Where to see the old Dubai

 

Dubai advertisements that used to air before on our television networks always fascinated me and made me eager to visit this city, though it was not as well-known when I was a child as it is now. I used to be curious and want to experience it when I saw acquaintances and friends coming back from holidays in Dubai. After hearing from them wonderful stories about this place, I promised myself then that I would visit there one day. Finally in 2018, when I had the capability, I made a decision to travel to this destination, which has always been on my bucket list. With so much to see and do, I had a terrific time exploring in Dubai. I am very grateful that I had the chance to reach this dream city of mine. Dubai is the ideal location for a weeklong vacation due to its stunning architecture, world-class shopping, and unique sights.

Getting Around Dubai

 Just like any major city and tourist area, there is a lot of traffic in Dubai. There is also rush hour traffic. You should be aware that the work week in Dubai is Sunday through Thursday. Their weekend days are Friday and Saturday. This affects the time it takes by car/taxi getting from one location to the next. Traffic is much lighter on the weekends.

Taxis:

For the best prices use the regular taxi cabs and not the fancy Lexus taxis. Check to see if there is a meter in the taxi and you can also ask what the price will be from one location to the next.

Metro:

Dubai has a very clean and easy to use Metro system. During the week and rush hour this may be your best bet based on the traffic.

Hop On/Hop Off Buses:

This is another way to see Dubai and there are two systems available. Both are located at the Dubai mall for pickup and have different routes that take you to all the main areas.

What to do in Dubai?

Dubai is a city of entertainment. And of the ways to have fun is visiting La Perle by Dragone, a show where 65 performers, from actors to acrobats, show their skills. Performers dive into the pool and fly through the air. La Perle is located in the centre of Dubai, in the Al Habtoor City hotel complex. There are lots of tourist attractions in the city, so it’s worth combining multiple tickets. This is exactly what the following offer entails – you can enter Dubai’s two best water attractions with a single 1-day ticket. Enjoy the adrenaline water slide rides in the Aquaventure water park and talk to the marine animals at the Lost Chambers aquarium. You’re in for more than twenty water slides and over 65,000 marine animals.

Where to see the old Dubai?

Dubai, however, is still a city with a history, despite all its modern attractions. You can make sure about that at the Dubai Museum, which is located in the 18th-century Al-Fahidi fortress. The walls were built using traditional coral boulders. The upper floor is supported by wooden poles and the ceiling consists of palm fronds, mud and plaster. The first villages were built on the banks of the Dubai Creek as early as 4,000 years ago. Now you can observe sailors loading and unloading cargo onto and from traditional boats. They also often invite you to their homes. You can take a walk through the 19th-century Al-Fahidi district as well. Rich merchants from Persia used to trade here once. Here, you can explore the many old houses that have wind towers, which are efficient air-conditioning units. The most beautiful among the mosques is the Jumeirah Mosque. The stone building was built in the Fatimid style and boasts two minarets. It’s especially charming in the evening when it’s lit by spotlights.

Where to stay in Dubai?

I recommend booking the Dubai B, which is located ten minutes from the airport and is an excellent spot if you want to exchange life experience with other travellers. The hostel has its own café, a garden and special family rooms. There’s also a tennis court, as well as a beach and a swimming pool.

What is the best guide book for Dubai?

Lonely Planet offers the best travel guide books for Dubai. You can choose the typical guide book which also contains some information about the neighbouring Abu Dhabi, or buy the pocket version with information exclusively about Dubai. HI members also get 20% off every book purchase.

How to send a postcard from Dubai?

With MyPostcard, you can send your very own personalized postcard equipped with your own photo or any other photo you like. All HI members get 25% off. New users can send their first postcard for free with the HI Globetrotter promo code through the Globetrotter profile.

A sustainable tip

And here’s a sustainable tip as a bonus: Dubai is known for its numerous shopping centers where you can find almost anything. 

But before you actually decide to buy something, think about whether you’re going to use that item back at home or if it’s just going to gather dust. You should be especially careful with clothes, since there’s an abundance of those everywhere and the fashion industry is one of the major polluters. Instead of going shopping, why not rather visit one of the numerous tea shops to get more familiar with the Arab culture?

