Have you been looking for a quite weekend? Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Resort & Spa is our choice for you.

Posted on November 3, 2007 Updated on June 6, 2015

Have you been working hard, the last 11 months? Then it’s time to ask your HR/PR department to organise a special weekend.

Are you in a mood to write a story or create a work of art? Then it is time for you take your laptop or brush and hit the Emirates Road.

Do you feel exhausted from work and life?

For all the above, and more, I have a beautiful place for you to travel during this weekend. Straight down the Emirates Road, travel 35 odd kms through the dessert listening to the sound of sand and counting the numerous developments coming up and the radar cameras passing by. By the time you finish 6 or 7 of them, you will reach, Jumeirah Bab Al Shams & Spa Resort.

Voted the favorite weekend getaway hotel in the UAE, this is the place you should hit up on or tell your boss to reward you as for your performance. To rejuvenate and refresh in the quiteness of the dessert and the silent sounds of the dessert sands humming at night and listening for the birds to sing, which never happens for hours……

Emerging from the heart of the desert, Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa is an elegant desert resort in a traditional Arabic fort setting. Located just 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport (only on a Friday morning traffic!!!), the Resort features 115 rooms and suites appointed in traditional Gulf decor, complemented by the region’s first authentic open-air Arabic desert restaurant, and a superb range of recreational facilities.

For those seeking a unique desert experience within easy reach of Dubai, Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa presents the ideal destination.

Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa Offers the ultimate in comfort and entertainment and your experience will be enhanced by history, splendour and magnificence.

Children’s Activities:

Sinbad’s Kids Club

The Sinbad’s Kids Club offers a varied programme of activities for children aged between 2 and 12, under the supervision of very highly trained and qualified staff, from 8.00am to 8.00pm everyday.

* Activity room
* Indoor and outdoor playground
* Daily activity programmes – arts and crafts, nature trails, swimming games, theme days and more

In addition to Sinbad’s Kids Club, Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa also offers:

* Shaded children’s pool attached to the main resort pool
* Children’s menu in all restaurants
* Baby sitting service upon request (6 hours notice required)

A boutique store is located in the lobby and is open between 9:00 am and 9:00 pm daily.

* Souvenirs, books, newspapers and other amenities
* Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa branded merchandise
* Satori Spa products
* Prayer room
* Foreign currency exchange
* Concierge and Guest Relations
* Landscape with 1,200 palm trees
* Guest safety deposit boxes
* Daily shuttle bus to and from Dubai and Wild Wadi
* Wireless internet connection available in all our meeting rooms, lobby, pool area, Al Sarab Rooftop Bar & Lounge, Ya Hala Lounge and Al Forsan Restaurant

Satori Spa
Tel: +971 4 8326699
Email: JBASspa@jumeirah.com

A variety of leisure activities are available and subject to applicable tariff rates. Advance bookings are required:

* Archery
* 4×4 desert exploration
* Guided horse riding
* Bicycle rental
* Satori Spa
* Falconry
* Camel rides and safari
and much more…

For enquiries and more information, please contact our Leisure Reception:
Tel: +971 4 8326699

Email: JBASleisure@jumeirah.com

Do not hesitate, contact the following number and enjoy a great weekend. And of course, do not forget to send your fun time pictures to Team 1.

JUMEIRAH BAB AL SHAMS DESERT RESORT & SPA PO Box 8168, Dubai, UAE TEL: +971 4 8326699 FAX: +971 4 8326698

It’s just never ending road, dessert sand and quite serene thoughts. Do not miss it…..

UAE Map

Posted on October 24, 2007 Updated on June 6, 2015

Al Ain

Posted on October 8, 2007 Updated on June 6, 2015

Al Ain

Known as the Garden City, Al Ain was once a vital oasis on the caravan route to Oman. Situated just 148 km east of the capital, Al Ain boasts several historical forts and archaeological sites. Fascinating insights into its origins can be found at the Al Ain Museum and the Natural History Museum at the University of Al Ain, both of which feature displays on life before the discovery of oil in the region.

The Hili Archaeological Garden has remnants of a Bronze Age settlement dating back to 2500 – 2000 BC. This site is the source of some of the richest archaeological finds in the area, several of which are believed to be more than 4,000 years old. The Jahili Fort, once home to the late ruler Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, is notable for its impressive main turret, which has four levels.

Al Ain is the most fertile region in the country, and its oasis supports a host of palm plantations and working farms. The city’s many parks are all beautifully kept and well worth a visit. Featuring play areas, benches under shady trees, meandering walkways and elaborate fountains, they offer tranquil hideaways for visitors and residents alike.

