Dubai’s Top Hotel Concierge Provides an Insider’s Glimpse to the Glitzy City
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Dubai’s Top Hotel Concierge Provides an Insider’s Glimpse to the Glitzy City

By JAKE EMEN
Mon, Jul 8, 2024 8:36amGrey Clock 6 min

Dubai’s Burj Al Arab hotel is regarded as one of the most extravagant properties in the world, and its sail-shaped architectural design has become an icon of the city and the region. One of the people making the magic happen behind the scenes for such an over-the-top luxurious outpost is its chief concierge, Roger Geadah.

Any hotel concierge must be prepared to cater to and meet the needs of their guests, fostering long-term relationships and turning first-time visitors into repeat clients by delivering memorable moments. But at Burj Al Arab, the bar is perhaps even more difficult to clear than it is elsewhere.

“Delivering on the expectations of our guests at the Burj Al Arab is not just about meeting their high standards—it’s about consistently exceeding them,” Geadah says. “To achieve this, I place myself on the same level as our guests, seeing the world through their eyes. This involves a great deal of emotional intelligence, storytelling, and fun.”

At a hotel regarded as one of the world’s most opulent, Geadah’s tasks are different from those of a concierge at a more typical city hotel. Guests make use of around the clock butler service and stay in gilded two-story suites bedecked in enough marble and gold as to border on the palatial, after entering the property through a world-record, almost 600-foot high atrium. Expectations are even higher.

Geadah, who’s been in Dubai for a decade and with the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab team for the past three years, strives to connect with his guests, think outside the box, and stay up to date with a city amid constant evolution. There may be no better person to offer his handpicked recommendations for what to experience in and around the city.

Geadah, 48, spoke with Penta about his top tips and insider recommendations for a memorable visit to Dubai. undefined

Stay

Beyond the swanky confines of his offices at the Burj Al Arab, Geadah’s top choice elsewhere in town is the XVA Art Hotel in Bur Dubai.

One of the people making the magic happen behind the scenes for such an over-the-top luxurious outpost is its chief concierge, Roger Geadah.
Courtesy of Burj Al Arab

“It’s a true hidden gem that beautifully combines heritage, art, and tranquility,” he says. The property is set within a traditional Emirati house in the heart of the Al Fahidi historical neighborhood, and guests enjoy the area’s charming traditional architecture, heritage sites, and history, along with the artistic touches of its 15 individually designed rooms.

“What I love most about XVA is how it fosters conversations around art, culture, heritage, and creativity,” Geadah says. For those looking to escape the city for a night or two, head to Bab Al Shams Desert Resort.

“It’s a luxurious oasis hidden away in the Arabian desert, just about an hour’s drive from the lively city,” Geadah says. “Bab Al Shams offers breathtaking desert views that make for a truly unique getaway, and the resort beautifully combines traditional Arabian design with modern comforts, and also offers unique activities like camel rides, adding a touch of adventure to your stay.”

Adjacent to the Burj Al Arab is the Madinat Jumeirah, the largest resort in Dubai at about 100 acres in size. It’s a destination to itself featuring a handful of different hotels and hideaways sharing an expansive property interconnected with walkways and boat canals, including a huge lagoon-style resort pool, a lengthy stretch of private beach, and a staggering lineup of about 50 dining and drinking venues.

Shop

Dubai is home to every luxury brand and retailer on the planet, including at Dubai Mall, one of the largest in the world. Finding smaller, local purveyors for a more authentic shopping experience may be more rewarding. “When it comes to immersing yourself in the vibrant culture and sensory delights of Dubai, the city’s souks [marketplaces] are an absolute must-visit,” Geadah says.

Different souks are focused on different types of goods, and Geadah recommends a few in particular. “First up is the Dubai Spice Souk, nestled in the heritage area; this colorful market is a sensory feast, brimming with aromatic herbs and spices that fill the air with their tantalising scents,” he says.

From there, the Gold Souk is close by, as well as the Perfume Souk, another of his top picks. “It is a fragrant paradise in its own right, and here you will encounter some of the most authentic and enticing scents Dubai has to offer: Oud, a signature fragrance derived from resin is beloved by both Emirati men and women for its earthy allure.”

Explore

The most difficult ticket in Dubai right now is the Museum of the Future.

“Delivering on the expectations of our guests at the Burj Al Arab is not just about meeting their high standards-it’s about consistently exceeding them,” Roger Geadah, chief voncierge, said.
Courtesy of Burj Al Arab

“It’s quickly become a must-visit destination and it’s easy to see why, as the building itself is an architectural marvel, featuring a stunning torus-shaped structure adorned with Arabic calligraphy across 1,024 stainless steel panels,” Geadah says. Visitors enter an experiential space that transports them to the year 2071. “It is a captivating experience for anyone interested in what the future might hold.”

