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december 30, 2016

Dubai is inarguably the world’s most luxurious destination. A billion-dollar destination for luxury, the Emirate has it all and more -

golden beaches, ice-cool skyscrapers and restaurants to die for. Despite economic challenges facing the GCC region, Dubai continues to be one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world and its share of the global luxury tourism market continues to impress. So it’s no surprise really that Dubai, which was recently voted as the world’s most cosmopolitan city, has seen its profile as a luxury tourist destination rise phenomenally in the last decade, a distinction the Emiratis deliberately set out to achieve.

Statistics tell a compelling tale. At the end of 2015, Dubai had over 90 five star hotel properties with over 31,000 rooms, equating to almost a third of all hotel room inventory in the city, which further underlines the destination’s propensity to appeal to a strong luxury travel segment. And although Dubai continues to develop offerings to appeal to a more diverse visitor segment as it looks to meet its target of 20 million visitors per year by 2020, it is premium experiences (no matter what the budget) that will still be the hallmark of what Dubai epitomises.

The Emirate is swarming with contemporary, glossy hotels that hide some of the most impressive surrounds you are likely to encounter on a city break. Their sumptuous interior décor ranges from the chic neutral tones of the Armani Hotel Dubai, to the rich, Bedouin style suites of the Al Maha Resort and everything in between.

Consider the iconic seven-star hotel, Burj Al Arab, which was recently named the world’s most popular hotel for celebrity spotting by the UK’s ‘Daily Mail’. Guests at this super luxurious hotel can expect a gold-plated, 24-carat gold iPad upon arrival. Engraved specifically with the hotel’s logo, this iPad functions as a ‘virtual concierge’. At the touch of the button once can access both information and the extensive selection of hotel services, such as the Guest Services Directory,

detailed descriptions of Burj Al Arab’s restaurant options and spa menu, as well as private dining, butler and housekeeping services. Of course all this pampering and dreamy indulgence comes at a high price. The One Bedroom Suite starts at AED 10,000 (USD 2,700) per night and the most luxurious Royal Suite is AED 70,000 (USD 19,000) per night.

For beach living it doesn’t get much better than the famous One & Only Palm Dubai, which sits perched along the peninsula of

the city’s artificial archipelago, the Palm Jumeirah, this hotel is one of the city’s most elegant offerings. It offers everything one could wish for from a holiday of a lifetime, dining at the hands of a Michelin starred chef, a private white sandy beach, panoramic views across the ocean, sparkling swimming pools, and a plush spa.

More recently, one of New York’s most historic and luxurious hotel chains, the St Regis, began operating in Dubai, boasting 234 rooms, 52 of which are suites. The crown jewel of the hotel is its Imperial Suite. Spread across two floors and 913 square metres, the three-bedroom accommodation contains a living room, a dining room, a study, an Arabic-style majlis lounge with a spiral staircase leading to the hotel’s domed roof and swimming pool.

Being a duty free paradise, Dubai is tailor-made for shopaholics, with a lavish selection of malls that are home to some of the world’s most coveted names, from Jimmy Choo, Giorgio Armani, Versace, Prada, Gucci and Valentino. A day of luxury shopping can be interspersed with lunch at some superb restaurants, which boast menus of fragrant fresh truffles, sumptuous saffron flavours, exclusive Prunier caviar and the very finest champagne.

Clearly, Dubai is witnessing robust spending on luxury goods and experiences, reflecting an overall regional trend. Whoever said that ‘the best things in life are free’ obviously hasn’t been to Dubai. While there’s no denying that money can’t buy everything, there are plenty of things you can do only with a fat purse. If you got the moolah, here’s bang for your buck.

The DefiniTive Luxury DesTinaTion

From its architectural marvels to a thriving modern art scene, shopping malls, five star hotels, glitzy restaurants, bars, boutiques and fashion, you will definitely find a slice of the high life in Dubai. A

helicopter tour of Dubai is a privilege for only those with well-lined pockets. Being a city with luxury at its core, the best way to enjoy it is from the

air. While driving through the city’s streets is one way to explore, there is no comparison to viewing the awesome layout of this city from the air, where many of its iconic developments and ever-changing skyline are best viewed. A scenic aerial flight over Dubai is an experience of a lifetime, giving viewers a unique perspective of this luxurious city from the sky.

