Travel Guide Dubai Records, luxury, lifestyle
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Travel Guide Dubai Records, luxury, lifestyle 02 Quick view 05 Top 10 sights 10 Hotels 02 United Arab Emirates 07 Shopping in Dubai 11 Crew Tip 04 Travel etiquette 07 Restaurants 11 Best of ... 04 Health 08 Nightlife 13 Snapshot 05 Phone calls & Internet 09 Calendar of events © Shutterstock LH.com/travelguide Dubai 01/14
Travel Guide Dubai 02 Quick view Dubai: Records, luxury, lifestyle Dubai may have built its reputation on hotels, hotels and more hotels but there’s more to this desert city than that. True that its design hotels, shopping malls, elegant restaurants and swanky bars are some of the highlights of this city on the move, but there’s also another world of desert adventures, historic neighbourhoods such as Al Bastakiya in Bur Dubai, traditional dhow boats crossing Dubai Creek and cultural enterprises connecting locals and visitors. White sandy beaches, lush parks, golf courses and marina watersports offer plenty of activity options – and of course, more record-breaking architecture is always on the horizon. United Arab Emirates General knowledge Country overview With its man-made islands, opulent hotels and iconic buildings, the United Arab Emirates has always been a show-stopping, headline-grabbing destination, offering an intriguing blend of Islamic culture and modernity. Explore the country's luxurious side and be pampered at the reams of five-star abodes and spas, flex your credit card with world-class designer shopping, or dine at gourmet restaurants. Alternatively, visit the nation's less showy attractions including the buzzing Creek with traditional abra boats, and a vista dotted with mosques and markets, or the Falcon Hospital where tours teach visitors how to care for the UAE's royal birds. The German Foreign Office, das Auswärtige Amt, publishes regularly updated general and country-specific travel information on its website (auswaertiges- amt.de). Here, you will also find safety advice and information about particular risks and travel warnings, in other words, the department’s urgent appeals not to travel to a country or a certain region of a country at all if it can be avoided. Geography The UAE sits at the top right hand corner of the Arabian Peninsular bordered by Oman in the east and Saudi Arabia in the south. All of the Emirates bar one sit on the Persian Gulf opposite Iran, and cover a distance spanning 650 km (404 miles) along the coastline. Fujairah is the only Emirate that sits on the Gulf of Oman. The UAE covers an area of 83,600 sq km (32,300 sq miles), Abu Dhabi covers 87% of the country's land mass, which has a consistent terrain of mainly desert. This is home to native animals such as gazelles and the Arabian oryx, which was reintegrated into the area 40 years after it was hunted to extinction. Whilst 80% of the land mass is desert, other ecological terrain includes mountain areas and marine coastal areas. The highest recorded point in the country is an unnamed peak stretching 1,910m (6266ft) high near the Jabal Bil Ays in Oman (but within the UAE border). The lowest point is at the Persian Gulf. The country only has 3.8% forest and woodlands due to the arid conditions. In an oasis it is common to find date palms, acacia and eucalyptus trees. Sand storms are common in the UAE, and this can cause traffic on the roads due to the poor visibility. Off the coast of Fujairah the waters are rich in calcium carbonate, and make the ideal breeding ground for coral reefs such as alveopora coral, African pillow coral, brain coral, raspberry-rice coral and more. The marine life in the area is rich due to these diverse coral formations and species in the area include Arabian carpet sharks, areloate groupers, black-finned melon butterfly fish, blacktip reef sharks, parrot fish and even whale sharks, which can be spotted by snorkellers and divers between the months of April and July. LH.com/travelguide Dubai 02/14
