Sergio Taveras currently holds the position of Senior Sales Manager at Waldorf Astoria The Palm Jumeirah.
Sergio is a passionate Hospitality Professional who has established himself in the MICE & Corporate Business Travel segments in both the UAE and the Caribbean.
He enjoys working in fast paced environments and under pressure, and believes that his proactive attitude, ability to establish and understand strategy, along with his ambition and determination to succeed makes him a valuable asset to a results based role. Inspiring people to succeed and achieve targets is the reason he joined this industry and this is what keeps him ignited. We love to connect with passionate people, so we asked Sergio to share his Passion for Dubai with our readers.
PFD: How long have you been living in Dubai and how does it compare to the other cities that you lived in?
2 years, this is my 6th country and what I like most about Dubai is the combination of beach and city life. The summer gets quite hot, but then you have 8 months of great weather. It is more international than any city I’ve lived in before, and this makes it unique and addictive, every time I go back home, I realize how lucky we are to constantly be learning about new cultures and meeting people from all over the world.
24-Hours in Dubai what should one do and see?
Easy, leave the airport and head towards the Marina, have breakfast in Shakespeare at Dubai Marina Mall to enjoy the fascinating view. Walk down to “the walk” in Jumeirah Beach Residence, it’s an open air area full of restaurants and shops, and what they have achieved for a public beach there is incredible. Head towards Souk Madinat for lunch, and walk over towards the Burj Al Arab, there are plenty of good angles to take good pictures. I would then recommend to visit the old souk, and go for a small trip around the creek in an abra (small old style boats). Finish off with watching the sunset near the Burj Khalifa, so you can enjoy the show of the fountains. Dinner outdoor in any of the restaurants in that area is breath taking.
Where is the best view in Dubai and why?
Neos, 63rd floor of the Address Downtown Dubai, because you can see the Burj Khalifa, the Burj Al Arab, the fountains, and most of Dubai from there. You add a great happy hour to that and you’re sorted. My favourite sunset in town.
Where would you get the best local experience and what would that be?
I’m a big fan of the culture here, and I love that they are so keen on speaking about it. I would say that for a quick trip to Dubai, the best local experience is to do a Desert Safari. You get a good glimpse of part of their culture which we are not used to in the west. Dune Bashing, falcon show, belly dancer, middle eastern food, great tea and or coffee, dates, camel rides, and pictures in the local dresses.
Name your three favourite restaurants?
Catch, Zuma, Seagrill
What’s Dubai’s best kept secret?
Box Park, it is a lifestyle experience with restaurants and shops made out of containers or as quoted by the Arabian Gazette: “For discerning residents, tourists, BOXPARK offers visitors a breathing space to shop at leisure. BOXPARK is a spatial experience that invites and engages visitors looking for something different. The development features 44 retail, restaurant, cafe, and entertainment brands, blending the best of local and international concepts appealing to the national and expatriate community in the UAE.”
What should one buy in Dubai?
Camel Milk chocolate, yes, I too was a bit skeptical at first, but trust me, it is mouthwatering!
Thank you Sergio Taveras for sharing your Dubai experience! If you live in Dubai and want to share your story please contact us by commenting below.
