Cradled between the waters of the Gulf, the desert, and the Al Hajar mountains, the Emirate of Dubai – one of the seven United Arab Emirates – is a truly fascinating blend of the ancient traditions of Arabia and the Bedouin, the influence of Islam, and a thriving, modern commercialism. Even at the beginning of this century, the way of life in Dubai had hardly changed over hundreds of years and was centred around merchants from Iran and India, Bedouins traversing the desert from wadi to oasis, spices and gold being traded. Today, remnants of this old way of life are still visible and great efforts are being made to restore traditional houses and to show village life although new buildings are air-conditioned towers of steel and glass, shopping centres vie with ancient souqs and the traditional art of falconry exists alongside golf and horse-racing. Dubai has a huge number of attractions as a luxury holiday destination, from its hot climate, warm waters and sandy beaches to its desert dunes, outstanding luxury accommodation, and glimpses of modern and ancient Arab life for western visitors.
Facts
Capital
Dubai City
AirportAbout 20 minutes by taxi.
Currency
UAE dirham (£1 = about 6 dirhams)
Size
4,100 square kilometres
Population
2.2 million
Average temperatures
the summer months from May to September are very hot with temperatures being in the low to mid 40s. July and August are the hottest with the temperature being about 43 degrees Centigrade and the humidity being about 85%. The sea temperature in the height of summer can reach 37 degrees. In October, November, March and April the temperature is in the low to mid 30s. December to February (winter) the temperature averages a pleasant 24 degrees. The coast does not experience the severe drop in temperature overnight that the inland desert experiences.
Local highlights
Local highlights in Dubai are based largely around the traditional Arab and Bedouin way of life here; falconry, the mosques and their minarets, the traditional dress such as the long white dishdasha and the gutra head cloth held on by the black agal for men and the abaya long black cloak for women and sometimes the burqa, a mask that covers the eyebrows, nose and mouth. The ancient souqs such as the Spice Souq, the Covered Souq and the Gold Souq in Deira. Arabic coffee at the Fatafeet Cafe and watching if not trying others smoking a sheesha, filled with apple-flavoured tobacco. Take an abra ride on the Creek to get a real flavour of the ancient and modern feel of the city. Traditional wooden dhows moored in Dubai Creek. Bargain for a carpet at the Sharjah Central Souq. Shopping for gold, Bedouin jewellery, perfume, incense, electronics and textiles. Sporting activities include camel racing, desert rallies, golf, tennis and horse-racing.
Getting out and about
Taxis from Dubai Transport or private companies recommended by the hotels are probably the best way to get around and are reasonable. Care should be taken whilst on foot as driving can be haphazard and attention is not always paid to pedestrian crossings.
Travel arrangements
Emirates flies from London Heathrow or Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and Newcastle to Dubai daily. The flight time is about 8 hours. British Airways and Virgin fly from London Heathrow to Dubai direct daily.