Dubai is a city of superlatives. Known around the world as a by-word for luxury, the emirate has enjoyed a rapid ascension in the space of just a few decades, transforming from a humble fishing village to a gleaming high-rise metropolis. Let’s take a look at some of the top attractions this incomparable destination has to offer!

1. Reach New Heights at Burj Khalifa, the World’s Tallest Building

No trip to Dubai is complete without a visit to the iconic Burj Khalifa. The world’s tallest building, this unique structure towers 828 meters over the city, and is the focal point of the Downtown area’s impressive skyline. Whilst the glass and steel-faced skyscraper exudes modernity, the tower’s overall aesthetic is inspired by patterns found throughout the region’s ancient Islamic architecture. This melding of tradition and cutting-edge technology epitomizes Dubai’s ever-evolving cityscape.

Take a high-speed elevator ride to the observation deck on the 124th floor, preceded by a series of fascinating exhibits charting the development of this incredible feat of engineering. For the ultimate vantage point, the At The Top Sky Lounge nestles at the dizzying heights of level 148, more than half a kilometer above the ground. Interested in experiencing high-altitude fine dining? Book at table at At.mosphere on level 122, and enjoy a meal with a view like no other.

2. Shop Till You Drop at the Largest Mall on the Planet

Adjacent to the world’s tallest building, you will find the world’s largest shopping center. The Dubai Mall covers a total internal floor area of almost six million square feet, and houses over 1,200 high-end retail outlets and restaurants. Whilst that would be enough to keep even the most ardent shopaholic occupied, this gargantuan complex offers much more than just the opportunity to explore the hottest designer brands. The impressive Dubai Aquarium is located on the ground floor of the mall, and presents an opportunity to get up close and personal with a huge variety of marine life. Its 10-million liter tank is home to some 140 species of aquatic creatures, including over 300 sharks and rays. Other must-see attractions include an elegant 24-meter indoor waterfall, an Olympic-size ice rink, and a 22-screen multiplex cinema. Last but not least, prepare to be wowed by the Dubai Fountain. The world’s largest (naturally!) choreographed fountain system is situated at a pictureque lake in the shadow of the Burj Khalifa. Rhythmic pulses of water soar over 500 feet into the air in a spectacular display, synchronized to a cosmopolitan blend of local and global soundtracks. The many restaurants and cafes which line the surrounding promenade offer a comfortable vantage point from which to relax and enjoy the show, which takes place every 30 minutes throughout the evening.

You could easily spend several days in the Dubai Mall and still not see everything, but don’t forget to visit the other stunning shopping centers the city has to offer. Fancy taking part in winter sports activities in a desert country? Then head to Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates, an indoor ski resort featuring an 85-meter high indoor mountain, complete with its own chairlifts, real snow and… penguins! Mall of the Emirates also offers ample opportunity to indulge in a bit of retail therapy, with more than 630 retail outlets and over 100 restaurants and cafés. Other notable shopping venues in the city include the classy Burjuman Center, the luxurious Wafi Mall, and Ibn Battuta Mall, which features several distinct zones themed around countries visited by renowned Arabic adventurer Ibn Batutta.

3. Hit the Beach

The cooler weather is fast approaching in Dubai, making it an ideal time to visit one of the city’s many beaches. November to March are generally considered the best months to do so, when daytime temperatures drop to a pleasant 25°C (77°F). The expansive coastline of the Arabian Gulf offers an abundance of spots to relax where the sand meets the ocean. Perhaps the most popular of these is JBR beach, which runs alongside the famous Walk promenade adjacent to Dubai Marina. Here, you can lounge in the sun and take a dip in the clear waters, with some of the tallest residential buildings on the planet forming a stunning backdrop. JBR is also home to The Beach, an outdoor mall concept on the edge of the sands which features a jogging track, open air gym, and a plethora of popular restaurants.

