DK Travel : Dubai & Abu Dhabi : Madinat Jumeirah

Madinat Jumeirah

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The spirit of old Arabia is the inspiration for Madinat Jumeirah, an extravagant resort located on the beachfront comprising two luxury hotels, Al Qasr and Mina A’Salam, and the exclusive Dar Al Masyaf, 29 traditional courtyard summer houses. The charm of the place lies in its detailed Arabian architectural styling – sand-coloured windtowers, arches, columns and terraces – as well as its ingenious construction around a series of man-made waterways. As a result, navigation around the resort is Venetian-style, in old-fashioned abras. This extensive resort also has an Arabian-style souq.
If you get lost, ask for a resort map at any of the many information points. Guests can use a connecting boardwalk to nearby Wild Wadi Water Park, Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Burj Al Arab. For a real pick-me-up, try an espresso martini on the Koubba Bar rooftop.

Top 10 Features

1. Souq Madinat Jumeirah

This souq is a beautifully recreated Arabian market-place and as it is air-conditioned, is a delightful place to browse. On sale are Arabian handicrafts, carpets and curios, all however, at tourist prices.
2. Madinat Arena

2. Madinat Arena

Built around a lagoon, this multi-purpose amphitheatre area is capable of seating over 4,000. It is designed in the style of an old fortress. The encircling citadel houses shops and restaurants.
3. Madinat Theatre

3. Madinat Theatre

Host to the Dubai International Film Festival, the Madinat Theatre – a 442-seat luxury venue – has provided this previously rather culture-starved city with a lively programme of opera, ballet, comedy and film.
4. Central Plaza: live music

Follow the meandering paths through the souq past open-fronted shops and galleries to the central plaza, where you’ll find A’Rukn – a street café with an Arabic twist – the perfect place to enjoy coffee and sample shisha.
5. Al Qasr Hotel

5. Al Qasr Hotel

Al Qasr is designed to reflect a Sheikh’s summer residence. A boutique hotel, this quieter part of the whole complex is surrounded by water on a virtual island.
6. Mina A’Salam Hotel

6. Mina A’Salam Hotel

With a village feel to it, this sea-facing hotel was the first to be completed at Madinat Jumeirah and is home to the liveliest eating and drinking venue.
7. Talise Spa

Relaxation is taken seriously in this tranquil oasis. The spa has 26 treatment rooms located on island clusters so you arrive by abra. Each treatment is described as “person-centric”.
8. An Arabian Venice: Canals

8. An Arabian Venice: Canals

There’s no doubt that the beautifully designed labyrinthine canals with abras and dhows are romantic inspiration. Only in the desert of Dubai could a Venetian styled resort rise.
9. Canal-side Eating

Many of the restaurants and bars have large terraces overlooking the omnipresent waterways, making alfresco dining a delight thanks to Dubai’s reliable sunshine. Zheng-He’s terrace is particularly charming.
10. JamBase

10. JamBase

This is one of Dubai’s most eclectic music venues to dine and dance at. A 50s-style jazz bar, it mixes Latin American, southern European and vibrant South African musical inspiration.

Practical Information

If you get lost, ask for a resort map at any of the many information points. Guests can use a connecting boardwalk to nearby Wild Wadi Water Park, Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Burj Al Arab. For a real pick-me-up, try an espresso martini on the Koubba Bar rooftop. Madinat Jumeirah, Al Sufouh Rd, Umm Suqeim, Dubai 366 8888 Jambase Open 7pm–2am Koubba Bar Open noon–2am Zheng-He Open noon–3pm & 7pm–11:30pm