Exploring Dubai: The city of the Emirates
Dubai is the world’s most cosmopolitan city and one of the seven emirates of the UAE. It is regarded as being one of the most tourist friendly places to visit. Even though a trip to Dubai is undoubtedly an expensive proposition to make, if planned well and smartly, it can turn out to be a fantastic trip that’s the best bang for your buck! Ajay Mirchandani shares his travel guide for Dubai. Enjoy!
Getting to Dubai
Dubai is well connected with almost every part of the world, making it a well-known transit hub for travellers far and wide. It has two airports, the primary one being Dubai International Airport (DXB) and the other being the Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). Dubai’s flagship carrier, the Emirates that boasts of having the largest international network of any airline operates out of a separate terminal 3 at DXB along with Qantas and flydubai. Every other international carrier operates from terminal 1. Terminal 2 is for flydubai and other regional and international airlines.
Getting to the city from the airport
The Dubai International Airport is well connected to the city thanks to the Metro, radio taxis such as Uber and Careem and regular airport taxis. Undoubtedly, the Metro is the cheapest option available. The Metro in Dubai has two lines – the Red line and the Green Line. The Red Line connects the airport’s terminals 1 and 3 to the city centre. For Metro travel, it is always advisable to invest in a NOL Silver Card that costs AED 25 (USD 6.8) and comes with a balance of AED 19 (USD 5.2) that can be utilised towards your trips that can be used on all modes of transport in Dubai including the Metro, buses, waterbuses and for parking. They can be topped up at the Metro stations and roadside kiosks. For tourists, one can also avail the NOL Red Card which is a daily pass that allows you to load it with up to 10 trips, costing AED 2 (USD 0.5) for the paper ticket itself and is rechargeable for a single mode of transport at a time. The metro fares range anywhere from a minimum of AED 3 (USD 0.8) for a ride to AED 7.5 (USD 2) depending on the zones. The Metro fares are divided into 3 slabs: If you travel from Zone 1 to Zone 2 (under 3 kms) then you pay AED 3. If you travel across 2 adjacent zones, then you pay AED 5 (USD 1.4). If you travel through more than 2 zones than the maximum fare will be AED 7.5. An Uber or Careem will cost you roughly AED 50-80 (USD 13.6-21.8) depending on which locality you are being dropped at.
Where to stay in Dubai
Accommodation in Dubai is predominantly located across 3 main areas:
- Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall
- Bur Dubai
- Dubai Creek/Deira
Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall is considered the heart of the city where one can find plush hotels with 7-star luxuries catering to the businessmen and high-net-worth lifestyles. Hotels in this area range anywhere from AED 500 (USD 136) to 5000 (USD 1360). It is best suited for those travelling on official purposes to Dubai as most of the city’s commercial establishments have offices in that area. Food here is limited to the fancy Michelin star restaurants that may burn quite a big hole in one’s pockets. If you’re in for some fine dining options, then this is the place to be with multi-cuisine restaurants offering breathtaking views of the Burj Khalifa and city centre. This area is well connected through the Metro’s Red line from the airport with umpteen stops in between. Buses also ply through the arterial Sheikh Zayed Road, one of Dubai’s most prominent roads connecting it with Abu Dhabi.
Bur Dubai is one of the most inhabited areas of Dubai, predominantly dotted with residential complexes surrounded by a few of Dubai’s oldest markets including the very famous Meena Bazaar and the Bur Dubai Souk or textile Souk. Food options galore as this place has heaps of Asian restaurants of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladesh and Chinese origins. Hotels in this area range anywhere from AED 100 (USD 27) to 1000 (USD 270) and is best suited for those on a vacation and wish to be at the centre of all attractions besides looking for budget friendly options. This area is situated on the Metro’s Green Line and is well connected with the city and the airport through the Metro’s Red line with the interchange station located at Burjuman. It is also connected to the Creek/Deira side of the city by the water taxis locally known as Abra that cost a mere AED 1 (USD 0.3) to hop on, and is one of the oldest and most cheapest forms of transportation across the Creek.
