Category Archives: UAE

Get Set for Dubai Shopping Festival 2017!

shopping-in-Dubai

Get ready to attend the Mecca of all shopping festivals: the Dubai Shopping Festival 2017! This month long event is an extravagant shopping festival packed with amazing activities and festivities to keep you on your toes. The Dubai Shopping Festival 2017 will mark the 22nd anniversary of this amazing shopping and entertainment event. Billed as one of the largest shopping festivals in the Middle East, the event offers discounts up to 75%.

When

The Dubai Shopping Festival 2017 will be held from 26th December, 2016 to 28th January, 2017. It is one of the longest running shopping festivals across the world.

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The event is a major tourist attraction in Dubai, not just for shopping, but also for vibrant festivities involving spectacular fireworks, fashion flash mobs, film screenings, and street plays.

Venue

There is not one single venue for the event, but the festival is held across all shopping avenues such as shopping malls, traditional souks, and flea markets across the city of Dubai. Travellers will see special deals and offers at all shops, big or small, to attract visitors. The entire city revels in this international shopping bonanza, with not just shops, but also restaurants and hotels offering irresistible discounts and deals.

What Are The Best Things To Buy?

You’ll feel dizzy at the plethora of things being sold during the event across the city. So, here is a simplified list of the best things to keep an eye for during the event.

Clothing – From designer clothes to international brands to local creations – there is something for everyone.

Gold – Dubai is already a popular destination to buy tax free gold at cheaper rates. This festival takes the incentive even further and lets you buy gold jewellery, ranging from traditional to modern designs, as per your needs.

Cosmetics – Ladies, it will be criminal not to buy international beauty brands such as Chanel, Bvlgari, Estee Lauder, and Bobbi Brown at cheaper rates during the festival.

Perfumes – Buy duty free premium perfumes brands such as Bvlgari, Chanel, Burberry at discounts.

Watches – Be it non-branded diamond-studded watches or branded watches such as Cartier, Rado or Burberry, buy all these at discounted rates.

Leather Goods – Buy Dubai’s best quality leather products, including bags, belts and jackets, or choose from international leather brands such as Condotti, Burberry, and Prada!

Home Decor – Bag beautiful home decor items including amazing floor carpets at 50 or even 75% discounts.

Electronics – Reputed international electronic brands such as Sony, Bose, Apple, Acer, and Fujitsu can be bought at very low prices here.

Local Produce – Buy local specialities such as spices and dry fruits at discounts at local stores and shops.

What Else to Look Out For?

The amazing festival is not all about shopping and sales. During the festival, the city of Dubai turns into a cultural hub with many celebrity performances, fireworks, international fashion shows, and rock concerts at cultural centres across the city. Some of the other major attractions to look out for at Dubai Shopping Festival 2017 are as follows.

•    Be sure to witness the vibrant fireworks held at night during the festival.

•    Many local companies also offer amazing desert safaris, hot air balloon rides, and dune bashing experiences as part of the festival.

•    There are several world-class concerts, musical shows, and acrobatic performances held at cultural centres during the event.

•    Learn about the latest fashion treads at fashion shows of leading international designers and brands at various venues across the city.

Kid-Centric Attractions and Activities in Dubai

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Planning to explore Dubai with your children? Well, we have a list of attractions and activities that’ll easily grab the attention of your kids and ensure an enjoyable time for them in the ‘City of Gold’. Some of these are exclusively meant for youngsters, while others encourage parents as well!

‘KidZania’

Open 7 days a week, the KidZania is an ‘interactive edutainment centre’, where the little ones can experience more than 80 role-playing professions in the replica of a real city. This ‘city’ is built to scale for children, complete with buildings, paved streets, vehicles, and identifiable destinations. The role playing professions enhance the physical, social, and intellectual skills of the participants. There’s a safe and independent area for toddlers too.

Sega Republic

Sega Republic is an indoor theme park for kids and others. It features 15 breathtaking attractions and more than 170 games, ranging from cutting-edge motion simulators and virtual experiences to one of the area’s biggest assortment of skill and redemption games. Some of the ‘attractions’ are Giant Slider, Xyclone, Racer, Wild Jungle and Rope Rush. Sega Republic is open daily from 10 AM to 1 AM.

