Dubai Lagoon
Dubai Vacation Club
A city that has impressed thousands of visitors and expatriates
alike, Dubai, one of seven picturesque emirates, is a challenge to
whoever tries to match it. In the past 15 years, it has been skyrocketing in every
channel with unbelievable commercial and entertainment projects that are attracting
travelers from every part of the world. It is hard to imagine how an endless desert,
rich with culture and tradition has rapidly become a destination compared to the
richest and most modern cities of the world.
Learn the past, watch the present, and create the future
Stepping mightily into the cinema world, UAE now hosts Dubai Film Festival,
inviting Hollywood, Bollywood and Arabic celebrities all together to take part. To
keep you in tune with the global business scene and trends, world-class conferences
and forums to which the world’s political leaders are invited to attend are regularly
held. And if you are eager to explore and experience a unique culture that shines an
equal and complicated blend of modern and traditional atmosphere, then get ready for
the dazzle of Dubai.
A trip that is a must for every Dubai visitor whether you are a couple, family
or even an individual, is the Desert Safari, an incomparable desert adventure that will
entertain you while allowing you to experience the Middle Eastern culture in its
authentic Bedouin nature. The trip normally starts just before sunset and could last for
a couple of hours or extend to an overnight.
A 4x4 wheel drive is used with an experienced desert driver and if you are a
group of friends you will enjoy being under the Bedouin tents and the glistening blue
night sky where various activity options are available. Camel farms are visited along
with fun camel rides, sand boarding/skiing and dune bashing which are ideal if you
are more adventurous and daring. Dinner is given its fair share of time with a lavish
barbecue in an open desert setting followed by shisha (hubbly bubbly), fresh dates,
Arabic coffee, a falcon show, Arabic dressing, photography and henna painting. An
exotic belly dancing show accompanies some of the trips.
For an extra sense of adventure you may decide to take a ‘Helicopter Safari’,
which will provide you with unique breathtaking views of the city. Or as many choose
to do, you might enjoy spending some time on stargazing. Using telescopes and from
selected spots in the desert known to have a clear unobstructed view, curiosity takes
dozens of people to the same destination of the Arabian Desert for sensational gazing
at stars, galaxies and sometimes even planets. Dubai Astronomy Group regularly
organizes trips and welcomes all curious people to join them!
Copyright@ 2007 Heba Hashem. All rights reserved.
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Dream the impossible dream
Burj Dubai, the ‘talk of the town’ or rather, the world, has been rumored to be
completing an entire floor every week. You will be shocked to know that the 150storey skyscraper has set a global record as the highest in the world and is already
attracting visitors! Costing around 900 million US dollars, Burj Dubai houses the
world’s first Armani Hotel, marked with the designer’s luxurious and exclusive
furnishing line and distinguished with its fine architecture. In addition to Burj Dubai,
countless projects in Dubai are on their way to breaking records and astonish the
world, such as Falcon City in Dubailand.
Stretching 3 billion square feet between Dubai International Airport and the
newly proposed Jebel Ali Airport, Dubai’s latest and most gigantic project Dubailand
will consist of 45 diverse projects entailed of six themed worlds, each planned to
vibrate an aura of its own. Covering an area of 3 billion square feet, it will not only
include 55 hotels at least, but also an Autodrome, a Polo& Equestrian Club and an
enchanting Desert Resort. It is a must to visit this place to see modern architecture and
dazzling hi-tech facilities together.
You do not need to travel the world and see the seven wonders; it is all part of
Dubailand. Falcon City, based in the same place, will spread over 40 million square
feet and will feature cultural spectacles based on the seven architectural phenomena of
the world, starting from Eiffel Tower, Pyramids and Hanging Gardens of Babylon to
the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Taj Mahal. The Pharos Theme Park alone will cover
1.5 million square feet while Snowdome will be the largest freestanding see-through
dome structure in the world featuring an incredible rotating ski deck, snow resort,
mountain run, snow play area and a virtual flying theatre.
Mall of Arabia in Dubailand is the largest shopping resort in the Middle East
and one of the largest in the world. It will house more than a thousand outlets of local
and international brands, a superior stage for theatrical and musical performances, a
bowling alley and a gigantic 15-screen cinema, all situated within the Middle Eastern
designed mall. Restless-Planet, another fascinating feature of Mall of Arabia is a
dinosaur-themed park that is being designed in collaboration with the Natural History
Museum in London. There is certainly endless entertainment for families and
children- more than you might expect!
