05/10/2012
Dubai Info.
The glamorous shining star of the middle-eastern desert, Dubai speaks of the good life. But recently, it's been in the news more for building glitzy towers - like the Burj, and islands - like the Palm Jumeirah and the World (under construction) than the things it was previously known for - oil and Dubai shopping festival, better known as the DSF.
For being a nation that used to earn a major part of its revenue selling crude oil to becoming a nation that made use of its capabilities and resources to bring the world together to its doors with full wallets and topped up credit cards only to make it spend in a hurry, Dubai has come a long way.
'Dream of something and we'll make it come true' is the attitude that the leader of this glamorous metropolis, Sheikh Muhammad lives by but beneath the garb of all the glitter & glam, there's a Dubai which takes pride in its traditional values while respecting traditions which foreign visitor bring along. They sing, dance, fast in the month of Ramadan and urge everyone to maintain the sanctity of the Emirate. The nation lives as a closely knit group and urges visitors to do the same. Welcome to Dubai!
Places to See
Du The modern Dubai speaks loudly of the Arab world's richnessbai, by the looks of it, is sure an ultra-modern metropolis but there is a side to Dubai that somehow got lost beneath the garb of glittering shopping festivals and skyscrapers. A look inside the Dubai museum will take you back in time to a more traditional Dubai with reed houses and artifacts. The new underground section makes use of the latest technology to showcase Dubai's history. Jumeirah Mosque is open to tourists all year long. Guided tours commence every week on Thursdays followed by a question & answer session.
, grandeur and uninhibited flights for fantasies. And they believe in giving them a real shape. Take for example, the Burj Khalifa. Standing tall at 828 meters, the sky-piercing Burge is the tallest standing structure in the world. The second tallest, Tapei 101, is short by a length of 300 meters. We recommend climbing up to the 124th floor on the observation deck for an uninterrupted view of the city's skyline and beyond.
Being rich and famous might not be sufficient to get an entry into the Burge Arab as and when you please. Staying at the hotel will require you to make reservations at least a month in advance. However, a few days of advance notice would suffice, in case it's a dinner night with family and friends is what that you looking for. The Dubai Marina, with its malls, shopping centers, coffee shops and restaurants is a great place to be. It also includes a beautiful beach and two beautiful walkways, The Marina Walk and the Walk.
The Palm Islands are the newest in the list of attractions that Dubai has to offer. No, they did not find some landmasses off the coast and developed them up. The islands are man made and offer tourists, a host of thing to indulge in. From up-market shopping malls to hotels to luxury beach resorts - they have it all. Just another example of Dubai's uninhibited flights of fantasies put perfectly in perspective.
Places to Eat
Dubai is a non-vegetarian's paradise. All small and big restaurants, even wayside eateries, except the ones specializing in other cuisines will without a doubt, serve Shawarma. And it comes really cheap. Falafil is another local food item to keep a lookout for.
The metropolis of Dubai is developed around the tastes and likes of tourists. Besides American fast food chains (most of them are doing business in Dubai), you'll be able to find food from every cuisine around the world here, all and everything to fit your budget.
Indian and Pakistani food can be best enjoyed at eateries like the Ravi and the Karachi Darbar, which is actually a chain of restaurants you'll find all over the city.
The Legend Steak House comes as a part of the Dubai Creek Golf Club and is pretty decently priced for the view and the ambience it offers. The award-winning JW steakhouse and the Shang Palace are two of the most notable restaurants in the city. However upscale they may be, the food here is exceptional.
Some other great restaurant to dine at include Al Dawaar, a multi-cuisine revolving restaurant, Pars Iranian Kitchen, an open air revolving restaurant serving fine Iranian delicacies in traditional machans and Karam Beirut, one of the best Lebanese eateries in the city.
