By Samar Yahya
DUBAI — Issam Kazim, CEO, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) said during his recent visit to Riyadh that the Saudi tourist spending comes 2nd in Dubai tourists spending index following the Russians. Kazim also confirmed that the relations between Saudi Arabia and Dubai in tourism and entertainment sectors are integral and not competitive and that 1.2 m Saudi tourists visited Dubai in 2018.
Kazim said: “Saudi Arabia with participate in Expo 2020 from Oct 2020 – April 2021 with the 2nd largest pavilion. Expo 2020 that will host 193 countries with 60 functions daily”.
On the other hand, one of the top attractions in the dynamic city of Dubai is shopping and retail which always gives motivation not only to tourists but to residents as well.
You should not miss The Village Outlet by Meraas with the exceptional architecture inspired by the medieval hill town, San Gimignano, giving shoppers an unequal experience for those who seek iconic fashion brands, but with value prices and hot deals. The Village Outlet is located next to Dubai Parks and Resorts.
Your shopping experience will never complete without visiting Mall of the Emirates the world’s first shopping resort, with its huge area and diverse stores that give an unprecedented shopping experience especially for families with its fun attractions and activities.
Have you visited Mercato Mall on Jumeirah Beach Road that individual and unequalled ambience. Mercato is essentially a community mall, serving the needs of residents in Jumeirah and surrounding areas, yet with its over 145 shops varying from health, fashion, accessories, confectionary and more, it attracts tourists from all over the world.
Mercato’s beautiful ambiance with the entrance hall made of clear glass bringing natural light and sunshine into Mercato giving visitors the distinct feeling that you are staying outdoors.
While visiting Mercato, do not miss More Café with its high quality featured warm home-cooked. The international menu features over 120 dishes and beverages from over 16 countries.
Town Centre Jumeirah is the sister mall of Mercato a in the heart of Jumeirah has unique boutiques, service outlets and restaurants, it has the ultimate destination Cape & Fade Gent’s Salon ‘Gentlemen’s Club’ that has officially launched recently. It is a destination for every man to refresh his mind and body.
Staying in W Dubai-The Palm with 350 guest rooms and suites is one more joy with the glamour of AWAY® Spa that offers relaxation and rejuvenation. The epicure of the restaurants of SoBe rooftop with 360° views, or at celebrity chef Massimo Bottura, destination restaurant of Torno Subito inspired by the Italian Riviera. The Japanese chef Akira Back brings his modern tastes of Japanese cuisine prepared with a Korean essence to the Middle East for the first time, located atop W Dubai to give you a complete adventure. LIV is W is another interesting restaurant that gives guests all the options they seek on breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Another addition to Dubai’s entertainment is the Dubai Frame which was opened in January 2018 and is must-see destination for residents and visitors of Dubai.
Adding more excitement to the retail activities, visit La Perle by Dragone aqua-stage spectacle in, on and above water, and the region’s first permanent show, by 65 world-class artists.
La Perle’s theatre hosts 1,300-seat, during the show La Perle audiences can witness giant waterfalls, torrents and rain inside the theatre in a 90-minute live performance.
flydubai was the airway host of the exciting trip and we had the chance to meet with Ali Smadi from flydubai to discuss the recent destinations and operations of flydubai
flydubai created a network of more than 90 destinations in 47 countries across Africa, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Eastern Europe, the GCC and the Middle East, and Indian Subcontinent. And opened up 71 previously underserved markets that did not previously have direct air links to Dubai or were not served by a UAE national carrier from Dubai. Flydubai has been operating since 2009 and carried over 70 million people since then.
Dining in Dubai is a further delight to your shopping trip. From franchise restaurants that come from all over the world, one can enjoy international cuisines almost everywhere in Dubai. European flavours, exotic and USA cuisines influenced and inspired by multiple cultures adding to the tang of one’s stay in Dubai. If you are veggie seeking yummy salads and lighter bites or lover of seafood or lavish meat and beef dishes, all are available with super fresh ingredients for everyone and everywhere.
