The Dubai Expat Diaries

It is soon going to be compulsory to have an ID card to access the internet from public locations such as cafes and shopping malls. This move is intended to protect children and prevent cyber crime.

This highlights the growing importance of having an ID card in the near future. Expats who don’t have an ID card as yet, have until the end of 2010 to apply for it.

For more information on the application process and fees, click here.

It seems like etisalat users will have to endure the incredibly slow internet connection until the end of this week. It has been about 2 weeks since it was announced that etisalat internet connection had been hit by a cable damage and this is the second time the repair date has been delayed. They have now said that due to bad weather they expect to have it repaired by April 30. Meanwhile for internet users it feels like this disruption has been going on forever.

For more, click here.

Although Dubai hasn’t yet made an official bid for the 2020 Olympics, the emirate is conducting feasibility studies to weigh the pros and cons of hosting the Olympic games.

According to Arabian Business, in a recent interview Sheikh Mohammed stated:

“Dubai already has a well-developed infrastructure and a good track record of staging international sporting events, although admittedly not on the scale of the Olympic Games…We will have to take an honest look at our weaknesses as well as our strengths.”

“I can assure you of this, though: If we decide to make a bid for the Olympics, we will be in it to win. We would not take such a step unless we were quite serious about it.”

Continue reading ’2020 Olympics in Dubai – still under consideration’

The on-going travel chaos caused by the volcanic eruption in Iceland has delayed the launch of the world’s first Armani Hotel in Dubai.

Located in the world’s tallest tower Burj Khalifa, the Armani hotel was due to open today. But thanks to the travel disruption in Europe, the designer Giorgio Armani and several hundred VIP guests could not make it to Dubai on the expected arrival dates. The opening ceremony has now been scheduled for April 27.

Continue reading ‘Armani Hotel launch pushed by another week’

Recent news have been dominated by the shutting down of the European airspace for days, which has happened for the first time in history, crippling the airline industry and leaving millions of travelers stranded around the globe. There are several stories of Dubai expatriates among others unable to return home, businesses suffering huge losses due to the grounding of all flights to and from the major destinations in Europe, hotels hiking up rates making the best of the situation and adding to the misery of those who have nowhere else to go and have no other means to return. The scale of this situation is astounding and almost everyone knows someone who has been affected directly or indirectly by the crisis.

Continue reading ‘Hope for stranded passengers as some European airports open partially’

The much hyped about Apple gadget is now available for sale in Dubai stores. But it seems buyers in Dubai have to pay a heavier price than the  customers in the US.

According to The National, given below are the comparative costs of buying an iPad from a store in Dubai vs the purchase price in the US.

16GB model – AED 3,899 in Dubai (approx $1088) and only $499 in US

Continue reading ‘Why does iPad cost more than double in Dubai?’

The Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing has announced an exciting new promotion to attract more tourists during this year’s Dubai Summer Surprises.

According to The National :

Two children under 16 with every family travelling to Dubai on Emirates Airline in the summer can claim free flights, free meals, hotel stays and entrances to attractions, the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) said yesterday…

Continue reading ‘Kids go free holiday package for Dubai visitors!’

The popular food festival loved by Dubai foodies is on its second day today and will be running till Saturday, March 20. It features live cooking by a number of renowned chefs with live music playing in the background. The daily timetable with details are available here. Some of the best restaurants in Dubai are participating in this event.

It is being held at Main Entrance A near the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City. The tickets are cheaper if bought in advance than at the door. For more information, please have a look at the above website.

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority has given the go ahead for VoIP phone calls to be allowed in the UAE, but only four companies have the license to offer these services – Etisalat, du, and the satellite firms Thuraya and Yahsat.

Skype which arguably is the most popular among consumers, is still banned and can enter the market only in partnership in one of the above license holders.

It remains to be seen whether these services will provide the low cost telecommunications expats are eagerly waiting for.

The 4 star hotel, located in The Old Town, has been revealed to be the most popular in Dubai by TripAdvisor out of 370 hotels in the city.

It comes as a surprise with the number luxury hotels here.