03/11/2023

By Shruthi Kuttipravan

Embark on the exciting journey that is the Dubai Fitness Challenge (30X30)! Back for another thrilling installment, this month-long celebration of fitness was initiated by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. Every year from October 28 to November 26, the city is alive with the rhythm of health and wellness.

Whether you’re a seasoned Dubai resident or a newcomer, the challenge is simple: dedicate yourself to a 30-minute exercise or 10000 steps for 30 consecutive days. Introduced in 2017, this forward-thinking initiative aims to invigorate residents through a variety of activities suitable for all ages and interests, promoting a sense of community unity.

If you’re unsure where to start, we’ve outlined key events, complimentary activities, and recommended apps to help you make the most of this year’s 30X30 challenge.

Dubai Ride 2023 (November 12): Join Dubai’s premier cycling event, sponsored by DP World. Choose between a 14-km general route along Sheikh Zayed Road or a family-friendly 4-km ride around Sheikh Zayed Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard. Registration is mandatory at dubairide.com.

Dubai Run (November 26): Lace up your running shoes for the return of Dubai Run. Select a 5-km family route or a challenging 10-km route for athletes, both starting near Emirates metro station. The routes offer breathtaking views of Dubai’s landmarks. Register at dubairun.com.

DFC SUP Challenge at Hatta Dam: Experience a unique mass stand-up paddle session amid the picturesque Hatta Dam surroundings. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced paddler, enjoy 45-minute classes or sign up for the DFC SUP challenge event. It’s a complimentary event, but registration is required at premieronline.com.

Other Must-Try Events: From the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon to Krispy Kreme’s Doughnut Run, the city is buzzing with activities. On November 18, the iconic Aura Skypool hosts a triathlon featuring rowing, cycling, and a lap of the infinity pool.

Explore 26 community fitness hubs scattered across the city during the 30X30 challenge. These hubs, located at landmarks like Hatta Wadi Hub, Dubai Marina Mall, and The Beach, offer daily complimentary activities to residents.

An exciting addition this year is the RTA Mushrif Park Cycling Centre’s Fitness Village, inviting cycling enthusiasts to join guided mountain bike trail rides or road track rides around the park.

Make the most of your 30X30 experience with apps that acknowledge your commitment:

Fitze: Earn coins for every step, redeemable for enticing discounts and rewards. Participate in the 30X30 challenge for daily vouchers and a chance to win staycations, dream trips, movie tickets, and more.

STEPPi: This fitness app, in conjunction with a wearable device, not only tracks steps but also records your activity. Partnering with The H Dubai for the Inter-corporate Fitness Challenge, STEPPi offers rewards ranging from fitness gear to activities.

Core Direction: Turn your life into a game with Core Direction, motivating users of all ages to lead a fit, active, and healthy lifestyle. Enjoy discounted access, private company leaderboards, and exclusive deals.

Most organizations across the city are offering free workouts, exciting tournaments, and wellness-centric entertainment to keep everyone in Dubai moving. The H Dubai has launched a fun Inter-Corporate Fitness Challenge as part of its Corporate Wellness Membership program between the hotel team members and the offices in the H Office Tower to boost an environment of wellness and health. Loads of exciting benefits are offered to participants along with a 1-month free health club membership for packages booked during the DFC.

So, what are you waiting for? Join the movement now! #Takethechallenge

13/10/2023

In the heart of an ever-evolving global city, The H Dubai stands tall, epitomizing hospitality and sustainability. The hotel received The Green Key certification and is the ideal place of comfort from which to enjoy the upcoming COP28 event. This November and December, as world leaders, environmentalists, and engaged citizens converge on Expo City, Dubai for the 28th annual Conference of the Parties (COP28), our doors are wide open to welcome delegates and observers who seek a haven of comfort and serenity amidst pivotal discussions on global climate action. COP28, hosted from 30 November to 12 December 2023, heralds a crucial juncture in our shared journey towards a sustainable future. Here’s your invitation to be part of this historic moment, experiencing the epitome of Emirati hospitality and comfort at The H Dubai.

As you immerse yourself in the transformative discussions, strategies, and collaborations at COP28, The H Dubai provides an abode that echoes the conference’s sustainability ethos. Our commitment to sustainability transcends beyond token gestures, with commitment to reducing carbon emissions and with tangible green practices and a dedication to providing eco-friendly hospitality. We welcome you to be enveloped in a space where luxury and sustainability intertwine, enabling you to be at the forefront of climate action while being cradled in mindful opulence. Located at Sheik Zayed Road, just minutes away from a metro which takes you directly to the event.

