Dubai City Guide - Dubai Property-Dubai Tourism-Dubai Hotels

Dubai stock market to go public

2006-05-29T00:28:00.000-07:00

Dubai has set up a panel to turn the emirate's bourse into a public shareholding company, 20 percent of which is to be offered to the public, the Wam news agency reported.

It said Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued a decree setting up the state committee to take the necessary measures to transform the Dubai Financial Market into a shareholding company.

The government of Dubai will hold an 80-per cent stake in the company and 20 per cent is to be put to subscription in an initial public offering, the agency said. It did not give a timetable.

The Dubai bourse index has fallen more than 50 per cent this year, as the region has been hit by a stock slump following strong gains earlier.

Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group's 4th 'City of Gold Conference' an overwhelming success

2006-04-27T00:50:00.000-07:00

The Chairman of the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group, Mr. Tawhid Abdullah has described the just concluded 'City of Gold Conference' as 'an overwhelming success' that has further enhanced Dubai's image as an international jewellery hub and helped identify numerous measures that would help formulate a unified global marketing strategy for the gold and jewellery industry.

The conference, which was held for the fourth successive year, is recognized globally as the only one of its kind, providing a base for all players in the industry to provide and exchange insights and testimonials of successful innovative strategies. It was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Group.

The annual event which is supported by the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), had generated tremendous interest within the local and international gold and diamond jewellery trade, as well as international observers following current global trends in the gold sector.

More than 500 delegates attended the conference including a line-up of the world's leading experts in finance, research and commodities, who spoke on a variety of topics that impact on the gold and jewellery trade including bullion banking, cargo handling, technology, online diamond trading, brand building and anti-money laundering compliance programs.

The key sponsors of the conference were Standard Bank, HSBC, Transguard and National Bank of Fujairah. The conference was also supported by World Gold Council, DTC and National Bank of Dubai.

The key focus areas of the conference were Marketing, Innovation, Education and Trade Finance which were carefully chosen to facilitate sustained and increased growth for the industry.

DIB, Dubai World launch $5b sector specific funds

2006-04-05T04:13:00.000-07:00

DUBAI — Dubai Islamic Bank and Dubai World yesterday announced the launch of the first of its kind $5 billion family of private equity funds to participate in strategic transactions on a global basis.

Dubai World is the holding company of Dubai Ports World, Free Zone Corporation, Nakheel, Istithmar and Dubai Multi Commodities Centre among others.

The family of funds that will be launched over the next 18 months comprises seven specific private equity funds covering strategic sectors which include energy, financial institutions, infrastructure, real estate, health and education, general industrials and technology, media & telecommunications (TMT).

Each fund will be managed by a dedicated team of experienced private equity and industry experts with a proven track record.

The funds will be supported by external advisers including Norton Rose and Baker McKenzie as legal advisers, Ernst & Young as auditors and The Bank of New York as escrow agent.

This unique project would allow investors to participate in highly profitable strategic transactions in the sectors of their choice and would strengthen the UAE and Dubai's position as the financial hub of the Middle East.

Dubai Islamic Bank and Dubai World will be seed investors in each fund. Other investors will include blue chip institutions from the Middle East and beyond. Investors' initial contributions will represent approximately 30 per cent of total commitments in each fund. Future drawdowns from investors will be on need-basis.

Dr Mohammed Khalfan bin Kharbash, UAE Minister of State for Financial and Industrial Affairs and Chairman of Dubai Islamic Bank said: "DIB and Dubai World partnered to launch the family of funds that will reinforce UAE as the financial hub of the GCC and the greater Middle East and provide viable investment opportunities on a global basis to public and private investors."

