DUBAİ BURJ AL ARAB

Abaut DUBAİ

2008-12-30T15:10:00.000-08:00

Dubai (in Arabic: دبيّ‎, transliteration: Dubaīy) is one of the seven emirates and the most populous city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is located along the southern coast of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula. The municipality of Dubai is sometimes called Dubai city to distinguish it from the emirate.

Written accounts document the existence of the city for at least 150 years prior to the formation of the UAE. Dubai shares legal, political, military and economic functions with the other emirates within a federal framework, although each emirate has jurisdiction over some functions such as civic law enforcement and provision and upkeep of local facilities. Dubai has the largest population and is the second largest emirate by area, after Abu Dhabi.[5] Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the only two emirates to possess veto power over critical matters of national importance in the country's legislature.[6] Dubai has been ruled by the Al Maktoum dynasty since 1833. Dubai's current ruler, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is also the Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE.

The emirate's revenues are from trade, real estate and financial services.[7] Revenues from petroleum and natural gas contribute less than 6% (2006)[8] of Dubai's US$ 37 billion economy (2005).[9] Real estate and construction, on the other hand, contributed 22.6% to the economy in 2005, before the current large-scale construction boom.[10] Dubai has attracted worldwide attention through innovative real estate projects [11] and sports events. This increased attention, coinciding with its emergence as a world business hub, has also highlighted human rights issues concerning its largely foreign workforce

Etymology

In the 1820s, Dubai was referred to as Al Wasl by British historians. However, few records pertaining to the cultural history of the UAE or its constituent emirates exist due to the region's vocal traditions in recording and passing down folklore and myth. The linguistic origins of the word Dubai are also in dispute, as some believe it to have originated from Persian, while some believe that Arabic is the linguistic root of the word. According to Fedel Handhal, researcher in the history and culture of the UAE, the word Dubai may have come from the word Daba (a derivative of Yadub), which means to creep; the word may be a reference to the flow of Dubai Creek inland.

History

Main article: History of Dubai

The Al Ras district in Deira, Dubai in the 1960s.

Very little is known about pre-Islamic culture in the south-east Arabian peninsula, except that many ancient towns in the area were trading centers between the Eastern and Western worlds. The remnants of an ancient mangrove swamp, dated at 7,000 years, were discovered during the construction of sewer lines near Dubai Internet City. The area had been covered with sand about 5,000 years ago as the coastline retreated inland, becoming a part of the city's present coastline.^[14] Prior to Islam, the people in this region worshiped Bajir (or Bajar).^[15] The Byzantine and Sassanian empires constituted the great powers of the period, with the Sassanians controlling much of the region. After the spread of Islam in the region, the Umayyad Caliph, of the eastern Islamic world, invaded south-east Arabia and drove out the Sassanians. Excavations undertaken by the Dubai Museum in the region of Al-Jumayra (Jumeirah) indicate the existence of several artifacts from the Umayyad period.^[16] The earliest recorded mention of Dubai is in 1095, in the "Book of Geography" by the Andalusian-Arab geographer Abu Abdullah al-Bakri. The Venetian pearl merchant Gaspero Balbi visited the area in 1580 and mentioned Dubai (Dibei) for its pearling industry.^[ Documented records of the town of Dubai exist only after 1799.⁷

In the early 19th century, the Al Abu Falasa clan (House of Al-Falasi) of Bani Yas clan established Dubai, which remained a dependent of Abu Dhabi until 1833.^[18] On 8 January 1820, the sheikh of Dubai and other sheikhs in the region signed the "General Maritime Peace Treaty" with the British government. However, in 1833, the Al Maktoum dynasty (also descendants of the House of Al-Falasi) of the Bani Yas tribe left the settlement of Abu Dhabi and took over Dubai from the Abu Fasala clan without resistance.^[ Dubai came under the protection of the United Kingdom by the "Exclusive Agreement" of 1892, with the latter agreeing to protect Dubai against any attacks from the Ottoman Empire.^[18] Two catastrophes struck the town during the mid 1800s. First, in 1841, a smallpox epidemic broke out in the Bur Dubai locality, forcing residents to relocate east to Deira. Then, in 1894, fire swept through Deira, burning down most homes.^[19] However, the town's geographical location continued to attract traders and merchants from around the region. The emir of Dubai was keen to attract foreign traders and lowered trade tax brackets, which lured traders away from Sharjah and Bandar Lengeh, which were the region's main trade hubs at the time.^[20]^[19]

