- Where is the city of Dubai
- History of Dubai
- How to get to Dubai
- What to do in Dubai
- What to bring from Dubai
- Some interesting facts about Dubai
Magnificent, varied, colorful, luxurious, mesmerizing - all this can be said about such a major UAE metropolis as Dubai. Over the course of several decades, the city has become a world-renowned tourism center, not inferior in its level to other resort areas. Such a rapid development of Dubai's infrastructure can be explained by the fact that oil reserves were discovered on its territory in the second half of the 20th century, which became the main source of financing for the tourism sector. Today, most Russians know where Dubai is, as it is one of the favorite vacation spots for Russians.
Where is the city of Dubai
Dubai has the second largest population among the other emirates in the country and is located in the lowland of the Arabian Peninsula, on the southern coast of the Persian Gulf. On one side, the city is dominated by the warm waters of the bay, while on the other it borders on the neighboring emirate called Sharjah. The distance to the capital of the United Arab Emirates is about 150 kilometers, so many travelers prefer to combine holidays in these two cities.
On an area of 1,114 square kilometers, there are the main areas of the city of Deira, Gardens, Downtown, Jumeirah, Bur Dubai, and Dubai Marina. Each of the districts is a separate conglomerate with a specific functionality. Most of the tourist areas with luxury hotels are concentrated in the Dubai Marina and Jumeirah. However, it is worth noting that other parts of the city are actively developing thanks to regular investment.
Where to stay in Dubai
History of Dubai
More than 7,000 years ago, in what is now modern Dubai, everything was covered with mangrove swampy terrain. After 2000 years, the coastline underwent significant changes, after which the soil changed to sandy. According to historical records, the first people settled in the territory of Dubai more than three thousand years ago.
In the period from the 3rd to the 7th century AD, the power in Dubai belonged to the Sassanid dynasty, and then to the Umayyads, who became the founders of Islam in the country. In 1799, the first urban-type settlement was founded, where most of the inhabitants earned money from the sale of fish and pearls.
In the middle of the 19th century, Dubai was officially given the status of an independent emirate and the city began to gradually turn into a tourist, economic and business center of the UAE. Sheikh Said, who ruled in the middle of the 20th century, made a radical decision to reduce taxes on goods imported from other countries, thanks to which, after five years, the city occupied a leading position in re-export throughout the world.
The 21st century for Dubai has become a key one in its history, since it was at this time that all the city's infrastructures reached a new level of development, as evidenced by the numerous international events held in Dubai every year.
Top 10 attractions in Dubai
How to get to Dubai
If you are planning to travel to Dubai, then the best option is to purchase plane tickets in advance. This method is fast and convenient. Dubai is a metropolis with two airports that receive about 3000 flights every week from different countries, including Russia.
10 flights depart from Moscow daily with different time intervals. The most popular among tourists are airlines such as Qatar Airways, Pegasus Airlines, Emirates, Fly Dubai and other air carriers offering fairly affordable ticket prices. You can also get to Dubai with a transfer in Boca, Doha or Istanbul. However, using this method, you will spend about 11-14 hours on the road.
As for St. Petersburg, the local airport offers tourists only one direct flight by Emirates. For more information on charters, check with your tour operator in advance.
When, for example, in Oman, you will have a great opportunity to try to get to Dubai by bus for only $ 20. You will cover the distance from Muscat to the famous metropolis in approximately 4-6 hours, depending on the cost and the carrier. It should be separately noted that modern ferries operate from Bandar Abbas to Dubai, which are equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable trip.
What to do in Dubai
Every tourist who has visited Dubai at least once notes a huge amount of entertainment for every taste. Be sure to include the following types of recreation in your excursion program:
- Visiting local exhibitions, Sheikh Said Museum, Al-Fahidi Fort, Jumeirah Mosque.
- Walk along the streets of the ancient city quarters of Deira and Bastakia, as well as purchase souvenirs in numerous markets.
- Excursion in the evening to the observation decks of the skyscrapers of the World Trade Center, Burj Khalifa, Twin Towers, Ocean Heights and Burj Al Arab.
- Parachute jump and gyrocopter flight organized by SkyDive Dubai.
- Desert safari tour on ATVs and jeeps, after which you can try your hand at snowboarding down the sandy mountain and taste the national cuisine.
- Playing on one of the best golf courses, skiing, pearl fishing - all this is offered by the grandiose tourist complex Sky Dubai.
- Day trip to the Palm Islands, which are characterized by picturesque landscapes and luxury hotels.
- Excursion with a visit to the singing fountain, equipped with amazing light and musical effects.
- A visit with children to the amazing Wild Wadi water park, open all year round.
- Attending sports competitions in tennis, horse racing and rallies.
What to bring from Dubai
Shopping in Dubai is considered one of the main items of income for the local budget, since at one time the city introduced such low taxes on imported goods that the prices for most of them are striking in their democratic character. At the same time, the assortment is expanding every year, and after the Ramadan holiday in Dubai, a period of total sales begins.
Female representatives usually buy clothes, perfume, shoes, accessories, jewelry, bags from world brands. Impressive malls make it possible to place separate zones on their territory for products of well-known manufacturers who are eager to present their collections in Dubai as much as possible.
Men, getting into the world of shopping, focus on numerous gadgets, computers, sports equipment, products made of genuine leather and precious metals.
Leaving Dubai, do not forget to also buy colorful Arabian souvenirs, delicious oriental delicacies, a carpet made in a traditional style, chocolate in the shape of camel figurines, as well as unique jewelry made of gold and precious stones as presents.
Shopping in Dubai
Some interesting facts about Dubai
The UAE is a country where Islamic culture and the spirit of modern times are combined, requiring changes in various spheres of public life. What every tourist who comes to Dubai needs to know:
- It is strictly forbidden to drink alcoholic beverages, smoke and behave provocatively in crowded places.
- The Dubai Metro is equipped with separate carriages for women, as this is considered a must, from the point of view of Islam.
- If you want to take a photo with the locals, you must ask permission.
- When entering the city, be sure to go through the identification procedure, which consists in scanning your retina.
- Business days in Dubai start on Saturday and weekends are on Thursday and Friday.
- The national currency is the dirch (AED), the rate of which has not changed since 1974 and is about $ 0.27.
