Time To Discover What's New In Dubai

DISCOVER WHAT’S NEW IN DUBAI
Tourism Trends, New Developments and Holiday Experiences

October 9, 2012 (Dubai, UAE) — Dubai has made strides in the tourism and travel industry by positioning itself as a luxurious tourist destination as well as a vibrant international business center. Dubai is expected to attract 8.8 million international visitors in 2012, making it the eighth most visited city in the world.
This summer Dubai International recorded the busiest first half in its history with 27.9 million passengers passing through its three terminals between January and June of this year. According to the latest report from the department of tourism and commerce marketing, hotel and apartment bookings in Dubai were up to 170,452 from 154,180 during the same period of 2011.

What’s New

Emirates Launches New Service
As one of the fastest growing airlines in the world, Emirates has added another gateway city in the US as it begins non-stop service from Washington DC to Dubai this month. Washington DC is Emirates’ 11th new route to launch in 2012. “We look forward to connecting DC travelers with the largest number of one-stop flights to Southeast Asia, India, Africa and the Middle East using state-of-the-art American built aircrafts,” said Nigel Page, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations- The Americas. Emirates will operate the American-manufactured Boeing 777-300 ED on its Washington DC tour, providing suites in First Class, 42 lie-flat beds in Business Class and 304 seats in Coach. Emirates is a leading innovator in the airline industry globally and was recognized by Air Transport World as its “2011 Airline of the Year.”
Major World Conferences to be held in Dubai
This year Dubai will be hosting The World Conference on International Telecommunications, the Global Standards Symposium and The World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly, with a total number of delegates expected to be over 11,000. In 2011 Dubai hosted 34 international association meetings, not taking into account corporate meetings, incentives and exhibitions. The International Convention and Congress Association (ICCA) ranked Dubai as first in the Middle East and as one of the major international meeting destinations globally, with Dubai surfacing as a top contender amongst well established meetings destinations such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Melbourne. In 2013 the Emirate will host the Interdisciplinary World Congress on Low Back and Pelvic Pain, the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication Congress & Exhibition, and the International Destination Expo 2013.
Dubai International Dance Festival
Dubai International Dance Festival (DIDF) will take place Wednesday October 17th through October 20th. The event, which is set to be bigger than ever this year, will include more than 400 renowned and professional dancers from 40 countries around the globe preparing to take to the floor. “When the Dance Festival started in 2007, we started with 50 dancers. Now we have over 400 dancers, you can see how we grow every year. This shows the huge appetite of the people for dance in the region,” Chris D., co-founder and co-director of DIDF, said. Guests and participants will enjoy a variety of performances, live entertainment, themed dance parties, dance competitions, workshops, and guest DJs. Main performances will take place at the grand venue in DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates.
International Zouk Flash Mob Day was a hit!
Sunday, September 16th was International Zouk Flash Mob Day, a global event encouraging people around the world to get together to dance the same choreography. Dubai took part in the event at the Savage Garden in the Capital Hotel, Satwa. Zouk Flash Mob Day is a non-commercial initiative originating from Perth Australia to promote this beautiful modern dance all around the world. Several thousand people in over 35 countries participated. View their video here or visit www.zouk-dubai.com
Pullman Dubai Deira City Centre Welcomes New GM as Renovations Continue
Pullman Deira City Centre Dubai, formerly The City Centre Hotel, welcomes their new General Manager Mr. Jean-Phillipe Bittencourt who will spearhead the property's new brand identity. The first stage of the rebranding is slated for completion during the 3rd quarter of 2012 when the hotel will officially become a Pullman Hotel, Accor's upscale brand. The new hotel will include 317 rooms, 4 food and beverage outlets including Le Cafe at the lobby lounge, Medley, the hotel's signature restaurant and La Fabrique, a trendy Sports Bar, a Spa and Fitness Area. The hotel's banqueting and meeting rooms alongside the Business Centre will be integrated during the 2nd phase of its re-branding, marking a turning point for the hotel and its new identity.
Shiba Restaurant introduces a speedy business lunch
Shiba Resturant, located at  The Meydan Hotel, is the home of authentic Asian cuisine. Shiba recently launched a new business lunch with express set menu options. Shiba’s food captures the heritage and vibrancy of Asia together with some of their own innovation and modern cooking techniques.

Winter Events and Upcoming Attractions

Dubai Shopping Festival to Bring Fabulous Prizes and More!
Dubai is known as "the shopping capital of the Middle East.” This year marks the Dubai Shopping Festival’s 18th year. The festival, which takes place between January 3 and February 3, will take over the city with its unique blend of shopping, and entertainment. The festival will kick off with a huge opening night that features light shows and fireworks across the Dubai Creek, which are then continued throughout the entire festival. In addition to the shopping and prizes, hundreds of events and activities await residents and visitors. From international concerts, musicals and shows, to sports, outdoor, and fashion events, Dubai Shopping Festival caters to every age segment.
Burj Khalifa New Year’s Eve Fireworks
The firework show that was claimed ‘the best in the world’ last New Year’s returns again to the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. Last year Dubai set the record for the highest fireworks in the world.  The show can be seen from a distance of 10km and will include sound, lights, laser, music and, of course, the grand finale, the fireworks. To view last year’s spectacular click here. 

InterContinental Dubai Marina set to open in 2013
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) has signed an agreement with Dubai-based property developer Select Group to open InterContinental Dubai Marina. The Marina is a wonderland on water providing guests the best of both worlds, an urban lifestyle with a scenic view. The hotel, which is set to open by the end of 2013, will offer 132 hotel rooms and 196 InterContinental Residential Suites for longer staying guests. The hotel will be located within walking distance of the popular Jumeirah Beach Residences’ (JBR) and contain spectacular views overlooking the Marina. The hotel will also be home to eight food and beverage outlets, including restaurants, bars and a 600 meter squared night club. For the business traveler the hotel will offer a suite of facilities, including a boardroom and eight meeting rooms, the largest of which will accommodate 100 people. 
McGettigan’s Irish Pubs expands in Dubai!
Ring in the New Year at McGettigan’s Irish Pub. The authentic Irish pub will be adding two new locations in Dubai.  McGettigans offers guests a traditional Irish experience through food and drink in a modern yet humble environment. The pub first opened its doors in November of 2010 in the Jumeriah Lake Towers. The first new branch, located downtown in the World Trade Centre, will most likely open by the end of the month. The third venue is set to open at The Dubai Airport. http://www.mcgettigansdubai.com/

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For more information on travel to Dubai, please visit: www.definitelydubai.com