The best places to have brunch in Dubai

When it comes to brunch, Dubai has elevated the concept to the status of an unmissable city tradition. Eat your way through our list of the best brunch places in Dubai.

Bubbalicious Brunch

If one word could describe the Westin Mina Seyahi’s Friday ‘Bubbalicious Brunch’, then ‘breathtaking’ would be an appropriate choice. What makes it so outstanding is that at Bubbalicious almost every imaginable food is on offer, thanks to the combined forces of the hotel’s three fantastic in-house restaurants. Blue Orange is responsible for both the buffet section and live cooking shows, serving food from Arabic mezze and pastas to Belgian waffles. Spice Emporium is the Asian face of the trio, and takes care of the noodle, sushi and sashimi dishes. Hunters Room is a traditional grill house placed in a tasteful contemporary setting. For those who like to be entertained during brunch, Bubbalicious Brunch provides Chinese acrobats, live bands, a PlayStation room and ‘kids’ corner’, and a petting zoo. Of course, such service comes at a price, but the Bubbalicious Brunch is definitely an experience to try.

Maya Mexican Kitchen + Bar

If you’re looking for a beachside brunch, then Maya Mexican Kitchen might be the place for you. Spearheaded by head chef Richard Sandoval, Maya offers a modern twist on traditional Mexican favourites. Based in Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, as part of their brunch package, guests have both pool and beach access. So while sampling a plethora of dishes, such as rib-eye steak fajitas and lamb chops marinated in adobo, guests can lounge on the private beach or take a dip in the pool. For a little extra, alcoholic beverages can also be provided. Maya Mexican Kitchen serves up a fantastic brunch with plenty of exciting flavours.

Toro Toro

If you fancy a taste of Latin America in Dubai, then Toro Toro is the restaurant to visit. World-renowned Latin chef Richard Sandoval has brought the hospitality and family-style dining of his native region to restaurants as far afield as New York, Las Vegas and now Dubai. At Toro Toro, he has offered the pan-Latin ‘Hola Hola Brunch’ since 2012, earning the attention and praise of many. The Hola Hola Brunch consists of 45 options of small plates filled with traditional food, including guacamole, yucca fries, chorizo, empanadas, beef-stuffed pastries and crispy calamari. Guests should try to save space for Toro Toro’s delicious churrasco chicken, lamb or beef.

El Sur

El Sur pushes the expectations of what can be done with traditional Spanish tapas. Using the only the finest ingredients, El Sur recreates traditional tapas meals with an artistic, sophisticated vision. With stunning views of the ocean and the opportunity to dine al fresco on their balcony, El Sur is one of the best places in Dubai to eat brunch. Dishes include classic Spanish cuisine such as patatas bravas (potatoes in a spicy tomato sauce) and calamares a la romana con alioli (fried squid with alioli), alongside contemporary meals such as avocado cannelloni with tuna. There is an emphasis on seafood, but the menu also features the likes of Wagyu beef tartare and prime rib-eye steak. With on-site mixologists, there will always be a drink to your liking and guests can also enjoy premium cigars. Reservations at this exclusive restaurant is a must.

Jumeirah Al Qasr

Jumeirah Al Qasr serves up one of Dubai’s biggest Friday brunches. Guests can experience the atmosphere of three different restaurants: The Hide, Arboretum and Al Hambra. Al Qasr translates as ‘The Palace’, which hints at the style of service the hotel aims to deliver.  Al Qasr is an upscale brunch venue with a mighty reputation. It’s a must-visit for brunch fans in the city.

See more: Top luxury activities you should try once in Dubai

Source: Internet

Reasons why you should visit Dubai during winter

Dubai residents wait for winter all year long. Indeed, those three months of the year are the most anticipated and enjoyed ones, with people talking about winter year-round and counting down the days. After all, Dubai takes on a new face during this season, which makes the entire city one of the best places to visit during winter.

Temperatures are actually bearable

Anyone who lives in Dubai will complain about the weather at least 10 times a day during summer. After all, temperatures rise as high as 50°C (122°F), making it impossible to be outdoors without dehydrating. However, winter in the city has weather that is not only bearable—it’s actually delightful! People will find any excuse to be outside during winter in Dubai and take advantage of the brief period of time when the city has a breeze and comfortable temperatures.

