contemplate visiting Kampung Baru Ramadan Bazaar at Jalan Raja Alang. This is among the largest ones in KL. Market at Bukit Bintang also a must visit, if you are keen on exploring the cultural effervescence during the Holy Month. Travellers in Klang Valley can ill afford to miss out on spending time at Shah Alam Ramadan Bazaar.

Dubai

dubaiDubai is the most happening place in the entire Middle East and during Ramadan there are numerous activities you can be a part of. Shopaholics boarding flights to Dubai must add Ramadan Night Market to their itineraries. Dubai World Trade Centre is the venue for this 10-day shopping event which is concluding on 27th July, 2014. Scores of retailers from across the globe are participating in the event. While walking around, you would come across an impressive range of jewellery, perfumes, electronics, leather, garments and much more. Besides shopping, there are numerous food stalls where you can taste authentic Middle Eastern cuisine in addition to varied selection of international delicacies. Activities such as bouncy castles, indoor rides and sand painting are enough to keep kids busy. No entry tickets are required to be a part of this shopping-cum-cultural event.

Canada

Travellers reserving tickets to fly to Canadian cities such as Toronto and Ottawa can enjoy shopping at various Eid Bazaars and Ramadan Markets. Largest Eid Bazaar known as GTA Eid Festival in Toronto will be set up at Toronto Convention Centre. This will be the 29th edition of this event and will feature various activities; shopping is among the most prominent ones. Jami Omar Eid Bazaar in the capital city of Ottawa is the best place to shop for trendy and traditional dresses just before Eid.

Best Desert Safari Experiences in the World Holidaymakers Just Can’t Miss

lDesert safari is indeed one of the most luring baits that set adventure freaks on a mad quest to grab air tickets for flights to different world destinations. This exciting adventure activity allows the holidaymakers to enjoy the enthralling dune bashing in scorched landscape near the city. The adventure filled ride over 4 x 4 sophisticated SUV vehicles through stunning spectacles of tanned terrains and challenging Bedouins all together make for a lifetime experience. Here’s a quick list discussing about the best desert safari destinations in the world.

Black Rock Desert, USA

The state of Nevada is much popular for Los Vegas however the Black Rock Desert in the region attracts many adventure seekers owing to its amazing desert safari trial. The accommodation for the visitors is set inside a camp at the oasis or the travellers even have a choice to soak in natural hot springs. The desert boasts dry lake beds, natural wet lands, scary cities and abundant flora and fauna which make the entire safari experience much more enthralling. Holidaymakers craving to experience a natural American desert life must not wait to net flights tickets for USA and partake in the Black Rock Desert Safari.

Cairo, Egypt

egyptEgypt is and will always be a hot favourite desert safari destination attracting holidaymakers from all corners of the world. Cairo, the capital of Egypt boats an extensive desert area providing enormous opportunities to the global visitors to participate in desert safari. The safari terrain of Egypt is quite extensive in comparison to other destinations and travellers need to spend almost a week to see the desert tourism in Egypt.

Dubai, UAE

dubaiDubai undoubtedly tops the popularity charts when it comes to experiencing the authentic slice of desert safari. Safari tours in the city are organized in both morning and evening hours thus giving the adventure seekers enough time to enjoy the amazing sport. Visitors can enjoy a 20 minutes safari aboard 4 x 4 SUV vehicles that pass through amazing sand dunes bashing. One can even try hands in the 15 minutes Quad biking, sand skiing or camel ride which are sure to give them a jaw-breaking experience. Soft drinks and water bottles are provided to the guests and later they are dropped at the preferred destinations.

Visit Dubai for Tasting a Slice of Shopping for Eid at Ramadan Night Market

In few days from now, the world will start celebrating the sacred month of Ramadan. And Dubai which is known for its dynamic culture and diverse community will start flaunting its spiritual as well as festive side.  During this time of the year Dubai entices scores of travellers to book flights to this dazzling city. A good number of events take place during this time. One such event is Ramadan Night Market, which is scheduled to take place at Dubai World Trade Centre from 17th to 27th July. The market is emerging as one of the most popular Ramadan markets in the world and opens to general public without entry tickets.

Retailers from various part of the world are participating in this market. In addition, the diverse market also attracts a good number of tourists. While strolling around, you would come across various counters offering an array of items ranging from electronics, perfumes, garments, leather, jewellery, art & crafts and spectacular souvenirs.

This annual event is much more than shopping and an opportunity for foreign tourists to meet locals and know more about their culture and admire the way they shop. For families with kids, Kids Play Area is a must visit attraction. Children can indulge in variety of activities such as face painting, bouncy castles, sand painting and indoor rides.

Although Ramadan is the fasting month but if you rate food over shopping, even then you can contemplate visiting this market. Epicureans who have booked tickets aboard flights to visit Dubai during Ramadan can hit the Food Pavilion here and choose dishes from an extensive multi-cuisine menu. Popular restaurants such as Al Casa Corner and Barbecue Bites Restaurant will showcase their culinary delights.

Health and Beauty Bay is another section, which is sure to create an urge in ladies with the presence of most prominent brands in the beauty industry. Several companies are going to launch their products here and will be offering free trials and demos. To get more updates on Ramadan Night Market, browse through their official website.

Explore the Unravelled Facet of Dubai with Desert Safari

Explore-the-Unravelled-Facet-of-Dubai-with-Desert-Safari

Dubai Desert Safari is one of the most exciting and thrilling outdoor activities that push the sale of air tickets aboard flights arriving in UAE’s second largest emirate. This exhilarating ride allows the visitors to enjoy the charming sand dune bashing in arid landscape that surrounds the entire city. The trip takes the riders deep into the desert and lets them experience one the most beautiful things!! The fantastic blend of tanned terrains, fascinating Bedouins and thin vegetation makes for an unmatched holidaying experience. Here’s a quick rundown over the top Desert Safari tours on offer in Dubai that assure a whale of a time to the holidaymakers grabbing flights tickets to the destination.

Morning Desert Safari

Listed amongst some of the top desert safari experiences holidaymakers must have while holidaying in Dubai, Morning Desert Safari is the most preferred choice amongst the visitors. As the name itself suggests, this safari tour is done in the morning hours thus giving the travellers enough time to enjoy the dashing and lively nightlife of Dubai. The car picks up the riders in the early morning hours and takes them straight to the desert. On reaching the place, visitors can enjoy a 20 minutes safari aboard 4 x 4 sophisticated SUV vehicles that pass through amazing sand dunes. After the safari, one can try hands in the 15 minutes Quad biking, camel ride and sand skiing which are sure to give them a jaw-breaking experience. In between the entire trip, soft drinks and water bottles are provided to the guests and later they are dropped at the preferred destinations.

Evening Desert Safari

An experience that must be shared with family and friends while holidaying in Dubai is the electrifying Evening Desert Safari that surely is worth every penny spent on air tickets to UAE. The tour kick starts in the afternoon across the golden deserts of Dubai giving several photo-stops to the holidaymakers during an exciting dune drive to Camel Farm; the very first destination. The drive further continues zigzagging across the red-hot desert giving the riders an out of the world holidaying experience. The next stop-over is at a perfect location that allows the guests to have a close glimpse at the beautiful sunset just before reaching the campsite area. Here one gets an incredible opportunity to relish a slow camel ride, partake in sand boarding or try out a distinct heena design on hand or feet. The visitors are later served a tantalizing Barbecue dinner. They can also enjoy viewing an awesome dance performance by well trained beautiful belly dancers.