HOTEL OVERVIEW hotel outside An impressive 19-storey pyramid in the heart of Dubai on Sheikh Rashid Road in Wafi City, 5 star deluxe hotel Raffles Dubai with its unique architecture, opulent design and perfect position offers first class facilities together with Arabian hospitality.
Perfectly located in the main business and shopping district, this fabulous luxurious hotel in Dubai, of the renowned Raffles Hotel's chain, is the perfect place for discerning business and leisure travellers in search of exclusive and elegant suites, sumptuous interiors, refined restaurants and bars, and pure relaxation at the RafflesAmrita Spa.
Raffles Dubai Hotel also features a marvellous and enchanting botanical garden, nine private meeting rooms for up to 180 delegates, a deluxe ballroom for gathering of 550 guests, a multilingual staff at the Front Desk, a 24hrs doctor on call, a library room, Wireless Internet access, personalized butler service, babysitting services and all lavish services in Raffles style that will fulfil the expectations of demanding guests staying in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Some examples of our exlusive beach hotel collection:
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Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort
Take delight in this hotel, a contemporary design located on the most beautiful beach of white sand in Moorea. On the edges of a magnificent lagoon and just 5 minutes from the airport, the hotel is ideally situated to take advantage of the Moorea Pearl International golf course.
Sofitel Bora Bora Motu Private Island
Delight in the intimacy of a chance to get away to a private island, in the heart of luxurious tropical surroundings, with a panoramic view right through 360° that is simply breathtaking in its splendour. The ideal place for a marriage or honeymoon.
Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort
With its private beach of white sand and a spa facility overhanging the lagoon, the hotel just begs you to stay. Situated in Matira Bay, its terraces enjoy magnificent views and its huge swimming pool merges with the ocean.
Sofitel Tahiti Resort
Surrounded by tropical gardens, the hotel offers an incomparable view of the mountains and the lagoon. Situated on the only natural beach of white sand on the island, it is also conveniently located for the airport and the town centre.
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Gran Bahía Príncipe Cayo Levantado
Cayo Levantado, one of the world's most beautiful islands, is the ideal place to enjoy a luxury holiday in an incomparable setting of nature and comfort. This marvellous hotel provides all the facilities necessary to make your holiday a dream trip. Sunbathe in the great solarium, refresh yourself in the swimming pool Jacuzzis or take a delightful swim at one of Samaná's best beaches. Combine rest with relaxation and moisturising treatments, massages and hydrotherapy at our BahiaSpa or get in shape on the jogging circuit or tennis courts. The hotel's fully-equipped rooms will make your rest on this island a unique experience. Try the island's cuisine in the three climate-controlled restaurants or feel free to choose your own menu in the buffet. Refreshments are available at any time of the day in any of our bars.
hotel outside The hotel Regal Plaza is situated in Dubai, in the Bur Dubai district, within walking distance of the shopping centres and banks, 4 km from the World Trade Center and 6 km from the international airport.
The property features several restaurants and bars as well as a wonderful outdoor swimming pool and a fitness/beauty centre with Jacuzzi, steam bath, gym and the possibility to avail of several treatments and massages.
Additionally, an Internet Point is available at the reception, featuring a staff always at your disposal for advises and information on the city.
LOCATION
City Area:Bur Dubai
Position of the zone in the city
General map
DISTANCES BY CAR From Dubai International Airport: 10 minutes. From Bur Juman shopping centre: 1 minute. From Wafi City: 5 minutes. From the city centre: 7 minutes. From Dubai Creek Park: 5 minutes. From Dubai museum: 5 minutes. From Heritage Village: 7 minutes. From the textile Souk (market): 5 minutes. From the gold Souk (market): 7 minutes. From Dubai zoo: 10 minutes. From Wild Wadi, Burj Al Arab: 20 minutes. From Jumeirah Beach: 20 minutes.
GUEST ROOMS
double room The hotel features 87 single and double rooms with private bathroom and hairdryer.
All of the rooms are equipped with individually controlled air conditioning, direct dial telephone, mini bar and satellite TV. Internet connection is available only in the rooms located on the 7th floor.
Non-smoking rooms, baby cots and ironing facilities are available upon request.
Cot available upon request
Direct dial phone
Hairdryer in room
Individually controlled air conditioning
Iron and ironing board available on request
Mini bar
Non-smoking rooms available upon request
Satellite TV
BREAKFAST
A rich breakfast buffet is served in the breakfast room between 7 a.m. and 10.30 a.m. Breakfast can be served directly in your room, on request.