A beacon of hope and transformation, COP28 is architecturally divided into two vital zones: the Blue Zone and the Green Zone, each designated with its distinct purpose and audience.

Centrally located in Expo City Dubai and with convenient access via the Dubai Metro, the Blue Zone forms the nucleus of COP28, where pivotal discussions, negotiations, and decisions will take place. This secured zone, managed by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), is reserved for accredited participants such as world leaders, negotiators, experts, and selected media representatives. It encompasses the core negotiation spaces, the World Climate Action Summit, country pavilions, and numerous side events, fostering a space where policy and change are sculpted. As discussions span from emissions reduction to adaptation and finance, delegates will partake in forging pathways that navigate towards the ambitious but imperative goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C by 2050.

Adjacent to the Blue Zone, the Green Zone encapsulates the essence of inclusivity and broader participation. Operational from 30 November to 12 December 2023, this space invites not only the delegates but also the public, NGOs, private sector representatives, and more, forming a melting pot where various stakeholders converge to share knowledge, innovations, and inspirations. The Green Zone extends a platform for educational, cultural, and awareness-raising activities, ensuring that the vital dialogue on climate action permeates beyond the negotiation tables, engaging and empowering society at large. Further information and programming details for this zone are eagerly anticipated and will be accessible in due course through the COP28 UAE website.

Choosing The H Dubai during your engagement with COP28 ensures that you are perfectly positioned to immerse in both the meticulous negotiations of the Blue Zone and the eclectic, inclusive events of the Green Zone with ease. Our commitment to sustainability and comfort provides a serene retreat to recharge, reflect, and reengage with the intensive and crucial days of the conference. While COP28
serves as a beacon for collaborative global action, Dubai, with its mesmerizing blend of tradition and futurism, offers a plethora of experiences to explore.

COP28 is more than an event; it’s a call for unified global action towards a sustainable future. The H Dubai stands as your partner in this journey, offering not just a place to stay but a space where every detail is curated with mindfulness towards our planet. 
Book your stay with us, and be part of a harmonious confluence of global dialogues, actionable change, and unmatched luxury. Together, let’s embrace the spirit of unity, action, and delivery, forging a future where we coexist sustainably with our cherished Earth. Discover more about our sustainability initiatives and exclusive offers during COP28 by visiting our website or reaching out to our dedicated team.  

02/10/2023

Dubai, renowned for pioneering technological advancements and becoming a global business hub, is once again at the forefront with GITEX GLOBAL. In its 43rd edition, GITEX Week in Dubai is set to be the most iconic tech exhibition in the world. For over four decades, it has been the gateway for tech enthusiasts, creators, and investors to collaborate and innovate. The H Dubai invites you to indulge in its luxury as you prepare for, and enjoy, this amazing event.

From the 15th to the 20th of October, Dubai will buzz with technological revelations from across the globe. GITEX GLOBAL, which has expanded its horizons across two mega venues – the Dubai World Trade Centre (from 16^th to 20^th of October) & the prestigious Dubai Harbor (from 15^th to 18^th of October), promises to encapsulate everything from AI to Cybersecurity, from Mobility to Sustainable Tech.

Dubai, known for its architecture and dynamic urban landscapes, boasts two venues that have become synonymous with large-scale international events: the Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai Harbor.

An embodiment of Dubai’s meteoric rise in the world of international trade and exhibitions, the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) stands tall as a beacon of the city’s modern and progressive spirit. Since its inception, the DWTC has been the heartbeat of the region’s most prestigious business events, setting the stage for transformative interactions and discoveries. It showcases Dubai’s pivotal role in global trade, commerce, and innovation. With its expansive halls and state-of-the-art facilities, the DWTC has been a trusted host to countless world-class events, with GITEX GLOBAL being one of its shining stars.

Year after year, GITEX GLOBAL has chosen DWTC as its home, which underscores DWTC’s reputation as the go-to destination for global exhibitions while spotlighting GITEX’s commitment to providing its attendees with an unmatched experience. The decision for GITEX GLOBAL, the world’s largest tech and startup event, to continually return to the DWTC reinforces the center’s significance in the global tech industry and Dubai’s dedication to fostering innovation and global collaboration.

The newer addition to Dubai’s repertoire of iconic venues, Dubai Harbor, is nothing short of an architectural masterpiece. With its expansive spaces and ultramodern amenities, it’s designed to accommodate events of the magnitude of GITEX GLOBAL. This year, the Harbor has added another feather to its cap, hosting the associated show EXPAND NORTH STAR. This event is set to be a confluence of groundbreaking startups and influential investors from all seven continents, emphasizing the Harbor’s capability to host events of global significance.

