One of the most visited places in the United Arab Emirates is Dubai. Every year the country receives millions of guests, and all of them mainly come to this city. This is not surprising, because this region has everything that tourists need: a high level of service, numerous attractions, the clear water of the Persian Gulf, shopping centers and the hot sun.
Dubai: general information
Surely many have heard about this city, but, unfortunately, some people are still asking the following question: "Dubai - which country?" As you know, the city is part of the United Arab Emirates. It is located on the Arabian Peninsula, in the southern part of the Persian Gulf. The population of the metropolis is approximately 2 million people. Communicate locally mainly in English and Arabic. Muslim laws are observed sacredly, but at the same time more freedom is granted here than, for example, in the emirate of Sharjah.
Historical essay
Until 1940, Dubai was a small settlement. The main occupation of local residents was the extraction of pearls, which was exchanged for food. But soon the Japanese began to produce pearls artificially. This has led to a significantly reduced need for the present. In this regard, a crisis began in the region, which lasted several years. Everything changed only after oil was discovered in these places. From that moment, Dubai and other emirates began to grow rapidly and flourish.
The climate of the region
The climate in this emirate is very hot, this fact should be taken into service by everyone who is going to Dubai. The country literally languishes in the heat during the summer months, sometimes even in the shade the temperature can reach a mark of 50 degrees. Winters are cooler, in January the temperature can drop to 19 degrees.
Resort architecture
One of the main attractions of the city can be called its hotels. Burj Al-Arab is considered the most famous of them. From the windows of its upper floors you can see the artificial Palm Islands, which have become the greatest project of our millennium. Of particular note is the Madinat district, which is stylized as romantic Venice. Here you can ride real gondolas.
In the same area is the highest skyscraper in Dubai and around the world - Burj Khalifa, its shape resembles a stalagmite. From its upper platform you can see the clouds passing by. The height of the structure is 828 meters (162 floors). This grand building has 50 elevators.
Not far from the Burj Khalifa skyscraper, the highest fountain in the world was built. The height of the jets of this amazing musical structure can reach 150 meters.
Events
One of the most respected events that take place in Dubai is the Dubai World Cup (horse racing). In the world of equestrian sports, this event is considered very significant. Basically, the race participants become only better tribal horses of the entire planet. The city also hosts falconry.
This emirate hosts many important international exhibitions and conferences. For example, the annual shopping festival in Dubai brings together representatives of almost all nationalities. Every year in January and February, the metropolis is transformed into a huge fair. More than 2000 stores offer their goods at incredible discounts. In addition, at this time there are many lotteries, competitions and shows. What is it worth the draw of Rolls Royces and gold bullion!
sights
There is probably no more colorful place in the world than Dubai. The country perfectly combines modern technology and ancient traditions. At the Museum of Fort Al Fahidi, you can look at various strange Bedouin arts and crafts. Unique examples of oriental architecture are the Jumeirah Mosque and Sheikh Saeed Palace. An outstanding architectural monument also includes the Grand Mosque with the highest 70-meter minaret in the city.
To go back a couple of centuries, just walk along the streets of the ancient Bastakia region. The narrow streets and wind towers here breathe the spirit of the past.
The history of the city is closely connected with the Creek Bay. This is a natural marine arm that divides Dubai into two parts. It is very interesting to watch the hustle and bustle of ship loading and unloading, which even today travel in strange ways to India and Africa. The inner end of the bay is currently considered a reserve, where many species of birds live. The most amazing of them are flamingos, for which the Creek Bay has become a permanent home.
City surroundings
Skyscrapers and fountains - this is not all that Dubai can show you. The country on the world map looks like an impregnable and harsh desert. Despite the fact that outwardly these open spaces seem lifeless, there are a large number of plants and animals. There are many entertainments in the desert: jeep safaris, skiing from sand dunes and others. In the Hatta massif, you can admire the restored ancient irrigation canals, as well as nearby canyons, at the bottom of which the water does not disappear all year round. The reigning peace in these places sharply contrasts with the noise of the metropolis.
Metropolis Attractions
In the huge shopping center "Deira City" there are unique attractions for children, which include a labyrinth, a mini-golf course, bowling machines and various electronic games.
The city has an indoor ski resort. Its area is 22.5 thousand square meters. m. (in this area you can place 3 football fields). About 1.5 thousand people can fit in a room at the same time. So far, this is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East.