Travel Tips for Dubai

 

Visiting Dubai

Dubai, one of the seven united Arab emirates of the eponymous small country on the Arabian Peninsula, really leaves an impression with all its splendor and unique buildings. Travelling to Dubai is travelling to the city of contrasts where the vibrancy of a modern metropolis and the traditional desert life are intertwined. Read the following article and discover the top travel tips for Dubai.

Dubai is absolutely, without doubt, one of the best and easiest places in the world to visit. It’s just not a cheap family destination. 

Just some of the attractions for kids in Dubai are below. Things to do in Dubai with kids, that are child-friendly, include:

·         Kidzania Dubai Mall

·         Sega World Dubai Mall

·         The Ice Rink at Dubai Mall

·         Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo Dubai Mall

·         Desert Safaris as mentioned here

·         Legoland Dubai

·         IMG World of Adventure Theme Park

·         Kite Beach

·         OliOli

·         Bounce Dubai

·         Wild Wadi Water Park near Jumeira Beach

·         VR World Dubai Mall

·         Dubai City Walk

·         Aquaventure Water Park at Atlantis the Palm

·         Dancing Fountains at the BurjKhalifa

·         Dolphin Bay at Atlantis the Palm

The Top of BurjKhalifa: 

Although crowded, it was well run operation. However, I was not impressed with the views from the top. Granted, it was a bit hazy that day but most of what we saw were the skyscrapers close by and the desert. If you have been to top of other buildings such as the Empire State Building or the John Hancock Building, I think you will be disappointed.

The Dubai Fountains: 

The Dubai Fountains are located at the Dubai Mall. They were designed by the same architects of the fountains at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. We waited 30 minutes in a hot crowd to watch 3 minutes of the fountain show. It was quick and not as elaborate as I had imagined. I was disappointed. I have been told it depends on the length and type of the song. There are restaurants with outdoor patios located around the fountains so if you have time sit and watch more than one performance.

 

Dubai Beaches:

The beaches were very clean and the water calm when we were last in Dubai. Water temperature wasn’t as warm as you’d think but not as cold as the Mediterranean.

Finding Culture and History in Dubai- Old Dubai

It’s not just about gleaming skyscrapers. Down by The Creek, you can find the Al Fahidi Historical District where wind towers ,coral block houses, and well-restored traditional Arabian doorways give you a glimpse into yesterday. The historic area is relatively small but is nonetheless fascinating.

What are Dubai’s major natural landmarks?

Dubai is surrounded by endless dunes, which you simply have to see. The desert landscape that surrounds the city is beautiful. Set out on a wild ride in the dunes as part of the morning safari, while bathed in the morning sun. If you want, you can take a solo journey around the dunes either on a quad bike or a sandboard. Of course, there’ll be lots of time available for you to enjoy the desert and taking photos. On the safari, you’ll be guided on quad bikes by experienced guides. To top it all off, traditional coffee and camel riding in true Bedouin style await in the end. The tour is part of the Originals which, in addition to the 7% discount HI members are entitled to at each booking, also means a refund in case you’re not satisfied. And that’s not all – you can reschedule your tour to whatever date you wish for free.

Which cities should you visit in Dubai?

Marvel at Dubai’s landmarks from high up. An unforgettable view awaits in Burj Khalifa, up on the 125th floor of the world’s tallest building. The world’s fastest lift will take you to all the way up to the viewing platform. The top gives a view of the Dubai Fountain show, which moves in sync with the music that’s being played at the viewing platform. You can get a better experience of the fountain show while on a traditional Arab boat called “abra”, sailing over Burj Khalifa Lake. The boat will take you past every major landmark, all the way to the best spot to view the fountain show. Admire the spectacle of 6,000 lights, 25 colour projectors and 83,000 litres of water. Another way to enjoy the view of Dubai’s landmarks is to enter Ain Dubai, the world’s largest Ferris wheel. It measures 250 metres high. I really recommend choosing the ticket that lets you enjoy the ride at sunset. From the wheel, all the most important tourist spots in Dubai can be viewed from a different perspective.