Go Ice Skating to the ‘Dubai Ice Rink’

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If your child or even you love to ice-skate, then head to the ‘Dubai Ice Rink’ right away! This Olympic-size venue has over 2,000 pairs of skates imported from a popular manufacturer in Italy to fit children and adults of all ages and sizes.

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‘Ice Marshals’ keeps an eye on everyone during public skating hours to ensure safety. To entice people further, there are awesome DJ nights for ultimate entertainment.

Al Nasr Leisureland

Youngsters will have a delightful time at Al Nasr Leisureland as it features amazing rides such as Go Kart, Bumber Car, Himalaya Ride, Helicopter & Mini Bumber. There are superb facilities for tennis, squash, swimming, and bowling as well. The Olympic-sized ice rink with gallery is an apt spot for social entertainment events, stage shows, and award ceremonies. The food at the on-site restaurants is truly admirable!

Swim with the Dolphins at ‘Dubai Dolphinarium’

Dubai Dolphinarium is a jaw-dropping attraction not only for kids but adults too! Over here, one can swim and interact with dolphins.

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The bottlenose dolphins and seals show off their master skills in various action-packed shows. Dubai Dolphinarium also hosts programmes where more than 20 different birds and parrots flaunt their spectacular abilities. There are numerous souvenirs and toys at the gift shop.

Top 10 Experiences and Activities at Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost emirate of the UAE, is a scenic paradise of several pristine beaches, splendid natural lagoons, thick mangroves, and golden deserts.

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The emirate also boasts of many heritage sites and buildings, luxury sea-facing resorts, and thrilling water sports opportunities. Here are the top 10 experiences and activities to enjoy at Ras Al Khaimah.

Bassata Desert Village

Enjoy an exotic desert experience at the Bassata Desert Village. Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy dune bashing and camel riding while experiencing other traditional cultural activities such as belly dance, Arabic Tanoura, and Arabic barbecue. Enjoy an amazing overnight camp at the village.

Khatt Springs

The Khatt Springs is well known for its mineral-rich hot springs with therapeutic properties. Heal yourselves while relaxing at the hot pools surrounded by palm trees and rugged mountains. After soaking in the waters of the Khatt Springs, explore the majestic surroundings, complete with around 170 interesting archaeological sites.

Falcon Show

Falconry is an ancient tradition in Ras Al Khaimah. For a sneak-peek into this tradition, or rather sport, check out the one-of-its-kind falcon and raptor display at the Banyan Tree Al Wadi. The display has an amazing collection of falcons, hawks, kestrels, owls, and eagles.

Ras Al-Khaimah National Museum

Visit the Ras Al-Khaimah National Museum, an important attraction in the region. The museum displays numerous archaeological and ethnological artefacts, including treaties between Great Britain and the rulers of Ras Al-Khaimah, and traditional weapons.

Hajar Mountains

Go for exhilarating trips to the rugged Hajar Mountains, which form a surrounding backdrop of the emirate. Hike the Hajar Mountains and reach its highest point, the Jebel Jais, while admiring the dynamic rust-coloured sand dunes surrounding the mountain range.

Beach Parties

Ras Al Khaimah has some very beautiful sandy white beaches, which have managed to remain almost untouched in their beauty and serenity. Winters are the best time to relax or sunbathe on these gorgeous beaches and be part of some exciting beach parties with loads of music, dancing, and FUN!

Awafi Desert

The Awafi desert in Ras Al Khaimah is one of the most popular camping sites in the area, though camping happens there only in winters. The desert is known for its silky soft sand dunes, lovely weather, and a popular annual cultural festival. Year-round desert camps can be enjoyed at Bassata Desert Village and Bedouin Oasis Camp.

Jebel Jais

Drive or hike up to the 1934-metre high Jebel Jais, which is the tallest mountain in the UAE and is part of the Hajar Mountains. Reaching the summit of this rugged and wind-swept mountain is rewarding, plus the trail offers fantastic views of the nearby valleys.

