Abu Dhabi vs. Dubai?? Pro/Con Factors??

[TLCOhio]

Much like the earlier/above-posted Wall Street Journal profile, here is more from the New York Times Travel Section for this weekend.  The NYT has this headline: “Dubai Is the Newest Culinary Destination" with this sub-headline: "After years of simmering, the Dubai food scene is at full boil. The emirate now boasts some 13,000 establishments — more per capita than New York City — and some are nabbing global laurels.”

 

Here are a few of their story highlights: “This year, three top gastronomic guides released their first editions for Dubai.  The cascade began in February when the World’s 50 Best Restaurants unveiled its list for the Middle East and North Africa. Dubai snagged 16 slots, more than any other city, including the top honor, for the Japanese-influenced 3 Fils restaurant. Then, in June, France’s Gault & Millau held a gala for the release of its U.A.E. guide. A week later, the Michelin guide hosted its own ceremony to shower its stars on Dubai.  'Things have evolved so much,' said Gwendal Poullennec, the international director of Michelin guides, whose undercover inspectors began scouring Dubai in 2017.  Credit goes partly to the emirate’s luxury hotels, which have long jockeyed to sign deals with Western and Asian boldface chefs — Gordon Ramsay, Heston Blumenthal, Alain Ducasse, Daniel Boulud, Heinz Beck, Bjorn Frantzen, Nobu Matsuhisa — and many top 2022 gastronomic prizes were claimed by hotel kitchens serving Continental cuisine: Stay by Yannick Alléno, Massimo Bottura’s Torno Subito, Ossiano at Atlantis, The Palm.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/13/travel/dubai-food.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!  Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture.  This posting is now at 98,049 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

[TLCOhio]

From the London/UK Daily Mail two days ago, they had this headline: “Dubai is the No1 destination in the 2023 Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards” with these highlights: “Dubai has been ranked as the most popular destination in the world for the second year running by the Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards for destinations.  The winners for the 2023 awards were identified based on the quality and quantity of reviews and ratings specific to several award subcategories from travellers on Tripadvisor for accommodations, restaurants, and things to do in destinations worldwide over the 12 months between November 2021 and October 2022.   Tripadvisor says of first-place Dubai: 'A favourite with celebs and influencers, the 'City of Gold' continues to attract tourists from all over the world seeking out their very own slice of luxury.' ”

 

Full story at:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-11643547/Tripadvisor-ranks-Dubai-2023s-No1-destination-London-Europe-NYC-USA.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.).  Now at 70,784 views:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

[TLCOhio]

From the London/UK Telegraph last summer, they had this headline: “How to spend a short break in Dubai" with this sub-headline: "From audacious architecture to glittering glamour, an insider guide to the City of Gold.”

 

Hear a few of their reporting highlights: “Dubai is often described as Las Vegas without the casinos. It certainly likes to do things on a grand scale. Supersized hotels, buffets, malls, amusement parks, aquariums, designer cars and luxury yachts are all commonplace. Expect to crane your neck looking up at the world’s tallest building — the Burj Khalifa — and then score a dizzying number of  Instagram likes with a photo taken in front of the world’s largest flower arrangement (five million blooms set in the shape of an Airbus A380 plane, thanks to the Dubai Miracle Garden).  Don’t be afraid of the heights, mega brunches or the 16-lane Sheikh Zayed Road that is the spinal column of Dubai. Indulge in the emirate’s excesses; put that elastic belt to the test, skydive out of a plane, spend like no one is watching and enjoy the year-round sunshine on more than 10 miles of wide sandy beaches. Moderation doesn’t suit this place. Go big, and then go home.”

 

Many options, tips and ideas are outlined in this long profile with many visuals, etc.  

