Hot Dubai Safari will be a ‘frozen zoo’

Animals roaming in the wild and air-conditioned rocks keeping them cool are not just the highlights of Dubai Safari that is expected to open its doors to visitors in September. It is also set to become one of the largest ‘frozen zoos’ in the world that can help preserve the genetic pool of animals and prevent their extinction.

“The new Dubai Safari will hold a ‘frozen zoo’,” Tim Husband, the technical director of Dubai Safari told Gulf News.

“[It will have] first a sperm bank and later on an embryo bank, where we will hold genetic materials of many different species so that we will be able to not only help with our own collection but in time to help with other collections [in zoos] around the world. The goal is to have one of the largest frozen zoos in the world,” he said.

There are only a few frozen zoos in the world. To become a leading one among them, Dubai Safari will have a state-of-the-art laboratory that will store sperm, tissue samples and embryos of animals in liquid nitrogen. The cryopreservation of genetic materials will be done in sub-zero temperatures. The preserved sperm will be provided to other zoos as well for animal reproduction programmes such as artificial insemination.

Computer dating for animals

To prevent inbreeding or mating of related animals, which leads to decreased biological fitness of a population, Dubai Safari will also incorporate modern technology in its breeding programme.

“Every animal will have a chip put in it and carry an ID number. If you scan the chip, you will get all the details stored in the stock book of the animal,” said Husband.

The stock book will have the full profile of each animal, including details of other animals related to it. “You feed the ID number of the animal and bang it comes up on the computer that this animal is related to this one and this one and not related to this and that, etc.”

Dubbing it as “computer dating for animals,” Husband said the technology-assisted breeding programme that prevents inbreeding will help ensure that the frozen zoo in Dubai Safari has the best quality gene pool of animals.

“If something happens to any animal’s population, we will have the gene pool here to release them into the wild.”

Husband said the breeding programme will start as soon as the stock of animals is in and the frozen zoo will start as soon as the lab is ready.

Dubai Safari is slated to house almost 3,500 animals in its first phase. Around 500 of them have already arrived at the nearly 120-hectare facility in Al Warqa which aims to be the biggest wildlife conservation project in the region.

A conservation centre will be part of the project. It will support field research and educational activities.

Apart from providing educational tours to school students at Dubai Safari, Husband said, guides will be sent to schools in Dubai to talk about animals and conservation programmes.

“I want to really push to have a kids’ club where they can come here one day during weekend and get to be with the guides to explore more about wildlife conservation,” he said.

A frozen zoo is a zoo that has the laboratory facility for cryopreservation of animal genetic resources. Sperms, oocytes, embryos and somatic cells are generally preserved by cooling to very low temperatures (typically -80 °C using solid carbon dioxide or -196 °C in liquid nitrogen) for using them again for animal reproduction.

Hot Dubai Safari will be a ‘frozen zoo’

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How landmark projects impact Dubai real estate value

The influence that an iconic project can have on its locale is often quite dramatic. Apart from becoming a magnet for activity and development, trophy properties or iconic projects have the ability to change the value of nearby real estate. In Dubai, dozens of iconic projects in the past years have kept the city in a constant flux, with its ‘city centre’ shifting from Deira in the 1980s, to Bur Dubai, to Dubai Marina and now Downtown Dubai.

“In Dubai, flagship projects appear to create the demand and momentum for the construction of entire districts, in contrast to modern landmarks and recognisable flagships elsewhere, which have been created more organically, often within pre-existing city centres,” David Godchaux, CEO of Core- Savills, tells PW.

Several iconic projects are under way in Dubai, including the World Expo 2020 site, the Dubai Metro extension and Meydan One. Many other developments have been launched with much fanfare and publicity, claiming to become the world’s tallest tower, the highest observation wheel and the most expensive apartment, among others.

