Arabic Guy

Some Interesting Facts about Dubai

mehwish9 — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:30:14 +0000

Dubai is among the most visited and beautiful places in world. Dubai has earned a great name due to its booming business, distinguished culture, sky scrapers, malls and excellent facilities provided to citizens. A lot of fun facts are associated with this with this wonderful city. Some of these interesting facts are as follows:

Dubai is located in United Arab Emirates and its currency is Dirham.
Average annual rainfall in Dubai is only 13 centimeters.
The most astonishing fact about Dubai is that, it has been ruled by the Al Maktoum Dynasty since 1833.
You can find world’s largest horses in Dubai.
While mentioning addresses, street addresses are not mentioned as there are no street addresses in Dubai. It sounds strange!!!!!
Personal or income taxes are not applied in Dubai.
You don’t believe this but it is true that 80% residents of Dubai are foreigners. Moreover, about 10000 new residents arrive in Dubai every month.
All of you must have heard about Burj Khalifa. It is the tallest building and tallest man made structure in world.
Mall of Emirates in Dubai is featured with an indoor ski resort named Ski Dubai Snow Park.
Dubai is also featured with first man-made or artificial islands known as Palm Islands.
Dubai also has one of the highest per capita incomes in world.
Dubai is fastest growing city in the world.
Jewelry markets in Dubai are major supplier of jewelry to Middle East.
You will be able to hear calls to prayers (Azan) five times a day regardless of wherever you are. Azan is even heard in shopping malls reminding Muslims to offer prayers.
Apart from Abu Dhabi, Dubai is the only emirates state that has a veto power which it can use for critical matters of national importance.
Jewelry in Dubai is sold on gold price plus making charges while in Western countries, jewelry is sold per piece.

Top Five Tourist Attractions in Dubai

mehwish9 — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 06:39:13 +0000

There are a countless number of tourist attractions in Dubai and it is always very difficult to decide about the major five. I have still made a list of top five tourist attractions in Dubai. These five attractions should not be missed during a visit to Dubai.

Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building of the world, stands first in my list. This 828 meters high tower features some of the most stunning and exciting attractions. Dubai Fountain or Burj Khalifa fountain is one of them.

Dubai Fountain is a fountain system which has been established outside Burj Khalifa. Illuminated by almost 6600 lights, this fountain is one of its kinds. It has capability of shooting water up to 150m high up on air. The best feature of this fountain is that Arabian Music is also played when it shoots water in air.

On 124^th floor of this tower, there is an Observation Deck which is the second highest in the world. It features a Behold Telescope which allows visitors to see breathtaking views of city.

Burj Al Arab

Burj Al Arab is a landmark of Dubai. This 321 meters high hotel is constructed in shape of sail of a ship. This hotel is the only seven star hotel in world so it offers finest and luxurious accommodations and services. Rooms and suites in this hotel are well-decorated and well-equipped with all modern facilities. This hotel is also famous for housing some of the best restaurants in world which include Al Mahara and Al Muntaha. Al Mahara is among top ten restaurants of the world and is decorated with a huge aquarium. It offers delicious sea food. Al Muntaha, on the other hand, offers European cuisine.

Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is an artificial district which is not still completed. It is expected that it will be completed in 2011 and upon completion; it will be the largest man-made marina in the whole world. Like other attractions in Dubai, Dubai Marina also offers a lot of activities to do. Here visitors can enjoy deep sea fishing as well as water sports including wind surfing and parasailing. Another reason for its popularity is a public beach and a number of shopping arenas.

Dubai Mall

This is the world’s biggest shopping mall and is a part of Burj Khalifa. This mall is too huge and consists of four floors. Here you can enjoy a unique shopping experience. This mall also features more than 120 restaurants, a lavish hotel and cafes. Besides these, this mall also provides some entertainment facilities.

The most exciting and entertaining feature of this mall is Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo where you can see water animals. This place is decorated with beautiful lighting arrangements which create a beautiful ambience. An indoor theme park named Sega Republic is also located in this mall. Having five zones of entertainment, this theme park has about 250 amusement games.