While Burj Dubai and Dubailand are aiming high, multiple residential projects
are rapidly rising. Such projects include Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Lake Towers, The
Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Waterfront, Business Bay, Park Avenue, Dubai Lagoons, The
Fairmont Palm Residence, Discovery Gardens, International City, Dubai Sports City,
amongst many other promising projects.
Copyright@ 2007 Heba Hashem. All rights reserved.
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Now that you here, Relax- first class!
Are you more of a relaxed traveller, with a preference for nature, beaches,
casual outings and dinners? You will be glad to know that dozens of cafes and
restaurants with an appealing variety of cuisines are sprawled all over the city. Shisha
cafes are on every corner, with a warm inviting atmosphere that attracts anyone
passing by. Marina Walk and the superb Shaikh Zayed Road in particular offer the
biggest number of cafes in one area. Some overlook the ocean or have a pleasant lake
view while others provide breathtaking views from higher floors.
Similarly, the beach is close to most areas in Dubai, and both public and
private beaches are available for swimming. If you are a beach lover, going for an
evening barbecue or simply relaxing for a full day by the beach will become a popular
activity for you as it is with Dubai residents. It is equally pleasant to take a romantic
walk across the sandy, azure beaches, in both daytime and night.
You will also notice the vivid cleanliness of the beaches as environmental
awareness in Dubai has increased over the last couple of years. Most public beaches
are free to enter or charge nominal fees, while others are situated within hotels and
charge for day usage.
To see more of Dubai’s history, you must make it to the 14 km Dubai Creek at
least once. Linking two of Dubai’s oldest areas, the creek sees 720,000 tonnes of
cargo passing every year. Only wooden ships are allowed to enter in order to maintain
its traditional feature, and countries such as Iraq, Yemen, Iran, India and Somalia
depend on the creek for their trade. It has always been a harbour for trade as it is now,
with dhow boats and cruises offering an innovative opportunity of viewing Dubai’s
landmarks through a dhow boat or cruise over lunch or dinner. Cafes and restaurants
serving Middle Eastern cuisine are also set across the Creek for you or your family to
relax and grasp this serene atmosphere.
Dubai also offers various options to adventure lovers when it comes to water,
desert and aero-sports. Choices are plenty, varying from an hourly rent of a luxury
yacht, a shooting course, or a helicopter trip for a higher view of the escalating city, to
amateur skydives or a hot balloon rides with the help of professional experts. As a
beginner you will not be disappointed; it is easy to find an instructor who can guide
you al the way. A horse or a camel ride is another fun option for natural riders, and if
it happens that you are an expert, Dubai’s perfect and slightly breezy winter will
encourage you to go wakeboarding, parasailing, windsurfing, canoeing or jet skiing.
However if diving is your passion, you will be pleased to know that the
surrounding emirates, which can be reached within 1-2 hours from Dubai, possess
ultimate dive spots with sandy beaches perfect for peaceful fishing trips and
swimming. For non-divers, the sport can be learnt in a few days at any of Dubai’s
Copyright@ 2007 Heba Hashem. All rights reserved.
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many diving centres. Both water-themed parks, Wild Wadi and Dream Park promise a
lot of fun for people of all ages and are ideal for beating the city’s heat.
Golf is one of Dubai’s leading sports, and golf courses are increasing every
day with developments overlooking beautiful golf courses and international
championships being held annually. Numerous Golf associations and clubs have been
created for amateur players and famous Golf champions such as The Montgomerie
have designed some of the courses. Whether you are female or male, old or young,
professional or amateur, Dubai is the top choice for spectacular Golf courts and
schools.
To reach the climax of your visit you cannot miss Dubai’s modern landmarks,
which contributed to Dubai’s fame. Start with Dubai Media City & Internet City, and
you’ll the see the best of the IT & media-world, then visit Burj Al Arab, the seven star
hotel built to resemble a sail. With over 60 floors, it attracts no one but the rich &
famous. Right next to it stands the fabulous Jumeirah Beach Hotel, built to resemble a
wave, and going further you will see Madinat Jumeirah, another piece of architecture
with a shopping centre constructed in a traditional and oriental setting.
