Dubai City - Dubai

Dubai city is a great place to stay for a lively holiday close to the shops and within easy access to many of the local attractions, its also the place to stay if you really want to feel part of the middle eastern culture and experience a little more of the hustle and bustle synonymous with life in an Arabian city. The hotels themselves are sumptuous air conditioned and extremely comfortable with every amenity to satisfy the wishes of the even the most discerning guest and although the beaches are only a short fifteen minute drive away, many of the hotels offer a free shuttle service to the beach and have arrangements with beachside facilities for those who feel the need to dip their toes in the waters of the Arabian Gulf.

Although surrounded by sand Dubai City is by no means a cultural desert as there are a number of museums and archaeological sites to visit. The Bastakiya and Shindagha areas provide a tantalising glimpse of old Dubai; situated in the old Bastakiya district of Bur Dubai a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with houses featuring tall chimney like structures called wind-towers, they were constructed to provide an upward draft, a crude form of air conditioning long before electricity was invented. The area has been renovated and now includes a museum, cultural centre with many restaurants and art galleries.

The city of Dubai is centred around a Creek which is the main thoroughfare from the open waters of the Arabian Gulf to the relative safety of the still waters of this natural inlet. Here traditional local craft, Dhow’s can be seen plying their trade in much the same way has they have for generations. Nowadays it’s possible to take a cruise on one of these vessels, which has been converted to accommodate tourists. From the waters of Creek it is possible to see most of the major land marks of the city, cruises can be taken during the day or at night under a canopy of stars. Another fascinating way to capture a little of the atmosphere is to take a local abras, (small wooden boat) which serve as local taxis and will take you from the Deira side of the Creek to the Bur Dubai side in a journey time of just ten minutes. Finally, the Al Boom Tourist Village with traditional Arabian architecture situated adjacent to Dubai Creek forms a major landmark in the city is well worth a visit.

Whatever you decide, remember to leave some time to shop.

Additional Dubai City information

• Dubai Stop-over
• The Mall of the Emirates
• Health & Safety
• Currency & Banks