Aquarium springs a leak in Dubai Mall

by Kraig Becker on

The giant fish tank inside the Dubai Mall sprang a leak Wednesday, pouring water out into the halls, and stranding some shoppers inside an elevator for 45 minutes, while others scrambled to reach dry ground. Emergency response teams rushed to the scene to repair the crack, as 100 retail shops near by closed for business and custodial personnel worked to contain the flooding.

Everything about the famous tank, which has been a big draw with visitors, is massive. It contains more than 2.6 million gallons of water and over 33,000 fish, including 400 sharks. It offers the largest acrylic viewing panel of any aquarium in the world, at roughly 892 square feet , and with a thickness of nearly 30 inches, it remains unclear how the crack developed.

Fortunately, the leak was patched relatively quickly, and no fish were harmed while the crews worked to contain the spill. Some of the nearby shops did sustain water damage however, and the area around the leak remained closed yesterday while maintenance crews evaluated the damage.

The initial leak was caught on video by a nearby witness, and while the resolution is poor, it still gives you an idea of what it was like when the water started flowing.

Dubai’s Burj unexpectedly closed to the public

by Melanie Nayer on

The world’s tallest building has abruptly closed to the public after only a month of being open to the public. Apparently, electric problems are partially to blame for the closure of the Dubai’s Burj, which undoubtedly leaves many disappointed tourists looking up at the tower, instead of down from the half-mile high observation deck.

The closure of the Burj Khalifa’s (the new name appointed to the tower) viewing platform is only one part of the problem, though. The Burj was preparing to welcome permanent guests and hotel guests over the next few months, and many wonder if plans will go through as predicted.

The Associated Press reports an indefinite closure, which started Sunday. Dubai had high hopes for this spire-structure. The Burj Khalifa was slated to be a major tourist draw for Dubai, helping to increase tourist dollars to the United Arab Emirates.

Dubai opened the 160-story skyscraper on Jan. 4. The first of 12,000 residential and office space tenants were scheduled to move in later this month.
Work was still underway on the tower’s Giorgio Armani-designed hotel and adjacent shopping center. The observation deck – and the tower’s main draw – is located on the 124th floor. Tickets bought in advance cost around $27. Unfortunately, those travelers who pre-paid for tickets will now be standing in line for a refund.

Dubai adds another “world’s tallest” with the 1092 feet tall Rose Rayhaan hotel

by Scott Carmichael on

Dubai was apparently not content with holding the title for “tallest building in the world“, so they added the tallest hotel in the world.

The 1092 foot tall Rose Rayhaan hotel features 480 rooms and suites, including several penthouses with a full kitchen.

Regular rooms are located on the 9th through the 51st floor, but for the best view, you’ll want to reserve a suite, which will put you on the 54th through the 60th floor. Rooms at the hotel start around $130, up to $575 for a classic suite.

The hotel is owned by Rotana, who operate 67 hotels in the Middle East. The chain started just 17 years ago, and has grown to be one of the largest hotel operators in the region. All properties in the chain are “dry”, which means you won’t find alcohol anywhere on the premises. The Rose Rayhaan is their 13th hotel in Dubai.

Of course, Dubai is the perfect location for a record breaking hotel. That said – there are several properties in the world with rooms at a higher level, but they are not in buildings completely devoted to the hotel.
%Gallery-81382%

Secret tunnel in Dubai a big surprise to drivers

by Kraig Becker on

A new underground tunnel has opened in Dubai that will save drivers tons of time through one of the busiest sections of the city during rush hour, but no one seems to know where it came from, or when it was completed, including the agency responsible for road construction.

According to this story from Gulfnews.com, the new tunnel runs 1.1 kilometers in length, linking the Downtown Burj Khalifa area to Al Mafraq Road, allowing drivers to bypass the extremely heavy traffic that runs to the nearby Dubai Mall. But major cities open new roads and bypasses all the time. What makes this one so unique, is that it appears to have been completed, and opened, without anyone at the Roads and Transport Authority knowing about it. In fact, an official from the RTA said, “We may have announced this already, but I’m not aware of it,” adding, “It sounds like it will save drivers a lot of time.”That same official admitted to having no idea when the tunnel actually opened to traffic.

According to the story, the massive four-lane tunnel with a concrete divider running down the middle, has no street signs or name plates of any kind. The unmarked road also remains mostly empty at this time, as it seems that drivers have yet to discover the entrance, giving those that do know of its existence an unfair advantage in the race to and from work each day.

Obviously we’ve all seen how much construction has been going on in Dubai over the past decade. You know you have a lot of construction underway when a major project like an underground tunnel, such as this one, can be built to completion, opened to the public, and completely escape the notice of the agency that ordered that it be built. Crazy!

Five steps to a better Valentine’s Day from Fairmont

by Tom Johansmeyer on

After the toll that 2009 took on your spirit and your body, it’s time for you to commit to a relaxed and steady 2010. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts in on board with this and is kicking in some amazing deals through its Willow Stream spa brand, which is available around the world. So, if you’re planning to hit Monte Carlo, Miami or the Mayan Riviera, you’ll have a top-shelf treatment ready and waiting for you. Check out the “Follow Your Heart” spa experiences on tap at 11 Fairmont hotels this Valentine’s Day.

One Heart: This is a Red Ribbon Lips facial upgrade and includes a complimentary Jane Iredale Organic Sugar Lip Scrub treatment that will soften and soothe your lips. Worried about dry, cracked lip kissing? That won’t be a problem after this treatment.

Two Heart: Willow Stream’s Sending You Kisses offer includes a Willow Stream Lip Kit and Lip Definer pencil, which will make softened lips eye-catching — translation: you’ll more likely have the chance to use them.

Three Heart: Enjoy a Heartfelt 90-minute spa experience, an hour of which is side-by-side for couples, with a 30-minute dip in the spa’s oversized whirlpool tubs … complete with champagne.

Four Heart: The Love Me package makes you the center of attention. The solo day at the spa includes a 90-minute experience before noon and a Willow Stream spa bento box lunch.

Five Heart: Willow stream will Love You Forever. On the first day of the month, guests will enjoy enjoy either a 60-minute or 90-minute spa treatment … for an entire year!

Participating resorts include: Fairmont Turnberry Isle (Miami), Fairmont Singapore, Fairmont Scottsdale, Fairmont Le Montreux Place (Switzerland), Fairmont Mayakoba (Mexico), Fairmont Acapulco Princess, Fairmont Banff Springs (Alberta), Fairmont Dubai, Fairmont Southampton (Bermuda), Fairmont Monte Carlo, Fairmont Empress (Victoria, British Columbia).