Travel Guide Dubai 03 General knowledge Key facts Population: 5.473.972 Population Density (per sq km): 65 Capital: Abu Dhabi. Language Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken and used as a second language in commerce. Currency UAE Dirham (AED, also written as Dhs) = 100 fils. Notes are in denominations of AED1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of AED1, and 50, 25, 10 and 5 fils (10 and 5 fils coins are rarely used). The Dirham is tied to the US Dollar. Electricity 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Square three-pin plugs are widespread. General business opening hours The official working week is 0900-1700 Sunday to Thursday, though many government offices have limited hours – most are open between Saturday- Wednesday 0800-1300 and 1500/1600-1800/1900, Thursday 0730-1200. Many offices are closed every afternoon during the month of Ramadan. Public Holidays Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2019 – December 2020 period. Note: Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given below are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last up to several days, depending on the region. 2019 New Year’s Day: 1 January 2019 al-Isra´wal-Mi´radsch (Night of Ascension): 3 April 2019 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan): 5 to 7 June 2019 Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice): 11 to 15 August 2019 Ras al Sana al-Hijra (Islamic New Year): 31 August 2019 Maulid al Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad): 10 November 2019 Yawm al watani (Republic Day): 2 December 2019 2020 New Year’s Day: 1 January 2020 al-Isra´wal-Mi´radsch (Night of Ascension): 22 March 2020 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan): 24 to 26 May 2020 Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice): 31 July to 1 August 2020 Ras al Sana al-Hijra (Islamic New Year): 20 August 2020 Maulid al Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad): 29 October 2020 Yawm al watani (Republic Day): 2 and 3 December 2020 All information subject to change. LH.com/travelguide Dubai 03/14
Travel Guide Dubai 04 Travel etiquette How to fit in Social Conventions Though the UAE is fairly modern, it is an Islamic country and women may feel more comfortable when dressed modestly. The UAE is fairly liberal and foreign women can dress as they please, however covering the shoulders and knees is a requirement in public areas like shopping centres and also during periods of religious significance. Men are also expected to dress with respect. Homosexuality and adultery are both illegal and while non-married couples aren’t lawfully permitted to stay together in the same hotel room, it is common practice and rarely enforced. Alcohol is tolerated, with non-Muslims allowed to drink alcohol in the cities’ plentiful hotel bars and restaurants (except for Sharjah). Tourists are permitted to bring four litres of alcohol into the country, though under 20s are not allowed to drink alcohol or buy cigarettes. It is illegal for everyone to eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours of the holy month of Ramadan, and on the day or eve of days of national importance, alcohol isn’t sold and bars are shut. As in all Muslim countries, it’s best to keep displays of affection private – kissing or embracing in public is not only considered disrespectful, it could lead to police caution or even arrest. Holding hands is generally fine, but swearing, rude gestures and drink driving are all punishable by imprisonment. Drugs are a strict no-no and could land you in serious trouble. It’s worth checking what medicine and painkillers you bring into the country, as even some common pain medications like codeine are prohibited. Health Health Main emergency number: 999 Food & Drink Though the water in the UAE will taste different, it is safe to drink. However, bottle water is so cheap to buy in the emirates that most visitors opt to drink it instead of tap water. A 500ml bottle of water costs between AED1-6, while a one-gallon bottle of water costs approximately AED12. Food standards are high in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, both of which have international cuisine and world-class restaurants. Care should be taken in smaller desert towns, where hygiene restrictions are not enforced as often. Be aware when eating meat, particularly spit cooked shawarma (kebab) meat, that has been sitting