city guide

Dubai City Guide

Once just a small fishing village on the edge of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai has developed into one of the world’s top tourist and trade centers, in just a short 10 year period; making it one of the fastest growing cities in the world.  Through its forward and innovative thinking, Dubai has pushed the boundaries into areas like no other, from the best, the largest, and the tallest, these word are commonly used to describe Dubai and its many attractions.  In addition, its pristine waters, white-sandy beaches, and mildly tepid weather for eight to nine months out of the year, makes Dubai the perfect holiday getaway.

Many have spoken about how the recent economic crisis has had quite a negative impact on the city, but the up-side is that now is the time to see this amazing city at a fraction of the cost.  Hotels and attractions are offering great deals and deeply discounted rates, sure to make it even more than just “worth your while”.   Here is just a taste of what Dubai has to offer:

Hotels and Restaurants:

Although Dubai offers hotels to meet every budget, it is known for its top 4 and 5 Star Hotels and Resorts, with many offering state-of-the-art amenities, world-class spa and fitness facilities, and private beaches.  With the great hotels deals being offered, guests can stay in these fine luxury hotel and resorts for the price of a lower star facility.  With these fine luxury hotels come world-class restaurants, with many of the finest Michelin Chefs in the world.  With Dubai’s cultural diversity, one can find a restaurant that serves up just about any style of cuisine. 

Dubai Sites and Attractions:

The biggest, tallest, iconic, first, most unique, prestigious, these are all words used to describe many of Dubai’s sites and attractions.  Over the past 10 years, Dubai has ventured “outside the box” to offers some of the world’s greatest man-made achievements to add to its opulence.

Bab Al Shams – Situated just 20 minutes outside of Dubai rising from the desert, is this 5-Star Resort Retreat.  “Bab Al Shams” meaning “Doorway to the Sun” it offers a desert experience like no other.  Dine under the starts like the Bedouin’s of yesteryear at Al Hadheerah, or explore the country’s infatuation with falconry.  The resort also offers a number of activities such as horse riding, camel riding, and 4X4ing on the desert dunes.

Bastakiya – Step back in time to this cultural center and market with its traditional courtyard houses and wind towers that provided the district with “natural air-conditioning”.  The Bastakiya will definitely provide an insight to what life was like in Dubai in its early years.

Burj Al Arab – Recognized as the world’s only 7-Star hotel, the Burj Al Arab stands on the pristine waters of the Arabian Gulf.  Its iconic structure, reflective of a “Dhow”sailing ship used by local merchants to transport their goods across the waters of the Gulf, represents the “True Spirit of Dubai”.  A visit to this top luxury facility will definitely leave you with an impression of why it is considered a 7-Star facility. 

Burj Khalifa – Formally known as the Burj Dubai, it is considered to be the tallest building in the world.  With its opening ceremony on January 4, 2010 it is the newest of Dubai’s crowned jewels, with over 160 floors and standing over 828 metres high.    A product of Emaar Properties, it is a city within a city, offering residential housing, shopping facilities and the first designer hotel, The Giorgio Armani Hotel.  Guests can get the most magnificent views of the City from the Observatory Deck located on the 12^th floor.  Located at the base of the tower is the Dubai Fountain with its beautiful dancing waters, it is considered to be 20% larger than the fountains located at the famous Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas; and the Dubai Mall, one of the region’s largest shopping malls.

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo – Located in the Dubai Mall is the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, boasting the largest viewing panel in the world, and over 33,000 aquatic animals to see.  Guests of the mall can watch the ray and fish feeding twice daily at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Dubai Creek- Dubai Creek is considered the life-line of Dubai.  It is here that the Dubai of yesteryear thrived as a small fishing and pearling village.  Guests are welcome to stroll its shores and watch in fascination as local merchants load their “Dhows” with goods to send across the Arabian Gulf and beyond.  Experience a ride in an “Abras”, water-taxi, or take in a romantic “Dhow Dinner Cruise” and its pleasant surrounding while dining on the water.

Dubai Marina – As the largest man-made marina in the world, this area is a popular spot amongst the Urbanites.  Offering an array of water sports, such as sailing, kayaking, wind-surfing, and deep-sea fishing, there is plenty of activities to choose from, or if one prefers to just relax on the white sandy beaches, there is something for everyone here.   The Marina district also offers an abundance of shopping along with casual and fine dining venues, sure to please. 

Dubai Museum – As one of Dubai’s popular historic sites, this museum located in the Al Fahidi Fort, built in the late 1700’s provides a glimpse of everyday life in Dubai in its early days as a small fishing and peal-diving village. 

Global Village – Open from late November thru late February, it is the region’s most popular venue for cultural entertainment and shopping.  Here, visitors can experience the world’s diversity through the many cuisine, merchandise and entertainment offered. 

Grand Jumeirah Mosque- As the only mosque in Dubai open to non-Muslims, it houses the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding.  In its 1 hour and 15 minute tour will provide guests with insight into the religion that is at the heart of Dubai’s life and culture.

Palm Jumeirah – Referred to as the 8^th Wonder of the World, it is the first of the Palm Trilogy man-made islands.  Its unique design as a palm tree extended into the pristine waters of the Arabian Gulf, it is quite a sight to behold.   Located at its crescent is The Atlantis Hotel, one of Dubai’s most prestigious resorts, housing the AquaVenture Waterpark, where families can enjoy a day of fun. 

Shopping:

Dubai is known as “A Shopper’s Paradise”, with the vast assortment of shopping venues available.  Shopping has become a favorite pastime of the Emirati’s, and you are sure to find it will quickly become one of yours. 

