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Hotels in Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
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Dubai hotels are now renowned for their innovation and creativity. Today, hotels in Dubai are famous all over the world for their instantly recognisable iconic structures that include the standard setting Dubai hotels of Burj Al Arab and Emirates Towers, setting standards for all new Dubai hotels to come. Luxury, authenticity and uniqueness are also characteristic of many Dubai hotels from the Dubai beach hotels at Jumeirah beach to the unique Arabian desert hotels.
Cranley now lists most 5 star hotels in Dubai and most 4 star hotels in Dubai with free hotel reports, hotel information, independent ratings and reviews including many photos. This makes Cranley the most comprehensive guide on Dubai hotels today on-line. Dubai hotels were indeed Cranley’s launch market and more hotels in Dubai continue to be added to the site on a regular basis. Included on the site are also several of the most popular beach hotels in Dubai and holiday hotels in Dubai, budget hotels and several Dubai hotels that are well positioned for the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Setting itself above the rest, some Dubai hotels claim 7 star hotel and 6 star hotel status in marketing material although of course such grading doesn’t exist for hotels in Dubai by the local Dubai Tourism (DTCM). The number of Dubai hotels will continue to grow as many new projects are planned for Dubai hotels over the next few years with many new hotels set to rise in Dubai, including hotels on the Dubai Palm and Jumeirah Palm.
Dubai is strategically located on a 10 kilometre creek which divides it into two parts; Deira on the north side and Bur Dubai to the south. Also to the south of the Creek are Jumeirah and Sheikh Zayed Road with desert hotels out toward Jebel Ali.
Hotels in Deira, which is Dubai’s old city, commercial and business centre is also home to traditional gold and spice souks. Hotels in Bur Dubai are to the south of the Dubai Creek. Jumeirah Beach is of course famous for its luxury hotels and is to the west of the Dubai Creek, boasting Dubai’s most famous hotels, the Wild Wadi Water Park and Mall of the Emirates. Burj Al Arab hotel is rated as a Cranley 12, the highest and most exclusive rating awarded by Cranley.
Several Dubai hotels are located in the Dubai Marina, an up and coming development area with good business and tourist connections. Finally, Sheikh Zayed Road is the new business area of Dubai and includes the World Trade Centre and a further superb choice of Dubai hotels including many Dubai business hotels. |
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Hotels in United Arab Emirates |
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UAE hotels are now renowned for being modern state of the art innovations that stand out globally. Landmark UAE hotels include the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai and the Emirates Palace hotel in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Cranley now lists most 5 star hotels in UAE and most 4 star hotels in UAE with free hotel reports providing detailed hotel information, independent ratings and hotel reviews including many photos, to a level not seen before in the world of independent travel. Cranley is indeed becoming the most comprehensive guide on premier UAE hotels and included on the site are now several of the most popular UAE beach hotels, UAE holiday hotels and business hotels including UAE apartment accommodation for the longer-term business traveller. Some excellently located UAE budget hotels are also listed such as the Novotel and Ibis hotel which are located immediately adjacent to the World Trade Centre in Dubai.
The number of prestigious UAE hotels will undoubtedly continue to grow with several construction plans in place to build out emerging landmarks such as the Jumeirah Palm and The World islands as well as UAE hotels in some of the emerging Emirates such as hotels in Ras Al Khaimah. Indeed Ras Al Khaimah hotels may soon be on the planning schedules of more and more leisure and business travellers.
As prices continue to rise and availability becomes ever tighter for Dubai hotels and Abu Dhabi hotels, then hotels in Sharjah are also a good option as the Emirate is closely located to Dubai, although travellers should note that no alcohol is served in any Sharjah hotels.
With UAE hotels growing in popularity in line with growing UAE tourism growth, UAE hotels take advantage of the strategic position of the UAE between Europe and the Far East and as the travel hub of the Middle East, combined with the luxury and business amenities that travellers from the west are accustomed to.
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Known as the Pearl of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai is strategically located on a 10 kilometre long creek. It began its remarkable transformation from a fishing settlement when it was taken over in 1830 by the current rulers of Dubai, the Maktoum family. The 19th century and early 20th century saw Dubai build itself as a commercial and business centre with a thriving pearling and trade industry. The discovery of oil in the 1960’s led to a boom and the emirate used its resources to diversify into a wide scope of industries and economic sectors with some bold initiatives such as the offshore Jebel Ali Free Zone.
