I have visited the site of the Dubai Frame project to check on the construction progress.
In my opinion, the structure is progressing in very slow pace but I guess it is more complicated than it seems.
Before I will continue…Dubai Frame is purely build as an observation platform to enjoy the views of Dubai. ( Some people were acquiring to buy an apartments in there 🙂 )
43$ million attraction should be open by this years end. The Frame height can be compared to a 50-storey building.
Cladding of the two supporting towers will be perforated to help the structure withstand the winds. Panoramic lifts will be fixed on both sides assuring exciting views on the way to the top.
Dubai Frame is strategically located to offer its visitor the best views of the new and old Dubai.
Elegant and distinctively Arabic. This boutique property is offering luxury escape straight out of the Aladdin’s fairy tale.
Rich decor, gold chandeliers, marble mosaics and bubbling fountains are creating the perfect ambience to unwind after busy day.
The hotel is a member of a diverse collection of “Small Luxury Hotels in the World” and situated next to an office complex with a lovely courtyard garden assuring privacy and serenity.
Beautifully decorated hallways
Front of the hotel
Entrance
Drive way
Reception
Traditional Arabic hospitality
Lobby
Hotel Awards
Office complex around
Inner courtyard
View from the room
Location :
Ideally located just stone’s throw away from the busy Riyadh centre and 40min from the Riyadh Intl. Airport / 85 SAR by London Taxi
In approx. 5min drive you can easily reach the Kingdom Tower, Al Faisaliah Centre and the two main roads Olaya Street and King Fahd road.
You cannot walk from the hotel as there is nothing around it, but taxis are easily available outside.
They are inexpensive, but make sure you negotiate the price before getting in and know exact location where are you heading to.
Note, due to Riyadh Metro construction, many roads are closed or diverted.
Around the hotel
Construction opposite the hotel
Road in front of the hotel
Room :
Well, let’s say the rooms are cozy and clean. Definitely not the most spacious but I have slept like a log.
Bed it’s just ideally firm and I really enjoyed to wrap myself completely in the soft bed sheets.
Complimentary water, tea/coffee facility, safe, electronic 100% black-out curtains and practicaly placed sockets to re-charge your devices. Ironing board is hidden inside the wardrobe.
There isn’t many international channels on TV so better stick with your tablet or phone. Also, the AC blows the air directly on your head while in the bed and I have found this quite bothersome.
Free Wi-Fi is fast enough and not much noise can be heard from the corridor. To enjoy a good night sleep, always opt for the inner courtyard view rooms.
Bathroom was spacious with weighting scale, hair dryer, small make-up mirror and the usual set of toiletries branded by Elemis. Bathrobe and slippers also available.
Beautiful lighting
Intimate corridors
Staircase to the second floor
Decorated carpet
Lift Floor
Lounge areas in the corridors
Hotel has a two floors
Shower corner
Elemis toiletries
Mini Bar
Welcome Fruit
AC and room controls
Bathroom
Details on toiletries
…
View from the Bed
Wardrobe on the left
Safe
Very comfy bed
Service :
In general it was good, but when I asked for dinner restaurant recommendations I was met with a puzzled look from the staff member.
Later I have found a Lebanese restaurant within the same office block.
Otherwise, the staff at the Tea Lounge, or Spa were very pleasant and helpful.
Dining :
Ewaan restaurant serves buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Breakfast buffet is offering good selection of international and arabic options. The freshly made omelette was just perfection.
My only comment would be regarding the fresh juices. They have no description, so you have to kind of guess what’s inside. Also, no one came to offer coffee, or tea which is a basic service.
Tea Lounge serves a’la carte food and wide selection of cold and hot beverages
Tea Lounge
Inner courtyard
Pricing of the Buffet options
Teal Loung
Ewaan Restaurant
My Breakfast
Restaurant Interior
Table setting
View at the outside terrace
Breakfast selection
Fresh fruits and juices
Arabic Breakfast offerings
Breakfast
Tea Lounge
Central Buffet Point
Bread area
Facilities :
My favourite area of the hotel is hidden in the lower ground floor. Professionally equipped gym with PT services, lovely swimming pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi.
