When Lewis Carroll wrote Alice's Adventures in Wonderland in 1865, he could not have predicted how influential it would become.
Stepping into Delano Dubai is just like falling down the rabbit hole featured in that famous novel. “We just want guests to come and relax, you know? Forget about the outside world and be in this world,” a member of the guest relations team tells me.
It's an ethos taken from the brand's flagship Miami hotel, which opened in 1995, and its Maison Delano in Paris, which opened in 2023.
The National checks in to find out what's beyond the looking glass at the Bluewaters Island hotel.
First impressions
Having visited The Banyan Tree on Bluewaters Island just a few days before, I think I've made a mistake on the taxi booking app when my driver begins following a familiar path, pulling off the main road at the same turn. But as he reaches the security gates, he takes a left turn to the aforementioned hotel, which also has residential buildings, and a right turn to enter Delano Dubai. Together, the two hotels took over the space that was once Caesar's Palace, another US export.
Behind the thin, translucent curtains – a signature design feature of the hotel – is a bright and airy lobby. Cream rugs top light pine floors, and more fabric drapes from tall ceilings against white walls and glass panels overlooking the sea. Minimal furniture includes oyster-hued curved sofas, tall potted plants and monochrome coffee tables topped with travel books.
After a smooth check-in, the mood shifts as my guest and I leave the lobby. While the same curtains grace the corridors, the lights have faded, dimly shining over the dark marble floors as we enter the tunnel into 'Wonderland'.
The room
As we check into the fourth-floor room, the fun begins. It's one of the best hotel rooms I've stayed in. I notice the stunning terrace view: palm trees, hotel pool, blue seas. Cliched perhaps, but I do feel miles away from home, despite being a short drive away.
Besides the bed, there is a sofa underneath one small window, indoor-opening wooden shutters adding extra charm. A sizeable study desk as well as a padded foot bench and a big light-up wardrobe complete the amenities. The refreshing spritz and range of desserts is a nice touch.
The bath, shower and wash basin are in a separate room from the toilet. It's nice to see a sensible design decision here, meaning guests can soak in the supersized bath for lengthy periods without disruption. I also love the Byredo products the bathroom is stocked with.
The scene
With dark hues and low lights, sultry vibes are consistent throughout the hotel. Things lighten up by the pool, though.
Delano strikes a delicate balance with its poolside ambience. There's music and a buzz of chatter, but it's also possible to peacefully tuck into a novel. There are plenty of spots to throw down a towel for the day, from poolside loungers to cabanas and hammocks.
Staying true to its Miami roots, two bistro chairs and a table stand firm in the pool's shallow end. Supposedly, they're an ode to Roman baths; a place to come together, unwind, discuss ideas.
The gym is an unexpected highlight. It's spacious, with great sea and pool views and screens with workout programmes to select. During my visit, the on-site personal trainer gives me a challenging yet rewarding session.
In-hotel dining
There are several restaurants in Delano Dubai, from Tutto Passa to Blue Door and The Delano Pool & Bar and the Rose Bar.
Breakfast is a beautiful spread of classic morning foods, with a pastry offering to marvel over. The friendly staff remember from the previous evening that I'm vegan and bring me fresh avocado toast, a bowl of mixed berries, a chia yoghurt pudding and an oat latte before I even have the chance to scan the buffet.
The night before, it was a specially-made vegan pizza for me (Dh95) and fresh spinach and ricotta ravioli (Dh105) for my guest. We also enjoyed colourful panzanella salad (Dh75), made with cherry tomatoes, red onion, crispy croutons, basil and cucumber and a bread basket to share.
We also dine at Gohan, tucking into edamame (Dh27); sweet soy cauliflower (Dh40); shiitake mushroom skewers (Dh35); baby spinach salad (Dh54); and the a vegan maki selection (Dh44). Each bite demonstrates vegan dishes done well, simple vegetables dressed and seasoned to make a lasting impression.
Our final visit is to the speakeasy-style Rose Bar. The drinks are spectacular, but it's the disco room with light-up floors that stands out. The seating is reminiscent of disco balls and there are mirrors for walls.
The neighbourhood
There may not be any Mad Hatter tea parties, but you won't get bored between the hotel amenities and the surrounding venues on Bluewaters Island. There is Madame Tussauds Dubai, Swingers Crazy Golf, an interactive City of Illusions museum, an arcade gaming zone at Brass Monkey, igloo-style dining at The Pods restaurant overlooking the water, and many more restaurants and bars to visit. Ain Dubai is also back in motion.
