Dubai's reputation as one of the world's premier holiday destinations has been partly built on the diversity of entertainment and human interest that it offers. The following is just a brief selection:-
SHOPPING
For many years Dubai has been known as the shopping capital of the Middle East, with visitors from all over the world attracted by its abundance of traditional markets coupled with modern, duty-free shopping Malls. For a traditional experience, visitors will find souks (the Arabic word for market) spread around the city, with different souks catering to specific goods. The Deira Gold Souk offers a dazzling array of hand crafted-gold chains, rings, earings, bracelets and every other kind of jewelry, many incorporating ornate Indian and Arab designs. The atmospheric Deira Spice Souk offers spices of all varieties, cinnamon, nutmeg, turmeric and chilli to name but a few.
As well as a feast of pungent aromas, this souk also offers intricate Persian rugs and glassware at excellent prices. At the Deira Perfume Souk you will literally find thousands of aromas, if you fail to find the one you want-shopkeepers can conjure up a unique concoction to suit your requirements.
Visiting one of Dubai's souks is more than just a shopping experience; the sights, sounds and smells of the markets have changed little in hundreds of years. Not far from the souks is the antique market where you can buy items such as Arabian chests, carved daggers and ornate coffee pots.
In the Bur Dubai souk, you will discover scores of shops selling silks, textiles and clothes whilst the surrounding streets cater for made to measure suits at exceptionally attractive prices. Finally, remember to haggle, it really is expected.
Dubai's modern shopping malls may offer a less authentic Middle Eastern experience than the souks, but the bargains to be had more than compensate. Look out for electronic goods and designer clothes priced well below UK high street prices.
DINING
Dubai has long enjoyed an excellent reputation for the diversity and quality of its restaurant scene, with well-known international names and smaller local establishments offering dishes and prices to suit all tastes. Virtually all the world's leading chefs have a signature restaurant in Dubai, but there are an abundance of other dining choices including Indian, Chinese and Thai.
The favourable climate in Dubai also provides year-round opportunities for al fresco dining, with restaurants and cafés spilling into the streets throughout the city.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITES
In recent years, the Golf scene in Dubai has gone from being the golfing world's best kept secret to the full blown golfer's paradise that it is today. There are several world-class courses around the city, with the Emirates Golf Club being the most famous, as it's the venue for the Dubai Desert Classic, which is now one of the most important tournaments in the European golfing calendar. Another popular choice is the Nad Al Shiba Club, which boasts a floodlit 18-hole course which is the perfect venue for avoiding the ferocious summer sun. Even for the non-golfer, Dubai's golf clubs are worth a visit, both for the spectacular architecture of their clubhouses and as examples of the successful greening and landscaping of the desert.
More than one visitor has mistaken the lush greens and freshwater lakes of the Emirates Golf Club and Dubai Creek Golf Club for a desert mirage. Man-made oasis of rolling green fairways, bunkers and lakes materialize miraculously from a desert haze with superbly designed clubhouses as their main feature. A nine hole "country" course is also available at the Hatta Fort hotel where golfers have a unique fun experience of playing in craggy mountain scenery.
Horseback Riding is available at both The Dubai Equestrian Centre and The Jebel Ali Equestrian Club. They both offer basic riding lessons and trail rides for the more experienced, with other options such as show jumping and dressage also available. Arabian Ranches is a relatively new development that has a well-equipped equestrian centre at the heart of its residential community, with many other facilities on site such as a Spanish influenced polo club, tack shop, swimming pool and dining facilities.
Watersports are plentiful in Dubai with jet-skiing, waterskiing and sailing all widely available and popular with local residents and visitors alike. Jumeirah Beach is the place to go for wind sports such as windsurfing, paragliding and kite surfing, with the latter now so popular in the area that one stretch of the beach has become known as 'Kite Surf Beach'. The calm clear waters of the Arabian Sea also offer fantastic scuba diving opportunities, with several wreck sites and coral reefs offering dives to suit all levels of experience.
Budding SKI enthusiasts are catered for at Ski Dubai, the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East. Situated at the Mall of the Emirates it offers 5 runs of varying difficulty, including the world's first indoor black run. Skiers must be competent, but professional instruction is available for beginners. All equipment and clothing (except gloves) is included in the entry fee.It also features freestyle zone for snowboarders, a snow park for kids, several themed restaurants and a ski shop.
Outdoor spectator sports include Horse Racing at the Nad Al Sheba club,the home of the world's richest horse race and Camel Racing which is a major spectator sport in the Emirates. Book a half, full or overnight Desert Safari and go on a journey full of excitement into the legendary Arabian Desert. You'll be surprised to discover the various activities that you can enjoy among the endless dunes. From dune driving and camel riding to sand skiing and desert feasts, the options are yours.