Winter is beach season

Beach season is an exciting time all around the world. People simply love tanning and enjoying the sea water. However, in Dubai, that is done during winter. Since it’s too hot outside during the rest of the year, this is the season to work on the perfect tan. For those who are looking for a winter destination that does not involve coats and gloves, booking a trip to Dubai will guarantee that they’ll only have to pack swimsuits.

New Year’s in Dubai is a blast

Dubai is known worldwide for its New Year’s festivities. There is no shortage of ways to spend New Year’s Eve (NYE) in the city. Whether one wants to spend it on the beach or in a luxurious hotel watching the Burj Khalifa fireworks, one thing is for sure: New Year’s in Dubai is always fun. People start planning their NYE months in advance, picking the perfect dress—yes, the weather is perfect to wear short dresses, with no need for jackets and such—and choosing the best venue from which to view the epic fireworks.

All the best events take place in winter

Dubai is big on events. They can focus on fitness, fashion, music or food, and they are a way that the city keeps its residents and visitors entertained year-round. However, most of the best and biggest events actually take place in winter. Anything from the biggest concerts in town to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship takes place at the beginning of the year when the weather is good enough to be outside.

Winter is camping season

For those looking for any good reason to be outside, camping is a fantastic way in which to enjoy the weather and make the most of the cooler temperatures. People in Dubai will commonly head to the desert in order to camp, where the temperature drops even lower. It gives them a real chance to be cold, something that is very rare in Dubai, with the exception of air conditioning.

See more: Best desserts you should try in Dubai

Source: Internet

Reasons why you should choose Abu Dhabi over Dubai

Most people when booking their trip to the UAE immediately pick Dubai as their destination. However, only an hour and a half away is Abu Dhabi, and visitors should definitely consider visiting this incredible city instead. Abu Dhabi has some of the most epic touristic attractions in the country and is possibly a better destination for tourists coming to the UAE.

Abu Dhabi is the UAE’s Capital

Abu Dhabi is not only the country’s capital, but it also occupies approximately 80% of its territory. The city is also the home of the UAE’s president, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In fact, all of the country’s presidents must be from the Al Nahyan family, which is from Abu Dhabi. This makes Abu Dhabi perhaps the most important city in the country politically, geographically and historically. When visiting the UAE, seeing – and even staying – in the capital is a must!

Seeing more of the local culture

Anyone who has been to both Dubai and Abu Dhabi will agree that the capital is much more traditional than the vastly more touristy city of Dubai. In Abu Dhabi, visitors will be more in touch with the local culture, being around locals much more often. This is the best place to see the Emirati costumes, garments and traditions. Whereas in Dubai one would most likely be surrounded by expats and other tourists, Abu Dhabi offers a more traditional experience.

Great concerts and events

Abu Dhabi has become known for amazing concerts. The capital has hosted some household names in music internationally such as Coldplay, Paul McCartney, Rihanna and Lionel Richie. Events such as Beats On The Beach have made Abu Dhabi the UAE’s most important hub for live music. The city has an event heavy calendar that includes music festivals, cultural happenings and sporting events, attracting people from all over the world.

Not as busy as Dubai

Anyone who has visited Dubai during peak season can confirm this – the city is packed! Seeing that this is a vastly popular tourist destination, people from all over the world fly to Dubai during the months of October-March in order to spend some time in the city. Airports are packed, hotels are super expensive and even just buying a ticket to go up the Burj Khalifa needs to be done months in advance. Abu Dhabi has attractions that are just as fun and exciting as Dubai, with much less hassle, making it a much better destination during peak season.

A more authentic trip

While everyone around is saying they have been to Dubai and seen Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa, anyone who choose to visit Abu Dhabi will be able to share stories of a truly authentic and unusual holiday. Everyone who has been to the UAE has had the chance to see the Burj Al Arab, but not all got to contemplate the skyline from Fast and Furious 7. Choosing Abu Dhabi over Dubai will guarantee new and unique stories to share with those back home.

