Where to Stay in Dubai?

A regular look at some of the finest hotels in the city

THE HARBOUR HOTEL

The Harbour Hotel comprises 261 luxurious fully-equipped suites. Guest have access to an exclusive spa, gymnasium, outdoor swimming pool and business centre. There are also some great dining options including the Mediterranean Spa Restaurant and Bar and the Signature Penthouse Restaurant which serves up world-class cuisine in stunning surroundings. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks at the Observatory on the 52nd floor and take in stunning views of the Palm Jumeirah, Burj al Arab and the waterways of the Dubai Marina.

Tel: 04 3194000

AL MAHA DESERT RESORT

Al Maha Desert Resort is set in 225 square kilometres of pristine desert landscape just 45 minutes from Dubai. Al Maha lies within an award-winning conservation area and visitors can experience the true beauty and majesty of the desert and observe the indigenous wildlife. The resort has a range of Arabesque suites ranging from the Beduion suites to the ultra-luxurious Presidential Room.

Tel: 04 3034222

TULIP INN

Tulip Inn Hotel is located in Knowledge Village within walking distance of Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City. It is also close to Ibn Battuta Mall and Mall of the Emirates.The hotel consists of 51 luxurious spacious fully-equipped rooms and suites  with high-tech communication facilities.

Tel: 04 3671222

FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON –SHAIKH ZAYED ROADThis hotel’s prime location on Shaikh Zayed Road makes its ideal for both business and leisure travellers. It is close to the World Trade Centre and Exhibition Centre. Leisure travellers are only a few minutes away from Jumeirah Beach, Dubai's old souqs and all the major shopping malls. The hotel comprises 385 contemporary guest rooms, featuring internet access, TV, electronic safe and 24-hour room service.

Tel: 04 3230333

KARAMA HOTEL

Karama Hotel’s downtown location allows access to the main commercial and  entertainment hotspots of the city. The threestar hotel has 130 spacious rooms,  equipped with safety deposit boxes, satellite televisions and a mini bar. There is also a range of multi-cuisine restaurants, entertainment clubs and lounge bars at the  establishment.

Tel: 04 3366607

CHELSEA TOWER HOTEL

Chelsea Tower offers guest excellent views of Dubai towards the Arabian Gulf on one side and Dubai city on the other side. It is conveniently located on Shaikh Zayed Road opposite the Dubai International Financial Centre and Expo Centre, providing easy access to major shopping malls, tourist attractions and the beach. The modern  hallways are marbled and lead to spacious one, two and three bedroom apartments offering short and long stay options.

Tel: 04 3434347

HOTEL IBIS AL BARSHA

This budget hotel is just minutes from the Mall of the Emirates, 25km from Dubai International Airport and 15km from the Dubai International Convention Centre. The hotel offers 480 comfortable and modern rooms, a  trendy restaurant, a cafe and two bars.All rooms are equipped with a practical workspace, international direct dialling, highspeed internet, Wifi access and satellite TV, making it ideal for the business traveller.

Tel: 04 3996699

Want to visit Dubai?

A visitor needs to get a new entry permit to re-enter the country once he or she leaves the country for any destination. The new entry permit will be issued only after one month from the date the visitor leaves the UAE

Dubai: Visas for visit, transit and tourism are valid only for a single entry into the UAE, said a senior official at the Ministry of Interior, adding that visitors cannot return using the same permit even after a trip to a neighbouring country.

Major General Mohammad Ahmad Al Merri, Director-General of the Dubai General Department for Residency and Foreigners Affairs, told Gulf News: "A visitor needs to get a new entry permit to re-enter the country once he or she leaves the country for any destination. The new entry permit will be issued only after one month from the date the visitor leaves the UAE."

Major General Al Merri was responding to a question about visitors who face difficulties in returning to the UAE after a short sightseeing trip to Oman or after leaving in a hurry for a meeting in Bahrain. They cannot re-enter the UAE immediately since a new visa will be issued only after a gap of at least one month.

The rule applies even if the visitors leave the country before the expiry of their entry permits, he said. "They have to wait for one month before applying for another entry permit."

Major General Al Merri said this happens to some people who arrive on tourist or visit visas to see family or friends or visit the country as tourists.

"They stay here for few days and then decide to go to Oman, Bahrain or any nearby country. These people believe they can return to the UAE using the same entry permit as they stayed here only for a few days.

"They think the entry permit is still valid since they did not use it till the expiry date," he said.

Major General Al Merri said the department, however, could take into consideration any exceptional circumstances pertaining to a particular visitor. But such a decision is taken on case-by-case basis.

"We want to make it easy and enjoyable for people who want to visit our country. But they should adhere to the rules," he said.

Multiple entry

Multiple entry visas are an option for businessmen who are frequent visitors to the UAE and who have a relationship with a reputable company here.

This visa is valid for six months from the date of issue and costs Dh1,000. However, each visit must not exceed 30 days.

Visit, tourist and transit visas are only for single entry.