Places of Interest

Take in some of the many cultural sites of the city with a visit to the Bastakia district, the Dubai Museum, Jumeirah Mosque and the archaeological sites at Al Ghusais and Al Sufooh. The Bastakia district is one of the city’s most picturesque sites and is now a conservation site. Its narrow alleys are home to restored buildings, galleries and courtyard cafes and is an insight into the old Dubai.

The Gold Souk is located in the commercial business district of Deira. The souk has over 300 retailers situated on the strip selling a large variety of gold in varying styles and colours. Gold is a serious business in Dubai and there is nowhere better to see the dazzling pieces on offer.

Dubai is split into two by the Creek, with Deira to the north and Bur Dubai to the south. Take in the sites with a boat trip down the Creek or take a trip to the Dubai Creek Park where a cable car ride offers spectacular views of the Creek and the City.

Activities

A hot air balloon or helicopter ride is the best way to appreciate the detail of the man-made Palm Islands. As the name suggests each island is in the shape of a palm tree and is home to luxury hotels, villas, theme parks, shopping malls, restaurants and health spas.

A desert jeep safari will see you riding down the sand dunes in a 4x4 jeep. Or travel out into the desert on a camel ride. Stop at the Al Shamsi Bedouin village where you will have a delicious BBQ meal with grilled specialities and drink traditional Arabic coffee.

The Wild Wadi Water Park is one of the most advanced water theme parks ever designed and is a fantastic family attraction. The water park is situated between the Burj Al Arab and the Jumeirah Beach hotel and has an Arabian folklore theme. Try Jumeirah Sceirah, which drops you 108ft at 50 miles per hour or relax in the lazy river, the Wild Wadi has it all.

If it’s sporting activities you’re after then Dubai offers something for everyone. Try the indoor ski slope and snow dome with real snow, watersports at the beach, watch the horse racing or play a round of golf.

For further ideas to make your trip unique call our friendly knowledgable travel experts who are happy to tailor the perfect trip to suit you.

Local Customs

Although Dubai is a fast-paced modern city it is predominantly Muslim and it does preserve some of its traditional customs which you should be aware of. Public displays of affection are frowned upon and don’t wear overly revealing clothes. Don’t drink alcohol in public places and don’t swear or make obscene gestures as this may land you in trouble. If you enter a mosque you must remove your shoes and women should cover their hair. Showing the soles of your feet is considered rude so don’t put your feet up on chairs or tables in public. Handshakes are a common greeting but note that the left hand is considered unclean, so use only your right for greeting and giving or receiving anything.

Most restaurants, hotels and bars apply a service charge to the bill. If no charge is included at a restaurant then 10% of the total bill is the suggested amount.

Food & Drink

Dubai offers some spectacular places to eat with most restaurants being hotel based and open to the general public. Try Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant at the Dubai Hilton Creek or the ‘underwater’ restaurant at the 7-star Burj Al Arab. For Mexican food don’t miss Maya at Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa or try EauZone at the One & Only Royal Mirage for Asian cuisine. There are also several beach-front restaurants and food courts serving a variety of international cuisine including Indian, Italian and Lebanese which is great for eating out on a budget.

Nightlife

Dubai’s has many bars and nightclubs, as well as several hotel-bars located in the larger hotels. You must be over 21 to drink in a bar and nightclubs are over-25’s only. Some of the best bars to check out are the Buddha Bar at Grosvenor House Hotel, the Kasbar at One & Only Royal Mirage which plays live music, the cocktail bar on the 51st floor of the Emirates Towers with stunning views of the city, the Hard Rock Café and the Irish Village Pub.

Shopping

Dubai’s tax-free status means that this is a shopper’s paradise! The Mall of the Emirates is the most well known mall in Dubai and offers everything from designer stores like Gucci and Prada to small, independently run boutiques. For a more traditional shopping experience try the local market stalls where you’ll find jewellery, textiles, spices and souvenirs. Alternatively explore the backstreets where you will find shops selling traditional clothing, fabrics, china and candles.

The Dubai Shopping Festival is an annual event which takes place over a period of 4 weeks, usually in January or February. The Shopping Festival offers fantastic discounts on a wide range of goods across the city’s many malls. The Global Village at Dubailand also sees stalls from over 60 countries selling goods from all over the world.

Currency

The currency is the United Arab Emirates Dirham. Major credit cards and traveller’s cheques are widely accepted.

Language

The official language in Dubai is Arabic. English, Hindi and Urdu are also widely spoken.

Flight time

Approximately 7 hours.

Time difference

GMT +4 hours

Transfer Times

Between 15 and 45 minutes dependant on hotel location.

Health & Visa Information

For current vaccination information and general travel advice from NHS Direct please click here.

For more information regarding your Visa please click here.