Today, crude oil plays a minor part in the emirate’s economy and other principal industries include international trade, manufacture, tourism, finance and service related industries. Dubai is hailed as a model of economic development in the Middle East and continues to grow, attracting foreign workers from all over the world. Its population is estimated at just over 1 million with the majority being expatriates and non-UAE nationals. The emirate is continuously developing its infrastructure with large property developments and landmark skyscrapers being the order of the day, including the Palm Islands, a massive project that will expand and transform Dubai’s coastline.
Tourism plays a major role in Dubai’s growth today based on its sunshine, clean and welcoming environment, good shopping and a range of sporting facilities, coupled with an array of high standard resorts and hotels. Dubai hosts the world’s richest horse race, the Dubai World Cup and the European Tour Dubai Classic Golf Tournament. Tourists can enjoy many activities in Dubai such as golf, joining the fun at Wild Wadi, Dubai’s premier water park for adults and kids, a desert safari, taking a dhow cruise or relaxing on the beach. Dubai is also known for its shopping with glitzy shopping malls stocking international brands and designer labels to the traditional souks, including the gold, textile and spice souks. Dubai also has a vibrant nightlife with many of the best bars mostly found in the hotels and resorts.
Dubai’s central district is divided into two parts by its creek; Deira on the north side and Bur Dubai to the south. These are connected by a tunnel and two bridges. Deira is the commercial and business centre of Dubai and home to the souks. Jumeirah Beach lies to the west of the creek and is home to many of Dubai’s premier hotels and resorts. |
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The UAE is a constitutional federation of 7 autonomous Emirates formed in 1971 with its capital in Abu Dhabi. The 7 Emirates are Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman.
Although each Emirate maintains a large degree of independence, the UAE is governed by a Supreme Council of Rulers made up of the seven emirs, who appoint the president and prime minister. The Emirates are bordered to the north by the Arabian Gulf and Musandam Peninsula, to the southeast by Oman, to the south and west by Saudi Arabia and to the northwest by Qatar. The terrain is that of a flat, barren coastal plain merging into rolling sand dunes of vast desert with mountains in the east. Its natural resources are petroleum and natural gas.
The UAE has an open economy with a sizable annual trade surplus and its per capita GDP is on par with those of leading Western European nations. Since the discovery of oil in the UAE in the 1950’s, the UAE has undergone a profound transformation to a modern state with a high standard of living. The country’s growing business sector and its tourist industry have also helped to fuel a construction boom. Showpiece property schemes, chic hotels and skyscrapers are now the signature of cities such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
With its sun, sand, sea, sports, shopping, top-class hotels and restaurants, traditional culture and welcoming environment for tourists, the UAE has today become one of the world’s fastest growing tourist destinations. The UAE hosts some major international sporting events and boat, horse and camel racing, football and rugby are popular spectator sports. Shopping is a major attraction for travellers with state-of the art shopping malls and traditional souqs (markets) selling leather goods, gold, brass and silverware. To preserve the emirates’ traditional lifestyle, museums and heritage centres have been established throughout the UAE.
The total UAE population is estimated at 3.1 milllion (UN, 2005) of which about 75% are non-nationals and expatriates. The major religion is Islam. The UAE is one of the most liberal countries in the Gulf with other cultures and beliefs well tolerated. The UAE’s international time is GMT+4 and its international dialling code is +971. Its national internet domain address ends in .ae and mobiles are operated on a GSM 900 network with ETISALAT being the only current network operator.
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Arabic (Official Language)
English
Persian
Urdu
Hindi
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Dubai International Airport |
| Major middle eastern hub served by most airlines operating in the region.
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Dubai International Airport |
| Major middle eastern hub served by most airlines operating in the region.
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Dubai International Airport |
| Major middle eastern hub served by most airlines operating in the region.
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Dubai International Airport |
| Major middle eastern hub served by most airlines operating in the region.
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Dubai International Airport |
| Major middle eastern hub served by most airlines operating in the region.
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Dubai International Airport |
| Major middle eastern hub served by most airlines operating in the region.
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| Hospitals |
Most hospitals in Dubai are generally well equipped and enjoy a good standard of care. Emergency cases are seen in the Accident & Emergency of public hospitals free of charge. All other treatments are however chargeable to tourists and these can be costly. It is therefore advisable to have travel medical insurance when travelling to Dubai. Travellers may want to check whether their country has any special reciprocal medical agreements with the UAE.
