Dubai

DUBAI The second largest of the seven emirates which made up the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is located on the southern shore of the Arabian Gulf. It has an area of some 3,900 square kilometers. Outside the city itself, the emirate is sparsely inhabited and characterised by desert vegetation. The other emirates are Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. VISA The visa is to be obtained prior to arrival in the country HOW TO GET THERE: INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT: Dubai Airport is the only International airport FLIGHTS INTO DUBAI: Direct flight: Emirates Airlines, Indian Airlines, Cathy pacific, Air India Other airlines: Gulf air (via Bahrain), Oman Air ( via Muscat), Qatar airways (via Doha), Srilankan airlines (via Colombo), Kuwait airways (via Kuwait) CURRENCY: Dubai currency is known in the global market as Arab Emirate Dirham and is denoted by AED. Locally the Dubai currency is denoted by 'Dh' and called Dirham. Each Dirham is divided into 100 parts and each of them is known as fil. 1 USD = 3.67 AED 1 AED = 10.05 INR Dubai currency can be exchanged with currencies of other parts of the world in banks and exchange houses. GETTING AROUND: Bus: Dubai has a very large bus system run by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The bus system has 193 routes on weekdays and transports over 30 million people weekly. The Public Transport bus system is large and advanced but not large enough to accommodate the volume of people who use it. This means that in busy areas it is common that at the end of the day commuters may have to wait more than an hour before they can board a bus. Taxis: Dubai also has an extensive taxi system, by far the most frequently used means of public transport within the Emirate. There are both government-operated and private cab companies. The Dubai Transport Corporation operates cream-coloured taxis. Some of the private cab companies are Cars Taxi, National Taxi, Cititaxi and Metro Taxi. The meter generally begins as Dhs. 3.80 and is generally charged by distance at 50 fils/km. Car hire is not deemed to be particular exorbitant, but road traffic regulation is somewhat different to other places in the world, and this can be quite confusing to foreigners. Dubai seems particularly attached to decorative round-abouts that can be somewhat hazardous to travellers. Other than the initial confusion, Dubai has an impressive, well marked network of roads connect is many destinations and first class freeways linking it to the rest of the United Arab Emirates. Roads in the rest of the UAE generally compare to this standard, but some regions may be less accessible unless by plane. Water Taxis: Dubai is serviced by two large commercial ports, Port Rashid and Port Jebel Ali. Dubai Creek and Port Saeed are used by local traders in dhows. One of the more traditional methods of getting across Dubai Creek from Bur Dubai to Deira is through abras, small boats that ferry passengers across the Dubai Creek, between abra stations in Bastakiya and Bani Yas Road, for a nominal charge of 1 UAE-Dirhams. They can be rented, along with an operator, for 100 UAE-Dirhams, approximately 27 US-Dollars. Recently, the Marine Transport Agency, part of the Road and Transportation Agency, has begun implementing the Dubai Water Bus System. Metro: There is currently a $3.89 billion Dubai Metro project under construction for the emirate. The Metro system is expected to be partially operational by 2009 and fully operational by 2012. BUSINESS: Private companies work either straight shift - 8am - 6pm or a split shift - 8am - 1pm and 4pm - 7pm. The Government offices work from 8am - 2pm. The Weekend here is Thursdays & Fridays for Government organisations. Private companies and multinationals are usually closed on Fridays & Saturdays. Shopping malls are generally open from 10 am - 10pm on all days except on Fridays (2pm - 10 pm). CLOTHING: Light weight summer clothing can be worn for most of the year, but the temperature can drop quite sharply at night during the winter. Dubai is rather relaxed for clothing. Dress sensibly, without wearing too much revealing clothes. Shorts and skirts are acceptable for ladies. TIME: Dubai is 1 hrs 30 mins behind us. Electricity: Electricity in Dubai is 220 Volts. The 3-pin sockets are available everywhere. DAILING CODE: +971 TIPPING: Tipping practices are similar to most parts of the world. An increasing number of restaurants include service LANGUAGE: The national language is Arabic but English is widely used in business. PHOTOGRAPHY Local people, especially the women, do not take kindly to being photographed without their prior permission. In general, it is best to avoid