The Dubai Creek/Deira City Centre is among the oldest areas of Dubai and is home to the very famous Spice Souk and Gold Souk. You will find thousands of shops selling the finest jewellery and spices to an ocean of humanity that throngs these Souks to satiate their lust for retail therapy. The Dubai Creek hosts some of Dubai’s oldest luxury hotels that were built in the early 60s-70s as it was the primary trade centre of the city. This area is also situated on the Green Line with the interchange station being Burjuman to connect to the Red Line. It is also connected to the Bur Dubai side of the city by the water taxis.
Sightseeing in Dubai
You can never run out of things to see and do in a bustling city like Dubai. Being one of the most tourist friendly places to visit, Dubai has a lot in store for the exciting traveller in you. Here are some of the things to explore in Dubai:
🚀 Desert Safari
The Desert Safari tops the list of things to do in Dubai. One can indulge in an array of activities on the expanse of sand dunes surrounding the city. The Safari is usually a 4-5 hours activity that involves transfers from your hotel to a common area that marks the beginning of the desert from where you are picked up in 4×4 SUVs/Landcruisers that take you on an 8-10 minutes of a “rollercoaster ride” to a tent in the middle of the desert. You are greeted by local refreshments and then guided to an array of activities that you can indulge in. These activities including dune bashing, camel rides, quad biking, and henna tattooing. At the onset of dusk you are treated to some recreational activities such as a Belly Dance performance, a Tanoura dance show, and a fire dance before BBQ dinner is served. After dinner, one can visit any of the stalls in the tent that pave way for photo opportunities in a traditional Arabian attire and holding the Emirati falcons.
🚀 Dubai Miracle Garden
Dubai’s Miracle Garden is the largest flower garden in the city expanding over 72,000 square metres and is home to more than 50 million flowers. The garden’s most iconic attraction is the flower structure of an Airbus A380 that also holds the Guinness World Records for being the largest floral installation in the world. The park has multiple gardens and sleeping pods for visitors who wish to unwind and laze around in this beautiful garden. One can spot famous cartoon characters of Walt Disney including the gigantic flower structure of Mickey Mouse that is a favourite among visitors who line up to take their dream shots in front of it. Tickets are priced at AED 50 (USD 13.6) for adults (12 years and above) and AED 40 (10.9) for children (from 2 to 12 years). Tickets are free for the disabled and infants below 2 years. The park is well connected by public transport – one can alight at the Mall of Emirates Metro station and take bus number 105 that operates between the Mall of Emirates Metro station and the Miracle Garden every 30 minutes from 12-9 PM, costing as low as AED 5 (USD 1.4). Presently, the garden is closed temporarily for restoration and is due to open in November 2019.
🚀 Dubai Garden Glow
The Glow Garden in Dubai is yet another attraction that is worth visiting. Best at night, you will be mesmerised by the marvellous glowing light installations. The Garden is divided into three parks – Glow Park, Dinosaur Park, Ice Park and the newly established eco-friendly Art Park. Dubai Garden Glow is located in the heart of the city on the arterial Sheikh Zayed Road and can be accessed by public transportation through the Al Jafliya Metro Station. Glow Park tickets cost AED 65 (USD 17.7) for adults and children above 3 years. There is also a combo ticket which grants you access to the Glow Park and Ice Park and costs AED 110 (USD 30). Dubai Garden Glow is currently closed for summer and will reopen in October 2019 with a new theme and set of attractions.
🚀 Global Village
Global village is the perfect place to witness the advent of globalisation in the Middle East. The Village is the home of intercultural extravaganza as one gets to soak into the offerings of more than 75 countries that have stalls exhibiting their local food, souvenirs, arts and crafts as well as cultural performances showcasing their traditional folklore. Global Village opens every evening from 4pm to midnight on weekdays and until 1am on weekends. A small entry fee is charged worth AED 15 (USD 4) and entrance is free for children under 3, seniors, and special needs visitors. The Village is well connected by public transport – one can alight at the Mall of Emirates Metro station and take bus number 106 to get to Global Village. Alternatively, one can also opt for the following bus services at one’s convenience though they may take longer: Bus number 102 that starts from Rashidiya Metro Station / Bus number 103 that starts from Ittihad Station and will pass by Baniyas Street, Al Rebat Street, and Nad Al Hamar / Bus number 104 that starts from Al Ghubaiba Station and will pass by Sheikh Rashid Street, Al Jafiliya Metro Station, 2nd Za’Abeel Street and Dubai-AlAin Street. Tickets are priced anywhere between AED 5-11 depending on the route you take.
