Souks: Many women travelers arrive in Dubai just for the sake of buying gold because it is duty free. The latest designs available at really cheap bargains is a must buy as gold investment is promoted these days. Other than gold souks, there are textile souks, fish souks, and the known spice souks where you can haggle for your favorite item.

Dhow Dinner Cruise: This is a perfect option for honeymoon couples or those on romantic getaways. A dinner cruise on a traditional dhow/abra will give you a chance to explore the city nightlife along the creek. The cruise comes with welcome drinks, international buffet dinner and cruise entertainment.

Ski Dubai: The first indoor ski resort in Dubai and a part of Mall of Emirates experience of skiing at Ski Dubai is exactly opposite of that on the mountain slopes. Enjoy the various difficulty levels, thrill of outdoor skiing and the freezing winter cold right under the roof of Ski Dubai with every equipment and accessory made available.

Desert Safaris with Barbecue: Desert Safari is also known by its colloquial name; Dune Bashing or Dune Drive which explores the sand dunes of Dubai in an off-road vehicle. Experience it with a BBQ dinner as a Evening/Overnight/Dinner Only Desert Safari, and it could turn out to the best holiday activity of your lifetime.

Lunch / Tea at Burj Al Arab: Higher than the Eiffel tower, with a sail calling the winds of the Arabian Gulf, not many can afford to stay at this 7-star hotel. But a lunch or a afternoon tea with your partner or family is not a long distant possibility and you can surely squeeze in the money and time for it. Dine at the world’s 7-star hotel at any of its magnificent restaurants available for non-resident guests:

• Majlis Al Bahar for À la carte menu with a beachside location along the Jumeirah beach.
• Junsui for Authentic Far East Asian cuisine or the famous 7 Course Asian Afternoon Tea known as “Junset Package”
• Al Iwan Royal Dining Hall for Arabic cuisine with a brilliant view of a powerful fountain shooting through the tallest atrium in the world.

Tour of the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club: Derby fans need to shine at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club where you can discover why the rich and the famous strive to get their hands on the best of breed of Arabian horses. The equestrian heritage of Arabia is well laid open here with excellent equestrian events clipped with fanciful of clubhouses, spas, restaurants & lounges and place of stay.

Dubai Shopping Festival: Not an event to be missed! Discounts, shopping, events and activities galore, the whole of Dubai transforms itself to embrace shopaholics into its arms and give their due, an unforgettable shopping experience. Visit here for more information.

Burj Dubai: Recently incarnated as the Burj Khalifa; the tallest man-made building in the world, this inverted-V shaped tower deserves more than a glance.  It has re-defined the limitless boundaries of man’s creativity and  what the future of science and invention holds.

Gallery:

Creative Commons: Joi

The Burj Khalifa, the Tallest Building in the World has become a hot-favorite among thousands of upcoming projects where the hospitality industry is certainly in process to create its position over there.

Giorgio Armani Spa prepares to open its first hotel, in the Burj Dubai tower, on March 18, 2010. Occupying a spacious 432,000 square feet structure on the bottom 39 floors, it will house around 160 guest rooms, suites and 144 private residences . It is believed that these things will be furnished with Armani’s Casa line where a swimming pool will be located on the 76th floor that will give you a great view.

Online bookings for the Armani Hotel in Dubai will be available later this month. So get ready to avail the experience at the Burj Khalifa skyscraper that swanks the world’s top swimming pool, a mosque and adequate glass that is rumored to cover almost 17 football pitches.

Amid crisis, it feels great to see Dubai and its magnificent building Burj Khalifa that stands by its size and grandeur. It is a good example of globalization irrespective of its strong cultural heritage, where the city truly depicts modernity at the heart of Dubai and its people. Burj Khalifa is undoubtedly the center for the world’s best shopping, dining, entertainment and home for the world’s privileged.

Further, the group Giorgio Armani has plans to open its chains in Milano, Marrakech and Egypt.

