Dubai


Dubai is the second largest emirate of the UAE, the commercial centre of the region, and the most well known to British holidaymakers.  Its location on the southern shores of the Arabian Gulf means that it is home to some of the best beaches in the region (Jumeirah Beach being perhaps the most popular), and its popularity as a tourist destination has led to a wide range of hotels and other accommodation options establishing themselves. Dubai is actually split into two districts by Dubai Creek, Bur Dubai to the South and Deira to the North, and the two halves are connected by a series of bridges. To this day, traditional teak dhow boats are to be seen on the creek as they go about their trade across the Gulf and further afield to India.
There are also numerous golf courses, shopping malls and cultural and heritage sites, all of which combine to make Dubai a great introduction to the Middle East. 
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Fast Facts


Capital City: Dubai City
Population Size (Dubai City): 1.24 million
Currency/FX rate: Emirati Dirham (current rate £1 = 7.37 dirhams)
Time Zone: +4GMT
Language: Official language is Arabic, though English is widely used. Hindu and Urdu are also common languages
Weather: Subtropical climate with year round sunshine and infrequent rainfall (c.5 days per year, usually falling between December and April). Hottest from June to September.
Visa: British travellers to Dubai do not need a visa.
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Getting There/Getting Around

Find the cheapest flights to Dubai using our flight search engine – just enter your destination (Dubai) into the form and the flight search engine will find the cheapest fare we have.

Once in Dubai, travelling around is straightforward. The main means of transportation is by car. Car hire in Dubai is available through a wide range of car rental companies  and can be booked direct or via a  tour operator. Holidaymakers wishing to hire a car in Dubai should be in possession of an International Driving Permit. If you do not want to drive yourself, it is also possible to hire a car complete with driver.

Most of the main tourist hotels in Dubai offer shuttle bus services to and from Dubai Airport, and from the beach resorts into the city itself. There is also a public bus service running all day.
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History and Culture

There is archeological evidence to support the belief that Dubai has been inhabited for over four thousand years, starting as a collection of small fishing villages on the Arabian Gulf.

Dubai Creek is a naturally sheltered harbour, and as such would have been a busy port on the trading route between Mesopotamia and the Indus. The Dubai that we know today has its origins in the 1830s, when it was settled by a tribe led by the Maktoum family, who remain the rulers of Dubai to this day. Dubai was under British Protection from 1892, largely due to its geographical importance on the trade route to India, and remained so until 1971 when the British left the Persian Gulf and Dubai, Abu Dhabi and five other emirates formed the United Arab Emirates.

Although Dubai’s culture is firmly rooted in its Arab and Islamic traditions, it is renowned for being one of the most tolerant and welcoming destinations in the Middle East. Dubai has truly become a global destination with many international events, but at the same time has kept firm its ties with its past, in part through its promotion of traditional sporting events such as falconry and dhow sailing.
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Things to Do

Historical and Archeological Sites: Of the range of major archeological attractions in Dubai , three examples can be found in Al Sufooh, Jumeirah and Al Ghusal. Of these, the largest is Jumeirah, dating back to the 6th century AD. It was once a caravan station along the trading route from Iraq to northern Oman and remains of an early souk have been found.

Desert: A trip into the desert is a must for visitors to Dubai, and there are numerous excursions available, including 4 x 4 desert safaris wheel drive tours, which take in some dune bashing as well as a more traditional, cultural element – a trip to a Bedouin campsite in the heart of the desert, complete with camel ride and belly dancing! Alternatively, why not consider a stay out in the desert? Just an hour’s drive from Dubai International Airport is the Al Maha Desert Resort, an oasis within a 15 square mile desert conservation reserve. Here guests can enjoy a luxurious stay, with their own private pools, fine food and wine, as well as the breathtaking views of the desert and mountains
Hatta: This ancient, fortified town, just over an hour’s drive from Dubai, is situated in the foothills of the Hajar Mountains, and here you can visit an archaeological site, home to ancient tombs. Also, the Hatta Rock Pools provide welcome respite from the heat, and offering an opportunity to swim through the narrow channels carved between mountains.
 
Shopping: Shopping is definitely one of the main attractions in Dubai, with the emirate being dubbed the “shopping capital of the Middle East”! Ranging from the traditional souks of the Old Town to the enormous US-style shopping malls, it would be difficult to find anywhere better to engage in some retail therapy! The main shopping hotspots are as follows:
Gold Souk: In contrast to many of the modern malls in Dubai city, the Gold Souk in downtown Deira is an historic market selling gold by weight, and well worth a visit even if you are not planning to purchase!
Spice Souk: As with the Gold Souk, this is a traditional market, and again, a must see for the traveller to Dubai.
Gold and Diamond Park: As its name suggests, it is the place to buy gold and diamonds. Lacking the historic and traditional charm of the Gold Souk, this is nonetheless a great place to pick up a bargain, and it can be easily accessible than the Gold Souk. 
Deira City Centre: Easily the most popular shopping mall in Dubai, this is home to an extensive range of international high street brands, including Ikea, Debenhams and Zara.
Mall of the Emirates: This massive mall boasts the title of largest shopping mall outside of North America, and has in excess of 200 retail outlets, including top name brands such as Harvey Nichols.
Wafi Mall: A luxury, Egyptian-themed mall housing upper-end brands, jewellery and expensive boutiques. For the homesick traveller from the UK, there is also a Marks and Spencers outlet!
Al Ain Plaza: Also known as Computer Plaza, this is the best place for computers, parts and accessories.
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Sports

Golf: Golfers of every ability are well catered for in Dubai, with a wide range of courses available. The most well-known is the Emirates Golf Club, which boasts five lakes, in a desert setting. 