Al Fahidi Fort, built in 1799, is the oldest existing building in Dubai.^[21]

Dubai's geographical proximity to India made it an important location. The town of Dubai was an important port of call for foreign tradesmen, chiefly those from India, many of whom eventually settled in the town. Dubai was known for its pearl exports until the 1930s. However, Dubai's pearling industry was damaged irreparably by the events of World War I, and later on by the Great Depression in the late 1920s. Consequently, the city witnessed a mass migration of people to other parts of the Persian Gulf. Since its inception, Dubai was constantly at odds with Abu Dhabi. In 1947, a border dispute between Dubai and Abu Dhabi on the northern sector of their mutual border, escalated into war between the two states.^[22] Arbitration by the British and the creation of a buffer frontier running south eastwards from the coast at Ras Hasian resulted in a temporary cessation of hostilities However, border disputes between the emirates continued even after the formation of the UAE; it was only in 1979 that a formal compromise was reached that ended hostilities and border disputes between the two states.^[ Electricity, telephone services and an airport were established in Dubai in the 1950s, when the British moved their local administrative offices from Sharjah to Dubai. In 1966 the town joined the newly independent country of Qatar to set up a new monetary unit, the Qatar/Dubai Riyal, after the deflation of the Gulf rupee.^[17] Oil was discovered in Dubai the same year, after which the town granted concessions to international oil companies. The discovery of oil led to a massive influx of foreign workers, mainly Indians and Pakistanis. As a result, the population of the city from 1968 to 1975 grew by over 300%, by some estimates.

On 2 December 1971 Dubai, together with Abu Dhabi and five other emirates, formed the United Arab Emirates after former protector Britain left the Persian Gulf in 1971. In 1973, Dubai joined the other emirates to adopt a uniform currency: the UAE dirham. In the 1970s, Dubai continued to grow from revenues generated from oil and trade, even as the city saw an influx of Lebanese immigrants fleeing the civil war in Lebanon.^[28] The Jebel Ali Free Zone, comprising the Jebel Ali port (reputedly the world's largest man made port) was established in 1979, which provided foreign companies unrestricted import of labour and export capital.

The Persian Gulf War of 1990 had a huge impact on the city. Economically, Dubai banks experienced a massive withdrawal of funds due to uncertain political conditions in the region. During the course of the 1990s, however, many foreign trading communities — first from Kuwait, during the Persian Gulf War, and later from Bahrain, during the Shia unrest, moved their businesses to Dubai.^[20] Dubai provided refueling bases to allied forces at the Jebel Ali free zone during the Persian Gulf war, and again, during the 2003 Invasion of Iraq. Large increases in oil prices after the Persian Gulf war encouraged Dubai to continue to focus on free trade and tourism The success of the Jebel Ali free zone allowed the city to replicate its model to develop clusters of new free zones, including Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City and Dubai Maritime City. The construction of Burj Al Arab, the world's tallest freestanding hotel, as well as the creation of new residential developments, were used to market Dubai for purposes of tourism. Since 2002, the city has seen an increase in private real estate investment in recreating Dubai's skyline with such projects as The Palm Islands, The World Islands and Burj Dubai. However, robust economic growth in recent years has been accompanied by rising inflation rates (at 11.2% as of 2007 when measured against Consumer Price Index) which is attributed in part due to the near doubling of commercial and residential rental costs, resulting in a substantial increase in the cost of living for residents

