Attractions

Dubai Museum provides visitors with an entertaining introduction to the city and its culture, history and traditions. Located in the 19^th Century Al-Fahidi Fort, which is believed to be the oldest building in the city, visitors are taken on a multimedia journey which shows just how rapidly Dubai has developed. One of the highlights is the presence of a complete grave, from the Al-Qusais archaeological site, as well as many artefacts which date back thousands of years.

Sahary Gate has been established as a centre which aims to help the expatriate community to understand more about the culture of the host country. Arabic cooking, language as well as ancient arts such as calligraphy and jewellery making are demonstrated in a series of workshops. Visitors can also take a tour of Ajman sheikh's palace, who generously donates all the proceeds from the Sahary Gate to charity. You can also catch a class or talk on Islam, or enjoy a coffee here too.

The Jumeirah Mosque is a beautiful, intricately detailed structure, which looks especially spectacular when lit up at night, which allows non-Muslims to enter and have a look round. Normally this is not allowed, so it's a great opportunity to enjoy an 'Open Doors, Open Minds' tour of the building. Pre booking is recommended as it has become an increasingly popular attraction.

Sheikh Saeed al-Maktoum House is a museum which takes a look at what life was like pre-oil times. The house belonged to the grandfather of Sheikh Mohammed, the ruler of the United Arab Emirates, and is located on the Shindagha waterfront, close to the Diving Villages, and the Heritage Village. There are a wonderful set of photographs on display, from the 1940s to the 60s as well as a collection of postage stamps and coins.

If archaeology is your thing, then be sure to head for the Jumeirah Archaeological Site which is the most important site in the United Arab Emirates. Artefacts from as far back as the 6^th Century AD have been found here, on a site which straddles both pre-Islamic and Islamic eras. Items found at this spot link the area to the Persian Sassanid Empire with ruled in the 3^rd to 6^th centuries AD.

The Al-Ahmadiya School , Dubai's first school, was established by Sheikh Mohammed bin Ahmed bin Dalmouk in 1912 in order to teach the Quran, calligraphy, literature, grammar and astronomy to students. The building features some exquisite architecture, with beautifully carved arches, and an attractive courtyard. The building is open Saturdays to Thursdays.

The Nad al-Sheba Club is one of the main reasons people travel to Dubai, and the Godolphin stables are renowned the world over for the quality of their thoroughbred horses. The racing season starts in November with the culmination being the Dubai World Cup, the world's richest horse race. The racecourse is located around 4 miles from the centre of Dubai.

Events

The Dubai Shopping Festival began in 1996, with the aim of attracting people to its retail outlets. Nowadays this is the biggest shopping event in the world, attracting millions of visitors to take advantage of the special discounts offered by the hotels, airlines, and travel companies offered at this time. Highlights on the shopping calendar include the Carpet Oasis where thousands of carpets from around the world are showcased. There are also firework nights, laser light shows, street theatre, as well as live music and raffles. The event takes place at a number of venues including the Global Village on Emirates Road, during January and February.

The Dubai Desert Classic is included in the European PGA tour, and is held on the first Middle Eastern grass course - the 'Desert Miraclein'. Top players and $2.5 million up for grabs ensure a captive audience. The venue is The Emirates Golf Club, and the tournament is held annually in February.

The Dubai World Cup has the richest prize money of any horserace in the world, and attracts the best international jockeys and their steeds every year. Competition is rife both on and off the racecourse - with spectators vying to win the 'best dressed' title. March is the month of the World Cup and the event takes place at the Nad Al Sheba Racecourse.

Leisure and Recreation

Shopping is the main recreational activity in Dubai and futuristic shopping malls compete with traditional souks. Dubai Mall is the largest shopping mall in the world, and worthy of a visit even if you are not keen on shopping. For a more authentic experience, a highly recommended place to head for is the Gold Souk at Sikkat al-Khali Street, which features a dizzying array of stalls selling gold jewellery - bartering is expected, with prices related to the weight of the gold items. Bar Dubai is a pleasant shopping area fortextiles, and good quality souvenirs can be picked up here. Shops open from 8am until lunchtime, and then close for a few hours when the sun is at its hottest, to reopen at around 4.30.

