2. 4
For several reasons, there was never a more appropriate time than
now to publish a fresh edition of BEST OF UAE. Not only is this year
the 40th anniversary of the founding of the UAE, but 2012 has also
emerged as the year in which the ‘growing pains’ that characterise
the incipient socio-economic maturity of the region, are being felt
far and wide.
Tracing this evolution through the prism of the nation’s march
towards sustainability and diversification, a collection of innovative
organisations, brands and entrepreneurs have been showcased to
emblemise the development for which the UAE is today renowned.
As a pillar of stability and progress in an environment of geo-
political fragility, this seven-emirate confederation that came
into being on December 2 1971, thanks to the lucid vision of its
founding father late H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in
many ways reflects the best of what the region aspires to; namely
peace, prosperity and progress.
Developing global business networks by sharing success stories
in an informative and visually appealing way is essence of how
we have developed our gvpedia brand that now has expanded its
annual book series published in over 40 territories worldwide.
As one of its founding partners and a firm believer in the power
of promoting brands and places in this uniquely creative editorial
format, I take this opportunity to wish you happy reading.
40 Glorious Years
Chairman & International
Group Publisher
Sven Boermeester
Publisher &
Managing Group Editor
Lisa Durante
Project Manager
Ritesh Matlani
Creative Production
GVP Progeny
A division of GVP Media FZ LLC
Graphic Designer
Shahab Sayed
Editorial Team
Dinesh Ramanathan
Francesca Leenen
Gere George
Heena Mak
Lavanya Narayan
Nikita Arora
Sonam Bhoneshwar
Srijita Chattopadhyay
Website
gvpedia.com
Published by
ISBN # 1-904566-78-2
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy
of the information in the ‘Best of UAE’ publication.
Neither ‘Best of UAE’ nor Tribe Media takes any
responsibility for errors or omissions.
All rights reserved
The Best of UAE is published under license from
GVP Media FZ LLC. No part of this publication
may be reproduced, copied, transmitted, adapted
or modified in any form or by any means. This
publication shall not be stored in whole or in part
in any form in any retrieval system.
Lisa Durante
Publisher & Managing Group Editor
10. 12
Celebrating its 40th anniversary on Dec 2, 2011, the UAE has established itself as a bastion
of regional prosperity and stability. Based on principles of sustainability that puts to effective
use abundant natural resources to build human capabilities and a diversified economy, it is
estimated that an annual GDP of USD 358 billion will be reached by the end of 2012. The
country has shown remarkable growth since it was first founded by Late H.H. Sheikh Zayed
bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Father of the Nation. Underlining its thirst to gain global recognition,
the UAE follows a simple and effective strategy based on creating magnificent landmarks to
draw inbound tourism and making bold strategic investments locally and abroad to boost
the nation’s profile and foster the contemporary world-class lifestyle that the UAE has
become legendary for.
Emerging UAE
12. 14
BestofUAEVol.1
While investing its vast financial surpluses to positively
impact world oil prices and build its infrastructure, diversified
opportunities to accelerate the development process are taking
root. The UAE has also seen growing roles played by the non-oil
sectors in boosting the national economy. By luring international
business and investors, an upsurge in inbound investment has
kept the business scenario buoyant despite global economic
challenges.
Reviewing the UAE’s economic and social blossoming, the
process of development can be credited to the solidarity among
its people, the visionary leadership of its rulers and its confidence
in the state and its policies overall. In addition, the multicultural
nature of the environment centrally positioned between diverse
continents and time zones has helped the UAE to become a
symbol of growth, prosperity and globalisation.
With a per capita income of USD 48,500 as of 2011, the
UAE ranks 11th competing with dynamic economies of the
West. A liberal environment prevails ensuring that the over
200 nationalities residing in this seven-emirate federation that
borders Oman and Saudi Arabia, live to their fullest potential.
Political Reform
In line with the UAE’s rapid socio-economic developments, major
steps have been taken, both at the federal and local levels,
to reform the political system in the UAE in order to make it
more responsive to the needs of the country’s citizenry and to
ensure that it is better equipped to cope with the challenges of
development. Elections to the Federal National Council (FNC)
are regarded as one of the most important developments in the
reform process. To be re-elected every 5 years, this advisory
council was formed under the provisional constitution of the UAE
in 1971. In 2011, an electoral college of 130,000 voters turned
out to vote at all polling centres across the Emirates. The ratio of
women voters at most of the centres was higher than men.
Emiratisation
To further enhance opportunities of UAE citizens, which currently
comprise a mere 11.5 percent of the overall population of 7.2
million, the government has launched a proactive employment
policy called Emiratisation. Applicable in public and private
13. 15
sectors, this multi-pronged initiative is the government’s way of
tackling unemployment. With aims of reducing its dependency
on foreign workers, the policy is helping Emiratis grow their skills
and knowledge needed in a diversified economy. In a bid to
integrate them successfully into the workforce, the government
has established a mandatory quota system in certain sectors,
particularly in banking and telecommunications, and is imposing
quotas on the private sector for employment of Emirati nationals
too.
Health
Despite promising figures, the UAE has several issues to address,
such as worrisome health trends. High fat, high sugar diet and
sedentary lifestyles have increased the incidence of diabetes,
obesity and high blood cholesterol in the region. According to
the World Health Organisation(WHO), the UAE is ranked 18th in
the list of countries that have the most number of obese people
with 75 percent of the population being overweight. Diabetes
occurrence stands at 18.7 percent but expected to rise to 21.4
percent by 2030. The rapid pace of modernisation may have
been positive on many fronts, but in terms of the health of the
nation, embracing fast food and sedentary lifestyles has wreaked
havoc on the nation’s wellbeing. Now that the awareness of this
emergency exists, initiatives are being pursued to improve these
statistics.
UAE and the Arab Spring
In the light of the Arab Spring, UAE became the saving grace for
people in the Middle East looking for peace and stability. While, it
took a communist revolution in China to expand Hong Kong into
a major global city in the late 40s, similarly, UAE has also seen an
on-going improvement with the influx of people and their savings
coming into Dubai. In its annual review, Daman Securities
reported an 11.5 percent surge in UAE Central Bank deposits as a
sign of money flowing back into the country.
Making its mark as a politically stable region amongst its
peers, UAE remains the top favourite country among Gulf nations
for attracting expatriate talent and provision of employment. In
the past year, more than Dh 36.73 billion in foreign investment
made the UAE the ultimate hotspot for foreign direct investment
(FDI) projects in the Middle East and Africa.
14. 16
UAE and New Media
The 140-character trend has caught on to the users in the
UAE. Social Media has become popular amongst top officials,
academicians, citizens and expatriates. A whooping 200,000
users on Twitter are from the UAE. A survey by Interactive Middle
East revealed that most users from the region are guilty of
logging on to Facebook before other websites.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has
also established himself as a social media disciple by regularly
interacting with the world through Twitter and Facebook.
The Emirates eGovernment, a part of the Telecommunications
Regulatory Authority (TRA) institutes itself at raising the
competitiveness of UAE through adopting excellent practices in
all fields of eGovernment. The eGovernment strategy is part of a
complete and integrated system involving different government
entities with the aim of improving government services and
making them available through innovative channels 24/7.
International Relations and Human Rights
Since its establishment, UAE has approached the realm of
International Relations with utmost diplomacy and acumen.
The main features of the foreign policy is based on adoption
of dialogue, respect of international conventions,commitment
to the United Nations Charter and non-interference of other
country’s internal affairs, and the settlement of disputes by
peaceful means. The main anchor of UAE’s foreign policy has
been building cooperation-based relations with all countries of
the world.
Strong on humanitarian philosophies, UAE is one of the most
liberal countries in the Middle East. The Human rights are legally
protected as per the constitution of the country, which confers
equality, liberty, rule of law, presumption of innocence in legal
procedures, inviolability of the home, freedom of movement,
freedom of opinion and speech, freedom of communication,
freedom of religion, freedom of council and association, freedom
of occupation, freedom to be elected to office and others onto all
citizens, within the limit of the law.
15. 17
Environmental Protection
The UAE outdoes several big economies in levels of prosperity
and standards of living. The ambition of providing world-class
infrastructure to its residents has often turned off the country’s
sensitivity to resources. Not only does the UAE have the highest
per capita Ecological Footprint in the world, but also, it ranks
third in water consumption after the US and Canada. Despite
these abominable figures, free water supply to Emiratis was
increased by 20 percent annually with desalination of water
in the UAE increasing pressure on supply systems as demand
continues to rise.
The dichotomy here lies in holding questionable records of
poor environment protection while sporting the world’s tallest
buildings and grandiose infrastructure. The Federal state is taking
on a leadership role in raising awareness and campaigning for
change.
Laws have to be followed by structural implementation.
Though there exists a plethora of governmental agencies and
non-governmental organisations working towards the Green
cause, coordination and cooperation will help in exploring
possibilities of a culture sensitive to environment protection.
Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) has embarked
on building the first 10 MW solar PV power plant of the
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the
largest solar park in the region, which accords with the
Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030.
Mohammed bin Rashid Gardens Project, worth Dh 200bn
launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,
Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai,
has received wide acclaim across the globe as it promises to strike
between ecological integrity and real estate necessity.
18. 20
Abu Dhabi Overview
Fast paced and electrifyingly dynamic, Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab
Emirates is rapidly underlining its position as the Sheikh among emirates in the UAE
and a jewel among the members of the GCC. With every passing hour, the city is taking
great strides towards success and finds itself placed rather admirably among the world’s
elite cities today.
With the Ruler of Abu Dhabi and also the President of the
United Arab Emirates, H. H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
at the helm of the city’s progress, it is no surprise that Abu Dhabi
has carved itself a rather conspicuous niche under the spotlight
and continues to taste constantly expanding success. Blending
contemporary ideals with traditional glory, Abu Dhabi has seen
itself transcend all expectations over the years, something that
can be attributed to the crown prince, H. H. Sheikh Mohammed
bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who serves as chairman of the Executive
Council and has constantly been a major driving force behind the
skyrocketing success Abu Dhabi has seen of late.
As has been known since time immemorial, the Arab world
has been awash with a considerable portion of the world’s oil
resources, and since the discovery of oil in Abu Dhabi in 1958,
the city has capitalised on the immeasurable value of this
resource whilst developing a non oil-centric economy supported
by tourism, industry and financial services.
