Dubai is one of the emirates that form the United Arab Emirates state and the most modern one, developing at an amazing pace in the tourist and trade sectors especially.

The city boasts astonishing skyscrapers, such as the world’s existing tallest building, the Burj Dubai and modern hotels and resorts, such as the Palm Islands.

Although Dubai has been transformed into an artificial hi-tech city, it still has a very present Islamic culture. It is an appealing city that offers both extremes: a traditional past blended with a modern present.

REASONS TO GO

The astonishing Dubai skyline.

An eccentric land of superlatives like the highest and most luxurious hotel in the world, the highest building and the Palm Islands.

The shopping paradise: Dubai is one of the best cities in the world for shopping.

ORIENTATION

Dubai combines two cities, Dubai and Deira, divided by the Creek. They are both a delight for sightseeing with their unique characters, such as mosques, souqs, shopping malls, hotels and restaurants. You will be astonished with the diverse architecture and cultures this city has, ranging from traditional Arab houses to splendid modern towers of steel and glass.

BEST TIME TO GO

Dubai has a hot arid climate. Summers are extremely hot and winters are warm and short. A good time to visit is between November and May when temperatures round the 30ºC.

HOW TO GET THERE

Dubai International Airport is the largest hub in the Middle East with many connections to the most important cities in the world.

Shuttle buses between the three terminals run every 20-30 minutes. However shuttles to Terminal 2 are periodic at best, meaning a 30 minute taxi ride may be your only option.

The metro red line serves the Terminal 3.

You can take a taxi from the airport, readily available just outside arrivals which use the meter and start at Dhs 20.

There are also buses just steps from the baggage claim, the most useful for visitors being lines 401 and 402 (Dhs 3), which go to the Al Sabkha and Al Ghubaiba bus terminals respectively.

TRAVELLING AROUND

By Metro

The metro system is under construction, with the Red Line already working and serving Airport Terminal 3, the city centre and the Mall of the Emirates. Train run every 10 minutes from 6 AM to 11 PM every day except Friday, when services are limited to 2 PM-midnight.

By bus

Public buses are clean and cheap, but not very complete and (on some routes) quite occasional. The bus system is most useful for getting between different areas of central Dubai, or between the various suburbs, rather than general transport.

The main bus stations are Gold Souq Market (in Deira) and Al Ghubaiba bus station (in Bur Dubai).

Taxis are the most common way of getting around. Metered cabs from Dubai Transport Corporation, recognised by their cream colour, are efficient and have courteous drivers.

Rent-a-car

It is also possible to rent a car and move by your own around the city.

By boat

An easy and interesting way of crossing the Dubai Creek is by abra, a small ferry. Abra stations are located along the Creek on both the Bur Dubai and Deira sides.

Tips:

In Ramadan, never eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours.

Do not take photographs of military installations or national women.

Never drink alcohol in public.

INFO

www.dubaitourism.ae