See more: Top destinations in Abu Dhabi, UAE

Source: Internet

Best street foods in Dubai

Although Dubai may be known for being a futuristic city teeming with malls, shopping, and fancy restaurants, many people don’t realize that the street food in Dubai is also a traveler’s dream. Here’s the secret to what the locals in Dubai actually eat!

Shawarma

Made with either thinly sliced chicken, lamb, or beef, this is probably the most common and filling street food in Dubai. Rolled into a soft flatbread and filled with fresh vegetables, onions, and a delicious spicy or creamy sauce, this is one of the best street foods worth traveling to Dubai for.

Chips Oman Roll

One of Dubai’s most favorite childhood snacks, this roll is sold in every cafeteria or road side tea ship. A simple roll made with spreadable cheese and smashed spicy potato chips, for reasons unknown this remains Dubai’s absolute favorite with children and anyone who wants a quick snack down memory lane.

Samboosa

Originally brought over from India and based on the Indian samosa, these are triangle shaped stuffed pastries. Filled with succulent meats, vegetables, and spices, these are a popular snack for a long car ride. Be careful though, they can get addictiveand you’ll start to lose count of how many you’ve eaten!

Manakkish

Another delicious road side food is manakkish – basically a large flatbread cooked in an oven with different assortments on top, almost like a pizza. You can choose from meat toppings to vegetable toppings to thyme and olive oil, and will never regret ordering one!

Lugaimat

This is a dessert street food that is purely Emirati, and a huge hit with tourists! Lugaimat are fried balls of dough, made perfectly so the outside is crispy while the inside is still fluffy and piping hot. To finish it off locals will lightly sprinkle date syrup or rose flavored honey over the top of these bite-sized donuts. You won’t be able to just have one, and people will usually order an entire bowl just for themselves!

See more: Most impressive architetures in Dubai

Source: Internet

Most underrated destinations in Dubai

Dubai is a major tourist stop to see the world’s biggest, tallest, and richest. But there is so much more than this to Dubai, and for those who want to experience the more historical and residential parts of Dubai; here are a list of some of the most underrated places to visit in Dubai.

Souq Naif

While many tourists rush to the Gold or Spice Souq for shopping in Dubai, Souq Naif is the market for the more adventurous traveler. From sparkling Arabic inspired dresses to Persian carpets, from local sweets and dates to Indian run snack shops, this enormous souq will give you a glimpse into the local market life for the residents of Dubai.

Mirdif City Centre

This shopping center is one of those underrated places that all travelers should stop by. It has a friendly, family atmosphere, and is the perfect place for people watching the local Emirati families and Arab residents of Dubai do their shopping. Mirdif City Centre also has enough brand name shops, cute cafes, delicious restaurants, and touristy shops to fulfill all your mall needs.

Al Mamzar Beach Park

Many tourists will stick to the glitzier beaches of Jumeriah and JBR, but Al Mamzar Beach Park is just as wonderful for a relaxing soak in the sun or walk along the corniche. Here you won’t be bombarded by tourists trying to squeeze in a spot on the sand, but instead enjoy a clean beach, green park, local families, and even delicious food stalls. For those who wear the hijab or would rather enjoy the beach without the prying eyes of men, Al Mamzar Beach also has women-only days.

Dubai Desert Conservation Centre

A trip to Dubai is not complete without an excursion into the desert, however it can be hard to choose which tour or which experience you want to pay for. Instead of paying for a tourist-trap trip, why not support the Dubai Desert Conservation Centre, which aims to educate about local wildlife in the desert as well as provide guided tours into the desert to experience the authentic desert and culture of the Emirates. You’ll be able to ride camels, hold a falcon, and even spend a night in the desert while learning about the traditional ecosystem of Dubai.

Dubai Museum

While many tourists see Dubai as a modern and even futuristic city for the most globalized of citizens, many forget that Dubai has a historical and traditional past that all Emiratis are proud to protect and treasure. Instead of getting trapped in the materialistic aspects of the city, why not stop by the Dubai Museum located in the ancient Al Fahidi Fort for an educational experience, find out about the life of Emirati Bedouins, and traditional local culture. You won’t regret this experience and will walk away with a whole new appreciation for the history of Dubai.