Looking for the perfect spot to get a snap of the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel? Head further north to Umm Suqeim Beach. Also known by locals as Sunset Beach, this picturesque stretch of coastline is the ideal place to spend a relaxing afternoon. If you prefer a more lively experience, Kite Beach is just what what you are looking for. The hang-out of choice for kite surfers, paddle boarders and swimmers, it offers outstanding amenities including ample changing facilities, beach volleyball courts and a jogging track, as well as an assortment of quirky eateries. Al Mamzar Beach Park and Jumeirah Beach Park both feature not only attractive beaches, but green parks complete with barbecue areas and children’s playgrounds, making for a great day out for all the family.

In search of something a little more upmarket? Spend a sun-kissed day at one of the city’s luxurious private beach clubs. There are countless options available, catering to every taste. Many of the most popular can be found on the Palm Jumeirah. The world’s largest man-made island, the Palm’s tree-inspired design provides endless waterfront entertainment options. With most of the top 5-star resorts offering day access packages to non-guests, you can lounge in a variety of sumptuous locations throughout your stay.

4. Enjoy a Desert Adventure

From the fine white sands of the beach, we move inland to the dramatic landscape of the Arabian Desert. Just a short drive from the city you can discover a world a million miles from the hustle and bustle of Dubai’s futuristic urban conurbation. Wide expanses of sand and dramatic dunes stretch as far as the eye can see in this starkly beautiful environment. There are various ways to explore the desert, the most popular being to join one of the many Desert Safari tours available. Prepare for a thrilling ride in a 4×4 as you go dune-bashing, an exciting activity which sees expert drivers racing up and down the undulating slopes. Typically, you will be driven to a Bedouin-style desert encampment, where a lavish Arabic buffet awaits. Entertainment from traditional musicians and belly dancers sets the mood at these celebrations of local culture, where you can witness falconry displays, experience the art of henna tattoos and enjoy the famous shisha pipe.

If you wish to stick around for longer, there are a number of high-end resorts available which promise a unique getaway in one of the last untamed wildernesses on the planet. The peaceful surroundings are an ideal place to relax and unwind. Fancy something a bit different? Why not go up, up and away in a hot air balloon! Several companies offer captivating balloon trips over the desert, which allow you to take in the vast panorama from above in a truly unforgettable adventure.

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5. Visit Palm Jumeirah, the World’s Largest Man-made Island

Where else but in Dubai would you find the world’s largest man-made island? Taking the shape of a stylized palm tree for inspiration, this wonder of modern engineering has a total surface area of 5.72km², and is home to some of the city’s most exclusive real estate. While the reclaimed land may cover a relatively small area, the unique design has added more than 520km to Dubai’s shoreline. This abundance of beach area has been utilized to full effect, with the opening of a multitude of 5-star resorts and exclusive beach clubs.

The most famous resort on the island is undoubtedly Atlantis the Palm. Sitting at the crown of the Palm, this gargantuan complex has become a tourist attraction in its own right, with throngs of visitors flocking to the hotel every day for photo opportunities. Guests can marvel at the lost chambers aquarium, experience underwater dining at the Ossiano underwater restaurant, or make a splash at the popular Wild Wadi Waterpark. Further along the outer fronds of the Palm, you will find several more discreet luxury resorts catering to those seeking a more relaxed vacation.

Feel like doing something more adventurous? View the Palm from a whole new angle, with Skydive Dubai! This could be the world’s most easily accessible way for first-timers to experience the thrill of skydiving. Book a tandem jump with a qualified instructor, and just a short while later you can be hurtling towards the earth from a height of around 4,000 meters. Your one minute of freefall will be recorded on video for posterity, creating the ultimate souvenir for adrenaline junkies.

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6. Explore the Timeless Heritage of Old Dubai

While Dubai’s image around the world is one of gleaming skyscrapers and opulent resorts, many pockets of the city retain their old-world charm. To experience an authentic taste of old Dubai, head to Dubai Creek and take a ride on one of the traditional abra boats. These rustic wooden vessels make regular trips across the water, offering visitors a fantastic opportunity to step back in time on a mode of transport that hasn’t changed in decades. For a nominal fare of just one dirham per person you can set sail for a number of destinations, including the Old Souk abra station. Alight here to visit the famous Gold Souk. A souk is a traditional market where you can browse a vast array of goods and haggle with vendors. A trip here really captures the atmosphere of old Arabia, and the sheer quantity of precious metals and jewelry on display is staggering. Don’t forget to explore the nearby spice, textile and perfume souks, where you can find many interesting and unique items at bargain prices.