BurJuman Shopping Centre – This prestigious mall offers an array of designer stores in which to shop.  Housing such brands as DKNY, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Hermes, and Ralph Lauren, just to name a few, shoppers are sure to find that fashion jewel they’ve been looking for. 

Deira City Centre – As Dubai’s first large-scale shopping mall, it houses over 370 retail stores and several entertainment facilities, such as a Cineplex, bowling alley, and a family entertainment center.  Situated in the heart of Deira, it ranks as one of the most successful malls in the region. 

The Dubai Mall – As Dubai’s newest of malls, it is situated at the base of the Burj Khalifa.  Touted as one of the region’s largest, it offers a vast array of shops and entertainment activities, it has quickly taken its position as Dubai’s number one shopping venue.  The mall plays host to an indoor ice-skating rink, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, with the largest viewing panel in the world; the Dubai Fountain with its mesmerizing performance of dancing waters; and its Entertainment Zone, housing the SEGA Republic and KidZania where dress up and pretend is taken to a new level. 

Dubai Marina Mall – Located in the heart of what is now called “New Dubai” the Dubai Marina Mall offers a relaxed atmosphere with over 160 shops and an array of dining venues.  Enjoy the amazing views of the Dubai Marina from its popular Food Court.  For those interested in a day of kid-free shopping, the mall offers an entertainment area where parents can safely leave their children while enjoying their shopping.

Festival City - Situated on the edge of the beautiful Dubai Creek, this mall offers over 550 shops and 90 restaurants in addition to a marina with 100 berths.  Enjoy a stroll on the water promenade and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Harbour and the Dubai skyline.  The mall also houses a Cineplex, a bowling alley, and a family entertainment zone for all to enjoy. 

Gold and Spice Souks –Those looking for a more unique shopping experience can visit Dubai’s famous Gold and Spice Souks.  Located on the east side of Dubai Creek in Deira, guests will enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds of a traditional-style souk .

Ibn Battuta Mall – This mall is popular for its uniquely designed interior, representing the paths of the famous Arab adventurer, Ibn Battuta.  Its interior architecture reflects his travels making guests feel as if they are traveling through ancient China to Andalusia. 

Madinat Jumeirah – As a part of a much larger resort, Madinat Jumeirah means “City of Jumeirah”, it  offers a variety of boutique shops in an ancient Arabian Souk style setting, guests can enjoy meandering the paths through this modern bazaar, or take a ride in a water-taxi through its meandering waterways that run throughout the resort.  In addition, the Madinat Jumeirah offers a 442 seat live theatre that puts on a number of productions throughout the year.

Mall of the Emirates – Conveniently situated in central Dubai, the Mall of the Emirates is a favorite amongst shoppers in Dubai.  Besides its vast array of shops, eateries, and family entertainment zones, it houses the famous indoor ski resort known as Ski Dubai, where guests can enjoy an Alpine treat all year round. 

Wafi City – Located just south of Dubai Creek in Dubai’s business district of Bur Dubai, is Wafi.  Connected to iconic, pyramid-shaped known as the Raffles Hotel, Wafi houses over 350 shops including many brand name stores.  In addition, located on Wafi’s lowest level is the Khan Murjan, designed after a 14^th Century Souk, it offers 150 shops from across the Arab world. 

The Walk – This urban chic facility situated in the Jumeirah Beach Residence, referred to locally as the JBR, offers designer shops and outdoor cafés, giving it a Euro-style flavor.  It is a popular place amongst the urban elite, where one can stroll along the Dubai Marina and enjoy the amazing views. 

Family Attractions:

Dubai has focused on becoming the top tourist spot of the world, and supports this through its development of a number of family playgrounds in which to enjoy.  From water to snow, and from fast boats to fast cars, Dubai offers it all.

AquaVenture – Located at Atlantis – The Palm resort on the crescent of Palm Jumeirah is Dubai’s newest family water park.  Touting a vertical waterslide that is 27.5 metres high and 61 metres long , “The Leap of Faith” on the Ziggurat offers one wild through a clear tunnel that runs through a shark-filled lagoon.  

Autodrome – Touted as the region’s first fully integrated motor sports facility, it offers everything from karting to Formula 1 racing within its complex.  With the Formula 1 experience, visitors will spend time with a professional race instructor before taking on the rush of F1 fun.

Deep-Sea Fishing – Enjoy a chartered tour in the Arabian Gulf where Sailfish, Hammour, and Kingfish are plentiful.   Tours will pick up their guests at their hotel or residence and will then set sail for a four hour fishing expedition. 

Desert Safari – Experience the adrenaline rush of taking a 4X4 Dune Bashing, or the fun of Sand Boarding.  One can also enjoy a camel ride or ATVing.  These all-day or half-day tours are available to experience the wild side of the desert.

Dolphin Bay – Also located at Atlantis – The Palm resort is Dolphin Bay where guests can enjoy interacting with these amazingly gentle creatures. 

Emirates Golf Club – Enjoy a round of golf at this 18-hole championship course.  The Emirates Golf Club is home of the PGA’s Dubai Desert Classic. 

Water Sports in Dubai Marina – The Dubai Marina offers an array of water sports in which to choose.  Enjoy such sports as kayaking, sailing, parasailing, wind surfing, and jet skiing.  Dubai has it all.

Wild Wadi – This water park, owned by the Jumeirah Group, is located next to the famous Burj Al Arab.  Boasting over 30 water rides and attractions, this water park is designed after the Arab tale of Juha.  Wild Wadi is sure to provide a day of family fun.