Essential tips for Dubai

Jun 12, 2009 6:03:33 AM

Emma Gilmour
Lonely Planet Author

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Want to keep your cool and your cash in Dubai? This glorious megatropolis of mind-boggling architecture is perched on the edge of a hostile desert, so you’ll be tempted to live it up at the resorts, arcades and waterparks - but it still pays to venture beyond the hotel pool. Here are some of our top tips for visiting Dubai:

The best time to visit is between November and April when the weather is pleasant (temperatures in the low 30s) and the city is full of life. During the summer months Dubai turns into an absolute sauna with temperatures soaring up to 48°C.
Accommodation in Dubai is incredibly expensive so plan well ahead. If you are willing to sweat it out, room rates do drop significantly in the heat of July and August but be warned - you won’t want to go anywhere that isn’t air-conditioned. Check out Lonely Planet’s list of Dubai hotels.
Travelling during Ramadan is a fascinating time to visit if you’re interested in Islam, but if you are planning to indulge in Dubai’s restaurants and bars, the conservative laws imposed during this time will seriously curb your options. Check the exact dates of Ramadan as they vary from year to year.
Dubai hosts some major world sporting events such as the Dubai Tennis Championships, Desert Classic and Rugby Sevens. If you want to catch one of these, it’s essential to book well in advance. Check out Time Out Tickets and Box Office Middle East for tickets to most major events.
A handy way to save some cash is to look out for a copy of The Entertainer, a book containing hundreds of two-for-one meal vouchers and other discounts. Some bars also host ladies’ nights (usually on Tuesdays), where women get free drinks just for showing up.

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Comments

9 September 2009 8:06PM picolini Report this comment
Here are some fascinating destinations, other than the usual sites you can watch once you get there. 1. Dubai Museum: Dubai's oldest building. Built in 1787, the Al-Fahidi Fort houses the Dubai Museum. 2. Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum House: Built in 1896, Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum House, is an iconic structure from the olden days of Dubai. 3. Desert Safari Dubai: A drive through the desert dunes is unparalleled, for the adventurous sorts. 4. Ibn Battuta Mall: The Ibn Battuta Mall is a large shopping mall themed around the journeys of the traveler and explorer Ibn Battuta 5. Jumeirah Mosque: The only mosque that is open for non-muslim visitors. 6. Seawings Dubai: Take this amazing seaplane ride and see the amazing sights of Dubai from the sky - The Palm, The World, Burj Al Arab, The Burj Dubai, Duabi Creek and more. Check <a href="http://citymaxhotels.com" > Citymax Hotels </a> a chain of hotels for the budget traveler, wheather for business and leisure traveler.
30 December 2009 4:33AM cargohenry Report this comment
I would like to add that what I most appreciate about Dubai is how clean and specially SAFE the City and Country is. This, specially in today´s world, is priceless ! From a culinary point of view the "Spice Market" is an incredible palce and a must see. We bolught a tremendous amount of spices at tremendous prices, specially Saffron and Caviar. Right next door is the Gold Market with prices at half those of Europe or the US. Within the Gold Market there are tremendous silk and cashmere shops at very good prices and variety and again, SAFE and CLEAN. Lastly I would like to add that as far as food is concerned if you like Lebanese food you will find Dubai to be a paradise. Restaurants are very clean and of excellent quality with very friendly service.
7 January 2010 12:59AM tonykelly Report this comment
I think it will be great to rent a car in dubai and have the freedom, i did rent a car from : www.victoria-car-rental.com
And they gave me a great services
23 February 2010 11:32PM simonehermsone Report this comment
The problem with both Time Out Tickets (looks ok, does not work), and box office me (looks awful, works) is that they only tell you about events they are selling tickets for (obviously!).
Bit biased but http://insideremirates.com actually has all of the details of all of the big events coming up over the next 12 months - or as far forward as there have been announcements.
If you're going to Dubai and want to check out what's going on, probably the best site there it.
24 February 2010 8:57PM garryriky Report this comment
I love to travel in Dubai , this city is a very much free and Open country almost for all religions there is almost no Criticism at all the people in UAE and i must say this city is very much friendly. http://www.cheapticket.co.uk/middle-east/dubai.aspx
24 February 2010 9:08PM joyesmith Report this comment
In Dubai there is almost 70 percent foreigners who has huge investments, businesses . Wide cultured people in UAE are really very hospitable, broadminded, educated, civilized and also only focusing on their business and work. http://www.awayholidays.co.uk/dubai/