If you really want to explore Dubai at its best, then a traditional Dhow or Abra cruise is a must. Not a mere transport vehicle to cross over the creek, you could use it as a gateway to get a picturesque view of the Dubai skyline and access major tourist hot spots in Old as well as New Dubai. About 150 Dhow cruises wave the waters of the creek daily until midnight offering various packages for couples and families including lunch/dinners and live entertainment. Getting to know Dubai in an Arabian style is a dream to be lived.

For a modern approach, luxury cruise liners are lined up at Dubai Cruise Terminal offering the epitome in luxury. Guests are pampered with five star hotel luxuries, cocktail parties at the deck, royal treatments at the Spa, open-air swimming pool, Jacuzzi, international buffet spread, and stops at tourist spots across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al-Fujairah and Oman for sightseeing and shopping.

Get transformed into another world altogether when you arrive at the deck during nighttime for sky gazing under the shimmering moonlight. You will get to remember Dubai not only for its amazing architectural splendors but also for the marvelous cruise experience.

Having a residency visa becomes mandatory to avail a local driving license. I remember once, one of my Arab friend suggested to me that I get an International Driving Permit (IDP) and a driving license from home country. You may attain a temporary driving license valid for six months issued at the Dubai traffic police.

These days there are a variety of car rental agencies to choose from within Dubai Airport upon arrival.

So it becomes quite easy to choose the best deal from the available companies. Some of the preferred ones are the Avis, Budget car rentals, Hertz and thrifty car rentals.

As a precaution, you can make sure the condition of your hired car is acceptable with the Dubai representative accessible from the hire car company wherein you can note any damage on the rental slip prior to your further journey.

Information on the city roads, traffic rules and local driving regulations, a particular hand-drive, speed-limit, lanes & tolls become utmost important to read to avoid any unpleasant surprises to your holiday before actually taking to the roads in Dubai.

God forbid if you are involved in an accident. Don’t panic, simply contact the city police and the car rental company at the earliest to get as much help as you can.

Jumeirah Beach Park

Jumeirah Beach Park is the first beach park in Dubai and is one of best known beaches in Dubai with crystal white sand and turquoise blue water. Actually it’s a single soft unending carpet of sand dispersed with hotels, clubs and public access areas. The beach park is an ideal location for people of all ages as a picnic spot with kid’s recreation area, games area and restaurants / food courts jewelling the area. For a family picnic you can get together at the picnic tables, have a small barbecue, children can play at the kid’s area while you can relax or swim at the beachfront. Alert lifeguards, special swimming pools and showers are available whenever you are in the mood to swim. There’s even a small amphitheatre to showcase live musical or stage performances. Palm promenades and small wooden seats complete the picturesque view. If you want to visit this God gifted marvelous place, then Dubai government charges Dhs 2 per person or Dhs 20 per vehicle. The park is open from 8.00am to 9.00pm daily with Saturday’s and Sunday’s especially reserved for women and children.

Al Mazmar Beach Park

The conceptualization behind Palm Islands, World Islands have always surprised us and the same idea takes over behind the construction of the man made Al Mazmar Beach Park. An all-in-one beach projects its amusement, relaxation and pleasure all at one place. Covering 106 hectares its includes huge expanses of green coverage, an amphitheatre, numerous swimming pools, kid’s play areas, picnic and barbecue spots, lagoons and several beaches served by alert lifeguards and all the necessary luxury options. Al Mazmar Beach Park is not just about lazing at the beaches or playing watersports but also includes enjoying the different green zones, relaxing under the trees, laying out the picnic basket, flying the kites or playing football. Colors merge together at the Al Mazmar Beach Park which is open from 8.00am to 11.00pm daily except Thursday’s and Friday’s. Wednesday’s are reserved for women and children.

Located in the Middle East, Dubai is surrounded by deserts on one side and the Gulf coast on the other. The outcome is a very hot and dry climate unbearable to foreign tourists coming from the west.

November to May is the best season to travel to Dubai when the weather is pleasant. Consequently, Dubai tourist activities like camel & horse racing, shopping festivals, desert safaris and other outdoor activities are held during this period. But be prepared for cold nights and carry some winter wear during your travel. Summer temperatures in Dubai hover around 40 °C, dipping around 30 °C in the night. Winters are quite warm with an average high of 23 °C and a low of 14 °C.

