In the United Arab Emirates hospitality is not new. There is a long tradition that goes back to before there were modern buildings and skyscraper of more than one hundred floors.
For our first trip to Dubai we stayed some days in our friend, David’s, house. At that time he was working in Dubai, it was some years ago.
During the day, husbanito and I went to visit the Souk while he was working. During this shopping expedition we bought 2 Arabian outfits, one for him and one for me, a whole black outfit, used by the local women, which I still wear today when I go to Arab countries and the “Abaya “, a sheik’s outfit, which husbanito bought. I have to say he looked wonderful in it!
We were both dressed up for the time our friend returned from the office and sat down on the patio of his villa near the pool. When David arrived, he said hello, but was very disoriented to see this Sheik and his wife sitting in his pool area. Never realizing that it was us we left him not sure what to say for a time, until I uncovered my head and husbanito took of his black sunglasses. Ja…ja…we had a very good laugh!
Dubai is a city of big contrasts! In a short period of time, from a Bedouin village, it has become a futuristic city. It has modernized at warp speed, with the exception of the crisis period around 2008, which stopped it for a while with people abandoning properties and leaving the country. It is incredible how this city was born from the sands of the desert, transforming a small nomad village into what it is today, full of incredible skyscrapers, where the world’s architects could play with their imagination.
Every time I return the city has grown!
Its location means that the weather is good all year long, although the high temperatures during the summer, which lasts about 7 months, can pass 45° centigrade. During the rest of the year it is very nice to enjoy the beach and have a fun and different vacation. Before you decide to go, check what is the temperature, although most of the activities take place indoors, for those who want to relax on the beach it is best to avoid the summer months.
Is a city where you can find 2 realities: the creek, where old traditions still survive; and the Burj Al Khalifa, the height of modernity. The Souks and the malls! Then hit the desert or the ski slope in the Emirates mall! You can enjoy the beaches and some of the best restaurants in the world. All tastes can be satisfied.
You have a great selection of hotels. And there is enjoyment for adults and children.
Dubai is very well connected with the rest of the world, especially with the excellent service of Emirates (the airline). The airport of Dubai is renowned as being the largest airport in the world (and always full of people). It has very extensive Duty-Free shops.
All the important brands of the world are represented in the various malls and Tax-Free prices make for convenient shopping.
What to see
Al Bastakiya (or Al Fahidi) is an old quarter of the city that has been extensively renovated by the Municipality of the City of Dubai. It was constructed in sand stone, originally from the area. It is a nice area to explore. Note its elegant courtyards. The buildings have been restored to their original state, with decorative panels and Arabesque windows, which are always small to reduce the heat entering the house. Note also the wind towers that were used to cool the houses. The area is full of nice cafés, museums and art galleries. Traders from the south of Iran founded this area of the city at the beginning of the 1900’s and they stayed because of the very good and liberal tax policies.
Dubai Museum
Dubai Museum recounts the history of this city and its very rapid modernization. You will find it near the creek side historic Bastakiya district in the Al Fahidi Fort, which was built in 1787 and is one of the oldest buildings in the city. It was constructed to defend the Emiratis against invasions. During the visit you can get in contact with the traditions of the past and the present of Dubai. It was renovated in 1971. There are a lot of Bedouin traditions on display. Bedouin comes from the word Bedu in Arabic, which means inhabitant of the desert. Bedouin people are common in all areas of the Middle East. They move by camel from one oasis to another.
Jumeirah Mosque
The Emirati states are all Islamic. Every neighborhood has its own mosque, but every Emirate has its own Grand Mosque. Dubai’s most famous and important one is the Jumeirah Mosque, which was built in 1998 in modern Islamic architecture. Built in white stone, it has a dome and 2 elaborate minarets (the more minarets a mosque has the more important it is). For instance, my favorite mosque in Istanbul, the Blue Mosque, has four. Another of my favorite mosques is the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi. It transmits peace to you, which was the objective of Sheik Zayed when he ordered its construction. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat is also beautiful, in particular the interior.
The call to prayer, the Adhan, occurs five times per day. The Muezzin is the person responsible for making the call to prayer.