Dubai City Maps

2006-02-27T20:41:00.000-08:00

Dubai Coffee shops and Cafes

2006-02-24T23:57:00.000-08:00

Location : Jumeirah Rotana Hotel
Cuisine : Continental, International, Asian/Far East, Friday Brunches, Indian/ Sub-Continental, Steak Houses
Al Diyafah Street
PO Box 33640, Dubai, U.A.E.
Tel: (+971) 4 3455888
Fax: (+971) 4 3458777
E-mail: jumeira.hotel@rotana.com

=================================
Location : FAIRMONT Dubai
Cuisine: Italian, International
Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE
Tel : 04- 3118316
===========================
Location : FAIRMONT Dubai
Cuisine: International
Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE
Tel : 04- 3118316
==========================
Location : FAIRMONT Dubai
Cuisine: International, Italian
Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE
Tel : 04- 3118316
========================
Location : FAIRMONT Dubai
Cuisine: International, Italian
Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE
Tel : 04- 3118316
==========================
Location : Dubai Creek Near British Embassy
International Cuisine / Dinner Cruise
Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE
Tel : 04- 3118316
===========================================
Location : FAIRMONT Dubai
Cuisine: International, Italian, Multi Menu Restaurant
Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 399 4994
===================================
Location : Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
Cuisine: International, Seafood
P.O. Box 6302, Dubai, UAE
Tel: 04-2956000
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Location : Burj Al Arab
Cuisine: International, Seafood
PO BOX 74147, DUBAI, UAE
Tel: 04-3017151
=============================

Location : Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Spa
Cuisine: International, Seafood
PO Box 26525, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tel: 04-3993333
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Location : Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
Cuisine: International, Seafood
P.O. Box 6302, Dubai, UAE
Tel: 04-2956000
=============================
Location : Sheikh Zayed Road
Cuisine : International
Tel: 04- 3313133
==============================
Location : Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa
Cuisine: International
P.O. Box 5182, Dubai - UAE
Tel: 04-3461111
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Location : Dusit Dubai
Cuisine : ITALIAN, SEAFOOD
133 Sheikh Zayed Road P.O. Box 23335 Dubai,
United Arab Emirates
Tel: 04-3433333
===================
Location : Al Bustan Rotana Hotel
Cuisine : Continental, Friday Brunches, International, Spanish, Mexican and Tex-Mex, Indian/ Sub-Continental
Al Garhoud, P.O. Box 30880, Dubai, U.A.E.
Tel: 04-2820000
==========================
Location : Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
Cuisine : International
Al Garhoud, P.O. Box 30880, Dubai, U.A.E.
Tel: 04-2956000
=======================================
Location : Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
Cuisine : International
Al Garhoud, P.O. Box 30880, Dubai, U.A.E.
Tel: 04-2956000
=====================================
Location : Hyatt Regency Dubai
Cuisine : International
Deira, PO Box 5588, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tel: 04-2091234
========================================
Location : Emirates Golf Club
Cuisine: International
Tel: 04-3473222

Dubai - Key Attractions

2006-02-06T05:20:00.000-08:00

Bastakiya
In the days before electricity and air conditioning, Dubai Creek used to be lined by a mass of wind towers that kept the local houses cool. The Bastakiya district is a step back in time, laden as it is with traditional courtyard houses, bedecked with these wind towers. The Bastakiya area is currently closed for major renovation, with improved visitor facilities planned for its transformation into a 'tourist village'.

East of Dubai Souk on Al-Fahidi Street
Transport: Bus 19 or abra to Bur Dubai.

Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum's House
Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum's House is one of the oldest houses in the city, as well as one of the best examples of traditional architecture. Built from sandstone, in 1896, the house offers sweeping views out towards the sea - although the view has been slightly obscured by recent development. The one-time ruler of Dubai used the house to monitor trade in and out of the country. The house was reopened as a museum in 1986; it also contains an exhibition illuminating Dubai's development from the 1940s to the late 1960s.

Near Al-Shindagha Tunnel, Al-Shindagha Road
Tel: (04) 393 7139.
Transport: Bus 8, 16, 19 or 20.
Opening hours: Sat-Thurs 0830-1930 and Fri 1330-1930.
Admission: Dh2.

Jumeirah Mosque
The Jumeirah Mosque is the most photographed building in the city and an impressive example of modern Islamic architecture. Built along medieval Fatimid lines, entirely of stone, the mosque and its two minarets are unmistakable. It is particularly attractive at night, when subtle lighting increases its dramatic effect. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter mosques in Dubai, although they can enter this one if on an organised tour. Visitors should call the tourist office to check if these are available.

Al-Jumeirah Road
Transport: Bus 8 or 20.
Opening hours: Daily 24 hours; access to non-Muslims through organised tours only.
Admission: Free.

