The Standard of Hotels in Dubai

Dubai is known to have one of the best hotels in the world. From Burj Khalifa, to Burj Al Arab, the Atlantic Hotel, and  Marine Dubai. The list of the 5 star hotels in Dubai is huge.This week I decided to do my post on the difference in the hotel experience of Dubai hotel when compared to hotels in  Canada. It is not fair as I experienced only a few hotels in Canada but most of those experiences were not very pleasant. As my father worked in the hotel industry, I was fortunate enough to experience a wide range of different hotel in the Middle East particularly in the U.A.E. Last November, my family planned a trip to the Niagara falls. We planned to stay over night so that we can enjoy to the fullest without worrying to drive all the way back home on the same day. I will not mention the name of the hotel in which we booked our room but all I can say is that it was a five star hotel. I was a bit surprised when I entered the room. The decor, furniture and the theme of the room was very outdated. A prefect example of this is that the room still have tube screen televisions in 2011.  Most of the amenities available were all to pay for. They did not have proper room services. Only Breakfast menu was served. They had a food chain franchise that was opened in the lobby of the hotel which served lunch and dinner.

  Moreover, when I asked for a microwave in my room, they placed it on the study table. I needed sugar for my daughter milk and the room service bought the sugar in a paper plate. It was very shocking to get that sort of service from a 5 star chain. Most of the 5 star hotels in Dubai are super deluxe. There interior, exterior, customer service, room assistance and the other appealing attraction are of no match. You really feel that the money you paid for the stay was worth it.

Entrance to Royal Suite of Burj Al Arab

Bathroom of one of the suite in Burj Al Arab

This room is of the Al Bustan Rotana hotel. This is a five star hotel but not very popular or famous. I know that everyone can not afford a room in Burj Al Arab hotel but Al Bustan Rontana offer great deal that is affordable.

This is Fairmount Dubai. It is an old hotel but as you see in the picture, the interior and decor of the room look very new and classy.

Atlantic Hotel is the latest addition to the luxury list of hotel in Dubai. Atlantic Dubai is a world of its own and would require a separate blog posting to cover the wide range of hotel services.