Dhayah Fort

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History buffs will love this 16th century mud-brick fort, the Dhayah Fort. It was built as a military tower on a hilltop. The surrounding area has several other ruined fortifications and watchtowers.

Al Qawasim Corniche

Visit the fabulous Al Qawasim Corniche and enjoy excellent views of the Ras Al Khaimah Creek, its mangroves and the Hajar Mountains. The corniche has some fantastic cafés, shops and restaurants set up within historical buildings, surrounded by landscaped gardens, fountains and streams, making it a popular leisure spot among the locals and tourists.

Best Places to Enjoy Jaw-Dropping Views in Dubai

Dubai seems to have a penchant for the phrase ‘Larger than Life’. It is home to the tallest building – Burj Khalifa, largest mall – Dubai Mall, longest indoor slope – Ski Dubai, and biggest natural flower garden – Dubai Miracle Garden.

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The list doesn’t end here! Travellers from around the world flock to this lovely destination to not only admire these man-made creations, but also to check out the natural beauty too. We have bunched together some of the places that offer terrific views.

The Observatory

Located on the 52nd floor of the Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites, The Observatory is a must-visit restaurant that offers scenic views of Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina. It is stylish and has a lively atmosphere- just the kind of spot vacationers want! The skyline is simply mind-blowing. Tourists must visit ‘The Observatory’ on a Friday, when mouth-watering seafood is served here. Signature dishes include Fried Camembert and Sirloin ‘Strindberg’. The restaurant’s dress code is smart casual with closed shoes. Beach wear, swim wear, sport wear and flip flops are not permitted!

One&Only The Palm

If you wish to stay at a place, which offers stunning sights, One&Only The Palm is the apt place for you! Its beachfront rooms treat guests to mesmerising views of palm trees. Every morning, you can enjoy a cup of coffee on the private balcony or patio and, at the same time, admire the views. This means, one need not go anywhere else to watch the spectacular sunrise and sunset. At night, the futuristic buildings are brightly illuminated and their reflection on the Gulf waters looks incredible.

Bateaux Dubai

Bateaux Dubai is a glass-enclosed and air-conditioned restaurant that not only offers delectable cuisines, fine beverages, live entertainment and personalised service, but also panoramic views of Dubai. While enjoying the food, customers can appreciate the starry sky and wonderful cityscape simultaneously. Couples can enjoy their dream date here! Their signature dishes include Fennell risotto with grilled scallop and coconut-milk poached Barramundi with sweet potato gratin.

Armani Hotel Dubai

Situated inside the Burj Khalifa, the Armani Hotel Dubai is a 5-star hotel famous for its high level of sophistication standards. The ‘Armani Fountain Suite’ offers excellent views of The Dubai Fountain – the world’s biggest choreographed fountain system by WET Design. Hotel guests can enjoy these sights from the comfort of their suites.

Pierchic

Pierchic is a top-notch Mediterranean seafood restaurant, which appears to float on the sea. Thus, people who come to this spot have an over-the-water dining experience. The restaurant treats you to fabulous sights of the Madinat Jumeirah on one side and the Burj-Al-Arab on the other. In the background, you can hear the natural sound of the waves lapping. Its signature dishes are Tuna Carpaccio with king crab panna cotta, white asparagus, caviar and soft quail egg. Pierchic only serves lunch and dinner.

The Yellow Boats: The Perfect Choice for an Interesting Sightseeing Experience in Dubai

The Yellow Boats offers an outstanding sightseeing experience to foreign and domestic travellers alike.

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Operating all year round, the tours are absolutely informative and emotionally satisfying. People get an unprecedented chance to ride in an inflatable boat and appreciate the picturesque and charming views of Dubai.

Significance

Set up in 2009, The Yellow Boats carries more than 70,000 passengers annually. The brand aims ‘to deliver the highest levels of quality, best value and exceptional services’ to guests. The guides are experienced. They are professional and humble by nature. They will show you some of the best sights of the UAE and elaborate on its culture and attractions.