Spa treatments also available for a affordable prices but I didn’t’ try any during my stay.
Indoor Pool
Spa Reception
Spa Interior
Well equipped gym
Well equipped gym
Spa interior
Sauna, Steam and Jacuzzi
Lounge area by the pool
Well equipped gym
Spa Entrance
Who is it for :
Mostly business travellers and GCC visitors.
What makes it special :
decor
spa
quiet location
Not so good :
AC too strong / pointing directly at the head
small rooms
you can not walk anywhere due to the roadworks and slightly remote location
In the second half of 2016, Dubai will dazzle its visitors with many new attractions, theme parks and shows. ( Read HERE )
The latest announcement is coming from the Al Habtoor Group and Franco Dragone.
This world famous artistic visionary is currently producing brand new show “La Perle” just for Dubai.
Artistic Impression of the show
Logo of La Perle Show Dubai
1300 seat purpose-built water theatre is located at the St.Regis hotel in Al Habtoor City currently being built near Dubai Downtown.
The show is scheduled to open in December 2016 and will feature 65 artists performing breath-taking aqua and aerial acrobatics in 2,5million litres of water tank with 2 shows a day.
According to the creator, this extravaganza will be so far his most awe-inspiring and technically advanced production. Franco Dragone has already shows in Las Vegas, Macau, London and New York.
Only 5 more months and the highly anticipated Dubai Theme Park complex will open to all of us #October2016
Hopefully we all meet and run through the gates of the Motiongate Theme Park including Dreamworks, Smurf Village, Sony Pictures Studio, Lionsgate and Studio Central Zone to try all the fantastic attractions.
As per the chairman of DPR Abdullah Al Habbai, the project is 88% finished and 70% of infrastructure completed.
Motiongate Theme Park
Let’s have a look at a new animation and construction update from this Hollywood inspired park which was published at the UAEproject Instagram account
Are you getting excited about the upcoming theme park complex in Dubai ?
Have a sneak peek at the full list of thrilling rides and attractions we can look forward to in the Motiongate park and start planning your trip 🙂
The movie based theme park will have 4 Zones and Main Street called Studio Central.
Opening #October2016
View at the Motiongate theme park layoutArtistic Impression of the Studio Central Street
SONY PICTURES STUDIO :
1. The Ghostbusters Ride
“Battle For New York” will be an interactive dark ride that also involves a shooting game – you’ll have to shoot at different moving targets to gain points.
2. The Green Hornet Coaster
Fast rollercoaster called the High Speed Chase full of sharp turns and dizzying drops.
3. The Underworld Ride
4D theatre ride – scary moving and vibrating seats with mist and air effects.
4. Blast Off Drop Tower
Zombieland movie themed, one-of-a-kind 56m high tower,that will send riders shooting to the skies
5. Hotel Transylvania
Explore a giant 2800 square meter castle, on a charming coffin-like carriages with Gothic flair, while following the bon voyage party for Mavis! Expect surprises!
6. Cloudy with a chance of meatballs
Splashing fun and adventurous river flume expedition. Head deep into the heart of the lush jungle setting of “Sparkswood Foodimal Preserve”. Riders will get up close and personal with the phenomenal foodimals created by young inventor Flint Lockwood and his meteorologist friend Sam Spark.
Sony Pictures Zone Gate Entrance
LIONSGATE ZONE :
1. The Hunger Games Train
The Capitol Bullet Train ( high speed train Katniss takes to the Capitol in the movies ) will be a thrilling launched outdoor roller-coaster. It’s being dubbed “360 degrees of thrill”.
2. The Hunger Games aerial tour
The Panem Aerial Tour will be a 3D motion simulator during which you’ll feel like you’re riding a soaring hovercraft. Similar to Soarin ride in Disney Epcot.
3. Step Up Show
There also will be a stage show themed around Step Up movie. You can expect live hip hop dancers, singers and rappers.
Lionsgate Zone Entrance
DREAMWORKS ZONE :
1. The Shrek Ride
This dark ride is called the Merry Fairy Tale Journey and it is in the dark. It revisits the story of how Shrek and Fiona met + some interactive elements.