http://www.google.ca/imgres?q=courtyard+marriott+niagara+falls&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&biw=1366&bih=664&tbm=isch&tbnid=eVnkZ4b9Oxch1M:&imgrefurl=http://www.niagarafallshoteldeals.com/profile/courtyard_by_the_falls/guest_room/&docid=q1MNdkTkssRRBM&imgurl=http://www.niagarafallshoteldeals.com/profile/courtyard_by_the_falls/images/jrpres.jpg&w=900&h=598&ei=UnfjT8fnCsPI2gXpw4mtCw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=891&vpy=28&dur=486&hovh=183&hovw=276&tx=167&ty=92&sig=104420266833445935467&page=1&tbnh=124&tbnw=186&start=0&ndsp=16&ved=1t:429,r:4,s:0,i:83
http://www.google.ca/imgres?q=rooms+rotana+hotel+dubai&um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=1366&bih=664&tbm=isch&tbnid=_gxe_B_xtAwKDM:&imgrefurl=http://www.booked.net/hotel/al-bustan-rotana-hotel-dubai-42602&docid=aPJSk61z3z5JLM&imgurl=http://i0.bookcdn.com/data/Photos/OriginalPhoto/84/8461/8461179/Al-Bustan-Rotana-Hotel-photos-Room-Classic-Room.JPEG&w=560&h=395&ei=aHvjT9XzKab-2QWIhJXDCw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=977&vpy=14&dur=369&hovh=188&hovw=267&tx=149&ty=101&sig=104420266833445935467&page=1&tbnh=146&tbnw=191&start=0&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:10,s:0,i:100
http://www.google.ca/imgres?q=interior+of+burj+al+arab+hotel&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&biw=1366&bih=664&tbm=isch&tbnid=e34J0qQuXFiL2M:&imgrefurl=http://bloggerbin56.blogspot.com/2008/08/burj-al-arabthe-most-beautiful-hotel-in.html&docid=UicgF_BUhwsEbM&imgurl=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XPZKPAcNUvDXbHrghL9ZKQMz1soYi0yVCGUapp8dHKVNKYcR5WBkYPjL6-2-2oPb5xY1Pd43CiyTT7NB8RlJamDaRCST-P9PgG_7Dg0IkvWcXmnboWoMUTwOWMpfzzvVjDngM6Cd9W7h/s400/burj%252B25.bmp&w=400&h=309&ei=BXvjT4O4Aa242QWjlPXtCw&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=482&sig=104420266833445935467&page=3&tbnh=155&tbnw=209&start=42&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:19,s:42,i:267&tx=62&ty=67
http://www.google.ca/imgres?q=interior+of+burj+al+arab+hotel&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&biw=1366&bih=664&tbm=isch&tbnid=cy0l544gCgHT6M:&imgrefurl=http://dubai-city.net/burj_al_arab_dubai/index.htm&docid=nmKpajUVRbVGqM&imgurl=http://dubai-city.net/burj_al_arab_dubai/burj_al_arab_dubai_03.jpg&w=420&h=334&ei=BXvjT4O4Aa242QWjlPXtCw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=528&vpy=318&dur=475&hovh=200&hovw=252&tx=63&ty=135&sig=104420266833445935467&page=1&tbnh=147&tbnw=197&start=0&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:8,s:0,i:96
http://www.google.ca/imgres?q=fairmont+dubai&um=1&hl=en&biw=1366&bih=664&tbm=isch&tbnid=2V7MHb2RomALsM:&imgrefurl=http://www.net4dubai.com/files/fairmont_dubai.htm&docid=X9l-FHn24Xu4QM&imgurl=http://www.net4dubai.com/images/fairmont_dubai2.jpg&w=425&h=280&ei=JHzjT-m0F4mA2gWR0KHbBw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=1048&vpy=368&dur=747&hovh=182&hovw=277&tx=183&ty=107&sig=104420266833445935467&page=1&tbnh=127&tbnw=178&start=0&ndsp=20&ved=1t:429,r:12,s:0,i:109
http://www.google.ca/imgres?q=hotel+in+dubai&start=43&num=10&um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=1366&bih=664&tbm=isch&tbnid=udKBsgtOmQGrLM:&imgrefurl=http://cheaphoteltravelforyou.blogspot.com/2012/05/atlantis-hotel-dubai-review.html&docid=_VNqGq1QKj4RJM&imgurl=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWP3crny0evcOgpimE5qP9KQZf3MybtQPHE1GOc7BSYb_Wf4DusFuzrQWaYgk_GRaDT97HfTxt75JDf-UTAEN5hpSxxvS9U-ImsVoMyVYCVrSJESDJRSJnD0iZJqTXNQw_Xrx9VYWc8aB8/s1600/atlantis-hotel-dubai.jpg&w=640&h=444&ei=sXzjT-qbL-Xg2AW3sfXCCw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=1055&vpy=236&dur=2026&hovh=187&hovw=270&tx=198&ty=74&sig=104420266833445935467&page=3&tbnh=143&tbnw=188&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:23,s:43,i:157

 The Mall of Dubai

At times I use to wonder that why did I like Dubai so much? What was it about this small city that made it so popular for tourists around the world. Dubai on its own has a very small history and because it did not consist of any eye catching landscape, then why were so many people pulled towards it.

One of the things which fascinated me most was the malls of Dubai.  They were not merely the hub of shopping and eating but also a great source of historical and cultural knowledge.  Each mall had its own significance and architectural theme which derived people towards them.

Ibn Battuta mall, it’s named after a Moroccan traveler who journeyed more than 121,000 Km, a figure which was not surpassed by anyone until the emergence of steam engine.  The elegant mall consists of six courts which reflect the architecture and cultural themes of places such as Andalusia, Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India and China.

