The Burj Al Arab luxury hotel features as one of the key locations in Switch, the long-awaited Chinese action movie released nationwide today with a star-studded cast including Andy Lau, Lin Chi-ling, Zhang Jingchu and Tong Dawei.
Switch tells a story about a Chinese action hero (Andy Lau) battling a multinational organisation to recover a stolen national treasure - the "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains" painting.
Filled with fast-paced, suspenseful action and extraordinary stunts, the plot was filmed in four countries and six cities, including Hangzhou, Fuyang, Taipei, Tokyo, Milan and Dubai.
Among some of the breathtaking locations were the Burj Al Arab's helipad, lobby and Al Falak ballroom.
"Over the last few years Burj Al Arab has become a must-visit destination for Chinese travellers coming to Dubai," said Heinrich Morio, the hotel general manager.
"We wanted to introduce our inspiring design and unique décor to the viewers who might not yet be familiar with our hotel. Therefore we were delighted to feature in Switch."
In the last three years, the ease of securing visas to the UAE has helped attract a record number of Chinese tourists and businesspeople to the country, making Chinese visitors among the top three fastest-growing guest segments for Burj Al Arab, and one of the key markets for the Jumeirah Group properties based in Dubai.
Last week, the hotel took part in the International Luxury Travel Market in Shanghai to ensure Chinese guests have more opportunities to learn about the hotel and its offerings.
The hotel put on a show to mark the Chinese New Year celebrations in February with a massive red calligraphic serpent artwork on the sail-shaped exterior welcoming the Year of the Snake. It was well received by guests and Chinese dignitaries attending the Chinese New Year event.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
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Stamp duty timeline
December 2014: Former UK finance minister George Osbourne reforms stamp duty, replacing the slab system with a blended rate scheme, with the top rate increasing to 12 per cent from 10 per cent:
Up to £125,000 - 0%; £125,000 to £250,000 – 2%; £250,000 to £925,000 – 5%; £925,000 to £1.5m: 10%; Over £1.5m – 12%
April 2016: New 3% surcharge applied to any buy-to-let properties or additional homes purchased.
July 2020: Rishi Sunak unveils SDLT holiday, with no tax to pay on the first £500,000, with buyers saving up to £15,000.
March 2021: Mr Sunak decides the fate of SDLT holiday at his March 3 budget, with expectations he will extend the perk unti June.
April 2021: 2% SDLT surcharge added to property transactions made by overseas buyers.
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Water waste
In the UAE’s arid climate, small shrubs, bushes and flower beds usually require about six litres of water per square metre, daily. That increases to 12 litres per square metre a day for small trees, and 300 litres for palm trees.
Horticulturists suggest the best time for watering is before 8am or after 6pm, when water won't be dried up by the sun.
A global report published by the Water Resources Institute in August, ranked the UAE 10th out of 164 nations where water supplies are most stretched.
The Emirates is the world’s third largest per capita water consumer after the US and Canada.