If you are traveling during the summer season, get ready to face the blazing sun spouting flames at 42 degree Celsius. Attractions and activities are limited within malls, hotels, and places with air conditioning facilities. Do not dream of tanning at Jumeirah beach when Dubai is suffering from the summer season.

An extremely important point to be kept in mind is the Ramadan fasting period (around August-September), the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Dubai prominently being a Muslim state, most of Arab localities fast for 29-30 days until Eid, the day of the lunar sighting. During this month, Muslims refrain from any food or drink, from sunrise to sunset. These beliefs are expected to be observed and followed even by tourists, irrespective of their religious followings. Bars, nightclubs, supermarkets, cafes are mostly closed during the day. If caught, breaking any of the rules, it is most probable that you will land up in jail.

Considering you follow all the norms and traditions Dubai has to offer, the place could turn out to be your best vacation ever.

Asia Rent a Car
Tel: +971 4 3961111/2244786
E-mail: asiacars@emirates.net.ae

Autolease Rent a Car
Tel: +971 4 2244900
Mobile: +971 50 6513073
E-mail: autolese@emirates.net.ae

Budget Rent a Car
Tel: +971 4 2245192/2244095
Toll Free: +971 800 222777
E-mail: reservations@budget-uae.com

Diamond Lease Rent a Car
Tel: +971 4 2200325
E-mail: carlease@emirate.net.ae

EuropCar
Tel: +971 4 2245240/2245226
E-mail: eurocar@emirate.net.ae

Fast Rent a Car
Tel: +971 4 2829933
E-mail: suresh@fastuae.com

Hertz Rent a Car
Tel: +971 4 2060206
Toll free +971 800 HERTZ (43789)
E-mail: marketing@hertz.ae

National Rent a Car
Tel: +971 4 43381010
E-mail: aahmad@national-ae.com

Patriot Rent a Car
Tel: +971 4 2244244
E-mail: patriot@emirates.net.ae

Sixt Rent a Car
Tel: +971 4 2200777
E-mail: sixt@gargash.co.ae

• Extra secure security system
• Highly competent reception check-in
• Well-appointed VIP lounges
• Entertainment centre, cafes and special privileges for handicapped passengers
• Duty Free shopping
• Arabian Palm garden
• Money Exchange counter, Internet café, conference facilities and business centre
• Personal & baggage security screening

Address: PO Box 17000. Dubai United Arab Emirates.
Phone: +971 4 8811110

There is no specific Dubai’s food in Dubai. The traditional Arabic food available here seems to come from the other regions of the Middle East. So, along with a try at the traditional Arabic food, you can also put your fork into the tempting dishes made by the cooks of different hotels and restaurant. It will not take a long time for you find a good-priced restaurant serving a dish from your country out here.

If you do want to splurge yourself on the food then going in for some of the Filipino, Pakistani or Indian restaurants can be a good idea, but if you do want to splurge around on the delightful dishes then just pop inside any of the  Japanese, Thai, French or Italian restaurants. Also, going inside a steakhouse will be an excellent idea if you love meat. However, if you are still insisting on trying out some of the sumptuous Arabian delicacies then hop inside any of the Moroccan, Iranian or Lebanese restaurants.

Shawarma

Hoummus, Ghuzi, Wara enab, Tabbouleh, Koussa mahshi, Haries, Matchbous, Shawarma, Falafel and the Arabic Bread are some of the items that should be missed out if you want to enjoy food in Dubai. Shawarma, is generally on the top of the list of the popular Dubai visitors. It is cooked with chicken or lamb thoroughly mixed with tomatoes, fries, garlic sauce and pickle and wrapped inside a small Arabic roti. Falafel is a mixture of chickpeas and different spices fried deeply in the form of a cutlet. It is generally enjoyed as a side dish. Hommus is a dip made by mixing chickpeas and sesame seeds. Ghuzi is a completely roasted lamb kept on the bed of cooked rice and nuts, Wara enab is Vine leaves filled with rice and Matchbous is spiced lamb served with rice. Koussa mahshi us nothing but stuffed courgettes, while Tabbouleh is crushed wheat mixed with well chopped parsley and mint. Haries is an affluent dish cooked very slowly with tender lamb and wheat. Arabic bread or Arabic roti is a worth try. It is baked in clay ovens and served with different curries. Try it with any of the Indian delicacies for a better experience.

