Dubai "large-scale construction boom state"

Dubai is one of the seven emirates and the most populous city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is located along the southern coast of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula. The Dubai Municipality is sometimes called Dubai city to distinguish it from the emirate.

Written accounts document the existence of the city for at least 150 years prior to the formation of the UAE. Dubai shares legal, political, military and economic functions with the other emirates within a federal framework, although each emirate has jurisdiction over some functions such as civic law enforcement and provision and upkeep of local facilities. Dubai has the largest population and is the second largest emirate by area, after Abu Dhabi. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the only two emirates to possess veto power over critical matters of national importance in the country's legislature. Dubai has been ruled by the Al Maktoum dynasty since 1833. Dubai's current ruler, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is also the Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE.

The emirate's main revenues are from tourism, trade, real estate and financial services. Revenues from petroleum and natural gas contribute less than 6% (2006) of Dubai's US$ 37 billion economy (2005). Real estate and construction, on the other hand, contributed 22.6% to the economy in 2005, before the current large-scale construction boom. Dubai has attracted attention through its real estate projects and sports events.


Dubai Mall
Opened in November 2008, Dubai Mall is the world's largest shopping center and is home to around twelve hundred retailers. It is the size of more than fifty football pitches and features an ice rink, a hotel, and is the gateway to the Burj Dubai; the tallest building in the world. The mall is home to a number of the world's best known stores including Bloomingdales, Marks and Spencer and Montblanc. Designers such as Stella McCartney also have outlets in the complex and world famous jewellers Tiffany & Co. have a branch located there. No trip to Dubai would be complete without an outing to Dubai's latest shopping spectacular.
Address: Financial Center Road (Interchange 1), Dubai
Phone Number: (4) 437 3200
Email Address: enquiry@thedubaimall.com
Website: www.thedubaimall.com
Transport: The Dubai Mall Shuttle Bus:The mall has 12 shuttle buses operating routes to the mall from a number hotels in and around Dubai. Check website for details. www.thedubaimall.com
Hours: Saturday - Friday 10am to Midnight

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

The recently opened Dubai Aquarium is fast becoming one of the Emirates most popular attractions. Featuring the largest viewing panel and one of the biggest tanks in the world, visitors have the opportunity to experience the incredible underwater domain of thousands of creatures of the deep. Highlights include feeding time for the enormous Sand Tiger Sharks and the majestic Stingrays. The aquarium and zoo is home to over thirty-thousand types of sea life and provides an exciting, educational day out for adults and children alike.
Address: Dubai Mall, Financial Center Road (Interchange 1), Dubai
Website: www.thedubaiaquarium.com
Admission: Aquarium Tunnel: Child AED20 Adult AED25 Aquarium Tunnel & Underwater Zoo AED50

Bateaux Dubai Dinner Cruise

The Bateaux Dubai Dinner Cruise provides visitors to the Emirate with a unique and memorable way in which to view the older part of Dubai. The two and a half hour cruise departs from just beyond the Al Maktoum Bridge and makes its way along the Creek past many of the city's most famous landmarks. Guests can take advantage of unobstructed views thanks to the non-reflective glass surround and extensive outside deck area. A four course a-la-carte meal is served during the cruise (diners with specific dietary requirements are requested to arrange at the time of booking) and alcohol is available to purchase on board. Musical entertainment is provided care of the Bateaux Dubai musicians and DJ. Booking is required in advance through the reservation line.
Address: Dubai Creek (opposite the British Embassy) Bur Dubai
Phone Number: +971 4 399 4994
Email Address: mail@bateauxdubai.com
Website: www.jebelali-international.com/properties/bateaux_dubai
Hours: Boarding begins at 7:45pm. Departure from dock 8:30pm
Admission: From 325 AED per person for 4-course meal, welcome beverage and cruise.

