Showing all posts tagged "Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort"
How to Plan the Perfect Holiday in Dubai During Ramadan – Key Cultural Insights for Travellers
Many non-Muslim travellers to the United Arab Emirates would be concerned about how they should behave and conduct themselves during Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims. Whilst there would be several cultural norms that should be followed when visiting Muslim countries, there would be additional customs to keep in mind during this time. Described below are some of the significant aspects of this special period of the year for Muslims that visitors should know as well.
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Understand the significance of Ramadan
You will find that Ramadan happens to be the lunar calendar’s ninth month. In 2023, Ramadan would fall during March and April, with the exact day of commencement to be established by the committee responsible for ‘moon sighting’.
‘Saum’ or fasting is considered one of Islam’s five pillars. During the time of Ramadan, Muslims are also expected to refrain from engaging in activities like eating, drinking, sex, and smoking during the period from sunrise to sunset. It is believed that this abstinence provides the individual with self-awareness, tolerance and patience; additionally, the soul is believed to experience purification from evil influences, whilst the faith is considered to become stronger.
Take note of how to behave
Non-Muslims are expected to help create a suitable public environment for those who happen to be fasting during Ramadan. That said, presently, you would be able to enjoy normal meals and drinks at certain restaurants during fasting hours. On the other hand, you should keep in mind that drinking and eating in general public settings would be socially frowned upon, even if it is no longer illegal. However, within your residence or hotel room, it would be quite possible to eat and drink as you would like during this period. An accommodation choice to consider during Ramadan would be Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort which offers an ideal base for cultural experiences.
Be aware of the guidelines for children
Young children particularly those below the age of six years, whether they are non-Muslim or Muslim are not usually expected to engage in fasting. However, children between the ages of seven and twelve may commence fasting for shorter periods. Meanwhile, all Muslims who have attained the age of puberty, with some exceptions, are required to observe the fast. Accordingly, Dubai schools would commence later and finish earlier at the time of Ramadan. Generally, playgroups and nurseries for younger children would be largely unaffected during this period.
Enjoy the iftar
During Ramadan in Dubai, the breaking of the fast in the evening is announced by a cannon being fired. Iftar is the celebratory meal enjoyed after the conclusion of the fast, usually taken just following sunset. Muslim families enjoy this meal together, and non-Muslims will also have the chance to join an iftar; there would be restaurants in Jumeirah Beach where you could enjoy this meal. Meanwhile, suhoor would be the meal consumed just before the time of sunrise, when the fast would begin again. Numerous hotels and restaurants would provide iftar and suhoor on a lavish scale.
Know the exceptions to the fast
There would be several circumstances when Muslims would be exempt from the obligation to fast during Ramadan. For instance, you would not be compelled to fast if you happen to be pregnant, breastfeeding, diabetic, menstruating, elderly or sick. The general rule would be that fasting would not be obligatory if it would be harmful to the health.
Non-Muslims who happen to be breastfeeding or pregnant should still refrain from openly drinking or eating in public settings, as should non-Muslim children above the age of six. On the other hand, you will find that food services would function at international airports during Ramadan as travellers would be exempt from the obligation to fast; however, Muslims are expected to make up the lost days of fasting later.
Posted on March 16th, 2023
Best Nightlife Activities in Dubai - Top Things to Do After Dark in Dubai
Although Dubai does not spring to mind when considering the Middle East's best nightlife hubs, the city does offer its own brand of after-dark distractions. Contrary to popular belief, it is entirely possible to enjoy a great night out in Dubai thanks to the larger-than-life playgrounds for adults that the city has created. From cruising on a dhow to dancing the night away, here are some of the best things to do after the sun goes down in dynamic Dubai.
Image via Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort
1. Take in the View
Although most travellers visit the Burj Khalifa Viewpoint during the daytime, it is at night that the views from this vaulted observation deck are truly spectacular. Towering above the surrounding landscape at a height of over 829 metres, what's visible from one of the world's tallest buildings is truly staggering. Occupying pride of place on the 120th floor of the awe-inspiring Burj Khalifa, this observation deck also offers panoramic views of the sunset and is the perfect spot to head to first and foremost on a night out in Dubai. Tourists must purchase tickets in advance, however, as walk-ins are charged more and sometimes include a long wait.
2. Sign Up for a Dhow Cruise
What could be more romantic than setting sail on board a conventional Arabian sailing vessel and exploring the shores of Dubai Creek and the many highlights occupying its fringes? As one of the most sought-after nighttime excursions accessible to tourists, signing up for a dhow cruise is also a great way to take stock of the city in the veil of night for those who are in Dubai for a day or two. Dhow tours or cruises come in all shapes and sizes and can be a simple sailing experience or a luxurious cruise complete with a full-course meal and onboard entertainment. There are countless local tour operators organising after-hours sailing tours of Dubai Creek to choose from.