in the stifling summer sun for hours. Other Risks Vaccinations against tuberculosis, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, polio, measles and diphtheria are sometimes advised when travelling to this region. If you are snorkelling or scuba diving and get a coral cut, it is advisable to disinfect the wound immediately to avoid infection, as the coral contain a high amount of bacteria. If disinfectant is not readily available, a course of antibiotics may be required. Contractual physician of Lufthansa Dr. Heidenreich, Christian German Medical Clinic Office 1001 Al Batha Tower 10th floor Buhairah Corniche P.O. Box 61771 Sharjah United Arab Emirates Tel. +971-6-5750280 LH.com/travelguide Dubai 04/14
Travel Guide Dubai 05 Please note that Lufthansa accepts no responsibility for the treatment nor will it bear the cost of any treatment. Phone calls & Internet Phone calls & Internet Telephone/Mobile Telephone Dialing Code: +971 Telephone Main area codes: Abu Dhabi 2; Ajman, Sharjah and Umm al-Quwain 6; Al-Ain 3; Dubai 4; Fujairah 9; Jebel Ali 4; and Ras al-Khaimah 7. There is a good local telephone network. Telephone calls within each state are free. Mobile Telephone Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone operators. Coverage is excellent. Tourists can purchase pre-paid mobile SIM cards. Internet There are numerous internet and Wi-Fi cafés in the UAE but VoIP telephone systems, such as Skype, are officially blocked. Websites deemed culturally or religiously insensitive are also blocked. Top 10 sights Top 10 sights in Dubai The Dubai Mall Home to an aquarium, ice rink and more, many visit The Dubai Mall just to see the world’s largest dancing fountain set in the 12-hectare (30-acre) Burj Khalifa Lake, its water dance set to a musical soundtrack. Doha Street Opening times: Dubai Daily, usually 1000-0000 United Arab Emirates (times vary; see website for details) Tel: 04 362 7500 www.thedubaimall.com Wild Wadi Waterpark This water park has over 30 rides including a lazy river and adrenaline-fuelled Wipeout FlowRider, all themed around Juha, a character from Arabian folklore. Next to Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Opening times: Jumeirah Road Daily 1000-1900 (Sep-Oct and Mar-Apr) Dubai 1000-2000 (Jun-Aug) United Arab Emirates 1000-1800 (Nov-Feb) Tel: 04 348 4444 www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/du bai/wild... Atlantis The Palm More than a hotel, this huge resort is home to Aquaventure Waterpark, the Lost Chambers Aquarium and the Atlantis Dive Centre. LH.com/travelguide Dubai 05/14
Travel Guide Dubai 06 Crescent Road, The Palm Opening times: Dubai Various (see website for details) United Arab Emirates Tel: 04 426 2000 www.atlantisthepalm.com/marineandw aterpark.aspx At The Top A high-speed lift whisks you to the 124th-floor observation deck of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower. Experience 360-degree views and learn about Dubai, past and present. 1 Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard Opening times: Dubai Daily 1000-0100 United Arab Emirates Tel: 04 888 8124 www.burjkhalifa.ae/en/ObservationDec k/Observa... Zabeel Park A welcome patch of green at the Creek end of Sheikh Zayed Road, this is a great spot for picnics, boating and views from the 45m-high (148ft) Panoramic Tower. Sheikh Rashid Road Opening times: Dubai Sun-Wed 0800-2300 United Arab Emirates Thurs-Sat 0800-2330 Tel: 04 398 6888 Dubai Museum Pearl diving exhibits and galleries depicting everyday life in old Dubai bring history alive in this museum that’s inside Al Fahidi Fort which dates back to 1787. Opp. Grand Mosque Opening times: Al Fahidi St Sat-Thu 0830-2030 Dubai Fri 1430-2030 United Arab Emirates dubaimuseum.net Ski Dubai The Middle East’s first indoor snow resort with five different runs, a Freestyle Zone for boarders, the world’s largest indoor Snow Park and themed restaurants. Mall of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Opening times: Road Sun-Wed 1000-2300 Dubai Thu 1000-0000 United Arab Emirates Fri 0900-0000 Tel: 04 409 4090 Sat 0900-2300 www.theplaymania.com/skidubai/welco me Global Village For around five months from October to March, this shopping, food and cultural extravaganza is one of Dubai’s biggest attractions. Exit 37 Emirates Rd Opening times: Dubai Sat-Wed 1600-0000 LH.com/travelguide Dubai 06/14
