DUBAI

District  guide

Set between Europe and  Asia,  Dubai  is the jewel  in the crown of the United Arab  Emirates It offers  visitors an  oasis from the surrounding  desert. At the  same time, it remains  mostly  sunny and  warm  throughout the year.  Dubai  is  the second largest  of the seven  Emirates (  Abu  Dhabi,  Dubai, Ajman,  al-Fujaira,  Ras al-Khaimah ,  Sharjah,  and Umm  al-Qaiwain)  and  is located on the south-western  shore of the Persian  Gulf.  Dubai’s  population in  2001 was approximately  1,029,000.  Visitors from the four  corners of the earth  make their way to Dubai by land, sea and air.  The  Dubai  International  Airport is a  vital  link for business,  commerce and  tourism.  Its  state of  the art  facilities and runways permit daily  take-offs and landings  whacking  visitors in and out of the emeriti. 

  City of contrasts  

   Tourists and business travelers will  find something to provoke their imagination in this busy and cosmopolitan  city.  The central city itself  is designed with ultra-modern offices,  hotels  and shopping malls all set alongside  the Creek. This natural  sea-water inlet cuts through the center of the  city.  But just around the  corner, you might  come upon an ancient  house or  other testament to  the rich  heritage  of this city.  Don’t  think the inhabitants  of Dubai  are  living  too  abundantly  with their  dwindling  oil supply though. They  were smart enough to plan ahead  economically  to soften  the blow,  and  tourism  is one of their main plans.  Dubai  is able to  boast an Arabian  experience in a protected, open- minded  city.  Even the  desert  itself  holds tourist  appeal.

   Dubai’s  central business  district  is  divided into two parts: Diera on the  north  side of the Creek  and Bur Dubai to the south. They are connected by a tunnel and two  dirges.  But no  matter which side  you find yourself on, a stroll along its banks  will remind you of the  city’s  centuries-old trading  traditions. And each side  has everything you might want, from  great hotels and stores to mosques  and  bustling  markets  (souks.)

 For a glimpse of Old Dubai,  head to the old Bastakiya  distrist.  The narrow streets  remind you of days  gone  by and the old wind towers  are the mark  of Dubai. Before  electricity, the wind towers brought  air into the homes to help cool them.  This district is  being restored to show tourists the true old Dubai. Just outside the central city to the  north is the neighboring  emirate of  Shariah. Andto the west and south are the neighborhoods of Satwa,  Jumeirah, and Umm Suqeim.

While  in Dubai, you may want to  visit the Duabi Museum which will introduce  you to the heritage and  culture of the emirate. Another  great  site is the Diving Village. The Duabi Zoo is the oldest zoo in the Arabian  peninsula. If  your interests  run to Archeology,  there are three  main excavations in that area. One  at Ghusais, another at al Sufooh  and another at  Jumeirah.  The first  two are 2,000  year old graveyards  and the third dates from the 7^th to 15^th  century and contains artifacts  and  more. Visitors  must obtain  a  permit from the Dubai  Museum.

 Climate                                                         

   Temperatures  run from a mean  daily  maximum  of about 41 degrees Celsius  in July to a mean daily  maximum of 24 in January.  The climate in Dubai is classed as  sub-tropical,  arid. But if you’re  expecting predictable  weather,  guess again. Although Dubai is relatively regular, it does have its  share of rain, wind, and storms. Dubai is a truly international city and  it has an abundance of lodging options for the  business or leisure traveler. Depending on your circumtances you  may select from a number of fine hotels to meet your needs. For the ultimate Seven-Star Deluxe  comfort, spend your visit at the Burj Al  Arab Hotel. For Five-Star Luxury, there’s the Sheraton dubai creek hotel & Towers. A bit less luxe-plush, but still more than adequate, with all the amenities a world traveler should expect, include:  the  Fairmont Hotel; Crowne Plaza Hotel Dubai; Ritz- Carlton Dubai Hotel; and the Shangri-La Hotel.  The locally run hotels are also generally  excellent. Swimming pools, health center, and restaurants are not uncommon features to Dubai’s accommodations. But for the budget traveler, there are also self-catering apartments  and hostels.