Dubai, United Arab Emirates — Things to Do
Sightseeing in Dubai
Dubai is evolving at a remarkable pace and has left its modest history as a fishing port far behind. Yet in between the ultra-modern skyscrapers and endless construction sites, there are quite a few attractions of historical interest such as the Bastakiya district and the various souks.
Other attractions center on Dubai's defining geophysical features: the desert offers adventure touring, rock climbing and photography, while the coastline offers a plethora of water sports.
Dubai is not really suitable for exploring on foot. Attractions tend to be far apart and the year-round heat - reaching inferno proportions in summer - will turn your walk into an ordeal. Better options are to hire a taxi and driver for the day, join an organized tour, or rent a car and enjoy the inexpensive local gasoline while taking in the sights.
Shopping in Dubai
Shopping remains a big drawcard for Dubai as it continues to reinvent itself as a major tourist destination. Be warned though: Dubai is not the bargain center it used to be. Prices are now comparable to any other international city, and if you want specific items you are probably better off sourcing it through an online discounter in your home country. What Dubai does offer though is incredible range and convenience, turning shopping into a recreational and fun activity. Besides, the malls are premier attractions in themselves, often food, entertainment and spectables in addition to the hundreds of stores.
Dubai has zero sales tax and low import duties so certain items, such as electronic goods and gold jewelry, prices are still quite good. Dubai International Airport is quite frankly one of the most expensive venues to shop in Dubai, although it does have the advantage of selling alcohol in every guise, making this the only place to purchase liquor by the bottle.
The Dubai Shopping Festival in late January/early February is a long-standing major attraction offering major price reductions, special offers and product launches on a huge range of premium goods. Lucrative raffles take place to further add to the excitement. There is also a smaller, but increasingly popular Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) shopping festival over June and July which alone attracts some two million visitors.
The two main shopping facilities in Dubai are the Mall of the Emirates (the largest mall outside of North America) and the Dubai Mall. Both have numerous other attractions to complement their astounding range and number of shops.
It's worth noting that warranties on high-end electronic goods may not be valid in your home country. So factor this in when calculating the amount you are saving.
Apart from the air-conditioned malls and duty-free emporia of the airport, the best shopping is to be had at the souks - traditional Arab markets - around the city. Here you can find authentic Bedouin paraphernalia, Persian-style carpets and textiles. A particularly pleasant shopping area is the Bur Dubai side of the Creek where you can find textiles, raw silks and interesting souvenirs.
Dubai's most famous bazaar is the Gold Souk at Sikkat al-Khali Street. Innumerable shops and stalls sell gold jewelry in every possible form. Bargaining is expected and prices determined according to weight.
Shops tend to open from 8am to 1pm, reopening after the heat of the day at around 4.30pm until 8pm or even later. Malls will remain open from 10am until 10pm. Shops, malls and souks usually close on Friday mornings.
Dubai Nightlife
Known for its nightlife, Dubai's clubs and bars are found mostly in hotels because of the city's strict liquor laws. In 2008 the New York Times listed Dubai as its travel choice for partying. But in Dubai all nightclubs must close at 3am by law, the legal drinking age is 21 and you must be 25 to enter a nightclub. For this reason it is wise to carry some form of identification with you when checking out the local scene. Due to the strict liquor laws you will not find nightclubs and bars dotted along the streets, but rather inside this shopping paradise's 4- and 5-star hotels. It is not uncommon to see foreigners and expatriates hanging around at hotel bars until last rounds have been called. Within the hotels, Buddha Bar is a destination in itself. A gigantic area opens onto views of the Arabian Gulf, on two levels, with three different atmospheres, a restaurant, a bar and a lounge. Situated in the Grosvenor House Hotel complex at Dubai Marina, Buddha Bar is the place to see and be seen by the Dubai glitterati. However, there are areas outside of hotels that sell alcohol, such as the Irish Village next to the Aviation Club of Dubai. With a name like that, there's no guessing what type of debauchery goes on here at the main Irish style Pub. This is a favorite watering hole with tourists and non-Muslim residents. Arabic nightclubs are popular with locals and tourists alike, Kasbar Royal Mirage Hotel, being a firm favorite and one of the busiest by far. Built up on three levels and set to an Arabic soundtrack, played by some of the best DJs, the entire club is decorated with Arabic décor. A must when in Dubai! For an alcohol-free option, Dubai Creek Park is a popular place to spend an evening. The atmosphere at night is wonderful and very festive and the park is never crowded due its sheer size. It is worth noting that in Dubai homosexuality, drugs and the theory of revolution are considered taboo and visitors should remain respectful when in Dubai.
Attractions for Kids
With a reputation for being a millionaire's playground and known as the shopping capital of the world, Dubai may not seem like an ideal place to take the children on vacation. But after very little searching, parents will find that there is, in fact, plenty to keep their little tykes entertained. From water parks and theme parks to playgrounds and parks, Dubai will cater to just about any child. The beaches in Dubai are also fantastic, but watch out for what time of year you choose to travel - the temperatures can be searing and children will wilt in the heat. The choices are endless in Dubai, but it mostly depends on which park you choose for the day, as they all have something different to offer, from picnic tables and mini golf, to fishing, amusement rides and rollerbloading, there is something for everyone. It's unlikely that the weather will be too cold to go outdoors, but when it's scorching hot and over 113°F (45°C), parents will do well to stay indoors, where the air conditioning is cranked on full, and perhaps even attempt a spot of shopping. Most shopping. Most shopping malls in Dubai have children's play areas and nurseries and the world's largest shopping mall, the Dubai Mall has an indoor SEGA theme park and children's 'edu-tainment' center, KidZania.
