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....you've never see anything like Dubai!
Welcome to That Dubai Site, Dubai’s Newest City, Tourist & Travel Guide - Clear, Concise & Up To Date, with all the answers you will ever need for a perfect trip to Dubai.
WHY DUBAI?... The manmade Palm Jumeirah in Dubai has been described as The Eighth Wonder of the World, whereas in fact it is Dubai itself that is fast becoming the Worlds Eighth Wonder. Rising franticly but somehow majestically from the golden sands of the UAE it stands as a testament to the philosophy of - Anything is Possible.
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In someways its a city of contradictions; mixing ancient buildings, teachings and traditions with sci-fi glass and concrete metropolises and out of this world adventures...
...But somehow here in Dubai it all just seems to work
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Dubai is a fabulous country who's people are some of the most genuine, hospitable and courteous you will every be likely to encounter anywhere in the world.
But this is not the US or Europe this is the UAE steeped in centuries of tradition and devout religious following. One of the reasons I’m sure you are looking to travel to the UAE is to experience the deep and rich history and traditions on offer; but as in many other countries they have their own ways of doing things which need to be respected.
You may have considered putting off or cancelling a visit to Dubai or other countries in the UAE because of horror stories you may have heard about in the press. So let us as a company that is based outside the UAE but travels there repeatedly for interviews and research give you THE FACTS.
Most of the stories you hear are just that, stories, other are based in fact but written with a twisted perspective. Let us ask you this.... What would happen in your country is someone was bringing in controlled drugs into the country or driving whilst heavily under the influence of alcohol??? Well its not much different in the UAE you will be arrested and possibly face imprisonment. If you openly flaunt the laws of ANY country you have to expect to face the consequences.
Always remember that you are in a different country with a different cultural and belief system to the majority of westerners, we can seem as strange to them as they might sometimes appear to us. Its like the old saying “When in Rome” - it is just common courtesy to respect your hosts as we expect visitors to our country to respect our laws and traditions. The Emirati are traditionally known for their warm hospitality and friendliness.
Dress in a modest way, covering at least the tops of the arms and legs, and avoid tight clothes. it's always best to respect the culture of the land that you are visiting. Don't behave in a manner that might insult Locals, Muslim customs or Beliefs. Don't swear in public or use offensive hand gestures, as you can get fined for these and displays of public affection are frowned upon such as hugging and kissing and under some circumstances these can be deemed as an arrestable offence..
Whilst not forbidden visitors Alcohol in Dubai is confined within areas such as Hotels, Bars or Nightclubs. Local expatriate residents are free to drink in their own homes as long as they have an alcohol licence issued by the municipality. It is illegal to drink in the street or in public places.
Do NOT Drink & Drive - Ever!
The eating of Pork is also forbidden in the Islamic faith but this too is also available for the consumption of visitors and expatriates, and can be found in a separate closed off area within many supermarkets for non-Muslims.
You can read any Travel, Tourist or City guide for anywhere in the world and it will always tell you about the different laws and traditions of that country. The UAE is no different to any other country in the world its just some countries are a little stricter then others.
General Behaviour
Public displays of affection are frowned upon and public sexual acts can lead to jail time followed by deportation.
Dancing and playing loud music in public, swearing and displaying rude gestures in public is discouraged and again can lead to prosecution or arrest.
Clothing
it is preferable for both men and women to have their shoulders and knees covered when not on the beach or at a hotel.
It is NOT appropriate for men to walk along the street bare-chested.
Women should dress more conservatively than when holidaying in Europe or other parts of the western world and should avoid wearing revealing outfits when in busy areas.
Topless sunbathing is NOT permitted on the beaches. Although one-piece swimsuits and bikini's are a common sight on Dubai beaches, avoid sunbathing topless or wearing micro bikinis - even when on the private beaches or at hotels.
Alcohol
Alcohol is widely available at Hotels, Bars, Restaurants, and some Leisure Clubs. Visitors cannot purchase alcohol from a supermarket as this requires an alcohol licence issued by the municipality which is for residents only; however alcohol and cigarettes can be purchased BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE AIRPORT AT THE ARRIVALS DUTY-FREE – Non Muslims only.
It is against the law to drink alcohol whilst walking in the street or to be drunk in a public place.
There is a ZERO tolerance to Drink Driving. Forget the amount of units you are allowed before you are over the limit to drive, as the limit is ZERO; and this means a total ban on the consumption of alcohol whilst in charge of a motor vehicle including the next day.
If you are caught drinking and driving you will face a prison sentence no matter what country you are from. If you are in doubt about the alcohol limits in your blood take a taxi.