The verdict
Small details add up to a positive big picture at Delano Dubai. Despite a hiccup here or there, the overall experience is positive, making the hotel one I'd confidently recommend.
The bottom line
Pricing is dependent on the dates and the season, with deluxe rooms starting at approximately Dh2,000 per night. Check-in is from 3pm and checkout is at noon.
This review was conducted at the invitation of the resort and reflects standards during this time. Services may change in the future
The Settlers
Director: Louis Theroux
Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz
Rating: 5/5
THREE
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Tonight's Chat on The National
Tonight's Chat is a series of online conversations on The National. The series features a diverse range of celebrities, politicians and business leaders from around the Arab world.
Tonight’s Chat host Ricardo Karam is a renowned author and broadcaster with a decades-long career in TV. He has previously interviewed Bill Gates, Carlos Ghosn, Andre Agassi and the late Zaha Hadid, among others. Karam is also the founder of Takreem.
Intellectually curious and thought-provoking, Tonight’s Chat moves the conversation forward.
Facebook | Our website | Instagram
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Analysis
Maros Sefcovic is juggling multiple international trade agreement files, but his message was clear when he spoke to The National on Wednesday.
The EU-UAE bilateral trade deal will be finalised soon, he said. It is in everyone’s interests to do so. Both sides want to move quickly and are in alignment. He said the UAE is a very important partner for the EU. It’s full speed ahead - and with some lofty ambitions - on the road to a free trade agreement.
We also talked about US-EU tariffs. He answered that both sides need to talk more and more often, but he is prepared to defend Europe's position and said diplomacy should be a guiding principle through the current moment.
25-MAN SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Daniel Akpeyi
Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina, Abdullahi Shehu, Chidozie Awaziem, William Ekong, Leon Balogun, Kenneth Omeruo, Jamilu Collins, Semi Ajayi
Midfielders: John Obi Mikel, Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo, John Ogu
Forwards: Ahmed Musa, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Henry Onyekuru, Odion Ighalo, Alexander Iwobi, Samuel Kalu, Paul Onuachu, Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze
On Standby: Theophilus Afelokhai, Bryan Idowu, Ikouwem Utin, Mikel Agu, Junior Ajayi, Valentine Ozornwafor
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Six large-scale objects on show
- Concrete wall and windows from the now demolished Robin Hood Gardens housing estate in Poplar
- The 17th Century Agra Colonnade, from the bathhouse of the fort of Agra in India
- A stagecloth for The Ballet Russes that is 10m high – the largest Picasso in the world
- Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1930s Kaufmann Office
- A full-scale Frankfurt Kitchen designed by Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky, which transformed kitchen design in the 20th century
- Torrijos Palace dome
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
Quarter-finals
Saturday (all times UAE)
England v Australia, 11.15am
New Zealand v Ireland, 2.15pm
Sunday
Wales v France, 11.15am
Japan v South Africa, 2.15pm
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Take Me Apart
Kelela
(Warp)
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Zayed Sustainability Prize
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Five films to watch
Castle in the Sky (1986)
Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
Only Yesterday (1991)
Pom Poki (1994)
The Tale of Princess Kaguya (2013)
Barings Bank
Barings, one of Britain’s oldest investment banks, was
founded in 1762 and operated for 233 years before it went bust after a trading
scandal.
Barings Bank collapsed in February 1995 following colossal
losses caused by rogue trader Nick Lesson.
Leeson gambled more than $1 billion in speculative trades,
wiping out the venerable merchant bank’s cash reserves.
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Married Malala
Malala Yousafzai is enjoying married life, her father said.
The 24-year-old married Pakistan cricket executive Asser Malik last year in a small ceremony in the UK.
Ziauddin Yousafzai told The National his daughter was ‘very happy’ with her husband.
