DISCOVER WHAT’S NEW IN DUBAI

Tourism Trends, New Developments and Ramadan Experiences

July 11, 2011 (Dubai, UAE) — Dubai’s ideal positioning, luxurious hotels, prestigious business locales and pristine shopping centers have allowed it to establish itself as one of the world’s most elite travel destinations. Today, Dubai is steadily growing as an oasis for vacationers seeking a unique cultural experience.

“With all of the luxury amenities and family packages in an ideal location, Dubai is a culturally-rich hub for both business travelers and families seeking comfort and a unique experience” said Alba Hotchkiss, U.S. Director of the Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM).

“Dubai has already positioned itself as a luxury vacation spot for business travelers and culturally-curious travelers, but with new developments aimed towards family entertainment, Dubai is becoming more and more a unique getaway for people of all ages and backgrounds,” Hotchkiss added.

 

Dubai’s Upward Tourism Trend and Increased Air Access

2011 Saw a Promising Increase in Travel to Dubai

Dubai is the trade and tourism gateway of the Arabian Sea. In 2011 global traffic to Dubai grew 9.6% to just over 9 million visitors (9,095,570), with 5.6% and over 462,653 travelers hailing from the United States. The steady 5%-10% growth in USA visitors is establishing Dubai as more than just a stopover destination for travelers cruising through the Middle East, but a popular hub that attracts visitors for longer stays as well. After the first quarter of 2012, the United States stands in fourth place as a source market for travel to Dubai -- a 7.5% increase from last year’s first quarter.

Emirates Expands Services Stretching Dubai Market across the US

Emirates will expand its number of non-stop flights in the United States in September 2012 when it begins service to Dulles International Airport in Washington, DC. In January 2013, an already successful daily service from New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport will be expanded by changing aircraft to the larger A-380, to service the growing and diverse market of business and consumer travel to Dubai in this area. The expansion of service follows the start of two new flight routes with direct service out of Dallas/Fort Worth and Seattle/Tacoma international airports in Q1 of 2012. www.emirates.com

 

What’s New

Cooking Class Celebrates Diversity of Dubai

Just a few months after its grand opening in January 2012, the five-star Radisson Royal Hotel Dubai has launched a new cooking class at Icho, the hotel’s upscale Japanese restaurant. Lead by classically trained Japanese teppan chefs, the three-hour class will teach guests how to cook the traditional Japanese teppan art of cuisine using local seafood from the Arabian Gulf. The class starts at approximately US$110 (400 AED) and includes a five-course lunch with wine and saké pairings. www.radissonblu.com/royalhotel-dubai

Cruise Liner Queen Elizabeth 2 to Become Dubai Hotel

After years of being docked, the celebrated Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) will once again serve tourists and guests when it is converted to a floating hotel in downtown Port Rashid. Developers have finally settled on a use for the ship after it first arrived in Dubai in November 2008. Having shelved previous plans to gut the ship, relocate it and remodel it into a luxury hotel, developers have decided to keep the original furnishings and 300-room layout because tourists wanted to see the famed ship in its original décor. With no major renovations, the QE2 is set to open in 18 months. Developers also plan to build a maritime museum and expand the cruise ship terminal to accommodate the influx of guests. The ship was originally commissioned by Queen Elizabeth II and sailed its first voyage in 1969. Since then, it has sailed around the world 26 times.

Golf Clubs Enjoy Record Business

In March 2012, UAE’s premier golf clubs hosted a first-time record of over 50,000 rounds total at its various locations. A total of 54,365 rounds were played during the month of March, with 14% coming from overseas visitors. Driven by luxury courses and elite international tournaments, the March record is a testament to the firm presence of elite golf in the area and the mounting interest of foreign markets in visiting UAE as a top tier Golf destination for seasoned players. UAE’s premier golf clubs include Emirates Golf Club, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, The Montgomerie Dubai, Arabian Ranches, the Els Club Dubai, Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Al Hamra Golf Club, Saadiyat, Yas Links, Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa and Jumeirah Golf Estates. www.desertadventures.ae

JW Marriott Marquis Dubai to be World’s Tallest Hotel

At the end of 2012, JW Marriot Marquis will open in Dubai the world’s tallest hotel, serving luxury business travelers, and becoming a new superlative landmark for this thriving global business hub. Opening in Q4 of 2012, JW Marriot Marquis in Dubai will join Marriott International’s luxury portfolio, which offers distinctive properties in more than 50 gateway cities and resort locations around the world. The hotel will be a symbol of Dubai’s increasing importance as the high-performing center of business in the region and worldwide.  The 1,164-foot tall, 1,608-room world-class luxury hotel will target the profitable MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) market, with the United States being one of the key sources. For the first time in Dubai, groups of up to 1,000 people can meet, sleep and dine in one convenient and comfortable location, making this hotel the new standard for elite business travel. www.marriott.com/jw-marriott/travel.mi