Drugs, Prescription and Over the Counter Medications
There is a zero tolerance in Dubai in relation to drugs and illegal substances. Penalties are extremely high and should you be found with the slightest amount of any substance you could face a prison sentence and deportation. In extreme cases of drug trafficking there is also the chance of the death penalty.
Passenger baggage is screened quite thoroughly when entering Dubai. There are also strict controls on some prescription or bought over the counter medicines such as painkillers or cold treatments. A full list of banned medication can be found here.
With regard to Prescription medications if you are still in any doubt after reading the information from the link above then contact the Dubai embassy they are always very helpful. If you’re not sure about over the counter medicines then don’t take them and buy from the local shops whilst out there, as they are readily available.
Pornography
Pornography and pornographic images, media and websites are banned in the UAE.
Homosexuality
Gay and lesbian travellers should be particularly careful, as homosexuality is a criminal offence with the possibility of deportation, you should also avoid any public displays of affection or cross-dressing. This is one place it does not pay to be loud & proud, keep your private life just that - Private!
Photography & Video
When taking photographs in Dubai, please bear in mind local people wearing national dress may take exception to being photographed without their permission. Please also avoid taking pictures especially of women wearing national dress.
Do NOT photograph sensitive areas such as airports & military installations.
Holy Month of Ramadan
Do not Eat, Drink or Smoke outside during daylight hours during holy month of Ramadan, the majority of food outlets, restaurants etc will be closed during sun rise to sunset.
This consumption ban will include general public indoor areas as well, although many of the larger hotels will have special screened off areas for non-Muslims to eat and drink during these hours freely with the exception of alcohol which will only be served after sundown.
Most entertainment venues, bars & clubs will not play live music during this month either.
Ramadan is one of the holy months in the Islamic calendar. Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. The month is spent by Muslims fasting during the daylight hours.
In 2010 Ramadan is between 11th August to 9th September.
Updated Oct 2010
Legal Disclaimer:
The contents of this page is for information purposes only and should not be deemed as Legal Advice in anyway. Legal advice is neither supplied nor inferred.
Please click on any relevant UAE governmental links to obtain detailed advice and support.
We have listed below what we feel will be the main attractions, in terms of restaurant offerings for festive meals, and fireworks organised for the New Year.
The Armani Hotel is offering Festive and New Year celebrations at its Dubai location, inside the world’s tallest structure, the Burg Khalifa.
Armani is determined to make its first Christmas and New Year an experience that will not be forgotten. Armani is notorious for its luxurious approach to everything it does and you will not be disappointed with what you see and certainly what you eat. The hotels festive period runs from 15th December to the 31st December 2010 and will provide festive meals, including a six course luxurious set meal on 23rd and 24th December which includes wine pairing and soft drinks in the set price. The normal Armani ‘A La Carte’ menu is available only on the 23rd of December.
The New Year menu has been announced with an extravaganza day planned, which starts with afternoon pastry then moves onto New Years Aperitivo which includes two glasses of champagne and a selection canapés, then on the countdown to seeing the new year in from 10pm is the A La Carte beverage menu with a light meal available in the Armani lounge, accompanied by the current sounds of the latest hits along with the usual countdown to the new year in to the stroke of midnight. Also available is the Gala Dinner Buffet in the Armani Meditteraneo which will leave you wanting nothing else to eat after experiencing the delicacies that are on offer.
There is also the five course New Year gala dinner held in the Armani Ristorante, where private rooms are available for a group of 8 to 12 people. In the Armani peck you could be having a sumptuous meal which will stay on your mind for the whole of New Year’s Eve and the following year.
The Armani Amal restaurant offers a four course exceptional meal where you can experience the thrill and spills of the fireworks whilst on the terrace with a prime view of the celebrations. The celebrations around the Burj Khalifa are expected to be of an extreme nature with guarantees to light the sky in Dubai where street lighting will not be needed, if the fireworks from the inauguration of the Burj were anything to go by.
The Armani Hashi Japanese restaurant has prime views of the Dubai fountain dancing with itself, whilst enjoying the sounds of the resident DJ, with guarantees to enjoy the best Japanese food available in Dubai.
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At the Address Dubai mall, you are able to treat yourselves to a luxurious selection of set meals with some added extras to make your festive season one that will be truly unforgettable. The meals are set at the three restaurants, Ember Grill and Lounge, Cabana and Na3Na3. The added extras that will set your meal above others available and included in the price are: being collected by the hotels limousine and a babysitting service where the first hour is complimentary. There are also chances to win a “fashion fix”, where the prize is a two night stay in one of the premium suites at the hotel, a shopping trip at the mall where you will be accompanied by a fashion advisor to spend some of the shopping vouchers provided in the prize raffle.
