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350 Hotels in Dubai
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Hotels Jumeirah
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Main Sights in Dubai, UAE
Main Sites and Attractions in Dubai
Dubai has many attractions to appeal to all age groups. They are easily accessible by taxi, tour bus and hotel transport but the best way to sight see within the city is by foot with a street map of Dubai.
• Burj Dubai, Downtown Dubai
Currently the tallest freestanding building in the world, the eventual height is a well guarded secret but it is now at 160 storeys plus. Due for completion 2009.
Whilst in Downtown visit the Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping mall and its centerpiece, the huge feature aquarium.
• The Sheikh Zayed Road (“Hong Kong Strip”)
The 3.5 km stretch of highway from the World Trade Center to Interchange 1 is an incredible caleidascope of high rise buildings reaching to the sky and dwarfing the 12 lane highway below. An unmistakable sight soon after you leave the airport and a good photo opportunity. Apartments, offices, five star hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs make this a place not to miss especially after sundown when the lights transform it into a center of nightlife.
Shop at the Emirates Tower Boulevarde, visit the World Trade Center, the oldest high rise structure in the emirates, built in the 1970s, check out the view from the observatory. This area is also the hub of trade and finance.
• Downtown Bur Dubai
Most of the places to visit are by the Creek and where you will see the old Dubai where history is around every corner. This is ideal for a walking tour, don’t forget to take plenty of water and sun block. Start with a visit to the Dubai Museum, once the Al Fahidi Fort built in 1790, the major defensive stronghold against waring desert tribes, enjoy the interactive tour beginning with unique footage of the development of Dubai from early pearling days to modern times. Close by is the conservation area of Bastikiya, the site of Dubai’s early beginnings as a modern trading nation. Some of the well preserved houses with their unique wind towers are open for inspection. You will need a rest so why don’t you pop into a restaurant and perhaps admire the artwork in the Majlis Gallery. Walk through the material souk to the Creek and take an abra (ferry) trip across the Creek (cost 1 dirham). Don’t be put off by the crowds and the noise, the craziness is all part of the fun. For less than 100dirhams, depends how hard you bargain, your group can hire an abra for a tour down the Creek, (you don’t even need a paddle), well worth it but you really do need a guide. Organised guided tours are available and are strongly recommended. On the opposite side of the Creek, visit the old gold souk, a must, wander through the spice and material souks and sample the local perfumes. Stop for a refreshing fruit cocktail before continuing on to the dhow wharf where you will see the old trading dhows piled high with cargo, everything from washing machines to the occasion car, bound for India, Pakistan, Iran and China, I think insurance may be a problem! Along this route, Baniyas Road, you can end the day at one of the 5 star hotels offering splendid views of the Creek whilst you dine on seafood with a chilled glass of white wine. Take a taxi for the return journey.
Leaving the old part of Dubai we now have a change of landscape and visit the other end of Dubai in the areas known as Jumeirah and Umm Suqueim including the Dubai Marina.
• Burj Al Arab Hotel
An iconic hotel resembling the shape of a sailing dhow, located 500 meters off the coast on its own man made island, it is the tallest freestanding hotel in the world with a spectacular atrium. Each suite is a duplex with sumptuous interiors. Restricted access to non residents means pre booking bars and restaurants. Go up to the sky bar on the 27th for the magnificent sea views over the Palm Jumeirah and the World, man made islands 5 km off the coast, each representing a different country. Try the seafood restaurant, Al Mahara, reached by ‘submarine’ and for an added distraction, the tables are set out around a vast, floor to ceiling aquarium. An experience not to be missed, never mind the cost, you are on holiday.
• Jumeirah Beach Hotel
A popular destination for visitors throughout the year. Shaped like a wave, it has a remarkable atrium and beautifully landscaped lawns and gardens. Ride the glass elevator and view the Burj Al Arab, a photo shoot opportunity. Stop off at Level 24 and take a panoramic view over Dubai from the terrace. Enjoy a cocktail as the sun sets over the Arabian Gulf. Popular for water sports. Also renowned for the Barasti Beach Bar, a magnet for the young and trendy, voted world’s number one beach bar. One day you may wish to return to this spot for a very special occasion.
• Madinat Souk Jumeirah
A favourite with the residents of Dubai. The beach front hotel, located adjacent to the Burj Al Arab, is set amongst trees and gardens and accessed by water taxis. The covered souk is modeled on the traditional Arab style architecture with rustic roof timbers, wind towers and arches where you will find an array of shops, galleries, cafes, a section of really good restaurants, bars and Jam Base, a great night club open till late. Try the Noodle House for an inexpensive Thai and take in the best view of the Burj Al Arab lit up at night from the terrace of the Agency wine bar. Madinat also has a theatre and an open air amphitheatre offering a diverse programme of shows and events throughout the year.
• Atlantis
Dubai’s newest hotel situated at the tip of the Palm Jumeirah offering panoramic sea views and views to the “World”. Opened in November 2008 to a massive pyrotechnics display and a Kylie Minogue concert. It is a shopping bonanza with brand stores and fashion houses well represented. Restaurants and cafes and a few bars are now open. There are many interests for children. The enormous aquarium representing the underwater ‘Lost City of Atlantis’ is of particular interest also the dolphinarium where you can swim with the dolphins and of course entertain the family at ‘Water World’.
• Mall of the Emirates
Dubai’s favourite, fully air conditioned shopping center with shops open to wide concourses on three levels. Cafes, restaurants and food halls and plenty of public seating and easy circulation by escalators, stairways and lifts takes the hard work out of shopping. When the shopping is done there is a multiplex cinema showing the latest movies or book for the theater. For the experienced skier get fit for the Pistes in the indoor Ski Slope, beginners lessons are also available and when the shopping is done relax over a meal and a glass of wine and watch the skiers in the warm comfort of Apres restaurant.