Safety

Focusing on safety, the boats are manned by experienced and fully qualified crews. Also, each boat comes well-equipped with the latest GPS navigation and safety equipment, thus guaranteeing smooth and safe rides. The eco-friendly Evinrude engines used in the boats can run properly in bad weather conditions. The fresh and ultra lightweight life jackets are provided to everyone on board!

Types of Dubai Tours

The tours are perfect for couples as well as families and corporate groups. Without beating about the bush, let us introduce you to the diverse types of tours that you may look forward to in the fun-filled in the ‘City of Gold’.

Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab & Marina Tour

This 90-minute tour allows you to cruise through the Dubai Marina and marvel at its spectacular skyline. Many five-star hotels and well-known spots along the beach are visible. Other than the Burj Khalifa, JBR Walk and Atlantis Hotel, the luxurious villas on the Palm Island can be seen too. You will get many photo opportunities.

Prices: 280 AED (Adult), 210 AED (Child)

Palm Jumeirah & Burj Al Arab Tour

By participating in this 75-minute tour, embark on an unimaginable trip to the Arabian Gulf, passing through enchanting islands, astonishing architectural structures, pristine beaches and attractive water life. The tour takes the participants to the most exclusive waterfront areas of the region. Iconic sights such as The Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab are not to be missed!

Prices: 200 AED (Adult), 150 AED (Child)

Marina & Palm Lagoon Tour

This 45-minute tour is a slow-paced panoramic trip of Dubai Marina and Palm Lagoon, treating you to views of the gorgeous skyline and the magnificent 21st century modern architecture. The guide will draw everybody’s attention to the popular landmarks such as the Twisted Tower, Princess Tower, Address Hotel, Al Fattan Towers, Dubai Marina Yacht Club and JBR Walk.

Prices: 150 AED (Adult), 110 AED (Child)

Thrill Ride

As the name suggests, the Thrill Ride is a 30-minute trip where the skipper demonstrates what the Yellow Boats can do at high speeds. There’ll be a series of twists and turns that will get your adrenaline pumping. Potential participants must remember that the tour is available on an exclusive basis only.

Prices: 1200 AED (Adult)

Exclusive Charters

A great way for a special day out with your family or friends. A maximum of 10 passengers are allowed aboard these exclusive charters: Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab and Dubai Marina (2250 AED), Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab (1850 AED) and Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah Lagoon (1200 AED).

Travel Tips for Visiting Abu Dhabi during Ramadan

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar, is observed by the Muslims as a month of fasting to celebrate the first disclosure of the Quran to Muhammad.

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The fasting starts at dawn and ends by dusk. As many countries and cities commemorate this festival on a large scale, tourists must be aware of certain things.

Food and Drink

Tourists need to be careful as eating, drinking and smoking at a public space is strictly prohibited during Ramadan. Car and bus travellers must stick to this rule as well. Foodies should be aware that most of the restaurants and bars are closed during the day. Many of them open only after dusk, but do not play live music. These places extend their hours at night for innumerable consumers. Contrarily, 4-star and 5-star hotels can provide special facilities for the international travellers. Getting meals delivered by room service is a convenient option!

Schools and Companies

Corporate travellers need to keep in mind that private businesses and government offices tend to lessen their working hours during Ramadan. For example, this time the public sector is supposed to operate from 9AM to 2 PM. However, keeping things diverse, private companies can have a different work schedule. Business meetings should be kept short and precise. Morning is the best time as business partners tend to be more attentive! Schools run for a shorter period of time.

Shopping

The shops are closed in the daytime but re-open after sunset. The bigger businesses shut at around midnight while the smaller ones continue till dawn. To entice potential customers, there are attractive discounts on clothes and electrical items. Shopaholics can visit popular shopping malls like Yas Mall, Marina Mall, and Abu Dhabi Mall for a delightful experience. Some of the malls may even feature shopping festivals!

Dress Code

In the holy month, international travellers should dress more modestly. They need to cover themselves from the shoulder to the knee. Revealing or tight clothes should be avoided in public places such as malls and gyms. Shorts, miniskirts are a big no-no! Although hotel areas might be slightly flexible regarding this, everyone should adhere to the laid-out norms.