Dubai Museum Al Fahidi Fort, which houses the dubai Museum, was built around 1787, and once guarded the landward approaches to the town. Revonated in 1971 for use as a museum, its colourful life size dioramas vividly depict everyday life in the days before the discovery of oil. Galleries recreate scenes from the Creek, traditional Arab houses, mosques, the souk, date farms and desert and marine life. One of the more spectacular exhibits portrays pearl diving, including sets of pearl merchants’ weights, scales and sieves. Also on display, are artifacts from several excavations in the emirate, recovered from graves that date back to the third millennium BC.
Sheikh Saeed’s House The official residence of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai (1912-1958) and grandfather of the present Ruler, Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktourm, has been restored to stand proud again on the Shandagha end of Dubai Creek. The house, which dates from 1896, today houses a rare collection of historic photographs, coins, stamps and documents that record Dubai’s history.
The Bastakiya The old district of Bastakiya with its narrow lanes and tall windtowers provides a hint of okd Dubai. A Short walk from Al Fahidi Fort, it is the largest concentration of traditional courtyard houses in Dubai.
Hatta Heritage Village Nestled among the Hajjar Mountains, overlooking a fertile oasis, the 16th century Hatta village provides a fine example of traditional style village architecture. Dating back four hundred years, it consists of two watchtowers, a mosque and houses constructed of stone, mud, reeds and palm tree trunks built around the imposing Hatta Fort domination the village.
Burj Nahar One of the many watchtowers that once guarded the old city, built in 1870, the restored Burj Nahar in 1992 in its picturesque gardens in Deira is popular with photographers.
Sheikh Obaid bin Thani House Located in the Shindagha area near Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, it was built in 1916. The 1250 sq.m two storey house is made of stone and mud with traditional style windows, doors and facades. The house is currently undergoing conversion to a museum.
Bait Al Wakeel Built in 1934 by the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Bait Al Wakeel was the first office building in Dubai. At the edge of the Creek near the abra landing, the building’s restoration was completed in 1995.
Heritage Village and Diving Village A traditional heritage village, located near the mouth of Dubai Creek in the Shindagha district, features potters and weavers practicing traditional crafts, as well as exhibits and demonstrations of pearl diving. It is a place where the visitors can take a step back in time and experience some of Dubai’s culture and heritage.
Al Ahmadiya School Established in 1912, Al Ahmadiya School was the first regular school in Dubai, located in the Al-Ras area of Deira. The two-storey building was renovated in 1995 for use as a museum of education.
Heriatage House The oldest part of the house dates back to the 1890s, with many newer parts added in later years. It is a large courtyard house with more than 10 rooms and a rectangular windtower.
Majlis Um-Al Sheif Built around 1955 as a summer retreat for the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the majlis is located in the Jumeirah area near the sea and features a traditional palm tree garden with a ‘falaj’ irrigation system.
Bur Dubai Creekside The buildings lining the Bur Dubai side of the creek provided the main panorama of the old city. The traditional facades of these buildings have been restored to their original state, with wooden windows, decorative gypsum panels and screens.
Old Souks The two main souks of Bur Dubai and Deira are being restored to highlight the historical commercial roots of the city. Both markets are covered with traditional roofing and materials, with shops featuring old-style wooden doors.
Archaeological Sites There are four main excavation sites in Dubai, at Al Qusais, Al Sufooh, Jumeirah and Hatta. The first two are graveyards dating back more than 2,000 years. The Jumeirah site reveals artifacts from the 7th to 15th centuries AD. These sites are not yet open to the public. However tourists or tour operators may obtain a special permit from Dubai Museum to visit the digs.
Roundhouse Located on the Dubai’s Beach road on site of former ruler H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s office. A replica of the ‘Roundhouse’ has been constructed to honour the site where documents were signed in 1972 for the formation of UAE, uniting the ecirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain and Ajman. Ras Al Khaimah joined later.
The United Arab Emirates Dubai is the second largest of the seven emirates which make up the United Arab Emirates and ranks as the country’s leading commercial centre. Abu Dhabi, which is the federal capital, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah are the other six emirates.
