Middle East 2022

Middle East
2022

TRAVEL & HOSPITALITY
AWARD WINNER
2022

Team
Contents
CEO
Robert Bruce
Editor-In-Chief
Katherine Lozell
Art Director
Marcs Bacera
Awards Director
Brian Anson
Editorial Liaison Manager
David Hyde
Criteria 6
Qatar10
FIFA World Cup Our Guide to Visiting Qatar12
Qatar 3 Unmissable Attractions16
Fraser Suites West Bay Doha18
Ezdan Palace Hotel20
Saudi Arabia 22
Riyadh The Beautiful
Desert Oasis 24
The Do’s and Don’ts in
Saudi Arabia 26
Radisson Blu Hotel &
Residence, Riyadh
Diplomatic Quarter 28
UAE30
Dubai The City of
the Future 32
Shopping in Dubai 34
Adventure in Dubai 38
Emirates Stars Hotel
Apartments Dubai 40
Hydro Sports Yachts and
Boats Rental LLC 42
Bahrain44
Bahrain 46
The Top 5 Things To Do48
Dragon Hotel And Resort 50
Director Of Marketing
Azim Aftab
Social Media Manager
Apple Gatus
Senior Writers
Tasmai Dave & Zavier Zulfqar
Senior Designers
Maria Fernandes & Ashwin Ramesh
Awards Managers
Adam Cole, Alice Smith, & Stanley Lucas
Research Managers
Peter Clement & Mukul
Contributing Writers
Joseph Malabanan, & Michael Popoola

Criteria
Service
Excellence in Service is an important
category, as customer service can often
be responsible for having guests return
year after year. We look for the hotels
and tour operators that go out of their
way to please their guests, those that
provide a personal level of service and
take the time to get to know each visitor
so that they might anticipate their every
need. This can be something as simple
as a 24-hour concierge desk, a hotel
manager who offers a personal greeting
or a tour guide who is happy to create
bespoke private tours – but whatever
it is, we are always pleased when we
encounter staff that have been trained
in the art of customer satisfaction.
Style & Design
It is no question that style and design
plays a big part in selecting our awards
shortlist. A guest will form an opinion
about a hotel as soon as they arrive
so it is important to us that all our
winners make those first impressions
count. We’re certainly not partial to a
particular period of architecture – but
whether we’re judging a gothic castle or
an environmentally friendly lodge, the
criteria remains the same. We consider
factors such as architectural features,
use of materials, creation of spaces,
décor and the overall feel. We love it
when we find a hotel that tells a story
though its design and construction, or
offers a design that is sympathetic to
the natural surroundings of its location.
Local Knowledge
Knowledge of the local area is essential
for any organization, be it a hotel or a
tour operator. The quality of services
takes a great hit when the quality of this
element is not up to the mark. Quite a
few of our winners in this category are
because they have displayed excellent
knowledge about the surrounding
areas. The criteria for a hotel is slightly
lenient compared to a tour operator, as
the latter is expected to have thorough
knowledge of the area in order to
provide good services.
Facilities
Award-winning guest rooms come in all
shapes and sizes, but they all have one
thing in common – a home-away-fromhome
feel. The comfort of the facilities
on offer are of vital importance; we look
for luxurious linens, stylish bathrooms
and a coordinated colour scheme that
work together to create a cohesive
sense of relaxation. Additional touches,
such as complimentary toiletries, free
wi-fi or tea and coffee making facilities
are always a bonus in making us feel
welcome. We’re always impressed to find
hotel rooms that embrace technology
and offer amenities like tablets or smart
thermostat systems, but this does not
always necessarily trump the traditional
– four poster beds, ornate fireplaces or
antique furniture can add a touch of
decadence to a hotel stay.
Marketing
In today’s modern age, a hotel or tour
operator cannot rely on word of mouth
to get their message out into the world.
As social media has become a vital
part of everyday life, we like to see
companies that go the extra mile to
engage with their guests, both past
and future. Attractive and informative
websites and engaging and honest
content are what we look for when
judging a company’s use of marketing;
how well they display their services, how
up-to-date their content is, how well
they get their brand message across,
and, most importantly, how well their
marketing can tempt us to go and see
what they have to offer for ourselves.
