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Dubai Close To The Heart Of Courageous Compton (1 February 2010)

admin — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 09:29:17 +0000

One of golf’s true champions, a player with courage and determination rivalling even the likes of Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, is back at the scene of one of his most heroic performances.

Erik Compton returns to Emirates Golf Club this week to compete in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, the tournament he famously competed at in 2009 just eight months after undergoing a second heart transplant.

The 30-year-old, who holds the distinction of being the only professional golfer in the world to compete with a transplanted heart, will be flying the flag for Emirates, the Official Airline of the tournament. [Read More]

Your information guide to the fascinating city of Dubai -

admin — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:52:42 +0000

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) consists of seven Emirates’ and Dubai is the most popular destination of them all. It is situated on the southern shore of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula. Dubai is the second largest Emirate after Abu Dhabi and is usually recognised as the ‘Pearl of the Persian Gulf’.

Dubai’s population is estimated at 1.5 million, a huge difference from 183,200 in 1975. Dubai is one of the most multicultural cities in the world with the expatriate community covering most of the population, with less than 10% of the total being national Emiratis.

The state of Dubai is commonly referred to as a city because it has been distinguished as the most modern and cosmopolitan environments in the Emirates, especially due to its rapid technological transformation over the past few decades.

Dubai is a landmark for innovation; some might even compare it to the computer game Sim-city where expansion has no limit. The city boasts remarkable skyscrapers, such as the world’s current tallest building, the Burj Dubai, and is also in the process of developing one of the most technologically advanced buildings in the world – The Pad. This is based on the idea of an iPod; this residential tower is set to be embedded with the latest gadgets that will have the power to change interior design and window views to almost anything imaginable.

Sheikh Mohammed is the ruler of Dubai. It is said that he is primarily responsible for making Dubai what it is today; a modern high flying city thriving from commercial investments. Sheikh Mohammed’s most significant business proposal was the introduction of Dubai’s world class airline, the Emirates.

The city of Dubai gains higher returns from its tourism unlike many of the other Emirates, as revenue from oil only accounts for around 6% of Dubai’s gross domestic product. The city’s oil is decreasing by the year and therefore cannot be depended upon. That is partly the reason why there has been a construction boom in order to diversify its economy in the expansion of commercial and corporate activity. Dubai has therefore become a world famous city through innovative real estate projects, sports events, conferences and Guinness records.
Although Dubai has been transformed into a man-made hi-tech city, it still has a strong Islamic culture with a stretch of historical buildings by the Creek. Whilst some may view this as a conflict of old meeting new, it is also considered to be a captivating city that offers both extremes; a traditional past interlinked with modern day.
Size   2,400 sq m (estimate)
Currency   Arab Emirates Dirhams (AED or Dh)
Local time   Dubai Time is + 4 Hours GMT
Language   The official language is Arabic, Arabic and English are commonly used in business and commerce. Hindi and Urdu are also widely used.
Population   1.5 million (2008)
Flying Time   UK to Dubai – 7 hours

Dubai Airport’s Passenger Traffic Up on Summer

admin — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 23:21:02 +0000

Abdul Basit

21 July 2009

DUBAI – Dubai International Airport posted a 10.3 per cent year-on-year increase in passenger traffic in June, due mainly to the peak summer travel season, the company said on Monday.

The airport, known also as DIA, is the world’s sixth-busiest airport and home to Emirates Airline and recently launched low-cost carrier flydubai. Passenger numbers at DIA jumped to 3.36 million last month, it said.

“The fact that the airport is recording double-digit passenger growth during the deepest global recession in decades bodes well for the future. When the current economic situation improves, Dubai will be in good shape, ready to lead the global recovery in air travel,” DIA Chief Executive Officer Paul Griffiths said in a statement.

The statement did not say what DIA had originally forecast for passenger numbers in June. Company officials did not immediately respond to calls seeking comment.

Passenger traffic in the Middle East and Gulf region has continued to rise, bucking the negative trend for international air travel in many other places. Carriers based in the Middle East saw a 9.5 per cent rise in their passenger volumes in May compared to the same month last year. Meanwhile, international passenger traffic fell globally by 9.3 per cent in the same month, according to the International Air Transport Association, the main trade group for the world’s full-service airlines.

