Adventure World

Dubai

Dubai is an international business city with a relaxed beach resort, combining the sophistication of the 21st century with the simplicity of traditional ways. A visit to the desert is a must on anyone's itinerary to Dubai. Desert oasis, date palms, camel farms and barren mountains are part of the landscape that you'll see on any sightseeing tour that leaves Dubai.

Why not enjoy an exhilarating desert dune drive by 4wd drive for the ultimate in exploration or dine under the stars with one of our Arabian Evenings?

Top Highlights

Dubai: The city is located on the banks of the Dubai Creek with Deira on the northern side and Bur Dubai to the south. The best way to enjoy Dubai Creek is on the water by taking an Abra (water taxi).

The old Bastakia district on the waterfront with its narrow lanes and tall traditional windtowers gives a glimpse of old Dubai, as the houses were built at the turn of the 19th Century and were once the homes of wealthy merchants.

The Deira Gold Souq is probably the largest such market in Arabia with its glittering gold window displays. Available in 18, 21, 22 or 24 carat, from bracelets to rings, necklaces and ignots, and is priced according to the international daily gold rate. In addition to the weight price, a small charge will be added for craftsmanship, which varies according to the intricacy of the design.

The Deira Spice Souq is a great place to wander around, taking in the smells of spices, nuts and dried fruits. At the Dhow Wharfage area you will see dhows being loaded and unloaded with things like kitchen sinks, tyres, cars and just about anything.

The Dubai Museum is housed in 19th Century Al Fahidi Fort, an imposing building which is also a fascinating military museum. It has served as a palace, garrison and prison. Scenes have been recreated to show the creek, traditional Arab houses, mosques, the souqs, desert and marine life. It is well worth a visit.

Jumeirah Mosque, Dubai's best known mosque due to its size and elaborate design. The best time to see it is at night when it is lit up.

Jumeirah: This stretch of coastline south of the city is home to Dubai's beach resorts. The area is where you find some of the most remarkable construction projects on earth. The artificial islands of The Palms and The World can be seen from space; and of course the Burj Al Arab is a Dubai landmark.

Burj Al Arab, Dubai's rulers wanted a landmark to rival the Eiffel Tower and the Burj Al Arab (Arabian Tower) is like no other building. Completed in 1999, it is set on an artificial island about 300m from the shore, near the southern end of Jumeirah Road in Umm Suqeim. The 60-floor, sail-shaped structure is 321m high (incl. the spire on top). The hotel has 202 two-storey suites, a 200m high lobby and an underwater restaurant, along with helipad.

Wild Wadi is an exciting, state-of-the-art water park that forms part of The Jumeirah Beach Resort. The park has 24 rides, 16 of which are inter-connected including The Jumeirah Sceiah, which is the tallest and fastest freefall slide outside the USA.

The Desert: Dune driving by 4WD is exhilarating and the Sundowner Dune Dinner gives both an ideal introduction to this and a glimpse of the Arabian Nights, dining under the stars.

Highlights of a safari in Dubai may include the following:

Dune driving: Driving in sand is an adventure in itself, combining the excitement of a roller-coaster ride with the challenge of remaining mobile on a shifting surface.

Camel riding: As the symbols of Arabia, camels are a major tourist attraction. Camel rides often form an integral part of tours and desert safaris.

Exploring the wadis: A popular pastime is exploring the wadis or dry river beds that flow after the winter rains from the Hajar Mountains. Many wadis offer scenes of unexpected beauty: attractive rock pools, some with water year-round; surrounded by greenery. 4WD are required and are available for hire with or without drivers.

Sand-skiing: For those with a taste of speed and an enthusiasm for unusual sports. Special boards are used and high dunes in the interior of the desert are chosen as slopes.

Desert feasts: Particularly popular are safaris that culminate in spectacular desert sunsets followed by a traditional Arabian barbeque under the stars.

Fact Sheet

• Country Dialling Code: + 971
• When to Go: The Peninsula is best visited between November and March. Between April and early October temperatures are hot and can reach 50°C. Between June and September it is the monsoon season in some areas.
• United Arab Emirates Capital: Abu Dhabi
• Currency: UAE Dirhams (AED). Recommend take US$ to exchange.
• Electricity: 220/240V at 50 cycles. Three point British plug.
• Shopping: Tax-free, open market.
• Tipping: Restaurants 10% tip, if a service fee is not included. Most hotels charge a service fee, hence you do not tip if you see a service fee levied. Tipping is a way of life.
• Bargaining: While boutiques, some electronic shops, department stores and supermarkets operate on a fixed-price basis, most other outlets consider friendly negotiation a way of daily life.
• Alcohol: Available in hotels and club restaurants and bars. However restaurants situated outside hotels and clubs are not permitted to serve alcohol.
• Road: Taxis are the most common way of getting around Dubai. Self-drive cars are available for visitors with international driving licence.
• Water Taxis: A great way to travel between Bur Dubai and Deira is by water taxi, or abra.
• Festivals & Sporting Events: Dubai Shopping Festival, runs for a month from mid-January. Dubai Desert Classic lures some of the best golfers to partake in one of the world's richest golf tournaments. Held in March. Dubai World Cup, International Racing Carnival runs from February through to the end of March and culminates in the World Cup, the world's richest horse race.
• Gateway Airport: Dubai (DXB)
• Ramadan 2008: Will commence approx Sept 1st, and takes place over a period of one lunar month. Almost everything closes in the afternoon during Ramadan, yet the evenings are filled with festivities.
• Ramadan 2009: Will commence approx Aug 21st, and takes place over a period of one lunar month. Almost everything closes in the afternoon during Ramadan, yet the evenings are filled with festivities.