taking photographs (or video footage) of any individual in a National Dress. ALCOHOL Alcohol is available in all clubs and restaurants and pubs/bars that are located in hotels. Restaurants outside a hotel are not allowed to sell or serve alcohol. Muslims are not permitted to buy alcohol. Residents need an Alcohol License to purchase alcohol. WATER Dubai tap water is desalinated (sea) water. Such water is perfectly safe to drink; however, tourists and residents often prefer to drink locally bottled mineral water. The most often served bottled water is Masafi, Jeema, Oasis and Gulfa. SIGHTSEEING OVERVIEW: Dubai is not a destination that is easy to explore on foot, with many of the areas of interest, such as Deira and Jumeirah Beach, situated far apart. Sightseeing within the city centre is split mainly between the Deira and Bur Dubai flanks of Dubai Creek. Deira, on the right bank of the waterway, is the business and commercial heart of the city and is also home to the best shopping. Highlights include the myriad souks, including the Spice Souk, Deira gold Souk and Dubai Covered Souk. Deira is also the most atmospheric part of Dubai for a spot of aimless wandering, with a real sense of manic activity and rambling streets that are in sharp contrast to the order and calm of much of the city. Meanwhile, historic Bur Dubai has less of a bustling atmosphere and is home to a number of tourist attractions, including the Dubai Museum, Grand Mosque and Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum's House. Dubai Creek itself is also something of an attraction, whether visitors choose to take the traditional dhow cruises along its length or just to stroll along its banks on the promenade on the Bur Dubai side. From here, there are good views back towards the ultra-modern skyline on the other flank of the Creek. Breaking away, west from the mouth of Dubai Creek, is Jumeirah Beach, not really one beach as such but rather a sweeping strip of sand fringed by the bath temperature waters of the Arabian Gulf. Much of the beach these days is officially the private preserve of the ever increasing string of beach-side luxury hotels, although there is little to stop people wandering where they want to, once on the sand. Many of Dubai's best hotels are located on or nearby Jumeirah Beach, including the unmistakable hulk of the Burj al Arab (or ‘Arab Tower'), as well as leisure facilities like Wild Wadi Water Park and the more traditional attraction of Jumeirah Mosque, which is regarded by both locals and tourists alike as the most charming mosque in Dubai. The new Madinat Jumeirah development has become the focus of Jumeirah's eating and drinking scene. One new attraction that visitors can see clearly taking shape off the coast are the Palm Islands, the three islands that are set to become the new focus of the city when they are completed, and the World archipelago Dubai is changing at a rapid rate - Ski Dubai, the Middle East's first indoor ski resort, opened in 2005 and Burj Dubai, set to be the world's tallest tower, is due for completion by the end of 2008. Then there is Dubailand, a massive development in the desert that the emirate's movers and shakers aim to turn into the city's number one tourist attraction. Its completion date (or rather dates given the sheer scale of the project) are fluid to say the least. DESCRIPTION OF SIGHTSEEING IN DEIRA AREA: Deira Covered Souk (District) This souk specializes in textiles and is located in the Al Sabkha Bus station area, Dubai This is one of the main souks in Dubai and is well worth a wander and a barter. Dubai Gold Souk in Deira Dubai boasts one of the largest retail gold markets in the world, selling everything from ingots to intricately worked jewellery at bargain prices. The street-front stores hide alleys of smaller shops with glittering show windows. What makes shopping for gold at this Deira souk so special and worthwhile is the fact that the gold prices are among the lowest in the world due to low gold prices as well as no sales tax PS. The gold souk is adjacent to the spice souk Spice Souk The narrow lanes of the spice souk are redolent with cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, incense, dried fruit and nuts. Imported from all over the Middle East, they are sold straight out of open sacks that surround the shop keepers. DESCRIPTION OF SIGHTSEEING IN BUR DUBAI Dubai Museum Al Fahidi Fort, which houses the Dubai Museum, is another imposing building. It once guarded the city's landlord approaches. Built around 1799, it has served variously as palace, garrison and prison. Timing Open daily from 8.30am - 8.30pm except Fridays: 3pm-8.30pm; Grand Mosque Situated on the Bur Dubai side of the Creek near the Ruler's Court, Grand Mosque was re-built in 1998 and now has, at 70 metres, the city's tallest minaret. It has 45 small domes in addition to nine large ones boasting stained glass panels, making it a distinguished landmark and important place of worship. Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House (Museum) Port Rashid, Dubai Shaikh Saeed was the grandfather of the present ruler and his house has been restored as a museum. Dating from the late 1800s, Sheikh Saeed's House was built in a commanding position near the sea so the Ruler could observe shipping activity from its balconies. With its windtowers and layers of rooms built around a central courtyard, it is a fine example of regional architecture. DESCRIPTION OF SIGHTSEEING IN JUMEIRAH Wild Wadi Park: An unforgettable adventure awaits you in the world's most advanced water theme park. Situated between Burj Al Arab and the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, the Wild Wadi Waterpark is designed to offer hours of fun and pleasure to thrill-seekers and families alike. With 24 rides and attractions, most of which inter connect, guest are able to enjoy continous waterborne movement. Daily Timings: Opens: 11 am - 7 pm Jumeira Mosque Located on Al Jumeira Road this mosque, one of the most beautiful of all, and a fine example of modern Islamic architecture. The beauty of the mosque, the city's largest, is seen at its very best particularly when floodlit after sundown, when the subtle lighting throws its artistry into relief. The mosque is one of the most visited and photographed sights. Tours are at 10am every Sunday and Thursday mornings Ski Dubai: Ski Dubai in Dubai Emirates Mall started in December 2005 is the worlds third largest indoor ski slope, measuring 400 meters and using 6000 tons of snow. Ski Dubai resort is the first Dubai indoor ski slope to open. Opening times: Thu to Sat 10AM - Midnight and Sun to Wed: 10AM-11PM MUST SEE: Dubai City Sightseeing tour – The Golden City A fantastic introduction to the sights and sounds of Dubai, as your sightseeing tour takes you through the city, starting with a photo stop at Dubai's famous hotel - Burj Al Arab. You can try the local transport as you cross the waterways by Abra, and then wander through the glorious spice souk. And don't forget Dubai's famous landmark - the Gold Souk - a perfect place to shop! Duration: 4.5 hours 4 X4 Desert Wonder Safari- Sandboarding, BBQ Dinner and Bellydancer A trip to the Middle East is not complete without exploring the massive sand dunes of the Arabian deserts. Why not take a camel ride, or try sand surfing down the huge red sand dunes. When the sun goes down, huddle around the campfire for a BBQ dinner and belly dancing fun. Duration: 5 hours Dubai Shopping Tour This tour will take you to shopping malls like City Centre, Burjuman and Lamcy Plaza, where most items are branded names and are accessible under one roof. Bur Dubai the street of Electronics and textile where you can bargain. Karama a place for bargaining mainly garments, souvenirs etc. Last but not the least we proceed to Deira the "City of Gold" has one of the best gold souks in the world at competitive prices. Duration: 4 hours Dune Safari W/BBQ Lama Desert Tours gives you an opportunity to see the Golden sand Dunes of Arabia in 4 wheel drives where you experience the thrill of a life time roller coaster ride on the sand dunes. You stop on the highest sand dune to view the beautiful sunset for some breathtaking photographs and refresh your selves with mineral water. We then continue our journey to our Bedouin Campsite in the heart of the Desert, where Henna Design, Arabic GAVA, local Dresses, soft drinks, water, tea or coffee are available for you to choose from. Try your hands on some Camel rides and Hubbly Bubbly on different flavors to suites your taste. Adding to the atmosphere of the night, an enchanting belly dancer shows a fascinating dance to a rhythm of an Arabic music. While you relax and recline in the tents with carpet and pillows a delicious BBQ Buffet Dinner will be served under the starlit sky. (The above tour is not recommended to heart patients / Clients with neck and back problems) Duration: 7 hours Sand Skiing & Camel Rides The latest craze in Dubai is the Sand Ski.. climbing one of the top dunes around the area and skiing down the Dune .all sounds very interesting, lets then give you a chance. The tour concludes with an Arabian camel rides, soft drinks and mineral water. Duration: Half day Dune Bashing & Camel Rides This tour is for passengers who cannot make for an evening dune safari, they can still have the roller coaster ride in the morning. followed by camel rides, soft drinks and mineral water at the