Jumeirah Beach Park

One of the main reasons holidaymakers flock to Dubai is to take advantage of the stunning beaches. If visitors aren't staying somewhere with access to the sand and sea, and don't want to pay 100AED plus to use a hotel's facilities, then Jumeirah Beach Park is a brilliant alternative. It cost just 2AED per person to enter the park, or 20AED per car. The beaches are clean and safe and, unlike some of the other public areas in Dubai, are not populated with 'gawkers'. There are even designated 'women only' sessions. The park section of the beach is equipped with BBQ facilities and seating areas. There are also showers and toilets on the beach, and lifeguards on duty at all times.
Address: Opposite Chilli's Restaurant on the Beach Road, Jumeirah
Phone Number: +971 4 3492555
Hours: 8am - 10.30pm daily. Thursday and Friday till 11pm. Saturday for children and ladies only
Admission: 2 AED per person or 20 AED per vehicle

Camel Racing
No visit to Dubai would be complete without a trip to the races…the camel races. This is a traditional sport in the UAE and hugely popular among local Emiratis who head to the race tracks early in the morning to watch these magnificent animals. The racing season runs from September to March and race tracks can be found in various locations around the Emirate and on the way to Abu Dhabi. In 2007 a brand new venue was built close to Nad Al Sheba racecourse and races are held early on Thursday and Friday mornings.Address: Nad Al Sheba Race Course, DubaiHours: Thursday and Friday mornings. Call Nad Al Sheba for exact times.Admission: Free

Desert safari

For a real taste of Arabia, visitors can take a trip into the desert with any number of tour operators into the rolling sand dunes surrounding Dubai. Tours usually include a thrilling 4x4 drive over the dunes, camel riding, a visit to a local Bedouin village, and end with a traditional Arabian barbeque under the stars, with a show of belly dancing.

Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum Museum
Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum's house dates back to the 19th century, and was built for Dubai's ruler with commanding views over the sea. It is one of the oldest residences in the city and has been restored as a museum exhibiting historical photographs and artifacts showcasing Dubai's history and development. Its architecture is also a fine example of the regional style with its wind towers and central courtyard, teak wood doors and windows and wooden lattice screens.

Ski Dubai

One of the city's newest and most interesting attractions is the region's first indoor ski resort, with real snow and five runs catering to both beginner and expert skiers and snowboarders. The monumental indoor snowdome can host up to 1,500 people. The longest run is 1,312 feet (400m), dropping 197 feet (60m), while a freestyle zone and quarter pipe cater specifically for snowboarders. Ski lifts, snow patrols and professional instructors help to create an authentic environment. A Snow Park at the bottom is ideal for children to play in the snow. Slope passes include ski clothing and equipment.

Dubai Museum

The imposing 19th-century Al Faheidi Fort houses the Dubai Museum, which has an impressive collection of military and cultural artifacts, as well as working models and life-size displays depicting various aspects of Dubai life such as the markets, an Islamic school, the desert, Arab houses and Gulf marine life. One of the most interesting exhibits shows the underwater world of pearl-diving. The fort was built in 1799 to guard Dubai from landward approaches, and was once the residence of the city's rulers as well as the seat of government until 1971.

Jumeirah Mosque

The Jumeirah Mosque is one of the most photographed sights in Dubai. A fine example of modern Islamic architecture, this beautiful mosque is also one of the city's largest, with a majestic dome and twin minarets, and is one of the few mosques open to non-Muslims for tours.
Address: Al Jumeirah Road
Phone Number: (0)4 344 7755 Hours:
Tours are on Thursday at 10am; tours are also available on Sundays at 10am in summer
Admission: Tour fee: Dhs10

Wild Wadi

One of the most advanced water theme parks ever designed, the five-hectare (12-acre) water park at Wild Wadi offers families and thrill seekers hours of fun, relaxation and adrenalin-pumping action. Designed like an Arabian wadi (oasis), the park has an Arabian folklore theme and features some of the highest and fastest water rides outside of North America with 24 state of the art, high-adrenaline rides and slides. Rides for thrill seekers include Jumeirah Sceirah, a 108ft (33m) free-fall at 50 miles per hour (80km/hr), Master Blaster slides that are water roller coasters propelled uphill by high-powered jets, the white-knuckle ride at Rushdown Ravine or the high waves at Breakers Bay.Address: Jumeirah Beach Road, between the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and the Burj Al Arab Hotel
Phone Number: (0)4 348 4444
Email Address: info@wildwadi.com
Website: http://www.wildwadi.com/
Hours: Daily from 11am. In January and February it closes at 6pm; from March to May at 7pm; from June to August at 9pm; and from September to December at 5pm
Admission: Dhs 150 (age 13+); Dhs 125 (children 4-12). For individuals staying either at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel or Burj Al Arab, access to the Wild Wadi Water Park is free