If you’re a tech enthusiast visiting Dubai for GITEX, ensure your stay is as luxurious as the event you’re attending. Situated on bustling One Sheikh Zayed Road, The H Dubai hotel embodies both elegance and convenience in its luxury offerings.

Every suite is designed with a touch of modern-day sophistication, offering guests comfort that rivals the luxury of their homes. For those planning an extended stay, The H Dubai hotel’s Serviced Suites, furnished to perfection and equipped with kitchens, are the epitome of home away from home.

Apart from luxury, our strategic location ensures you’re never too far from the heart of the event or any other landmark happenings in Dubai.

GITEX Dubai Technology Week of 2023 is set to be a groundbreaking showcase, offering the world a glimpse into the future of technology. And while GITEX sets the stage for the tech advancements of tomorrow, let The H Dubai hotel be your elegant home for today.

Visit GITEX and be part of the future. The H Dubai awaits your arrival with the promise of an experience that’s unparalleled and unforgettable, so book a thrilling week now!

17/08/2023

The bustling city of Dubai, known for its awe-inspiring architecture and extravagant lifestyle, also plays host to an exciting array of sports events, including the renowned Dubai Desert Classic and the eagerly anticipated Dubai Tennis tournament. 

The Dubai Tennis Championships, also known as the Dubai Open, takes place annually under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Over the years, it has welcomed a parade of tennis titans, with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic being amongst its most successful players. Its debut in 1993 on hardcourts surrounded by temporary scaffold seating saw Czech player Karel Nováček clinching victory. Fast forward to today, and the tournament is played at the Dubai Tennis Stadium, a part of the Aviation Club, a venue that boasts various food, beverage, and entertainment locations, not to mention a 293-bedroom hotel on-site to host players and officials. 

The Dubai Tennis Championship offers series of riveting matches on Dubai’s hardcourts, aligning with its history of high-level competition.

The championships made a progressive stride in 2005 by implementing an equal prize money policy, following the footsteps of the US Open and Australian Open. The tournament has seen periods of dominance by players such as Federer and Justine Henin. However, it continues to be a platform for emerging champions to establish their name, with current reigning champions Aslan Karatsev and Garbiñe Muguruza being testament to this dynamic competitive spirit. 

It is clear that the legacy of the Dubai Tennis Championships is not just about star players and their triumphant victories. It’s a celebration of sporting spirit, a showcase of unparalleled dedication, and a testament to the power of sports in uniting cultures, the Dubai Tennis Championships stand as a shining symbol of Dubai’s commitment to bringing the best to its sands. 

Let’s dive deep into the world of squash in Dubai. The fast-paced, high-energy game, renowned for its intensity and required agility, holds an important place in Dubai’s sports offerings. Enthusiasts can find lessons taught by former professionals, ensuring that both new and experienced players can learn from the best. Notably, the city is also host to the Dubai Open Squash, a prestigious tournament that sees international talent vying for a $25,000 cash prize.

This unique sporting event is testament to Dubai’s commitment to promoting a wide variety of athletic endeavors, offering both locals and tourists a chance to experience this dynamic sport firsthand. 

Cricket, another sport with a strong presence in Dubai, is best showcased at the impressive Dubai International Stadium. Previously known as the Dubai Sports City Cricket Stadium, this magnificent multi-purpose arena serves as one of the country’s main cricket stadiums, along with the Sharjah Cricket Stadium and the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The Dubai International Stadium, a grand architectural feat by a Canadian architect, can host up to 30,000 spectators. In 2021, the world watched in anticipation as it hosted Semi Final 2 and the Final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, further solidifying its reputation as a global cricket venue. The energy of the crowd, the strategic brilliance of the teams, and the timeless charm of cricket all come together at the Dubai International Stadium, creating an unparalleled sporting experience. 

The most exotic and culturally unique sport in Dubai has to be the camel racing at the Al Marmoom Camel Race Track. This extraordinary sporting event offers a vibrant spectacle deeply rooted in Emirati heritage. The track is situated in the heart of the desert, alongside the Al Marmoom Heritage Village and the Al Lisaili area. This environment adds to the overall exotic and distinctive experience for spectators, who can witness up to 60 camels sprinting across the desert sands at once, while trainers control their robotic jockeys from following 4X4 vehicles. The spectators’ cheers merge with the cacophony of encouragement from the trainers’ loudspeakers, creating a heady and exhilarating ambiance that is unique to Dubai. 

Aside from the thrilling races that start as early as 6 a.m., spectators can also visit the neighboring camel hospital and camel laboratory, and even have the opportunity to interact with the camels before their races.

