The Dubai Expat Diaries

Dubai has done it again. A new project by design house Palazzo Versace in Dubai has made headlines around the world. The AED 3 billion luxury resort to be built in Culture Village will have the world’s first climate-controlled beach for the hot summer days when temperatures easily go over 40C.

A funny piece sent to us by a reader via email…   What to expect when you receive your UAE ID Card in year 2010: Operator :’Thank you for calling Pizza Hut . May I have your…’ Customer: ‘Helloo, can I order..’ Operator : ‘Can I have your multi UAE identity card number first, Sir?’ [...]

Some expert tips from Theo Lotz, the Assistant Recreation Manager at The Westin Dubai Hotel, who offers guidance on Dubai Marathon preparation (nutrition, clothing, etc) The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi has also launched their second Facebook competition! Upload a fan photo of YOU, dressed in your funkiest / snazziest or “sportiest” Dubai Marathon gear on [...]

The Westin Dubai Hotel has just launched a weekly competition to promote the upcoming Dubai Marathon…on Facebook! You can become a fan of the page and participate to win prizes. Here’s some official info from the hotel: About The Westin Dubai + Dubai Marathon Competition: The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, home of the Standard Chartered Dubai [...]

If you still haven’t heard about the compulsory Emirates ID / Emirates Identity Card that all residents of Dubai and the UAE need to obtain, please read carefully… The official website of the Emirates Identity Authority states: As per the law of the Population Registry and the Identity Card Program, all nationals and legal residents [...]

The grand opening party at The Atlantis Palm Jumeirah a couple of days ago was definitely the talk of the town here in Dubai, with the most expensive lighting and fireworks show the world has seen (that too when the world’s slowing slipping into a recession!). Here is a sneak peek at the spectacular Dubai [...]

19 Photos sent to us by a reader by email, from the opening of the worlds biggest shopping mall, The Dubai Mall, in Downtown Burj Dubai!

Watch Matt do this thing – he spent 14 months, visited 42 countries and involved thousands of people around the globe (including Bahrain!) in this effort. Truly inspirational and worth sharing with the world…have a fantastic day! Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo.

Westin ATM party draws over 2,000: Pre-ATM bash declared ‘hottest’ party of the year DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, May 6, 2008 – It was Open House at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina last night as the five-star resort flung open its doors to welcome in the world’s travel industry and give [...]

The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina showed the Dubai Taxi Drivers the Westin difference, when they invited them to experience a breakfast- to- go compliments of The Westin. Over 500 taxi drivers showed their support ahead of the opening and were met by key management staff of The Westin and handed a [...]