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Criteria
Diversity
Diversity is one important aspect that
needs to be taken into consideration
when in the travel and hospitality
industry. It is essential to have staff
that has varying diversity to ensure that
the organization can properly connect
with their guests. Diversity is taken into
account in terms of gender, nationality
as well as languages spoken among
other factors. Not only do we take the
diversity of the staff into account but
even that of the facilities and services
offered; a hotel or tour operator
providing a better range of services is
preferred over those that do not.
Customer Reviews
What better way is there to know about
an organization than by getting first
hand reviews? Customers are the best
judges of any service as they are the
ones who experience them and can
assess whether they were up to the
mark or not. Considering reviews from
hundreds of customers gives us a fair
idea about the general pros and cons
of any organization and also gives us
valuable inputs for the other criteria
as well.
Industry Knowledge
It is of prime importance that an
organization has thorough industry
knowledge. Without knowing the nit-bits
of the industry, it is difficult to flourish
and provide services which are a class
apart. Before any organization ventures
into the industry, it is essential that
they know how the industry is moving
and how they should make changes to
their methodologies in order to remain
relevant and also be a top-performing
organization.
Location
Location is one of the most important factors, but also one of the most subjective,
as the ‘ideal’ is very much determined by the type of visitor and the type of
hotel itself. However, there are a few factors we take into consideration when
determining the winners of location-based awards. The first is convenience; that
is, hotels that are easy to travel to. Many of our winners in this category are in
convenient locations, such as adjacent to airports, close to beaches or found in
the heart of easy-to-navigate cities. We are always impressed when hotels go the
extra mile to take the hassle out of traveling and offer such additional services as
airport shuttles or car hire services. However, we’re always excited to come across
a hotel that is, to use a familiar phrase, off-the-beaten-track. A hotel that can
offer something a little different, in terms of natural surroundings, can make the
difference between a good holiday and an incredible one.
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Aerial view of the Pearl-Qatar
Qatar
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The FIFA world cup is set to take place in Qatar, a first for such a small nation, and the first time it’s taking
place at the end of the year. Naturally there will be a lot of questions about visiting Qatar and there is a lot
of misinformation going around. So to help we’ve put together a short guide for anyone planning to visit.
FIFA WORLD CUP
OUR GUIDE TO
VISITING QATAR
Hay’Ya Card (Fan ID)
For any visitor the first item on the to-do list must be to obtain
a Hayya Card. Hayya Card is a fan ID, stadium pass (along
with match ticket), public transport card, and entry permit if
you’re planning to visit between November 1st and the 23rd
of January. All international travellers, regardless of whether
you plan on attending a match or not, must obtain a Hayya
Card beforehand, locals on the other hand will only need it to
attend matches or use public transport for free. Once tickets
are purchased and accommodation booked you can apply for
a Hayya Card, online via https://www.qatar2022.qa/
Getting In & Getting Around
The main way into Qatar is by flying into Hamad international
Airport. The airport is the home base of Qatar Airways, which
is one the best-connected airlines in the world. You shouldn’t
have too much difficulty getting into the country.
If you live in neighbouring Saudi Arabia, then you may want
consider driving in. Saudi Arabia is Qatar’s only land border
and is connected by a single highway, the Qatar-UAE Road.
Getting around Qatar is really simply, the country is one of
the smallest in the world and most matches will take place in
it’s capital Doha. The metro and bus services in the country
are efficient and well run. With your Hayya Card you’ll get
free access. You can choose to go via taxi or ride hailing app,
if you prefer this then we advise getting set up on Uber or
Careem beforehand.
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Fan Zones
Much has been made of the general prohibition of alcohol in
Qatar as it’s only really available at a few high-end hotels or
private clubs. For those fans who like to revel in a drink during
games organisers have set up designated fan zones, where
alcohol consumption is permitted. Fan zones will be made
easily accessible and set up to include food stalls, football
themed activities, VIP tents, and giant screens. Full list of fan
zones has yet to be released so keep an eye out.
The Sites
While football is the main attraction during the World Cup,
there are plenty of sites worth visiting. The Museum of
Islamic Art is a lovely way to spend a morning, if you want
to shop the city boasts plenty of shopping malls, for a more
traditional shopping experience we recommend the vibrant
Souq Waqif, and for cultural immersion why not check out the
wonder Katara Cultural Village. All this and many more sites
will be a short trip away while you’re in Doha. Some of these
could get very busy so if you want to avoid crowds it may be
a smart idea to go toward the end of the tournament when
some fans have left.
