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From
the timeless tranquility of the desert to the lively bustle of
the souk, Dubai offers a kaleidoscope of attractions for
visitors. The emirate embraces a wide variety of scenery in a
very small area. In a single day, you can experience everything
from rugged mountains and awe-inspiring sand dunes to sandy
beaches and lush green parks, from dusty villages to luxurious
residential districts and from ancient houses with wind towers
to ultra-modern shopping malls.
Dubai
is both a dynamic international business centre and a laid-back
tourist escape; a city where the sophistication of the 21st
century walks hand in hand with the simplicity of a bygone era;
a cosmopolitan society with an international lifestyle combining
the comfort and convenience of the Western world with the unique
charm and hospitality of Arabia.
Dubai
is essentially a desert city with superb infrastructure, liberal
policies (by regional standards), that became popular for its
excellent tourist amenities. Just 5 hours from Europe and
3 hours from most parts of the Middle East, the Near East, and
the subcontinent of India, Dubai makes a great short break for
shopping, partying, sunbathing, fine dining, sporting events,
and even a few sinful pleasures. It is a city of superlatives:
for the fastest, biggest, tallest, largest and highest, Dubai is
the destination. It has the largest immigrant population in the
world. The weekly day off is on Friday. Note that, since
September 2006, a harmonized weekend of Friday and Saturday has
been adopted for the public sector and schools.
Dubai
is a desert gem, where seven-star luxury and glitzy skyscrapers
overlook sandy beaches, and traditional wooden boats unload
their spices on Dhow Wharfrage. Indulge
in extreme activities: snowboard at Ski Dubai or go dune bashing
in a 4x4. Despite the plethora of international cuisines and top
cocktail bars, at its heart is a traditional society best
experienced at the white stone Jumeirah Mosque.
Things
to Do
Ascend
2,716 feet to Burj
Khalifa's observation deck, the world's tallest building,
with skyscraper-studded views from its open-air terrace.
Everything else dwarfs by comparison, including the narrow
alleyways of the heritage village Bastakiya with
art cafes and traditional wind-tower houses, and Dubai
Museum's Bedouin displays. Cruise Dubai
Creek on a
traditional abra (water
taxi) between Bur Dubai and Deira to feel the evening breeze in
your hair.
Shopping
Whether
haggling in souks or cooling down in air-conditioned malls,
shopping is an essential pastime. When you've had your fill of
top designer gear and computer gadgets at the Dubai
Mall, the world's largest, change your pace at the ice
skating rink. If you prefer more traditional shopping
experiences that involve bargaining for local goods, meander the
alleyways and inhale the heady scents at the Spice
Souk, and gaze at glittering displays at Gold
Souk in
Deira.
Nightlife
and Entertainment
For
unique Dubai entertainment, cheer on the miniature robot jockeys
at camel
races where
these ships of the desert go through their paces. You'll always
find cocktails and top wines at Jumeirah
Beach's hotel bars. However for a more authentic, local
experience, puff away on a shisha pipe with a strong Arabic
coffee, enjoyed while overlooking Dubai
Creek or,
even better, on an overnight desert
safari.
Restaurants
and Dining
Dubai
is a city of culinary extremes, where you can taste world
cuisines in luxury hotels, or pan-Asian street food in informal
restaurants. Splash out on a multi-course Lebanese banquet with
slinky cabaret show in Jumeirah
Beach luxury
hotels, or join locals filling up on a hearty lamb shawarma in Deira's
backstreets. At the sail-shaped seafront Burj
al Arab hotel
you can dine in Arabian luxury next to the subterranean aquarium
or sip afternoon tea at the 1,053 foot-high Skyview Bar.
Planning
a trip
The
most important factor to consider in planning a trip to Dubai is
the climate. From mid-October to mid-April, while much of the
northern world is buttoned up in the cold, Dubai is bathed in
sunshine, blue skies, and moderate temperatures. This is high
season here, and the time that most outdoor activities and
special events occur. It's also the most expensive period.
During the rest of the year, Dubai is hot. In summer, it is
excruciatingly so. Think of Dubai's seasons in reverse: During
the winter months, everyone spends their time outside, and in
the summer months, folks stay put in the air-conditioned inside.
The one benefit to coming during the off season is that prices
drop, and if you're primarily coming to shop in Dubai's
extravagant malls, the outside temperature may not matter much.
But if you want to spend time at the beaches, theme parks, or in
the desert, stay away during the sultry summer months.
Some
travelers wonder whether Dubai is affected by the turmoil in
some parts of the broader Middle East. The answer is no. Dubai
is moderate politically, rich economically, and stable socially.
The many national and ethnic groups inhabiting and visiting
Dubai do so in harmony. In fact, Dubai is one of the world's
safest cities. The one thing to remember is this is still an
Islamic society, and as such there is an expectation that
non-Muslims will respect local customs. That generally means not
wearing provocative clothing or engaging in public displays of
affection in places frequented by Emiratis. Dubai might remind
you of Ibiza or Las Vegas in some of its beachfront resorts and
nightclubs, but it's still a traditional society outside those
Western enclaves.
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