Dubai

Why Dubai?

Dubai is one of the few cities in the world that has undergone such a rapid transformation - from a humble beginning as a pearl-diving centre - to one of the fastest growing cities on earth. Dubai today is a tourism, trade and logistics hub and has earned itself the reputation of being the ‘gateway between the east and the west.’ It is also considered as the dynamic nucleus of the Arabian Gulf region.

Home to just over 2 million people from more than 200 nationalities, Dubai is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. Living in Dubai has a lot to offer. It is safe, politically stable, centrally located, has a good education system and healthcare facilities, modern infrastructure and much more. The sun shines almost every day, the shopping and leisure facilities are impressive, and the salaries are tax-free.

Living in Dubai is exciting, something new and different happens ever so often. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, a new project is announced, whether it is the launch of a sports stadium, a mega commercial tower, a residential enclave or yet another shopping mall! Dubai is constantly on the move, striving for greater heights and more facilities and comfort for its residents and visitors.

Dubai is without a doubt a destination of the 21st century. Read any article about the fastest growing city in the region and it’s almost guaranteed you’ll see the words ‘ambitious’, ‘record-breaking’ and ‘staggering’. This meteoric growth has not gone unnoticed, and each year thousands of expats arrive to claim a slice of the action.

If you are planning to make Dubai your new home, take a look at these videos from a cross-section of people who live here and what they have to say: www.thisisdubai.ae/

If you are already living here in Dubai, read the pages of this portal regularly and explore new things to do, places to see, restaurants to dine in, movies to see or enjoy a show.

Getting in Dubai

Getting to Dubai cannot be easier! Situated at the cross roads between the east and the west, Dubai enjoys, without a doubt, one of the best locations on the planet. Situated halfway between Europe and Asia, Dubai can be reached conveniently by air, sea and land. Few destinations take more than 8 hours direct flying time to or from Dubai and you could even take a cruise or drive to get there.

Welcome to Dubai, city of merchants, cultural crossroads, second largest of the seven emirates in the UAE. A country where the dust of the desert is clearing to reveal the potential for one of the most significant international cities of the 21st century!

Getting by air to Dubai

There are a whole range of options when flying into Dubai. Over 120 airlines worldwide operate to Dubai and there are 5 airlines offering a total of 135 direct weekly flights from the UK. You can fly with the world renowned Emirates - Dubai’s national airline, where you can board one of its several new aircraft such as the Airbus A380 which flies from Heathrow. Fly Dubai, the emirate’s new low cost airline operates flights to, from and via Dubai and is ideal for connecting journeys within the middle east.

Citizens of 33 countries, including the UK and Ireland, are granted a 30-day visa, free of charge, on arrival in Dubai. Dubai is just a seven hour direct flight from the UK, which places it at a very manageable UTC +4 hours and therefore close enough to avoid jet lag.

Flights to Dubai

There are over 120 airlines operating to Dubai, so you are indeed spoilt for choice!

Flights to the UAE have become more and more accessible. As routes and schedules have widened there are more cheap flights to Dubai. So, when you begin your search for flights to UAE, www.emirates.com- the international airline of UAE is one place to look. Another website to look at is www.flydubai.com - the site of the UAE's low-cost airline.

Start by exploring the deals available online. Make sure to look at the options available with travel packages that include Dubai hotel bookings and flights to enjoy huge savings you might not otherwise have the opportunity to receive. Travel packages are always a best way to find deals on flights to Dubai.

One of the best value packages is choosing an all-inclusive deal at one of the seaside resorts for a fun and sun-filled holiday.

DUBAI INTERNATIONAL 

• Total Scheduled Airlines: 130
• Total Destinations: 220
• Average Number Of Weekly Flights: 6000
• Projected Passenger capacity by 2018: 90 mln

Dubai Airport currently has three passenger terminals. Terminals 1 and 3 are directly connected with a common transit area, with airside passengers being able to move freely between the terminals without going through immigration, whilst Terminal 2 is built on the opposite end of the airport. Transport within and between these three terminals is provided by people movers, underground tunnels.

