travel tips for dubai

8/8/2019 Travel Tips for Dubai

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TRAVEL TIPS FOR DUBAI

A century ago, Dubai was a tranquil town along the banks of Dubai Creek, wherecoral-and-gypsum huts housed Bedouin traders and pearl divers. Today, themerchants have gone international, their bounty calling forth science-fiction styleskyscrapers from the sand to stand alongside the mosques and windtowers of oldDubai.

Trade, not oil, is the lifeblood of this traditionally Arabic and refreshingly tolerantsociety, where business brings the best and brightest from across the world to helpbuild Dubai's future. It's the Middle East meets Hong Kong, with a little Las Vegasthrown in for style; a cosmopolitan melting pot at the crossroads of time - and thequintessential home of sand, sea, sun and shopping.

TIME:The United Arab Emirates is 01 hour 30 minutes behind India

WHEN TO GO:

The best time of the year to visit the Dubai is between November and April, whenthe weather is coolest. The rest of the year you're more likely to be running fromone air-conditioned environment to the next instead of getting out and exploring.Ramadan, which takes place at a different time each year on the western calendar,is the Muslim month of fasting and is strictly adhered to throughout the UAE. Thatmeans that it's illegal, not to mention rude, to eat, drink or smoke in public fromsunrise to sunset during your stay. On the up side, hotel rates drop up to 70%.

CLIMATE:Dubai has a sub-tropical, arid climate, with perfect weather for at least six monthsout of the year. Rainfall is infrequent and happens mainly in winter. Usually it

amounts to about 13 centimetres, spread over five days per year. Temperaturesrange from a low of about 10 degrees Celsius on winter nights, to a high of 48degrees Celsius in the midday summer heat.

CURRENCY:

UAE dirham

ELECTRICITY:The electrical current is 220 Volts, AC 50Hz

EVENTS:Religious holidays are tied to the lunar Islamic Hijra calendar, so dates vary fromyear to year on the western Gregorian version, which runs on solar time. Eid al-Fitr(the end of Ramadan), Eid al-Adha (Pilgrimage), Lailat al-Mi'raj (the Ascension ofthe Prophet), the Prophet's Birthday and the Islamic New Year are the maincelebrations. Secular holidays include New Year's Day (1 January) and NationalDay (2 December). Keep in mind that Thursday and Friday make up the Dubaiweekend.


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Ramadan is the month during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, and it is inpoor form to eat, drink or smoke in public. Alcohol is not served publicly at any timeduring Ramadan, but those with a liquor license can purchase it for consumption athome. At sundown, the feast begins.Dubai hosts two major tourist-oriented events during the year. Since 1996 theEmirate of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates has held the annual month-long eventwhich is fiercely promoted and known as Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF)..Entertainment for the kids, fireworks and free raffle tickets with every purchase are

just part of the fun. The lower-key Dubai Summer Surprises is designed, along withcheap hotel rates, to attract tourists during the summer slump. Surprises includedisplays of traditional culture, cooking demonstrations, art shows and more raffletickets.

LANGUAGE AND RELIGION:

The official language is Arabic, but English and Urdu are also widely spoken, alongwith Hindi, Persian, Punjabi, Malayalam, and Tagalog. Islam is the official religion ofall of the emirates. A vast majority of the locals are Sunnis. There are foreignminority Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians as well. Dubai is the only emirate that has

Hindu temples and a Sikh gurudwara.

The Meena Bazaar area of the city has both a Shiva and Krishna temple. Both arebelieved to be sanctioned by the late ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed AlMaktoum.

GETTING AROUND:

Buses run between Dubai International Airport and Deira bus station every half-hour, and metered, beige-coloured Dubai Transport taxis take new arrivals to anypoint in the Deira or Bur Dubai City centres for Dh30. Although they can't serve theairport, there are scores of private taxis in all shapes and colours. As these aren'tmetered, you may need to haggle a bit about fares.Local buses run from the Deira bus station, near the gold souq, and the Bur DubaiStation on Al-Ghubaiba Rd. Monthly bus passes, known as taufeer, get you unlimitedtravel on either side of Dubai Creek (Dh75) or throughout the city (Dh120).Driving in the city of Dubai is considered an extreme sport, but masochists love it. Ifyou must rent a car, bring your credit card and a copy of your passport. Drinkingand driving will get you jail time on top of a stiff fine. Note that all accidents, nomatter how small, must be reported to the police.

