Dubai today is flashy, fun and slightly surreal. Renowned for its sand, sun and shopping, it was once a tranquil town of coral-and-gypsum courtyard houses built by Persian traders and palm-frond huts housing Bedouin fisherman and pearl divers. Today shiny new skyscrapers reflect the mosques and wind towers of Old Dubai. The audacity of the city's rulers is breathtaking. Running out of coastline to build hotels? Build vast artificial islands with 120km (74.5mi) of new beachfront. Need better connections with the world? Build up an award-winning international airline in 15 years.
When to Go
The best time of the year to visit Dubai is between November and April, when the weather is coolest. The rest of the year you're more likely to be running from one air-conditioned environment to the next instead of getting out and exploring. Ramadan, which takes place at a different time each year on the Western calendar, is the Muslim month of fasting and is strictly adhered to throughout the UAE. That means that it's illegal, not to mention rude, to eat, drink or smoke in public from sunrise to sunset at this time. On the 'up' side, hotel rates drop to 50% of their usual cost.
Famous Tourist Attractions
Park Beach
Al-Mamzar Park. Tranquil Al-Mamzar Park, with its white sand beach, has splendid views across the still water to Sharjah.
Art Gallery
Art Space. This contemporary gallery dedicated to promoting national and international work and nurturing the local scene has exhibited pop art by Emirati Mohamed Kanoo and powerful work by Iranian female artists, such as Shadafarin Ghadarian. There are new exhibitions each month.
Park
Creekside Park. This oasis of palm-shaded green stretches from Al-Garhoud Bridge towards Al-Maktoum Bridge.
Market
Deira Gold Souq. Deira's celebrated Gold Souq attracts buyers from all over the world. Pass through its wooden lattice archways to discover great dazzling heaps of gold - chains, rings, earrings, bracelets and every other kind of jewellery.
Stadium/Oval
Dubai Camel Racecourse. Camel racing is a major spectator sport in the UAE. If you miss the races, snap the more photogenic camel walks from their farms across to the track to train. Best time is around 17:00 .
Religious/Spiritual Hindi Lane. Two modest places of worship, the Hindu Shri Nathje Jayate Temple and the Sikh Gurudaba, are hidden away behind the Grand Mosque.
Nightlife & Entertainment
Bar Boudoir. This decadent restaurant-cum-bar-cum-nightclub is where international celebrities play when in town. Its chic Parisian-brasserie-style - crystal chandeliers, sumptuous velvet padded booths, gilt-edged mirrors and heavy drapes - may seem odd in Dubai, but nobody cares when DJs like Stéphane Pompougnac spin chill-out beats; they just dance.
Cinema Grand Cineplex. At this hi-tech 10-screen multiplex showing the latest English-language movies, you'll also find an array of cafés, DVDs and music, and an ATM to get cashed-up after spending all your dirhams.
Swanky Bar 44. While this sophisticated champagne and cocktail bar with spectacular views has an exclusive clubby feel to it, the bar staff are friendly and regulars are made to feel like family. They may pride themselves on their champagne menu (and it is impressive) but their cocktails are sublime - Turquoise Blue is a heady potion, while their Mojito Martini is a revelation.
Fast Facts
Full Name
United Arab Emirates
Airports
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
Al Ain International Airport (AAN)
Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Area
82,800 sq km
Population
1,400,000
Time Zone
GMT/UTC +4 ()
Daylight Saving Start
None
Daylight Saving End
None
Languages
Arabic (official)
Currency
Name: United Arab Emirates dirham
Code: AED
Symbol: Dh
Electricity
220V 50HzHz
Electric Plug Details
European plug with two circular metal pins