Grand Mosque
The Grand Mosque was only rebuilt in 1998 and boasts the city's tallest minaret, at 70m (231ft). Located on the Bur Dubai side of the creek, near the Ruler's Court, the Grand Mosque consists of nine large domes and 45 smaller ones. This huge religious edifice can house up to 1200 worshippers.

Ali ibin Ali Talib Street
Transport: Bus 19.
Opening hours: Daily 24 hours; entrance to non-Muslims is forbidden.
Admission: Free.

Souks (markets)
The souks, or traditional markets, are one of Dubai's greatest attractions. They are located on both sides of the creek, with the most impressive on the Deira side. The highlight is the colourful Spice Market, which abounds with exotic aromas and bustles with locals seeking bargains. Wandering around the atmospheric souks is a good way for visitors to get in touch with how life was in Dubai, before oil was discovered.

Deira Covered Souk, Al-Sabkha Road
Deira Old Souk or Spice Souk, 67 Street
Deira Gold Souk, Sikkat al-Khali Street
Perfume Souk, Sikkat al-Khali Street
Electronics Souk, Al-Sabkha Road and Al-Maktoum Hospital Road
Dubai Souk, Bur Dubai
Transport: Bus 5, 16, 19 or 20 all drop off at souks in both Bur Dubai and Deira.
Opening hours: Daily 0700-1200 and 1700-1900; Fri 1700-1900.
Admission: Free.

Children's City
Opened in March 2002, at Dubai Creekside Park, Children's City is proving a big hit with both local and international youngsters. The 7700sq-metre (82,882sq-ft) development takes young minds on a journey through the human body, science and space, with the help of different ‘zones'. With plenty of hands-on action to keep even the most demanding children occupied, this is no dull old museum. All exhibits are in English as well as Arabic.

Creekside Park
Tel: (04) 334 0808.
Website: www.childrencity.ae
Transport: Bus 19.
Opening hours: Sat-Thu 0900-2200, Fri 1600-2200.
Admission: Dh15; Dh10 (children under-16); family concessions available.

Dubai Museum
The building that houses the Dubai Museum, Al-Fahidi Fort, is an attraction in itself. The historic fort, dating back as far as 1799, was converted into a museum, in 1970. The exhibits range from old weapons and pearl-diving outfits to an impressive range of military artefacts. Some of the most fascinating exhibits are those recovered from the 3000 to 4000-year-old graves at Al-Ghusais.

Al-Fahidi Road
Tel: (04) 353 1862.
Transport: Bus 19.
Opening hours: Daily 0830-1930.
Admission: Dh3.

Majlis Ghorfat Um-Al-Sheef
At the Majlis Ghorfat Um-Al-Sheef, it is possible to delve into the opulent world of the moneyed men of Dubai. The late ruler of Dubai, Ghorfat Um-Al-Sheef, used this building as his ‘home from home' but it is now open to the public. The building dates back to 1955 and its most impressive feature are the majlis gardens, which include a reproduction of a traditional Arab irrigation system.

17 Street, off Al-Jumeirah Road
Tel: (04) 394 6343.
Transport: Bus 8.
Opening hours: Daily 0730-1430 and 1630-2100.
Admission: Dh1.

Heritage Village
The Heritage Village is an attempt to weave in some local colour among Dubai's rapidly developing 21st-century skyline. The emphasis is on recreating the Bedouin way of life, with locals dressed in traditional garb, displays of traditional handicrafts, song and dance. Local handicrafts are also available for purchase. There is also a small section for children, with a smattering of things to keep young visitor's occupied.

Near Shindagha Tunnel, Al-Shindagha Road
Tel: (04) 393 7151.
Transport: Bus 8, 16, 19 or 20.
Opening hours: Sat-Thurs 0800-2200 and Fri 1600-2200.
Admission: Free.

Dubai City

2006-02-01T03:04:00.000-08:00

Dubai Shopping Festival 2006

2006-01-17T22:47:00.000-08:00

Paris Gallery - key sponsor at the Dubai Shopping Festival 2006
Paris Gallery, the leading luxury retail outlet in the UAE, is once again proud to announce its participation as a key sponsor for the Dubai Shopping Festival for the 5th consecutive year.