Another must-visit location is the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. Also known as Bastakiya, this conservation area in Bur Dubai dates back more than a century and retains the original buildings and atmosphere of a bygone era. Among the traditional wind towers and narrow, winding alleyways you will find a wealth of organizations dedicated to preserving local customs, including museums, art galleries and cultural societies. A trip to old Dubai should be an essential part of your itinerary, and represents a fascinating and informative way to become acquainted with the true local culture.

Plan Your Trip to Dubai With Jetex

We hope this article has provided inspiration for your next trip to Dubai. For further details on any of the attractions listed, please visit the official Dubai tourism website.

Still looking for fresh ideas? The Jetex Lifestyle team can help! Jetex Lifestyle is a groundbreaking concept, bringing together an irresistible package of privileges and bespoke services. Our exclusive partnerships and extensive global connections enable us to craft unique experiences which are unavailable elsewhere. If you can imagine it, we can arrange it!

Contact our team today on +971 4 212 4088 or lifestyle@jetex.com.

Do you frequently travel by private jet? Perhaps you have been using charter services so often, that you are considering purchasing an aircraft of your own. This represents a big outlay, and one which requires much thought. Fortunately, in today’s market a third option has become increasingly common. In this article, we will weight up the pros and cons of Fractional Jet Leasing.

What is Fractional Jet Leasing?

With Fractional Jet Leasing, multiple “owners” share the costs of buying, leasing and operating an aircraft, rather than purchasing one for themselves. Each individual’s contribution will be pro-rated, based on the market value for the full aircraft. The owners are guaranteed a fixed number of hours or days usage annually, either for the specific plane or a similar model in the operators fleet, which can be availed within just a few hours’ notice.

The breakdown of the charges applied in fractional ownership will usually include a fixed monthly maintenance fee and an hourly operating fee for when the aircraft is “occupied” (charged only when an owner or guest is on board, not for “empty legs” when the aircraft is traveling to a pick-up point).

Owners who sign up for these schemes will have access to a full fleet of planes, and can upgrade or downgrade depending on the requirements for each specific flight. Once a contract ends, the owner can then either sell their share of the plane back to the company, or on to the next customer on a waiting list.

What are the Advantages of Fractional Jet Leasing Over Charter Services?

Fractional Ownership offers several advantages over chartering a private jet or purchasing your own aircraft outright.
These include:

1. You only pay for the time you spend in the air.
   If you find yourself flying a lot of one leg journeys, it may be more economical to sign up to a fractional ownership program. With private jet charter services, you still need to pay for the return flight, regardless of whether you or your guests are on board the plane.

2. You enjoy consistency with your aircraft and crew.
   Part-owning an aircraft means you get to travel in the same model of plane for every journey. This builds familiarity with the aircraft and its crew, resulting in greater comfort and convenience.

3. More Economical Trip Planning for Remote Areas
   Part-owning an aircraft means you are paying only for the time you spend in the air. If you need to frequently travel from remote regions it is likely there will be fewer charter options available, and so the cost advantages of booking through a broker are usually reduced.

Are There Any Disadvantages to the Fractional Ownership Model?

As with any arrangement, there are upsides and downsides. If you are considering Fractional Ownership, it is important to note you may encounter some of the following drawbacks:

1. You may face reduced convenience / access
   If you are tied into a particular aircraft model this can sometimes place restrictions on your operations (if, for instance, you need a bigger plane). In the case of private small-scale shared ownership, the aircraft may not always be available when you need it.
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2. You will be faced with regular costs
   If you are using a charter option, you pay only when you use the aircraft, with no fixed regular payments to cover. Whether this is an advantage or disadvantage depends very much on how often you fly.
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3. Being tied to one aircraft can mean less flexibility
   Without any long-term contract, you are free to charter different sizes and models of aircraft as and when required. If you are already paying on a regular basis, you will want to make use of the plane you are paying for.