Shaikh Zayed Bridge, Abu Dhabi
19. 21
Economy
The government of Abu Dhabi has been surging forward with
state of the art infrastructure and development activities outlining
their long term economic blueprint, with the Department of
Economic Development aiming to reach the goals set out by the
emirate’s Economic Vision 2030 plan. The plan highlights many a
diverse aspect, shrouding the manufacturing and financial sectors
as well as throwing light on health and education. With regard
to the foreseeable future, Abu Dhabi is set to face challenges
with a possible dip in the property market as well as consumer
expenditure, which in itself has accounted for more than half the
GDP in recent years. But financial crises and monetary issues
aside, Abu Dhabi follows a determined tunnel vision approach
towards future economic growth.
Finance
The National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), followed by the Abu
Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) are the largest among banks in
the capital, both of which are majorly owned by the Abu Dhabi
Investment Council.Thanks to thoughtful measures taken by the
Central Bank and the local government, the Abu Dhabi economy
was insulated against damage during the global volatility with the
Ministry of Finance setting up a generous liquidity facility at the
time.
Continuous injection of capital into the Abu Dhabi economy by
the government has seen the emirate strengthen itself against
all odds over the years. The Abu Dhabi National Insurance
Company (ADNIC), a public/private enterprise in operation since
1972, leads the sector. The massive National Health Insurance
Company (Daman), established by the government, has also
grown in prominence as the UAE’s first specialised health-
insurance company. The Islamic banking segment too is starting
to take a larger share in sector activities and gaining regional
prominence.
Energy Sources
Abu Dhabi is affluent in the UAE’s hydrocarbon reserves, which
sum up to approximately 97.8bn barrels of oil and up to 5
percent of the world’s gas reserves. The oil sector has continually
been the pinnacle of Abu Dhabi’s economy, accounting for 80
percent of government revenues and pumping in capital to fund
industrial and financial services. On another note, independent
water and power projects are being installed via the Abu Dhabi
Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA) to ensure sufficient
availability of these resources.
Abu Dhabi is also placing heavy emphasis on being a global
power in renewable energy and green technology, headed by
the efforts of the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (ADFEC),
known more popularly as the Masdar Initiative. As a zero-carbon,
zero-waste city – Masdar is a USD 22bn mixed-use development
that will eventually house 40,000 people, create 70,000 new jobs
and bolster the emirate’s GDP by more than 2 percent, is slated
to steal the show when proceedings finally take shape. Solar
and wind power are also alternatively being viewed as energy
sources that can assist in taking the pressure off the oil sector,
as is renewable energy in the case of water and electricity. In
addition the government aims to have renewable resources
account for 7 percent of power production capacity by 2020.
Transport Services
The transport sector constantly undergoes improvements and
expansions across various segments in order to ensure optimum
mobility of infrastructure and resources. Given the spike in
population growth, which hit 2.9 million at the end of 2011, Abu
Dhabi is eager to aid the next wave of urban development. Air
traffic has seen an increase in recent times, as has the capacity
of the Abu Dhabi International Airport, the government is
investing furthermore while the greater portion of the estimated
USD 6.8bn worth of expansions have already been completed.
Major changes are progressing at Abu Dhabi’s ports as
well. Under the patronage of the Abu Dhabi Ports Company
(ADPC) and the Department of Transport, the emirate is
shifting operations from the main port at Mina Zayed to the
enormous Khalifa Port in Taweelah. In a pioneering venture for
the UAE, the federal government has set the ball rolling for a
long-discussed vision, which entails the connection of all seven
emirates via railway. The USD 3bn railway project will eventually
link up with the larger 1940-km rail development that aims to
spider into all six countries of the GCC.
20. 22
Tourism
Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a business hub has been bolstered by
its rapid transition into a cultural and eco-tourism destination.
The emirate is shedding light on the high-end, low-volume
segment through luxurious developments and cultural offerings.
The Louvre and the Guggenheim are branching out to the Gulf
region with branches in Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island, the USD
27bn cultural district project.
The Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) is
also going after the escalating eco-tourism segment by carefully
developing some of its most naturally beautiful places on
offer. Sir Bani Yas Island, situated 170 km west of the capital,
stands out as a prime example. TDIC is integrating sustainable
development practices within the luxury resort planned on the
island, complete with an animal sanctuary and a promise to plant
a mangrove seedling for every visitor to the island. Various hotel
developments are underway to deal with demand as well as
future increase.
Most importantly, the introduction of the Yas Marina Circuit
and the Ferrari World amusement park have reignited the
interest of tourists, whose volume has increased massively into
the emirate, which acts as a motorsport colossus in the region
playing host to the annual Etihad Airways Formula One Grand
Prix among various other events. Abu Dhabi has successfully
emerged as a tourism and entertainment hotspot in the region,
with visits by world-renowned personalities taking centre stage,
as have popular annual events like the Mubadala World Tennis
Championship and the Formula One Grand Prix.
Industry
The emirate, like the most part of the Arabian Gulf, is widely
known for its petroleum resources, but as part of economic
diversification, measures are being taken towards industrial
production. Non-oil industry activities accounted for about
50.3 percent of GDP at the end of 2010, and manufacturing
in particular has made a significant contribution, increasing
by more than 10 percent. The food, tobacco and beverage
segment accounted for most of the investment in manufacturing.
Petrochemicals and plastic production is expected to grow as the
government pours more resources into heavy industry.
Currently, heavy industry ventures are focused on the town
of Ruwais and the industrial port of Mussafah, site of the Abu
Dhabi Industrial City and the planned Abu Dhabi Polymers Park.
Upon completion the Khalifa Port and Industrial Zone (KPIZ) will
also feature the world’s largest petrochemicals complex. The
metals manufacturing sector is also set to grow as the USD 5.7bn
Emirates Aluminium smelter, under construction in Taweelah,
becomes the world’s largest greenfield aluminum plant. The
industrial sector will play an increasingly prominent role in the
economy and is a crucial part of the emirate’s diversification
scheme.
Media
Abu Dhabi is steadily developing as a regional media and
cultural supremo as government-sponsored initiatives and
foreign investors director the sector to greater heights. The print
segment still dominates the UAE advertising market, accounting
for twice the amount spent on television. Promising inclusions
such as The National, and expansions planned by Reuters
should ensure the industry stays on the move constantly. In the
realm of television, locally based channels aim to take on more
established pan-Arab stations, like Middle East Broadcasting
Company (MBC) and Saudi TV.
ADMC is viewed as a point of stability within the region thanks
to generous government funding. The government inspired
launch of twofour54, an umbrella organisation that provides
support for the media sphere across the Arab world, has proven
Yas Marina Hotel, Abu Dhabi
21. 23
to be highly fruitful with its continuous involvement spurring a
regional media outburst and constant growth in the media sector.
Imagenation, the government’s film production firm, is also
investing generously in the media sector, which could potentially
prove to reshape the Abu Dhabi media landscape.
Telecom
The IT and telecommunications sector has rooted itself as
one of the strongest in the region, owing to ever growing
demand and efficient investment practices by the government.
The Telecommunications sector has recorded extremely rapid
growth over the past five years. Since Emirates Integrated
Telecommunications Company (du) hopped onto the telecom
bandwagon and consequently ended the monopoly of Emirates
Telecommunication Corporation (Etisalat) in 2006, prices have
dipped and market competition has helped instigate considerable
growth. Over the past decade, mobile penetration rates have
almost tripled. In the fixed-line segment, coverage is largely
delineated geographically, with du dominating in Dubai and
Etisalat holding the advantage in the rest of the UAE. The
telecommunications sector is an integral part of the Abu Dhabi:
Economic Vision 2030 and the emirate is seeking to raise Internet
penetration to 60 percent by 2030.
Primary focus generally lies on increasing the speed and
penetration of broadband Internet connections, and the
government is implementing stringent measures to increase
usage, such as free Internet hotspots throughout the city. Both
Etisalat and Du are improving broadband infrastructure and are
installing a fibre-optic network that maximises Internet speeds
tenfold. This network also provides the foundation for the
development of new value-added services and products.
Health Services and Education
Abu Dhabi’s health sector is continuously undergoing a
metamorphosis as structural changes have seen private
involvement and competition flourish, driving up standards and
bringing in greater investment. In Abu Dhabi, over one-fifth
of the population is afflicted with diabetes and drastic rates
of obesity have also been recorded. The General Authority for
Health Services has been reformed into two separate entities to
increase efficiency - The Abu Dhabi Health Services Company
(SEHA), responsible for public health centre management, while
both the public as well as private sectors are regulated by the
Health Authority Abu Dhabi. Participation of the private sector
has certainly been encouraged and SEHA has already engaged
with internationally renowned names such as John Hopkins and
Cleveland clinic to manage various public facilities. Meanwhile,
mandatory insurance coverage has provided access to services
for expatriates. The National Health Insurance Company
(DAMAN) provides the base of universal coverage.
22. 24
Dubai Overview
Over recent years, Dubai has enjoyed a diverse flavour in its make up with tourist
attractions, people friendly hotspots and record shattering structures like the Burj Khalifa
and the Burj Al Arab highlighting much of what the city stands for. Abuzz with all kinds of
activity, the emirate, situated in a geographical location palatable to hordes of travellers
from around the world has highlighted the importance of diversifying from oil based wealth
and resources. The Prime minister and ruler of Dubai and Vice-President of the UAE, H. H.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has, followed liberal principles and spearheaded
the transformation of the emirate into a model for fast-track development and successful
diversification policies.
23. 25
Economy
Dubai has headlined non-oil sector growth in the UAE over
the past couple of years with wealth from hydrocarbons being
primarily invested in the service sector, with special emphasis
on real estate and tourism. Dubai’s placement on the regional
and world map attracts a plethora of developers and tourists
from around the globe, with Dubai’s ports, making it an ideal
market for the rising powerhouses of India and China. Dubai
International Capital (DIC), a section of Dubai Holdings, has
acquired stakes in the UK’s HSBC Holdings and Standard
Chartered, as well as Munich-based European Aeronautic
Defence and Space.
