DUBAI

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Dubai - A modern city springing up from the desert

It is difficult to believe that a century ago Dubai was little more than a desert-strewn wildscape where Bedouin tribes roamed the sands and a huddle of settlers crowded around the banks of the lifeblood creek. Even as Europe embarked on the mass industrial destruction of World War I, Dubai still had no running water, no real roads and the main mode of transport was the camel.

Since the 1960s, the population has increased tenfold to over a million people and now over 400 hotels welcome in the temporary ex-pat workers and tourists who help run the economy. Indeed, only 22% of the emirate’s population, at last count, were actually ethnically Emirati in a population mixture that has to be one of the world’s most cosmopolitan. This diversity discourages any real ethnic tensions and while war and the threat of war might simmer further north, it creates far less tension in Dubai than many might imagine it would.
 

Dubai’s evolution has been dramatic, with sweeping skyscrapers and gleaming office blocks rising up on the banks of the Creek. Development has been well managed, with a structure and order to the city that demonstrates that the oil wealth has been well handled and channelled.

The rulers of Dubai have a penchant for grand projects – one year a new extension to the port facilities, the next the world’s tallest purpose-built hotel and now the Palm Islands, a massive project that will bring 120km (75 miles) of new beachfront, through the creation of the world’s two largest manmade islands, as well as hotels, villas, shopping malls, cinemas and Dubai’s first marine park. Dubai knows no end to its ambition or have any inhibitions, with new plans constantly on the drawing board.

Things To Do In Dubai

BASTAKIA

The old district of Bastakia is an area noted for its narrow lanes and its wind-towered, traditional mud walled houses, some of which have been restored as private residences. In sharp contrast to the old houses is the Diwan Amiri (Ruler's Office) nearby. In the earlier days the wind towers served as air conditioners funnelling sea breeze and protecting the people from the mid-summer heat.

BAYT AL WAKEEL

Located near the abra landing on Deira side of the creek is this 1934 office building, the first of its kind in Dubai. Today it has been restored as a maritime museum throwing light on the fishing and sailing traditions of the emirate.

Burj Al Arab

Reputed to be the first -star hotel in the world. It is build on a man made island. Truly a palace of glossy high class kitsch.

GOLD SOUK

One of the largest retail gold markets in the world, the gold souk located in Deira sells everything from ingots to intricately-worked jewellery, as well as precious stones and pearls, at bargain prices. Larger streets and small alleys are chock-a-block with stores and shops whose windows display a dazzling range of gold jewellery from all over the world.

SHEIKH SAEED AL MAKTOUM HOUSE

Located at Shindagha near the mouth of the creek, it was the residence of late Sheikh Saeed, former ruler and grandfather of the present ruler Sheikh Maktoum. The house, which dates from the late 1800s, is now restored to its original splendour and has been opened to the public as a museum. The house is typical of the region, consisting of windtowers and layers of rooms built around a central courtyard. Open daily from 0830 hrs to 1930 hrs (Sat - Thu). Fridays from 1400 hrs to 1930 hrs.

Burj Nahar

It is one of the three watch-towers which were built for guarding the old city. This renovated watch-tower in Deira is a much photographed heritage site.

Hatta Fort

This fort is a picnic spot, one hour from Dubai, at the foothills of Hajjar mountains. Outside the city, the Al Boom Tourist Village displays the old traditional nomadic life of the Bedouins.

Dubai Creek, Al-Khor

The Dubai Creek is the most fascinating part of the city and offers a picturesque sight of Dubai's tradings.

The Creek, a natural sea-water inlet devides Dubai in two parts, Deira and Bur Dubai. An attractive way to view theCreek with all the dhows is an "abra", one of the water taxis crossing the Creek. They leave every few minutes.

DUBAI ZOO

Located in Jumeira is this small zoo featuring a variety of birds, reptiles, and mammals including endemic Arabian species and exotic ones like the endangered royal Bengal tiger, and the beautiful axis deer. The zoo is open from 1000 hrs to 1900 hrs, and Tuesdays from 1500 hrs to 1900 hrs .Phone: +97143440462

PARKS & GARDENS

Dubai has numerous well-maintained public parks and gardens which are extremely popular hangouts for families with some of them having certain days reserved only for ladies and children. Providing a respite from the urban life, the parks feature a host of recreational facilities including children's playgrounds and swimming pools, camel and pony rides, colourful gardens and manicured lawns, restaurants and cafetarias.

Some parks even offer free yoga classes in the mornings.

Bedouin Village

Some local tour operators offer the opportunity to visit Bedouin village outside Dubai. This provides an experience of the traditional desert way of life and may include camel-riding lessons. Those who want a desert safari experience with a difference may choose to stay at Al Maha, a unique luxury resort set in 3,300 acres of dunes off the highway between blankets, rugs, beads and a variety of other rural wares spread on the ground. Owners urge jockeys on to the finish line while trainers speedily follow the races in fourwheel drives which plough through the dust of the inside track.

Camel racing:

A camel races during the winter months can be one of the most memorable highlights of any visit to Dubai. An excursion to the camel races, which take place on Thursdays and Fridays during the winter months, can be one of the most memorable highlights of any visit to Dubai.