You can choose from a 15 or 25 minute helicopter flight. With an experienced pilot at the controls, settle into a 5-passenger luxury helicopter and swoop over sites such as Atlantis The Palm, Burj Al Arab, and the ‘Golden Mile’. Fly along the Persian Gulf coast and across World Islands. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included on your tour.

Catering to the increased demand for helicopter services in the Emirate, a number of licensed tour companies provide wonderfully scenic tours of different parts of Dubai

HeritaGe toUr The Heritage Tour is a fascinating glimpse into Dubai’s historical past. Taking off from Dubai Festival City, this 15 minute tour follows the meandering Dubai Creek over the imposing wind towers and Spice Souk in the city’s oldest suburbs. From the old to the new, this scenic tour highlights the contrast of a city where the past sits comfortably alongside the future, where traditional buildings and souks give way to imposing skyscrapers, breathtaking beaches and sprawling golf courses. Heritage is highly recommended for those visiting Dubai for the first time.

Highlights• DubaiCreek• ThewindtowersinBurDubai• DubaiCreekGolf Course

• TheJumeirahcoastline• BurjKhalifa• Thetraditionalareasof oldDubaiAED 595.00 per person on a sharing basis.

eXPlorer toUr - 895 dHSDeparting from Dubai Festival City, the 25 minute Explorer Tour follows the same route as the Heritage Tour over the historical Dubai Creek and the souks, but also takes in the impressive Burj Al Arab Hotel and the sail-shaped Jumeirah Beach Hotel as well as the Wild Wadi adventure water park. It also flies over The Palm Jumeirah, past the Atlantis The Palm Jumeirah and The World. Seen from the air, The World is clearly visible as an impressive collection of islands that make up a map of the world. The tour finishes back at Dubai Festival City.

Highlights• BurjAlArab• JumeirahBeachHotel• WildWadi• TheWorld• ThePalmJumeirah• AtlantisHotelThePalmJumeirahAED 895.00 per person on a sharing basis

tHe Palm toUr If you are only interested in Dubai’s iconic landmarks from the air, try the Palm Tour. Depart from Dubai Festival City and witness the beauty of the Ras Al Khors Wildlife Sancturary, the Burj Khalifa and the Business Bay District Centre, where you get a closer look at some of the world record holding structures. These include the tallest hotel JW Marriot Hotel, Emirates Towers and Dubai Mall situated in downtown Dubai. As the tour continues, be amazed by the breathtaking sites of The Burj Al Arab Hotel, the only 7 star hotel in the world, as well as The Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis Hotel.

Few experiences can match the thrill of a flight, high above Dubai, aboard a luxury helicopter as it swoops low over the city’s iconic landmarks.

A view from above

Sheer opulence Dusit Thani Dubai HotelDusit Thani Dubai Hotel is an iconic five-star hotel that captures the essence of Thailand in the vibrant centre of Dubai’s Business District. The hotel combines the latest in luxury amenities with traditional Thai hospitality in all 321 superbly furnished rooms and suites providing the comforts expected of a luxurious international five-star hotel. The Dusit Club Rooms and Dusit Grand Rooms are supported by the Dusit Club Lounge and offer additional facilities, butler services, pressing and laundry facilities and limousine airport transfers. Seven food and beverage outlets offer a superb choice of dining options from Italian to Thai and the signature restaurant Benjarong is the first specialty restaurant to bring Royal Thai Cuisine to Dubai. Ideal for business meetings or social gatherings, the magnificent Al Wasl Ballroom can accommodate up to 600 guests theatre style or 350 guests banquet style. While staying at Dusit Thani Dubai, guests can enjoy a workout at the luxury hotel’s fully equipped gymnasium, enjoy swimming at the rooftop pool or relax at the jacuzzi.

