I have been to Dubai thrice in the last 2 years. Every time I go, there is a lot of change in the city. The pace at which Dubai is making progress is mind boggling. This time I spend 2 weeks in Dubai for training from 6th Sep to 18th Sep. I got week end on 11th & 12th September. So I and my colleagues decided to explore the city.
Dubai is a city of excitement waiting to be explored and holding the potential for one of the most significant international cities of the 21st century. Dubai’s enormous constructions and developments, sports events, shopping festivals and conferences has attracted world-wide attention, establishing it as the world’ leading business hub.
I would like to share some of the places we visited. First we went to THE PALM ISLAND, JUMERIAH: The Palm Islands are the world famous man-made islands in the world. These islands are built in a shape of a date palm tree and consist of a trunk, a crown with fronds, and are surrounded by a crescent island that acts as a breakwater. The Jumeriah Palm Island is primarily a retreat and residential area for living and relaxation. It contains hotels, villas shoreline apartment buildings, beaches, marinas, restaurants, cafes and a varietyof retail outlets.
We went to the Hotel Atlantis, lost Chambers and wander through the lost underwater city through underwater halls and tunnels. There were around 65, 000 species of marine animals swimming around us in calm waters. We were thrilled to see these marine species like big sharks, whales, sting rays, piranhas etc.
There is a dolphin bay and aquavenutre at Atlantis. It’s very expensive, we have to pay 600 Dirhams(8000 Rs) to see and swim with Dolphins. So we dint go there. Even for aqua venture its around 3000 Rs for entrance. Then we took a ride in the monorail system to have a view of the palm island buildings and backwaters. It’s really fascinating to see the island and man made beaches.
Then we took a taxi and visited world’s largest shopping mall, the Dubaimall which has around 1200 shops and a huge Aquarium with 33, 000 species of marine animals. Apart from that it has ice skirting park, musical fountain and cinema theatres.Its a must place to visit. Things found all over the world can be bought here. Then we visited the tallest building in the world The Dubai Towers. It’s a super tall skyscraper of around 750m height.
Then in the evening we went to Jumariah beach. It’s an incredible white sandy beach situated near the famous Burj Al Arab hotel. We took bath and spend around 3 hours. We enjoyed the sunset and it was superb.
Next day morning went to Emirates mall by Dubai metro train. The Emirates mall also has all amenities for mall but its world famous for first indoor ski slope, ski Dubai. It’s for the expert in ice skiing but we can get in, to shoot some photos. The Dubaimetro is world largest driverless fully automated metro network. This is the first time in history of Middle East to have metro trains. We were lucky to be there on the inauguration day. It’s a thrilling experience, it’s hardly took 15 minutes to cover 32 kms.
Apart from that, Dubai is called as shopper’s paradise. We can get all branded items in Dubai if u visit the above said shopping malls. If u need some cheaper thing, visit karama and Bur Dubai areas.
Its Ramadan month, so we can’t able to find restaurant and night clubs. Its offence to drink or eat anything in public during Ramadan.
We had a good time in Dubai last week and had some memorable experiences. Basically Dubaiis the play ground for the wealthy people.
Traveling and Accommodations
It’s cheap to travel by buses or trains to visit the places. Hiring taxi will be expensive. For some places u have to hire a taxi.
Its better to book Hotel Apartments rather then hotels if traveling by group. Its ranges from 3000 to 12500 rupees per day.
Some Important places to visit:
The Palm island, Jumariah: Don’t forget to visit the Atlantis Hotel, The Lost Chambers, Aqua venture and Dolphin Bay.
Desert Safari and Hatta mountain Safari where we can see natural springs.
Dubai Museum and Zoo.
Jumariah beach, Wild Wadi water park and Burj Al Arab hotel.(All these in the same area.).
Dubai creek and Yatch Club. If u love fishing can hire a boat and enjoy.
Dubai towers- tallest building in the world.
Some important Shopping complexes to visit are Dubai mall, Emirates mall, Burjman centre, City centre, Chinese Dragon centre, Carrefour, Centre point, Lamcy plaza etc.