During the holy month of Ramadan Muslims don’t eat or drink during the day. Older people are exonerated, as are children. People can eat in the evening after sunset and before sunrise in the morning. People tend to be quite nervous during that month. When Ramadan finishes, they celebrate and eat a lot. Although Dubai is a very cosmopolitan city you have to respect the etiquette to get in the mosques. Women will not be allowed unless they are completely covered and men will not be allowed in wearing shorts or short sleeved shirts.
Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and Dubai Aquarium
Visit the tallest building on the planet (at the time of writing), which has 148 floors. The record keeps on changing as new taller buildings are constructed. From the top of the Burj Khalifa you have a fantastic view of Dubai. You can see the entire city, the sea and the sands of the desert.
When you come down you have to have a look at the spectacular aquarium and underwater zoo, where more than 500 different aquatic species live. Then you can shop in one of the largest shopping centres in the world, Dubai Mall, where you will find most of the luxury brands in the world and much more. You can also see a performance of the Dubai fountain show. You can eat very well, there are a myriad of options. I recommend the Souk area of the mall, if you want to buy local things. They have a big selection, also very good local restaurants, all in the same area.
Tours
There’s so much to see and do in this city (that can be very expensive). Dubai Tourism has a special pass which offers access to the top attractions at a reduced price. The pre-paid voucher offers free entry to 33 top experiences across Dubai, including Dubai Parks and Resorts, IMG Worlds of Adventure, Ski Dubai and many more. You also have a 50 percent discount for the tickets for La Perle. You can visit all the attractions that you want, in the 3 days the ticket lasts for.
To have a good panorama of Dubai and most cities I recommend the hop-on-hop-off buses. They will take you to the most important places and you will have a complete view of the city. The Dubai bus tour gets a little boring if you decide to do all of the circuits. Citysightseeing Dubai can be contacted for information on 800CSDUBAI (8002738224) or 043167506; email: info@cs-dubai.com.
Make a Dubai Heritage tour.
You can explore the old town alone or you can have a guided tour, which as I always say is worth it, because you will enjoy the visit more. You can have a walking tour around Dubai Creek and Al Fahidi Historical District. You can shop in the Souk, visit the Dubai museum and get close to the Nation’s history. Also you can visit the coffee museum, which is a good introduction to the city’s history.
Desert Safari with sandboarding and camel ride.
Your visit to Dubai is not complete without a visit to the desert. Drive around half an hour outside the city and you will be in the Arabian desert. It is very nice to do the tour in the afternoon so as to be in the desert at sunset.
The dune drive in a four-wheel drive vehicle is very exciting. It is fun to visit the camel farms, where you can ride one of the amusing animals and take beautiful pictures. In the different campsites you have various activities going on, you can try sand skiing, quad biking, sand boarding, henna, Arabic belly dancing and you can have a good barbecue buffet for dinner.
Desert hot air balloon ride
See a beautiful sunrise from a hot air balloon. It is like travelling around the world in 80 days, missing only David Niven and Cantinflas! Fly over an ocean of sand dunes and green oases.
Helicopter tour of Dubai
You can have a short tour or a long tour of Dubai, with a fantastic view of Burj Al Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, the world islands and Palm Jumeirah. You can see the old town around the Dubai Creek and much more. It is an incredible experience. If you can, don’t miss it.
Sunset sea tour.
Cruise along the coastline in exclusive yachts in the turquoise waters. It is the best way to see the city from the water. It is also possible to do fishing tours and have parties on the yachts.
Full day Abu Dhabi city tour
Only about one hour from Dubai by car you can visit Abu Dhabi. Whilst there you should go to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre. You can also have a seaplane tour, see Ferrari World or visit Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi.
Restaurants
In Dubai you can find food of all Nationality and types, and a lot of Arabian food, very nice is the fusion Arabian food.
Italian
- Alta Badia, Emirate towers, Sheikh Zayed Road (tel 044323232)
- Armani Ristorante, Armani Hotel (tel 048883666)
- Il Borro Tuscan Bistro (Dubai’s current best restaurant of the year), Jumeirah Al Naseen, Medinat Jumeirah.
