Dubai, United Arab Emirates

  

 Dubai - Indulgent, glamorous, and progressive

Rising from the warm shores of the Persian Gulf and the shifting sands of the Arabian Desert,is the city of Dubai, the largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates.
For two centuries, Dubai was not much more than a tiny trading port on the banks of Dubai Creek. But in less than a single generation, the city has become a destination once relegated to the imaginings of science fiction writers. A place that defies its extreme environment, and redefines everything we think we know about cities. Despite appearances, however, the foundations for this glittering citadel are not built on sand, but on thousands of years of Arabic culture and tradition. 

This United Arab Emirates city is a luxury travel destination for leisure and business travellers.  Dubai combines a modern metropolis with a timeless sensibility and Arabian flair.  It’s a dining, shopping, and nightlife mecca where you can allow your adventurous side to take over and partake in excursions such as desert safaris, hot air balloon rides, and sand boarding.  Enjoy the beaches, spas, waterparks, and famous golf courses.  Whether you’re staring in awe at the Middle Eastern icon: Burj Khalifa, lounging in the world-famous Buddha Bar enjoying late-night drinks, or strolling through the chaotic camel market and interacting with traders, there are so many unique facets of Dubai culture to experience on your next vacation!

City Basics

From the airport: The Dubai International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world.  Reservation desks are located at the Terminals to help you book hotels, safaris, and city tours.

Getting around: Taxis and the Dubai Metro are the most common ways for tourists to travel.  The Dubai Metro operates at 10-minute intervals.  There are bus connections and taxi pickups at each station and stations are typically 1.5 km apart.  Ticket fares depend on distance travelled, but day passes can be purchased for $14 or declining balance cards can be loaded and used on metro, buses, and water buses. Car rentals are available for travellers with an international driver’s license and a valid passport.

 Where to Stay

The Golden Sands Hotel Apartments

The Golden Sands Hotel Apartments are located in the Bur Dubai neighbourhood, close to shopping malls, restaurants, nightlife, and a metro station.  The hotel offers a variety of rooms and all units have a kitchenette.

Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa

This hotel located on the Arabian Gulf is perfect for those craving some time in the clear, blue waters- and it has a staggering 14 restaurants and bars!

Jumeirah Beach Hotel

This architecturally beautiful family resort has luxurious suites and villas with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf, five swimming pools, tennis and squash courts, a scuba diving centre, and a water park.

Grand Hyatt Dubai

In close proximity to Dubai’s financial and entertainment districts, the Grand Hyatt Dubai has extraordinary dining options, resort facilities, landscaped gardens, an award-winning spa, and it’s located minutes away from the airport!

Burj Al Arab Hotel on Jumeirah Beach

 Attractions

Burj Khalifa

Observation Deck Tickets: Reserved Adult General Admission 125 AED

The world’s tallest building is an architectural and engineering masterpiece, standing at over 828 meters.

Dubai Mall

Visit the world’s largest shopping mall with 1,200 retail stores and 200 food outlets.  This complex houses the Dubai Aquarium, SEGA Republic indoor theme park, and the Dubai ice rink.

Dubai Fountain

Located just outside the mall in the Burj Khalifa Lake is the Dubai Fountain that shoots water as high as 500 ft.  Enjoy the daily light and music performances.

Bastakia Quarter

Stroll through the Bastakia Quarter of Dubai and visit the art galleries, garden cafes, textile boutiques, craft markets, and traditional homes that decorate this historic area.

Palm Islands

These magnificent artificial islands are shaped like a palm tree.  Jumeirah, the only island open to the public, is where the ultra-luxurious Burj Al-Arab 7-star hotel rests.  Also located on the Palm Islands are upscale hotels, residential villas, water homes, restaurants, malls, spas, marinas, and other attractions.