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About Dubai

Dubai—or as some prefer to call it “DoBuy” – is known as a true shoppers paradise. A place where Malls mimic traditional architecture of countries from centuries past, and traditional Arabian Gold Souks flourish along the flowing hustle and bustle of abras and dhows on the creek. A city filled with tradition, but modern enough to boast one of the largest indoor Ski Resorts and the largest amusement park in the world – Dubai is the perfect tourism destination

Internationally known as the Business Hub of the Middle East, Dubai has realized its future cannot lie in oil for long. Focusing on the future, Dubai is slowly labeling itself as the next tourism destination as well as keeping business close at heart. With one of the largest Free Zones in the world and a tax free environment, commerce and trade are flourishing.
Furthermore, with residents from all over the world, the mix of cultures and traditions, makes for a truly multicultural surroundings wherever you are in the city.

 For a Video about Dubai, please visit:
http://video.fentonreport.com/2007/04/middle-east-20-dubai-world-business-and.html

General Information             

The national language is Arabic, however English is widely spoken

Islam is the official religion of the United Arab Emirates and influences the Dubai way of life to a great extent. Prayer rooms and Mosques (places of worship) are present throughout the city in shopping malls and office buildings. Muslims perform five obligatory prayers a day. The Athan (call for prayer) can be heard from mosques at prayer times. Friday is the holy day.

The literal meaning of Islam is peace; surrender of one’s will to only one God. The message of Islam was revealed to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings on him) 1,400 years ago.

It was revealed through angel Gabriel (on whom be peace) and was thus preserved in the Holy Quran. The prime message of Islam is the Unity of God, that the Creator of the world is One and He alone is worthy of worship and that Muhammad (peace and blessings on him) is His Messenger and Servant.

The Holy Month of Ramadan is one of the most important and most beautiful times of the year for a Muslim. It is the month for fasting, worship, charity and a time of the year that most Muslims dedicated purely to the worship and remembrance of their Lord.

The beginning and end of Ramadan is different every year and dependent on the sighting of the moon, as Islam follows the Lunar Calendar. From Sunrise to Sunset all Muslims observe a fast, which will be concluded every day with the Iftar Meal. Many restaurants offer special buffets for Iftar - truly a great place to visit when being in Dubai.

Although Non-Muslims are not required to fast during the day in Ramadan, eating, drinking, smoking and the showing of public affection should be avoided in all public places during the days of Ramadan. Children and elderly are of course allowed to eat and drink in public at any time.

At the end of Ramadan the Eid Al Fitr is celebrated for three days. All Governmental institutions and most offices are closed during those days. The Shopping Malls and Restaurants however will have extended opening hours to celebrate the feast.

The veil, even though worn by many Muslim women, is not mandatory to visitors and Non-Muslims in Dubai. The UAE is a very open and modern country within the Middle East, however since it is an Islamic country, clothing should be modest in public areas such as Shopping Malls, Souks and Markets (for example shorts and tight clothing). Beachwear is acceptable in beach clubs, hotels and public beaches.

Dubai has a sub-tropical arid climate with high temperatures and clear skies most of the year. Temperatures range from 10°C (50°F) in winter to 48°C (118°F) in the summer. Rainfall is infrequent with about an annual rainfall of 6.5cm which is usually in December, January and February. Winters also bring in some foggy mornings and sandstorms.  

The local currency is the ‘dirham’ (Dhs. or AED) and is divided into 100 ‘fils’. Notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000. Coins come in denominations are 25fils, 50fils and 1Dhs.

The US dollar is pegged to the dirham at a rate of US $1 ~ Dhs. 3.675.

For more current exchange rates see www.xe.com

Transportation   

Taxis are the safest and most convenient way to get around in Dubai.                               
Contact Dubai Taxi 04 208 08 08
Meter Rate:Day Rate: 3/- AED plus 1.17 AED per km
Night Rate: 3.50 AED plus 1.70 AED per km
Airport Rate: 16/- AED plus .50 fils per 500 m     

Exploring Dubai

Al Alhmadiya St, Al Ras, Deira
08:00-19:00 Sat-Thu, 14:30-20:00 Fri
04-2260286

Al-Ahmadiya school, built in 1912, was the first ever school in Dubai and since 2000 has been converted into the Museum of Education. It is located next to the Heritage House which was built in 1890 and was the former home of the founder of Al-Ahmadiya school. The house is made of coral and decorative gypsum panels and has a beautiful courtyard. Admission is free and guides and touch screens will help you through both museums.

