As 2010 draws to a close (finally), I wish you all a happy and successful 2011. Because 2010 was bloody terrible!Happy new year everyone!
le fin.
Friday 31 December 2010
Happy New Year!
As 2010 draws to a close (finally), I wish you all a happy and successful 2011. Because 2010 was bloody terrible!Happy new year everyone!
le fin.
Wednesday 29 December 2010
Canadian Visa requirements for the UAE
Well the ongoing spat between Canada and the UAE just got turned up a notch:
The UAE have announced Visa requirements for Canadians who wish to visit the UAE (source).
The requirements are many, and the fees are expensive.
The fee's are:
Multiple Entry Visa $1000 (Valid for 6 months, maximum stay in UAE 14 days each visit)
Long term Visa $500 (Valid for 3 months, not renewable)
Short term Visa $250 (Valid for 30 days, not renewable)
And, they must be paid by either Money Order, Certified Cheque or Draft Cheque with the correct amount in Canadian Currency needs to be made payble to the UAE Embassy, Ottawa. Yes, that's correct. Canadians have to apply for a UAE visit visa at the UAE Embassy in Ottawa.
There is no mention of what Canadians living in the GCC with valid resident visa's of their host GCC member country. I rang the Dubai Department of Naturalization and Residency and enquired about what Canadians with GCC visa's need to do for a visit visa to the UAE and was told that they must apply via the UAE Embassy in Canada. I'll talk to the UAE Embassy here in Oman next week and get a confirmation of that and update.
This, however, flies in the face of what is stated on their website here:
It states:
Passengers entry – expatriates living in GCC countries
This involves expatriates living in GCC countries and who are permitted to enter UAE territories
Required Documents: Original passport or e-gate card
Valid residence permit (as appearing on the passport) and issued by competent authorities in GCC countries
Fees & Collection:
AED 100
Special Notes:
N/A
This service shall be offered at:
Dubai International Airport – Terminal (1)
Dubai International Airport – Terminal (2)
Rashid Port
Jebel Ali Port
Shendagha Port
Al-Hamriyah Port
Hatta Border Point
So, basically, for those Canadians that live in the GCC (with a valid visa/resident card) are still in limbo as to what should be done for a visit visa to enter the UAE, and noticeably the Al Ain border point was not listed (presumably as that is not in the Emirate of Dubai).
You've just got to love the organization skills of the Emiratis, eh?
le fin.
Monday 27 December 2010
Two more options for NYE....
The people at the Left Bank got back to me with this information (they're closing their doors at 11pm):
And the Blue Marlin at the Marina are also having a NYE bash, a price of RO 15 per person or RO 25 per couple for food and 2 drinks, then a cash bar....
The Chedi have been in touch and are also offering two events for the high-end market:
The evening will commence with a champagne reception for all guests at 7:45 PM,a saxophone player will be entertaining as of 7:30 pm.
A dance band will take over the entertainment as of 8:30 to 11:30 pm, followed by a DJ who will spin his tunes till 02:45 pm. New Year’s Eve Gala dinner will be served from 08:30 pm onwards, at 95++ OMR for adults at The Restaurant.
Guests also have the option of ordering from a set menu on New Year’s Eve at 125++ OMR, served at the tranquil Beach Restaurant.
What are you doing for NYE?! I haven't decided yet!
le fin.
And the Blue Marlin at the Marina are also having a NYE bash, a price of RO 15 per person or RO 25 per couple for food and 2 drinks, then a cash bar....
The Chedi have been in touch and are also offering two events for the high-end market:
The evening will commence with a champagne reception for all guests at 7:45 PM,a saxophone player will be entertaining as of 7:30 pm.
A dance band will take over the entertainment as of 8:30 to 11:30 pm, followed by a DJ who will spin his tunes till 02:45 pm. New Year’s Eve Gala dinner will be served from 08:30 pm onwards, at 95++ OMR for adults at The Restaurant.
Guests also have the option of ordering from a set menu on New Year’s Eve at 125++ OMR, served at the tranquil Beach Restaurant.
What are you doing for NYE?! I haven't decided yet!
le fin.
Friday 24 December 2010
Merry Christmas!
To those of you that celebrate Christmas, Merry Christmas!
Here's some lolcats to make you smile :)
le fin.
Here's some lolcats to make you smile :)
le fin.
Tuesday 21 December 2010
Holiday parties round up
Hello everyone!
