Dubai Travel Notes
When to go: Dubai is warm and humid for most of the year, with May to September extremely hot months where day time temperatures are often in the high 30 °C's. October to April bring pleasant temperatures, December and January being the most popular.
GMT: +4 hours. Language: Arabic, with English spoken for business.
Currency: UAE Dirham.
Tourist/Visa/Health Information: Yellow Fever immunisation is required if arriving from an infected country. For full details please contact your GP. Visas are required for British Passport holders, but are free and can be obtained on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months on your date of return.
Dates for the diary: Ramadan is 11 Aug - 9 Sep 2010. The U.A.E. is a country of Muslim faith and therefore observes the tradition of fasting during daylight hours through the Holy Month of Ramadan. Alcohol restrictions may apply at hotels and, as a sign of respect, visitors are asked to refrain from eating, drinking and smoking in public places during daytime. Flight information: Emirates offers the most comprehensive UK coverage of flights to Dubai with direct non stop services available from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle and Glasgow. Other non stop carriers to Dubai include Virgin Atlantic and British Airways. If you prefer to travel from your local airport KLM offer regional UK departures via Amsterdam.
GMT: +4 hours. Language: Arabic, with English spoken for business.
Currency: UAE Dirham.
Tourist/Visa/Health Information: Yellow Fever immunisation is required if arriving from an infected country. For full details please contact your GP. Visas are required for British Passport holders, but are free and can be obtained on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months on your date of return.
Dates for the diary: Ramadan is 11 Aug - 9 Sep 2010. The U.A.E. is a country of Muslim faith and therefore observes the tradition of fasting during daylight hours through the Holy Month of Ramadan. Alcohol restrictions may apply at hotels and, as a sign of respect, visitors are asked to refrain from eating, drinking and smoking in public places during daytime. Flight information: Emirates offers the most comprehensive UK coverage of flights to Dubai with direct non stop services available from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle and Glasgow. Other non stop carriers to Dubai include Virgin Atlantic and British Airways. If you prefer to travel from your local airport KLM offer regional UK departures via Amsterdam.
Holiday in Dubai
Take a holiday to Dubai and see a perfect blend of the old world with the new. Glimpse the old cities hidden among stylish modern architecture, by exploring the traditional souks or taking a city tour.Jumeirah beach is the perfect antidote to the city's frenetic lifestyle and a superb vantage point for absorbing Dubai's mirrored landscape, dotted with dramatic skyscrapers like the Burj Al Arab's sailboat. Or for the more adventurous, brave the freefall speed waterslides in the state-of-the-art Wild Wadi Water Park.
For those looking for an action-packed holiday, Dubai has much to offer you; from water-skiing, sailing and scuba diving in warm gulf waters to championship golf courses, sandboarding or a taste of luxury at the races - horses, yachts, cars and camels - only in Dubai.
Holiday here, and this dazzling city will cater for your every craving with a range of dining experiences, perfectly reflecting its multi-cultural background. With Michelin-starred restaurants and chic cafes jostling for space with international and local fast food outlets, your options are endless.
No Dubai holiday would be complete without a spot of shopping. You'll find its upmarket malls, cool boutiques and designer brands make tax-free shopping thoroughly enjoyable. And head to Dubai's Arabic marketplaces include Deira's popular Gold Souk for some intensive bartering!
THE EVER-CHANGING FACE OF DUBAI
Dubai is renowned for its stunning, modern architecture and its dynamic pace of development. There are complexes currently under construction including:
The Palm Jumeirah and The Palm Jebel Ali: Development is still underway on these two islands forming the shape of two palm trees to include over 60 hotels, villas, apartments, marinas and a water park. Handovers have commenced in 2008, however there will still be considerable building works for the forseable future in the area.
The Dubai Marina: Due to be completed in 2008. A large-scale project to create open-space and accommodation for over 100,000 people in Jumeirah Beach. A certain amount of disruption and building work is inevitable in the hotels close to the Marina.
Burj Dubai: The tallest tower in the world, Burj Dubai, is currently under construction in the old town. Featuring residential and commercial units plus the world's first Armani Hotel, it will soon become one of the sought after addresses. A short walking distance from the Dubai Mall, world's largest shopping and entertainment destination, Downtown Burj Dubai already features a tropical logoon and luxurious souk. Some visual disturbance is unavoidable until the completion in early 2009.
Jumeirah Beach: There are a number of hotels being built on the beach and there may be visual and some noise disturbance to guests staying in nearby hotels.
Our reservations department will have the most up to date information with regard to all building work so should you require any further information please call us.
Unforgettable Dubai Holiday Excursions
Dubai City Tour
Price per person from: £19
Explore the spice market, fish, fruit and vegetable market and the Gold Souk. View the traditional wind towers and the old Fahidi Fort, now the Dubai History Museum. Visit the Jumeirah Mosque, an architectural landmark in Dubai and enjoy a photo shoot at the Burj Al Arab Hotel.
Duration: Half-day
Departs: Dubai - Sat, Mon, Wed
Adventure Tour
Price per person from: £79
Visit the old village of Hatta, Dubai's only mountain resort. See the 14th century Portuguese Fort and drive through Wadis (dried up river beds) and swim in mountain pools. Lunch at the Hatta Fort Hotel, then head to the desert for a thrilling sand dune drive at sunset. Finish at the Alnazwa Village, be photographed in traditional clothes, taste Arabic coffee or tea, relax or watch a falcon show. Enjoy a barbecue before a belly dancer performs.