Public Hospitals include:
New Dubai Hospital
Rashid Hospital
Al Wasl Hospital
Private Hospitals include:
American Hospital Dubai
Canadian Hospital
Emirates Hospital
Iranian Hospital
Welcare Hospital |
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| Ambulances |
Ambulances are run by the government and take patients to a public hospital. Response times as in many other major cities can be variable. |
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| Pharmacies |
Pharmacies are located on most street corners and are generally well stocked. Travellers are however advised to buy well-known brands. Travellers should not always rely on advice from pharmacy staff. |
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| Dentists |
Good dentists are available and there is a high quality of dentistry care but services can be expensive. |
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| You should consider the following health issues when visiting this country: |
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Malaria
Typhoid
Travellers Diarrhoea
Rabies
Parasites
Tetanus
HIV
Hepatitis
Poisonous Other
Poisonous Snakes
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Before travelling to the UAE it is advisable to check with your doctor or country’s health authority for the latest information on health issues for the UAE. The notes below are only a guide to some of the issues to look out for. Travellers also need to check UAE requirements, especially when travelling from a high-risk area to the UAE as a certificate of clearance may be required on entry to the UAE for such diseases as cholera or yellow-fever.
Food & Water: Food standards are generally high in cities such as Dubai, but be careful of small roadside café’s. If in doubt, avoid raw salads and vegetables, unpeeled fruit, shoarmas, meat and fish which is not well cooked. Outside of the city it is also advisable to avoid milk and diary products, as milk is often un-pasteurised. It is advisable to wash fruit and vegetables before consumption, as some are treated with chlorine-based agents. Tap water in urban cities such as Dubai is generally safe to drink, but most people tend to drink bottled water. Tap water should be avoided outside main cities.
Heat and Sun: The sun can be scorching throughout the year so there is always the risk of heatstroke, heat exhaustion and sunburn. Adequate high factor sun creams, sunglasses and hats are essential when in the open sun especially for children. Dehydration is a high risk and it is essential to drink large amounts of water in this climate and travellers to the desert particularly should ensure they take with them large amounts of water.
Malaria: Mosquitoes are rarely found in cities. Travellers can however be bitten when camping near mountains, exploring wadis or other more rural outings. Outside the cities it is therefore advisable to use a suitable insect repellent and to cover up to avoid being bitten. Travellers could also be at risk of contracting malaria if visiting the areas of the northern emirates and may need prescribed malaria tablets from their doctor before leaving for the UAE. Always consult your doctor for advice if in doubt.
Typhoid and Tetanus: Vaccinations are recommended for visiting rural area and/or for long visits. Polio has virtually been eradicated in the UAE.
Travellers Diarrhoea: It could take time for some travellers to get used to Middle Eastern food, particularly outside the first class hotels. Gastro-enteritis is quite common, but usually mild.
Rabies: Most domestic dogs in cities are safe, but medical treatment should be sought for rabies if bitten by a dog or other animal. Occurrences of rabies close to the border with Oman have been reported in the past and travellers to the area could require vaccination.
Parasites: It is advisable to wear shoes in rural areas to prevent soil-borne parasites.
HIV: Tourists who are treated in hospitals may be tested for HIV and if positive may be required to leave the country. Sexually transmitted diseases are often more prevalent in large cities and visitors should take the necessary precautions.
Hepatitis: Hepatitis A is transmitted by contaminated food and water and immunization is recommended, especially when visiting rural areas or for long visits. Hepatitis B and C are contracted through sexual contact, the use of un-sterilized needles and blood transfusions. If in doubt, consult your doctor to discuss your risk and the need for immunization (currently only available for Hepatitis B).
Poisonous Other: Bad allergic reactions can occur from spiders, jelly-fish and ants. Travellers are advised to look out for scorpions and avoid insect bytes and tick borne diseases by using suitable repellents, especially for visits outside the major cities.
Poisonous Snakes: A variety of snake species are found in the UAE. Most are not poisonous and it is highly likely you will not see a single snake during your visit. However, if you are out in the country watch out for snakes, including the horned viper found in all the sandy deserts from the coast up to the mountain plains where there is virtually no shade.
Travellers should always take care around swimming pools and the beach. Seat-belts should be worn in cars. If visiting the desert, visitors should always be accompanied by an experienced person.