On the great Sheikh Zayed Road, named after the late and beloved UAE
president, stand the Emirates Towers, or the twin towers, which used to be the tallest
at 39 storeys, but with the Dubai’s speed it does not take long before a higher one is
built! Shangri-La, Dusit and Fairmont hotels, as well as many other eye-catching
towers are all to be seen on the remarkable Sheikh Zayed road.
Whoever said money can’t buy happiness simply didn’t know where to go
shopping!
Shopping fans will find their heaven in Dubai. The range of products and
brands will get anyone’s heads spinning frantically. You can expect to find anything
from international chain stores, high-street clothes, designer and haute couture lines to
more economical markets with Asian, Persian, and oriental goods that will appeal to
you whether you’re a bargain hunter or not.
On your list should be Mall of Emirates, one the world’s biggest malls with
Ski Dubai, an astonishing indoor ice resort created with real snow and slopes of
various heights and difficulty levels. Attracting people of all ages, Ski Dubai provides
the equipment as well as fascinating ice-skating shows held regularly at the freestyle
zone. Ibn Batuta Mall brings together 6 shopping halls; each designed to reflect the
architecture of every country visited by the world-famous traveller, Ibn Batuta. Wafi
City, a smaller mall that is popular when it comes to dining, is known to have
affordable and stylish restaurants serving all types of cuisines. Cleopatra Spa and
Pharoahs Health Club are also part of Wafi City, which has jewellery and fashion
stores including Swarovski and Marks& Spencer’s.
Copyright@ 2007 Heba Hashem. All rights reserved.
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Make sure not to miss Deira City Centre, an older yet very busy shopping
centre that is guaranteed to make you spend. In the same cultural district of Deira, the
famous Gold Souk (or market) is based, where hundreds of gold shops gather, all
selling under one roof. Bargaining is useful amidst this competitive environment that
exhibits a wide selection of jewellery, allowing you to compare before making any
purchase. The Perfume and Spice Markets both offer eye-dazzling collections of
Middle Eastern and Far Eastern crystal, rock and oil perfumes as well as fresh
aromatic spices. Burjman Centre, one of the posher downtown malls accommodates
designer stores such as Escada, Christian Dior, Cartier, Kenzo, Gianfranco Ferre,
Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Lacroix, Saks Fifth Avenue, Ralph Lauren; that is to
name a few.
Thousands of tourists have Dubai on their list of travel destinations for its
well-known shopping experiences. Similarly, you could be visiting Dubai to indulge
and treat yourself to its renowned luxury. Rest assured as you have come to the right
place. Spas are creatively designed with choices of reflexology treatments, Moroccan
baths, Far Eastern Body Treatments and more luxury can be found in Assawwan Spa
at the 7 star Burj Al Arab or Givenchy Spa at One & Only Royal Mirage, a wonderful
and massive 5 star hotel styled in a traditional Arabic palace-like settings; which also
applies to Al Qasr Hotel.
For a magnificent insight into the country’s cultural heritage and rich history,
Dubai Museum is recommended. The museum displays collections that date back to
days of oil discovery as well as galleries that exhibit pearl trade and impressive
paintings of old, traditional domestic and commercial lifestyles.
The nightlife is another distinctive feature of Dubai’s exciting lifestyle.
Persian, Arabic, Chill-out lounges, live bands, Jazz clubs, English urban, house and
pop clubs can all be found in this fast-paced city. Crowds are usually a combination of
expatriate residents and tourists. Regular concerts for well-known world artists also
take place often and stand-up comedians add to the fun of the already vibrant
nightlife.
Dubai has proved to the world that nothing is impossible, and no matter what
everything is achievable! It has managed to bring together people from every culture
and background, offering its residents freedom with a tax-free environment, peaceful
surroundings and personal safety. At the same time, it provides the best forms of
entertainment, service and quality anyone can ask for. It certainly is a city to look up
to and follow similar steps. Dubai welcomes people of all nationalities; residents and
tourists alike, and continuously invites them to enjoy all it has to offer.
Copyright@ 2007 Heba Hashem. All rights reserved.
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U.A.E.- “The Land of 7 Emirates or 7 Heavens?”
