Travel |

August 3, 2016

Architectural Sites in Dubai

Modern architecture has flourished beautifully in Dubai, and the city is now recognized all over the world for its creative buildings, many of which have won numerous architectural awards for their innovative designs. From the tallest building in the world to the world’s largest dancing fountain, these are some of the architectural wonders in Dubai that visitors should definitely not miss out on.

Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa
Standing at almost 830 metres, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest structure in the world and is one of the most iconic buildings in Dubai. The building managed to break over fifteen different world records, from the world’s highest restaurant and nightclub to the world’s highest elevator installation to the tallest free-standing structure in the world, making it quite the architectural marvel. For those that want to take in the view from the top, the Burj Khalifa also has the highest observation deck in the world, providing you with panoramic views as far as the shores of Iran. There are also telescopes located here so that visitors can enjoy a more detailed view of the landscape below.

Dubai Fountain

Dubai Fountain
Considered to be the brightest spot in the Middle East, the Dubai Fountain, set on the 24-acre Burj Lake, is made up of 6600 lights, as well as 25 color projectors, creating beams that make it visible from space. In addition to the light shows, the fountain also shoots water jets 500 feet into the air, completely in sync with Arabic, classical and world music. This is the largest choreographed fountain in the world, making it well worth stopping by to check out its performance.

pio3 / Shutterstock.com

Cayan Tower
Also known as Infinity Tower, Cayan Tower is over 300 metres tall, and challenges conventional architecture in a completely innovative way. This residential tower features a twist that runs through the building, which means that every apartment within enjoys 90-degree views of either the marina or the sea. The building does not have any structural pillars within it, making its construction even more awe-inspiring.

Leonard Zhukovsky / Shutterstock.com

Jumeirah Beach Hotel
The Jumeirah Beach Hotel is a luxury five-star resort that stands at 93 meters high and 275 metres long. Its outstanding feature is the way in which it has been designed to replicate a giant wave, with the layered facade adding to the impression of a wave rolling and breaking. With all the corridors within the resort being curved, each room enjoys sunset views of the ocean, and, when the building is viewed together with the adjacent sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, it looks as though there is a large sail trying to navigate this crashing wave. The resort itself has won awards for being the best in the world and is always a popular accommodation choice for upscale travellers.

Dubai is now officially the tallest city in the world, taking over from previous contenders Hong Kong and New York. The city has developed incredibly over the years, and if you are keen on seeing some world-class examples of modern architecture, Dubai is most definitely the place to go.

Travel |

November 2, 2015

| OROGOLD

Things to Do in Dubai

Dubai is known for its extravagance and glitzy lifestyle, but the city also has a strong sense of tradition and culture. From taking in the view from the top of the tallest building in the world, to exploring traditional Arabic street markets, here are some of OROGOLD’s favorite things to do in Dubai.

Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa
From the moment that you first set eyes on the city, the Burj Khalifa will immediately catch your attention. This is the tallest building in the world, complete with the fastest lift in the world to whisk you up to the very top. Although the ride only lasts for a few seconds, it is most definitely exhilarating, and not something that OROGOLD would recommend for the faint of heart! The view is incredible, and the building itself is a feat of engineering, depicting Dubai’s desire to reach new heights. OROGOLD recommends visiting the top of the Burj Khalifa at sunset, as the golden glow that gets cast over the city makes the view even more memorable. You should also try to purchase your tickets a few days in advance, as this will save you a considerable amount of time on the day itself.

Philip Lange / Shutterstock.com

Shopping at the Souks
‘Souk’ means marketplace in Arabic, and these traditional street markets are a great place to pick up some bargains. The Gold Souk is the most famous one in Dubai, and features over 300 jewelers showcasing a variety of gold goods. The Spice Souk, just a few minutes walk from the Gold Souk, is another popular market, with narrow alleyways crammed with shops and stalls selling endless arrays of colorful spices. For perfumes, head to the Perfume Souk, which is just east of the Gold Souk. Finally, the Textile Souk is another OROGOLD favorite, and is great for buying all sorts of fabrics, as well as unique garments and souvenirs.

Seqoya / Shutterstock.com

Desert Safari
Dubai’s vast deserts are where the Bedouins used to roam many years ago, and are definitely worth a visit if you want to experience these historic times for yourself. A four wheel drive will take you to a traditional Bedouin campsite, where you will be able to try an authentic Arabic ‘shisha’, as well as enjoy a barbecued meal. Depending on your personal preferences, your day in the desert can be filled with a variety of activities, from camel trekking to desert driving to falcon watching, or even learning how to belly dance. There are many different companies in Dubai that offer desert safaris, so be sure to research your chosen one well in advance so that you know exactly what will be included.

Dubai is a city that OROGOLD would recommend everyone visit at least once in their lifetime. While the new megastructures, such as the Burj Khalifa and all of its engineering glory, may dazzle you at first, you are likely to also enjoy the traditional side of Dubai, as well as the laid-back desert lifestyle. OROGOLD recommends that you try to experience all of this, in order to really be able to enjoy all that Dubai has to offer.

Travel |

June 10, 2015

| OROGOLD

Top Star-Spotting Destinations – OROGOLD Reviews

Vacations are always a great opportunity to relax and have fun, but, if you know where to go, they are also a great chance for you to rub elbows with some of your favorite celebrities. OROGOLD reviews the top star-spotting destinations around the world.

