Dubai at a Glance | Weather Overview | When to Go | Travel Safety | Activities - Places of Interest | Dubai Food | Dubai Shopping | Nighttime Venues | Dubai Accommodations | Events | Getting There | Getting Around | Tipping | Other Facts

Dubai was really two towns merged into one and divided by Dubai Creek (Khor Dubai), an inlet of the Gulf. Deira lies to the north and Bur Dubai to the south. Both districts are home to traditional architecture and bustling souqs, but the old city centre is in Deira. Glittering new office buildings along Sheikh Zayed Rd have moved the centre of Dubai further towards Abu Dhabi, while Jumeirah has stretched close to Jebel Ali, an area many are calling the 'new Dubai'. The focal point of Deira's hustle and bustle is on Baniyas Rd, which runs along Dubai Creek; Baniyas Square, also known as Al-Nasr Sq, which is at the heart of this commercial centre; Al-Maktoum Rd and Al-Maktoum Hospital Rd; and Naif Rd. On the Bur Dubai side, the old souq area runs from Al-Ghubaiba Rd to the Diwan (Ruler's Office) and inland as far as Khalid bin al-Waleed Rd.

Street addresses aren't used in Dubai. People refer to the main roads by name, but the smaller, numbered streets remain largely anonymous. If someone offers you directions like 'It's in the white villa, next to the big tree, across from the Avari Hotel,' don't fret. Your taxi driver will probably know the way.

Between November and April Dubai is quite cool, at least compared to the rest of the year, which swelters under the scorching, unforgiving sun.

The best time of the year to visit Dubai is between November and April, when the weather is coolest. For the rest of the year you're more likely to be running from one air-conditioned environment to the next instead of getting out and exploring. Ramadan, which takes place at a different time each year on the Western calendar, is the Muslim month of fasting and is strictly adhered to throughout the UAE. That means that it's illegal, not to mention rude, to eat, drink or smoke in public from sunrise to sunset at this time. On the 'up' side, hotel rates drop to 50% of their usual cost.

Familiarising yourself with local customs relating to dress code and alcohol is your first step to keeping out of trouble. On the whole, Dubai is a very safe city, but you should exercise the same sort of caution with your personal safety as you would anywhere. One very real danger in Dubai is bad driving. Be aware when driving and walking near busy roads that speed limits, indication and other safety related road rules do not apply for many in Dubai. We don't recommend that you swim, water-ski or jet-ski in the Creek. Despite the generally small surf, currents can be very strong and drownings are not uncommon. The heat can be oppressive and it's important to drink plenty of water - most locals don't leave the house without a bottle of water.

There are two sides of Dubai to explore - the flashy world of breathtaking hotels, gourmet treats and luxury shopping; and the earthier old Dubai of wind towers, mosques, shwarma and souqs.

Al-Mamzar Park
Tel: 04 296 6201 (info) Tranquil Al-Mamzar Park, with its white sand beach, has splendid views across the still water to Sharjah. On a small headland on the outskirts of Dubai, this is a hidden gem. There's a swimming pool as well as changing rooms, barbecues, and chalets for rent. Women and children only Wednesdays.

Art Space
Tel: 04 332 5523 (info)
This contemporary gallery dedicated to promoting national and international work and nurturing the local scene has exhibited pop art by Emirati Mohamed Kanoo and powerful work by Iranian female artists, such as Shadafarin Ghadarian. There are new exhibitions each month.
Web: http://www.artspace-dubai.com

B21 Gallery
Tel: 04 340 3965 (info)
Palestinian artist Jeffar Khaldi shows his own vibrant art, as well as rotating exhibitions of locally produced and regional work, such as Shadi Ghadirian's thought-provoking portraits. Worth checking out if you're in this developing arts neighbourhood, but if you're not, call first, as they could be in the middle of hanging an exhibition.
Web: http://www.b21gallery.com

Bastakiya Quarter
With its labyrinthine lanes lined with traditional wind-tower architecture, the old Bastakiya quarter on the waterfront east of Bur Dubai Souq is a magical place to explore.

