Dubai & Doha

01-Mar-07

Once a tranquil settlement inhabited by pearl divers and a handful of Persian merchants, modern-day Dubai is now the fastest-growing city in the world, offering visitors a fascinating blend of traditional Arabian culture and sleek, hi-tech style.

Futuristic skyscrapers, opulent hotels, sophisticated nightlife and an ever-growing number of designer shopping malls have all enhanced Dubai's appeal as a luxury hang-out in recent years. Major events include the Racing World Cup and January's month-long Shopping Festival, which drew three million visitors in 2006.

New developments such as the world's tallest tower Al Burj, entertainment complex Dubailand and The World, an archipelago of man-made islands complete with hotels, apartments and restaurants, promise to push Dubai into the mega-league of top world cities. Dubai International Airport's Terminal 3 (part of its $4.1bn expansion programme) will be able to handle up to 60 million passengers by 2010.

Yet, in spite of the city's bustling, cosmopolitan atmosphere, the stillness of the desert is never far away, and Dubai's scenic beaches, gentle Gulf waters and winter sunshine allow visitors to take life at a relaxed pace. "Dubai is extremely popular and continuesto be our top-selling Middle East holiday," explains Gill Shannon, Europe and Dubai product manager at ITC Classics.

DUBAI: the facts

What to see

Discover the bustling Creek waterfront by private dhow boat www.tour-dubai.com

Explore the Dubai Museum in old Al-Fahidi Fort www.dubaitourism.ae or wander through the restored Bastakia quarter.Take a tour of the atmospheric markets or souks www.city-discovery.com/dubai For an aerial view over the city, take the cable car ride in Creek Park www.dubaitourism.ae

CLIENT DAYS OUT

For designer shopping, head to Harvey Nichols in the Mall of the Emirates www.malloftheemirates.com

Improve a golf handicap at the Creek Golf & Yacht Club www.dubaigolf.com

Try sand skiing, dune driving or take a 4WD desert safari www.nettours.com. Spend a day at the horse races www.dubairacingclub.com Experience Dubai's first indoor ski resort and winter sports park www.skidxb.com

EVENINGS OUT

Drink at the trendy Buddha Bar at Grosvenor House www.starwoodhotels.com

Dine at Gordon Ramsay's Verre www.gordonramsay.com

Experience music and culture at Dubai's premier arts complex www.dubaitheatre.org

Eat at Al-Dawaar, the city's only revolving restaurant www.dubai.regency.hyatt.com

Sip a cocktail at the iconic, sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel www.burj-al-arab.com

GETTING THERE

Emirates, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Brunei Airways all fly from the UK.

GETTING AROUND

Taxis are cheap and easy to find.

When to go

October to May. Avoid hot and humid July and August.

ANYTHING ELSE

UK residents receive free visas on arrival.

INSIDER'S GUIDE TO TWO CITIES

My Dubai/Buyer's Choice42

What's new to do in Dubai42

My Doha/Buyer's choice44

What's new to do in Doha44

DOHA

Nestling on the edge of the glittering Arabian Gulf, the capital city of the state of Qatar, Doha, is emerging as one of the world's hottest new, upmarket tourist destinations.

The Asian Games, hosted by Doha in December 2006, brought new audiences to a city that has, so far, been overshadowed by its better-known neighbours. But all that's changing. World-class hotels are springing up, a new international airport opens in 2009 and national carrier Qatar Airways has invested millions in its new fleet, its $90m, 10,000sqm, premium terminal and on-board facilities with nine new destinations planned this year. Ambitious new projects such as the Pearl, a multi-billion dollar offshore island, are attracting investors and tourists alike.

Yet Doha retains a strong sense of quaint charm and tradition, despite its escalating skyline. An exotic mix of old and new, the city's historical trading status can still be seen in the harbour's wooden dhow fishing boats, the Moorish Fort and the maze of tiny streets around the souks. Rebecca Askwith, worldwide reservations manager at Carrier, says Doha is an ideal destination for discerning travellers looking for a real flavour of the Middle East. "We're seeing a year-on-year increase in requests for Doha, but it's still relatively undiscovered," she says.

DOHA: THE FACTS

What to see

Discover Bedouin culture, antiques and jewellery at National Museum www.qatartourism.gov.qa

Stroll along the Corniche, Doha's sweeping waterfront.

