Dubai Travel Guide

The iconic D-shaped structure known as the Burj al-Arab Hotel located on an artificial island from Jumeirah Beach exemplifies all the glitz and glamour that is Dubai. Naturally, the allure does not come without a price -- a very expensive price! So make sure you keep a close rein on your credit card in Dubai. But with the huge array of shopping, dining and exciting activities to choose from, it can be difficult to display self-control. So lose yourself in the most progressive emirate in the UAE and worry about your credit card bills when you get home.

Sights

There are many must-see places in both the Old and Modern Dubai. Check out the high-tech display of the city's history in the underground extension of the Dubai Museum. The Jumeirah Mosque is also another must-see. For a taste of Modern Dubai, visit the 900-foot dancing Dubai Fountain, the artificial Palm Islands and the Dubai Marina where you can also rent a yacht and go for a cruise.  

Things to Do

You'll never run out of things to do in this exciting city south of the Persian Gulf. There are various water-sport activities in the white sand beaches of Dubai. You can go skiing in the middle of heat of the Arabian Peninsula at the Mall of the Emirates or ride a hot air balloon high above the shimmering sand dunes. Beat the heat and explore waterfalls, the tidal pool and different swimming pools at the Wild Wadi Park or go bumper-car riding at the Al Safa Park. If you're more adventurous, try dune-bashing or a desert safari with highly-trained desert drivers. In the winter, you can watch camel races at the Camel Race Track on Thursdays and Fridays.

Shopping and Dining

Welcome to shopping paradise. Dubai invented shopping festivals, mainly to lure tourists like you. Choose your pick from any of the malls with a variety of shopping and dining options. Dubai Mall has a whopping 1,200 shops and is currently the largest mall in the world based on total area. If you're in the market for low priced electronics, check out Carrefour, a popular retail chain found in most malls. For gold and diamonds, go to the Gold & Diamond Park. Head to the multicultural Satwa District if you want to shop for amazing fabrics. You can also sample shawarma and falafel in the restaurants inside these malls. However, these shopping and dining places are just the tip of the iceberg. When you're in Dubai, you'll understand why it takes an iron will not to splurge. But why control your spending? You're in Dubai!

Where to Go in Dubai