Bur Dubai Souq
Under wooden arcades and wind-towers, you'll discover scores of shops selling textiles, clothes and mosque alarm clocks, along with a few Arabian 'antique' stores. In the surrounding streets you can buy a sari, have a suit made, bargain for electronics, and pick up some Bollywood tapes.

Creekside Park
This oasis of palm-shaded green stretches from Al-Garhoud Bridge towards Al-Maktoum Bridge, making for a heavenly escape from the heat and humidity of Dubai's streets. There are children's playgrounds - as well as the outstanding Children's City - kiosks, eateries, a cable car, an amphitheatre and beaches (though swimming in the Creek is not recommended).

Deira Gold Souq - Sikkat al-Khail St
Deira's celebrated Gold Souq attracts buyers from all over the world. Pass through its wooden lattice archways to discover great dazzling heaps of gold - chains, rings, earrings, bracelets and every other kind of jewellery. Most impressive are the ornate Indian and Arabian designs, intended for a bride's dowry - by the look of them they're too heavy to wear!

Deira Spice Souq - Al Abra St
This small but atmospheric souq was the largest in the region at the start of the 20th century. Take in the wonderfully restored wind-tower architecture and pungent aromas from jute sacks brimming with frankincense and oud, herbs and spices. It's fun to chat to the shopkeepers and guess the things you don't recognise.

Diera Covered Souq - Naif Rd
Deceptively large and disorienting, this warren of narrow lanes is lined with small shops selling everything from lurid textiles to plastic coffeepots - but if you get worn out by the shopping, just take in the captivating surroundings.

Dubai Camel Racecourse
Tel: 04 338 2324 (info)
Camel racing is a major spectator sport in the UAE. If you miss the races, snap the more photogenic camel walks from their farms across to the track to train. Best time is around 17:00.

Dubai Museum
Tel: 04 353 1862 (info)
The Dubai Museum is housed inside the Al-Fahidi Fort, which was built in the late 1790s, and is believed to be the city's oldest building. The museum has collections of everything from Arabian sailing boats to the curved daggers known as khanjars. There are multimedia and interactive displays, and all the exhibits have captions in Arabic and English.

Grand Mosque
This multidomed mosque at Bur Dubai, Ali bin Abi Talib St, boasts the city's tallest minaret. The mosque might appear to be a beautiful example of restoration work, but it was in fact built in the 1990s. As well as being the centre of Dubai's religious and cultural life, the original mosque was also home to the town's kuttab (Quranic school) where children learnt to recite the Quran.

Heritage & Diving Villages
Tel: 04 393 7151 (info)
The delightful Heritage and Diving Villages provide a great introduction to traditional Bedouin coastal village life. The cooler winter evenings see more locals than tourists passing through for the traditional performances and activities, such as rifle-throwing competitions broadcast on local TV.

Heritage House
Tel: 04 226 0286 (info)
Get a glimpse inside a wealthy pearl merchant's former residence and enjoy the kitsch dioramas at this elegant courtyard house. Built in 1890 it belonged to Sheikh Ahmed bin Dalmouk, whose son established Al-Ahmadiya School next door. Note there's no wind tower here; before the surrounding buildings were constructed, its open verandahs captured the cool sea breezes.

Jumeirah Archaeological Site
Built sometime in the 6th century AD, this township is the biggest and perhaps most significant archaeological site in the UAE. Located between Jumeirah and Al-Wasl Rds, you'll see the remains of stone walls, a souq, houses and what is thought to have been a governor's palace. Objects found on the site, such as pottery and coins, are on display at Dubai Museum and the Heritage Village. The settlement is interesting in that it spans the pre-Islamic and Islamic eras and was once a caravan stop on a route linking Ctesiphon (now Iraq) to northern Oman.

