I grew up reading the Arabian nights adventure. Some part of me always wanted to experience it. Well I did experience AN Arabic Adventure.. was just a little different than what I imagined.
The modern day Arabic Adventure is served up in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi which have blended the experiences of the west and the east in their own special way. Just for kicks, I am categorizing the experience into two buckets:
1. "For the High Flyer" : You revel in the lap of luxury, you like nothing short of the creme de la creme, getting your adrenaline pumping and no price is too high for a good time
2. "For the Culture Vulture" : You are the kind of traveler that loves photographs, the local experience and food, and no distance is too long to experience any of the aforementioned.
Feel free to take your pick of the two different experiences, or a mix of both like I did! Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer both in equal proportions.But.. first things first..
BEST TIME TO VISIT:
Okay.. No use denying it.. UAE is HOT!!!! Hence best time to visit is usually in the winter sometime late November to late January, when the temperatures are pleasant. Nights can get a bit chilly though!
DO I NEED A VISA?
It really depends on your nationality. While some countries' nationals might be entitled to 'No visa', others might be eligible for visa on arrival or may need to apply in advance. Check out full list of Visa requirements and regulations HERE
It is recommended to fly with Emirates Airlines, since they partner with a lot of businesses in Dubai and can also file for a visa on your behalf.
WHERE TO STAY:
For the high Flyer: Dubai is full of high end hotels. Burj-Al-Arab, Desert palm Dubai and multiple others beckon but my picks for you would be:
The Atlantis offers a gorgeous view of Dubai's famous man-made palms as well as word class Michelin starred restaurants, Dolphin Bay, magnificent aquarium views, scuba diving and luxurious spas and a fantastic night life; A complete package.
Think you can't afford to stay here? Check out some of the amazing deals that Emirates offers with Skywards program for stay at the Atlantis and book early!!!
This might stray into the culture vulture territory, but I HAVE to include it here, just for the fact that it is a palace and offers practically every opulent feature you can dream of, including a gold dispensing machine.
1. Madinath Jumeirah, Dubai:
This resort is connected by 3 kms of waterways, which will allow you to travel around the resort in a traditional abra boat.The structure is a homage to the old Arabian citadels. A nod back to olden times, the resort also contains an old 'souk' or marketplace which provided social purpose in addition to trading
2. Barjeel Heritage Guest House
Boasts of Persian architecture, with a very authentic feel. 'Barjeel' is an ancient Persian technique to provide ventilation. Traditional courtyard and completely unique rooms should be able to give you the cultural high, you always crave without burning a very large hole in your pocket. Might not be a good idea in the summers though.
To mix it all up: Bab Al Shams Resort:
This one borders on the expensive list, but delivers all the fragrance of culture, I am inclined to put it up here.Nestled in the heart of the sand dunes, this is an ultimate luxury getaway with all the cultural elements one might crave, dancing, the decor, the henna and sheesha. This could just be the splurge one needs. Luxury spas and award winning restaurants are the cherry on top.
GETTING AROUND:
For the high Flyer: The most luxurious rental cars or chauffeured limousines, they're all at your disposal
For the Culture Vulture: Get a taste of the local flavor by travelling by the newly constructed metro..getting around in Dubai is very convenient!
For the best experience , it is recommended that one stay in Dubai and make a day trip or a one night visit to Abu Dhabi.
MUST VISIT:
For the high Flyer : Yas Island Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi
Ride at accelerated speeds, buy your Ferrari gear and get the whole Grand Prix experience. Guaranteed to get your heart pumping. This is one ride right up your circuit.
If you do enjoy that sort of thing, you might also try visiting the top of Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Remember to book tickets in advance,
For the Culture Vulture: Shiekh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi
Please dress respectfully in the mosque. Women are required to wear full sleeves, have covered legs and a covered head. If you don't have the required attire "Abayas" are available on rent.
MUST DO:
For the high Flyer :
For the Culture Vulture:
EATS:
For the high Flyer : Take your pick of Michelin starred restaurant, enjoy drinks at the Buddha Bar
For the Culture Vulture: Any local place where they serve Shawarma and Sheesha
SPOILS:
For the high Flyer : All the brands you can get at mall of Dubai
For the Culture Vulture: Traditional "Souks" where they sell pointy shoes "Mojri", "Sheesha/Hookah" and all the jingly-jangly trinkets. You can also buy gold. We bought "oudh": traditional fragrance from the Bastakia quarter.
So go out and get a taste of this potpourri that is Dubai. I hope you serve yourself a fantastic mixture of both worlds.
Also worth visiting.. the 'Bastakia' quarter ( Old Dubai).. has a spice 'souk' as well as fabrics, carpets and mojris.
MUST DO:
For the high Flyer :
- Sky diving over the palms
- Sand dune bashing and sand dune buggy rides (Sand dune bashing can also be done as a part of desert safari package)
- Hot air balloon rides over the desert.
For the Culture Vulture:
- Desert Safari (Multiple companies offer this, the evening safari, with belly dancing, henna , dinner and sand dune bashing is your best bang for buck)
- Camel and/or falcon racing
- Take a picture in ethnic Attire.
Another cool cultural thing to try: "Tanoura dancing" these guys are insane..of course don't try it at home..my not so graceful halt should be enough to convince you :)
EATS:
For the high Flyer : Take your pick of Michelin starred restaurant, enjoy drinks at the Buddha Bar
For the Culture Vulture: Any local place where they serve Shawarma and Sheesha
SPOILS:
For the high Flyer : All the brands you can get at mall of Dubai
For the Culture Vulture: Traditional "Souks" where they sell pointy shoes "Mojri", "Sheesha/Hookah" and all the jingly-jangly trinkets. You can also buy gold. We bought "oudh": traditional fragrance from the Bastakia quarter.
So go out and get a taste of this potpourri that is Dubai. I hope you serve yourself a fantastic mixture of both worlds.
