You are here: Travel Guides » Dubai
Dubai Travel Guide

Travel Guides: Dubai

General Information

Dubai

Originally a small fishing settlement that became a busy port of call on the ancient trade route between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley, the emirate was rapidly transformed into an international business centre and modern tourist destination following the discovery of oil in 1966.

Today Dubai ranks as the country's foremost commercial centre, a city whose skyline is constantly being upgraded with new developments providing the infrastructure and facilities needed for a progressive society, including world-class hotels, shopping plazas and outstanding sports facilities. Dubai Creek divides the city centre into two parts: Deira on the northern side and Bur Dubai to the south and each has its fair share of souks, restaurants, hotels, shopping malls and fine mosques.

From within these high standards of luxury and convenience, visitors can experience exotic Arabia in the bustling souks or a night in a Bedouin tent with belly-dancing under the starlit desert skies, as well as a way of life that is still embedded in the Islamic traditions of an ancient land. Dubai's attraction lies in the contrast between the ultra modern and the enchantingly traditional, which gives the city a personality like no other and visitors a variety of experiences to choose from. From desert oases and unspoiled beaches, camel races and old wind towers, to top-class shopping opportunities, avant-garde architecture and the finest international cuisine, Dubai has more than enough depth to satisfy even the most seasoned of travellers.

One of the city's top attractions is its excellent shopping. As an open port with low import duties, Dubai can offer an incredible range of top brand names at cheaper prices due to the tax-free environment, and 'shopping tourists' are drawn from around the world to this paradise of malls, souks, boutiques and modern department stores selling everything from Paris fashions to Japanese electronics. The annual Shopping Festival attracts millions of tourists to the city for a shop-till-you-drop holiday.

Getting Around

The most common way of getting around Dubai is by taxi; they are cheap and easy to find. Many hotels offer shuttle bus services for guests as well. Metered taxis are cream coloured, with uniformed drivers. The public bus service covers most areas of the city and its beaches; the monthly period pass as well as the discounted purse pass are available. Routes and bus numbers are posted in both Arabic and English. Small wooden motorboats (abras) cross the creek every few minutes between Bur Dubai and Deira. Cars are the most popular method of transport for locals in the city, and although roads are well-marked and car hire cheap, visitors should think twice about hiring one, as driving standards are erratic and accidents frequent. All accidents must be reported to the police, and chances are good that a visit to the police station will be necessary. Outside the city, signposts are rare. To hire a car, a credit card, valid passport and International Driving Permit are required and the minimum age is 21 (drivers must have held a full licence for one year). Plans for a Dubai metro are in the works, with completion of the first section expected around 2009.

Activites

Dubai Creek,Dubai
The natural seawater inlet that cuts through the centre of the city is the 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. A cruise to Al-Maktoum Bridge will pass many of the city's historic as well as modern landmarks. A stroll around the wharf offers a picturesque glimpse of Dubai's trading heritage, where dhows bound for distant places dock to unload their goods.

Bastakiya,Dubai
The old Bastakiya district is a step back in time to the days before electricity and air-conditioning, where traditional courtyard houses were cooled by wind towers. Old Dubai was famous for its wind towers that lined the Creek on both sides, and today the narrow lanes festooned with the distinctively Arabian architecture is a popular historical attraction that has been marked for tourist development.

Souks,Dubai
The souks or traditional markets are popular with bargain hunters as well as sightseers and photographers. The most famous is the gold souk where the narrow streets are lined with shops selling everything golden from 24-carat bars to rings and elaborate necklaces and all at low prices. The tiny lanes of the traditional spice souk are scented with sacks of cinnamon, incense, spices, and dried fruit, while 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 lies Al Fahidi Street, selling the latest electronics, photographic equipment and home appliances at competitive prices. Other streets sell everything from materials and carpets to traditional coffee pots, loaves of unleavened bread and hubble-bubble pipes.

Admission:
Free

Opening time:
Daily 7am to 12pm and 5pm to 7pm; Fridays 5pm to 7pm

Grand Mosque,Dubai
Boasting the city's tallest minaret at 230 feet (70m), the Grand Mosque is a notable landmark with its multi-domed style and impressive size. It is an important place of worship and can accommodate up to 1,200 worshippers inside. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the Mosque.

Wild Wadi,Dubai
One of the most advanced water theme parks ever designed, the five-hectare (12-acre) water park at Wild Wadi offers families and thrill seekers hours of fun, relaxation and adrenalin-pumping action. Designed like an Arabian wadi (oasis), the park has an Arabian folklore theme and features some of the highest and fastest water rides outside of North America with 24 state of the art, high-adrenaline rides and slides. Rides for thrill seekers include Jumeirah Sceirah, a 108ft (33m) free-fall at 50 miles per hour (80km/hr), 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.