Profile of MoneyFellows
Founder: Ahmed Wadi
Launched: 2016
Employees: 76
Financing stage: Series A ($4 million)
Investors: Partech, Sawari Ventures, 500 Startups, Dubai Angel Investors, Phoenician Fund
Most sought after workplace benefits in the UAE
- Flexible work arrangements
- Pension support
- Mental well-being assistance
- Insurance coverage for optical, dental, alternative medicine, cancer screening
- Financial well-being incentives
Racecard
5.25pm: Etihad Museum – Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (Turf) 1,200m
6pm: Al Shindaga Museum – Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (Dirt) 1,200m
6.35pm: Poet Al Oqaili – Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (T) 1,400m
7.10pm: Majlis Ghurfat Al Sheif – Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (D) 1,600m
7.45pm: Hatta – Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (T) 1,400m
8.20pm: Al Fahidi – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh87,500 (D) 2,200m
8.55pm: Zabeel Trophy – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh120,000 (T) 1,600m
9.30pm: Coins Museum – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh95,000 (D) 1,600m
10.05pm: Al Quoz Creative – Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (T) 1,000m
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
'Laal Kaptaan'
Director: Navdeep Singh
Stars: Saif Ali Khan, Manav Vij, Deepak Dobriyal, Zoya Hussain
Rating: 2/5
Salah in numbers
€39 million: Liverpool agreed a fee, including add-ons, in the region of €39m (nearly Dh176m) to sign Salah from Roma last year. The exchange rate at the time meant that cost the Reds £34.3m - a bargain given his performances since.
13: The 25-year-old player was not a complete stranger to the Premier League when he arrived at Liverpool this summer. However, during his previous stint at Chelsea, he made just 13 Premier League appearances, seven of which were off the bench, and scored only twice.
57: It was in the 57th minute of his Liverpool bow when Salah opened his account for the Reds in the 3-3 draw with Watford back in August. The Egyptian prodded the ball over the line from close range after latching onto Roberto Firmino's attempted lob.
7: Salah's best scoring streak of the season occurred between an FA Cup tie against West Brom on January 27 and a Premier League win over Newcastle on March 3. He scored for seven games running in all competitions and struck twice against Tottenham.
3: This season Salah became the first player in Premier League history to win the player of the month award three times during a term. He was voted as the division's best player in November, February and March.
40: Salah joined Roger Hunt and Ian Rush as the only players in Liverpool's history to have scored 40 times in a single season when he headed home against Bournemouth at Anfield earlier this month.
30: The goal against Bournemouth ensured the Egyptian achieved another milestone in becoming the first African player to score 30 times across one Premier League campaign.
8: As well as his fine form in England, Salah has also scored eight times in the tournament phase of this season's Champions League. Only Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, with 15 to his credit, has found the net more often in the group stages and knockout rounds of Europe's premier club competition.
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
Find the right policy for you
Don’t wait until the week you fly to sign up for insurance – get it when you book your trip. Insurance covers you for cancellation and anything else that can go wrong before you leave.
Some insurers, such as World Nomads, allow you to book once you are travelling – but, as Mr Mohammed found out, pre-existing medical conditions are not covered.
Check your credit card before booking insurance to see if you have any travel insurance as a benefit – most UAE banks, such as Emirates NBD, First Abu Dhabi Bank and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, have cards that throw in insurance as part of their package. But read the fine print – they may only cover emergencies while you’re travelling, not cancellation before a trip.
Pre-existing medical conditions such as a heart condition, diabetes, epilepsy and even asthma may not be included as standard. Again, check the terms, exclusions and limitations of any insurance carefully.
If you want trip cancellation or curtailment, baggage loss or delay covered, you may need a higher-grade plan, says Ambareen Musa of Souqalmal.com. Decide how much coverage you need for emergency medical expenses or personal liability. Premium insurance packages give up to $1 million (Dh3.7m) in each category, Ms Musa adds.
Don’t wait for days to call your insurer if you need to make a claim. You may be required to notify them within 72 hours. Gather together all receipts, emails and reports to prove that you paid for something, that you didn’t use it and that you did not get reimbursed.
Finally, consider optional extras you may need, says Sarah Pickford of Travel Counsellors, such as a winter sports holiday. Also ensure all individuals can travel independently on that cover, she adds. And remember: “Cheap isn’t necessarily best.”
Origin
Dan Brown
Doubleday
Day 3 stumps
New Zealand 153 & 249
Pakistan 227 & 37-0 (target 176)
Pakistan require another 139 runs with 10 wickets remaining
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs: Audi e-tron
Price, base: From Dh325,000 (estimate)
Engine: Twin electric motors and 95kWh battery pack
Transmission: Single-speed auto
Power: 408hp
Torque: 664Nm
Range: 400 kilometres
MATCH INFO
Quarter-finals
Saturday (all times UAE)
England v Australia, 11.15am
New Zealand v Ireland, 2.15pm
Sunday
Wales v France, 11.15am
Japan v South Africa, 2.15pm
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants
