Dubai

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) consists of seven Emirates’ and Dubai is the most popular destination of them all. It is situated on the southern shore of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula. Dubai is the second largest Emirate after Abu Dhabi and is usually recognized as the ‘Pearl of the Persian Gulf’.   Dubai’s population is estimated at 1.5 million and one of the most multicultural cities in the world with the expatriate community covering most of the population, with less than 10% of the total being national Emiratis.

The state of Dubai is commonly referred to as a city because it has been distinguished as the most modern and cosmopolitan environments in the Emirates, especially due to its rapid technological transformation over the past few decades.
Dubai is a landmark for innovation with remarkable skyscrapers such as the world’s current tallest building, the Burj Dubai, and is also in the process of developing one of the most technologically advanced buildings in the world – The Pad. This is based on the idea of an iPod; this residential tower is set to be embedded with the latest gadgets that will have the power to change interior design and window views to almost anything imaginable.

Sheikh Mohammed is the ruler of Dubai. It is said that he is primarily responsible for making Dubai what it is today; a modern high flying city thriving from commercial investments. Sheikh Mohammed’s most significant business proposal was the introduction of Dubai’s world class airline, the Emirates. Dubai has become a world famous city through innovative real estate projects, sports events, conferences and Guinness records. Although Dubai has been transformed into a man-made hi-tech city, it still has a strong Islamic culture with a stretch of historical buildings by the Creek. Whilst some may view this as a conflict of old meeting new, it is also considered to be a captivating city that offers both extremes; a traditional past interlinked with innovations of the new.

ATTRACTIONS:

The options of things to do, places to go and things to see is endless in Dubai. There is a world class shopping mall, incredible restaurants, sight seeing by air, boat or on land, and plenty of beach going opportunities as well. Below are just a few of the countless opportunities for things to do while you are in Dubai.

Desert safari trips- where you can experience the magic of the desert with an adventurous drive on the magnificent dunes of Dubai. You will witness varied color mountains, a renovated old fort and a trip through the Wadi Hatta with its lush greenery and varied wildlife. The Bedouin village, which is over 200 years old, and the Juma Mosque, which stands amidst palm groves, are other tourist attractions.

The emirate of Sharjah- is only 20 minutes from Dubai and is the cultural centre of the Middle East. The museums and open air markets and art are plentiful in this area. The architecture is uniquely Arabic and a sight to see. There is also plenty of opportunity for shopping in Sharjah.

BurJuman Centre- is a massive shopping mall in the Bur Dubai area. Along with a plenty of shops selling designer brands, you will find a cinema complex and a leisure arcade here. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants to revive your spirits when you're all shopped out.

Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club- If you love fishing, you can hire a 10m boat here for you and your friends. The fairly high cost does include a skipper as well as lunch for both you and the fish, and it might seem less costly when the price is divided between the six passengers the boat can hold.

Heritage Village and Diving Village- An enjoyable, interactive look at Dubai's past. Both are found on the Creek. The diving village features displays on pearl diving, as well as scale models of dhows and pearling boats. The heritage village recreates a Bedouin settlement, complete with homes made from barasti (dried palm leaves tied together) and mud. You can also enjoy pottery and weaving workshops as well as visiting a traditional coffee house. A small souk sells a mixture of traditional Bedouin handcrafts and imported items.
Nad Al Sheba Race course- his is home to the Dubai World Cup, possibly the world's most famous horse race, and certainly the one with the highest stakes. The club, to be found a short drive south-east of Dubai, is surrounded by stables, and in the early morning during the winter season you can watch the horses being trained. The Dubai Racing Festival meets start in January and last nine weeks, but there are other race meetings between November and April.
Burj Al Arab-This is an impressive landmark, a five star hotel (unofficially known as the worlds only seven star hotel) which is built on an artificial island, with a sail-shaped build reaching out at 321m. It is certainly an extraordinary building with superb interior decor, including a Skyview bar with amazing views.

Jumeirah Archeological site- This is one of the most important archeological sites in the UAE where pieces were found dating back from the 6th Century AD. Remains from the site link it to the 3rd-6th centuries AD when the Persian Sassanid Empire dominated, and the Umayyad Dynasty in the 7th century when Islam arrived in the Gulf.

Jumeirah Mosque- This mosque stands at the northern end of Jemeirah Beach Road. It is one of the most beautiful and fine examples of modern Islamic architecture. The beauty of the mosque, the city's largest, is seen at its very best particularly when floodlit after sundown. The mosque is one of the most visited and photographed sights. Tours are at 10am every Sunday and Thursday mornings. For tour information, contact the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, which is open 8am - 3pm, Sat-Wed.

Wild Wadi Waterpark- This is certainly something for the children to enjoy. The waterpark includes many exciting rides for all ages which are based on the Legend of Arabian adventurer, Juha and his friend Sinbad. The waterpark also includes the popular almost free-fall ride, Jumeirah Sceirah.

Burj Nahar- Year 1870 marked the foundation of Burj Nahar. Three watch towers guard this beautiful city. Burj Nahar is one of the three-watch towers, positioned in Deira. Picturesque gardens and exotic surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for photographers and tourists. People from all over the world come to visit this magnificent and beautiful tower.