Admission:
Dhs 150 (age 13+); Dhs 125 (children 4-12). For individuals staying either at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel or Burj Al Arab, access to the Wild Wadi Water Park is free

Opening time:
Daily from 11am. In January and February it closes at 6pm; from March to May at 7pm; from June to August at 9pm; and from September to December at 5pm

Jumeirah Mosque,Dubai
The Jumeirah Mosque is one of the most photographed sights in Dubai. A fine example of modern Islamic architecture, this beautiful mosque is also one of the city's largest, with a majestic dome and twin minarets, and is one of the few mosques open to non-Muslims for tours.

Admission:
Tour fee: Dhs10

Opening time:
Tours are on Thursday at 10am; tours are also available on Sundays at 10am in summer

Dubai Museum,Dubai
The imposing 19th-century Al Faheidi Fort houses the Dubai Museum, which has an impressive collection of military and cultural artefacts, as well as working models and life-size displays depicting various aspects of Dubai life such as 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. The fort was built in 1799 to guard Dubai from landward approaches, and was once the residence of the city's rulers as well as the seat of government until 1971.

Admission:
Dhs7

Opening time:
Saturday to Thursday 8.30am to 8.30pm, Friday 2.30pm to 8.30pm

Ski Dubai,Dubai
One of the city's newest and most interesting attractions is the region's first indoor ski resort, with real snow and five runs catering to both beginner and expert skiers and snowboarders. The monumental indoor snowdome can host up to 1,500 people. The longest run is 1,312 feet (400m), dropping 197 feet (60m), while a 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. Slope passes include ski clothing and equipment.

Admission:
Snow Park: Dhs70. Ski slope: Dhs150 (adults), Dhs130 (children) for two hours (extensions possible), Ski slope day pass: Dhs270 (adults), Dhs220 (children)

Opening time:
Sunday to Wednesday 10am to 11pm, until 12pm from Thursday to Saturday

Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum Museum,Dubai
Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum's house dates back to the 19th century, and 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 exhibiting historical photographs and artefacts showcasing Dubai's history and development. Its architecture is also a fine example of the regional style with its wind towers and central courtyard, teak wood doors and windows and wooden lattice screens.

Admission:
Dhs2

Opening time:
Saturday to Thursday 8am to 8.30pm, Friday 3.30pm to 8.30pm

Desert safari,Dubai
For a real taste of Arabia, visitors can take a trip into the desert with any number of tour operators into the rolling sand dunes surrounding Dubai. Tours usually include a thrilling 4x4 drive over the dunes, camel riding, a visit to a local Bedouin village, and end with a traditional Arabian barbeque under the stars, with a show of belly dancing.

Events

Dubai Shopping Festival,Dubai
The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) was started in 1996 by the government to promote retail trade in the city, and has since grown into the foremost shopping event in the world, an annual extravaganza of shopping and entertainment that promotes tourism and attracts millions of people from around the world to Dubai every year. The city is already known as a shopping paradise, but for a whole month thousands of retail outlets offer further specials, with hotels, travel companies and airlines also extending special discounts to visitors during this period. Besides the shopping malls and souks, one of the most popular shopping spots is the Carpet Oasis, showcasing thousands of exclusive carpets from around the world. Other events include nightly fireworks, laser/light shows, international fashion shows, street performances, music concerts and many cultural events. Daily raffle draws offer very attractive prizes of money, gold, cars and 4x4s. The festival also coincides with the richest horse race in the world, the Dubai World Cup (US$15,250,000 in prize money).

Date: 15 January to 15 February 2009
Venue: Throughout the city, but the main focal point of the festival is the Global Village, Emirates Road

Dubai Desert Classic,Dubai
Part of the European PGA tour, the Dubai Desert Classic takes place at what was the first grass golf course in the Middle East, which was entitled The Desert Miracle in 1988. The tournament attracts prestigious international players to compete for the trophy and US$2.2 million in prize money.

Date: 26 January to 1 February 2009
Venue: Majlis Course of the Emirates Golf Club

Dubai Rugby Sevens,Dubai
The Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens heralds the opening of the IRB Sevens World Series, and features 16 of the best international rugby sevens teams each year. The event has grown rapidly over the last few years and attracts over 70, 000 fans from around the world, drawn by its carnival-like atmosphere, making it one of the most popular events in the Middle East.

Date: 27-29 November 2008
Venue: Dubai Exiles Rugby Ground

Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival,Dubai
Ten of thousands of jazz lovers flock to see some of the finest international acts in the world performing in a variety of genres including rocket-fuelled funk and bluegrass, pop, blues, rock, reggae, and afro-centric music. The increasing number of fans has helped secure it an award for the Best Festival in the UAE.