Grand Mosque

Boasting the city's tallest minaret at 230 feet (70m), the Grand Mosque is a notable landmark with its multi-domed style and impressive size. It is an important place of worship and can accommodate up to 1,200 worshippers inside. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the Mosque.Address: Al Mussalla Road

Souks


The souks or traditional markets are popular with bargain hunters as well as sightseers and photographers. The most famous is the gold souk where the narrow streets are lined with shops selling everything golden from 24-carat bars to rings and elaborate necklaces and all at low prices. The tiny lanes of the traditional spice souk are scented with sacks of cinnamon, incense, spices, and dried fruit, while the modern fish souk bustles with activity and is redolent with smells of a more unpleasant nature. At the heart of the Bur Dubai souk lies Al Fahidi Street, selling the latest electronics, photographic equipment and home appliances at competitive prices. Other streets sell everything from materials and carpets to traditional coffee pots, loaves of unleavened bread and hubble-bubble pipes.Address: Both sides of the Creek, in Deira and Bur Dubai
Hours: Daily 7am to 12pm and 5pm to 7pm; Fridays 5pm to 7pm
Admission: Free

Bastakiya


The old Bastakiya district is a step back in time to the days before electricity and air-conditioning, where traditional courtyard houses were cooled by wind towers. Old Dubai was famous for its wind towers that lined the Creek on both sides, and today the narrow lanes festooned with the distinctively Arabian architecture is a popular historical attraction that has been marked for tourist development.

Dubai Creek

The natural seawater inlet that cuts through the center of the city is the historical part of Dubai where visitors can take an abra (small water taxi) and view the old trading port and the dhows from the water. A cruise to Al-Maktoum Bridge will pass many of the city's historic as well as modern landmarks. A stroll around the wharf offers a picturesque glimpse of Dubai's trading heritage, where dhows bound for distant places dock to unload their goods.

Transportation
Air
Dubai International Airport (IATA: DXB), the hub for Emirates Airline, services the city of Dubai and other emirates in the country. The airport served a total of over 37 million passengers and handled over 1.8 million tons of cargo in 2008. The Dubai International Airport ranked 11th among international airports for total cargo traffic in 2007. A third terminal and a new concourse opened in October 2008, serving Emirates flights, and is the single largest building in the world by floor space. The new terminal will be dedicated to Emirates Airline and will fully support the new Airbus A380. A new concourse is also set to open in in 2011, and will be exclusively for the use of the Emirates A380. The development of Dubai World Central International Airport, currently under construction in Jebel Ali, was announced in 2004. The first phase is expected to be completed by 2010, and once operational the new airport will host foreign airlines and emirates with an exclusive terminal for them.

Bus
Dubai has a large bus system that services 69 routes and transported over about 90 million people in 2006. The Road and Transport Authority (RTA) announced in 2006 that an additional 620 new buses will be added to its fleet. In 2008, the Roads and Transport Authority introduced in door bus shelters. Most residents do not use the bus system and the main mode of transportation in Dubai is still a private vehicle.

Taxi
Dubai also has an extensive taxi system, by far the most frequently used means of public transport within the Emirate. There are both government-operated and private cab companies. There are around 7,500 taxis operating within the emirate.