The Al Ain Zoo and Aquarium, spread over 400 hectares, is one of the largest in the Gulf region. It is home to a wide variety of species, both common and rare, and runs an ongoing breeding programme for endangered animals.

The city’s camel market is well known throughout the country and is the last of its kind. It provides the opportunity to see and hear traders discussing prices and listing the merits of their prized camels. The nearby animal souk is a similar experience, although it specialises in the sale of sheep, goats and other livestock.

Al Ain’s Old Prison affords the best views of the city and its surrounding oasis. It is a lone square turret in the centre of a gravel courtyard, surrounded by high walls. At night this historical building is illuminated, and offers a beautiful view when seen from the nearby camel market.

Overlooking the city is the majestic Jebel Hafeet, the highest mountain in the country. A road leads to the summit offering spectacular views in all directions. At its base are Ain Al Faydah natural spring and the Green Mubazzarah tourism resort.

Al Ain Roads & Streets





Al Ain Al Faydah – Hot Springs




Scenes at Al Wathba Camel Farm on way to Al Ain from Abu Dhabi


Jebel Hafeet Mountains – Al Ain

Reading Dubai’s road signs

Posted on October 8, 2007 Updated on June 6, 2015

Reading Dubai’s road signs
By Ashfaq Ahmed, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS

The expansion of Dubai warrants the need for a state-of-the-art, simple addressing system for the entire City.

The addressing system should be compatible not only to suit the needs of the residents but also assist visitors in locating address of various places. The system is in place in most areas of the city, but the people are not just using it.

The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has decided to enforce the comprehensive address system in city. The Authority wants residents to shift from landmark based address system to a real address system.

“The system will be enforced because the city is expanding and the landmark based address system will not work in future,” said Engineer Bader Al Siri, Director of the Traffic Department at the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority. Plans to deliver postal mails, parcels, telephone, and water and electricity bills are on the cards.

People dealing with any departments will have to give their full house or office address in future instead of just post box numbers.

Al Siri said the people should know where they live and where they work, including building number, road or street name and number, and the community number. “It is also essential in case of emergencies,” he said.

He said the address system is very easy but people need to change their mindset and should learn the system instead of relying on landmarks to tell their home or office addresses.

The project for the comprehensive address system, including building numbers, road and street names and numbers and the community numbers started in early 1980s. So far, some 69 per cent of the city area has been covered. Some 20 per cent more will be covered in 2006 and 2007 and some more areas in 2008. “It is an ongoing process as the city is expanding, new areas will be covered as they will be developed,” Al Siri said.

Gulf News conducted an indepth study on road signs in Dubai in order to explain to its readers what they stand for, what they mean and how to follow them.

To start with, every one should have the latest edition of the Dubai Tourist Map, which is easily available in shops. The map is particularly required before the start of a trip by an individual, who is not familiar with Dubai roads.

Dubai is currently divided into nine sectors and each sector is further subdivided into a number of communities. There are currently 129 communities in Dubai are expected to reach 150 in a few years time with the development of new areas.

Each community possess a unique three-digit number and name. The Dubai tourist map shows the general location of the community within Dubai. For Example, if the community number is 376, it means that the area is located in Sector 3 and the community number is 76.

All main routes in Dubai are numbered. Highways connecting other emirates or main cities in the UAE are designated as Emirates Route or E-Route. They carry their number within a falcon emblem and possess two or three digits.

Four E-Routes pass through Dubai. They are E 11, connecting Abu Dhabi with Sharjah and Other Northern Emirates, E 44, connecting Dubai with Hatta, E 66 connecting Dubai with Al Ain and E 77 connecting Jebel Ali with Lahbab. The E-routes are the land routes to neighbouring countries as well. For example, E 11 connects the UAE with Saudi Arabia and Oman while E 44 connects the UAE with Oman.

Main roads connecting areas within Dubai Emirates are designated as Dubai or D-Route. They carry a two- or three-digit number in a fort emblem.

D-Routes parallel to the coast are numbered evenly starting from D 94 and decreasing as one goes away from the coast whereas, D-Routes perpendicular to coast are numbered odd and increases as one moves away from Abu Dhabi to Sharjah.

Major roads surround a community and these roads usually possess a name and three-digit number.

Streets within a community possess two digits number (from 1 to 99) and these numbers are repeated in each community.

Buildings on each street are numbered sequentially. Except building numbers, all the information is available in the tourist map to assist drivers to plan his route prior to starting his journey.

Guide signs are placed on all approaches to an intersection and in advance of ramps and all the interchanges on numbered routes. Information containing in the guide signs is essential for the motorist during his journey. These signs help motorist to reach an area/community he is interested in.