Jumeirah Beach Park
Tel: 04 349 2555 (info)
This lovely grassy park adjoins Jumeirah Beach. It has walkways, kiosks, barbecue pits, picnic tables and a children's play area. The long stretch of beach is clean, lined with shady palm trees, and regularly patrolled by lifeguards. The women's only day is an opportunity for the ladies to get a tan.

Jumeirah Mosque
Tel: 04 353 6666 (info)
This splendid mosque (stunningly lit at night) can only be visited on a guided tour. Put it at the top of your 'to do' list, book ahead and dress modestly.

Madinat Jumeirah
Tel: 04 366 8888 (info)
There's plenty to do at enchanting 'Jumeirah City' - explore the old Arabian-style architecture, snoop around splendid Al Qasr and Mina A'Salam hotels, admire the Burj Al Arab views and browse the souq. When you need to refuel there are plenty of fab waterfront restaurants and bars.

Majlis Gallery
Tel: 04 353 6233 (info)
In a charming courtyarded house in the historic Bastakiya Quarter, the city's oldest commercial gallery, established in the 1970s, exhibits paintings, Islamic calligraphy and sculpture by Dubai-based artists, along with high quality locally produced pottery, ceramics, glassware and handicrafts.

Nad Al Sheeba Racing Club
Tel: 04 336 3666 (info)
While Dubai's racing season starts in November, the Dubai International Racing Carnival, held from late January through to the end of March is when things really hot up. It culminates in the Dubai World Cup (www.dubaiworldcup.com), the world's richest horse race, with prize money of a dizzying US$6 million and a total purse for the event of over US$20 million.
Web: http://www.dubairacingclub.com

Naif Souq
More like a typical Middle Eastern bazaar than Deira Covered Souq, Naif Souq (Deira) is where Emiratis and African expats like to shop for everything from fake Chanel shaylahs (women's headscarves) to cheap kids' clothes. Although this is mainly a clothes souq, you'll also find stalls that sell bags or kids' toys. Sometimes more interesting than the shopping is the amazing insight this souq gives into the lives of the locals.

Open Beach
Also known as Russian Beach, because of its popularity with Russian tourists, this stretch of white sand gets crowded with a mix of sun-worshippers and expats from the 'hood. On Fridays guest workers also like to hang out here on their day off. There are showers and a kiosk.

Perfume Souq
Several blocks of perfume shops near the Gold Souq hardly warrants the title 'souq', yet these bustling stores sell a staggering range of Arabic attars (spicy Arabic perfumes), oud(fragrant wood) and incense burners. More fascinating than the perfumes is the perfume-buying ritual - just watch the burqa-covered ladies waft the smoke from burning oud under their abayas(Islamic women's dress) as they sample the pungent aromas.

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
Tel: 04 338 2324 (info)
Spy on Dubai's 3000-plus pink flamingo population, which flocks here during the winter months, from excellent viewing hides. Powerful binoculars can be borrowed to get a close-up of the birds without disturbing them. The juxtaposition of these elegant birds against the Dubai metropolis is amazing. It’s also known somewhat confusingly as the Al-Khor Nature Reserve and the Dubai Creek Waterbird and Wildlife Sanctuary.

Safa Park
Tel: 04 349 2111 (info)
Popular with Jumeirah families, the facilities at this verdant park keep everyone happy. There are tennis courts, a soccer pitch, barbecues, a lake with paddleboats, and even an artificial waterfall.

Sheikh Saeed al-Maktoum House
Tel: 04 393 7139 (info)
Built in 1896, this was once the home of the ruling Al-Maktoum family. It was built using traditional methods, from coral coated with lime and plaster. Inside there's an interesting exhibition of photographs showing how little time it took for Dubai to go from a little fishing and pearling town to a big money, resort-style oil city.