2. The Swamp Celebration
Shrek themed family ride during which you sit in a hollowed-out log that glides and spins.
3. The Madagascar Ride
Rollercoaster called the Mad Pursuit. It’s the fastest in the park. The journey will be windy and full of sharp turns.
4. The Kung Fu Panda Ride
Named Unstoppable Awesomeness, this will be a 3D theatre experience full of special effects.
5. The How to Train Your Dragon Ride
Suspended rollercoaster that soars high above. It will feel like flying a dragon. There also will be a How To Train Your Dragon water play area for the hot days.
6. The Swinging Viking
Also based around How To Train Your Dragon, this will be a Viking ship that swings back and forth.
7. Fountain of Dreams
The list wouldn’t be complete without a fountain with a water and light effects.
View at the Indoor Dreamworks Zone Entrance
SMURFS VILLAGE :
1. The Smurfs Studio Tour
Family ride on which you’ll see inside the Smurfs’ working studio.
2. Smurfs Village Express
This is a family rollercoaster taking you on a trip through Smurf Village.
3. Woodland Play Park
An adventure playground with rope bridges, slides and mushroom-shaped houses.
Only 4 months to go and the Dubai Opera House will be opening its door for the very first time.
The opening date was announced, so put August 31st 2016 in to your diary. The one and only …Plácido Domingo will take over the stage of the 2000 seat auditorium.
After the legendary spanish tenor, we can look forward to Andrea Bocelli, Russian State Ballet, Viennese Orchestra, Magic show the Impossible, Jose Carreras, Hussain Al Jassmi or the Nutcracker on Ice in December.
So far, facade is in its final stage of construction and hectic work is happening all inside and around the new building, which design is based on traditional arabic vessel…the Dhow.
Enjoy the latest photo update and come back for more soon!
The Lost Chambers Aquarium is a beautifully designed attraction bringing to life the mythical sunken city of Atlantis.
Short drive from Dubai Marina divides you from an extraordinary world lost thousands of years ago deep beneath the sea.
As a big fan of all things aquatic, I have visited many aquariums around the world. Sydney, Singapore, San Francisco and Lisbon all have worthy exhibits but the detailed theming and rich storytelling in The Lost Chambers are on another scale.
Don’t miss a visit to this aquarium while in Dubai.
You can slowly discover 10 mythical chambers with 21 exhibits which are home of more than 65.000 animals.
Learn about Atlantean civilisation through architecture, artefacts and stories. You can let your fantasy run wild…
Most impressive chamber is definitely the Seven Sages…geniuses of the Atlantean civilisation. In the middle of the room is an organic computer over the throne of King Atlas.
Unfortunately, he wasn’t there at the time, so I sat in and warmed up the throne a bit for him.
Red Sage chamber showcase an astronomical chair and telescopic mask. The were used by Sages to study the stars.
By reading from the stars, they were predicting the success of harvest season. Except that, the views through the windows are just spectacular.
The newest residents of the aquarium are two albino Alligator brothers.
They were jumping out, so they have to placed some glass around their pool. Alligators live underneath of the Abyss elevator used as a transporter for miners searching for minerals.
The Alien shaped cocoon is made of bronz and leather.
Blue Sage chamber was the martial art training room for the Atlantean’s.
A control terminal was activated to allow warriors to retrieve weapons. That’s why piranha aquarium is placed in this room too.
If you wish to learn more about the species, interactive touch screens are located next to each exhibit.
Of course, there is a souvenir shop too…
BEFORE YOU GO :
opening time 10am-10pm
price : AED 100 / resident rate AED 75
activities : Diving, Snorkelling, Behind the scenes Tour / priced AED 75 – 1.850
No matter, if the next flight is your first, or just the latest. Flying isn’t splendid experience anymore and economy class flying can be a very tense experience.
It’s important to plan ahead and get the best seat to make your journey as comfortable as possible.
Nearly 45 million of us were flying on-board of Emirates aircrafts in the past year. You can visit more than 150 destinations in 80 countries with an easy transfer via DXB airport.
In this post, we will be having a closer look at Boeing 777.