China Theme in Ibn Battuta Mall

Persian Theme in Ibn Battuta Mall

Egypt Theme in Ibn Battuta Mall

India Theme in Ibn Battuta Mall

Andalusia Theme in Ibn Battuta Mall

THE DUBAI MALL

Dubai mall is the world largest shopping and entertainment destination.  It consists of 1200 retail outlets, two anchor department stores and 160 food outlets.  It is a great place for family to have fun and enjoy many different entertainment facilities within the mall.  One of the greatest attraction which pull people around the globe is the 3D water aquarium which showcases natural coral and most common fishes around the globe.

When I was living in Dubai, this aquarium was under construction and I couldn’t wait to visit it.  However, the project was delayed and it finished after I moved to Canada.  If I visit Dubai again, then Dubai mall is on my top five destination list.  A friend of mine visited this place last year and told me that it is like walking in the ocean and exploring the beauty of coral reef which I want to experience as well. 

 

THE MALL OF EMIRATES

Have you ever dream of experience -15 degree celius in the heart of the Dessert. The mall of emirates have one of the most magnificent indoor ski world. Before coming to Canada, it was my fantasy to play in the snow or snow tube from the hill as I  never experienced in my home country or in Dubai.I went with my cousins and it was just a fabulous. They provided us with winter jacket and boots. What we were really missing were the mittens.  

http://dubaimetro.eu/press/shopping-in-dubai/10811/dewa-partners-with-dubai-aquarium-and-underwater-zoo-at-the-dubai-mall

http://the-journey-travel.com/travel-in-asia/travel-in-dubay/the-best-vacation-spots-for-children-in-dubai/
http://www.alainnotebook.com/2009/03/we-had-our-best-couple-days-away-yet.html
http://www.cnbc.com/id/40702811/World_s_Most_Exotic_Winter_Destinations

http://nadiamasood.com/ibn-battuta-mall

Dubai Shopping Festival

   One event that kept me waitng every year was the Dubai Shopping fesival. Some terrific memeoriesdWhen I first moved to Dubai in Januaray of 2002, the Dubai shopping festival was on. It is a month long event that ususally starts by mid Januaray. The shopping festival is a one stop enterinment spot for shoppers, family, children of all ages and tourists. It started on feb 15th 1996 as a initivate from the Dubai government to increase trade and tourism. During the festival, shops offers cut throat discounts on all their merchanise. Many malls plans shows and raffles  to keep their shoppers enterained. In 2009, visitor to dubai reached the mark on 3.35 million and spent 9.8 million Dirhams in just 32 days.

Global Village

The Global Village is setup each year for the Dubai Shopping festival but it runs longer than the festival period. The global village is a collection of pavilions that represents different countries of the world. What really caught my interest was how each pavilion was uniquely designed to  represent the originality of that country. Each Pavilion has numerous small and big stalls setup by the locals of that country that bring unique and distinctive merchandise of that country.

I visited  my home country Pakistan pavilion.It exhibit furiture, leather jackets, spices, clothes and art craft materials that was all imported from Pakistan. There were many small resturants that were serving authentic Pakistani food.For a moment, I felt as if I was walking on my home land.

This was the second pavilion that really caught my attention. It was the African Pavilion and represened the different  African countirs like kenya, Ethipoia, Uganda and Tanzania.The second pavilion that I was very attracted to was the African pavilion. As you enter, there was a shop that carried splendid frames of the beautiful landscape of the country.
I was deeply impressed by the hand crafted items on display on many of the stalls. Many of the vendors had shared some great stories of some of their very unique products were made.
      

