Reasons To Visit Dubai
As the Dubai property market shows signs of stabilizing, Dubai once again looks an attractive prospect for those looking to engage in investment property. According to a recent survey conducted by Mastercard, Dubai is the 9th most visited destination for tourists worldwide. This tourism injects an average of $7.8 billion dollars into the Dubai economy. Such is the allure for tourists that Dubai was able to outrank such cities as New York, Shanghai, Amsterdam and Kuala Lumpur in the list. When compared to similar research that was conducted in 2010, a growth rate of around 17.3% has been achieved. With the economic climate of Dubai looking like it might be on its way to stabilization, and the number of tourists visiting expected to improve let’s take a look at what Dubai has to offer, and why it is considered one of the greatest tourist destinations in the entire world.
Where to stay in Dubai
Dubai is an amazing city and staying there can be a wonderful experience. It is no wonder that more and more people are attracted to this city, as it offers great opportunities for exploration and entertainment. But the question remains, where should you stay in Dubai? Well, if you want to make the most of your visit, here are some of the best areas to stay in Dubai:
The Downtown area of Dubai is a great place for accommodation and has plenty of hotels to choose from. Here you will find all kinds of attractions, from malls and luxury shopping areas to historical sites such as Burj Khalifa – the tallest building in the world. The Downtown area is also home to some of the best restaurants in Dubai – so you can experience a bit of everything during your stay.
The Marina area is also one of the most popular areas for accommodation in Dubai. Here you will find the famous Dubai Marina Mall, and hotels with breathtaking views of the Persian Gulf. The Burj Al Arab is also located here – so you can stay in luxury while enjoying a holiday at sea! The Jumeirah area is another popular area for accommodation in Dubai.
Weather in Dubai
When planning a holiday, the first thing that many of us will consider is the weather. One thing is for certain, don’t go to Dubai if you’re looking to get away from the summer’s heat. It’s hot and sunny in Dubai pretty much every day, which is to be expected considering you’re entering the desert country. The temperatures during the summer months (typically June – September) range between an average of 37 – 39°C, with highs of up to a searing 45°C on occasion. That is very, very hot. Temperatures do drop in the evenings to the low 30s, but with this comes a high level of humidity which should be taken into consideration. The best time to visit Dubai is between December and March when temperatures drop to between 22°C and 30°C. Most people find this temperature far more agreeable. Even in these cooler months, it is advisable to cover up with sun lotion to protect from the sun.
Beaches in Dubai
If you want to visit a beach during your stay in Dubai you’re in luck. Dubai is home to a number of untouched sandy beaches where you will be able to relax and enjoy the sunshine. For the surfers among you, Dubai has a number of beaches where you will find surfers and kite surfers enjoying the waves. Beaches in such areas as Jebel Ali have become prime locations for surfers of the past few years.
Another option is to go to one of Dubai’s popular beach parks. The two most popular are Jumerirah Beach Park and Al Mamzar Beach Park. Both of these beach parks have proven popular amongst local residents, offering a number of services and amenities such as showers, snack and drink bars, bicycle hire and even swimming pools for those who do not wish to venture into the sea.
If you are looking to swim in the sea be aware that although the waters are generally calm, swimmers have been known to get caught in rip tides and get swept out to sea so be safe and only swim in areas that are monitored by lifeguards. These lifeguards are generally on duty all day until sunset.
Shopping in Dubai
Dubai has become known worldwide for shopping. With a number of top quality malls and no tax on purchases, Dubai is the place to go if you’re looking to have a shopping break. Many people look to venture into the world famous Gold Souk. There is so much choice on offer that you will find it impossible to cover all ground. In fact, there are new malls being constructed as we speak. Happy shopping!
Restaurants in Dubai
For the dining connoisseurs amongst you, Dubai has a lot to offer in terms of restaurants. No matter what sort of cuisine you are looking for, Dubai will have something to offer. Popular restaurants include Rhodes Twenty 10, Table 9 and Ashiana. It is important to check whether or not certain places require you to book a table in advance to avoid disappointment.
Tourist Attractions in Dubai
Dubai has a number of world class attractions to satisfy all tastes. Why not visit the famous Dubai Fountains? Daily performances, choreographed to music, the fountains are able to shoot water up to 500 feet into the air, which is as high as a 50 storey building. A must see.
Other popular attractions include the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, Dolphin bay, which whilst expensive offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience swimming with dolphins, and Ski Dubai, the 3rd largest indoor ski slope in the world, home to 6,000 tonnes of snow! Some attractions (particularly Dolphin Bay) can seem a little on the pricey side, but cannot be matched in terms of spectacle.
Other Considerations
As one of the most forward-thinking, cosmopolitan areas of the middle east, Dubai is an increasingly popular destination for tourists. It is worth considering that whilst certain areas may seem to be heavily westernised, certain Arab traditions must be observed and it is vital to remain respectful to these traditions at all times. There is no specific dress code in Dubai, with many locals opting for western dress, but shoulders should remain covered at all times. Expect also to hear the call to prayer over loudspeakers around the city throughout the day and ensure that you respect the public prayer areas at all times.
With that said, Dubai offers a modern international lifestyle to be enjoyed by all, despite being a Muslim country with many Islamic traditions. It is a politically stable state and boasts an extremely low crime rate, making it a fantastic tourist destination.
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