Sep 22, 2014
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for visitors to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
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This show covers among other topics:
Observations
History
British controlled the area until 1971 when 6 other states formed
UAE (Abu Dhabi, Ajman,Fujairah , Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm
al-Qaiwain). Each has lots of autonomy though is a Supreme Council
of Rulers that overseas total UAE
Dubai has biggest population and 2nd in size after Abu Dhabi -
oil was discovered in Dubai in 1963 turning a quiet pearl diving,
fishing and trade port into wealthy oil producer - but unlike
neighbours like Abu Dhabi it does not very large reserves and as
will run out the ruling family (Constitutional Monarchy ruled
by the Al Maktoum family) has invested into creating a major hub
for finance, transport, trade and tourism and went on vast
ambitious program of infrastructure building. It almost came undone
in the 2008 crash but neighbouring Abu Dhabi bailed them out.
Best time to go
Hot pretty much all year round
Best time Sept to May
Getting there
Possibly best airline hub in the world !
Cruise lines increasingly calling here and the port is close to
town
Where to stay
Jumeirah Beach areas - where most resort hotels with beaches
are
More business hotels are on Sheikh Zayed road
Getting around
General tips
Tips on must do things to see and do
Visit the new iconic buildings
Burj Khalifa
When opened in 2010 became tallest man made structure - viewing
platform on 124th floor. Pre booking is much cheaper but need to do
well in advance. Fast Track on the day for immediate entry 400
Dhiramas (about £60 or $100).
Burj Arab
Hotel
Most luxurious hotel in world - designed to resemble a sail and has
heli-pad above 27th floor. Entry only with a reservation -
afternoon tea is classic - strict dress code of smart casual.
The Palm and
Atlantis
Man made reclaimed land - visible from space - 4000 villas each
with own beach front - 5000 apartments - restaurants -sports
facilities - cinemas - Marina docking
Atlantis Hotel - based on original Bahamas hotel billed as a
"watery world of wonder" - aquarium with 21 water exhibits
including lost Chamber and waterpark
Activities
Historical
Al Faheidi
Fort
Dates from 1800s - oldest surviving building in city - now popular
museum opened in 1970 - tells story of development of UAE
life and history with models and exhibitions.
Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum
house - former ruler who died in 1958 lived here - built
around central courtyard in 19century around 30 rooms and
traditional wind towers (old fashioned air conditioning system
)
Grand Mosque - near the
museum
(though the Jumeirah mosque is more impressive building
Shopping
Other things to do