Sep 30, 2001 05:05 PM
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I have been to Dubai twice, first in March and next in July Same year. Dubai, as I am told, is the second largest of the seven emirates. Its a small city and dominated by Indians and Pakistanis.
As I wandered about for the first 2 days, all I could see were shopping malls and huge commercial centres. Trading and Tourism makes up 3/4 of Dubai's Economy. Weather is quite hot. Temperatures usually stay above the 30 C in the daytime and the best time to visit Dubai is 15th Jan- 15th March when its quite pleasant with cool evenings and breezy mornings. Feb-March period is also an attraction Since Dubai has a Shopping Carnival every year during this time.
Dubai is a complete shopper's paradise. Since its known to be the CENTRAL TRANSIT POINT for the whole world's trade, Dubai has a huge variety of items in every category. Shoppers can have a blast at everything from clothes and apparels to Electronics and Accessories.
Though I have stayed there just for 2 months, let me share my list of tips with you :
a. Never take loads of medicines and supplements in your baggage. Custom officials are very particular about checking bulk medicines even if you claim they are for personal use. Same goes for films and magazines.
b. Since Dubai has a large tourist base, you would not have any problem of communication. English, Hindi, Arabic are mostly spoken though there are quite a few people who would assist French and Germans also.
c. Taxis - I found that the mantra applied here is ''bargain everytime''. Dubai Transport Service Taxis are metered and are very costly. Minimum fare is 11 Dhms ($1 = 3.6 Dhms) so stick to Buses as much as possible or walk around.
d. Roam around only in the evenings since afternoons are hot and you won't be able to walk on the roads without heavy perspiration. In case you need to travel in afternoons, always wear a hat and carry a mineral water bottle. And have your sunscreen lotion handy.
e. Water is costly than a Soft Drink. So if you are frugal, always have soft drinks when outside. You can have loads of water when you get back to your hotel room.
f. Never litter on roads. Never Drink Alcohol publicly.
g. Always fasten seat belts when in a Cab or Driving
h. Never Over Speed. Never Under Speed. All these rules carry a fine of 100-200 Dhms. So be careful.
I really like clicking photos wherever I go. But Dubai is a different story. Normal tourist photography is acceptable, but it is considered offensive to photograph Muslim women. It is also courteous to ask permission before photographing men. Photographs of government buildings or military installations must not be taken.
Dubai is divided in two parts : Deira and BurDubai. Deira is more liberal and more clean. I found Bur Dubai has ancient building, is the commercial hub and is more orthodox as to the people who live there.
I really liked visiting the DEIRA CITY Centre. Its a huge shopping mall with over 100 stores. You can spend endless hours there just idling and window-shopping. All shopping malls have a food court and food is quite expensive. Dubai has a multi-cuisine menu. Arabic food is not at all spicy and Arabics are very fond of grilled chicken and Shawarma (Chicken Sandwich)
Other places I liked are Gold Souk, Jumeirah Beach Club, Baniyas Square, Naif Road, and Riqqah Road. If you are on a honeymoon, I suggest that you should spend your evenings boating in the Creek. The Creek, a natural deep-water inlet which cuts through the center of the city, is the historical focal point of life in Dubai.
People : Except for the local arabic people who are a bit erratic and sometimes rude, all expats are very cordial and helping in nature. A good hospitality atmosphere prevails allover. Beware of Arabs. Just don't act smart in front of them. They rule this part of the world. You will find many arabs carrying falcons and wild eagles as their pets. Falcon is considered the national bird here. The falcons are found sitting on the arms. Treat to watch. Don't go near them.
