What's new in Dubai?

Arabian Travel News takes a look at some of the newest hotels and attractions to open their doors in the city that never sleeps.

According to a report released by hospitality research specialist STR Global in September 2008, Dubai has the highest hotel occupancy rate worldwide.

This remarkable feat has been achieved as a result of explosive growth stemming from the emirate's ability to generate massive interest from foreign investors, businessmen and tourists alike.

Keeping a high tourism profile is one of the Dubai government's most important strategies for maintaining the flow of foreign dollars into the emirate. New properties and attractions are constantly cropping up to ensure that the destination never goes stale and maintains its international appeal.

"Recently we have seen the opening of many hotel and tourism projects in Dubai like the opening of Atlantis Hotel and The Dubai Mall, which together have hugely contributed the tourism product of the emirate," said Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DDTCM) director general Khalid Ahmed bin Sulayem.

"There will be further huge tourism developments in dubai in the near future."

ATN takes a look at some of the most recent attractions and developments to take root that are keeping the Dubai buzz alive.

The Address

Under the banner of ‘The Address', the latest Dubai offering from Emaar Hospitality Group (EHG), three new five-star properties have added to the Dubai skyline - the flagship property The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai; The Palace, The Old Town Hotel (the EHG owned property once Sofitel managed but transferred six months ago to The Address) and The Address, Dubai Mall, scheduled to come on line in the first half of this year.

More properties will be coming to Dubai under The Address brand in the very near future according to EHG chief operating officer Christoph Mares.

"The defining character of Address Hotels + Resorts brand is the location on offer, the tangible guest benefits that are assured and the service standards that have been set," he says.

"We have specifically set out to try to create a  ‘one size fits all' hotel for discerning guests offering a total lifestyle experience."

The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai is 63 storeys high and features 196 spacious rooms and suites. Highlights of this property are Neos bar on the 63rd floor, boasting views of Sheikh Zayed Road and beyond, the signature Chinese restaurant Hukama and of course, the hotel's close proximity to the biggest mall in the world, not to mention the trade centre and financial district.

To book: Reservations for The Address downtown Burj Dubai can be made by calling the UAE toll free number and helpline 800 ADDRESS and +971 4 436 8888 or alternatively they canlog onto the website: www.theaddress.com.

Angsana

Banyan Tree Holdings' latest offering in Dubai under its Angsana Resorts and Spas brand is Angsana Suites Dubai - a twin tower property that opened in August 2008. Set to follow in the second quarter of 2009, is the five-star Angsana Hotel Tower.

Referred to collectively as Angsana Dubai, these properties bring the brand's renowned blend of Asian hospitality and contemporary chic to the bustling emirate.

The Hotel Tower offers 364 Deluxe, Premiere one-bedroom, one-bedroom and two- bedroom guestrooms spread over three separate floor categories; Deluxe, Angsana Club and Luxury floors. The hotel style is echoed in the rooms with light-coloured walls, earth-tone carpeting and wood finishing. Rooms are further enriched with full length windows that provide a birds-eye view of the busy city below.

The Suites Tower consists of 417 studios, premier one-bedroom, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites. Each fully furnished unit is equipped with the latest electronic technology and kitchen appliances, with a feel that aims to blend high-level comfort with the latest modern facilities.

"Our superb central business location within Dubai does not mean we will be neglecting our leisure guests," enthuses Angsana Dubai director of sales and marketing Stefan van der Kruyf. "Especially when you consider we have such amenities as the dedicated health club floor, the roof-top swimming pool and the signature Angsana Spa."

To book: +971 4 323 0000 or visit www.angsana.com.

Marine Habitat

Unusual salt and fresh water attractions and an amazing aquatic ecosystem never before seen in the Middle East can be seen at Atlantis, The Palm's Marine Habitat, home to more than 65,000 fish and sea creatures comprising more than 250 species.

Guests can travel through the maze of underground tunnels and passageways of The Lost Chambers, aimed at bringing them into close contact with the myth and the advanced inventions of the ancient Atlanteans.

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