Location and Area Dubai is located on the southern shore of the Gulf in the south-eastern part of the Arabian peninsula. It lies between 55˚16 East and 25˚16 North. The total area of the Emirates is 3,885 sq.km.
Visas Please check the VISA situation at time of booking
Climate Dubai has a sub-tropical arid climate. Temperatures range from 10 to 30 degrees celcius in winter and can reach as high as 48 degrees celcius in summer. Rainfall is predominantly in winter and amounts to some 13cm annually.
Clothing Lightweight summer clothing can be worn for most of the year, but the temperature can drop quite sharply at night during the winter. At the pool or on the beaches, trunks, swim-suits, shorts or bikinis are quite acceptable but, when in the city, care should be taken not to give offence by wearing clothing which may be considered revealing.
Language The national language is Arabic but English is widely used in business.
Alcohol Alcohol is freely available in hotel restaurants and bars, but not outside the hotels.
Photography Normal tourist photography is acceptable but it is considered offensive to photograph Muslim women. It is also courteous to request permission before photographing men.
Currency The monetary unit is the Dirham (Dh) which is divided into 100 fils.
Banks Many international banks are represented by branches in Dubai. Bank hours are 08h00 to 13h00 Saturday though Wednesday, 08h00 to 12 noon Thursday. Some are open 16h30 to 18h30.
Credit Cards American Express, Diners Club, Visa, Mastercard etc. are generally accepted in the main hotels and the larger shops.
Tipping Tipping practices are similar to most parts of the world. Where no service charge is included, 10 percent is adequate.
Bargaining Bargaining is expected in the souk and is quite usual elsewhere. Vendors will usually drop the price and often quite substantially, particularly for a cash sale.
Electricity The electricity supply in Dubai is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles. US-made appliances may need a transformer.
Water Tap water is quite safe to drink. But locally bottled mineral water is generally served in hotels and restaurants.
Medical Care Medical services in Dubai are of an international standard
exterior - night The luxurious and comfortable hotel K-Porte Inn Dubai is situated in Deira district, a few steps from the Dubai Creek and a few minutes from the international airport.
K-Porte Inn Dubai Hotel is an elegant and modern property, with refined interiors, high-tech facilities and contemporary design. Here you will find cosy rooms, various restaurants, bars and a night club, while at the wellness centre, you can avail of a sauna, a Jacuzzi or a swimming pool and have pleasant massages.
The hotel K-Porte Inn Dubai is the perfect spot to spend your holiday in Dubai for its atmosphere that spreads elegance and calm, for its excellent position in the middle of the Dubai's commercial and business district and for the services offered able to satisfy also the most demanding guest.
Location of K-Porte Inn Dubai, Dubai
City Area:Deira
Position of the zone in the city
General map
Rooms at K-Porte Inn Dubai
double room The hotel K-Porte Inn Dubai features 117 elegant rooms equipped with all the comforts: private bathroom with hair-dryer, direct dial telephone, mini bar, Wi-Fi Internet access, satellite TV and individually controlled air conditioning.
Interconnecting rooms, non-smoking rooms and a 24-hour room service are also available.
Here is the latest ultra-luxury mega project from the Emirates of Dubai, the world capital of extreme extravagance. This time it's a luxury virtual peninsula crowned with a five star hotel in the shape of a wheel!
The Dubai property developer Nakheel Group has announced it's building a virtual peninsula along the Dubai shoreline anchored by a five-star wheel-shaped hotel you can see in these pictures.
Named as Dubai Promenade, this project will be a luxury waterfront residential and commercial peninsula overlooking the giant palm-tree shaped Dubai Palm islands.
The Wheel-Shaped hotel will be located between Dubai Marina (another luxury project) and the seafront and will be adjacent to the Dubai palm islands resulting according to reports of awesome views of Palm Jumeirah island.
Reclamation at Dubai Promenade is already being undertaken by Van Oord and due to be completed in the first quarter of 2008. Construction of the wheel shaped hotel and other buildings will begin in mid-2008.
On completion, the development will accommodate approximately 10,000 residents in more than 2,000 residential units. In addition a selection of cafes, restaurants and retail offerings will span the length of the entire waterfront.
Other recent ambitious mega projects in Dubai include the giant palm tree shaped man-made dubai islands, the sail shaped Burj Al-Arab 7 star hotel and the world's tallest building - Burj Dubai Tower.
