"Dubai" Dubai by al2401

Dubai Travel Guide: 3,629 reviews and 9,919 photos

Burj Khalifa Dubai - the world's tallest structure

First Impressions

In a word - HOT. I arrived from Cairo at 2am and it was still 37C but at least a dry heat.

I had spent time in Dubai Airport before so was prepared for the vastness of the place but my next impression was - EFFICIENT. I was met from the plane before customs by a tourist representative from my hotel (the plane was 2 hours late and I hadn't booked any tours and the hotel was not 5 star) who assisted me with directions through customs to the lounge where I picked up the shuttle bus.

The third impression was - A CITY OF CONTRASTS - from the sparkling blue sea to the desert dunes; from the new ultra modern expensive to the old town full of history.

Dubai was not on my must see list but I had the choice of a 1 day stop over so thought - why not. I did decide to do a half day city sights tour and some wandering around on my own. If it was 37C at 2am by 9am it was 45+ - I coped quite well by drinking plenty of water, wearing a hat, and finding shade which dropped the temperature by at least 2-3 degrees - while the air-conditioning was enticing heading back out was worse. The city sights tour left at 2.30pm and finished after dark and was the only tour I have been on that supplies bottles of cold water and refresher towels. For details

http://www.arabian-adventures.com/ToursSafaris/Dubai/Sightseeing/cityofmerchants/CityofMerchants.Asp?nav=2&sub=1

New Dubai

Burj al-Arab - Dubai

The Burj al-Arab ,"Tower of the Arabs" is also known as "Arab Sail". It is a luxury hotel located on a beach once known as Chicago Beach and stands at 321 m (1,050 ft). It is the world's third tallest hotel. The Burj al-Arab was built on an artificial island 280 m (920 ft) out from the beach. It was designed to look like the sail of a boat.

The Burj al-Arab was constructed between 1994 - 2000 and is the most recagnissed symbol of the urban tranformation that has taken place in Dubai in the last 20 years.

Old Dubai

Al Bastakiya

Al Bastakiya is a historic district in Dubai and is one of the oldest residential areas in the city of Dubai. Throughout history Arabs have migrated to Iran. some from the area of Bastak moved back again - hence the name Al Bastakiya. It was constructed during the 1890's and was originally the home of rich merchants, many of whom relocated after the discovery of oil.

Al Bastakiya is situated on Dubai Creek and includes narrow lanes and wind towers, as well as the Al Fahidi Fort, the oldest existing building in Dubai. It is unique because of its architecture. The Barjeel, or Wind Tower, designed to catch any breeze and direct it downwards, can be found on every home. The more towers, the richer the merchant.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Some fascinating history and good shopping
Cons:Very modern and busy and at times soul-less
In a nutshell:The jury is still out on this one

Last visit to Dubai: May 2009
Intro Updated Feb 17, 2010
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Reviews (4)

Bastakiya - Old Dubai Things to Do (4)

Al Bastakiya is a historic district in Dubai and is one of the oldest residential areas in the city of Dubai. Throughout... more travel advice

Main door - Al Fahidi Fort - Dubai - Dubai

Dubai Museum Things to Do (4)

The Dubai Museum is the main museum in Dubai and is located in the Al Fahidi Fort. The fort is the oldest existing... more travel advice

Jumeirah Mosque Things to Do (4)

The Jumeirah Mosque, one of Dubai's outstanding landmarks, is built combining the medieval Fatimid tradition the use of... more travel advice

Majlis Ghorfat Um-al-Sheef Things to Do (4)

This is the summer residence of the late Sheik Rashid bin Saeed al-Masktoum built, not in the usual place of Dubai... more travel advice

Comments (3)

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aussirose Mar 27, 2010 at 4:48 PM

That sailboat hotel is just amazing hey Alison!! Don't know if we will be able to fit in a day in Dubai next year....but would love to :o) Cheers, Ann.
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gilabrand Mar 18, 2010 at 12:58 AM

From the look of it, I won't be traveling to Dubai anytime soon, but at least I can read your tips...LOL
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lindyz Feb 26, 2010 at 1:14 PM

Well it seems I am also the first person to comment your Dubai page! For me, Dubai is simply fascinating, and like you said, so much contrast, the ancient, the modern, the desert - I will also make it to Dubai one day!!!