Travel Guide Dubai 07 United Arab Emirates Thu-Fri 1600-0100 globalvillage.ae Sheikh Mohamed Centre of Cultural Understanding In the historic Al Fahidi district, this cultural centre is open to the public with a full calendar of events including heritage tours, Emirati meals and guided visits around Jumeirah Mosque. House 26, Al Mussallah Road, Al Opening times: Fahidi District, Bur Dubai Sun-Thu 0900-1700 Dubai Sat 0900-1300 United Arab Emirates Tel: 04 353 6666 www.cultures.ae Burj Al Arab The public beach by this luxury hotel is the best place to capture this iconic Dubai landmark, the luxurious Burj Al Arab (Tower of the Arabs) designed to resemble a fluttering sail. Al Sufouh Road www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/du 74147 Dubai bai/burj... United Arab Emirates Tel: 04 301 7777 Shopping in Dubai Shopping in Dubai Key Areas Malls, souks and hotel shopping arcades dominate Dubai’s shopping scene. You’ll find stores scattered along Jumeirah Beach Road and Sheikh Zayed Road, and for something in between markets and malls, head to the modern recreations of Souk Al Bahar and the Souk Madinat. Markets Deira on the north side of Dubai Creek is home to the spice, gold and perfume souks. In historic Bur Dubai is the textile souk and lively Indian and local stores. For talented tailors, head to the areas of Satwa and Karama. On Friday mornings, the organic food and crafts market in Safa Park attracts many. Shopping Centres Shopaholics love Dubai Mall, the world’s largest mall. The Mall of the Emirates is another big draw, or explore the country-themed sections at Ibn Battuta Mall, Deira City Centre and Bur Dubai’s smart BurJuman. Other options include Egyptian- themed Wafi Mall, Italian-style Mercato Mall’s and DragonMart for Chinese goods. Restaurants Restaurants in Dubai That the world meets in Dubai is reflected in its impressive restaurant scene, from legendary Friday brunches and traditional Arabic food to pan-Asian cuisine and raucous American-style crab shacks. Mekong For Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine, head to the Anantara Hotel’s signature restaurant. LH.com/travelguide Dubai 07/14
Travel Guide Dubai 08 Anantara Dubai The Palm Price: Expensive Dubai United Arab Emirates La Porte Des Indes This world-renowned Indian restaurant, with locations in London and Brussels, brings its acclaimed menu to Dubai. The Address, Dubai Mall Price: Expensive Dubai United Arab Emirates Fümé Uncomplicated classic dishes evoking family dinners at this neighbourhood restaurant. Pier 7, Dubai Marina Price: Moderate Dubai United Arab Emirates Claw BBQ Crabshack and Grill Lively restaurant and a menu which includes grilled alligator, buckets of crabs and Buffalo wings. Souk Al Bahar Price: Moderate Dubai United Arab Emirates Turath Al Mandi Authentic Arab cuisine, delicious breads and flavoured oils in this informal restaurant. 503 Jumeirah Beach Road Price: Cheap Dubai United Arab Emirates Nightlife Nightlife in Dubai A work-hard-play-hard culture means Dubai is crammed with sexy lounge bars, rooftop terraces, shisha cafés and beach bars. Toro Toro South American rhythms at this pan-Latin restaurant-lounge with a long Cachaça Bar. Al Sufouh Road, Dubai Marina Dubai United Arab Emirates SPiN Ping pong lounge bar and club owned by actress Susan Sarandon with the world’s LH.com/travelguide Dubai 08/14
Travel Guide Dubai 09 only 18-carat-gold table tennis table. WAFI City, 26th Street Dubai United Arab Emirates Jetty Lounge Stylish beach bar playing chill-out tunes and serving light snacks and Asian- inspired platters. One&Only Royal Mirage, Al Sufouh Rd Dubai United Arab Emirates Music Hall Dubai Live stage performances mixed with DJ sets at this flamboyant club/theatre/music hall venue on Thursdays, Fridays and holiday nights. Jumeiral Zabeel Saray, Palm Jumeirah Dubai United Arab Emirates Madinat Theatre It’s worth checking the schedule for musicals, comedy and dance at this lovely theatre. Souk Madinat Jumeirah Dubai United Arab Emirates Calendar of events Calendar of events Omega Dubai