See more: 5 best shopping malls for shopaholics in Dubai

Source: theculturetrip

Admire design-minded ice cream shops in Asia

An ice cream renaissance is taking place around the world. Not only did the industry embrace the growing trend towards fresh, natural, and locally sourced ingredients, but more and more gelaterias decided to take dessert to a whole new level with their innovative techniques, creatively healthy options, and magazine-worthy interiors.

From Italy to Japan, have a look at some of the most beautifully designed ice cream shops across the world. Step into any one of these sweet, stylish places, and you will be swept away into a magical realm of design deliciousness.

Sweet Salvation, Dubai

Escape the desert heat at Sweet Salvation, an Instagram-worthy ice cream shop in the City Walk district of Dubai. The Toronto-based brand’s first store outside Canada has been envisioned by architecture firm Navigate Design, and the result is a funky mix of marble, black and white graphics, and bright accents in their signature pastel blue shade. Expect pimped out soft serve concoctions topped with lotus or red velvet cookie crumbs, as well as a selection of indulgent shakes, frappés, and cold-brew coffee.

Ampersand, Bangkok

Ampersand’s sleek, travel-themed design is a perfect reflection of the menu, which brims with high-quality ingredients and adventurous flavors from around the globe. Space brings to mind a futuristic airport, and its clean palette of white and navy blue with gold accents is delicately enlivened by voyage related items like world maps and souvenir magnets.

The Bangkok gelato boutique specializes in Italian style ice cream, but the frozen desserts on offer are singing with globally inspired aromas. Try Lavender for a touch of Provence, Earl Gray for a sophisticated British flavor, Yuzu for a taste of Japan; or the melt-in-your-mouth Tiramisu – which is literally Italy in a cone.

Ah-chu Ice Cream & Churros, Gimpo

Toy-like furniture and accent walls in candy-striped pink decorate this ice cream café in Gimpo, South Korea. Designed by Wanderlust, the playful locale – called Ah-chu – attracts children and adults alike with its adorable decor, colorful icy treats, and delectable churros, which seem to theatrically emerge from a dough machine before making their way to the oven.

 À tes souhaits, Tokyo

Soft lighting, natural materials, and gently curved surfaces create a sense of comfort and movement in this chocolate and ice cream shop in Tokyo’s sought-after suburb of Kichijoji. à tes souhaits, designed by Japanese studio Nendo, features beautiful geometric tiles and curved striped soil walls in subdued chocolate tones, echoing the layers of an ice cream cake in all its melted glory.

See more: The taste of Asia in 7 local dishes

Source Travel away

Top 10 highest buildings in Asia up to October 2018

Asia owns some of the highest buildings in the world, in fact, the famous Taipei 101 used to be the highest building in the past. Here is the top 10 highest buildings in Asia up to October 2018 which are also the popular destinations in their respective countries.

10. Landmark 81

Landmark 81 is a super-tall skyscraper in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, that was designed by the British design, engineering and consulting firm Atkins. The investor and primary developer for the project is Vinhomes, a Vietnamese corporation that is also the country's largest real-estate company. Landmark 81 is the tallest building in Vietnam, the tallest completed building in Southeast Asia as of July, 2018 and the 14th tallest building in the world.

9. International Commerce Centre

The International Commerce Centre is a 118-storey, 484 m (1,588 ft) commercial skyscraper completed in 2010 in West Kowloon, Hong Kong. It was the 4th tallest building in the world (third in Asia) when its construction was completed in 2010. Now, it is the world's 11th tallest building by height, world's fifth tallest building by number of floors, as well as the tallest building in Hong Kong.

8. Shanghai World Financial Center

The Shanghai World Financial Center is a supertall skyscraper located in the Pudong district of Shanghai. It is a mixed-use skyscraper, consisting of offices, hotels, conference rooms, observation decks, and ground-floor shopping malls.