Dubai has a lively night scene; with many bars and clubs situated in the hotels (Dubai has strict laws regarding alcohol). The legal drinking age is 21, and visitors must be over 25 to gain admittance to a night club. Buddha Bar is a renowned watering place which is located in the Grosvenor Hotel, and is the place to see and be seen in Dubai. Dubai Creek and the Irish Village are also popular hangouts.

The beaches in Dubai are exceptional with long sandy expanses of sand and clear water - but, it can get extremely hot. The Jumeirah Beach Park is an alternative if you are not staying close to the beach and provides a safe and clean environment for sunbathing, with an area of BBQs as well as showers and toilets. The park charges an admission fee however, but has a lifeguard on duty at all times.

Weather

Dubai has a subtropical climate and enjoys year round sunshine. June to September are the hottest months when temperatures can regularly reach 45 ^o C, as well as being quite humid. The sea gets quite warm too, and many of the hotels actually have to cool down the water in the pools to make swimming a more refreshing experience. The coolest time of year to go to Dubai is between December and March. As you would expect in a desert, there is little rainfall.

Getting There and Around

Dubai International Airport is around three miles from the city centre and there is a shuttle service between its two terminals, with most international airlines arriving at Terminal One. There is a regular Airbus service into the centre of Dubai with a journey time of 15 minutes or so. Taxis are available 24 hours a day and leave from the Arrivals Terminal.

Taxis are the most common way to get around Dubai, since they are relatively inexpensive and plentiful. Many of the hotels operate shuttle services for their guests too. Dubai has an efficient public transport system which travel to the beaches, and for an unusual way to get around there are wooden motorboats or 'abras' which cross the creek between Bur Dubai and Deira. Most of the local residents travel by car, but visitors should be warned that there are lots of accidents due to poor driving. Getting around on foot is not really an option because attractions and beaches are so far apart.

Top 6 Free Things to Do

Dubai Creek runs through the centre of Dubai, dividing the capital into two main tourist areas, Deira and Bur Dubai. Deira is the business centre of the city, and also features the best shopping facilities. Bur Dubai is where most of the museums and visitor attractions are located. The Creek is perfect for walking along, and Bur Dubai promenade is an excellent place for taking in the sights and marvelling at the city's impressive skyline.

The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, and features the first Armani Hotel which opened in 2010. There is also a shopping mall, fitness suite and at the top the highest public observation deck in the world, located on the 124^th floor, which offers visitors spectacular views of the city below. The huge skyscraper is one of Dubai's newest attractions and is located in Downtown Dubai.

The Heritage and Diving Villages are two former settlements inhabited by Emiriti. Here, visitors can get some sense of what life in a Bedouin village used to be like with locals dressed in traditional costume, and demonstrations of traditional crafts - as well as items associated with pear diving, which was once the most important activity in the Gulf.

On a visit to Dubai you should not miss out on visiting the souks, or markets. The best souks are on the Deira side of the Creek, the highlight being the Spice Market - the authentic aromas and bustling marketplace will give you a true flavour of Middle Eastern culture.

Creekside Park is an attractive waterfront space - popular with locals and tourists, and some of the best views of the Creek can be obtained from here. It features children's play areas, rides, cruises and restaurants, as well as beaches, and an amphitheatre.

The Grand Mosque is the cultural and religious centre of life for residents of Dubai, and, although it was only built in the 1990s it's an impressive building with the tallest minaret in the city. Visitors can only see the mosque from the outside - Muslims only are allowed inside.

Money and Costs

Central Deira in Dubai is packed full of banks and other currency exchanging facilities, with many situated on Baniyas Road and Baniyas Square. There are also money changing establishments around the Docks. Visitors will find plenty of ATMs right across the city, in the shopping malls as well as in hotel lobbies.

The unit of currency is the Dirham (AED) which is divided into 100 fils. Most major credit cards are accepted, as well as travellers' cheques.

Tipping is expected unless a service charge has been included in the price; otherwise a gratuity of 10% is perfectly acceptable.