Desert Classic Played on the beautiful Emirates Golf Club course in Dubai, this annual tournament is part of the European Tour and is loved by golfers and golf fans around the world. Always attracting the biggest names in the sport, the tournament boasts past winners who are such greats as Seve Balsteros, Ernie Els, Colin Montgomerie and Tiger Woods. One of the most famous Dubai Desert Classics of recent years was the 2001 tournament when a certain Tiger Woods found the water on the tricky 18th hole allowing Thomas Bjorn to steal victory on the final hole. The Dubai Desert Classic has been complemented by The Race to Dubai, in which the European Tour’s top players compete in a minimum of 50 tournaments in a season-long contest that replaced The European Tour Order of Merit. 24 - 27 January 2019 www.dubaidesertclassic.com Venue: Emirates Golf Club Dubai World Cup (horse race) A huge event not only in Dubai but in horse racing circles around the world, The Dubai World Cup is the richest horse race meeting globally. The Dubai World Cup is always the thrilling finale, but it is one race on the 2km (1.3 mile) sand and dirt track which is flood-lit at night and crowded with thousands of cheering spectators. LH.com/travelguide Dubai 09/14
Travel Guide Dubai 10 A further five thoroughbred group races are included in the day's programme plus another group for purebred Arabian horses. The races attract some of the best horses and riders in the field, eager to compete for million of dollars that are at stake in prize money. This one is a must for horse racing aficionados. 30 March 2019 www.dubaiworldcup.com/ Venue: Nad Al Sheba Racecourse Dubai Shopping Festival All the big stores and almost every shop in Dubai slashes prices in this month-long retail extravaganza. December 2019 - January 2020 www.visitdubai.com/en/dsf Venue: Various shopping malls Hotels Hotels in Dubai It’s not uncommon for hotels to outdo each other in Dubai, with the world’s largest and highest of everything.Luxury international chains dominate but you’ll find budget and boutique options too. H Hotel Luxury hotel with contemporary Arab-inspired rooms and renowned Japanese restaurant Okku. 1 Sheikh Zayed Road Category: Expensive Dubai United Arab Emirates Conrad Dubai New luxury design hotel, home to popular nightspot, Purobeach Urban Oasis. Sheikh Zayed Road Category: Expensive Dubai United Arab Emirates DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Residences Great location by Mall of the Emirates with outdoor pool, all-day dining and Indian restaurant. Al Barsha 1 Category: Moderate Dubai United Arab Emirates Beach Hotel Apartment Comfortable spacious apartments with free Wi-Fi, parking and on-site restaurants. Jumeirah 01, Beach Road, Al Hudaiba Category: Moderate Street 10b, Community Number 332 LH.com/travelguide Dubai 10/14
Travel Guide Dubai 11 Dubai United Arab Emirates Ahmedia Heritage Guest House All rooms overlook the courtyard in this traditional guesthouse inside an ancient mansion. Al-Ras Deira Sikkat al Khail Road Category: Cheap Dubai United Arab Emirates Crew Tip My Dubai I begin my day in Dubai with a boat trip on Dubai Creek that takes me past modern high-tech buildings, traditional old houses and mosques to the Spice Souk, a street market. The air there is filled with the glorious smells of vanilla, cinnamon and incense, and I buy myself some nuts for the journey. © Deutsche Lufthansa AG Best of ... ... Dubai with Kids © Imago Sportfotodienst A family trip to Dubai? Sounds exhausting, but we gave it a try anyway. Conclusion: No child could wish for more – tamed – adventure. LH.com/travelguide Dubai 11/14
