Jetsettersblog

Ajman Property on the Rise

Unspoilt white sand beaches, warm turquoise waters, five star hotels, international restaurants and a booming property market, Ajman, the smallest of the seven Emirate states, is currently attracting a lot of interest from savvy property investors.

Unspoilt white sand beaches, warm turquoise waters, five star hotels, international restaurants and a booming property market, Ajman, the smallest of the seven Emirate states, is currently attracting a lot of interest from savvy property investors looking for an alternative to the Dubai property market.

With a population of about 80,000, Ajman is just 30 minutes drive from Dubai’s international airport. Holiday companies such as Kuoni have recently added Ajman to their brochures, offering stays at the five star Kempinski hotel.

The largest new development in Ajman is the recently announced Al-Zorah project, a new ‘city within a city’ which is currently being developed in a joint venture between Solidere Management Services and the government of Ajman at a cost $15billion.

The master plan for the project includes residential buildings and villas, a commercial office district, marina, golf course, entertainment projects, hotels, hospitals and schools. A highway connecting the development directly to Emirates Road will also be built, in order to allow investors in Al Zorah to commute to the other Emirates. The project is currently under development and is scheduled to be finished over a 16 year period.

Rami Dabbas, head of real estate development, Ajman Investment & Development Authority, CEO of Aqaar Properties, said: “We are trying to recreate another Monaco. The project will spread across an area of about 10 million square metres of existing land.

“We are not reclaiming any land and even if we do, it won’t be much, as we have enough space to develop. Al Zora is definitely going to put Ajman on the map as a world destination.”

Sandcastles-property.com, based in Dubai, has seen a 42% increase in enquiries for Ajman property during the first half of 2008. “For property investors looking to get into an area at ground level, Ajman property offers great value for money and is an excellent alternative to buying Dubai property Said Zuber Mohsan, CEO for Sandcastles.

“We currently have a number of properties for sale in Ajman, but when the Al-Zorah project is up and running we expect both interest and prices of Ajman property to rise dramatically,” added Mohsan.

The Emirates has seen its population grow by almost 75% in the past decade. As a result, new property laws have had to be introduced in order to accommodate nationals and non-nationals. Ajman has led the UAE in this respect, being the first emirate to offer 100% freehold rights to non-nationals in 2004.

About sandcastles-property.com

Sandcastles-property.com is the leading property website in the United Arab Emirates; featuring properties for sale and for rent in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman and many other emirates in the UAE.

The Westin Dubai

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – One of the most relished indulgences of staying in a five-star hotel is enjoying breakfast in bed, or on the terrace of your guest room overlooking the sea. Yet, all too often the most basic of breakfast commodities, toasted bread, fails to live up to expectations.

Either the toast arrives cold or soggy or, if the hotel supplies a toaster, there is a struggle to find a suitable power socket to ensure crisp, hot toast that the butter can just melt into.

The food and beverage team at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina have been working hard to solve the breakfast toast conundrum and have invented the ‘Flexi-Toast’ unit to ensure their guests can enjoy fresh, hot toast time and time again.

A world first, Flexi-Toast is a rechargeable battery operated unit that fits snugly onto the room service trolley. Offering a choice of light, medium and dark toast settings, Flexi-Toast is guaranteed to provide the perfect slice each morning. And, if that was not all, each slice pops up with the Westin logo to remind guests what the Westin Difference is all about.

“Toast is such a simple breakfast item, but all too often it falls short of guest expectations. With the Flexi-Toast we are confident that our in-room diners will enjoy a new dimension to their breakfast. Our inventiveness is yet a further example of the Westin Difference that we pride ourselves on,” said Anthony Ware, Director of Food & Beverage, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina.

Staff at the five-star hotel were encouraged to take the initiative and ownership to create the Flexi-Toast, a world first; just one of the many enterprising ideas that encapsulates the Westin Difference.

Embracing Westin’s characteristics of inspire, revitalise and refresh, Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina offers the whole gamut of Westin signature services, including the Heavenly Bed®, Westin Workout® Powered by Reebok® and Westin Service Express®.

All rooms and suites at Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina have Heavenly Beds®, luxurious bath amenities and hi-tech LCD TV screens, while the indulgent Spa and Westin Workout® Powered by Reebok® provide total relaxation and rejuvenation.

