Travel 2’s Essential Guide to Dubai

Travel 2’s

Essential Guide to

Dubai

INTRODUCTION

Welcome!

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ocated on the Arabian Gulf, Dubai’s transformation in recent years has been nothing short of stratospheric.

A focal point for trade through the ages and most recently a financial superpower, Dubai has established itself as a destination as synonymous with tourism as it is for industry, with an array of activities and events which may surprise you!

Practically unrivalled in terms of its shopping and hospitality, Dubai has established itself as the world’s premier location for festivals and events. With a plethora of indoor and outdoor venues, year-round sunshine, superb flight connections and exceptional choice in accommodation, the emirate is perfectly geared up for some of the biggest events on the global social calendar. With events ranging from shopping and food festivals, to the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens – the oldest sporting tournament in the Middle East – there is always a spectacular event going on in Dubai that can really enhance your clients’ holiday.

This comprehensive destination guide will act as a practical selling tool to equip you with the knowledge to confidently sell package holidays to Dubai. Included in this supplement you will find details on all of Dubai’s latest innovations and

Gordon McCreadie Director of Sales & Marketing

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attractions, the big headline events of the year, information from some of our key partners, and insider tips from our Product Team that will help you plan your clients’ perfect Dubai holiday.

Travel 2 offers unrivalled variety when it comes to holidays to Dubai, including family holidays, couples’ getaways, decadent luxury escapes and touring and cruising options, all at competitive prices. With our broad range of partners, we can tailor-make a dream Dubai getaway for all client types.

With the information provided within this supplement, combined with our extensive product range and expert staff, we are fully committed to maximising and increasing your sales to this fascinating city.

Our team in Glasgow really know Dubai and go out of its way to help our agents. In addition, our unparalleled marketing and promotional support and exciting incentive programme makes Travel 2 your operator of choice for Dubai holiday bookings.

We hope this guide will provide you with the information you need to confidently sell Dubai. And don’t forget, Travel 2’s expert and friendly sales staff are on hand to assist you will all your Dubai enquiries.

INFORMATION

Essential Information Climate

Dubai is sub-tropical with sunshine year round. During summer temperatures can reach over 40 degrees Celsius, with the winter months still remaining comfortably warm with an average of 24 degrees Celsius in January. Rainfall is minimal year round.

Time difference GMT + 4 hours.

Language

Arabic is the ofďŹ cial language and English is a widely-spoken second language.

Visas

A visa is not required for stays up to 90 days

Flight information

Emirates and Qantas offer a number of ights from various UK airports direct to Dubai, with other carriers also offering direct services from London Heathrow, or indirect services from across the UK.

Flying time from the UK

Approximately 6 hours 45 minutes.

Currency

Arab Emirate Dirham (AED).

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FLYING TO DUBAI

Getting to Dubai The formation of the Emirates and Qantas partnership in 2013 heralded an exciting new chapter in long haul travel.

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y combining forces, the two flagship carriers created a global alliance that improved connection options for travellers around the world. And nowhere has this had a bigger impact than on travel to Dubai.

Passengers from the UK have been able to reap the rewards, with the Emirates and Qantas partnership boosting regional departures. Between them, the airlines now offer 19 flights to Dubai from a choice of six UK airports.

On board, passengers can enjoy world-class service, regionally inspired gourmet cuisine with beverages to match, and award-winning in-flight entertainment. There’s a generous baggage allowance in all classes too; Economy Class 20-35kg, Premium Economy/ Business Class 40kg and First Class 50kg.

First Class and Business Class passengers can take advantage of a complimentary Chauffeur-drive service, expedited check-in, dedicated

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baggage handling and luxurious lounges – ensuring a seamless journey from start to finish. Benefits are also available to loyaltymembers. Emirates Skyward members and Qantas Frequent Flyers – as well as travellers in premium cabins – have access to Emirates and Qantas Lounges. This includes access to Emirates’ First Class and Business Class Lounges in Concourse A in Dubai Terminal 3. On board Qantas, guests can upgrade to a Premium Economy cabin, which includes priority check in and boarding, a larger, more comfortable cabin and seat, as well as upgraded dining and amenities.

On flights from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Birmingham and Manchester, passengers can experience the Emirates A380 offering the highest level of luxury and comfort. Emirates Skywards members and Qantas Frequent Flyers are also able to earn points/miles on any part of the Emirates/Qantas network.

DUBAI AIRPORT

Experiencing Dubai Airport Dubai International Airport has evolved to become not just a vital airline hub but also an experience in itself.