Wild Wadi Water Park

Wild Wadi Park is a themed water park and is located on 5^th beach of Jumeirah. This park offers a variety of water rides for both kids and adults. Master Blaster, Rushing Rapids, Tumble Falls, Tunnel of Doom, Juha’s Journey are some of the most well-known rides. Apart from enjoying water rides, visitors can also enjoy dinning in three world class restaurants.

Legendary Landmarks in Dubai

mehwish9 — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 06:51:57 +0000

Dubai is a city of shopping malls, parks, skyscrapers and artificial islands. All these are considered landmarks of Dubai. Some of them are really magnificent attract tourists to visit them at least once in their life time. Such landmarks of Dubai include the following.

Burj Al Arab

Burj Al Arab is an iconic building of Dubai. Whenever one hears of Dubai, picture of Burj Al Arab immediately comes into ones mind. Burj Al Arab is 1050 high and the only seven star hotel in the world. It is located on man made island of Dubai and has an unusual shape of a sail of boat. This extravagant hotel attracts public attention with its superb interiors, spacious suites and world class luxurious facilities.

Burj Dubai/Burj Khalifa

Burj Dubai is the tallest man made structure in the world. It manages to attract a large number of people every year because of its breathtaking fountain show. Yes, the Dubai Fountain!!! This show is held every evening in which fountain water moves along with beats of music. Moreover, this building also boasts of an observation deck located at 124^th floor. This deck provides magnificent view of the whole city.

Deira Clock Tower

Deira Clock Tower is also known as Dubai Clock Tower. Located in eastern Dubai, this tower was built during 1962. However, during 1972, this tower began to crack so it was refurbished and restored in same year. Deira Clock Tower is truly a historical landmark as it has been seeing all changes and development in Dubai since its construction.

Al Bastakiya

Al Bastakiya is an old district of Dubai and is the oldest residential area in this city. Its construction dates back to 1890’s. Located in Bur Dubai, it consists of slim lanes and wind towers. The oldest existing building in Dubai, the Al Fahidi Fort, is also located in Al Bastakiya.

Ski Dubai

Can you imagine snow in a desert? Yes, Dubai has managed to combine these opposite words by constructing a ski resort named Ski Dubai. This resort is located in Mall of Emirates. Ski Dubai covers an area of about 22500 square meters which is covered with snow throughout the year. Ski Dubai is a place where you can experience real entertainment. There are play areas for kids and adults. Moreover there are also ski jump slopes to have more fun.

Sheikh Zayed Road

Sheikh Zayed Road is perhaps the most famous and prominent road of Dubai. Sheikh Zayed Road is a section of longest highway in UAE that stretches from Abu Dhabi to Ras Al Khaimah. This road has been named after the great ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This road houses many important properties, hotels and skyscrapers including Burj Khalifa.

The World Islands

The World is also a man made archipelago which consists of about 300 islands. It has been built with a purpose of providing luxury residential opportunities. There are also plans of making hotels here to foster the growth of tourism as well.

Palm Islands

Palm Islands is also a project of Nakheel Properties which are also the developers of The World. These islands are made in shape of palm tree and thus are called Palm Islands. These islands have constructed with an idea to accommodate tourists’ influx in Dubai.

These are some of the legendary and famous landmarks of Dubai. The list, however, is too long as it also includes Dubai Mall, Dubai Internet City and Dubai Marina.

Burj Al Arab FAQs

mehwish9 — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:01:18 +0000

Here are some frequently asked questions about Burj Al Arab Hotel. If you have a plan to stay there, you will find this post useful. If you do not have such intention, even then you will find this post interesting to read:

When did hotel inaugurate?

Burj Al Arab hotel opened in December 1999.

Where is hotel located?

Hotel is located on Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai.

The hotel has been adorned with gold fittings. Are these fittings real?

Yes. All the furniture and fittings are made of real gold.

Are pets allowed in Burj Al Arab?

Pets are not allowed in hotel.

What is policy of hotel regarding lost and found items?

If items lost by guests are recovered, they are recorded as “found”. A detailed record of all “found” items is kept and they are stored for three months. After this period, unclaimed items are handed over to nearest police station. These items are then kept in police station for further three months. After that, they are auctioned and money is given to charity.

