Category: Travel & Explore

The dates for the annual Dubai Shopping Festival have been announced. If you happen to be one of those people who enjoys some retail therapy every now and then, you are in for some fantastic news. Yes, when the shopping fiesta comes back to the the emirate for the 29th edition, it’s coming along with thrilling performances on stage, artwork, and a variety of new improvements that are going to leave you jum.

Yes, this shopping extravaganza will run from December 8, 2023, through January 14, 2024. You might thus go on a lavish buying extravaganza to ring off the New Year. Based to the Dubai Festivals & Retailers Establishment, this edition is anticipated to be more extensive and superior than the previous one.

Since Ahlam Alshamsi & Assala Nasri are two of the most well-known musicians in the Arab world, it is important to note that this 38-day renowned event will have thrilling musical activities, according to the Khaleej Times report. You should thus keep an eye out for more highlights in addition to the one-night-only concert at the Coca-Cola Stadium on December 15.

The schedules for the eagerly anticipated 29th season of the yearly Dubai Shopping Carnival have been revealed, which will delight everyone who enjoys a little shopping therapy every now and again. Yes, this shopping extravaganza will start on December 8 and last through January 14 of 2024. As a result, you are going to be able to ring in the new year with a luxurious shopping extravaganza. The Emirates Festivals & Retail sales Establishment anticipates that this edition will be more extensive and superior than the previous one.

A masterwork by Pablo Picasso that is anticipated to sell for at least 120 million dollars at auctions went on display Monday in Dubai, beginning a series of uncommon viewings outside of the US.

A plus for the United Arab Emirates’ efforts to position itself as a global cultural superpower is the exhibition of the 1932 picture of Marie-Therese Walter, Picasso’s mistress and “golden muse” before it travels to Hong Kong and London.

In a statement, Sotheby’s Dubai noted that the viewing “marks the first occasion that a work of art of this caliber by the internationally renowned artist has previously been exhibited in the UAE” and that it is the first occasion the portrait has been exhibited outside of the US in fifty years.

According to UAE Culture Ministry Sheikh Salem bin Khalid al-Qassimi, “the UAE has achieved the reputation of being an international art the destination, which gets an additional boost as this unique Picasso is unveiled here.”

The “Femme a la montre” picture will be offered for sale in November as a component of a famous collection auction featuring the late New Yorker journalist Emily Fisher Landau.

In 1927, when Walter was 17 years old and Picasso was still wedded to Russian-Ukrainian ballerina dancer Olga Khokhlova, the two men met in Paris.

Walter was also seen in “Femme assise pres d’une fenetre (Marie-Therese),” which Christie’s auction house bought in 2021 for $103.4 million. Walter’s child with Picasso passed away this year.

Picasso is still regarded as one of the most significant artists of the modern era fifty years after passing away in 1973 at the age of 91. He is frequently lauded as a lively and imaginative genius.

However, in the aftermath of the #MeToo movement around sexual assault and harassment, allegations that this workaholic with a prolific output of paintings, sketches, and sculpture exerted a violent control over the women who lived his life and served as his inspiration have damaged his reputation.

A renowned tourism and entertainment attraction in the emirate, Dubai Safari Park, will be opening its doors for the 2023–2024 season on October 5, according to a statement from the Dubai Municipality today.

The Park offers both locals and visitors a singular opportunity to investigate and learn about the wonders of wildlife, fungus structures, and ecological diversity all in one location. It also gives visitors the opportunity to see birds and other creatures in their natural settings.

The Dubai Africa Safari Park has enhanced Dubai’s position as a significant worldwide tourism destination, in line with the Dubai Municipality’s objective to develop top-notch leisure attractions. In order to better serve guests, the Park revitalizes its attractions each season.

“In the upcoming 2023–2024 season, Dubai Africa Safari Park will provide an extensive range of engaging events that seamlessly combine both fun and learning while incorporating an extensive variety of animals and birds that reside in the park,” said Ahmad Al Zarooni, Director for the Office of the Director of Public Parks as well as Recreational Facilities at the Dubai Municipality. Guests will have the exceptional chance to learn more about the park’s unique environment and its dedication to preserving the best circumstances for its native species, safeguarding their welfare while complying with the highest standards of health. Along with holding workshops and events focusing on global environment and land conservation initiatives, as well as many facets of sustainability, we also intend to create a program aimed at raising awareness of endangered species.

