First Time in Dubai. Review on Dubai

As the title states, it was my first time in Dubai. It was a place I always wanted to go and believe you me - it does not dissapoint.

Before I headed off on my hols, I read the 'Lonely Planet' guide book on Dubai - I made special notes on local customs and how not to offend the community etc. Most of my time was spent in the city/are of Rigga and Deira - mainly shopping and site seeing. However I was supprised that never once did I hear the 'call to prayer' from the mosque that they dotted all around the city.

The Guide book also stated that women and men had to be covered up all the time, ie long sleved shirts, long skirts etc and that those who generally wore shorts would be laughed at by the locals. This is so unture, the dress code is very relaxed out there - I was supprised by the way the native arab women dressed, they all looked rich and wore very flash clothing etc..

Karama is a great place to go and buy fake goods, I brought lots of handbags, you name the designer brand and I bet you I have brought it. I went to this one place where I had trouble distinguishing the copy from the original!!!

Meena Bazar has an Indian feel to it, you have all the different fabric shops, shelwa kameez shops, tailors and gold shops and kitchen ware shpos. I picked up lots of fabric and indian suits from here.

Gold Souqs, wow - if you love gold jewlery, especially the indian styles (like I do) then this is the place to be. However a lot of the shops did have similar designs (maybe they use the same machines....) I couldnt resist the temptation, I brougt gold earings, knecklesses and bangles. But my favarote was the diamond ring. At first I was a bit reserved at by diamonds - because they could be of bad quality etc.... and I wasn't as confident in buying diamonds as I am with buying gold. But I was given a proper certificate etc - so I am satisfied, but I am still curious as to whether I got a good deal from it, so I am going to get my ring valued!!!

I must admit that the highlight of my trip would be the Desert Safari. Its the jewel in the crown. The sites are breath taking. Rolling down the dunes in a 4X4 is really fun too - its like an uncontrolable rollercoster!! Rode a Camel, sand skied down the dunes too..... During the tour, you get to see the sunset and you are driven to a bedeuoin campsite were you can enjoy a barbecue under the stars and a local lady does henna panting on your hands. And to end the fun evening, you are treated to a belly dancing show. You would be suprised, even the most reserved group member was inticed into dancing with the belly dancer!! This is a experience you would treasure for ever.

Briefly - cruising down the creek in an abra is great, especially with the sharp contrast of the city with the traditional and modern. The Shopping Malls are worth a visit too - but I prefer the traditonal street shops that retain the old culture and traditions of Dubai.

Over all its a great place to visit, I personally couldnt find any faults with the country - the people were curtious and hospitable, the roads and buildings are very clean. It truely is an Oasis in the middle east.

Actually I only have one minor complaint - I tried to show off my Arabic (the usual, thank you, how much) but they would all respond in English..... If I wanted them to speak english, I could have stayed at home.