7. Taipei 101

The Taipei 101, formerly known as the Taipei World Financial Center – is a landmark supertall skyscraper in Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan. The building was officially classified as the world's tallest in 2004, and remained such until the completion of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai in 2010.

6. Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre

The Guangzhou Chow Tai Fook Finance Centre (also called East Tower) is a 1,739-foot (530 m) tall mixed-use skyscraper in Guangzhou, Guangdong, which was completed in October 2016. It is the tallest completed building in Guangzhou, the third-tallest in China, and the seventh-tallest in the world.

5. Lotte World Tower

Lotte World Tower is a 123-floor, 555-metre (1,821 ft) supertall skyscraper located in Seoul, South Korea. It opened to the public on April 3, 2017 and is currently the tallest building in South Korea, and is the 5th tallest building in the world.

4. Ping An Finance Center

Ping An International Finance Centre is a 115-storey megatall skyscraper in Shenzhen, Guangdong. The building was commissioned by Ping An Insurance and designed by the American architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates. It was completed in 2017, becoming the tallest building in Shenzhen, the 2nd tallest building in China and the 4th tallest building in the world.

3. Makkah Royal Clock Tower Hotel

The Abraj Al-Bait is a government-owned megatall complex of seven skyscraper hotels in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The central hotel tower, the Makkah Royal Clock Tower, A Fairmont Hotel, has the world's largest clock face and is the third-tallest building and fifth-tallest freestanding structure in the world.

2. Shanghai Tower

The Shanghai Tower is a 632-metre (2,073 ft), 128-story megatall skyscraper in Lujiazui, Pudong, Shanghai. It shares the record (along with the Ping An Finance Center) of having the world's highest observation deck within a building or structure at 562 m, and the world's fastest elevators at a top speed of 20.5 metres per second (74 km/h; 46 mph). It is the world's second-tallest building by height to architectural top.

1. Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa, known as the Burj Dubai, is a skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. With a total height of 829.8 m (2,722 ft) and a roof height of 828 m (2,717 ft), the Burj Khalifa has been the tallest structure and building in the world since its topping out in late 2008.

See more: Dubai’s Burj Khalifa: Inside the world’s tallest building

Source: wikipedia

Shopping-spree in Dubai

Dubai is known as one of the biggest shopping centers in the world or a "shopping paradise". It's common to see shopaholics from every continent rush to Dubai to shop however they want.

1. Emirates Mall

Among the shopping centers, Emirates Mall stands out as one of the most spectacular architectures in the world. Emirates Mall has over 700 stores with mostly luxury high-end brands such as Hermes, Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Dior, Armani, D&G, etc. Most consumers are from Europe, some are from Asia - mostly Japanese, the rest are Arabs. That explains the wealthy upper class coming to these high-end stores. Each tourist wander around the mall with at least one bag of a luxury brand.

2. Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall is also a favourite mall of the shopaholics as this place has over 2,200 luxury brand stores, which make it even more thrilling yet challenging to shop. Dubai Mall opens its doors from 10 a.m. to midnight daily. You don't have to pay to wander about, but certain attractions in the mall will charge admission.

3. Other Malls

On the other hand, there are also more "affordable" shopping malls in Dubai, such as Ibn Battuta - world's largest themed shopping mall with more than 270 shops, Festival City - a large residential, business and entertainment development, Deira City - the original flagship mall in the Majid Al Futtaim Properties portfolio, etc.

4. Dubai Shopping Festival

Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) takes place at the start of the year and attracts thousands of tourists each year. During the festival, every major shopping mall starts discounting all kinds of items, from clothes, cosmetics, electric devices, vehicles, furnitures, etc. to even gold.

5.  Gold Shopping

Dubai people are generally extremely wealthy. That's how some "gold markets" were founded in the city as more and more rich people have demands over gold adornments. If tourists want to buy real gold, Gold Souk is the most highly recommended place to stop by. The government is really strict when it comes to the goods' authentication so tourists don't have to worry about "fake" gold. 

See more: 5 luxurious dishes only in Dubai

Source: wiki-travel.com.vn