Dubai
DUBAI TRAVEL GUIDE
Travelers’ daydream of Dubai’s dazzling mega-architecture, man-made islands, and jaw-dropping shopping is a vision of hallucinating towers, palace resorts, and crazy novelties. It has the same magnificent sea views and camel-crowned sand dunes as its neighbors, Oman and Saudi Arabia, but it also has exhilarating attractions that no other Middle Eastern location can match.
You will, first and foremost, be close to dishdasha-filled mosques and upside-down ice cream cone forts, but you will also be only a short distance from statement-buying malls and skyscrapers that make headlines. This town is full of superlatives: it’s the biggest, boldest, fastest, and highest. It’s also incredibly kid-friendly, with Disneyfied water playgrounds and fabled theme parks that honor Bollywood, Hollywood, Marvel, and Lego. Include day trips on desert safaris, dune-bashing, and you’ll discover it difficult to catch your breath.
Thus, remember to visit the beach. Dubai’s blue sea and soft, sand beaches are reminiscent of the Caribbean, even if the towering backdrop shouts Las Vegas.
When to relocate and what to do: the ideal time to visit Dubai
There is no higher coastal strip in the United Arab Emirates than Dubai, where life is centered on the water. The best choices are the palm-lined Jumeirah Beach Park, often known as JBR Beach, which stretches the entire length of Dubai Marina, and Umm Suqeim Beach, which comes after the Burj Al Arab.
In the list of world-class accomplishments in Dubai, the Burj Khalifa is the most ambitious project. If you’re cunning at dusk, you can catch it twice. From the ground up, which is ideal for a romantic evening, or, alternatively, from the 148th level after ascending in one of the world’s fastest pressurized elevators. Plan a shopping expedition in the bustling, beehive-like Dubai Mall, which has the largest collection of fashion designer brands this side of China in addition to a gigantic aquarium.
Head straight for Jumeirah to marvel at the honey-hued Jumeirah Mosque, a local tradition. The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding offers thought-provoking morning tours.
Beyond the jumbled, lopsided towers of Sheikh Zayed Road, the Arabia of the past emerges at Dubai Creek, particularly when cruising past crammed boats that have just returned from the Persian Gulf in an abra river taxi. Give yourself at least two hours to explore the ethereal Spice Souk, bargain for elegantly tailored slippers at the Textile Souk, and marvel at the extravagant Gold Souk.
These extravagant marketplaces will tantalize your senses and your wallet. There are about 25 lots of gold on show in addition to 300 odd stores. Understand how to bargain? You’ll score a good deal for yourself.
- Top Dubai activities
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mid-century middle neighborhood, is known for its courtyards, swaying wind towers, and olive-lit mosques that more than any other place in the Middle East evoke the region’s history.
Real hotels are adorned with voluminous sofas, embroidered fabrics, and lattice-work mashrabiya displays, offering a window into the United Arab Emirates in its early years. Do you hear something? That is not a tannoyance from a mall. It’s the name-to-prayer of a muezzin who sets the scene.
If you’re more in the mood for absurdly opulent hotels with monorail stops (yep, that’s how Dubai handles public transportation), the Palm Jumeirah, on the other side of town, is the place to stay. Built on a man-made island, the wedding cake-like Atlantis, The Palm, is the pinnacle of Dubai hyperbole. It has an aquarium and waterpark so extravagant that the Royal Navy should be able to sail a submarine in it.
You know it’s something else because Kim Kardashian paid over £20,000 for a hotel here for a single night. There’s also 14-carat gold soap in it. Check into one of Dubai’s exceptional private villas for more seclusion.
Downtown Dubai is the heart of the city. Ground zero is the location of the Dubai Opera, Dubai Mall, and the Burj Khalifa, whose towering 830-meter-tall structure is admirably viewed from atop an inflatable flamingo that floats around one of the area’s astounding hotel rooftop pools.
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India is a budget-friendly travel destination, with hostels available from 250 Rupees (approximately $3 USD) and private rooms starting at around 500 Rupees. However, it’s important to note that in India, you often get what you pay for. Meals are equally affordable, ranging from 80 to 400 Rupees depending on the location.
For transportation, tuk-tuks and cars are common for short distances, while trains are preferable for long-distance travel. Additionally, the Uber app is a convenient option for short trips within cities.
Ideal time to visit
December through February are the best months to travel to Dubai if you want to enjoy the full day of sunshine. A comfortable 24°C may have been reached, making it much easier to travel around during the day. Prices can be particularly expensive during Christmas and New Year’s, although they do start to decline in January.
If you’re looking for beaches free of crowds, consider visiting in the fall or spring. Even while temperatures might be much greater, prices might be much lower. You will definitely get a lot more for your money if you’re happy to spend your days lounging by the pool or the beach because the evenings are still cold. In all honesty, prices decline during the summer season months however searing temperatures mean which you’ll likely need to live indoors all day.
Best time to visit Dubai
16 of the best family hotels in Dubai
Best affordable hotels in Dubai under £150
Best all-inclusive hotels in Dubai
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