Dubai – the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates. Famous for being the business hub of the Middle East, home to the tallest building in the world – The Burj Khalifa, and the Palm Jumeirah, an artificial archipelago. Dubai’s oil revenue helped accelerate the early development of the city, and is now regarded as one of the most glamorous places on earth to visit.
Being situated on the Persian Gulf coast and lying directly within the Arabian Desert, the climate is subtropical, with very hot and humid summer weather. Within the summer months, temperatures average 42 degrees in the daytime and 28 degrees at night. Fall and Spring are still rather hot too, with daytime temperatures between 25 and 40 degrees, and the winter months still pleasant and dry, with daytime highs of 25 degrees. You can’t go wrong by packing your sun lotion, sunhat and sunglasses at any time of the year when visiting Dubai!
The main airport is Dubai International Airport (DXB/ OMDB). There are three terminals at DXB, with most major airlines and long-haul flights being serviced through terminal 1, and terminal 3 is used exclusively by Emirates. Inflight catering for flights departing from Dubai International Airport, Minhad AB Airport, Al Maktoum International Airport and Sharjah International Airport, is available through the Air Culinaire Worldwide Network.
If you have enough time to explore the city, Dubai has such a great amount to see and do. From shopping, partying, sunbathing and incredible fine dining. There are some visually stunning sites to see, especially at night. Head over to Mint Leaf of London, 15th Floor, South Tower, Emirates Financial Towers, for an amazing night view of the Burj Khalifa. Watch as the clouds cover the top of the skyscrapers, and feel as if you are walking on top of the city! If you fancy a stroll along the beach, head to Jumeirah beach front. You will find amusements, westernised restaurants and shops (even KFC, Starbucks and IHOP!). In particular, visit the Beach Lounge at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, for a close-up view of the Burj Al Arab. Take some time for shopping at The Dubai Mall, where you can have a go at ice skating, catch the latest movies at the cinema, make a wish at the fountain and shop until your heart’s content. Dubai is known for high-class dining, and if you are in the mood for Asian or Cantonese food, visit Mazina at The Address Dubai Marina Hotel. After you have eaten, you are in the perfect location for a stroll along Dubai Marina. Your eyes will not know where to look, be dazzled by lights, skyscrapers, yachts, palm trees, whilst a cool desert breeze refreshes you.
The city also runs a hop-on-hop-off city sightseeing bus, and most hotels run daily excursions that take you outside of the city. A trip I recommend is run by Desert Safari Tours, where you can ride a camel, experience a 4×4 sand dune ride, eat local cuisine and soak in the views and sunshine in the heart of the desert. Be aware that there is still a large amount of construction underway on the roads and property development with the city itself. It is not overly pedestrian friendly; hire a car, take the metro or use a taxi or Uber.
The local people in Dubai are very friendly and are accommodating and accustomed to westernized traditions. Although an Islamic country, with the majority of people following the Muslim religion, you can find alcohol and a variety of meats served in most hotels and some restaurants. However, you should remember that the culture and customs within Dubai is still an Islamic country, and to respect this. The local currency is the United Arab Emirates Dirham, with one USD equating to around 3.67 UAED.
As always, fly safe, enjoy the sights, and take in the wonders of one of the most amazing cities in world!
Questions?
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