Underground
A $3.89 billion Dubai Metro project is under construction for the emirate. The Metro system is expected to be partially operational by 2009 and fully operational by 2012. The metro will comprise four lines: the Green Line from Al Rashidiya to the main city center and the Red Line from the airport to Jebel Ali. It also has a blue and a purple line The Dubai Metro (Green and Blue Lines) will have 70 kilometers of track and 43 stations, 33 above ground and ten underground.
In 2009, the monarail on the Palm Jumeriah is set to open. It is expected to be the first in the region. Also there are two expected trams to be built in Dubai by 2011. The first is the Downtown Burj Dubai Tram System and the second is the Al Sufouh Tram.
The Dowtown Burj Dubai Tram System is a 4.6 km tram service that is planned to service the area around the Burj Dubai, and the second tram will run 14.5 kilometres along Al Sufouh Road from Dubai Marina to the Burj Al Arab and the Mall of the Emirates.
One of the more traditional methods of getting across Bur Dubai to Deira is through abras, small boats that ferry passengers across the Dubai Creek, between abra stations in Bastakiya and Baniyas Road.
There are two major commercial ports in Dubai, Port Rashid and Port Jebel Ali. Port Jebel Ali is the 7th busiest port in the world.
In July 2007, the Salik road toll network was installed on Sheikh Zayed Road and on Al Garhoud bridge; the tolling stations are fully automated and collect toll of AED 4 (US$ 1.08) per transit.

Abu Dhabi "federal capital of the United Arab Emirates"

Abu Dhabi is the federal capital of the United Arab Emirates and the largest city of the emirate of Abu Dhabi. It is one of the most modern cities in the world and the center of government in the UAE.

With a population of just under 1.5 million, Abu Dhabi is headquarters to a number of oil operating companies. Embassies are based here as well. With only 420,000 citizens in the entire emirate, each has a theoretical net worth of $17 million, and Abu Dhabi has been described by CNN as the richest city in the world. The city features large gardens and parks, green boulevards lining all the streets and roads, sophisticated high-rise buildings, international luxury hotel chains and opulent shopping malls.

Long viewed as a staid bureaucratic outpost entirely lacking in neighboring Dubai's pizazz, things started to change radically in 2004 after long-ruler Sheikh Zayed passed away and his son Sheikh Khalifa took over. In a bid to attract tourism and investment, land sales to foreigners were allowed, restrictions on alcohol were loosened and several massive projects are under way, with the upcoming $28 billion cultural zone of Saadiyat Island and its centerpieces the Guggenheim and Louvre Museums scheduled to open in 2011. It remains to be seen how well the strategy will work, but the city is certainly experiencing a construction boom.

Liwa Oasis

Numerous local tour operators in Abu Dhabi offer trips from the city to the famed Liwa Oasis, about three hours drive away along a modern highway. This green, agricultural strip at the edge of the Rub Al Khali ('Empty Quarter') is surrounded by desolate desert with farms abutting towering sand dunes. Visitors enjoy overnight camel trips to camp in the desert. The oasis, made up of a string of small towns and villages, is resplendent with pools of fresh water and date plantations, and is the ancestral home of the Bani Yas tribe from whence sprang Abu Dhabi's ruling family.

Al Ayn

The merge of ancient and modern Arabic culture is no more evident than in the fascinating city of Al Ayn, about 100 miles (160km) east of Abu Dhabi. This historic, scenic oasis is surrounded by red sand dunes and dominated by a vast mountain range on the eastern border of the UAE. Al Ayn has existed since around 3,000 BC and visitors can explore archaeological remains and a large museum. The city is also modern, filled with luxury resort hotels and shiny shopping malls. Experiences such as the Middle East's last remaining traditional camel market vie for attention with an exciting theme park, the renowned Al Ayn Zoo, and an Olympic-sized ice rink. Al Ayn is known as the 'Garden city of the Gulf' because of its tree-lined boulevards and green public spaces.

