Concierge Dubai blog

Going for gold

admin — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:29:00 +0000

One of the world’s most luxurious hotels, Burj Al Arab, is making stays at the iconic property even more enticing by offering guests 24-carat gold iPads on arrival. The Dubai hotel is the first in the world to offer Interactive Customer Experience (ICE) software available on the golden gadgets. Designed specifically for Burj Al Arab and engraved with the hotel’s logo, each guest will be presented with a glittering iPad on check-in which can then be used as a ‘virtual concierge’ to access information and hotel services such as the Guest Services Directory, restaurant information and the spa menu. Bespoke services such as, private dining or butler and housekeeping services can also be accessed through the iPad service.
“Our exclusive Burj Al Arab 24-carat gold iPads epitomise Jumeirah’s philosophy of ‘Stay Different’ and further enhance our guests’ experience during their stay,”said Heinrich Morio, Burj Al Arab’s general manager. He added: “We have also recently introduced iMacs inside all our suites to ensure that we offer thoroughly modern guest experiences and keep up with hospitality industry trends.”
“The Gold & Co. London 24-carat gold iPad is the ultimate in luxury accessories, hence we wanted it to be paired with Burj Al Arab, the world’s most luxurious hotel. The symmetry is obvious as both the gold iPad and the hotel are unique in terms of extraordinary quality and design,” said Amjad Ali, CEO of Gold & Co. London.
In October 2012, the hotel premiered an exclusive 24-carat rose gold iPad as part of its Pinking Burj Al Arab campaign in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A single 24-carat rose gold iPad was created by Gold & Co. London especially for the cause and had an engraved pink ribbon and the hotel’s logo on it.
The 24-carat gold iPad will soon be available for purchase at Burj Al Arab’s bespoke boutique, alongside other cutting-edge technology products such as, the gold iPad mini, gold iPhone 5 and gold BlackBerry Q10.

Looking to the future

admin — Sun, 05 May 2013 06:28:13 +0000

A bold new vision for Dubai is set to further develop its status as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has unveiled Dubai’s new Tourism Vision for 2020 which aims to attract 20 million visitors a year to the emirate and AED300 billion in annual revenues by the year 2020. The plan aims to treble the annual contribution made by tourism to the emirate’s economy while recording a two-fold increase in tourist arrivals, compared to the tourist traffic of 10million last year.
Sheikh Mohammed said the UAE has become one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet with ambitious developmental initiatives and high quality projects. “We are aware that such goals are ambitious, but more important than ambition is realising these goals in reality,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
Developed by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, the vision sets out how the city will double its annual visitor numbers from 10 million in 2012 to 20 million in 2020, and increase the economic contribution of the tourism sector.
“The strategy behind Dubai Tourism Vision 2020 is to further leverage a sector which has been a central pillar in the city’s economic growth, success and diversification,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of DTCM. He said the strategy aims to succeed by focusing on two main areas. “The first is to widen our range of tourism offerings across events, attractions, infrastructure, services and packages and to enhance the overall visitor experience from arrival to departure. The second tenet is to adapt our marketing approach in order to showcase Dubai to a wider audience and grow the conversion rate of awareness to bookings,”Almarri said.
DTCM has also identified key markets as having significant potential for growth. These include Latin America, China and the emerging economies of Africa. Almarri added: “Meeting these objectives in addition to driving up the average length of stay (currently at 3.76 days) and increasing the amount of money spent by tourists during their visits will lead to the trebling of the economic contribution that tourism makes to the emirate’s Gross Domestic Product. The vision of His Highness has created a destination with experiences that no other city can offer. We have a number of attractions that are famous throughout the world including the world’s tallest building Burj Khalifa, the Burj Al Arab and The Palm Jumeirah, the world’s largest shopping malls and an incredible infrastructure which acts as a magnet for global travellers.”
To widen the range of tourism offerings, Dubai will have three key areas of focus as the world’s leading family destination, as an event destination, and as a business destination.
“We see no distinction between the business traveller and the leisure visitor. Today’s conference delegate is tomorrow’s holidaymaker and there are a number of steps we can take to encourage the business travellers to extend their stay or return for leisure trips with friends and family,” said Almarri.