The property features 294 rooms, including 216 deluxe rooms, 52 Westin Executive rooms, and 24 suites, apart from a spa, a health club, and four bars and four themed restaurants. State-of-the-art conference and banqueting facilities include an 8,999 square feet ballroom, an Italian designed conference centre with 10 meeting rooms, an outdoor beachside amphitheatre, and a variety of lawn locations accommodating up to 5,000 guests. The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina is located on a stunning 1,200 metre private shoreline, and will feature a 238-berth marina, five swimming pools, a water sports centre, a sailing academy, and facilities for deep sea fishing and boat chartering.

Address hotels in Downtown Burj Dubai upgraded

• The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai, and The Address, Dubai Mall are flagship projects under Emaar Hospitality Group’s new hotel brand• 63-and 43-storey towers totaling 440 luxury rooms/suites and 449 service apartments

• Both scheduled for opening later this yearDubai, UAE; June 18, 2008: Emaar Hospitality Group LLC, the hospitality & leisure business subsidiary of Emaar Properties PJSC, has announced rapid progress in developing its first two hotel projects under The Address Hotels & Resorts roster. The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai is over 90 per cent complete and The Address, Dubai Mall also located within Downtown Burj Dubai is 70 per cent complete. The structural work has been finished and cladding and interior fittings are ongoing.

A 63-storey tower, The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai will feature 196 hotel rooms/suites. The Address, Dubai Mall, featuring 43 storeys, has a gross floor area of 92,397 sq m. The promise of a true 5 star premium experience will be assured in the hotels through speciality restaurants, fully equipped business lounges, meeting rooms, a modern fitness centre, spa, swimming pools and over 1,000 parking lots. Overlooking Burj Dubai, the world’s tallest building, The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai is in close proximity to The Address, The Dubai Mall, located as part of one of the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destinations.

Richard W. Riley, Managing Director, The Address Hotels & Resorts said: “The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai, and The Address, Dubai Mall, our pioneering hotel projects under the newly launched brand will be spectacular additions to the hotel sector of Dubai. The hotels will uphold our core philosophy of providing a boutique style ‘one size fits one’ experience. The central location within Downtown Burj Dubai and the luxury features of the hotels will be a draw for visitors and cement our positioning of ‘Where Life Happens’.”

Work on The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai and on The Address, Dubai Mall started in April 2005. With structural and block work of the exteriors accomplished, several hundred workers are now employed in fitting out the podium cladding and interior fittings. The work is expected to be completed later this year.

Emaar is currently developing another hotel under The Address brand name in Dubai – The Address, Dubai Marina which is also scheduled to open later this year. Emaar will add more hotels and resorts under The Address banner as the brand develops locally and internationally.

The addition of The Address completes Emaar Hospitality Group’s portfolio as a full-service hospitality company. With total assets of development value US$1 billion (AED 3.67 billion), Emaar Hospitality Group owns and manages a diversified portfolio of hospitality assets such as hotels, serviced residences, golf resorts, polo and equestrian club, recreation clubs, and the Dubai Marina Yacht Club and Marinas.

Lufthansa Business Jet daily from Dubai to Munich

Demand for Premium Travel on the rise; easy connections to the hub in Munich with onward flights to destinations in Europe and the US
Lufthansa German Airlines will increase its frequency on the Dubai-Munich route. From July 15th onwards, the Airbus A319 with an all Business Class configuration will operate daily to the airlines’ hub in Munich. The Lufthansa Business Jet service commenced on May 1st with six flights a week. With this new service, Lufthansa passengers can avail of a year-round connection from Dubai to Munich complimenting the flights from Dubai to Frankfurt, which are scheduled for all days of the week.

LH 639 departs Dubai at 07:45 and arrives in Munich at 12:10, the return flight LH 638 departs from Munich at 21:30 and arrives in Dubai at 5:30 the next morning. From July 15th onwards Lufthansa will as well depart Wednesdays and arrive on Thursday mornings back into Dubai.

“We are extremely pleased with this market development and the high demand for our premium services on this route. The success of this service in such a short while has encouraged us to increase the frequencies and now fly double daily from Dubai to both our hubs, Munich and Frankfurt,” stated Peter Pollak, General Manager Passenger Sales UAE & Director Gulf & Pakistan, Lufthansa German Airlines. “Our customers for this exclusive product enjoy an all year-round-offer on this route as well as convenient departure and arrival timings specially designed to meet the needs of our business travellers”.

Onboard the Lufthansa Business Jet, passengers enjoy an exclusive atmosphere with ample space and individual attention. Lufthansa Business Jet offers a maximum of 48 seats, hence quick and comfortable boarding and de-boarding as well as reduced travel time at airports. The sleeper seats recline at a comfortable 160 degrees with a seat pitch of 58 and a seat width of 21 inches. DVD players allow passengers to make personal selections on their choice of entertainment.

