Dubai Tours - About Dubai

A trip to the Dubai museum will give you a glimpse into Dubai's fascinating past. You can also visit Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum's house to view a collection of old photographs. The heritage and diving village at Dubai is a must see for all traditional arts and crafts lovers.

A one-and-a-half hour drive along east Dubai's road leads to Hatta. This pleasantly green valley is a small enclave in the dramatic, arid Hajar Mountains and is completely surrounded by land belonging to Oman, Ajman and Ras al-Khaimah. Here, the charming Hatta Fort Hotel with its beautiful gardens give a warm welcome to visitors.
Nearer to Dubai, and only about 20 kilometers inland, are the twin oases of Khawanij and Awir. These oases can be reached in 25 minutes from the town center. They have been extensively developed over the past 20 years and boast fine country houses with superb gardens for some of Dubai's leading families.

Boat racing has cultural and historical significance in Dubai with its roots in dhow (traditional wooden trading vessels) racing, which still takes place today, especially on government holidays such as the UAE National Day on December 2. It is considered as one of the most spectacular and graceful of sports, the traditional dhow sailing witnesses more than 80 traditional boats take to the clear blue waters surrounding the DIMC in precisely the same manner as it was done in the ancient past. Adhering to age-old tradition, the hulls are varnished teak wood with billowing white sails made from canvas. The three different racing categories here include 60ft, 43ft and 22ft.

Participate in the Dhow racing which takes place throughout the winter months and well into the summer. Racing usually takes place off the coast of Mina Seyahi from 2 pm on a Thursday or Friday.

Al Bastakia Area in Bur Dubai dates back to the early 1900s, and occupies the eastern section of the old town along the Creek, extending to a length of 300 meters, and depth of 200 meters in the southern direction. This area represents an important area in the history of architecture, and the urban development of town. The masons, who constructed the building, have left a permanent mark on the town's heritage.

To the east of Al Fahidi Fort is the largest concentration of traditional courtyard houses within wind towers. In the past, the city was famous for a mass of wind towers which lined the creek on either side. These were not merely decorative but served as the only means of cooling houses in pre-electricity days.

One of the largest and most beautiful mosques is the Jumairah Mosque. It is a spectacular example of modern Islamic architecture and is built of stone in medieval Fatimid tradition, the mosque is a city landmark in Dubai. It is particularly attractive at night when subtle lighting throws it artistry into relief.

'Souk' is the Arabic word for market or place where any kind of goods are brought or exchanged. Traditionally, dhows from the Far East, China, Ceylon and India would discharge their cargos and the goods would be bargained over in the souks adjacent to the docks.

You can find the wonders of aromatic spices and the beauty of hand-crafted gold through the labyrinth of narrow winding alleys on the Deira side of the creek. In the spice souk you will find perfumes, incense, and delicious foods piled in sacks awaiting your attention. Walk a bit further toward the gold souk and you will be dazzled by the glittering displays in each shop window. Choose from gold necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and you can even design your very own jewelry.

At the Perfume Souk you will literally find thousands of aromas, and if you can't find the one that you want, shopkeepers would be able to conjure up a unique concoction that suits your tastes exactly.

You will find the antique market near the souks where you can buy coffee pots, Arabian chests, daggers, Bedu jewelry and carvings at excellent prices. If interested in buying textiles or silk, head for Cosmos Lane in Bur Dubai or the streets of Satwa, where numerous shops sell a vast array of colorful fabrics.

This luxurious amphibious bus is brand new state of the art vehicle and is approved by US coast guard and Emirates Marine Services Dubai. The total number of passenger capacity is 44. The bus takes you around the beautiful city sights and entertains you to wonderful sceneries of the classy past and the modern present of Dubai.

The Big Bus aims to give you the most enjoyable and memorable experience of your life in Dubai. From the towering sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel to the mysterious gold and spice souks, what better way to see Dubai's breathtaking views? So, hop onto the big red double decker bus for a quick tour of Dubai's main attractions starting and finishing at Wafi City.

Another arial view of Dubai would be to take the cable car ride that runs the 2.3km length of Creekside Park (between the Creek's two bridges) in under half an hour. Suspended 30 metres in the air, you can see for miles in each direction.
Twelve cable cars traverse the Creek Park affording a view of the creek area from 25 meters above ground.