Traffic at DIA grew by 2.1 per cent during the first quarter of this year, 6.4 per cent in April, and 7.1 per cent in May. DIA handled 19.5 million passengers during the first six months, up 5 per cent from the first six months of 2008, the airport said.

A slowdown from last year’s boom times is evident. During the first six months of 2008, Dubai Airports handled 18.5 million passengers, up 13.8 per cent from the same period of 2007, according to data on the DIA Web site.

“Growth is being driven by strong demand during the peak summer period, the growing strength and attractiveness of the Dubai hub, underpinned by the continued expansion of Emirates, and an influx of new airlines at a rate of one per month,” Griffiths said.

He said that the outlook remains strong for the balance of the summer period through to the end of September and beyond. Griffiths told Khaleej Times in May that the airport expected to achieve average annual growth in single digits in 2009, and double-digit growth in 2010. DIA is taking steps to enhance customer service. The airport has deployed around 200 volunteers to help passengers and has issued traveller tips to try to ensure a smooth flow of people through the airport, it said.

While passenger traffic is on the rise, Griffiths said, “cargo is holding its own in a very tough economic environment.” Cargo traffic at DIA fell in June by 2.3 per cent to 152,278 tonnes from a year earlier. Cargo shipments for the first half of 2009 slipped year-on-year by 0.8 per cent to 874,828 tonnes, compared with a global decline in international freight of 22 per cent during the same period, the airport said.

Flydubai Announces Three Indian Routes

admin — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 04:32:42 +0000

Khaleejtimes

(Staff Report)

25 June 2009

DUBAI – Flydubai, Dubai’s first low-cost airline, is all set for take off to the Indian sub-continent with the announcement of a trio of routes to the region. Flydubai will begin its Indian adventure with flights to the north eastern city of Lucknow on July 13.

This will be closely followed by Coimbatore in the south of the country on July 14. The trio of destinations will be completed on July 23 when flights to the north western city of Chandigarh begin.

“We are delighted to be able to announce our first three Indian destinations today. India is a very important market and we are looking forward to a long and successful future serving the needs of customers wishing to travel between the two countries, Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, said.

“A lot of work has gone into making this announcement possible and I would like to thank the Indian authorities for all their assistance. There is a huge Indian expatriate population living in the UAE and an even larger number of people keen to travel to the region for both business and pleasure. Flydubai is committed to making travel between Lucknow, Coimbatore, Chandigarh and the UAE a little less complex, a little less stressful and a little less expensive and we are confident this will help to stimulate more people to travel more often to these destinations.”

Flydubai operates from a modernised and enhanced Terminal 2 on the north side of Dubai International Airport.

Flydubai Reduces Select Air Fares by 50 Per Cent

admin — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 15:23:27 +0000

Rocel Felix – Khaleej Times

20 June 2009
DUBAI — Flydubai, the Dubai government-owned low cost airline, is cutting its air fares in selected routes by 50 per cent from June 22 to September 14, a move it hopes will increase passenger volume during the summer months and boost tourism in the emirate.

The airline said the cheapest one-way air fare would be at Dh125, covering flights to Beirut, Amman, Damascus and Alexandria. The fifth destination, Aleppo, Syria, is not included in the package.

The carrier expects its sales team to be inundated by bookings, said Ghaith Al Ghaith, chief executive officer of flydubai.

“We think with one-way prices starting from as low as Dh125, including all taxes and one piece of hand baggage of up to 10 kilogrammes per person, these tickets will be hard to resist,” Al Ghaith said in a statement.

The airline he said, will announce flydubai sales periodically.

Flydubai, which started operations earlier this month, is rapidly expanding its network across the region, focusing on countries within four-and-a-half hour flying time from Dubai. The aircraft used on all flights will be Boeing 737-800 NG models, with 189 economy class seats and a flying range of over 5,500 kilometres.

The flydubai model gives customers various options, allowing them to pay only for the services they want to receive.

Passengers have the option to purchase checked-in baggage in advance for Dh40 for the first piece and Dh100 for the second, weighing up to 32 kilogrammes. A nominal payment of Dh5 allows customers to select their seat and Dh50 secures the extra legroom positions. Bookings can be changed for a small fee, plus any difference in the fare, and food and drink can be purchased onboard.