Summer in the city

admin — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 08:52:43 +0000

Dubai’s status as one of the world’s leading tourist destinations is set to be further enhanced by an exciting new programme of events ‘Summer is Dubai’. The 13-week season of entertaining activities will see visitors and residents alike find something new and exciting on offer every week during June, July and August. Dubai’s world class hotels, amazing air-conditioned shopping malls, famed water parks and unique attractions make it the ideal holiday destination. First-time visitors will find a hassle-free experience, from landing at one of the world’s most modern international airports to knowledgeable taxi drivers, tourism information facilities and simple visa entry procedures.
During the summer months visitors will find a wide range of exciting promotions and offers as part of Summer is Dubai. Annual shopping extravaganza Dubai Summer Surprises(DSS) starts the spectacular season. The month-long festival sees the whole city come alive with entertainment, special offers, competitions and the world’s best shopping. This year, DSS will be followed by ‘Ramadan in Dubai’, a broad spectrum of unique events held over a one-month period. Visitors will get the chance to experience the spiritual ambience during this important time in the Islamic calendar. There is also the opportunity to discover Emirati hospitality and traditions during this special time when the city is transformed into a vibrant cultural hub of activities inspired by the values of the Holy Month. The Summer is Dubai experience continues with the joyous ‘Eid in Dubai’ festivities during Eid Al Fitr. Eid in Dubai provides a wide range of events that bring together the varied cultural backgrounds of Dubai’s visitors and residents as they celebrate in harmony. For youngsters and the young at heart there is Modhesh World. This indoor edutainment park is dedicated to Dubai’s friendly summer mascot Modhesh and will be operational throughout the 13 weeks of Summer is Dubai where there is an endless array of fun activities for children to enjoy. Dubai Events & Promotions, organisers of Summer Is Dubai, are confident the three months of summer are set to offer the most exciting and varied visitor experience to date, confirming Dubai’s status as a year-round destination offering memories that will last a lifetime.

Dawn of a new era

admin — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 06:17:59 +0000

The first large-scale exhibition of the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s permanent collection was opened this week by HH Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, vice chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

A number of local and international dignitaries were present for the occasion, including Jean-Luc Martinez, the newly appointed president-director of the Musée Du Louvre, Henri Loyrette, president of the Scientific Council of Agence France Museums (AFM) and former president-director of the Musée du Louvre and HE Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General of TCA Abu Dhabi, who commented that “Birth of a Museum symbolises the commitment of Abu Dhabi towards creating a museum collection that reflects the cultural ambitions of our city and its leaders.”

On display in the new exhibit are almost 130 works acquired by the museum to date. Among these is a sculpture of a Bactrian Princess from the third millennium BCE, a golden bracelet from the Middle East that dates back around 3000 years and a number of paintings, including The Good Samaritan by Jacob Jordaens, one of the 17th century Flemish masters, and A Young Emir Studying by Oman Hemdy Bey from 1878. The exhibition also showcases a selection of pieces from the James Ivory miniature collection and a cycle of nine canvases by contemporary artist, Cy Twombly.

The exhibit is complemented by a busy programme of talks, tours and workshops designed to elucidate the significance of each work and expand on the themes of the collection overall. Central here is the idea of universalism, which will underpin the museum as a whole when it opens in a few years time.

The aim of this exhibition, says Tahnoon al Nahyan, chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), is to give people a better idea of the museum’s ambience and aesthetics and to begin to tell the story of its birth. “The whole exhibition is another chance for visitors from the UAE and abroad to see the remarkable art works in the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s permanent collection as we prepare for the museum’s opening,” he adds.