“Although this is very rare throughout the world, the closest similar examples are major regeneration projects, such as Greenwich Peninsula in London,” says Godchaux. “Previously a brownfield site, it is now the largest regeneration project in Europe. In Saudi Arabia, Kingdom Tower is currently under construction and other examples include the Pearl in Qatar, Marina Bay Sands in Singapore and the Cinta Costera in Panama City.”

The caveat is that big projects need to be more than just big to make a sizeable difference to the property values in the area. Projects such as the Dubai Opera District, The Tower in Creek Harbour and others also add various lifestyle aspects such as retail and community amenities for both residents and visitors. “They collectively enhance the environment to broaden the offering to the visitors and residents,” Nick Maclean, managing director of CBRE Middle East, tells PW. “That is an important part of making Dubai a complete market for ‘live, work and play’.”

Infrastructure, food and beverage offerings, retail and entertainment come together to create value, but some projects are inherently attractive despite not having trophy additions. Maclean says, “In so far as the [Dubai Water] Canal is concerned, one of the key reasons of its impact is the increase in quantity of waterside apartments and villas. That will almost certainly enhance the value of individual units on either side.”

Projects such as City Walk change the lifestyle in an area, making it more attractive to a demographic other than the ones originally served. “In City Walk, it’s not just enhancing the value of residential property,” says Maclean. “There was significant residential value in Jumeirah already. It is, in fact, creating a new format retail where people can live close by. The residential values are not yet fully realised. Once the retail offering is balanced and stable, we expect it to become interesting to live, shop and be entertained.”

Impact

Godchaux says that while there is an immediate gain in sentiment, actual price enhancements take time. “There has been no immediate spike in prices, but we believe in the short term there will be more of a sentimental boost,” says Godchaux. “Few investors and end users will naturally want to be among the first to invest or live there, like we saw 13 years ago with the launch of Dubai Marina. Over the next few years, with momentum building and more developments delivered in this part of Dubai, we expect to see this market maturing, with prices increasingly anchored on or linked to market fundamentals and driven by offer and demand rather than just sentiment.”

An important addition to the list of iconic projects, according to Maclean, are commercial landmarks. “Landmark schemes in the commercial sphere include the ICD Brookfield Place in Dubai International Financial Centre. That is a real trophy project — very big in scale and most significant to occupiers in the region,” he says. “It is a tempting buy for investors and occupiers.”

Large projects by their sheer scale result in a change in perception about the area. The Dubai Opera District, City Walk and the Dubai Water Canal may affect prices in Downtown, Jumeirah and other nearby areas in the long and short term.

“Over the past two or three years there has been price softening across Dubai in general, but in particular in Downtown and Jumeirah,” says Godchaux. “Excluding the Burj Khalifa, the average price was about Dh2,100 per square foot in Downtown; it is now on average around Dh1,700 per square foot. The new projects coming on board in these areas are building momentum and, once they become more mature, we are very optimistic they will have a positive impact on pricing.

“Where we see a lot of affordable or mid-market stock coming in the outer areas of Dubai, the stock coming in this part of the emirate is more prime and we don’t see an oversupply of this at the moment, which should support price appreciation with the demand naturally increasing as the momentum builds up around the Canal, City Walk and Dubai Opera.”

Dubai has seen examples of large projects, such as the Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Marina, which have had varied impact on property prices in the area. “The mall has enhanced the value in Barsha. However, it is not the most expensive location. The mall is important, but it’s not truly reflected in the value of the properties,” Maclean says. “In Dubai Marina, the property value enhanced because of the facilities around it.”

Citing the upcoming Jumeirah Central, Maclean says projects that are designed holistically have a bigger impact on real estate value. “The concept is designed to attract people to live, work and play. The concept of the scheme is very important,” says Maclean. “The facilities and components do not just enhance but maintain value. Over time the premium for new accommodation goes away. However, if the development is right with all the facilities, it continues to maintain value.”

Enhancing and maintaining value is ultimately a combination of factors, says Godchaux. “The question everywhere always is how much momentum and demand the flagship project – and its resulting surrounding development – will be able to generate and, more importantly, how to carry that demand steadily through the duration of the project,” he says. “Price is an important factor, but infrastructure and reaching the critical size that will give the project credibility are far more essential.

