Arabianbusiness.com reports that the opening of the Fairmont Palm Jumeirah will be delayed until 2011 at the earliest due to funding problems.
Thomas Storey, President of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, told the publication that the company’s partners, IFA Hotels & Resorts, were finding it difficult to raise finance in the current economic climate.
Arabian Business reports that the opening of the Hard Rock Hotel in Dubai has been delayed. The hotel is now scheduled to open in 2013.
The project was originally announced at the end of 2007.
Emirates Business 24|7 published an article today concerning the opening dates of several hotels on the Palm Jumeirah. The publication quoted a Nakheel spokesperson giving opening dates for several properties:
• Fairmont Kingdom of Sheba – 2011
• Fairmont Palm Jumeirah – 2011
• Kempinksi Hotel Emerald Palace – Residences opening March 2010, hotel opening 4th quarter 2010
• Movenpick Oceana Hotel & Spa – 2nd quarter 2010
• Movenpick Royal Amwaj Resort & Spa – 2010
• Jumeirah Al Fattan Palm Resort – end 2010/early 2011
Around 30 hotels are planned. None have been cancelled, but many, notably the Trump International Hotel & Tower, have been indefinitely delayed.
This HD video shows a trip on the Dubai Metro Red Line. It was shot on September 10th 2009, the first day the Metro was open to the public.
Things to look out for include:
• The train arriving at Rashidiya Metro Station from the depot (0:07)
• Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 Metro Station (1:35)
• Going past the Deira City Centre shopping mall before going underground (3:10)
• Dubai World Trade Centre (4:30)
• Trade Centre Metro Station (4:59) – not open yet
• Jumeirah Emirates Towers hotel (5:20)
• The Address Dubai Mall, Dubai Mall, and Burj Dubai (5:43)
The video was shot on a Canon EOS 5D Mark II digital SLR camera.
Dolphin Bay is a facility at Atlantis on the Palm Jumeirah that offers guests and visitors the chance to swim and interact with dolphins.
A 4.5 hectare network of saltwater lagoons is home to over 20 bottlenose dolphins.
Several programmes are offered:
Shallow Water Interaction – Guests enjoy an intimate encounter with one of the dolphins, including playing and feeding. The interaction lasts approximately 90 minutes, including the induction talk, and is limited to 10 guests per dolphin. Prices are currently AED 625 for Atlantis guests and AED 790 for day visitors. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Deep Water Interaction – Journey to the depths of the lagoon with one of the dolphins. Prices for the Dolphin Bay Deep Water Interaction are currently AED 810 for guests of Atlantis and AED 975 for visitors. Participants must be 12 years old and 1.35 metres tall.
Observer Pass – Observers can watch family and friends participating in one of interaction programmes. The price is currently AED 100 for hotel guests and AED 300 for visitors.
All prices include wetsuits, towels, soft drinks, and complimentary admission to the Aquaventure water park.
Here’s a video:
This is a promotional video for the Sky Suite at the Monarch Hotel in Dubai.
The Sky Suite is an luxury, open plan duplex suite, spanning the gap between the hotel tower and the office tower of the development.
The Monarch Hotel is the first building on Sheikh Zayed Road, and very convenient for those attending conferences at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
The hotel is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, the association representing the world’s most luxurious hotels and resorts.
Promotional video for the Wharf, a seafood restaurant at the Mina A’Salam hotel at Madinat Jumeirah.
Signature dishes include Fish & Chips and Seafood Platter.
This video shows Jambase, a supper club and live music venue at the Souk Madinat Jumeirah.
Signature dishes include Beef Fillet and Lamb Shank.
Short video showing Al Mahara, the underwater-themed restaurant at the Burj Al Arab hotel.
This video shows the Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers in July 2009.
The serviced apartments here have just opened. The hotel will open later in the year.