The older parts of Dubai, with their souqs, fascinating architecture and museums,are best seen on foot. Abras criss-cross Dubai Creek from early morning untilaround midnight, and are a great, inexpensive way to see the city.

INFORMATION REGARDING MAJOR ATTRACTIONS IN DUBAI:


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Souqs of Deira

Souqs, Arabic open-air markets, have long been a pillar of Dubai society. They'vechanged a lot since the Bedouin days, but are still open for business in the earlymorning and between 5 and 8pm. The Deira Covered Souq has more of an Indianfeel than Arabic one, with folks hawking textiles, spices, kitchenwares, clothes andhenna. The Spice Souq, also known as the Deira Old Souq (it's not just for spicesanymore), sells all sorts of trinkets, clothing, rugs and glassware. The overflowingbags of seasonings are concentrated at the eastern end, closest to Dubai Creek; justfollow your nose. Deira's celebrated Gold Souq, with its intricate wooden latticearchway and windows filled with glittering gold, attracts buyers from throughout theworld. Dubai's nickname, the 'City of Gold,' was well chosen: Any type of gold

jewellery, in any colour the craftspeople can coax from the metal, can be yours for aprice. Next door is the Perfume Souq, with European designer fragrances, cleverlynamed knockoffs and strong, spicy Arabic scents.

The Electronics Souq is known throughout the region as the place to get the PlayStation of your dreams, and does a roaring business with those who ship the stuffback home and sell it for a tidy profit. The Dubai Souq, in Bur Dubai, has beenbeautifully rebuilt to appeal to tourists, but sells mostly items appreciated by theIndo-Pakistani expat community. This is the place to purchase that custom-sewn

sari.

Dubai Museum

The Dubai Museum, occupying the Al-Fahidi Fort on the Bur Dubai side of DubaiCreek, is not to be missed. Thought to be the city's oldest building, the fort wasboth the residence of Dubai's rulers and the seat of government until it was retiredas a museum in 1971.Arial photographs show the city's phenomenal growth over the years. Severalnautical items are displayed in the courtyard, including a shasha, a small palm-frond fishing boat like those still used on the UAE's East Coast. A collection ofantique khanjars (curved daggers) and a complete grave from the Al-Qusaisarchaeological site are highlights. Multimedia and interactive displays touch oneverything from traditional and modern methods of water conservation to apresentation of the city's development.Contact Timing Open daily from 8.30am - 8.30pm - except Fridays: 3pm-8.30pm;

Tel: 3531862

Dubai Creek

Dubai's waterfront epitomises the city's personality. If you do only one touristy thingin Dubai, make sure to visit Dubai Creek. The best way to see the grand trading portis from the water. You can book a pricey cruise or hire an abra (water taxi) for an

hour or so; ask the captain to take you to Al-Maktoum Bridge and back.Also take some time to walk around the dhow wharf on the Deira side of DubaiCreek, to the west of the abra dock. Dhows bound for ports from Kuwait to Bombaydock here to unload everything, including kitchen sinks.Contact Creek Cruises - Tel: 04 3939860


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Grand Mosque

The Grand Mosque in Bur Dubai is home to the city's tallest minaret. It might appearto be a beautiful example of restoration work, but was in fact built in the 1990s inthe style of the Grand Mosque, which dated from 1900 but was knocked down tomake way for another mosque in 1960. Ah, the perils of progress, always perceivedto late. But the new Grand Mosque's sand-coloured walls and wooden shuttersblend perfectly with the surrounding old quarter of Bur Dubai.Other mosques are also worth a look, particularly the Jumeira Mosque, known for itssize and elaborate design. The best time to see it is at night, when it isspectacularly lit up. The stunning Iranian Mosque has incredibly detailed bluemosaic work typical of Persian building design. Non-Muslims are not allowed toenter mosques in the UAE.Address: Al Mussalla Road (near Ruler's Court)

Shaikh Saeed al-Maktoum House

The house of Shaikh Saeed has been restored as a museum of the pre-oil era. Formany years, the 30-room house served as a communal residence for the ruling Al-Maktoum family. It was built using traditional methods, using coral quarried in the