“There are almost no examples of this being accomplished in a short period of time outside Dubai.”

Iconic projects in the making

Jumeirah Central

A mini city development announced by Dubai Holding, Jumeirah Central will be completed in 2020-21. With

47 million sq ft of gross floor area, the project will be home to 35,000 residents. Its 9 million sq ft of retail space and 7,200 hotel rooms make it a sizeable landmark along Shaikh Zayed Road. A showcase for urban planning, the project comprises a cycling network passing through 33 parks and open-air spaces, while “aerial gondolas” provide an alternative mode of transport.

Dubai South

Launched in 2006 as the world’s first purpose-built aerotropolis, with Al Maktoum International Airport its centre, Dubai South is set to open thousands of homes, shops and offices.

Bluewaters Island

The Meraas Holdings project off Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) has the world’s highest observation wheel, Ain Dubai, as its centrepiece. Featuring retail, residential, hospitality and entertainment zones, Bluewaters Island will operate a mono rail system, in addition to direct road access from Shaikh Zayed Road and a pedestrian bridge linking the island to the JBR beachfront.

Palm Jumeirah

The Palm continues to introduce new elements, including an 11km waterside walkway that recently opened. The trunk and crescent are seeing many high-profile additions. The Nakheel Mall is an ongoing project too.

Dubai Creek Harbour

This is keenly watched by birding enthusiasts who are regular visitors at the nearby wildlife sanctuary in Ras Al Khor. Its centrepiece is The Tower, which will have a 360-degree observation deck. The Emaar development will also have 2km of creek-side waterfront, 679 million sq m of residential space, 851,000 sq m of commercial space, 22 hotels and 11.16 million sq m of retail.

How landmark projects impact Dubai real estate value

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Dubai airport sends back 'handful of people' after Trump ban

A “handful of people” have been stopped from flying to the United States from Dubai International Airport following a U.S. travel ban on seven Muslim-majority countries, the airport operator’s chief executive said on Monday.

“The effect has been very minimal at the moment. We don’t have the exact figures but literally a handful of people have had to be looked after and repatriated to their point of origin,” Dubai Airports Chief Executive Paul Griffiths told the Dubai Eye radio station in an interview on Monday.

Dubai airport, is the world’s busiest for international travel and the hub for Emirates, the world’s largest long-haul airline.

President Donald Trump on Friday suspended the entry of people from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. The decision caught airlines off guard, leading to challenges in enforcing the new rules.

Emirates said on Sunday it had to change staffing on U.S.-bound flights “to comply with the latest requirements” and earlier said that “a very small number” of its passengers had been affected by the ban.

Abu Dhabi International on Sunday directed questions on the number of passengers affected by the ban to its hub carrier Etihad Airways.

Etihad earlier said “a number of our passengers” had been affected and that it had “taken steps to ensure there will be no issues for flights departing over the coming weeks.”

The airline did not provide further details.

Dubai airport sends back 'handful of people' after Trump ban

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Dubai mortgage market doubles in size over seven-year period

The number of homes changing hands in Dubai may be slipping, but the mortgage market is in rude health, having doubled in size over the past seven years, according to a report released yesterday.

The Reidin/Global Capital Partners report states that mortgages as a percentage of sales activity have now reached 55 per cent, which it said represented a structural shift towards more mature markets, such as the US and UK, where cash sales account only for 30 to 40 per cent of transactions. In 2012, the ratio of mortgages-to-sales activity in Dubai was below 20 per cent.

Sameer Lakhani, the managing director of research consultancy Global Capital Partners, said that the greater reliance on mortgages to finance home loans may be a contributing factor to the lower levels of transactions, as they take longer to complete.

He also said that deals involving mortgages were less volatile than cash-only deals.

“So obviously you will see a lower velocity of transactions, but these are more stable and less speculative in nature,” he said.

