Dubai Tourism » Dubai Holidays

DUBAI ESSENTIAL GUIDE

Horse racing
The Arab world has been famed for its horses since time immemorial. In keeping with this tradition Dubai hosts the richest horse race, the Dubai World Cup, which sees the creme of society from all around the world in attendance. Don’t miss out on a chance to see the best thoroughbreds compete for the US$6 million prize money.

Bastakiya district
For a glimpse of old Dubai, wander through the atmospheric lanes of the Bastakiya Quarter. This area was built in the late 19th century by Persian merchants, and these days the buildings have been beautifully restored and are now part of a conservation area. Marvel at the wind-tower houses that used an ingenious method of construction to trap the breeze and circulate it within the house.
Address: Bastakiya district, Bur Dubai, Dubai.

Jumeirah Mosque
Supposedly one of the most photographed sights in Dubai, the Jumeirah Mosque is a spectacular example of Islamic architecture. Address: Al Jumeirah Road, Dubai.

Souks
Most of the bustle of Dubai is centred around its souks (markets). Find exquisite hand-crafted gold jewellery in the Deira Gold Souk, explore the labyrinthine alleys of the perfume and spice souks and don’t forget to stock up on antique chests, daggers, sheeshas and coffee pots in the antiques shops around the souks.
Address: Sikkat al-Khail Street, Deira, Dubai

Where to Stay:

High-end hotels
Burj Al Arab
PO Box 74147 Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah, Dubai.

We recommend: Madinat Jumeirah Madinat has something for everyone, be it the corporate traveller or a family on vacation. Styled to resemble an ancient Arabian citadel, meandering waterways transport guests to various destinations within the hotel, from restaurants to the shopping arcade.
Address: Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah, Dubai.
Park Hyatt Dubai
Dubai waterfront,
Next to Dubai Greek Golf and Yacht Club
PO Box 2822

Mid-range hotels
Ascot hotel
Khalid Bin Walid Rd Dubai.
Ibis World Trade Center
Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai

We recommend: Mall of the Emirates Keep an entire day aside to explore this sprawling mall and resort that packs in everything from dining shopping movies and the mall’s USP an indoor ski slope. This is a veritable paradise for the serial shopper.
Address : 4th Interchange, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai

Bur juman:
Trade Centre Road, Bur Dubai, Dubai

Deira City Centre
Al GarhoudRoad, Deira, Dubai
Mercato
Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumerirah, Dubai

Where to eat:
Focaccia : Cuisine: European, Italian Hyatt Regency Hotel, Dubai.
Al Mahara: Cuisine : Asian and Continental seafood Burj Al Arab, Jumerirah, Dubai.

BLUE ELEPHANT:
Cuisine : Thai Al Bustan Rotana Hotel, Al Garhoud Road, Duabi.
We recommend: JW’s Steakhouse Butter-soft steaks, the freshest seafood and lobster and wonderful service make JW’s steakhouse a choice pick for dining out.
Cuisine: American JW Marriott Dubai, Abu Baker Al Siddiclue Rd.

Getting there
Jet Airways is commencing daily direct flights to Dubai from Mumbai and New Delhi from August 23, 2008.

Getting around
By Taxi: Dubai has a very efficient, reliable and fairly reasonable taxi service, and it is the best way to get around.
By Bus: The public bus service is cost effective and competent and runs between 6:00 a.m. and 11 p.m. Maps, routes and passes are all available at bus stations.
On Foot: Dubai isn’t the easiest city to traverse on foot; the distances are quite large and the roads aren’t really meant for pedestrians. Your best bet is to get to a particular place by bus or taxi and explore the lanes and bylanes on foot. The best place to give your legs a good workout, thousand the sprawling shopping malls scatterer the city.