Passengers travelling with Lufthansa’s Business Jet service check in at the Lufthansa Business Class counter, have access to the Business Class Lounge located on the departure level (H level) in Munich and the Star Alliance Lounge in Dubai. Senators and HON Circle Members can also check in at the First Class counter and relax in the Senator Lounge at Munich airport.

Lufthansa’s Miles & More offers it’s existing and new member’s double miles from May 01st until 31st July. Prior registration will be necessary and a special registration link is set up on Lufthansa’s homepage at www.miles-and-more.com/flymunich

Angsana Hotel & Suites Dubai Opening rate

Dubai – Marking its first hospitality foray in the United Arab Emirates, Angsana Hotels and Resorts has announced the soft opening of the Suites Tower of Angsana Hotel and Suites Dubai. Part of Banyan Tree Group, one of the world’s leading international operators of boutique resorts, hotels, residences and spas, this is the first city hotel to open under the Angsana brand.

“With an ever-escalating demand for quality hotel accommodation in Dubai, we are pleased to open our doors to the public with the Suites Tower which offers hotel-standard services and amenities. Guests will also enjoy top-notch facilities, including our signature award-winning Angsana Spa, which is one of the largest and loftiest spas – being located on the 45th floor – in the United Arab Emirates. To complete the experience of staying at Angsana, we have the perfect ‘heartware’ in place – guests’ needs will be attended to by our discreet associates, who will deliver our unique blend of contemporary hospitality with a touch of Asia,” said Mr Kamel Ajami, general manager of Angsana Hotel and Suites Dubai, and area general manager Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Kuwait.

“To celebrate this occasion, we would like to share a piece of good luck with our first guests to Angsana Dubai. The numeral eight is a metonym for ‘prosperity’ and is considered auspicious according to popular Chinese culture”, he added. With this in mind, Angsana Hotel and Suites Dubai is pleased to announce an introductory rate starting from AED 888, subject to 10% Municipality fee and 10% service charge, for the soft-launch of the Suites Tower. This rate is inclusive of breakfast on a single or twin-share basis, and is valid from July through to September 2008.

Consisting of 417 studios, one-bedroom, premier one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites, the Suites Tower promises a peaceful urban retreat and uncompromised functionality that is bound to revitalise the mind and body. Amenities available in all suites include IDD telephone, wireless Internet connection, the latest entertainment system, in-room safe and dining area.

Discover Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – The countdown to one of the most highly anticipated openings of the year is underway at Atlantis, The Palm, the flagship resort on The Palm Jumeirah. Set to be the ultimate must-see destination, Atlantis will be opening its doors on September 24th and is giving residents of the UAE the chance to be among the first to experience the action with celebration prices.

As the region’s first truly integrated entertainment resort, Atlantis, The Palm is home to 18 million litres of water themed amusement at Aquaventure, extensive fresh and salt water pools and lagoon exhibits, an open-aired marine habitiat, 17 restaurants (including 4 celebrity chef venues), luxury boutiques and endless stretch of beach amongst its impressive offering.

The spectacular new 1,539 room resort embodies executive chairman Sol Kerzner’s vision to transport guests into a dazzling, inspiring world throughout a 46 hectare site of exhilarating attractions for the family group, the business traveler or the single connoisseur.

Be the first to experience the adrenalin rush of Aquaventure with its myriad of nail-biting slides, near vertical drops and tidal pools. Be thrilled by shark experiences, educated by dolphin interactions at Dolphin Bay and amazed by the exotic marine life throughout The Ambassador Lagoon and The Lost Chambers.

After all the action, pamper and rejuvenate at the world class spa and fitness club with its water-themed treatments and exotic therapies or indulge in some retail therapy at the exclusive boutiques of The Avenues. Relax into the evening by dining at one of the exclusive celebrity restaurants, including the famed Nobu, Rostang’s French Brasserie, Locatelli’s Ronda Locatelli and Santamaria’s first foray out of Spain with his gourmet seafood restaurant Ossiano.

The special UAE residents package*, DIVE IN, of AED2,260 per room per night is now available and includes breakfast, and 2 return complimentary Aquaventure passes which retails for 220 AED per visit, and beach access for two. The DIVE IN offer applies to Deluxe Guest rooms and all reservations must be made by July 31st 2008.