If hotel guests need to locate any item after initial three months pass, they should contact hotel who will help guests in coordinating with police station. Then police advises necessary procedure to locate an item.

How many suites are there in hotel?

Hotel consists of 202 duplex suites.

Are safety deposit boxes available in hotel?

Safe deposit boxes are available in every suite.

At what time can guests check in and at what time do guests have to check out?

Guests can check in from 3:00 pm on day of arrival and check out by 12:00 noon on day of departure.

Can guests check in early or check out late?

These requests are honored if space permits. If hotel is full, these requests may not be granted.

How many bars and restaurants does hotel have?

The hotel has six restaurants and bars.

Is it true that one of the restaurants is located underwater?

Al Mahara restaurant is one which is an under water themed restaurant but it is not located underwater. Located on ground floor, this restaurant is featured with a massive aquarium that surrounds the dining areas. A three minute submarine ride lets you enter the restaurant.

Is clothing not obligatory for sunbathing at the hotel?

Topless sunbathing is not allowed in entire UAE. If a guest is found sunbathing without clothes, hotel management will intercede immediately.

Do guests have complimentary access to Wild Wadi?

Guests at hotel have unlimited complimentary access to Wild Wadi Water Park during their stay.

Is babysitting service available in Burj Al Arab?

Yes, babysitting service is provided in hotel but it needs to be pre-booked.

Why credit card is needed to make reservation?

Credit card details are required to make reservations. It is used as a form of guarantee.

FAQs about Dubai Desert Safari Tours

mehwish9 — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:29:28 +0000

If you are going to enjoy Dubai desert safari tours for the first time, you will have several questions in mind. For your convenience, I have made a list of FAQs about these safari tours. They will be of great help:

Will I be picked from my hotel when I book a desert safari tour?

Yes, a car will pick you up from hotel or another place fixed prior to safari. At the end of safari, it will also drop you from where it picked you up.

What is included in Desert Safari?

A normal package contains the following:

Pick up by 4×4 wheel drive from any point in Dubai and Sharjah
Dune Bashing
Camel Rides
Henna Painting (Tattoos)
Sunset Photography
Belly Dancing (Not in month of Ramadan)
Shisha
Arabic Coffee with Fresh Arabian Dates
Traditional Costumes called Qandoras
Sand Skiing
Complimentary Soft Drinks, Mineral Water, Tea, Coffee etc
Buffet Dinner and BBQ (Veg and Non-veg)

What are maximum numbers of people that can go to desert safari?

There is no limit as there are a number of cars that can accommodate you. However, in a single suv land cruiser, 6-7 people can sit including driver.

Is veg food available at desert safari tour?

Yes. If you are a vegetarian, do not worry. Main course and snacks both have some vegetarian dishes.

Are baby seats available on safari tour?

Yes, you can avail baby seats on request. They are especially required for infant and small babies during dune drives as they may shake you to some extent.

Is there any dress code for safari tour?

You can wear any casual dress during the tour. Avoid wearing sandals as they make it trouble for you while walking in sand. Traditional dresses named Qandoras are also provided there so that you can take beautiful pictures wearing these.

What points/tips should be kept in mind before going to desert safari tour?

You do not need to carry water and soft drinks with you as there are plenty of drinks at camps. If you have any special requirements regarding tour, inform your service provider in advance so that it can make arrangements according to your needs.

Any special precautions which I should take?

If you are a pregnant woman, it is advised to you not to go for dune bashing. Tell the driver to drop you somewhere prior to dune bashing. You can relax for sometime and then driver will pick you up and take to the camp again.

The Dubai Fountain

mehwish9 — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 16:25:13 +0000

Fountain show of Burj Khalifa/Burj Dubai is one of its most interesting and popular features. Burj Khalifa fountain was named as “Dubai Fountain” on 26^th October 2008. Dubai Fountain has been designed by “Wet Design” and it cost 217 million dollars to create such a marvel. Some brief description about features and performances of Burj Khalifa fountain show are given below.

