“Expo fever has broken out in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, driving the Emirates to go ‘even higher, faster, further’. This includes a new top hotel.” Kai Böcking
Two more airports will be built by 2020. New hotels, shopping centers and indeed a few sightseeing hot spots are opening up all the time. And those who believed that more luxury hotels would not be possible are currently being taught better: in February 2019, the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai, started on Jumeira Beach and is already turning the entrance hall into a big show with 14 bronze trees made of sparkling crystals. Bright colors, finest marble and an excellently trained staff are a splendid reception committee.
In addition, there are 256 rooms and suites, the most beautiful with balcony and an almost panoramic view of the sea. In terms of gastronomy, too, you go the whole hog with six concept-strong restaurants and bars. These include above all the two signature restaurants: the Japanese steakhouse “Netsu” in Warayaki style under the management of the Australian Ross Shonhan – the meat is cooked here over a straw-fired oven – and the “Tasca” of the Portuguese star chef José Avillez with a view of the sea and his own pool on the roof terrace.
The actual pool area in Mandarin is by the way not huge, but cosy with its own cabanas. And the sea is only a few meters away from the hotel anyway. But the ocean is celebrated from everywhere, even from the spa treatment rooms, which have their own terrace with a sea view. Here the hotel offers a unique treatment: “Normadic Sensory”, a spiritual sensory treatment accompanied by Arabic music. All in all a lot of real recreational feeling only 15 minutes away from downtown and also a good alternative during your business trip.
Out of Paradise
Just a few steps from the luxury hostel, a real street food tip tempts you on Jumeira Beach. The “Salt” was founded by two local women and was initially still on the streets of Dubai via Burger Food Truck. Now they have a permanent place on Kite Beach with their eco-burgers, and long queues of locals and vacationers crowd in front of them. But it’s worth it.
If you want to experience premium-class art, you have to drive an hour, but it’s worth it: to the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat, an offshore island of Abu Dhabi (photo above). The white architectural dream of the French architect Jean Nouvel only opened its doors in 2018 and offers a lively cross-section of art from antiquity to the 21st century. Particularly impressive is the airy, modern roof construction, which is based on palm fronds laid on top of each other. Definitely worth a look.
And a real insider tip for a quick getaway: the camel-Uschi! The Swabian has been living in the Emirates for 20 years and has inhaled the culture of the Bedouins. On her own camel farm Uschi organizes traditional desert evenings and desert tours on the camel. I have experienced terrific hours here!
Kai Böcking …
has often been on business in Dubai to realize many television productions. But all the new hotels, airport projects, Louvre & Co. make him shake his head again and again – he is fascinated by the boundless new things.
Fotos: Böcking, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai am Jumeira Beach