Get Ready for the Dubai Summer Surprises, 2016

Prepare yourselves for the much-awaited summer filled with fun, entertainment and shopping options. The annual mega-event of Dubai called ‘Dubai Summer Surprises’ will be celebrated from 9th July to 20th August. This annual festival is backed by the Government of Dubai as the aim is to promote Dubai as an international summer destination.

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Dubai Summer Surprises signifies the true culture, art, history and traditions of the emirate. Tourists from all around the globe can participate in this event as it’ll offer them a unique and memorable experience.

Shop till you drop!

Dubai Summer Surprises is an exemplary platform for buying a plethora of products, ranging from durable goods to luxury commodities. The variety of products includes cars, clothes, perfumes and home decor. Great prizes, bargains and surprises are available too. People, who spend substantial amounts of money, get the chance to win BMW cars, heavily-loaded shopping vouchers and attractive discounts.

Music, Entertainment and Relaxation

Music buffs will love the atmosphere of this festival. This is simply because they will get the opportunity to watch musical performances by top musicians, singers and dancers – of course, at a price!  They can even be a part of innumerable Jazz Clubs and similar spots. People who love to watch theatre performances should visit Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre (DUCTAC). For destressing, there are many spas.

Fun-Packed Activities and Venues

Dubai Summer Surprises has something for everyone! Developed for children, ‘Modhesh World’ is a venue that has playgrounds, soft toy areas, latest video games and 4-D Cinema theatres. Teenagers and adults will get everything ranging from celebrity appearances to stage shows. Foodies will simply love the huge variety of cuisine. Through the gala ceremony, tourists will receive a rare insight into the history of Dubai.

General Perspective

Dubai Summer Surprises was launched in the summer of 1998 to propagate Dubai as a family-friendly destination. This event is scheduled annually from August to September. Interestingly, over the years, it has hosted more than 25 million guests. People from around the world come here to shop and have a lot of fun.

Top Attractions in Stunning Al Ain, UAE

Located just one and a half hour from Abu Dhabi, Al Ain waits to enchant you at every step. Reputed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it promises numerous picturesque vistas of natural beauty, wildlife and forts.

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One of the oldest permanently colonised settlements in the world, this mesmerising place will fill your heart with delight. So, come and explore the best of Al Ain.

Al Ain Zoo

Visit Al Ain Zoo to capture alluring moments with wildlife. From endemic mammals like Oryx and Arabian antelope to African gazelles and big cats such as tigers, pumas and lions, the zoo is popular as a home to a range of animals. Established in 1969, the zoo is an interesting place to explore.

Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum

The former home of UAE’s first president, Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum reveals the richness of history and culture. Meticulously restored, the palace reflects the style and essence of the place from the time when Sheikh Zayed lived there. Visit to get an idea of the life of the Sheikh.

Al Jahili Fort

Al Jahili Fort is a popular attraction, especially amongst history buffs. The fascinating fortress was built in the 1890s for the UAE’s founder, Sheikh Zayed. It was further expanded by the British in the 1950s. Come to marvel at the grandeur and royal appeal of the fort. Also, don’t miss to peek into the exhibition of photographs. The beautiful moments were captured by British explorer Sir Wilfred Thesiger in the 1940s.

Al Ain National Museum

Come here for a glimpse into the everyday life of the UAE’s people at the ethnographic section. From traditional clothes and musical instruments to Bedouin jewellery, Al Ain National Museum exhibits it all. The Grand Hili Tomb and finely restored traditional majlis are very popular here. You will get to know a lot about the ancient past of Al Ain. It is worth mentioning that the museum has a large collection pertaining to the ruling family of Sheikh Zayed.

Experience the Thrill of New Year in Dubai

If you are planning to visit Dubai for your New Year holidays, you’re in for a treat. According to Forbes magazine, Dubai has been ranked as one of the trendiest destinations for New Year’s Eve. The main reason for this is the variety of different things you can do in Dubai to make your New Year celebrations amazing. Have a look at 5 popular ways to celebrate New Year in Dubai.