Overall property transaction value in Dubai fell by nearly 3 per cent to Dh259 billion last year from Dh267bn in 2015, and the number of transactions fell to 60,595 last year compared with 63,719 deals a year earlier, Dubai Land Department figures show.

The Reidin report showed that villas are much more highly leveraged than apartments, with the number of mortgages taken out on villa properties last year exceeding the total value of villas sold.

Mr Lakhani said that this provided evidence that those living in larger homes had started to refinance to extract equity from properties that may have appreciated in value since their initial purchase.

“That’s a typical, normal phenomenon that you see in the West,” he said. “People top up, people refinance.”

It also showed that banks no longer had a preference for “government-sponsored” developers like Nakheel, Emaar and Dubai Properties, with the number of loans secured against properties built by private developers exceeding those linked to the government for the first time last year. The weight of money also shifted from established communities like Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lakes Towers to newer, mid-income areas like Jumeirah Village Circle and International Media Production Zone.

Mr Lakhani said the overall increase in home loans showed that there is finance available in the market for those looking to buy their own homes, despite the concern expressed by a number of consultancies about available liquidity in the market.

“There was a time when banks were reluctant, but that has passed,” Mr Lakhani said. “In 2008, when the market tanked and we had our first boom/bust cycle, at that time banks were not willing to lend at all. There was a huge contraction in liquidity. This time around you’re not seeing it. Banks are stepping up to the fore,” he said.

A report by Phidar Advisory last week cited liquidity constraints as a factors that continues to place downwards pressure on Dubai house prices, which it expects to continue falling this year as a result of the strong dollar, to which the dirham is pegged, and the fact that a “jobless” recovery is not creating demand to fill a growing supply pipeline.

It said that any interest rate hikes in the US “should increase the cost of debt in Dubai, which increases development and investment costs … In a market already struggling with liquidity constraints, rising interest rates will be a deterrent, unless yields adjust upwards, which, even with stable rents, would push down property prices,” it said.

Phidar said liquidity constraints are likely to ease this year as a result of bond issuances to plug fiscal deficits of neighbouring states like Saudi Arabia – a key source market for Dubai property buyers.

According to broker CBRE’s Dubai Annual Market Update, the volume of sale transactions in Dubai’s residential market dropped by about 13 per cent last year to 41,776 compared with 48,000 in 2015.

Dubai mortgage market doubles in size over seven-year period

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Sensation Dubai 2016 - With Kristina Fidelskaya

Kristina Fidelskaya Presents – Sensation Dubai 2016

Enjoy from minute 8.20 the Exclusive Interview with Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano at Sensation Dubai 2016

Interviews by Imen Besrour

Brought you by: Dubai Fashion Tv

Sensation Dubai 2016 - With Kristina Fidelskaya

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Dubai South to bring out its first E-bus by early 2017

Zero carbon buses to ply on route

Zero carbon E-buses with self-charging features will play Dubai South from next year as part of the community’s efforts to develop a smart and sustainable living environment, Dubai South management announced on Monday.

The community management on Monday signed a deal with Transit Australia Group (TAG) that will supply the first E-Bus next year. The deal is part of Dubai South’s steps toward building a low carbon footprint city.

The zero-carbon bus is part of the next generation of mass transit vehicles and is said to cost 80 per cent less to maintain than a standard diesel bus.

Pegged as a game changer for public transport, the new bus utilises advanced battery and regenerative braking technology.

The environmentally friendly bus can be charged at the depot and while in service, and has a range of at least 300km and capacity for 50 passengers.

Design innovations of the bus include bench seats that can be reversed to allow passengers to face each other and socialise, as well as USB connections to allow passengers to charge mobile phones.

Ahmad Al Ansari, Acting CEO of Dubai South said: “The signing of this agreement brings us a step closer in fulfilling our ambition of building a sustainable urban destination with technology, innovation, and smart planning at its core.”

He added: “At Dubai South we are pioneering an ambitious smart city transformation guided by people’s happiness. The aim is to build a smart city that enables its people to do smart things with minimum ecological impact and the environmentally friendly e-bus is a positive step in that direction.”