Would I Benefit From Switching to Fractional Jet Leasing?

As we have seen above, there are advantages and disadvantages to Fractional Ownership. Whether buying a part-share in a jet is the right move for you would be determined largely by how frequently you fly, where you fly, and the level of flexibility your operations require in terms of size and type of aircraft employed. There are a few other points to consider.

For owners and part-owners of private jets, the annual deprecation on their investment is tax deductible in some countries. Although this amount will be taxed later when the aircraft is sold, it is possible to gain interest on the depreciation amount while you still own the jet. This benefit is not available if you are arranging charter services, although in some cases you may find you are eligible to deduct the entire cost of a flight as a business expense. If you fly fewer hours per year, charter is usually the most cost-effective option.

Another crucial factor is how you fly. Generally speaking, charter companies have a two-hour minimum flight time charge. If you tend to make mostly short journeys, it may be better in the long run to purchase your own jet (particularly if you have a lot of “empty legs”).

Even if you are usually present for the return journey, you have to take into account that the crew and the aircraft need to go somewhere during your trip. Does it make more sense financially to fly the crew home on a commercial airline and pay for parking, or is it more cost-effective just to send the jet away and then have it come back again after a few days?

Again, it depends very much on the specific nature of your operations and the distances involved. There are no hard and fast rules for determining which method is best for everyone, as all cases must be assessed on their own unique circumstances.

Any Questions?

If you would like to find out more about fractional jet leasing, private jet hire, aircraft charter services or any aspect of private jet ownership then please feel free to reach out to our experts. The Jetex Lifestyle team has decades of experience in private jet charter services, and will be happy to assist with honest, impartial advice. We look forward to helping you find the best solution, individually tailored to your needs.

Contact us today on +971 4 212 4088 or email lifestyle@jetex.com.

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Next month sees the return of Australia’s most prestigious thoroughbred horse race, as the world’s top riders saddle up for the Melbourne Cup. More than just a race, the event has evolved into a key date in the Australian social calendar. Read on to learn more.

History of the Race

The very first Melbourne Cup was held way back in 1861, making it one of the longest-established thoroughbred horse races in the world. Conducted annually by the Victoria Racing Club at Flemington Racecourse, the Melbourne Cup is run over 3,200 meters and is a “quality handicap” for horses 3 years old and over. Handicap contests require the weight of the jockey and riding gear to be adjusted with ballast to meet a nominated figure. Older horses will carry more weight than younger ones, and the weights are also adjusted according to the horse’s previous results. The current record holder at the course is Kingston Rule, who raced to victory in 1990 with a time of 3:16.3.

The Melbourne Cup is recognized as the richest two-mile handicap globally, and among the world’s richest turf races overall. The total prize fund for the race exceeds AUD$ 6,200,000, in addition to trophies valued at more than AUD$ 175,000. The first 10 horses past the post are awarded a share of the prize money, with last year’s winner Almandin (ridden by Kerrin McEvoy) taking home a cool AUD$ 3.6 million.

The Race That Stops a Nation

The Melbourne Cup is affectionately known as “the race that stops a nation”, and with good reason. Each year, much of Australia literally grinds to a halt to enjoy the spectacle. Approximately two and a half million people tune in to watch the event unfold live on TV, with race day even designated as a public holiday for those working within Melbourne and some parts of Victoria. As with the Grand National in United Kingdom, even those with only a passing interest in horse racing tend to have a flutter.

The race is also considered one of the biggest days on the Australian social calendar. Flemington Racecourse is the place to be seen, and visitors love to dress up for the occasion. Attendees can enjoy a wide variety of luxurious food and beverage options, as well as the numerous pop-up fashion and entertainment happenings which take place throughout the accompanying Melbourne Cup Carnival. It all adds up to a fabulous day out at one of horse racing’s most iconic events.

 

The 2017 Melbourne Cup takes place at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Victoria on Tuesday, November 7. For further details on the build-up to the big race, please visit Flemington’s official website.

