Dubai Travel Tips

DUBAI TRAVEL TIPS

Dubai, very much like any other large global city, it has its own unique set of rules and regulations that Westerners are not always aware of on their first visit. Here are five things to be aware of if you are taking luxury Dubai holidays.

Things not to do in Dubai:

  1. Public shows of affection are strictly prohibited in Dubai, Yes you can hold hands but kissing between lovers should not be done in public.

2. Drinking alcohol in public is outlawed, if you are after a drinking holiday with a group of friends, Dubai may not be for you. Tourists can consume alcohol in licensed hotels and bars/restaurants/pubs. Non Muslim Expats can buy alcohol in special liquor stores if they hold a liquor license.

3. Exposing any skin from the neck down is frowned upon in Middle-Eastern countries, however In Dubai; the rules are relaxed slightly in an effort to be more tourists friendly. Beachwear should be worn on the beach and otherwise you should be dressed "normal", means no superfine skirt, no belly free shirts, no shorts while shopping etc

4.  Dubai, it has been known for people to be arrested for making an obscene gesture therefore never raise your middle finger. Remain polite and courteous at all times. Avoid jaywalking the streets. If caught you have to pay a fine.

5.  Drug possession is serious crime in any country, but in Dubai, it can lead to imprisonment and even a death sentence.

Things to Do:

1.       Dubai is known for really cheap gold, government keeps tight control over the quality of all the merchandise, so rest assured that your purchases will be genuine.

2.       If something in the window catches your fancy, be sure to barter — persistent protest capped with a walkway will get merchants to drop their asking price by as much as half.

3.       Golf is an obsession in Dubai. If you want to rub elbows with celebrities on the green, try the courses designed in Dubai.

4.       The centerpiece of Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is its massive tank inhabited by 33,000 creatures such as sharks, rats and countless multi-colored tropical fish. Get up close and personal with the sharks in the walk-through tunnel.

5.       Experience the awesome Arabian wilderness on a desert safari. Activities to try out in the desert include ‘dune bashing’ in big 4x4 jeeps, dune bogging and sand skiing.

Some OMG Facts About Dubai

Located on the Arabian Peninsula, Dubai is today one of the most visited places of the world and is fast becoming an emerging economic leader in the world economy. With its strategic location, the place was an important port even during the ancient times. However, there are many fun facts about this place that you may hardly believe to be associated with such a small place. Lets take a peep into this fascinating Arab world and get to know some of its secrets that make it even more attractive for the travelers from around the world.

·         Less than 20 percent of total Dubai’s population comprise of actual locals. This has resulted due to an exponential immigration leading to the local Emirati population almost being drowned out. However, there is little strife among the people as everyone gets along with everyone else, thus leading to a more liberal attitude towards culture and dressing. Crime Rate is almost equal to zero with racial tensions unheard of in the city. Though the place still retains a distinct Arabic and Bedouin influence, yet the large foreign influx has lent a cosmopolitan culture to the society.

·         Located on the side of Dubai Creek is the most famous gold market also known as the Gold Souk. With over 250 gold shops including several world class top brands, the place offers bargains on gold jewelry shopping unmatched anywhere else in the world.

·         Keeping in line with the tag of Dubai fast becoming the shopping capital of the world, the place is also home to the Dubai Mall, the biggest shopping mall in the world in terms of area. Housing the Discovery Center and the Aquarium, the place also holds the unique world record for having the largest acrylic panel too.

·         Built to resemble the shape of a dhow sail, experience life king size at Burj Al Arab, one of the most luxurious hotels of world as well as the fourth tallest one. Built on an artificial island and having a lobby taller than the Statue of Liberty, the place is luxury personified. Al Mahara, one of the restaurants housed in the hotel, features a massive acrylic glass seawater aquarium. The entry to the hotel can only be made through a simulated submarine voyage.    

·         Others on the list of tallest buildings are the world’s tallest residential building named as 23 Marina as well as the tallest hotel of the world namely the Rose Tower are also located in Dubai.

·         Talking of the tallest skyscrapers, how can we miss the majestic Burj Khalifa, the tallest man made structure on the face of the Earth that is as lofty as two Empire State buildings on top of each other. Boasting of the highest mosque, the highest restaurant, the highest nightclub and the highest observation deck of the world, the place is treat for the eyes as it offers views like none other. Get to watch the sun going down twice during a day- once while watching the sunset from the base and then take a ride up and get to see the same sun still setting from the observation deck!!!

·         Palm Islands, a man made artificial group of islands being made through land reclamation techniques, are a sight to behold. The place, after completion, shall be the biggest archipelago of the world housing luxury hotels, beachfront properties, entertainment centers, malls, theme parks and much more.  

·         Another interesting fact to know about Dubai is that the city is that there is no concept of street addresses in the place. Also, you do not have to pay any income tax or personal tax to the administration!!!

Keeping these facts in the mind, it may well be understood now why Dubai is climbing up the tourism ladder and is becoming the holiday destination for vacationers from around the world.

Space Tourism lift Off in Abu Dhabi!!!

You are sure to be surprised to know that Abu dhabi, one of the only remaining geographies of the world that doesn’t even have a passenger rail service, is on the road of becoming of a popular space tourism hub. The place is on the forefront of becoming a space port in coming years after the successful commencement of the first rocket powered test flight in to the space was engineered by Virgin Galactic, the first commercial space tourism company of the world co owned by Aabar Investments of Abu Dhabi and Sir Richard Branson of Virgin Atlantic. The program has entered into its final phase prior to the actual commencement of commercial space tourism facilities from Spaceport America in New Mexico.

It was in 2009 when the deal was announced between the two companies that Abu Dhabi would be getting exclusive regional rights for the upcoming Virgin Galactic tourism and space research flight, thus leading to the proposed construction of a spaceport right here in this Middle East geography. The announcement comes as a big landmark for Abu Dhabi industry which is fast becoming global in it approach. In fact, the same Aabar investments earlier bought 9.1% in Mercedes Benz maker Daimler and a 4% stake in California based Tesla Motors company San Carlos, making it the most active of all the Abu Dhabi’s investment funds.  The space port is also in line with the international plans of the emirate that has long competed for the international attention with its neighboring emirate Dubai.

Said to be the richest of all the seven sheikhdoms that make up the United Arab Emirates, the space port decision will also help the emirate in diversifying its identity as just an oil reserve emirate. In fact, according the founder of Virgin Galactic, Richard Branson, the emirate will take a giant leap in terms of travel when it will launch its own port that will ferry passengers to the outer universe. It will also help in taking forward the emirate’s plans o introduce science and technology at the grassroots level and help in boosting economic growth and improving business and service opportunities in the area. It will also help in enhancing tourism and foreign investment in the region.

So all you space junkies who have been dying to see just what’s outside this world of ours, Abu Dhabi spaceport will provide you with a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience weightlessness and a first hand look of how this beautiful Earth of ours looks from outside !!!