Gulf that was subsiquently coated with lime and plaster, insulators that along withthe wind tower keep the house cool and comfortable. An exhibition of photographsdocuments Dubai's history, and shows just how quickly the city evolved from asleepy pearling town into a world-class metropolis.Next door, the Heritage and Diving Villages have displays on pearl diving and dhowbuilding, two of old Dubai's economic mainstays. Another area re-creates traditionalBedouin and coastal village life, complete with barasti (Persian) homes, a traditionalcoffeehouse and a small souq where you can buy freshly made dosa (a flat, grilledbread). A museum with items from nearby archaeological sites is also interesting.Address:Port Rashid, DubaiContactTel: 04 3937139

Bastakia QuarterThis district, on the waterfront east of the Dubai Souq and Diwan, features anumber of traditional windtower houses. Built in the late 1800s, the quarter wasonce the home of wealthy Persian merchants, most of them from the Bastak district(hence the name Bastikia) and lured to Dubai by its relaxed trade tariffs. Thequarter has been declared a conservation area and restoration work is being carriedout on several of the houses

DSFInitially, Dubai Shopping Festival was conceived as a pure retail event, the primaryaim of which was to revitalise the retail trade in Dubai. It was later developed into acomprehensive tourism product in line with Dubai's far-sighted stance to set globalstandards in every field

The Festival was shaped under the committed leadership of His Highness SheikhMohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister andRuler of Dubai.As months of preparations went into creating Dubai Shopping


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Festival, the shopping festival matured into a major retailing cum entertainmentextravaganza.

Today, one of the biggest beneficiaries of the event is the tourism sector. Hotels,travel agents and tour operators contribute to the selling of the event worldwideand it would be fair to assume, run at the peak levels of operation during the event.Dubai Shopping Festival - DSF Every year, Dubai Shopping Festival lives up to itspromise of staging the most exciting activities for the whole family inspired by thetheme One World, One Family, One Festival. As universal brotherhood, happiness,

excitement, joy and adventure became the signature trademarks of Dubai ShoppingFestival, the Festival itself became a tribute to the inherent ambition and strengthof the people of the United Arab Emirates. Local and multinational brandsacknowledged their faith in the event, and brands like Visa, Pepsi and EmiratesAirlines became partners to DSF's growth.

SKI DUBAIAn amazing 22,500 square metres covered with real snow all year round.Ski Dubai is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East and offers an amazing snowsetting to enjoy skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing, or just playing in the snow.

Young or old, there is something for everyone, from the beginner to the snow sportenthusiast. Ski Dubai is a unique mountain-themed attraction that offers you the

opportunity to enjoy real snow in Dubai all year round.Location: Shiekh Zayed Road, exit 39 (4th interchange), towards Al Barsha.

Timings: Saturday - Tuesday:10.00 - 23.00(last ticket to be sold at 21.30)Wednesday - Friday:10.00 - 24.00(last ticket to be sold at 22.30)To learn more about Ski Dubai you can visit the site: www.skidxb.com

INDIAN RESTAURANTS IN DUBAI:

DA GAMAIndian Goan food

Tennis Stadium, Aviation ClubDubai United Arab Emirates+971 4 282 [email protected]

ADARSH RESTAURANTLocated in Meena Bazaar

+971 4 353 4218

DARPANIndian MughlaiAl Ras, Creek roadDubai United Arab Emirates+971 4 225 [email protected]

ANTHAKSHRILocated at the President Hotel+971 4 334 6565

DHABADubai United Arab Emirates+971 4 263 [email protected]

BOMBAY BRASSERIELocated at the Marco Polo Hotel+971 4 272 0000

CARAVANDubai United Arab Emirates+971 4 295 3804

CASA GOALocated at the Palm Beach Rotana Inn+971 393 1999


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Open Hours: Noon-3pm, 7pm-midnight

COCONUT GROOVERydges Plaza HotelDubai United Arab Emirates+971 4 398 3800

CURRY HOUSELocated at the Astoria Hotel+971 353 4300

ASHA'S CONTEMPORARY INDIANCUISINEPyramidsDubai 254 United Arab Emirates+971 4324 4100 / +971 4324 [email protected]://www.ashasrestaurants.com/

DAAWATLocated at the Sea Shell Inn+971 393 4777

NAUTICAAl Attar Shopping Mall, Ground FloorDubai United Arab Emirates+971 4 336 2828

TANOUR RESTAURANTIn Bur Dubai & is opposite Sea Shell Inn+971 3935900

RAJVADAMinistry of Health BuildingDubai United Arab Emirates+971 4 396 [email protected]