Incredibly, the largest aquarium is also located in this metropolis in the huge shopping center "Dubai". The Dubai Zoo, which is located in Jumeirah , is considered quite popular. A huge number of animals live here: birds of prey, representatives of the cat family, seven species of primates, Arabian wolves and other species.
The city has many golf courses. At the Hatta Fort Hotel, everyone has a unique chance to play golf in the mountains.
Dubai Markets
Bazaars in the city are simply myriad. You can buy excellent clothes for adults and children, haberdashery, and inexpensive cosmetics at the Wasl and Naif markets. Murshid Bazaar is famous for its wholesale shops. Here, products are sold in dozens and "darzans." Mostly in Murshid they buy fabrics, dried fruits, incense, household appliances - and all this at fairly low prices. For spices and household goods, you should head to the Old Market and the Mauain market. Fresh seafood is offered at the Fish Market. Here in the assortment you can see Dubai smoking pipes and tobacco for them.
In the fruit and vegetable market, the variety of products is simply amazing. This is mostly a wholesale market, but they are also released here in kilograms. Gold at the rate of the International Gold Exchange can be bought on the Old and New Gold Market. The price of the product depends on its weight, but on average per gram of this noble metal will have to pay from 11 to 15 dollars. Interestingly, the many jewelry on the market are for men.
On both sides of the bay is the Bar Dubai Market. This old bazaar sells spices and textiles. From a variety of tissues, eyes really run up. Here you can choose everything - from brocade to chintz, and at the most affordable prices.
Institutions of the city
The gastronomic theme deserves special attention. Dubai is a real oasis of various eateries, fast food establishments and cafes. Dubai restaurants can boast not only culinary delights, but also truly incredible original design.
The metropolis has a unique rotating restaurant, Al Dawaar. It is located on the 25th floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Every two hours the institution makes a complete revolution around its axis. It offers beautiful views of the city, harbor, airport and golf course. The restaurant is designed in a classic style. The menu of Al Dawaar presents dishes of various cuisines: Japanese, Arabic, European, Asian. The menu card contains alcoholic beverages, however, their cost is higher than in other institutions in Dubai.
Trader Vic's Restaurant is a Polynesian-style restaurant located at the Crown Plaza Hotel. The institution is famous for its amazing cuisine of the southern seas and a bar with exotic cocktails. But it is worth noting that the prices here are very high. However, the restaurant has so-called happy hours - from 18.00 to 20.00 cocktails receive a discount of 50%.
Dubai has a Mexican restaurant called Cactus Cantina. In the institution they cook almost all Mexican dishes and a variety of cocktails. The Italian restaurant Venezia, located in the Venetian quarter, is also very popular. The prices here are reasonable.
An incredible combination of American classics and the modern East can be seen in Hard Rock Cafe. On the menu you can see mainly American dishes, a large selection of spirits and beer. In the evenings, some kind of rock band often performs in the establishment.
Do I need a visa in the UAE?
Recently, the United Arab Emirates has softened the border crossing conditions a little. But, unfortunately, for Russians and other post-Soviet citizens, a visa to Dubai will still be needed. To get an adult visa, you need the following documents:
- passport (valid for more than six months after the end of the trip);
- scanned color copy of the first page of the passport;
- one photo card.
For children, a color photocopy of the passport page of the parent, where there is a record of the child, is required. All documents can be submitted electronically. A permit is also issued electronically, and a copy of it will need to be provided at Dubai Airport . The deadline for applying for a visa usually does not exceed 5 days.
Nuances
It is worth mentioning some difficulties that may arise before those who apply for a visa to Dubai. A country may refuse to issue an entry permit without explanation and without returning the cost of paperwork. As a rule, young girls who plan to visit the country unaccompanied by men, or citizens whose passport is stamped with Israel, can be refused. In addition, a visa to Dubai is not issued to tourists under the age of twenty-two if they plan to enter the country unaccompanied by adults, since the UAE comes of age only after reaching this age.
A visa in the UAE can be single-use, it is issued for a period of up to 59 days, but it is allowed to stay in the country only 29 days. Its extension can be issued by paying an additional visa fee. If a foreigner has an invitation from a local resident, then you can stay in the state for no more than 90 days.
After all of the above, we hope that no one else will have a question: "Dubai - what country is this?" In addition to this, you also now know that this city is a real modern wonder of the world. Have a nice trip!