The welcome
The hotel, which officially opened in December, is busy during peak season when I arrive on a Saturday morning, but the valet and a hosted walk to the check-in counter is without fault. I enjoy a juice and cool towel while check-in is completed, then without much delay, I’m on my way to my room, which is a bit of a maze to find, but with a staff member leading the way, I’m there in no time.
The neighbourhood
The hotel rounds out the Madinat Jumeirah resort’s four-hotel offering on the shores of Jumeirah Beach – guests are allowed access to all four hotels. It’s next door to Wild Wadi water park and a short stroll from the Burj Al Arab. The Madinat’s souq is just an abra ride away. The property is a short drive from Mall of the Emirates and 21 kilometres from Dubai International Airport.
The room
My 60-square-metre resort superior room has an indoor terrace with views across the adults-only pool and the ocean in the distance. There’s a sitting area, king-size bed and sizeable open-plan bathroom featuring dual sinks, a beautiful gold-and-cream hammam-style shower and bath space, separate toilet, and his-and-hers wardrobes. The furnishings are subtle yet refined and carry an Arabic-heritage feel. My room is quite a walk from the lifts, though, which means it’s necessary to allow extra time to get around, and a temperamental lift downstairs isn’t ideal, either.
The service
The international staff are efficient, friendly and knowledgeable. All are eager to assist. I’m attended to promptly when dining and any special requests are tended to quickly and without fuss. There’s some confusion about bookings at some of the outlets, but these are resolved quickly.
The scene
The 430-room hotel has a beach-club vibe. Guests are a combination of families, couples and groups. Targeted towards the adventure traveller with a penchant for luxury, Jumeirah Al Naseem, which means “sea breeze” in Arabic, offers a more modern, architectural twist on luxury.
The food
With seven restaurants and bars to choose from, there’s plenty of variety. High tea (Dh200), in Al Mandhar Lounge in the lobby building, features excellent sandwiches and sweet treats, along with the tea. Lunch at the Kalsa Pool Bar is a more-casual affair. I would order the grilled lamb chops (Dh115) again. My dinner in seafood restaurant Rockfish is also good, even if the portion sizes are a little on the small side for the price. The Ras Al Hanout-scented salmon pateis (Dh70) starter is as good as my waiter suggests, but the grilled scallop and Norwegian salmon main (Dh150) is too small and lacks flavour. There are no real surprises on the breakfast buffet: eggs and waffles stations, fruits, cereals, a cold meats and cheeses selection, a congee and miso soup/noodle station and a variety of breads and pastries.
Loved
The purpose-built lagoon for rehabilitating critically endangered turtles. The Burj Al Arab views aren’t bad either.
Hated
Lukewarm cappuccinos at breakfast, despite requests for them to be served extra-hot.
The verdict
Great for leisure- and luxury-seekers, especially those who don’t intend on leaving the hotel.
The bottom line
Rooms at Jumeirah Al Naseem (www.jumeirah.com) cost from Dh1,320 per night, including taxes, Wi-Fi, breakfast and a choice of lunch or dinner.
This review was done at the invitation of the hotel.
mhealy@thenational.ae
Leaderboard
15 under: Paul Casey (ENG)
-14: Robert MacIntyre (SCO)
-13 Brandon Stone (SA)
-10 Laurie Canter (ENG) , Sergio Garcia (ESP)
-9 Kalle Samooja (FIN)
-8 Thomas Detry (BEL), Justin Harding (SA), Justin Rose (ENG)
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
The%20specs
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SHAITTAN
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Getting%20there%20and%20where%20to%20stay
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Super Saturday race card
4pm: Mahab Al Shimaal Group 3 | US$350,000 | (Dirt) | 1,200m
4.35pm: Al Bastakiya Listed | $300,000 | (D) | 1,900m
5.10pm: Nad Al Sheba Turf Group 3 | $350,000 | (Turf) | 1,200m
5.45pm: Burj Nahaar Group 3 | $350,000 | (D) | 1,600m
6.20pm: Dubai City of Gold Group 2 | $300,000 | (T) | 2,410m
6.55pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 Group 1 | $600,000 | (D) | 2,000m
7.30pm: Jebel Hatta Group 1 | $400,000 | (T) | 1,800m
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
UAE%20set%20for%20Scotland%20series
%3Cp%3EThe%20UAE%20will%20host%20Scotland%20for%20a%20three-match%20T20I%20series%20at%20the%20Dubai%20International%20Stadium%20next%20month.%3Cbr%3EThe%20two%20sides%20will%20start%20their%20Cricket%20World%20Cup%20League%202%20campaigns%20with%20a%20tri-series%20also%20involving%20Canada%2C%20starting%20on%20January%2029.%3Cbr%3EThat%20series%20will%20be%20followed%20by%20a%20bilateral%20T20%20series%20on%20March%2011%2C%2013%20and%2014.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
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Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Brief scores:
Huesca 0
Real Madrid 1
Bale 8'
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EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
Herc's Adventures
Developer: Big Ape Productions
Publisher: LucasArts
Console: PlayStation 1 & 5, Sega Saturn
Rating: 4/5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
THE CLOWN OF GAZA
Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah
Starring: Alaa Meqdad
Rating: 4/5
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
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- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
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This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.