Situated beside Terminal 2 is the Executive Flights Terminal, which has its own check-in facilities for premium passengers and where transportation to aircraft in any of the other terminals is by personal buggy. All four terminals currently have a handling capacity of 60 million passengers a year spread over an area of 225,020 m2 (2,422,100 sq ft). Capacity will rise to 90 million passengers by 2018.

Dubai Airport, with all four terminals, now caters to a full spectrum of passengers. Terminal 2 is for cost-conscious passengers and passengers flying to the sub-continent and the Gulf region; Terminals 1 and 3 take care of 90% of the travelers; and the Executive Flights terminal targets those who demand luxury when travelling.

About flydubai

flydubai is the low cost airline operating flights to and from the neighbouring cities in the GCC, Indian sub-continent, Africa and CIS. Fly Dubai’s growing fleet operates from Terminal 2 of the Dubai International Airport.

For more details visit: www.flydubai.com

The online booking portal www.flydubai.com offers some of the best and most competitive prices.

About Emirates Airlines

Emirates the official airline of Dubai is an award-winning airline featuring an extensive fleet of modern planes. Emirates is one of the fastest growing airlines in the world, flourishing in parallel with the country’s thriving economy. Since its launch in 1985, Emirates Airline has received more than 400 international awards in recognition of its efforts to provide unsurpassed levels of customer service. The airline has experienced rapid and consistent growth, never falling below 20 per cent a year. In its first 11 years, it doubled in size every 3.5 years and has, every four years since.

In combination with what is already one of the youngest and most modern fleets in worldwide commercial aviation, this commitment to the future reflects Emirates’ goal to develop Dubai into a comprehensive, global, long haul aviation hub.

With a fleet of over 190 aircraft, Emirates currently flies to over 120 destinations in 70 countries around the world, and its network is expanding constantly. Nearly 800 Emirates flights depart Dubai each week on their way to destinations on six continents. At the Dubai Airshow in November 2007, Emirates announced an historic civil aviation aircraft order when it signed contracts for a 120 Airbus A350s, 11 A380s, and 12 Boeing 777-300ERs, worth an estimated US$34.9 billion in list prices.

Emirates is currently the largest operator of both the Airbus 380 and Boeing 777.

For more information on this airline and its growth and how you can connect to several destinations around the world from one city Dubai, visit: www.emirates.com/ae/english/

Getting in Dubai by Sea

During the exotic hey days of spice and silk trading, this was the traditional way of getting to Dubai. Large wooden dhows and smaller boats were the means of transport. Even today, the famed Dubai creek - the lifeline for trade - is still lined with boats taking on or unloading cargo to and from neighboring countries. Larger and modern container vessels and cargo ships however berth at the Jebel Ali Port - the world’s largest man-made port with more than 120 shipping lines that use its over 100 berths - located 35 kms from Dubai’s city centre.

Getting in Dubai by Road

If you like driving, then the best way to see a country and experience it is when you can explore it through its highways and byways. Access to Dubai from the neighbouring arab countries and Europe (through Saudi Arabia) is easy. However, before embarking on your journey, please ensure that you have all the necessary travel documents, visas and vehicle permits. Also, carry enough rations, water, medicines, camping gear (if you are not staying in hotels along the way) and other supplies.

Helpful Informations

Salik
Salik is a tolling system without toll collectors or gates allowing traffic to move freely. Motorists pay in advance to enter a Salik zone and each time a vehicle passes through the toll. AED 4/- is deducted. An orange sticker on the front wind shield of the car represents the Salik system. When hiring a car ensure that the car has the Salik sticker. As a passenger in a taxi the AED 4/- will be added to your final fare per Salik gate crossing.

RTA

The Road and Transport Authority (RTA) came into formation in November 2005. It is responsible for planning and executing transport and traffic projects in Dubai, preparing legislation and strategic plans, planning and constructing the Dubai Metro, developing other integrated solutions of road systems and marine networks that are safe and in line with the city’s economic development plans and the highest international standards. RTA is powering a change through its vision “Safe and smooth transport to all" in Dubai, a number of its projects are in varying degrees of completion such as the metro, new buses and bus routes and double decker roads, among others.

