We know there are a million travel guidebooks out there, but we’ve created a handful of destination miniguides designed specifically for working girls on the go. So whether it’s a quick stopover meeting or a weeklong conference, here’s everything you need to know about…
Dubai
Where to Stay
Expense Account: Burj Al Arab. The Burj Al Arab has been voted the world’s best hotel, and each floor has its own check-in and butler service. Hermès toiletries, a pillow menu, and plasma screen TVs are just a few of the perks of staying at this stylish, five-star deluxe hotel. Each suite also has its own office area, including laptop, Internet access, fax, printer, and copier. Just don’t faint when you see the final bill. Suites fill up months in advance, and rates are available upon request. P.O. Box 74147, Dubai; +971.4.301.7777; burj-al-arab.com
Romantic Weekend: Jumeirah Bab al Shams Desert Resort and Spa. A perennial favorite for weekend getaways in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bab al Shams is just 45 minutes from the airport but feels like a step back in time to ancient Arabia. Lounge at the infinity pool or under the temperature-controlled waterfall, try out your favorite drink or a local sisha (flavored tobacco used in traditional water pipes) in the Al Sarab Rooftop Lounge, and don’t miss the Al Hadheerah Desert Restaurant and its belly dancers and henna painters. Rates available on request and may change due to season or special offer. P.O. Box 8168, Dubai; +971.4.832.6699; jumeirahbabalshams.com
On the Cheap: Ibis World Trade Centre. “Cheap” is a relative term in Dubai, but the Ibis World Trade Centre is a good bargain considering it’s smack downtown, linked to the International Exhibition Centre and Convention Centre, and only 15 minutes from the airport. Wi-Fi Internet access is also available for business travelers. Doubles start at AED 354/$99. Sheik Zayed Road, Dubai; +971.4.332.4444; ibishotel.com
Where to Eat
Business Dinner: Al Mahara. Voted one of the top 10 best restaurants in the world, Al Mahara provides not just delicious seafood but an entire undersea experience. A visit begins with a three-minute simulated submarine “voyage” before being seated underneath a ceiling that is actually a seawater aquarium. Children are not allowed at dinnertime, and a semiformal dress code is enforced. Burj Al Arab Hotel; +971.4.301.7777; burj-al-arab.com
Hot Spot: Rooftop Lounge and Terrace. The Rooftop is literally that—the rooftop of the One and Only Royal Mirage Hotel. An abundance of pillows invite you to get comfy and settle in for a gorgeous evening under the stars, and cocktails and mezes (snacks) are served until 1 a.m. +971.4.399.9999; oneandonlyresorts.com
Eating Alone: mOre Café. mOre Café now has two venues, each serving up their own brand of ice cream and an array of coffees as well as a large range of soups, sandwiches, and European specialties on the menu. If you’re pressed for time, consider ordering online and arriving just a half hour later to your steaming selection. Original artwork decks the walls, and the Friday brunch can’t be beat. +971.4.343.3779 (Al Murooj), +971.4.283.0224 (Al Garhoud); morecafe.biz
Where to Shop
Business Critical: Ibn Battuta Mall. Ibn Battuta Mall is the largest theme mall in the Middle East and contains six distinct areas: the Andalusian Court, the North African Court, the Egyptian Court, the Persian Court, the Indian Court, and the Chinese Court. From La Senza lingerie to Top Shop staples to Pearle Opticians, this mall’s got everything a girl could need in case of a business emergency—or just an urge for some serious retail therapy. Sheik Zayed Road, Dubai; +971.4.362.1900; ibnbattutamall.com
Date Night: The Shopping Tour. Book The Shopping Tour and for about $35, you’ll be picked up, dropped off, and have the expertise of a seasoned shopping pro at your service for up to four hours. Just let the guide know what you’re looking for—silks, gold, a pager in case the date sucks and you need an out—so that you can be sure to visit the most appropriate shopping center or souq (market). Contact The Emirates Network for more information.
Techie: Computer Street. Khalid Bin Walid Road in Bur Dubai is more familiarly known as Computer Street due to the large number of computer outlets found here. IBM, Apple, Hewlett-Packard, and Compaq are just a few of the brand names available on Computer Street, but before you make a monstrous purchase, remember to factor in the customs duties/import charges you’ll need to pay when you get home.
Where to Play and Primp
Best Day Spa: Cleopatra’s Spa at the Pyramid’s Health and Leisure. Cleopatra’s is the largest day spa in the UAE and is open seven days a week. The Ocean Bath with exotic flowers is the perfect way to start or end the day, and the Aromastone massage is the perfect combination of aromatherapy and hot stone massage. Just don’t skip out on your appointment: No-shows are still charged 50% of the treatment fee. +971.4.324.7700; wafi-health-leisure.com
Best Blow-Dry: Toni and Guy. Residents complain about a shortage of good hairdressers in Dubai, but Toni and Guy can always be counted on for a great blow-dry and style. Rates vary depending on which “level” of hairdresser you make an appointment with. Emirates Towers Shopping Boulevard, Sheik Zayed Road, Dubai; +971.4.330.3345
How to Get Around
Preferred Airport: Dubai International Airport. Dubai International Airport is four miles from Dubai city, which translates to a very short commute. Taxis and the airport bus service are your best bets for getting into town with no headaches.
Hit the Road: Public buses do run across Dubai, but these are used mainly by migrant workers in the city and male and female passengers are segregated. Most tourists rely on the cheap and comfortable taxi services instead. If you need to cross the Creek (the river bisecting the city), try one of the public abras (small ferry boats).
Weather and Wardrobe: Dubai is sunny and warm almost all year round, so summer clothing can be worn at most times. Throwing in a sweater for chilly evenings and air-conditioning is advisable, and women should avoid wearing low-cut tops or short skirts. Good sunglasses are a must-have for everyone.
Where to Do Business
Host a Meeting: Fairmont Hotel. The Fairmont sits right in the middle of Dubai’s business district and is linked to the Dubai International Convention Centre by a dedicated walkway. Its own 33rd Floor Executive Conference Centre includes “smart walls” that offer an array of technology including electronic white boards, and the sweeping views of the Gulf of Arabia are sure to impress. Sheik Zayed Road, Dubai; +971.4.332.5555; fairmont.com/dubai
Best Place for Printing and Copies: FedEx Kinko’s. FedEx Kinko’s are available in Dubai, with an outpost on Computer Street. Business Center Building, Khalid Bin Al Walid Road, Dubai; +971.4.397.5335
