Dubai
The most diverse city in the Arabian Gulf, Dubai forms part of the United
Arab Emirates, which comprises seven neighbouring states. Dubai’s thriving
tourist industry is based on sunshine, a clean and safe environment, bargain
shopping, superb sporting facilities including world class golf courses,
beautiful beaches and Arabian hospitality. The hotels provide a standard
of luxury, facilities and service to match the best in the world and contrary
to popular belief, alcohol is served in all of them.
Our Thoughts
Dubai is a Sunni Moslem country, which is one of the most outward-looking
of the Middle East. Unlike many countries in the region, women face no
discrimination here and may move around freely and unescorted. During
the month of Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking in public is forbidden
until sunset and some restaurants are closed. As with Dubai’s tolerance
of foreign ways, visitors are expected to respect Dubai’s own Islamic
customs. The standard of cuisine in hotels is high and the choice varied.
Alcohol is freely available in hotels but not outside.
Transfers
Journey times from the airport to Dubai hotels are subject to prevailing
traffic conditions. Approximate transfer times are shown in the individual
hotel description text.
Developing Dubai
Dubai has developed a well deserved reputation for it’s bold and innovative
approach to architecture, and many exciting hotel and leisure projects
are well underway. The building works include the development of numerous
residential towers, which impact visually on landview bedrooms in many
beachfront Hotels, as well as a Marina and man-made islands off-shore.
This is likely to effect some holidaymakers travelling to the area and
we cannot guarantee that guests staying at any of our featured hotels
will be unaffected, as work can run around the clock. In the interests
of our clients, Twohigs, for 2007, are not featuring any landview bedrooms
in our selected beachfront resorts and hotels, until all construction
is completed. As an ever-changing destination, Dubai has adapted itself
to development and any disruption will be kept to a minimum during the
construction of the four main projects listed below.
THE PALM JUMEIRAH, THE PALM DEIRA AND THE PALM
JEBEL ALI
Shaped like palm trees, these three man-made islands will have over 60
hotels between them, as well as villas and apartments, 2 marinas, a water
park, shops and watersports. This project is ongoing, with the main construction
of the islands complete.
DUBAILAND
Divided into six themed worlds, Dubailand will feature sporting facilities,
theme parks, eco-tourism resorts, museums, galleries, spas and shopping,
as well as recreation venues. The first phase is almost complete.
THE DUBAI MARINA
Due for completion in 2008, this city within a city, will accommodate
over 150,000 people in Jumeirah, sited behind the Jumeirah Beach hotels,
with plenty of open space, as well as water and recreational areas.
THE WORLD
A new venture that is underway in the Gulf, situated off the coast of
Jumeirah Beach, comprising many man-made islands representing different
countries of the world.
Time Difference: GMT +4
Currency: UAE Dirham (Dh)
Flying Time: Approx 8 hours to Dubai.
Visa: No visa is required for Irish
passport holders for stays not exceeding 30 days.