Interesting Features

Covering an area of 275 meters, Dubai Fountain has capability of shooting the water at a height of 150 meters. It sounds just incredible!!!
Fountain can spray almost 22000 gallons of water in air.
This fountain is illuminated by 6600 lights and 50 colored projectors.
Lights of Dubai Fountain can be seen from a distance of 20 miles.
Design of fountain has been made in such a way that it can shoot water in different patterns and styles. To create a show, fountain uses several jets and shooters.
These jets and shooters produce different sounds after they eject water in air. These include sounds of drum, boom and bang.
Classical, Arabic and international music is played during the show.

Jets and Shooters

Some of the main jets and shooters of the fountain are as follows:

Shooters: These shooters or jets spray water upwards with a pressure.

Extreme Shooters: These are based on a new technology which shoots water up to 420 feet high in air. These are not commonly used because they need high pressure to operate.

Oarsmen: They make water look as if it is dancing. These shooters roll and sway water in all directions.

Super Shooters: These shoot water 250 feet high. Like Extreme Shooters, these are not used often as it needs more time to build required pressure to operate these shooters.

Performances

Burj Khalifa fountain show begins at 6 in the evening and show consists of 14 performances. Some most interesting performances include:

Baba Yetu: This is quite interesting Swahili song and is prepared by Christopher Tin.

Shik Shak Shak: This Arabic song great enjoyment and entertainment.

Dhoom Tana: This is an Indian song from the movie “Om Shanti Om”. Its beautiful beats and music add to the beauty of performance.

Con Te Partiro: This song has been composed by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman. Performance on this melodious song is really breathtaking.

Besides these songs, there are many other songs that are played during fountain show. Burj Dubai fountain show is a great entertainment for people of Dubai as well as tourists.

Fun Facts about Burj Al Arab

mehwish9 — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 17:21:37 +0000

Burj Al Arab is one of the most popular and luxurious hotels in World. Being the fourth tallest hotel in the world, Burj Khalifa is at 321 meters. Some interesting and amazing facts are associated with Burj Al Arab. You will relay like to read them:

Burj Al Arab is one of the most expensive hotels in Dubai. Cost of a suite may range from $1000 to $15000 per night. The Royal Suite of Burj Al Arab is most expensive. It costs $28000 per night.
Smallest suite in hotel occupies an area of 169 square meters while the largest one covers 780 square meters.
This hotel is located an artificial island and is constructed 280 meters offshore. Builders drove almost 230 meters long concrete piles into the sand to make hotel’s foundation strong.
Structure of this building contains 70000 cubic meters of concrete and 9000 tons of steel.
In spite of its size, Burj Al Arab has only 28 double storey floors. These floors accommodate 202 bedroom suites.
Burj Al Arab also has a 24 meter wide helipad. This helipad is 210 meters above ground.
Access to this hotel is only possible with a reservation or invitation. Moreover there is also a dress code which needs to be followed while visiting Burj Al Arab. No shorts and sneakers allowed in hotel.
Shape of hotel resembles sail of a dhow. Two wings of hotel are spread in a V shape which forms a vast “mast”. Space between them two wings is enclosed in a gigantic hall.
Atrium of the hotel covers a third of hotel’s whole space. It soars 590 feet above lobby.
Hotel also boasts a chauffeured Rolls Royce fleet for using for guests. There is a private reception desk on every floor for guests and well trained butlers also provide round the clock services to their esteem guests.
Al Mahara Restaurant in Burj Al Arab is one of its kinds as it provides a unique experience of three minutes submarine ride from hotel lobby to restaurant entrance.
Teflon-coated exteriors of hotel look white in day while at night, it completely changes it look. Computer programmed spotlights create a changing montage of colors on white facade of hotel.

Burj Khalifa Photo Gallery

mehwish9 — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 06:50:02 +0000

Here are some pictures of Burj Khalifa. You will love to see them.