Daily entertainment and educational performances will be held at designated periods throughout the day at Dubai Safari Park. The Bird World Show, which will be presented at the Explorers Village Theater between 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., is one of the highlights of this season. In addition, at 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., the Asian Villages will offer a fantastic showcase that will introduce viewers to some of the most fascinating animals on the planet. Similar to this, the Bird of Prey Show, which starts at 4:00 p.m., will provide spectators with unforgettable moments. As part of international celebrations, the Park will also provide a variety of seminars on topics including Teacher’s Day, International Animal Days like International Lemur Day, Hippo, Farms, the Climate Change Life Cycle, and other occasions pertaining to the environment, education, and animals.

Hoteliers predict that the emirate will be bustling with activity when the Cop28 world climate conference begins in November. Dubai is expected to experience a boom in winter tourism as hotel room rates climb and bookings soar.

A total of 70,000 tourists from all over the world are anticipated to visit the emirate during the key UN conference, which takes place from the 30th of November to December 12.

The National talked to hoteliers and business professionals who forecast that during each of the two weeks of a major event that will get worldwide notice, occupancy rates will soar.

According to a top expert, hotel rooms in Dubai have begun to sell out quickly because the convention’s opening weekend falls on the UAE’s National Day.

According to The National, the price of a hotel room for the first day of Cop28 are expected to be up to five times what they already do.

“Cop28 will ensure that the city is undoubtedly buzzing with activity,” said Kostas Nikolaidis, the account manager for the region’s Middle East and Africa at the hotel analytics provider STR. “Cop28 in addition to UAE National Day on a Saturday, the second of December, and along with every other celebration taking place throughout Dubai during this at busy the cold period, will make sure the city is buzzing with activity.”

Nearly 30% of all lodging options are already reserved for both the initially scheduled couple of days of Cop28 and New Year’s Eve, according to data on hotel demand.

The demand is anticipated to increase as the two days approach. Without a doubt, these days will result in a stellar performance for Dubai’s hotel sector.

As expected, a Saturday, December 2, which happens to be National Day, has received the highest reservations so far. According to information provided by CoStar, the parent firm of STR, about one-third of all lodging options in Dubai had already been reserved for that evening.

For the opening night of Cop28, scheduled for Thursday, November 30, almost 32% of all rooms in Dubai have already been reserved.

The Abu Dhabi government’s department of Culture and tourist has cut government fees imposed on hotel rooms and restaurants in the emirate in order to promote the hospitality and tourist industries in the region. The updated pricing schedule will take effect on September 1st, 2023.

The emirate’s Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs – Abu Dhabi issued a statement in which it stated that “this adjustment of fees aims to continue to grow the Emirates as a tourist and culture destination while strengthening backing for its flourishing hospitality sector.” The government of Abu Dhabi revised its fees, reducing the tourism cost for visitors from 6% to 4%, eliminating the municipality’s fee of AED 15 per room each night, eliminating the 6% tourism fee, and eliminating the 4% municipality fee for hotel restaurants.

After the pandemic, tourism in the emirate has recovered. In the very first half of 2023, Dubai has surpassed levels of foreign tourism prior to the pandemic. Between January to June 2023, the Emirate of Dubai welcomed 8.55 million foreign visitors, beating the 8.36 million visitors it had in the first half of 2019 before the epidemic. In the first half of 2023, Dubai’s average hotel occupancy rate of 78% was among the highest in the world.
For the first half of 2023, Abu Dhabi International Airport’s traffic has seen a dramatic increase. 10,258,653 people passed through the gates of Abu Dhabi International Airport between 1 January to 30 June 2023, according to government statistics, a 67% increase over the 6,158,376 passengers handled over the same period in the previous year.