 

Full story at:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/middle-east/united-arab-emirates/dubai/articles/dubai-travel-guide/

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 53,564 views. Featuring Cape Town, South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

[TLCOhio]

From Yahoo News earlier this month, they had this headline: “23 of the best places to travel to around the world in 2023” with these highlights: “Dubai is hardly under the radar. In 2022 it was the most-viewed destination on TikTok, with 82 billion views.  In 2023, I think it will only earn more interest as Emirates invests more than $2 billion to enhance its air service there. Additionally, the ultra-luxury resort Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is planned to open in 2023, and comes from the same brand behind the world-famous sailboat-inspired Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. The new hotel will take inspiration from a futuristic superyacht.  The five-star luxury hotel brand One&Only will also open a new property in Dubai with One Za'abeel that will have the world's longest cantilever building, a panoramic sky concourse that connects two towers floating 100 meters above the ground.   The new year will also bring the full opening of Atlantis, The Royal, a 43-story luxury resort spread across six towers with 17 on-site restaurants curated by celebrity and Michelin-starred chefs including three-Michelin-starred Björn Frantzén, and more than 90 swimming pools, including one on the 22nd floor with views of the Palm crescent.”

 

More "over-the-top" hotels in Dubai?  Surprised??

 

Full story at:

https://www.yahoo.com/news/23-best-places-travel-around-110100429.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Athens & Greece: Visuals, details from two visits in a city and nearby with great history, culture and architecture.  Now at 50,034 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

[TLCOhio]

From the London/UK Telegraph this morning, they had this headline: “I was a Dubai doubter – but found things there to love" with this sub-headline: "Long convinced that the emirate was not for her, our writer discovered five stand-out attractions that challenged her preconceptions.”

 

Here are a few of author Xenia Taliotis's writing highlights: “A different Dubai:  Catching a glimpse of what life here looked like before the advent of high-rise tourism isn’t easy. You need to leave hotel-heavy Downtown, Al Barsha, Palm Jumeirah and the International Financial District and instead head to Al Bastakiya, Deira and Bur Dubai.  Al Bastakiya on Dubai Creek, is the city’s oldest community. Built by Persian merchants during the 1890s.  Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (ddcr.org) is the first national park in the UAE. Covering 5 per cent of Dubai, this last unspoilt desert is truly spectacular – and there is lots to do there, including a wildlife drive on which you can see free-roaming Arabian onyx, Arabian sand gazelles and even wildcats.  Some art, in warehouses: Was I in hipster Berlin? Brooklyn? No, I was in Al Quoz’s industrial-cum-culture district, Alserkal Avenue.  Independent tea and coffee outlets – Project Chaiwala (projectchaiwala.com) and Nightjar (nightjar.coffee) respectively) – a female-run arthouse cinema (Cinema Akil; cinemaakil.com), a community art project (thejamjar; thejamjardubai.com) and sustainable fashion… was I in hipster Berlin? Brooklyn? No, I was in Al Quoz’s industrial-cum-culture district.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/middle-east/united-arab-emirates/dubai/dubai-doubter-found-things-love/

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Live/blog, June 2017 from Portugal to France along scenic Atlantic Coast on the Silver Spirit.  Now at 32,992 views.  Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

[TLCOhio]

When we visited Abu Dhabi in 2018, we had lunch at this lavish Palace Hotel.  Now there have been changes, apparently to make it even better.  

 

From the London/UK Daily Mail yesterday morning by Andrew Harris, they had this headline: “Bling on Abu Dhabi! The Emirates Palace hotel has changed hands and is even more ritzy than before” with these highlights: “Inaugurated in 2005 on land half the size of Monaco, at $3 billion it was the third costliest hotel construction in the world.  First impressions are of a Gulf Grand Hotel, but it’s more than that. It sits on nearly a mile of private beach created from imported white sand (proving you can actually sell sand to the Arabs), though there’s hardly anyone in the sea, and it doesn’t feel like a beach resort, either.”