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This month is when everyone stay drunk from the Hogmanay celebrations so no-one cares about the coldThis month is when everyone stay drunk from the Hogmanay celebrations so no-one cares about the coldThis month is when everyone stay drunk from the Hogmanay celebrations so no-one cares about the coldThis month is when everyone stay drunk from the Hogmanay celebrations so no-one cares about the coldThis month is when everyone stay drunk from the Hogmanay celebrations so no-one cares about the coldThis month is when everyone stay drunk from the Hogmanay celebrations so no-one cares about the coldThis month is when everyone stay drunk from the Hogmanay celebrations so no-one cares about the coldThis month is when everyone stay drunk from the Hogmanay celebrations so no-one cares about the coldThis month is when everyone stay drunk from the Hogmanay celebrations so no-one cares about the coldThis month is when everyone stay drunk from the Hogmanay celebrations so no-one cares about the coldThis month is when everyone stay drunk from the Hogmanay celebrations so no-one cares about the coldThis month is when everyone stay drunk from the Hogmanay celebrations so no-one cares about the cold |
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Arabian Ranches Golf Club |
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| Description |
Arabian Ranches golf course is a new Ian Baker-Finch/Nicklaus Design world-class desert course and is the region's first desert-style facility capable of hosting international tournaments. It opened in 2004 at the Arabian Ranches housing development and is complete with a floodlit driving range and practice areas. It is the first true desert course in the city. With no water hazards to face, players tackle the elements and one enormous twisting bunker - the desert itself - on a sprawling course cultivated from the desert topography. The spectacular desert course is an unforgettable golfing experience. |
| Holes |
18 |
| Facilities |
Floodlit driving range, teaching academy and dining facilities.
Par 3 under construction due to open October 2008. |
| Length / Par |
7,698 Yards, Par 72 |
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Dubai Country Club |
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| Description |
Visitors interested in a different golfing experience may like to arrange a game on sand at the Dubai Country Club, the oldest course in the Emirates, which features “browns”, instead of “greens”. Golfers carry a small piece of artificial turf with them, and use it to play off when on the fairways. A very unique experience! The course features an 18 hole course as well as a 9 hole par three course |
| Holes |
Two Courses: 18 Hole, 9 Hole |
| Facilities |
The Dubai Country Club is an extensive complex with several bars and two restaurants. There are excellent facilities for swimming, racket sports and a host of other activities. There is a 24 bay floodlit driving range and tuition is available from fully qualified PGA professionals. |
| Length / Par |
18 Hole: 6,421 Yards Par 71, 9 Hole: 2,270 Yards Par 32 |
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Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club |
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| Description |
Opened in 1993 and extensively re-modelled in 2005, the course is set next to Dubai Creek, close to the city centre and Dubai International Airport. The championship course was re-designed by Thomas Bjorn and is set in undulating fairways lined with palms, attractive water hazards and shrubbery that give it a tropical and secluded feel despite being close to the city centre. The complex also features a nine hole floodlit par-three course. The course was voted in November 2005 as one of the top 100 world courses to play and hosted the Dubai Desert Classic in 1999 and 2000. |
| Holes |
Two Courses: 18 Hole and 9 Hole |
| Facilities |
The centrepiece clubhouse is designed in the shape of a Dhow, making this one of Dubai’s landmark buildings. There is a golf academy with high tech studio, double ended driving range, six PGA qualified professionals and a comprehensive pro shop. |
| Length / Par |
18 Hole Course: 6,839 Yards Par 71 sss 72 |
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Emirates Golf Club |
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| Description |
This was the first grass course in the Gulf region when it opened in 1988. The club features two championship courses; the Majlis and the Wadi. The Majlis was the original course and was designed by Florida based designer Karl Litten. The Wadi opened in 1996 and was re-designed in 2007 by Nick Faldo. Despite a number of new courses, it still ranks as one of the best in Dubai. It has hosted the Dubai Desert Classic fifteen times for the last six years in succession. |
| Holes |
Majlis 18, Wadi 18 |
| Facilities |
Teaching academy, two driving ranges (one of which is floodlit), pitching and chipping areas, fairway and greenside practice bunkers. Several bars and restaurants. |
| Length / Par |
Majlis: 7,185 Yards par 72 sss 74 , Wadi: 7,263 Yards par 72 sss 74 |
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Four Seasons Golf Club Dubai |
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| Description |
Opened in February 2005 the Four Seasons Golf Club Dubai continues to receive rave reviews about its design, condition and playability. This is a Robert Trent Jones II designed course, neighbouring the banks of the Dubai Creek and is only 2 minutes from Dubai Airport. The Four Seasons Golf Club provides a challenging round for seasoned golfers and assures recreational players a memorable experience. It features extensive use of water with 11 lakes and several smaller ponds with stunning views across the impressive Dubai Skyline. |
| Holes |
18 |
| Facilities |
Driving range
Practice areas
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| Length / Par |
7,250 Yards Par 72 sss 74 |
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Montgomerie Dubai |
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| Description |
Covering more than 265 acres of landscaped turf, gardens and lakes, this spectacular golf course provides the player with undulating "links land" style fairways which challenge and intrigue all levels of player. Placement of the drive to the generous fairways remains the cornerstone of any good round. The flat landing area of each fairway can be challenging to find, but a rewarding adventure. With 14 lakes and 81 bunkers, The Montgomerie Dubai, the first and only example of the association between golfing great Colin Montgomerie and Desmond Muirhead, adds a distinctive variety to the golfing landscape of the region.