Consider the UAE?
One option that has been floated around is the idea of staying
in the UAE and visiting Qatar on matchdays. With both Abu
Dhabi and Dubai only a short flight or a 5-6 hour car journey
(via Saudi Arabia) away, it’s something worth thinking about.
For one accommodation will be cheaper in either of these
cities, and neither will be as busy as Doha, ideal if you want
to avoid all the frenzy.
General Tips
As covered earlier alcohol is banned so taking your drinks
out of fan zones isn’t allowed nor should you be drunk in
public. Public displays of affection, of any kind can get you
into trouble although you may get away with hand holding or
linking arms.
Dress modestly, make sure knees and elbows are covered,
especially away from the beach or fan zones.
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QATAR
3 UNMISSABLE
ATTRACTIONS
Souq Waqif
Doha, the Capital of Qatar,
is a modern marvel and the
epitome of cosmopolitan
city. So, for a glimpse into
it’s past, before oil was
found in 1940, we suggest
spending some time at
Souq Waqif. It’s essentially
a traditional Qatari market
with vibrant vendors selling
handicrafts, souvenirs,
jewellery, spices, and
clothes. It’s also home
to quite a few traditional
Qatari restaurants and food
stalls which tends to give
the whole place a nice buzz
especially in the evenings.
Keep in mind that it’s
closed between 12.30 and
3.30 everyday and open
from 12.30pm to 10pm on
Fridays.
The National Museum of Qatar
Set within one of Qatar’s most iconic buildings, the National
Museum is the perfect place to learn about the history and
culture of this unique country. The museum shows Qatar’s
history in 3 parts – the beginning, the present, and the modern.
There are total of 11 galleries to explore, few restaurants and
cafés, and a beautiful park to enjoy.
It’s open from 9am to 7pm everyday except on Friday when it’s
open from 1.30pm to 7pm. It costs 50 Qatari Riyal to enter, unless
you’re a Qatari citizen, then it’s free.
Katara Cultural Village
Qatar has positioned itself as one of the cultural centres of
the Middle East, and no other place reflect this better than
the wonderful Katara Cultural Village. This stunning attraction
houses an amphitheatre, a garden, two distinctively designed
mosques, several restaurants, art galleries, and a convention
centre.
It’s played host to several film festivals, TEDx talks, religious
celebrations, art workshops, concerts, and lectures. It’s open
24/7 and definitely worth checking out both during the day and
in the evenings.
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Fraser Suites
West Bay Doha
Qatar | Luxury Hotel
Tucked away in the upmarket region of West Bay, the newly established
five star Fraser Suites West Bay Doha has over 396 rooms up for
grabs. The location of the luxury hotel is such that it is close to all
the important landmarks of the city, including the Corniche, popular
shopping malls, and the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center
(DECC).
Choose between the deluxe, one, two or three bedroom
suites based on the level of luxury you wish to have.
All the rooms are fully-serviced and are spread out
across 46 floors of the hotel. Each floor houses
custom-made furniture and fixtures, created by
high-end designers from Italy. All the rooms
are well-appointed with distinguished
and spacious living and dining areas.
The rooms also come ‘with’ a fullyequipped
kitchen so that you can
cook whenever you wish to.
Apart from this, the units further include complimentary
unlimited Wi-Fi access. The 24/7 reception caters to
any urgent or general requirements of the guests. The
hotel also prides itself in offering concierge services
to its guests. Other recreational facilities including a
fully-equipped health club, kids room, a game room,
and conference halls are readily available too.
The hotel also features a helipad from where you can
get some fantastic views of Doha. You can choose to
dine here at night or even indulge in some refreshing
Yoga sessions in the evenings with the view of the
city.
Another primary highlight of the hotel is its signature
restaurant called The Social. The restaurant features
an indoor and outdoor dining concept and brings
the best of authentic West, East, and Middle Eastern
cuisine to your plate. A unique breakfast buffet spread
is available every morning as well for your indulgence.
All in all, Fraser Suites West Bay Doha ensures that
your stay in Doha is far from ordinary.