Additionally, 67,835 flights were recorded at Abu Dhabi International Airport, an impressive 36% more than the 49,919 flights that were made during H1 2022.

Towards the end of the year of 2023, Abu Dhabi hopes to welcome over twenty-four million tourists. The goal for the emirate’s diversification still heavily relies on tourism.

In order to encourage the expansion of the tourism industry in the emirate, the Abu Dhabi Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has teamed with the Franco-Dutch airline firm Air France-KLM. Through this agreement, daily flights from Abu Dhabi to Paris increase the emirate’s global connection.

Being poolside this month is one of the finest ways to beat the heat while summertime temperatures are still there.

With a plethora of daycation offers available in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah throughout the month of August, numerous hotels throughout the emirates are inviting tourists to do just that.

Here are some of the best daycation offers you can find this summer, including an all-inclusive family getaway in Abu Dhabi and a day spent relaxing in a cabana at the tallest outdoor infinity pool in the world.

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi

Why not spend a hot day reclining poolside at a palace for a truly UAE experience? Two large swimming pools can be seen at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, one on each side of the building. A lot of sun loungers, Jacuzzi jets, and poolside bar service are included with each. Hop on a ring and let the current spin you round the pool, passing past waterfalls and jets, on the lazy river for a relaxing experience. Two water slides and the AquaFun Park, an inflatable obstacle courses in the Arabian Gulf just past the hotel’s magnificent private beach, are available for kids.

Rixos Bab Al Bahr, Ras Al Khaimah

Utilize the “Daycation Playcation” package at the Rixos Bab Al Bahr to make the most of your day.
This all-inclusive resort, which is located on Ras Al Khaimah’s Marjan Island, features a private beach, four outdoor swimming pools, a children’s pool, and an aqua park, so there is fun for the whole family.

Along with lunch at Seven Heights restaurant and unlimited drinks, visitors also have access to the Rixy Kids’ Club and Teens’ Club. If they stay till 11 p.m., they can take advantage of the buffet supper, nighttime entertainment, and limitless drinks.

Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai

Experience a summertime “spa-cation” at Dubai’s opulent Nikki Beach Resort & Spa. Visitors are invited to treat themselves with a 60-minute body massage at Nikki Spa by the chic beach club. The treatment will be completed by devoted therapists using Clarins oils, and guests may also enjoy the ice fountain, vitality pool, and relaxation couches. After that, you can have a balanced two-course lunch at Cafe Nikki and use the hotel’s pool and beach.

Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

Take advantage of an all-inclusive day trip on one of Abu Dhabi’s most beautiful beaches. Summer specials at Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island include use of the hotel’s private beach and energizing wave pool in addition to temperature-controlled swimming areas. Start the day at Turquoise for breakfast, then take in some sunshine before going to People’s Restaurant for lunch with views of the sea. Fitness enthusiasts can use the cutting-edge gym, while kids can visit the Rixy Kids’ Club for supervised play. Drinks that are included in the price are also included.

Crowne Plaza Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

The 25-meter, temperature-controlled swimming pool at the Crowne Plaza Yas Island is accessible with the hotel’s Pool & Beach Day tickets, making it an affordable option that’s fantastic for families. The island’s newest beachfront, Cyan Beach, is also accessible to visitors. Passes come with a Dh200 credit to use at the hotel’s Sundowner Pool Bar for food and drinks, and even better, kids under the age of five are admitted free of charge.

Address Beach Resort Dubai

The infinity pool at Address Beach Resort, which is located on the 77th floor and is 294 meters above ground, is the tallest outdoor infinity pool in the world. Relax in a secluded cabana with a view of the sparkling pool and the skyline of the city beyond. Even in the height of heat, the cabanas with air conditioning are the perfect spot to relax poolside. Each one sleeps up to four individuals, and amenities like a private toilet, TV, Bluetooth speakers, and a cozy lounge area are included in the packages.

Anantara Downtown Dubai

Who says having a pool day requires being near the coast? Visitors can spend the day relaxing by the water in the temperature-controlled swimming pool at the Anantara Downtown Dubai, which offers spectacular views of the skyscrapers of the city. Additionally, passes include a credit for meals and beverages at the Nine7One restaurant or a spa credit. Additionally, customers who use a day pass receive 15% off all spa services.