This exceptional spectacle offers an insight into Arabian culture, presenting an experience that is not just about sport, but also about tradition, heritage, and the enduring bonds between humans and animals. The Camel Race Track offers the most unique sporting event in Dubai. 

The Dubai World Cup is a prestigious Thoroughbred horse race that has garnered global attention since its inception in 1996. The event is staged annually at the Meydan Racecourse. The race is organized under the stewardship of the Emirates Racing Authority (ERA), and features a total of nine races, including eight Thoroughbred contests and one Purebred Arabian contest. 

Traditionally held on the last Saturday in March, the Dubai World Cup is the culmination of the Dubai World Cup Night of races.  

The Dubai World Cup presents a unique racing format: a Group 1 flat race on dirt designed for Northern Hemisphere Thoroughbred horses and for Southern Hemisphere Thoroughbred horses. The race stretches over a distance of 2,000 metres, offering a challenging yet thrilling contest for the competitors and a high-stakes spectacle for the spectators. 

The transition from the Nad Al Sheba Racecourse to the new Meydan Racecourse in 2010 was a significant shift for the Dubai World Cup. The first race at Meydan was held on an all-weather surface known as Tapeta. However the race returned to a dirt surface in 2015. 

A special tale from the history of the Dubai World Cup is about its first winner, the future United States Hall of Fame Thoroughbred horse. Today, a plaque honoring this legendary horse adorns the barn of Bill Mott at Belmont Park, serving as a reminder of the event’s rich history and the unforgettable performances it has witnessed. With each subsequent edition of the Dubai World Cup, there is the expectation that its legacy of excellence will consistently persist. 

The Dubai Desert Classic, a distinguished event on the European Tour, further underscores Dubai’s status as a diverse sporting hub. This prestigious golf tournament, held predominantly at the Emirates Golf Club, stands out as a landmark event in the professional golfing calendar. First established in 1989, it was the trailblazer as the first European Tour event to be staged in the Arabian Peninsula. Now, it is one of six, demonstrating the growth and popularity of golf in this region. 

A testament to Dubai’s commitment to promoting sports tourism, the tournament was developed as part of a government program aptly named “Dubai Golf”. The program’s objective is to enhance both professional and casual golf tourism in Dubai, a mission that the Dubai Desert Classic embodies with its historical significance and professional appeal. 

Over the years, the Dubai Desert Classic has attracted strong fields on the European Tour, largely due to promotional money paid to top golfers. This has elevated the prestige and competition level of the tournament, making it a highlight on the professional golfing circuit. The 1995 edition of the event marked a significant milestone, becoming the first live event broadcast on the Golf Channel, an American television network. 

These events clearly show that Dubai’s sporting landscape encapsulates a mix of tradition, modernity, and a commitment to excellence that is truly unique. Dubai’s sporting scene is rich, vibrant, and incredibly diverse. The city continues to strengthen its reputation as a premier destination for global sports tourism, offering thrilling spectacles, high-stakes tournaments, and unforgettable sporting moments. 

19/07/2023

There is an abundance of unique and memorable things to buy in Dubai that make for perfect gifts or keepsakes. This bustling metropolis, renowned for its cosmopolitan flair and deep-rooted cultural traditions, offers a wide array of shopping opportunities. This guide will help you navigate the city’s vibrant marketplaces and bring home a piece of Dubai’s vibrant culture.

Persian rugs

Shopping in Dubai offers a treasure trove of unique items, and one standout suggestion is Persian rugs. These exquisite pieces are renowned worldwide for their intricate designs, fine detailing, and quality materials.

Persian rugs are heavy textiles created for a wide array of uses, ranging from practical to symbolic. Originating from Iran, historically known as Persia, these carpets are an integral part of Persian culture and Iranian art. The unique appeal of these rugs comes from their diverse designs, reflecting their rich history. They were traditionally woven by nomadic tribes, in village and town workshops, and by royal court manufactories, providing a blend of various concurrent traditions.

In Dubai, you can find a broad range of Persian rugs, from affordable to high-end ones. The prices vary based on factors such as quality, material, size, and the amount of craftsmanship involved. Handmade rugs, being perfect insulators for winter, are more expensive than machine-made ones but offer superior quality and uniqueness.

Many stores in Dubai offer customization options if the existing ones don’t meet your preferences. This allows you to have a rug that perfectly suits your taste and home decor. Investing in a Persian rug, with its rich history, intricate design, and fine detailing, can indeed elevate your home’s aesthetic appeal. If you’re not on a strict budget and wish to bring something beautiful and classy into your home, Persian rugs are an excellent choice. They are not only one of the best home decor products but also one of the most popular items to buy in Dubai, making them a worthy investment and a fabulous gift.