Geography

City level map of Dubai

Dubai is situated on the Persian Gulf coast of the United Arab Emirates and is roughly at sea level (16 m/52 ft above). The emirate of Dubai shares borders with Abu Dhabi in the south, Sharjah in the northeast, and the Sultanate of Oman in the southeast. Hatta, a minor exclave of the emirate, is surrounded on three sides by Oman and by the emirates of Ajman (in the west) and Ras Al Khaimah (in the north). The Persian Gulf borders the western coast of the emirate. Dubai is positioned at 25°16′11″N 55°18′34″E / 25.2697, 55.3095 and covers an area of 4,114 km² (1,588 mi²).

Dubai lies directly within the Arabian Desert. However, the topography of Dubai is significantly different from that of the southern portion of the UAE in that much of Dubai's landscape is highlighted by sandy desert patterns, while gravel deserts dominate much of the southern region of the country. The sand consists mostly of crushed shell and coral and is fine, clean and white. East of the city, the salt-crusted coastal plains, known as sabkha, give way to a north-south running line of dunes. Farther east, the dunes grow larger and are tinged red with iron oxide. The flat sandy desert gives way to the Western Hajar Mountains, which run alongside Dubai's border with Oman at Hatta. The Western Hajar chain has an arid, jagged and shattered landscape, whose mountains rise to about 1,300 meters in some places. Dubai has no natural river bodies or oases; however, Dubai does have a natural inlet, Dubai Creek, which has been dredged to make it deep enough for large vessels to pass through. Dubai also has multiple gorges and waterholes which dot the base of the Western Al Hajar mountains. A vast sea of sand dunes cover much of southern Dubai, which eventually lead into the desert known as The Empty Quarter. Seismically, Dubai is in a very stable zone — the nearest seismic fault line, the Zargos Fault, is 120 km from the UAE and is unlikely to have any seismic impact on Dubai. Experts also predict that the possibility of a tsunami in the region is also minimal because the Persian Gulf waters are not deep enough to trigger a tsunami.^[33]

The sandy desert surrounding the city supports wild grasses and occasional date palm trees. Desert hyacinths grow in the sabkha plains east of the city, while acacia and ghaf trees grow in the flat plains within the proximity of the Western Al Hajar mountains. Several indigenous trees such as the date palm and neem as well as imported trees like the eucalypts grow in Dubai's natural parks. The houbara bustard, striped hyena, caracal, desert fox, falcon and Arabian oryx are common in Dubai's desert. Dubai is on the migration path between Europe, Asia and Africa, and more than 320 migratory birds pass through the emirate in spring and autumn. The waters of Dubai are home to more than 300 species of fish, including the hammour.

Dubai Creek runs northeast-southwest through the city. The eastern section of the city forms the locality of Deira and is flanked by the emirate of Sharjah in the east and the town of Al Aweer in the south. The Dubai International Airport is located south of Deira, while the Palm Deira is located north of Deira in the Persian Gulf. Much of Dubai's real estate boom is concentrated to the west of the Dubai Creek, on the Jumeirah coastal belt. Port Rashid, Jebel Ali, Burj Al Arab, the Palm Jumeirah and theme based free zone clusters such as Business Bay are all located in this section. Five main routes — E 11 (Sheikh Zayed Road), E 311 (Emirates Road), E 44 (Dubai-Hatta Highway), E 77 (Dubai-Al Habab Road) and E 66 (Oud Metha Road) — run through Dubai, connecting the city to other towns and emirates. Additionally, several important intra-city routes, such as D 89 (Al Maktoum Road/Airport Road), D 85 (Baniyas Road), D 75 (Sheikh Rashid Road), D 73 (Al Dhiyafa Road), D 94 (Jumeirah Road) and D 92 (Al Khaleej/Al Wasl Road) connect the various localities in the city. The eastern and western sections of the city are connected by Al Maktoum Bridge, Al Garhoud Bridge, Al Shindagha Tunnel, Business Bay Crossing and Floating Bridge.