Fairmont The Palm, Dubai

Fairmont The Palm Dubai is available to those who want to make the most of the resort’s palm-surrounded swimming pools for the day on well-known West Palm Beach. The hotel offers guests access to a private 800-meter white sand beach with views of the Arabian Gulf, as well as adult-only and family-focused pools. Even better, guests will receive a full refund for the price of their pool pass to use at the resort’s beach and poolside restaurants and bars.

The airline from Abu Dhabi wants to increase its appeal to tourists from India.
Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif has been appointed as Etihad Airways’ newest brand ambassador.

According to a Tuesday announcement by Etihad, the move comes as the Abu Dhabi carrier increases its footprint in the Indian market.

One of the highest-paid actresses in India, Kaif says, “I am happy to be returning with Etihad Airways, a company synonymous with world-class travel experiences.

“I am thrilled to be a member of a team that seeks to develop thoughtful bonds and enduring experiences. I’m excited to represent Etihad and share in their journey.

The actress will appear in Etihad’s advertising videos as a result of the new agreement.

The first advertisement for the campaign, released on Tuesday, has Kaif traveling on the airline’s newest A350 aircraft while showcasing the cabin’s opulent features, including dining ware by Armani/Casa.
Etihad affirms this in the 46-second Bollywood-styled clip that Kaif released with her 76 million Instagram followers. “Etihad believes in going the extra mile,” she says.

The actress has previously collaborated with the Abu Dhabi airline; in 2010 she was a part of a number of their advertising campaigns.

With the help of the collaboration, Etihad intends to increase its appeal to travelers from India.

Amina Taher, vice president of brand, marketing, and sponsorship at Etihad, said: “With [Kaif’s] amazing journey and recognition worldwide, we’re not only demonstrating Etihad’s offerings, but also fostering genuine relationships that genuinely resonate with Indian travelers and celebrating our commitment to India.

Currently, Etihad offers flights to eight Indian cities.

As the government broadens the scope of short-stay permits, tourists will soon be able to have a taste of rural life. Now, property owners can convert their properties into vacation homes.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi changed its license rules on Wednesday to provide farm owners with more opportunities to make money while diversifying the types of vacation houses that are accessible in the emirate.

Travelers can already take vacations in RVs and caravans.

Additionally, landlords are now permitted to possess numerous vacation home licenses for buildings with multiple units, expanding the investment options available to both investors and property management firms.

The department’s director general for tourism, Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, claims that the development will benefit Abu Dhabi’s hospitality and agritourism sectors.

He continues, “It is essential that we continue to provide guests with distinctive and sustainable experiences that represent our rich legacy and famous Emirati hospitality as the emirate observes tremendous tourism growth.
Farm owners are invited to create Emirati-led agri-tourist activities for travelers looking for novel experiences in the United Arab Emirates as a result of the new rule, which comes before the launch of a more thorough regulatory framework designed to encourage licensing and promote farmhouse tourism.

Owners of farms who want to register their dwellings as vacation rentals can find a thorough guidebook on the department’s website. The process can be started by landlords after a six-month grace period.

As demand for the industry rises, there has been a push for vacation houses and hotel alternatives in the UAE in recent years.

For more than ten years, Dubai has permitted vacation homes. In August of last year, Sharjah introduced a legislative framework for its Holiday Homes Project, allowing residents to rent out homes for transient visits.

Additionally, last year, Airbnb negotiated a contract with Abu Dhabi under which the emirate would have access to the company’s City Portal, which offers information and analysis on the rental market there.

In order to assist new and existing hosts in Abu Dhabi in understanding the regional regulations for vacation rentals, the firm also established a special “responsible hosting” page.

One retired cabin crew member who operated for United Airlines until 2013 is commemorating the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 attacks in a very emotional way.

To better serve Mexico, Emirates has increased its codeshare with United back in the United Arab Emirates, and it has also increased its collaboration with the Greek airline Aegean Airlines.