 

Here is more from their reporting: "Inside, the 240ft-high central dome is one of the largest internal spaces in the world. With selfie-snapping tourists squeaking excitedly around its polished stone floor, it’s less a reception space and more as though St Peter’s Basilica in Rome has suddenly embraced the hospitality industry."

 

Yes, this is a spectacular location.  Not your average Holiday Inn or Marriott.

 

Full story at:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-11940913/Bling-Abu-Dhabi-Emirates-Palace-hotel-changed-hands-ritzy-before.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Panama Canal? Early 2017, Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco adventure through Panama Canal.  Our first stops in Colombia, Central America and Mexico, plus added time in the great Golden Gate City. Now at 31,879 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

[TLCOhio]

From the Washington Post this weekend, they had this headline: “The mystery of the Ain Dubai, the world’s largest (broken) Ferris wheel” with these highlights by writer Brian Rohan: “It has been more than a year since the world’s tallest Ferris wheel stopped turning, and officials here won’t say why.  With more steel than the Eiffel Tower contains and nearly twice the height of the London Eye, the Ain Dubai was supposed to be closed for just a month. Then another month. And another. Finally, in April, operators quietly announced it would be closed indefinitely.   The massive legs of this engineering marvel are gathering dust, while scaffolding shrouded in burlap surrounds the main axle.”

 

Here is more background from this reporting: "As the centerpiece of an artificial island boasting some of Dubai’s most expensive real estate, the sense of abandonment is uncanny. Luxury apartments, fine dining, retail shops, a mall, a Caesar’s Palace where it is assumed gambling will one day be permitted in this Islamic jurisdiction — all were built around the titanic disk.  Dubai’s residential real estate market is red-hot these days, riding high on an influx of capital from wealthy foreigners, including Russians who have flocked to the Persian Gulf in large numbers since the start of the war in Ukraine, seeking refuge from international sanctions.  The story of the wheel evokes memories of past property busts. Critics describe a development scene built on hype and headlines, highly speculative, opaque, often overleveraged, and overseen by officials who refuse to acknowledge mistakes and gloss over failures with shiny new projects"

 

Full story at:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/07/09/ain-dubai-wheel-real-estate/?utm_campaign=wp_post_most&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&wpisrc=nl_most

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

From late 2018, see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East. Now at 21,918 views.  Connect at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

[TLCOhio]

From the Travel+Leisure magazine last week, they had this headline: “Best Times to Visit Dubai for Beautiful Weather, Lower Prices, and Fewer Crowds” with these highlights: “Dubai is one of the most popular travel destinations in the Middle East, known for its iconic mix of cutting-edge glitz and traditional culture found in its souks and cafes. The best —and most popular— time to visit Dubai is from November to March when temperatures are pleasant and outdoor activities abound. Summer months get a bad rap because of the extreme heat, but Chef Kelvin Cheung, chef and partner at Jun’s, finds joy in both seasons.  The shoulder season is a much-overlooked time to visit Dubai offering milder temperatures (in the 80s and 90s) and less-crowded streets.”

 

This profile also noted: "Many visitors fall in love with Dubai because of the people — the city is home to diverse residents and attracts tourists from all over the world. Fewer crowds coincide with more favorable accommodation rates. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, your best bet is to visit anywhere from April to October. This falls within shoulder and low seasons when residents have left the country and tourists are few and far between."

 

Full story at:

https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-time-to-visit-dubai-7555350

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Summer 2019 Calgary, Jasper/Banff National Parks, Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, Vancouver, sailing up to Alaska on Silver Muse, post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc.  Many visuals, Our firsts in these scenic areas!  Now at 19,463 views. Live/blog: 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

[TLCOhio]

As many are suffering from extreme heat now, here's an interesting and different idea, especially for in the Middle East.

