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Stay At – The JW Marriott Marquis, Dubai

Dubai is currently the business capital of the Middle East and a major stopover destination. No longer dependent on oil, the Emirate specializes in tourism, international finance, and civil aviation. Business travelers, tourists, and sports fans all congregate in this dynamic city to enjoy the world class facilities on offer. I enjoyed my stay at The JW Marriott Marquis, Dubai – the tallest hotel in the world as per the Guinness Book of World Records. Read all about my stay at this record-setting hotel below!

About the Hotel

The JW Marriott Marquis, Dubai is one of the top hotels in the city for business travelers, conferences and persons seeking affordable luxury. The design is inspired by a date palm tree and consists of 2 towers standing 72 storeys high, with over 1600 rooms. The hotel is located on the bustling Sheikh Zayed Road among skyscrapers – a great addition to Dubai’s dramatic skyline! On arrival, visitors are met warmly by staff and large fresh flower arrangements in the centre of the lobby. The posh interior decor also provides guests with a visual treat! Photographs featuring Dubai’s revered rulers – the Sheikhs Al Maktoum, greet visitors before the check-in desk.

Dubai’s rulers, the Sheikhs al Maktoum

I was relieved of my suitcase and shown to the ultra-modern Lounge to relax until the complimentary shuttle to the Dubai Mall arrived. The Lounge was decorated with lines of coloured glass bottles, which gave off a trendy vibe.

The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle bus that drops guests to the Dubai Mall, mere minutes away, and picks them up at intervals to return. After my Mall experience, I returned to the hotel after the 3pm check-in time and found that my room was not yet ready. The staff realized I was jet-lagged and invited me to partake of afternoon tea, to make up for the inconvenience. Shortly after, I was pleased to learn that I received an upgrade to a deluxe room on the 45th floor !

The Room

My room featured a beautiful king-sized bed and floor to ceiling windows. My favourite feature was the large spa-like bathroom with an oversized bathtub and monsoon shower in the enclosure. Robes and a pair of bedroom slippers were provided for guest comfort. Later on, after my cousin arrived, we received a complimentary fruit basket and an apology for the later than usual check-in! Bottles of drinking water were provided and replenished each day by staff as a courtesy to guests visiting this desert city.

Things to Do

Guests of the JW Marriot Marquis, Dubai can swim in the gorgeous outdoor pool with a stunning view of the Burj Khalifa.

Relax and unwind with massages and treatments at the ultra-luxurious Saray Spa. At night, enjoy drinks at the chic Vault Bar on the top floor with stunning views of Dubai’s nighttime landscape.

Image source: Booking.com

Image source: Flickr.com

The Food

Guests who stay at the JW Marriot Marquis, Dubai can dine at award-winning restaurants such as Garden – a Peruvian gem and The Rang Mahal, that offers modern Indian cuisine prepared by a Michelin star chef ! This sushi lover found the ultra-cool Izakaya to be an upbeat and fun spot to indulge her cravings. Look out for the cute Wasabi Girl who will prepare fresh wasabi at your table!

Garden – Peruvian restaurant

I was very impressed with this hotel, not only in terms of its ambience and contemporary design but by the staff’s high level of customer care and pleasant, courteous service. I highly recommend that visitors to Dubai stay at the JW Marriot Marquis for their Dubai trip!

My Tips

Request a deluxe room as high up as possible for incredible views
Make your reservation at the hotel well in advance. Demand is high during the fall-winter months!
Be patient with the elevators with a hotel of this size

More Information

Hotel : JW Marriott Marquis, Dubai
Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Accommodation: 5 star
Price Range:$$$

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UAE Trip Planning Tips

A trip to the United Arab Emirates is exciting for many reasons; a first-time visit to the Middle East, a luxury shopping vacation, getaway from the cold etc. Dubai has earned the reputation as a top international tourist destination, thus it is more liberal than the other Emirates and its neighbour Saudi Arabia. Having said that, please bear in mind that it is still a conservative Islamic country in some respects! In order to have an enjoyable time it’s advisable to pre-plan and review the country’s laws. Please read below for UAE trip planning tips!

Find out if a Visa is Required to visit the UAE

This should be the first question in your mind ! Trinidad & Tobago (T&T) nationals must have a visa prior to entry. Citizens of the USA , Canada, UK and many European countries can obtain one on arrival.

Note: Keep checking the UAE’s immigration policies regularly for updates as information can change! The following link can be helpful, please click here.

For citizens of Third World countries:

If there is no UAE embassy or consulate in your country, a tourist visa can be obtained online from Emirates Airlines. You MUST fly with them since they are processing the visa ! Book your flight and use the Manage a Booking tool to follow the procedure. I received mine via email in less than a week.