Seasons greetings / Merry Christmas to everyone. I've been watching the news on Western Europe's battle with the weather there at the moment... hopefully no more delays or cancellations!
This will be my 4th Christmas in Oman. Why go anywhere when this place is perfect at this time of year?!
There are a lot of parties going on between now and NYE, and here's a summary of what is going on... if you would like me to add your party to the list then please just send me an email! Click on the pictures for bigger versions of them to read information contained on them.
The Rugby Club
The rugby club are putting on both Christmas Eve and New Years Eve parties.
Christmas Eve, get a complimentary mulled wine upon entry, and NYE is RO 35 for unlimited beverages and finger foods while they last. Of note is the excellent outdoor space at the back of the club, something unique to the Rugby Club, and in this winter weather, very enjoyable!
Zouk
The Zouk crowd have planned a plethora of events over the holiday period, starting on the 22nd and culminating with an excellent looking Masquerade New Year Bash for RO 40 with unlimited selected drinks. It all kicks off tomorrow night with Dub Bass
Zouk is such a pretty club I had to share another picture :)
Al Bustan Palace
The Al Bustan Palace has a ton of things going on between now and the new year, click on the pictures for complete information. In summary though (all prices are subject to 17% tax):
Beach Pavilion on 24th & 25th have a 5 course dinner for RO 39 with a complimentary glass of bubbles. NYE is RO 59 with a 6 course menu and a glass of bubbly.
China Mood - 24th is a 5 course meal for RO 39, 25th is dim sum brunch for RO 22. 31st is 5 course dinner for RO 39 (free glass of bubbles). 1st Jan is the dim sum brunch again.
Al Khiran Terrace - 24th & 25th buffet for RO 29, 31st is buffet for RO 39.
VUE - 24th - 5 course dinner for RO 59 (buy your drinks) 31st is a 6 course dinner for RO 70 (buy your drinks)
Catch carol singers on the 24th and 25th in the Atrium Lounge....
InterCon
The 24th has the Musandam buffet for RO 21 for adults and RO 10 for kids with some live entertainment. Senior Pico is a 5 course dinner for RO 21. Traders is 5 course for RO 30 and Tomato is 5 courses for RO 21.
25th, Musandam Christmas Day Brunch buffet RO 24/12 (kids)
NYE - Musandam is RO 31 (RO 16 for kids), Senior Pico - 5 courses RO 31, Traders is a 5 course dinner and "open regular beverages" - RO 75
Al Ghazal Pub is RO 25 for unlimited selected beverages all night
The NYE Gala dinner buffet is RO 65 for adults and RO 22 for kids (includes drinks)
For those looking for some hangover grease, from noon till 4pm on the 1st, the New Years Day brunch is on for RO 18 adults and RO 9 for kids.
Barr Al Jissah
BAJ have 6 venues... so there's a lot going on here too!
24th
Samba - Buffet for RO 18.5
Bait al Bahr - 5 course dinner for RO 28
Al Tanoor - Buffet for RO 18.5 with live music
Capri Court - 5 course dinner for RO 28
Sultanah - 5 course dinner for RO 60
Sharazad - 5 course dinner for RO 35
25th
Samba - Buffet for RO 15.5 12-3pm
Bait al Bahr - 5 course dinner for RO 28
Al Tanoor - Buffet for RO 15.5 12-3pm
Capri Court - 5 course dinner for RO 28
Sultanah - 6 course dinner for RO 60
NYE
Al Waha & Al Bandar - RO 98 including drinks
Al Husn - Sultanah & Shahrazad - RO 120 including selected drinks
Park Inn
The Park Inn have a traditional turkey dinner on the 24th and 25th at the RBG Grill for RO 25 (starting at noon and includes access to the roof top pool). For dinner there is a 4 course dinner for RO 18.
For NYE, the Sama Terrazza is RO 50 with unlimited selected drinks. The entertainment is special... DJ Ilgin from Turkey. For those of you that like house music, she has a record deal with Pacha.
The Chedi
The Chedi have a few Christmas events lined up - A Bubbly brunch on Christmas Eve for RO 45 or 60 (depending on which type of Moet et Chandon you want to drink). Dinner at the Chedi's The Restaurant or The Serai Cabana is 4 courses and RO 40. And there is a Christmas buffet for RO 38 at The Restaurant.