Tips & Tricks

Any time is a good time to visit Dubai. However, the best time to visit is during the cooler time of the year. This is from October to May where the average temperature is about 24C

• A valid International Driving Permit, a valid national licence and a passport are required to drive in Dubai. Visitors from many European, North American and Pan-Asian countries can obtain a temporary local driving licence if they do not have an international licence-a valid national licence, passport and two passport-size photographs are required for applicants to obtain this
• Drivers must be over 18 years old
• Third party insurance is compulsory
• Seat belts are compulsory and it is illegal to use hand-held mobile phones while driving
• Drinking and driving is illegal and the maximum legal alcohol to blood ratio for driving is zero.

Emergency breakdown service: Arabian Automobile Association. For more information, visitwww.aaauae.com .

Routes to Dubai

The United Arab Emirates boasts an impressive network of first-class roads that connect major towns and villages, including multi-lane highways between Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. You can drive from the neighbouring GCC countries to Dubai. An Emirate Route Number designates highways and main roads in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. Driving in the UAE is on the right-hand side. Speed limits are clearly displayed on road signs and are usually 60-80kph (37-50mph) around town and 100-120kph (62-74mph) elsewhere.

Coach Services

If you would rather be driven than drive, then there are coach services between Oman, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. Besides this, there are minibus services to the main cities of the UAE. Approximate driving times to Dubai: From Al-Ain - 1 hour 15 minutes; Abu Dhabi - 1 hour 30 minutes; Muscat - 4 hours.

Using your existing Driving License

If you have a GCC licence you can drive using that licence. And, if you belong to one of the other nations in the following list: Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, you can get a temporary driving permit based on your national licence. However, please visitwww.rta.ae or call RTA on 8009090 for any changes to this list.

Note: Driving license holders of some countries in the above list will require translations or consulate letters.

These countries are:

• Canada: A letter from the Canadian Consulate in Dubai to verify that the license is genuine is required, before transferring your license.
• Driving license holders from Greece, Canada, Turkey, Japan & South Korea will require a translation of their driving license from their respective consulates.

Fees & Documents Required:

• Passport for residents (original & copy)
• Current driving license (original & copy)
• Translation of driving license (for some countries)
• Consulate letter (for Canadians)
• 1 passport photo
• Eye test certificate & AED 100 for transfer fee
• A copy of your visit visa

Please visit www.rta.ae for information on documents required and procedures to be followed.

Good to know

Wedged between Europe and Asia, buttressed by Africa, Dubai's encouraging tax regimes, state-of-the-art telecommunications and pro-business environment have produced a country that is building energetically on the advantages which location, centuries-old trading savvy and oil wealth have given it. Sunshine, shopping, seaside, sports and safety - five of the key ingredients that have earned Dubai a growing reputation as one of the world's most attractive and rapidly developing leisure destinations.

Come visit, live or do business in this once sleepy desert town that has exploded on to the international scene and acclaimed as a rising star as a destination. Discover our heritage and culture, see its globally unique landmarks, indulge in 7 star luxury or challenge yourself to an adventure in its mystical deserts.

Where to stay in Dubai?

Dubai has rapidly become one of the world’s premier destinations. As a result of such an influx of tourists, the government and private sector are coordinating to have new hotels built.

Additionally, you can choose to stay in any of the several Hotel Apartments around the city or self-catered accommodation and even the luxurious desert resorts that pamper your senses.

Interactive Map of Dubai
To locate your Hotel/Hotel apartment, click here

Things to do in Dubai

‘A hundred and one things to do’ could indeed be an apt expression when you are in Dubai! This incredible city offers myriad things to do for all types of travellers. You could be discovering wrecks in the ocean, seeing the world’s tallest tower, attending a diva’s concert, trying your skills at belly and salsa dancing, or going to the theater, feasting on an mouth-watering Arabic buffet in the desert, swimming with the dolphins, belly and salsa dancing, dinner cruise on an Arabian dhow, dune bashing, exploring heritage sites, shopping, setting up a business, or even skiing – yes, in the desert! – are just some of the things you can do in Dubai. The list is endless. Use this section to plan your itinerary and make bookings early to avoid disappointments

Interactive Tourist Map of Dubai
Use the unique interactive map of Dubai to locate malls, restaurants, places of interest, beaches & parks etc: http://map.dubaitourism.ae/applet/map_js.html

Entertainment in Dubai

Although Dubai is considered the ideal holiday spot throughout the year, the best time to visit the city is during the breathtaking festivals and exciting international events. Watch the city come to life as people from over 200 countries come here to be part of the excitement.