 

From CNN, the cable news network, this morning, they had this headline: “Abu Dhabi has built a white water river in the middle of a scorching desert” with these highlights:   "This is no ordinary river; it is the result of a $50 million man-made park constructed between Abu Dhabi’s arid mountains on one side and a sprawling desert on the other.  Located in the oasis city of Al Ain, just an hour and a half from Abu Dhabi’s city center, Al Ain Adventure Park proudly claims the title of the Middle East’s first destination for white water rafting, kayaking and surfing.   It’s an unusual sight in a region where no natural rivers exist, and summer temperatures often soar upwards of 120 F (49 C).”

 

Here's more: "Al Ain Adventure Park has gained international recognition as a hub for sports professionals seeking to hone their skills in various disciplines.  Drawing athletes from across the globe, including surfing champions, rafters and Olympic kayak teams, the park has become a preferred training destination."

 

Full story at:

https://www.cnn.com/travel/abu-dhabi-white-water-river-desert-al-ain/index.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Early 2020, many visuals and details from New Zealand/South Pacific in going from Auckland to French Polynesia.  This includes Bora Bora, Fiji, NZ experiences, etc:  Live/blog:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2735732-live-terryohio-“new”-regatta-south-pacificnz-pix’s/

[TLCOhio]

From the Wall Street Journal two days ago, they had this headline: “An Insiders’ Guide to Dubai, Beyond the Skyscrapers and World Records" with this sub-headline:  "Tourists come to Dubai to see the planet’s tallest building and deepest swimming pool. But ask notable locals for tips and you’ll find charming, hype-free attractions and authentic food finds.”

 

Here are some of their reporting highlights: “This global crossroads is everything you’ve heard it is—sparkly, ostentatious, unparalleled to an almost tiresome degree—but endearing, lower-key attractions beckon behind Dubai’s facade. Sure, you can eat gold-dusted ice cream served in a diamond-encrusted bowl, but you’ll also find authentic Filipino pandesal, Bosnian cevapi, Uzbek plov and British pub fare.  While other cities slowed down during the pandemic, Dubai enticed masses of new transplants. A visit reveals a worldly metropolis, where homegrown arts, food and design scenes percolate amid an ever-expanding skyline.”

 

Four leaders who are active there in Dubai offers some of their top loves, ideas and suggestions.  As to examples, this includes two by a top local chef there:  "Khoory Special Kabab: My favorite kebab spot in the city, no question. Try the koobideh, an Iranian kebab made with onions. Or get the Bahraini Tikka, which uses dried black lime over cubed meat.  Khorfakkan Fish Market: The best thing about this Sharjah market is that you can buy freshly caught fish from local fishmongers and have it prepped and cooked for you at the adjacent restaurant."

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/travel/dubai-travel-guide-beyond-skyscrapers-world-records-a8f31880?mod=travel_news_article_pos4

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Canada 2022/2023: Scenic visuals, details from Canada Maritimes (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island).  Plus, new from Aug. 2023, exploring historic/charming Quebec City.    Visual/Info Summaries:

www.flickr.com/photos/196555480@N08/albums

[Airbear232]

On 4/7/2023 at 10:55 AM, TLCOhio said:

When we visited Abu Dhabi in 2018, we had lunch at this lavish Palace Hotel.  Now there have been changes, apparently to make it even better.  

 

From the London/UK Daily Mail yesterday morning by Andrew Harris, they had this headline: “Bling on Abu Dhabi! The Emirates Palace hotel has changed hands and is even more ritzy than before” with these highlights: “Inaugurated in 2005 on land half the size of Monaco, at $3 billion it was the third costliest hotel construction in the world.  First impressions are of a Gulf Grand Hotel, but it’s more than that. It sits on nearly a mile of private beach created from imported white sand (proving you can actually sell sand to the Arabs), though there’s hardly anyone in the sea, and it doesn’t feel like a beach resort, either.”

 

Here is more from their reporting: "Inside, the 240ft-high central dome is one of the largest internal spaces in the world. With selfie-snapping tourists squeaking excitedly around its polished stone floor, it’s less a reception space and more as though St Peter’s Basilica in Rome has suddenly embraced the hospitality industry."

