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Dubai(دبي) is one of
the United Arab Emirates.
Bastakiya District. The
historic home to many reconstructed buildings in the
traditional style. While information on the
structures is slim here (see the museum in
preference), the atmosphere is very evocative.
Burj al-Arab hotel. For
a real glimpse into "how the other half lives",
(self-proclaimed as the only 7 star hotel in the
world, however is actually a 5 star deluxe hotel,
with a unique shape of a boat's sail) afternoon tea,
or cocktails, may be an interesting experience.
Entry to the hotel requires a reservation which will
be confirmed at the entry gate although residents of
adjacent Jumeirah hotels may be able to visit by
arrangement. Other tourists may occasionally be able
to book tours of the hotel itself, however these
will not run when the hotel is full. A "very smart
casual" dress code applies.
Dubai Museum, Al Ibn
Abi Talib Road, ph: +971 (4) 353-1862. A
must-see for anyone interested in the social history
of the Emirate (and indeed the country). The
centrepiece of the museum is a reconstructed souq
from the pearling days, complete with authentic
sights and sounds. There is also a considerable
focus on the speed at which the transition from poor
pearling village to modern metropolis occurred.
Admission 3AED.
Dubai Zoo, Jumeirah
Road. An outdoor zoo near to the beach. Considering
the extreme temperatures during the summer months,
there are plans bring the zoo indoors. Admission
3AED.
Gold Souq, Deira. One
of the more startling sights in the city, even for
those not interested in making a purchase. Most of
the gold is 22ct quality (although in some shops
this is a veneer placed on lesser metals) and quite
expensive - although even here the shopkeepers are
prepared to bargain - and the craftsmanship can be
remarkably detailed. The gold items are sold by
weight with a "making charge" added on top to cover
the workmanship. It pays, therefore, to go shopping
armed with the current gold price and a knowledge of
the making charges in order to hone the bargaining
process. Most visitors here can expect to be offered
"copy watches" as well, often by very persistent
hawkers.
Ibn Battuta Mall.
Commissioned in early 2005 this mall is worth
visiting less for the shopping it offers and more
for the architectural ambience created in its six
courts designed according to the traditional
architecture of China, India, Persia, Egypt, Tunisia
and Andalusia
Jumeirah Mosque,
Jumeirah Road, Jumeirah 1 (opposite Palm Strip
Mall). Generally considered to be one of the
more attractive mosques in the region, as well as
one of the few which are open to non-Muslims for
tours. Tours run on Thursdays and are followed by a
question-and-answer session about Islam for those
who want to know more.
Mall of the Emirates.
Home to what is currently the world's largest indoor
ski slope. Guests at the nearby hotel have free ski
passes and clothing hire, while other visitors need
to purchase these.
Shindagha District Home to the open museums of the
Heritage Village, and has the home of former Sheikh
Rashid Al-Maktoum.
Dubai is a shopper's paradise. Shops open as early
as 9 am and stay open to 11 pm. There are
innumerable shopping centers and malls around town
to keep any shopper happy!
Entertainment.
As Dubai has grown from a small town into a bustling
city, so has the entertainment. There are many music
and sport events through out the year. Dubai also
has a Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Summer
Surprises to entertain visitors and residents. Most
3-5 star hotels have bars and nightclubs for those
interested in the nightlife. World-class DJ's
frequent Dubai's nightclubs, and many A-list musical
celebrities are adding Dubai to their list of tour
dates.
Beaches and sea.
There are endless water-sport opportunities as Dubai
has some of the whitest and sandiest beaches in the
world. Ocean temperatures range from 22 in winter up
to 35 degrees Celsius in summer, meaning you might
as well forget a hotel and bathe in the ocean. Very
salty though. Diving activities have been severely
affected by offshore construction work for the Palms
and The World; consequently, long boat trips are
necessary to reach wreck sites. Alternatively, one
can make the 90 minute road journey to the East
coast Emirate of Fujairah or the Sharjah enclave,
Khor Fakkan, for top class diving on coral reefs
supporting extensive marine life.
Desert Safari or Dune Bashing.
Head out to the desert in an SUV with specialist
Desert Drivers. The drivers will take you for a
roller-coaster ride over sand dunes, show you the
sunset from a strategic vantage point and then take
you to a lavish dinner with music and dance to
complete the atmosphere. For a brief while you would
experience what it is like to be a Sheikh! Not to be
missed!
Ski
Dubai now has its own snow skiing centre. Located in
the new Mall of the Emirates (MOE), on the Sheikh
Zayed Road, it offers both skiing and snowboarding.
The slope is quite large for an indoor area. All
equipment is available for hire and a 2 hour package
typically costs Dhs140. You must take warm clothing
since it is well below freezing inside. More here
Wild Wadi Located in the heart of the city, next to
Jumeriah Beach Hotel, this is a water amusement park
that is loved by kids as well as adults. It has
light as well as adventurous rides; and sports like
water surfing. A great way to beat the heat and
enjoy the day away from the bustle of the city.
Dubai Creek Cruise/Ride
The Dubai creek is the foundation from which Dubai
grew. It originally served as a port for trading
vessels plying to and from India, Africa and the
Middle East. Today a bit of the old shipping culture
still remains. In and around the creek one can see
some of the original buildings that have served as
customs houses and defence structures. You can book
a ride on the creek with a dinner cruise or even
rent a private boat to take you on a hour long ride
up and down the creek.