GET IN TOUCH
5863 Al Intisar St, Doha, Qatar
Tel +974 4495 5000
westbay-doha.frasershospitality.com
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Ezdan Palace Hotel
Qatar | Elegant Hotel
Located in the heart of Doha, and in close proximity to the biggest
shopping malls in Qatar, five-star Ezdan Palace Hotel raises the bar
in service, style, and sheer indulgence. Opened in May 2018, the Hotel
features refined Andalusian architectural design and unique service
which blends true Middle Eastern hospitality with international
standards. The 195 lavishly appointed rooms and suites have
been carefully designed by a renowned architect to ensure
comfort for all guests. Three superb restaurants offer an
exquisite culinary experience serving International,
Italian and Thai cuisine. Nestled between old and
new Doha, the hotel offers easy access to Hamad
International Airport, as well as to Doha’s main
business and entertainment districts, making
it the prime location to discover the evergrowing
city of Doha, the capital of Qatar
GET IN TOUCH
Al Shamal Road, P.O Box: 30503,
Doha, State of Qatar
Tel + 0097440071130
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Saudi Arabia
Ushaiqer Heritage Village, Saudi Arabia
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The Capital of Saudi Arabia is oftentimes misunderstood as a purely business or a tediously political
city but in truth Riyadh has much to offer and is becoming an increasingly popular destination for those
interested in architecture, culture, history, and shopping.
RIYADH
THE BEAUTIFUL
DESERT OASIS
Getting In & Around
The direct route into Riyadh is by flying into the cities
magnificent King Khaled Airport, there are direct flights
available from several European, Middle Eastern and Asian
cities. The bus is another option especially from key cities
within Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries such as
Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and the UAE.
Riyadh is spaciously built meaning driving is the most efficient
way to get around regardless of whether it’s by yourself, with
a personal driver, or private taxi. The public transport
Things To Do & See
Riyadh is home to some fascinating sites. The Masmask
Fortress is a renovated site that played a key role in the
founding of Saud Dynasty. The Murabba Palace is an
intimidating structure that’s certainly worth a visit. While the
National Museum will give you everything you could want to
learn about the history of the kingdom.
There are several world class golf courses located in and
around Riyadh, should you fancy a go. Football is extremely
popular so if you’re fan you should try to catch a game at
the stunning King Farhad Stadium. Or why not go on an
adventure in to the desert for a sport of dune-bashing.
Dining
Riyadh has a wide range of eating spots from cheap Pakistani
and Indian restaurants right the way up to luxurious fine
dining establishments. What the city lacks in a culinary
identity it makes up for in quality and variety. Foods from all
over the world can be found here.
Accommodation
We recommend checking in to the Radisson Blu Hotel &
Residence located in the Diplomatic Quarter. For an in depth
piece on this award winning property turn to page .
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Saudi Arabia hasn’t always been popular when it comes to leisure tourism. However, with current plans
to offer more tourist visas, lax certain hospitality laws, and stage more entertainment events, it’s fair to
say more and more visitors are expected.
Society on the whole however is still fairly conservative and strict so it helps to know some of the do’s
and don’ts if you plan on visiting.
THE DO’S AND
DON’TS IN
SAUDI ARABIA
Do’s
– Dress Modestly. Make sure knees and elbows are
covered, choose light breezy clothing.
– Respect religious beliefs especially during Ramadan
when it’s considered impolite to eat or drink during the
day.
– Research on any forbidden substances. Consumption
of everyday items such as alcohol and pork are
prohibited, so it’s smart to know beforehand.
– Tipping is expected and should be around 10 to 15
percent unless a service charge is already added to
your bill.
Don’ts
– Engage in any sort of PDA unless married and even
then we wouldn’t recommend going any further than
holding. Public Displays of Affection is punishable
offence under Saudi Law.
– Assume that all restaurants are mixed gender. Despite
gender segregation ending in 2019, a lot of restaurants
still adopt this policy and may have separate rooms for
families. Check for signs before you enter.
– Discuss topics such as politics and religion with locals.
Saudis are extremely proud and won’t handle any sort
of criticism well, it’s better to avoid both subjects.
– Photograph any government buildings, palaces,
military installations, airport facilities, or people in
general without permission.