Dubai has established itself as a major destination for an eclectic array of local and international events and earned its reputation as the sporting capital of the Middle East. Throughout the year, Dubai hosts a range of popular annual sporting activities, dazzling entertainment attractions as well as conferences and exhibitions.

During your stay, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the magnificent events that will leave you completely spell bound such as: Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai Summer Surprises, Dubai World Cup, Dubai Tennis Open, Dubai Desert Classic, Dubai Rugby Sevens, UIM Class 1 World Offshore Powerboat Championship, Dubai Traditional  Dhow Sailing Race, A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Dubai International Film Festival, Dubai Fashion Week, GITEX, Big 5.

There are a number of amusement centre across Dubai. These blaring, boisterous places are typically located in most, if not all the shopping malls in Dubai. They range in size and offerings and are a hugely popular with kids.

Although theatre has been a late starter in Dubai’s cultural scene, it has grown rapidly in stature and variety.

As the city grows so has its thirst for culture, and with an increase in modern facilities over the past couple of years, theatre lovers are finally finding something to cheer about.

More and more venues are now available for performance ranging from amateur to globally acclaimed professional performances. The First Group Theatre at Madinat Jumeirah hosts a variety of performances, from serious stage plays to comedies and musical performances.

Bigger events can be accommodated in the Madinat Jumeirah’s arena. Dubai’s theatre space was further bolstered with the opening of the Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre (DUCTAC) at the Mall of the Emirates.

Shopping in Dubai

The emirate is teeming with shopping malls and each mall reveals a different theme and experience. The sprawling expanse of the malls, the innovative architecture, the designer boutiques, top brands, vast product range from haute couture to the latest gadgets and gizmos and an endless choice of restaurants and cafes allow visitors the option of passing an entire day within the premises of a single shopping complex.

Existing alongside modern marvels such as the shopping malls, are the traditional markets, also known as the souks. With their historic structures still in place and restored to meet the demands of the present day, Dubai‘s different souks may vary in their offerings and character, but are all alive with the buzz of trade and the spirit of a strong and traditional past.

The Dubai shopping scene offers something for everyone. Apart from competitively priced electronic products, watches, cameras and other international items, popular traditional gifts include Arabic coffee pots; silver and brass swords and "khunjars" (Arabic curved daggers); prayer beads; soapstone figures; coasters and other items decorated with lapis lazuli, turquoise, malachite and other semi-precious stones; marble goblets; silver antique jewellery from Oman and Yemen, as well as locally made items; brass and silver work; silver and wooden dhows; Persian carpets and cotton dhurries (oblong floor coverings) and a multitude of other ethnic items.

Dubai’s shopping potential begins when you arrive and extends right up to the journey home through its now globally acclaimed Dubai Duty Free shops at its airports. First opened in 1983, Dubai Duty Free has won a number of international awards and is recognised in the industry and by the travelling public alike as offering a superlative range of high quality products at unbeatable prices.

Things to see in Dubai

Dubai has emerged as one of the 21st century cities with its rapid growth and iconic structures and with its many world's 'firsts,' there are numerous places to visit and see. Be it be a heritage site, the Al Fahidi District, the Dubai creek, the landmarks such as Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, the Palm, the Atlantis, Ski Slope, the theme and beach parks or the unique nature reserve among others. Or if you wish to go out of Dubai and see the neighbouring emirates and even take a trip into the desert or sea, the choices are plenty. Use this section to plan what you want see and when. Ask your hotel concierge for additional help if you like. Rest assured, you will wish to come back again to Dubai to explore its many offerings.

Interactive Map Of Dubai

Find the place you wish to see by clicking on this link: http://www.dtcm-dubaimap.com/applet/map.html

A Unique View Of Dubai

Take a 360 degree tour of some of Dubai's landmarks and attractions here:http://testure.eu/client/dubai_20pictures/dubai.html

Have a nice trip!