Dubai's newest hotel has opened in one of the city's hottest up-and-coming neighbourhoods.
Palace Dubai Creek Harbour hotel is the latest addition to the city skyline from Emaar Hospitality Group. Located in Dubai Creek Harbour, it's within a 15-minute drive from the international airport and city landmarks such as Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall.
The hotel rises above its namesake waterway, boosting Emaar's portfolio in the newly developed district, which is already home to the Address Grand Creek, Vida Creek Beach and Vida Creek Harbour.
Located between Downtown Dubai and the city's historical neighbourhoods, Dubai Creek Harbour makes the most of its location with 700,000 sqm of parks and open spaces, some 66,000 sqm of cultural offerings, a picturesque promenade and views of the Dubai creek and adjacent Ras Al Khor Wildlife Reserve.
The five-star Palace Dubai Creek Harbour opens to overnight guests on Wednesday, May 1 and The National was invited along for the exclusive first media review. Here's what's in store for travellers.
The welcome
Driving over the bridge that connects the neighbourhood with the main artery of the city, I'm impressed. Streets are wide and traffic-free, and I easily navigate my way to the new hotel.
Valet staff immediately appear, and whisk luggage from my car before ushering my husband, daughter and I inside where a member of staff in a beautiful jewel-toned abaya welcomes us to the hotel. The lobby is stunning, with an Arabian-inspired central water feature set underneath a delicate glass chandelier amid rolling archways.
We're shown to the check-in desk and offered refreshing welcome drinks and cold towels, before being handed our room key and shown to the elevators.
The neighbourhood
Wandering around the area, I soon realise that it has many similarities to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Boulevard in Downtown Dubai. There's a similar vibe but less traffic.
Dubai Creek Harbour has an evergreen central park, a marina, yacht club and a selection of hotels and dining venues. There's also a Spinney's supermarket, salon, nursery and other amenities. Colourful nature-focused art installations are dotted around, including a giant flamingo and swimming turtle sculptures. The View Point is the place to go in the early evening for sunset views and the nearby Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary offers up-close pink flamingo sightings.
The room
The hotel has 122 rooms, ranging from a deluxe king to a sprawling presidential suite. Each is beautifully decorated with a modern Arabesque charm that extends to the smallest details, like the Islamic-inspired patterns inside the shower shelves.
We're staying in a deluxe partial canal view king room on the fourth floor. It has a huge king-size bed, a circular desk and a spacious bathroom with a soaking tub, separate toilet and shower – plus sliding doors that open to allow guests to sit in the bath and still be able to see the television in the bedroom.
Toiletries are from Lorenzo Villoresi and fluffy bathrobes and slippers are provided. As my baby daughter is staying with us, a wooden crib has been placed in the room, alongside some organic baby toiletries. It is a lovely, personalised touch. We also have an outdoor terrace with a seating area from where we can see a sliver of Dubai Canal to one side and a small segment of the water in the other direction. We're not sure it qualifies as a waterfront view. Nonetheless, it's a relaxed place to sit and watch the city wake up.
The service
When we visit, the hotel is preparing to open to the public so staff are friendly and enthusiastic, if a little nervous at times. Requests are efficiently handled, including non-standard messages such as leaving our room service order outside the hotel room to prevent my baby daughter from waking up, are followed through. A mix-up with coffee orders at breakfast is efficiently resolved, as is my husband's lift mishap – more on that to follow.
The scene
Emaar's Palace hotel brand takes inspiration from its surroundings and that's clear to see at Palace Dubai Creek Harbour, where interiors have Arabesque decor fused with tasteful modern accents. Heritage art pieces sit side by side with contemporary architecture, and a selection of books and artefacts shine a light on the destination, wider region and travel as a whole.
This hotel will appeal to leisure and business travellers, families, solo travellers and groups and is well located. Because it is not a resort, it does have a slightly more formal atmosphere than some of Emaar's other properties. That said, staff are welcoming to everyone.