Dubai Duty Free Tops Skytrax Airport Survey

admin — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 04:07:08 +0000

Khaleej Times (Staff Report)

11 June 2009
DUBAI — Dubai Duty Free has been voted ‘Best Duty Free Shopping’ in the world in the 2009 World Airport survey conducted by Skytrax. The UK-based consultancy group interviewed 8.6 million passengers at 196 airports on all aspects of their travel experience.

Dubai Duty Free came out as topper in the best duty free shopping category, ahead of Singapore Changi Airport and Amsterdam Schiphol airport.

“Skytrax has a reputation for producing independent surveys that determine how well each airport performs across a range of services. We are obviously delighted to have been voted the best in the duty free category and thank all of those who have voted for  our operation,” Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty  Free, said.

The Skytrax survey was conducted over a 10 month period and interviewed over 95 different nationalities on more than 35 elements of their airport experience, from check-in, departures, transfers and through to arrivals.

The Skytrax award comes on the heels of other accolades received by Dubai Duty Free, which doubled its retail operation last October with the opening of Emirates Terminal 3. In January 2009, the operation received its second Global Traveller award for ‘Best Duty Free Shops’ from a New York based publisher, while in May the operation was named ‘Best Duty Free in the Middle East’ by Business Traveller ME and ‘Middle East Travel Retailer’ in the annual DFNI Asia  Pacific awards.

In April, Colm McLoughlin received a personal award for a ‘Lifetime Achievement in the Middle East Event Industry’ presented at the Middle East Events award ceremony in Dubai.

Ski Dubai

admin — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 18:31:24 +0000

Ski Dubai has 5 runs that vary in difficulty, height and gradient, the longest run being 400 meters with a fall of over 60 meters. Test your skills on the world’s first indoor black run or practice your turns on the gentle beginner slopes. Skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels will enjoy these various slopes and snowboarders can also practice their stunts in the Freestyle Zone. Kids and parents alike will have fun in the huge interactive Snow Park, which at 3000 square meters is the largest indoor snow park in the world.

You don’t have to worry about ski clothing or equipment either. Ski Dubai has thought of it all and offers guests the use of winter clothing, ski and snowboard equipment. Your skis will carry you down the slope, and our quad-chairlift and tow lift will promptly carry you back to the top for another run.

You will enjoy our themed restaurants; St Moritz Café at the entrance to Ski Dubai, and Avalanche Café at mid-station, with views of the slope. Our exclusive retail shop, Snow Pro, has expert staff to advise you on your equipment needs and our team of professional Snow School instructors will guide you through the simple, fun process of learning to ski or snowboard.

22,500m² covered with real snow all year round – (equivalent to 3 football fields)
Temperature maintained at a comfortable -1º to -2º

85 meters high (approximately 25 stories) and 80 meters wide
5 different runs of varying difficulty and length, longest run of 400 meters
Full capacity of 1500 guests
Freestyle zone
Corporate and group bookings
3,000m² Snow Park with a snow cavern
Quad chairlift, tow lift and flying carpets
Mountain resort theme

Rental of quality equipment and clothing included in the ticket price
Qualified professional instructors
State of the art ticketing system
Changing areas with locker rental
Private kids party rooms
Exclusive retail shop – Snow Pro
St Moritz Café and Avalanche Cafe

Burj Dubai

admin — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 20:23:19 +0000

Burj Dubai is a supertall skyscraper under construction in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and is the tallest man-made structure ever built, despite being incomplete. Construction began on 21 September 2004, and the tower is expected to be completed and ready for occupancy by September 2009.

Dubai Aquarium

admin — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 20:05:01 +0000

A key centerpiece is Dubai Aquarium, one of the of the largest tanks in the world at 51m x 20m x 11m and featuring the world’s largest viewing panel at 32.8m wide and 8.3m high. Over time, Dubai Aquarium will have more than 33,000 living animals, representing more than 85 species including over 400 sharks and rays combined. Dubai Aquarium’s 270-degree glass walkthrough tunnel makes for incredible close-encounter experiences