Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah

Andy Gilhooly on 26 October 2016
30th September 2016

I drove over to Glasgow Airport with my colleague Kate Milton, checked in and then we were well looked after in the Emirates Lounge, they even had the Ryder Cup on. Great start to the trip. We flew over to Dubai with Emirates and the economy cabin was very good. Great service. I watched the Ryder Cup on their live TV channel, amazing what you can get at 38,000 feet. You even have free internet on Emirates which is getting faster and faster.

1st October 2016

We ended up being a bit late into Dubai but our fabulous hosts Desert Adventures were waiting to transfer us to the Ritz Carlton which would be our home for the first three nights.

I got a few hours’ sleep then met up with everyone else at breakfast and we were treated to a lovely massage by the hotel. Perfect after a long flight. After a bit relaxation it was a site visit at our hotel with the lovely Sarah. This is a superb property. We were then treated to a fantastic Asian meal in the stunning Blue Jade Restaurant.

2nd October 2016

It was an early start so after breakfast we headed out with Desert Adventures and our host Javek for our Dubai Tour.

Javek knew everything about Dubai and he was a superb guide. He took us all over Dubai including a boat trip over the Dubai Creek to the spice and gold Souks. No spices or gold purchased but I did get a decent pair of Ray Bans up an alley at the spice Souk. I tried to buy a pair of their traditional Arabian shoes but they did not have my size. As it was Islamic New Year, no alcohol could be sold so Sarah sorted a private suite for us before dinner. We then had a quick stop for some photos outside The Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Burj Al Arab.

It was then off to the JA Oceanview hotel for a site visit and lunch. This is a lovely hotel, well located at the Marina and with the new Dubai Eye about to open this hotel will be more popular than it is now. We had a great buffet lunch and tour hosted by Ivan (he was not Terrible). Stunning views from the rooms.

Now it got interesting. Handbag shopping is a big sport in Dubai so I thought I would participate and increase my skill in this very private and costly pastime. My colleagues were extremely knowledgeable. Unfortunately it was back to the hotel bagless due to the cost but more experienced and knowledgeable about this fascinating hobby. Do you know that a genuine Chloe handbag has the word Chloe embroidered in the inside of the inside pocket on the left side of the bag. You cannot teach that, you only learn these nuggets when you experience first-hand this pastime.

After a quick change it was off to the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Hotel on the Palm. What can I say, a stunning property and a great tour by the lovely Sayyora who also treated us to dinner.

3rd October 2016

We had to check out of the Ritz Carlton after breakfast but only to go the short distance to the amazing Atlantis The Palm. What a place. We all got checked in and then did a site inspection of the hotel. We all had amazing rooms with stunning views.

It was then off to Aquaventure Waterpark which is part of the resort. After doing the not so Lazy River (its great by the way) it was then off to The Leap of Faith. There were only three of us who completed the Leap.

At night our host Adam gave us a further insight into this incredible resort including Room 2-464 The Poseidon Underwater Suite. An incredible place that has the massive aquarium in your own bedroom and bathroom. If you want to sleep with thousands of sea creatures, this is your place.

Adam then hosted Drinks at Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen and Bar and then dinner at the amazing Ronda Locatelli. I think he ordered everything this award winning restaurant served. We were also joined by some of our Dubai based colleagues. It was then Nobu for after dinner drinks and further tales of the Leap of Faith.

4th October 2016.

We said goodbye to the Atlantis and to Dubai and took the 90 minute transfer to Ras Al Khaimah. There are seven Emirates in the UAE and RAK is the most northerly, bordering Oman. It is home to some stunning hotels and beaches and is an oasis of nature and tranquillity.

When we arrived at our final destination, the stunning Waldorf Astoria, we immediately understood why this area is becoming very popular. After a quick check in to our massive and incredible rooms it’s off to the Hilton Al Hamra next door for a visit. The lovely Vanessa gave us a great tour of this property and treated us to an amazing lunch in the fabulous Mai-Tai Lounge at Trader Vic’s. This was the best meal of the trip in my opinion. Great food and service.

It was then cocktail making or a round of golf. Being the only golfer, off I went to the impressive Al Hamra Golf Course and played 12 holes in the searing heat. The highlight was a birdie at hole 3, the Par 5, 576 yard monster over water. I managed to walk the short distance back to the Waldorf and into the sanctuary of air conditioning.

At night we were shown around this incredible property, which was once a Grand Palace, by our host Chris. We then had dinner at The Marjan Restaurant in the hotel which specialises in Lebanese food. This is the favourite restaurant of the ruler of RAK, Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi and we could see and taste why.

As the heat is very intense you can play golf at night on the Al Hamra course, it’s all floodlit.

5th October 2016

We had a reasonably late start today at 1030hrs when after breakfast we were picked up and taken to the Doubletree Marjan which is opposite the Marjan Bay from the Waldorf. Our host Tom gave us a tour of this superb and very popular family resort. Check out the photo and you can see the Waldorf in the background. At night it was off into the desert for a Bedouin Camp Experience and Dinner. Great night had by all.

6th October 2016

After breakfast it was all over. We said our goodbyes and had the reasonably short 60 minute transfer to Dubai airport and our flights home.

Big thanks to Emirates Airlines, Desert Adventures, all our hotels, events team at head office and the lovely Charlotte Gallop from head office who looked after us and ensured we were in bed early with limited alcoholic beverage consumed.

Hatta Almarrat Alqadima (Until the next time)