TRAVEL TIPS: Seeing the “whole” of Dubai

Dubai…the beautiful, wonderful, amazing land of Dubai.  Dubai, the land that I call my home right now…but only for another week or so before my husband and I travel (Thailand, Italy, France, Canada…) and then move to Abu Dhabi.

the beautiful Dubai skyline…with the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, towering amazingly

But many people travel to Dubai and after a year of living here, this is my brief advice on how to see the “whole” of Dubai, truly experience this emirate in its truest beauty, whether you have a whole week or not even a day.

My advice: make sure you see all 3 of these quintessential parts:

1) THE OLD

2) THE NEW

3) THE DESERT

If you only see the old parts of Dubai, that is to stay around Bur Dubai and Deira, you won’t have seen the grandeur and amazement of Dubai’s modern masterpiece of city-life.

the beautiful Dubai Creek along the Deira waters at night, in the older part of the city, near Bur Dubai. You can pay for a dhow cruise including dinner.

But if you simply stay in the new areas, you’ll feast your eyes on the amazing Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, Palm, amazing malls…but not get to see the amazing features offered in the the older part of the city.

And if you don’t venture into the desert…well you miss out on one of the most amazing pieces of the natural environment.

The United Arab Emirates is blessed with some of the most amazing topography: conservation areas with rivers and sand dunes, pristine ocean waters, stunning mountains, and beautiful trees and flowers that align many a street.  Venture out!  Hire a car or even do a desert safari.  You won’t regret it!

I know this is short (I’m in the middle of packing PLUS trip planning)…but trust me…if you memorize THE OLD, THE NEW, THE DESERT and truly experience when you are here, you will fall IN LOVE with this city much like I have.

the desert…beauty in its purest, most natural form!

And one big handy tip: If you have time visit the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (www.cultures.ae).  They offer really informative breakfasts, lunches, and dinners throughout the year where you can learn more about Emirati culture.  You also then tour a mosque and learn more about the Islamic faith.  My first visit to the SMCCU was last year’s Ramadan when I attended an iftar – the breaking of the fast at sundown.  It was an amazing opportunity to learn more about Muslim traditions surrounding the Holy Month.  I highly highly recommend => and you’re going to Bur Dubai anyways with “the old, the new, the desert” as your mantra, so you have time!!!!!

Enjoy Dubai … it’s an amazing place!

PS  www.cobone.ae, http://www.groupon.ae, http://www.dealgobbler.ae => great sites for cost-effective activities!  Enjoy 🙂