Birth of a Museum runs from April 22 to July 20 at Manarat al Saadiyat. For more details contact: 02 4061400

Shooting Stars

admin — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 08:28:10 +0000

The Gulf Film Festival (GFF) officially begins today with a glittering opening ceremony attended by a host of stage and screen stars from across the region. The glamorous launch event, held at Dubai Festival City, will also be attended by His Highness Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and the festival patron.
Now in its sixth edition, the annual celebration of Gulf cinema presents an eclectic mix of 169 films from 43 countries, of which 93 originate from within the GCC. The line-up will include 78 world premieres, 15 international premieres, 42 Middle East premieres and six GCC premieres. Alongside screenings will be awards, master classes and networking sessions with a host of directors and producers. The festival runs until April 17 at Grand Cinemas Dubai Festival City and all screenings are free to the public. During the opening ceremony, Kuwaiti actor and playwright Mohammed Jaber will be honoured with a lifetime achievement award from IWC Schaffhausen, the festival’s official time partner.
Abdulhamid Juma, Festival Chairman said: “Our esteemed honoree this year is one of the artists who established the groundwork for the exciting, dynamic film community developing here in the GCC. We at GFF are working year on year to build on this legacy and to accommodate the astronomical growth of the film industry in the Gulf, from promoting our established artists to developing up and coming talents.”
The Opening Night film will be Wadjda, the first feature film shot entirely in Saudi Arabia which tells the simple story of a determined little Saudi girl who goes to great lengths to buy her own bicycle despite possible social repercussions. The film has won numerous awards, including three awards at the prestigious Venice Film Festival and Best Actress awards at the Dubai International Film Festival in December 2012.
For more information on screenings, individual films and venues, visit gulffilmfest.com

A brand new store

admin — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 07:09:00 +0000

With it’s mix of designers and high-end accessories it’s no surprise that Valencia Shoes feels it will be welcomed with open arms in Abu Dhabi. The luxury multi-brand store, which stocks a range of brands from Salvatore Ferragamo and Roberto Cavalli to Guiseppe Zanotti and Tosca Blu, opened its doors for the first time in the UAE capital at a new Marina Mall boutique.

In addition to the selection of popular, well-known brands on its shelves, Valencia has also introduced a number of new names, including Charles Philip Shanghai, Barbara Bui, Gina, Jerome C. Rousseau and Gedebe.

“Demand for brands is very high in the UAE and customers here are extremely well-acquainted with the latest lines and collections,” says Basheer Ahmed, general manager of Valencia. “We offer shoes, bags and accessories from almost 60 luxury brands, all chosen with a view to what people want in this region,” he adds.

In Abu Dhabi, he says, the more well-known brands are the most appreciated. Among the most popular are Guiseppe Zanotti, Fabi and Tosca Blu, all of which have a particularly large fan base in the capital, Ahmed adds.

Riding High

admin — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 06:46:54 +0000

Thousands of race goers enjoyed a sensational show, both on and off the track, at The Dubai World Cup yesterday. The world’s finest thoroughbreds took centre stage at Meydan Racecourse in an exhilarating day of racing action. American trained Animal Kingdom beat some of the world’s greatest equine talent to be crowned Dubai World Cup winner and take the $10million prize. Ridden by Joel Rosario from the Dominican Republic, the five-year-old horse secured a two-length victory over long-shot Red Cadeaux while British hope Planteur took third for the second year. Rosario said: “This has to be the happiest day of my life. All my life I have dreamt of this moment and now it is for real.” Race host His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Godolphin stables claimed two wins on the day. Sajjahaa won the Dubai Duty Free and Cavalryman won the $1 million Dubai Gold Cup. Swiss watchmaker Longines, the official timekeeper of the event for the third time, added its inimitable touch of elegance as the brand honoured the winners with timepieces from their newest collection, Conquest Classic.
Away from all the track action, immaculately dressed race goers were treated to an amazing day of entertainment. In breaks between races, incredible jet aerial shows thrilled crowds throughout the day culminating in a mesmerising fly-past performance as darkness fell. An impressive fireworks display followed, complete with mid-air acrobatic performances, dancers and remarkable lightshow. Ticket holders sipped Champagne in The Bubble Lounge before dining in the varied food courts in the Apron Lounge while the Premium Seating and Parade Ring Lounge offered exceptional race track views and gourmet dining options. The Jaguar Style Stakes saw chic race goers compete for a host of prizes for their stylish race day outfits and stand-out hats. The incredible day was topped-off by international singing star Seal who took to the stage and entertained crowds with rousing renditions of his best known hits such as Kiss From A Rose and Crazy.