Hyatt
I emailed the people at Hyatt but apparently they were too cool to get back to me. I understand that they have the following for NYE (special thanks to DITD for getting the info):
Safari Rooftop Grill house - 50 RO for the normal meal options & unlimited selected beverages from 7.30pm-1am
Mokkha Cafe - 60+ RO for a gala dinner (buffet) and drinks
Tuscany - 70+ RO for a black-tie gala dinner and drinks
UPDATE: Hyatt people got in touch, and shared the following information:
24th
Dinner at Mokha Cafe - RO 30 (RO 15 for kids)
Dinner at Tuscany - RO 40 (RO 20 for kids)
25th
Brunch buffet at Mokha Cafe - RO 32 (RO 16 for kids)
Lunch at Tuscany - RO 40 (RO 20 for kids)
NYE
Gala dinner in the hotel gardens - RO 75 (RO 35 for kids) including unlimited selected drinks
Tuscany - 6 course dinner with bubbly at midnight - RO 60
Afrah Ballroom - Kids party place with snacks, games and entertainment RO 15 (this is the only thing like this I've seen)
Safari Rooftop - RO 50 (kids RO 25) unlimited selected drinks - upgrade for access to the pub for an additional RO 15
Safari Pub - RO 35 with unlimited selected drinks
Copacabana - RO 25 per couple or RO 30 per single person for entry only, drinks are extra
Additionally, you can order your Christmas Lunch to take away (each serves 8-10 people):
Honey Glazed Ham - RO 160 (I think I might actually get this!)
Roast Mulwarra Prime Rib Eye - RO 150
Roast Butterball Turkey - RO 115
Left Bank
The Left Bank are throwing a NYE party with 2 different set menus - one being RO 30 the other RO 40. A free glass of bubbles at midnight but that is it.
Raddisson Blu
Also, too busy to get back to me with a summary of their events, but I understand that the NYE gig is at the Lazy Lizard and is RO 49 with unlimited bubbles or RO 59 with unlimited drinks.
And that is all..... Hope this helps!
le fin.
Seasons greetings / Merry Christmas to everyone. I've been watching the news on Western Europe's battle with the weather there at the moment... hopefully no more delays or cancellations!
This will be my 4th Christmas in Oman. Why go anywhere when this place is perfect at this time of year?!
There are a lot of parties going on between now and NYE, and here's a summary of what is going on... if you would like me to add your party to the list then please just send me an email! Click on the pictures for bigger versions of them to read information contained on them.
The Rugby Club
The rugby club are putting on both Christmas Eve and New Years Eve parties.
Christmas Eve, get a complimentary mulled wine upon entry, and NYE is RO 35 for unlimited beverages and finger foods while they last. Of note is the excellent outdoor space at the back of the club, something unique to the Rugby Club, and in this winter weather, very enjoyable!Zouk
The Zouk crowd have planned a plethora of events over the holiday period, starting on the 22nd and culminating with an excellent looking Masquerade New Year Bash for RO 40 with unlimited selected drinks. It all kicks off tomorrow night with Dub Bass
Zouk is such a pretty club I had to share another picture :)
Al Bustan Palace
The Al Bustan Palace has a ton of things going on between now and the new year, click on the pictures for complete information. In summary though (all prices are subject to 17% tax):
Beach Pavilion on 24th & 25th have a 5 course dinner for RO 39 with a complimentary glass of bubbles. NYE is RO 59 with a 6 course menu and a glass of bubbly.
China Mood - 24th is a 5 course meal for RO 39, 25th is dim sum brunch for RO 22. 31st is 5 course dinner for RO 39 (free glass of bubbles). 1st Jan is the dim sum brunch again.
Al Khiran Terrace - 24th & 25th buffet for RO 29, 31st is buffet for RO 39.
VUE - 24th - 5 course dinner for RO 59 (buy your drinks) 31st is a 6 course dinner for RO 70 (buy your drinks)
Catch carol singers on the 24th and 25th in the Atrium Lounge....
InterCon
The 24th has the Musandam buffet for RO 21 for adults and RO 10 for kids with some live entertainment. Senior Pico is a 5 course dinner for RO 21. Traders is 5 course for RO 30 and Tomato is 5 courses for RO 21.
25th, Musandam Christmas Day Brunch buffet RO 24/12 (kids)
NYE - Musandam is RO 31 (RO 16 for kids), Senior Pico - 5 courses RO 31, Traders is a 5 course dinner and "open regular beverages" - RO 75
Al Ghazal Pub is RO 25 for unlimited selected beverages all night
The NYE Gala dinner buffet is RO 65 for adults and RO 22 for kids (includes drinks)
For those looking for some hangover grease, from noon till 4pm on the 1st, the New Years Day brunch is on for RO 18 adults and RO 9 for kids.
