Discover Dubai...Your Gateway to the World!

Jumeirah Beach (including a view of the Burj Al Arab)

One of the fastest growing metropolises on earth, Dubai has rapidly developed into one of the worlds most modern & dynamic cities. Starting as a fishing settlement, its social fabric combines ethnicity with western flair and eastern colour in the midst of the Gulf of Arabia.

Dusty villages and ancient houses sit beside luxurious residential areas and ultra modern world-class business, leisure & retail districts. Visitors can take in the breathtaking scenery of the rugged Western Hajar Mountain ranges, the majestic sand dunes of the Arabian Desert, dip their toes in the water of the Gulf or just take in the vibrant beat of the city along Sheikh Zayed Road.

City view

Stunning sights such as the Burj Dubai - the world's tallest structure, the Palm Jumeirah featuring the stunning new Atlantis resort, the iconic Burj Al Arab, The World, Dubailand and the Dubai Waterfront. The city boasts the largest retail malls, souqs and leisure centres in the world with a wide variety of excellent restaurants and fabulous nightspots presenting multicultural cuisine and entertainment experiences to suit all ages. The ideal weather and superb facilities combine to ensure that this city for the future delivers a fabulous cosmopolitan lifestyle amid its understated elegance.

Dubai is situated on the Persian Gulf coast of the United Arab Emirates and is roughly at sea level. 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 first siginificant settlement in Dubai was established in the 1930’s when a small village on the Shindagha peninsula was inhabited by the Maktoum family, a  branch of the Bani Yas tribe, who continue to rule the emirate today. Led by His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

The modern emirate of Dubai was created with the formation of the United Raba Emirates in 1971. The UAE comprises the seven member states of Abu Dhabi (the capital city), Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Bordering the eastern banks of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai is the second largest emirate in the UAE with 60 kilometres of coastline and numerous newly developed Palm and offshore islands, extending the emirates shoreline by more than 1,500 kilometres. Situated at the longitude of 55 degrees east and 25 degrees north, the emirate of Dubai covers an area of 3,885 square kilometres.

Dubai Creek

Stretches of gravel plain and sandy desert characterise the inland region. To the east, a range of mountains lies close to the Gulf of Oman and form the backbone of Mussandam Peninsula. The western interior consists mainly of desert interspersed with oases. 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 towers of Al Aweer in the south. The Dubai International Airport is located south of Deira, while the Palm Deira is located north of Deira and the Persian Gulf.

View of Dubai prior to all its development

The earliest recorded mention of Dubai is in 1095, in the Book of Geography by the Spanish-Arab geographer Abu Abdullah al-Bakri. The Venetian pearl merchant Gaspero Balbi visited the area in 1580 and mentioned Dubai (Dibei) for is pearling industry.

In the early 18th century, the Al Abu Falasa clan of Bani Yas clan established Dubai, which remained a dependent of Abu Dhabi until 1833. On January 8, 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 of the Bani Yas tribe took over Dubai from the Abu Falasa clan without resistance. Later Dubai came under the protection of the United Kingdom by the ‘Exclusive Agreeement’ of 1892, with the latter agreeing to protect Dubai against any attacks from the Ottoman Empire.

Dubai’s geographical proximity to India gave it a strategic 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 towns.

Oil was discovered in Dubai in 1966, after which the emirate granted concessions to international oil companies. The discovery of oil led to a massive influx of foreign workers, initially mainly Indians and Pakistanis, into the city. In 1968 Britain announced its withdrawal from the region when first attempts to create a single state comprised of Bahrain, Qatar and the Trucial States (as the UAE was formerly known) began. Talks ended when Bahrain and Qatar decided to remain independent paving the way for the seven-emirate alliance and the formation of the Federation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971.

Oil revenue provided funds for the rapid development of the cities social and economical structures, much of which forms the basis for the city, as we know it today. Much of the credit can be given to the visionary leadership of the late ruler, His Highness Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum. This was continued by his eldest son, the late His Highness Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum andis continued today by the present ruler His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, whose energy and foresight is responsible for much of the citys recent meteoric growth.

Dubai’s gross domestic product as of 2005 was US$37 billion. Although Dubais economy has built on the back of the oil industry, revenues from oil and natural gas currently account for less thatn 6% of the emirates revenues. It is estimated that Dubai produces 240,000 barrels of oil a day and substantial quantities of gas from offshore fields. The emirates share in UAE’s gas revenues is about 2%. Dubai’s oil reserves have dimished significantly and are expected to be exhausted in 20 years. Real estate and Construction, Trade & Financial Services are the largest contributors to Dubai’s economy. Dubai’s top re-exporting countries include Iran, India and Saudi Arabia. The emirates top importing countries include Japan, China and the United States.

