DUBAI
Area: United Arab Emirates


Location:
In the NE corner of the country, with a long NE_SW coastline facing the Persian (Arabian) Gulf. Bordering its brother emirate Abu Dhabi to the SW and the Sultanate of Oman to the SE. 100 mls NE of Abu Dhabi city. Downtown is immediately NW of Dubai international airport.

Telephone code from UK:
971 4

Website:
http://dubai.uae-pages.com/tourism/

Position:
On the coast beside the Gulf, backed by flat desert tundra, enormous sand dunes and rugged mountains deeper into the hinterland towards Oman.

Description:
Of the seven tiny emirates that constitute the UAE federation, Dubai is by far the most cosmopolitan and liberal and welcomes ever-increasing tourism with open arms. While Abu Dhabi remains the federal capital of a country that was inaugurated only in 1971, Dubai is undoubtedly the commercial heart of this small oil-rich nation of 2­ million people. It has built a tourist and business infrastructure from scratch in the arid desert in only a few years, and thanks to billions of dollars spent on generally well-planned construction, irrigation and excellent road communications, it now offers a remarkably original sunshine oasis. The old city of Bur Dubai, still with a few old souks, lies on the W bank of a long, broad creek more akin to a choppy river. On the other side is the bustling modern metropolis of Deira, bristling with high-rise buildings, Las Vegas-style neon and broad dual carriageways. What traditional or historic sites there were have been engulfed by construction that, although perhaps out of hand in places, is often ambitiously imaginative in its architecture. With the Gulf's warm waters, impressive beaches, guaranteed sunshine and tax-free bargains, Dubai has already established itself as the region's premier holiday destination.

Suitability:
Large numbers of international business people belonging to the oil, gas, construction and electronic corporations. Increasingly popular with middle to upmarket Western tourists seeking a hot, sunny shopping and sunbathing haven during the long winter months.

Accommodation:
More than two dozen de luxe hotels and modern apartment complexes as well as more mediocre properties in and around the city centre. Many of the most modern and luxurious are dotted at intervals along the very extensive sandy shoreline (Jumeira Beach) several miles to the W. Most have extensive, stylish leisure facilities and in-house entertainments.

Shopping:
An upmarket shoppers' paradise. Tax-free fine jewellery, gold, watches, designer labels, sports gear, consumer electronics and even cars in abundance and often at incredibly low prices. A proliferation of large air-conditioned shopping malls augmented by more conventional street parades and centres attached to the larger luxury hotels. The more traditional Gold Souk with a plethora of Arabian, Indian and SE Asian wares, is an experience in itself. Haggling and watching your back pocket are essential here.

Beach:
Although the city itself has a sandy shoreline broken only by the mouth of the creek, broad Jumeira Beach is the resort's premier location. It stretches for over 8 miles westward along the warm Gulf and is of soft, pale sand. Numerous man-made breakwaters flanking hotels' private sections make bathing safer. All kinds of water sports are available: pedalloes, water-skiing, windsurfing and diving.

Entertainments:
Daytime: super beaches and varied water sports; desert 4X4 safaris. Wonderland fun park boasts water slides, roller coasters and fairground. Horse racing; exclusive golf clubs. Shop till you drop in glamorous air-conditioned American-style malls. Handful of museums including 19th-century fort. Small zoo at Jumeira. Nightlife: from traditional belly-dancing to Western-style nightclubs. Many hotels provide live music and themed nights.

Eating:
Truly cosmopolitan, ranging from familiar Western fast-food chains and pizzerias to fine Indian, Chinese, Thai, Lebanese and other Arabian cuisine. Alcohol is freely available, but expensive, at all major hotels, approved bars and private clubs, although most places close during religious festivals and holidays.

Public-transport:
Quite efficient public buses in and around the city and to selected villages. However, most visitors rely on the free shuttle services provided by the individual hotels either to the city or beaches. Abundant taxis are metered, but you should still haggle prior to setting off. It's considered safe for women to travel alone, but it's best to avoid long journeys at night. Women are also expected to sit in the back seat at all times. Reputable car hire is readily available, and broad American-style highways out of town and English signposts make things relatively easy, but local driving style leaves a lot to be desired.

Local-excursions:
Numerous desert safaris in four-wheel-drive vehicles are the most popular. Abu Dhabi (day).