Dubai has been known for decades as a growing incomparable economic power thanks to tourist activity. Here, fashion reaches great heights and great contradictions. Sights and activities such as Palm Island, ski resorts and skating rinks are available in this desert climate. Nothing better illustrates Dubai and its confident spirit better than its giant shopping malls, like the Dubai Mall.
To avoid disappointment, plan your trip for wintertime, during which the climate is more bearable for the uninitiated. In Dubai, you can also find the flavours of a variety of countries. Lebanese and Iranian cuisines are most prevalent, but European gastronomy is evident and available in the huge hotel complexes of Dubai. Don’t forget to book your accommodation in Dubai well in advance to compare many different prices.
The unique climate of Dubai is especially hostile to nature. Few plant species survive along this part of the Persian Gulf. The construction of parks and green spaces is always a great challenge for landscape architects and urban planners. Still, you can often find some Arab palms, wild plants and even acacias. Wildlife is more common, featuring animals that have best adapted to desert life and a climate that’s almost stifling. Thus you might see falcons, desert gazelles and antelopes, and even flamingos and geese.
The Ultra Modern world of Dubai
The Emirate of Dubai is the 2nd Emirate just below Abu Dhabi. It’s worth noting that the primary source of wealth in Dubai originates from its natural gas and petroleum resources. Today, the exploitation of these strengths have enabled the city to develop a leading edge in global tourism.
Dubai, extending from Abu Dhabi (southern coast) to Sharjah (northern coast), has not yet begun to stop pushing the limits of the desert of Rubal al-Khali with the construction of many new tourist structures. Among the most ambitious projects already in place is the tallest building in today’s world, the Burj Khalifa, along with the Hotel Burj Al-Arab Dubai, the artificial peninsula of Palm Island, the archipelago The World (also artificial), and even the Dubai Marina.
In reality, the city of Dubai is ultramodern and bustling. The downtown has retained a touch of its history, with its small buildings here and there along narrow streets. The impressive skyscrapers can’t be missed in Dubai (there are currently 573), including Palm Island, Dubai Mall and the Dubai Waterfront. The newest districts are on the fringes and extend into the desert. Sharjah and Ajman are formed from the combination of many neighborhoods. The most important artery of the Emirate of Dubai is Sheikh Zayed Road.
It’s impossible to rest in the Emirate of Dubai, whose more than 40 shopping malls and 800 boutiques. With its ski resorts, the most famous of all being Ski Dubai, Dubai plays a game of grandeur and contradiction. Despite the scorching heat (50 degrees!), the ski slopes with artificial snow at -1 or -2 degrees are welcomed by skiers.
The Emirate of Dubai houses also a large playground for children with its Magic Planet. Dubai by night is a fantastic carousel of lights. The city doesn’t go to sleep before dawn with its dance clubs, authentic English pubs and nightclubs. Especially keep in mind that all of these locales are closed on Monday and are accessible only to those over the age of 21! Among the bars and clubs that are most popular are the Irish Village, Kasbaa and also Planetarium.
Budget for a week: Around 1,250€
Taxes and Gratuity: A tip isn’t necessary if service is included.
Currency: United Arab Emirates Dirham
Official and/or Spoken Language: Arabic, English
Other names: Doubai, Dubbay
Int. Dialing Code: + 971 (0) 4
Main places to see: towers, hotels, shopping malls
Electricity: 220V / 50hz
- Type G English-style with 3 rectangular prongs
BS-1363 13A
Visas: Tourists from EU countries, the USA, Canada and Switzerland don’t need a visa.
Medical recommendations: No vaccinations are required to enter the country. Tap water is drinkable in the United Arab Emirates.
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