- Cipriani (gate village 10 DIFC), book in advance as it is always full (Tel 043470003)
Japanese
- Armani/Hashi, Armani Hotel (Tel 048883666)
- Izakaya, Marriot Marquis Dubai (Tel 044143000)
- Katsuya by Stark, Jumeirah Al Naseen Dubai, Umm Suqein (Tel 044180676)
- Kiku, Le Meridien Dubai Hotel and Conferences (Tel 042170000)
- Nobu, Atlantis the Palm, don’t miss the fantastic Black cod (Tel 045595300)
Lebanese
- Al Nafoorah, Jumeirah Emirate towers, Sheikh Zayed Road. Also at Palm Jumeirah and Jumeraih Zabeel Saray
- Al Falamanki, in front of the Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah beach Road (Tel 0553004550) (outdoor and Shisha)
- Al Hallab Rest and sweets, Dubai mall (043308828)
- Ibn Albahr Seafood, Club vista mare Palm Jumeriah
Middle-East, North Africa
- Samad Al Iraqi Restaurant (Iraqi food), Jumeirah Beach Park Plaza (Tel 043427887), try the fish which has to be ordered in advance
- Aseelah (traditional Emirati dishes), Radison Blu Hotel, Deira Creek (Tel 042227171)
- Gunaydin (Turkish), with views across to Dubai Fountains, excellent meat cuts
- Souk Al Bahar, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Boulevard (Tel 045540700)
- Ruya, Chef Colin Clague has very good traditional dishes, with a very nice view across the Dubai Marina, Grosvenor house -Dubai Marina
- At.Mosphere Restaurant and Lounge, on the 122nd floor of Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Khalifa (Tel 048883828). Great views and great food.
- Fish Beach taverna, super nice setting. Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz al Saud. Street (Tel 045117373)
Seafood
- Café Belge in the Ritz Carlton, a 1920’s jazz age theme, Art Deco styling. (Tel 043722323)
- Ossiano, seafood dishes, Atlantis the Palm Jumeirah (Tell 044262626)
- Ibn Al Bahr, Lebanese seafood, Club Vista mare. Palm Jumeirah (Tel 045539575)
- The Maine Oyster Bar and Grill, seafood brasserie, Double tree Hilton Hotel Dubai, The Walk (Tel 044576719)
Steakhouses
- Nusr-Et, Turkish classics and some of the best cuts of meats in town, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach (Tel 044074100)
Thai
- The Thai Kitchen, Park Hyatt Dubai Deira. Beautiful views of the creek and good value (Tel 04602181)
- Thiptara , Palace Downtown Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard. Very good, prices are high (Tel 048883444)
Casual
- Bb Social Dining, Happiness street DIFC (Tel 044074444)
- Lock Stock and Barrel, JBR the Walk. Live music, sports and pool.
- Rixos Premium Dubai (Tel 045200049)
Best Fine dining Newcomers
- Bleu Blanc by David Myers, Renaissance Downtown hotel. Business Bay. Top spot for premium cuts of meat and fresh seafood (Tel 045125533)
- Flamingo Room by Tashas, cool restaurant, Jumeirah Al Naseem -Umm Suqeim (Tel 042447278)
- STK, US steakhouse, JBR the Walk (Tel 043230061)
Beach Clubs
- Barasti, a great location
- Blue Martin Ibiza Casual and DJ’s on week ends
- Golden Tulip Al Jazira Hotel (Tel 0561133400)
- Nikki Beach Club, luxurious beach club, stunning views out across the Arabian Gulf (casual), Pearl Jumeira (Tel 043766162)
- Zero Gravity, one of the City’s top party destinations. Sky dive Dubai Drop Zone, Dubai Marina (Tel 043990009)
Night Clubs
- Base, D3, Ras Al Khor Road. An open-air superclub in D3 that brings some of the world’s top acts to town (smart elegant), (Tel 0553134999)
- Boa Lounge and Club, Dubai Al Habtoor city. Big party nights in Dubai (smart elegant), (Tel 0565012039)
- Billionaire Mansion, Taj Dubai, Business Bay, lush interiors and outdoors, súper place to party until early, (Tel 045103100)
- Cavalli Club, Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road. Different types of music and very good live acts. Dress up and go to enjoy. Smart dress code. (Tel 043329260)
- Cirque le Soir, Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road. You will always be entertained and have fun here (smart casual) circus atmosphere (Tel 0509955400)
- Buddha-Bar, Grosvenor House Dubai, Dubai Marina (Tel 043176000)
Shopping
In Dubai it is possible to find everything you are looking for, either in the super modern malls (all the top brands and much more) or in the Souks, where you can sample the Middle East.