Guide signs placed on approaches to intersections display the numbers of the intersecting routes, direction to be taken in order to reach to the intersecting routes and the name of the area or community where the route ends physically.

Each numbered route is associated with the destination that is the community name where the route ends physically along with a major intermediate destination. Motorist should know that guide signs placed on the roads will not display all the areas names through which the route passes.

In addition to the numbered routes, signs that provide assistance to motorist to facilities like hospital, parks, shopping centres, hotels, etc are called supplemental destination signs.

Special signs are placed on roads to guide motorists to these places. Information contained on these signs display the name of that facility along with their symbols and the direction to be taken in order to reach that facility.

Community maps are placed at the main entrance of the community and at locations where people can park and look at it. To help find your way every map has an arrow to show where you are currently located. It also shows other facilities located within that area like schools, parks, gas stations, mosques, parking lots and post offices.

Inside each community, each street is identified by a sign containing the street number and name. Street number signs are placed at all turnings into a community from the main road and all junctions within a community. Street number signs also contain community number.

A building number plate is placed near the main entrance of a building. Odd numbers are allocated for buildings on left of the street and even numbers are on the right.

Distance between different Cities in UAE

Suite escape

Posted on October 4, 2007

Suite escape By Ameer Al Marzouqi GULF NEWS Published: October 03, 2007, 23:52

Celebrate Eid with your family in some of the world’s most exotic and luxurious destinations. Here are some of the best offers up for grabs.

VENICE
Experience the passion and romance of Italy in its sumptuous cuisine, celebrated arts and magnificent architectural treasures. Glide along Venice’s famous canals in a gondola, watching the light change softly on the glorious palaces.

Luna Hotel Baglioni
The Luna Hotel Baglioni is the oldest hotel in the city and is perfectly located to discover the city’s unique charms.
Duration: Three nights
Cost: Dh8,285 per person on Emirates airlines including airfare
Validity: October 12-15
Agency: Dnata
Contact: 8008118

ISTANBUL
Turkey is an exciting holiday destination that celebrates its roots in Asia and Europe, and welcomes visitors both traditional and modern. Famous for its mosques, castles and bazaars, Istanbul has a reputation for being a hospitable country.

Ciragan Palace Kempinski
The Ciragan Palace combines the architectural grandeur of an Ottoman palace with the modern comforts of a deluxe hotel.
Duration: Three nights in a sea-view room
Cost: Dh5,185 per person on Singapore Airlines including airfare
Validity: 12-15 October
Agency: Dnata
Contact: 8008118

LONDON
Explore London’s historic monuments, high fashion and vibrant theatre scene or journey to Shakespeare’s birthplace. London is home to some of the most famous sights in the world, such as Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace.

InterContinental Park Lane
It is located near the Houses of Parliament, Bond Street and the Buckingham Palace.
Duration: Three nights in an inner court room
Cost: Dh5,630 per person on Aer Lingus including airfare
Validity: October 12-15
Agency: Dnata
Contact: 8008118

KUALA LUMPUR
Malaysia is unmatched in the rich diversity of its culture and the contrast of its geography. Enjoy cool mountain highlands, relax on the peaceful, white-sand beaches, trek through ancient rainforest or shop in the heart of the city.

Mandarin Oriental
This hotel is adjacent to the world famous 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers.
Duration: Three nights in a deluxe city-view room
Cost: Dh4,110 per person on Emirates airline including airfare
Validity: October 12-15
Agency: Dnata
Contact: 8008118

BANGKOK
Thailand is famous for its temples and spectacular beaches. Thai culture blends with Chinese, Malay and Indian influences.

Four Seasons Hotel
The hotel is ideally located in Bangkok’s vibrant city centre and only 40 minutes from the airport.
Duration: Three nights in a deluxe room
Cost: Dh4,490 per person on Emirate Airline including airfare
Validity: October 12-15
Agency: Dnata
Contact: 8008118

Majestic Hotel
Duration: Three nights
Cost: Dh2980 per person including Dubai-Bangkok return airfare
Validity: 10-21 October
Contact: 8005252 or visit http://www.emirates-holidays.com

SINGAPORE
Singapore has several ethnic neighbourhoods, including Chinatown and Little India. Its cuisine is an example of its diversity with a fusion of Chinese, Indian, Malay and Tamil influences.

