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    Diwali in Dubai: 4 gourmet Indian restaurants to celebrate at

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    29 seconds ago

    A Diwali Delight: Celebrating the Festival of Lights in Dubai

    Dubai, a melting pot of cultures, offers a unique experience for Indian expats looking to celebrate Diwali away from home. With its vibrant atmosphere and world-class hospitality, the city has a plethora of Indian restaurants that have curated special menus and events to commemorate this joyous festival.

    If you’re unable to visit home this Diwali, let the comfort of familiar food and the spirit of community uplift your mood. We’ve curated a list of top Indian restaurants you can visit in Dubai to celebrate the festival of Diwali. Each of these gourmet spots have customized Diwali menus that will make the festivities extra special.

    Kinara by Vikas Khanna for Diwali 

    Nestled within JA The Resort, Kinara by Vikas Khanna is an award-winning Indian hotspot led by the renowned Michelin-starred Chef Vikas Khanna. From October 30th to November 3rd, the restaurant invites families and friends to celebrate Diwali with a special set menu, live entertainment, a henna artist, and a themed photo booth. Experience the authentic flavors of India while enjoying the festive ambiance.
    When: From October 30th to November 3rd
    How much: Dhs280 per person
    *For bookings and more information, please email restaurant.reservation@jaresorts.com or call +971 4 814 5604*

    Armani/Amal for Diwali 

    Located inside the iconic Burj Khalifa, Armani/Amal offers an exquisite Diwali set menu crafted to honor the celebratory occasion. From October 31st to November 1st, guests can indulge in a three-course dining experience featuring fresh and innovative regional Indian cuisine.
    When: From 31st October to 1st November
    How much: Dhs399 per person
    *For booking and more information, please visit www.armanihotels.com or call +971 4 888 3010*

    Rang Mahal

    Rang Mahal, situated within the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, invites guests to a festive Diwali celebration where tradition meets culinary excellence. On October 31st, enjoy a 6-course set menu available in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian formats.
    When: 31st of October
    How much: Dhs199 per person
    *For reservations, please email jwmmrr@marriott.com or call 04 414 3000. Visit the websitewww.marriott.com*

    Jamavar Dubai

    Jamavar Dubai presents an exclusive five-course Diwali tasting menu, available from October 23rd to November 3rd. Crafted by Executive Chef Surender Mohan, this menu offers a vibrant dining experience that blends traditional Indian flavors with contemporary elegance. Guests can choose from a variety of starters, tandoor offerings, main courses, and desserts.
    When: From 23rd October to 3rd November
    How much: Non-Vegetarian Menu: Dhs525 per person and Vegetarian Menu: Dhs495 per person

    These restaurants offer a glimpse into the rich culinary traditions of India. It provides a wonderful opportunity for Indian expats in Dubai to connect with their loved ones and celebrate Diwali with the same fervor and joy as back home. As the festival of lights illuminates the city, these venues create a festive atmosphere that radiates warmth, joy, and unforgettable moments. More

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    UAE Residents travel to Europe: Schengen visa applications rise by 20%

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    1 min ago

    A significant uptick in Schengen visa applications from UAE residents has been reported by The Visa Services, a leading Dubai-based visa processing expert. 
    The company’s data reveals a 20% year-over-year increase in Schengen visa requests during the second quarter of 2024, underscoring Europe as a top travel destination for UAE nationals and expatriates.

    Europe Reigns Supreme as Travel Destination

    Europe captured a dominant 65% share of all travel requests processed by The Visa Services in Q2 2024, with the United States and Asia-Pacific regions following at 25% and 15% respectively. This surge in European travel coincides with a peak tourist season marked by favorable weather conditions and high-profile events such as EURO 2024, the Paris Olympics, and Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.

    Diverse Applicant Base and Changing Visa Trends

    The Visa Services caters to a diverse clientele, with Russians constituting the largest group of applicants at 35%, followed by Indians at 23%. Filipinos, Egyptians, Jordanians, and South Africans also represent significant segments of the applicant pool. Notably, families account for a substantial 58% of visa inquiries.

    While the processing time for most Schengen visas is within 15 days, certain countries may extend this period to 45 days.The company reported a 22.44% rejection rate for Schengen visa applications from UAE residents in 2023, with a corresponding 77.56% approval rate.

    A notable shift in visa trends has emerged in 2024. While single-entry visas dominated in 2023, this year has witnessed a growing preference for longer validity periods. Currently, 45% of visas issued are valid for 3-6 months, while 30% extend beyond a year. Travel remains the primary purpose for visa acquisition, accounting for 70% of applications, followed by business, study, and medical reasons.

    The Visa Services

    The company’s impressive growth, marked by a tripling of completed applications in the past year, aligns with the broader expansion of outbound tourism from the GCC region. The Visa Services’ success is attributed to its reliability, expertise,and ability to meet the evolving needs of its diverse clientele.

    As the GCC travel and tourism market is projected to reach $75.64 billion by the end of 2024 and $181.48 billion by 2036, The Visa Services is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for visa services in the region.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram: @spain, @germanytourism, @swedense More

  • in

    UAE Residents travel to Europe: Schengen visa applications surge 20%

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    6 seconds ago

    A significant uptick in Schengen visa applications from UAE residents has been reported by The Visa Services, a leading Dubai-based visa processing expert. 
    The company’s data reveals a 20% year-over-year increase in Schengen visa requests during the second quarter of 2024, underscoring Europe as a top travel destination for UAE nationals and expatriates.

    Europe Reigns Supreme as Travel Destination

    Europe captured a dominant 65% share of all travel requests processed by The Visa Services in Q2 2024, with the United States and Asia-Pacific regions following at 25% and 15% respectively. This surge in European travel coincides with a peak tourist season marked by favorable weather conditions and high-profile events such as EURO 2024, the Paris Olympics, and Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.

    Diverse Applicant Base and Changing Visa Trends

    The Visa Services caters to a diverse clientele, with Russians constituting the largest group of applicants at 35%, followed by Indians at 23%. Filipinos, Egyptians, Jordanians, and South Africans also represent significant segments of the applicant pool. Notably, families account for a substantial 58% of visa inquiries.

    While the processing time for most Schengen visas is within 15 days, certain countries may extend this period to 45 days.The company reported a 22.44% rejection rate for Schengen visa applications from UAE residents in 2023, with a corresponding 77.56% approval rate.

    A notable shift in visa trends has emerged in 2024. While single-entry visas dominated in 2023, this year has witnessed a growing preference for longer validity periods. Currently, 45% of visas issued are valid for 3-6 months, while 30% extend beyond a year. Travel remains the primary purpose for visa acquisition, accounting for 70% of applications, followed by business, study, and medical reasons.

    The Visa Services

    The company’s impressive growth, marked by a tripling of completed applications in the past year, aligns with the broader expansion of outbound tourism from the GCC region. The Visa Services’ success is attributed to its reliability, expertise,and ability to meet the evolving needs of its diverse clientele.

    As the GCC travel and tourism market is projected to reach $75.64 billion by the end of 2024 and $181.48 billion by 2036, The Visa Services is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for visa services in the region.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram: @spain, @germanytourism, @swedense More