Dubai
Dubai
From a humble village to a cosmopolitan city Dubai has transformed from a humble fishing village to one of the most cosmopolitan and innovative cities in the world today. Tracing its origins back to 3,000 BC, Dubai's inhabitants made their livelihood from fishing, pearl diving, boat building and sea trading, before the discovery of oil in the late 1960s. In 1971, Dubai joined its neighbours to form the United Arab Emirates, safeguarding the area's prosperity.Hitta resa
Head off-road with Dune Buggy Dubai to discover the thrills of the desert. You can find activities to suit whatever level of adventure you crave. The Morning Dune Buggy Safari features an early bird hour-long ride in your own open buggy. If you're looking for more, try the Evening Desert Safari. Here, you'll go dune bashing in a brand new Land Rover. After the drive, you'll sit down for live entertainment consisting of a traditional dance show. Food, beverages and henna painting enhance the experience with sand boarding and camel riding available to keep the excitement going until late at night.
Soar like a bird over one of the most spectacular drop zones in the world with Skydive Dubai. Step out of a plane at an altitude of almost 4,000m and enjoy the rush. To make sure you remember the experience forever, a cameraman documents the fun. The freefall lasts around a minute before your instructor pops the chute and you begin a leisurely five-minute descent with incredible views of Palm Jumeirah and other iconic landmarks. For an alternative view, try the desert drop zone.
Thrill-seekers can get their kicks at sea in Ghantoot (15 minutes out of town), where Dubai’s latest toys are getting hearts racing. Flyboarding, also known as water jet-packing, sees adventure lovers fitted into a small board and strapped to a specially-made backpack that sucks up seawater, before spitting it back out, propelling the rider into the air. If you have never tried it before, no worries. Even beginners will be able to manoeuvre themselves around the marina – just be prepared to make a splash crash-landing the first few attempts.
Have fun on the water and at the same time take in some of Dubai’s famous landmarks with a jet-ski session. Nemo Watersports and Dubai Jetski offer tours that takes in the Burj Al Arab hotel and other sights from the water. Each tour is accompanied by a qualified instructor and you can go as fast or slow as you like, for anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. The 30-minute tour features Burj Al Arab while an hour-long session takes you onwards to Jumeirah Beach Residences. The deluxe two-hour version includes this, while also circumnavigating the famous Palm Jumeirah and stopping off at Atlantis, The Palm.
Direct your taxi driver to Dubai's most famous sand dune, Big Red, where you can hop on a quad bike and navigate the sandy landscape yourself. Available to hire by the half hour, the quad bikes are speedy and a helmet must be worn while riding. Follow the natural trail of the dunes, kicking sand in the face of your fellow riders as you hurtle and bounce over Dubai’s most iconic patch of sand. Big Red, or Al Hamar as it's locally known, is easy to spot along the Dubai-Hatta (E44) highway. Ask your driver to wait, or hire one for the day.
This is one for true adrenaline-seekers. Strap this snowboard-like contraption to your feet and glide down the dunes just like you would at the slopes of Ski Dubai. While it's possible to rent a sand board at Big Red, there are a number of companies – such as Dream Explorer Dubai – that offer the full experience. The five-hour morning safari and sandboarding package starts off with a desert safari in a Hummer and ends with a sandboarding session, where you'll learn all the tips for making it down the dunes smoothly.
Take in the rugged landscape of Hatta, nestled in the rocky Hajar Mountains. Explore the centuries-old attractions or simply take in views of the striking scenes from your own camping tent. For a more exclusive experience, try glamping in the serene sands of the Arabian desert. Leading operators including Platinum Heritage and Arabian Adventures offer their own unique take on glamping in Dubai, complete with astronomy sessions, private majlis areas and after-dark wildlife spotting.
Featuring the largest and most diverse number of wildlife species in the UAE, Al Warqa’s Dubai Safari is home to 2,500 animals. Adventurers can encounter monkeys, lions, giraffes, crocodiles and a whole lot more as they explore the park's four themed sections: the Arabian, Asian, African and Safari Village. While its solar-powered driving vehicles and world’s first drive-through crocodile exhibit are impressive feats, the park has big plans in store as it aims to provide a safe haven for 5,000 animals by 2020.