] Climate

Dubai has a hot and, at times, humid climate (drier during extreme heat) with many months recording temperatures of over 40 °C (104 °F). The highest recorded temperature in Dubai is 47.3 °C (117.1 °F), and the lowest recorded temperature is 7 °C (45 °F). Rainfall is generally light, with a mean of about 150 millimetres (6 in) per year; precipitation is usually centered around January, February and March. However, heavy rain is not uncommon in Dubai during the winter months and January 2008 saw a record of 120mm (or 5") of rain falling in just 24 hours, ^[34] The mean humidity in Dubai is approximately 60% and is higher during the cooler winter months.

Shangri-la Hotel Dubai

2008-05-20T05:49:00.000-07:00

Shangri-la Hotel Dubai

Address: SHAIKH ZAYED ROAD P B No 75880 101 DUBAI
Location: City Center

Get 29 EUR back
by booking this hotel!

Bookmark this hotel | Send as e-mail

Single Deluxe

AVAILABLE

	Sun	Mon	TOTAL
Single room	€ 290	€ 290	€ 580

FivePlus Credits Earned for Future Bookings (Details)			€ 29

Bed And Breakfast. Rates are per room per night, including all taxes and fees.


Click on thumbnails to enlarge the photos of Shangri-la Hotel Dubai.

The Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai is Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts' first vent ure in the United Arab Emirates and, since opening in July 2003, the hotel has set newstandards in service, hospitality and value for mone y. The 200 metre tall, 43 storey hotel is situated on Sheikh Zayed Ro ad close to Dubai's business centresand tourist attractions. The hotel is 15 minutes away from Dubai International Airport and five minutes from the World Trade Centre and Dubai Convention Centre.

Park Hyatt Dubai Hotel

2008-05-20T05:48:00.002-07:00


Click on thumbnails to enlarge the photos of Park Hyatt Dubai Hotel.

The resort hotel Park Hyatt Dubai is a luxury waterfront retreat adjacent to the world-famous Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. Our Dubai Hotel is situated just minutes away from the city centre, world-class shopping and prime business districts. The hotel is a haven of tranquil elegance amidst the vibrant city of Dubai, and the newest addition to Dubai's luxury hotels.

Gulf Pearl Hotel

2008-05-20T05:48:00.001-07:00



Click on thumbnails to enlarge the photos of Gulf Pearl Hotel Dubai.

This is a good, plain hotel suitable for budget travellers who are visiting Dubai...

Gulf Pearl Hotel is the ideal choice for both business and sightseeing stays.

The hotel professional team will be delighted to provide its services and to offer world-class entertainments, dining options and sporting facilities, everything to make your stay pleasant and relaxing.

LOCATION

Gulf Pearl Hotel has a good location and easy access.The hotel is located at the heart of city of Al Baraha Street walking distance to all shopping malls and 10 minutes drive to the Dubai International Airport.

PROPERTY AMENITIES

* An hot buffet breakfast is served in the restaurant from 7.30 a.m. until 10 a.m. Breakfast can be served directly in the bedrooms on request.

ROOM AMENITIES

* The hotel offers comfortable and hand crafted furnished bedrooms, each featuring a private bathroom with hairdryer.

* All accommodations are soundproof and equipped with telephone, heating, individually controlled air conditioning, Internet access, satellite TV, mini fridge, electronic safe, radio, desk and a private balcony with view.

* Baby cots, extra beds and ironing facilities are available on request. Room service is at guests' disposal 24 hours a day.

Al Murak Hotel Dubai

2008-05-20T05:45:00.000-07:00

CANCELLATION POLICY

1. No penalty for cancellations up to 4 days prior to initial check-in time, defined as 12:00 noon destination time on date of initial check-in.
2. Cancellations made within 4 days of the check-in date will be assessed a 1 night room rate.
3. No-shows will be assessed a 1 night room rate.
4. No cancellations on or after check-in date.

dubai otels

2008-05-20T05:40:00.000-07:00

They say, Burj al-Arab was the dream of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan, which turned out to be a physical reality years later in Dubai. The tower that resembles the sail of dhow, became the world's tallest hotel with the height of 321m in 1999, and the iconic tower of Dubai. The construction took 6 years (1994-1999).