DUBAI: SHOPPING FESTIVAL CANCELLED FOR MOURNING
Dubai, 10 Jan. (AKI) - One of the key trade and tourist events in the Gulf calendar, the Dubai Shopping Festival, has been cancelled this year as a sign of respect after the death of the emirate's leader Sheikh Maktoum al-Rashid Maktoum. Festival coordinator Saeed al-Naboudah said all the activities had been deferred to the next round, scheduled for 20 December, 2006. The multi-billion dollar shopping extravaganza, whose theme this year was 'expect the world and get it' was due to kick off on 4 January, the day the Sheikh died, during a visit to Australia.

"Certainly (the decision to cancel the event) will have a major impact on business, but the loss of Sheikh Maktoum is much greater" commented Eisa Adam Ebrahm, general manager of the Burjuman Shopping Centre, among the largest in the emirate.

After the sheikh's death, the festival was suspended and a decision was to be taken later whether to proceed or not.

The decision has huge financial implications. Predictions for this year's month-long entertainment and shopping extravaganza had estimated sales of some two billion dollars. The previous festival generated 3.3 million visitors, who spent a total of 1.8 billion dollars.

One of the prime attractions this year was to be the Mall of the Emirates, which now boasts a Ski Dome, where one can experience real skiing and the surrounding St Moritz like atmosphere, right in the middle of the desert.

Public Parks and Gardens in Dubai

2005-12-28T20:57:00.000-08:00

There are many beautiful parks situated around Dubai for a pleasant weekend or afternoon outing.

Al Mamzar Park

Al Mamzar Park covers an area of 106 hectares and offers barbecue sites, private chalets for hire, swimming pool, food kiosks, sheltered beach and safe lagoon, a scenic train and many childrens play areas. Piped music is played throughout the day and there are pleasant grassed picnic areas.. It is located approximately 5 km after the turn off to Hamriya Port.

The entry fee is Dhs 5 per person or Dhs 30 per car (including occupants). Entry fees for the swimming pool are Dhs 10 for adults and Dhs 5 for children. The park is open from 8:00 am to 10:00 p.m. daily. Wednesdays entry is restricted to women and children only.

Al Wasl Park

Al Wasl Park is a small family park, with a childrens play area and plenty of shaded seating.. It is located off Al Wasl Road behind the Iranian Hospital.

Entry is free and the park is open between the hours of 8:00 am and 9:30 p.m. Sat - Wed, and to 11:30 p.m. on Thursday/Friday. Saturday to Wednesday entry is restricted to women and children

Creekside Park

Creekside Park is a very large family park, with a childrens play area, train, walking and jogging tracks, barbecue sites, amphitheater with seating for 1,200 people, information booth, 18 hole mini-golf course, 3 jetties for fishing and exit points for abras (boat trips are to be introduced at a later date). Two restaurants and a number of kiosks are available for refreshments. All this is situated in 96 hectares of lawn and botanic gardens with more than 280 botanical species magnificently displayed in an exotic garden feature, desert garden with "fallaj" or traditional irrigation system and many flower gardens. The park extends for 2.6 km along the creek shore. It is located between Al Maktoum and Al Garhoud Bridges on the Bur Dubai side. Entry behind Dubai Courts.

Entry fee is Dhs 5 per person and the park is open between the hours of 8:00 am and 10:00 p.m. daily. On Wednesdays entry is restricted to women and children

Cable cars planned for Creek Park - click here for the story

Jumeirah Beach Park

Jumeirah Beach Park spans 12 hectares of parkland with childrens play areas, barbecue sites, food kiosks, volleyball areas, jetty area fronting on to the beach with lifeguards on duty. It is situated on Jumeirah Beach Road next to the Hilton Beach Club.

Entry fee is Dhs 2 per person or Dhs 20 per vehicle and the park is open between the hours of 8:00 am and 9:00 p.m. daily. Mondays entry is restricted to women and children

Jumeirah Beach Corniche

Jumeirah Beach Corniche is a promenade of 800 meters of beach frontage, with shaded picnic tables, many childrens playing areas, showers and sheltered swimming area. Located just off the Beach Road, next to the Marine Beach Club.

