Desert Designator CheckList

A Guest Accommodation set in the Desert, which may be

around an oasis (minimum of 3 km radius of Desert surrounding)
and reflects the heritage and history of the country
providing traditional desert activities.

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2014 VERSION 1

Designator Denition and Minimum Requirements

Desert Hotel Establishments
Categories / Grading

Area MINIMUM CRITERIA RECOMMENDATION

Hotels

Denition Of Desert Hotel Establishments

Resorts
4

Hotel
Apartments

Guest
House

D SP

ST

ST

Youth
Hostel

Uni
Campus

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Denition

A Hotel Establishment set in the Desert, which may be around an oasis (minimum of 3 km radius
of Desert surrounding) and reects the heritage and history of the country providing traditional
desert activities.

Designator Requirements
Public Areas

F&B

Services

Leisure

Location of Hotel Establishment is set in the Desert with a minimum of 3 km radius of Desert
surrounding
Architecture reects a traditional design with no more than 3 levels above the ground (Ground
level plus two oors)
The Interiors reect a traditional design emphasizing a desert style dcor (i.e.: Tented village, an
ancient dwelling etc)
Library onsite with books related to Dubai's traditions/desert life/animals and a small variety of
other best sellers
Library/List of Videos related to Dubai's traditions/desert life/animals
At least one Arabian Themed restaurant or a Desert Dining experience

o o o

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Cuisine offering a minimum of 1 traditional / Arabic food for every course served

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Service permitting, telecommunication facilities (telephones, internet, etc) are working and
functional
Demonstrates 3 initiatives in environmental awareness and consciousness in desert wild life
conservation
Guest Contact Staff trained on Arabian Culture and UAE Heritage Principles

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Offers a minimum of 4 Desert activities (e.g.: camel riding, falconry, desert safari and horseriding, hiking & photography expeditions etc...)

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Offers a minimum of 2 Desert activities (e.g.: camel riding, falconry, desert safari and horseriding, hiking & photography expeditions etc...)

o o

Provides guests with an educational experience of Desert Life

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Provides instruction / lessons for at least 1 desert activity (riding, falconry etc...)

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Spa exists (i.e. not optional) in line with 5 Star Resort Requirements as follows:

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Includes either separate male and female sections, or has dened ladies only timings

o o

Spa offers separate relaxation areas

o o

Spa offer separate male and female Saunas or Steam Rooms or Jacuzzi's; or dened
ladies only timings

o o

Spa has separate changing facilities, that include:

o o

Lidded WC's in line with Dubai Municipality requirements

o o

Separate cubicles if more than one WC

o o

Internal lock

o o

Wash basins

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One mirror for each wash basin

Separate bidet or spray washer in each cubicle
Toilet roll holder

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A minimum of 1 retail shop selling Desert themed/ traditional artefacts/ clothing/ etc (can be
part of the general retail shop in the Hotel Establishment)
Spa has minimum 3 treatment rooms

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Toilet paper

o o

At least 1 spare toilet roll

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Liquid soap

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Hot and cold running water

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Individual towels or other means of drying hands e.g. an air hand dryer machine

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2014 VERSION 1

Designator Denition and Minimum Requirements

Desert Hotel Establishments
Categories / Grading

Area MINIMUM CRITERIA RECOMMENDATION

Hotels

Leisure ctd.

Showers with curtains / doors (if curtains, evidence that they are laundered daily)

o o

Bathmat

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Changing cubicles

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Lockers
Benches

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Bathrobes

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Slippers

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Towels

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Towel baskets

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Fireproof waste bin

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Shampoo

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Shower gel

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Lidded Sanitary bins provided in Ladies' cloakroom

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Signage present in Arabic & English, at Health Club entrance and in changing rooms,
alerting visitors to dress modestly at all times

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Operating hours must be clearly stated for guest to view available in Arabic and English

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Hotel
Apartments

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Guest
House

Youth
Hostel

Uni
Campus

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Rooms / Bathroom
Accommodation may be in luxury tents, provided that the exterior walls are constructed of long
lasting building materials (i.e. Stone, concrete, etc). Fabric or timber structures not permitted
due to possible adverse weather effects

o o

Fireproof waste bin in common area

Spa offers treatment menu with range of treatments including a minimum selection of 4 of
the following categories: facials, pedicures, body treatments, alternative therapies, jet
baths, massages, wraps, waxing, reexology and Ayurvedic treatments.
Where male and female treatments are offered, there is evidence that therapists only
conduct treatments of the guests of the same gender e.g. male and female staff are
scheduled concurrently
If female only relaxation areas exist in the spa, there is evidence that only female
attendants are scheduled to work in these areas
Provides a minimum of 1 swimming pool

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Clothes hooks

Hair dryer
- Can be a wall mounted unit
- Hose type hair dryer not acceptable
- Has an automatic shut off if located in the wet area
- Automatic shut off not required if located in a dry area
Functioning lighting with sufcient light intensity.
- Ceiling and wall lighting present
- All bulbs in working order
- All bulbs are covered (unless lighting design does not require)
Evidence that treatment rooms are cleaned, stocked and frequently checked e.g. a
cleaning schedule

Resorts

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Required in addition to Classication Standards

Requirement of Classication Standards

2014 VERSION 1