Financial Services
The banking sector in Dubai has seen a spike in recent times,
due to a banking-smart population. The Dubai Chamber of
Commerce and Industry, is however well aware of the inevitable
trends in booming competition and has since opened its
banking sector to fresh entrants to uphold growth levels. The
retail sector sees itself well diversified with strong consumer
spending, negative real interest rates and product innovation
while corporate loans and project finance deals remain at
large. The UAE’s insurance sector is also shooting up at a rate
of over 25 percent a year. Dubai leads in terms of insurance
market share per emirate. Sharia-compliant insurance, better
known as ‘Takaful’ is engulfing the market, with future growth
projected rather positively. Life insurance and motor insurance
is also on the rise, as is policies for fire and the marine, aviation
and transport segments. The Dubai Health Authority has also
taken a gigantic leap towards the growth of the health sector,
with mandatory insurance for workers becoming a headlining
phenomenon in the health sector.
Energy Sources
Owing to its geographical placement at the centre of one of
the world’s largest energy producing regions and its positioning
between Europe and Asia, Dubai is well en route to becoming a
financial and corporate hub for the global energy industry. The
Dubai Mercantile Exchange (DME) has set up two new crude oil
futures spread contracts while the government has embarked
on a massive liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage facility project.
Oil industry heavyweights like Halliburton have relocated their
corporate headquarters to Dubai while companies such as British
Petroleum and Shell have a strong presence in the locality. Dubai
is also exploring renewable energy options, such as solar and
wind power and hydrogen and nuclear-based power stations.
Electricity consumption has steadily risen of late and is projected
to double by 2015. Consequently, the Dubai Electricity and Water
Authority (DEWA) increased its production capacity at a cost of
about USD 19.9 billion in capital expenditure.
Tourism
Contributing an approximate one-fifth of the Dubai’s direct GDP
and about one-third indirectly, Dubai’s hospitality sector attracted
over 8 million visitors in 2011. Dubai’s tourism sector is surging
ahead in retail, sports, and meetings, incentives, conferences
and exhibitions and medical tourism as well. Dubai is home to
the world’s only seven-star hotel, the iconic Burj Al Arab amidst
a cosmos of other luxury resorts surrounded by opportunity
for adventure and world-class recreation. Al Maktoum Airport,
scheduled for completion by 2015, will cater to the increasing
influx of visitors. It is expected to be the world’s largest airport
complex with six runways, a port, attached residential areas and
hotels as well as a free trade zone with the capacity to welcome
150 million passengers annually.
24. 26
Transport Services
Dubai’s position as an aviation hub looks rigid courtesy of the
expansion of the existing Dubai International Airport (DXB) and
the construction of Al Maktoum International Airport, which
has been poised to become the world’s largest aviation facility.
Economic development is adding pressure to the Emirate’s road
networks and the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) has taken
consistent efforts to enhance the public transport system and
offer new solutions to congestion. Vital to this strategy is the
multiple award winning Dubai metro, which opened in 2009,
and now holds the record of the longest driverless system in
the world, after having revolutionised the transportation system
in Dubai while buses, waterbuses and water taxis have been
upgraded to serve the people better. The RTA is investing USD
1billion in a state-of-the-art tram network along the Al Sufouh
Road. Additionally, the upcoming venture of Dubai’s Logistics City
BestofUAEVol.1
will enable companies to distribute cargo via land, sea or air from
one location to another.
Industry
Industry is taking monstrous strides across the UAE as a whole,
with the sector contributing to a massive chunk of the economy
within the past decade. Dubai has carved a niche for itself as
a hotbed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and
realises the importance of a flourishing industrial sector. To this
end, developers are working on the 52 million square metre
Dubai Industrial City (DIC), set to open by 2015 and aiming to
become a centre for the region’s industrial and manufacturing
sectors, including chemicals, heavy industry and F&B. Dubai
Maritime City, part of Dubai World, will be the world’s first
industrial centre dedicated to maritime and associated industries.
Dubai Aluminium Company (Dubal) is another feather in Dubai’s
industrial cap and is the largest single non-oil contributor
to Dubai’s economy. Opportunities also exist for local steel
producers, the food and beverage industries as well as fertilisers.
Telecommunications and Technology
The UAE’s telecommunications market has grown rapidly in
recent years. Etisalat has metamorphosed itself from a small
local company into a leading global telecommunications giant,
while Du, has diversified its network and has grown into a
fully operational service provider today, proving to be fierce
competition to Etisalat . Providers are looking towards the arrival
of mobile television, which is television beamed to a mobile
phone handset. Information technology in the UAE has seen
major investment over the past decade with Dubai Internet City
25. 27
attracting some of the world’s top IT companies. The IT sector
is still positioned for further growth, with Microsoft set to open
an innovation laboratory in Dubai, to develop, in conjunction
with Emirates Airlines, information technology solutions for the
aviation and travel industries. Dubai has racked up a reputation
as a major retail and shopping destination as well. Retail
complexes occupy prime space with tourism and shopping being
inextricably linked. With a young, growing brand-conscious
population contributing to the metropolis that Dubai is, the city’s
unique retail sector looks towards a rather promising future.
Real Estate and Construction
The well-known fact that one-third of the cranes in the world
are in Dubai still holds true despite vicissitudes in real estate
and construction market. Dubai Land Department has recently
confirmed the rise in increase of purchase of home and office
property. This comes as good news changing the otherwise
neutral gears of the property market. Despite rising costs and
labor and materials shortages, the sector has over USD 1.1trillion
worth of projects underway. To begin with, the Business Bay
project, being developed by Dubai Properties and conceived
as a new central business district along with Dubai World
Central, which will be the largest development of its kind, with
the infrastructure to support 900,000 residents and 700,000
workers. The emirate also promotes regional environmental
issues and with all builders and developers in Dubai having to
meet a stringent set of green building regulations. The real
estate market in Dubai has witnessed an increase over the past
decade; with growth in the residential segment in addition to
the commercial segment, Dubai is continuously expanding its
business infrastructure to become a major financial services
centre. The tourism sector is a primary driving force of the
real estate industry in Dubai, and, with millions more tourists
expected to flock to Dubai’s shopping and beach attractions over
the coming years, demand for luxury hotel rooms is on the rise
and several large-scale developments look to fill in the mentioned
spot. Similarly, the retail market is integral for the real estate
sector, and the government is seeking to impose some order to
the mostly unregulated property market by introducing new laws,
with a rather broad minded view of improving investment.
Health Services and Education
Mushrooming population indicate that the demand for healthcare
services in Dubai has increased with the need for hospital beds
set to double by 2025. The UAE government has reworked the
public health infrastructure at primary, secondary and tertiary
levels and nine major hospital projects are underway at a
value of USD 596 million. Dubai has also invested generously
in specialist care units and health education is becoming a
priority in schools with public health initiatives underway. Funds
are also being allocated for research and development at the
Dubai HealthCare City (DHCC) with a USD 1.8bn public-private
partnership with the Tatweer group. The private sector is also
expected to play an increasingly important role, with global
health care providers eyeing the Dubai market as a potentially
lucrative option. Changing scenarios here, Dubai’s education
sector is seeing a promising expansion with focused government
investment and increased private sector involvement at every
level. The creation of education and research free zones has
attracted world famous names in the field of education, which
can be emphasised by the likes of Dubai Knowledge Village as
well as Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), which is host
to a galaxy of educational institutions from countries around
the world like Canada, Ireland, the UK and Belgium. The UAE
government has also localised education efforts to some extent,
with each of the seven emirates encouraged to establish bodies
to liaise between local educators and the federal government on
the implementation of modernisation programmes.
26. 28
Sharjah Overview
Sharjah is the third largest economy in the UAE, after Dubai and Abu Dhabi, covers 2,600
square kilometres and includes three enclaves on the Gulf of Oman - Khorfakkan, Dibba,
Hisn and Kalba, as well as two islands, Abu Musa and Sir Abu Nuair. It is the only emirate
with ports on the Gulf and the Indian Ocean, thus occupying a crucial axis at the hub of
global trade routes, ensuring its place as a centre of international commerce.
The leadership of H. H. Sheikh Sultan Al-Qasimi is at the
forefront of democratising the political process; bringing women
into the political system, for example. Sharjah has achieved the
right balance between economic development and preserving
its unique cultural heritage, with visitors welcomed by ornate
minarets, green parks and Dhows. The construction and real
estate sectors are booming, as is the burgeoning tourism
industry.
This emirate is carving out a distinct tourism niche for itself
in the Gulf, focusing on culture and attracting families. Sharjah’s
ruler has placed an emphasis on funding cultural projects. A
prime example is the Sharjah Heritage and Arts area, located
in the heart of Sharjah; the buildings, historical sites, narrow
alleyways and souks have been renovated.
The emirate has the third largest share of the UAE’s 97.8
billion barrels of proven oil reserves, with an estimated 1.5 billion
barrels. Over the past three decades, the ruler has sought to
make the emirate the centre for non-oil industrial manufacturing
in the UAE, complementing the focus on real estate and business
in neighbouring Dubai. Much of this has been achieved through
its 19 industrial areas, which account for more than 40 percent of
all industrial activity in the UAE and 48 percent of the country’s
industrial gross domestic product.
It is also the home to 45 percent of the UAE’s industrial
activities and makes up 40 percent of industry-derived
contribution to GDP. The emirate’s geographical position means
it is in the middle of one of the fastest-growing regions in the
world. After setting up the first petrochemicals plant in 2007,
more than 52,979 licences were renewed in 2010 with Hamriya
Free Zone while the upcoming Sharjah Airport International Free
Zone had 5,542 registered licenses in 2011.
Sharjah is investing in real estate by building an island life,
27. 29
as, like other emirates. Sharjah’s Nujoom Islands development
will be built on a plot of land more than 5.6 million square
metres off the emirate’s northern coast, with the initial phase of
construction estimated to cost around 35 percent of a total USD
4.9 billion. The island will include 40 towers containing residential
and commercial space, alongside 145 apartment buildings, four
hotels and five yacht clubs. Growth is expected to continue in the
construction sector, despite the rising costs of building materials,
as population growth demands new homes and the infrastructure
to service them.
HE Sheikh Essam bin Saqer Al Qassimi, Chairman of the Office
of His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, and Head of the UAE’s
Affairs in WHO, and Dr. Said Arnaout, United Arab Emirates
Country Desk Officer, signed the agreement that allows for the
accession of Sharjah into the Healthy Cities Programmeme by the
United Nations. This is another step taken by Sharjah towards
the betterment of the emirate’s health as the programmeme
focuses on the health related challenges produced by fast-paced
urbanisation that leads to poor health among people due to its
adverse effect on the environment, and the unhealthy eating
habits and lifestyles it creates; a problem which a number of
cities around the world now face.