As a frequent flyer, I have “tested & verified” all different aircrafts and seats to help you choose the most suitable seat on your next journey.
Note, that the perfect economy seat doesn’t exist and I am just trying to suggest the best seat possible and describe the good/bad for each selection.
Emirates has 3 different types of passenger airplanes in it’s fleet :
A330 -18 aircrafts ( up to 278 passengers )
B777 -135 aircrafts ( up to 442 passengers )
A380 – 67 aircrafts ( up to 617 passengers )
Boeing B777
Airbus A330
Airbus A380
The best seats on the Emirates B777 aircraft.
Configuration 3-4-3 gives doesn’t give much choice for a good seat, but the rear of the aircraft offers some surprisingly good options.
Why is this aircraft good :
backbone of Emirates fleet
well serviced, efficient and safe
good “ICE” entertainment system with touch screen + “nose” camera
Wi-Fi on most of B777-300 ER (ER=extended range )
Not so good :
crammed feeling
seats aren’t too comfortable
seat pitch 32″ of is not enough for flights over 6 hours.
EK livery up close
B777 Turbofan Engine
B777 went through the most extensive flight-tests
Economy class section boarding
Ready to go … at DXB airport
Boarding in Cairo
B777 can fly high as 43.100 feet
The Best seats :
Last Rows ±35-50 A/B & J/K last 3-4 rows / 6-8 seats are the only “twosome” seats on both sides.
NOTE that there is 6 types of Emirates B777’s but all of them have 2 seats at the rear so check once you book you flight.
Why ? :
row 35 (777-200) or 46 (777-300) are the BEST from all double seats.
only double seats on the airplane ( no middle seat )
privacy feel
sense of space
close to the back galley for refreshments
great for couples
no TV box under seat in front of you
usually less passengers in rear of the aircraft
unobstructed views
Not so good :
last one to disembark ( not good if you have tight connection )
more turbulence at the back of the plane
engine noise
difficult to lean against the wall due the gap
View from one of the “doubles”
Rear of the B777-300
One of the best “double” seats
Last rows on every B777 are the best seats
Detail of the seats
Gap between seat and the wall
Space under the seat
Details of the older ICE TV
Newer ICE TV
Best seats at the back of the plane
One of the seats you should get
Row 37 J/K
View at all the “double” seats
Detail of newest ICE TV on B777-300
The economy cabin feels very full ..even when is empty
Main cabin from the back
Leg room is 32″
2nd Option :
Row 26 ( 6 Emergency Exit Seats on left / right side – row vary by aircraft, so CHECK ! )
Why ?:
unlimited leg room
window or aisle seat
sense of space
one of the first to disembark
Not so good :
TV must be stowed during take off / landing
close to bathroom and bassinet area ( noise )
gets cold due to emergency door proximity
seats are narrower due to folding table in the armrest
no pocket for personal belongings
you cannot book them in advance and only available at the check-in, so get there early !
All 3 emergency door seats
View from the seat 26 A
Emergency seats row vary by aircraft
Unlimited leg room
Row 26 Emergency exit row
Business class :
It’s worth to upgrade for a flights over 8 hours, especially during “red eye” flights.
Seats in Emirates business class
Business class boarding
Main Course
Pre-flight drink
Details of business class seat
Ready for it’s passengers
Detail of TV and small storage space
First Class :
If you like to spoil yourself 🙂
Huge seat in Emirates First class
Mini bar and vanity mirror
Private rooms in First Class
Sliding door for more privacy
Don’t forget :
adapter for earphones
lower back cushion for more comfortable journey
get on the plane early to assure space in the overhead bin as they get full very quick
ear plugs or invest into a good pair of noise cancelling earphones. Bose are the best.
scarf and eye mask
select your seat during booking and check-in as soon as you can to assure your desired seat. Emirates now offers check-in 48 hours prior the scheduled departure !
check few days before departure if your seat wasn’t swapped due to change of the aircraft !
No matter, if the next flight is your first, or just the latest. Flying isn’t splendid experience anymore and economy class flying can be a very tense experience.
It’s important to plan ahead and get the best seat to make your journey as comfortable as possible.