JW Marriott Marquis Dubai

A five-star destination in Dubai in every sense of the term, the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai is a striking addition to an already spectacular city. As the world’s tallest hotel, it boasts over 1,600 guest rooms and suites spread out across two towers and 72 spectacular floors. This landmark hotel offers a spectrum of business facilities for the most discerning of travellers. It’s a brand synonymous with intuitive service and refined taste, a title given only to the finest properties in the Marriott portfolio. Elevated above Dubai’s business district, on Sheikh Zayed Road, the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai resides in the Business Bay area. The hotel features exceptional event and business facilities, an enticing array of bars and restaurants and the sublime Saray Spa and Health Club. Centrally located on the Dubai Water Canal, the hotel offers guests easy access to such notable attractions as the world-renowned The Dubai Mall and the jaw-dropping Burj Khalifa.

Fairmont The PalmAptly named after the iconic Dubai Palm Jumeirah, Fairmont The Palm is located on the world’s largest

manmade island shaped in the form of a palm tree. This beachside hotel showcases unrivalled views of the Arabian Gulf and provides easy access to Dubai’s attractions, the Dubai International Airport, and some of the city’s best shopping malls. The hotel features 381 guest rooms and suites, including two Presidential Suites and a Fairmont Gold Lounge and rooms, 3,000 square meters of conference and meeting space and a full service business centre. Other facilities include a 450 meter private beach, beach club and four glistening pools, complete with cabanas with butler service. Guests can indulge in pan Chinese cuisine at the signature restaurant Bā, or experience the vibrant ambience of the Brazilian restaurant Frevo. The elegant Flow Kitchen is the perfect place for culinary delights from Europe, Middle East and Asia. One can savour afternoon tea in the comfort of the Mashrabiya Lounge or in the evening, head to the Mare Beach Grill & Terrace and watch the spectacular sunset over the Dubai Marina’s skyline, while on one of our signature beverages.

The H Hotel, Dubai The H Hotel, Dubai (formerly The Monarch Dubai), a five star hotel anchored at the prestigious address of No. 1 Sheikh Zayed Road, holds its unique position in the city. Located at the commercial and social heart of Dubai, the hotel offers convenient access to Dubai World Trade Centre, the Exhibition Centre, Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and other business and tourist destinations. The Arabesque touches at The H Hotel Dubai offers a luxurious setting for guests. The hotel’s reputation for providing outstanding hospitality and services extends to airport pickup, limousine transfer, in-room check-in and private dining in the comfort of your room. This 33-storey hotel tower consists of 236 luxurious rooms and suites. All H Hotel Dubai accommodations are extremely spacious and feature contemporary design influenced by traditional Arabic elements. With floor to ceiling windows, the hotel’s range of accommodation provides exceptional views of the city as well as the Arabian Gulf.

Mall Of The Emirates

Not so long ago, Mall of the Emirates was the biggest mall in the UAE. Strategically located in the heart of what is now deemed ‘New Dubai’, this 6.5 million sq. ft. centre offers a full range of shopping, leisure, and entertainment. It is home to over 450 retailers including Carrefour, Bugatti, Chopard and DNATA. It also features a complete range of entertainment options including Ski Dubai, the first indoor ski destination in the Middle East, a two-level Magic Planet, the largest indoor family entertainment centre in the country, a 14-screen Cinestar Cinemas and the Dubai Community Arts and Theatre with a 500 seat-theatre and art gallery. It also has over 70 restaurants and coffee shops with everything from fast food to themed restaurants and exclusive dining alternatives.

BurJuman Centre

Billed as one of UAE’s most luxurious shopping destinations and the residence of high fashion, BurJuman Centre has two distinctly different sides to it; the old and the new. The new area is anchored by Saks 5th Avenue and has an enormous range of

top brands housed in very smart outlets including Burberry, Salvatore Ferragamo, Ralph Lauren, Prada, Dior, Calvin Klein, DKNY and Cartier. There are two food courts and numerous cafes around the centre including branches of Yo Sushi and French street corner chic Paul’s. For children, there are play areas and an interactive fountain. Located in the heart of Dubai, the BurJuman Centre is a distinctive landmark which comprises of 800,000 square feet of retail space. BurJuman has more than 300 prestigious stores and you can also choose from a wide selection of restaurants, a food court and cafes.