The marketing technique of self-declaring the 7 star title has worked very well. Burj al-Arab became one of the most wanted destinations, and not only in the United Arab Emirates. To keep objectivity, the hotel is officially 5 star deluxe. The service and the unseen luxury definitely makes it stand out of the other 5 star hotels. The service includes private chauffeur with Rolls Royce or BMW 7, private reception desk every floor, helicopter pad (helicopter trips to the center of Dubai or to the Dubai International Airport), restaurant located 200m above the sea level, with amezing view on the city. The hotel offers free entry to the Wild-Wadi Water Park as well.

Celebrities appear daily at this hotel, Andre Agassi had a tennis game with Roger Federer on the helipad, and Ronan Keating made his video clip at the same place. Burj al-Arab stands on an artificial island which is linked to Jumeirah by a private bridge.

Burj al-Arab has the most luxurious interior imaginable. Khuan Chew, Design Principal of KCA International was responsible for the interior design. The most expensive materials were used throughout the building. There is no exact data about the cost of the hotel, but rumours say that the return of investment could be 100 years, although the nights at Burj al-Arab start at $1000. The Royal Suite costs $28000 per night.

There are 202 duplex suites in the hotel, the smallest suite starts at 169 m², and the largest is 780 m². Each suite has floor to the ceiling windows with spectacular views on the Persian Gulf. Every suite has sumptuous living and dining area, and office facilities. They are equipped with 42 inch Plasma screen TV, and everything is automated and can be controlled via remote. The list goes on, like 13 pillows to choose from and similar thoughtful care for the guests.

There is huge variety of brilliant, elegant restaurants that offer much more than the average. Al Mahara (The Oyster) let you enjoy your meal next to a large circle aquarium. The Skyview Bar leaves you with an unforgettable experience drinking coctails -made by Rikard Lindqvist (mixologist) from Sweden- 200 m above the sea-level. If that is not enough, there are 8 more restaurants to choose from.

Trick to get in for free:
There is an entry fee to the hotel if you just want to see it from the inside, which is about ~50 euros. Although there is a trick that might help you get in without payment. Make a reservation on the phone for any restaurant in Burj al-Arab, you will get a reservation number which you have to show at the front gate. When you get inside to the hotel, just avoid the restaurant. Make sure you dont give your real phone number to them.

Lifestyle

2008-04-28T08:47:00.000-07:00

When its time to wind down, nowhere instills a feeling of luxury, pampering and well-being better than the breathtakingly beautiful Assawan Spa & Health Club.

In a setting on the 18th floor that would make a poet sigh, ease your tension in the Spa's crystal clear pools or perhaps indulge yourself with the finest treatments to invigorate and revitalise.

Whether it's pampering, weight loss, stress reduction or relaxation, at Assawan Spa & Health Club, your every need is anticipated and satisfied.

For more information, contact Assawan Spa Reception on 04-301-7338

Children

Sinbad’s Kid’s Club

The Sinbad’s Kid’s Club is located on the 18^th floor of Burj Al Arab, adjacent to the Diwania Library. The service is offered exclusively to in-house guests and Spa Members on a complimentary basis and caters for children aged between 1–12 years of age.

The facilities of the Sinbad’s Kid’s Club include a spacious playroom with a wide variety of soft toys, board games, various constructors and bean bags. Our younger guests can enjoy watching entertaining programs from the Disney Channel on a large plasma screen, play games on one of the personal computers, read books or give freedom to their fantasies by drawing or creating a special gift for their parents. A cozy quiet bedroom with a soft bed and a baby cot is available on-site should one of the younger guests feel tired. Professional and caring staff are present at all times to ensure the best experience for every guest; and Private Dining can take care of the catering by providing delicious and nutritious cuisine.