In case you missed it, here is a summary of current travel and tourist headlines.

Former flight attendant commemorates September 11
An innovative tribute from a retired United Airlines flight attendant honors the flight crew members who perished in the 9/11 attacks.

Pushing an airline cart from Newark Liberty International Airport to Washington Dulles International Airportto flight 93 national memorial stoystown is Paul Veneto, who worked for the US airline from 1997 until 2013.

Paulie’s Push, a campaign to commemorate the 20th anniversary, launched in 2021. Veneto ran between the 9/11 National Memorial in New York and Boston Logan International Airport during its first year of operation. From the Boston airport in 2022, he traveled to the Pentagon National Memorial.

His greatest stretch to date will cover more than 300 miles during this year’s attempt.

The impact of retail tourism is made clear.

Global Retail Tourism: Trends and Insights, a research released last week by the World Travel & Tourism Council, is “set to change the way we think about shopping tourism,” according to the organization.

Retail tourism was a $178 billion market in 2019, despite the sector’s historical underresearchation. The data demonstrates that since the pandemic, shopping has become more than just a pastime. The release states that it “shapes travel decisions, improves destination appeal, boosts foreign exchange earnings and promotes local brands and products.”

“Retailtainment” is a new trend that combines retail with entertainment and is already big in the UAE. The study demonstrates that tourists seek out opulent brands that reflect a city’s culture as well as real products.

“Retail tourism is no longer just about buying mementos, it’s a driving force supporting the recovery of the travel and tourism sector, adding significantly to job creation, revenue, and economic growth,” said Julia Simpson, president and chief executive of the WTTC.

Emirates will take part at Oktoberfest.
Emirates will be honoring the German holiday of Oktoberfest from Saturday until October 3 with Bavarian food and a variety of domestic in-flight entertainment. This will be offered at a few airport lounges as well as on flights to and from Munich, Hamburg, Dusseldorf, and Frankfurt.

For lunch and dinner on outbound flights in economy, as well as on inbound and outbound flights in business and first class, a typical starter, main course, and dessert will be served.

Appetizers or obatzda made with Emmental and cream cheese, radishes, a hard-boiled egg, and cornichons will be served. Fleischpflanzerl, a minced beef steak dish with butter, veal jus, vegetables, and sauerkraut, is the main course. There will also be traditional German breads available, followed by apple-based treats.

In addition to 45 German movies and a collection of 13 Bud Spencer and Terence Hill pictures, two well-known and adored spaghetti westerns in Germany, there will be more than 300 movies available with German subtitles. 28 German music albums and playlists will also be available for listening.

Taking a night train through Europe

Speaking of Germany, a sleeper service that had been discontinued for nine years is now being offered again between Berlin and Paris.

The Nightjet train, operated by the Austrian company OBB, will resume operations in December with three weekly journeys before returning to daily operation by October of the following year.

At 7.12 p.m., trains leave Paris Gare de l’Est and arrive in Berlin at 8.26 a.m., whereas the Berlin to Paris leg runs between 8.18pm and 10.24am.

As rates are anticipated to start at approximately €50 for a bed, it also makes stops in Strasbourg, Mannheim, Erfurt, and Halle, giving tourists even another more cheap way to discover Europe.

In October, tickets go on sale.

More flights are now available from the UAE.
Flydubai has declared the beginning of daily flights to Sphinx International Airport in Cairo, bringing the total number of weekly excursions to Egypt to 18. Due to an increase in demand for travel between the two cities, the service will launch on October 29.

While this is going on, Emirates has expanded two codeshare agreements, making it simpler for its customers to travel to Greece and Mexico.In addition to Mexico City, where Emirates already flies, the airline’s partnership with United was expanded to encompass eight locations in the Central American nation. As a result, travelers can connect in either Chicago or Houston before flying to Cancun, Cozumel, Monterrey, Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, San Jose Del Cabo, Leon (Guanajuato), and Queretaro.

For travel beginning on Thursday, tickets are available on the airline’s website or through the preferred travel agencies.