Sharjah also possesses a rapidly developing educational
system that has recently several advancements at the primary
and high school levels. For higher education, the landmark
Sharjah Education City, established in 1988, attracts students
from the UAE and the Gulf. Reputed colleges like the American
University of Sharjah, which is a coeducational university based
on American institutions of higher education but thoroughly
grounded in Arab culture, the Skyline University of Sharjah and
the University of Sharjah itself. The emirate is expanding its
educational capacity with its Ruler funding a multi-million dollar
project at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada to establish a
chair in Global Islam Studies in Sharjah.
The land of Museums
For long the Emirate of Sharjah has taken pride in preserving
and exhibiting local culture. Sharjah is the land of heritage
as museums abound the city. Namely, the Museum of Islamic
Civilization; exhibiting the world Islam since the early stages of
the faith, Sharjah Science Museum; which is very popular with
children and adults alike, the Maritime Museum; that caters
to marine enthusiasts, the Sharjah Archaeology Museum; that
houses artefacts of the early Bedouins and the Sharjah Art
Museum that promotes Emirati talent and art in the region. While
the Sharjah Aquarium remains a popular site for family visits, not
to be missed are the elegant and Arabesque Souqs that offer a
great chance to observe an ethnic Arabian market.
28. 30
Ajman Overview
Ajman, located near Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain, is one of the smallest emirate with an area
of just 260 square kilometres. It is a perfect blend of old and new that encompasses three main
areas: Ajman City, Masfout and Manama.
29. 31
Almost 90 percent of its population resides in the city, which has
grown considerably due to an influx of people from neighbouring
Dubai and Sharjah. The strategic location at the entrance of the
Arabian Gulf places the emirate at an advantageous trade junction
between the east and west. Through leadership, strong political
ties in the region, generous development and efforts to encourage
foreign investment, Ajman has garnered positive reputation as the
rising star among all the Emirates.
Ajman has become a an inexpensive getaway from busier
cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai for residents, citizens and even
tourists who wish to indulge in the newfound Arabian style
hospitality it has to offer. For instance, the Al Zorah project,
located on the eastern side of Ajman Creek provides an exclusive,
integrated holiday and residential destination. It is a USD 60 billion
sustainable development project, established to a clean emirate.
Historically, the textiles industry has dominated, but there has
been a recent shift to investments in the areas of chemicals and
machinery production. The boat-building sector is also expanding
beyond traditional Dhow building. Especially with burgeoning
demand for luxury yachts, manufacturers are meeting local
demand and developing a sustainable export market. With a
growing population eager for more retail opportunities, shopping
complexes are also being constructed. The Dana Mall spreading
over 150,000 square foot, worth Dh 400 million is one such
example.
Ajman’s property market was worth about Dh 3.5bn (USD
953.05m). The cheaper and more liberal work permits in the
emirate mean fewer problems with labour compared with the rest
of the UAE. Although as far as infrastructure is concerned, the
emirate remains a key destination for new investment. Focus is
directed at further updates and possible relocation of the Ajman
Port, better road links to neighbouring emirates and a new sewage
and wastewater treatment plant. As air-conditioning drains the
electricity supply, district cooling that cools from a central location
to various locations has been introduced as an alternative.
As for the economy of this emirate, Ajman Bank remains well
on track and is strategically positioned for growth. The Bank
sustained profitability after just three years of operation, is a
testimony to the strength of the weatherproof and sustainable
business model, which is firmly anchored in the real economy.
Ajman Bank delivered exceptional results in 2011 with a positive
net profit of Dh 7m for 2011, a year-on-year increase of 75
percent. In December 2011, the bank recorded one of the highest
Emiratisation levels across the banking sector.
30. 32
Umm Al Quwain Overview
Known as the ‘mother of two powers’ due to its powerful seafaring tradition and influence
over land and sea, Umm Al-Quwain covers an area of 750 square kilometres. Laden with
natural allure, the emirate stretches from the beautiful, lush green coastal mangroves
lining the shores of the Arabian Gulf, inland across the rolling sand dunes to the fertile
oasis surrounding Falaj Al Moalla (a stretch of huge sand dunes). With an estimated
population of 62,000 the emirate offers residents and tourists alike, a tempting mix of
extreme sports and historical sites.
31. 33
Rush of Excitement
The scream of people as they jump off their planes can be
heard in the air, the smell of burnt rubber looms over the area
and the booming sound of shotguns fired into the air awakens
people from their dreamy state. Umm Al-Quwain is the fastest
growing destination for extreme sports.
1. Umm Al Quwain Aeroclub
Sky diving is the primary activity and there is a team of
dedicated instructors. The training courses are completed
mostly on time, due to the excellent weather conditions that
prevail throughout the year and because of the availability
of a specially modified aircraft for this purpose. Besides the
large numbers of UAE Nationals and Licensees who enjoy this
sport, sky divers from the GCC and Europe have made this
destination and activity uniquely popular in the UAE.
2. The Emirates Car and Motorcycle Racing club
Founded in 1999 by H.H. Sheikh Marwan bin Rashid Al
Mu’alla, a motor car enthusiast and champion race driver,
the racing club is the only one in the UAE to be recognised
by the Federation Internationale de L’Automobile (FIA) and
Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM). With
regular international participants from Australia, New Zealand,
Japan and India the club has a multitude of facilities for
members and non-members with its objectives derived and
implemented under the ordinance of the Supreme Organizing
Committee.
3. The Umm Al-Quwain Shooting Club
Spread over a large area, opposite to the Dreamland Aqua
Park and the UAQ Aeroclub, the shooting club is a safe and
supervised environment offering comprehensive outdoor and
indoor ranges, various ammunitions and exclusivity. Under
the watchful eyes of qualified instructors and professionals,
amateurs and the more experienced will enjoy the thrill of the
shoot.
Rich Heritage
The modern history of Umm Al-Quwain dates back some
200 years when the Al Ali tribe moved their capital from Al
Sinniyah Island to its present location in the mid 18th century,
excites everyone alike. Keeping in stride with the UAE history,
the road networks are connected to charming villages where
many Bedouin settlements still thrive.
1. Al Dur Island
Located along the coast near Umm Al-Quwain is the famous
archaeological site with the remains of a once important town
of the region dating over 2000 years ago. Several interesting
objects including impressive tombs, stone houses, large
storage jars, and glassware from Egypt and Syria have been
unearthed with successive excavations.
2. Umm Al Quwain Fort
The fort has a well displayed jewellery collection, in-depth
weapons collection and material from the emirates Al-Dur
archaeological site. Most interesting of all, however, is the
extraordinary story pinned to a wall of one of the towers
relating to the murder of Ruler H. H. Ahmed Bin Ibrahim Al
Mu’alla.
32. 34
Ras Al-Khaimah (meaning ‘the top of a tent’) covers an area of 2,900 square kilometres
along the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It is heavenly to snorkel and dive into the
warm waters and experience an occasional encounter with dolphins, turtles, sea cows or
whales while exploring the coral reef. The 300,000-populated emirate also offers an upward
glance at the majestic Al Hajjar Mountains.
Ras Al Khaimah Overview
33. 35
This dramatic juxtaposition of red-dunned desert and rocky
mountain and the blue water of the peninsula, create a stunning
background for those wanting to trek into the rustic villages for
a closer look at its inhabitants and the traditional way of local
life. Or maybe visit the various archeological sites, forts and
abandoned villages that reveals a history dating back to 5000 BC.
The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Board ensures the emirate
is positioned as a historical destination. Because this emirate
has a very old heritage and the Department of Antiquities and
Museums have taken the initiative to manage the restoration of
monuments of local and visual importance, like the watchtowers
of the coastal towns of Jazirat Al-Hamra, Ma’arid and Rams.
To accommodate the growing number of tourists, expatriates
and businesses, RAK is improving and developing an integrated
transport infrastructure. RAK International Airport will seek USD
150m from the government over the next 20 years to improve
both cargo and passenger facilities with upgrades set to increase
capacity to 1.5m passengers per year. Improvement to roads will
also be made with about USD 272m to be spent in the next 10
years.
With the oil and gas sector contributing about 3 percent of
Gross Domestic Product (GDP), RAK is diversifying its economy
to investment, trade, industry and tourism. A major initiative
towards this has been the RAK Free Trade Zone Authority, the
RAK Investment Authority and the Investment and Development
Office. The emirate’s business-friendly policies have seen an
influx of foreign investment in and outside of free trade areas.
RAK’s young population is creating the need for more
residential space. The emirate’s population is expected to
rise from around 300,000 to 750,000 by the year 2020.
The government has established two property development
companies: RAK Properties and Rakeen, to encourage building
and investment in both the real estate and tourism sectors.
Considerable effort is being directed towards the public sector
and social infrastructure, such as new schools, hospitals and
research centres.
Fun time in RAK
Ras Al Khaimah conducts the annual Ras Al Khaimah Half
Marathon. Registered with the International Association of
Athletics Federations (IAAF), the race calls for attention from
leading athletes and global sports media placing RAK at an
international pedestal. One must get a glimpse of the UAE Awafi
Festival, an annual desert event celebrating Arab culture. The
main attraction here is the dramatic sand dune drives and many
other interesting sites like a heritage village with traditional
food and dance as well as shops for food and souvenirs. For the
children, a petting zoo and plenty games are available. RAK also
holds its own Terry Fox Run to raise money for cancer research.
34. 36
Fujairah, known as the ‘Jewel of Arabia’ possesses spectacular views of the Hajjar
Mountains, white sandy beaches, and lush green landscapes filled with palm trees. The
dramatic mountain scenery delivers a stunning backdrop to the glorious blue Arabian
Sea and pristine stretches of beach. It is the only emirate that has a mountainous terrain
and has a higher than average yearly rainfall, allowing agriculture to take place amongst
the sand. The government of this 130,000-populated emirate is actively promoting
the ongoing development of Fujairah as a tourist destination. The Fujairah Tourism &
Antiquities Authority (FTB), established since 1997, works at developing and promoting
tourism, and to utilise the various natural and cultural attractions.