campsite. Duration: Half day Overnight Safari How can one wonder sitting in the lonely deserts of Arabia beside bonfire and wait for the beautiful creamy white light of the moon to fall on their face. .. it would be an incredible experience. The tour will start with dune bashing in the middle of the desert, then proceed to our campsite for a camel rides, an exotic belly dancer who takes the night by storm and mouth-watering BBQ buffet dinner. Before you retire to your carpeted tents you are served tea or coffee. Sleeping bags will be provided for your comfort. When sunrise awakens you, you will be served light breakfast and drive to the Hatta Wadis for a refreshing splash and proceed back to Dubai. Duration: Overnight Dhow Cruise Dinner What could be more romantic than a dinner aboard a dhow as its slips silently along Dubai Creek by moonlight. While you cruise aboard one of these traditional wooden vessels it offers an intriguingly different view of this amazing city - a portrait of the true character for Dubai, the intertwining of traditional and modern. You will see old the splendid architecture of Dubai as the Sheikh Saeed's house, the birth place of Sheikh Rashid and the Heritage village are reminiscent of days gone by. Entertainment and Buffet Dinner is served along with complimentary soft drinks and mineral water. Duration: 3 hours EXCURSIONS FROM DUBAI Oasis Tour Of Al Ain This tour takes you to the greenest of all Emirates - Al Ain, the garden city is 120kms from Dubai. The area boosts farms of vegetables and date trees. We pass by the Hill city famous for green gardens and stop at the Al Ain Museum before we could take our trip to the most beautiful landscape, a birds eye view - Jebel Hafeet - the tallest mountain in the U.A.E. After lunch we continue our trip through some local shopping and Industrial areas and then enter the land of Oman -Al Buraimi before we could visit the largest Camel market in the U.A.E on our way back to Dubai. Duration: 8 hours Capital Tour Of Abu Dhabi We travel past the world's man-made port Jebel Ali and onward for a two hour drive through coastal desert scenery, studded with acacia trees. Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and many of its striking examples of modern architecture show intriguing interpretations of Islamic themes captured in today's materials. Shimmering skyscrapers, we visit the largest carpet market within the region, villas and palaces line our route along the Riviera - style corniche with its blue Gulf waters and enticing offshore islands also known as break waters. Duration: 8 hours East Coast Tour Relish the variety of colors in the landscape of the Emirates. This full day tour takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the city. We drive through 'lush' green agricultural areas and stop at a local market (Friday market), passing small villages on our way, (Dhaid & Masafi) we stop by the town and view the 300 years old fort. We then take lunch at one of the local restaurants and visit the oldest mosque in the U.A.E - the Bidaya Mosque, moving into Fujairah & Khorfakhan famous for endless beaches gives you an opportunity to swim or just relax on the beach before we end our tour. Duration: 8 hours Hajar Mountains Tour This tour takes us on an adventure and eye-popping route to the breath-taking scenery of the Hajar Mountain on the East Coast of the Emirates. We start with the Emirate of Sharjah, Ajman and then we drive by some of the most isolated territories and park beside flowing wadis for some refreshing drinks and water. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. Also included in the tour is a visit to the oldest mosque in U.A.E- Al Bidaya Mosque and some of the forts around the area for interesting photo opportunities. This tour includes a visit to all the eastern emirates of the U.A.E. Duration: 8 hours Hatta Trek This full day tour will takes you to rough roads through the white sands and green fields in 4x4 vehicles to give you authentic adventure and excitement. We enter wadis in Hatta, open waters and deep trenches, there is always an opportunity to swim so don't forget your swimming suits and towels. We then visit the 16th century fort having some agricultural farms before we stop for Lunch. Duration: 7 hours SHOPPING Dubai is a veritable shopper's paradise! Home to the Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Summer Surprises, Dubai is famous for offering top international brands at unbelievably reasonable prices. Independent shops are generally open from 10am until 1pm and from 4.30pm until 10pm. Opening hours at shopping malls is throughout the day from 10am - 10pm. However, on Fridays, they open from 2pm - 10pm. Some even stay open until midnight!