Golf.It may be a desert, but a lot of money and
water is spent on irrigating opulent golf courses.
Alternatively, for a more local flavor, try sand
golf!
Mall of the Emirates-
near 4th interchange on Sheikh Zayed Road - The
largest shopping mall outside of North America. 200+
shops, cinemas, plus the Ski Centre. Has many
international high street chains as well as luxury
brand stores, including Harvey Nichols. Many
restaurants and cafes, though cafes tend to be much
more crowded than at other malls. It's attached to a
Kempinski hotel, which has restaurants licensed to
serve alcohol that are accessible from the mall.
Very large Carrefour hypermarket attached.
Arabian/Middle Eastern souvenir shops upstairs.
Ibn Battuta Mall -
Jebel Ali - Areas themed around six countries
(China, India, Persia, Egypt, Tunisia and the
Andalusia.) Wide range of shops, although fewer high
class brands. Has various restaurants and cafes
(including three Starbucks), and a multiplex cinema
including an Imax. No restaurants serve alcohol.
Also has extensive, permanent exhibition of Islamic
science, invention and astronomy. Attached (access
via outside) is one of Dubai's few second-hand
bookshops, House of Prose. Has a Geant supermarket
attached.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah -
Jumeirah Road, - 75 shops, numerous bars,
restaurants and cafes, a nightclub, theatre. More
expensive and targeted directly at tourists than
other, general malls where residents go. Most bars
and restaurants are licensed for alcohol. Nice to
wander through as it has been designed to resemble a
"traditional" souq, but with the modern comforts of
air conditioning. Lots of souvenir-type shops.
Burjuman Centre -
Khalifa Bin Zayed Road, - Recently opened after
expansion, focus is on premium brand stores and
luxury boutiques, but high street stores are also
available. No restaurants serve alcohol.
Deira City Centre -
This is by far the most popular mall in Dubai and no
visit to Dubai is complete without a visit.
Debenhams, Virgin Megastore, Zara and other
international high street brands. A multiplex
cinema, and many restaurants and cafes. Also has a
large "Arabian Treasures" souvenir and traditional
textiles area. A new extension includes many more
high-end boutiques and upmarket mall restaurants. A
big Carrefour hypermarket sell just about everything
and is nearly always very busy. There is a Sofitel
hotel at one end of the centre, where there are bars
and restaurants serving alcohol. It is very smart,
but not cheap.
Wafi Mall - Marks &
Spencer, Goodies. Focus is almost entirely on luxury
brands, jewellery and expensive boutiques. Many
upmarket restaurants and bars, many of which are
licensed (have alcohol available). A luxury spa is
attached to the complex. The Egypt-themed
architecture, which includes quite beautiful
stained-glass pyramids, is worth seeing.
Emirates Towers Boulevard
, Sheikh Zayed Road - Part of the Emirates
Tower Hotel complex. The shops here match the hotel
- very high class, plus a Starbucks. Lipton cafe has
free wifi. Restaurants and bars all serve alcohol.
Quite a popular nightlife spot, with bars and
nightclubs.
Mercato Mall - Jumeirah
Beach Road. The only Renaissance-themed shopping
mall in the Middle East. Cinemas, Virgin Megastore,
high street brands such as Next, Top Shop. Also has
a big Spinneys attached. Some restaurants, but none
are licensed for alcohol.
Gold Souk - Not a mall,
but a historic market that has been a part of Dubai
since the origin of Dubai itself. Located at the
mouth of the creek, it dazzles people by selling
gold in large quantities and with no security. A
must visit for shoppers and sightseers. Always
haggle, and know the price of gold before you visit
(as you should pay approximately market price for
gold). Many outlets are part of chains that also
have branches in malls, so are generally reliable.
Spice Souk - As above,
not a mall, but a historic market that has been a
part of Dubai since the origin of Dubai itself.
Located at the mouth of the creek, it is not far
from the Gold Souk, but has sadly declined a bit in
recent years as supermarkets take over the spice
trade. A must visit for shoppers and sightseers.
Lots of
souvenirs are also available. Both the Spice Souk
and the Gold Souq are a rather hot and sweaty
experience with limited air-conditioning, so wear
appropriately cool, loose clothing if visiting in
mid summer. Individual shops are air conditioned.
Although regularly visited by tourists none of the
souks are considered a tourist area and as such
modest dress should be worn to avoid causing offense
or attracting unwanted attention.
Gold & Diamond Park
Interchange 4, Sheikh Zayed Road (South side)- sells
gold and diamond products. None of the character of
the more historic gold souq, but is air-conditioned
throughout, and easier to reach and park at than the
historic souq (which is in the depths of downtown
Deira). Can be better value, as it is less
"touristy".
Al Ain Plaza (known locally as Computer Plaza) On
Mankhool Road along from the Ramada Hotel, Bur Dubai
heading towards the creek. A mall specialising in
computers, laptops, computer parts and computer add
ons like monitors, VoIP Phones, hard drives, etc.
Festival City Has Dubai's only Ikea, since it
relocated from City Centre, and a huge Plug-Ins
electronic store. Also an ACE Hardware. The area is
still very much under construction.
TIP: Several malls have a large Carrefour, or
similar, hypermarket where you'll find the lowest
cost electronics. |