Duration: Full-day, including lunch and dinner
Departs: Dubai - daily (min 4 people)
Magical Dubai
Price per person from: £122
A Dubai City Tour, plus lunch. This is the ultimate finishing touch to your Dubai City Tour. Treat yourself to definitive luxury with a sumptuous, traditional Arabian meal in one of the most luxurious hotels in the world, the Burj Al Arab.
Duration: Full-day, including lunch Departs: Dubai - Sat, Mon, Wed
Dhow Cruise Dinner
Price per person from: £38
Spend a romantic evening aboard a traditional Arabian dhow boat. In Dubai, gently cruise along the moonlit creek, past the brilliantly illuminated waterfront. In Abu Dhabi, set sail from Zayed Free Port past the impressive manmade Lulu Island, and the Garden City's brilliant minarets, domes and towers lining the Corniche. This tour includes dinner and soft drinks.
Duration: 2 hours, including dinner
Departs: Dubai - daily
Jumana Show
Price per person from: £90
Unique in The Middle East this spectacular imagistics show celebrates the rich history and culture of the region translating it into an incredible fantasy. Fireworks, laser and water effects will enchant you - a must see.
Duration: 4 hours including dinner
Departs: Dubai - daily except Mon and Sun
Burj Al Arab Lunch
Price per person from: £140
Let us introduce you to a taste of the finest Arabian hospitality and service, with unrivalled pomp and splendour. Enjoy lunch at Iwar restaurant in the world's architectural wonder and experience the magic atmosphere and luxury of Dubai's most recognisable landmark, Burj Al Arab.
Duration: 3 hours including lunch
Departs: Dubai - on request
Desert Safari & Barbecue
Price per person from: £42
Your desert safari or 'dune bashing experience' offers the ultimate thrill, with a speeding 4x4 taking on the rolling dunes. Sand-boarding is also available, on request (subject to availability). At base camp, witness the spectacular Arabian sunset and enjoy an evening barbecue, prepared on open fires, with a variety of beverages, while watching a belly dancer.
Duration: Half-day, including dinner
Departs: Dubai - daily
Price per person from: £19
Explore the spice market, fish, fruit and vegetable market and the Gold Souk. View the traditional wind towers and the old Fahidi Fort, now the Dubai History Museum. Visit the Jumeirah Mosque, an architectural landmark in Dubai and enjoy a photo shoot at the Burj Al Arab Hotel.
Duration: Half-day
Departs: Dubai - Sat, Mon, Wed
Adventure Tour
Price per person from: £79
Visit the old village of Hatta, Dubai's only mountain resort. See the 14th century Portuguese Fort and drive through Wadis (dried up river beds) and swim in mountain pools. Lunch at the Hatta Fort Hotel, then head to the desert for a thrilling sand dune drive at sunset. Finish at the Alnazwa Village, be photographed in traditional clothes, taste Arabic coffee or tea, relax or watch a falcon show. Enjoy a barbecue before a belly dancer performs.
Duration: Full-day, including lunch and dinner
Departs: Dubai - daily (min 4 people)
Magical Dubai
Price per person from: £122
A Dubai City Tour, plus lunch. This is the ultimate finishing touch to your Dubai City Tour. Treat yourself to definitive luxury with a sumptuous, traditional Arabian meal in one of the most luxurious hotels in the world, the Burj Al Arab.
Duration: Full-day, including lunch Departs: Dubai - Sat, Mon, Wed
Dhow Cruise Dinner
Price per person from: £38
Spend a romantic evening aboard a traditional Arabian dhow boat. In Dubai, gently cruise along the moonlit creek, past the brilliantly illuminated waterfront. In Abu Dhabi, set sail from Zayed Free Port past the impressive manmade Lulu Island, and the Garden City's brilliant minarets, domes and towers lining the Corniche. This tour includes dinner and soft drinks.
Duration: 2 hours, including dinner
Departs: Dubai - daily
Jumana Show
Price per person from: £90
Unique in The Middle East this spectacular imagistics show celebrates the rich history and culture of the region translating it into an incredible fantasy. Fireworks, laser and water effects will enchant you - a must see.
Duration: 4 hours including dinner
Departs: Dubai - daily except Mon and Sun
Burj Al Arab Lunch
Price per person from: £140
Let us introduce you to a taste of the finest Arabian hospitality and service, with unrivalled pomp and splendour. Enjoy lunch at Iwar restaurant in the world's architectural wonder and experience the magic atmosphere and luxury of Dubai's most recognisable landmark, Burj Al Arab.
Duration: 3 hours including lunch
Departs: Dubai - on request
Desert Safari & Barbecue
Price per person from: £42
Your desert safari or 'dune bashing experience' offers the ultimate thrill, with a speeding 4x4 taking on the rolling dunes. Sand-boarding is also available, on request (subject to availability). At base camp, witness the spectacular Arabian sunset and enjoy an evening barbecue, prepared on open fires, with a variety of beverages, while watching a belly dancer.
Duration: Half-day, including dinner
Departs: Dubai - daily
