DUBAI...year long sunshine

Visitors to DUBAI can experience towering modern architecture, traditional trading at the Souk, dune driving, rugged mountains, and breathtaking coastal scenery all in one day. Little wonder that this city's vibrant personality is attracting an increasing number of Irish visitors to its shores. The second largest of the seven Emirates that comprise United Arab Emirates, Dubai represents just 5% of the country's total area, yet its broad appeal has made it the foremost destination of choice in this south easterly part of the Arabian Peninsula.

Dubai is undeniably a world away; a Muslim country where English is widely spoken; an international business destination, and yet maintaining its rich cultural heritage. For Irish honeymooners one of its many appealing aspects is its climate, which is sub-tropical with year long sunshine. For couples marrying in autumn it is a great choice for a honeymoon as its most 'comfortable' months for weather are September-May where temperatures reach a climax of 30 degrees. The summer months are oribably not as good as an idea unless you can handle soaring daily temperatures of between 40-48 degrees!


The Emirates paradise is also more accessible than ever since Aerlingus introduced direct flights from Dublin in 2006, avoiding the hassles of flights connections through the busy hubs of London Heathrow and Paris CDG.

Dubai ticks so many boxes for Mr and Mrs. For Mrs, there is world class, tax free shopping in ultra chic surroundings and especially so for buying gold jewelry; maybe an advance purchase of the eternety ring maybe on the cards! In fact many of the leading international brands are cheaper in Dubai than in their country of origin due to its taxation system. Great bars and restaurants make the most of quality time together and the beatiful beaches are a way of topping up the post-wedding tan.

For Mr, golf is of international standing in Dubai and attracts the world's finest to its annual competitions resulting in some of the finest greens on offer in this part of the world. If you want to take to the seas, there is execellent fishing, sailing and scuba diving in the Arabian Gulf- it's the stuff of James Bond!

For time spent together, enjoy a desert Safari where Dubai's eastern heritage comes to the fore. Starlit nights, clear skies...the perfect romantic seeting. Another option is to enjoy driving through sand dunes-not for the faint hearted... The excellent range of tours and guided activities make the most of the experience with local experts in Dubai serving up a rare feast of activity and cultural based pursuits.

A great night in Dubai is also on the menu, with relaxed dress code and availability of alcohol including all international brands(and even guiness!).
Dining in Dubai offers the world on a plate, with all popular European, Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines on offer. The sky point about dining out is that most of Dubai's leading restaurants in the city numerous and glamorous hotels, due mainly to licensing laws regarding the service of alcohol.
If Indian cuisine is for you, Our pick is Ashiana, at the Sheraton Dubai Hotel and Towers, which the most famous and highly respected Indian restaurant in Dubai. For luxurious Thai cuisine, visit Banjarong, at Dubai's only Thai inspired hotel, Dusit Hotel. This 24th floor restaurant overlooks the desert; a rare view over dinner. The Ayam Samam restaurant is also one of Dunai's ,ost revered and serves amazing Lebanese and food is based at the Century Hotel.

For many Irish visitors to Dubai, the acknowledgement of local customs is important. As a Muslim country it is expected that men and women dress in unrevealing clothing when out in the street or in public places, although standard western holiday wear is acceptable. Swimwear by the pool is completely acceptable, but not out of doors. It is forbidden in Dubai to photograph Muslim women so mindful of this taking scenic shots during your honeymoon.
When it comes to bargaing this is the hallmark of a visit to Dubai's many Souks, or markets. Traders expect bargaining from customers and enjoy it! It is believed that you will get a much better price when you bargain at the Souk, especially for cash sales! Speaking of cash, the currency of Dubai is the Dirham, broken down into 100 fils. €1 currently amounts to 5 Dirham(AED).

For hotels, book via your travel agent who will have the best available packeage rates and offers. Dubai is a destination of international standing so the world's leading luxury hotel chains are present, including Sheraton, Raffles, Shangrila, Ritz Carlton, Radisson SAS, Fairmont, and Kempinski. For the epitome of luxury in Dubai, the Jumeirah Hotel Group offers stunning accomodation in locations along Jumeirah Beach. The world renowned Burj-al-Arab, the world's only 7 star hotel with it's billowing sail shape, is once in a lifetime opportunity to savour a hotel of this level.
Getting to Dubai is, as wev've mentioned, increasingly accessible given the direct flights from Dublin to Dubai. For honeymooners you will be issued with One Entry Visit Visa to cover your holiday and this is issued on your arrival into the UAE.

For complete information on Dubai, visit www.dubaitourism.ae , www.dubai.com , www.aerlingus.com , www.dubai.ie , and www.uaeinteract.com

Honeymoon Checklist!