Wander through the ancient, Moorish-style Doha Fort to see traditional crafts www.qatartourism.gov.qa Explore the tiny alleyways of Souq Waqif, Doha's oldest market. Escape the crowds on Palm Tree Island.

CLIENT DAYS OUT

Take a desert safari to see towering sand dunes and unique inland sea Khor Al-Udaid www.arabianadventure qatar.com

Go deep-sea fishing in the azure blue Gulf. www.desertadventures.com or learn to scuba dive at Q Dive Marine Center www.qdive.net.

See tigers, giraffes and oryx at Doha Zoo.

Book a riding lesson on an Arabian thoroughbred at the Al Shaqab Stud Farm www.alshaqabstud.com

Practice your swing at Doha Golf Club www.dohagolfclub.com

EVENINGS OUT

Enjoy world-class French cuisine and spectacular rooftop views at La Mer www.ritzcarlton.com

Try the Pearl Lounge Club for cocktails www.marriott-doha.com or relax at the gentleman's club-style Library Bar & Cigar Club. www.fourseasons.com/doha

Sit back on a sunset dhow cruise with dinner around the Gulf bay www.desertadventures.com

GETTING THERE

Qatar Airways, British Airways and Emirates all fly frequently to Doha.

GETTING AROUND

Doha's distinctive blue taxis are inexpensive. Most hotels run a limo service.

WHEN TO GO

Between October and May.

Anything else

Visas available on arrival for approx £15.

DUBAI

My Dubai

Barbel Kirchner, Director, the UK Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce

- How many visitors does Dubai get each year from the UK?

The UK is our most important overseas market and it's growing. We saw 618,469 British visitors in 2005, but between April and June last year alone, numbers topped half a million.

- Which rich and famous names have visited the city recently?

Bill Clinton and Nelson Mandela were in town not long ago. Tiger Woods, Greg Rusedski, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have also been spotted.

- What are your unique selling points for luxury travellers?

We're only seven hours from the UK and there's a diversity of things to see and do, from relaxing on the beach, deep-sea fishing in the Arabian Gulf, and horse racing to shopping or being pampered in one of our amazing spas. We also have some of the finest hotels in the world.

- Where are the best restaurants?

Try La Baie at the Ritz-Carlton, or for breathtaking views, Vu's on level 50 of Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel. Al Mahara, the stunning underwater restaurant at Burj Al Arab, serves fantastic seafood.

- Where do you recommend for designer shopping?

Dubai has more than 40 malls and, being tax-free, shopping is great value. For luxury names, try the Burjuman Centre and Mall of the Emirates. Al Diyafah Street is great for designer evening wear.

WHAT'S NEW

- Dubai Festival City, a huge lifestyle resort with shops, hotels, restaurants and entertainment, opens this spring www.dubaifestivalcity.com

- The Souk Madinat Jumeirah complex recreates a traditional souk, complete with waterfront eateries and bars www.madinatjumeirah.com/shopping

- Moroccan style at restaurant Traiteur www.dubai.park.hyatt.com

- Dubai International Airport opens its brand new terminal in summer 2007

- The Jumeirah Beach Club & Spa will reopen as a 141-bedroom boutique resort in late 2007 after a redevelopment www.jumeirahbeachclub.com

- Sneak a preview of Dubai's new developments, including the Palm, the World and marina www.alphatoursdubai.com

- Golf course The Dunes opens this year at Sport City. www.dubaisportscity.ae

- Emirates will launch flights to Newcastle (Sept) and Aer Lingus from Dublin (June). www.emirates.com; www.aerlingus.com

BUYER'S CHOICE

Kay Fernandes, Product manager, Dubai, Kuoni

Presidential Suite

Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Client fit: Wide appeal/families

Why: Located on one of Dubai's best beaches, this elegant hotel is designed to mirror the shape of ocean waves. Private garden villas are richly furnished and come with sea view terrace, mosaic pool and personal butler. An on-site kids club, dive centre and next door's Wild Wadi water park makes the main resort popular with families.

Price: From £1,175 a night

www.jumeirahbeachhotel.com

Presidential Suite

Kempinski Dubai

Client fit: Premium shoppers and winter sport lovers

Why: This hotel opened last year and boasts Dubai's first indoor ski resort, the third biggest in the world, complete with five ski runs and a winter sports park covered in real snow. Guests can stay in deluxe alpine ski chalets for spectacular views of the slopes. Other facilities include an Ayurvedic centre and spa, and next door is the recently opened Mall of the Emirates, with more than 350 designer shops.