A more off-the-beaten-path pick is the Al Shindagha Museum in the historical neighbourhood of the same name, which takes people on a journey through time in the other direction. “Visitors explore the meticulously restored heritage houses along the serene Dubai Creek, houses which aren’t just structures, but living museums, each telling its own story of traditional crafts and bustling commercial activities from bygone eras,” he says.

Another choice is the Coffee Museum. “Lose yourself in a treasure trove of antique items that trace the rich history of coffee, from its humble beginnings to its global significance,” Geadah says. “For a dose of authentic culture, head to the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding where locals offer hands-on explorations of traditional ways of life while showcasing hospitality and serving a traditional meal. The arts district at Alserkal Avenue, meanwhile, features contemporary galleries, studios, and exhibition spaces.

Visit the Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque for a glimpse at a splendorous structure inspired by Istanbul’s Blue Mosque. “Beyond its architectural marvel, the mosque embodies a deeper purpose — to foster understanding, harmony, and unity,” Geadah says. “Within its walls, words like moderation, peace, and tolerance reverberate, echoing local values and serving as a bridge between Arabic civilisation and the world beyond. Non-Muslims are welcome to visit the mosque outside of praying times.”

The most popular choice for an excursion outside the city is a desert safari to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Ride in a heritage vehicle across the dunes and enjoy activities such as falconry, wildlife viewing, and a Bedouin-style barbecue feast. For a different take, Geadah recommends starting the adventure with a sunrise hot air balloon ride.

The terraforming marvels of Palm Jumeirah should be seen and explored by every visitor. There are several viewpoints to consider, and Geadah also suggests taking to the water with a yacht trip or jet ski tour to gain an additional perspective. And of course, the iconic Burj Khalifa remains one of Dubai’s signature sights. The best way to soak it all in is via the At The Top experience, sending visitors to the 152nd floor along with a series of viewing points and lounges on different floors.

“To achieve this, I place myself on the same level as our guests, seeing the world through their eyes. This involves a great deal of emotional intelligence, storytelling, and fun,” Geadah says. Courtesy of Burj Al Arab

Eat & Drink

“Dubai’s culinary scene is incredibly diverse, offering everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to authentic street food,” Geadah says. Many of the world’s most well known culinary fixtures have locations in the city, from Massimo Bottura and Gordon Ramsay to Daniel Boulud , Nobu Matsuhisa, Jamie Oliver, and scores of others. When possible, though, Geadah prefers arranging for a more unique experience, once putting together a secret culinary tour for a food-loving family with the help of a local historian and guide.

“The older part of town boasts a rich culinary heritage, with influences from India, Persia, and the Arab world, and it’s home to some of the most unique and charming eateries,” Geadah says.

Geadah has no shortage of restaurant recommendations, though, many of which come with particular vantage points. He suggests Shimmers for an on-the-beach taste of Greek fare with a view of the Burj Al Arab; Coucou offers “festive French” from atop Palm Tower, offering a 360 degree view of Palm Jumeirah; and in downtown Dubai, Urla offers Aegean dining with a view of The Dubai Fountain Show and Burj Khalifa.

At Burj Al Arab, consider L’Olivo at al Mahara, an outpost of Capri’s only two Michelin-starred restaurant. The restaurant is immersed within an enormous coral reef aquarium providing a captivating scene.

Always one to look for a local touch, Geadah also suggests Orfali Bros. “Three brothers, Mohammad, Wassim, and Omar Orfali, bring culinary magic to life, blending tradition and innovation inspired by their cultural roots and adventurous spirit,” he says. “Their small bistro offers a sensory experience where flavours dance and ingredients shine, reflecting their culinary journey.”



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How to Pick the Perfect Souvenir When Travelling

It’s easy to buy clunkers when you’re caught up in the moment. But regrettable purchases aren’t inevitable.

By KATHLEEN HUGHES
Sat, Nov 9, 2024 4 min

Trying to buy just the right souvenir on a trip is a risky business. You can wind up with a lifetime treasure—or an albatross you feel stuck with forever.

Consider the giant painting of a chicken flying out of Cuba that has been hanging over our couch in Palos Verdes, Calif., for the past 15 years. Buying it cheaply seemed to make sense when we were in Havana, since my husband’s family had fled the country after the revolution.

But the flying chicken just didn’t seem as, well, poignant by the time we returned home and hung the 4-by-7-foot painting. No guest has ever said a word about it. “I can’t help you with the chicken,” an art dealer told me long ago when I asked for help in selling it.

So, how do you find the right souvenir? Or is there even any such thing?

