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THE KNOWLEDGE
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TOURISM IN DUBAI
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Dubai presents itself as a tourist haven with many different options to spend your time. We recommend a few things to do and places to see to give your holiday the diversity that Dubai offers:
1. The Gold Souk
There is a reason that Dubai is called the city of gold. With huge amounts of gold traded here, there are hundreds of shops selling jewellery. Even if you don't wish to buy, just walking through the souk itself is awesome experience. Make sure bargain until you get a good price, but bear in mind that the prices vary depending on the gold rate for that day.
2. Tour of the city
The "Big Bus Tour" gives a great overview of everything in Dubai over a couple of hours. You can book your tickets even before you get to Dubai, and hop on and off the bus at the various points. The ticket now includes a separate tour which drives you to see the various hotels and the construction that is going on. The guides are very
knowledgeable, and with your ticket valid for 24 hours, this could cover all tourist stuff in one go. For those into something a little
different, the Wonderbus Tour drives across land, before going into the water, giving a whole different view of Dubai. Even more rock star, if you have the cash, would be to take a helicoptor tour
3. Desert Safari
Go dune bashing through the wadis of the desert, which can be alikened to the thrill of a rollercoaster. At some points you really feel as if the 4X4 that you are in going to crash over the dunes. Tours usually include the opportunity to sand surf down a large hill, watch the sunset from the camp, and have a traditional Bedouin style dinner by moonlight, often accompanied by a nubile belly danced. It's probably enough to go for the evening, but many do the full day trip, as well as camp overnight in the tents. We recommend using Arabian Adventures.
4. Indoor Skiing
The very fact that you are in the desert and are skiing could seem a
contradiction, but that is the lure to the whole experience that is Ski Dubai. With prices covering the rental of all
equipment and clothing, you just need to bring yourself along.
5. Splash out on Shopping
Dubai is a shopaholics paradise, with local and international brands on offer, and sometimes at heavily discounted prices. Pick your mall depending on what you are looking for, but be sure to check out the
Mall of the Emirates at least once during your trip, just for its huge size.
6. The Old Town
Bastakia represents what parts of Dubai used to be like with numerous Wind towers, a primitive air conditioning system. The area is small but is as close as you will get to a heritage area, which is a world apart from the "New Dubai" springing up not so far away.
7. Go Boating
Avoid the traffic and cross the creek using an abra, one of the small wooden boats. It costs next to nothing (50 fils) and can be included as part of your adventures through the city.
8. Burj-al-Arab
They say that whatever looks golden is gold. Whatever your take on Burj-al-Arab, it is the current symbol of Dubai's extravagance. You'll have to pay a fee to get in but is redeemable against food or any purchase you make. We would recommend going for afternoon tea at sahn eddar, early evening, but if you have the money and you like seafood, try out Al Manara. Make sure you dress up - the hotel has a strict dress code - this is 7 star after all.
9. Madinat Souk
The Souk at Madinat Jumeirah gives you a real feel of Arabia, and although pricey, is worth meandering through over an afternoon. After shopping, it is possible to have dinner, perhaps at PaiThai, which you must take a boat through the waterways to reach, followed by dancing off your calories at the Trilogy nightclub.
10. Wild Wild Wadi
Always a hit with the kids, wild wadi is a great water park next to Jumeirah Beach Hotel. The park has the tallest and fastest free fall outside North America, the Jumeirah Sceirah, where you supposedly reach 80kph! For those less
speed inclined, there is Juha's Journey where you can idle your way around a river. And of course, there are many in between rides and amusements.
Obviously not on the list, because it would seem too obvious to include it, but trying
shisha at one of the shisha cafes is something you should try at least once.
The grape flavour is particularly good, we have heard.
Back to top
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How to buy Gold
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Dubai and Abu Dhabi Nightlife
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Dubai and Abu Dhabi Restaurants
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Money in Dubai
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Dubai Entertainment
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