Dubai Museum

Al-Fahidi St, opp Grand Mosque & Diwan, Bastakiya, Bur Dubai
08:30-20:30 Sat-Thu, 14:30-20:30 Fri
04-3531862

Built in 1787 as a fort and later converted into a museum in 1970, this is one of the oldest buildings in Dubai. The museum will give visitors a quick and entertaining guide to Dubai’s history and culture taking you on a tour of a traditional dhow, a 1950’s souk, an Islamic school, an oasis and finally sea and archaeological findings. Entrance is Dhs.3 for adults and Dhs.1 for children under ten.

Nad Al Sheba Racecourse

Timings on request
04-3363031
www.godolphin.com

The Godolphin gallery houses the Maktoum family’s horse racing trophies and private stables. Opened from January to April the gallery features interactive touch-screens, video presentations and action photographs.

Gold & Diamond Museum

Gold & Diamond Park, Shk Zayed Rd
10:00-22:00 Sat-Thu, 16:00-22:00 Fri
04-3477788
www.goldanddiamondpark.com

The museum displays traditional Arabian, Italian and Indian jewellery and takes you through its history. A 30 minute tour of the manufacturing plant gives you the opportunity to see how jewellery is made as well as a chance to buy your own. The museum also features a themed café and admission is free.

Heritage & Diving Village

Al Shindagha Rd, Nr Al Shindagha Tunnel
08:00-22:00 Sat-Thu, 8:00-11:00 & 16:00-22:00 Fri
04-3937151

Located next to the creek it offers visitors a look into Dubai’s traditions. It focuses on coastal life, pearl diving, architecture, ancient armory with a display of a Bedouin village and dhows. Visitors can also have a stroll in the small souk which offers souvenirs and handicrafts or have a drink in the cafeteria.

Al Mamzar Beach Park

By the Sharjah border, Past Al Hamriya Port, Al Hamriya
09:00-22:00 Sun-Thu, 09:00-23:00 Fri & Sat
04-2966201

Mamzar Park is ideal for a family outing, it features four beaches, 90 hectares of grassy land, a large amphitheatre, swimming pools, kiosks, BBQ areas and children play areas. Chalets can also be rented with their own BBQ area for the day. Wednesday is for women and children only.

Entrance fee: Dhs.5 per person or Dhs.30 per car
Swimming pool: Dhs.10/5 adult/child

Creekside Park

Nr Wounderland, Creekside, Umm Hurair
08:00-23:00 Sun-Thu, 08:00-23:30 Fri & Sat
04-3367633

This beautiful, lushes, park runs along a 2.3km stretch of creek side. It includes fishing piers, jogging tracks, BBQ sites, kiosks, restaurants, children play areas, an amphitheatre, abra rides and dhow cruises. At gate 1 there is an interactive educational center for children (Children’s City) and at gate 2, four wheel cycles can be hired for Dhs.20 per hour. A must see is the cable car system which gives you a view of the creek from 30 meters in the air.

Entrance fee: Dhs.5
Cable Car: Dhs.25/15 adult/child
Children’s City: Dhs.15/10 adult/child

Jumeirah Beach Park

Nr Jumeirah Beach Club, Jumeirah 2
08:00-22:30 Sun-Thu, 08:00-23:00 Fri & Sat
04-3492555

This beach park has plenty of tress and grassy areas to enjoy as well as BBQ pits and volleyball areas. On Saturday’s and Sunday’s women and children (boys till the age of 5) are only allowed. Swimming is not permitted after sunset and neither are bicycles and rollerblades.

Entrance fee: Dhs.5 per person or Dhs.20 per car

Mushrif Park

9km past Dubai Airport, Al Khawaneej Rd (just past Mirdif)
08:00-23:30 daily
04-2883624

Mushrif park, the largest in Dubai, has an abundance of green vegetation and wildlife. It offers visitors BBQ areas, camel & pony rides, train rides, children play areas and swimming pools (male and female separately).