There is no entry fee or restricted hours.

Mushrif Park

Mushrif Park lies in a sheltered dip amongst rolling sand desert about 12 km from Dubai Airport. It is a natural ghaf '(Prosopis cinerarea) forest although now developed for day visitors, containing an extensive road system and leisure facilities. It supports a healthy population of Bruce's Scops Owl, which are often conveniently found at night under the street lamps. A number of other interesting species occur, including Orphean Warbler and eastern Black Redstart. Yellow-throated Sparrow and Hoopoe nest in the park. Ethiopian hedgehog is widespread.

The park is set in 124 hectares and boasts many features including, swimming pools, fountain and lakes, childrens play areas, train, camel and pony rides. A special feature is the International Garden Area exhibiting miniature houses from different countries. It is on Al Awir Road, past the Dubai International Airport.

Entry fee is Dhs 2 per person or Dhs 10 per vehicle. Fees for entering the swimming pools (separate mens and womens) is Dhs 10 per adult and Dhs 5 per child. Membership is also available, with swimming training included in the fee, which is Dhs 380 per annum per family. The park is open between the hours of 8:00 am and 10:30 p.m. Sat - Wed, and to 11:30 p.m. on Thursday/Friday

Safa Park

Safa Park is one of the oldest parks in Dubai, originally established in 1975. Facilities include childrens play areas, electronic games parlor, rides - ferris wheel, maze, bumper cars and paddle boats, jogging track, tennis courts, volleyball, football and basketball areas, 21 barbecue sites, magnificent waterway, lake and waterfall feature, all set in 64 hectares of lush greenery. It is located between the second interchange on Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Wasl Road, opposite Metropolitan Hotel.

The entry fee is Dhs 3 per person. The park is open from 7:30 am to 10:30 p.m. daily. Tuesdays entry is restricted to women and children only.

Dubai Hotels and Dubai Beach Resorts UAE

2005-12-27T01:58:00.000-08:00

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Dubai Palm Island

2005-12-16T05:19:00.000-08:00

Dubai Internet City

2005-12-16T04:34:00.000-08:00

Dubai residents recount tremor

2005-12-15T23:35:00.000-08:00

Dubai: Residents in the UAE have spoken about the tremor which struck the city on Sunday afternoon.

Hundreds of people were evacuated as tall buildings were affected by the quake in Iran.

A 31-year-old Briton who works in Convention Tower close to the World Trade Centre said company bosses ordered his building to be evacuated.

"I felt the entire building shake. I went out of the office and everyone was staring at each other asking if they had felt it too. People were confused. Then the building shook again.

"It was almost like somebody had shaken your table slowly and steadily. The whole thing happened very slowly," he said.

A UAE national who works in one of the high rise buildings on the Shaikh Zayed Road, said: "When the building started dancing, I remembered a famous Arabic saying ?running away is two thirds of manhood?. So I held my kandoora and started running."

A National Bank of Dubai employee from Syria said his offices were abandoned too and staff were sent home early.

"People came running from upstairs. We were evacuated from the building and then people were told to go back inside, collect their things and leave," he said.

Amal, an owner of a Travel Agency in Deira said: "At first I started looking for the person who was shaking my desk. Then I realised that it was an earthquake.

"My staff and I evacuated the office instantly. I headed home directly to check on my kids. I?m afraid of staying at home because its on the fifth level. We aren?t returning to office unless we knew what had really happened."

Robyn M, working in an office in the Garhoud area of Dubai felt her building shaking " At first I thought it was somebody behind me moving my chair, until I noticed everyone else was in the same situation."

Edmond Kasparian, also in Garhoud said he felt ?A rolling and pitching sensation, as if the building was swaying."

Zeina Elias, a Jumeirah resident, plans to camp with her kids and husband in the garden after the tremors.

Hundreds of families in the residential of Abu Shargra in Sharjah gathered in the park after the tremor was felt in high rise buildings there.

Workers at the Al Khansa insurance company in Abu Dhabi said the tremors knocked them off their chairs.

Burj Al Arab Dubai

2005-12-14T05:40:00.000-08:00