A desire to taste the truly local food is one strong reason that draws them to visit the sprawling venues during the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF-2010) which runs until February 28.

“I got here everything I wanted to learn about the arts and culture of the emirate and tried the authentic Emirati cuisines prepared by local women. I now knew for sure why the history is full of stories praising Arabian hospitality. But for the Heritage Village, I would have not known this vibrant facet given the cosmopolitan composition of Dubai,” said Mark and Julie, a British couple who walked down their hotel room in Dubai Marina to watch the winter evening festivities.
Mr. Khalid Ali bin Gharib, Head of DTCM’s Organizing Committee for DSF-2010 Events, said: “Dubai Shopping Festival is an excellent opportunity to recreate Dubai’s rich cultural traditions and this year our special events highlight the country’s ancient history. Cuisines are a big draw with the visitors, especially from the Western countries. Through the Heritage Villages, we have been successful in bringing our time-honed culinary delights to the world.”
A recent report from Mintel recommends Dubai as a new hot location for UK food lovers. Emerging gastro-tourism hot spot Dubai is also one of the countries topping the Post Office Travel Services’ Holiday Money Report for travel money value.

One of the highlights of the culinary tourism programme is the live preparations of cuisines that visitors can watch and go on trying out one dish after another – a bit of learn-while-you-eat concept. The Emirati women who cook the dishes and sell for reasonable prices are too enthusiastic to explain about their open-air kitchen offerings.

The Emirati dishes have been passed down from generation to generation and remained an integral part of the local community’s social and cultural scene. Over the years, some of the dishes have either come under the influence of or left a lasting impression on the cuisines from other regions.

In the traditional Emirati cuisine, rice, meat and fish are used a lot in the preparation of several dishes. Al Harees and Al Machboos are popular local dishes. There are a number of traditional dishes served during different occasions.

Al Harees, which is made mainly from meat and wheat, is a popular treat during special occasions such as Ramadan, Eid and weddings.

Al Machboos, which is also called Al Makboos, has red meat as its main ingredient (which can be replaced by chicken or shrimp) and rice.

Popular dishes also include:
Al Muhammar bil dibs: Rice cooked with dibs, which is a sweet extract derived from dates.
- Al Thereed: Bread mixed with meat gravy.
- Al Qurs Al Mafrook: Round dough is poured into a clay pot and placed inside a specially prepared hole in the ground. It is later mixed with ghee.
- Al Reqa’aq: It is made from soft unleavened dough that is flattened and baked on a hot iron plate.
- Al Muhala: Similar to Al Reqa’aq bread with egg spread on top.
- Al Khameer: Flour mixed with date paste and sugar is baked over burning coal and kept overnight.
- Al Chebab: Made from flour, sugar, milk, eggs and water.
- Al Sago: Al Sago is a dessert made up of wheat mixed with ghee, sugar and cardamom.
- Al Balaleet: A kind of pasta made with sugar, eggs, ghee, onions and cinnamon.
- Al Jareesh: Al Jareesh is made of “Borghol”, which is a kind of crushed wheat.
- Batheetha: Batheetha is a popular traditional dessert made of date paste, flour and ghee. The best time to make Batheetha is during the winter.

Other famous Emirati dishes are Al Chami, Al Logimat and Mathrouba.

Originally published by http://www.dubaitourism.ae

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“For business travelers, we are only five minutes away from Dubai Media City, Knowledge Village and Dubai Internet City,” said Dalip Singh, General Manager, Dusit Residence Dubai Marina. “For our leisure guests we are within easy reach of Ibn Battuta and Mall of the Emirates, not to mention the extensive lifestyle facilities in the Marina itself.”

The contemporary five-star residence is tastefully designed with a comprehensive range of integrated facilities for both short and long staying guests, featuring three food and beverage outlets, including the Dusit Gourmet and a Fusion Lounge, as well as a fully equipped health centre with swimming pool. A spa complete with Thai massage and foot reflexology will open later next year.

“Our residences are fully equipped with everything from quality brand toasters and washing machines to wireless internet and iPod docking stations, along with spectacular panoramic views. In addition we have state-of-the-art meeting rooms as well as mobile office support, which can be installed in the guest’s residence, complete with secretarial assistance if necessary,” added Singh.

Dusit Residence Dubai Marina is now the third Dusit property in Dubai, with a residence in Al Barsha and the flagship property Dusit Thani which opened in 2001 and is located in the financial centre of Dubai

The group also has another three properties to open on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, which are due for completion within the next few years. Dusit International will also be launching in Abu Dhabi before the end of next year and a new Dusit Thani Lake View hotel in Cairo is due to open in January 2009.

Al Murooj Rotana Hotel & Suites is part of the prestigious Al Murooj complex in the heart of Dubai’s business district. A landmark for its architecture and its ideal location, Al Murooj Rotana Hotel & Suites is now welcoming guests for business and leisure.

The hotel is prominently situated off Sheikh Zayed Road and adjacent to Dubai International Financial City. Al Murooj Rotana Hotel & Suites is prominently situated 3 minutes away from the Convention Centre and a 10 minutes drive from Dubai International Airport. Jebel Ali, Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City is less than 20 minutes away.

Al Murooj Rotana Hotel & Suites: Facilities & Services
Al Murooj Rotana Hotel & Suites offers unsurpassed facilities that aim at fulfilling the needs of well-traveled guests and their families.