Petroleum Exhibition
The basis of Abu Dhabi's wealth, the oil industry, is showcased in this permanent exhibition of photographs and interactive displays depicting the discovery of the 'black gold' and subsequent development of the region.Address: The Corniche, near the fire stationPhone Number: 626 9715Hours: Daily 7am to 2pm. Closed Thursdays and FridaysAdmission: Free

Al Hosn Palace (White Fort)

The oldest building in young Abu Dhabi is the Al Hosn Palace, known colloquially as the White Fort. It was constructed in 1793 as the official residence of the former ruling family, and was extensively renovated in 1983. Today it houses the Cultural Foundation, featuring a museum of traditional artifacts and historical photographs. The Palace is renowned for the magnificent tile work over its main gate.Address: Khalid bin Walid StHours: Open daily 7.30am to 1.30pm, Thursdays from 7.30am to 12.00pm. Free admision.

Heritage Village City

Designed as a living museum depicting traditional Bedouin life, the Heritage Village over the Abu Dhabi Corniche features tents, courtyard houses, an ancient irrigation system, workshops where craftsmen ply their trades, a museum and much more.Address: The BreakwaterHours: 8.30am to 5pm Admission: Free.

By plane

Abu Dhabi Airport
Abu Dhabi International Airport (IATA: AUH, ICAO: OMAA) is the UAE's second busiest airport (after Dubai) and the home base of Abu Dhabi's flag carrier Etihad. Launched only in 2003, Etihad has been expanding furiously and now flies everywhere from the United States to Australia, and its services (particularly on long-haul flights) are remarkably good in all classes.
Despite its slightly dingy appearance and the spectacularly bizarre blue-lime tiled mushroom canopy that awaits you at the gates, the airport itself is quite well-maintained, if a little overcrowded at peak hours around midnight. The airport is currently undergoing a major expansion which is proposed to be completed by 2010. Picking up luggage is also quite easy, although be forewarned that airport personnel may remove a flight's bags from the carousel and stack them in a pile next to it, as the airport has few baggage carousels. Al Ghazal taxis travel to the city at a flat rate of Dhs.75 and take around 40 mins. Public bus route 901 also heads to the city every 30-45 minutes and costs just Dhs. 3
The airport has a well stocked Duty Free.
A viable alternative is to fly to Dubai instead, and continue onward by bus or, if really in a hurry, by taxi. A metered Dubai airport taxi direct to the town center will cost about Dhs 300.
If you are flying on Etihad, complimentary shuttle buses are provided at regular intervals to the centre of Abu Dhabi and to Dubai. These depart from the main car park at the front of the airport, by the car hire offices.

By bus
You can get into Abu Dhabi from the other Emirates of Dubai Sharjah etc by bus. The Emirates Express between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is operated jointly by the Abu Dhabi and Dubai municipalities. The 150 km route takes around two hours; the first bus departs from the Abu Dhabi main bus terminal on the corner of Hazza bin Zayed the First (11th) St and East (4th) Rd at 06:30 and the last leaves at 21:30; they leave at 45 minute intervals. From Dubai, the buses leave from 06:00, and run until 21;00, from the Al Ghubaibah station. The cost per person is Dh20 one way.

By road
The five-laned highway between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is the country's heaviest-traveled route, and the 170-km journey can be covered in two hours. While there is a notional speed limit of 120 km/h, this is often wildly exceeded by young Emiratis and the highway sees over 20 accidents monthly. Stay out of the leftmost lane and drive carefully, especially at night.

Get around
Abu Dhabi is built for cars. As a result there are a lot of them and lots of traffic jams in the down town area.

By taxi
The best way to get around if you haven't rented a car is by taxi. Basic white-and-gold taxis with green signs on top are ubiquitous and crossing town won't cost more than Dhs5 ($1.50) or so. Basic metered fares start from AED 2.50. However, they are very basic and do not have seat belts. Slightly more luxurious silver cabs have seat belts, have white signs on top and charge a little more with a 4 Dhs starting fare and 1 Dh per Km thereafter. They are probably a safer bet in the unruly traffic. Taxis like Al Ghazal and National monopolize the hotels.
A host of silver colored taxis have now entered the local taxi business. Though the cars used are of a higher standard, have better educated and trained drivers, they charge a little more. These cabs charge the metered fare + AED 10.00 for a trip to the airport. The local white and Gold cabs, do not go to the Airport by the meter, and will usually bargain for the fare from the city. The normal being between AED 40.00 to AED 60.00, depending on your race and bargaining ability.
If you're staying at a hotel, there are normally taxis waiting outside in the parking lot. You are not expected to tip cab drivers, but gratuity will be VERY appreciated. Many taxi drivers are displaced persons, far from their home countries and families, so don't be surprised if they take out pictures of family members for you to comment on.
White and Gold taxi drivers are not patient enough at busy times for you to count your change in a leisurely way before you pay them. Be quick or you may invite their anger. It is probably best not to want a receipt, either.

