Your Key To Dubai UAE – 2023 Les Clefs d’Or Award Nominee

Its’s nearly impossible to describe this city that has risen from humble beginnings as a small fishing village to a key financial hub for the region and for the entire Arab World. Known as the Capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dubai is a city of skyscrapers and home to the World’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, extensive white beaches and the recent host of the World’s major Expo 2020, without forgetting the most and recent addition to the city, Museum of the Future.

Situated on the Arabian Peninsula along the Southern Coast of the Persian Gulf, the fairy tales of this city cannot be told if not for the visionary leaders led by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum the Vice President of UAE and the Emir of Dubai.

Like much of the Persian Gulf coastline, Dubai has a year-round hot climate. Humidity is high in the summer months and moderate throughout the rest of the year. The coldest winter month is usually December-January, with lows of about 15 °C, while the hottest of the summer months is July, with highs of more than 40 °C. This is always the key to making your vacation plans, not forgetting in summer, the rates are always competitive for budget-conscious travellers.

The Concierge in this buzzing city play a key role in shaping the future of human touch and preventing technology from achieving its goal of taking over the profession that you and I love. I love this city and this city loves me as much. For the last 10 years I have lived here, I have seen it grow every day to break World records, welcome millions of tourists, including many new young Concierge and so many key industry players. Due to the constant evolution of the city, it is important the Concierge keep themselves constantly updated on new openings of restaurants and hotels, to extensions of the metro line, new jogging tracks, and the secrets of the old city where guests can learn so much about the foundation of this city.

The old city, for me is the backbone of Dubai with many hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Dubai Creek and the old Souks are my favourite places to explore – and one of the city’s most photogenic parts. It was part of the reason I chose to write this article and honestly this is my key to the city. The 14-kilometre Dubai Creek is also known as Khor. It boasts traditional markets, souks, a natural waterway best explored by a Dow boat for only 1 Dirham, museums and plenty traditional dining experiences that unveil the real identity of Dubai. The Creek defines Dubai, it tells history of the locals and I retell this story to our guests. It was commonly used as a safe harbour on the Arabian Gulf and was a trading-hub for Gold, Spices, and fresh catches from the Arabian Waters.

Old Dubai and its charm are a breath of fresh air in this city of concrete dominated by Skyscrapers. The hustle and bustle of the souks make me feel alive and energetic. More importantly it reminds me of my childhood back home, when I was sent to the market in the village to buy vegetables.

Located only 15 to 20 minutes from Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai via taxi, this is a must visit when in town.

Josephat Osiemo is a candidate for the 2023 Les Clefs d’Or Award. This article has been published in its original form.