In The Frame

admin — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 06:54:12 +0000

The 2013 edition of Art Dubai launched last night with a glittering opening ceremony at Madinat Jumeirah. Now in its seventh edition, the region’s premier art fair hosts more artists and galleries from the Middle East than any other arts event. With galleries from over 30 countries taking part, the fair brings artists, curators, collectors, museum groups and critics together to view the exhibited works from over 500 artists.
Art Dubai 2013 boasts an extensive programme which features14 commissions, a live radio station, curated film and video screenings, artists’ and curators’ residencies and the unveiling of works by the winners of the annual Abraaj Group Art Prize. This year’s Abraaj Group Art Prize winners include Vartan Avakian, Iman Issa, Huma Mulji, Hrair Sarkissian and Rayyane Tabet, working alongside 2013 guest curator Murtaza Vali to create major new works revealed at the fair. This year’s event also sees the launch of Sculpture on the Beach as well as the second year of The Hatch, an intimate space for film and video curated by Maha Maamoun.
Sponsored by Cartier, the fair also features a stunning installation from the legendary French jewellery house. Presenting an imaginative vision of Paris in the late 1800’s, the charming creation allows visitors to stroll down the reinvented street of 13 rue de la Paix. Cartier moved its jewellery business to the fashionable address in 1899 where it remains to this day. The installation features a stunning selection of high jewellery pieces. Louis Ferla, regional managing director of Cartier Middle East, India and Africa, says: “We are so pleased to participate in Art Dubai this year, reaffirming Maison Cartier’s commitment to the arts as a corporate patron, through the Foundation Cartier pour l’art Contemporain.” Art Dubai, which runs from March 20 to 23, is held in partnership with the Abraaj Group and is sponsored by Cartier. Madinat Jumeirah is home to the event.
For more information visit http://www.artdubai.ae

Ballet at the Palace

admin — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 12:09:17 +0000

Last week, Abu Dhabi audiences were treated to a magical performance by Mariinsky Ballet, who put on Homage to Fokine at Emirates Palace. The production was made up of four very different one-act ballets, each choreographed by the illustrious Mikhail Fokine.

The world-famous company came to the capital as part of the on-going Abu Dhabi Festival, which has gathered together an impressive roster of international dance, arts and musical luminaries.

Over the next few days the Emirates Palace theatre will also play host to such renowned musical talents as Plácido Domingo and Joshua Bell.

Making Waves

admin — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 05:29:46 +0000

Dubai has a fantastic new attraction to delight visitors, The Dubai Fountain Lake Ride. The abra tour of the 30-acre Burj Lake in Downtown Dubai offers an amazing new way to see the sights. Burj Lake is surrounded by a host of iconic attractions such as Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, the world’s largest shopping destination The Dubai Mall, vibrant shopping and dining spot Souk Al Bahar and The Palace Downtown Dubai, a luxurious five star hotel. Burj Lake is of course also home to the world’s tallest performing fountain, The Dubai Fountain. The abras will run every half hour, operated by the Roads & Transport Authority.
Ahmad Al Matrooshi, managing director of Emaar Properties, says: “As the world’s most visited lifestyle destination, Downtown Dubai is continuously enhancing its offerings to provide visitors refreshing choices. The Dubai Fountain Lake Ride is extremely special as we are offering the experience of a traditional abra ride in a modern luxury setting in Downtown Dubai. The abras are environment-friendly and offer visitors the unparalleled experience of viewing the various iconic developments of Downtown Dubai from a different setting. We are thankful to RTA for supporting this new initiative.”
The Dubai Fountain Lake Ride will operate Saturday to Thursday from 5:45pm to 11:15pm. In the evenings, the rides will be held between performances of The Dubai Fountain to ensure the safety of visitors. Each abra can accommodate six people per trip and with experts at the helm, the abras will navigate a path that does not interfere with the intricate nozzles and jets of the fountain’s grid. The ticket counter and abra bay are located at the Waterfront Promenade of The Dubai Mall and At the Top, Burj Khalifa.