Dubai Leisure Holidays
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Wildside Dubai Travel
« INTRODUCTION

Dubai
is the second largest emirate in the U.A.E. Its total area is around 1000
square miles. The city of Dubai is divided by the famous Dubai creek or
Khor. This natural harbour and Dubai's strategic location on the international
trading map has made it one of the world's leading trading and commercial
centers. Burj Dubai relentless love affair with tourism continues to transform
the city's skyline. Waterfront hotels and tax-free shopping malls spring
up along the serene Gulf coast in mere months while new theatres and performance
venues tap into a newfound thirst for cultural stimulation. The city is
all about spin, and likes to float at least half a dozen audacious new projects
each year - current headline-grabbers are the construction of the world's
tallest tower, the world's largest indoor ski slope and a network of reclaimed
is lands in the shape of the globe.
« CLIMATE & WEATHER

Dubai
has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Sunny, blue skies can be expected most
of the year. Rainfall is infrequent and irregular. The hottest months are
between June and September, when temperatures can soar to 45°C and more
during the day and humidity levels are very high. Temperatures are only
slightly more moderate the rest of the year, the coolest time being between
December and March. There is very little rainfall in Dubai, but when showers
do fall it is mainly in the cooler months.
« WHEN TO GO?
The ideal months to visit Dubai are January, February, March, December.
« CULTURE OF DUBAI
The Emirate of Dubai, occupying an area equivalent to 5 per cent of the
UAEs total landmass, extends along the Arabian Gulf coast for approximately
72km north of Abu Dhabi. The culture of the Gulf is rich and varied, from
desert Bedouin tradition to the colourful African influences of Oman The
Dubai Community Theatre is currently being planned as a major venue for
cultural performances. As a multicultural city, visitors can enjoy bellydancers
from Turkey and Egypt, pop singers from Lebanon, and traditional Emirati
stick dancing.
« PLACES OF INTEREST
Dubai Museum

The
Al Fahidi fort located in Bur Dubai behind Al Fahidi St, houses Dubai Museum.
The old fort building contains regular exhibits of weapons, traditional
costumes and musical instruments and the courtyard has good examples of
arish huts and wooden boats. The new underground section of the museum
houses wonderfully lifelike exhibits of an ancient souq, a quran school,
typical Arabic households and an oasis. There is also a display on the desert
by night with interesting local wildlife. A separate room is dedicated to
lively modern exhibits of pearl diving and fishing.
Dubai Creek Waterfront
Walk along the waterfront (Intercontinental hotel to Radisson SAS) A must
if you want to experience Dubais traditional maritime roots. Here
large motorized wooden dhows offload their cargos in the heart of the city.
Abra Trips
Take an abra trip across the creek in Umm al-Qaiwain to Deira. Steps along
the waterfront lead down to abras, small wooden motorized craft that are
used to cross from one side of the creek to the other. Take a seat on the
nearest boat, Dhs 1 to 50 fills will be collected by the skipper before
the boat docks at similar steps on the far side
WORLD TRADE CENTER
The Dubai World Trade Center has also emerged as the best Exhibition and
Conference center in the Gulf Region by hosting innumerable International
Fairs and events like the Gitex and Index, that attracts buyers, sellers
and customers from all over the world.
BASTAKIA

The
old district of Bastakia is an area noted for its narrow lanes and its wind-towered,
traditional mud walled houses, some of which have been restored as private
residences. In sharp contrast to the old houses is the Diwan Amiri (Ruler's
Office) nearby. In the earlier days the wind towers served as air conditioners
funnelling sea breeze and protecting the people from the mid-summer heat.
JUMEIRA MOSQUE
Located on Al Jumeira Road is this mosque, a fine example of modern Islamic
architecture. The beauty of the mosque, the city's largest, is seen at its
very best particularly when floodlit after sundown, when the subtle lighting
throws its artistry into relief. The mosque is one of the most photographed
sights of Dubai.
Grand Mosque
Boasting the city's tallest minaret at 230 feet (70m), the Grand Mosque
is a notable landmark with its multi-domed style and impressive size. It
is an important place of worship and can accommodate up to 1,200 worshippers
inside. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the Mosque.
WILD WADI

One
of the most advanced water theme parks ever designed, the five-hectare (12-acre)
water park at Wild Wadi offers families and thrill seekers hours of fun,
relaxation and adrenalin-pumping action. Designed like an Arabian wadi (oasis),
the park has an Arabian folklore theme and features some of the highest
and fastest water rides outside of North America with 24 state of the art,
high-adrenaline rides and slides. Rides for thrill seekers include Jumeirah
Sceirah, a 108ft (33m) free-fall at 50 miles per hour (80km/hr), Master
Blaster slides that are water roller coasters propelled uphill by high-powered
jets, the white-knuckle ride at Rushdown Ravine or the high waves at Breakers
Bay. Wonderland Family Fun Park A 44-acre amusement park, Wonderland hosts
the usual suspects - roller coasters, go carts, restaurants - as well as
some exotic water park specials, including a water mist show.
The Wonderland family fun park, divided into three sections, features a
wide range of exhilarating water attractions extending over 18 hectares.
The Main Street offers such unique attractions as the the Theme Park includes
a challenging roller coaster and cart race, while Splashland is a realm
of wonderful aqueous activities. Wonderland is located near Al Garhoud bridge
close to the Dubai Creekside Park.
« SHOPPING SURPRISES IN DUBAI
Discover the full essence of the term 'shop till you drop'. An experience
not to be missed for shopoholics, the tour includes renowned shopping malls
like Bur Juman, Lacy Plaza and Deira City Centre for a world class shopping
experience. For the more adventurous shopper, you need to visit to Al Fahidi
street known for its numerous electronics shops and the Fabric Souk full
of wonderful textiles and cloth materials. Enjoy a warm and friendly atmosphere
but don't forget to bargain! The tour moves on the glittering finale at
the gold souks in the world, Dubai is where you can buy the finest and purest
gold jewellery at the best rates. No wonder Dubai is known as the 'City
of Gold'.
« ENTERTAINMENT IN DUBAI

The
Dubai Summer Surprises is an innovative tourist attraction, aimed at increasing
tourism in the usually inactive summer months. The peak summer months of
July, August up to mid September are filled with shopping bonanzas, entertainment
for children, Ice circus, with entertainment and educational programs held
daily at all the major shopping complexes. Dubai's nightlife has come of
age in recent times. The city is now overflowing with upmarket wine bars,
DJ joints and beach bars. Stage plays from London routinely make the Dubai
circuit, as do major dance groups from Europe and Asia, while ballet and
opera companies from around the world are regular visitors to the emirate.
« HOW TO GET THERE?
By AIR
Dubai's location makes it easily accessible, as most major cities in Europe,
Africa and Asia provide direct flights. Dubai airport has two terminals.
These are located on opposite sides of the airport and offer car rentals,
hotel reservations, and cash exchange services.
Taxis
Most taxis in Dubai are metered, relatively cheap and very comfortable.
Taxis are plentiful in the city and hailing one rarely takes more than a
few minutes.
Buses
There are over 30 bus routes serving the main residential and commercial
areas.