Plan When you Want to Go

I recommend visiting during October to April when temperatures range from 24 -33 degrees Celsius. Dubai comes alive at this time and one can enjoy activities such as concerts, festivals, exhibitions and sporting events. Experience the UAE National Day celebrations, Taste of Dubai, Dubai Shopping Festival , Rugby Sevens or spend the day lounging on Jumeirah Beach!

Dubai has something for everyone! For a calendar of events please click here.

How to Get to the UAE

Flights are available from major North American, British , European & Indian cities on Emirates Airlines and other top carriers. T&T nationals have the option of boarding via London’s Gatwick and Heathrow Airports as well as New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Plan Where you Want to Stay

Dubai, as I mentioned earlier, has emerged as a top tourist destination in recent years. Hotel prices are therefore competitive with a plethora of accommodation options from which to choose, depending on the district and type of hotel you’re after. Choose from ultra-luxe accommodation, desert resorts, business hotels offering affordable luxury and hip youth hotels. Air BnB has become a popular way to save on hotel costs in Dubai ! A luxurious and well-appointed apartment, suite or bungalow can be yours for well under USD $100 per day, minutes away from all the action !

Plan Your Wardrobe

Personally, I encountered no problems with my everyday attire while visiting Dubai, and found the dress code to be somewhat in contradiction to what one usually reads in travel guides. However, I recommend dressing appropriately in public places to avoid drawing unnecessary attention to oneself i.e. Ladies – keep the shoulders and chest area covered, no hot shorts and outfits that reveal too much skin. Gents- keep the torso covered. You can relax these restrictions in the hotel pool and beach areas but make sure to cover yourself when leaving the water’s edge to enter a restaurant/bar.

It is not uncommon to see Western women wearing mini dresses to dinner or a nightclub! So… what to pack for your trip ? Some basics include:

A long pair of jeans
Tee shirts – baby tees, long or 3/4 sleeved
Blouses – not too sheer
A long cardigan for the shoulders and chest
Kaftan for the hotel swimming pool and beach
Swimsuit
Comfortable walking shoes and sandals for sightseeing
Heels for a night out
Cocktail dress for a nightclub or dinner
Pashmina to cover your hair (if entering a mosque) and the shoulders on the way to nightclub or dinner
Heavy sweatshirt for evening into night desert tours. Remember, temperatures plummet to low double-digit figures in that environment!

Learn some Helpful Arabic Phrases !

Because of large numbers of foreign nationals in Dubai, communication is easy as English is widely spoken. However, it wouldn’t hurt to learn some Arabic words and phrases to immerse yourself in this Middle Eastern city! Some popular ones include:

Marhaba Hello

As- salam ‘alaykum Hello or Peace be upon you

Wa ‘alaykum as-salam And peace be upon you too

Shukran Thank you

Ana asif (m) Ana asifa(f) I’m sorry

Sabah al-Khair Good morning

Masa al-Khair Good afternoon

Layla Saeeda Good night

Ma’a salamah Goodbye

Get some UAE Currency

Go to a currency exchange in the airport and convert some US dollars or British pounds sterling to UAE dirhams. You’ll need local currency to pay your taxi drivers and make small purchases in the markets. When in the UAE, it is better to use the currency exchanges rather than banks to get more for your money. Alternatively, use your credit card or withdraw cash from any ATM using an international debit card.

At the time of this post:

1 USD = 3.67 AED

1 GBP = 4.76 AED

To help you keep track of your spending, download the XE currency app available on the iOS , Android, and Windows platforms.

Be Aware of Do’s and Don’ts

Don’t

DON’T BREAK THE LAW! If you’re not from a first world country your chances of leaving jail are especially dismal
Be intoxicated and disorderly in public places
Pack anti-Islamic and pornographic materials
Drive under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. You WILL be jailed
Traffik narcotics into the country. You can face the death penalty !!!
Engage in excessive PDAs in public
Accept drinks from strangers or even people you think you know well enough. You can be drugged and robbed/assaulted

Research the laws and cultural norms of the country and be respectful of them
Be aware of Customs laws. Illegal drugs and even many OTC medications are not allowed into the country.
Avoid visiting during the holy month of Ramadan if you can help it. No eating or drinking is allowed in public places from dawn till dusk. This also applies to foreigners
Be aware of your surroundings! Leave any place/company that makes you feel uncomfortable. Taxis and Ubers are always available to take you back to your hotel
Alert a guard or policeman if you’re being followed or harassed
Ask permission before taking photos of locals in their traditional garb, especially females. Not doing so is considered rude!
Enjoy yourself !

