Discover Dubai
Dubai, often recognised for its iconic towers, man-made islands and malls, is a new world mecca for business and pleasure. There are too many places to see, so we’ve prepared a special guide to make the most of your trip to KINZA Dubai. Everything described here is located in the vicinity of Festival Arena, so that you can fully enjoy the city in between networking.
Hotels
Check out the list of hotels that can be booked with a pleasant discount for the forum attendees - they are the closest to the KINZA Dubai venue. Staying here means you will be just 10 minutes away from Dubai International Airport, while the DIFC and Burj Khalifa are less than 15 minutes away without congestion.
Crowne Plaza Dubai - Festival City 5.0 Set on the winding banks of Dubai Creek, this hotel has spectacular waterfront views with abra water taxis floating along. Follow the link and get a 30% discount on booking from October 21 to October 30 – choose any number of days within the period.
Holiday Inn Dubai Festival City 2.0 Holiday Inn Dubai Festival City is the perfect choice for a stopover, with its contemporary and spacious design, access to state-of-the-art leisure facilities, a variety of dining from healthy meals at Zeste to BBQ and chill out place at Joe's Backyard. Follow the link and get a 30% discount on booking from October 21 to October 30 – choose any number of days within the period.
Grand Hyatt Dubai 5.0 Follow the link and get a 20% discount on booking from October 21 to October 30 – choose any number of days within the period.
Taxi
Taking a taxi in Dubai is cheap, safe and one of the fastest ways of getting around the city. You can find taxis outside malls, hotels, official taxi ranks, or wave them down in the street.
The Road and Transport Authority (RTA) has also introduced an exclusive dispatch service - Hala taxi, with numerous on-board features such as free Wi-Fi, weather reports, news updates and entertainment systems.
Luxury Service
If you want to travel in luxury, Uber is for you. Uber taxis allow you to use your smartphone to arrange a pickup in a luxury car. By downloading the Uber App and registering your credit card details, you can have a spotlessly clean car pick you up in minutes from anywhere in Dubai.
- Avoid getting into unmarked taxis, not only are they illegal, you could become the victim of a scam.
- Tipping the driver isn't mandatory, but as in most places it seems the right thing to do.
- For Dubai Taxi (Red Roof), Ladies and Families (Pink Roof), Special Needs or Hala Taxi (Black Roof), call 04-2080808. Specially equipped vehicles are also available for those with special needs (booked 24 hrs in advance).
- Download the RTA's App 'Smart Taxi' for iOS and Android to book a taxi with a shake of your phone.
Metro
The Dubai Metro is a driverless public transport system linking the main areas of Dubai, and each station is supported by a bus and taxi terminal to help you get to your destination.
On average, both Red and Green Lines run from 5:30 AM to midnight (from 10 AM on Fridays). To travel, you need a Nol card or a Nol ticket. To buy or top-up a Nol card or ticket, just go to the ticket office or ticket machine located at each station.
Dining
Taste Dubai’s best Emirati food. Eat like a local at restaurants serving traditional recipes and inspired fare. Here are top-6 places to enjoy local food:
Aseelah This fine dining venue set in the heart of Old Dubai offers a contemporary twist on traditional flavours. Savour classics such as samak (fish in gravy with spiced rice), and a delightful menu offering a selection of imaginative dishes, combining indigenous ingredients with European cooking and presentation techniques. The space also boasts a separate lounge area.
Zaroob Zaroob is the place to try Levantine street-style dishes 24 hours a day, only a short Uber ride from the conference venue. The atmosphere at this two-floor café is bright and cheerful, serving ‘street style’ dishes including manakeesh, falafel and shawarma – the region’s equivalent to a wrap or burrito, and a twist on the traditional kebab.
Al Nafoorah Perfect for a taste of local culture. Visit Al Nafoorah and try their grilled white fish with a twist of lemon. Follow the dish up with kunafa, an indulgent dessert soaked in sugar syrup and layered with cheese. If you choose to dine al fresco, you can enjoy a flavorful shisha experience so typical for Dubai.
Jamie Oliver’s Pizzeria Jamie Oliver’s Pizzeria is for anyone who’s ever bitten into a slice of pizza and smiled. Their traditional Neapolitan dough is slow-proved for maximum flavor and texture, but hand-tossed and baked-to-order in super-quick time.
Skyview Bar Besides Burj Al Arab, visit Skyview Bar in the vicinity. Cooks at this bar do their best to provide guests with good smoked salmon, roast beef and hot sandwiches. At Skyview Bar, clients may try delicious champagne, wine or beer. Take your chance to taste eclectic drinks at 200m above sea level.
Roberto’s Italian Restaurant Opening to critical acclaim in Dubai in 2012, Roberto’s has established itself as a multiyear award-winning Italian stalwart in the heart of the Dubai International Financial Center. Under the overall direction of Group Executive Chef, Chef Francesco Guarracino, Roberto’s presents a truly cosmopolitan experience for the most discerning of culinary crowds.
Sights and attractions
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Museum of the Future The place is only a 15-minute drive from Festival Arena. Offering some of the best architecture for a museum, the stunning landmark opened on 22 February 2022 and now showcases how our daily decisions made today, can influence the future of the coming generations. Described as the most beautiful building on Earth by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the building is the hub for sustainability and is powered by 4,000 megawatts of solar energy.
