Spa Tourism in Dubai

Dubai is full of surprises. And the latest attraction in the list is the thriving spa and relaxation industry that is appealing to many tourists from around the world. Tourists today are rushing to Dubai in search of healthy and luxurious holidays enough to pamper you for days on end. Dubai is one of the hotspots of Spa tourism and is set to become the number one holiday destination in the world. The Dubai summer surprises (DSS) 2008 is promoting Spa tourism and a wide range of discounts are available to the tourists from 19th June to 22nd August 2008.

The spa industry is witnessing a growth of nearly 17% every year and with the rapid growth in luxury real estate in the UAE the spa and wellness industry has received a major boost. With its range of innovative and experimental range of spas and a huge consumer demand it is projected that the spas in Dubai will cater to over 15 million visitors by 2010. In order to facilitate the wellness industry two major projects of Dubai Lifestyle city and Dubai healthcare city are coming up and are scheduled to open by end of 2009 and early 2010. The ‘wellness cluster’ will not only have medicinal facilities but also quality lifestyle, advanced services, wellness resorts and spas. As Ian Scott, director of the Ireland and UK representative office of Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing says “The emirate has one of the highest concentrations of spas per capita in the world, and the growth in the spa industry reflects the trend of today's hectic society where people are now seeking a high-quality spa and wellness experience. Dubai provides a diverse and world-class spa offering where visitors can expect the best spa facilities in a variety of settings whether it's the beach, the city or the desert”.

Spas are said to be the fashion statement of tourism and the DSS 2008 spa packages will complement the winning, shopping and amusement options during over two months of summer activities. Personalised packages, Thai massage, Swedish massages, facial treatments, aromatherapy, reflexology, ayurveda, and modern therapeutic remedies and much more will be available at reasonable rates and even discounts. The spa initiative of 2007 was a big success and 2008 promises to be even more.

If you are in Dubai to relax and unwind and you have a good amount of cash to spoil yourself then the lavish spas are the best places for you. With unique concepts, styles and themes the spas pamper you and leave you wanting more. Some of the best and unique places that you should visit are The Lime Spa at the Desert Plam hotel, the Per Aquum, the Givenchy Spa at the One & Only Royal Mirage, the Taj Ayurvedic Spa at the Taj Palace, the Ritz-Carlton Dubai's Balinese themed spa and Shangri-La's Chinese themed Chi Spa. There are still many names which are worthy places to go with unique styles and concepts. The upcoming attraction is the Armani Spa designed by Giorgio Armani himself which is set to open at the Burj Dubai in 2009.

It is anticipated that over 200 hotels will be offering world class spa and wellness facilities by 2010 in the Emirates alone. Surely this extraordinary growth will propel Dubai to becoming the best luxury holiday destination in the world.

Dubai Summer Surprise, Mega Events Will Leave You Asking For More!

Dubai Summer Surprise, ever since its debut in 1998 has become bigger and better with each year. This year apart from the Signature Events, there is also the ‘Tens of Surprises’ and the Mega events. The Mega events have entertainment through and through on its platter. Many international and local events occupy the calendar and the list is almost endless. Some of the interesting ones are featured here.

Circus picnic: (Jun 19 - Aug 22) Shopping Malls

The Circus Picnic comprising a group of amusing clowns, face painters, jugglers, mascots etc. will provide wholesome entertainment to the young and alike.

Recycled Art Exhibition: (June 28 – August 11) Reef Mall
This one of a kind exhibition will showcase sculptures and fixtures made of recycled material. It is absolutely mind-boggling to see how materials that we consider junk like cans, waste paper are breathed life into by people who have no dearth of creativity.

Chocolate events: (July 23 - July 26) at Al Ghurair City
Chocolate lovers! Welcome to your paradise. Paradise is exactly what this is for all chocolate lovers where they will witness and taste the creativity of talented chefs. Chocolates will be available in all shapes and sizes ever dreamt of or even not dreamt, from fountains to chocolate sculptures. If you are able to tear yourself away from these sumptuous displays then you can join the dessert-making contest.

Disney High School Musical: (July 23 - July 26) at Mall of the Emirates.
The Emmy-award winning television film of America will be re-enacted by a group of selected children with improvisations to cater to the region.

Ice Cream Day: (Aug21-Aug22) at Times Square Center
You will keep screaming for ice cream in this in this ice fantasy land. Take part in events like ice cream tasting and ice cream making. Head out to enjoy the coolest times of the entire festival.

Enrique Iglesias: (Aug 22) at Dubai Festival City
Enrique Iglesias, the hottest pop performer-musician, will make it one-in-a-lifetime experience for as he will churn out his record-breaking hits. The proceeds of the event will be used to support needy children in Darfur.

Dubai Summer Surprises 2008

First launched in 1998, DSS has become the perfect holiday recluse activity for families. It stands for 65 days of absolute fun amidst a range of full-on activities like entertainment, shopping, raffle draws for amazing prizes and so on. Recording astounding success, this summer extravaganza caters to all age groups. Concepts such as “Ten Weeks” and “Tens of Surprises” make the event going throughout the duration packed with innumerable surprises. Each week has a different theme and it spells fun and adventure when so many things are happening-live music, competitions, dancing, numerous workshops and programs. The Dubai Summer Surprise has successfully reached out to a global audience. 40 state-of-the-art malls offer breathtaking shopping offers and promotions.

Opening Ceremony
The DSS 2008 saw a grand opening in the unique Dubai Dolphinarium with a techno-savvy laser light performance. But it was not all pomp and show because the message of conservation and promotion of natural resources was closely braided.

“Tens of Surprises”
Under this concept a new event will be organized every alternate day. This year there are 8 exciting activities waiting for mall shoppers. In addition there is the exhilarating experience offered by Modhesh Fun City.