Dubai enjoys an arid subtropical climate, with blue skies and year round sunshine. The hottest months are between June and September, when temperatures can soar to 42 degrees, with high humidity levels during the day. Although the sea temperature can be more than 30 degrees during the summer months, swimming pools at hotels and resorts are usually cooled and refreshing. The rest of the year has moderate temperatures ranging from a low of 10 degrees to a mean daily maximum of 25 degrees in December and January.

The coolest period is generally between December and March. Although there is very little rainfall in Dubai, when showers do fall, it is mainly in the cooler months. For outdoor activities, the best time to visit the city is from October to April.

Dubais main archaeological sites are in Al Sufouh and Jumeirah, some of which have graveyards dating back some 2,000 years. The Jumeirah site has artefacts from as far back as the seventh century.

The Atlantis, The Palm
The Atlantis is the second ocean themed resort, created by developer and operator, Kerzner International. The flagship resort on the Palm Jumeirah opened on September 24th 2008 with 1539 guest room and suites. Home to 65, 000 marine species and the largest open-air marine habitat, the resorts entertainment includes exquisite dining and 17 hectars of water attractions.

Bastakiya
With its narrow lanes and houses with tall chimney-like structures called wind towers, the old Bastakiya district of Bur Dubai provides a glimpse of old Dubai. Before the advent of air-conditioning, house where cooled by air being channelled down the wind-tower to the rooms below. The Bastakiya district also includes a museum, cultural centre, restaurants and a heritage hotel with art galleries.

Dubai Creek

Dubai Creek
The creek has served as the thoroughfare for nautical commerce for centuries and still acts as an artery for the city’s dhows and pleasure craft. Abras serve as cheap and convenient water taxis for those wishing to cross the Creek.

Dubai Museum
The Dubai Museum is housed in Al Fahidi Fort, which is also a military museum and was renovated for use as a museum in 1971. Colourful and evocative dioramas complete with life-size figures and sound effects vividly depict everyday life in Dubai during the pre-oil days. Galleries recreate several scenes from the Creek, traditional Arab houses, mosques, the souq, date gardens and desert and marine life. One of the museums most spectacular exhibits portrays the underwater world of pearl diving, accompanied by sets of merchants’ weights, scales and sieves.

Jumeirah Mosque
One of the largest and most beautiful Dubai mosques is Jumeirah Mosque, a prominent landmark, it is also a popular subject for photographers and appears in many international publications. Built in the medieval Fatmid tradition, it is a spectacular example of modern Islamic architecture and is particularly attractive at night. Tours are held every Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 10am for a cost of 10Dhs per person. Ladies are requested to wear a head scarf, long sleeve and loose trousers or long skirt. Men must wear long trousers and a shirt. No shorts permitted.

The Palm Islands
The three Palm projects, The Palm Jumeirah, The Palm Jebel Ali and The Palm Deira are to become one of the world’s most iconic housing and tourism projects.

The World

The World
In the shape of the world map located 4 kilometres off the coast of Dubai, The World consists of 300 islands protected by an oval breakwater. It compromises residential, commercial and tourism projects within its entire location.

Dubai Festival City
Located n the banks of the Creek, the waterfront development bends Dubai’s rich sea-trade past with a vision of the present. A long-term project spanning 10 years, Dubai Festival City is growing steadily into a fully integrated community. A ‘city within a city’, it encompasses world-class shops and restaurants, hotels, corporate offices and top-end residential areas.

Burj Dubai
Billed as the worlds tallest tower, at more than 800 metres high is situated at the centre of a new downtown complex also containing the worlds largest shopping mall, an Arabian themed housing development and the world’s first Armani Hotel.

Sheikh Zayed Road
The Dubai World Trade Centre, Emirates Towers and Dubai International Financial Centre highlight the growing focal point of modern business emerging along Sheikh Zayed Road. Ultra-modern towers of glass and steel, which reflect Dubai’s international and cosmopolitan outlook, line both sides of the main highway to Abu Dhabi.

Outside the City
From sandy beaches to the rugged peaks of the Hajar Mountains, Dubai is a land of immense natural beauty. The desert terrain in Dubai offers a fascinating and accessible experience for visitors with an array of leisure opportunities including desert resorts, 4WD safaris and sand skiing.

Overlooking the Arabian Gulf and situated on the Jumeirah Beach Road, the Jumeirah Beach Park offers all the attractions of a beach set amid the landscaped gardens and green lawns. Sun-beds and umbrellas are available for hire and palm trees provide natural shade from the midday sun.

Ski Dubai

Ski Dubai

Set within the Mall of the Emirates, Ski Dubai is the first in-door ski resort in the Middle East and offers compelling set of indoor winter sports options. Ski Dubai’s snow park has a family play area, tobogganing hills, twin-track bobsled racing and a snowball shooting gallery.

Wild Wadi

Wild Wadi

An exciting, state of the art water park, Wild Wadi forms part of The Jumeirah Beach Resort. The park has 24 rides, 16 of which are inter-connected including Jumeirah Scairah, which is the tallest and fastest freefall slide outside of the United States.