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Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence,
Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter
Saudi Arabia | Design Hotel
Set in Riyadh’s elegant and upscale Diplomatic District, the
Radisson Blue Hotel & Residence is indeed a hotel fit for a
king. The property is modern, stylishly furnished, spacious, and
boasts a variety of fantastic services and facilities.
There are 110 rooms and suites on offer. These include
everything from a quaint standard room right up to
a stunning two-bedroom Presidential Suite that
includes lounge access. As a standard all rooms
come with a kitchen area, the finest toiletries,
a work desk, flat screen TV, air conditioning,
coffee machine, washing machine, free WI-
FI, and minibar with some of the larger
suites offering a terrace or balcony,
outdoor furniture, and a separate
living area.
In terms of on-site services and facilities there is much
on offer. Lounge access with specific room types if a
huge bonus especially if you’re business traveller or if
you’re short on time, the lounge is ideal if you want to
relax, catch up on a bit of work or pick up a quick bite
to eat. Or if you’re planning a conference or business
meeting than the state-of-the-art meeting and event
rooms will more than likely meet your demand.
The sophisticated Larder Restaurant and Lounge is
the perfect setting for your complimentary breakfast. A
buffet is served every morning that include both Middle
Eastern and International dishes. The setting is vibrant,
artistic, and exudes a Middle Eastern flair, that makes
the restaurant perfect for a relaxed lunch or dinner. The
is an exquisite an ala carte menu available.
If you’re planning on heading out for the day, then you’ll
be glad to know the hotel is perfectly situated to explore
the majestic city of Riyadh. Restaurants, attractions,
shopping centres, and cultural experiences are easily
accessible.
GET IN TOUCH
7826 Umro Adhamry Street
Al Safarat, Riyadh 12512
Saudi Arabia
Tel +966 11 297 9400
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Downtown Dubai and Burj Khalifa
UAE
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Dazzling Dubai is a bustling modern metropolis and one of the most visited places in the world. You’ll
find beautiful beaches, stunning architecture, a unique culture, world-class dining, superb hotels, and
loads to do.
DUBAI
THE CITY OF
THE FUTURE
Getting In & Around
The most likely way you’ll enter is via flight into the city’s Dubai
International Airport. The airport is a thriving hub that’s home
the Emirates airline, one of the world’s leading airlines with
extensive links all over the world. Another option is to fly into on
of the other airport in the UAE and travel into to Dubai via car,
bus, or public transport. The other must lesser used option is to
drive in via Oman, Dubai’s only international border.
Dubai is an ultra-modern city and as you’d expect has an
extremely efficient public transport system. It’s easy to navigate
and options include tram, bus, metro, and monorail. Another
good option is a a metered taxi is or ride hailing apps such as
Uber and Careem.
Dining
Dining in Dubai is a treat for all. The city’s position as a global
hub means food from all corners of the world can be found
including pork which is usually rare in Muslim countries. To get
a feel of traditional local cuisine we suggest trying Shawarma,
Falafel, Mandi, and Luqaimat.
Things To Do & See
There is so much to see and do in Dubai that we’ve dedicated
a whole piece to shopping in the city, on page , and adventure
activities, on page .
Aside from the shopping and adventure activities there several
cultural attractions that are worth a visit. The Hatta Heritage
Village, Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, the Dubai Old Town,
and Al Seef, all offer a unique glimpse into the history of Dubai.
The Grand Bur Dubai Masjid and Jumeirah Mosque are both
wonderful architectural gems.
For more modern attractions see the iconic Burj Khalifa,
beautiful Burj Al Arab, and the stunning Dubai fountain.
Accommodation
Some of the best hotels in the world can be found in Dubai.
The Palm Atlantis, W Dubai, Armani Hotel, Jumeirah Beach
Hotel, and many more await discerning travelers. There are
some fantastic mid-range and self-catering options available,
our recommendation is the Emirates Stars Hotel Apartments,
profiled on page .
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Dubai is one of the greatest cities of the modern world. It is jam packed with stunning hotels, amazing
restaurants, grand attractions and a shopping scene to rival the best. Dubai is the dream break for a
shopaholic, the city is home to several malls, souks, boutiques and even a shopping festival.
SHOPPING
IN DUBAI
Dubai Malls
Dubai has a reputation as home to some of the grandest
shopping malls in the world. There are too many to list here
but we’ve picked out three we love, the Dubai Mall, Ibn Battuta
Mall and the Mercato shopping mall.