The Third Line
Tel: 04 394 33194 (info)
Talented young curators, Sunny Rahbar and Claudia Cellini, operate Dubai's most adventurous art space. Consistently impressive exhibitions of contemporary Middle Eastern art have shown provocative work that often breaks the rules to create refreshing new forms. Sign up to their mailing list so you don't miss out on the glam champagne openings.
Web: http://www.thethirdline.com

Total Arts At The Courtyard
Tel: 04 228 2888 (info)
In a modern courtyard complex with artists' workshops, designers, craftsmen and media companies, Total Arts holds changing exhibitions of contemporary art and Islamic calligraphy, along with rare carpets, textiles and sculptures by local and regional artists. Also check out The Courtyard Gallery while you're here.
Web: http://www.courtyard-uae.com

Wild Wadi Waterpark
Tel: 04 348 4444 (info)
There's no better way to cool down in Dubai than heading to Wild Wadi for the day. This popular water park caters for everyone with sedate rides for young kids and nervous adults, and two Flowriders (artificial waves) and the terrifying Jumeirah Sceirah for the more adventurous. Hint: keep your legs closed and hang on to your swimmers.
Web: http://www.wildwadi.com

XVA
Tel: 04 353 5383 (info)
A peaceful retreat from the traffic chaos that's less than a block away, XVA is a contemporary art gallery, cafe and boutique hotel in a beautifully restored old courtyard residence. XVA holds regular exhibitions of art, sculpture and design, organises creek cruises with a difference and has a wonderful gift shop. This is what Dubai needs more of!
Web: http://www.xvagallery.com

Za'abeel Park
Tel: 04 800 900 (info)
This fantastic 51-ha (126 acre) park has gentle undulating green hills (perfect for picnics), gorgeous lakes and ponds, a low-impact jogging track, excellent sports facilities and kiosks - not to mention fabulous views of the Sheikh Zayed Rd skyline. It gets wonderfully packed on weekends.

The rich cultural mix of Dubai's population is echoed in the myriad choices of restaurants and coffee shops across the city. From the simplest Indo-Pakistani workers cafe in Karama to the gastronomic delights and design of restaurants at swanky five- star hotels, Dubai offers a huge range of dining experiences.

Dubai's shopping muscle draws lifeblood from the thriving contrast of traditional souqs, enormous malls and funky clothing boutiques; each overflowing with fresh produce, old-world exotica, designer collections and new-wave gadgetry. Shopaholics won't know where to begin.

Abundant entertainment options mean you can keep exploring Dubai well into the early hours. Listen to live Oud or Moroccan music, dance to the world's hottest DJs, and smoke traditional sheesha (water pipe) in a lively cafe.

With hundreds of hotels and many more on the drawing boards, Dubai doesn't lack accommodation. While it caters mainly for four-star-plus guests, in the hotter months you can get amazing discounts. For the platinum-credit-card crowd, there are many superb places to give your credit limit a workout.

With hundreds of hotels and many more on the drawing boards, Dubai doesn't lack accommodation.Religious holidays are tied to the lunar Islamic Hejira calendar, so dates vary from year to year on the Western Gregorian version, which runs on solar time. Eid al-Fitr (the end of Ramadan), Eid al-Adha (a celebration that follows Pilgrimage), Lailat al-Mi'raj (the Ascension of the Prophet), the Prophet's Birthday and the Islamic New Year are the main celebrations. Secular holidays include New Year's Day (1 January) and National Day (2 December). Keep in mind that Thursday and Friday make up the Dubai weekend.

Ramadan is the month during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, and you cannot eat, drink or smoke in public. Although it's highly unlikely, if a Muslim offers you tea or coffee during the daytime in Ramadan, politely refuse. Bars and pubs are closed until sunset each night, and some restaurants do not serve alcohol. At sundown, the feast begins.

Dubai hosts two major tourist-oriented events during the year. The fiercely promoted Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is held from December to February. Shopping centres bust themselves to bring in the spenders. Entertainment for the kids, fireworks and free raffle tickets with every purchase are just part of the fun. The lower-key Dubai Summer Surprises (held from June to August) is designed, along with cheap hotel rates, to attract tourists during the summer slump. Surprises include displays of traditional culture, cooking demonstrations, art shows and more raffle tickets.