Fujairah Overview
35. Apart from a visit to KhorKalba, with its beautiful wide open
beaches, bird life and a view of families enjoying a nice picnic,
the town of Fujairah is just splendid to gaze at, during the
dusk. When the sun sets behind sand dunes, the sky glows
with heavenly beauty manifesting a sight that you have always
imagined. About 30 kilometres before Fujairah on the road
from Dhaid, you’ll drive through Masafi’s famous Souq Al-Juma
(Friday Market) which is open everyday from 8am to 10pm and
is abound with rugs, fruit, vegetables, household goods and
souvenirs.
This emirate is also a paradise for water sports enthusiasts.
The warm crystal water here makes it a perfect spot for divers,
snorkelers and fishers. Apart from that, visitors can laze by
the pool or on the beach at the many hotel resorts around
KhorFakkan and Badiyah.
As far as the local industry is concerned, it consists of
cement, stone crushing and mining as well as an increase in
construction activity. The federal government employs most of
the local workforce with many working in the service sector.
The free zones have also flourished as full foreign ownership
is allowed. H.H Sheikh Saleh Al Sharqi, younger brother to
the ruler, is widely recognised as the driving force behind the
commercialisation of the economy.
Freedom of Business
Fujairah, the only emirate on the East Coast, has seen growth
but traditionally relies on fishing and agriculture. While the
emirate has evolved into one of the world’s leading oil-bunkering
ports, it also has several important industries including cement,
stone and mining. In the recent years, there has also been a
major progress in construction industry and tourism, while the
standard of living in the emirate remains high. However, the
business potential of Fujairah remains relatively unexploited
offering unique investment and business opportunities for both
domestic and international investors and entrepreneurs.
The Port of Fujairah next to the Free Zone enables investors
and entrepreneurs to fully take advantage of the emirate’s unique
strategic location as the available shipping services provide
access to all Arabian Gulf ports as well as all major ports in the
Red Sea, India, Iran and Pakistan, not to mention at least weekly
services to Europe, Far East and North America. Fujairah is also
home to the Fujairah International Airport, the only airport on
the UAE’s East Coast and Northern Oman. The airport’s close
proximity to the Port of Fujairah makes it ideal for sea-air cargo
and logistics. In addition, both the port and airport are close to
the Free Zone of Fujairah offering 100 percent tax exemption,
100 percent capital and profits repatriation, 100 percent foreign
ownership and variety of other investment and business friendly
policies and facilities.
The emirate lacks the oil and gas deposits that benefited
Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, and instead has focused on
developing tourism and industry. While industry has relied on
oil bunkering and other marine services that take advantage of
Fujairah’s prime location outside the Strait of Hormuz, the tourist
trade is almost entirely reliant on guests arriving by road from
other emirates. A new federal motorway between Fujairah and
Dubai promises to peel 45 minutes off travel times and boost the
tourism, property and air cargo sectors. This will definitely attract
more trade with established business communities in Dubai as
well as improve real estate.
36. 38
UAE Education
No more is it a privilege. It’s a necessity, a must-have, a must-do and most definitely a
must-be. Education encompasses the essence of all the hopes, ambitions, and dreams that
we’ve envisioned for the nation in the years to come. To turn this vision into a reality, UAE
has embarked on a sweeping journey to imbibe in its citizens a thirst for knowledge and
develop leaders for a better and brighter tomorrow.
Local Universities
The first step in the sweeping journey to an enlightened future
is rooted in the country’s belief that every citizen of the nation is
prepped by its educational institutions to compete and thrive in a
global environment.
Acknowledging the growing emphasis on education, almost
11,532 Emirati students were enrolled at local universities in the
fall of 2011-2012. “ This is the largest group of freshmen students
in the history of UAE higher education institutions,” said Sheikh
Nahyan, UAE Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
Close to 5,533 enrolled in the Higher College of Technology
(HCT), with 3,737 enrolling in the United Arab Emirates University
(UAEU) and 2,272 set to join Zayed University (ZU). Basing their
foundations on the pillars of innovation, inspiration and education,
all three government backed institutions strive to provide citizens
with the highest standards of education and offer them a future of
security and progress.
Local universities are currently providing over 200 majors and
scientific programmes that cover all knowledge fields to place
Emirati’s on a level playing field with students coming from major
universities across the globe.
Zayed University, founded for UAE National women in 1998, with
campuses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, today educates more than
7,000 male and female students from 19 countries providing them
with the opportunity to broaden horizons in various fields including
government studies, arts, business, media and IT.
Similarly, the United Arab Emirates University, established in
1976 has expanded from an original four departments to the
current nine faculties. As of 2011, 650 faculty members of the
UAEU offer over 12,000 students; graduate, postgraduate, PhD
and Continuing Education Programmes in a variety of fields
including Business and Economics, Engineering, IT, Food and
Agriculture, Humanities and Social Sciences, Law and Medical and
Health Sciences.
Last but not the least, the system of the Higher Colleges
of Technology, founded in 1988, the largest higher education
institution in the UAE is currently educating more than 19,000
students across 17 campuses in the UAE. With almost 2000 faculty
members, HCT offers 90 different, English-taught programmes
in Applied Communications, Business, Engineering, Information
Technology (IT), Health Sciences and Education at various levels.
The Ministry of Education has adopted strategy “Education
2020,” a series of five-year plans designed to introduce advanced
education techniques, improve skills, and focus on the self-
learning abilities of students.
International Franchises
Home to a wide expatriate population, the UAE is reinforcing
its multicultural outlook by opening doors to several reputed
universities from across the globe by encouraging them to
establish branches in the country, widening horizons in the
education sector.
Zayed University, Abu Dhabi Campus
37. 39
Private universities in Dubai and Sharjah have reported
an overall increase in their undergraduate student enrolment
numbers at the start of the 2011-12 academic year. Various
reputed universities from India, Pakistan, America, Europe,
Australia, Russia and Philippines have established educational
franchises, hoping to provide quality education to citizens and
expats residing in country. The Dubai International Academic
City (DIAC), education cluster of TECOM Investments has alone
reported an approximate increase of 15 percent on total student
numbers.
To cater to the growing student and industry demand, private
universities have also increased the number and type of courses
being offered to students. The institution reporting the highest
leap in its new undergraduate student intake is one of UK’s leading
universities, Heriot-Watt University whose Dubai campus has
reported an approximate increase of 40 percent. The institution
has recently moved to its own campus and has introduced in total,
nine undergraduate and postgraduate courses into its curriculum
this year.
Next in line for universities with the highest enrolment
numbers are India’s Manipal University and London’s Middlesex
University. Both institutions have experienced an approximate
growth of 30 percent for new students. Keeping with the trend
of introducing new courses, Middlesex has introduced an MBA
with five specialisations, a postgraduate programmeme in Public
Health, another one in Human resources and labour relations,
and a coming Master’s law degree next autumn, to add to its
present range of courses. Manipal also recently introduced a
Doctoral programmeme in biotechnology and has moved to its
own 750,000 square foot campus as of September 2011. Outgoing
president of the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD),
Professor Rob Whelan also reported an expected 17 percent
growth. The leading Australian University also announced the
introduction of master’s degree courses in international studies
and media and communications as well as a Bachelors in
Engineering, all accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education
and Scientific Research. In addition, the American University of
Sharjah (AUS) and the Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai
(RIT) expect their new enrolment numbers to increase between
15 and 20 percent. RIT is also preparing to move to its own
campus.
Moreover, AUS has launched an undergraduate programmeme
for industrial engineering and is considering the introduction
of postgraduate degrees in architecture and fine arts. A
newcomer to DIAC, Amity University, tops the list with most new
programmemes introduced onto the market as it offers students
The University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) is one of the UAE’s oldest and most prestigious universities. Established in
1993 by the University of Wollongong in Australia, currently ranked in the leading universities in the world.
38. 40
undergraduate degrees in the niche fields of nanotechnology,
aerospace engineering, nuclear science and technology, solar and
alternative energy and forensic science. Recognising the need
for localised courses, the Canadian University of Dubai recently
launched a MBA in Islamic Banking at the Najah Education and
Careers exhibition in Abu Dhabi last October.
All the above mentioned universities are eminent institutions
and have adapted themselves to meet the needs of UAE’s
population. The aim is to allow students to build a global
perspective by offering internationally accredited courses that will
equip them to survive in a globally competitive environment.
Dubai International Academic City
Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) the world’s only Free
Zone dedicated to Higher Education has been developing the
region’s talent pool and adding to its knowledge base since its
establishment in 2007.
Dr. Ayoub Kazim, Managing Director, Dubai Knowledge Village
and Dubai International Academic City, and member of TECOM
Investments Education Cluster said, “The formation of Dubai
International Academic City was the result of an unprecedented
demand for higher education from both regional and expatriate
students in Dubai. Incidentally, a greater demand rose out of the
tremendous growth of Dubai Knowledge Village, the precursor
to DIAC, which facilitated the emirate as a whole to attract
renowned educational institutions from around the world.”
Spreading knowledge across an 18 million sq ft. campus,
the community with state-of-the-art modern facilities hosts
renowned academic institutions from Britain, Unites States,
Australia, India, Pakistan, Europe, UAE and Menasa. In 2010,
DIAC hosted 53 percent of the universities in the UAE and 23.5
percent of the universities in the GCC. Above 20,000 students
from 137 nationalities have access to over 300 Higher Education
programmemes. Diplomas, undergraduate and postgraduate
courses allow students to choose from several fields such as
Engineering, IT, Mass Communication, Healthcare, Business
Management, Fashion and Interior Design opening for them a
world of opportunities.
Apart from academic offerings, the campus also offers
students a wholesome college experience by offering leisure
activities, including pool tables, table tennis, foosball, air hockey,
and video games. Popularly called the “Recreation room”, the
facility also features many indoor events like photography
exhibitions, talent shows, fashion shows and gaming
competitions.
In addition, DIAC students are supported by the Student
Hub Team that organises social, cultural and sporting events.
DIAC also supports AIESEC, the world’s largest non-political,
independent, non-profit organisation run by students who are
interested in world issues, leadership and management. It
serves as an international platform for the youth to discover and
develop their potential and build personal networks for a stronger
future.
Its motto “We believe in the journey, not the destination” is
well reflected in its vision to be a reputed, sought-after and well
renowned education hub in the UAE.
Knowledge Village
Spread across a picturesque one km long campus in the heart of
Dubai, Dubai Knowledge Village the world’s only Free Zone area
dedicated to Human Resource Management aims to develop the
region’s talent band and establish UAE as a knowledge-driven
economy.