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Dubai UAE

Ultimate Beginner’s Dubai Travel Guide

The UAE was a destination I wanted to tick off my bucket list for a long time. Located on the south-eastern end of the Arabian peninsula on the Persian Gulf, I was intrigued by this prosperous, and modern country that sprung out of the desert at amazing speed, with its record-setting mega-structures. I was lucky enough to receive the opportunity to visit Dubai for a girls’ vacation with my cousin Shena. In spite of my excitement, I was bloody scared of the horror stories I read about people running afoul of the UAE’s Sharia laws. I was also anxious about being alone, while awaiting Shena’s evening arrival. In the end, I spent that first day relishing my freedom to explore! Read more about my experience in this glamorous desert city, in my Ultimate Beginner’s Dubai Travel Guide!

How to get There

Emirates Airlines flies from major international cities. I took an overnight Emirates flight from London’s Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Dubai International Airport (DXB). Get to your hotel in the city via:

Uber
Metered taxi.
Ladies and Families Taxi (Pink Taxi) . This service is provided exclusively for ladies, solo female travelers and families. They are driven by females in pink headscarves and jumpsuits (think I Dream of Jeannie!). Note, I never felt unsafe with a male driver at any time!
Dubai Metro – a cheaper option to get close to major hotels and many tourist destinations. Buses can shuttle you between the airport and Ibn Battuta metro station. Most stations also have connecting buses and taxis for onward journeys.

Where to Stay

There is a widely held perception that a vacation in Dubai is astronomically expensive. Not necessarily so ! In recent years, the city has become a top international tourism destination and stopover point. Hotel prices are therefore competitive with a plethora of options from which to choose, depending on the type of accommodation you seek.

Luxe Accommodation

If you’re after unparalleled luxury and exceptional service, the following options range from USD $500 – $1500 per night: The Burj al Arab One & Only Royal Mirage, Dubai Raffles, Dubai

Affordable Luxury

Consider the 5-star business hotels on Sheikh Zayed Road – Downtown Dubai, close to all the action ! The following options range between USD $200 – $350 per night: Jumeirah Emirates Towers

Shangri-La Hotel Sofitel Dubai, Downtown JW Marriott Marquis, Dubai

Lounge – JW Marriott Marquis

Popular Hotel Chains

Accustomed to the consistent quality and efficiency provided by chain hotels? The options below are priced at approx. USD $75-$200 per night: The Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dubai Holiday Inn, Downtown Dubai Rove Hotels Downtown – a trendy local hotel chain that bustles with young energy. It caters to modern, hip travelers seeking intelligent and no-frills hospitality.

Air BnB

Air BnB is a great and popular way to save on hotel costs in Dubai. A luxurious and well-appointed apartment, suite or bungalow can be yours for approx. USD $150 per day !

What to Do after the Hotel – The Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa

Drop your bags off at the hotel and head down to the Dubai Mall using the following options:

Your hotel’s complimentary shuttle (if available)
Metered taxi
Uber
Metro to the Burj Khalifa Station where feeder buses take you directly to the Mall

Ask to be dropped off at the downtown entrance and after a short walk, you will find yourself gazing up in awe at the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world! Walk down the terraces past the many cafes, while taking in the superstructure and then enter the gigantic Dubai Mall. Stand before the floor to ceiling aquarium, watch ice skating at the large indoor rink and enjoy people-watching while you grab a bite to eat.

The Dubai Mall is a shopaholic’s wildest dream! Catering to the luxury-loving fashionistas and the high street hunnies alike, the Dubai Mall is a one stop shop. The mall is home to the annual Dubai Shopping Festival, a retail bonanza that kicks off in January. The Dubai Mall’s Souk (Arabic for market) is a joy to stroll through, not really for the shopping but for the gorgeous Arabic architecture. I admired the stone corridors, high archways, ornately carved patterns, and mosaics. The subdued lighting gave the whole place a very romantic aura!

At the Dubai Mall Souk, visit the Majlis Café and try camel milk, a natural lactose- free alternative to cow’s milk !

Looking for a Unique Souvenir ? – What to Buy

Camel milk Chocolate

Go against the norm of key-rings , refrigerator magnets, and mini figurines. Surprise family and friends with bars of Al Nassma camel milk chocolate as a special and delightful souvenir!

Chocolate Image source : www.themajlisdubai.com

Traditional Clothing

I visited a store called Artizana Ahjar where the owner allowed me to try on some beautiful traditional Arabic ladies clothing. I tried sky blue and fuchsia butterfly-style jalabiyas and a black abaya.

Oud and Custom-blend Fragrances

The store assistant helped me custom- blend my own fragrance! I chose a blend of jasmine, apple and peach scents. As a personal treat, I also bought a tiny bottle of a traditional Arabian fragrance called Oud. Oud is rare and costly so I use this mysterious and sexy scent very sparingly!