The rooftop infinity pool is open to all – unlike some rooftop pools in the city that exclude children – and friendly lifeguards are on hand to make sure everything is safe. There's also a brightly coloured Qix Club for children on the eighth floor, just down the corridor from the spa, making it a perfect drop-off point for parents seeking relaxation.
For business travellers, there's a boardroom and a business centre, plus a striking oversized dining table in Ewaan restaurant that would be ideal for corporate breakfast, lunch or dinner. There's a 24-hour fitness centre for those looking to stay in shape on the road.
The food
Recreating concepts found in other Palace hotels, the property boasts Ewaan and Al Bayt which serve Levantine and local cuisine. We enjoy breakfast at Ewaan, where there's a beautifully laid-out buffet and a live cooking station on the open air terrace where chefs whip up eggs, pancakes and other dishes.
Fai Lounge is a sleek outpost adjacent to the hotel's infinity pool. It has poolside options and an elegant international and seafood-inspired à la carte menu. Indoors, teal seating, brushed gold accents and vibrant wall prints adorned with flamingoes, camels and lush greenery set the scene for a sophisticated meal, with a hint of creativity.
Starting with the tuna tartare (Dh105), we're impressed by the portion size. It is the same for the sea bass ceviche (Dh105), which comes with tangy blood oranges and a sharp dressing, although we wouldn't mind if our fish was a tad more delicately sliced.
I opt for the grilled tuna niçoise (Dh170) for my main course and enjoy a huge meaty piece of fish served with quail eggs, tomato salsa and green beans. My husband has the pan seared king scallops (Dh180) and they're so beautifully plated that he's reluctant to start eating for fear of spoiling the aesthetics. We also try two of Fai's mocktail offerings, which are brightly-coloured and full of flavour.
Highs and lows
We're offered treatments at the spa and are thoroughly spoiled with a relaxing bio-lifting facial using Team Dr Joseph products for myself, and a soothing bespoke ritual massage for my husband. It's the highlight of our stay. I also adore the dried flower arrangements, which add modern elegance throughout the property.
The low-point is when my husband takes my daughter for a walk on the promenade. Afterwards, when they attempt to take the lift back to the lobby, they discover it's not operational from promenade level. Thankfully, he has his phone with him and a call to reception saw help arriving shortly after. We're assured the issue will be immediately resolved.
The insider tip
If you book a spa treatment, take your swimsuit with you. There's an experience shower, steam room and sauna available to use before or after your session – and leave plenty of time for relaxation post treatment as the spa has golden-toned robes and slippers that are some of the fluffiest we've worn.
The verdict
A beautifully designed hotel that exudes a sense of elegance in the heart of one of Dubai's newest neighbourhoods. Perfect for those travelling on business or seeking a serene getaway but without being too far from the heart of the city.
The bottom line
Opening rates start at Dh490, including breakfast. Check-in time is from 3pm and checkout time is at noon; www.addresshotels.com
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
More coverage from the Future Forum
Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20myZoi%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202021%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Syed%20Ali%2C%20Christian%20Buchholz%2C%20Shanawaz%20Rouf%2C%20Arsalan%20Siddiqui%2C%20Nabid%20Hassan%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2037%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Initial%20undisclosed%20funding%20from%20SC%20Ventures%3B%20second%20round%20of%20funding%20totalling%20%2414%20million%20from%20a%20consortium%20of%20SBI%2C%20a%20Japanese%20VC%20firm%2C%20and%20SC%20Venture%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Abaya trends
The utilitarian robe held dear by Arab women is undergoing a change that reveals it as an elegant and graceful garment available in a range of colours and fabrics, while retaining its traditional appeal.
The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
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
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
MATCH INFO
Euro 2020 qualifier
Croatia v Hungary, Thursday, 10.45pm, UAE
TV: Match on BeIN Sports
Results
Final: Iran beat Spain 6-3.
Play-off 3rd: UAE beat Russia 2-1 (in extra time).
Play-off 5th: Japan beat Egypt 7-2.
Play-off 7th: Italy beat Mexico 3-2.
