DUBAI ACCOMODATIONS
Burj Al Arab
Rising from the Arabian Gulf on an island 280 meters from the shores of the renowned Jumeirah beach and the enchanting city of Dubai, stands the iconic Burj Al Arab, a masterpiece of contemporary...
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Jumeirah Emirates Towers A sleek architectural masterpiece, Jumeirah Emirates Towers has created its unique legacy by delivering exemplary experiences to today's global citizens. The hotel features 400 well-appointed... Read more |
DUBAI DINING
With Dubai's diverse population, it's not surprising that the city has a wide range of dining options, covering everything from Thai to Tunisian. A good number of the best-quality restaurants are in hotels, but they are expensive, so be prepared to break the bank. There are also quite a few good mom-and-pop places, particularly Indian and Pakistani joints.
Traditional Emirati cooking consists primarily of dates, fresh and dried fish, and both camel meat and milk—not terribly appealing to most Westerners. (Be sure to try Dubai's fresh dates, though—they're soft, succulent and delicious.) Outside of Emirati homes, it's difficult to get a taste of local cuisine, although some restaurants do have a few traditional dishes.
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DUBAI FACTS
Passport/Visa Requirements: Citizens of the U.S. and Canada need passports valid for at least six months. Americans and Canadians arriving in the U.A.E. will receive an automatic 60-day-visit visa on arrival. Those wishing to stay longer should be able to extend for up to an additional 60 days but should confirm details with their appropriate embassy or consulate. Charges will apply.
Those intending to take up employment in the U.A.E. should seek advice from the U.A.E. embassies in Washington, D.C., or Montreal, remembering that an offer of employment letter from a U.A.E. sponsor will be required. All foreigners planning to work or live in the U.A.E. will be tested for HIV, and those found to be HIV positive will immediately be deported. HIV certificates issued by foreign medical authorities are not accepted.
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DUBAI SEA AND DO
Because Dubai is such a young city, sightseeing opportunities in the classic sense are few. There's plenty of stunning modern architecture, but in terms of historical and traditional attractions, apart from Jumeirah Mosque (the only mosque in the city open to non-Muslims), there are only two locations of interest—Al Fahidi (previously known as Bastakiya) and Shindagha, both located by the Creek.
The Al Fahidi District is composed of century-old buildings made from coral and topped with wind towers (the U.A.E.'s early form of air-conditioning). This area has a cultural center, The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, and is home to two small galleries, both worth visiting: the Majlis Art Gallery and the XVA Gallery, a wonderful Arabian house considered one of the top contemporary art galleries in the Middle East. There's also the stunning Arabian Tea House, formerly the Basta Art Cafe.
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DUBAI SECURITY
Dubai is the most relaxed of all the emirates, but it's also a traditional Muslim society. The emirate is aware of its tourists and their needs to wear relaxed and cool clothes, but visitors and residents alike are encouraged to at least cover up a little when entering public places and shopping malls. It is suggested that you cover your shoulders, not the entire arm, and aim to wear shorts or skirts that hit around the knee. It is simply polite in a society where bare flesh is frowned upon. Men are also expected to dress decently and appropriately (sleeveless shirts and tank tops are bad ideas), but there are no strict rules. Shorts, bathing suits and bikinis are fine in hotel pool areas and at private beaches, but topless sunbathing for women is definitely a no-no, and one-piece bathing suits are recommended on public beaches.