The cable car system spans 4,200 meters from the park's amphitheatre to Al Maktoum Bridge. Three stations have been set up where passengers can be picked up. Each car accommodates up to four passengers. A private company has been commissioned to operate the project.

The souk is a colorful and vibrant market or part of a market in an Arabian city. Lively trading culture, animated, interactive - this defines Souk Madinat Jumeirah.

Meandering paths lead visitors through a bazaar-like atmosphere in which open fronted shops and intimate galleries spill onto the paved walkways. The sounds of craftsmen and women at work mingle with the aroma from street cafes and boutique restaurants. Souk Madinat is exclusively known for the unique brands, crafted quality and an interactive experience.

Dubai is labeled as the "shopping capital of the Middle East". With so many shopping malls and souks, there's no better place to find products at unbeatable prices. It is truly a duty free shopper's paradise that gives you more for your money. Dubai's numerous shopping malls cater to every consumer need. Cars, haute couture clothing, jewellery, electronics, furnishing, sporting equipment, and any other goods will likely all be under the same roof.

Burj Al Arab is a part of The Jumeirah Beach Resort, situated 17km south of the city of Dubai. It is designed to resemble a billowing sail; the hotel soars to a height of 321 metres, dominating the Dubai coastline. At night, it offers an unforgettable sight, surrounded by choreographed color sculptures of water and fire. This all-suite hotel reflects the finest that the world has to offer.

You can take a two minute submarine ride to the Al Mahara seafood restaurant and catch a hearty meal.

Take an aerial tour of Dubai. Helicopters and plane tours offer a bird's eye view of the city and operate throughout the year. Prices start from Dhs. 250 for a 45 minute to 1 hour flight.

See the countryside in a Hot Air Balloon as you have never seen it before. A flight in a Hot Air Balloon gives you the power of the winds. You can fly high above the haze or skim the sand dunes, float on a gentle breeze or ride with a cloud.

There is plenty to see and do water wise in Dubai. The Dubai International Marine Club has been the driving force behind the growth of national and international water sport events in the Middle East.

Dubai International Boat Show, the largest marine industry exhibition in the Middle East, is a classic showcase of yachts and boats from both local and international builders together with the latest innovations in marine equipment and accessories.
Apart from this there is parasailing, snorkeling, diving and surfing at the beach.

Geography: The second largest of the seven Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is located on the southern shore of the Arabian Gulf. Dubai city is a bustling metropolis, while outside the city itself the Emirate is sparsely inhabited and characterized by desert vegetation.

Population: Current population approx. 1.67 million, set to increase to 3.5 million by 2010. 80% comprises of Expatriates - Arab, Asians, European, and others.

Climate: Dubai has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Rainfall is infrequent and irregular. Falling mainly in winter, it amounts to some five days a year. Temperatures range from a low of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit to a high 118 degrees. The mean daily maximum is 75 degrees Fahrenheit in January rising to 105 degrees Fahrenheit in July.

Local time: The UAE is four hours ahead of GMT.

Language: The official language is Arabic, Arabic and English are commonly used in business and commerce. Hindi and Urdu are also widely used.

Religions: 96% Muslim, Hindu, Christian, 4% other

Country Dialing Code: 971

Internet Country Code: .ae

Currency: Emirati Dirham (AED)

Exchange Rates: Emirati dirhams per US dollar 3.67

A trip to Dubai transports you on a journey through time. Although the early history of the area is not very well documented, archeological discoveries suggests that, as long as four thousand years ago, small fishing communities lived along the coast of the Arabian Gulf on the site of modern Dubai. It is also believed that the natural sheltered harbor afforded by the Dubai Creek was a busy port of call on the ancient trade route between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley. In recent years, archeologists have unearthed hundreds of artifacts, including pottery, weapons and coinage that point to civilized settlements dating back to the third millennium B.C.

These historic finds have been carefully preserved and are now permanently housed in the Archeological Section of Dubai Museum. Modern Dubai, however, traces its origins to the 1830's. At that time, the small fishing village on the Shindagha peninsula at the mouth of the Creek was settled by a branch of the Bani Yas tribe, originally from the Liwa oasis to the south, led by the Maktoum family who still rule the emirates today.