Entrance fee: Dhs.3 per person; Dhs.10 per car
Swimming pool: Dhs.10/5 adult/child
Train ride: Dhs.2

Open Beach

Nr Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, Jumeirah 1

Also known as the Russian beach this is a public beach open to anyone at anytime. You will find numerous nationalities sunbathing here with a large number of them East Europeans. The view has recently been spoiled with construction and ships but the beach still remains popular due to its close proximity to the city center and its spaciousness. 

Safa Park

Nr Union Co-op & Choithrams, Al Wasl Rd, Safa
08:00-23:00 daily
04-3492111

This park is the most popular in Dubai and rightly so as it features numerous fun activities, they include BBQ areas, games parlor, jogging track, paddle boats, a waterfall, a Ferris wheel, bumper cars, tennis, volleyball & basketball courts to name a few. Two and four wheel bicycles can also be hired since personal bikes are not allowed.

Entrance fee: Dhs.5 per person, free for children under three
Bicycle hire: Dhs.20-30 per hour

Za’abeel Park

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Rd & Al-Qataiyat Rd, Bur Dubai

Tours & Sightseeing

Al Boom Tourist Village

Nr Al Garhoud Bridge, Umm Hurair 2
14:00-16:00 & 20:30-22:30 daily
04-3243000
http://www.alboom.ae

Al Boom is the largest dhow operator in Dubai and can cater for 20-150 people. Cruises depart daily at 20:30 for a two hour leisurely cruise along the creek. They offer a meat and seafood barbeque buffet prepared on board.

Al Mansour

Radisson SAS, Deira
20:30-22:30 daily
04-2057333

Al Mansour prepares a daily Arabic dinner buffet on their traditional wooden dhow. It also features live Arabic entertainment, shisha and a majlis.

Bateaux Dubai Cruises

Al-Seef Rd, opp British Embassy, Bur Dubai Creek
Lunch & Dinner Cruise daily
04-3994994
www.bateauxdubai.com

Bateaux Dubai sails daily for lunch and dinner with a 5 star set menu to tantalize the senses. The stylish boat has floor to ceiling glass which allows the guests the best views of the Dubai creek. The chocolate fondant is highly recommended.

Creek side Leisure

Opp Dubai Municipality Bldg, Deira
Tours 11:30, 13:30, 15:30, 17:30, dinner cruise 20:30-22:30 daily
04-3368406
www.tour-dubai.com

This cruise allows for guests to get familiar with the scenic Dubai creek during the day and have a romantic dinner cruise in the evenings. They also offer live entertainment such as Arabic music and belly dancing.

Danat Dubai Cruises

Nr British Embassy, Bur Dubai Creek
08:00-18:30, dinner cruise 20:00-22:00 daily
04-3511117
www.danatdubaicruises.com

Danat offers guests a non-traditional Arabian cruise on a modern catamaran. The cruise will start by the historical waterfront areas, sail along the Dubai creek and farther into the Arabian Gulf.

City Tours

Arabian Adventures

Emirates Holidays Bldg, Interchange No.2, Sheikh Zayed Rd
04-3439966
www.arabian-adventures.com

Arabian Adventures provide half day tours that cover Deira Gold souk, Spice souk, Dubai Museum and Jumeirah Mosque. They also organize half day shopping tours to the gold and spice souk. Prices range from Dhs.150 to 60 for children below the age of twelve.

The Big Bus Company

Wafi Center, Oud Metha
04-3244187
www.bigbustours.com

These open toped double-decker buses take you on a 24-hour city or beach route through Dubai. It allows passengers to stop at 23 specified stops, explore in their own time and rejoin on the following bus. English commentary runs during the trip with general information and facts. The price also includes entrance to the Dubai Museum and Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum house. Prices range from Dhs140 to Dhs.75, family prices also available.

Wonder Bus Tours

BurJuman Center, Trade Center Road, Bur Dubai
04-3595656
www.wonderbusdubai.com

This amphibious bus takes you both on a tour of Dubai and the creek. After a tour of some landmarks such as Wafi Center and Grand Hyatt it plunges into the creek. There are three tours a day and each last two hours. Prices are Dhs.115/75 adult/child and families of 2 adults and 2 children costs Dhs.350.

