15th October 2009 | Journalism, Travel
By Frank Coles
Originally appeared in Concierge Magazine
Whether it’s something cool and classy for balmy nights on a rooftop terrace, or Savile Row styling at a fraction of the cost, Dubai maintains the long tradition of providing tailor-made garments crafted for the more discerning traveller, combining Middle Eastern value with European quality and styling.
There are a wealth of tailors and textile shops in the back alleys and Souks of Bur Dubai where you can select materials from any of the thousands on offer and take them to one of many local tailors who will construct suits, shirts, skirts or shorts in next to no time. If it is an outright bargain that you are after then this is the place to go, however if you want something of high-quality that you are going to wear more than a couple of times at prices that still feel like you are stealing, then you would be wise to look into some of Dubai’s more refined outfitters. Read the rest of this entry »
15th October 2009 | Journalism, Travel
Originally written for the Times online
Off the beaten track | stay in the rooftop rooms of the XVA Art Gallery
Butler service, gold plated interiors, spectacular skylines and chauffeur driven sun kissed luxury is what Dubai is famous for and what keeps the city’s five star hotels occupied at nearly 90% capacity all year round.
But not everybody who visits Dubai craves the upmarket package holiday or the golden pomp of a self proclaimed ‘seven-star’ hotel, nor do they desire the no star, cockroach end of the Dubai spectrum.
Already a key stopover destination, the emirate is positioning itself as an Arabian Orlando and with the ambitious Dubai World Central on its way – the world’s largest airport and challenger to Heathrow’s supremacy as the transatlantic gateway – five star hotel stock is set to grow from 40% to a whopping 70%.
There is clearly an obvious need for more genuine mid-level options.
Happily, if you are in town for business, friends, family, or just to see what all the fuss is about, there are now some less publicised but excellent home grown alternatives. Read the rest of this entry »
15th October 2009 | Journalism, Travel
Four Hours in Dubai originally appeared in Business Traveller. It’s quick round up of things to do on a short layover.
1. Jumeirah Mosque
Dubai is growing at an astonishing rate. From its original home at the mouth of the creek, a seemingly endless supply of skyscrapers, hotel resorts, malls and identikit suburbs have exploded across previously people-free deserts and offshore to a series of ambitious man-made islands. With limited public transport, eight lane highways and adventurous driving standards, taxis or chauffeured cars are by far the most convenient way to experience the beginnings of this brave new Dubai.
For a quick reminder of where you are in the world, head straight to the Jumeirah Mosque on Beach Road, one of the largest and arguably most beautiful Mosques in the city. Built in the medieval Fatimid tradition, the detailed stone working of its two minarets are a fine example of modern Islamic architecture. Non-Muslims aren’t usually allowed inside Dubai’s mosques but thanks to an ‘open doors, open minds’ policy, each Sunday and Thursday at 10am visitors can take an organised tour to explore the mosque and ask questions about Islam. Conservative dress covering arms and legs is expected, women should also cover their hair. Read the rest of this entry »
15th October 2009 | Journalism, Travel
By Frank Coles
Originally appeared in Business Traveller Middle East
Entering Oman’s capital through tree-lined suburbs, immaculate hedgerows and unexpected flower sculptures to discover a remarkably relaxed and hospitable city is a pleasant jolt to the senses when compared to arrival at other more frantic Middle Eastern capitals. Although the city is almost 50km in length, due its location wedged between mountains and sea, it feels more like a series of small fishing towns than a bustling metropolis.
Muscat has been a lure for romantics, seafarers and entrepreneurs from all over the world since the 16th century. The city’s distinctive Arabian low-rise architecture and the physical characteristics of its people reflect this dynamic heritage. In fact, the face looking back at you is so welcoming that it is little wonder that this prosperous capital inspires the same reverence in Omanis as Paris does for the French or New York for Americans.
Mix in the Sultanate’s natural beauty and the diverse wildlife found within its 1700km of shoreline, empty deserts, canyons, rugged mountains and living history and it is easy to see why investors, journalists and tour operators from the Middle East, Europe and the US now believe Muscat could be tourism’s next big thing. Read the rest of this entry »
15th October 2009 | Journalism, Travel
By Frank Coles
Originally appeared in What’s On Magazine
Dolphin!’ yells one of the crew. All heads swivel in the direction of the shout and 20 yards off our port bow, four inquisitive dolphins rise from the water, curiously nosing around the bright red life buoy that we are using for man overboard drills. We spend the next twenty minutes sailing around the area where we first saw them and are thrilled as the dolphins, in turn, track us, arching their backs out of the water to get a better look at these humans and their peculiar games.
An amazing day’s sailing ends on a high note, with picture perfect seas, moderate winds, easy swells and comfortable temperatures. The novice to day skipper course with Bluesail Dubai has taken 11 days in total, five days of theory and six days on the water, and is hopefully the start of a life long passion that will enable me to see the world in a new way and talk people’s ears off with tales of nautical derring-do for years to come.
Back to School
The United Arab Emirates has the sea in its blood. However, living in Dubai, the sea is usually hidden behind a wall of five-star luxury and often overlooked among more immediate challenges, like navigating the relentless tide of mechanised sociopaths on Sheikh Zayed road every morning. Read the rest of this entry »
15th October 2009 | Journalism, Travel
Originally appeared in Business Traveller
Dubai is an emirate driven by superlatives. It is by all accounts, the fastest growing city in the world with the largest amount of cranes and people working on the biggest, tallest, most opulent and imaginative variety of property projects anywhere.
So, if you plan to stay long-term or just overnight it is worth digging that little bit deeper to find out what types of accommodation Dubai has on offer and to discover what the future holds for the visitor with more than just sunshine on their mind. Read the rest of this entry »
