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When you see pictures of beaches in Dubai you usually are looking at Jumeirah Beach Dubai. This is a long, beautiful beach with pure white sands and turquoise waters situated on the Arabian Gulf. Along this beach are many clubs, restaurants, luxury hotels and some public beaches that are the favorite of locals.

You can take the children to Jumeirah Beach without worry because lifeguards are always on duty in the day light. You can take a picnic and even cook in the barbecue facilities on the beach. This beach may be popular but it is rarely over crowded even during the weekend.

One of the most famous hotels on the beach is named after the beach The Jumeirah Beach Hotel. The hotel is large with a variety of accommodations from rooms, to suites and even villas for families or those that want to be alone. This five star hotel brags that it gives guests extravagant customer service and beautiful atmosphere to enhance vacation or business trips. On site there is a variety of restaurants and clubs and there are even places for entertainment there. On the beach the hotel runs a marina for those that have boats or wish to take one out on the gulf. Kids are treated well and have their own place to go called Sinbad’s Kids Club.

Available are Ocean Deluxe Rooms that have an ocean view. They have king size beds or the optional 2 twin beds, a sitting area, bath with shower and separate tub. You can get a room for the evening for AED 1,400. There are the same type rooms with an added balcony and they cost a little more at AED 1,600. All these rooms have a maximum of either three adults or two adults and two children. Another option is the Ocean Premium Leisure room that has windows that reach from floor to ceiling. They also have an interactive TV for kids or adults. You can stay here for AED 2,000.

Also available for your pleasure is the Ocean Club Executive Rooms. These have the same amenities as the others but you also are given breakfast in your room or in the Latitude on site restaurant. Maximum occupancy is three adults or two children and two adults and they cost AED 2,000 per night. The Junior Ocean Suite is another option with breakfast but also has a terrace that is private with 2 sunbeds. Rates are a little more expensive at AED 2,900.

If you prefer a suite you can stay in the Beachcomber with a master bedroom and another room for the kids. Suites have terraces and easy walking distance to the beach. There are also 2 bedroom suites with a kitchenette, terrace with beach access and sunbeds. You will get breakfast with both these rooms and rates are AED 5,400 up to 6,350.

The villas are extremely popular and lovely and come in either one or two bedroom. They have a beautiful garden that is private only to the person who rents the villa and includes a small pool. You can see the beach and ocean from the villas as well. You can have breakfast in the facility or in the villa and adults will love the Executive Club while families will enjoy the Leisure Lounge. These have the highest rates at around AED 5,800 to 7,800 for an evening of great style and fun.

If you plan on going to Jumeirah Beach make sure to stay at the Highland Hotel Dubai. Guests love the pampering the get from the staff and rave about the atmosphere of the resort. The on site food is great as is access to the beach. You can not go wrong staying at this 5 star hotel.

A great number of westerners get a little nervous when exploring the culinary traditions of different cultures, but this worry can be eliminated with just a little bit of information.  When it comes to the Japanese sushi bar, some of these traditions aren’t going to be that intuitive without understanding what they are and why they exist.  My goal is to take you through some of these little courtesies that are paid to the restaurant staff.  These considerations will be warmly received and make your experience all the richer, and you’ll be able to transfer the skills to your own sushi making set!

A Pre-Meal Warm Towel

I’ve seen many people with confused looks on their faces when presented with the customary towel before the meal.  This is often presented to restaurant patrons as a courtesy.  It’s meant to wipe off your hands, and nothing more.

The Large Menu

One amusing bit of culture-shock is the sheer size of the menu offerings at most sushi bars.  You’ll likely be presented with page upon page of sushi roll options, and you should take this as a good thing.  My best advice is not to worry about making the “perfect” choice, simply focusing on what sounds good at the time.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions of the wait staff or chef:  No one expects you to know everything about a culture you weren’t originally born into, and they will most likely appreciate the fact that you are making an effort!

Be Sure to Show Appreciation to the Chef

There’s no better way to show your appreciation than to order a drink to share with the chef.  If he accepts it, you should toast one another with the word “Kampai,” which means “To your health” in Japanese.  This is a sign of great respect between the chef and patron, and can really add to the sushi bar experience.

Conclusion

Armed with the basic knowledge in this article, you can maximize the enjoyment you get from your sushi bar visit.  While you’re there, be sure to observe the preparation and traditional serving of the food so you can take these skills back home and use them with your own sushi sets!