• 10 food & beverage venues
• 2 swimming pools
• Access to private beach club at additional charge
• Airport transfer
• Beauty salon
• Bodylines leisure and fitness club
• Bookshop & jewellery shop
• Car rental
• Club Rotana Executive lounge and floors
• Fully equipped business centre
• Gymnasium
• Laundry & dry-cleaning facilities
• Multilingual employees
• Shuttle bus service to major shopping center
• Valet parking facility

Al Murooj Rotana Hotel & Suites: Rooms & Accommodation
Breaking from bare minimalism the Al Murooj Rotana Hotel & Suites looks like no other Dubai hotel, with a signature bold use of color, refined architectural detailing and vibrant rich fabrics. Inviting and opulent, the property offers a pulsing yet relaxed atmosphere.

An expert in the use of plush materials and daring supplies, Al Murooj Rotana Hotel & Suites creates an interior that is lavish yet airy: the perfect modern balance. The interior is respectful of the simple deco lines and modern yet contemporary furniture design.

Al Murooj Rotana Hotel:

• 144 Superior Rooms
• 101 Club Rotana Rooms
• 2 Executive Suites
• 2 Two Bedroom Suites
• 2 Ambassador Suites
• 2 Presidential Suites

Al Murooj Rotana Suites:

• 2 Studios
• 14 One Bedroom Apartments
• 87 Two Bedroom Apartments
• 26 Three Bedroom Apartments
• 4 Duplexes
• 4 Penthouses

Each room and suite is designed with beautiful and modern accessories, and is equipped with a fully interactive TV with direct Internet access and personal safe, tea & coffee making facilities (hotel rooms only), daily local newspaper (for hotel guests and short stay guests in the Suites), IP telephony, mini bar (hotel rooms only), in-room safe, hair dryer, multi channel satellite TV and pay TV, an electronic monitoring system to enhance all comfort levels including temperature and state of the art security system.

For our discerning business travellers, our Club Rotana rooms provide a wide range of deluxe in-room amenities and additional services, such as complimentary airport transfer and access to the Club Rotana lounge.

Al Murooj Rotana Hotel & Suites: Dinning & Entertainment
Also known for its diversity of restaurants and bars, to delight your palate, Al Murooj Rotana Hotel & Suites offers a wide range of authentic and trendy dining experiences including the following:

• Latino House: A modern and vibrant Latino Fusion Restaurant, which features an open grill kitchen serving South American Fusion cuisine. A dynamic and stylish lounge bar on the mezzanine level represents the perfect setting for a drink before going one level lower to enjoy a delightful dinner. The outlet also features al fresco dinning surrounded by an artificial lake in the middle of the Al Murooj Complex.
• Waterside Seafood Restaurant & Terrace: A lavish contemporary Seafood Fusion Restaurant featuring an open shellfish and fish counter. The restaurant offers a wide selection of fish and seafood served with the freshest ingredients, and prepared in various international styles. Our Sommelier has chosen a fine selection of wines to accompany your meals. The restaurant also features outdoor terrace where guest can relax and enjoy the surroundings, over looking the magnificent lake in the heart of the Al Murooj Complex.
• Zaika: A refine Northern Indian Restaurant, Zaika restaurant serves the best of Northern Indian Cuisine in a very traditional and a fine dining atmosphere. Sensational surroundings, exceptional cuisine and impeccable service are a feature. The Outlet is designed on two floors and offers private dinning rooms for up to 10 guests.
• Pergolas: Pergolas restaurant is an informal yet stylish all day dining restaurant offering a sizable terrace overlooking the waterfalls and gardens of the Al Murooj Rotana Hotel & Suites. Serving rich buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner, where the guests can choose from various live cooking stations. A La Carte option is available as well.
• Mawal: Our famous traditional Lebanese Restaurant, Mawal is the second of its kind in Dubai. Voted best Lebanese Restaurant in the UAE, Al Mawal is located in the Lobby level.
• Double Decker: Traditional but contemporary, Double Decker is contemporary, award winning pub serving traditional British and international cuisine. Featuring live entertainment, DJ, and live spot coverage, the venue is open every day and is accessible via a private entrance.
• Circle Lobby Cafe: Circle is a perfect location for an informal meeting or simply to order some refreshments, light snacks, afternoon tea, and home made pastries and Arabic sweets.
• C-Bar by Crystal: Designed and built on the image of its big brother the infamous Crystal, C Bar reflects the classiness and hype of a high-end Restaurant/Bar with great emphasis on modern Asian cuisine and fusion fresh cocktail menu.
• Aquarius Bar: The perfect choice for casual dining and refreshments at the pool, guests coming to Aquarius can enjoy light bites and refreshing cocktails surrounded by water fountains and soothing gardens.
• City Cafe: City Cafe is located in the Suites Building and offers light snacks and international cuisine.

Al Murooj Rotana Hotel & Suites: Recreational Facilities, Keep fit and relax with state-of-the-art facilities

• Aquarius Pool Bar
• Gymnasium, massage rooms and in-door Jacuzzi
• Next generation Bodylines fitness centre
• Temperature controlled pools

Click Here to make reservations at Al Murooj Rotana Hotel & Suites with our lowest rates guarantee

Al Murooj Rotana Hotel & Suites
Address: Al Saffa Street, Off Sheikh Zayed Road, Adjacent to Dubai International Financial Centre, P.O. Box 117546, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 4 321 1111
Fax: +971 4 321 5555
Website: http://www.rotana.com