Nearly 45 million of us were flying on-board of Emirates aircrafts in the past year. You can visit more than 150 destinations in 80 countries with an easy transfer via DXB airport.
In this post, we will be having a closer look at the A380 aircraft.
As a frequent flyer, I have “tested & verified” all the different aircrafts and seats to help you choose the most suitable seat on your next journey.
Note, that the perfect economy seat doesn’t exist and I am just suggesting the best seat possible based on my own experience + describe the good/bad for each selection.
Emirates has 3 different types of passenger aircrafts in it’s fleet :
A380 – 67 aircrafts ( up to 617 passengers )
A330 -18 aircrafts ( up to 278 passengers )
B777 -135 aircrafts ( up to 442 passengers )
Airbus A380
Boeing B777
Airbus A330
The best seats on the Emirates A380 aircraft
In my personal opinion…A380 is the best way to fly in economy class today, because :
the latest comfy seat design
10inch personal touch screen with touch* remote control ( *the newest A380’s )
19 inch wide seat
spacious feel and quite cabin
very steady in the air
generous washrooms
space to walk or stretch
The mighty RR Trent 970 engine
EK Livery
View from one A380 onto another
Front economy cabin
View from the rear of the aircraft
View from seat 50A
Both Trent engines
First section of economy cabin
The Best Seat :
Row 68 + 81 A/K ( both window seats )
Why? :
Unlimited leg room
No need to stack your TV during take-off/landing
No need to disturb anyone while leaving the seat
No disturbance from other passengers
Easy to lean against the wall ( great for a little nap )
Right next to the emergency exit door
Middle of the plane – centre of a gravity and least turbulence
One of the first to get served in this section of the plane
Row 51 D/G ( last middle row in the first cabin / left or right aisle seat only )
Why ? :
Slightly limited recline ( but very small difference )
Very spacious feel thanks to the emergency doors on each side
Private feel ( no row of seat on each side )
No kids nearby as this is the last row
Proximity to the lavatory isn’t bothersome as there is lot’s a space around
Front cabin is the smallest one and offers less crowded feel
Front cabin = one of the first to disembark
Not so good :
Gets colder due to close proximity of emergency door
Last to be served in this cabin during meal time
“Pano” of the front cabin viewed from row 51
Generous storage
No adjacent seats at row 51
Lots of space under the seat
USB port + earphone connection
32inch seat pitch
Row 51 …and my bag
Plenty of space around
I am 183cm /6ft
If you want to sleep … listen to this
Detail of A380 AVOD
How to get on-board Wi-Fi
Row 51 overhead locker
3rd Option :
Row 50 A/K ( last side row of front economy cabin / window seat only )
Why? :
Front economy cabin is the smallest and feel quieter and more private
No one behind you ( esp. good with touch screen TV’s…no “knocking” )
Unobstructed view from window seat in this row
Spacious feel
Ideal for those who wish to sleep most of the flight
Not so good :
Slightly limited recline
Not easy to get out due to passengers sitting next to you
View from seat 50A
Selfie from seat 50A
Big gap between seat and the wall
View from seat 50A
Details of AVOD
“Route” “channel
View of the entire row 50
4th Option :
Row 43 / 67 / 80 – 12 Emergency door seats
Many travellers prefer emergency seats, but these are difficult to get as they are reserved for Skyward Gold members, downgraded passengers from business class and “friends”.
Seats are narrower and you have to stow the TV during take-off and landing. I also feel kind of exposed seating on those, but if you have a long legs this the the best.
You can always ask for those at the check-in…so get there early!
First row of economy cabin offers great space
Emergency Door Seat at row 80
Row 52
Row 67
Washroom stairs at very front of the airplane
Sample of night flight Menu
Space in front of row 67
Don’t forget :
adapter for earphones
lower back cushion for more comfortable journey
get on the plane early to assure space in the overhead bin as they get full very quick
ear plugs or invest into a good pair of noise cancelling earphones. Bose are the best.
scarf and eye mask
select your seat during booking and check-in as soon as you can to assure your desired seat. Emirates now offers check-in 48 hours prior the scheduled departure !
check few days before departure if your seat wasn’t swapped due to change of the aircraft !
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