Head off-road with Dune Buggy Dubai to discover the thrills of the desert. You can find activities to suit whatever level of adventure you crave. The Morning Dune Buggy Safari features an early bird hour-long ride in your own open buggy. If you're looking for more, try the Evening Desert Safari. Here, you'll go dune bashing in a brand new Land Rover. After the drive, you'll sit down for live entertainment consisting of a traditional dance show. Food, beverages and henna painting enhance the experience with sand boarding and camel riding available to keep the excitement going until late at night.
Soar like a bird over one of the most spectacular drop zones in the world with Skydive Dubai. Step out of a plane at an altitude of almost 4,000m and enjoy the rush. To make sure you remember the experience forever, a cameraman documents the fun. The freefall lasts around a minute before your instructor pops the chute and you begin a leisurely five-minute descent with incredible views of Palm Jumeirah and other iconic landmarks. For an alternative view, try the desert drop zone.
Held annually, Dubai Food Festival celebrates the city's distinct food scene, celebrity chefs and world-class dining experiences. The festival features a fantastic line-up of events from late February to early March. The exciting schedule typically includes Dubai Restaurant Week, where foodies can taste must-try restaurants for less; an array of beachside food stalls at Beach Canteen; Taste of Dubai, where food, culture and music mix for an epic weekend event; and much more.
While modern flavours and techniques influence Emirati food, the cuisine still retains much of its traditional character. A medley of aromatic spices such as cinnamon, saffron, turmeric and nutmeg take centre stage alongside dried fruits such as almonds and pistachios and fresh herbs like coriander, mint and thyme. Try traditional omelette, mandi and karak tea at restaurants like Al Fanar, JBR's Seven Sands and Al Hadheerah, tucked away among the dunes of Bab Al Shams Desert Resort.
Join in on one of Dubai's favourite pastimes – the famous Friday brunch. There's a brunch to suit any mood, whether you're seeking a romantic vibe, a fun meal among friends or simply fantastic cuisine, Dubai has you covered. Tried-and-true options include Saffron, Bubbalicious and Zuma. If you're looking for something more offbeat, try an evening brunch at Vida's Urban Picnic.
Whether it’s coffee you're after or a bakery bite there’s no shortage of cafés in Dubai. Park House and Surf Café offer laidback vibes near the beach, while Tom & Serg in Dubai's art district is one of a kind. For a caffeine fix in Dubai's finance district, visit The Sum of Us or try the lavender honey latte at The Brass while shopping in City Walk. If you're passing by Galleria Mall, satisfy your sweet tooth at Home Bakery.
With celebrity chefs, rooftop terraces, spectacular cuisine – foodies can taste delicious concepts in Dubai's amazing fine-dining establishments. Try the rotating menu at Enigma, Peruvian cuisine at Coya, French bistro favourites at Couqley or La Serre, Italian classics at Cipriani or superb seafood at Pierchic. If you're looking for fine-dining with Arabian flare, options offering both gourmet cuisine and a world-class atmosphere include Al Nafoorah, Amaseena and Ewaan.
Some of the world's most esteemed chefs and celebrity cooks come from all over the world to set up restaurants in Dubai, adding to the city's ever-increasing portfolio of high-end dining. Sink your teeth into Italy's finest fare at Social by Heinz Beck, or French cuisine at world-famous La Petite Maison or Jean-Georges. For low-key but highly-acclaimed cuisine, try Din Tai Fung or Pots, Pans & Boards.
It can be a challenge to get your kids to eat what’s on their plates. Fortunately, Dubai is filled with restaurants serving kid-friendly meals, with menus featuring international specialties and entertainment that is sure to please the whole family. Even the fussiest of eaters will find something at Dubai's kid-friendly restaurants. Try a weekend brunch at Beachcombers or a yummy breakfast with your child's favourite characters at Mattel Play Town at City Walk.
