General Description
Dubai is one of the fastest growing tourism destinations in the world. One of the seven emirates which make up the United Arab Emirates, it is situated at the south of the Persian Gulf.
It boasts a number of landmark developments, including the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, and the World and Palm man-made islands.
It is synonymous with ultra-luxury hotels, including the recognisable Burj Al Arab property.
Dubai is also renowned for its shopping, both at the traditional souks around Dubai Creek and in the designer stores which populate the city’s massive malls.
Public Transport
The city's public buses are air conditioned and frequent, with extensive coverage; they can, however, get crowded. Abundant metered taxis are cheap. It is entirely safe for women to travel alone. Reputable car hire is readily available. Nearly all roads are 4- to 8-lane dual carriageways; traffic is fast and heavy, with traffic jams common throughout the day. English-language signposts make things easier, but local driving style leaves a lot to be desired – better to take a cab.
Location
Location: In the NE of the country, in the emirate of Dubai (one of the 7 emirates that comprise this country). 120 mls NE of Abu Dhabi city. Downtown is immediately NW of Dubai international airport.
Position: Directly on the Arabian Gulf, and occupying level terrain. Bisected by Dubai Creek (also known as the Khor Dubai), which is really a deep-water inlet. Flat desert surrounds; a great expanse of sand dunes stretches away to the S, and the rugged Hajjar Mountains rise to the E.
Dialling Code: 4
Tourist Board: www.dubaitourism.ae or visit UK travel trade website www.dubaiupdate.co.uk
Beach
Although the city itself has a sandy shoreline broken only by the mouth of Dubai Creek, broad Jumeirah Beach to the SW is the resort's premier location: uncrowded, with gently shelving, soft, pale sands and warm clear water stretching for over 8 mls; numerous breakwaters flank the hotels' private sections, making bathing safer. All kinds of water sports are available including pedalloes, water-skiing, windsurfing and diving.
Entertainment
Daytime: traditional quarter of Bastakiya; Dubai Museum, housed in an old fort, provides an entertaining interactive introduction to the city's history; Sheikh Saeed al-Maktoum House, a history and culture museum; Dubai Heritage and Diving Village (traditional culture); numerous souks; several mosques; trips aboard a dhow (traditional sailing vessel); fine beaches and varied water sports including scuba diving; amusement park; water park; shopping; horse and camel riding; horse racing; exclusive golf clubs; small zoo at Jumeirah.
Nightlife: varied and surprisingly lively, with lots of bars and clubs (most based in hotels in order to serve alcohol); a few jazz bars and piano lounges. Just about every bar in town has live music or a DJ. Most nightclubs have cover charges and drinks tend to be expensive. Thursday nights are the busiest, and most bars and clubs close by about 3 am. Little in the way of performing arts; some traditional entertainments, such as belly-dancing.
Serving Airports
Dubai International (DXB)
Flight time from the UK: 7 hrs
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