Tales from Arabic City : United Arab Emirates
Dubai is unlike anywhere else on the planet. With its bold architecture and audacious style, the United Arab Emirates’ largest city is a distinct fusion of its Bedouin heritage and an ultramodern style all its own. Dubai doesn’t just live up to its reputation; it will completely exceed your expectations. Explore the glitz and glam, and then uncover the ancient traditions of this multifaceted city. Here’s my ultimate Dubai travel guide!
What To Expect In Dubai
Language: While Arabic is the UAE’s official language, English is the language of business and is spoken by almost everyone in Dubai. Currency: Dirham (Dhs). The exchange rate as of the time this article was written is Dhs 3.67 to USD 1. Credit Cards and Banks: Cash is still king here. While most places accept credit cards, it’s best to always carry small change. Climate: Summers are extremely hot in Dubai. Daytime temperatures are sometimes over 106 degrees while nights rarely fall below eighty-eight degrees. Winters are much more comfortable with temps between sixty and seventy-five degrees. Good to Know: The minimum drinking age is twenty-one and there are areas where photography is prohibited, so watch out for signs. Dress Code: It can get very hot in Dubai, but you should be aware of keeping your clothes more on the conservative side. Be sure to pack light layers with a few long-sleeves and full length bottoms.
Getting around in Dubai
From the Airport: Book a Marhaba Bronze “meet and greet” service to fast-track through the airport with zero hassle. Public Transport: It’s forbidden to eat or drink in the metro (and that includes chewing gum). Cabins are reserved for different categories, like women only and gold class, so watch the signs. Sleeping is not allowed in stations. Taxis: Book a cab by calling 04-2080808. Cabs have a minimum meter charge of Dhs 12. There’s also a Salik charge if you need to go through a toll road. Boats: A lot of attractions in Dubai are on or near the water so there are water ferries and taxis that run at 10 A.M., 12 P.M. and 5:30 P.M. You can also take a ride on a traditional “Abra” boat down Dubai Creek or through Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Bike: There are city paths throughout the city that make it easy to bike! You can rent a bike at a curbside station and return it when you’re done.
Places to explore in Dubai ….
Burj Khalifa ( At the top)
The Burj Khalifa, known as the Burj Dubai prior to its inauguration in 2010, is a skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. With a total height of 829.8 m and a roof height of 828 m, the Burj Khalifa has been the tallest structure and building in the world since its topping out in 2009.
2) Ferrari world ( Abu Dhabi)
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a mostly indoors amusement park on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It is the first Ferrari-branded theme park and has the record for the largest space frame structure ever built. Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster, is also located here.
3) Smoky beach (JBR)
Smoky Beach is primely located at The Beach, JBR, bringing you the coolest, unique shisha lounge experience in Dubai. Smoky Beach serves a selection of snacks, sushi, salads, sandwiches and sweet desserts with a special menu of wow-factor mocktails, healthy smoothies and re-energizing hot drinks to enjoy- Chilled vibes only!
4)Kite beach by Meeras
Popular for kitesurfing & kayaking, this white sand beach offers a jogging track & kids’ play areas.
5) IMG World of Adventure
IMG Worlds of Adventure is an indoor amusement park in the United Arab Emirates in Dubai. It is Dubai’s first mega themed entertainment destination. The park is divided into five “epic zones”.
6)Dubai Fountain
The Dubai Fountain is a choreographed fountain system. It is set on the 12 hectare manmade Burj Khalifa Lake, at the center of the Downtown Dubai development in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
7) Atlantis The Plam
Atlantis The Palm, Dubai is a luxury hotel resort located at the apex of the Palm Jumeirah in the United Arab Emirates. It was the first resort to be built on the island and is themed on the myth of Atlantis but includes distinct Arabian elements.
9) Global Village
Global Village in Dubai is located on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road Dubai. It combines cultures of 90 countries across the world at one place. It claims to be the world’s largest tourism, leisure, shopping and entertainment project. It is the region’s first cultural, entertainment, family and shopping destination.
10) Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall is a shopping mall in Dubai. It is the second largest mall by total land area, and the 26th-largest shopping mall in the world by gross leasable area, tying with West Edmonton Mall and Fashion Island — both of which are older than it. It has a total retail floor area of 502,000 square meters.
11) Grand Mosque ( Abu Dhabi)
The Grand Mosque is a mosque in Dubai, Emirate of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is located between the textile souk and the Dubai Museum close to a small stream in the Bur Dubai area. Originally built in 1900, demolished and built again in 1960, it then underwent a further rebuilding in 1998.
12) Desert safari/camping
In essence, a desert safari involves a jeep drive through enormous mounds of sand (called “dune-bashing”), and a stop at a campsite where you’ll have the opportunity to ride camels, get henna tattoos and be entertained by a belly dancer during dinner. The real draws are the ride and subsequent view.