The welcome
Guests are whisked into a lift upstairs to reception, rather than the regular check-in process. When we arrive, there’s a desk in the lower foyer that looks like it could be the reception, but it had no one manning it. After a few confusing moments, however, we’re ushered up to the actual reception, where check-in takes place.
The neighbourhood
This four-star Hyatt is in a handy location, a block back from Dubai Creek, within walking distance of the popular Gold Souk, as well as Baniyas Square Metro station. It’s a 20-minute drive or taxi ride from Dubai International Airport. The hotel is in the old city, and constantly abuzz. There’s plenty to see and do – all you need to do is start walking.
The room
We’re staying in a standard room, which features a king bed and a suitably named “cozy corner”, which has a sofa bed. I’m impressed with the view, which looks out over the park below. The white linen and subtle interior design touches, which combine Arabic influences with natural wood finishes, are nice, too. All told, it’s comfortable and convenient.
The service
It could be better. Check-in is a little slow, and service calls aren’t answered as promptly as expected, especially considering the hotel officially opened two months before our visit. That said, a bellboy who serves us is very knowledgeable about the area and the facilities, and for the most part, the staff are attentive, despite a disappointing food-intolerance error with the service staff at dinner.
The scene
Very family-orientated. When we check in, there’s a family of eight waiting to check in, too, and that proves indicative of the rest of our stay. Everywhere we turn, there are families or couples, especially round the pool area and the hotel’s only eatery, the Gallery Cafe. There’s no bar area, but being so close to the historic heart of the city, there’s plenty to do outside of the hotel, so there’s no real reason to hang out at the property.
The food
The breakfast selection at the Gallery Cafe is very basic, but should provide everything that those on a budget are looking for. There are eggs, yogurt, fresh fruit, toast, pastries and a variety of cereals to choose from, and the meal is included in the room cost. For our evening meal, my opinion is a little clouded by the experience I have with the riyash (Dh60) which was supposedly gluten-free, according to a special menu that I was provided with, after informing the hotel about my dietary requirements. But when it arrives, the lamb is resting on non-gluten-free bread. My parents, however, enjoy the biryani (Dh50) and traditional fish and chips (Dh45).
Loved
The handy location and the view from our room, not to mention the enthusiastic bellboy.
Hated
The lack of understanding of food intolerances is inexcusable.
The verdict
The perfect hotel for tourists and families wanting to get among the old-city action without an exorbitant price tag.
The bottom line
Rooms at Hyatt Place Dubai/Baniyas Square (www.dubaibaniyassquare.place.hyatt.com; 04 404 1234) cost from Dh534 per night, including taxes, breakfast and Wi-Fi.
mhealy@thenational.ae
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Kanguva
Director: Siva
Stars: Suriya, Bobby Deol, Disha Patani, Yogi Babu, Redin Kingsley
Business Insights
- As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses.
- SMEs with revenue below Dh3 million per annum can opt for transitional relief until 2026, treating them as having no taxable income.
- Larger entities have specific provisions for asset and liability movements, business restructuring, and handling foreign permanent establishments.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Rain Management
Year started: 2017
Based: Bahrain
Employees: 100-120
Amount raised: $2.5m from BitMex Ventures and Blockwater. Another $6m raised from MEVP, Coinbase, Vision Ventures, CMT, Jimco and DIFC Fintech Fund
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
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Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
Disclaimer
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Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
Electoral College Victory
Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate.
Popular Vote Tally
The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.
match info
Chelsea 2
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Liverpool 0
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Seven tips from Emirates NBD
1. Never respond to e-mails, calls or messages asking for account, card or internet banking details
2. Never store a card PIN (personal identification number) in your mobile or in your wallet
3. Ensure online shopping websites are secure and verified before providing card details
4. Change passwords periodically as a precautionary measure
5. Never share authentication data such as passwords, card PINs and OTPs (one-time passwords) with third parties
6. Track bank notifications regarding transaction discrepancies
7. Report lost or stolen debit and credit cards immediately
Company%20Profile
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Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
The schedule
December 5 - 23: Shooting competition, Al Dhafra Shooting Club
December 9 - 24: Handicrafts competition, from 4pm until 10pm, Heritage Souq
December 11 - 20: Dates competition, from 4pm
December 12 - 20: Sour milk competition
December 13: Falcon beauty competition
December 14 and 20: Saluki races
December 15: Arabian horse races, from 4pm
December 16 - 19: Falconry competition
December 18: Camel milk competition, from 7.30 - 9.30 am
December 20 and 21: Sheep beauty competition, from 10am
December 22: The best herd of 30 camels
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UAE squad
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Fixtures
Friday, November 1 – Oman v UAE
Sunday, November 3 – UAE v Netherlands
Thursday, November 7 – UAE v Oman
Saturday, November 9 – Netherlands v UAE
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Nayanthara: Beyond The Fairy Tale
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