In addition, all our younger guests are granted complimentary access to Sinbad’s Kid’s Club at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, which offers a wide choice of outdoor activities.

Burj Al Arab and the world's finest producer of crystal, Swarovski, offer you a chance to own a collector's item beyond compare. Take the exquisite lines of this landmark building home with you in the form of a handcrafted mini Burj Al Arab Swarovski crystal.

Standing 153mm high, only 500 pieces of this exclusive symbol of luxury have been created.

Only these official, limited edition crystals capture the true splendour of Burj Al Arab - make sure you have the authentic masterpiece in your collection.

The crystal model is available at Al Dukan boutiques at Burj Al Arab and Madinat Jumeirah, and all other Jumeirah properties upon request, and is priced at AED 4,250.

Burj Al Arab Pictures 1

2008-04-23T02:34:00.000-07:00

About Dubai

2008-04-17T06:40:00.000-07:00

"A nation's glory is measured by its past and present and its civilised
development, perpetuating the memory of the past, the construction of
the present and the planning of the future." H.H General Sheikh
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, Vice President and
Prime Minister of the UAE. 
Area: The total area of Dubai is approximately 2,428 sq miles. 
History:
The seven independent emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras
Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah came together to form the United
Arab Emirates (UAE) in the year 1971. While Abu Dhabi is the capital
city of the UAE, Dubai remains its commercial centre. 
Location: Dubai is located on the Eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, in the South West corner of the Arabian Gulf. 
Weather: Dubai enjoys 365 days of warm sunshine, with cooler evenings and occasional showers in the months between November to March. 5 day forecast 
Climate:
The UAE has a sub-tropical, arid climate with infrequent and irregular
rainfall, amounting to less than 13 centimetres a year. Temperatures
range from a low of 10 degrees (Celsius) to a high of 48 degrees. The
average daily maximum is 24 degrees in January, rising to 42 degrees in
July. 
Time zone: The UAE is 4 hours ahead of GMT (+4 GMT) 
Population: Dubai is home to a little less than 1 million residents with 79% of the population employed. 
Transport:
Dubai offers a variety of inexpensive and efficient public
transportation and you can choose between metered local taxis,
intra-city and inter-city buses, private car hire services and abras
(local boats). 
Economy: The UAE is one of the
world's wealthiest countries, with a GDP of US $54 billion (2000), and
has the third-largest proven oil reserves in the world. While oil and
gas production form its foundation, Dubai is increasingly broadening
its economic activity to include: real estate, tourism, trading and
manufacturing. 
Cultural mix: Owing to the
resources and foreign enterprises located in Dubai, more than 80% of
the population are expatriates from across the globe and the city is
home to almost 200 nationalities.

Alcohol: While alcohol is served at restaurants mostly located in hotels, it can also be purchased at the Arrival Duty Free store in Dubai International Airport or with a special permit valid for non-Muslim residents only. Dubai operates a zero tolerance policy to driving under the influence of alcohol.

Currency and credit cards: The official currency of the UAE is the Arab Emirates Dirham (AED or Dhs). Each Dirham is divided into 100 fils and is held constant against the US Dollar at an average of 3.67. All banks operate from 8.00am to 1.00pm, Saturday through Wednesday and 8.00am to 12.00pm on Thursdays. Currency exchange houses are open until late in the evening. All international credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Currency Converter

Dress code: Visitors are free to dress according to their personal choice. Dress sensibly, although very revealing clothes shouldn't be worn in public or places of worship. Shorts and skirts are acceptable for ladies. Most Emirati men and women still choose to wear the traditional national dress. Lightweight summer clothing can be worn for most of the year, but the temperature can drop quite sharply at night during the winter.

Electricity: The standard electricity supply is 220/240 volts. American appliances may need a transformer.

