Description

Dubai is one of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is situated on the Persian Gulf coast. It lies directly within the Arabian Desert. In Dubai nothing is impossible, there are lush championship golf courses in the desert, massive manmade islands in the shape of the world and ski slopes in one of the driest corners of the planet. It is a place for shopping, partying, sunbathing, fine dining, sporting events and a few sinful pleasures. The Dubai International Airport is the largest centre in the Middle East and the home base of the Dubai's flag carrier Emirates. The airport is famous for its duty-free shopping. Dubai is a shopper's paradise the choice is unlimited visitors can find everything from luxury cars and designer labels to gold, spices, perfumes and Arabian souvenirs such as copper coffeepots, rugs and carpets. Quality and presentation of food is high, coupled with imaginative settings and locations which adds up to an unbelievable culinary experience. Visitors should not miss dune bashing or desert safari. Head out to the desert in an SUV with specialist Desert Drivers. The drivers take you on a roller-coaster ride over sand dunes, show you the sunset from a strategic vantage point and then visitors are treated for a lavish dinner with music and dance to complete the atmosphere.

Shopping

Dubai is known as the "shopping capital of the Middle East". It has plenty of shopping malls and souks. There's no better place to find products at unbeatable prices. Dubai's shopping malls cater to every consumer. Cars, haute couture, clothing, jewellery, electronics, furnishing, sporting equipment and other goods are available under the same roof. The duty free shops in the many malls provide excellent value for money, with designer goods at around half of the price. The shopping festival held here attracts visitors from all over the world as the prices are slashed with amazing bargains. The Al Karama textile souk is a large area of shops and stalls in the Bur Dubai. People are drawn to the glamour of Deira and its shopping Malls. Al Karama is a pleasant place to browse through the shops that sell everything from fake designer shirts to Pashminas. One of the best shops is Blue Marine which has a great selection of goods.

Restaurants

Dubai has a wide variety of cuisine to offer. It is a Muslim city thus many restaurants are not licensed to serve alcohol. The Aquarium restaurant offers seafood from all over the word with a unique and truly magical experience. Visitors can get great views of Dubai's Creek and the city's lush green park. It also has an Aquarium which is over ten feet in diameter that displays corral, unusual and colorful fish.

Night Life

Dubai has an exceptional nightlife. It has a large choice of bars and nightclubs for visitors to enjoy. Most of the bars that can serve alcohol are only in hotels however there are a few exceptions. Visitors must head to the Blue Bar which is not only stylish and fashionable but is becoming popular hangout for party lovers. The nightlife isn’t concentrated to particular areas. In fact the entire city glows due to the numerous nightlife events and entertainment spots.

Activities

The sea around Dubai is warm thus visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports. Artificial reefs for diving have been created by deliberately sinking ships thus visitors can explore the undersea environment. Vast stretches of desert are fundamental to Dubai’s landscape and dune driving which has developed from necessity to pastime. The waters of the Arabian Gulf provide visitors an opportunity to try sea-based activities such as sailing, waterskiing, jetskiing, windsurfing, parasailing and kite-surfing. Visitors can also decide to go desert driving, wadi-bashing, camping, hiking and rock climbing.

Communications

The International code for the United Arab Emirates is +971. The outgoing international code is 00. City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)2 for Abu Dhabi and (0)4 for Dubai. Calls made within each state are free of charge. The Etisalat mobile phone network provides wide GSM900 coverage throughout the country and Internet cafes are widely available.

Contacts

United Arab Emirates Tourist Office: +971 4 224 5252 (Dubai) or www.emirates.org
Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 243 2400.
Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7581 1281.
Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 565 7272.
Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6286 8802.
Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 7736.
United States Embassy, Dubai: +971 (0)4 311 6000.
British Embassy, Dubai: +971 4 309 4444.
Canadian Embassy, Dubai: +971 4 314 5555.
Australian Embassy, Dubai: +971 4 5087 100.
South African Embassy, Dubai: +971 4 397 5222.
Irish Embassy, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (also responsible for UAE): +966 (0)1 488 2300
New Zealand Embassy, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (also responsible for the United Arab Emirates): +966 1 488 7988.
Emergencies: 998/999

Currency

AED

Attractions

The natural seawater inlet cuts through the centre of the city. It is a historical part of Dubai where visitors can take an abra (small water taxi) and view the old trading port and the dhows from the water. Visitors can take a cruise to Al-Maktoum Bridge which passes through the city's historic and modern landmarks. A stroll around the dockside offers a picturesque glimpse of its trading heritage. The dhows dock here to unload their goods before bounding to distant places. The old Bastakiya district is a must visit. It takes visitors back in time where traditional courtyard houses were cooled by wind towers. Old Dubai was famous for its wind towers that lined the Creek and today the narrow lanes decorated with the distinctively Arabian architecture. The souks or traditional markets are popular with bargain hunters, sightseers and photographers. The most famous is the gold souk where the streets are lined with shops selling 24-carat bars, rings and elaborate necklaces at low prices. The lanes of the traditional spice souk are scented with cinnamon, incense, spices and dried fruit. The modern fish souk bustles with activity and is redolent with smells of a more unpleasant nature. At the heart of the Bur Dubai souk is the Al Fahidi Street that sells the latest electronics, photographic equipment and home appliances. Other streets sell everything from materials and carpets to traditional coffee pots, loaves of bread and hubble-bubble pipes. The city's tallest minaret at 230 feet (70m), the Grand Mosque is a prominent landmark with its multi-domed style and remarkable size. It is an important place of worship and can accommodate 1,200 worshippers inside. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the Mosque. Visit the water park at Wild Wadi offers hours of fun, relaxation and adrenalin-pumping action. It is one of the most advanced water theme parks ever designed. It is designed like an Arabian wadi (oasis). The park has an Arabian folklore theme and features the highest and fastest water rides. Rides for thrill seekers include Jumeirah Sceirah a 108ft free-fall at 50 miles per hour, Master Blaster slides that are water roller coasters propelled uphill by high-powered jets, the white-knuckle ride at Rushdown Ravine or the high waves at Breakers Bay. The Jumeirah Mosque is one of the most photographed sights in Dubai. It is a fine example of modern Islamic architecture. This stunning mosque is one of the cities largest with a majestic dome and twin minarets. It is one of the few mosques open to non-Muslims for tours. The 19th-century Al Faheidi Fort has the Dubai Museum which has a remarkable collection of military and cultural artefacts. It also has working models and life-size displays that depict various aspects of Dubai life like the markets, an Islamic school, the desert, Arab houses and Gulf marine life. One of the most interesting exhibits shows the underwater world of pearl-diving and it must be seen. The newest and most interesting attraction is the region's first indoor ski resort which has real snow. It has five runs designed for beginners, expert skiers and snowboarders. The monumental snow dome can host up to 1,500 people. The longest run is 1,312 feet, dropping 197 feet. The freestyle zone and quarter pipe cater specifically for snowboarders. Ski lifts, snow patrols and professional instructors help to create an authentic environment. A Snow Park at the bottom is ideal for children to play in the snow. Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum's house dates back to the 19th century. It was built for Dubai's ruler with commanding views over the sea. It is one of the oldest residences in the city and has been restored as a museum. It exhibits historical photographs and artefacts showcasing Dubai's history and development. Its architecture is a fine example of the regional style with teak wood doors and wooden lattice screens.

Language

Arabic

Language Description

Arabic is the official language of the Emirates, but English is commonly spoken.

Tipping

Tipping practices are similar to most parts of the world. 10% is adequate if a service charge is not included in hotels and restaurants but first check the bill.