WELCOME RESTAURANTIn Bur Dubai & is opposite Sea Shell Inn+971 3931666

MEHFILKhalid Bin Walid StreetDubai 5822 United Arab Emirates+971 4 393 [email protected]

SHOPPING IN DUBAI

Mall of the Emirates - near 4th interchange on Sheikh Zayed Road - The largestshopping mall outside of North America. 200+ shops, cinemas, plus the Ski Centre.Has many international high street chains as well as luxury brand stores, includingHarvey Nichols. Many restaurants and cafes, though cafes tend to be much morecrowded than at other malls. Very large Carrefour hypermarket attached.Arabian/Middle Eastern souvenir shops upstairs. Tel: +971 4 409 9000

Ibn Battuta Mall - Jebel Ali - Areas themed around six countries (China, India,Persia, Egypt, Tunisia and the Andalusia.) Wide range of shops, although fewer highclass brands. Has various restaurants and cafes (including three Starbucks), and amultiplex cinema including an Imax. No restaurants serve alcohol. Also haspermanent exhibition of Islamic science, invention and astronomy. Attached (accessvia outside) is one of Dubai's few second-hand bookshops, House of Prose. Has aGiant supermarket attached. Tel: +971 4 362 1900


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Souk Madinat Jumeirah - Jumeirah Road, - 75 shops, numerous bars, restaurantsand cafes, a nightclub, theatre. More expensive and targeted directly at touriststhan other, general malls where residents go. Most bars and restaurants arelicensed for alcohol. Nice to wander through as it has been designed to resemble a"traditional" souq, but with the modern comforts of air conditioning. Lots ofsouvenir-type shops.

Burjuman Centre - Khalifa Bin Zayed Road, - Recently opened after expansion,

focus is on premium brand stores and luxury boutiques, but high street stores arealso available. No restaurants serve alcohol. Tel: +971 4 352 7755

Deira City Centre - This is by far the most popular mall in Dubai and no visit toDubai is complete without a visit. Debenhams, Virgin Megastore, Zara and otherinternational high street brands. A multiplex cinema, and many restaurants andcafes. Also has a large "Arabian Treasures" souvenir and traditional textiles area.Big Carrefour hypermarket attached, which is nearly always very busy. Norestaurants serve alcohol. Tel: +971 4 295 4545

Wafi Mall - Marks & Spencer, Goodies. Focus is almost entirely on luxury brands,jewellery and expensive boutiques. Many upmarket restaurants and bars, many ofwhich are licensed (have alcohol available). A luxury spa is attached to the complex.

The Egypt-themed architecture, which includes quite beautiful stained-glasspyramids, is worth seeing. Tel: +971 4 324 4555

Emirates Towers Boulevard - Sheikh Zayed Road - Part of the Emirates TowerHotel complex. The shops here match the hotel - very high class, plus a Starbucks.Lipton cafe has free wifi. Restaurants and bars all serve alcohol. Quite a popularnightlife spot, with bars and nightclubs.

Mercato Mall - Jumeirah Beach Road. The only Renaissance-themed shopping mallin the Middle East. Cinemas, Virgin Megastore, high street brands such as Next, TopShop. Also has a big Spinneys attached. Some restaurants, but none are licensed foralcohol.

Gold Souk- Not a mall, but a historic market that has been a part of Dubai sincethe origin of Dubai itself. Located at the mouth of the creek, it dazzles people byselling gold in large quantities and with no security. A must visit for shoppers andsightseers.

Spice Souk- As above, not a mall, but a historic market that has been a part ofDubai since the origin of Dubai itself. Located at the mouth of the creek, it is not farfrom the Gold Souk, but has sadly declined a bit in recent years as supermarketstake over the spice trade. A must visit for shoppers and sightseers. Lots ofsouvenirs are also available. Both the Spice Souk and the Gold Souq are a rather hotand sweaty experience with limited air-conditioning, so wear appropriately cool,

loose clothing if visiting in mid summer. Individual shops are air conditioned.

Gold & Diamond Park- Interchange 4, Sheikh Zayed Road (South side) - sells goldand diamond products. None of the character of the more historic gold souq, but isair-conditioned throughout, and easier to reach and park at than the historic souq(which is in the depths of downtown Deira).

Al Ain Plaza (known locally as Computer Plaza) On Mankhool Road along from theRamada Hotel, Bur Dubai heading towards the creek. A mall specializing in


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computers, computer parts and computer add ons like monitors, VOIP Phones, HardDrives, etc.

travel tips for dubai

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