Though I visited nearly all the Pavilions on my 5 hour Expendition to the Global Village, but the last Pavilion story that I want to share with you of  Jordan. The Debke Dance of the Jordanians took my heart. I was initially planning to skip this pavilion becuase I already visited alot of Arab countries pavilion but my small brother insisted on going there and so we did and it was worth it. The 5 min stage dance mesmerized the whole audience.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dubai_Shopping_Festival

http://www.traveldealsfinder.com/travel-packages/dubai-shopping-festival

http://www.globalvillage.ae/index.php?option=com_easygallery&view=easygallery&Itemid=1&lang=en

"This year's Global Village."LIFE IN DUBAI. 18th Dec. 2008. Web 8th June 2012http://dubaithoughts.blogspot.ca/2008/12/this-years-global-village.html
"Guide to the Global Village - Jordan Pavilion, plus Iran,Lebanon & Marocco!" Arabic Zeal. 17th Jan 2012. Web 7th June 2012.http://arabiczeal.com/category/global-village/

                                                       
"Arabian Getaway"

Ever thought of exploring the sandy desserts of Arabia? A scorching hot air rattles your nerves as you enjoy the cold beer and sit around small fire with your buddies in mild night of dessert after an  incredibly adventurous  ride on the 4 wheeler.  It’s a place where dare devils use there exceptional
4 x 4 driving skills to entertain the crowd of locals and tourists. As soon as I discovered about this exciting activity, I planned my trip for the next weekend with a group of friends. All I can say that it was just "FANTASTIC".Dubai is a hot spot for this outrageous and exciting voyage for people of all ages. Many companies are now offering different packages depending on the time of the day.

THE RIDES BEGINS......

The Journey starts when the tour operator picks you up from your hotel or at times from your home. On arriving at the dune bashing location, you are served with refreshments and drinks while the driver checks the 4- wheeler. Once you settle down in the car and put on the seat belts, the real fun begins. The driver swims the car through the sandy hot deserts, climbing, diving, and floating as you scream on top of your voice for the next 1 and half hours.

Many packages come with other features like:

1.Camel ride

2. Hena Painting

3.Buffet Lunch and Dinner

4. Shisha(hubllee bubblee) and Arabia Coffee

Shisha is a very famous Arab Tradition. It is an oriental tobacco pipe with a long flexible tube connected to a container. The smoke is cooled as it  passes through water.

YOU CANT EXPERIENCE DUBAI FULLY IF YOU HAVEN'T  DUNE BASHED ON THE DESERT.

“DAY 56: DUNE BASHING.”farflungyoungs.  5^th April 2008. Web 1^st June 2012.http://farflungyoungs.com/day-56-dune-bashing/

"Dubai Desert Safari and Dune Bashing.” Gourmantic. 23^rd June 2010. Web 1^st June 2012.http://www.gourmantic.com/2010/06/23/dubai-desert-safari-and-dune-bashing/

“Desert Safari Dubai. The premier Desert Safari site on the Net.” Desert Safari Dubai. Web 1^st June 2012. http://www.desertsafaridubai.com/desert-safari-dubai.html

“Desert Safari dinner.”Flickr. Web 1^st June 2012.http://www.flickr.com/photos/77625389@N00/128484979/

The Tallest Building in the World

You think CN Tower is the tallest structure in the world? Think again! Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world is an exquisite piece of art that stands in the heart of Dubai downtown. The 822 meters high-rise structure expenditures totalled up to 1.5 billion dollars. It is the latest icon added to the vast variety of unique designed buildings in Dubai. The magnificent skyscraper was recently pictured in Tom Cruises action movie Mission Impossible 4. Burj Khalifa offers corporate suites for a world class business experience that is equipped with the latest technologically advance services. The 900 residences that includes studio, two, three and four bedroom suites are exclusively for a hand full of connoisseur offering a prestigious high living standard. The Armani fans can now experience their  favourite designer from a completely different perspective at the Armani hotel in the Burj Khalifa which is the first hotel in the world designed and Developed by Giorgio Armani. The hotel offers great dining, distinctive shopping experience from the Armani Clothing and fiori gallery.

Tom Cruise shooting for Mission Impossible on Burj Khalifa

"VISIT THE BURJ KHALIFA.THE TALLEST BUILDING IN THE WORLD."BURJ KHALIFA. WEB 23rd May 2012.http://www.burjkhalifa.ae/
Nemec, Andre.Appelbaum, Josh."TOM CRUISE Burj Khalifa Stunts for Mission Impossible 4." YOUTUBE. 9th Dec 2011. Web 23rd May 2012.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRidzH7j-gk