Aegean Airlines and Emirates have strengthened their collaboration, enabling travellers from Dubai to make a stopover in Athens before taking advantage of the links the Greek airline offers to well-known locations across Europe. Customers of Aegean can also take use of Emirates’ service on flights between Athens and Dubai and between Athens and Newark with a stopover in Dubai.

Las Vegas and Dubai have a lot in common. Both cities have a passion for the spectacular, and their skylines shine like beacons against desolate desert surroundings. Travellers from all over the world swarm to these glittering oasis to play hard. However, due to its magnificent seashore overlooking the cream-colored Persian Gulf, diverse culinary scene, and strange vistas, Dubai unquestionably surpasses the old Sin City as a vacation destination. A better and larger metropolis is being planned as the current one keeps growing. At one point, it was estimated that this area was home to one-fifth of all construction cranes in the globe. That suggests that Dubai’s growth may not even be limited by the sky.

Dubai is home to the tallest structure in the world, one of the largest shopping malls, and one of the largest man-made marinas. Although on a smaller scale, this emirate is nevertheless linked to its past as a small harbor town. The vibrant Gold and Spice Souks (marketplaces) thrive within the gigantic Dubai Mall. On Dubai Creek, traditional wooden abras (boats) coexist with motorboats. Jumeirah Public Beach’s natural dunes border the skillfully sculpted Palm Islands. Despite constantly looking toward the future, this metropolis finds it difficult to let go of the past. Dubai’s popularity as a travel destination was aided by this dynamic, and it will continue to be so.

Best Travel Months
From November to March is the ideal time to travel to Dubai. In terms of weather, Dubai only really has two seasons: hot and hotter. The city experiences clear sky and ideal beach weather during the winter. On the other hand, this is also the busiest travel period, so Jumeirah Beach should be crowded. If you go during the summer, you can avoid the throng, but you should be ready for triple-digit temperatures and high humidity levels.

Dubai Money Saving Tips
Make advance plans Dubai travel will be pricey. But if you book a hotel stay two to three months in advance, you’ll have a higher chance of getting a better deal.

Come throughout the summer. During this time of year, the majority of visitors can’t handle the heat, therefore there is little competition for the best hotel deals.

Remain sober Outside of restaurants and bars, where prices are nearly as exorbitant as those of the Burj Khalifa, alcohol is rarely provided. If you forego the beverages, you’ll save a lot of money.

Customs & Culture
The United Arab Emirates is made up of seven states (sometimes known as “Emirates”): Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al Quwain. The sheikh, or Arabic ruler, is in charge of each emirate. The Federal Supreme Council, the UAE’s legislative and executive branch, is presided over by the sheikh of Abu Dhabi, with the sheikh of Dubai serving as vice president. Dubai has long been the commercial and financial center of the emirates, despite the fact that Abu Dhabi is the formal capital of the UAE.

What to Eat
Spice is the main component of Emirati cuisine, the main cuisine of Dubai. Put down the salt and pepper; in Dubai, a larger selection of seasonings, some of which you might not be familiar with (Is za’atar in your spice cabinet? ), have already been sprinkled into the meal to add all the taste you’ll ever need. Cardamom, what about it?). The easiest way to explore Dubai’s diverse culinary environment is to start with the basics because there are so many intriguing and exotic dishes to try there.

Traveling in Dubai
The subway or a taxi are the two greatest ways to navigate about Dubai. Even though Dubai’s prices are high overall, a few trips in the taxi won’t break the budget. They also provide you the freedom to move whenever you want, without having to worry with traffic. Travelers can reach the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai International Airport (DXB) using the metro system in Dubai. Nearly 10 miles separate the airport from Dubai’s city center. The airport also offers automobile rentals, but be warned: driving in this region is not for the timid.

Requirements for Entry & Exit
An official U.S. passport that is still valid at least six months after your arrival date is required for Americans traveling to the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, travelers must have a return ticket or other documentation proving they will be leaving the UAE within that 30-day window. Travelers are required to get a tourist visa in advance of departure for stays longer than 30 days. Americans leaving the UAE by land will have to pay a departure tax of 35 dirhams ($9.60), which can only be paid in local currency.