The celebratory festive meals offered, are Christmas Eve dinner at the Ember Grill with dining from 6:30pm to midnight which includes selected drinks in the set price. The Cabana restaurant offers its famous reggae BBQ feast which includes hot food such as Firecracker Prawns, Cajun spiced beef, and jerk chicken, accompanied with house beverages.
The set Christmas day lunch is at the Ember Grill and Lounge, where a glass of bubbly is presented to you on arrival where you will then be shown to your table where you have the choice of main course from Rotisserie chicken or peppered crusty sirloin steak. The sittings at the restaurant run from midday through to 400pm, live music is played in the background to help you relax and enjoy the special day whilst enjoying your festive meal.
Christmas day at the Address Dubai Marina will includes traditional festive foods, these are provided and served at Blends which has a DJ providing music in the background of the restaurant, while Rive Gauche includes drinks and canapés in the yellow lounge.
At the French Gauche restaurant you have a ‘Joyeux Noel’ menu served between 7:00pm and 1130pm
Our Editor at Larges club recommendation for New Years Eve is Neos at The Address Hotel Downtown Burj Dubai.
Neos provides a spectacular sight from the sky lounge, where views include the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain, where the jets of the fountain can shoot as high as 270meters.
Being 63 floors up from the city of Dubai you will have one of the best views in the city where you can celebrate the New Year with your loved ones, and enjoy drinks and canapés with great music played in the background by the resident DJ. The evening starts at 6pm where you on entry you receive a glass of bubbly up until 10pm. 
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The world’s highest restaurant, in the world’s tallest building, with one of the world’s highest hotel inside. The records keep coming in this state of the art building, the Burg Khalifa.
At.mosphere gives a breathtaking view of the skyline of Dubai state and down below stunning ariel views of the world’s tallest performing fountains, whilst providing a menu to take your breath away both in taste and when you pay the bill, however, if you have to ask prices you cannot and should not be eating there.
At.mosphere restaurant serves a maximum of a 200 cover ability at a time with the main foods served being fish and meat on an extensive and exclusive menu. The menus and meals are prepared by the top chefs available in Dubai to ensure that the meals prepared, are of the ‘highest’ standards.
To accompany your meal, your drinking taste buds are catered for with the extensive and exclusive selection of alcoholic drinks, with a wide range of whiskeys, wines and ports from all over the world.
With the website incomplete for the restaurant, great things are expected from this world class restaurant, this will be a restaurant that will be world renowned and the place that celebrities and royalty will be seen at either in the main restaurant or the private dining room that is available to pre book.
One other thing to bear in mind is that there is a minimum spend to the bill, be it for the dinner or simply to come up and spend the evening in the restaurant which turns into a lounge with music played by the resident DJ, however with the cost of the fine food and drink would rarely not meet the amount classed as the minimum spend and this is normal practice for a restaurant of this kind in a location such as this, the restaurant eventually closes at 2am.
Although the past world recession has had a dramatic effect on the tourism of the world, Dubai has high hopes that the recession is at an end. Mr Marc Dardenne, Chief Executive of Emaar Hospitality Group, which manages this and many other high class outlets said “I think really the hospitality business has picked up quite nicely,' “Dubai is still a very attractive destination, with world class hotels and world class restaurants available. Mr Marc Dardenne then went on to say “The choice of two dining concepts within At.mosphere adds to its diversity, making it the ultimate destination for not only high profile guests who seek the world’s best dining out experience, but also for leisure guests.
At.mosphere is led by Executive Chef Dwayne Cheer, and Director of Operations Gabrielle Babini, who have years of international experience. This will ensure that the quality of the experience in At.mosphere is well worth the price tag printed on the menu.
See page 3 of our news section to win two golden tickets to visit At.Mosphere.
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Downtown Dubai is definitely the place to be and to be seen, with the whole of Downtown Dubai being festively decorated and the festive period and New Year being celebrated by all. If the previous year’s firework displays are anything to go by, (and bear in mind that each year everything in Dubai has to be better than before,) you are in for a real treat. The fireworks last year were of a magnitude not seen anywhere else in the world, the display was truly mind blowing and eclipsed anything ever seen before, your jaw will literally drop in awe of the choreography, that will have been practiced on a simulator to ensure that the display will be nothing short of perfection and precision, likened to a military display that will have been practiced all year round.
Another reason we know that the Downtown Dubai area is going to be the place to be this New Years Eve is that its where our Editor-In-Chief and Sub Editor will be spending their evening, If you can find them and mention this site they might even Buy You A celebratory Drink!!!.
