Dubai Things to Do Tips by Siddha3th Top 5 Page for this destination

INDULGING YOUR SENSES - BOTH GOOD & BAD

I've got mixed feelings about this one. On some nights, I'm mesmerized by this mirage-like structure arising out of the deceptively calm sea. A tall, breathtaking beauty whose outer visage keeps changing colour at regular intervals... from an azure blue to a lullaby-like pink.

Then I remember how filthily gaudy it is from the inside. A bling-obsessed ode to bad taste. And a photographed-to-death symbol of "glittering", "picture-perfect" Dubai.

There's no denying the indescribable mystique surrounding the Burj. It's just that some things are better left to the imagination, especially when the reality is SO over-the-top. Personally, this wouldn't make my list of Dubai must-sees. But I'm aware that many of you are attracted to the Burj al Arab - so do enjoy its drama if you get the chance.

Directions: In Jumeirah, along Beach Road.

GETTING MALLED! Shopping Review

As much as I'd love to give this one a miss, in Dubai, there's just no getting around it. Sooner or later, you're gonna' have to deal with that dirty 4-letter word - MALL! Recent statistics have shown that there are more shopping malls than people in Dubai.. no, honest!

Burjuman slightly different than the rest, though. It's beautifully designed, and has quite an artistic feel to it. Mercato in Jumeirah is another one different from the rest of the pack - architecturally, it's a recreation of an old Italian villa - wrought-iron balconies and all. So if Zara, Armani & Chanel are what you're craving, Dubai's got just the thing, baby.

Directions: Taxi to Burjuman in Bur Dubai. Opposite the Regent Palace Hotel

SOAKING IN THE MADINAT MAGIC... (3)

I guess I'm in love with this place because it's so different for Dubai. The flavours and smells wafting through Madinat's complex corridors are literally like a breath of fresh air... warm, rustic, unforgettable.

Of course, it doesn't hurt that Madinat's got probably the best bars and restaurants in town, alongwith Wafi. You could get your fix of jazz, satisfy your craving for vodka, sate those taste buds - all within about a square mile of each other.

Bar Zar, JamBase, The Agency, and for all you clubbers out there, Trilogy with its open-air terrace... more than enough reasons for you to come soak in the magic of Madinat.

GETTING THAT MEDIA BUZZ

DIMC (Dubai Internet Media City) is a sprawling, beautiful maze of offices accomodating a diverse range of multinational companies, local start-ups and entrepreneurs. It really is a city unto itself, catering to the huge media demand that's been growing in the Gulf. There are around 350 ad agencies itself in here. All the major media giants have a presence too - CNN, MBC, Channel 1. Being a Free Zone, DIMC is a smoothly running operation, devoid of too much red tape.

I worked here with my previous agency for a while, and have a feeling I'm definitely going to be back! The laidback atmosphere, food courts, amphitheatre, the buzz of activity - all make DIMC the perfect work setting.

CRUISIN' THE CREEK Dubai Creek Review

The spiritual heart of the city, Dubai Creek is simply unmissable on your visit here. On one side of the Creek lies Bur Dubai, while Deira occupies the other side. The Creek itself is a charmingly bustling hub of activity. If you wanted to, you could walk all along the Creek's outlined sidewalks, to get a real feel for what the city has to offer. This is very much the defining symbol of 'Old Dubai', miles removed from the frenetic activities taking place on the other side of town.

My personal favourite is taking a ride on the abra (a local water-taxi), as it meanders along, offering a fascinating, refreshing glimpse of the contrasts that lie on the shore. Feel the breeze, remember the moment.

Directions: Just tell the cabbie "Dubai Creek!", it's as simple as that. The road on the Bur Dubai side of the Creek is Al Seef, if you want to be more specific.

TOWERING ABOVE THE REST

One of Dubai's most recognizable landmarks, The Emirates Towers stand tall at the beginning of Sheikh Zayed Road, looming over pretty much everything in sight. They make for a very striking picture - 2 slender towers, at right angles to each other, one slighly shorter than the other. No wonder they're such an iconic landmark of the city.

Between themselves, the two towering spires contain offices, restaurants, boutiques and designer stores. Make yourself down to The Boulevard - 2 floors of shopping, in a beautiful setting.

The Emirates Towers also have some of the best dining and drinking options in town, including Scarlett's, Vu's, The Noodle House, The Rib Room, The Cigar Lounge & The Agency. Most of these places have gorgeous views of Sheikh Zayed Road, and beyond.

Address: Sheikh Zayed Road

SOAKING IN THE MADINAT MAGIC

With Dubai, bigger and flashier is necessarily equated with being better. So you've got to wade through loads of gimmicky, gaudy stuff before finding something truly precious. Which brings me to Madinat Jumeirah.

A throw-back to ancient Arabia, Madinat is a gorgeously sensual collection of souks, cafes, shops, bars, clubs, restaurants and hotels. Central to these is Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a shopping avenue enclosed within a charming network of narrow alleyways , beautiful mud walls and towering wooden arches.

Don't be afraid if you get lost in here, that's the charm of the place. You'll stumble across exotic jewellery, carpets, pashminas, and bizarrely enough, even the latest in electronics!

Directions: Next to Wild Wadi, Jumeirah.

SOAKING IN THE MADINAT MAGIC... (2)

The larger Madinat Jumeirah complex comprises of 3 hotels. Al Qasr is quite beautiful, though the lobby is filled with so much bling you'd think you'd accidentally dropped into P. Diddy's pad. This hotel has a very nice collection of restaurants and bars, with the pick of the bunch being Koubba, one of the best al fresco cocktail bars in town.

The Mina 'a Salam flanks the other end of Madinat Jumeirah. The wonderful thing is, no matter where you're staying, you're linked to the souk by an intricate network of waterways, a la Venice - and you're transported by small boats!

The views of and from this place are gorgeous. DON'T forget that camera.

RUNNING HELTER-SKELTER IN BUR DUBAI

One of Dubai's central localities, Bur Dubai is a strange beast at the best of times. It's packed to the seams with hotel apartments, giving it the unwanted reputation of being repititively dull. But to really know Bur Dubai is to get under its belly....

You could start by checking yourself into deals & discounts heaven - a.k.a. Meena Bazaar - a bustling hybrid of garment shops & kebab carts. Bank Street has its own flavour, thanks in large to the cafes and coffee shops which line the main avenue. BurJuman Mall is an unmissable landmark, looming bright and neon-lit over the surroundings.

Of course, you've gotta' round things off at Bastakiya, my cherished place for art, coffee and Creek-side walks (check out my off the beaten path tips for more info on this quaint heaven). I've lived for quite a while here in Bur Dubai, aleast long enough to know that beneath the slightly pale exterior, beats a throbbing heart.

FINDING THE PULSE OF THE CITY

There's no two ways about it - if you want to be one with a city, you gotta' get up, get in, get down and dirty. The photograph alongside is of a minaret in the crowded Deira area, next to the Gold Souk. I loved the fact that there seemed to be this mirage-like oasis of calm, oblivious to all the chaos outside. You're sure to come across these, and many other such gems, if you're free-spirited enough to give the guided tours a miss.

So just take along that digicam, and duck into the nearest by-lane. There are thousands of stories waiting to be told... I'm still in the process of figuring out my own.

Directions: Whichever direction your instinct seems to be pointing to.