Dhow Wharfage- Having been docked at the Creek since the 1830’s, these wooden sailing vessels were used in the Indian Ocean and Arabic Sea.
Dhow sailors work very hard, trading with nearby countries, re-exporting many products such as electrical goods which have flown in from China, Singapore and South Korea.

Heritage House- This is a wealthy pearl merchants residence. Here visitors are offered chick-peas and tea, a traditional Emirati snack. The house is built like an old bastakiya building, built from coral and gypsum. The staff are very friendly and more than happy to carry out tours around the rooms which all look out on to the central courtyard.

Deira Covered Souk (District)- The Deira Covered Souk has more of an Indian feel than an Arabic one, with folks hawking textiles, spices, kitchen wares, clothes and henna. It is a perfect place for a housewife to feel at home! The aromas, the sights and the flavors of this place are quite intoxicating!!!

Deira Spice Souk- The narrow lanes of the spice souk are scented with cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, incense, dried fruit and nuts. Imported from all over the Middle East, they are sold straight out of open sacks that surround the shop keepers.

Gold Souk- Dubai boasts one of the largest retail gold markets in the world, selling everything from ingots to intricately worked jewelry at bargain prices. The street-front stores side alleys of smaller shops with glittering show windows.

Hatta- This town is situated in the foothills of the majestic Hajar Mountains. The Hatta Fort hotel is idyllic; overlooking the stunning mountainous views and is a perfect weekend get-away from the hectic city of Dubai.
The Hatta Rock Pools are the main attraction in the area and are located 20km from Hatta. The crystal clear pools are made up of cracks in the rocks which have developed along the riverbeds and are safe to swim in.

Hatta Mountains- From Jurassic Park to Hatta in one leap, Larger than life: The 30 meter long Dinosaur dwarfed by the Hatta Mountains. The stairs under its tail will lead to a room built in its stomach where replicas of the stone Age are kept. A white prancing horse adorns a hill on top at the farm. The driveway, internal roads and walkways are made of stone with pictures created from different colored stones.

Bastakiya Quarters- The old Bastakiya district with its narrow lanes and tall wind-towers gives a tantalizing glimpse of old Dubai. Immediately to the east of Al Fahidi Fort is the largest concentration of traditional courtyard houses with wind towers. In the past, the city was famous for a mass of wind towers which lined the Creek on either side. These were not merely decorative; they were the only means of cooling houses in the days before electricity.

Dubai Museum- Year 1799 marked the building of Al Fahidi Fort built against foreign invasion. Now the Dubai Museum allowing visitors to peep into the rich culture and heritage of Dubai. The entrance of Dubai Museum is marked with a great collection of old maps exhibiting urban expansion of Dubai in the year 1960 to 1980. Dubai Museum offers a unique trip to desert life, traditional Arabian homes, mosques, fishing, pearl diving and trade. Major highlights of Dubai Museum are artifacts from excavated graves, musical instruments. Deadly weapons also form the major part of Dubai Museum, such as swords, spears, bows, arrows, shields, pistols and axes.

Grand Mosque- Situated on the Bur Dubai side of the Creek near the Ruler's Court, Grand Mosque was re-built in 1998 and now has, at 70 metres, the city's tallest minaret. It has 45 small domes in addition to nine large ones boasting stained glass panels, making it a distinguished landmark and important place of worship.

Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House- Shaikh Saeed was the grandfather of the present ruler and his house has been restored as a museum. Dating from the late 1800s, Sheikh Saeed's House was built in a commanding position near the sea so the Ruler could observe shipping activity from the balconies. With its wind-towers and layers of rooms built around a central courtyard, it is a fine example of regional architecture. A restoration project has returned the house to its former glory and makes it a showcase for the history and development of Dubai. Sheikh Saeed's house can be visited as part of the Big Bus Company's tour of Dubai.

In addition to all of these ideas, there is also golfing, hot air balloon rides, helicopter rides, and days at the beach. Your wish is Dubai’s command and you won’t be disappointed!

HOW TO GET THERE:

Dubai International Airport, located 3 miles southeast of the city centre, is the busiest airport in the Middle East.
Approximate flight times to Dubai: From London is 7 hours 45 minutes; from New York is 14 hours 50 minutes; from Los Angeles is 19 hours 55 minutes; from Toronto is 14 hours 10 minutes and from Sydney is 16 hours 15 minutes.
Emirates - Emirates.com travels from Toronto, NYC, San Francisco, LA Houston and Sau Paulo
Delta - http://delta.com from Atlanta
American Airlines – http://www.aa.com
Scandinavian Airlines - http://www.flysas.com flies from Chicago

For Visa and more information on Dubai go to http://www.dubai.ae/en.portal?visitors,visitors,1,&_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=community

ATTIRE:

Dubai is a Muslim country but is more tolerant than other cities in the Arab region. You will be better taken care of in hotels and stores and taxis if you show some respect for what they believe. What this means with regard to clothing is cover up, don't wear revealing clothes, and make sure your arms are covered. Low necklines are not good. Short shorts, dresses, or skirts are also not good. It's very hot in Dubai, so very light clothes are essential. Gauze is a great fabric choice and means you can wear long sleeves melting in the heat.

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