Newly opened Arabian Courtyard Bur Dubai introduces its services and facilities to the Arabian Travel Market

To mark the event, the management of Arabian Courtyard hosted a cocktail party for its guests and participants of the ATM yesterday at the Al Khaima Banquet Hall of the hotel.

"We are honored to welcome the delegates of the prestigious ATM event in Dubai to an intimate gathering. The Arabian Courtyard marks an endeavor to fulfill a long felt need for a center of hospitality located at the traditional heartland. The hotel suits the demands of the jet-set executives and the leisurely pace of a family or any individual tourist on holiday," said Mr. Habib Khan, General Manager of Arabian Courtyard.

Overlooking the 200-year-old Dubai fort and the Ruler's Court along the Dubai creek, the Arabian Courtyard lends the historic Dubai creek, with its influx of tourists and traders, a haven of contemporary comforts in a traditional ambiance. Set amidst ancient wind towers, souqs and Abras (water-taxis), the hotel promises tourists and visitors, the real Dubai experience in the Bastakiya, the last bastion of a bygone era.

The 172-room 4-star deluxe hotel, welcomed its first guest at the latter part of January. With an intricate Mashrabiya (screen) façade, the hotel blends seamlessly with the historic buildings around it. Like a silken mask drawn discreetly across the face, the handsome latticework of the hotel's Mashrabiya, symbolises the legendary mystery of the Orient.

"The initial response from European tourists has been very encouraging," said Mr. Habib Khan, General Manager. "The traditional interiors of the hotel, coupled with its proximity to the Souq Al Kabir (Meena Bazaar), the heritage houses, the creek and its charming mix of nationalities, are particularly attractive to visitors from Europe," Mr. Khan added.

With a historic pedigree unmatched by any hotel in Dubai, the Arabian Courtyard was transformed into classic designer elegance, in an incredibly short span of six months. Dressed in dark wood, soft furnishings, and dotted with eye-catching period furniture, the centerpiece of the hotel lobby, is the sun-kissed atrium with its elevators, giving the guest a dramatic vista of the hotel interiors.

Themed suites

"Our rooms are customised to our guests' requirements for privacy and interconnection, depending on the size of the family, however large or small," said Mr. Habib Khan. The three top-of the-range Grand Suites are themed with close attention paid to every aspect of furnishing. Called the Maharaja, the Sultan and the Dynasty suites, the interiors reflect the regions they represent. From the matchless mosaic cabinets of Indonesia to the treasure chests of India, the furniture and artworks in the suites, have been painstakingly sourced or custom-built.

For the Business Executive

Targeting a mix of business and leisure travelers, the Arabian Courtyard has 40 Executive Rooms with a dedicated Lounge and Conference Room. Visiting traders and business executives, can avail of secretarial service while conducting meetings from the comfort of the hotel. With a 400-seater Banquet Hall furnished like an elaborate Arabian tent, the hotel is well equipped for large gatherings.

State-of-the-art amenities

"While every aspect of the room, from the TV cabinet to the wardrobes behind wooden meshes has a traditional appearance, technology backing the amenities are strictly state-of-the art," said Mr. Khan. So while guests take in the sights of the old bazaar and the meandering creek, they have access to touch panel room-control systems, unlimited, high-speed Internet access from each room, and wireless hubs in lounges.

With a professional spa soon to open, the hotel already houses a well-equipped gymnasium, sauna, Jacuzzi, a sun-deck and outdoor swimming pool for adults and children.

Themed restaurants

The themed restaurants of the hotel will predictably be a magnet for residents of Dubai, as it will, for weary tourists on a visit to the Creek. Allaying the residents' fears of inadequate parking spaces, Mr. Khan assures us that, "We have ample dedicated parking for our guests."

A coffee shop that will get you going is 'Bastakiya' a traditionally themed restaurant offering you a choice of Continental delicacies plus dramatic views of the museum courtyard. A sumptuous spread of North-Indian dishes at the 'Mumtaz Mahal' restaurant simply charms with its royal ambience reminiscent of the Mughal period. The 'Ahlan Lounge' is open 24 hours, while you will be delighted about 'Sherlock Holmes' a classic English pub that will surely quench your thirst. While the 'Silk Route' restaurant, named after the legendary journey Vasco de Gama took, offers you an experience that will enthrall you, with Sino, Thai and Japanese delicacies. And soon to open is 'Pyramix' a nightclub with an Egyptian theme.