Burj Al Arab - One Of The Best Civil Engineering Works
The Burj Al Arab is one of the world’s most luxurious hotels and is located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Burj Al Arab is managed by the Jumeirah Group and built by Said Khalil. Burj Al Arab’s stands at a height of 333m. The Burj Al Arab stands on an artificial island 280 metres (919 ft) out from Jumeirah beach, and is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge.
The construction of Burj Al Arab began in 1994. It was built to resemble the sail of a dhow, a type of Arabian vessel. Two “wings” spread in a V to form a vast “mast”, while the space between them is enclosed in a massive atrium. Architect Tom Wright said “The client wanted a building that would become an iconic or symbolic statement for Dubai; this is very similar to Sydney with its Opera House, or Paris with the Eiffel Tower. It needed to be a building that would become synonymous with the name of the country.” The architect and engineering consultant for the project was Atkins, the UK’s largest multidisciplinary consultancy. The hotel was built by South African construction contractor Murray & Roberts. The hotel cost $650 million to build.
The foundation used in this hotel is Pile Foundation and a total of 230 - 40 meter long concrete piles were drived into the sand. The foundation is held in place not by bedrock, but by the friction of the sand and silt along the length of the piles. Engineers created a surface layer of large rocks, which is circled with a concrete honey-comb pattern, which serves to protect the foundation from erosion. It took three years to reclaim the land from the sea, but less than three years to construct the building itself. The building contains over 70,000 cubic meters of concrete and 9,000 tons of steel.
Designed by UK’s Sybarite Architects, the futuristic and exclusive 7-star Apeiron Island Hotel will be 300m from the coast of Dubai. Access to the hotel is restricted to yacht (water) and helicopter (air) only. The hotel contains 438 suites, private cinemas, luxury boutiques, conference rooms, an underwater restaurant with views into the surrounding lagoon, an underwater gym, spa and art gallery. The hotel’s internal facade has louvers to prevent direct sunlight and will made up of solar cells as is the ribbon that frames the building that can generate some energy for the entire hotel!
There is a need in the future for 50.000 to 100.000 hectares of land for agriculture and recreation, and maybe for houses, and business.
A new polder for the Dutch coast will help to protect the country from the sea, it will brake the waves of the strong current that comes from the canal to the north.
Dutch companies successfully reclaim land in Dubai and Singapore; why not do it here too?
Indeed, several friends of me work or have worked on the palms in Dubai. But is that a good reason to want it here too? On the other hand: It would be a tremendously cool project!
Before we get all too excited there are off course arguments against a new polder in the North Sea. They include ecological concerns, the question if it would not interfere with gas- and oil interests and the heavy ship-traffic. And additionally there is the question if it is acceptable to spoil (a part) of the current coast.
Strange about the plan is that initiator Joop Atsma suggests that if the new polder could answer the demand for agriculture and leisure, there would be more space around the current inhabited areas for housing and business. But; will people accept that their green surroundings are being urbanized? I am afraid people are too much in love with the status quo to do so. The time that ‘progress’ was an argument is over. These are conservative times. So I would argue for the urbanization of the new polder. Build a new city.
Hundred islands in the IJmeer forming a tulip (Image: Eikongraphia)
A side note: The first drawing of the Trump Hotel on the trunk of Palm Jumeirah in Dubai showed a building shaped like a… tulip. Sort of. Later W.S. Atkins redesigned the tower into a razor-sharp arch. The monorail runs through it. Nice one!
First design for the Trump Hotel, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
hotel outside An impressive 19-storey pyramid in the heart of Dubai on Sheikh Rashid Road in Wafi City, 5 star deluxe hotel Raffles Dubai with its unique architecture, opulent design and perfect position offers first class facilities together with Arabian hospitality.
![Palm Trump International Hotel and Tower [The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai] Photograph](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_u2sVfMfvOClKjwBENtWdq7SvVqjoqU2gzSvpB_g6aaC8v1zfePbMoS__bMDpfJCbzIFAgdKWQ2oea_MaBSU7AhsxVHeRIA9ybycPHe5ty2nZU-5cUz0RPFy57zMLb5ZYQCjZUpVZgwHyI-w7_jfCixN-lQeECJzj2dWL282_TuoV85qTkWz5kuJA-QwngCJ4hRXQ=s0-d)
Named as Dubai Promenade, this project will be a luxury waterfront residential and commercial peninsula overlooking the giant palm-tree shaped 