List of 5-Star Hotels in Dubai

mehwish9 — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 06:34:29 +0000

People looking for a luxurious stay in Dubai often ask where to stay in Dubai. For those, here is a list of five star luxurious hotels in Dubai:

Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai (Bur Dubai)
Grosvenor House Dubai (Dubai Marina)
Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort Jumeirah Beach (Dubai Marina)
Samaya Hotel (Deira Dubai)
The Address Downtown Burj Dubai (Downtown Dubai)
Atlantis The Palm Hotel (Palm Jumeirah)
Taj Palace 5 Star Hotel Dubai (Deira Dubai, Off Al Rigga Street)
Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa Hotel (Sheikh Zayed Road)
Jumierah Emirates Tower (Sheikh Zayed Road)
Hilton Dubai Creek Hotel (Deira, Dubai)
Le Meridien Dubai Hotel (Garhoud, Airport Road)
Jumeirah Beach Hotel (Jumeirah Beach Road)
Dusit Thani Dubai Hotel (Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre 2)
Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates (Al-Brasha Dubai)
JW Marriot Hotel (Deira)
Park Hyatt Hotel (Deira)
Renaissance Dubai Hotel (Deira)
Metropolitan Palace Hotel (Deira)
Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel and Towers (Deira)
Al Bustan Rotana Hotel (Casablanca Road)
Crowne Plaza Hotel (Sheikh Zayed Road)
Al Maha Desert Resort (Emirates Holidays Building, Sheikh Zayed Road)
Al Murooj Rotana Hotel and Suites (Off Sheikh Zayed Road)
Al Qasr Madinat Jumeirah (Intersection of Al Sufouh Road)
Amwaj Rotana (Jumeirah Beach)
Angsana Hotel and Suites Dubai (Sheikh Zayed Road)
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa (Al Qudra Road)
Dhow Palace Hotel (Bur Dubai)
Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa (Jumeirah Beach Road)
Dusit Landmark Suite (Sheikh Zayed Road)
Millennium Plaza Hotel (Sheikh Zayed Road)
Harbour Hotel & Residence (Al Sofouh Road, Dubai Marina)
Moevenpick Hotel (Bur Dubai)
The Monarch Dubai (Sheikh Zayed Road)
One and Only Royal Mirage Palace (Al Sofouh Road)
Ritz Carlton Dubai (Jumeirah Beach)
Shangri-La Hotel Dubai (Sheikh Zayed Road)
Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort (Al Sofouh Road)
Tamani Hotel Marina (Dubai Marina)
Taj Palace Apartments (Deira)
Sofitel City Center Hotel (adjacent Deira City Shopping Center)
Intercontinental Dubai (Dubai Creek)
Beit Al Bahar Beach Villas (Jumeirah Beach)
Grand Hyatt Dubai (Bur Dubai)

Fun Facts about Burj Khalifa

mehwish9 — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:37:59 +0000

Burj Khalifa is also known as Burj Dubai. It is the tallest sky scraper in Dubai and has a height of 828 meters. Construction of Burj Khalifa began on September 21, 2004. The building was officially opened on 4^th January 2010. Burj Khalifa is a huge tower consisting of residential apartments, Armani Hotel, Four splendid pools, world-class office areas, observatory and other amenities. Some other fun facts about Burj Khalifa are given below:

Burj Khalifa has been named after Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Maktoum who is the president of UAE and ruler of Abu Dhabi.
Burj Khalifa is about twice the stature of Empire State Building.
Architect and engineer of this building is Skidmore, Owings and Merrill.
Floor area of Burj Dubai is 334000 square meters.
This tower uses double-decker elevators in order to present a revolutionary look.
It is the first world’s tallest structure in history that includes residential space. The tower houses 1044 residential apartments.
The highest residential floor is on 109^th floor.
Burj Khalifa has the highest outdoor observation deck in the world. This observation deck is located on 124^th floor.
It has the highest mosque in the world (158^th floor).
This tower also has the highest swimming pool in the world. (76^th floor)
It has the record of being a building with most number of floors that is 160.
Elevators in Burj Khalifa are fastest in the world. It takes just a minute to reach from ground floor to top floor.
The tower has 57 lifts.
There are 28261 of glass panels on exterior of Burj Khalifa.
Top spire of Burj Dubai can be seen from 95 km far-off.
It has been artistically designed to withstand Dubai’s rising temperatures in hot summer. Therefore exterior fascia of Burj Dubai contains 22000 cladding panels that are made of reflective glazing. This glazing is engrained with stainless steel tubular vertical fins.
Burj Dubai also has the record of having world’s highest installation of aluminum and glass fascia, at a height of 512 meters.
Official website of Burj Khalifa is www. burjkhalifa.ae