Special Features
Dubai on Yahoo Travel
Set between Europe and Asia, on the southern shores of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai is the jewel in the crown of the United Arab Emirates. The second largest of the seven Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujaira, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Qaiwain), Dubai is like an oasis in the sweeping deserts. A city of alluring contrasts, Dubai is a cosmopolitan society with a global lifestyle and a culture rooted in, and secured by, age-old Islamic traditions. It is this unique personality of the city that draws in visitors, whether for business or for pleasure, from the four corners of the earth by land, sea and air. In fact, the Dubai International Airport, a vital link for business, commerce and tourism, is considered the busiest airport in the Middle East. Its state of the art facilities and runways permit daily take-offs and landings carrying visitors in and out of the emirate. This airport can be reached by daily flights from anywhere internationally on Emirates Airlines (www.dubaiairport.com/).City of Contrasts Tourists and business travelers will find something to provoke their imagination in this busy and cosmopolitan city. The central city itself is designed with ultra-modern offices, hotels and shopping malls all set alongside the Creek. This natural sea-water inlet cuts through the center of the city. But just around the corner, you might come upon an ancient house or other testament to the rich heritage of this city. Don’t think the inhabitants of Dubai are living too abundantly with their dwindling oil supply though. They were smart enough to plan ahead economically to soften the blow, and tourism is one of their main plans. Dubai is able to boast an Arabian experience in a protected, open-minded city. Even the desert itself holds tourist appeal.
Dubai’s central business district is divided into two parts: Diera on the north side of the Creek and Bur Dubai to the south. They are connected by a tunnel and two bridges. But no matter which side you find yourself on, a stroll along its banks will remind you of the city’s centuries-old trading traditions. And each side has everything you might want, from great hotels and stores to mosques and bustling markets (souks).
For a glimpse of Old Dubai, head to the old Bastakiya district. The narrow streets remind you of days gone by and the old wind towers are the mark of Dubai. Before electricity, the wind towers brought air into the homes to help cool them. This district is being restored to show tourists the true old Dubai. Just outside the central city to the north is the neighboring emirate of Shariah. And to the west and south are the neighborhoods of Satwa, Jumeirah, and Umm Suqeim.
While in Dubai, you may want to visit the Dubai Museum which will introduce you to the heritage and culture of the emirate. Another great site is the Diving Village. The Dubai Zoo is the oldest zoo in the Arabian peninsula. If your interests run to Archeology, there are three main excavations that you can explore—one at Ghusais, another at Al Sufooh and a third one at Jumeirah. The first two are 2,000 year old graveyards and the third dates from the 7th to 15th century and contains artifacts and more. Visitors must obtain a permit from the Dubai Museum.
Climate Temperatures run from a mean daily maximum of about 106 degrees Fahrenheit in July to a mean daily maximum of 75 Fahrenheit in January. The climate in Dubai is classed as sub-tropical, arid. But if you’re expecting predictable weather, be surprised. Although Dubai is relatively regular, it does have its share of rain, wind, and storms.
