Dubai: A kaleidoscope of attractions for visitors

The second largest of the seven emirates which make up the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is located on the southern shore of the Arabian Gulf. It has an area of some 3,900 square kilometres. Outside the city itself, the Emirates is sparsely inhabited and characterised by desert vegetation.

No health certificates are required for entry to Dubai, but it is always wise to check before departure, as health restrictions may vary depending upon the situation at the time.

Customs Duty-free allowances: 1-4 liters Spirits (any kind of alcohol) (1000 ml each liter). In case that a passenger wants to buy beer it will be 24 cans (every 6 cans equivalent to 1 liter spirit) 2-400 pieces of cigarettes (which is equivalent to 2 boxes) 3-2 Kilos of Tobacco (any kind of snuffing or chewing tobacco is not allowed) 4-Cigars which is equivalent to Dhs. 3,000 (Three Thousands Dirhams) maximum which is for personal use.

5-Perfumes or any other gifts which is equivalent to 3,000 (Three Thousands Dirhams) maximum which is for personal use. 6-Currency below 40,000 Dhs. or equivalent of this amount in other currencies, other wise he should declare to Customs Office in arrival section the exact amount he carry it.

Dubai has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Sunny, blue skies can be expected most of the year. Rainfall is infrequent and irregular, falling mainly in winter.

Temperatures range from a low of about 10.5 C/50 F to a high of 48 C/118 F. The mean daily maximum is 24 C/75.2 F in January rising to 41 C/105.8 F in July.

Lightweight summer clothing is suitable for most of the year, but sweaters or jackets may be needed for the winter months, especially in the evenings.

Compared with certain parts of the Middle East, Dubai has a very relaxed dress code. However, care should be taken not to give offence by wearing clothing which may be considered revealing.

At the pool or on the beaches, trunks, swim-suits and bikinis are quite acceptable. Good quality sunglasses are advised, and photo- chromatic lenses for those who wear spectacles. Hats or some protection for the head are advisable when in direct sunlight. From the timeless tranquillity of the desert to the lively bustle of the souk, Dubai offers a kaleidoscope of attractions for visitors.

The Emirates embraces a wide variety of scenery in a very small area. In a single day, the tourist can experience everything from rugged mountains and awe-inspiring sand dunes to sandy beaches and lush green parks, from dusty villages to luxurious residential districts and from ancient houses with windtowers to ultra-modern shopping malls.

It is both a dynamic international business centre and a laid-back tourist escape; a city where the sophistication of the 21st century walks hand in hand with the simplicity of a bygone era.

But these contrasts give Dubai its unique flavour and personality; a cosmopolitan society with an international lifestyle, yet with a culture deeply rooted in the Islamic traditions of Arabia.

Since earliest times, Dubai has been a meeting place, bringing together the Bedouin of the desert interior with the pearl-diver, the merchant of the city with the sea-going fisherman.

Dubai City

Having expanded along both banks of the Creek, Dubai's central business district is divided into two parts - Deira on the northern side and Bur Dubai to the south - connected by a tunnel and two bridges. Each has its share of fine mosques and busy souks, of public buildings, shopping malls, hotels, office towers, banks, hospitals, schools, apartments and villas.

Outside this core, the city extends to the neighbouring emirate of Sharjah to the north, while extending south and west in a long ribbon of development alongside the Gulf, through the districts of Satwa, Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim.

At first glance, the city presents a predominantly modern face, an ever-changing skyline of new developments, from striking glass and concrete towers to gracious modern buildings incorporating traditional Arabian architectural motifs and features.

The Creek, a natural sea-water inlet which cuts through the centre of the city, is the historic focal point of life in Dubai. A stroll along its banks evokes the city's centuries-old trading traditions.

Visitors will be captivated by the colour and bustle of the loading and unloading of dhows which still ply ancient trade routes to places as distant as India and East Africa. An attractive way to view the Creek and the dhows is from an abra, one of the small water taxis which criss-cross the Creek from the souks of Deira to those on the Bur Dubai side.

Boatmen will also take visitors on a fascinating hour-long trip from the abra embarkation points to the mouth of the Creek and inland to the Maktoum Bridge, passing on the way many of the city's historic and modern landmarks.

Archaeological Sites

There are three main excavation sites in Dubai, at Al Ghusais, Al Sufooh and Jumeirah.

The first two are graveyards dating back more than 2,000 years. The Jumeirah site reveals artefacts from the seventh to 15th centuries. Though not yet open to the public, tourists or tour operators may obtain a permit from Dubai Museum to visit the digs.

The old Bastakiya district with its narrow lanes and tall wind-towers gives a tantalising glimpse of old Dubai. Immediately to the east of Al Fahidi Fort is the largest concentration of traditional courtyard houses with windtowers.

In the past, the city was famous for a mass of windtowers which lined the Creek on either side. These were not merely decorative; they were the only means of cooling houses in the days before mains electricity.

Bastakiya is currently undergoing renovation and preservation and will eventually become a small 'tourist village' with a museum, a cultural centre, restaurants and an art gallery.