Dubai South to bring out its first E-bus by early 2017

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28 Christmas dining deals in Dubai

From Christmas Eve to the 25th to Boxing Day, if you want a festive meal out in Dubai this year, we’ve got you covered.

7 CHRISTMAS EVE MEALS

1. Chamas

If the thought of eating extra turkey before December 25 is too much to handle, head to Chamas and celebrate the Brazilian way. You’ll receive 18 variations of churrascos. If that doesn’t stretch your tummy before the big day, then nothing will.

Crowne Plaza Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Dhs315 with soft drinks, Dhs415 with house drinks, 6pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (800) 276963. Taxi: Crowne Plaza Dubai. chamasdubai.ae

2. Splendido

Prepare your stomachs for the big day with a specially created five-course menu full of seasonal Italian favourites, all set to the sounds of live Italian music.

The Ritz-Carlton Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs575. Tel: (04) 3186150. Taxi: The Ritz-Carlton at JBR. ritzcarlton.com

3. Crescendo

The Anantara Festive Choir will be serenading guests as they tuck into a buffet of seasonal favourites, and there’ll be activities for the children too.

Anantara The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 6.30pm to 10.30pm, Dhs310 with soft drinks, Dhs450 with house drinks, Dhs550 with sparkling wine, Dhs699 with champagne, Dhs175 under-12s, under-sixes free. Tel: (04) 5678888. Taxi: Anantara The Palm. dubai-palm.anantara.com

4. Seasonal Tastes

The Westin takes Christmas Eve seriously with a farm-to-table brunch featuring a host of cooking stations serving up traditional roast turkey as well as a variety of lighter international options.

The Westin Dubai, Al Habtoor City, Dubai, noon to 3pm, 6pm to 11pm, Dhs250 with soft drinks, Dhs350 with house drinks. Tel: (04) 4355577. Taxi: The Westin Dubai. alhabtoorcityhotels.com

5. Bayside Restaurant And Terrace

Bring contemporary European flair to your Christmas Eve meal with German delicacies complete with party hats, crackers and favours.

Steigenberger Hotel Business Bay, Al Abraj Street, Dubai, 6pm to 11pm, Dhs395, Dhs550 with house drinks. Tel: (04) 3690000. Taxi: Steigenberger Hotel. steigenberger.com

6. Rüya

Rüya’s regular brunch has been wowing crowds for over a month now, so we bet their festive take will be equally good. This glamorous Anatolian newcomer will be throwing a family-friendly brunch complete with themed dishes and a host of festive touches, including presents for children.

Tower 1, Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 11am to 4pm, Dhs225 with soft drinks. Tel: (04) 4399123. Taxi: Grosvenor House. ruyadubai.com

7. La Serre

Couples looking for a cosy Christmas Eve should check out the French menu at La Serre. Lovebirds can try an a la carte menu, with mains including whole seabass in pastry and duck with roasted pears.

Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, noon to 3.15pm, 7pm to 11.15pm. Tel: (04) 4286966. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. laserre.ae

CHRISTMAS DAY

1. Les Cuisines

For those who love a fabulous festive feast (complete with mulled grape on arrival), Les Cuisines in the Sofitel Dubai Downtown is offering up a street food menu brunch with food from around the world, complete with a live band to get things moving.

Sofitel Dubai Downtown, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs150 with soft drinks, Dhs230 with house beverages, Dhs595 for champagne package, Dhs75 under-12s, under-fives free. Tel: (04) 5036666. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. sofitel.com

2. Nosh

Whether you prefer your Christmas in lunch or dinner form, Nosh has you covered with two seatings: one at 12.30pm and one at 6.30pm. You’ll find a selection of fresh seafood, oysters, sashimi and foie gras, alongside turkey with all trimmings.

Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, 12.30pm to 3.30pm, 6.30pm to 10.30pm, Dhs199 with soft drinks, Dhs299 with house drinks. Tel: (04) 4380000. Taxi: Mövenpick JLT. facebook.com/movenpickJLT

3. Cabana

Forget the winter wonderland view, embrace the sunshine and views of the Burj Khalifa as you enjoy an a la carte menu at Cabana.

The Address Dubai Mall, Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs295 with soft drinks, Dhs395 with house drinks, Dhs150 under-12s, under-sixes free. Tel: (04) 8883444. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. theaddress.com

4. Aspen Chalets

Push the boat out by booking a ‘ski chalet’ for up to 12 people and enjoy Christmas dinner in front of a roaring fire, overlooking the snow of Ski Dubai.

Kempinski Hotel Mall Of The Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, four hour booking slots throughout the day, Dhs1,450 with house drinks, Dhs725 under-12s. Tel: (04) 3410000. Metro: Mall Of The Emirates. kempinski.com

5. The Daily

Christmas Day is a good chance to check out this Downtown newcomer, which opened to much fanfare this summer. It features a range of festive favourites from roasts to Yule log, and the dress code features Christmas jumpers.

Rove Hotel Downtown Dubai, Al Sa’ada Street, Zabeel 2, Dubai, 11am to 3.30pm, Dhs99, Dhs49 under-12s, under-sixes free. Tel: (800) 7683. Taxi: Rove Hotel Downtown Dubai. rovehotels.com

6. Manava

Enjoy beach and pool access with this festive brunch, which features a host of roast and seafood stations, a caroling choir and a visit from Santa.

Sofitel The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs485 with soft drinks, Dhs595 with house drinks, Dhs260 under-20s, Dhs130 under-11s, under-fives free. Tel: (04) 4556677. Taxi: Sofitel The Palm. sofitel.com

7. Namu

Billed the ‘Grinches’ Brunch’, this one is for those looking to buck tradition, serving up a menu of Korean and Japanese cuisine without a turkey or tinsel in sight.

W Dubai, Al Habtoor City, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs450 with soft drinks, Dhs550 with house drinks, Dhs650 with champagne. Tel: (04) 4366666. Taxi: W Dubai. namudubai.com

8. Gaucho

The Argentinian favourite has created a special festive set menu featuring the all-important steak, and will also be serving its full a la carte menu.

Gate Village 5, DIFC, Dubai, noon to 11.30pm, Dhs380. Tel: (04) 4227898. Taxi: Gate Village. gauchorestaurants.com

9. Flow Kitchen

All the seasonal favourites are on offer here, while children aged three to 12 enjoy free access to the hotel’s Fairmont Falcon Kids’ Club.

Fairmont The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 12.30pm to 3.30pm, Dhs355 with soft drinks, Dhs495 with house drinks, Dhs185 under-12s, under-sixes free. Tel: (04) 4573457. Taxi: Fairmont The Palm. fairmont.com

10. Dusty’s

A special festive version of one of Dubai’s new brunches, the Departures Brunch will feature all manner of seasonal and international dishes, served on the largest terrace in DIFC.

Al Fattan Currency House, DIFC, Dubai, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs350 with soft drinks, Dhs450 with house drinks, Dhs550 with prosecco. Tel: (04) 3545435. Taxi: Al Fattan Currency House. dustysdxb.com

11. Brasserie Quartier

Extending onto ‘Le Patio’, this chic Christmas lunch will feature oysters, salmon, carving stations and live jazz.

St Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor City, Dubai, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs495 with soft drinks, Dhs695 with house drinks, Dhs895 with champagne, Dhs250 under-12s, under-fours free. Tel: (04) 4355555. Taxi: St Regis Dubai. alhabtoorcityhotels.com

12. Raffles

Some say Christmas is for kids. If that’s true for you, head to Raffles where they’ve set up gingerbread houses and an ice cream igloo for children. There’s also a promise of a visit from Santa himself. Grownups can enjoy the buffet selection in the ballroom and grounds.

