Offering a personal butler, Bentley and only the best in food and drink, Town House Galleria will make all wishes come true while you stay in Milan. Whether you need tickets to Da Vinci’s Last Supper, get entry to the hottest restaurant in town or need a rare import, it can all be arranged for you and seemingly fast if some reports are to go by.
Jamie Loizou explores the rapid transformation of Dubai as a holiday destination…
It is hard to believe that a century ago Dubai was little more than a desert-strewn wilderness where Bedouin tribes roamed the sands. Its origins as a dust filled fishing village have all but been forgotten since the discovery of “Black Gold” in 1966. In the last few years Dubai has transformed itself from an oil rich state of The United Arab Emirates to a genuine holiday destination. In 2003 it welcomed over five million visitors, one million more than Australia – confirming its place as a world player within the tourism field. So why on earth do people flock to Dubai in there millions each year?
For us Europeans the year round guaranteed good weather is of huge appeal especially during our cold winter months. The best time to visit Dubai is in the winter, between October and May. The temperature during this period is in the eighty Degrees Fahrenheit range, which is comparable to the lovely warm heat we so often enjoy whilst cruising the Mediterranean in the summer. In the summer months Dubai’s temperatures rocket to levels often well in excess of one hundred degrees and although the hotels, restaurants and shopping mails are well equipped for the heat with air-conditioning, when out in the full glare of the sun this is often energy sapping. Along with the beautiful warming winter temperatures there is very little rain, which is often experienced in other winter sun destinations.
In addition to the fantastic, virtually guaranteed good weather, the standard of hotels is excellent. Jumeirah Beach, which is home to the main body of beach front hotels, is perfect for those demanding five star luxury or more. Home of the Ritz Carlton, Grand Hyatt Dubai, One & Only Royal Mirage and Shangri-La this stretch of beach almost certainly boasts more luxury hotels per grain of fine white sand than anywhere in the world. And this exclusive list fails to mention the most famous of them all – the six star Burj al Arab. This beautifully constructed building houses 202 suites and although the décor may not be to everybody’s taste the standards of service and quality of the rooms is undeniable. The hotel itself is world renowned for it innovative look and distinctive architecture. This has been the catalyst for Dubai’s pioneering and dramatic programme of development – which in itself is becoming a draw for tourists.
In recent years Dubai has cemented its place as a world leader in ground breaking construction. Its mammoth projects such as the three Palm Islands; “Jumeirah”, “Jebel Ali” and the newly announced “Deira” and its hugely ambitious project “The World” are not only changing the face of Dubai, put putting it on the international map. “The World”, for instance, will consist of around 300 private artificial islands divided into four categories – private homes, estate homes, dream resorts, and community islands. The development will cover an area of 9 kilometres in length and 6 kilometres in width and will be visible from space. The only means of transportation between the islands will be by boat. The project will cost an estimated $US 1.8 billion and is scheduled for completion at the end of the year. This has led the hotels to become even more ambitious with what they will offer the discerning traveller. Kempinski is currently building its first five-star hotel in Dubai with an indoor ski slope. However, this idea seems tame in comparison to Hydropolis, the world first underwater hotel, due for completion at the end of 2006.
If you aren’t an admirer of great feats of engineering, then the excellent shopping is one of the biggest attractions. Dubai has made shopping largely tax free with the view to rival the centres of Hong Kong and Singapore. This makes hunting for bargains like shooting fish in a barrel. The cool air-conditioned malls make shopping for designer goods a pleasure. If you prefer the hustle and bustle of the suoks, Dubai’s traditional markets, then gold jewellery and Persian rugs are superb value and there is always the possibly of haggling for the best price, which can spice up even the most mundane of shopping expeditions. There is a wealth of these suoks specialising in everything from spices and perfume to antiques and gold.
Dubai’s suoks are a ‘must do’ as part of any city tour and it is as part of an organised tour that would be the recommended way of seeing Dubai, which is not a destination designed for exploration on foot. Other places of interest include the Grand Mosque, Al Fahidi Fort, Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum’s House and the Dubai Museum. A highlight of any tour is a trip along the Dubai Creek on one of the traditional dhow cruises. For the more adventurous, a dune safari or excursion out to one of the many Wadi’s gives a great alternative to the city, with Dubai’s Desert and Mountains offering a reminder of Dubai’s traditional past and a refreshing change to the modern cityscape. As well as a city tour, going to the races – Dubai is home of The Dubai World Cup, which is the world’s richest horse race – or playing a round of golf on one of its world class courses will also help occupy your time.
Dubai has also opened its doors to the cruising community and is becoming incredibly popular as a gateway for Middle Eastern voyages – which are tipped to be the next big cruising destinations. Places such as Bahrain, Doha, Abu Dhabi and Muscat are now far more accessible and because the flight to Dubai is only 6 hours these itineraries are even more appealing. And few days either side of a cruise staying in five star luxury will help enhance any trip.
Nakheel Hotels is the new name for Istithmar Hotels after Dubai World consolidated its hotel business under one banner to create a fully integrated hotel investment company. The merger is part of an internal restructure within the Dubai World group whereby the real estate business of Istithmar is being joined with Nakheel. The merged entity will remain a wholly owned subsidiary of the Dubai World group.