FAMILY ATTRACTIONS
Located in Jumeirah, the Dubai Zoo is a popular attraction and is the oldest of its kind to be found in the Arabian Peninsula.
The zoo's modern facilities though small, house many indigenous Arabian species, including the Arabian Wolf, which is no longer found in the wild, Gordon's Wildcat and the world's only captive breeding colony of Socotra Cormorants.
Featured in its large aviary are regional birds of prey. Nine species of large cats and seven species of primates are on show, along with many Arabian mammals.
The zoo is shortly to undergo relocation and redevelopment allowing animals to live in areas designed to be as similar to their natural environment as possible.
Wild Wadi Water Park is an exciting, state-of-the-art water park where an unforgettable experience awaits you. Located at Jumeirah Beach, just a 20-minute drive from the city centre, the park features 24 high-speed water slides and chutes as well as several different swimming pools for the less adventurous. Other attractions at the park include a continual surfing wave, where budding young surfers can show off their tricks as well as many dry activities, including an indoor game zone. The park also provides a choice of shops, fast-food outlets and restaurants.
Children's City first opened in 2002, rapidly growing in popularity and reputation, and now attracts around two million visitors a year. The centre is laid out over three floors and consists of hands-on exhibits covering many subjects including the human body, science, space exploration and international cultures. The centre also has a planetarium and an under fives' zone, with all exhibits in English as well as Arabic. You will find Children's City located in the beautiful natural surroundings of Creekside Park, close to the city centre. Magic Planet is located at the Deira City Centre Complex, ands is said to be the largest indoor children's activity centre in the Middle East.
The complex offers a wide array of rides and activities for children of all ages, with an adventure zone, miniature golf, bowling alley and interactive games all on offer.
Finally, Wonderland Theme Park is another popular children's attraction situated close to the city centre. The park is divided into three zones, with Main Street providing bumper cars, radio-controlled boats and amusement arcades, while Themeland is home to fairground rides and rollercoasters. The third zone, known as Splashland, is a large waterpark consisting of water slides and various swimming pools. You will find the park located at Garhood Bridge, at the end of Creek Park.
CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS
Dubai Museum is housed within the city's oldest building dating back to the 1790's and contains a wide range of exhibits covering all aspects of the city's history and culture. The exhibition is made up of displays depicting life in the region before the discovery of oil, with separate themed exhibits such as traditional Arab houses, mosques, the souk and scenes from the creek and the desert. The museum also has a section detailing the history of the city's pearl industry as well as an archaeological area dedicated to artefacts that were excavated in and around Dubai. The museum is located within Al Fahidi Fort. Built sometime in the 6th century AD, the township featured within the Jumeirah Archaeological Site is the biggest and perhaps most significant site in the UAE. You'll see the remains of stone walls, a souq, houses and what is thought to have been a governor's palace. Objects found on the site, such as pottery and coins, are on display at Dubai Museum and the Heritage Village.
The old Bastakiya district with its narrow lanes and tall wind-towers gives a tantalizing glimpse of old Dubai. Immediately to the east of Al Fahidi Fort is the largest concentration of traditional courtyard houses with wind towers. In the past, the city was famous for a mass of wind towers that lined the Creek on either side. These wind towers were not just decorative. They were the only means of cooling houses in the days before mains electricity. Dubai government is planning to renovate all the historic buildings of the Bastakiya area to open more museums, galleries, restaurants and traditional markets. The Bastakiya district has been earmarked for tourist development, with the construction of a museum, cultural Centre, and an art gallery showcasing local talent.
Dubai Heritage Village is the first stage of a massive project which is to turn the entire Shindagha area into a living museum of life in Dubai. The village gives a fascinating insight into the traditional arts and crafts of the Middle East, with authentically dressed weavers and potters demonstrating their skills. Other attractions include boat trips around the creek on traditional wooden abras, camel rides, song and dance shows and a section dedicated to the pearl diving industry. The village is located near the mouth of the creek.
... AND FINALLY .... RELAXATION
From within the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary you can spy on Dubai's 3000-plus pink flamingo population, which flocks here during the winter months, from excellent viewing hides. Powerful binoculars can be borrowed to get a close-up of the birds without disturbing them. The juxtaposition of these elegant birds against the Dubai metropolis is amazing.
Za'abeel Park is a fantastic 126 acre park with gentle undulating green hills (perfect for picnics), gorgeous lakes and ponds, a low-impact jogging track, excellent sports facilities and kiosks - not to mention fabulous views of the Sheikh Zayed Rd skyline. It gets wonderfully packed on weekends.
And then of course there are the fine, white sand beaches that just go on and on .... and did we mention that this is one of the premier regions worldwide for experiencing the pleasures and stimulation of mental and physical regeneration in the form of a spa ....
