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Cheap Flights Holidays and Hotels in Dubai travel information
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Surveying the dynamic skyline of Dubai today, it is tempting to think
of this emirate as a thoroughly modern creation. Dubai is one of the
Emirates that forms the United Arab emirates. But Dubai's history
drifts back to at least the third century BC, when nomadic tribes
eked out a living in the arid deserts. Dubai grew to prominence as
an important hub on the ancient trading route between Mesopotamia
and the Indus Valley and, by the 19th century, a fishing village had
taken root on the Shindagha peninsula, at the mouth of Dubai Creek.
The village was inhabited by the Bani Yas tribe, who were led by the
Maktoum family, the dynasty that still presides over Dubai today.
As Europe embarked on the mass destruction of World War I, Dubai still
had no running water, no real roads and the main mode of transport
was the camel. Dubai's remarkable success story really began in the
1960s. In the process of shaking off the shackles of British colonial
rule, oil was struck in 1966.
The scene was set for a rapid rise to incredible wealth, as Dubai
drew in billions of Dollars from the sale of oil - money that was
wisely invested in building up infrastructure and conjuring up a city
to match the extent of the newly found riches. Contrary to popular
misconceptions about Dubai, however, oil only accounts for 10% of
the economy today, as the emirate has expanded into trade, service
industries, finance, light industry and tourism. Another misconception
is the idea that alcohol is completely banned. The reality is that,
in the city's numerous hotels, bars and restaurants, alcohol flows
freely. What cannot be exaggerated is the visible, astronomical wealth
ostentatiously on display throughout Dubai, with gleaming skyscrapers
vying for attention along Dubai Creek and even more elaborate, government
sponsored construction projects underway. The most recent is the Palm
Islands, a massive project that will bring 120km (75 miles) of new
beachfront, through the creation of the world's two largest manmade
islands, as well as hotels, villas, shopping malls, cinemas and Dubai's
first marine park.
Despite the fact that Dubai is one of the hottest and most arid places
on the planet, there are four first-rate golf courses and more on
the way, with another outlandish plan to build a ski slope with real
snow. Dubai does not do things by half measures, with some of the
world's tallest and most costly buildings and top designers brought
in to supervise the ever more elaborate projects. The result is that
Dubai is now a real playground for the rich and famous. With almost
400 hotels, first-class shopping and plenty of space for future development,
there is also enough room for less affluent visitors.
Part of the attraction is the weather - Dubai enjoys an idyllic climate
for much of the year, with constant sunshine and very little rainfall,
although, in summer, the heat is extreme, making trips away from air-conditioned
vehicles and buildings unbearable |
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| Traveling in Dubai |
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The automobile is the most popular method of transport in Dubai. The
major tourist hotels provide shuttle bus services for guests. However,
Dubai Municipality (tel: (04) 285 9401 or 221 5555; website:
www.dm.gov.ae)
operates a public bus service, 0600-2300. Adult fares are Dh1-3.50
depending on destination and these are paid directly to the driver
when boarding, so it is useful for users to have the exact change.
Three types of bus passes are available. Smart Cards
give Dh22 worth of transport for Dh20, while monthly passes - called
taufee - are available at a cost of Dh75, for journeys on one
side of the creek, or Dh120, for unlimited travel within the whole
city. Passes, timetables and bus maps are available from the bus stations
in Deira and Bur Dubai. Routes and bus numbers are posted in both
Arabic and English.
Basic wooden boats, locally referred to as abras, cross
the creek from Bur Dubai to the Textile Souk area in Deira, 0600-2400
(journey time - 5 minutes) and are excellent value at Dh0.50.
Taxis
Air-conditioned taxis can be hailed on the street or prebooked by
telephone. Metered taxis, operated by the Dubai Transport Corporation
(tel: (04) 234 1111), are distinguished by their cream colour and
uniformed drivers. Occasionally, drivers do not have detailed knowledge
about the city and may ask passengers for directions. For metered
taxis, the pick-up fare is Dh3 (Dh3.50 between 2200 and 0600) and
Dh4 for pre-booked metered taxis. The rate is then charged at Dh1.25
per kilometre. Fixed fares are applied to journeys outside the city
boundaries. In non-metered taxis the fare is generally Dh5 for short
journeys and Dh10-15 for longer journeys within the city. It is also
possible to rent a taxi for 12 hours, for a fixed fee of Dh500. Tipping
is not expected.
Limousines
These are offered by the main car hire companies (see the Car Hire
section) and Dubai Transport Corporation (tel: (04) 208 0808).
The fare from the airport into Deira or Bur Dubai is around Dh60,
with daily hire from Dh1000.
Driving in the City
Dubai has an excellent and well-signposted road network and the majority
of roads have two to four lanes. Unfortunately, driving standards
do not match the quality of the roads. Many local drivers travel at
speed and change lanes with wild abandon. In addition, drivers are
prone to make sudden and dangerous manoeuvres. Accidents occur frequently
and visitors are advised to drive defensively. Outside the city centre,
signposts are rare, making a good road map essential, to avoid heading
aimlessly out into the desert. Increasingly traffic congestion is
also a problem, particularly in Deira and along Jumeirah Beach.
Car parks are operated by Dubai Municipality (tel: (04) 285
9401 or 221 5555; website: www.dm.gov.ae) and cost Dh2 per hour. Two
centrally located covered car parks are near the Spice Souk and Bani
Yas Square in Deira.
Car Hire
A valid International Driving Permit and passport are required to
hire a car in Dubai. Visitors from many European, North American and
many Asian countries can obtain a temporary local driving licence
if they do not have an international licence. A valid national licence,
passport and two passport-sized photographs are required in order
to do this. Fully comprehensive insurance is essential. In the event
of an accident, the police must be informed and a written police report
obtained, otherwise the hire company's insurance may not cover any
damage. Drivers must be at least 21 years old and have held a full
licence for one year. The age limit is often raised to 25 years, for
more expensive models. Payment must be made by credit card.
Bicycle Hire
Considering the desert environment, Dubai is not a cyclist's paradise
and bicycle hire is not a roaring trade in the city. Nevertheless,
some hotels hire out bicycles. Whether or not they will hire them
to non-guests varies. |
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| Tourist Information |
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Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing
(DTCM) Welcome Bureau
Beni Yas Square, Deira
Tel: (04) 228 5000.
Fax: (04) 228 0011.
E-mail: info@dubaitourism.co.ae
Website: www.dubaitourism.co.ae
Opening hours: Daily 0900-2300.
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