Explore the urban oasis of Dubai
Dubai is the fastest-growing city in the world and is located in the United Arab Ermirates. Foreigners make up eighty percent of the residents of the city. Dubai enjoys a rich heritage, with a history going back to prehistoric times, although the Emirate itself is much more modern. The biggest changes in the history of Dubai have come since the discovery of oil fifty years ago. Dubai is the supply hub for the jewelry industry. Real estate and financial services provide the majority of its revenues. Islam is the official religion of the UAE and the majority of Emiratis are Muslim. However, the government is a lot more liberal in this respect than some of its neighbors; the right to freedom of religion is respected, and there is very little interference in the practice of other religions in Dubai. Even though the city is considered the entertainment capital of the Middle East, the Muslims of the city refrain from the wild parties that can often be found at many of the luxury bars and clubs around the city. The major festival celebrated in Dubai is Eid, observed after the month of Ramadan during which the people fast throughout the day and pay penance for their sins. The other major festival celebrated in the city is the National Day, celebrated in December, commemorating the forming of UAE.
City Sights
Burj Al Arab offers Dubai visitors a luxurious hotel experience. It is the third tallest hotel in the world (1053 feet), but despite its size, it holds only 28 double-story floors that accommodate 202 bedroom suites. It stands on an artificial island 900 feet from Jumeirah Beach. The shape of the structure mimics the sail of a ship. Burj Al Arab has been called "the world's only 7-star hotel.”
Dubai Marina is a beautiful artificial canal, whose design is based on Vancouver’s False Creek. Many exciting things happen at the Dubai Marina: amazing cruises, great shopping, shows, festivals, and musical concerts. The list is endless. Here you'll find the city's top restaurants, entertainment complexes, and the world's tallest apartment buildings, each with a million-dollar view! Dubai Marina Walk features smart cafes and craft markets, while Dubai Marina Mall is packed with chain and luxury fashion brands. Upscale yachts cruise through the large man-made marina, where activities range from jet-skiing to skydiving
Shopping at the Souks
Despite its modernity, you can still experience old Dubai, with its bustling souks that will delight your senses. The Perfume Souk is home to Arabian fragrances, and you can find jewels and precious metals at the Gold Souk. Visit the Textile Souk in Bur Dubai to dig through swathes of brightly-colored silks and embroidered fabrics. There is plenty of traditional shopping to be found at the famous Gold, Spice and Textile souks.
Medjool dates are thought to be the oldest fruit in the world, grown between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers before 3000 B.C. Most Medjool date consumption is holiday-related, but the fruit is fast becoming an everyday indulgence in smoothies and other recipes. They can be eaten out-of-hand, seeded and stuffed with almonds and marzipan, or chopped and used in various dishes.
Dubai by Day and Night
nightlife
Dubai is magical after the sun goes down, and many people frequent this city for its nightlife and ultramodern architecture. From adventurous night safaris in the Arabian deserts to the best nightclubs, there's no end to how much you can explore with the best of Dubai tour packages. The Uptown Bar at the very top of Jumeirah Beach Hotel is a place where you can relax outside while enjoying the cool Arabian breeze and admiring one of the most beautiful views in the city.
sunrise
End your night at the top of Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world to see the sunrise. Standing high on the outdoor observation deck of the world's tallest building at the break of day, with clouds swirling below and the entire city of Dubai under your feet, is awe-inspiring as you gaze at the brilliant colors of the horizon miraculously transforming from a deep, splendid purple to a magnificent, shimmering orange. Burj Khalifa is a must-visit tourist destination
venture out of the city to the desert
There's a reason why they call Dubai the desert city. It lies in the Arabian Desert, the fourth-largest desert in the world. Make the most of its serene sandy landscape with a range of fun activities, whether you're looking to raise the adrenaline with quad-biking or relax on a luxury overnight escape. On a Desert Safari trip, you can enjoy the beautiful sunset or sunrise before reaching the campsite where you have the opportunity to ride a camel, go sand boarding and try out a henna design on your hand or foot. After working up an appetite, you can also enjoy a delicious barbecue meal and shisha (the famous Arabic water pipe) while watching a belly dancer perform around the campfire.
practical guide
climate
Dubai weather is characterized by a tropical desert climate with hot, sunny conditions created by its proximity to the Tropic of Cancer and the Northern desert belt. Summers are very hot, humid, and dry with temperatures climbing to 104°F and higher and rarely dropping below 86 °F. Winters are still warm however temperatures drop considerably to highs of 75 °F and lows of around 57°F.
lgbtq travel
Homosexual acts are illegal under UAE law and can incur a jail term and fines. Dubai’s authorities are not in the business of searching for gay tourists to arrest, even though homosexual sex is illegal. Campaign group Detained in Dubai says there is a “vibrant underground gay scene in
Dubai”, but it advises discretion. “Although one should never have to hide who they are, it’s the only way to travel safely in the UAE if you are gay,” it says
driving
A first-rate network of roads and highways connects Dubai and its neighboring emirates, making it a great way to explore the country. An Emirate Route Number designates highways and main roads in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. In the UAE, cars drive on the right side.
Speed limits are clearly displayed and are usually 60-80km/h (37-50mph) around town and 100-120km/h (60-75mph) on highways.