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ince its opening in 1960 the airport has been at the forefront of innovation – growing at an astonishing average of 15% per year to now serve more than 66 million passengers. The drive to deliver the very best service continues, with a $7.8bn investment plan in place that promises to boost capacity to 100 million passengers per year by the end of the decade. Dubai International Airport is a destination in itself, boasting world-class restaurants, superb shopping featuring the best designer goods and the fastest airport wifi in the world. Passengers may even find themselves in the crowd watching some great new music acts, with the MusicDXB initiative showcasing the talents of international stars.

Qantas flights

to Dubai use Emirates’ Concourse A in Terminal 3, purposefully designed for A380 aircraft and the first facility of its kind anywhere in the world.

A brand new state-of-the-art facility, Concourse A includes expansive First Class and Business Class lounges that run the length of the Concourse, with direct boarding from the lounges to the Concourse’s 20 gates. The Concourse also offers superb duty-free shopping opportunities, dining and a spa.

Alternatively, chill out in the Zen Gardens, Dubai International’s very own natural paradise, complete with fish ponds, trees and benches on which to settle down and pass the time with a good book or email catch-up.

Located near gates B7 and B27 in Terminal 3, the Zen Gardens are the airport’s very own little slice of nature, serving up an oasis of tranquility.

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SUMMER IN DUBAI

Hot stuff!

With a jam-packed festival and events calendar there is always something for visitors to enjoy in Dubai.

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he fun doesn’t stop as the temperatures rise in the summer, with endless activity options indoors and outside. The summer months can be one of the best times to visit as hotels and airlines often offer fantastic rates during this period.

Family Fun

Dubai is a complete family destination with some excellent entertainment to thrill visitors of all tastes and ages. All the major resorts offer excellent childcare facilities, which means everyone in the family can make the most of their holiday time. Of course, vacations are about enjoying time together too, and when it comes to attractions for the whole family, Dubai really excels.

Atlantis The Palm, Dubai offers exceptional value for families, thanks to the Aquaventure Waterpark and a host of educational activities and events.

Adventure Seekers

With year-round sun and a dramatic combination of desert and beach, Dubai is the perfect setting to be swept away by high-adrenaline activities. Rocket

across the Arabian Gulf in a speedboat or roar around a track in a race car, skydive over Palm Jumeirah, waterski around The World, zip-line through the heart of the city, paddleboard along the coast or swim with dolphins and sharks.

You can even soar above the sand in a hot air balloon. Escaping to the desert on dune-bashing safaris are popular excursions – make sure to pick a tour that includes a bit of sand-boarding.

Your clients can try camel riding for an extra thrill, followed by fun and feasting as the sun sets.

Gastronomy

Dim sum or Arabic mezze, street eats or Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants – there’s always a new culinary experience to discover in Dubai. How about dining in the clouds atop the Burj Khalifa or feasting on farm-to-table menus at organic restaurants?

More than 200 different nationalities live in Dubai, making this international destination a true capital of gastronomy.

Embarking on a culinary journey doesn’t

Family Fun For an affordable evening out, check out the Dubai Fountain. The captivating water and light spectacle offers shows every 30 minutes from 6pm to 11pm daily. Afterwards, head into The Dubai Mall, with over 150 dining outlets

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Gastronomy All guests booked via Travel 2 receive a complimentary ‘Dine in Dubai’ booklet on arrival, which contains a whole host of discounts at food and beverage outlets. This great offer is a fantastic sales benefit your clients will love

PIC TO COME

ENDLESS ACTIVITIES

Shopping A trip to the local Spice Souk offers visitors the chance to combine two of Dubai’s greatest loves – shopping and dining. With countless types of spices, herbs, and fruit on offer, visitors are always encouraged to try before they buy

automatically mean high prices, with thousands of eateries catering for every palette and budget. Try Emirati street food from one of the excellent vendors for a low-cost taste of the region, or alternatively treat yourself in one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants.

Food is a massive part of the lifestyle and this is most evident at the weekend, of which Friday is the first day. Head to one of the many restaurants offering Friday Brunch – a surefire feast for the eyes and the stomach!

Shopping

Dubai is a shopper’s paradise! The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates offer bigname retailers in sleek surroundings, while the Dubai Outlet Mall is the place to head if you’re in search of a designer bargain. For a more authentic experience, seek out gold, handicrafts and spices in one of the excellent

Family Activities

 Head to The Dubai Mall to enjoy one of the mall’s spectacular family entertainment attractions, all in air-conditioned luxury  Visit Ski Dubai – the Middle East’s first indoor ski resort  Take a trip to KidZania – a city made for and run by children, offering them the chance to take ‘real jobs’ in a pint-sized world  Both adults and children will revel in the gaming available at Sega Republic  Feel the rush at the new IMG Worlds of Adventure, the world’s largest indoor theme park  Indulge your love of Lego,

traditional souks. The month-long Dubai Summer Surprises festival sees promotions at more than 6,000 shops.