Established in 2003, the community serves as a unique
hub for the best selection of Human Resource Management,
Consultation, Training and Personal Development
programmemes. With over 450 business partners, DKV aims to
establish itself as both a trusted business partner and a centre of
excellence for proficient development. Some of the most famous
universities from Belgium, Canada, Iran, India, Pakistan, Ireland,
UK, Russia and Australia have established a separate branch in
Dubai Knowledge Village.
Dr. Ayoub Kazim, Managing Director, Dubai Knowledge Village
and Dubai International Academic City, and member of TECOM
Investments Education Cluster said, “In line with the UAE’s
vision to create a knowledge-based economy, Dubai Knowledge
Village aims to develop the region’s talent pool through setting
up training and development institutions that focus on human
resource management, consultancy and personal development.”
Today, a large number of DKV business partners have set up
training centers, institutes and HR agencies to sustain and secure
their market share in this booming sector. DKV offers state-of-
the-art campus facilities including a 330 seat auditorium, fully
equipped meeting rooms, 24-hour security monitored buildings
and campus, ample parking space, a food court, a 24-hour
convenience store and wireless Internet services.
The growing demand for human capital influenced by Dubai’s
economic strategies is one of the key factors that contributes to
the zone’s success.
39. 41
School Education
The difference between right and wrong, good and bad, selfish
and selfless, respect and disrespect is all imbibed in children at
an age when they start attending school. The values imparted to
them by their teachers are upheld throughout their life, which is
why the choice of school is a critical decision in the lives of parents
raising young children.
As President His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan,
founder of the UAE said, “The greatest use that can be made
of wealth is to invest it in creating generations of educated and
trained people.”
Currently valued at USD 2.8 billion with private sector
enrollment growing at 10 percent, the UAE is among the GCC’s
largest education sectors. The country offers private and public,
primary and secondary education for citizens and expats to choose
from. Most of the secondary schools require students to take
standardised tests such as Advanced Placement, SAT, IB Diploma,
IGCSE, GCE Advanced level or CBSE at the end of which they are
awarded either a Secondary School Leaving Certificate or Technical
Secondary Diploma.
To ensure that educational opportunities and experiences are
not limited to those with financial blessings, the country offers
free primary and secondary education to all its nationals and
makes it compulsory for boys and girls from the age of 5 to 15
to be adequately learned. To cater to the extensive expatriate
population, several reputed private schools are also in place to
offer a wide range of curriculums including those from America,
Britain, France, Germany, India, Pakistan, Philippines and Russia.
GEMS education, a forerunner in the private education sector
in the UAE, is currently running 35 educational institutions with
hopes of expansion in the near future. Curriculums require all
students to take Arabic language classes and Muslim students are
encouraged to take Islamic studies as well.
Although, the medium of instruction in public schools is Arabic,
the growing demand for global competence has put special
emphasis on English as a second language to ensure that students
are fully prepared to attend universities around the world and
compete in the global marketplace. In addition, rote instruction
is being replaced with more interactive forms of learning with
the hope of turning education into an enjoyable experience. The
Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC), Dubai Education Council
(DEC) and UAE Ministry of Education accomplish this and more,
by developing reform activities, auditing schools and consistently
monitoring and developing professional qualifications of teachers,
at the same time making sure that local traditions, principles and
the cultural identity of the UAE is sustained.
DID YOU KNOW?
1. 11,532 - Emirati students enrolled at local universities in
the fall of 2011-2012
2. 15 percent increase in student numbers for Dubai
International Academic City
3. 21,000 students enrolled at Dubai International Academic
City and Dubai Knowledge Village (as of September 2011)
4. Dh 200m spent on a new campus recently completed for
Heriot-Watt University Dubai
5. Dh 120m spent on a new recently completed for Manipal
University Dubai
6. Dh 90m spent on a new School of Business and
Management recently opened at AUS
7. USD 2.8 billion – Current value of UAE’s education sector
8. Primary and secondary education - Free for all UAE
nationals in public institutions
9. Number of schools in Dubai as of 2011 sums upto 227,
with 79 government schools and 48 private institutions
10. Literacy rate of the UAE youth in 2010 - 94 percent males
and 97 percent females
40. 42
UAE Attractions
According to statistics from Visa, the world’s leading payment solutions provider, 2010 was
the year of recovery for the tourism sector in the UAE. Of the total spend on Visa cards
by international visitors, USD 1.9bn came from just 10 markets with the British being the
top spenders by far, contributing over USD 441.2 million electronically towards the UAE
economy in a year. Followed by American and Russian visitors, that spend USD 302.9 and
USD 238.1m respectively, these figures come as no surprise as the country has voted as the
favourite summer getaway.
Among the many records held by UAE for its extravagant tourism offering, let’s not forget
these includes an indoor snow park, a Ferrari theme park, a scenic view from the top of
the world and so much more. These top tourist spots cannot be missed and are writing
contemporary history parallel to country’s striking past.
Ski Dubai
A fan of superlatives, the Emirate of Dubai has set new
benchmarks for the global recreation industry after the creation
of the world’s largest indoor snow park in November of 2005 at
the centrally located Mall of the Emirates. An obvious favourite
of the kids, the 22,500 square metres marvel offers even grown-
ups the opportunity to enjoy childlike excitement and transcend
behavioural stereotypes associated with adulthood
Snowboarding offers you the chance to slide and glide over
a 400-metre long run, and keeps the adrenalin high through
the ‘Freestyle Zone’ designed specifically with jumps and rails to
appease your adventurous side. If you’re not the adventurous
type, build a snowman, take a tour of the snow park or simply
enjoy the view over the Ski’s main slope. To make possible the
seemingly impossible, is something the UAE thoroughly seems to
enjoy. Visit www.skidxb.com
At The Top, Burj Khalifa
The view from descending airplanes was hard to match until the
world’s tallest tower opened doors for an unprecedented view of
matchless scenery. “At the Top”, lets you experience the splendour
of the world’s tallest building from your vantage point on level
124.
The visit begins in the reception area on the lower ground
level of The Dubai Mall and aboard a 65-metre long travelator.
As the exciting journey catches speed, in a vertical ascent to
the observation deck, the doors open, and floor-to-ceiling glass
walls provide a spectacular unobstructed 360-degree view of the
city, desert and ocean. By night, sparkling lights and stars add
to the splendour and grandeur. Special telescopes provide virtual
time-travel visions of the scenes beyond and below. The open-air
terrace offers another perspective of the sweeping views below
and you can stay as long as you like before making the return
journey. Visit www.atthetop.ae
41. 43
Dubai Autodrome
The region’s first fully integrated motorsports facility, Dubai
Autodrome, lets you experience the thrill of smouldering rubber,
speeding steel and growling engines as you see the fastest drivers
in the world in action and feel the adrenalin of the Kartdrome first
hand. Located 25 minutes from central Dubai, Dubai Autodrome
serves as an exciting destination for large crowds, especially
tourists.
Officially inaugurated in October 2004 when it hosted the final
round of the FIA GT Championship, Dubai Autodrome is designed
to accommodate all types of motorsports events including the
well-known GP2 Asia, A1GP, and the Dunlop 24H endurance
I-Fly, Dubai
Dreamt of flying ever since you were young? Live your dreams
with the World’s first double skydiving simulator, I-FLY. Located
at Mirdiff City Center in Dubai and spread over an enormous
773 square metres, the 10 metres vertical wind tunnel offers a
once in a lifetime opportunity to rise to new heights. It makes
the experience worthwhile by bringing together state-of-the-art
technologies and one-on-one instructions about exciting skydiving
techniques.
The 35-minute first I-FLY lesson allows you to learn the basics
and then gives a two-minute flight with a professional instructor.
Complimentary skydive gear is also rented out to enable you
to experience actual flight at one-tenth of the cost of a tandem
jump but much longer free fall time. Safe for kids, challenging
for adults, exciting for teens and pragmatic for Skydivers, I-FLY
features something for everyone. Endless excitement and peaking
anxiety balanced with utmost safety and crowning professionalism
offer visitors an unforgettable experience. Visit www.iflyme.
com
championship racing series. To ensure that no one is
left out, the Autodrome combines behind-the-wheel and
classroom instruction at the ‘Race and Driving centre’ for
novices and experienced drivers to develop better driving
abilities and lets them experience first hand karting at the
KartDrome. Visit www.dubaiautodrome.com
42. 44
Ferarri World, Abu Dhabi
The world’s first Ferrari theme park and largest attraction of its kind, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is an intense multi-sensory experience
and a must-visit adventure destination. Owned solely by the Government of Abu Dhabi, the park offers more than 20 Ferrari-inspired
rides, a wide variety of Italian delicacies, the largest Ferrari store in the world and unique shopping experiences in a marvellously
designed space. Located at the fork between Europe, Asia and Africa; Abu Dhabi, one of the world’s fastest growing tourist attractions
is as an ideal location for ‘Ferrari World’.
The park’s iconic sleek red roof, inspired by the classic double curve side profile of the Ferrari GT body, spans 200,000 square
metres, hauling the largest Ferrari logo ever created. Home to the world’s fastest roller coaster has the same force one would feel
driving in an F1 car and breaking at maximum speed. Visit www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com
43. 45
Iceland RAK
The Iceland Water Park is part of the first offering of WOW RAK,
a 120 acres family entertainment destination being developed
in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. Officially inaugurated
in September 2010, the 110,000 square metres facility is
extensively themed as Penguin Home Land with a day capacity of
up to 15,000 guests. Besides traditional water park attractions,
Ice land offers other unique amusements such as the Penguin
Falls, World’s Largest Manmade Water fall, Rocky Polar Mountains
with the largest collection of water slides, Penguin Bay World’s
largest Rain Dance Pool, Aqua Soccer, Coral Isle Snorkelling Pool
and other thrilling experiences at the Arctic Wave Pool and Kids
cove for little ones. Visit www.icelandwaterpark.com
Dubai Dolphinarium
Expect the unexpected at Dubai Dolphinarium, a part of Dubai
Marine World located at Creek Park where one of the world’s
most intelligent sea mammals, entertains visitors from across
the world. The 5,000 square metre marine facility is the first and
largest, fully air conditioned indoor dolphinarium in the Middle
East. It is home to five Pacific and Black Sea bottlenose dolphins
and four northern fur seals that form part of the spectacular Live
Dolphin and Seal show. A real crowd puller, this dolphinarium
strikes the perfect balance between education, entertainment
and environmental conservation. Interactive lessons enlighten
children about the beauty of marine life and importance of
marine conservation.