York Hotel
Duration: Three nights in a double room
Cost: Dh3,910 per person on Emirates Airlines including airport/hotel transfers.
Validity: October 11-17
Agency: Al Futtaim
Contact: 04 3410237

MALDIVES
A thousand islands offer dazzling beauty, both above and below the waters of the Indian Ocean. The vast coral island of the Maldives is full of peace and tranquility. Go diving, snorkelling and enjoy the sandy beaches .

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
Thirty minutes by speedboat from the airport, the hotel is an island sanctuary with a traditional Maldivian village setting.
Duration: Four nights in a beach pavilion
Cost: Dh4,890 per person on Sri Lankan Airlines including airfare
Validity: October 11-16
Agency: Dnata
Contact: 8008118

SECHELLES ISLANDS
Experience the ultimate in natural beauty and tranquility in the Seychelles Islands archipelago, one of the world’s premiere tropical paradises. The 115 granite and coral islands are unique sanctuaries of flora and fauna, forests, beaches and lagoons.

Labriz Silhouette
Silhouette, the third largest island in the Seychelles, is an unspoiled natural wonder, covered in rainforest and white sandy beaches.
Duration: Four nights in a garden villa
Cost: Dh7,240 per person on Emirates Airlines including airfare
Validity: October 12-15
Agency: Dnata
Contact: 8008118

OMAN
Oman is a country of stunning natural beauty, blue-domed mosques and world-class hotels. Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the traditional Muttrah Souk.

Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa
This package gives guests at Al Bandar access to the resort’s private Turtle Beach.
Duration: Four nights in a pool view room
Cost: Dh2,600 per person
Validity: October 11-15
Agency: Dnata
Contact: 8008118

SRI LANKA
Although Sri Lanka is just 350 kilometres long, its dramatically varied landscape and ancient history ensure that visitors enjoy a holiday full of wildlife, culture and adventure, as well as some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

Taj Exotica
This luxurious beach resort is located along the golden mile beach at Bentota, on Sri Lanka’s south-west coast.
Duration: Three nights in a standard room
Cost: On Emirates airlines at Dh3,070 per person.
Validity: October 1-31
Agency: Dnata
Contact: 8008118

MALTA
Walk through the narrow medieval streets of Madina, the silent city. The sound and light show in Valletta is a masterpiece of Renaissance designs with the Triton fountain.

Corinthia San Gorg Hotel
This 4-star hotel is located at the entrance to St. George’s Bay and designed around cascading pools.
Duration: Three nights in a double room
Cost: Dh3,060 per person on Emirates Airlines including airport/hotel transfers.
Validity: October 11-17
Agency: Al Futtaim
Contact: 04 3410237

ATHENS
Visit Athens to discover the roots of Western civilisation. It was here that democracy, drama, philosophy and scientific investigation were born. Athens is a mix of the modern and the ancient.

Titania Hotel
The Titania is a 3-star hotel in the heart of the historic and commercial centre of Athens between Syntagma and Omonia squares.
Duration: Three nights in a double room
Cost: Dh3,810 per person on Emirates airlines including airport/hotel transports.
Validity: October 11-17
Agency: Al Futtaim
Contact: 04 3410237

MAURITIUS
Apart from its beaches, Mauritius is known for its cuisine which is a blend of Indian, Creole, Chinese and European food.

Sugar Beach Resort
Duration: Three nights
Cost: Dh5,546 per person including Dubai-Mauritius return airfare
Validity: October 10-21
Contact: 8005252 or visit http://www.emirates-holidays.com

NAIROBI
Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, is famous for its zoos, snake parks, temples and exquisite parliament house.

Stanley Hotel
Duration: Three nights
Cost: Dh3,655 per person including Dubai-Nairobi return airfare
Validity: October 10-21
Agency: Emirates Holidays
Contact: 8005252 or visit http://www.emirates-holidays.com

ZURICH
Zurich’s churches, museums and parks are great examples of European architecture.

Swissotel Zurich
Duration: Three nights
Cost: Dh3,352 per person includes, Dubai-Zurich return airfare
Validity: October 10-21
Contact: 8005252 or visit http://www.emirates-holidays.com

GOA (Via Mumbai)
Goa is a major tourist destination. Its beaches, relaxed atmosphere and friendly people are the main draws.

Holiday Inn
Duration: Three nights in a double room
Cost: Dh3,540 per person on Emirates Airlines including airfare
Validity: October 11-17
Agency: Al Futtaim
Contact: 04 3410237

MUMBAI
The city is always bustling with activity and theres always somewhere to go to.

Taj President
Duration: Three nights in a double room
Cost: Dh3,560 per person on Emirates Airlines including airfare
Validity: 11-17 October
Agency: Al Futtaim
Contact: 04 3410237