It's not your average tourist destination, but Dubai is certainly worth a prolonged visit. From the traditional souqs and dhows to the modernised shopping malls and luxury yacht cruises, Dubai can offer a tourist many insights into both Bedouin and modern living in this land of golden Arabian soil.
Typically, tourists have several tour packages to choose from, depending on their budget and time constraints. The standards list includes dhow cruise, desert safari, big bus tour, beaches, shopping malls and souqs. When you visit Dubai, experience it from a different perspective and deviate from the usual sites and activities to gain a wonderful, unique and enchanting experience to last a lifetime.
First, think of how many days you are willing to spend just exploring and discovering Dubai. Ideally, you will need three days, because the areas to explore are conveniently divided into three, as Bur Dubai, Deira and Jumeirah. Everything a tourist could possibly want to see are contained within these three sections of Dubai. Other areas, such as Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Barsha are all commercial or industrial districts.
Starting with Bur Dubai, you should take in the traditional architecture and atmosphere at the Bastakiya, which is a pedestrian-only area. You can pop into the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding for an authentic Emirati breakfast or simply enjoy a more contemporary meal at the Basta Art Cafe. The Bastakiya area was once the abode of majestic Persian traders and is now a prosperous artistic display. The Dubai Museum is housed within the Al Fahidi Fort nearby and beyond that, the Meena Bazaar, famed for its inexpensive textiles, accessories and fascinating novelties provides a refreshing difference from the overly elaborate Dubai shopping malls.
Along Dubai Creek, you find Sheikh Saeed's house with historic photos and the restored ancient residence and adjacent, it's the Heritage & Diving Village, offering traditional song and dance performances by Emirati youth.
On the second day, you can head down to Deira, where an abra (water taxi) ride is a must. After you are safely across the gleaming Dubai Creek, you can do some exploring around the dhow wharf. Step over to the spice and gold souqs, a favoured place for bargain shopping. The Deira City Center is worth a visit if shopping until you can 'shop no more' is on your agenda. The night can be spent on a quiet dhow cruise lasting 2 hours, up and down good old Dubai Creek.
Jumeirah is more contemporary, with mostly recreations of traditional and cultural attractions, rather than housing any of the actuals. It's still well-worth visiting, because the majority of the high-end aspects of Dubai are found in Jumeirah, such as luxury hotels and restaurants, beaches and yacht cruises.
On the second day, you can head down to Deira, where an abra (water taxi) ride is a must. After you are safely across the gleaming Dubai Creek, you can do some exploring around the dhow wharf. Step over to the spice and gold souqs, a favoured place for bargain shopping. The Deira City Center is worth a visit if shopping until you can 'shop no more' is on your agenda. The night can be spent on a quiet dhow cruise lasting 2 hours, up and down good old Dubai Creek.
Jumeirah is more contemporary, with mostly recreations of traditional and cultural attractions, rather than housing any of the actuals. It's still well-worth visiting, because the majority of the high-end aspects of Dubai are found in Jumeirah, such as luxury hotels and restaurants, beaches and yacht cruises.
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