Barr Al Jissah
BAJ have 6 venues... so there's a lot going on here too!
24th
Samba - Buffet for RO 18.5
Bait al Bahr - 5 course dinner for RO 28
Al Tanoor - Buffet for RO 18.5 with live music
Capri Court - 5 course dinner for RO 28
Sultanah - 5 course dinner for RO 60
Sharazad - 5 course dinner for RO 35
25th
Samba - Buffet for RO 15.5 12-3pm
Bait al Bahr - 5 course dinner for RO 28
Al Tanoor - Buffet for RO 15.5 12-3pm
Capri Court - 5 course dinner for RO 28
Sultanah - 6 course dinner for RO 60
NYE
Al Waha & Al Bandar - RO 98 including drinks
Al Husn - Sultanah & Shahrazad - RO 120 including selected drinks
Park Inn
The Park Inn have a traditional turkey dinner on the 24th and 25th at the RBG Grill for RO 25 (starting at noon and includes access to the roof top pool). For dinner there is a 4 course dinner for RO 18.
For NYE, the Sama Terrazza is RO 50 with unlimited selected drinks. The entertainment is special... DJ Ilgin from Turkey. For those of you that like house music, she has a record deal with Pacha.
The Chedi
The Chedi have a few Christmas events lined up - A Bubbly brunch on Christmas Eve for RO 45 or 60 (depending on which type of Moet et Chandon you want to drink). Dinner at the Chedi's The Restaurant or The Serai Cabana is 4 courses and RO 40. And there is a Christmas buffet for RO 38 at The Restaurant.
Hyatt
I emailed the people at Hyatt but apparently they were too cool to get back to me. I understand that they have the following for NYE (special thanks to DITD for getting the info):
Safari Rooftop Grill house - 50 RO for the normal meal options & unlimited selected beverages from 7.30pm-1am
Mokkha Cafe - 60+ RO for a gala dinner (buffet) and drinks
Tuscany - 70+ RO for a black-tie gala dinner and drinks
UPDATE: Hyatt people got in touch, and shared the following information:
24th
Dinner at Mokha Cafe - RO 30 (RO 15 for kids)
Dinner at Tuscany - RO 40 (RO 20 for kids)
25th
Brunch buffet at Mokha Cafe - RO 32 (RO 16 for kids)
Lunch at Tuscany - RO 40 (RO 20 for kids)
NYE
Gala dinner in the hotel gardens - RO 75 (RO 35 for kids) including unlimited selected drinks
Tuscany - 6 course dinner with bubbly at midnight - RO 60
Afrah Ballroom - Kids party place with snacks, games and entertainment RO 15 (this is the only thing like this I've seen)
Safari Rooftop - RO 50 (kids RO 25) unlimited selected drinks - upgrade for access to the pub for an additional RO 15
Safari Pub - RO 35 with unlimited selected drinks
Copacabana - RO 25 per couple or RO 30 per single person for entry only, drinks are extra
Additionally, you can order your Christmas Lunch to take away (each serves 8-10 people):
Honey Glazed Ham - RO 160 (I think I might actually get this!)
Roast Mulwarra Prime Rib Eye - RO 150
Roast Butterball Turkey - RO 115
Left Bank
The Left Bank are throwing a NYE party with 2 different set menus - one being RO 30 the other RO 40. A free glass of bubbles at midnight but that is it.
Raddisson Blu
Also, too busy to get back to me with a summary of their events, but I understand that the NYE gig is at the Lazy Lizard and is RO 49 with unlimited bubbles or RO 59 with unlimited drinks.
And that is all..... Hope this helps!
le fin.
Monday 6 December 2010
Holidays
As you are all no doubt aware, tomorrow thru Thursday will be holidays, and Saturday will also be a holiday for Public Sector employees.
Additionally, it has just been announced that December 25-31 (aka Christmas week) will be the official National Day holidays. The Public Sector announcement has been made already, and it is expected that the Private Sector announcement will be made imminently. The Oman News Agency website is currently down... probably being overloaded.
I guess the Oman World Fireworks Championship starting tonight (and running until the 18th of December) will have cause for extra celebration from all the workers in Oman tonight!
le fin.
UPDATE: Private Sector return to work on Tuesday 28th December.
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