What's New in Dubai 2013

There has been a 9.3% growth in tourism from the US alone and surpassed 500,000 USA hotel visitors for the first time ever at 506,019. Dubai will be starting 2013 on a high note. Here is a look at what's new and in store for Dubai in the New Year.

JW Marriott Marquis Hosts First Phase of Openings

The JW Marriott Marquis has celebrated the first phase of opening its doors to the public. The luxurious 5-star hotel began welcoming its first guests at the end of November with the opening of the first tower of 804 rooms and three out of its nine restaurants. The Marquis has been recognized as the world's tallest hotel, just short of the Empire State Building in New York City and is touted as Dubai's latest top venue for meetings and incentives. First guests included Tommaso Bendoni of GlobeSoccer who will host their exclusive annual event at the Marquis, as well as Fadi Deek who is the Director for Boeing IT Middle East and Africa. By January 2013 the Marquis hopes to have all nine restaurants, five bars and lounges open. The official grand opening of the hotel is set for February of next year. www.marriott.com/jw-marriott/travel.mi

Dubai Announces New Mohammed Bin Rashid City Project

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, recently unveiled plans for the new Mohammed Bin Rashid City. The city will include a massive park with the capacity to welcome 35 million people. It will also host the largest family center for leisure and entertainment in the area in collaboration with Universal Studios, as well as 100 new hotels. A city known for its “largest” accolades, the Mohammed Bin Rashid City is receiving a lot of buzz for the inclusion of the world's largest mall which would be able to accommodate 80 million shoppers a year. The additions will be built between Emirates, Al Khail and Sheikh Zayed Roads, with development of the city set to begin immediately.

Launch of Zagat Dubai City Guide

On December 10, 2012 Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing in conjunction with Zagat guides hosted an event at the Jimmy at the James Hotel in SoHo to launch the new Zagat Dubai City Guide. In attendance were Mr. and Mrs. Tim and Nina Zagat and Mr. Hamad Mohammed Bin Mejren, Executive Director of Business Tourism, who spoke on behalf of the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing. The new City Guide includes Dubai's most popular categories in dining, nightlife, shopping, sights and attractions. 5,751 individuals were surveyed on their preference of 484 restaurants, 71 nightspots, 527 shops and 37 sights and attractions. The rankings assigned in all of Zagat's publications are based on public opinion surveys which reflect average scores given to each establishment by the survey participants. The new guide is available for purchase on Zagat's website. Zagat Guides are available to members of the media upon request.

10th Anniversary of Dubai Convention Bureau

The Dubai Convention Bureau will celebrate its 10th anniversary in March 2013. The Bureau will begin the year on a high note, hosting the Conference on International Telecommunications, the Global Standards Symposium and The World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly, all before 2013 with an estimated attendance of 11,000. For next year, Dubai Convention Bureau will be going through a rebranding process just shy of the celebration of the 10 year anniversary.

Port Rashid Complex to Accommodate Five Cruise Ships Simultaneously

By the end of 2013 Dubai's Port Rashid Complex will complete a 27,000 square meters addition to its cruise port. The port is said to be comparable to that of Miami, Florida's cruise port that accommodates a number of different cruise lines. This is a major business opportunity for Dubai because it will help grow its economy and encourage cruise lines to visit their luxurious destination. The new development will also increase the tourism industry's long term goals. The Port Rashid complex was originally opened in August 2010 with the ability to host four ships simultaneously.

UAE Submits Bid for 2020 World Expo in Dubai

The UAE's Ambassador to France has officially put in a bid for Dubai to be the host of the 2020 World Expo. The 600 page proposal the Ambassador submitted includes plans for their theme, “Connecting Minds, Connecting Futures,” as well as the cost and environmental impact of hosting the event. Dubai is competing against Ayutthaya (Thailand), Ekaterinburg (Russia), Izmir (Turkey), and Sao Paulo (Brazil).

Emirates Unveils New Flight to Phuket

Emirates Airlines revealed a new non-stop flight to Phuket, Thailand. This daily service to Phuket makes it the airline's 128th destination. Connecting with Emirates will increase the city's international flight capacity and connect it with Emirates' growing network throughout the globe. The airline had previously connected with seven US Destinations to reach access to six different continents. Emirates' new flight also shows its commitment to Thailand; a country whom they've been flying to since 1990.

Vogue Café Opens Location in Dubai Mall
The opening of the new Vogue Café shows Condé Nast International's commitment to expand its media brands to restaurants and bars around the world. The café displays the diversity of Dubai's shops and restaurants demonstrating again that the city is a key market for international luxury brands.

Upcoming Events in 2013

Dubai Shopping Festival

Each winter the Dubai Shopping Festival takes place with a wide array of discounts, competitions, prizes and entertainment. The festival attracts individuals from around the world who thrill at the idea of a bargain. The festival is in full swing and will continue until February 3, 2013. www.dubaicalendar.ae/en/event/events/dubai-shopping-festival-2013.html

Third Annual SIKKA Art Fair Set for March 2013

Submissions have begun for the 2013 SIKKA Art Fair. The fair will include a visual arts program of entirely commissioned new work from Emerati and UAE-based artists. This year's event will also include film, music and performing arts in addition to the visual artwork. Individuals interested in participating in the event may submit their proposals to SIKKA's website at www.sikka.ae.

Dubai World Cup 2013

The Dubai World Cup Carnival has officially kicked off, showcasing some of the world's most prized thoroughbreds. The events leading up to this “Super Saturday,” on March 9th, officially began on January 10th. This event is an opportunity for racing's biggest international players to prepare their horses for the chance to compete in the world's richest day of racing, and one of the city's biggest days out, the Dubai World Cup. The Dubai World Cup, the main event, will take place this year on Saturday, March 30th, 2013. Families, general public, retailers and corporations are all welcome to attend at the Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse. This year will mark the 18th edition of the world's biggest racing day.

Anantara Dubai Palm Jumeirah Resort & Spa to Open in September!

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas is excited to announce its first hotel in Dubai – Anantara Dubai Palm Jumeirah Resort & Spa, to open in September of this year. Designed to reflect the brand's Asian heritage, the luxurious new five star resorts is located on the crescent of Dubai's iconic Palm Jumeirah and will bring Anantara's experience and discovery-lead hospitality to the vibrant Dubai market. With 130 guest rooms featuring direct access to 11,000 square metres of lagoon pools, 12 Beach Villas, 18 Over Water Villas and three highly exclusive Royal Beach Villas, the resort will have an indulgent and exotic feel. Impressive facilities will include a private beach, three natural lagoons, water sports, a shoreline infinity pool, an Anantara Spa with 12 treatment rooms, a fitness studio and two tennis courts.

For more information on Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, please visit www.anantara.com.