Adventure Tours

Arabian Adventures

04-3084888
www.arabian-adventures.com
Tours include - Dune dinner, overnight safari and stable tours.

Arabian Desert Tours

04-2682880
Tours include – Desert safari, city tours and dhow dinner cruise.

Desert Rangers

04-3402408
www.desertrangers.com
Tours include - Dune buggy safari, dune dinner safari, canoe rental..

Lama Tours

04-2220670
www.lamadubai.com
Tours include – Desert safari, east coast tour and city tours of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

Aerogulf Services Company
Dubai International Airport, Al Garhoud
04-2823157
http://www.aerogulfservices.com

Aerogulf provides the chance to tour Dubai and its surrounding areas giving its passengers a one of a kind view. Short helicopter rides can be taken anytime from 10:30 till sunset.

Voyagers Xtreme

Dune Center, Al Satwa
04-3454504
www.turnertraveldubai.com

Mosque Tour - Center of Cultural Understanding

Beach Center, Jumeirah Beach Rd, Jumeirah
04-3447755

Stable Tours - Nad Al Sheba Club

Nr Bu Kidra R/A, Nad Al Sheba
04-3363666
www.nadalshebaclub.com

This tour will take you on an early morning visit to the famous world class racehorse facilities, the track and the jockey facilities and will include breakfast and a visit to the Godolphin Gallery.

BurJuman Center

Trade Center Rd, Bur Dubai
10:00-22:00 Sat-Thu, 14:00-22:00 Fri
04-3520222
www.burjuman.com

Deira City Center

Opp Dubai Creek Gold Club, Al Garhoud
10:00-22:00 Sat-Thu, 14:00-22:00 Fri
04-2951010
www.deiracitycentre.com

Lamcy Plaza

Nr EPPCO HQ, Oud Metha
09:00-22:00 Sat-Thu, 09:00-00:00 Fri
04-3359999
www.lamcyplaza.com

Ibn Battuta

Btwn interchanges 6 & 7, Sheikh Zayed Rd
10:00-22:00 Sat-Thu, 14:00-00:00 Fri
04-3621900
www.ibnbattutamall.com

Mall of the Emirates

Nr Barsha Police Station, by interchange 5, Sheikh Zayed Rd
10:00-22:00 Sun-Wed., 10:00-00:00 Thurs-Sat
04-4099000
www.malloftheemirates.com

Mercato

Jumeirah Beach Rd, Jumeirah
10:00-22:00 Sat-Thu, 14:00-22:00 Fri
04-3444161 mt.mercatotowncentre.com/default.php

Festival Waterfront Center

Dubai festival city, Al Garhoud
10:00-24:00 daily
04-2325444
www.dubaifestivalcity.com

Wafi City

Garhoud Bridge Rd, Oud Metha
10:00-22:00 Sat-Thu, 16:00-22:00 Fri
04-3244555
www.waficity.com

Deira Gold Souk

On & around SikkatAl-Khail St, btwn Suq Deria & Old Baladiya St

The Gold souk is located near the Hyatt Regency in Deria and is the largest and busiest gold souk in the region. Shop windows are adorned with jewelry and you can buy anything from traditional Arabic and Indian designs to modern styles. The gold is sold buy weight and you should bargain hard to get the best deals.

Textile Souk

Al Fahidi St, Bur Dubai

Al Fahidi street is littered with textile shops filled with a variety of materials for the buying. Shops close at lunchtime for two hours. You should avoid taking a car as parking is limited.

Souk Madinat Jumeirah

Al Sufouh Rd, Jumeirah
10:00-22:00 daily
04-3666546

This charming souk is defiantly worth a visit. Designed in the traditional Arabian style with wooden arches it provides visitors authentic experiences in a comfortable air conditioned area. Prices are higher then other places but are well worth it. The souk experience is enhanced by water ways, fantastic restaurants and a magnificent view of the Burj Al Arab hotel.

Spice Souk

Btwn Al Nasr Square & the Creek area

The spice souk is accessible by car and abbra (water taxi) and is a great attraction to tourists and residences alike. The small alley ways are filled with baskets of spices pilled up to the top and aromas of cumin and cinnamon intoxicate.