An everyday reminder

For many people, the answer to the second question is an unqualified “No,” and they have stopped trying. “Souvenirs never look as enticing or beautiful as they did at the time of purchase once you get them home,” warns Patricia Schultz, the author of “1,000 Places to See Before You Die.”

After collecting rugs on her trips, then Christmas ornaments, before running out of room at home for both, Schultz says, “I have gone cold turkey. I collect memories.”

But for others, surrendering just won’t do. “It’s intrinsic when people travel that they wind up bringing a keepsake of the journey,” says Rolf Potts, the author of “Souvenir,” a book that traces the history of travel souvenirs back to the earliest recorded journeys.

“It can be a way to show off,” he says. “Much like the envy-inducing travel posts on Instagram.” But for many people, he says, “It’s proof you were there, not only to show other people but also for yourself.”

For those who lean in this direction, there are ways to help avoid regrets. Tara Button , founder of the Buy Me Once website, and the author of “A Life Less Throwaway: The Lost Art of Buying for Life,” suggests focusing on practical items that fit your lifestyle and double as mementos.

As an example, she once bought a “very affordable” baby blanket made from alpaca fiber on a trip to Peru and now uses it every day. The blanket not only reminds her of “the time pre-children when I was traveling,” she says. “It goes over my 2-year-old son every night. It’s always soft and always gorgeous.”

She has a friend who collects one cup from each destination. “Those are perfect memory keepers,” she says. “A small item that is used every day.”

Finding the right scale

One obstacle to finding the right souvenir is that it can be hard to think practically when you are swept up in the excitement of a new culture. Consider the Burmese puppet, 15 inches tall, that has spent about two decades in the closet of Liz Einbinder , head of public relations for Backroads, an adventure-tour company.

“We saw a lot of puppets everywhere and just got caught up in all of the Burmese art and culture,” she says. Now she wonders, “Why did I bring this back? It sits in the back of my closet and I can’t seem to get rid of it. It creeps me out when I see it.”

When that buying urge sweeps over you, Button and other travel experts suggest pausing to consider your lifestyle, taste, needs, and the scale of your home—you’re going back to the reality of your everyday life, after all.

But that doesn’t necessarily mean being entirely practical. Einbinder collects miniatures, mostly miniature houses, from every country, and has more than a hundred. Most are in storage, but she keeps a little London bus and a little Egyptian pyramid on her desk. For her, souvenirs aren’t just about memories, they’re also about the hunt. “It gives me something to search for” on each trip, she says. “That’s half the fun.”

Ignore the hard sell

Another way travelers often go wrong is by giving in to pressure, or at least persistence, from salespeople.

When Kimba Hills, an interior designer, went to Morocco, she hired a guide who took her to a rug store in Fez, where the dealers delivered a whirlwind sales pitch while serving tea. She wound up buying a $4,000 flat-weave Turkish rug, measuring about 13 feet by 9 feet.

“No one in my group could believe I got seduced,” she says.

When the rug finally arrived at her home in Santa Monica, “It smelled like cow dung,” she says. Washing the rug was going to change the color.

When she called the dealer in Fez and demanded her money back, he refused, offering to send her a different rug instead. “We got into a yelling match,” says Hills. “All my skills went out the window.”

Looking back, she says, “You are in a buying mode because you are there and feel like you should buy something.” On a recent trip to Mexico, she bought nothing, explaining, “I’m wiser.”

Sometimes, magic

Spontaneity can cut both ways. There’s the chicken painting. But waiting for inspiration to strike, rather than planning to go home with a souvenir, can still help.

Henry Zankov, a sweater designer, says that when he travels, he explores his destinations with the idea that he won’t buy anything unless he comes across something he loves. He still buys plenty, but says “I don’t have regrets.” At his home in Brooklyn, he has ceramics, vases and glassware from shops he found randomly in Spain, Greece, and Italy. “I buy what I have to have,” he says.

There are times he doesn’t find anything. “So I just give up,” he says. “It’s OK.”

Some souvenirs do become the treasure of a lifetime.

Annie Lucas , the co-owner of MIR, which offers tours to less-traveled destinations, became captivated by a mirror on a trip to Morocco. It was made with hand-pounded silver and pieces of camel bones.

She went back to the store three or four times, debating the cost and whether she would regret it once she got home. It was heavy and measured 24 inches by 40 inches.

“That was 15 years ago, and I still treasure it,” she says. “If I had to get out of my house and had only five minutes to pack, I would grab that off the wall.”

MOST POPULAR
11 ACRES ROAD, KELLYVILLE, NSW

This stylish family home combines a classic palette and finishes with a flexible floorplan

35 North Street Windsor

Just 55 minutes from Sydney, make this your creative getaway located in the majestic Hawkesbury region.

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