Gold Souks

The Arab nation dress is designed for high temperatures and religious beliefs in the region. Men wear an ankle-length, loose-fitting garment, known as kandoura or dishdasha, which is usually made of white cotton, although darker, heavier materials may sometimes be seen in the winter.

Women wear a long-sleeved, full-length dress, which is also called a kandoura and is often elaborately embroided in gold, silver or coloured thread. The throbe is worn over the trousers, sirwal and dress and covered entirely by a black abbaya.

Lightweight summer clothing is suitable for most of the year, but sweaters or jackets may be needed during the winter months, especially in the evenings. Care should be taken all year round not to give offence by wearing clothing that may be considered inappropriate or revealing. Visitors are required to wear clothes that adequately cover the body.

Personal behaviour, which is considered unacceptable and offensive in the West, is generally considered to be the same in the Middle East. However, rude or aggressive behaviour and wearing of revealing clothing in public places should be avoided. Public displays of affection between a man and a woman in public places should also be avoided at all times. This form of behaviour is deemed disrespectful and maybe subject to arrest. In addition, drunken driving and inappropriate behaviour while under the influence of alcohol will also be subject to arrest.

The official language of the United Arab Emirates is Arabic, but English is widely spoken and understood and used throughout business and commerce.

The monetary unit is the Dirham (Dhs), which is divided into 100fils. The Dirham is linked to the Special Drawing Right of the International Monetary Fund and has been held constant against the US dollar since the end of 1980 at a mid-rate of approximately US$1= Dhs3.67.

Tipping practises are similar to those in most parts of the world. Where no service charge is included, a tip of 10 percent is considered adequate and always very much appreciated.

Dubai hotels have very high standards with many of the world’s top chains running five-star properties. Most cater to both the leisure and business traveller. The city has a number of places to stay with a variety of self-catering apartments and hotels offering accommodation for varying budgets.

The iconic seven star Burj Al Arab hotel, other city and beachfront hotels and the luxurious Emirates Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa offer the best in accommodation and service, catering for those seeking luxury suites at any price.

Beach hotels line the Jumeirah, Umm Sequeim or Al Sufouh coastal areas, while hotels in Deira and Bur Dubai provide an array of accommodation choices at varying prices for even the most discerning budget-conscious tourist looking for a deal.

Sheikh Zayed Road hotels, such as the Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Fairmont and Crowne Plaza, are a good bet for those in search of bright lights, fancy restaurants and vibrant night life.

If you are not part of a packaged holiday and intend to stay longer than a few weeks, self-catered accommodation is an option you might want to consider, where apartments are available for short-term rental. Most are clean, spacious, have gymnasiums and rooftop swimming pools.

Another option is fully serviced apartments and villas run by the larger hotel groups, which come with packages including a live-in maid, gourmet chef, personal shopping service and other services to ensure your trip to Dubai is as enjoyable as possible.

While Dubai has become renowned for its ultra-modern and fully air-conditioned shopping malls, there are parts of the city where traditional rows or shops remain. A visit to Dubai’s bustling shopping districts offers a colourful insight into the city’s former retail business where haggling with shopkeepers is part of the fun and recognised as a daily pastime. Areas to visit include Al Karama, Al Satwa, Bur Dubai, Jumeirah, The Old Town, Souk Al Bahar, Uptown Mirdiff and Global Village.

Most malls open from 10am to 10pm and the majority of supermarkets stay open until late seven days a week with some remaining open 24 hours a day. Smaller shops close in the afternoon from 1pm to 4pm and boutiques in residential areas do not open until 9:30am or 10am. On Friday’s and during Ramadan, most shops are closed until 4pm, but remain open until late evening.
 

The diversity of cuisine in Dubai is a reflection of the cosmopolitan nature of the society. Arab food is very popular and is available everywhere in the city, from the small shawarma diners in Deira and Al Karama to the upscale restaurants in Dubai’s many hotels. Fast food, South Asian and Chinese cuisine is also very popular and are widely available. The sale and consumption of pork, while not illegal, is regulated and is sold only to non-Muslims, in designated areas. Similarly the sale of alcoholic beverages is regulated. A liquor permit is required to purchase alcohol, however alcohol is available in bars and restaurants within four or five star hotels.

Although most restaurants are located inside hotels, Dubai has a wide range of eating establishments which provide the visitor with a selection of dining venues, from street side cafes, coffee lounges, authentic Arabic, international and fine dining restaurants.

Although dining in hotels is more expensive than in the city’s independent restaurants, some hotel outlets offer all-inclusive meals where guest pay one price that includes all food and selected beverages. These ‘meal-deals’ are extremely good value compared to the regular a la carte options and are also a great opportunity to sample some of the city’s finest hotel restaurants.

Contact Details

Dubai Tourism
Suite 104, Level 1, 25-29 Berry Street,
North Sydney, NSW, Australia.  
Tel: 0061 2 9956 6620
Fax: 0061 2 9929 8493
Website:  
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