Tag Archives: dubai lifestyle news
Dubai gears up for Fina World Junior Swimming Championships
The countdown is on to the Fina World Junior Swimming Championships, which will take place in Dubai between August 26th and 31st 2013.Speaking to the Khaleej Times, president of the UAE Swimming Association and head of the organising committee Ahmed Al Falasi suggested this year's event will be bigger and better than ever.”Now, we will set a new record. In the last edition, Fina had only 58 countries and 528 swimmers. We've reached 85, with 432 male and 365 female swimmers, along with 236 officials. We still expect five or six other countries to join the tournament too,” he was quoted as saying.This will be the fourth time the competition has been held, with previous versions being staged in Brazil, Mexico and Peru.The fact that such a prestigious event is taking place in the UAE is once again testament to the nation's growing status as a global sporting hub.Some of the most talented up-and-coming swimmers will compete at the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Sports Complex – a state-of-the-art venue that cost a staggering AED 1.1 billion (£199.5 million).It is certainly one of the finest sporting arenas in the Middle East and can accommodate 15,000 spectators.The Olympic-standard venue has already staged a number of high-profile events, including the Tenth Fina World Swimming Championships 2012 and Fina/Midea Diving World Series since 2012. It has also held the Fina/Arena Swimming World Cup Legs since 2011.Understandably, the Dubai Sports Council (DSC) is very proud of the facility and its ultra-modern architecture means the building fits in seamlessly with the other magnificent structures dotted across the city.DSC secretary general Dr Ahmed Al Sharif told the news provider the competition will add extra value to the events that have previously taken place in the emirate.He added that there has been a “huge development” in swimming in the UAE since 2011 and the people of Dubai now have greater awareness about such tournaments. Continue reading
Dubai ‘is the destination of choice for cruisers’
Dubai is the holiday destination of choice for people embarking on a cruise tour, it has been claimed.Ahmad Belhoul, chief executive officer of strategy and tourism sector development at the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing in Dubai (DTCM), said the city was inundated with cruise passengers in 2012.”We received 105 ship calls carrying almost 408,000 visitors and expect this figure to increase to more than 420,000 from 110 ship calls this year,” he remarked.”This will continue to increase in 2014 and 2015 with an annual growth rate that is in line with the projected global cruise tourist growth of three per cent.”By 2015, Mr Belhoul expects the emirate to be accommodating more than 450,000 passengers.Dubai is already the home port for four luxury cruise liners and it features heavily in the itinerary of 20 of the world's leading companies, which reiterates just how high cruise companies rate the city.Mr Belhoul's comments came shortly after the renovated luxury liner Mariner of the Seas made its first call into Dubai.The DTCM had put on a special welcome party to mark the appearance of the Royal Caribbean International-owned vessel.But why is Dubai such a popular stop-off for cruise passengers?Mr Belhoul thinks this is down to a combination of factors. He suggested that shrewd investment, meticulous planning and Dubai's world-class infrastructure stand it in very good stead.He also stressed how the city's reputation as a holiday hotspot has given the cruise industry a significant boost.Dubai attracts millions of holidaymakers every year and you only have to look at the amazing rise of Dubai International Airport to see how busy the sheikhdom has become.Some 66 million people are expected to fly into the aviation facility at some point this year and many of these passengers will spend a number of days relaxing on one of Dubai's stunning beaches and making the most of the city's seven-star hotels and resorts. Continue reading
Why glamorous Dubai is the place to be
Dubai is undoubtedly the jewel in the UAE's crown and you only have to look at the stunning array of wonderful hotels to see why so many people are visiting this part of the world every year.New resorts are springing up across the city all the time and they all offer glamour and luxury in equal measure.Just by reading through the results of the recent World Travel Awards – the Oscars of the tourism industry – you get a good idea of why Dubai is so special.A multitude of Dubai-based hotels reigned supreme in the Middle Eastern section of the prestigious awards ceremony, which was held at the spectacular Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa.The Rixos The Palm Dubai was one of many hotels to leave the event with an accolade, having scooped the Middle East's Leading Lifestyle Resort prize.Without doubt, Rixos benefits from being located in one of the most exclusive addresses in the UAE and it is no surprise that tourism industry professionals from across the globe rate it so highly.The Turkish-owned resort has everything that holidaymakers could wish for and the demand for rooms is always high.Manager of the hotel Mouhamad Hadla said: “This is a huge achievement for the entire team of Rixos The Palm Dubai who strive to provide exceptional service and inspiring Turkish hospitality to all of our guests.”We look forward to welcoming many more savvy travellers to enjoy the renowned Rixos Experience.”In a way, Rixos epitomises what Dubai is all about and it is accustomed to hosting A-list celebrities.Last year, singing sensation Jennifer Lopez held an after-party at the resort, which followed her live performance at Dubai Media City.JLO was clearly impressed by what she found in the hotel's White X Beach and Lounge and she was also treated to some sumptuous Turkish cuisine during her visit.It goes without saying that Dubai's hospitality sector is booming at the moment, with recent studies suggesting that room rates are rising all the time. With this in mind, investors have an ideal opportunity to get a piece of the action by snapping up hotels, apartments and villas in the most popular parts of the emirate. Continue reading