Flying to Melbourne

There are two choices of airport available for those traveling to the Melbourne Cup:

Melbourne Airport (IATA: MEL, ICAO: YMML) is located approximately 16km north of Flemington Racecourse.  YMML functions as an Airport of Entry (AoE) 24/7. Prior Permission Required (PPR) and airport slots are not necessary at this airport, however some operators may require a landing permit depending on the noise status of the aircraft, number of passengers and their frequency of operations to Australia. The airport is fully equipped for all ground handling services, and offers passenger and crew lounges. Long term parking is possible, subject to availability.

Essendon Airport (IATA: MEB, ICAO: YMEN) is situated around 9km north from the race venue. YMEN functions as an AoE, although is subject to a curfew from 23:00 to 06:00 local time. Customs and immigrations officers must be arranged in advance, with 48 hours’ notice required for flights with less than nine pax and ten working days required for ten pax and above. Note also that a Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) restriction applies, with aircraft heavier than 45,000kg not permitted to land at or take off from the airport. PPR and landing permits are required, however slots are not necessary. YMEN offers a full range of ground handling services, as well as passenger and crew lounges. Long term parking is possible for a daily fee, subject to availability.

Arrange Your Trip to the Melbourne Cup With Jetex

Traveling to join the festivities at the Melbourne Cup? Arrive in style with Jetex!

We can deliver a full range of trip planning, ground handling, aircraft fueling and bespoke concierge services for your next journey to Australia. From obtaining reservations in the most exclusive hotels, to arranging VIP limo transfers and outstanding fine dining experiences, you can trust our team of experts to look after each and every detail.

Book your trip today! To find out more about how you can benefit from our services, please contact our team on +971 4 212 4000 or email info@jetex.com.

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Welcome to the third and final part of our Focus on Fuel series. In the previous two articles, we looked at the different types of aviation fuel, and compared the efficiency of popular models of business aircraft. Read on to find out more about the pricing and availability of aviation fuel around the world.

Where Can I Refuel?

The most common types of fuel are readily available throughout the world. It is usually straightforward to arrange for a fuel uplift, land and replenish your supply. Some regional variations may apply for different types of fuel. Generally speaking, availability is as follows:

Jet-A: Available throughout North America. Less common in other regions.
Jet-A1: The predominant Jet fuel in the rest of the world. Used interchangeably with Jet-A.
TS-1: The main Jet fuel for Russia and CIS states.
Jet B: Available for operations in extremely cold climates only, such as Northern Canada.
Avgas: Used worldwide, but can be trickier to obtain in certain areas, particularly Africa, China and the Middle East.

Global Variations in Jet Fuel Prices

Fuel prices tend to vary from region to region, and are subject to frequent fluctuations according to global market conditions. The single biggest influence on the price of aviation fuel is the price of crude oil. Recent years have seen an increase in oil production in countries including Canada, Iraq and Russia, which has helped to keep the cost per barrel relatively low globally. The introduction of new technologies such as fracking has also resulted in a surge in production in the United States. However prices are subject to change at a moments notice, and depend largely on the available supply and demand at any given time.

The below table gives an indication of what you can expect to pay per US Gallon of Jet fuel in a variety of locations around the world. Note that prices given are for illustrative purposes only. These values are intended to provide a broad comparison of prevailing prices posted at airports in different countries.

Country	City	Average Jet A / Jet A-1 Price (US Dollars per US Gallon, excluding tax)
Argentina	Buenos Aires	2.00 – 2.50
Australia	Canberra	2.50 – 3.00
Belgium	Brussels	1.50 – 2.00
Brazil	Brasília	2.00 – 2.50
Canada	Ottawa	3.00 – 3.50
Chile	Santiago	2.00 – 2.50
China	Beijing	1.50 – 2.00
Czech Republic	Prague	1.50 – 2.00
Egypt	Cairo	2.00 – 2.50
France	Paris	2.00 – 2.50
Germany	Berlin	2.00 – 2.50
India	New Delhi	1.50 – 2.00
Italy	Rome	1.50 – 2.00
Japan	Tokyo	1.50 – 2.00
Maldives	Malé	2.50 – 3.00
Mexico	Mexico City	2.00 – 2.50
Morocco	Rabat	2.00 – 2.50
Nigeria	Abuja	2.00 – 2.50
Spain	Madrid	1.50 – 2.00
Sweden	Stockholm	1.50 – 2.00
Thailand	Bangkok	1.50 – 2.00
Ukraine	Kiev	2.10 – 2.60
United Arab  Emirates	Abu Dhabi	1.50 – 2.00
United Kingdom	London	2.00 – 2.50
United States	Teterboro	8.00 – 8.50 *

