Dubai: A Middle Eastern Gem

We have all thought about it at one point or another- where our next, or for many, our first real travel destination will be. London, Paris, Mexico, Hawaii, Miami… the choices are endless- but choosing the perfect vacation doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A Middle Eastern city with the luxuries of western culture, the city of Dubai is a treasure for eager and willing travelers. Located in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is one of the main cities and biggest tourist attractions located on the Persian Gulf, east of Saudi Arabia. From shopping, sightseeing, a night out on the town at the many clubs and bars, or even laying on the picturesque beaches surrounded by the warm tranquil waters of the Gulf, Dubai has much to offer. The rich cultural background of not only the Arabic people but the large English, Hindi, German, Malayalam, Persian populations would undoubtedly prove to be an eye-opening experience. It’s not a mystery, then, why celebrities flock to this paradise in the masses. Man-made islands and private areas of land only accessible by boat and helicopters are what lure in the rich and famous. However, not only for the wealthy, this international hot spot can be a travel destination for anyone. Surrounded by desert sand, Hajjar Mountains and Gulf waters, you’re not likely to succumb to boredom. With flight and hotel packages starting from $1500, the experience in this fast growing, and this posh city would surely be unforgettable. Why Dubai? Why not? This could be the beginning of your traveling adventures, discover the world one great city at a time.

Tourist Attractions:

Transportation: Dubai offers various travel busses and transportation methods to tour the city. Double-decker busses derived from England serve as a convenient way to take in the beauty of the city. As well, there are cable cars, helicopter tours, hot-air balloon rides, and historical “Abra” or water taxi rides that voyage through the creeks of Dubai.

Hotels: With around 100 hotels to choose from, finding one to suit your budget and taste should be simple, with the cheapest of the 3 star hotels starting from $80 a night.

Attractions: The vast regions of desert in Dubai have inventively been utilized for the entertainment of tourists. Offering such activities as dune-driving, sand-skiing, desert safaris, and witnessing traditionally dressed people take part in the ancient sport of camel racing, are just some of the great ways to take in the milieu which is the Arabian Desert. Dubai City also offers an 18 hectare Wonderland, and a 12 acre “Wild Wadi” Water Park.

Sights: Filled with sky-scrapers and office buildings, Dubai has much to take in-in terms of architecture and historic monuments. Many mosques and traditional villages can be found situated around the city and commonly along the country side by the Hajjar Mountains. Also, for those looking for a more educational experience, there are various museums dedicated to the history and archaeology of the city. Visitors can also venture to Dubai International Arts Centre; it is the oldest and largest art gallery in all of Dubai and is home to many exhibitions and contemporary art events throughout the year.
Nightlife: Western themes with Eastern vibes. The Dubai nightlife is quickly rising in popularity and demand. Host to various up and coming DJ’s and harboring many venues for international acts, the club scene in Dubai is second to none. The city provides a variety in club choice from American, French, Indian, and even Irish themes. They can be found located in the countless number of hotels situated throughout the city.

Food: The most common food in Dubai is of the Arabic or Lebanese style. Consequently, when going to this city, visiting Al Qasr restaurant is a must! Traditional flavors will delight you as enchanting dancers move to Arabian music in the background. In addition, Dubai also accommodates many tastes by providing affordable restaurants covering Thai (Benjarong), Indian (Ashiana), Italian (La Vigne), Portuguese (Da Gama), and various other international cuisines.

Sports: If you find yourself missing the customs of home, Dubai offers a great array of familiar activities. There is the 40,000 sq. ft of air-conditioned indoor go-kart facility at Emirates Kart Centre, European PGA tour golf courses on the Arabian Ranches Golf Club, or various water sports along Jumeirah Beach. In addition, visitors can challenge their fishing skills in the highly habituated waters of the Gulf, or go horse-back riding through the desert. In any case, everyone can find something enjoyable to take part in. Great measures have been taken in providing the utmost experience for all visitors.

Beaches: Feel like a celebrity: take the simple pleasure of relaxing on one of the many beaches Dubai has to offer. With white sand beaches and beautiful picture-perfect waters, a whole day can easily be spent soaking up the sun. These private or public access beaches can be found all along Jumeirah Road near the newly built Burj Al Arab Hotel.

Shopping: Dubai is world renown for its shopping centers and kiosks. With endless selection of electronics, clothes, furniture, jewelry, and authentic artwork, the trip would be worth it just for the cheap prices and unique merchandise. As well, gold is the biggest retail market in Dubai. The Covered Gold Souk in Deira, for example, serves as the most famous gold market among the many in the downtown area.

Facts: The official language of Dubai is Arabic; however there are many English speaking people who reside there. The city has current populations of 1,241,000 and growing. In 1971, no longer under the rule of Britain, Dubai along with the other Emirates joined together to form the United Arab Emirates. One uniform currency was adopted- United Arab Emirate Dirham (AED), with one Canadian dollar accounting for approximately 3.3 Dirham. The always expanding city of Dubai has many projects in the works for the future; for example: Dubai Land - the biggest theme park in the world, Burj Al Arab Hotel- the highest sky-scraper in the world (800m), and a large ski-dome that is also projected to be the largest in the world.