Price: From £1,520 a night

www.kempinski-dubai.com

Emirates Suite

Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa

Client fit: Honeymooners and romantic couples

Why: Designed in a Bedouin camp style, this exclusive retreat is hidden among sand dunes in the desert and is fantastically atmospheric. Each luxuriously appointed suite has stunning desert views of the Hajar mountains and comes with its own private pool and personal housekeeper. Guests can chill out in the fabulous spa, take a desert safari or dine under stars in lush gardens.

Price: From £2,800 a night

www.al-maha.com

DOHA

Jan Poul de Boer, Acting Director General, Qatar Tourism

- How many UK visitors does Qatar receive?

According to the latest figures, we saw 45,000 visitors in 2006. Many come on business, some stop en-route to the Seychelles or Maldives and others combine Qatar with neighbouring Oman, Yemen or Jordan for a cultural experience.

- Which famous names have recently visited?

Bryan Adams, Linda Evangelista, Natalie Imbruglia, Jose Carreras and Bill Clinton to name a few.

- What are its USPs for luxury travellers?

Doha is an exciting destination for visitors and as we don't have mass tourism, we can offer a more traditional Arabian experience. We also have amazing hotels, not to mention a warm climate and superb range of sporting activities. Qatar Airways has just opened its luxury Doha terminal dedicated to first class and business passengers.

- Where are the best restaurants?

As alcohol is restricted in Qatar, visitors tend to eat in hotels and quality tends to be extremely high. For Italian, I'd recommend Il Teatro at the Four Seasons and Porcini at the Ritz-Carlton. Chingari at Ramada and Taj Rasoi at the Marriott serve excellent Indian cuisine.

- Where do you recommend for designer shopping?

Doha has a great mix of shopping malls. The Landmark, Royal Plaza and City Centre for clothes and Villa Moda at the Ritz-Carlton is good for designer labels. You can also find beautiful fabrics and textiles in the souks.

BUYER'S CHOICE

Steve Garley, Commercial director, Tropical Sky

Japanese Suite

The Sheraton Doha

Client fit: Wide appeal/families

Why: The pyramid-shaped Sheraton sits in the prestigious West Bay district of Doha, overlooking the Corniche and surrounded by a private beach and acres of lush gardens. Each guest room has a balcony with panoramic sea views, and executive floor suites come with 24-hour butler service. Sports facilities include indoor tennis, squash and a sailing school offering fishing trips and waterskiing.

Price: From £360 a night

www.sheraton-doha.com

Amiri Suite

The Ritz-Carlton

Client fit: Discerning luxury travellers

Why: Located on its own exclusive island resort, this hotel has an elegant, refined atmosphere, with discreet service. Its spa is inspired by an Arabian theme and has separate male and female facilities. The reputed La Mer rooftop restaurant serves French food against a backdrop of ocean views.

Price: From £2,200 a night

www.ritzcarlton.com/resorts/doha

Diplomatic Suite

InterContinental Doha

Client fit: Sun worshippers and sports lovers

Why: The modern, five-star InterContinental boasts the longest private beach and biggest free-form pool in Doha. Facilities include a 24-hour health club, floodlit tennis courts, volleyball court and on-site sailing centre. The beachfront Fish Market restaurant serves delicious, fresh seafood.

Price: From £700 a night

www.ichotelsgroup.com

WHAT'S NEW

- The futuristic Movenpick Tower & Suites opened in December 2006, with 350 rooms and four restaurants. www.movenpick-hotels.com

- The much-anticipated Museum of Islamic Arts, built by renowned architect I M Pei, is set to open at the end of the year.

- Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts will open a new property at The Peal, Qatar's offshore development, offering 350 rooms. www.fourseasons.com.

- Hotels due to open in 2007 include the waterfront Sharq Village & Spa, which has a 7,500 sq ft deluxe Senses spa, designed in a traditional souk style www.ritzcarlton.com. The St Regis Doha will open in 2010 www.stregis.com.

- Shangri-La Resorts opens its first Doha property later this year,while La Cigale promises to be a world-class landmark. Holiday Inn Doha and Grand Hyatt Doha will both open in 2008.