The Dubai Mall is the largest in the world. With a great location
near the Burj Khalifa the mall contains over 1200 luxury
premium and brand stores, an aquarium, cinema, theme
park and several restaurants. This is without doubt one mall
you wouldn’t want to miss, even if you’re not interested in
shopping this is an attraction unto itself.
The Ibn Battuta mall is a unique themed mall named after
the legendary Moroccan explorer. This mall is divided into
six unique sections – India, China, Tunisia, Egypt, Persia and
Andalucia. Each section represents an area visited by Ibn
Battuta and is designed to reflect each of these places.
The Mercato Shopping Mall is designed to feel like
Mediterranean Italian town. The mall has over 100 retailers
and some great restaurants. With cobbled streets, gorgeous
streetlights and piazzas you’ll feel like you’ve been transported
to Italy.
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Souqs
No Middle Eastern city is complete without its own Souq. Dubai has a fair
few with some dedicated to specific experiences and products such as gold,
spice, perfume and textiles. Our recommendation is the Souq Madinat.
The Souq Madinat is part of the Madinat Jumeirah resort and delivers the
feel and charm of a bygone era with its narrow streets, Arabic design and
bustling vendors. Here you will find many traditional aspects of a Souq along
with galleries, boutiques and entertainment. Be sure to visit at night when
the Souq comes alive with music and vibrant activity.
Dubai Flea Market
If you’re concerned you may be priced out of
shopping at Dubai’s luxury malls, then worry
not. The flea market, hosted in Zabeel park, is a
great place to pick up a bargain. You can buy or
sell second-hand products including furniture,
handicraft items, toys, books, appliances and
gadgets.
Dragon Mart
This is the place to go for an alternative shopping
experience. Dragon mart provides products made
in China for the Middle Eastern and North African
trading markets. You can buy in bulk and you’re
certain to find a bargain as traders are open to
haggling.
Shopping Festival
Given its expansive shopping scene it is perhaps
no surprise that Dubai has its own shopping
festival. This is an annual month-long event where
shops offer discounts on their merchandise, there
are daily car raffles, family friendly activities and
a fireworks display. The festival is normally held
from the end of December and runs into January.
The last one was the biggest yet running for a
total of 5 weeks.
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Dubai is renowned for its stunning beaches, shopping scene, wellness, luxury hotels and fine dining.
However, in recent times it’s developed a reputation for its excellent adventure tourism scene. It’s a not
a surprise given the city’s coastal location, desert landscape, and penchant for excitement. Here is out
guide to some of those adventure experiences that await.
ADVENTURE
IN DUBAI
Water Sports
Dubai’s warm weather and calm waters make for the ideal
water sports setting. Flyboarding, parasailing, jet skiing, and
snorkelling are just some of the great activities you can do.
If you’re not sure what to do then head on over to the next
page to see our feature profile on Hydro Water Sports, a Travel
and Hospitality Award Winner.
Desert Safari
This one is a bit more obvious given that Dubai is one side
surrounded by dry desert. This beautiful landscape makes for
the perfect outdoor adventure setting. Dune bashing, camel
riding, or a desert camping. Do one or do all, it’s your choice.
Urban Adventure
Dubai’s skyscrapers are special, so much so that they’ve
become thrill seekers paradise. You can choose to zipline at
80km per hour from the Amwaj Towers to the Dubai Marina
Mall. Or abseil and edge walk at the Address Sky View Hotel.
Hot Air Balloon
Take to the skies and admire the beauty of Dubai and beautiful
surroundings from a truly memorable perspective. You have
to be up early but it’s worth it for the views and sunrise alone.
Skiing & Snowboarding
Not one you’d expect on
this list but if you fancy
something different
then you do have the
unique option to ski or
snowboard. Located
in the Mall of the
Emirates, the artificial
slope at Ski Dubai is
ideal for families and
beginners.
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Emirates Stars Hotel
Apartments Dubai
United Arab Emirates | Apartments
Opened in 2007, under the chairmanship of His Excellency
Sheikh Abdul Rahman Bin Nasser Al Thani, and it’s CEO,
Mr. Ali Muhiddien Zaghmout, the Emirates Stars Hotel
Apartments Dubai is popular amongst corporate and leisure
travellers alike.