Travel Guide Dubai 12 Desert safari Bumping over dunes in a jeep is far more fun than any rollercoaster ride. There are also camel rides to be had, belly dancers to be seen and chances to be photographed with a falcon on your arm or dressed up as a bedouin family – and the camel ride, falcon show and trip to the bedouin camp are all included in the price. After nightfall, the camp lights are switched off for five minutes to give a clearer view of the stars and a floodlit dune. Emirates Holidays Building www.arabian-adventures.com/en/tours- Sheikh Zayed Road and-safa... Dubai United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 4 214 4888 Hello Kitty Spa The world’s first Hello Kitty Spa is a paradise for princesses, small queens and little girls who aspire to such royalty. In the fluffy pink beauty salon professionals take care of their young clients’ nails, make-up and hair – and serve them colorful cup cakes and delicious strawberry juice. Town Centre Jumeirah hellokittybeautyspa.com/ Jumeirah Beach Road United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 4 344 9598 The Lost Chambers The aquarium with its 65 000 marine inhabitants extends throughout the hotel. Sharks, moray eels, seahorses and piranhas surround guests in more than 20 different pools and exhibitions, underwater labyrinths and tunnels. There’s also the Touch Tank, a kind of watery petting zoo, plus the Aquatheater, which stages an interactive show. Crescent Road, The Palm www.atlantisthepalm.com/ Dubai United Arab Emirates Tel: 04 426 2000 Aquaventure Waterpark Adrenaline rush guaranteed! There’s also plenty of watery fun awaiting visitors young and old on the famous Jumeirah Palm. A 1.6-kilometer-long river complete with rapids, wave troughs and waterfalls meanders across the park. Bold family members can slide down the Tower of Neptune’s 37 meters into the shark lagoon below or plunge down the longest water chute in the world. A huge water playground, a wave pool and some quieter carousels are all provided for younger visitors. Crescent Road, The Palm www.atlantisthepalm.com/ Dubai United Arab Emirates Tel: 04 426 2000 Sega Republic LH.com/travelguide Dubai 12/14
Travel Guide Dubai 13 Boing, beep, paff. Your kids’ eyes will be on stalks at the Sega Republic. With more than 250 electronic games and nine big rides to choose from, it won’t be easy deciding what to do first– Tetris, breakdance or maybe freefall tower? Rides and games can be paid for individually or chosen from a variety of day passes. Doha Street www.segarepublic.com/en/#&panel1-1 Dubai &pa... United Arab Emirates Tel: 04 362 7500 Snapshot Fun facts and sights in Dubai © Imago Sportfotodienst Winter in the desert Despite its lack of winter weather, Dubai has two ice hockey teams, and winter sports enthusiasts can ski and skate at a gigantic indoor ski resort. Mall of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed www.theplaymania.com/skidubai/welco Road me www.dubaiicerink.com/en/#_=_ Dubai United Arab Emirates Tel: 04 409 4090 Manhunt What do a Hummer H3, a Ferrari FF, a Lamborghini Aventador and an Aston Martin One-77 have in common? Are they part of the sheik’s fleet? No, they are the vehicles employed by the Dubai police force. Al Ittihad Road www.dubaipolice.gov.ae/dp/jsps/home. Dubai do United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 4 269 2222 Golden Times LH.com/travelguide Dubai 13/14
Travel Guide Dubai 14 In Dubai, all that glitters is quite often gold. A total of 1790 square meters of gold leaf were used to decorate the interior of the luxurious seven-star Burj Al Arab hotel. Al Sufouh Road www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/du 74147 Dubai bai/bur... United Arab Emirates Tel: 04 301 7777 Icecold Price The world’s most expensive ice cream? “Black Diamond,” a scoop of vanilla topped with saffron, truffles and gold leaf, costs 730 euros at the Scoopi Café. 800 Jumeria Rd www.scoopicafe.com/ Dubai United Arab Emirates Tel. +971 50 113 8497 Boom Dubai’s population has increased 24 000 percent since 1900. Back then, some 10 000 people inhabited the small port city. Today, the number is closer to 2.4 million. www.dubai.ae/en/AboutDubai/Pages/d efault.aspx Capital of cranes In 2008, roughly 20 percent of the world’s construction cranes were deployed in Dubai – a visible sign of the city’s incredibly rapid growth. www.dubai.ae/en/Pages/default.aspx Heavenly drinks Dubai’s highest bar, the At.mosphere Lounge, invites you to clink glasses 442 meters above the ground. The bar is located on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. 122nd floor, Burj Khalifa atmosphereburjkhalifa.com/ Dowtown Dubai United Arab Emirates Tel.: +971 4 888 3828 LH.com/travelguide Dubai 14/14
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