Luxury Pool Renovations at One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai

On July 7, 2012 pool facilities at The Palace Grand at the One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai hotel will reopen after being completely refurbished. The pool now matches the majestic appearance of the newly renovated hotel with brand new, elegant tone- on-tone mosaic inlays and glittering turquoise and sand crackled glass tiles. The date palm trees engulfing the pool top complete the welcoming atmosphere of this desert oasis. http://royalmirage.oneandonlyresorts.com

Marvel Adventure Theme Park to Bring in Family Fun with Classics

In 2013 Dubai will attract more families to its oasis destination when Ilyas and Mustafa Galadari Group (IMG) opens a new family theme park, Marvel Adventure.  The indoor family-entertainment center, set to open by the end of next year in the City of Arabia development on Emirates Road, is a 1.2-million-square-foot theme park complete with retail outlets, dining, and attractions featuring famous Marvel comic superheroes and villains such as Captain America and the Hulk.

New Fairmont to Open on Palm Island

Set to open September 1, 2012, Fairmont The Palm, Dubai will be located along the coastline in Dubai's The Palm, Jumeirah development. The luxury resort will include 381 rooms, 36,500 square feet of meeting space, an outdoor beach restaurant and private beach club, pool facilities complete with a children's activity center, and several fine dining options. www.fairmont.com/palm

Raffles Spa Provides Male Grooming Services from Expert

Adding to its arsenal of acclaimed customized treatments in a luxurious and private setting, the exclusive sanctuary of Raffles Spa at Raffles Dubai will offer high-end male grooming services provided by a renowned Syrian barber, Ali Al Jaramani. Boasting over ten years experience and training in Syria and the UAE, Al Jaramani is an expert in his field. Services will range from men’s haircuts to a classic shave and even a 60-minute pampering experience reminiscent of a different era. For more information on these services please e-mail spa.dubai@raffles.com.

Sofitel to Add Two Properties in Palm Jumeirah

Sofitel will add two new hotels in Dubai at the end of the quarter. One property will be located on the Palm Jumeirah and feature 540 rooms, and another slated to open in December 2012 will include 350 rooms and will be located in front of the Burj Khalifa along Sheikh Zayed Road. www.sofitel.com

 

What to Expect During Ramadan

Relax and Celebrate during Ramadan at Raffles Dubai

There is nothing like experiencing the Holy month of Ramadan in a Muslim country.  For those who find themselves in Dubai during the holy month of Ramadan, expect to see spiritual and cultural celebrations, expanded retail opportunities and hotel and spa promotions. Guests of Raffles Dubai can celebrate this time of tranquility and reflection in a serene, residential atmosphere at special Ramadan rates.  Family- oriented events bring loved ones together in celebration of this important time in the Islamic calendar, exclusive spa services offer the ultimate experience of tranquility and reflection and Emirate hospitality make this an authentic Ramadan experience.

For the Muslim family, exclusive rooms featuring traditional Middle Eastern architecture and décor are available for private group Iftars and Sohours. At Raffles Dubai’s traditional Arabic restaurant, Azur All-Day Dining, families can break fast with an assortment of traditional Arabic cuisine.

At Raffles Spa, limited-time Ramadan services, such as the Raffles Enchanting Garden Ceremony of Rose starting at approximately US$190 (AED 699) for 90 minutes, are offered as a way to cleanse, restore tranquility and become spiritually centered to prepare for the Eid Celebration. www.raffles.com/dubai

Ramadan Night Market

Always a bustling hub for fine shopping, the retail sector in Dubai reaches its peak during the Holy month of Ramadan. Starting Friday, August 10 through Sunday, August 19, 2012 the Ramadan Night Market will wrap up the Holy month with a full week of luxury shopping, open every evening at the Dubai World Trade Center. Hosting high-end retailers from across the world and showcasing a diversity of goods, the Ramadan Night Market will satiate the heightened demand for shopping during Ramadan and provide guests with a new and exciting retail experience. www.ramadannightmarket.com

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For more information on travel to Dubai, please visit: www.definitelydubai.com
Media Contact:
Naureen M. Kazi 
DTCM North America, Media Relations Manager
(212) 444-7162; naureen.kazi@aboutdci.com 

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