Operated as an elegant ApartHotel the Emirates
Stars boasts 156 tastefully decorated suites that
have been designed and furnished with the
ultimate guest experience in mind. All rooms
are spacious and come with a full range of
amenities, high speed wi-fi, and either
landmark or city view.
Guests have three distinct options to choose from. First
is the Deluxe Suite, perfect for two people. Second is the
Luxury One Bedroom Apartment ideal for longer stays and
independence. Here, guests have the added bonus of a
fully equipped kitchen, comfortable dining area, separate
living room and bathrooms. For bigger groups there is the
third option a Luxury Two Bedroom Apartments that can
accommodate up to four adults and two children.
For a relaxed session at the property there is much on
offer. Facilities includes a temperature controlled outdoor
swimming pool, Jacuzzi, children’s pool, steam room, sauna,
and state-of-the-art gym. Latest on its attraction is the
recently opened Stars Shisha Cafe on the pool side that is fit
to unwind.
Although the property is well located in terms of proximity to
restaurants, malls, and cafes, there is in fact a café on site.
The Stars Café serves a daily buffet breakfast, light snacks,
fresh juices, tea & coffee throughout the day. For lunch and
dinner guests can have a high quality a la carte menu with
sumptuous international cuisine.
GET IN TOUCH
Amman Street, Al Qusais 1
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tel +97142589888;
+97165635555
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Hydro Sports Yachts
and Boats Rental LLC
UAE | Watersports Company
Dubai is without a doubt, one of the finest holiday cities in the
world. It’s a stunning modern metropolis, situated by the
sea, and jam packed full of unmissable restaurants, bars, tours,
experiences, and attractions. One such experience is that of
water sports, and for this there’s no one better than Hydro
Water Sports!
Hydro Water Sports, part of the international Hydro
Sports Yachts & Boats Group, operating not just in
Dubai but also in the Bahamas and Dominican
Republic and SOON in Montenegro, where they’re
renowned for safety and high-quality standards,
as well as a guest-centric approach.
Within Dubai, Hydro Water Sports is partnered with
and is a trusted service provider to many of the big
luxury hospitality brands such as the Jumeirah Group,
Anantara Hotels, the One & Only, and the Mandarin
oriental. So, you know you’re in good hands.
In terms of activities there is a wide variety on offer
that’s suited to all types of guests. For a high-octane
experience there’s flyboarding, jetpacking, jet skiing,
hoverboarding, and jet surfing. For families with
children, we recommend knee boarding, a WOW ride,
donut ride, pedalo boat, or a unique giant water bike.
Or if you’re interested in a more relaxing and leisurely
pursuit on the water then why not take up a bit of
kayaking, or a trip on an electric boat?
Beyond this Hydro Water Sports offer private yacht
trips on board some of the most luxurious vessels in
Dubai. If you’re interested in a private cruise for a few
hours or a whole day, then Hydro Water Sports have
you covered.
GET IN TOUCH
Tel +971 545985353
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Skyline of Manama dominated by the
World trade Center building, Bahrain.
Bahrain
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The Kingdom of Bahrain, despite is relatively small size, packs a big punch when it comes to tourism. This
archipelago nation displays a much more cosmopolitan and socially liberal way of life when compared
to its much stricter neighbours. This in turn has meant a large part of the tourism is uniquely made up of
travellers from surrounding countries.
BAHRAIN
Getting in and Getting Around
If you’re not driving or getting the bus from Saudi Arabia via
the King Fahd Causeway, then you’re going to be flying in.
Bahrain International Airport, the home-base of Gulf Air, is
modern, efficiently run, and globally well connected.
Bahrain is fairly small so getting around isn’t too bad. The
best way is through a taxi or ride hailing app, you can also opt
for a private driver. Or if you prefer the buses are well-run in
most major cities.
Things to Do and See
The recently restored Bahrain Fort and its neighbouring
museum is a great way to spend a morning. The Dilmun
Burial grounds are an ancient wonder and a UNESCO world
heritage site. Another unique attraction is the tree of life, a
400-year-old tree that has somehow remarkably survived in
the harsh desert.
For a more modern experience be sure to visit one of the
many shopping centres spread across the country, there’s
also a few water parks and beach clubs, as well as worldclass
golf course.