Hospitality: Dubai is extremely well known for its warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage, and the Emirati people are welcoming and generous in their approach to visitors.

Languages: While Arabic is the official language, English is very widely spoken, especially in business. Given the large size of the expatriate population, several other languages are also used in everyday life, headed by Hindi, Urdu and Farsi.

Photography: Photography of buildings and sights is widely acceptable. Local people, especially the women, do not take kindly to being photographed without their prior permission. In general, it is best to avoid taking photographs (or video footage) of any individual in a National Dress.

Safety and security: Dubai is a very safe city for visitors and residents alike, with minimal chances of untoward events. However, locking your car and minding your personal belongings is always recommended.

Visa regulations: Travellers holding passports with a right of residence in the following countries can get a visa on arrival at Dubai International Airport - a visit visa valid for 60 days is stamped directly in your passport by immigration officials:

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, GCC Countries, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, USA, Vatican City

Useful Links
Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing
Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Dubai has a very eventful social calendar. With international sporting events, shopping and entertainment festivals, music and cultural programmes held at various indoor and outdoor venues all year around.

Varying from the world's richest horse race - The Dubai World Cup, and international jazz festivals, to the home grown Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai also hosts regionally significant exhibitions and trade shows on a regular basis.

While the actual dates of many important events are timed to match the season, the Lunar calendar and the holy month of Ramadan change from year to year. The chart below provides a guideline to the city's many events:

January - The Dubai Marathon, Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai International Jazz Festival, Emirates Cup Traditional Dhow Sailing Race, Dubai International Sailing Week Regatta
February - The Dubai Terry Fox Run, Dubai Tennis Championships
March - Dubai Desert Golf Classic, Dubai World Cup, Dubai International Kite Surfing Challenge
April - International Jewellery exhibition
May - Local and international events
June - Dubai Summer Surprises, UAE National Sailing Championship
July - Dubai Summer Surprises
August - Dubai Summer Surprises
September - Local and international events (Dubai, the City that Cares festival)
October - Gulf IT Exhibition (GITEX), UAE Desert Challenge
November - Horse racing season, Dubai Traditional Dhow Sailing Race
December - Rugby 7s, Dubai Air Show, Dubai Grand Prix, National Day celebrations

Useful Links
We have provided a number of links below to help you find out more about Dubai's activities and events calendar. If you are unable to find the information you require, perhaps we can be of assistance. Please email us on info@jumeirah.com.

WhatsOnWhen
...what's on when in Dubai. Search the city's events by month, by interest or by location.

TimeOut Dubai
...from the award winning series of guides to the world's major cities, Time Out's Dubai Guide offers an exhaustive and lively insight into the city.

The city of Dubai embraces its namesake creek, dividing it into two halves. The main sightseeing circuit in Dubai is split between Bur Dubai and Deira which lie on opposite sides of the water, and the gently curving Dubai Creek is an attraction in itself. You will have plenty of opportunities for some brilliant views of the city from the water: gleaming skyscrapers on one side, and old trading dhows on the other.

Deira's many attractions include the historic quarter of Bastakia, as well as old souks and covered marketplaces. Wandering along the alleys, you can explore the Spice Souk and the Gold Souk. The Dubai Museum is housed within the beautifully restored Al Fahidi Fort, and is a must-see for first time visitors to Dubai. Built in 1799 to defend the city against invasion, it has served as both palace and prison and the museum's collection includes life-size figures and galleries depicting Arab houses, mosques, date gardens, desert and marine life.

On the Bur Dubai side, Heritage Village, located in the Shindagah area, is a family destination where you can watch potters, weavers and artisans at their crafts. The adjoining Diving Village offers a cultural microcosm of pearl diving and fishing. Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, a museum restored from the house of Dubai's former ruler and dating back to the late 1800s, is within the same complex. With its unusual layered rooms and authentic wind towers, Sheikh Saeed's House showcases regional architecture at its best.

