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DUBAI TRAVEL GUIDE
Although Dubai was once a little known member of the United Arab Emirates, today it is one of the fastest growing cities in the world. With a population of just over two million people and a diverse culture blending people from India, the Emirates, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and other Arab countries, Dubai is a unique tourist destination.
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DUBAI WEATHER - When To Go
Dubai is located on the coast but it is surrounded by desert so the temperatures can be very hot. The cooler parts of the year are from late September to early May. During this time, the temperatures are usually around 20 degrees Celsius during the day but humid. The rest of the year the temperatures can reach 45 degrees Celsius with high humidity and glaring sunlight. Most travelers quickly learn to avoid outdoor activities during the day during the hotter months in Dubai.
Because Dubai is located in the desert, precipitation is rarely an issue for visitors. The “rainiest” parts of the year are December to April but only about 10 centimeters falls during that period.
Travellers who only plan to stay in Dubai for a short visit should know that Fridays are the days of the week when almost everything is closed in the city. Some shops also close Thursday afternoons or on Saturdays. The earlier part of the week may be a better choice for visitors.
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DUBAI ATTRACTIONS - Things to See and Do
The more historic area of Dubai is referred to as Old Dubai and contains a number of unique sites. The Al Ahmadiya School is the city’s oldest and has been completely restored. The Jumeirah Mosque is a beautiful religious structure and is one of only a few mosques which can be toured by non-Muslims.
Old Dubai is also home to some breathtaking cultural sites. The Dubai Museum provides visitors with a history of the United Arab Emirates. Below the main part of the exhibit, guests can witness the transformation of the city from its poor beginnings to its current position as a modern oasis in the Arabian Desert.
Before leaving Old Dubai, travelers should visit the Bastakiya and Shingagha Districts which are home to art galleries, museums, reconstructed historic buildings, and relaxing cafes for the weary (and warm) traveler.
One of the most remarkable landmarks in Dubai is the highly visible Burj Al Arab known as the world’s only seven star hotel. Staying in the hotel requires very advanced reservations and do not come cheap. For one of the low end rooms in the hotel, the cost per night is over £500 per night. All of the rooms include plasma televisions, Jacuzzi bathtubs, and gorgeous views of the Persian Gulf. Travellers who can’t afford to book a room can make reservations to dine, have a cocktail, enjoy afternoon tea, or take a tour of the hotel.
Another massive structure in Dubai is the Burj Dubai which is currently under construction and due to be completed in 2009. The tower is currently 600 metres tall which makes it larger than the Taipei 101, the Sears Tower, and most skyscrapers. Upon completion, the tower will be home to a hotel, apartments, shopping, and observation decks. For now, guests can only look in awe at the already impressive monument.
Besides having plenty to see, Dubai has plenty for travellers to do as well. Guests can visit the Palm Islands, the largest man-made islands in the world, where they can enjoy water attractions, resorts, and shopping away from the main city. Speaking of shopping, Dubai is well-known for having an abundance of malls where travelers can find almost anything they want. More than a dozen malls call the city home, including the Mercato and the Mall of Emirates.
Visitors to Dubai also find themselves drawn to the white sand beaches and the pleasant, although very salty, waters. The city is also just a short boat trip away from great coral reef diving. Alternatively, travelers can stay try with a desert safari on an SUV through the sand dunes lead by the Desert Drivers.
Dubai travellers looking for snow also won’t be disappointed. A snow skiing centre has been built into the Mall of Emirates. The temperature is kept at a chilly 4 degrees Celsius and is a drastic change from the sand and heat found just outside of Dubai. Everything guests need for skiing or snowboarding is supplied.
Dubai provides a wide range of other unique activities, too. The Wild Wadi water amusement park and the Dubai Creek Cruise are popular choices for families. The Dubai Zoo is also a nice distraction for travelers, although it may not be a good choice during the summer when the temperatures are very warm. In the near future, the zoo is going to be moved to an indoor facility. Golfers will find plenty to enjoy in Dubai because the city is home to many outstanding golf courses and even a few sand courses which provide a unique challenge for golf enthusiasts.
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DUBAI TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND
While Dubai has plenty to see and do, getting around the city can pose a challenge. To correct the problem, a Metro Rail System is being constructed throughout the city (along with many other projects). Until completion, travellers will have to choose from a few other choices. Several taxi services do operate in Dubai but they are in great demand and can be difficult to find when needed. Buses are cheaper but do not cover the city completely, plus some routes are rarely traveled which can be inconvenient for city visitors.
The most convenient travel method in Dubai is the rental car. Visitors from the UK can use their existing driver’s license to secure a car in the city and permission to drive there. The costs are minimal and little paperwork is involved in the transaction. Some cars can be rented with drivers. The latter may be a good idea because the road system in Dubai can be confusing, especially given the construction happening throughout the area.
Try Holiday Autos for Dubai car hire deals.
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DUBAI FLIGHTS - Flying from the UK
The national airline Emirates fly direct to Dubai from a number of UK airports, namely London (Heathrow and Gatwick), Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle and Glasgow.
It is also possible to fry form London Heathrow to Dubai with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.
Also try Expedia.co.uk for flight options to Dubai.
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