Abu Dhabi, the largest of the seven emirates, is also the capital city and is
ruled by Al Nahyan family. It is a vast desert area with 6 other islands in its coastal
waters. Abu Dhabi governs Al Ain- an oasis city close to Hajar and Hafeet mountains
and Liwa Villages. It is a low-rise city with lush greenery and the inspiring Jebel
Hafeet (or Hafeet mountain), which offers a splendid view and fresh unpolluted air on
its peak. Numerous forts and hot springs occupy this small city, and Al Ain museum
displays a significant coin collection, second millennium gold pendants and royalty
gifts from visiting presidents. A traditional majilis has been reconstructed to exhibit
the very interesting local lifestyle.
Sharjah is considered as the country’s cultural hub, having preserved the local
heritage with over 20 museums, art galleries and old souks (markets). Exhibitions and
fairs are known to be one of the city’s main attractions. Ajman is the smallest of
emirates in the U.A.E. and one that is known for date farming and fishing. It lies on
the coast of the Arabian Gulf and boasts a large fine sandy beach.
More traditional living can be witnessed at Umm Al Quwain, the country’s
second smallest emirate. It is worth visiting the splendid Umm Al Quwain Lagoon,
where natural green islands provide shelter for clean unpolluted water. This
environment makes it ideal for water and boat activities. A number of exciting
Bedouin villages and protected islands can be seen along the coast, including
Sinniyah Island, where wonderful bird sanctuaries and mangrove swamps can be
observed.
Ras Al Khaimah, the most northerly emirate is blessed with run-off water from
Hajar Mountains and is the base of Masafi district, famous for its pure and fresh
consumable water. Here fishing is greatly relied on and is a family-run hobby. Pearls
were known to be the ‘whitest and roundest’ in this rich and historical city where
thermal springs and orchards are visited for water treatments.
Fujairah, a city located on the eastern coast of the Arabian Gulf, has dozens of
villages scattered everywhere. Mountains and plains are this emirate’s predominant
features, and unique sceneries of wildlife can be spotted on and off shore. With
astounding landscapes that are packed with forts, archeological sites and unexplored
territories, it is a charming place waiting to be discovered.
Copyright@ 2007 Heba Hashem. All rights reserved.
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Dubai Vacation Club
What is Dubai Vacation Club?
Dubai Vacation Club (DVC) is an Interval International affiliated timeshare
company with distinguished properties in Dubai. It was created at the height of
Dubai’s acceleration and rising as a touristic and commercial destination. Members at
DVC are provided with unrestricted access to their vacation periods, i.e. it could vary
from one week or more every year for an outstanding duration of 35 years.
What are members entitled to?
Members are secured a pre-destined 1-bedroom apartment that can
accommodate up to 4 people in sleeping capacity. The apartments are lavishly
decorated with a contemporary and stylish holiday effect.
An on-site 24- hour management team is available to maintain the apartments
and preserve their distinctive deluxe standard. Members will enjoy private hotel
facilities at their apartments, such as personalized 24-hour room service, daily
cleaning and housekeeping attendance as well as recreation facilities, a business
centre, restaurants and cafes all conveniently located within the building.
In addition to that, members will have full access to four sparkling swimming
pools including children’s pool that is supervised by lifeguards, an outdoor play area,
tennis courts, spacious gymnasium with up-to-date machines, sauna, steam, Jacuzzi
and a conveniently located local shopping centre.
What other benefits do members get?
At Dubai Vacation Club you can rest assured that you will:
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Save Money; you purchase 35 vacations for 35 years at the current price.
Receive an Annual Renovation; plus a 4-year 100% replacement plan for all
the furniture.
Find Guaranteed Booking; simply show up and check-in immediately.
As a member you will also enjoy flexible offers; you will be able to:
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Exchange your Week; with over 2000 worldwide resorts of the well-known
Interval International.
Gift your week to your friends, relatives or anyone who is special to you.
Enjoy endless honeymoons; now that you are a member, you can take a
‘romantic holiday’ every year and for many years!
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What are the luxury facilities offered to members?
As a member you can expect exceptional services of 5 star standard that will
suit your lifestyle and daily requirements. Dubai Vacation Club has given much
attention to the members’ comfort and to the little details that might make your trip
more relaxed and enjoyable.