Turn over to the next page to see our list of top 5 things to do
in Bahrain.
Dining
Like a lot of modern Middle Eastern hubs, Bahrain’s food scene
is made up of a variety of international cuisine. Food from all
over the world are available as are many brand name eateries.
If you’re in the market to try a local dish then we recommend
Machboos, a spiced rice dish usually served with meet.
Accommodation
Our pick here is the wonderful Dragon Hotel and Resort, a
Travel and Hospitality Award winner, profiled on page .
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THE TOP 5
THINGS
TO DO
Shop at Manama Souq
While shopping in one of Bahrain’s
modern malls is a treat, for a more
authentic experience we advise
you to visit Manama Souq. Packed
with bustling vendors selling a wide
variety of goods, the Souq is a great
place to pick up a bargain, haggle,
or simply take in the energy. It’s also
home to a number of food stalls,
making it ideal for great food on the
cheap.
Take Up Water Sports
Being located on an archipelago
means direct access to the sea and
with that comes the opportunity
to enjoy a number of water sports.
Stand up paddleboarding, kayaking,
jet skiing, sailing, fishing, snorkelling,
surfing, and parasailing are just
some of the activities available. You
can even Water Jetpack or go on a
Jetovator.
Go Diving
Bahrain is the home of the world
largest underwater theme park
and it’s certainly a sight to behold.
Accessible only via a certified diving
company, Dive Bahrain offers up an
artificial reef, dive sites, and marine
life. The top draw is without a doubt
a submerged Boeing 747, a world first.
Educate yourself at a
Originally built by the Portuguese
Bahrain Fort is a key cultural and
historical centre. It was once the site
of the capital of the Dilmun Empire,
and today in its restored state offers a
unique learning opportunity.
Spend a night by the Tree of Life
The Tree of Life is a truly unique
attraction in Bahrain. Its continued
survival in harsh desert is absolutely
remarkable. The tree is over 400
years old and to this day it remains
a mystery as to how it continues to
survive. Simply visiting the tree will
lead to a relatively short trip so we
suggest camping nearby and making
a night of it.
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Dragon Hotel And Resort
Bahrain | Resort
Overlooking the magnificent Arabian Sea, the Dragon Hotel and Resort
is wonderful on the inside as it is on the outside. Excellent facilities,
great service, a family friendly outlook, fine dining, and a plethora of
accommodation options await all those fortunate enough to stay in this
world class resort.
Rooms at the resort come in a variety of forms, perfectly set up
to cater for all sorts of guests, from singles to much bigger
groups. The suites are luxurious and elegantly designed,
they’re available with one, two, and three bedrooms. For
a bit more privacy you can opt for one of the duplex
chalets overlooking the pool. All rooms are equipped
with a kitchen area, lounge, luxurious amenities,
and wonderful sea views.
However, if you’re part of a large group then why
not book one of the private villas? The fourbedroom,
3 storeys, villas come with their
own private pool, living lounge, terrace,
dining room, kitchen, dedicated staff,
and elevators to reach the upper level.
In terms of facilities and services there is much on offer,
so much so you needn’t not ever leave the resort. You
have available room service 24/7, high speed internet
throughout the property, a splendid pool area, access to
a private beach, a salon & spa on site, and one of the best
water sports centres in Bahrain. The Dragon Hotel and
Resorts unique location means it’s ideally equipped to offer
a whole host of water sports activities.
On-site are three distinct dining options. First there’s the
contemporary Muju Restaurant & Lounge, boasting sea
vies and an exquisite international menu for lunch and
dinner. Then there’s Yamin Jana Mediterranean Seafront
Restaurant centred around a Mediterranean and Middle
Eastern Menu. Finally, for something a little different there’s
corners, the first every pub to open in Bahrain, expect a
sleek interior, pub food, and live sports.
If you’re looking for a complete holiday experience in
Bahrain, then look no further, we have the answer and it’s
the Dragon Hotel and Resort.
P.O Box 15572
Amwaj Island
Kingdom of Bahrain
Tel +973 1603 1111
dragonresorthotel.com
fo@ dragonresorthotel.com
GET IN TOUCH
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TRAVEL & HOSPITALITY
AWARD WINNER
2022
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thawards.com