Visitors to Dubai have an extensive choice of places to stay, which offer superb service and facilities. There are a number of deluxe hotels on the beach, though all are close to major tourist attractions in the city.

Cars are the main method of getting around Dubai and the major hotels provide shuttle bus services for guests.

The Dubai Municipality operates the public bus service from 06:00-23:00. Depending on the destination adult fares vary and these are paid to the driver upon boarding. It is useful to have the exact change.

Dubai is really two Cities, Dubai and Deira. Divided by the Creek, they are a paradise for sightseeing and both have their unique characters. You will be amazed at the diversity of architecture and cultures to be found here, ranging from traditional Arab houses to magnificent modern towers of steel and glass.

The Creek is the main artery of Dubai, winding inland from the Gulf for about six miles. On its clear waters you will see traditional teak trading dhows plying their trade across the Gulf, heading as far as India. At night, the waterfront is a hive of activity, as Abras, the local water taxis, crisscrosses the Creek carrying people to their chosen restaurant or attraction for the evening.

Money Exchanges - Most currencies can be freely converted in Dubai and you will find money exchange companies all over Dubai. Exchange houses are open from 8:30 to 13:00 and 16:30 to 20:30.
One US dollar equals 3.65 UAE Dirhams.

Credit Cards - All major credit cards are accepted in Dubai, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club etc. Most establishments accept credit cards, though at some of the smaller ones you will get slightly better prices if you pay in cash.

Business Days- All Government offices are closed on Thursday and Friday. Many private sector companies however have their weekend on Friday and Saturday. Shops and supermarkets are open seven days a week, though on Fridays they start business after the afternoon prayers. All Government offices are closed on Thursday and Friday. Many private sector companies however have their weekend on Friday and Saturday. Shops and supermarkets are open seven days a week, though on Fridays they start business after the afternoon prayers.

Banks - Most international banks have branches in Dubai, servicing the usual retail and corporate segments. Transfers can be made easily as exchange controls are virtually non-existent, and the Dirham is freely convertible.
Banking hours run from 08:00 to 13:00 Saturday to Wednesday. Some are also open from 16:30 to 18:30. On Thursdays banks operate from 8:00 to 12:00.

Starting Meter Charge (Flag Fall)
Day Time (6:00am to 10:00pm) : Dh. 3.00
Night Time (10:00pm to 6:00am): Dh.3.50
Dubai Int’l Airport Area (Station Wagons) : Dh. 20.00

Running Meter Charges:
Dh. 1.00 for every 662.25 metres (Dh. 1.51 per kilometre)

Waiting Charges
Start of Waiting Charges: After 10 minutes of waiting
Rate of waiting Charge: Dh. 30.00 per Hour
Rate of Increment: Dh. 0.50 per Minute

Daily Rates (within Dubai)
12 hours of Taxi Service: Dh. 500/-

Luxury Van/Family Van Service
Starting Meter Charge (Flag Fall)
Inside Dubai : Dh. 15.00
Dubai Int’l Airport Area: Dh. 25.00

Running Meter Charges:
Dh. 1.00 for every 600 metres (Dh. 1.66 per kilometre)

Waiting Charges
Start of Waiting Charges : After 10 minutes of waiting
Rate of waiting Charge : Dh. 30.00 per Hour
Rate of Increment: Dh. 0.50 per Minute

Extra for booking from Other Emirates
Sharjah: Dh. 50.00
Ras Al Khaimah: Dh. 80.00
Ajman: Dh. 60.00
Fujairah: Dh. 100.00
Umm Al Quain: Dh. 70.00
Abu Dhabi/ Al Ain: Dh. 100.00

Hourly Rates
1 Hour: Dh. 50.00
3 Hours : Dh. 150.00
6 Hours: Dh. 250.00
12 Hours: Dh. 500.00
24 Hours: Dh. 750.00

Special Needs Van Service

Dubai or Dubayy (in Arabic) is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates.

(UAE) on the Arabian Peninsula.

The ruler of Dubai is HH Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum who is also the Prime Minister of the federation of UAE. The crown prince is HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

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