Eat Drink Stay Dubai Newsletter 21/w10

Hi Dubai friends,

Welcome to Week 10, Edition 21

Several decent deals worth looking at this week, plus a (spoiler alert! non-Dubai content) decent Taylor Swift competition via Marriott Bonvoy.

With Ramadan soon to be upon on us, content may vary although posts will still be sent each Thursday during The Holy Month. Entertainer have made an announcement on promo codes that’s worth noting, especially if you’re keen on Entertainer Dubai 2024 for a discount.

Please - do share your thoughts on this week’s newsletter using the comments button below ⤵

If you’d rather drop me an email, just click here - I’m always eager to hear your thoughts, suggestions and feedback (good or bad!).

8 things worth knowing this week ⤵

🤑 Entertainer Dubai 2024 now valid (Ramadan only), GCC not though

🕌 Ramadan: what travellers to Dubai should know

👨‍✈️ Emirates: 10% promo code, 50% more Cash+Miles promo

🏨 The most expensive hotel room in the world?

🇬🇧 British Airways: Business Class sale, Double Tier Points on Holidays

👨‍✈️ Emirates: Sir Tim Clark interviews (A350, Boeing, Biz & Prem Eco Class)

🚀 Dubai hosts Iron Man-style jet pack races

👩‍🎤 Competition: Marriott Bonvoy/Taylor Swift Eras Tour Sweepstakes

🚨 please note: some subscribers may be encountering deliverability issues, i.e. not all editions are being delivered to inboxes.

Please be sure to move this to your inbox (if it’s in ‘Promotions’ on Gmail) or mark as ‘not spam’ or ‘trust this sender’.

You could also add [email protected] to contacts or just reply to this email (even if it’s blank, or just saying ‘yo’) as this helps also 👍

ENTERTAINER

IMPORTANT: Entertainer Promo Code Changes for Ramadan

Whilst there is a promo code for 10% off Entertainer 2024, please note that for Ramadan there are a couple of changes, as of today.

1. The promo code is not valid for Entertainer GCC during Ramadan.

2. However, the promo code is valid for Dubai 2024 - so now’s the time to purchase Entertainer Dubai 2024 as the 10% discount will only be available during Ramadan.

3. The promo code EDSD24 will work for all other Entertainer 2024 products as normal (ie Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman etc.)

More info here 👉️ Entertainer 2024 Promo Code EDSD24

RAMADAN

Travelling to Dubai During Ramadan? Know This

I’ll probably cover more about Ramadan over the coming weeks, but for now, this is what I’d say most travellers to Dubai should be aware of.

Things can change and differ, often at short notice, and even sometimes change again!

For instance, hotels may not be able to make a firm commitment on what they may do (or not do) ahead of time - so manage expectations. By all means ask in advance, but don’t be surprised if things vary from what’s predicted.

Many reasons make this a ‘thing’:-

• authorities may vary what may or may not be allowed

• licenses may need to be applied for, which may bring costs

• rules may vary depending on things like hotel occupancy, demographics etc.

Whilst it’s true Abu Dhabi and Dubai have somewhat eased restrictions in recent years, it’s still a highly important time of the year when politeness, respect and cultural awareness are expected even more.

• Pay particular attention to ‘optics’ and around those that may be fasting.

• Refrain, more than unusual, from doing things like using ‘bad’ language or emotional behaviour or aggression.

• Be mindful it will generally be quieter during the day, eg. restricted hours of operations for some businesses.

• Do ‘read up’ from objective and trusted sources to educate yourself about what Ramadan entails.

Above all, keep respectful and always be ‘situationally aware’ at all times.

PS. It’s a perfect time of the year to learn about Islam and a different culture, so do indulge in research and especially try an Iftar.

DEALS - EMIRATES

(Possible) Emirates Promo Code for 10% discount?

This may be one to file under ‘Your Mileage May Vary’, but if you’re looking to book an Emirates cash flight, try using the promo code STUDENT.

It may give a 10% discount, but it may also be restricted to certain countries. Apparently it’s from Student Universe and valid until end of Dec 24.

Special Emirates ‘Cash+Miles’ Rate - save 50%

Emirates are currently offering a ‘special’ Cash+Miles rate of 2,000 Skywards Miles = £12 for Skywards members.

Log in and this should save 50% more on any fare in any cabin if booked by 31 Mar 24.

Read more about Emirates Cash+Miles offers here

Comment

There are many different ways to earn Emirates/Skywards miles other than flights, including buying them (especially with a bonus), transferring from another program (eg Marriott Bonvoy - which will give a bonus 5k when 60k are transferred) or using Rocketmiles or similar when booking hotels.

DEALS - BRITISH AIRWAYS

British Airways Double Tier Points Extended

If you’re a member of British Airways Executive Club and interested in status in the program, British Airways have extended their British Airways Holidays Double Tier Points promotion.

To qualify, members have to book a package holiday (i.e. flights + hotel or flights + car) of 5 days or more with British Airways Holidays for travel up to 30 Jun 25.

Do read the terms and conditions (as always) - 30 days holiday appears to be the maximum duration.

🔗 British Airways Holidays Double Tier Points

British Airways Business Class (Club World) Sale

Apparently, British Airways are having a sale on Business Class, or Club World as they call it. The deals seem to be between ‘luxury class’ flights (ie flights only) and ‘luxury holidays’ (ie packages).

Given the discounts on offer, it’s possible to find holidays/package for short city stays that would be less than the regular business class/Club World flights only.

Bookings to be made by 19 March.

🔗 British Airways Business Class Sale

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EMIRATES

Read This Great Interview With Sir Tim Clark (Emirates)

What happens when an always informative President of a terrific airline meets one of the UK’s best travel blogs for an hour long chat?

Rob & Rhys from Head for Points recently met with Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates for a very informative discussion on many topics, including:-

• Business Class on their new A350

• The success of Premium Economy

• Boeing’s delay on the 777X

• A350-1000

• The aircraft of the future?

Part 1 is here

Part 2 is here

Sir Tim also had a recent interview with Business Traveller USA here

THAT’S SO DUBAI

Not One, but Seven, Iron Men Race in Dubai Jet Suit Race

COMPETITION

Win Taylor Swift Eras Tour Tix With Marriott Bonvoy

Okay, not Dubai-centric, but this is a great opportunity for any Swifties that may be hoping for Europe or US Eras Tour tickets.

Marriott Bonvoy have launched a free promotion - a sweepstakes - for members. Sign up at the link below or here 

The prizes are pretty decent, ranging from 248 pairs of tickets to a Vancouver experience including hotels, tickets and flights. Top prize is a pretty cool 3 night package across Europe, Canada & USA.

PS. Including this as it’s got to be worth a try, right? Plus I was surprised how many people are interested, even if they claim it’s for ‘family members’ 😉

PPS. Interestingly, the T&C state for Canada residents, “maths skill test required to win” …