The table above focuses on the capital cities of some frequently visited countries. As you can see, the price for a gallon of Jet fuel seems exceptionally high in Teterboro*. Fuel does tend to be more expensive overall in the United States, however prices are not this high everywhere. The rates vary according to the size of the city and the airport used. Big cities like New York, Chicago and Los Angeles usually have higher rates, especially at major international airports which cater mostly to commercial airlines. There are plenty of FBOs at smaller airports across the United States which offer fuel at more competitive rates. Contact our fuel team to obtain the best available prices for your next trip to the US.

How About Avgas?

Depending where in the world you are flying, you can expect to pay between 4.70 – 10.00 USD per USG for Avgas.

The small piston-driven aircraft which run on Avgas usually operate within a limited area. As these planes generally make shorter journeys, operators tend to obtain their fuel from a regular local supplier.

Country	City	Average Avgas Price (US Dollars per US Gallon, excluding tax)
Argentina	Buenos Aires	5.00 – 6.00
Australia	Canberra	6.00 – 7.00
Brazil	Brasília	6.00- 8.00
Canada	Ottawa	9.00 – 10.00
Chile	Santiago	4.00 – 5.00
Czech Republic	Prague	7.00 – 8.00
France	Paris	7.00 – 8.00
Germany	Berlin	7.00 – 8.00
India	New Delhi	8.00 – 9.00
Spain	Madrid	6.00 – 8.00
Sweden	Stockholm	5.00 – 6.00
Thailand	Bangkok	7.00 – 8.00
United Arab  Emirates	Abu Dhabi	7.00 – 8.00
United Kingdom	London	9.00 – 10.00
United States	Washington D.C.	8.00 – 9.00

Refuel with Jetex, Worldwide

Looking for a dependable source of aviation fuel? Jetex offers access to an extensive global network of providers at more than 2,000 locations across six continents. We have approved suppliers in every corner of the globe, making it easy to obtain a reliable and competitively priced fuel source wherever you may be traveling.

All of our fuel providers are subject to a stringent auditing process to ensure the highest quality fuel is delivered at all times. For locations where we do not already have approved providers in place, our staff on the ground will work with local handling teams to obtain a fuel supply you can depend on.

Jetex VAT Exemption Program

Did you know its possible to save on your fuel bill in many destinations through our VAT exemption program? Jetex offers VAT compliant invoicing across 19 European countries. To fully enjoy the benefits of VAT exemption, it is important to work with a reseller that understands the rules and regulations which apply for each country. Jetex has a wealth of experience in this area, and will ensure that your billing remains fully compliant at all times.

Our VAT program currently extends to the following countries:

Austria	France	Portugal
Belgium	Germany	Republic of Ireland
Bulgaria	Italy	Romania
Canary Islands	Netherlands	Spain
Cyprus	Norway	Switzerland
Czech Republic	Poland	United Kingdom
Finland

Contact our team today to find out if you are eligible to enroll in our VAT exemption program by calling +971 4 212 4000 or email fueldispatch@jetex.com.

Further Reading

This article concludes our Focus on Fuel series. In case you missed Parts One and Two, please find the links below:

Focus on Fuel Part One: Different Types of Aviation Fuel
Focus on Fuel Part Two: Fuel Efficiency of Popular Business Aircraft

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If you have any questions regarding fuel pricing or availability for your next trip, simply contact Fuel Team using the details below. Our expert team will be delighted to assist you!

T: +971 4 212 4000
E: fueldispatch@jetex.com

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