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DUBAI
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Dubai
Understand
A relatively new tourist destination, Dubai has gained in popularity in the recent years. It is essentially a desert city with superb infrastructure, liberal policies and excellent tourist amenities. Just 5 hrs from Europe and 3 hrs from most parts of Asia, Dubai makes a great short break for shopping, partying, sunbathing, fine dining, sporting events, and even a few sinful pleasures. It is a city of superlatives: for the fastest, biggest, tallest, largest and highest, Dubai is the destination.
The weekly day off is on Friday. Government departments are off on Friday and Saturday while a lot of multi-nationals are off on Friday and Saturday. Most local companies work a half day on Thursday. Note that, Since September 2006, a harmonised weekend of Friday and Saturday adopted for the public sector and schools. It is not yet certain how
Climate
The city of Dubai is situated on a coastal strip bordered by desert and gets very hot and humid in the summer. Cooler, more pleasant weather lasts from the end of September to begining of May. In May, June, July, August and September the sun is intense and temperatures can touch 50 degree Celsius in the city and even higher in the desert!
The heat coupled with humidity of 80-90% near the coast effectively precludes most activity outdoors for the daylight hours during summer.
January and February generally produce the highest precipitation.
Eat
Consult the weekly listings magazine, Time Out Dubai, for restaurant reviews and offers. It is available on line at www.timeoutdubai.com.
Most of the American fast food chains have set up shop in Dubai, including KFC, Chillis, Starbucks, McDonalds. The beauty of the food in Dubai is that you will probably find cuisine for every taste.
Snacks
Shwarma is the most available (and cheap!) food in Dubai. It is meat that has been cooked on a skewer and then cut into thin strips and placed into a pita bread with vegetables and dressing. It costs about AED 3 (80c) for the plain-jane variety and up to AED 5 ($1.30) for the more exotic Lebanese and Iranian varities. Fala-Fil (Felafel, falafel) is also available at about the same costs as the shawarma.
Budget
Ravi Restaurant by Satwa roundabout sells excellent Pakistani food that is incredibly cheap. A tableful of food here costs in the region of AED 20-25 per person. This is a must see for anyone with a spicy tooth.
The Karachi Darbar chain of restaurants scattered throughout the city is worth visiting.
The Jabal Al Noor chain of restaurants. A Middle Eastern take on fastfood and its own unique variety of drinks with names such as "Lexus"," Burj al Arab", and "Sitara". AED 3-5 per item.
Mid-range
Wafi Gourmet, Wafi Mall, Oud Metha, Dubai, tel: +971 4 324 4433 - excellent Lebanese cuisine and ambience. In the cooler months the outdoor verandah is a pleasure. (about AED 100). No alcohol served.
Lebanese Restaurant in Deira City Centre. No alcohol served.
The Noodle House, Emirates Towers Shopping Boulevard, Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah, tel: +971 4 366 8888 -...
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Hotels in Dubai
 | St.George Hotel  |
Score 6.3 from 45 reviews | | Alras |  |
| Stylish yet homely, St.George Hotel was designed and built with your comfort and needs in mind. The hotel has 142 well appointed rooms which are considered to be the most spacious in Dubai, each room offering panoramic views of the creek.
142 rooms are divided into 36 Executive Suites, 34 Junior Suites and 72 Standard Rooms. Beside the listed amenities all rooms offer individually controllable air condition and international direct dial telephones.
... more | | |
 | Sharjah International Airport Hotel  |
Score 0 from 0 reviews | | Next to Royal Hospital | |
| The hotel is conveniently located opposite the Sharjah International Airport, at the cross-road of modern network of roads, there is easy access from the hotel to Sharjah, the shopping Malls of Dubai as well as the east cost cities of Fujairah and Khorfakkan. The hotel is close to a large, beautiful public park, the Sharjah Horse Race Course and only 5 minutes drive from the wonderful Sharjah Natural History Museum and Desert Park. ... more | | |
 | Hilton Dubai Creek  |
Score 8.55 from 9 reviews | | Banyas Street | |
| Designed by renowned architect Carlos Ott, famous for the Opera De La Bastille in Paris, Hilton Dubai Creek is a classic example of stylish minimalism. Sculptured in steel and glass, it is a truly unique, boutique hotel with a distinctive personality and spectacular views over the bustling Creek.
The stunning rooftop pool on the 15th floor showcases Dubai’s ever changing skyline with views of the iconic Burj Dubai tower is a must-see. The health club, which offers a tempting range of massages and body treatments and fully equipped gym make it possible for guests to spend time pampering themselves. Those who wish to work and relax at the same time can take advantage of a wireless environment that extends throughout all public areas. ... more | | |
 | Karama Hotel |
Score 6.075 from 7 reviews | | Karama | |
| Hotel Karama houses excellent banqueting facilities, offering customized options for all types of events and seating for 350 guests. ... more | | |
 | Hotel Versailles |
Score 6.975 from 49 reviews | | Al Rigga Street, Behind Dana Centre | |
| All the rooms and suites were fully refurbished in February 2007 and they offer a host of modern amenities. The Versailles Club Floor boasts additional amenities. ... more | | |
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| | | More hotels in Dubai |
The Dubai Zoo
The Dubai Zoo, though small, in home to many indigenous Arabian species
including the Arabian Wolf which is no longer found in the
wild. Located in Jumeirah, it houses Gordon's Wildcat, nine species of
large cats, seven species of primates, and the world's only captive
breeding colony of Socotra Cormorants (beautiful marine diving birds
native to the gulf). Along with all of these fascinating animals, there
is a large aviary featuring regional birds or prey, and many Arabian
mammals. A wonderful place for animal lovers and families alike!
| type: | Parks, Gardens and Zoos |
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.
| type: | Palaces |
| address: | epelenberg 139 C |
| Dubai Private Departure Airport Transfer |
10 - 45 minutes |
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Travel from your Dubai city, Jumairah, Sharjah or Jebel Ali Hotel to Dubai International Airport. Transfer services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
When making a booking, you will need to advise your flight details and your Dubai city, Jumairah, Sharjah or Jebel Ali Hotel details. Your transfer will be confirmed within 24 hours of booking and you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver.
It's that easy!
Don't forget to book your Dubai Private Arrival Airport Transfer, simply type the product code 2168DXBAPTHTL into the Keyword Box.
At time of booking, YOU MUST include the following flight and hotel details in the "Special Requirements" box:
- Airline
- Flight Number
- Departing City / Arrival City
- Departure Time
- Hotel Name
- Hotel Address
Click here for more information and Booking Details
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| Private Dubai City Sightseeing Tour - The Golden City |
4.5 hours |
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Sample the historic sites and vibrant cosmopolitan life of Dubai on this comprehensive tour.
The tour starts with a photo-stop at the famous landmark of Dubai, Burj Al Arab. The unique billowing sail design of this world renowned luxury hotel makes it a must-see for all visitors.
Proceed to Jumairah, the picturesque palace and residential area of Dubai, also home to the famous Jumairah Mosque. Passing by the Sheikh Saeed House (former residence of the ruling family), the tour continues to Al Bastakiya, the old part of Dubai, to reach the museum located in Al Fahidi Fort.
All aboard the Abra (water taxi) to cross the Creek to the spice souk. Before savoring the sights and sounds of the fruit and vegetable market, there is time to shop in the most famous landmark of Dubai - the gold souk.
Click here for more information and Booking Details
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