Ramadan Myth-busters

The holy month of Ramadan is a period of sharing, tolerance and a celebration of religion, meaning guests are sure to receive the warmest of welcomes. Dubai radiates positivity during its holiest time, with some excellent promotions during the period.

Many private and public organisations host events throughout the month, bringing different nationalities together to share in the generous Emirati hospitality. Don’t miss traditions such as Iftars (the evening meal to break one’s fast), the Holy Quran recital competition, and Ramadan Night Market.

Hollywood or Bollywood at the mega theme parks from Dubai Parks and Resorts  Visit the Dubai Aquarium to learn about our oceans. And afterwards why not experience the ocean first-hand? No family trip to Dubai would be complete without a trip to cool off at one of the many available beaches, either at a resort or one of the public beaches

Culture & the Arts

Dubai prides itself on its rich cultural offering. World-class galleries, theatres and museums offer a wealth of thoughtprovoking educational and

Culture & The Arts One of the best ways to experience Dubai is aboard a traditional wooden abra boat.

Recommend your clients take a short cruise from Dubai Creek to Deira, where they can admire the traditional architecture along the way

entertainment experiences.

Alternatively, clients can get out and discover more of Dubai’s traditions and history.  Take a water taxi to the gold, spice and textile souks  Discover the importance of pearl diving in the region at the Emirates NBD Pearl Museum  Visit the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding for local history and Islamic culture  Galleries can also be found all over the city from the Al Quoz district to the Dubai International Financial District

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WINTER IN DUBAI

Luxury Experiences If your clients are celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a little thrill then a helicopter tour of Dubai is a must.

This is the ideal way to see Dubai in a limited time, and comes with some pretty impressive views

Winter Wins With year-round sunshine, Dubai is the obvious choice for Brits in need of some warmth in the winter months.

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f course, no holiday would be complete without a trip to the beach. Dubai has plenty of choice, with lots of resorts operating their own private beaches, alongside the great selection of public beaches.

Whichever seaside option you

choose, you can count on clean sands and waters, and in many cases the reassurance of trained lifeguards.

Beaches also boast an array of fun activities for all ages, including parasailing, jet skis, scuba diving and boating.

Luxury Experiences

If you want luxury experiences, Dubai’s the city that can make it happen. Whether clients are visiting during the winter months or in the summer sun, Dubai offers plenty to keep discerning travellers happy throughout the year.

Here are some of our favourite ways to live it up in Dubai year-round: Enjoy a VIP shopping experience at The Dubai Mall Cruise on a private yacht – there’s no better way to tour the city shoreline than aboard a luxury yacht Swim with dolphins – at Atlantis The Palm’s Dolphin Bay, animal lovers are able to experience a one-on-one private experience with the ocean’s friendliest mammals Indulge at a spa – Dubai is home to a wide range of fantastic spas, many of which have unique themes, styles and concept treatments Enjoy sweeping vistas of Dubai’s skyscrapers, beaches and

architecture on a thrilling 40-minute seaplane flight with Seawings

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WHAT TO DO IN 2017

Festivals & Events There’s always something going on in Dubai. It is where the whole world comes together to be part of breathtaking performances, thrilling championships, once-in-a-lifetime shows and incredible events.

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ere are just some of the great happenings on the calendar for 2017 and beyond.

June:

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan begins on May 27 this year and runs until June 25. Festivities put the emphasis on family time. Be prepared to see a city operating at a different pace, and look forward to fun and friendly evenings.

Dubai’s many eateries come to life for

Iftar (the breaking of the fast at sunset) with dedicated menus and even purpose-built marquees with special food and entertainment. Similarly, the end of Ramadan – known as Eid – is marked with a national holiday, shopping events and music.

July: The annual Dubai Summer

Surprises festival gets into full swing.

This fun-packed event mixes shopping discounts, live shows and competitions across a host of malls and attractions.

August: Throughout the summer Dubai Sports World turns the destination into a paradise for fitness fans. Indoor and outdoor facilities will be laying on lessons and demonstrations across a range of sporting disciplines, plus there is exhibition matches from some of the world’s top stars.

For 2018...

The Dubai Shopping Festival takes place every January with promotions and fashion shows popping up across 50-plus malls and souks. Expect big discounts, plus the chance to enjoy top entertainment from big stars

September: The

performing arts get a supercharged boost in September as Dubai Opera hosts a series of spectacular performances.

Mozart comes to the fore with shows including The Marriage of Figaro, Cosi fan Tutti and Don Giovanni.

October: As high season begins

the activities programme cranks up. October’s roster of fun includes something for all ages, including the Middle East Games video gaming tournament; the Desert Warrior Challenge endurance race; Fashion Forward Dubai and world-famous Sensation Dubai.