Cote D’Azur, France
Each year, the Cannes International Film Festival is held in the glamorous Cote D’Azur in France, introducing new films from different genres and attracting a star-studded, A-list audience. Celebrity models such as Cara Delevingne and Suki Waterhouse are frequent visitors, and love to dance the night away at the VIP Room, while others, such as Eva Longoria and Robert Pattinson are regular guests at luxury hotel The Martinez. Other popular hotels include the JW Marriott Cannes and the InterContinental Carlton Cannes. If you aren’t able to stay at one of those hotels, don’t give up just yet, as the town is packed with celebrities during the week of the festival, and many, such as Hayden Panattiere and Justin Bieber, love spending time relaxing on a yacht on the French Riviera.

Dubai
This glittering cosmopolitan metropolis has become a luxury playground for the rich and famous, welcoming celebrities who are looking for good weather and an indulgent vacation. Dubai is home to the world’s one and only seven-star hotel, the Burj Al Arab, and this, naturally, has attracted the likes of Kendall Jenner, Selena Gomez and Roger Federer, while Rory Mcllroy has even played a game of golf up on the hotel’s helipad. For just over $8000 a night, celebrities are able to enjoy luxury suites, private beaches and their very own swimming pools and spas, making it no surprise that the hotel is a favorite among those with plenty of cash to splash. The Emirates Palace Hotel in Dubai is also a firm celebrity favorite, with Paris Hilton being one of their regular guests. Dubai is also home to a Bloomingdales store, where the likes of Eva Longoria have been spotted browsing through the rails, while restaurant bar Mahiki, of which there is also one in London, seems to appeal to many British celebrities, such as the cast of Made in Chelsea.

Hawaii
In addition to being the home state of President Obama, Hawaii is also a favorite vacation destination for many celebrities, welcoming the likes of Britney Spears, Will Smith, Cameron Diaz, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. However, with 8 different islands to choose from, it can be difficult to guarantee that you will be able to do any successful star-spotting. OROGOLD recommends staying at Kauai, Hawaii’s fourth-largest island and known for the high amount of celebrity traffic that it experiences. The luxurious 5 star St. Regis Princeville resort, overlooking Hanalei Bay, is one that many stars, including Alicia Keys, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner, choose to stay at. The resort consists of indulgent rooms, a working cattle ranch where you can enjoy some horseriding, an 11,000 square foot spa, a zip line through the treetops, an 80 foot waterfall, and 19 dining options. With so much to do, you needn’t venture out of the resort much, making it much more likely that you will end up bumping into one of your favorite celebrities.

Celebrities truly know how to vacation in style, and, with the rise of social media, it isn’t too difficult to work out if your favorite celebrity is staying nearby. From the world’s only seven-star hotel in Dubai to the sprawling beaches of Hawaii, these are some of the best destinations in the world for anyone who wants to do some star-spotting.

Travel |

April 1, 2015

| OROGOLD

Cultural Tips for Visiting the Middle East

The Middle East is an incredibly diverse region, with each country having their own customs and traditions. Nevertheless, there are still some cultural tips that apply throughout the Middle East, from dressing appropriately to who you are not allowed to take photos of, and these should be kept in mind whenever you are travelling to a Middle Eastern country. OROGOLD Locations highlights the most important cultural tips for visiting the Middle East.

Woman wearing a head scarf posing for the camera.

Dress Appropriately
Middle Eastern countries are generally quite conservative, so every woman should make sure to pack a lightweight scarf that can double as a headscarf, even if you are going in the summertime. Although the rules in cities are more relaxed, you will still need to cover your head if you want to look around any of the mosques. Dress as modestly as possible, trying to avoid any daring outfits, or even garments such as short skirts and tank tops.

Haggling
Haggling is a huge part of buying items from souks and markets, and is also important in Middle Eastern culture. Don’t be put off by the thought of haggling, as it can end up being a fun activity for visitors if you approach it with the right frame of mind. It can sometimes be viewed as offensive if you choose not to haggle, so rather than feeling put off by it, make your own price offers and question all of the prices that the merchants offer. Buying items from markets can sometimes take some time, often with a break for tea or snacks, but you can build up a great relationship with the merchant this way, something that could be useful in the future.

Luxurious tent set up for a dinner for two.

Hospitality
People in the Middle East, especially in Arab communities, place a huge emphasis on hospitality, and it is considered impolite to refuse this, whether it be an invitation for a cup of tea or an elaborate meal. Always be polite and gracious, following the actions of others in the room if you are unsure of what to do. In Muslim communities it is best to use only your right hand when touching food or other people, as your left hand is meant to be used for personal hygiene. As a guest, you will always be offered the best parts of the meal, and this could also include local delicacies which may seem unusual to you, but it is usually best to accept them graciously.

Photography
In most Middle Eastern countries, Muslim women cannot be photographed, so make sure to always ask permission if you want to take photos of other people. Most are likely to say no even when asked, and it is important for you to respect their wishes. If you are caught taking sneaky photographs, the consequences could be quite severe. It is also important to remember to never take any photos of military or government staff, or of any heavily guarded buildings.

These cultural tips can be applied to many destinations in the Middle East, but each country will also have their own form of etiquette. Before travelling to the Middle East, spend some time researching the local customs in the country you will be visiting, as you will find that if you are respectful of the culture, you will be welcomed and treated in a much warmer and genuine way.