Eat Drink Stay Dubai Newsletter 31/w20

Hi Dubai friends,

Welcome to Week 12, Edition 31

I’d like to start with a welcome to all new subscribers, as there’s been a bit of a surge of late.

Which brings me to a sincere thank you for subscribing, reading and keeping in touch with your thoughts. It’s sincerely appreciated, especially with all the demands on everyone’s time and attention life brings.

It’s always a bit tough trying to decide what goes in - and is left out - of each edition, as there’s always heaps of things about Dubai.

So do let me know if I’ve got the balance right, and if not, what you’d like to see or any ideas you may have for future editions.

7 things worth knowing this week ⤵

🛬 Etihad Flash Sale: Ending Today!

🏨 First Collection JVC joins Tribute Portfolio

💸 Emirates reports record profits, to pay 20 week bonus

🥰 Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033 launched

🏨 Hotel Openings: The Lana, Palace Dubai Creek Harbour Hotel

🍽 Restaurant Month at JW Marriott Marquis

👯‍♂️ Aura Skypool launches Saturday Brunch

PS. As you may know, I uploaded a video to YouTube recently (see embed in the middle of the newsletter) about the latest version of My Emirates Pass for Summer 2024.

Please check out the video, like and subscribe to channel and let me know your thoughts and what you want to see more of on there.

If you enjoy this newsletter, have any feedback or suggestions or just way to say 👋, feel free to drop me an email by clicking here 

FLIGHT OFFERS

Ending TODAY: Etihad “Summer Offers” Flash Sale

Etihad’s 3 day flash sale ends today, so be sure to check it out ASAP. It’s not clear what time it finishes, just that it’s today.

Flights to be booked by 16 May 24. Travel between 01 Jun 24 to 30 Sep 24.

Prices from £410 ex-LHR to AUH in economy (return). There’s also a 20% discount on Extra Legroom seats.

🔗 Etihad Summer Offers

HOTEL NEWS

The First Collection JVC joins Marriott Tribute Portfolio

Marriott continue to expand their local footprint by welcoming their first Tribute Portfolio in the Middle East with The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle.

To save confusion, this isn’t a ‘new’ hotel. It was opened in Sep 2021 under The First Collection.

I’m not sure if the property’s official page at Marriott is getting a bit giddy though, claiming this ….

If it’s this Soulana Restaurants and Beach Club they’re referring to, it’s got to be near 20 km or 30 mins of a drive from JVC to PJ, right?

🔗 Marriott press release

EMIRATES

Emirates Pay a Whopper of a Bonus. Nice.

On the back of their $4.69 billion full year profit, Emirates airline have announced they will be paying “eligible employees” a 20 week bonus in their May payroll.

Whilst this is of course great news, last year 50,000 employees received a 24 week bonus even with lower profit (a mere $2.9 billion 🙂).

Emirates Group (ie the airline and other companies such as Dnata) posted revenue growth of 15% this year. Emirates airline carried 51.9 million passengers up to 31 March, with an increased seat capacity of 21.4%.

Singapore Airlines also had a bumper year, and they’re paying a bonus of eight months salary it seems.

They all deserve it though hey? Great planes, great service, great staff - well done all. 👏

DUBAI NEWS

Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033

Dubai’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has launched Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033, including over 200 projects to benefit nationals, residents and tourists.

Dubai does these ambitious plans so well, and it’s well worth having a closer look into all the articles on things like this.

DUBAI HOTEL OPENINGS

The Lana, Dorchester Collection, Officially Opens

In a city with hotels that often lean towards the bling, the brash, or the ostentatious, it's refreshing to encounter those that embrace a quiet, refined approach.

On that note, here’s a few articles about the Lana, which recently ‘officially’ opened. It’s a very beautiful hotel, if you like design and architecture and admire loveliness.

The Lana Hotel & Residences, Dorchester Collection, officially opens (Foster & Partners)

The Lana Dubai, elegance and refinement (The Week)

The Lana Dubai (Wallpaper)

The Lana (Dorchester Collection)

Palace Dubai Creek Harbour Hotel Officially Opens

Palace Dubai Creek Harbour Hotel opens at Heart of Dubai

If you’re keen on this hotel, do have a good search around for offers as there have been many around - and the direct opening offers have been extended another month.

DUBAI DEALS

Restaurant Month deals at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai

Not to be confused with the recently-opened Marriott Marquis Dubai (at Jewel of the Creek) or the reflagged JW Marriott Marina (ex-Address Dubai Marina), JW Marriott Marquis continues to be a great culinary destination. Not only do they have a fantastic range of restaurants and bars, there’s something for everyone in terms of cuisine.

During May, it has a promotion called “Restaurant Month” including special menus and discounted offers, such as:-

• Prime 68 Dinner Experience from 245 AED

• Signature Dining at Rang Mahal, Tong Thai or Izakaya for 245 AED

Check out all their other Promotions and Restaurant Month at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai

PS. As always, don’t overlook Marriott Bonvoy promotions and benefits, especially ones like the More Cravings platform which brings discounts, ‘Dine Around’ Half Board, and even ‘two for one deals’.

BRUNCHES

Aura Skypool Launches Aura 360 Saturday Brunch

Fancy a brunch at the world’s highest 360 degree infinity pool? Here you go - a Saturday brunch has launched at Aura 360. 4 hours free flow champagne - 800 AED.

🔗 Aura 360 Saturday Brunch