Race results:
1. Thani Al Qemzi (UAE) Team Abu Dhabi: 46.44 min
2. Peter Morin (FRA) CTIC F1 Shenzhen China Team: 0.91sec
3. Sami Selio (FIN) Mad-Croc Baba Racing Team: 31.43sec
Guns N’ Roses’s last gig before Abu Dhabi was in Hong Kong on November 21. We were there – and here’s what they played, and in what order. You were warned.
- It’s So Easy
- Mr Brownstone
- Chinese Democracy
- Welcome to the Jungle
- Double Talkin’ Jive
- Better
- Estranged
- Live and Let Die (Wings cover)
- Slither (Velvet Revolver cover)
- Rocket Queen
- You Could Be Mine
- Shadow of Your Love
- Attitude (Misfits cover)
- Civil War
- Coma
- Love Theme from The Godfather (movie cover)
- Sweet Child O’ Mine
- Wichita Lineman (Jimmy Webb cover)
- Wish You Were Here (instrumental Pink Floyd cover)
- November Rain
- Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden cover)
- Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door (Bob Dylan cover)
- Nightrain
Encore:
- Patience
- Don’t Cry
- The Seeker (The Who cover)
- Paradise City
The specs
Engine: 77.4kW all-wheel-drive dual motor
Power: 320bhp
Torque: 605Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh219,000
On sale: Now
Company profile
Company: Verity
Date started: May 2021
Founders: Kamal Al-Samarrai, Dina Shoman and Omar Al Sharif
Based: Dubai
Sector: FinTech
Size: four team members
Stage: Intially bootstrapped but recently closed its first pre-seed round of $800,000
Investors: Wamda, VentureSouq, Beyond Capital and regional angel investors
THE BIO
Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979
Education: UAE University, Al Ain
Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6
Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma
Favourite book: Science and geology
Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC
Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.
THE SPECS
Engine: Four-cylinder 2.5-litre
Transmission: Seven-speed auto
Power: 165hp
Torque: 241Nm
Price: Dh99,900 to Dh134,000
On sale: now
Name: Brendalle Belaza
From: Crossing Rubber, Philippines
Arrived in the UAE: 2007
Favourite place in Abu Dhabi: NYUAD campus
Favourite photography style: Street photography
Favourite book: Harry Potter
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
How to invest in gold
Investors can tap into the gold price by purchasing physical jewellery, coins and even gold bars, but these need to be stored safely and possibly insured.
A cheaper and more straightforward way to benefit from gold price growth is to buy an exchange-traded fund (ETF).
Most advisers suggest sticking to “physical” ETFs. These hold actual gold bullion, bars and coins in a vault on investors’ behalf. Others do not hold gold but use derivatives to track the price instead, adding an extra layer of risk. The two biggest physical gold ETFs are SPDR Gold Trust and iShares Gold Trust.
Another way to invest in gold’s success is to buy gold mining stocks, but Mr Gravier says this brings added risks and can be more volatile. “They have a serious downside potential should the price consolidate.”
Mr Kyprianou says gold and gold miners are two different asset classes. “One is a commodity and the other is a company stock, which means they behave differently.”
Mining companies are a business, susceptible to other market forces, such as worker availability, health and safety, strikes, debt levels, and so on. “These have nothing to do with gold at all. It means that some companies will survive, others won’t.”
By contrast, when gold is mined, it just sits in a vault. “It doesn’t even rust, which means it retains its value,” Mr Kyprianou says.
You may already have exposure to gold miners in your portfolio, say, through an international ETF or actively managed mutual fund.
You could spread this risk with an actively managed fund that invests in a spread of gold miners, with the best known being BlackRock Gold & General. It is up an incredible 55 per cent over the past year, and 240 per cent over five years. As always, past performance is no guide to the future.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Name: Colm McLoughlin
Country: Galway, Ireland
Job: Executive vice chairman and chief executive of Dubai Duty Free
Favourite golf course: Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club
Favourite part of Dubai: Palm Jumeirah
The specs
Engine: 0.8-litre four cylinder
Power: 70bhp
Torque: 66Nm
Transmission: four-speed manual
Price: $1,075 new in 1967, now valued at $40,000
On sale: Models from 1966 to 1970
AT%20A%20GLANCE
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