Diving: The warm waters of the Gulf make Dubai the ideal place for a diving holiday. There are several wrecks to be explored off the coast of Dubai, as well as a wide array of tropical fish. More experienced divers can explore further into the Gulf of Oman for coral and reef diving. The water temperature is such that between May and October you don’t even need a wet suit!

Skiing: Not the most traditional of desert sports, it is neverthelesss possible to learn to ski in Dubai! The Mall of the Emirates opened in December 2005 and at 400m long, is the world’s third largest indoor ski slope. It is covered with real snow year-round, and boasts the world’s first indoor black run. There is also an interactive snow park, the largest in the world at 3000sqm. 

A second indoor ski slope is due to open at the Dubai Snow Dome in Dubailand in 2008. This will feature a revolving ski slope, an artificial mountain range, cable cars and even polar bears! Not only this, but it is also going to be largest free-standing dome in the world!

Hot Air Ballooning: Dubai's geography and climate are ideal for ballooning. You will be awestruck as the mesmerizing landscape unfolds below you. View the giant red dunes, the moon-like landscape of the rugged Hajar Mountains to the east, and the "21st century" skyline of Dubai to the west as you rise high into the immense blue of the desert sky.
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Accommodation and Eating out

As a well established tourist destination, Dubai boasts a fantastic range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Iconic amongst Dubai’s hotels is the Burj Al Arab, whose unmissable sail-shape structure soars 321m into the Dubai sky, and which has been voted the best hotel in the world – not only will you arrive by chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce, but you will also have a butler for the duration of your stay, and be treated to some of the finest cuisine in the world. At the other end of the spectrum, it is also possible to stay in apartment style accommodation either in Dubai City or on Jumeirah Beach.

In Dubai, it is possible to dine out on any kind of international cuisine you fancy, from Italian to Indian, Thai to Lebanese, and of course local specialties. In the main, the best restaurants are to be found within the hotels, as generally these are the only places where alcohol can be served. 

The new Hilton Dubai Creek’s signature restaurant Verre by Gordon Ramsay is a lesson in understated elegance and a must for foodies while in town.
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Events

Dubai Shopping Festival: Taking place during winter or early Spring, the Dubai Shopping Festival draws in excess of two million shoppers, keen to snare some of the fantastic bargains on offer. However, it is not just about shopping and there are plenty of diversions that run alongside, including concerts, theatre and fireworks.
Dubai Desert Classic: The Emirates Golf Club, arguably the best golf course in the Middle East, plays host to what is fast becoming one of the most popular and prestigious tournaments in the golfing calendar, attracting big names coming to play for generous prize money.
Emirates World Series Dubai World Cup: Perhaps the best known of the sporting events to which Dubai plays host, this is the world’s richest horse race, where the winner rides away with a cool US$6million! 
Visitors to Dubai should be aware of Ramadan, the holy month when Muslims remember the revelation of the Holy Koran, and all Muslims fast from dawn to dusk over a month long period.  Dates are not fixed as they are based on lunar observations.   During this time, eating and drinking in public areas during the day is prohibited. Also, many businesses and shops may operate different opening hours, usually opening briefly in the morning then re-opening after sunset until late into the night. 
Dubai Tennis Open
Play at the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships, which is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, begins on February 25th 2008 with the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour tournament, and is followed by the ATP event from March 3rd to 8th.
Dubai Summer Surprises
For ten weeks, there are special events in many of the malls with themes changing weekly. It has a family emphasis, focusing on both fun and education. Modesh Fun City is a play and educational area for kids, open during the duration of the festival.
Dubai International Jazz Festival
Launched back in 2003, this festival is becoming arguably one of the best Jazz festivals featuring world class talent  such as the Bee Gees, Dave Gray and jazz guitarist Jesse Cook. Held annually in February and March, this is a must see event for music lovers.
Dubai Desert Rock Festival
The DDRF is all about bringing artists, audiences and supporters together in a dynamic, unique and highly interactive environment, and which centers on and helps cultivate an appreciation for live rock music and having fun.
Dubai International Film Festival
Held annually in December and going into its fourth year, DIFF is held under the Honorary Chairmanship of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. The festival showcases a wide selection of features, shorts and documentaries from around the world.
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10 Things Not to Miss in Dubai