At the race track on the edge of the city, visitors can view the exciting proceedings from the grandstand, wander around the paddocks, and buy camel "accessories", including blankets, rugs and beads from the nearby market.

Tourists on one of the organised overnight safaris may be lucky enough to see an early morning race at a remote desert track where spectators follow each event in a mad melée of four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Camel Riding:

The camel, a symbol of Arabia, is also a major tourist attraction. Camel rides are part of some tours and desert safaris. Tour operators and hotels can also arrange camel rides separately, with lessons for beginners.

Horse Racing:

The sport of kings has rapidly become Dubai's most popular spectator event, attracting crowds of over 15,000. Race meetings are held every week during the cooler months at one of the UAE's four racecourses -- Dubai Racing Club, Jebel Ali Racecourse, Sharjah Equestrian Club and Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club. Dubai Racing Club, at Nad Al Sheba, the country's largest and most spectacular track, also holds night meetings under floodlights. There is no gambling, but popular free raffles offer attractive sums of money as prizes.

Bird Watching:

The United Arab Emirates' varied landscape supports over 390 bird species, of which 330 are migrants from Siberia and Central Asia.
The country's prime position on a migratory crossroads guarantees an amazing selection of birds, many not easily found anywhere in Europe or elsewhere in the Middle East.

Customised bird-watching tours range from a day to a week or more, and take in the full range of landscapes from Dubai's parks and golf clubs to desert, mountains and the Creek.

Abra:

The most picturesque way to cross the Creek is by abra -- the traditional water taxi -- which takes you on a short journey across the waterway from the glass-and-steel office blocks of Deira to the old-world souks of Bur Dubai, providing a fascinating glimpse of Dubai's trading heritage.

Desert Feasts:

Most popular are safaris that culminate in the evening with spectacular sunset views followed by a traditional Arab barbecue under the stars. These can be tailored to meet every taste from a romantic and peaceful experience to elaborate fun-packed evenings complete with music and a belly dancer.

Sand-Skiing:

Those with a taste for speed, a head for heights and enthusiasm for an unusual sport will enjoy sand-skiing down the dunes of the Dubai desert. Special skis are used and high dunes in the interior of the desert are chosen as "slopes".

Sand-skiing sessions can be arranged on request as part of a full-day or half-day safari.

Wadi-Driving:

A popular pastime with both residents and visitors is known as "wadi-bashing" -- exploring the wadis or dry beds of streams that flow after winter rains from the Hajar mountains. Real exploration off the beaten track requires four-wheel-drive vehicles which are available for hire with or without drivers.

For the adventurous, an hour or so of rough driving can be rewarded by scenes of great and unexpected beauty: rock pools, some with water year-round, carved into strange shapes by the rushing seasonal torrents; greenery clinging to a precarious existence; tiny cultivated plots and stone houses, evidence of man's tenacity.

Dubai has a number of highly professional inbound tour operators offering a range of services for both individual tourists and the travel trade. The major operators are well-equipped to provide a full destination management service covering hotel bookings, airport transfers, ground transport and a daily programme of tours and activities with multilingual guides.

Museum:

The National Museum of Dubai is immensely popular with locals. It celebrates the history, heritage and culture of Dubai and its people. Visitors take a journey through space and time, "disembarking" from a dhow onto the busy waterside suq in Dubai c. 1950. The greater part of the museum is underground; only in Mariners of the Gulf does the world above become apparent - visitors walk below a blue glass ceiling whilst fishing boats above their heads.

SHOPPING

Last but not least, Dubai makes for an excellent shopping haven.

1. Souvenirs

For great bargains on souvenirs, visit this excellent store located not in a mall but on a little off the road. Bargain hard for good deals and you'll come away pleased as a peach. You'll find most the goods in souveniers stores but at the Arabian Antiques Warehouse you'll have it less on your purse. Directions as follows:

Picture on left shows Mercato Mall in Jumeira

Arabian Antiques Warehouse

Phone Number: (+9714) 3479935

Map: www.dubaiadventuremums.com/next%20event%20info.html

From Jumeirah, take flyover from Al Manara Road

Over the motorway and carry on straight

Just to check, notice you pass Jotun Paints on your right

Come to small roundabout/t-junction and take a right

They've put a long island up the middle of the road which means you can't take the left turn you want but instead you have to pass it, u-turn when you can and come back to it.

As you pass notice the Kanoo building (can't miss it) on your left.

You want the first turning on the left after the Kanoo building. So pass it, u-turn, come back and turn right into it.

About 1/3 - 1/2 way up that road there's a blue warehouse on your right - no signs but that's the back of the Arabian Heritage warehouse.

Turn right into the dirt track at the side of it and park.

Walk to the front. The door is somewhat hidden but obvious when you're in front of it!

Wooden Plaques

There is this store in Mercato Mall (Jumeira) known as Arabian Heritage, up on the 1st floor by the childrens playland. It has this lovely wooden carvings of the various Arabian Heritage of Dubai like the Jumeira Mosque, the intricate window carvings and the exquisite Islamic lanterns. All these carvings are framed.

Misc Souvenirs

There are other stores like Sunny Days in Jumeira Centre which has a hive of souvenirs designed by expats living in Dubai. Truly worth a visit.