Things to Do
White sandy beaches, desert safaris, dune bashing, skiing (we aren't kidding!), air balloon rides, and excursions to surprising places; there is a lot to Dubai. Let's elaborate:
Turquoise waters, beautiful sandy beaches and water that is surprisingly warmer than what you might have expected, the Dubai beaches are a great place to lounge in the sun and enjoy. However, the water is a bit too salty. You'll need to take good care of your skin. For those who are unaware of the fun of Dune Bashing, get ready for a roller coaster ride in SUVs over the sand dunes for an exhilarating experience. What's more, after the bashing, you'll be treated to a lavish dinner complete with dance and music. Skiing in Dubai? This is another flight of fantasy carefully brought to reality. The SkiDubai located inside one of the new malls in the metropolis makes use of almost 60,000 tons of snow to offer a pretty real skiing and snow-boarding experience. Flying over sand dunes in a hot air balloon is nothing less than an Egyptian fairy tale. Make it come true in Dubai! Dawn may be a great time but sunsets are better for sure.
When it comes to the number of people visiting Dubai for the sole aim of shopping, Dubai rings top slots in every list. It's a wonder that an economy that's built on the revenues generated by selling crude oil has turned in one that generates most of its revenues through providing new possibilities of shopping, organizing Sports events and other financial activities. The Dubai Shopping Festival has more than a decade of success to its credit and rakes in huge revenues for the city. The festival commences every year in the first quarter. Inaugurated in 2004, The Dubai International Film Festival is now running successfully into its 7th year. The festival has come up as one of the most important in Asia and the middle-east. It features films from the Gulf, Arab, Asia, Africa and France. Thanks to the Dubai Jazz Festival and Dubai Desert Rock Festival, the music scene in Dubai has finally come of Age. This year's lineup at the Jazz festival included greats like Flipside, Blue Light Band and Afif Brothers whereas the Desert Rock Festival' in 2009 - saw bands like Motorhead, Arch Rival, Opeth and Nerve Cell.
Dubai's nightlife, contrary to what it may seem, is far from being cold. A number of upscale hotels have bars and night clubs frequented by world class musicians and A-listers from across the globe. Adhering to the 'rules of alcohol' is a must, however. These include not drinking in public places, avoiding drunken driving (penalty include a month's jail sentence along with a fine) and carrying a valid identification to watering holes at all times, especially if you look younger than a 21 year old. Popular taverns include: The Roof Top Bar at Hilton Dubai Creek, which offers wonderful views of the city; 360°, a popular open air bar inside the Jumeirah beach hotel complex offering wonderful views of the Burj and Rock Bottom, a restaurant cm night club featuring rock bands, DJ's and offering what you call, an all in all great night scene. The Buddha bar is where you might see a celebrity or two sitting and enjoying a drink. The bar opens after sundown. You might need to make dinner reservations to get inside. Otherwise standing outside in lines is almost inevitable.
So, tell us what you fix is? - an attitude Dubai and its surrounding areas live by when it comes to giving travelers a great time. From cultural excursions to shopping sprees to laidback undisturbed moments with your loved ones - you name it, they have it! Dubai glitters of affluence. There's a Dubai that most visitors miss out on while swiping credit cards at the DSF, a Dubai you can't take home. The Bedouin Villages in the suburban areas makes for a perfect example. Take a guide tour to be witness to a small but significant part of Arab history. Besides, it's a great way to spend a day away from the hustle bustle. There is one animal that the people of Dubai couldn't have survived without in earlier times. Be it a camel race or a simple camel back tour, an experience of being with this animal rightfully hailed as the 'ship of the desert' is a must.
Shopping Where to go? What to buy? Options are many and are all of them are available at competitive prices. However, the good old duty free days are gone, courtesy the appreciating exchange rates of Dhiram and too many shoppers to stoop down prices for.
Gold jewelry and items make for a great purchase. The prices may not be any less than other shopper-friendly destinations but the wide range of selection perfectly makes up for that. It's the same with textile products but it's electronic products and accessories where the real bargain lies.
Haggling in souks is a nice way to try your luck. The best prices are, at times, way lower than the ones quoted on the stickies. In addition to these, the shops outside the Satva Mosque are well-known for the textiles. Bargain for the best price.
For Gold, the Gold Souk Market is the place to be. It would be great if you go there with the full knowledge of the prevailing gold prices. We recommend you take along someone skilled in the art of bargaining. You might be surprised with your luck. Like the Gold Souk Market, the Spice Souk Market is as ancient as the city of Dubai. Go there but for the experience of shopping as better prices and a much cooler air-conditioned shopping experience is available at Carrefour.
