Dubai Tourism » Dubai Travel

From a nomadic stopover in the desert to one of the biggest metropolitan tourist attraction in the world, Dubai offers the perfect blend of old and new, East and West.

The Golden glow of a desert sunset riveted my attention, as the huge red ball of fire dipped below the farthest line of dunes. Immediately, a chilly wind sprang up, driving back to the warmth of traditional, camel skin tent.

The clear, night sky revealed an almost celestial beauty; full of stars, it allures and enchants the observer. Such is the glorious setting in which the Dubai Desert Safari culminates, allowing you to experience the traditional Arabic culture and way of life. It is a truly magical experience that commences with an astonishing ride up and down the dunes and through some inhospitable desert terrain. Watching the skill of the drivers as they urge the vehicle up impossibly steep dunes, through deep wadis (streambeds) and drifts of sand takes one’s breath away. The desert’s raw power and intimidating size, coupled with its enchanting beauty makes it the ride of a lifetime that thrills and surprises every step of the way.

Bustling metropolis
The most astonishing fact is that the serenity of the desert is only half an hour’s drive from one of the fastest booming and cosmopolitan destinations in the world. Dubai has become known for its nightlife, its ambitious construction projects such as the Palm, the World, Burj Al Arab (tallest hotel in the world) and all the other facilities, amenities and entertainment that money can buy. The DIFC (Dubai International Finance Centre) is making Dubai a financial hub of the world. Sports are also blossoming with the Dubai Sports City and the World’s richest horse race being held at Nad Al Sheba.

The dark clearing in the desert was now a hubbub of activity. The peace and tranquillity, that only a night in the desert could give you, was replaced by the strains of rough but enchanting folk music, while the Arabic dancers took centre stage. Warm fires were lit and silhouettes of the camels that had borne us far that day were dimly visible. Rugs and cushions ordained the tents and the tantalising aroma of fresh dates, fruits and incense wafted through the air.

However, Dubai’s diversity makes it one of the most varied and exciting destinations in the world. Merging eastern and local culture, with western technology and entertainment, Dubai offers activities of all kinds. Tourists can experience the local culture and activities and other attractions such as shopping, aqua parks, opulent hotels and theme parks. All of this is plentiful and the Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta, the Burj Al Arab hotel and Wild Wadi are must visits. However, Dubai has a rich culture and ancient customs and traditions are still practised. No city is complete without age-old architecture, vibrant culture and inimitable traditions.

Having heard many tales about the intricate buildings and local handicrafts available at the Bastakiya district on the Deira side of the creek, I set out to have a look. Situated close to the Heritage Village and the Al Fahidi, it is a step back in time to the days, when Dubai used to be a small fishing village and trading outpost. The buildings are decorated in breathtaking, traditional Arab style, with towering minarets and large wind—towers. These wind towers used to line the sides of the creek and were the on way of cooling houses down, before electricity and air conditioning came into the picture. Courtyard-style houses dominate the square and aromas of fresh spices and local food waft from a bustling market. The market also offers a chance to examine some of the exquisite local handicrafts and is located near the imposing Al Fahidi Fort, which houses the Dubai Museum. An interactive display, slideshows, pictures and guided tours of 100-year-old marketplaces provide a historical insight into Dubai’s past, which is both exciting and wonderfully informative.

However, the crown jewel in Dubai’s historical tradition is the Heritage Village. This is a large site located near the Shindagha tunnel, near the mouth of the Dubai Creek. The village provides glimpses of Dubai’s traditional lifestyle, as whole villages and marketplaces have been recreated, turning the whole area into a cultural microcosm. Focusing on the Emirate’s maritime past, pearl diving traditions and architecture, the centre offers storybook displays, including a tented Bedouin village, ancient armoury, wooden chests and cooking utensils. The Bedouin village and diving village are the highlights and incredibly realistic, live entertainment shows are performed here. Potters, artisans and builders also display their art, providing us with an insight to the archaic methods that were used then. The Hatta Village has also been recreated and it provides a fine example of the ancient style of village architecture.

Nestled among the Hajjar Mountains, overlooking a fertile oasis, the 16th- century Hatta Village dates back four century Hatta Village dates back tour hundred years. It consists of two watchtowers, a mosque and houses constructed of stone, mud, reeds and palm tree trunks built around the imposing Hatta Fort.

The village is also a venue for cafeterias and restaurants; it is a special thrill to eat and drink traditional Arabic morsels in that unique environment. The Heritage Village provides a unique opportunity to sample the local lifestyle and also helps you understand the city better. In addition to visiting the popular malls, hotels and entertainment parks, a trip here and to the Bastakiya region is a must. The trip is hugely entertaining and helps you to touch the very soul of the city and understand its origins that are now supporting Dubai’s meteoric rise to fame. This combination of old and new is seen everywhere in Dubai, from the most plush residential areas to relatively narrow, winding streets by the port and docks. A luxury European liner that would take its guests on a tropical cruise can be docked next to a traditional dhow that would have embarked on a pearl diving voyage in the Arabian Sea.

Pearl diving is one of the oldest professions in the region, practised for over six to seven thousand years. A pearl diving ship carried 10 to 60 people on board for an expedition. The diver often risked his life to gather pearl-studded oysters from the seabed, often going under for more than three to four minutes without any breathing apparatus.

In addition to the local customs, Dubai can now be likened to a trough, where all the world’s races and cultures intermingle. This is because of the sheer diversity and assortment of people from all over the world. Behind its fa4acle, Dubai’s culture is ever changing and evolving and is an unforgettable experience that lingers long in the memory of the sentimental tourist.

From the nomadic peace, tranquillity and heightened excitement of the desert safari ride to the glitz and glamour of the various shopping malls, opulent hotels and Wild Wadi, to the ancient architecture of Bastakiya and stunning creations in the Heritage Village; there is plenty to do for the keen tourist. The unique blend of culture and modern attractions is Dubai’s calling card and the chance to experience that culture is not one to ignore.