Date: 18-27 February 2009
Venue: Dubai Media City and at Madinat Jumeirah Outdoor Amphitheater

Dubai World Cup,Dubai
The Dubai World Cup is the richest horse race in the world, offering a purse of US$6 million, with US$3.6 million going to the winner of the mile-and-a-quarter race. The event attracts the best horses and jockeys from around the world every year. A visit to the state-of-the-art racecourse is an event in itself with its floodlit sand and dirt track and television monitors in all areas. The competition is almost as fierce off the track among the style conscious who compete for title of the best dressed.

Date: March 2009, TBC
Venue: Nad Al Sheba Racecourse

Restaurants

Asha's,Dubai
Indian singing star Asha Bhosle has wowed many with the opening with her first restaurant, in which conventional Indian cuisine has been blown out of the water. The chef has produced a menu of unique fusion Indian dishes to match the style of the restaurant, creating a fresh and striking experience. The restaurant is alcohol-friendly.

Location: Wafi City Mall

Verre,Dubai
British Chef Gordan Ramsay has firmly established his restaurant in the chic Hilton hotel as one of the classiest dining venues in Dubai. The minimalist décor and discreet service focuses attention on the food, which is superb. The contemporary menu includes meat, seafood, chicken and delicious desserts. The sommelier will choose a different glass of wine to complement each course.

Location: Hilton Dubai Creek

Casa Mia,Dubai
Located within the Le Méridien complex, Casa Mia is thought by many to be the best Italian restaurant in the city, known for its home-cooked Italian cuisine. The menu also includes delicious wood-fired pizzas, and in 2007 the restaurant was also honoured with an 'Award of Excellence' for its unique and extensive wine list. Open for lunch and dinner daily.

Location: Le Méridien Hotel

Café Chic,Dubai
Michelin star chef Philippe Gauvreau creates fresh, innovative French cuisine in a comfortable, elegant setting that is widely acknowledged to be one of the best restaurants in town. As Le Méridien Dubai's signature restaurant, it was also honoured with a 'Best of Award of Excellence' for its extensive wine list. Diners should not miss the renowned signature dessert, the chocolate soufflé. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Location: Le Meridien Hotel

The Noodle House,Dubai
This laid-back venue offers delicious, contemporary South East Asian fare at surprisingly affordable prices. Diners sit at long communal tables and don't need to wait very long for the region's usual favourites to appear, such as spring rolls, noodle soup, or vegetable, chicken and meat dishes served with noodles or rice. The open show kitchen allows diners to watch the food being prepared. Reservations are not accepted, and the place is busy, but the turnover of diners is high so the wait shouldn't be long. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Location: Emirates Towers Hotel

Al-Nafoorah,Dubai
Authentic Lebanese/Arabic food is served in this popular restaurant with its large outdoor terrace that attracts diners with its speciality mezze dishes. End the meal with a mouth watering dessert and follow it with a hubbly bubbly on the terrace. Open for lunch and dinner daily.

Location: Emirates Towers Hotel

Al Mahara,Dubai
The signature restaurant of the Burj Al Arab, one of the top 10 hotel restaurants in the world, gives diners a unique experience. A mock submarine ride takes guests to the dining area, where tables are situated around a huge floor-to-ceiling aquarium full of fish. Al Mahara specialises in unforgettable first impressions and fresh seafood and was voted one of the top 50 restaurants in the world. Dinner guests will also be serenaded by harpists, adding to the underwater atmosphere. Jackets are required for men, and reservations essential. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Location: Burj Al Arab

Al Dawaar,Dubai
Situated on the 25th floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Al Dawaar Revolving Restaurant boasts the best views in the city while you dine. The restaurant revolves giving diners spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf, the Creek and the city of Dubai while enjoying a variety of international cuisines. The buffet is the most popular option, including Chinese stir-fries, spring rolls, sushi and local dishes. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Location: Hyatt Regency

JW's Steakhouse,Dubai
The award-winning steakhouse is the finest in Dubai with steaks that 'cut like butter' and the freshest Maine lobsters, Dungeness crabs and oysters in town. It is popular for business entertaining as well as for romantic dinners. Begin with lobster bisque or seafood chowder, enjoy steaks, chops or seafood as a main, and finish with New York cheesecake or apple pie. Décor is New York style with lots of wood and leather, and the service is excellent.

Location: JW Marriott Dubai

Hatam,Dubai
This very simple eatery is famous for its kebabs, which are justifiably popular throughout the day. Although limited, the rest of the menu offers meals that are hearty and cheap, which come with soup, tea and helpings from the salad bar. The exceptional value, no-frills atmosphere and friendly service brings people back again and again.

Location: Bani Yas Street