Armani Dubai
Ristorante is offering a Christmas Festive Degustation Menu between the same dates from 6:30pm to 11pm. The event will be repeated on New Year’s Eve, with its private terrace closed and secured at 1030pm, there is also the option of dining in a private room as long as there are between 8 and 12 guests to share the room.
Amal and Hashi will be providing their extremely popular a la carte menu over the Christmas season, as well as providing a gala dinner on New Year’s Eve between 7:30pm and 11pm with a midnight toast.
For New Year, the best place for the countdown to 2012 is without doubt the Armani Lounge for the socialites, with a live DJ providing the latest hits to dance to on a specially constructed dance floor, whilst waiting for the fireworks that will set Dubai alight, which you watch from outside of the Burj Khalifa or on the giant screens inside the Armani Lounge. The lounge will be open at 10pm and close at 1am.
Privé will also be hosting a New Years Eve countdown, where entry is open to over 21yrs old only and includes an exclusive gift from Armani. Privé is open 11pm until 3am to enjoy the evening.
All these options may need to be pre booked; the relevant information is listed on the Armani website.
http://dubai.armanihotels.com/
At.mosphere
At.mosphere, being the highest point to celebrate the coming of the New Year, will as usual be the “high point” to end one year and start a new one. Starting with a festive brunch on 23rd December where an A la carte option can be extended for main courses, with the set price dining options available with or without drinks included.
The At.mosphere grill has lunch and dinner sessions complete with a festive eggnog drink between 23-25th December. Lunch is a 3 course serving and dinner a 4 course extravaganza, whilst to celebrate the coming new year on New Year’s eve, the lounge area offers a set price window or non window view complete with 2Glasses of Champagne and Dinner Canapés which are served between 8pm and midnight where the firework and fountain displays will be happening way down below and all around you. To get a window view you will have to book early to guarantee your place, and from experience if you haven’t booked yet you may be too late. There is a premium for a window view but it is well worth the price in our opinion.
If you want to dine in style while the celebratory fireworks and fountains are dancing and flickering around you, the perfect way to do this is to book at the At.mosphere grill where a banquet style 5 course set meal is served to you in the normal professional and impeccable manner that is standard at this fantastic venue. Included in the two set price options depending on your booking are either wine pairing or a bottle of Dom Perignon per couple. All Christmas and New Year the meals at At.mosphere may need to be pre booked, the relevant information is listed on the At.mosphere website. http://www.atmosphereburjkhalifa.com/
The Address Downtown Dubai
This is ideal for the festive season particularly New Years Eve, when the fountains and fireworks are displayed to stunning effect accompanied with music, to celebrate the coming of a new year. For an additional cost premium at the Address Hotel, you are able to book a room with a view of the fountain and tower. This then gives you the option of staying in your own room relaxing with a drink on your own private balcony, where you can view the highly choreographed firework and fountain display.
There is also a huge club room balcony outside, where you can enjoy the display in style if you are booked into a club room.
There are other ways to enjoy the display from the hotel, either from some of the 13 restaurants that may have views from the windows, or the most advantageous view you will get is from the sky lounge. Neos is the upmarket bar and lounge area on the 63rd floor that is open to residents and members of the public.
From the large window area that has ample seating for many people you will enjoy spectacular views of the city’s skyline, incredible sunsets and a prime viewing area of the Burj Khalifa, that towers a further 100 storeys higher than Neos and standing over 2,700 feet high. Down below the tower and in front of the hotel, you will have an uninterrupted view of the Dubai Fountain.
Festive meals and activities at the Address Hotel include:
In the lounge lobby area Risala between 3pm and 6pm, you can relax with a “Festive Afternoon Tea” each day during December except New Years Day.
On the 22nd December, children can enjoy the ultimate festive treat that will be held at the Sapphire Ballroom. “The candy shop festive kid’s tea party” held between 2pm and 5pm offers games, fun, live entertainment and treats for the children. The highlight for the children will be the festive candy shop.
Christmas Eve between 7pm and 11pm at “Fazaris” is the perfect way to enjoy yourselves with a festive feast labelled “Martinis Brunch Fork Buffet”, that can be enjoyed on the terrace under the stars, or inside the chic restaurant. There are two package options that include either soft beverages or unlimited bubbly and certain selected beverages. A New Years Eve dinner is available at Fazaris between 7pm and 1pm, with drink options of soft beverages or unlimited bubbly and select house beverages.