Raffles Dubai, Sheikh Rashid Road, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4.30pm, Dhs475 with soft drinks, Dhs685 with house drinks, Dhs250 under-12s. Tel: (04) 3248888. Metro: Dubai Healthcare City. raffles.com

13. Al Fresco Garden

Perfect for impressing guests, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray will be hosting seasonal celebrations with a BBQ. The views across the Palm Jumeirah might not scream traditional Christmas, but the turkey and all the trimmings will certainly help.

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Palm Jumeirah, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs375 with soft drinks, Dhs495 with house drinks, Dhs695 with champagne, Dhs185 under-12s, under-fours free. Tel: (04) 4530444. Taxi: Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. jumeirah.com

14. Prime68

There’s no danger of going hungry at this steakhouse. Along with a stunning evening view of Dubai Canal you’ll eat a festive six-course dinner with dishes ranging from pigeon pie to pan-seared sole.

JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, Dubai, 6pm to midnight, Dhs750 with house drinks. Tel: (04) 4140000. Taxi: JW Marriott Marquis. marriott.com

15. The Christmas Cruise

Looking for a festive day out with a difference? Spend the day cruising on a luxury yacht and enjoy a full Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, as well as five hours of drinks and entertainment. We’re told there’ll even be trees, real snow and an unusual visit from Santa…

Dubai Marina, Dubai, 2pm to 7pm, Dhs750 with soft drinks, Dhs950 with house drinks. Tel: (050) 2002290. Taxi: Dubai Marina Yacht Club. fswevents.com

BOXING DAY LUNCHES

1. McGettigan’s

Your digestive system hasn’t earned a break just yet – get stuck into St Stephen’s Day festivities at any one of McGettigan’s outlets, complete with live sports and huge breakfasts for those in need of a pick-me-up.

Next to Bonnington Tower, JLT, Dubai, noon to 3pm. Tel: (04) 3780800. Taxi: McGettigan’s JLT. mcgettigans.com. ALSO: Souk Madinat Jumeirah and Dubai World Trade Centre.

2. The Ritz-Carlton DIFC

We’re already fans of an afternoon tea at What’s On; throw in a little festive magic and we’re in heaven. Guests can tuck into mince pies and Christmas cookies at this special festive high tea in the Lobby Lounge. Don’t panic, scones are still on the menu.

Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai, 2pm to 6pm, Dhs160. Tel: (04) 3722323. Taxi: Ritz-Carlton DIFC. Ritzcarlton.com

3. West 14th

Fed up of turkey yet? Grilled kebabs, lamb kofta, grilled cream Dory and other Arabic flavours up for grabs at West 14th’s post-Christmas barbecue buffet will have your appetite back before you know it.

Oceana Beach Club, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs175. Tel: (04) 4477601. Taxi: Oceana Beach Club. west14th.ae

4. The Pool Bar

Enjoy a relaxed poolside BBQ stacked with seafood, meats and Arabic specialties, as well as carols, children’s activities and a final visit from Santa Claus.

Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach, JBR, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs250 with soft drinks, Dhs350 with house drinks, Dhs125 under-12s, under-sixes free. Tel: (04) 4498781. Taxi: Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach. movenpick.com

5. BOCA

The Mediterranean favourite has created a family-style sharing menu for the festive season, with dishes including braised beef short rib with gnocchi and vegan paella.

Gate Village 6, DIFC, Dubai, noon to 1am, Dhs245 with soft drinks, Dhs345 with house drinks, Dhs540 with champagne, under-eights free, all in three-hour slots. Tel: (04) 3231833. Taxi: DIFC Gate Vil-lage. boca.ae

6. Epona

Round off the festivities with a breakfast buffet overlooking the club’s equestrian activities, with food to please the whole family.

Dubai Polo And Equestrian Club, Dubai Studio City, Al Qudra Road, Dubai, 8am to noon, Dhs99, Dhs50 under-11s, under-sixes free. Tel: (04) 3627880. Taxi: Dubai Polo And Equestrian Club. poloclubdubai.com

28 Christmas dining deals in Dubai

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