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Watch the Spectacular Fireworks

Each year, the New Year celebrations in Dubai outdo the celebrations of the previous years with mesmerising displays of fireworks at the three iconic landmarks, namely Burj Al Arab, The Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah. On New Year’s Eve, these places are packed with revellers who start to arrive as early as 4 PM, so if you want to grab a good vantage point it’s better to arrive early. You can picnic with your family on the viewing points or book a table at any nearby rooftop restaurant to enjoy the fireworks. To enjoy the spectacle without stepping out of your hotel room, watch the fireworks display on television or the Burj Khalifa fireworks display live on YouTube.

Attend one of the dazzling New Year’s Eve parties

Every year, several places in Dubai organise extravagant and lavish New Year’s Eve parties. These parties stand out from the parties hosted elsewhere because of the sheer magnitude and attention to the details. The performances by superstars, dazzling firework displays and the plush treatment its guests make one feel like a VIP. Most of the 5-star hotels organise gala New Year celebrations. Prominent venues are Nasimi Beach, where the oldest New Year party celebrations are held in Dubai, Barasti Bar at the Le Meridien and Sandance beach at the Atlantis to name a few.

New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise

If you want to experience something unique on New Year, go on a Dhow Dinner Cruise with your partner. The cruise experience includes fine dining and superb views of the skyline of Dubai Creek and a splendid display of fireworks in the skies above. This three-hour event comes with midnight cake, champagne, live entertainment and a multi-course international buffet where you can treat yourself to a lavish dinner with your partner.

Holiday to Dubai – All You Need to Know

Dubai, the most populous emirate in the UAE, is among the world’s leading tourist destinations and attracts millions of travellers, year on year. The emirate is famous globally for its astounding architecture. Visitors to the emirate should be well versed with different aspects of travel that could impact their holiday here.

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Dubai is located on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf in the Middle East. International flights to the city are handled by Dubai International Airport, which is currently the world’s busiest airport. The airport is the main hub of the Dubai-based carrier, Emirates Airline, the most preferred choice for flying to the city. The airline is a premium full-service carrier and operates a global network that spans across most of the inhabited world.

Dubai Infographic

Tourists to Dubai have famous attractions such as [sg_popup id="14"]Jumeirah Mosque[/sg_popup], [sg_popup id="10"]Dubai Museum[/sg_popup], [sg_popup id="12"]Burj Al Arab[/sg_popup], [sg_popup id="17"]Palm Islands[/sg_popup], [sg_popup id="13"]Dubai Creek[/sg_popup], [sg_popup id="15"]Ski Dubai[/sg_popup], and [sg_popup id="16"]Wild Wadi[/sg_popup] to include in their sightseeing tour. Dubai has a sub-tropical weather with arid conditions and it is only either hot or hotter here. The best time to be in the city is the winter season (November-March) when the temperature is relatively lower and the city experiences cooler climate, conducive to outdoor activity. This is also the peak tourist season with more expensive flights and holidays and crowded places of interest are a commonplace. Dubai Shopping Festival in January is among the most preferred times to visit the city. It is best to avoid peak summer (May-July) as the weather can be extremely hot. The Holy Month of Ramadan is the period of abstinence for Muslims, and tourists are expected to refrain from public eating, drinking and general merrymaking. However, it is also the time when tour operators roll out huge discounts on flights and holiday packages to lure holidaymakers. During summer, the Emirate hosts Dubai Summer Surprises, a fantastic time to be in the city when heavy discounts abound the city malls and souks. Apart from sightseeing and shopping, the city is a hot favourite of many for its warm hospitality and local delicacies. You must try out the shawarma and falafel in the UAE. These two delicacies are available all over the country.

Dubai is an extremely safe place for tourists. However, it is wise to be careful and alert at all times. Dress conservatively when you are visiting public places in Dubai. UAE is an Islamic nation and respect for the local culture and tradition is expected. If you are visiting UAE in summer, carry a strong sun screen and drink lots of fluids to beat the heat.