Annually, the facility is visited by a record-breaking number
of 140,000 children. Dubai Dolphinarium also offers visitors
the unique opportunity to swim with the dolphins and have
their photos taken to carry home a wonderful snapshot of their
experience. Since its opening in 2008, the dolphinarium has been
visited by over half a million guests and visitors. Visit www.
dubaidolphinarium.ae
48. 50
Hotels&Resorts
Prestigious partnership
A brainchild of Giorgio Armani in collaboration with Emaar Properties, a one-of-kind hotel experience that is
sophisticated with subdued elegance, the Armani Hotel Dubai occupies Concourse Level to Level 8 and Levels 38
and 39 of Burj Khalifa, currently the tallest tower in the world.
It is well known that every aspect of the guest experience has been crafted and envisaged by the man
himself. The hotel is the manifestation of the designer’s long-held desire to bring his style of life to other
people who love to be immersed in an atmosphere that defines luxury and chic. With the highest standards
of excellence, the “Stay with Armani” ideology caters to those who wish to indulge in a ‘home-away from-
home’ experience.
Sophistication personified
The UAE hospitality industry is expecting a real boom with its target of 100,000 rooms for
15 million visitors by the year 2015. Currently, there are over 33,731 rooms in the region
with annual occupancy rate of 85 percent. Among these, a special 160 rooms and suites
are designed by celebrated Italian designer Giorgio Armani. Pushing the envelope and
setting a new benchmark in luxury hospitality is the renowned Armani Hotel in Dubai.
49. 51
Fashionable and classy
With unmatched views of the city, the hotel is ideally
located near The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest
shopping mall that had 54 million visitors in 2011 alone.
The hotel boasts 160 suites and guest rooms with the
culture of warm Italian-style hospitality ingrained in
the services. The elements of design of each room
range from Eramosa stone floors to zebrawood panels,
customised furnishings and hotel amenities offering the
personal touch of the Armani name.
In addition to the luxurious accommodation facilities
offered by the Armani Hotel Dubai, the dining section
ensures an exquisite and varied choices of cuisine,
with seven different restaurants and fine dining areas
to choose from. Not only did Armani Hotel Dubai make
it on the Condé Nast Traveller’s Hot List 2011 but also
other accolades include being judged the ‘Best Business
Hotel’ and Armani/Amal, the in-house Indian restaurant,
awarded the ‘Best Fine Dining Restaurant’ at the Gulf
Connoisseur Awards 2010.
Signature Takeaways
The retail section of the Armani Hotel Dubai offers a
varied selection of high-end products and savouries
to suit your personal preferences and you can take
home a part of the Armani lifestyle for your loved
ones. Handmade chocolates, biscotti and other edible
delights can be purchased at Armani/Dolci, the luxury
confectionary. A floral boutique called Armani/Fiori
offers fresh flower arrangements and centrepieces
designed by Giorgio Armani. Haute-couture outlet
Armani/Galleria holds a vast collection of watches,
handbags, jewellery and perfumes, all from the House
of Armani.
Armani to your senses
Saving the best for the last, the highlight of the
Armani journey is the Armani/SPA, which embodies
the foundations of the Armani brand. The three
SPA therapies have been designed specifically to
accomplish different goals of personal wellness.
These include MU, FLUIDITÀ and LIBERTÀ. MU is
designed to provide relaxation and stillness, FLUIDITÀ
Tel + 971 4 8883888
www.dubai.armanihotels.com
enhances vitality and restores internal balance, and
LIBERTÀ encourages freedom of movement and
release of physical pain. The Armani/SPA offers
tailor-made spa treatments to each guest, as well as
personal fitness and terme facilities. With its unique
combination of stunning architecture, minimalist
elegance and distinctive hospitality, the Armani
Hotel Dubai has become a venue to host events with
panache. The hotel employs a team of committed
event professionals to design events, which best suit
the needs and demands of the client. An event at the
hotel would comprise of state-of-the art audio-visuals,
thoughtful floral centrepieces and gastronomic relishes
making your time at the Armani unforgettable.
Giorgio Armani, celebrated Italian fashion designer and the mastermind
behind the legacy of Armani Hotels and Resorts. Here with a miniature
crystal replica of the Burj Khalifa.
Amidst top-notch architecture and the buzzing Downtown Dubai, serenity
within the Armani Hotel is magnetic and luring. Be ready to be spellbound
by minimalist elegance and meticulous arrangements, cornerstones of
the Armani signature, in addition to palatable world cuisines.
Chic colours, smooth textures and bespoke ambience merge together
impeccably to transport the body, mind and soul to a sublime world
where hospitality takes inspiration from fashion and excellence drives
service. Spread across 40,000 square metres, the Armani is a stalwart
symbolic of Dubai’s refined guest experience.
50. 52
Hotels&Resorts
In January 2010, Banyan Tree Al Wadi, opened doors
establishing a new category in the hospitality industry
by launching the first-of-a-kind desert resort in the UAE.
Contrary to the perception of the desert being a habitat
of scarce, BT has turned the tables to provide a luxury
indulgence paradise unparalleled. Located at Al Hamra
in the northern emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, this exquisite
retreat is built on 100 hectares of desert plains with the
majestic Al Hajjar Mountains as a backdrop.
Sanctuary for the senses
Looking out on a striking vista of serene landscapes set across sapphire waters,
reclusive at a beachfront villa you can witness a beautiful sunset and experience
healing power of nature. This is no Utopian fabrication but the reality at the
Banyan Tree Al Wadi RAK, a resort that lets you unwind in the most phenomenal
yet eco-friendly ways.
Famous for their spa treatments, Al Wadi features 10 tented treatment
pavilions. As a fact among all Banyan Tree Resorts, every therapist is
trained at the Banyan Tree Spa Academy in Phuket to ensure expertise
in wellness of refined kind.
51. 53
Realm of romance
Just a mere 45-minute drive away from Dubai, it is soon
becoming a hotspot for romantic weekends away from
the strings of the city. The interface between the desert
and the property has been intended to be as seamless
as possible, with the motive of providing guests with
the experience of staying in the desert. This waterfront
property houses about 101 tented villas and 32 private
villas and has access to a championship 18-hole golf
course.
Symbiotic harmony
The pool villas are deliberately devised on floors amid
sand dunes to let you relish the natural atmosphere and
to preserve vegetation of the desert. One distinct feature
about the RAK property is that it is the first Banyan
Tree property lodging its own nature reserve, horse
and camel stables, water home, bird hide and falcon
sanctuary which occupies 60 percent of the scenario.
Symbolic of the brand philosophies of BT, embracing
the natural eccentricities of a place and welcoming local
culture is the ideal way to co-exist in symbiotic harmony
with your surroundings.
One can see tributes to the Arabian heritage of
the region, from the tented architecture inspired by
Bedouin settlements, to customary mud brick villas
where meticulous details in Arabic woodwork, stylised
embroidered patterns and obscure carvings in arabesque
will reach for the transcendental.
Tel +971 7 2067777
www.banyantree.com
Multi-faceted feast
The prime restaurant of Banyan Tree Al Wadi is situated
beside the beach right next to the infinity pool where the
menu is inspired from the sea and infuses local flavours
with international cuisine. You can enjoy a leisurely meal
with a fine selection of Asian and European flavours at
two major diners. Al Waha, known for serving Arabic and
international food and Saffron, which specialises in Thai
cuisine, are two places for your sensational gastronomic
experience while your eyes feast on the site Arabian
Gazelle and Oryx assembled at a nearby watering hole.
Adventures of Arabia
Home to local desert animals such as gazelles, camels
and oryxes, providing guests with a priceless opportunity
to closely interact with the stupendous Arabian wildlife
will for long remain a luxury no other hotel can offer.
For the pursuit of adventure, participate in local Arabian
sports like falconry, desert safaris, sand boarding,
archery sessions and become aware about the flora and
fauna. In addition, thrill seekers are encouraged to opt
for snorkelling and diving among whale sharks, turtles
and occasionally dolphins, for a splendid experience.
The resort provides integrated facilities such as a private pool and sun
bathing deck and personal space on the beach, which are linked to
your villa. Moreover, the resort has garnered attention for its signature
Asian-inspired spa treatments conducting in calming environments.
FACT CHECK
• With humble beginning as a single boutique
resort in Phuket, Thailand in 1994, BT has now
successfully emerged as prestigious brand on global
hospitality-scape. Receiving of over 300 awards
for its superb platter of romantic getaways, this
conglomerate is spread across China, Thailand, the
Indian Ocean, Mexico, Indonesia and the Middle
East.
• After Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the UAE hospitality
industry has as many as 14 upscale developments
currently in Ras Al Khaimah. The emirate has
presented itself as a lucrative opportunity for
international hotel chains.
52. Where life happens
The hospitality industry in the UAE is expecting a real boom with its target of 100,000
rooms for 15 million annual visitors by 2015. Spearheading this revolution is The
Address Hotels + Resorts, the five star premium brand launched by Emaar Hospitality
Group. A swanky twist to your otherwise conventional five-star relishes, The Address
Downtown Dubai is the premium property of the group that goes beyond just offering a
wonderful guest experience.
With the brand philosophy of ‘Where Life Happens’,
The Address Hotels + Resorts properties are situated
in the most vibrant locations and cater to corporate,
leisure, and group travellers. This modern brand focuses
on a ‘one size fits one’ strategy where excellence is
personalised and prioritised.
Launched in 2008, The Address Downtown Dubai is
the brand’s flagship hotel; a place where cool meets
warmth and style meets sophistication, with easy access
The Address Downtown Dubai overlooking the mesmerizing Dubai Fountain.
54
to Dubai’s biggest landmarks and tourist spots. Located
in Downtown Dubai, billed as ‘The Centre of Now,’ the
hotel features 196 rooms and 626 serviced residences
offering spectacular views of Burj Khalifa, the world’s
tallest building, The Old Town and The Dubai Fountain,
the world’s tallest performing fountain, this is hospitality
in its most opulent avatar.