 

Yes, this is a spectacular location.  Not your average Holiday Inn or Marriott.

 

Full story at:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-11940913/Bling-Abu-Dhabi-Emirates-Palace-hotel-changed-hands-ritzy-before.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Panama Canal? Early 2017, Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco adventure through Panama Canal.  Our first stops in Colombia, Central America and Mexico, plus added time in the great Golden Gate City. Now at 31,879 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

Agree, stunning hotel!

[TLCOhio]

On 11/2/2023 at 2:15 PM, Airbear232 said:

Agree, stunning hotel!

 

Appreciate your above comment and follow-up.  From the London/UK Sunday Times this weekend, they have this headline: “Why I swapped the Greek islands for Abu Dhabi after having a baby" with this sub-headline:  "For the hot weather, ease and pure indulgence, a family break to a luxury Middle Eastern hotel is well worth the long flight – even with a toddler.”

 

Here are some of their story highlights: “The temptation of sunshine grew too much and we were persuaded by a five-star hotel in Abu Dhabi.  This stay looked straightforward, stress-free and with guaranteed winter sun.   As the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, is a surprisingly quiet city. Yes, everywhere things are being built: apartment blocks, beachside homes — most of them super-luxurious, this is part of the world built on oil and opulence after all. But Abu Dhabi is calmer than glitzy Dubai and is arguably more appealing to families.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/why-i-traded-the-greek-islands-for-abu-dhabi-after-having-a-baby-tm6zmpmdz

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Barcelona/Med: June 2011, with stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Great visuals with key highlights, tips, etc. Live/blog now at 257,252 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1362155-solstice-livefirst-timer-reportspix’s-italycroatian-june-7-19/

[TLCOhio]

From the Bloomberg financial news website yesterday, they had this headline: “Abu Dhabi Is the World’s Newest Wealth Haven for Billionaires” with these highlights: “For decades, many of the world’s richest people chose to safeguard their assets in overseas locales ranging from the Cayman Islands to Switzerland and the British Virgin Islands. But a new wealth hub is becoming wildly popular with billionaires — the skyscraper-studded emirate of Abu Dhabi.  The richest man in crypto Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, India’s Adani family, hedge fund billionaire Ray Dalio and Russian steel magnate Vladimir Lisin are among the dozens of high net worth individuals who’ve set up special purpose vehicles in Abu Dhabi’s international financial center this year.  More than 5,000 SPVs now exist in Abu Dhabi Global Market compared with just 46 in 2016, according to data compiled by M/HQ.”

 

Any here on Cruise Critic who are billionaires with such plans for putting your wealth in Abu Dhabi?  When I achieve billionaire status, that's my plan and hope!! 

 

Full story at:

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-12-11/world-s-newest-haven-for-billionaires-is-a-skyscraper-studded-emirate?utm_campaign=bn&utm_medium=distro&utm_source=yahooUS&leadSource=uverify wall

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio   

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 249,559 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

[TLCOhio]

From the South China Morning Post this morning, they had this headline: “A first for the UAE: brewery to make and sell beer in Abu Dhabi, a big change from when locally produced alcohol was illegal” with these highlights: “Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates has granted a licence to restaurant Craft by Side Hustle to sell on tap beer that has been brewed on site.  Legal production of alcohol is a big step for the Gulf, a region where several countries still ban outright the sale, consumption and possession of alcohol.  It is the latest in a series of moves to loosen socially conservative laws in the UAE and the surrounding Gulf region, as countries open up their economies and focus on industries other than oil.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3244768/first-uae-brewery-make-and-sell-beer-abu-dhabi-big-change-when-locally-produced-alcohol-was-illegal?module=latest&pgtype=homepage

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio   

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 247,027 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

[TLCOhio]

From Condé Nast Traveler magazine last month, they had this headline: “Best Places to Spend Christmas Around the World" with this sub-headline: "Some celebrations are worth the price of a plane ticket.”