Be careful or you can finish, like me, with overweight luggage and having to leave things in the airport so as not to pay too much for the excess, which can be more expensive than the items that you have bought.
I have a passion for thermoses. I don’t know why, but I like them a lot. The Middle- Eastern ones are very nice with an Aladdin lamp look. On one occasion I bought 2 big thermoses to use when I serve mint tea or cardamom coffee. I checked-in and they did not object to me having 5 kilos more than my allowance, so I put the thermoses as hand luggage. When I tried to go through security they stopped me and told me that I had to take them as checked in baggage. So I decided that I was going to give them to somebody in the airport, who could enjoy them. Incredibly, no lady wanted to take them. They were scared. In the end I left them in a corner. The kilo and half of sweets that a friend gave me I gave to the people in the check in.
Listening to this story Hattem very kindly bought me 2 very nice thermoses and sent them with husbanito.
The various Souks in Dubai are near the Creek and have been since Dubai’s beginning as a trading port. Your visit will be incomplete without visiting them. You will not appreciate the flavour of the place. Of course you need to bargain as in markets in any part of the world. I always advise to start with half of the requested price, or less, until you find a compromise with the vendor. You have to pay with cash. For the malls, all credit cards are accepted and you will not get far if you try bargaining.
Deira – Gold Souk
Lots of gold and silver. Prices are competitive and dealers come from all over the world. They can copy any jewel you take them, with time. It is a controlled market that has regulations which are followed.
Deira – Perfume Souk
You can buy very nice exotic scents and oils. You can take home the scents of the Middle-east, burn them, use the oils in a massage, perfume yourself, your bath water or give them as a present. My favorites are jasmine, rose and amber. They also have local versions of the western perfumes. The glass bottles that contain the perfumes are very nice. Also, I always recommend the camel milk scented soaps. You can get the famous frankincense and myrrh (with their charcoal burners to take back home) to have in your house.
Deira – Spice Souk
This is a good value bazaar where you can find the typical spices of the area. For instance there is Iranian saffron, which is one of the best in the world. And don’t forget if you like cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, pepper you can find these as well.
Bur Dubai textile Souk
Here you will find colourful and beautiful fabrics from all over the world. You can use them to decorate your house or to make clothes.
Dubai is a great place for tailors. You can find them in this Souk or in Bur Dubai or Satwa. It is always better to bring with you something to copy to be sure that you will get what you want. Remember that the models they have may fit the locals very well but may not fit you.
Satwa Souk
A street full of life, where you can find cheap textiles, electronics, and the very nice, decorative and colourful Majilis cushions that can give to your house the atmosphere of the Middle East.
Karama Souk
It has all kinds of copied items, especially watches and handbags. The quality of most of them is very good, although they are fake. By the way you are advised not to buy these items as you can have problems at the customs with these articles, which are forbidden.
Deira Covered Souk
This is an Indian market in Dubai and has a big variety of merchandise.
Bur Dubai -Covered Souk
It has been very well restored and is covered with a Pergola, under which you can walk in the shade.
Deira – Naif Rd Souk
Here you can find everything: clothes, fake designer wear and others, lots of textiles.
Fish Souk
You can find very nice fresh fish, including the local Hammour.
The opening hours in the Souks are: Saturday to Thursday – 10 am to 1 pm and 4 pm to 10 pm; Friday – 2 pm -10 pm.
Dubai Mall
Please see above. Dubai Mall claims to be the largest in the world. It is certainly worth visiting.
You need any information in Dubai: www.dubaitourism.ae
I have to thank Eyewitness Travel Top 10 Dubai and Abu Dhabi. I use Eyewitness Travel Top 10 guides in many countries and find them to be very good. They have a good selection of the best places to visit and good summaries of what to see. I certainly recommend them.
Get in the airport the free magazine Time Out DXB which tells you about what’s happening in Dubai International Airport and beyond.
Get The Best of Dubai, which has very good and useful complete information, that I have used a lot. Thank you very much to the magazine, which is excellent for us tourists visiting Dubai.