Upcoming Events you don’t want to miss out on

* Kids Fashion Week
Dubai Festival City
July 3 – July 9, 2008

Kids are surely taken seriously here, with an entire week devoted to fashion of the young ones. So far the collections of internationally renowned labels like Blumarine, Jacadi and Orchestra, Diesel and Tuc Tuc have been displayed. The participation of the biggest names in the industry is testament to its accepted popularity. It is an absolute delight to see the young budding models parading the latest in international children’s fashion. These children are members of the Modhesh Friends Club.

Apart from the ramp shows it will also be a learning experience 2 workshops will be held daily where kids will be taught about the basics of accessories and to make handbags.

* Kids Olympics Games
Ibn Battuta Mall
July 11 – July 17, 2008


Kids Olympic Games 2008 is a fun-filled sporting event for children and has been labeled as the Signature event of the summer adventure. It is organized jointly with the Dubai Sports Council. This year there will be 13 contests for children of different age groups with delightful prizes.
The contests
Baby Crawling, Rattle Throwing, Baby Marathon, Baby Walker, Baby Dancing Contest, Tricycle Race Spoon Race Sorting Race, Stacking Race, Remote Control Car race, Three Legged Race, Ring Throw, and Bulls Eye.
Prizes
1st prize-AED 1500 worth gift vouchers
1st runner-up- AED 1000 worth gift vouchers
2nd runner-up-AED 500 worth gift vouchers
Rules
Children are allowed to participate only in one contest in a day.

* The Collectors
WAFI
July 15 – July 22, 2008

The Collectors 2008 is another Signature Event of the Dubai Summer Surprise. This is an exhibition of artifacts which will feature some rare and unique collections from across the region. Last time this event had thrilled visitors with exhibiting rare coins, photographs, ancient Islamic manuscripts and many other different types. This year it is hoping to be bigger with more participants coming in promising to be a treat to the eyes.

Dubai Summer Surpise 2008 - Still Lots More To Go

In this article we will have a look at some more of the fun-filled events of this summer splash.

* Min Bladi Al Emarat
Ibn Battuta Mall
July 24 – July 31, 2008

A Signature event of DSS, this will surely transport you to a world that we have left behind in our race to technology. The display of the essence of rich culture and heritage of the region rules the roost here. This is done through competitions to choose the best in regional food and culture. This event is a major draw for tourists who get the opportunity experience the bygone days in person. Some of the popular competitions to be featured are Popular Cuisine Contest, Best Hand-Made Product Contest, Best Popular Dress Competition, Best Poem Contest etc.

* Arts Oasis
WAFI,
July 29-Aug 6, 2008.

It is the most awaited event for art connoisseurs, as it demonstrates the works of contemporary art by well-known artists. Visitors can buy any sculpture or painting that catches their fancy. This event is jointly held in collaboration with Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.

* Shayla and Abaya Fashion
Burjaman,
Aug 7- Aug 11, 2008.

Shayla and Abaya is the renowned local attire of the region. This is one place where the latest trends of abaya fashion will be displayed by talented designers. There is also a best designer award for the most unique and trendsetting designs. This event has already marked its importance by launching several local designers in the competitive middle eastern market of abaya fashion.

* Photography Exhibition
Deira City Center,
Aug12-Aug18, 2008

You can witness creativity at its best in the Photography Exhibition event of the DSS partaken by professional and amateur photographers. The themes that will be captured on frame are nature, wildlife, people and DSS. The entries will be judged by a distinguished jury. The prizes will be distributed on 19th August, coinciding with World Photography Day.

With all this and more, go ahead and take in all the entertainment you can, as you shop.

Art is Evolving @Dubai

In the art market it is always the richest nations that call the shots in terms of setting the standards, tastes and announcing what is art and what is not. The Dubai art scene is rapidly evolving and with the international art market in flux Dubai is heading towards becoming the next art destination. Most global art galleries and auction houses are finding big buyers in Dubai and also borrowing a lot from the contemporary art scene in the city. Artists based in Dubai and other Middle East cities are getting the maximum benefits from this surge.

The Dubai Art Society established in 1976 became popular only in the eighties when it moved to newer premises rechristened itself as The Dubai International Art Centre. The Art Dubai event which happens every year during March is one of the main attractions in the art scene of Dubai. Artists from around the world find appreciation in this mega event and also earn handsome rewards for their creations.

The recent trends in the arts show the use of interesting techniques and varied cultural perspectives. The Arab artists tend to be very experimental in their forms and hence the creation of some very post modern works of art are finding acceptance. Use of symbolism in these works help in putting forth the anxieties that are so acute to the Middle East state of mind. This year’s Art Dubai event saw Huma Mulji's (Pakistan) suitcase installations which reflect the lives of migrant workers in the Emirates. The cultural and ethnic expressions also draw a lot from the way in which ‘The Muslim’ is treated around the world. We can clearly see the influence of Bedouin, Arab and Iranian art and the intermingling of these rich cultures with modern themes.

Middle Eastern art generally avoids humans and animals as subjects as such art would seem to justify idolatry which is prohibited by Islam. The works tend to reflect a bit of the historical importance of the region and major events. Heavily patterned, colorful and geometric designs reflect the influence of Byzantine and Roman cultures.

If you are in Dubai do not miss the opportunity of visiting the Dubai International Art Centre and the Ras al-Khaimah's Fine Art Association Centre which showcase these art forms in detail. Also visit the Majlis, Eye Art Gallery, XVA and the Ostra Art Gallery all within walking distances from each other. The Courtyard, The Third Line and the Meem Gallery are also home to some elegant creations.

Dubai does not house a Louvre or a Tate but very soon its galleries are going to feature among the top galleries and truly represent the global culture the Emirates stand for.