What to Do at the Burj Khalifa – Go to the Top !

Purchase tickets in the Dubai Mall and make your way up to the top of the tallest building in the world to take in spectacular views of this impressive city!

Where to Bargain Shop : Deira Souks

Bargain hunters will love Dubai’s souks in Deira, one of the oldest parts of Dubai. Here, you can shop for clothing, accessories, souvenirs, electronics, food and household items. Naif Souk is a popular one to visit and is one of the city’s oldest souks.

Don’t miss out on the nearby Gold Souk for 22 and 24 karat gold jewelry and the Spice Souk with its enticing array of aromatic spices! Haggling is expected so never pay full price for anything! Folks who are unaccustomed to this will feel intimidated when confronted with a pushy salesman. I recommend that you go with (or fake !) a confident attitude! If you’re jittery, a local guide who has experience can help you. The Souks are accessible via taxi and metro. Don’t bother driving, finding parking is difficult.

How to Haggle – My Tips

Haggling is a process that takes some time to master. Everyone has their own method that works for them. These tips work for me:

Walk with cash broken down into small denominations
Contain yourself if you see something that you absolutely love ! Keep your facial expression neutral.
Browse for the best prices and decide how much you want to spend on a particular item.
Sort out your money aside from the shop. Don’t open your purse or wallet in full view of shop salesmen.
Offer just under half of the item price so that you have some wiggle room to increase if the salesman asks for more. Offering too low a price would be considered insulting. Remember the process is a give and take!
Walk away if the salesman is being overly stubborn and time is passing by. Not wanting to miss out on a sale, they will often come running after you and give you the price you offered.

Sightseeing & Culture – What to Do

Visit Dubai’s famous landmarks, museums and historical locations via the Big Bus, Dubai , an open -top, hop on -hop off, red double decker bus. Three routes are available on one ticket that includes free entry to museums, dhow cruises, and shuttles. Step off the bus at your desired destination and wait to catch another one when you’re done!

Local Culture and Traditions

Many hold the viewpoint that Dubai is a city bereft of any real character and soul. Not true! Emiratis are a patriotic people who are fiercely proud of their national identity and Bedouin culture. Many interesting elements of the city’s history can be seen at the Dubai Museum, from its origin as an important trading and fishing port to the prosperous metropolis it is today. Examples of the UAE’s Bedouin cultural traditions are also displayed.

Experience Emirati culture in a more personal way by visiting the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding located in the historic Al Fahidi District. The Centre was established in 1998 to educate and build respect and understanding between UAE locals and other nationalities in Dubai. Here, one can enjoy a delicious traditional meal, visit a mosque, walk through the Bastakiya district and learn about local customs via interaction with Emirati hosts and hostesses. This interaction includes a Q&A session where no subject is taboo.

Image source: SMCCU

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Supercars and Skis !

Bugattis, Ferraris and Bentleys oh my ! Gas brains unite, the UAE is supercar heaven ! Due to Dubai’s concentration of wealth, such envy-inducing vehicles can be seen everywhere ! The local police even added various models to their fleet ! However, from what I’ve witnessed, Emiratis have a special love affair with the Lamborghini.

The Mall of the Emirates is home to Ski Dubai , the first indoor ski-resort in the Middle East that caters to all levels of expertise! Ski, snowboard, roll down in a giant ball or hang out with the penguins, there is something for everyone to enjoy!

What to do for Lunch

Try a brunch buffet

Dubai is a gastronomic adventure with food from all over the globe ! There is a wide variety of lunch options in the malls but I encourage you to try a brunch buffet at one of the major hotels. I loved the one at The Address, Downtown Dubai.

What to do for Dinner

Arabic Cuisine and Dancing Fountains!

Enjoy dinner at the Crowne Plaza’s popular Al Tannour Restaurant with a sumptuous Lebanese spread of salads, hummus, flatbreads made on hot- on -spot, stuffed grape leaves, well-seasoned kebabs, and dessert. Wash everything down with my favourite Dubai drink – fresh mint lemonade! If you have the time, stay for the after dinner entertainment featuring belly dancing, local music, and shisha smoking.

A second great option is the Lebanese restaurant, Abdel Wahab, at the Souk al Bahar in downtown Dubai. We were lucky to get a table with a stunning close-up view of the Burj Khalifa that sparkled as dancing Fountain started their routine ! The Dubai Fountain is the largest fountain system in the world, created by the one at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. Water jets shoot up to 500 ft in choreographed routines to Arabic, Classical, Indian and Western music.

Disclaimer: All images are mine unless otherwise stated.

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