Imagine this: the sound of crashing waves, the scent of the beach and a delectable feast on your table. We have the best selection of beachside dining, from fresh seafood at Fish Beach Taverna, international cuisine at Jetty Lounge, to a quick, quirky bite at Al Ijaza Cafeteria. For a bonafide good time with live music or a DJ, visit the favourite local party spot, Barasti. Alternatively, for a fine-dining experience on the water, try Jumeirah Beach Hotel's Villa Beach.
Held annually, Dubai Food Festival celebrates the city's distinct food scene, celebrity chefs and world-class dining experiences. The festival features a fantastic line-up of events from late February to early March. The exciting schedule typically includes Dubai Restaurant Week, where foodies can taste must-try restaurants for less; an array of beachside food stalls at Beach Canteen; Taste of Dubai, where food, culture and music mix for an epic weekend event; and much more.
While modern flavours and techniques influence Emirati food, the cuisine still retains much of its traditional character. A medley of aromatic spices such as cinnamon, saffron, turmeric and nutmeg take centre stage alongside dried fruits such as almonds and pistachios and fresh herbs like coriander, mint and thyme. Try traditional omelette, mandi and karak tea at restaurants like Al Fanar, JBR's Seven Sands and Al Hadheerah, tucked away among the dunes of Bab Al Shams Desert Resort.
From chic outdoor shopping precincts to super-sized city malls, there’s no better place to indulge in retail therapy than Dubai. And it’s not just the shopping that attracts; there’s also ice rinks, ski slopes, fabulous cinemas, spas and restaurant districts to keep you entertained. Take in the attractions of The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, City Walk and the beach opposite JBR as a starting point.
Lavish gold jewellery, hand-woven fabrics, oud fragrances and bargain knickknacks – you'll find it all in our bustling souks, or Arabian markets. While the emirate lives up to its reputation as a thriving modern city, the souks have been a crucial part of daily life and trade for centuries. For an immersive cultural experience, visit the gold, spice, perfume and textile souks in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and for a modern take, visit Souk Madinat Jumeirah or Souk Al Bahar.
If you're looking for stylish boutiques, al fresco dining or simply a leisurely promenade along the waterfront, head to The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR). Along this buzzing boulevard, there's plenty of opportunity to satisfy your retail cravings with an array of fashion, home and handicraft shops and boutiques. For more laidback fun, head to La Mer in Jumeirah 1. This vibrant precinct reflects a seafresh theme, with plenty of bustling beachside attractions including a free-jumping inflatable playground for little ones and fun-fuelled watersports at Sea Breeze.
There’s no place like Dubai for shopping. From The Dubai Mall's Level Shoes store to the glorious Fashion Dome at the Mall of the Emirates, Dubai offers a glamorous and indulgent retail experience. Excellent locations are matched with superb in-store service, immersive brand activations and beautiful store designs to create an unforgettable experience. For a more exclusive touch, the city's best malls also offer personal shopping and styling services, chauffeurs so you can save your energy for shopping, and even at-home delivery of all your purchases. Ready, set, shop.
Go off the beaten track to one of Dubai’s emerging boutique shopping districts like Dubai Design District (d3), which showcases an array of quirky and contemporary products, or Al Quoz, which features cutting edge galleries and contemporary Arabian interiors. There’s also excellent boutique shopping at City Walk, BoxPark, JBR, Al Quoz and the backstreets of Jumeirah. Check out S*uce, Urbanist, Comptoir 102 and West LA and check the local papers for markets of local designers.
From organic produce and local design markets like Zabeel Park's Ripe Market to seasonal events like the Ramadan Night Markets, Market OTB and Beach Canteen, Dubai loves a good market. Don't miss the chance to take home treasures from Dubai's oldest markets like the gold, spice, perfume and textile souks or a sample of modern Arabia from a seasonal pop-up.
Whether it’s about having fun with your family and friends or getting your hands on the hottest fashion trends, Dubai caters to every shopper. The city's immersive shopping experiences offer chic and affordable items, while giving shoppers the chance to celebrate their newly aquired buys with plenty of rewards, Check out the annual Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) and Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) for exciting activities, fantastic events and great offers.
