Hydropolis Underwater Hotel, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Currently under construction in Dubai, Hydropolis will be the world's first luxury underwater hotel. It will include three elements: the land station, where guests will be welcomed, the connecting tunnel, which will transport people by train to the main area of the hotel, and the 220 suites within the submarine leisure complex. It is one of the largest contemporary construction projects in the world, covering an area of 260 hectares, about the size of London's Hyde Park.

"Hydropolis is not a project; it's a passion," enthuses Joachim Hauser, the developer and designer of the hotel. His futuristic vision is about to take shape 20m below the surface of the Persian Gulf, just off the Jumeirah Beach coastline in Dubai.

The £300m, 220-suite hotel was due to open by the end of 2006 but has experienced delays and is now scheduled to open in 2009. It will incorporate a host of innovations that will take it far beyond the original blueprint for an underwater complex worthy of Jules Verne.

There are only a few locations in the world where such a grandiose dream could be realised. A high proportion of today's architectural marvels are materialising like fanciful mirages from the desert sands. We have come to expect extravagant enterprises to be mounted in the Middle East, and especially in Dubai. "This venture could only be born here in Dubai," says Hauser. "It [has] a very open-minded, international community - and that's what makes it so special."

The land on which Hydropolis is being built belongs to His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. It was his last free beach property on this stretch of coast. The project is a fantastic one, yet Sheikh Mohammed's success record with comparable schemes instils confidence that science fiction can become fact. With his support, several companies have been formed to kick-start this phenomenal project, and around 150 firms are currently involved.

"There have been many visions of colonising the sea – Jules Verne, Jean Gusto and several Japanese architects – but no one has ever managed to realise this dream," says Hauser. "That was the most challenging factor, and that's what makes it so fascinating. Despite being a dream of mankind for centuries, nobody has ever been able to make living underwater possible."

Source - Design Build Network

Emirates unveils special packages for Dubai Shopping Festival

World’s largest shopping extravaganza takes place from 15th January to 15th February 2009

Dazzling Dubai hosts its 13th Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) from 15th January to 15th February and key sponsor Emirates is offering shopaholics and leisure seekers an opportunity to be there for as little as US $ 55 a night. The award-winning Dubai-based international airline has unveiled new three-night accommodation packages for the world’s biggest shopping extravaganza, at a choice of 20 selected hotels during the month-long extravaganza. Easily the finest festive experience in the region, the DSF attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world who are drawn by its emphasis on exclusive world-class shopping and great family entertainment.

Devika Ellepola, Emirates Sales Manager in Sri Lanka said: “The sheer size, scope and flair of the DSF is phenomenal. We understand that DSF 2009 will be even bigger and better than before. This is a great opportunity for Sri Lankans to experience a world class event at amazing value for money prices.”

The accommodation packages provide Emirates passengers on all classes of travel with a choice of accommodation to suit all pockets, and are for a minimum stay of three nights with the option to extend. The price includes breakfast and personalised meet-and-assist on arrival. All accommodation-related taxes and service charges are also included.

Visitors also receive an Arabian Adventures Welcome Pack with Privilege Discount Card and an additional baggage allowance of 10 kg on their return or onward flights from Dubai. For onward-bound passengers breaking journey in Dubai to experience the DSF, stopover charges will be waived.

Source - Daily Mirror Sri Lanka

United Arab Emirates Named As One Of The World’s Top Tourist Destinations In Global Study

The UAE has remained as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world according to an independent global study, gaining solid ground on the strength of its superior variety of accommodation options. FutureBrand’s Country Brand Index (CBI) 2008 study ranks the UAE as one of the ’rising stars’ among the world’s top tourist destinations, while putting the country once again on top in the "Resort and Lodging Options" category in which the UAE placed well ahead of countries such as the United States of America, the Maldives and Australia.

Now in its fourth straight year, the CBI is a comprehensive study of over 2,700 international business and leisure travellers from nine countries conducted by FutureBrand, a leading global brand consultancy and part of the Interpublic Group of Companies. CBI 2008 includes rankings and trends and takes into consideration various travel motivations, challenges and opportunities within the worlds of travel, tourism and country branding.

Mario Natarelli, Co-CEO, FutureBrand said: "To maintain a strong country brand, there is a need to sustain the momentum through initiatives that deliver the brand’s core essence. In the case of the UAE, the country has remained a class of its own in delivering world-class hospitality options that have truly redefined the industry. The UAE’s brand initiatives are clearly aimed at reaching higher levels of excellence in terms of service quality, innovation and meeting high expectations of the hospitality market."

FutureBrand’s CBI 2008 cited the UAE’s continued efforts to establish itself as a strong brand for hospitality, promoting resorts for their unique architecture, premier service and ultimate luxury. The UAE’s consistency has helped the country maintain its stronghold in CBI’s Resort and Lodging Options category, which saw a major shake up in the rest of the standings with the USA leapfrogging from sixth last year to the second spot this year, replacing second-placer Maldives.

Australia also moved to fourth from third, while Switzerland retained its place at fifth. The rest of the countries that made it to the top 10 in the Resort and Lodging Options category were Canada, which moved to sixth from fifth; Bahamas and Monaco, which maintained their spots at seventh and eighth; Singapore, which dropped to ninth from eighth; and Tahiti, which dropped to 10th from fourth.

FutureBrand is a leading brand consultancy within IPG that commands a global presence spanning 20 offices in 16 countries. Partnering with the world’s leading companies, FutureBrand helps its clients develop brands that are profitable today and in the future.

Source - Dubai city guide

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