Dubai

Introduction

Dubai combines the rich history of ancient Arabia with gleaming modern comforts to create a destination of unparalleled appeal. Mosques vie with skyscrapers, dhows ply the shoreline alongside luxury yachts and camel racing remains as popular as four-wheel drive desert safaris. With miles of wide sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters and a host of unrivalled luxury hotels, Dubai is a firm favourite for both family holidays and honeymoons. If you are looking for the ultimate in luxury travel, Dubai’s lavish hotels offer levels of service and exclusivity, second to none.

From the timeless tranquillity of the desert to the lively bustle of the souk, luxury holidays to Dubai offer a kaleidoscope of attractions for visitors. In addition to those fabulous beaches you can experience everything from rugged mountains to awe-inspiring sand dunes, lush green parks to traditional villages, ancient windtowers to ultra-modern shopping malls. Take a day trip to Abu Dhabi to shop amongst the gold and spice souks, followed by a moonlit dinner cruise. Luxury hotels in Dubai also offer outstanding amenities such as luxury spas and world-class golf facilities.

Regional Info

HIGHLIGHTS

Dubai city
Bastakiya
Sheikh Saeed's House
Jumeirah Mosque
Grand Mosque
Burj Nahar
The Souks
Dubai Museum
Umm Al Sheif Majlis
Dubai Zoo

EVENTS

March | Horse Racing World Cup
The UAE season climaxes with the Dubai World Cup meeting, the world's richest raceday, which also features the three most valuable races on the planet.
November | National Sailing Championship
June- August | Dubai Summer Surprises
Summer Festival of events at different venues around Dubai. Unique activities for families. Shopping malls are converted into venues for live entertainment, music, dancing, competitions, and workshops
June - August | Dubai Shopping Festival
Part of the Dubai Summer Surprises festival, this annual extravaganza has rapidly become an internationally-known event, with thousands of bargains, draws, shows, promotions and some of the world's lowest prices.
June- August | Dubai Culture and Art Forum
Various locations in Dubai
October | Fusion Exhibition
The hottest fashion, music and style festival. Located at Airport Expo Dubai
October | Dubai Desert Rhythm Festival
A World Music Festival at the Dubai Country Club
October | UAE Desert Challenge
Desert Rally
October | Dubai International Seafood Expo
November | Motor Sport Festival
At Dubai Autodrome, Main Track
November | Dubai Airshow
International Aerospace Exhibition at Airport Expo, Dubai
November | Dubai International Rally
Rally Championship

LOCAL SPECIALITIES

Shopping
One of Dubai's greatest visitor attractions is its superb shopping and bargaining is all part of the fun. While boutiques, some electronics shops, department stores and supermarkets may operate on a fixed-price basis, most other outlets consider friendly negotiation as a way of life
Spice and Food Souks
These range from the traditional narrow streets of the spice souk just a stone's throw from the Creek, to the modern fish souk with the many varieties caught in Gulf waters, and the fruit and vegetable souk with its bustle and vivid colours
Gold Souk
Dubai's most famous market of all is the gold souk, where narrow streets are lined with shop windows glinting with bracelets, necklaces and earrings in 18, 21 and 22 carat gold. Bars of 24 carat in any form and weight, and bullion coins in 22 and 24 carat are also available. Prices are very reasonable and largely determined by weight, rather than design and craftsmanship
Carpet Souk
In Deira Tower's shopping mall, carpet traders from countries across the Gulf -- Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan -- have established a carpet souk where prices in the 40 shops range from a few hundred dirhams to many thousands
Consumer goods
In Bur Dubai, Al Fahidi Street is noted for its electronic goods shops while nearby Cosmos Lane is lined with stores selling the textiles of West and East, from cool printed cottons to exotic brocades. Further out from the city centre, Karama is Dubai's bargain basement with an array of busy shops selling toys, household goods, textiles, fashions, accessories and much more
Malls
Attractive modern shopping plazas are conveniently located throughout the city, housing a wide range of shops, boutiques, supermarkets, restaurants and fast-food outlets
Dubai Duty Free
Dubai Duty Free at Dubai International Airport has won numerous international awards and ranks among the top duty-free operations in the world
Popular Gifts
Arabic coffee pots; Silver and brass swords and khanjars (Arabic curved daggers); Prayer beads; Soapstone figures; Coasters, letter racks, jewellery boxes, chests etc, decorated with lapis lazuli, turquoise, malachite and other semi-precious stones; Marble goblets; Antique silver jewellery; Brass items; Silver and wooden miniature dhows; Persian carpets and cotton dhurries (oblong floor coverings); Inlaid rosewood and walnut furniture