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Desert Safaris You haven't been to Dubai until you've experienced a desert safari. There are lots of companies offering the adventure with packages including dune bashing, camel rides, henna painting, sand surfing, dune buggies, photo opportunities in Emirati outfits and magnificent displays from a local falconer. The day safaris end at a traditional Bedouin camp where guests can indulge in a barbecue meal and sip Arabic coffee or alcoholic beverages (Bedouin camps are licensed), while a belly dancer provides authentic entertainment. There's shisha too. Some companies offer overnight stays where you can explore the desert night sky in all its glory and watch the sunrise over the sand dunes in a private tent.
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Ain Dubai The newly opened Ain Dubai is a sight no one can ever get enough of. Currently the largest Ferris wheel in the world, it has 48 cabins and offers a variety of experiences, with a perfect option for everybody. Each rotation lasts for 38 minutes and will display a beautiful view of Bluewaters during the day as well as at night when all the lights in Dubai go on.
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The Dubai Fountain The Dubai Fountain was designed by California-based WET, the creators of the Bellagio Fountain in Las Vegas, and is 275 meters long with five circles and two central arcs. Over 6,600 lights and 50 color projectors create a breathtaking show synchronized with classical, Arabic and world music. The Dubai Fountain is located next to The Dubai Mall and entrance is free.
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Bollywood Parks Dubai Bollywood Parks Dubai is a first-of-its-kind theme park that showcases rides and attractions based on the authentic Bollywood experience, recreating it across five zones: Bollywood Boulevard, Mumbai Chowk, Rustic Ravine, Royal Plaza and Bollywood Film Studios featuring Hall of Heroes.
Shopping
With seasonal sales and massive citywide retail celebrations taking place all through the year, it’s always a good time to go shopping in Dubai.
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The Dubai Mall The Dubai Mall is the largest shopping and entertainment destination in the world, offering an unparalleled mix of retail, dining, entertainment, and leisure attractions. The 440,000sq ft Fashion Avenue also makes it the region’s fashion capital. The Dubai Mall is also linked directly to the Dubai Metro station, making it easily accessible to visitors.
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Dubai Festival City Mall The most ideal option to go shopping, located only 1 km away from the Festival Arena! Sitting along the banks of the historic Dubai Creek, Dubai Festival City Mall houses over 2.8 million square ft of style and sophisticated shopping. Browse over 400 world-leading brands and flagship stores.
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Mall of the Emirates Mall of the Emirates is one of the leading malls in Dubai, hosting more than 560 shops with a mixture of high-street brands, boutiques, handicraft shops and luxury stores. Excited shoppers can go on a spending spree throughout the day to find the best the region has to offer.
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Bur Dubai Souk Also known as the Old Souk, the focus at Bur Dubai souk is firmly on textiles and fabrics, making it a particularly solid stop for souvenirs. Dubai might be best known for its high-end, luxury shopping malls, but Bur Dubai is where you can come to the Middle East and indulge in a little retail therapy in a charming and character-rich souk.
Nightlife
and entertainment
Dubai has some of the most prestigious nightclubs in the world, and with a long list of international DJ's rotating through the city, you're sure to find a mesmerizing experience. Grab your old friends and the new acquaintances you just met at KINZA Dubai and hit the town.
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Vii Dubai A rooftop terrace bar, lounge and club where sky meets the green garden giving Alice in Wonderland vibes combined with a beautiful view of Dubai. Enjoy delicious cocktails, delectable hand-made sushi and classic hot dishes. Just a 15-minute drive from Festival Arena.
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Zero Gravity Zero Gravity is an expansive and exclusive beach club and restaurant. Plush daybeds are placed to capture exceptional sea views, complemented by privacy, yet coupled with premium service, refreshments and facilities to create an always-flawless experience. Take a 30-minute taxi ride to party hard in front of The Palm Jumeirah.
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OMNI Club Dubai Omni club is one of the Best Night Club in Dubai with a peaceful environment, hygienic place, guest Arabic Stars, Live performances, Professional Arabic DJs. Omni Club offers its clients a wide variety of live performers, live entertainers such as fire show, aerial acrobats, dancers. Take only a 15-minute taxi ride to dive into a classy and mysterious leisure place.
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Chameleon Club Dubai Designed by international award-winning interior architect Italo Rota, Chameleon Club presents a jaw-dropping extravagant design featuring over 60,000 LED lights, heart shaped ceiling arches, suspended DJ booth, state of the art sound system and beautiful acrobatic dancers. The undisputed jewel in Chameleon Club’s multicolored crown is the 6.5m by 5.5m Chameleon who watches over revelers. Take a 25-minute taxi ride to spend an unforgettable night in front of The Palm Jumeirah.
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Soho Garden DXB All the way from London, Soho Garden brings the soul of the city’s lively Soho area to the heart of Dubai. Set alongside the Meydan Racecourse in the constant flux of downtown Dubai, they come together to deliver a globally acclaimed nightlife experience – available exclusively to you. Only a 20-minute ride from Festival Arena.