GETTING AROUND
One of the simplest, cheapest and easiest
ways to get around in Dubai is taxis.
Compared to similar cities, taxis in Dubai
are inexpensive and there are plenty of
them. It may seem a touch on the dull
side, but there is no substitute for a quick
air-conditioned ride in a comfortable
and new car when the heat can rise up
to 40°C. However, with the introduction
of the new tram system in Dubai there is
a quick way to get across the sea front of
Dubai taking in Jumeirah Beach and the
Marina. You can also connect with the
Metro stations from certain stops which
can then take you into Downtown Dubai.
For the scenic travellers out there, an
aquatic taxi ride along the 10km-long
Creek is the best way to experience the
juxtaposition of the ancient world of the
Middle East and the modern Metropolis
that Dubai has become. For only 1
Dirham (about 20 pence!) you can be
transported from one end to the other
in about 5-10 minutes. Or if you fancy a
more private journey you can pay to be
taken back and forth at leisure for around
80 Dirham's (about £16) for an hour or so.
The choice is yours.
WHERE TO STAY
There are two main areas to stay when
travelling to Dubai and it will depend
upon your preference as to where you will
choose. If you are a beach bunny, then
look no further than The Palm Jumeirah.
With only a couple of hotels, there is
not much to choose from but thankfully
our recommendation is one of the best
hotels in the world. Atlantis, The Palm
has everything you could ever want, from
restaurants and bars numbering into
the 20's to a waterpark and aquarium
which is home to 65,000 marine animals.
With room types for all budgets there is
something for everyone at the Atlantis.
However, if you are more the hustle and
bustle type then Downtown Dubai is the
place for you. With restaurants to suit
all tastes, shopping that rivals anything
you have ever seen before and even
the tallest building in the world, the Burj
Khalifa, Downtown Dubai is a city break
of the future. Best of all, the beach is still
very accessible from this area via public
transport which means you can have the
best of both worlds.
SHOPPING AND
SIGHTSEEING
Shopping, restaurants, bars, an
aquarium, cinemas, theme parks,
waterparks, and beaches, to name but
a few, Dubai has everything one could
want from a shopping and sightseeing
perspective. Start your day by relaxing
on one of the pristine public beaches.
Then take the Metro into Downtown
Dubai for a spot of lunch in one of
the many 5-star restaurants before
fulfilling all your shopping dreams at
the world famous Dubai Mall. When
night falls why not take a trip up the
tallest building in the world, the Burj
Khalifa, to breathe in the stunning 360
degree night-time views of the Arabian
Desert and the Gulf Coast? Or take in
breathtaking display of choreography
that mixes light, music and water at the
amazing Dubai Fountain.
For the kids there is the aptly named
KidZania®, an award-winning safe
and interactive edutainment centre.
There is also SEGA Republic, if
you fancy joining the kids in some
high-adrenaline family fun as well as
Aquaventure Waterpark (free when
staying at Atlantis) and the Dubai
Aquarium.
Destination Focus
DUBAI, UAE
Dubai prides itself on being the biggest and the best at
everything that it does. From the world's tallest building and
the largest man-made island to one of the most expansive
malls and most luxurious hotels, Dubai has it all. And with
cruises from Dubai becoming ever cheaper and more
frequent, there has never been a better time to combine a
cruise with a stay in this enchanting city.
www.jetlinecruise.com
10
Top 10 Tips:
1: Visit the Burj Khalifa at night for
stunning 360 degree views
2: Stay at Atlantis, The Palm for
unparalleled facilities and FREE
entry to the Aquaventure Waterpark
3: Pay for a private crossing of the
Dubai Creek using an aquatic taxi
so you can enjoy the views at leisure
4: Take the whole family to the Dubai
Mall, a place that has something for
everyone
5: When going long distances, use
taxis rather than public transport
6: For an upmarket dining experience
eat at Rhodes Twenty 10
7: Take a trip into the desert for a 4x4
Safari adventure
8: Visit the Dubai Aquarium and
Underwater Zoo for an amazing
marine experience
9: Ride high in a Hot Air Balloon across
the desert
10: Learn about the history of this
amazing city at the Dubai Museum.