 

Here are their reporting highlights for Dubai: “Why we go: Dubai does Christmas the same way Dubai does nearly everything—in true, over-the-top fashion. Catch the tree lightings happening around town, including the ones at Towers Rotana, Fairmont The Palm, and The Irish Village, and then watch the jolly ol’ St. Nicks making a run for it at the Santa Run. And since no visit to Dubai is complete without several shopping sprees, set aside time to stock up on goodies at one of the city’s Christmas markets.   The one thing to get you in the spirit: Dubai Mall is an air-conditioned winter wonderland, complete with an ice skating rink and indoor ski slopes at Ski Dubai.” 

 

Full story at:

https://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2015-12-08/copenhagen-to-quebec-14-cities-that-do-christmas-best?utm_source=nl&utm_brand=cnt&utm_mailing=CNT_Daily_AM_122523&utm_campaign=aud-dev&utm_medium=email&bxid=5db3f99524c17c23c34ecf3e&cndid=6657468&hasha=e1ca3019f9f535a4b98389997c63b892&hashb=7daf2541a0de702392cfe60ed513a5c2d1d23598&hashc=f541a9e649534cc2931bd57d58d8c2cac2bb8c5d298f722bad5b05cc8ad5ece2&esrc=IDCONDENAST_REGGATE&utm_term=CNT_Daily

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio   

 

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!  Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture.  This posting is now at 109,836 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

 

[TLCOhio]

From the Travel Section of the London/UK Telegraph earlier this week, they had this headline: “Why April is such an appealing time to be in Dubai" with this sub-headline:  "The month of Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr is a fascinating time to experience the emirate.”

 

Here are some of the reporting highlights by their destination expert Sarah Hedley Hymers: “With Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr the highlights of April, join the locals in breaking the daily fast at iftar feasts around Dubai and embrace the generosity of the season by creating gifts for friends and family. Bukhoor (a type of incense) makes an ideal gift and perfumer Oo La Lab, located in art hub Alserkal Avenue, offers bakhoor-making masterclasses. Find out more about the history of Dubai, born on the waters of this creek, at the Once Upon A Time Museum, hidden inside Jumeirah Mosque. The mosque offers guided tours and an intimate insight into the Islamic faith.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/explore-dubai/things-to-do-in-april/

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

India to Singaore 2024: Live/Blog with many visuals, including “Golden Triangle”, Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2992045-live-terryohio-india-to-signapore-silver-moon-rising-pix’s/

[TLCOhio]

From the Travel Section of the London/UK Telegraph earlier this month, they had this headline: “How to spend a supersized weekend in Dubai" with this sub-headline:   "From audacious architecture to glittering glamour, an insider travel guide to the City of Gold.”  

 

Here are some of the reporting highlights by their destination expert Sarah Hedley Hymers: “Dubai is often described as Las Vegas without the casinos. It certainly likes to do things on a grand scale. Supersized hotels, buffets, malls, amusement parks, aquariums, designer cars and luxury yachts are all commonplace. Expect to crane your neck looking up at the world’s tallest building — the Burj Khalifa — and then score a dizzying number of  Instagram likes with a photo taken in front of the world’s largest flower arrangement (five million blooms set in the shape of an Airbus A380 plane, thanks to the Dubai Miracle Garden).  Don’t be afraid of the heights, mega brunches or the 16-lane Sheikh Zayed Road that is the spinal column of Dubai.”

 

Many tips, potentials, ideas, etc., are outlined in this profile.  Much to consider and research.  

 

Full story at:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/middle-east/united-arab-emirates/dubai/articles/dubai-travel-guide/

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio   

 

Canada 2022/2023: Scenic visuals, details from Canada Maritimes (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island).  Plus, new from Aug. 2023, exploring historic/charming Quebec City.    Visual/Info Summaries:

www.flickr.com/photos/196555480@N08/albums