November: The world’s top golfers

arrive to compete in the DP World Tour Championship. Part of the European Tour, prize money for the event tops $8 million. Winners might like the sound of the Dubai International Motor Show, which showcases the newest, and most expensive, cars on the market.

December: Sports fans are spoilt for choice in December, with the Dubai Rugby Sevens, badminton’s World Superseries and Dubai Ladies Masters’ golf events all taking place.

Meanwhile, the Dubai International Film Festival thrills movie buffs.

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WHERE TO STAY

One&Only Resorts Dubai’s hotels and resorts will dazzle and delight, and there is something to suit every taste.

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reathtaking luxury, legendary hospitality and outstanding facilities all come as standard at any of One&Only Resorts’ Dubai properties. Whichever stunning resort your clients choose to stay in, they will have the added benefit of complimentary access to Aquaventure Waterpark (one ticket per person, per stay).

One&Only The Palm

Offering the exclusivity of an island-style getaway but close to the heart of the vibrant epicentre of Dubai, the One&Only The Palm is quite unlike any other resort in Dubai. Intricate gardens, fountains, inviting pools and sparkling sands provide a grandeur and serenity which will leave clients in a true state of bliss.

Guests can enjoy kayaking, windsurfing and jet-skiing or take a more genteel approach by whiling away their time in the One&Only private spa.

One&Only Royal Mirage

One&Only Royal Mirage is an elegant and stylish retreat, providing the best of contemporary Dubai and a relaxing beach atmosphere. Set along a kilometre of private coastline within 65 acres of scented gardens, days are filled with the One&Only Spa, exceptional dining, and endless play in pools and sea.

Residents can choose to take advantage of its proximity to the exciting hustle and bustle of the city centre or never have to leave the luxury of their resort. With spectacular views over Palm Island Bay, three equally distinctive properties – The Palace, Arabian Court and Residence & Spa – create a wondrous destination paying tribute to Arabian hospitality on a truly regal scale, making each guests experience truly unique. What’s more, guests staying on the half board Dine Around plan will have the choice of seven exciting dining venues.

One&Only The Palm This is perfect for everyone from honeymooners to families.

I recommend its Palm Beach Mansions. These are dotted around the grounds, offer privacy and are close to beach and pool.

Ben Murtagh – Thames Travel

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One&Only Royal Mirage “This is at the top of my list for those wanting a romantic and memorable holiday. The resort has a 1km beach, incorporating views from every angle, from the Palm to the Dubai Skyline.”

David Walker – The Travel Snob

WHERE TO STAY

Atlantis The Palm

Upgrade your clients to half-board With a choice of 16 amazing restaurants, bars and lounges, all included in the half-board plan, Atlantis The Palm offers unrivalled choice for dining.

Encapsulating the spirit of the lost city of Atlantis, this luxury resort takes pride of place on Dubai’s iconic Palm.

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et in opulent surroundings, Atlantis The Palm is the ultimate water world, mixing highadrenaline thrills of its Aquaventure Waterpark with the wonder of its exotic Lost Chambers Aquarium. Dive in the Ambassador Lagoon, get up close to dolphins and sealions or relax and unwind among the many five starfacilities.

Guests can enjoy almost a mile of pristine private beach, two large pools, 23 food and beverage outlets, a state-ofthe-art gym, and the luxurious ShuiQi Spa on site.

Supervised kids’ clubs mean there is always something to keep little ones entertained (and give mum and dad a break!)

Guests staying in a Club Suite can take advantage of all the benefits of The Imperial Club Lounge. Club Suites enjoy spectacular water views across The Palm and the Dubai skyline or the Arabian Sea and have a separate living area and balcony offering more space to relax or entertain. An interconnecting room gives the flexibility of adding an additional bedroom, perfect for larger families and groups travelling together.

Atlantis The Palm, Dubai “This is the perfect choice for families! With free access to Aquaventure Waterpark included, your clients will have a little more spare spending money to enjoy the other delights of this city.”

Wendy Veal – Wendy Veal Luxury Travel

Imperial Club Benefits             

Afternoon tea service Beverages and canapés Club Rush daytime access Atlantis Kids’ Club daytime access Access to the exclusive Imperial Club Beach Dedicated lounge for check-in and check-out Internet access in Room or Suite (as applicable) Light snacks and soft drinks throughout the day Imperial Club Lounge access between 7am and 11pm N’Dulge nightclub access (excluding ticketed events) Two-for-one head, neck & shoulder massages per stay Use of steam, sauna and jet pool facilities at ShuiQi Spa Breakfast can be enjoyed in your room, in the Imperial Club Lounge or in buffet restaurants

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