„The story of ‘New Dubai’ seems to be just beginning. “
“EXPO 2020 Dubai” is written on the giant billboards that dominate the cityscape of the desert metropolis these days. Nothing has recently boosted the emirate’s self-confidence more than the awarding of the world exhibition. As recently as the early 1990s, the Hard Rock Café at the end of the Sheik Zayed Road marked the border of urbanity with the Arabian desert. The café is long since history. That of “New Dubai” seems to be just beginning.
Business Stay
I’m very often in Dubai for my TV productions, but I can’t shoot new material as quickly as new hotels shoot from the skyline here. The Jumeirah Group is the top dog in Dubai. No wonder, it belongs to the ruling family Al Maktoum. Jumeirah has now released the last piece of fillet on the beach in front of the legendary Burj el Arab for the brand new Al Naseem Hotel: IT boasts modern design instead of Arabian pomp, spacious rooms as well as pool areas and a sophisticated food and beverage concept have quickly turned this hotel into a hotspot. An insider tip for business travellers.
Business Food
You can have everything here, even at dinner. My favorite snack is shawarma. The kebab Dubai is available on every corner, dough with meat or vegetarian – with cold camel milk. And there are classics in Dubai that survive everything, such as the “Barasti Bar”: a small party island in the middle of the city, where it feels like all the rules are being broken. Holidaymakers meet business people, football and cricket fans, and all of this right on the beach. I recommend the legendary Fish ‘n’ Chips and a fresh beer. By the way: allegedly the “Barasti Bar” makes more turnover than the entire hotel it operates.
Business Quick Getaway
Dubai is already impressive from below, and it gets really more so from above. Two tips: With Alpha Tours you can fly over the skyline in a helicopter. Even more exciting: parachute jump over the palm tree. The opera house is even more sophisticated: the programme is still a bit colourful – apart from operas, there are concerts, musicals and reading competitions. But there is something for everyone.
Kai Böcking …
Has been following Dubai’s development as an expatriate for many, many years. And he regularly asks himself why he is repeatedly and hopelessly fascinated by this city.