Ibn Battuta Mall

Regarded as the world’s largest themed shopping centre, Ibn Battuta is revolutionising the retail and entertainment experience in Dubai. Uniquely designed to celebrate the travels of the famous Arabic explorer Ibn Battuta, the exciting mix of over 275 retailers, 50 restaurants and food outlets and 21 cinema screens, including the UAE’s only IMAX theatre and a continual array of events and promotions have helped evolve and develop one of the city’s fastest growing areas. The mall possesses a unique multicultural atmosphere and a real sense of ease, thanks to the concept of retail zoning, whereby the zones are divided into four sections: Family & Convenience; Major Department Stores; Up-Market Brands & Lifestyles; and Entertainment & Leisure. Expect an inspiring and extraordinary experience, nothing less!

Dubai’s super-luxury hotels pamper guests with tony rooms, refined international food and extra-special amenities superior to any

place else on earth.

More than everything!

Flavours to savour

From luxury to tradition, from fashion to electronics, Dubai is truly a shopper’s paradise with a plethora of options offering

virtually everything money can buy.

The restaurants in Dubai are not simply somewhere to eat, but destinations for stunning décor, amazing views and

unforgettable culinary experiences.

La Petite MaisonCuisine Type: MediterraneanTwo restaurants in Dubai have made this year’s coveted ‘World’s Best Restaurants’ list, and one of those is La Petite Maison, a relaxed establishment with a Cote d’Azur feel serving a mix of southern French and Italian cuisine. Located in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), this restaurant’s cooking style belongs to ‘old Genoese’, serving Mediterranean dishes. Local produce, notably artichokes, courgettes, lemons, olives, tomatoes and peppers are mix-matched with sea food, meat and fresh pasta to produce a style that’s light and healthy. The menu must be one of Dubai’s largest as it boasts 28 starters, 24 main courses and 10 dessert

Buddha BarCuisine Type: Oriental

Located at the heart of the Dubai Marina, inside the luxurious Grosvenor House, this majestic two-storied restaurant is one of the largest from among Buddha-Bars worldwide. The dining room is impressively spacious, with sumptuous overhanging red and gold chandeliers. The large bay

windows provide an exceptional view of the Marina, offering guests a great dining experience. The bar is famed for its unique food, eclectic atmosphere and Asian lounge music. The restaurant serves a fusion of sushi, Chinese and Thai food. There is an outdoor terrace for al fresco dining and astounding views of the Burj Khalifa. In only a few years, this hip nightlife hotspot has become the place to be for Dubai’s stylish crowds.

NobuCuisine Type: JapaneseWorld-renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa redefines Japanese cuisine in a contemporary space that mixes traditional and modern Japanese elements. Located at Atlantis, The Palm Jumeirah, Nobu infuses his cutting edge style with Arabian influences to create a distinctly urban experience. Incorporating Nobu’s signature dishes as well as new surprises, the menu is complemented by a sushi bar and sake lounge, with stylish surroundings, including private areas for more intimate gatherings. Cooking classes are available on the first Saturday of every month, allowing guests to learn the secrets behind this world-famous restaurant chain.

Al MaharaCuisine Type: SeafooodLocated on the lower level of the iconic Burj Al Arab, Al Mahara is an intimate and romantic restaurant with a stunning central aquarium. Michelin-starred British chef Nathan Outlaw brings his luxuriously laidback approach to seafood to Dubai. The restaurant is not underwater and neither is the ‘submarine’ that takes you there real, but nonetheless, it is an extraordinary and unique experience dining within the vast aquarium that sets the scene. While the signature dishes emphasise the power of simplicity, the flavours of the finest ingredients speak for themselves. What better way to savour the experience than soaking in the atmosphere at one of the new open air waterfront patio tables?

The Dubai Mall The Dubai Mall is home to just about every major fashion brand in the world including designer labels Armani, Jimmy Choo, Prada, Chanel and Louis Vuitton. Located at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, it is a one-of-a-kind retail hub with 1,200 retail outlets and 120 food and beverage outlets. It also houses the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Discovery Centre (comprising 220 stores), KidZania, an Olympics-sized Dubai Ice Rink and the world’s largest indoor Gold Souk which is packed with treasures from diamond-encrusted pieces and strands of pearls to fine gold jewellery. The grand decor complements the endless rows of elite fashion names, and aficionados will be spoilt for choice as they match and accessorise to their heart’s content. The Dubai Mall has a total area of 12.1 million sq. ft. (equivalent in size to more than

50 football pitches), making it the world’s largest shopping mall. Need we say more?