Dating from the late 1800s, Sheikh Saeed's House was built in a commanding position near the sea so the Ruler could observe shipping activity from its balconies.

With its windtowers and layers of rooms built around a central courtyard, it is a fine example of regional architecture.

Jumeirah Mosque

The city has many fine mosques. One of the largest and most beautiful - Jumeirah Mosque - is a spectacular example of modern Islamic architecture.

Built of stone in medieval Fatimid tradition, the mosque with its twin minarets and majestic dome is a city landmark. It is particularly attractive at night when subtle lighting throws its artistry into relief.

The elaborate Jumeirah Mosque is Dubai's most admired mosque from the outside and one of Dubai's most photographed sights.

Situated on the Bur Dubai side of the Creek near the Ruler's Court, Grand Mosque was re-built in 1998 and now has, at 70 metres, the city's tallest minaret.

It has 45 small domes in addition to nine large ones boasting stained glass panels, making it a distinguished landmark and important place of worship.

Built around 1870 the Nahar tower was one in line of defences to the east and north of the city.

One of three watchtowers guarding the old city, the restored Burj Nahar in its picturesque gardens in Deira is popular with photographers.

The souks on both sides of the Creek are attractive not just for their shopping bargains but also as places for the sightseer and photographer.

Dubai Museum

Al Fahidi Fort, which houses the Dubai Museum, is another imposing building. It once guarded the city's landward approaches. Built around 1799, it has served variously as palace, garrison and prison.

It was renovated in 1970 for use as a museum; further restoration and the addition of galleries was completed in 1995. Colourful and evocative dioramas, complete with life-size figures and sound and lighting effects, vividly depict everyday life in pre-oil days.

Galleries rescenes from the Creek, traditional Arab houses, mosques, the souk, date gardens, desert and marine life.

One of the most spectacular exhibits portrays the underwater world of pearl-diving, and is accompanied by sets of pearl merchants' weights, scales and sieves.

Also on display are artefacts such as fine copper, alabaster and pottery objects found in 3,000-4,000 year-old graves at Al Ghusais. The main fort is a fascinating military museum.

A traditional heritage village, located near the mouth of the Creek, has been created where potters and weavers display their crafts. Here the visitor can look back in time and experience some of Dubai's heritage.

The Diving Village forms part of an ambitious plan to turn the entire Shindagha area into a cultural microcosm, recreating life in Dubai as it was in days gone by.

Housed in the giant Deira City Centre shopping mall, this children's entertainment centre is a unique indoor site with ten-pin bowling, a crawling bungle-jungle, variety of electronic games and a mini pitch and putt.

Wonderland

The 18-hectare WonderLand family fun park features a wide range of water attractions.

Capable of accommodating up to 8,000 visitors at a time, WonderLand's water rides include speed slides, surf hills, twister, wave runners and a Caribbean cruise.

It also has a water mist show and water cinema, with videos projected on a thin film of water, plus a full complement of on-land attractions.

Situated in the Wafi shopping mall, this is an entertainment centre with a difference, with areas for both children and adults.

The popular Crystal Maze is featured along with a horror chamber and fascinating 3-D films. The rollercoaster simulator feels like the real thing and children can enjoy a host of rides including the Komet which shoots around the top of the building.

Birding Breaks

For birdwatchers, Dubai has something really special to offer, a tidal wetland right on its doorstep, Within a few minutes of the center of town.

The city skyline forms a backdrop for thousands of flamingoes, herons, ducks and shorebirds, which Feed and rest on the mudflats on their migration between Asia and Africa. Within an hour's drive of Dubai live some of the region's rarest species, inhabiting deserts and mountains which have not yet Changed in thousands of years.

Over 400 bird species have been seen in the United Arab Emirates Since records began and it is possible to find nearly 200 of them during a short stay in the country.

Lying on the blue waters of the Southern Gulf and backed by the majestic desert, Dubai offers Visitors year-round sunshine and five- star luxury... plus the adventure of a unique Arabian Experiences.

One of the seven emirates which make up the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is a place of fascinating Contrasts, a distinctive blend of modern city and timeless desert, East and west, old and new. Known in the region as the city of merchants, Dubai has for generations, welcomed seafarers and Traders to its shores.

Today this tradition of courtesy and hospitality lives on. The streets are clean and safe and travellers are sure to be charmed by the city's warmth and friendliness.

Dubai has something for everyone- from the holiday-maker simply seeking a relaxing break away From the clouds and crowds, to the active tourist looking for a new and exciting experience. The city Has superb facilities for sports, shopping, dining and entertainment.

Courtesy Internet

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Useful Tips

* Do not sit in such a way that the soles of your feet are pointing at someone else.

* In Ramadan, never eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours.

* Do not take photographs of military installations or national women.

* Never drink alcohol in public.

Photography

Normal tourist photography is acceptable but it is considered offensive to photograph Muslim women. It is also courteous to ask permission before photographing men. In general, photographs of government buildings or military installations should not be taken.