Christmas day offers two eating options for those that don’t want to cook at home, or simply want to enjoy themselves in a restaurant. In the Sky Lounge Bar “Neos” you will be waited on like a king with sumptuous food, beverages and bubbly, within the confines of the chic and luxurious lounge, this is between the hours of 12:30pm and 4pm. Neos is the most exclusive place in the hotel to be on New Year’s Eve, with the bar open between 6pm and 2:30am the following morning. There is a minimum spend per table at Neos where you will be served canapés and served a glass of bubbly.
Also available in the hotel to eat on Christmas day, is a “Christmas Day Feast” at the Restaurant “Zeta” where an exceptional menu is available, as well as a raw seafood bar, this meal is available between the hours of 12:30pm to 3:00pm and 6:00pm to 2:30am. Zeta is one of the best places to eat in downtown Dubai with a five course dinner that comes with unlimited bubbly and soft beverages between 6:00pm and 2:30am.
A New Years Eve dinner is available at Hukama between 7pm and 1pm, with drink options of soft beverages or unlimited bubbly and select house beverages.
The bar “Calabar” is open to both the public and residents and for New Year’s Eve, where a minimum spend is applicable per table, and is open between the hours of 10:30pm and 2:30am.
For the Gentlemen of Dubai the renowned “Cigar Lounge Celebrations” is open between 6pm and 2:30am on New Year’s Eve. You will be served a complimentary glass of bubbly on arrival, and you will have access to the “Oyster Buffet.” There is also a minimum beverage spend at the table.
For further details of all restaurants, bars and activities please visit http://www.myfestivedubai.com/ There may be a minimum spend payment per table, as well as entry fees to pay to access them.
The Address Dubai Mall
Christmas Day starts with a relaxed brunch at Cabana, where you will be able to sample the chef’s barbecued food whilst the DJ plays a wide mix of music including festive tunes from years gone by. There will also be a barbeque on new year’s eve where you are invited to dress up in style for Cabanas white night and dance the night away by the poolside to the top tunes of the current year, if you prefer to relax whilst watching people dance and have a bit of privacy whilst doing so in style, there is a premium lounge butler service available to serve your drinks to you.
Other places to celebrate around the down town Dubai locale is the trendy “Ember” just off of Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue, where you can relax and dine in style with a tasty four course set menu dinner whilst enjoying the sound of the Bossa Nova band, and take part in a spectacular midnight balloon drop. This is available on Christmas eve where you will receive a complimentary drink to welcome you to the restaurant welcome drink. The following day, being the most exciting day of the year, Ember has on offer a royal Christmas day brunch where marinated seafood of the highest quality along with all the trimming is on the menu, accompanied by a live band playing in the background. To keep the children happy, there will be a special visit by Santa.
On New Years Eve, the band “swing brazil” will be playing the latest Brazilian and Bossa Nova tunes, whilst you tuck into a five course meal after you are served complimentary oysters and bubbly as you arrive.
If you want to round off the old year in spectacular style and welcome in the new year with a massive smile, the New Year’s Eve celebration at the Diamond ballroom, found in The Address Dubai Mall is a must. This event promises to be a truly exceptional 1001 Arabian Nights’ celebration. The entertainment provided is a nonstop event which starts on arrival with a glass of bubbly served to you. Once inside you will be treated to a truly lavish international buffet, with fresh food cooked on live cooking stations. There is a live violinist show of tremendous quality which will have you truly inspired to have wished that you were able to play as eloquently as that. There are belly dancers, a Desert Queen & Slaves show, a laser show of epic proportions, the latest tunes played by an international DJ plus of course the most important event of the evening, a live broadcast of the Burj Khalifa Fireworks show at midnight.
http://www.myfestivedubai.com/
The Palace – The Old Town
An extra special event and exclusive treat for the children in your life is the Elves Tea Party, where the children can get to meet Santa, this is on 17th December between 3pm and 6pm. Included in the price is a special buffet made up of bite size tasty treats, with chocolate fountains and other sweet treats. It is good value for money at the tea party not only for the food but the activities included such as face painting, storytelling and as mentioned a visit from the big man himself, plus many other activities, your children can get their photo taken with Santa as a memento of the day. The end of the evening is finalised with the lighting of the Christmas tree, to end a fantastic day that the children will remember for many years. This event is held in the Royal Ballroom and is limited in numbers, it must be pre booked to avoid disappointment
A Christmas day menu is on offer at the Ewaan lounge to save you cooking your own festive brunch. A traditional festive meal of turkey and all the trimmings, as well as fresh fish, game and caviar is served between 1230 and 430pm, whilst being entertained by live entertainment. Included in the price is a selection of beverages including a glass of bubbly. Further details are available on the following link, where you can find out how and where to pre book your festive event. http://www.myfestivedubai.com/