Dubai Duty Free marked its 33rd anniversary with a special 25% discount on a wide range of merchandise over three days which began at midnight on

18th December and continued until midnight on the operation’s anniversary day on 20th December. Total sales for the three days topped US$44.33 million.

The decision to extend the annual celebration beyond the one day was due to the high passenger traffic expected over the pre-Christmas holiday. The anniversary discount for 72 hours resulted in a spending

spree at Dubai International and at Al Maktoum International with

sales figures on 18th December reaching US$9.67 million and US$9.01 million on 19th December. On the anniversary day itself, 20th December, DDF daily sales reached US$25.6 million in the 24-hour period.

From a category point of view, perfume was the highest selling category with sales of US$6.93 million, followed by watches and cosmetics

Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman & CEO of DDF said: “The 33rd anniversary celebrations were fantastic and received positive results across all the concourses. Extending a 25% discount to our customers is our way of saying thank you for their

support through the year.”During the anniversary sales,

DDF’s Distribution Centre issued over 6,198 pallets of merchandise

and conducted 592 trips from the warehouse to the airport. The highest number of pallets was issued on 15th December with 973 pallets being delivered in 92 trips.

The total number of picks in the warehouse during this period was 91,503 for 2,851,391 units of merchandise, with the highest picks on 10th December of 12,486 picks for over 422,708 units of merchandise.

Over the three-day period, the cash registers recorded a total of 293,903 sales transactions with nearly 102,493 sales transactions alone on 20th December.

The DDF anniversary promotion is now a highly-anticipated event with many travellers choosing to

travel on the days when the 25% discount is offered. Dubai Duty Free introduced a discount offer across a wide range of merchandise to mark its 20th Anniversary in 2003.

The 33rd anniversary also saw a series of celebrations in various locations over three days led by Colm McLoughlin, along with Ramesh Cidambi, Chief Operating Officer, and other members of the senior management team who conducted the ‘Millennium Millionaire’ and ‘Finest Surprise’ draw.

Christmas came early for a 36-year–old Pakistani national from Sharjah who won US$1 million in the DDF Millennium Millionaire

Promotion in Series no. 232 with ticket no. 2290. Saad Khan, a real estate sales executive, purchased his third Millennium Millionaire ticket for the 3rd time and couldn’t believe he won a million dollars. Meanwhile, another winner was announced in the Finest Surprise Promotion. Prajwal Raj Paudel from Nepal won a Ducati Monster 821 Star White Silk in Series no. 294 with ticket no. 0844.

DDF’s employees also enjoyed a special Staff Surprise draw, which resulted in a total of over US$23,000 being won by employees. DDF currently employs 5,900 staff and of the original 100 staff that joined in December 1983, 30 remain in active service.

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Dubai Duty Free Celebrates 33 years oF retailing suCCess

Dubai Duty Free’s Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Colm McLoughlin and Ramesh Cidambi, Chief Operating Officer with the two MENAA Awards.

Dubai Duty Free Executive Vice Chairman & CEO, ColmMcLoughlin, and other senior management join excited employees in cutting the 33rd anniversary cake in Terminal 1 Concourse C

At the recently concluded Middle East, North Africa & Asia (MENAA) Best Business Leaders Award, Dubai Duty Free walked

away with two significant awards at a special gala held recently at Burj Al Arab.

The airport retailer was awarded with the ‘Customer Delight Award’, while its Executive Vice Chairman & CEO, Colm McLoughlin, was named ‘Best Business Leader in Retail’ for the second consecutive year.

Attended by over 200 senior regional executives, the gala event rewarded and celebrated business excellence across all sectors in the Middle East, North Africa and Asia for two categories: ‘Best

Business Leader’ and ‘Customer Delight’.