All guest rooms feature private balconies and boast enviable views over the Arabian Gulf or The Palm Jumeirah. Designed by Wilson and Associates, the interior design of the rooms reflects an oceanic theme with tributes to the surrounding sea, fused with elements of Arabia.

Book the UAE residents package now to experience all this and more and be the first to discover the wonders of Atlantis, The Palm!

*Terms and conditions: Applicable to UAE residents only upon presentation of ID and visa. Offer inclusive of municipality fee and service charge. Valid until 1st October and bookings must be made by July 31st. Aquaventure pass, six months validity from issue.

Air Arabia takes off to Dhaka

• Air Arabia’s 40th destination globally, second destination in Bangladesh

• Flights to operate four times per week initially

Sharjah: Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa, today launched non-stop service to Dhaka, Bangladesh, from the carrier’s main hub in Sharjah. Flights will initially operate four times per week.

The inaugural flight took off from Sharjah International Airport today and was received upon its arrival by Bangladeshi delegates in Dhaka Airport.

“Air Arabia is committed to the Bangladeshi and wider South Asian market,” said AK Nizar, Head of Commercial Department, Air Arabia. “Dhaka marks our second destination in Bangladesh, after Chittagong, giving the people of Bangladesh more options than ever for convenient and low-cost air travel. Bangladesh, like its South Asian neighbours, has a growing trade and business relationship with the economies of the Gulf, and we are proud to be a part of those strengthening ties.”

Air Arabia flies to Dhaka four times per week, with flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays departing Sharjah at 12:35PM and arriving at Dhaka at 18:55PM. Return flights depart Dhaka at 19:40PM and arrive in Sharjah at 22:45PM. Dhaka is Air Arabia’s 40th destination worldwide and the carrier’s 17th destination in South Asia.

Emaar Hospitality Group’s 4 for 3 offer

• Pay with Visa and your fourth guest goes free
• Experience the ultimate in dining, sports, hotels, spas, golfing
• Save big at participating outlets

Dubai, UAE: Emaar Hospitality Group in association with Visa International is welcoming the summer with arms wide open. Emaar Hospitality Group’s 4 for 3 summer offer allows guests to enjoy exciting benefits throughout their leisure destinations when using Visa International. Until September 30, Visa card users will experience the highlife for less.

Whether it is a delicious meal, a relaxing round of golf, a luxurious spa treatment, gym membership or a thrilling charter cruise, more can be experienced for less with Visa. Wherever customers pay with Visa, their fourth guest goes entirely free. Below is a summary of where guests can avail of this exclusive offer:

Golfing: Book a round of golf for 3 and a fourth person plays for free at The Montgomerie, Dubai and Arabian Ranches Golf Club.

Hotel Guest Accommodation: If you have family or friends coming to stay or just want to relax and unwind with a mini break, book a stay of 4 nights and pay for just 3 at:

• The Palace, The Old Town
• Al Manzil Hotel
• Qamardeen Hotel
• Nuran Marina Serviced Residences
• Nuran Greens Serviced Residences
• Arabian Ranches Golf Club
• The Montgomerie, Dubai

Dining: With a wide choice of venues and cuisines, enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner for 4 people and pay for only 3 at:

• Palermo Restaurant, Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club
• Nineteen, The Montgomerie, Dubai
• Ewaan, The Palace, The Old Town
• Thiptara, The Palace, The Old Town
• Asado, The Palace, The Old Town
• Conservatory Restaurant, Al Manzil Hotel
• Esca Restaurant, Qamardeen Hotel
• The Seafood & Grill Restaurant, Dubai Marina Yacht Club

Spa Treatments: Escape the stresses of modern life and indulge in a pampering spa visit. Book 4 signature spa treatments and enjoy the fourth one for free at The Palace, The Old Town.

Equestrian Pursuits: Whether you are a serious sportsman or a beginner, you can experience a range of thrilling and exciting equestrian pursuits, including desert hacks and stable tours, in a unique setting. Book for 3 people and a fourth goes for free at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club.

Health Club Memberships: For family fun in the sun, the latest in fitness facilities, indulgent spa treatments and a relaxing social atmosphere, Hayya! Clubs offer everything you need to enjoy your leisure time. Sign up for a 3 month membership to any Hayya! Club and receive a complimentary fourth month. Membership is valid for memberships joining in the month of June and July 2008 at:

• Hayya! Lakes Club
• Hayya! Meadows Village
• Hayya! Meadows Town Centre
• Hayya! Al Yansoon, Downtown Burj Dubai

Marine Offers: The stunning new Dubai Marina Yacht Club is the perfect setting from which to cast off on a bespoke charter yacht cruise. Book a 4 hour cruise and pay for 3.