If you drive west from the city centre, you will reach the popular suburb of Jumeira, home to some of Dubai's finest luxury hotels and resorts, unspoilt stretches of sunny beaches and water sports complexes. In Jumeirah is the Grand Mosque, re-built in 1998, with the city's tallest minaret, nine large domes and 45 small domes - a distinguished landmark and an important place of worship.

About 115 kms south east of Dubai, in the heart of the rocky Hatta Mountains, is the 3000 year old Hatta Village, an important historical site for the region. The two towers overlooking the village used to be defence fortresses against hostile invaders, and during a relaxed day at the Village, you can visit the Houses of Traditional Handicrafts and Palm Products, The Castle Centre, and the 200 year old Sharia Mosque.

In contrast to the traditional attractions of Dubai and the surrounding areas, the city boasts world-class business and leisure facilities.

Ski Dubai
Dubai is home to Ski Dubai - the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East. This unique resort spans 22,500 square metres, which is temperature controlled at -1° to -2°, and covered with real snow throughout the year. The theme of Ski Dubai is that of a mountain resort - with qualified instructors to guide you through the intricacies of learning to ski or snowboard. Inside the resort, a retail shop, themed restaurants and the world's largest Snow Park, offer something for everyone.

Dubai is a veritable shopper's paradise! Whether it is for gold, electronics, carpets, spices, textiles or more.

The city is one of the largest retail gold markets in the world, selling everything from ingots to intricately hand crafted jewellery, and bargaining is welcomed almost everywhere. The Gold Souk area in Deira has glittering street-front stores and hides dozens of alleys housing smaller shops. The newly built Gold and Diamond Park on Sheikh Zayed Road is an attraction for serious jewellery shoppers.

The city is also home to some of the Middle East region's most prestigious shopping malls, boutiques and department stores that house retailers of haute couture, hi-tech electronics, home furnishings and accessories or traditional Arabic crafts. Dubai is famous for offering top international brands at unbelievably reasonable prices.

The larger shopping mall complexes also house cinema theatres, food courts, entertainment centres and play areas for children, allowing for complete family shopping experiences.

Choose to browse through the older markets and the narrow walkways located in the Meena Bazaar, Karama and Naif areas, dedicated to inexpensive leather goods and textiles; computer and electrical accessories and Arabic perfumes. This is an excellent opportunity for bargain hunting outside the glitz and shine of Dubai's more well known shopping arenas.

Most shopping venues and cultural destinations sell a range of gifts and souvenirs representing Dubai: The Seven Sands of the UAE, traditional Bedouin jewellery, sand art, packaged dates and date products, Arabic sweets, wooden crafts and palm leaf handicrafts.

Dubai is an exciting year round destination that offers unlimited opportunities for rest and recreation, be it a walk through a lush green family park, an adventurous day in the waters of the Arabian Gulf, or a pampering session at one of the many health spas.

Beaches: Some of Dubai's beaches are attached to private hotels, where, for a small fee, you can spend the day on the sand and in the waters of the Arabian Gulf. Other beaches and waterfronts - the Corniche and the Creek - are free for public access, and feature a range of water sports offered by several operators.

Desert safaris: One of Dubai's most popular tourist attractions is the desert safari: a unique experience that combines an adventurous 4WD car ride over sand dunes with camels, belly dancers, henna designers, falconers, and a barbecue dinner by starlight. Other attractions include sand skiing, sand boarding, sand karting and 4WD desert driving

Fishing: The warmth and shelter of the Gulf attract a large variety of fish, and several local companies provide full and half day trips to the best fishing waters about 12 kms offshore from the mainland.

Golf: Dubai has the unique distinction of being the only golfing centre in the world to host major international tournaments on both the European and Asian PGA circuits. Visiting golfers can choose from various clubs and courses, each of championship quality and presenting a different type of challenge.

Treatments and therapies: Dubai is home to an extraordinary number of spas and wellness clinics, ranging from internationally renowned brands to ancient Chinese and Indian holistic treatments