Club Joumana

Jebel Ali Hotel & Golf Resort, Sheikh Zayed Road, past interchange 7
04-883600

Lovely surroundings and landscapes over looking the Arabian Gulf make this golf course a very tranquil spot. The course is challenging for any level of player and don’t be surprised if you spot any wondering peacocks.

Dubai Country Club

Al Awir off the Ras Al Khor Road
04-3331155

Dubai’s oldest golf course, the Dubai Country Club, opened in 1971 and has been popular ever since. Different to usual golf clubs it has no green grass areas only brown sand. Players are given a piece of artificial grass to play off.

Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club

Opposite Deria City Center, Al Garhoud
04-2956000

Newly renovated in 2004 this golfer’s paradise is right in the center of town. A vast driving range and a beautiful par three course makes this golf course very popular with players.

Dubai Offshore Sailing Club

Jumeirah Beach Road, by Hardees and KFC, Jumeirah
04-3941669

This non-profit club has a great friendly atmosphere that caters for all sailors with different abilities. It is recognized by the Royal Yachting Association and offer courses all year round with races held twice monthly.

Jebel Ali Sailing Club

Near Dubai International Marine Club, Al Sufouh Road
04-3995444

Recognized by the Royal Yachting Association this club offers classes in sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and power boating. Races are usually held on weekends for different vessels such as toppers, catamarans and lasers.

Ski Dubai

Sheikh Zayed Road, Mall of the Emirates
04-4094000

Opened in 2005 it has been extremely successful with the locals and tourists alike. Ski Dubai offers everything a real ski resort would; a snow park, a gentle and steep slope, a quad lift and a quarter pipe for snowboarders to enjoy.
All equipment is provided (except gloves) and is inclusive in the price.

Al Boom Diving

Opposite the Iranian Hospital, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah
04-3422993

Scubatec Diving Center

Sana Building, Trade Center Road, Karama
04-3348988

Certified by the PADI they provide a full range of courses and trips as well as equipment. Timings and trips are flexible to accommodate visitors and dives can be made on wrecks and pearling beds.

Relaxation and Wellness

1847

Emirates Towers Boulevard, Sheikh Zayed Road
04-3301847

This male grooming salon has a funky atmosphere and is a must to visit. They offer a range of therapies such as foot waxing, hour long facials, pedicures and Thai massages or just a cut and shave.  

Angsana Spa

Marina Walk, Dubai Marina, Al Sufouh Road

11:00-22:00 daily

04- 3684356

This spa which also has a branch in Arabian Ranches has 13 treatment rooms with men and women having separate areas. Their signature treatment is the Angsana massage, a two hour relaxing oil massage which comprises of a mixture of European and Aisan techniques.

Assawan Spa

Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah
06:30-22:30 daily
04-3017338

This sensational Arabic themed spa includes an international standard gym and a library which includes English and Arabic books. There are a variety of fabulous treatments using high quality products and extremely qualified staff.

Cleopatra’s Spa

The Pyramids, Wafi City, Oud Metha
Female Spa: 09:00-20:00 Sat-Thu & 10:00-20:00 Fri
Male Spa: 10:00-22:00 Mon-Sat & 10:00-19:00 Sun
04-3247700

Dubai’s first health spa, Cleopatra’s Spa is a luxurious getaway. It has an extensive list of exotic treatments from wraps and facials to hydro baths and massages. They also offer honeymoon and pregnancy packages and have a sports injury clinic. Separate male and female areas include an extensive wet room and Bohemian lounge to linger in before and after treatment.

Near Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah
04-348 4444

Wild Wadi offers great fun for all ages. It has 30 adrenalin-pumping rides and attractions for you to enjoy. If your daring do not miss out on the Jumeirah Sceirah, the tallest slide in the Middle East, the experience is exhilarating.

WonderLand Theme & Water Park

Near Al Garhoud Bridge, Umm Hurair
10:00-22:00 daily
04-3241222

WounderLand is divided into three areas; Main Street, Theme Park and SplashLand all offering something different for all ages. They have more than 30 rides both indoor and outdoor, as well as paintballing go-karting.