🚀 Burj Khalifa
See Dubai from the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, and ride the world’s fastest elevator to the observation deck to enjoy a 360-degree view of Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, Dubai Marina, and the Persian Gulf – all from the Burj Khalifa At the TOP – Level 124 & 125. The laser and light display on the Burj Khalifa is also a spectacle to witness on Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:15pm, 8pm and 9:15pm, and from Thursday to Saturday at 6:45pm, 8pm and 9:45pm. This a shorter version of the grand display that happens during new year’s.
🚀 Palm Jumeirah
Dubai’s giant man-made archipelago that’s shaped like that of a palm tree is known as the Palm Jumeirah. It is a phenomenal place for vacationers and is known to be visible from space! There’s lots to do here from having a splash at the Aquaventure Waterpark at the rose-hued Atlantis, or encountering sharks, dolphins and sea lions at the Lost Chambers Aquarium, hopping on a speedboat from the Dubai Marina cruising through the archipelago, chilling and sipping cocktail at one of the many beaches and clubs there, or taking adventure to the next level and going skydiving over the jaw-dropping Palm and the turquoise waters of the Arabian gulf!
🚀 Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Did you know that the Dubai Mall, the largest mall in the world, offers much more than shopping opportunities? It is home to one of the world’s largest indoor aquarium, with capacity to hold 10 million litres of water. The Dubai Aquarium illuminates the marvels of the ocean floor, showcasing one of the most diverse collections of aquatic life. Located just above the aquarium, Underwater Zoo brings visitors up close with penguins, piranhas, crabs, sea horses, jellyfish and plenty more. The ‘UAE’s Night Creatures’ exhibit is also worth checking out.
🚀 Dubai Fountain
Watch the world’s largest choreographed music fountain system at the Dubai Fountain. Lasting for up to 5 minutes, the schedule is as follows:
Day time shows: 1pm and 1:30pm (Saturday to Thursday) / 1:30pm and 2pm (Friday)
Evening shows: Every 30 minutes beginning at 6pm till 11pm
It costs nothing to watch the fountain show; though it is worth knowing that there is a new viewing platform that’s been built for one to get up close to the largest performing fountains in the world! Entry ticket costs AED 20 (USD 5.5) per person and can be purchased on the Burj Khalifa website or the Dubai Fountain Abra Tickets counter along the Waterfront Promenade.
🚀 Dhow Cruise
If you’re into food and view, go for an experiential 2-Hour Dhow Cruise with Dinner that’s set on the traditional Bedouin boat. Cruise down the serene waters of Dubai Creek, basking in the tasteful music and an alluring Tanura Dance show for a total cultural experience of the luxurious Dubai city at night, while enjoying a delicious buffet spread. The cruises are accessible from the Dubai Marina.
🚀 Go shopping
Whether it’s Dubai Shopping Festival or not, Dubai is the shopping haven for retail therapy enthusiasts. Some of the malls you can visit include The Dubai Mall, Mall of Emirates, Burjuman Center, Ibn Battuta Mall, Wafi Mall, City Centre Mirdif, and Dubai Marina Mall. Also go shopping at The Souks (Gold, Spice, Perfume, Textile) for a more local and traditional experience in Deira, Bur Dubai, or Downtown Dubai. Here’s a great guide to shopping at the souks!
🚀 Visa Information
Dubai offers a visa on arrival facility for Indians holding a US, UK or Schengen Visa for up to 14 days that costs AED 120 (USD 33). Indian tourists can also avail of a 30 days single entry tourist visa at AED 300 (USD 82). Check the list of visa exempt countries on the UAE Government website who are eligible for either a 30-day visit visa on arrival, free of charge and renewable for similar period or 90-day multiple entry visa free of charge and valid for 6 months from the date of issue for a stay of 90 days.