One of the signature holes is the par 5 fourth, dubbed the Snake hole for its saddleback fairway which doglegs towards the green, with 2 bunkers behind forming the eyes of the snake. Further on, the par 5 ninth, with water down the left, is a tough finish to the opening half. The par 3 thirteenth, a hole designed in the shape of the UAE, boasts a 360 degree teeing area around an island fairway and green, allowing for a completely different golf hole to be played every time. However, it is the par 5 eighteenth that offers a more classic test. At 656 yards it is a monster and, with water protecting the front of the green, it defies even the best player to hit the green in two.
Website: www.themontgomerie.com
Phone: +971 4 390 5600 |
| Holes |
18 |
| Facilities |
Driving range
Teaching academy
9 hole par 3 Academy course
5 star hotel accommodation
3 restaurants
Cigar lounge
Angsana Spa,
Fitness centre
Outdoor swimming pool
Extensive function areas. |
| Length / Par |
7396 Yards, Par 72, sss 75 |
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The Els Club |
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| Description |
The Els Club is located in the heart of Dubai Sports City which is an area currently undergoing heavy construction of sports facilities and residential accommodation. Sports City is located about 12 kms inland from Jumeirah. The course is challenging for the best players in the world but at the same time enjoyable for all golfers. Stretching 7,538 yards from the tips, it features four sets of teeing areas to suit individual golfers. The course will offer players a challenging round accompanied by all the essential facilities that extend beyond the immaculate fairways and greens. Set on undulating slopes of native desert vegetation, it is a links style layout combining traditional classic design. Ernie Els perspective on the course is “I am delighted to welcome you to Dubai and The Els Club at Dubai Sports City. It is a very exciting development and I am proud of the golf course design we have created. Right from the start we knew we wanted to embrace the uniqueness of the amazing environment and incorporate the natural dunes and native plants. There is a genuine sense that you are playing golf in the desert. We call it a 'desert links.'” |
| Holes |
18 |
| Facilities |
Temporary Clubhouse
Practice facilities
GPS golf carts |
| Length / Par |
7,538 Par 72 |
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| Description |
Al Mamzar Park looks out over a blue lagoon to the Emirate of Sharjah on one side and the Gulf on the other side. It is open daily from 08:00 to 23:00 and there is a nominal entrance fee. |
| Size/Frontage |
The park is a peninsula, in excess of one hundred hectares, that extends into the Persian Gulf. There are five different beaches, all with their own amenities including refreshments and children's climbing frames and swings. |
| Facilities |
A small charge is levied for a sun bed, umbrella and towels.
Swimming pool under shade (separate charge)
BBQ facilities
Refreshments on sale
Showers
Children's playgrounds
Amusement arcade
Volleyball
Football goals |
| Parking |
There is complimentary parking outside the park and a nominal charge is levied to bring your car into the park.
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| Cranley Comment |
The park offers sheltered public beaches, swimming pools, pleasant green spaces, and designated picnic and barbeque areas. An ideal place to spend an afternoon, the park also features a spacious amphitheatre and children's playground area.
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| Description |
Jumeirah Beach Park is a public beach open from 8:00 to 23:00. Visitors must pay a small charge to enter the beach area and sun loungers and parasols are available for hire. Visitors to the Jumeirah Beach Park should note that one day per week is designated as 'Ladies Only' day and they should check before visiting which day it is. |
| Size/Frontage |
The beach has a water frontage of about four hundred metres and is approximately twenty metres wide. |
| Facilities |
Facilities include showers, toilets, snack bar, sun loungers and parasols for hire, a children’s adventure playground and a grass area with barbeques and straw parasols. |
| Parking |
There is a small charge to bring your car into the park or there is complimentary car parking available nearby.
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| Safety |
Lifeguards on duty. |
| Cranley Comment |
The Jumeirah Beach Park is a public beach with a small charge for entry. The beach park has a large beach with lifeguards, sun lounger and parasol hire, toilet facilities and a snack bar for cold drinks and fast food refreshments. There is a grassed area and an area planted with trees, where barbeques are available for public use. There are football goals and beach volleyball facilities on the beach in addition to an adventure type playground to keep younger children entertained.
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