By bus
The main Bus station in Abu Dhabi is on Hazaa Bin Zayed Road. You can get buses here going to the different points within the city as well as inter city buses. The bus stand also serves as a Taxi stand, for inter emirate taxis.
Abu Dhabi has recently invested considerable sums in improving its long skeletal bus network and the fleet is set to increase from 120 buses at the end of 2008 to 1360 by the end of 2010. The fare system is simple: Dhs. 1 for a single ride, Dhs. 3 for a day pass, or Dhs. 40 for a one-month Ojra pass. The dark bluish green buses are air-conditioned but not wheelchair accessible. Passengers can board and alight at the designated stops along the route. These locations can be identified by the temporary Department of Transport bus stop poles. Beware: bus stops which do not have the DoT bus stop sign may not be serviced as not all bus stops along the route are used.
The four main lines are:
Route 5: Al Meena to Marina Mall via Abu Dhabi Mall and Hamden Street,
Every 10 minutes 6:30AM-11:30PM.
Route 7: Abu Dhabi Mall to Marina Mall via Zayed the 1st Street (also known as Electra), Every 10 minutes 6:30AM-11:30PM.
Route 32: Sports City Carrefour to Marina Mall via Airport Road, Bus Station and Zayed the 1st St, Every 20 minutes 6AM-10:40PM.
Route 54: Sports City Carrefour to Abu Dhabi Mall via East Read, Bus Station and Hamden Street, Every 20 minutes 6AM-11PM
The older bus service operated by The Abu Dhabi Municipality operates bus routes within city and to the other emirates. The routes within the city are very few. The buses are very modern and Air Conditioned. The services are as punctual as possible and operates more or less around the clock and charge Dhs.1 for travel within the Capital. The front few seats are reserved for ladies, so men should avoid occupying them.

By car
Unless they are very aggressive drivers or accustomed to reckless road behaviour, most visitors find the Emirati style of driving far too dangerous to be willing to get behind the wheel themselves. Those who do should be aware that any traffic accidents between locals and expats will ultimately mean that the expat is deemed at fault in most cases. Rented cars/visitors are not treated differently if they get into a car accident. However, it must be known that if you do get in a car accident that you should never move your car unless 1) you are asked by the police to do so over the phone, or 2) the police ask you to move it upon their arrival to the scene. It doesn't matter how you feel about your car blocking three lanes in the middle of the rush hour while waiting for the police. If you move your car, you will be in some serious trouble. Tests for alcohol can also be administered, and even the blood-alcohol level rise from a glass of wine will be sufficient grounds for one month's incarceration.

If you do decide to take the plunge, beware that the street numbering system is unusual and it can take 30-45 days to get used to it. U-Turns are allowed at almost every intersection. When the left lane signal turns green, you simply have to swing a U-turn and come back. One tip – whatever other flaws drivers here may have, they do not run red lights. There are cameras at many intersections, fines are high (US$100-150), and residents who are not citizens can be deported for running too many red lights. When the light turns yellow, that taxi in front of you will jam on the brakes, and you should, too. But when the light turns green, expect someone behind you to honk at you immediately to get you moving.
Unfortunately, despite excellent roads, and a traffic signal system, vehicle accidents remains the largest cause of deaths in the UAE.

On foot
Navigating Abu Dhabi on foot is difficult due to the spread-out nature of the city and the oppressive summertime heat and humidity. Pedestrian crossings across the massive boulevards are few and far between.