3. Hit the Slopes
A winter wonderland in the desert? Tourists who would rather get active and hit the slopes rather than go bar hopping in Dubai will find that Ski Dubai is the perfect destination for their favourite pastime. This indoor ski facility is open during the day but it is at night that the skiing experiences in this complex are truly magical. This is especially true for those who are holidaying in Dubai over the Christmas period. Apart from downhill skiing amenities, Ski Dubai is also home to a snow cinema, a winter parkland and even a penguin sanctuary. Special events also take place at Ski Dubai during various times of the year and the venue includes an area quartered off for women.
4. Head to the Marina
The Dubai Marina is another fantastic place to go after sundown as a wide variety of trendy bars, pop-up market kiosks and stylish boutiques open up for business. It's a great way to walk off a big meal at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort restaurant or any other dining experience at 5-star resorts in Dubai. The Dubai Marina offers stunning views of the skyline of the city and the water while allowing families and couples to enjoy the invigorating atmosphere of its surroundings. Those who wish to enjoy a nightcap will find that there are more than enough drinking holes in the area.
5. Drink and Dance at the Cavalli Club
When it comes to the best discos in Dubai one cannot do better than the Cavalli Club. As one of the most luxurious nightclubs in the region, this breathtaking venue designed by Roberto Cavalli and glittering with Swarovski crystals is the perfect location for dancing your cares away.
Posted on October 12th, 2022
How to Enjoy a 5-Day Holiday in Dubai - A detailed guide!
It is difficult to explore all that Dubai has to offer in a single visit due to the city's abundance of record-breaking attractions, expansive Arabian desert, and glistening beaches. We suggest that you stay in Dubai for a total of five days if you want to have enough time to do a thorough city tour and see some of the city's best and most well-known attractions.
Day 1: The Bustling Downtown of Dubai
Downtown Dubai is the primary tourist centre since it is jam-packed with some of the most well-known and prominent attractions in the city. Visit the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest structure in the world, to get the day started off on the right foot. The Burj Khalifa is located just a few short feet away from the Dubai Mall, which is the biggest mall on the planet and also an incredible playground packed with a never-ending variety of activities. Skating, an indoor ski resort, an underwater tunnel at the aquarium, or exploring a portion of the over 1,200 stores are all great ways to spend a day at the mall. After you have finished your shopping, you may go to one of the mall's more than 200 restaurants for supper and then make your way to the Dubai Opera House for an evening performance.
Day 2: Jumeirah Mosque and the Palm
If you are visiting Dubai, you should definitely make time to visit this Jumeirah Mosque as the medieval white stone front and the exquisite internal architecture are astonishingly beautiful. Get an early start and make your way to "the Palm," a man-made island in the form of a palm tree that is home to a variety of exciting activities throughout the day and into the evening. As this is a tourist hotspot, most often travellers find accommodation at Palm Jumeirah hotels the likes of Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort. Visit the Atlantis Aquaventure & Lost Chambers Aquarium for another splendid time!
Day 3: Explore Old Dubai and Go Swimming at Night
Spending a whole day in Old Dubai is highly recommended in order to have a better understanding of the city's illustrious past and the pervasive influence of Arabic culture. Begin the day with a cup of traditional Arabic tea before venturing out to the ancient district of Al Fahidi to take in the neighbourhood's jaw-dropping architecture. Visitors may also check out the Dubai Museum and the Coffee Museum. The renowned Gold Souk and Spice Souk are great places to pick up some mementoes. Wind down for the night with a ride on a traditional abra down Dubai Creek at sunset. It is highly recommended that you spend some time at Umm Suqeim Night Beach if you are in Dubai.
Day 4: Sightseeing and then a Desert Safari
If this is your first trip to Dubai, you should certainly plan ahead and set aside a whole day to go on one of the city's world-famous desert safaris. On the other hand, because the majority of excursions do pickups in the late afternoons, you will have your mornings free to explore some of Dubai's lesser known but nevertheless interesting sights. Depending on the time of year, a morning spent at the Dubai Miracle Gardens can be just what the doctor ordered for you. On the other hand, the Dubai Frame is a structure that looks like a picture frame, and it divides the new city from the old city. You can choose either one of the places to explore in the morning.
Day 5: Visits to Well-Known Landmarks and the Marina
If you want to experience the finest of Dubai in five days, you're going to need to stay on a strict schedule. However, you should make sure to save some time on the fifth and final day of your trip so that you may visit any of the city's smaller museums and attractions that pique your interest. The Etihad Museum, the Ain Dubai, Skydive Dubai, and Dubai Marina, are some of the places that are worth checking out.
Posted on July 24th, 2022