DESTINATION INFORMATION
'The Pearl of the Arabian Gulf'
Dubai grew up as a seafaring settlement along either side of the Creek, Dubai's main waterway, making a natural harbour for dhow traders, pearl divers and fishermen. The Creek divides the city into two parts ~ Deira on the northern bank and Bur Dubai to the south, which are connected by a tunnel and two bridges. They can also be reached by abra (water taxi). Bur Dubai has substantial areas of old buildings, atmospheric alleyways and souks (markets), including the world-famous Gold Souk and colourful Spice Souk.
Dubai's evolution has been dramatic, with sweeping skyscrapers and gleaming office blocks rising up on the banks of the Creek. Development has been well managed, with a structure and order to the city that demonstrates that the oil wealth has been well handled and channelled.
Dubai's rulers have a penchant for grand projects - a new extension to the port facilities; the world's tallest purpose-built hotel and now the Palm Islands, a massive project that will bring 120km (75 miles) of new beachfront, through the creation of the world's two largest manmade islands, as well as hotels, villas, shopping malls, cinemas and Dubai's first marine park. The Sheik bought 8 million palm trees and had them replanted here. Dubai seems to know no end to its ambition or have any inhibitions, with new plans constantly on the drawing board.
During summer, however, the heat is extreme, making trips away from air-conditioned vehicles and buildings unbearable as it has an average of five days of rainfall a year!
One thing you must do is dune driving when you go in a 4x4 driving over the dunes. I've been lucky as I've been allowed to drive over several. My God - what an adrenalin rush! Edwin Doran
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WHAT TO DO
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Wild Wadi Water Park ~ Covering an area of 12 acres and comprises 24 adrenaline-pumping state-of-the-art rides and slides, Wild Wadi is located along the Jumeirah Beach Road, next to the Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Designed like an Arabian wadi (oasis) with characteristics from Arabian folklore and has rides and attractions, many of which interconnect. Once you enter the Wild Wadi water theme park there are 90 lifeguards on duty, keeping you safe while you are having fun.
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Shopping ~ The Deira side of the creek is cosmopolitan and lively, with first-class shopping facilities, ranging from Western-style shops to the ancient souks where spices, perfume, clothing, antiques, handicrafts and jewels are available. The Gold Souk is wonderful, even for window-shopping!
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Activities ~ Countless activities available, from desert safaris by 4-wheel drive, sand-skiing, dune-biking and camel riding, to golf and watersports.
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Mosques ~ The city has many fine mosques, one of the largest and most beautiful, the Jumeirah Mosque, is a spectacular example of modern Islamic architecture. Situated on the Bur Dubai side of the Creek near the Ruler's Court, Grand Mosque was re-built in 1998 and now has, at 70 metres, the city's tallest minaret, with 45 small domes in addition to nine large ones boasting stained glass panels, making it a distinguished landmark and important place of worship.
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Al Fahidi Fort ~ Housing 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, and was renovated in 1970 for use as a museum, with further additions in the late 90's.
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Wonderland ~ this 18-hectare family fun park features a wide range of water attractions. Capable of accommodating up to 8,000 visitors at a time, WonderLand's water rides include speed slides, surf hills, twister, wave runners and a Caribbean cruise, plus a water mist show and water cinema, with videos projected on a thin film of water.
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Encounter Zone ~ Situated in the Wadi shopping mall, this is an entertainment centre with a difference, with areas for both children and adults. The popular Crystal Maze is featured along with a horror chamber and fascinating 3-D films. The rollercoaster simulator feels like the real thing and children can enjoy a host of rides including the Komet which shoots around the top of the building.
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Ski Resort in the Mall of Emirates ~ Third largest indoor ski resort in the world - the resort has 6,000 tons of snow (the snow layer is 50 centimeters thick and consists of real snow; 30 tons of snow is created each night by controlling the indoor temperature). You can learn to ski, have fun at the snowboard stunt park, enjoy the thrill of the 400m ski run, toboggan or simply throw snowballs at your friends! All equipment and clothes available for hire and very reasonably priced.
Testimonial: "The desert safari is worth doing, the boys loved the shopping (fake t-shirts) and the ski slope at the Mall of Emirates was excellent value and great fun." Tour Manager
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