The hotels group was formed in April 2006 as the hotel investment and asset management business of Istithmar and has, in less than 2 years, accumulated a global hotel property portfolio and has already shaped the performance of these properties. The enterprise value of investments to date is in excess of $3 billion.
The hotels group will continue to be led by Chief Executive Joe Sita and the team will be enhanced with the addition of several key positions.
Joe Sita, Chief Executive, Nakheel Hotels, said:
"Nakheel is renowned around the world for its iconic projects such as The Palm Jumeirah and The World, and is playing a major role in driving Dubai's tourism growth, increasing the number of hotels in the emirate by more than 50 per cent through its developments. It therefore makes sense for Istithmar Hotels to join the Nakheel organization, providing the hotels group with additional resources, capabilities, and the backing of one of the world's foremost real estate developers.
"The hotels group has already formed a number of key strategic alliances with partners, investee companies, operators and brands and will continue to build and leverage these relationships in pursuing its business strategy under the Nakheel banner."
Chris O'Donnell, Nakheel CEO, said:
"With the continued growth and rationalization of the Dubai World businesses, and following the merge of Istithmar and Nakheel's real estate divisions, it is now timely for the group to join its hotel businesses together. The merge will not only consolidate our resources and existing investments, but will also continue the process of creating a broad based real estate company, focusing on activities from development and asset management through to funds and investment management."
Nakheel Hotels will continue to pursue its strategy of acquiring luxury hotels in key gateway cities and resorts across North America, Europe and Asia, along with investing in the budget hotels sector in key growth markets.
Projects currently include The Trump International Hotel & Tower, which is under development on The Palm Jumeirah, while the group has already acquired several luxury hotels in the US, including Mandarin Oriental, W Union Square and Hotel Washington, as well as significant equity investments in Kerzner and International Hotel Investments plc, and development projects for W hotels in Thailand.
QE2 Enterprises, which has acquired the QE2, will also become part of the expanded Nakheel Hotels. The QE2 is to form the centerpiece of a luxury hotel, residential, retail and entertainment destination to be developed on The Palm Jumeirah.
Just off Shekh Zayed Road, Novotel World Trade Centre offers you the best location from where to do business or exploring the exciting city of Dubai.
In the business and leisure hub of the city, the Novotel is a popular choice for both business travellers and holidaymakers. Staying at the Novotel, you will find yourself around the corner from the city’s most popular tourist attractions and night spots. Nearby attractions include the Dubai Museum, Souk Al Bahr, Old Town, Burj Dubai, Dubai Mall, Mall of Emirates, Sky Dubai, and Jumeirah Beach Park.
You will find a comfortable mix or practical facilities, leisure options, a convenient location, and warm service at the Novotel.
Hotel Rooms: 412. Hotel Chain: Novotel.
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General Restaurant, Bar, 24-Hour Front Desk, Newspapers, Terrace, Non-Smoking Rooms, Rooms/Facilities for Disabled Guests, Elevator, Express Check-In/Check-Out, Safety Deposit Box, Luggage Storage, Shops in Hotel, Airconditioning.
Activities Sauna, Fitness Centre, Golf Course (within 3 km), Games Room, Massage, Turkish/Steam Bath, Hammam, Outdoor Swimming Pool.
Services Room Service, Meeting/Banquet Facilities, Airport Shuttle, Business Centre, Babysitting/Child Services, Laundry, Dry Cleaning, VIP Room Facilities, Breakfast in the Room, Ironing Service, Currency Exchange, Souvenirs/Gift Shop, Shoe Shine, Packed Lunches, Car Rental, Tour Desk, Fax/Photocopying, Ticket Service.
InternetWireless internet is available in the entire hotel and charges are applicable.
Guest ParkingFree private parking is possible on site.
Check-InFrom 14:00 hours
Check-OutUntil 12:00 hours
CancellationIf cancelled up to 18:00 on the date of arrival, no fee will be charged.
If cancelled later or in case of no-show, the first night will be charged.
Children and extra bedsUp to two children under 16 years stay free of charge when using existing bedding.
One older child or adult is charged AED 100.00 per night and person in an extra bed.
Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1.
Extra beds and baby cots are upon request and need to be confirmed by the hotel.
Supplements will not be calculated automatically in the total costs and have to be paid separately in the hotel.
PetsPets are not allowed.
Accepted credit cardsAmerican Express, Visa, Euro/Mastercard, Diners Club
The hotel reserves the right to pre-authorise credit cards prior to arrival.
Located on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai’s central business district, this new hotel is ideally located near to the Financial and Exhibition Centre, Dubai World Trade Centre and all major shopping and entertainment areas.
Enjoy contemporary comfort in any of the 390 spacious guest rooms and suites or catch up on work and plan a meeting in any of the meeting rooms which feature the latest audiovisual facilities.
After a long day of exploring or work, take a dip in the roof-top swimming pool or feel recharged after working out in the gym before heading to the rooftop pool bar for a refreshing drink or ice-cream.
Hotel Rooms: 390. Hotel Chain: Four Points by Sheraton.