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the busiest airport in the Middle East. The national carrier is Emirates, which flies to more than 80 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, Australia, Africa and the Indian subcontinent. For all the talk of free markets, airfares out of the UAE are just as strictly regulated as anywhere else; there are no bucket shops. Dubai International Airport has no separate airport departure tax; it's included in the price of your ticket.

Passenger ferries make the 12-hour trip between Sharjah (a 20-minute drive from Dubai) and the port of Bandar-e Abbas in Iran daily. There's also a fortnightly passenger service between Dubai and Bushehr in Iran. It leaves the passenger terminal at Port Rashid every second Sunday.

Air
You can fly to almost anywhere from Dubai International Airport. Dubai is the base for Emirates Airlines.

Bus
Intercity buses operate within the Dubai emirate only. To go to another emirate, you have to take a Dubai Transport minibus. Dubai Transport's minibuses carry 14 passengers and run every 15 or 20 minutes depending on when they fill up. They are clean and efficient, and have fixed prices. Larger buses also now ply the route between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Minibuses leave Deira from the bus and taxi station near the intersection of Omar ibn al- Khattab and Al-Rigga Rds. Minibuses for Abu Dhabi and Al-Ain leave from the Bur Dubai bus station on Al-Ghubaiba Rd.

There are two buses a day to Muscat, departing from the parking lot of the DNATA Airline Centre on Al-Maktoum Rd. Tickets are available at the Oman Transport office at the DNATA Airline Centre or from the bus driver.

Car
Rates for car hire drop away the longer you are willing to rent the vehicle. You'll need a credit card and drivers licence. There are dozens of agencies listed in the phone book; the smaller ones may offer slightly better rates.

Buses run between Dubai International Airport and Deira bus station every 15 to 20 minutes; however, the most popular way in and out is the metered, beige- coloured Dubai Transport taxis - which are also the best to catch anywhere, as most drivers know their way around.

Local buses run from the Deira bus station, near the Gold Souq, and the Bur Dubai station on Al-Ghubaiba Rd. Monthly bus passes, known as taufeer, get you unlimited travel on one or the other side of Dubai Creek or, more expensively, throughout the city.

Driving in the city of Dubai is considered an extreme sport, but masochists love it. If you hire a car, bring your credit card and a copy of your passport. Note that all accidents, no matter how small, must be reported to the police.

The older parts of Dubai, with their souqs, fascinating architecture and museums, are best seen on foot. Abra (water taxi) crisscross Dubai Creek from early morning until around midnight, and are a great way to see the waterfront.

Taxi
Dubai has a large taxi fleet, many of which will beep you if they see you walking. You can also call Dubai Transport for a taxi. Only the beige-coloured Dubai Transport taxis are allowed to pick up passengers at the airport.

Bus
Local buses operate out of stations in both Deira and Bur Dubai. The Deira bus station is off Al-Khor St, near the intersection with Al-Soor St. There is also the Bur Dubai bus station on Al-Ghubaiba Rd. Numbers and routes are posted on the buses in English as well as Arabic. Free route maps are available at both bus stations. The best way to get to where you're going is just to say where you want to go and someone will point you to the right bus. Tell the bus driver where you're going and he'll tell you when to get off.

There are buses every day to Hatta from the Deira bus station. Also from Deira, bus Nos 4, 11 and 15 go to the airport about every 30 minutes.

Water taxi
Abras leave constantly from early morning until about midnight. There are two routes. The one closer to the mouth of the Creek runs between Bur Dubai Abra Dock and Deira Old Souq Abra Dock, while the other is between Dubai Old Souq Abra Dock and Sabkha Abra Dock. The fare is collected once you are out on the water.

In Dubai most hotel and restaurant bills will have 10% tacked on for a service charge and another 10% for a municipality tax. If a price is quoted 'net', this means that it includes all taxes and service charges. As a rule of thumb, in taxis, round the fare up to the nearest dirham.

GMT/UTC +4 (Standard Time)

4,114 sq km (1,588 sq miles)

220V 50Hz

UAE Dirham (Dh)