Dubai

I have been visiting Dubai since 1995 atleast two trips a year for business reasons and last year was the first time that I went with my family for a holiday to Dubai alongwith some friends in April 2003.

Dubai is a dynamic international business centre and a laid-back tourist escape. Dubai is divided into two areas Deira and Bur Dubai. Deira is where most of the commercial activity takes place. Bur Dubai is the new Dubai with lots of Shopping Malls and Serviced Apartments.

Climate year round is warm during the day and extremely hot during the summer months, however, all Public Transports, Malls, Shops, Restaurants are air conditioned. In Winters, the nights do get very cold.

It is amazing how they manage to keep the grass so green and the flowers blooming so beautifully in a desert.

Getting around Dubai is easy and not very expensive either by Taxi or recently introduced Buses. Smoking is generally not permitted in Taxis unless you are taking a long trip.

One must remember to buy stock of Liquor, Cigarettes and Perfumes before leaving the Dubai Airport Duty Free because these things are much more expensive in Dubai City.

Communication is not a problem at all as Indians form the largest part of the population and most of the Arabs do understand Hindi.

Eating out – no problems at all for Vegetarians too – enough and more Indian Restaurants are there with plenty full of food courts in each shopping mall serving varied cuisines. Must try some of the small market side restaurants they serve delicious kebabs.

Staying – Dubai boasts of the best of the Hotels and has innumerable Service Apartments. I would suggest to book directly with the hotel and not through an agent because you can get good deals while booking directly.

Dubai offers a kaleidoscope of attractions for visitors. We visited the following places:

1. Creekside Park – huge and well maintained lawns. Beautiful botanical gardens. The Creekside Park has 14 picnic locations with modern barbeque equipment, a mini train, cable car, fishing piers, jogging tracks, imaginative children’s play areas and food kiosks. Entry to the Creekside Park is just Dhs. 5/- only per person.

We also took a Boat ride across to Deira though it was expensive.

1. Wonderland & Splashland - Wonderland has a lot to offer for fun and fantasy - with rides and slides, lots of eats, games and spectacular shows for the entire family. Splashland has unique water rides to keep you cool and thrilled. Located next to Creekside Park.

   
   




2. Children’s City – Worth going even for adults a lot to learn and most of the shows are very interesting and worth the time spent. One needs about half a day to take a complete look at all the displays.

   
   




3. Wild Wadi Water Park - This place is really wild in the water rides and you need a full day to enjoy everything. Wild Wadi is a place for children to lose themselves in a world of waterborne fantasies, and for adults to rediscover the joys of the child within. The rides include Water Roller Coasters, Ring Rides, Water Slides, Flow Rides and a Wave Pool and one does not feel like getting out of any of these. Located adjacent to The Jumeriah Beach Hotel. Do not forget to carry your own towels and a set of change of clothes.

   
   

Entry is steeply priced Dhs. 130/- per adult and Dhs. 110/- for children below 12 years.

1. Dubai Zoo - Though small is very well maintained and one does not need more than 2 to 3 hours to complete the zoo. The giraffes are an awesome sight.

   
   




2. Dune Bashing – this is an experience of a lifetime. After 45 minutes of Dune Bashing which is a thrill full of screams and screeches one reaches the point where one can do some scooter driving in the sand. Then one is taken for refreshments which are followed by Belly Dancing and Dinner. On the return one does not Dune Bash as they take a parallel road to return to Dubai.

   
   

Cost: Dhs. 125/- per adult.

1. Jumeira Beach – suggested time would be after 4 p.m. – kids as well as adults can have lots of fun – very safe but do not litter as there is a very severe fine for littering.

Shopping:

1. Mobile Phones – has almost all the recent Mobile Phones that are launched in Europe and the prices are cheaper than South East Asia. Warranty is restricted to U A E only and no International Warranty.

   
   




2. Computers and Laptops – all the latest models are available at Computer Street which is very close to Al Fahidi Street or else Al Ain Centre in Bur Dubai. The prices in Dubai are higher than South East Asia.

   
   




3. Gold Souk - is the Gold Market. I would not suggest this place unless you have to buy a large quantity of jewellery because the place is overcrowded in the evenings and one cannot shop in peace. I would suggest trying the Jewellery stores at Al Fahidi Street or Meena Bazaar. .

   
   




4. SANA Fashions – good range of clothes for children as well as adults – though Western clothes are available they suit the taste of Indians.

   
   




5. Spinney’s - Supermarket - exclusive but slightly more expensive.

   
   




6. Al Fahidi Street and Meena Bazaar - take a look for jewellery and electronics.

   
   




7. Jumbo Electronics - for all Sony, Brother, Casio, Acer Products and many more Electronics items.

   
   




8. Shoe Mart – for good footwear for both children and adults. Located at Bur Dubai next to Jumbo Electronics.

   
   




9. Karama Market – this is a wholesale and retail place for Garments and Shoes – well priced and one can bargain.

   
   

Shopping Malls:

a. Burjuman Centre – at Bur Dubai boasts of all the leading brands in Watches, Electronics, fashion wear, jewellery, perfumes, golf to hardware. One must visit ACE Hardware - lot of knick knacks is available for general use for house.

b. City Centre - they have a Hyper Market called CARREFOUR - selling all kinds of stuff from cosmetics, toiletries, clothes, stationary, electronics etc. Also, in City Centre they have IKEA. Magic Planet is there for kids and many Cineplex’s. You will need a full day for this mall itself.

c. Lamcy Plaza – for clothes, toys, golf and other accessories. Check Mr. Price Store.

d. Wafi Mall – an absolutely exclusive mall for the richie riches.

e. Oasis Centre – has the top brands such as Baby Shop, Home Centre, Life Style, Shoe Mart and Pet Land. Though this Mall is located a bit far but do not miss it for Home Centre has some good stuff.

General Advice on Shopping:

1. Video Cameras are more expensive than South East Asia.

   
   




2. Though the price of Gold is comparable to India – please keep in mind the Purity of Gold in Dubai is much better. Always insist on a Bill and ensure that the Karats are mentioned on the Bill.

   
   




3. While buying any electronic items please check if the International Warranty is applicable in India or your country of residence.

   
   




4. DVD Recorders are much more expensive than South East Asia.

   
   




5. Dubai Airport Duty Free is more expensive than shopping in Dubai City except for Liquor, Cigarettes and Perfumes.

   
   




6. Buy perfumes only from the big shopping malls or Dubai Airport Duty Free.

   
   

Negatives:

1. Sometimes Taxi Drivers tend to take the visitors for a ride by taking one on a longer route as there are lots of one ways and different approaches to reach the same place.

   
   




2. Dubai does not have a Cell or a Body where one can report any kind of complaints regarding a purchase or service.

   
   




3. Aggressive treatment of Indians by the Dubai Airport Authorities when we arrive at Dubai – they look down upon us not realizing as to how much we Indians contribute to their economy in terms of work force as well as revenue.