For those with their own yachts, 4 nights visitor Marina Berthing is available for the price of 3.

Westin Hotels signature social experiences

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina aims to encourage guests to embrace the cultures, tastes and sounds of the Middle East through its signature social experience programme, Westin Unwind.

Part of the global ‘Unwind… A Westin Evening Ritual’, which is a brand standard at all Westin properties, the Unwind programme aims to provide guests with tastes, sights and sounds of each of its destinations.

Evening Unwind rituals at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina will include teaching guests how to write their name in Arabic to provide guests with an authentic Middle East experience. Hand reflexology, and a Jing Tea Ritual are also on the programme. We will also have a creative cocktail making session with our resident mixologist and a wine and cheese tasting session with our sommelier. The Westin Unwind events will be carried out by staff at departments across the hotel, from the spa and restaurants, to the kitchen, front office and recreation teams.

“Unwind is a unique concept brought to Dubai by the Westin. It enables guests to find ways to unwind in every aspect of their stay at the resort and provides them with a chance to touch the culture and heritage of our beautiful destination here in Dubai,” said Michael Scully, Complex General Manager, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina and The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina.

“Unwind will transform many of our public areas into an inviting social and sensory setting. The events provide a meeting place for guests, some of whom may be travelling alone, encouraging them to socialise,” Scully added.

A study by Westin Hotels & Resorts found that 34% of frequent travellers feel lonely away from home and the Unwind programme can provide the perfect antidote, creating a sense of community among guests.

Westin Unwind programmes are delivered at all Westin properties worldwide, with each event taking on elements of its destination. In order to set the stage for its signature evening rituals, the Westin lobbies evolve from day to evening through a variety of subtle sensory cues — everything from music, to scent, to lighting. Warm, natural lighting is dimmed at the start of the evening while scented candles are lit and carefully placed around the lobby. Westin music moves from the background to the foreground with musical cues and selections that change from day to night.

The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina offers the full array of Westin’s signature products, services and amenities including The Heavenly Bed®, WestinWORKOUT Gym®, Kids Club®, Express Checkout®, and the new Sensory Welcome®, comprising white tea scents, muted music, soft lighting and botanical products.

Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina will feature 294 rooms, including 216 deluxe rooms, 52 Westin Executive rooms, and 24 suites, in addition to a spa, a health club, four bars and four themed restaurants. The resort is located on a stunning 1,200 metre private shoreline, and will feature a 238-berth marina, five swimming pools, a water sports centre, a sailing academy, and facilities for deep sea fishing and boat chartering.

Air Arabia adds flights to Beirut and Amman

Sharjah - Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa, announced today that three additional flights per week will be added to Amman, Jordan, and Beirut, Lebanon, respectively from the carrier’s primary hub in Sharjah, UAE.

Currently, Air Arabia flies daily to Amman and Beirut. Flights to Amman depart Sharjah at 12:50PM and arrive at 14:45PM. Return flights depart Amman at 15:30PM and arrive in Sharjah at 19:20PM. The three additional flights to Amman take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and depart Sharjah at 7:00AM and arrive in Amman at 8:55AM. On the same days, return flights depart Amman at 9:40AM and arrive in Sharjah at 13:30PM.

Flights to Beirut currently depart Sharjah at 9:00AM and arrive at 11:15AM daily. On the same day return flights leave Beirut at 12:00PM and arrive in Sharjah at 16:10PM. The three additional flights to Beirut take place on Thursdays, Saturdays and Mondays. On Thursdays and Saturdays, flights depart Sharjah at 23:55PM and arrive in Beirut at 2:10AM. On the same days, return flights depart Beirut at 2:55AM and arrive in Sharjah at 7:05AM. On Mondays, flights depart Sharjah at 00:50AM and arrive in Beirut at 03:05AM. On the same days, return flights depart Beirut at 3:50AM and arrive in Sharjah at 8:00AM.

“Amman and Beirut represent two of our oldest and most popular destinations,” said AK Nizar, Head of Commercial Department, Air Arabia. “As the leader of the Middle Eastern LCC sector, we have strived to give our passengers the most convenient flight times available. With the start of summer season we realised the significant need for additional flights on those routes and have made the decision to add them to the benefit of our passengers.

“The popularity of flights to Amman and Beirut from the Gulf reflects the strong relationship between these cities and the Gulf region. We are proud to
play a part in the growing ties between these two great capitals of the Levant, and the economies of the GCC,” he added.