At Dubai Vacation Club, we provide a daily cleaning service with linen
change twice a week. Round-the-clock room service is available as well as a 24-hour
concierge and reception service. Essential facilities such as a business centre with a
telephone, fax, high-speed Internet connection, printing and general secretarial
services are provided. For indoor entertainment you can enjoy the latest movies and
video games from the DVD rental club, which can be watched on your personal flat
screen TV, provided with each apartment. For further convenience, an In-house
laundry machine and a fully equipped kitchen are supplied.
And with the nearby 24- hour restaurants, diners and cafes, you can rest assure
that time and distance will be no barrier. Fitness fans can take advantage of the
swimming pools and tennis courts within the complex.
What advantages does Dubai Vacation Club offer?
The best and biggest advantage of DVC is doubtlessly its convenient distance
from Dubai, the city of outdoors adventures, shopping festivals, Arab history &
culture, water sports and striking high-rise towers. DVC is spectacularly based in the
residential waterfront community of Dubai Lagoons, where all facilities provided are
accessible to DVC members.
Dubai Vacation Club is remarkably situated only minutes away from the 5
stars Marriott Courtyard Hotel in addition to the Dubai Lagoon based shopping centre
and golf course. Going further and about 20-minute drive away is the thrilling Dubai
Autodrome, Global Village, Dubailand, Ibn Batuta Mall and Jebel Ali Airport.
Other popular sites such as Mall of the Emirates, Burj Al Arab Hotel, Madinat
Jumeirah, Dubai Internet City and Media City are all within a 30-minute drive.
Dubai Lagoon
Dubai Lagoons is a large residential development consisting of 56 buildings
with an average of 8 floors per building. More than 4000 apartments are constructed
within the 40-acre complex, including studios, 1 bed, 2 bed & 3 bedroom apartments.
Fresh man-made lakes flowing throughout the area will exotically surround the
buildings at Dubai Lagoons. This will ensure a unique breeze and even fresher
Copyright@ 2007 Heba Hashem. All rights reserved.
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environment compared to the rest of the city. Dubai Vacation Club members have
exclusive access to their building, where a noticeable privacy within a tranquil
atmosphere is sensed.
Ideally located between two major highways, Dubai Lagoon is minutes away from 3
golf courses exclusively created for the complex, and designed by the top
international players Greg Norman and Vijay Singh. Dubai Lagoon is also a very
short drive of less than 12 kilometres to The Courtyard Marriott, The Green
Community, The New Business Park, Ibn Batuta Mall and the Mall of Emirates,
where Ski Dubai impresses people every day.
Luxury studios, apartments and penthouses of various capacities and sizes make up
Dubai Lagoon. Based in the heart of New Dubai, the complex is waterfront and is
surrounded by a cleverly designed lake resembling a horseshoe. All apartments
overlook the stunning sapphire lagoon, which goes through a constant filtration
system to ensure the water remains fresh. Yet a great 75% of lush green land is
purposely left open to create a perfect combination of open spaces and cool breezes
passing by.
Interval International
Dubai Vacation Club at Dubai Lagoon is affiliated to INTERVAL
INTERNATIONAL INC., which is registered in Florida and provides the highest
standards of timeshare vacation exchange services worldwide. It provides its
members- vacation owners from around the world- with comprehensive exchange
services and a variety of exciting benefits that offer value and convenience at home
and on the road.
Some of the advantages of being affiliated to Interval are: the ability to
exchange or deposit your week, the possibility of reviewing the status of your
exchange request, and the opportunity of receiving great values without exchanging.
Resort destinations are worldwide, and purposely located in popular getaway spots,
such as the Caribbean, Latin America, Costa del Sol, Cancun in Mexico, Hawaii, Las
Vegas, to name a few. Units often include full kitchens and the vacations are usually
available up to one year in advance.
“Interval” is one of the top two Holiday Ownership International Exchange
companies in the world today.
Copyright@ 2007 Heba Hashem. All rights reserved.
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About Interval International:
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Started in 1976 in Florida, USA
Includes a network of more than 2,200 resorts
Has approximately 2 million member families worldwide
Affiliated Resorts are located in over 75 countries
The sector’s head office for Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the SubContinent is based in London
The Middle East operations office is based in Cairo and the executive offices
are in Dubai.
Copyright@ 2007 Heba Hashem. All rights reserved.
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