“The hospitality and leisure business of Emaar has
established its strong credentials in its primary market of
Hotels&Resorts
53. 55
Dubai with record occupancy levels and by contributing
significantly to the Group’s recurring revenue streams,”
says Mr Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar
Properties. He added: “The Address Hotels + Resorts
has redefined the concepts of hotel management and
operation through its ‘one size fits one’ approach, which
is gaining international acceptance. Our global expansion
plans remain testament to the success of a Dubai-based
brand, making strong strides internationally.”
“The Address Downtown Dubai has set a distinct niche
both in the business and leisure hospitality segments. The
hotel is now seen as a first-choice for visitors to Dubai
and we continue to welcome guests from new territories.
We have strengthened our offerings and look forward to
adding more to the hotel’s existing portfolio of world-class
restaurants and lounges,” says Philippe Georges Zuber,
General Manager of The Address Downtown Dubai.
UAE abounds with five-star spas that offer varying
versions of an escape to the land of bliss and tranquillity.
The spa is a focal point of The Address Downtown Dubai
experience, offering serenity amidst the hustle and
bustle of the city. Awarded the ‘1st Runner Up for the
Best Signature Facial Treatment’ at the Middle East Spa
Awards at The Hotel Show in 2011, it encompasses 11
treatment rooms and relaxation areas. The steam, sauna
and ice cave ensure an indulgence that knows no rival.
The hotel pampers guests with several food and
beverage choices including the upbeat and sophisticated
Chinese restaurant, Hukama and Fazaris, an all-day
dining restaurant offering a blend of Japanese, Asian,
Indian, Arabian and Mediterranean cuisine. Those who
like to socialise in trendy and stylish ambiances can
select from the vibrant Latin-inspired Calabar lounge
or the panoramic sky lounge, Neos, located on the
63rd floor. The hotel recently launched a modern Cigar
Lounge with the convenience of al fresco seating.
According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the
total direct contribution of travel and tourism to GDP in
GCC countries is expected to reach USD 44 billion in the
coming years. In the United Arab Emirates, this figure is
expected to hit USD 19.9 billion in 2012, compared with
ACCOLADES GALORE
The Address Downtown Dubai has won several
accolades including Best Hotel in The World at Global
Traveler Awards US 2011, Condé Nast Reader’s
Travel Award for ‘Oversees Business Hotel’ 2011,
‘Best Serviced Residences in Middle East’ at Business
Traveller Magazine Awards 2011, and ‘UAE’s Leading
Business Hotel’ at World Travel Awards 2011, among
others. It also won the Best New Hotel at the Arabian
Hotel Investment Conference in 2009, Hotel Business
Lounge of the Year in Commercial Interior Design
Awards in 2008 and was part of the Conde Nast
Traveller Hot List in 2009.
USD 16.6 billion in 2009. The Address Hotels + Resorts
is poised to draw on the robust growth in tourism traffic
to Dubai.
With plenty room for globetrotters, businessmen and
families, currently, The Address Hotels + Resorts owns
and operates five properties in Dubai - The Address
Downtown Dubai, The Address Dubai Mall, The Address
Dubai Marina, The Address Montgomerie Dubai, a premium
golf retreat, and The Palace - The Old Town. Last year, The
Address Hotels + Resorts recorded an average occupancy
of 83 percent across its various properties, contributing
significantly to Dubai’s hospitality sector’s growth.
Tel +971 4 4368888
www.theaddress.com
Downtown Dubai: the centre of now
54. 56
Hotels&Resorts
Nestled in the mountains
About 115 kilometres south of Dubai, with a picturesque view of the majestic Hajar
Mountains, the rural town of Hatta will give you a fascinating glimpse into the UAE’s
historical past. Origins of this village can be traced back 2000-3000 years. Now a tourist
hotspot with deluxe hospitality venues like the Hatta Fort Hotel, this is a getaway nestled
in the mountains for visitors and residents of the UAE
Hatta Fort Hotel is an award winning property, providing chalet – style comfort and hospitality for over three decades.
As the nation celebrates 40 years of success, Hatta Fort Hotel has reiterated its hallmark as a refined leisure,
relaxation and comfort destination.
55. 57
Sustainable and vibrant
Tourism in the Islamic world has grown in leaps and
bounds thanks to multilateral cooperation between
private hotels and government authorities as seen
increasingly in the UAE Dubai Municipality has invested
an estimated USD4.8 million in greening projects
in Hatta to create new possibilities of vibrant and
sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive
industry which, as we see, is raising economies out of
the global downturn.
Hatta Fort Hotel has left no stone unturned to offer
luring business, holiday and tour packages to guests
from Arab and Islamic countries. Boasting a collection
of 50 deluxe villas, suites and rooms; a varied choice
of entertainment options such as tennis, mini golf and
archery; and breathtaking mountain scenery views, the
hotel’s popularity is unmatched due its advantageous
location and closeness to Emirati roots.
A place that nurtures
According to beloved General Manager Sergio Magnaldi,
“As a Dubai and UAE getaway destination for so many
years, there are many expatriate and UAE national
families whose children have enjoyed playing in the hotel
grounds. We also have groups of friends stopping over
for lunch after camping in the surrounding areas.”
After the rave reviews post refurbishing in 2007, the
hotel celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2011 and the
influx of occupants only continues to soar. Apart from
the varied entertainment options, the hotel also offers
temperature-regulated swimming pools, a clubhouse and
a beauty centre.
One of the hotel’s main assets is, of course, its staff.
From the front door on arrival, to room service, food
and beverage staff and even the entertainers, all are to
be congratulated for providing efficient and courteous
service with a genuine interest in providing the perfect
‘Hatta Experience’.
Tel +971 4 8099333
hfh@jaihotels.com
www.hattaforthotel.com
Hatta Fort Hotel has the Gazebo Pool and the unique rock pool with a thrilling waterfall. Both pools are temperature controlled and offer
fabulous views of the surrounding Hajar Mountains.
Deluxe villas, suites and rooms with breathtaking mountain scenery
views, the hotel’s award winning service is unmatched due its
advantageous location and Emirati influences in hospitality.
Guaranteed excellence
It is no surprise that Hatta Fort Hotel was awarded a
Certificate of Excellence in 2011 by TripAdvisor, the
world’s most trusted travel advice website. This award,
reserved for establishments who constantly excel in
customer service, has proven that Hatta Fort Hotel
maintains impeccable hospitality standards.
David Thomson, Regional General Manager of Jebel
Ali International Hotels, added, “Hatta Fort Hotel has
always exceeded customer expectations. Our guests’
experiences are of the utmost importance and to receive
this honour based on their feedback is a real measure of
exceptional loyalty to our brand.”
The little ones will find plenty to do at the Hatta Fort Hotel. From mini
golf, seasonal swimming lessons and a host of fun-filled activities
such as face painting, crayon drawing and sand painting on holidays
and special occasions.
56. 58
Hotels&Resorts
A mere 5-minute drive from the Dubai World Trade Centre and
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, two of
the city’s premier business hubs, this modish hotel is located in
the heart of the city within the residential and corporate hub of
Jumeirah on Dubai’s Al Mina Road. The property is near some key
access points including Sheikh Zayed Road, Jumeirah Beach and
Port Rashid.
Luxurious journey
Ramada Jumeirah is Dubai’s premier deluxe hotel, a perfect destination that has given
itself completely to the pleasures of impeccable hospitality. Offering maximum comfort
and refinement of a genuine kind, complemented by unique dining and leisure facilities,
this four-star hotel caters to business travellers and discerning holidaymakers who are
drawn to its strategic location.
Ramada Jumeirah has mastered the art of exceeding your expectations from a four-star hotel. With its strategic location, the hotel is now a favourite of businessmen
and travellers alike.
Savour the exotic flavours of world famous cuisines and experience authentic dining in a vibrant, energetic and stylish setting.
57. 59
Complete package
Managed by Abjar Hotels International LLC, the
hospitality arm of Al Mulla Group, Ramada Jumeirah
is committed to excellence exceeding four-star
standards. The elegant suites and deluxe rooms
are stylishly appointed and come with high speed
internet connectivity, access to a state-of-art health
club and spa, a roof top swimming pool, a fully
equipped fitness centre and sun deck with beautiful
views. Spacious underground parking, efficient
concierge services and a regular shuttle bus to
Jumeirah Beach and shopping Malls offer additional
convenience for its guests.
Tel +971 4 7027000
www.ramadajumeirah.ae
Leisure and Fitness
The Spa offers two separate areas for ladies and
gents, each having its own sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi
and massage room. A blend of diverse professional
massages, beauty treatments and facials are made
available to heal and refresh you to look your best.
The Hotel also offers a magnificent health club
with a complete range of fitness equipment to meet all
your fitness, wellness and relaxation needs. In addition
to the hotel’s numerous amenities, you will love the
outdoor temperature-controlled swimming pool under
the basking sun of Dubai, complemented by the pool bar
offering light snacks and refreshing drinks.
Distinctive spectrum of tempting foods, energetic
setting and superb service makes this a worthwhile
experience.
ATRIUM a lobby lounge serving signature
homemade pastries and cakes.
CUISINES an all-day dining restaurant serving
Mediterranean and Internationally influenced cuisines
with the view of a live open kitchen featuring a Lava
Stone Grill.
GINGER an Asian fusion restaurant, serves a new
generation of South East Asian Cuisine fused with a
western ambience and vibrant yet minimalist setting.
THE DOCKS a one-of-a-kind Scottish pub, serving
beer, Malt whiskey and Traditional Scottish snacks.
MAGNUM a chic trendy boutique lounge bar serves
innovative cocktails aiming at setting a new standard
for upscale nightlife just after a busy day at work.
Within well facilitated and fully operational boardrooms at Ramada Jumeirah, businessmen are always making presentations and taking decisions.
Utilise the well facilitated health club to stress-bust between business and travel.
A certain benefit for the business travellers as they
gain assistance from a host of corporate facilities that
assure to meet all of their commercial requirements
including fully operational boardrooms and meeting
rooms, in addition to a large onsite business centre.
The hotel also offers a choice of elegant international
cuisines, a pub and nightclub.
Dining and Entertainment
The variety in dining at this landmark of luxury is beyond
ordinary. Discover a world of cuisines and blissful
delights whilst being taken on a unique culinary journey.
Whether you prefer a casual stellar breakfast, a light
leisurely lunch, or an intimate dinner for two beneath a
tree, there is something to satisfy every agenda.
