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DUBAI

TRAVEL GUIDES

Overview

Being one of the seven emirates of the UAE, millions of tourists travel to Dubai from all over the world, making it one of the most visited cities in the world. A perfect blend between the ancient Arabian culture and the ultra-modern lifestyle, this is a city defined by superlatives. Be it ‘largest’, ‘tallest’, ‘biggest’, ‘fastest’ or whatever it is, one way or the other, you can always use these to describe the place. With its ridiculously shaped tall buildings, palm-shaped islands, gigantic malls, and cars looking straight out of a ‘Fast and Furious’ movie, Dubai is a few years ahead of the rest of the world.

Overview

For a first time visitor, the city can surely be quite intimidating. Nevertheless, with a little bit of help from this travel guide for Dubai, we can help you witness and enjoy the true beauty beneath all that sophistication. This Dubai travel guide will provide you with information on everything that is required to ensure that you get a complete Dubai experience.

Best Time to Visit Dubai

Sorry to ‘burst your bubble’, but Dubai is insanely hot. But, there’s always a solution to everything. Although the temperatures go north of 40℃ in the summers, winters are pleasant, making it the best time to visit Dubai.

Dubai trip

The so-called “winter” is between the months of November-March and is the peak time for tourists. With the mercury levels dropping to around mid 20℃ during the day, it is even cooler at nights. Quite inevitably, there would be a larger crowd and peak pricing during this season. So, if you are someone who hates crowds, you would be better off visiting during the summers. Despite the high temperatures, summers aren’t as bad as they sound. The majority of tourist activities in Dubai takes place indoors, which are completely air-conditioned. In fact, there are even air-conditioned bus stops across the city. All you would have to endure are a few minutes or hours of the sun while visiting the outdoor places of interest in Dubai.

Winter in Dubai

eutschland is the history laden western European green country rich in culture and innovative advancements. It is the most populous nation in the European Union accounting to the varied metropolitan cities of Germany and their economic boom. The capital, Berlin, is the well known metropolis destination for engineering opportunities, creative fields like film and theatre, architecture, contemporary art and thriving nightlife. The other two famous, high quality living cities are Hamburg and Munich known for their financial growth, serving as a hub for amazing education, home for the automobile industry, sports dream and the ultimate domestic and international tourist spots.

Summer in Dubai

eutschland is the history laden western European green country rich in culture and innovative advancements. It is the most populous nation in the European Union accounting to the varied metropolitan cities of Germany and their economic boom. The capital, Berlin, is the well known metropolis destination for engineering opportunities, creative fields like film and theatre, architecture, contemporary art and thriving nightlife. The other two famous, high quality living cities are Hamburg and Munich known for their financial growth, serving as a hub for amazing education, home for the automobile industry, sports dream and the ultimate domestic and international tourist spots.

Rains in Dubai

eutschland is the history laden western European green country rich in culture and innovative advancements. It is the most populous nation in the European Union accounting to the varied metropolitan cities of Germany and their economic boom. The capital, Berlin, is the well known metropolis destination for engineering opportunities, creative fields like film and theatre, architecture, contemporary art and thriving nightlife. The other two famous, high quality living cities are Hamburg and Munich known for their financial growth, serving as a hub for amazing education, home for the automobile industry, sports dream and the ultimate domestic and international tourist spots.

Getting there

Due to its excellent geographical location, Dubai is the largest airline hub in the middle-east. With flights connecting to almost every other place on this planet, travelling to Dubai is a piece of cake.

Getting there

Visa

As an Indian national, before you travel, you are required to get a UAE tourist visa to enter the country. Unlike other nations, obtaining a visa to the UAE and its Emirates is a unique process. For starters, the UAE embassy does not issue tourist visa! Yes, you read that right. ‘How do we get a Dubai visa for Indians then?’, you may ask. Well, this is how -

  • A sponsor - If you have a sponsor in Dubai, they will apply for the visa on your behalf in the country.

  • A hotel - A lot of hotels in Dubai can act as your sponsor and get you a visa once you have booked your stay with them.

  • Emirates or Fly Dubai -If you are entering the UAE through Dubai, these 2 official airlines of Dubai will provide you with visas, provided that you book round trip tickets with them.

  • A Dubai travel agency -There are reputed Dubai travel agents in India who can arrange a visa for you using their networks in Dubai. All you have to do is visit them and provide your details. Some of these agencies even provide with excellent Dubai tourist packages. You may also purchase a Dubai travel insurance to have a stress-free holiday.

Travel

There are hundreds of flights from India to Dubai every day. Thanks to our country’s closeness to the UAE, India to Dubai travel time is as few as just 3-4 hours. There are direct and connecting Dubai flights from Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, and a number of other cities.

The destination is the Dubai International Airport (DXB). The airport is the world’s busiest airport in terms of international passenger traffic and has 3 terminals. Alternately, you can travel to Abu Dhabi or Sharjah by flight and then travel to Dubai by taxi or bus. Due to the fluctuating prices, it is advised that you book your tickets a few months before your journey. You can also travel to Dubai via cruises as Dubai is a popular destination port of call for many cruises in the region.

Getting around Dubai

Getting around dubai

Foot

Yes, walking is the easiest way to move around the nearby major places in Dubai. In fact, the well-maintained and clean footpaths will make you want to walk around the entire city. The shortest and cheapest way to get around the tourist attractions in Dubai that are close is walking. Sometimes, due to the heavy traffic, you will reach your destination faster by walking than by any other means of transportation.

Buses

The buses within Dubai have a very extensive network and are quite comfortable and cheap. Almost all the top places to visit in Dubai are accessible by bus. You can find in-city buses every 2-3 minutes near the Dubai Mall. You can also find buses that go to other cities every 30 min or so.

Metro

Dubai has an efficient and user-friendly metro system. Even though the network isn’t extensive, the system covers all the major destinations. The fares for this are relatively cheaper as well. You can then walk or use a taxi from the metro stations to your destination.

Taxi

For the most convenient and affordable travel, taxis are the best. All the cabs in Dubai are regulated by the Road Transport Authority (RTA). As a result, ensure that the cab you hire has fare meters installed. You can use the ‘Smart Taxi’ app which is provided by the Transport Authority to search and call taxis near you. Apart from this, you can easily use the ‘Uber’ service to hire taxis and travel. Just look out for fare surges.

Note:- If you are planning to use public transport, you can obtain an NOL card. This is a smart card that enables you to pay for all the modes of public transport including metro, buses, water buses. You can get a daily pass, weekly pass, or even monthly pass as required. There are various other modes and offers on these. Do check these out. These are available at the bus stations. You can also buy them on a bus.

Things to see and do in Dubai

Don’t let its size fool you. Even though the UAE is a small country, the places to visit and things to do in Dubai alone will take you weeks. Although, a week-long trip should be sufficient to see the best Dubai places to visit. Some of the most popular attractions and things you can do in Dubai are mentioned below.

Things to do in dubai

Standing tall at 829.8 metres, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the world’s tallest building. Located next to the Dubai Mall, this engineering marvel can be seen even from the remote areas around Dubai. Although, if you are close to the building, it is almost impossible to see the top without straining your neck. What’s more? For an entry fee, you can enter the building and go to the top in one of the world’s fastest elevators. You can watch the magnificent Dubai skyline, and even have some food while enjoying the breathtaking view, at the world’s highest restaurant - the At.mosphere.

If the other one was the world’s tallest building, this one is the world’s tallest hotel. Unmatched in luxury, this 7-star hotel is one of a kind. The bars and restaurants provide a stunning view to the customers. With a tennis court at the top and a load of state-of-the-art amenities, a full experience actually costs a fortune. Although, it is free to visit the nearby areas to get a good look at the hotel.

Having to use yet another superlative, this wonder is the world’s largest mall. Located next to the Burj Khalifa hotel, this is unlike any mall you have ever seen. With an indoor ice rink, indoor aquarium, an underwater zoo, an indoor theme park, and holding the size of 50 football fields, this mall is humongous and one of a kind. Even though a shopping mall is for shopping, the Dubai Mall is certainly much more. The mall hosts a number of events including the Dubai shopping festival, summer surprises, and much more.

Running out of superlatives here; Palm Jumeirah in Dubai the biggest man-made island in the world. Consisting of the Atlantis hotel at one end and shaped like a palm tree, this island holds a number of residential units. For all you know, if you stay at one of the hotels, you might just run into celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan, Brad Pitt, and David Beckham on your morning walk.

If walking around the market streets is your cup of tea, Deira is heaven. This place is known for its traditional markets called ‘souks’. Products ranging from spices to gold, the Deira market has vendors from different parts of the world. Do visit the ‘Gold Souk’ - the world’s largest gold market.

What to eat in Dubai?

Delicious food and Dubai go hand in hand. The food in Dubai is exquisite. You will find cuisines from all across the globe. Be it Chinese, Indian, Lebanese, Iranian, Italian, Pakistani, etc, you can find restaurants serving them. However, something that stands out is the Arabian cuisine. Some of the must-try food includes -

What to eat

Shawarma

Rotisseried and shredded chicken/lamb/beef rolled with garlic sauce, pickles, tomatoes, and Hummus in an Arabian roti called ‘Kuboos’. Mouthwatering enough? Well, this is one of the most consumed food in the entire middle-east, and in fact, has spread significantly to other parts of the world as well. There is no way you miss out on eating the Shawarma while you are in Dubai.

Hummus

Not exactly a dish, but Hummus is a kind of dip. Over the years, this has been regarded as a trademark of Arabian cuisine. It can be used in a wide range of dishes including shawarma, falafel, or can even be had with just roti (kuboos). The dip is made from chickpeas, olive oil, Tahini, lemon, and garlic.

Falafel

If you are a vegetarian and have to skip shawarma, the Falafel is something you definitely shouldn’t skip. Made from deep-fried balls made from chickpeas or fava beans, the Falafel balls are rolled with hummus and vegetables on a flatbread. (Kuboos). The dish has become so popular that it has even started being served by many restaurants in India.

Al Machboos

Similar to a Biriyani, this is a dish made from rice and meat. Often served with a variant of spicy chill or tomato sauce, this will leave you wanting for more. If you visit traditional restaurants, you can always find them serving it in a large platter that can be shared by multiple people.

Stuffed Camel

If you are a hardcore non-vegetarian, you should try this amazing dish. Recorded in the Guinness book of world records as the largest serving dish, and consists of a camel stuffed with a lamb, which is in turn stuffed with chicken, and that in turn is stuffed with eggs.

Manousheh

The Arabian equivalent of the pizza, Manousheh is a Lebanese cuisine that’s quite popular in Dubai. It is usually had for breakfast, although it can be eaten for other meals as well. Plainly put, it is a crispy flatbread filled with delicious toppings including Akkawi cheese, Zaatar herbs, and olive oil. Although, some varieties can include vegetables and eggs as well.

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