After trying out all this do not forget to try out the regular Dubai desserts that include Umm Ali, Mehalabiya and Esh Asaraya. Umm Ali is a sort of bread pudding, Mehalabiya is a pudding speckled with pistachios and rosewater and the Esh Asaraya is a cheesecake topped with cream.

Street shopping

Gold Souq - shops displaying an incredible array of gold jewelery items in 18, 21, 22 or 24 carat gold.

Spice Souq – as ideal place to buy variety of spices such as frankincense, oud, cumin, paprika and saffron

Textile Market – wholesale and retail textile traders from Asia and other countries offer variety of clothing at reasonable prices.

Partial list of malls participating in Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF 2010)

Name	Timings	Contact details
Al Bustan Centre	Sat. to Thurs.: 10am to 11pm Fri.: 2pm to 11pm	Tel: +971 4 263 0000 Toll Free: 800 4648 (UAE Only) www.al-bustan.com
Al Ghurair City	Sat. to Thurs.: 10am to 12am Fri.: 2pm to 12am	Tel: +971 4 2055309/285 www.alghuraircity.com
Arabian Center	Sun. to Wed.: 10am to 10:30pm Thurs. to Sat.: 10am to 12 midnight	Tel: +971 4 2845555 www.arabiancenter.ae
Bin Sougat Centre	Sat. to Thurs.: 10am to 10pm Fri.: 5pm to 10pm	Tel: +971 4 286 3000
Century Mall	Sat. to Wed.: 10am to 10pm Thurs.: 10am to 11pm Fri.: 2pm to 11pm	-
Deira City Centre	Sun. to Wed.: 10am to 10pm Thurs. to Sat.: 10am to 12 midnight DSF Timings: 10am to 12 midnight	Tel: +971 4 2954545 www.deiracitycentre.com
Dubai Festival City	Sun. to Wed.: 10am to 10pm Thurs. and Sat.: 10am to 12 midnight	Concierge: 800 332 32/ 800 DFC FC Tel: +971 4 425 4900 www.dubaifestivalcity.com
Ibn Battuta Mall	Sat.: 10am to 10pm Thurs. - Fri.: 10am to 10pm	Telephone: +971 4 362 1900 www.ibnbattutamall.com
Jumeirah Centre	Sat. to Thurs.: 9am to 9pm Fri.: 4pm to 9pm	Tel: +971 4 3499702
Karama Centre	-	Tel: +971 4 3374499
Lamcy Plaza	Sun. to Wed.: 9am to 10:30pm Thurs. to Sat.: 9am to 12 midnight	Tel: +971 4 3359999
Mercato	Sun. to Wed.: 10am - 10pm Thurs. to Sat.: 10am - Midnight	Tel: +971 4 3444 161 www.MercatoShoppingMall.com
Palm Strip	Sat. to Thurs.: 10am to 10pm Fri.: 2pm to 10pm	Tel: +971 4 3461462
The Dubai Mall	Everyday: 10am to 12 midnight	Tel: 800 38224 6255 (800 DUBAI MALL) www.thedubaimall.com
The Walk @JBR	Sat. to Thurs.: 10am to 10pm Fri.: 3pm to 10pm	Toll Free: +971 4 4230696 www.thewalk.ae
Times Square Center	Sat. to Wed.: 10am to 10pm Thurs. and Fri.: 10am to 12 midnight	Tel: +971 4 3418020 www.timessquarecenter.ae
WAFI	Sat. to Wed.: 10am to 10pm Thurs. and Fri.: 10am to 12 midnight	Tel: +971 4 3244555 www.wafi.com