1-Visit a variety of travel agents for brochures
2-Spend time considering as many destinations as possible
3-Compare prices with travel agents to ensure best value
4-Check seasonality of destination-peak or low season?
5-Consider vaccinations-ask your travel agent and doctor for advice
6-Ensure valid passports to hand
7-Allow 1 month to organise passports for safety,more in summer
Organise foreign currency
8-Buy new suitcases or appropriate luggage
9-Organise travel insurances(if not handled by travel agent)
10-Make packing list
11-Make arrangements for house-minding while you're away
12-Go shopping for any missing items
13-Don't forget sun protection creams, insect repellants
14-Buy plug adaptors for destination
15-Pack for the honeymoon a week or 2 prior to wedding
16-Arrange with best man to take care of honeymoon luggage on wedding day
17-Store travel documents and foreign currency in a safe place until neede
18-Buy any remaining items needed at airport as things will be busy enough!
19-Sit back, relax and enjoy!

Getting MARRIED ABROAD

Marriages which takes place outside Ireland are normally registered in the country in which they occur and are not registered in Ireland by a registrar or the general register office. If you plan to marry abroad you should ensure that all the legal requirements of the country in question are met, and should enquire as to the procedure for obtaining a marriage certificate from that country. Tha relevant Embassy or religious authorities may be able to advise.

If marriage certificate is in a foreign language, it should be normally be accepted for official purposes in Ireland if accompanied by an official translation from a recognised translation agency. Both parties to a marriage contracted abroad must be over 18 for the marriage to be valid in Irish Law.

Certificate of Freedom to marry (also known as Civil Letters of Freedom, Certificates de coutume or certificates of Nulla Osta) which state that a person is not married, also required. Irish citizens can obtain such a certificate from the Consular Section of the Department of Foreign Affairs, 72-76 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Tel# 01 408 2568. Irish Citizens living abroad should contact their nearest Irish Embassy.

Getting Married in IRELAND

Whether planning to marry in Ireland or Northern Ireland it is advisable to make contact with an officiant or celebrant as soon as possible. Requirements may vary depending on your status so your officiant is best placed to advise you of all the correct documentation you will need to facilitate the solemnising of your marriage.
For a marriage to be legal inIreland both parties must have the capacity to marry each other, freely consent to the marriage and observe the necessary formalities. You must be both 18; be single, widowed or divorced in Ireland or have a state annulment or a valid foreign divorce; be of the opposite sex; and not be related by blood or marriage to a degree that prohibits a marriage between you.

First Stop... NEW YORK CITY

A lot of couples fancy going to "THE BIG APPLE" for their honeymoon. I'm not saying that the brides are pushing their husbands to go there for shopping as well but ahmn, YES that's what it is, too! haha!
But seriously, NEW YORK is where you go for shopping, party, fun after fun, it's a mixture of everything.. the word NEW YORK says it all! ..to add on, it's the city where the character like CARRIE BRADSHAW (sex and the city) lives who says "it's the city where you find love". Well then for sure honeymooners go there to fill the city with more love!
NEW YORK is a shopper's paradise where you can find anything and everything you could wish for(apart from a gorgeous pair of Faith shoes, of course!).
From Bloomindale's and the designer boutiques on Fifth Avenue to speciality stores and outlet malls, New York really has it all.
And when- or if- you've had enough of the shops, there are lots of great things to see and do in the city that never sleeps. Whether you're looking for a great view of the famous Manhattan skyline, the latest broadshow, the hippest place to hang out, you'll find it all here.

NYC INSIDER TIPS...

1-The observatory at the rockefeller Center will give you the same view as the empire state building, but will save you about two hours in queuing. It also just a short walk away from the many shops on Fifth Avenue and also Central Park, which you simply must visit. Hire a boat on the lake, have picnic, or stop by at the famous Tavern on the Green for afternoon tea.

2-You can't go to New York without tasting one of its famous cocktails, and there are hundreads of bars to choose from. Head to the Flatiron Lounge on West 19th Street, the East Side Company Bar on 49 Essex Street or the Buddha Bar on Little West 12th Street for some of the best Manhattans and Cosmopolitans in town and a true New York atmosphere.

3-Save yourself plenty of money (and queuing time) by getting a New York Pass. This gives free entry to more than 40 top attractions, including the Statue of Liberty, and a great choice of galleries and museums, as well as special offers on theatre tickets and discounts on some shops and restaurants. A three-day pass is just over $100(about €65). To find out more, visit the website www.newyorkpass.com

4-Indulge in seriously tasty hot chocolate and ice cream sundaes at serendipity 3 on East 60th Street. Not only has this cute and colourful cafe' been a location for many films, it is also a short walk from Bloomingdale's-making it the perfect place for a mid-shopping break.

Please check out some photos of NEW YORK below! (images are own by their respective photographers,etc.)

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