As an international travel destination, Dubai is tough to resist. In less than 100 years, the city transformed from a pearl-fishing and trading outpost to arguably one of the most glamorous locations on earth. Situated on the edge of the Persian Gulf directly in the Arabian Desert, Dubai’s meteoric rise from humble beginnings can be attributed to the discovery of oil throughout the region in the 1960s. Despite considerably less oil revenues than some of its neighbors,
Dubai bolstered its growth with aggressive economic policies that attracted foreign investment and a robust trade industry. And then there was tourism. It was no accident that 8 million visitors traveled to Dubai this past year. In the early 1990s, a strategic decision was made to invest in tourism infrastructure. Nowadays, instead of a fishing settlement surrounded by rolling sand dunes sparsely populated by the roving Bedouin people, Dubai is a beachside metropolis that boasts the tallest building in the world, man-made archipelagos visible from outer space and an indoor ski resort. Dubai’s charm doesn’t just lie in its larger-than-life engineering marvels and lavish amenities for travelers. Beyond the modern attractions, visitors can take an “abra” (water taxi) across Dubai Creek, haggle with vendors at a traditional “souk” (market) or observe the ancient sport of camel racing. Ruled by the Al Maktoum family since 1833, Dubai is one of seven emirates that form the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which was established in 1971. The country’s culture is rooted in Islam—amidst swanky shopping malls, the neighborhood mosque rings the call to prayer five times a day, and fasting is strictly observed during the month of Ramadan. For Western visitors, Dubai can be an unintimidating introduction into Arabic culture. The sights, sounds and smells of the Middle East can be experienced without giving up modern amenities or safety. While the official language is Arabic, English is widely spoken and is considered a language of commerce for Dubai merchants. In a region often characterized by instability, Dubai is a far cry from many of its neighbors in terms of being safe for visitors. Approximately 75 percent of Dubai’s 1.4 million residents are expatriates, and many of its beachfront villas are frequented by visitors such as international soccer star David Beckham, who has a vacation home on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, the largest man-made island in the world.
AN OASIS OF ACTIVITY Sparkling blue water, white sand and year-round sunshine make Dubai’s beaches an attractive option for any beach-lover, as well as a welcome break from many of the city’s fast-paced attractions. With a string of superb beachfront hotels within 30 minutes of the international airport, finding accommodations with a private beach isn’t difficult. However, if you opt for a resort tucked farther into the desert, Jumeirah Beach Park is a great place to experience the sand and surf for the day. The warm waters near Dubai also provide ample recreational opportunities such as, scuba diving, sailing, windsurfing and kayaking.
Dubai Creek
If you prefer playing golf to lounging by the Gulf, Dubai has no shortage of world-class golf courses including a new development designed by Tiger Woods. Touted as championship-quality par 72, Tiger Woods Dubai (www.tigerwoodsdubai.com) was the first course in the world to be designed by the golf legend. Conveniently, there’s also a hotel and residences adjacent to the course. Dubai also boasts a PGA European Tour stop called the Dubai Desert Classic, which is held annually during the last week of January.
You also don’t have to go far to find a good tennis court in Dubai. Hosting the Dubai Tennis Championships each year, the Aviation Club allows guests to play on the same courts trod on by top international pros. The Jumeirah Beach Hotel also features a collection of competition-quality tennis courts for those who can’t bear to leave their racquet at home. For children, Dubai’s Wild Wadi Water Park offers every kind of water ride from the thrilling to the relaxing. In the next several years, Dubai is poised to become a world leader in family entertainment with Dubailand, a collection of theme parks twice the size of Florida’s massive Walt Disney World property. Currently under construction, the completed Dubailand will include parks from Universal Studios, Six Flags, Marvel Entertainment and Legoland.
Burj Al Arab Hotel
ARABIAN SIGHTS Outside the hustle and bustle of Dubai, the solitude of the Arabian Desert takes visitors back to a different era. Bedouin villages, camel rides and even sand-dune skiing are available in the remote areas outside the city. Many tour operators offer desert safaris—so check with your hotel for recommendations or visit www.arabianteamadventures.com or www.arabian-adventures.com. Within the city, book a ride on a dinner cruise or rent a private boat and spend time on ancient Dubai Creek. At the heart of Dubai’s rise to prominence as a trading post, Dubai Creek still has some of the old shipping culture in original buildings and defense structures. For more regional history, visit the Dubai Museum housed in the historic Al Fahidi Fort, which once guarded the city against land invaders. No trip to Dubai is complete without a visit to the world-famous Gold Souk. A traditional market, the Gold Souk has more than 300 vendors and nearly 10 tons of gold along its narrow bustling lanes. Retailers include well-established stores as well as smaller vendors. Whether you’re looking for a bargain on
a rare piece of jewelry or simply sightseeing, take an afternoon to visit this gold-lined spectacle located in Dubai’s commercial district in Deira. Shopping is a huge attraction for visitors to Dubai. Due to the absence of sales tax and its thriving import/export industry, Dubai is a hot spot for fashion and luxury goods with lower-than-normal prices. With dozens of malls, finding exotic garb and high-end fashion is an easy taxi ride or walk from most hotels. One of the largest and most popular, the Mall of the Emirates, even has an indoor ski resort with five runs and a quad chairlift where you can take a break from the desert heat and enjoy the novelty of skiing or snowboarding in the Arabian Desert. When you get hungry amid all the shopping and sightseeing, Dubai has a multitude of dining options from the inexpensive and delicious Schawarma—similar to a Greek gyro—available on many street corners to exquisite gourmet cuisine with views to match. Complementing the diverse population, there is an abundance of international restaurants, from Iranian to Italian. Chances are, if you have a craving, you will find it in Dubai. If you’re looking for a taste of home, the ubiquitous American fast-food restaurants have found their way to Dubai, along with other familiar chain restaurants.
WHERE TO STAY & WHEN TO GO The iconic Burj Al Arab considers itself a “seven-star” hotel, which many critics consider hyperbole. Nonetheless, the massive sail-like structure rising out of the sea is top-shelf among luxury hotels in Dubai, or anywhere else in the world for that matter. Be warned, the price also matches the rating. For another luxurious option, the Mina A’ Salam is an Arabian-themed resort with pools, a spa and beach access. For a more family-friendly experience, Dubai has numerous reputable hotels, many of which are on the beach. The Jumeirah Beach Hotel
A Mosque in Dubai
includes free access to the Wild Wadi Water Park and includes many kid-friendly activities. Most international hotel chains also operate in Dubai. Because the Bellevue Club Hotel is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Club members receive a complimentary upgrade at the Desert Palm Resort in Dubai. Check out www.SLH.com or visit the Hotel desk for more information. Although Dubai has sunshine year-round, the best time to visit is November through April, when the weather is the coolest—otherwise your trip will be strictly limited to a tour of Dubai’s air-conditioned structures. Also, the observance of Ramadan—a monthlong period of fasting for Muslims worldwide—occurs at a different time each year on the Western calendar. In Dubai, it is prohibited to eat, drink or smoke in public from sunrise to sunset during this time. However, private restaurants in hotels typically remain open. Modest attire for non-Muslims is appreciated during Ramadan. On the plus side, hotel rates drop during the holiday. As Dubai continues to grow, much of its appeal remains as a meeting point of traditional culture and modern amenities and attractions. For an unforgettable and surreal experience, this former pearl-fishing village beckons.