Take a walk in edgier precincts including Dubai Design District (d3) and Alserkal Avenue for a look at Dubai's homegrown favourites. The city boasts its own boutique chocolatiers, Mirzam, that crafts indulgent sweet treats from their factory at Alserkal. Meanwhile The Lighthouse at d3 has a curated selection of travel accessories and lifestyle products. There are also plenty of homegrown fashion labels including All Things Mochi, L’Afshar, Taller Marmo and Bil Arabi to choose from.
From chic outdoor shopping precincts to super-sized city malls, there’s no better place to indulge in retail therapy than Dubai. And it’s not just the shopping that attracts; there’s also ice rinks, ski slopes, fabulous cinemas, spas and restaurant districts to keep you entertained. Take in the attractions of The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, City Walk and the beach opposite JBR as a starting point.
Lavish gold jewellery, hand-woven fabrics, oud fragrances and bargain knickknacks – you'll find it all in our bustling souks, or Arabian markets. While the emirate lives up to its reputation as a thriving modern city, the souks have been a crucial part of daily life and trade for centuries. For an immersive cultural experience, visit the gold, spice, perfume and textile souks in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and for a modern take, visit Souk Madinat Jumeirah or Souk Al Bahar.
Dubai International Airport
The Dubai International Airport is located 4 km (2.5 miles) southeast of Dubai. Transportation from the airport is possible by taxi and bus. Transfer between the terminals takes about 10 minutes using the airport shuttle service. The Terminal 1 departures concourse (Sheikh Rashid Terminal) is linked to Terminal 1 via a tunnel with travelators. Terminal 2 is used exclusively for business and charter flights. Taxi service is provided by the government-run Dubai Transport airport taxi, where each cab is meter-run. Bus service: Bus stations are located opposite both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Buses run frequently and serve the most popular places in Dubai (www,dubai-buses.com/index.aspx).Tickets must be bought prior to the journey. You can also take the metro to and from the airport. The metro runs at ten-minute intervals and stops at various stations located across the city.
Buses
The bus service in Dubai is an easy, quick and inexpensive way to get around in the city, operated by the Dubai Municipality Transport Section. Fares are low, and a pre-purchased Nol Card is the most convenient payment option. There are special 24-hour passes available for visitors; these work on all forms of transport and allow visitors to easily reach most tourist sites.
Metro
There are two metro lines in Dubai, red line and green line. The Red Line runs every 3-4 minutes during peak time and 7 minutes during off-peak hours. Every metro station will have bus connections and taxi pickup. To travel with Metro you need to buy a Nol card or Nol ticket. You can buy your Nol ticket on the ticket vending machine, ticket office or RTA authorised sales agent. Each time you travel, tap your card at the card reader on the fare gates.
Taxi
The most convenient way of getting around. Beware of uninsured illegal taxis. The four government franchised official operators have strictly controlled fares. Cabs can be hailed at the roadside, or summoned via telephone or one of the electronic booking machines found around town. For those with data services, Uber and Careem are handy and easily available. Driver knowledge is sometimes lacking, so use a major landmark as a homing device when saying where you want to go.
Dubai International Airport
The Dubai International Airport is located 4 km (2.5 miles) southeast of Dubai. Transportation from the airport is possible by taxi and bus. Transfer between the terminals takes about 10 minutes using the airport shuttle service. The Terminal 1 departures concourse (Sheikh Rashid Terminal) is linked to Terminal 1 via a tunnel with travelators. Terminal 2 is used exclusively for business and charter flights. Taxi service is provided by the government-run Dubai Transport airport taxi, where each cab is meter-run. Bus service: Bus stations are located opposite both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Buses run frequently and serve the most popular places in Dubai (www,dubai-buses.com/index.aspx).Tickets must be bought prior to the journey. You can also take the metro to and from the airport. The metro runs at ten-minute intervals and stops at various stations located across the city.
Buses
The bus service in Dubai is an easy, quick and inexpensive way to get around in the city, operated by the Dubai Municipality Transport Section. Fares are low, and a pre-purchased Nol Card is the most convenient payment option. There are special 24-hour passes available for visitors; these work on all forms of transport and allow visitors to easily reach most tourist sites.
