Dubai: Arab Dream

The dizzying skyline of Dubai is offset only by the dazzling spectrum of lights that distract as much as they attract

Dubai’s vertical flexes of glass and steel may induce a gush of sci-fi vertigo, but several seven-star properties, world’s tallest tower, manmade islands, mega malls and underwater hotels later, you still can’t deny that it combines the best of western infrastructure, Middle Eastern megalomania and Eastern hospitality. In short, it plays to the galleries when it comes to the perfect MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) setting. Modern facilities for hosting large events, enough after hours entertainment for an extended holiday or incentive shopping and a startling array of hotels, cuisines, and beaches to ensure that every event comes bubble wrapped with gilt-edged excitement.

Meeting and Convention Centre

CONVENTIONS

Dubai World Trade Centre is scheduled to hold over 100 trade exhibitions and events in 2013

Dubai’s International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) currently provides 51,000 sq mt of exhibition space and is set to double. A further 120,000 sq mt will be added with the Dubai Exhibition World.

Dune bashing is a popular tourist activity in Dubai

Yachting is a popular pastime among the wealthy and regattas are held every year in Dubai

Me at the Dubai International Boat Show

ENTERTAINMENT

Whether you choose to dine among the dunes, cruise aboard a traditional dhow or go dune bashing in Cherokee jeeps, in Dubai parlance, understatement is an urban legend. Sand boarding and camel riding are the tamer choices; while options on the wild side include parasailing, windsurfing, waterskiing, skydiving, microlighting, paddleboarding, wakeboarding, scuba diving, deep sea diving, kayaking, quad biking, swimming with the dolphins or camel polo. Of course, you can also opt for a desert safari, which involves dune bashing, quad biking, camel rides, sand ski, BBQ dinner, belly dancing, and Shisha. Although, it’s a Muslim state, alcohol flows liberally. By law, it can be only be served within the confines of a hotel, but with an estimated 450 hotels in the emirate, some with up to 26 bars, restaurants and clubs, chances are you won’t be left thirsty.

Dubai has many world-class hotels that blend Arab hospitality and Western comforts

The brunch at the all-day restaurant Rotisserie at One & Only Royale Mirage Dubai

HOTELS

Hotels in Dubai basically belong to three categories: beach, city and desert. Most business hotels are located in the business district that is close to the World Trade Center and the Dubai Convention Center as well as the airport.

Traders Hotel Conveniently located, the hotel provides sensible facilities at reasonable prices. 4 Star; Rs8,578 onwards.

The InterContinental At the heart of Dubai Festival City, a world-class waterfront lifestyle resort that blends shopping, entertainment, offices, hotels and leisure in one place. 5 Star; Rs29, 923 onwards

The Fairmont Designed with business in mind, this multi-use complex is linked to the Dubai International Convention Center by the ‘Fairmont Walkway. 5 Star; Rs44,903 onwards

The Radisson Blu Hotel The winner of ‘Best Business Hotel in the Middle East’ by the UK’s Business Traveller and Business Asia magazines with CNBC. 5 Star; Rs19,656 onwards

Al Bustan Rotana The hotel blends Arab hospitality with modern tastes; it is ideal for business and luxury travellers alike since it is hemmed by two world class gold courses; 5 Star; Rs22,310 onwards

Bird’s Eye view of Dubai International Airport

CONNECTIVITY

Strong infrastructure and air accessibility make it ideal for international meetings. About 106 airlines operate out of Dubai with nonstop flights to 196 cities. Emirates flies 185 flights a week from 10 stations in India: 35 flights from Mumbai and 28 from New Delhi per week.

**The feature appeared in Business Today’s March 2013 issue