The MENAA Award Organisation is affiliated with the Federation of Awarding Bodies UK and has branches across the globe including US, UK, Greece, Dubai, and Tehran. The organisation has been at the forefront of running excellent quality and top class Award Ceremonies, Conferences, and International Forums in the past years.

Commenting on the two awards Colm McLoughlin said, “I am delighted to accept the Best Business Leader Award for the second time and dedicate this to our Chairman, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum,

who is himself an excellent leader. I have been involved in the retail business for over 46 years, including 33 at Dubai Duty Free, and I am as enthusiastic and excited about this business as ever. The Customer Delight Award is also a fantastic recognition for the continuous hard work and dedication of our own team of staff whom I believe to be among the best trained in the world.”

McLoughlin, along with the other awardees from the world of hospitality, healthcare, industry, aviation, technology, IT, Marketing and Banking was shortlisted for the award by the MENAA committee, who has a wealth of knowledge of the industry they work for.

DDF Receives Two MENAA Awards

The Dubai Duty Free Golf World Cup is one of the most highly anticipated events in the international travel retail golfing calendar and the 24th

edition was no different. Over 90 players turned out to compete over the two days, with Round 1 being played at The Address Montgomerie Dubai and Round 2 at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. DDF organises this stableford event and provides the industry’s golfers with a fantastic atmosphere and a whole host of prizes available throughout the Men’s, Ladies’ and Senior’s divisions.

Commenting on the success of

the tournament, Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman & CEO of DDF said: “I thank my team at DDF and to Montgomerie and Dubai Creek Golf Club for another successful running of the DDF Golf World Cup. The players thoroughly enjoyed the competitive and friendly atmosphere and the social interaction made it a good meeting place for those involved in the duty free industry. We look forward to welcome them back again and hopefully we will have even more players next year when we mark the tournament’s 25th Anniversary.”

Producing two outstanding performances and winning the

24th edition of the Dubai Duty Free Golf World Cup, with a 2-day total of 84 stableford points, was Scott Campbell. After 40 points on Day 1 at The Montgomerie, Scott produced an exceptional performance of 44 points at Dubai Creek on Day 2, to be crowned the 2016 Dubai Duty Free Golf World Cup Champion. Scott beat overnight leader Niall McLoughlin on count-back after a better second round score. After being presented his trophy Scott commented; “I’m shocked to have won such a prestigious event; it was an amazing two days and I’m looking forward to next year’s event already.”

As the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters came to an exciting conclusion on 10th December at the Emirates Golf Club, Dubai Duty Free,

one of the patron sponsors of the event, was there to announce the lucky winner of a Mercedes Benz S500 Diamond White in the Finest Surprise Promotion in Series 1643.

Fourth time Omega Dubai Ladies Masters winner, Shanshan Feng, made the draw accompanied

by Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman & CEO of Dubai Duty Free, Ramesh Cidambi, Chief Operating Officer, Salah Tahlak, Executive Vice President – Corporate Services, Nic Bruwer, Executive Vice President – Commercial and Sinead El Sibai, Senior Vice President – Marketing. Feng drew the ticket (No. 0201) in the presence of golfers and spectators directly after the awarding ceremony.

The lucky winner to take home the stylish Mercedes Benz S500 was Mahmoud Hadaid, a Dubai-based Jordanian national. Hadaid, a regular participant of the Finest Surprise promotion to win a luxury car, is now looking forward to have his first drive in his brand new car. Tickets for the Finest Surprise promotion were on sale at Dubai Duty Free counters at the venue throughout the tournament period.24th DDF golf World Cup -

a swinging success

Dubai Duty Free officials namely Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman & CEO, Salah Tahlak, Executive VicePresident - Corporate Services, Nic Bruwer, Executive Vice President - Commercials and Sinead El Sibai, Senior VicePresident - Marketing, together with golf pro Des Smyth, presenting the trophy to 2016 overall winner of the DubaiDuty Free Golf World Cup, Scott Campbell

Omega Dubai Ladies Masters’ ‘Finest Surprise’ Promotion

Dubai Duty Free senior officials conducting the Finest Surprise draw with Shanshan Feng, winner of the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters