The City
Dubai grew from small trading port to the largest city of the United Arab Emirates, in only 25 years, making it one of the fastest growing cities in the world. The city expands from Dubai Creek southwards along the coast. Dubai focuses on trade and tourism; people visit from everywhere to enjoy its sun, sand and shopping, all with a hint of mystery.
Tourism
Airport
Coordinates: 25°15’10” N 005°21’52”E
Dubai International Airport is the main airport of Dubai, it is situated 4km southeast of the city. It is the 20th busiest airport in the world and it is expanding to accommodate over 80 million passengers by 2011.
Airlines
The following airlines have regular flights to Dubai International Airport:
- Emirates (from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban)
- Ethiopian Airliness (from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban
- Qatar Airways (from Cape Town and Durban)
- Singapore Airlines ( from Johannesburg and Cape Town)
- Kenya Airways (from Johannesburg)
- Egypt Air (from Johannesburg)
What to see
- Burj Al Arab
- Desert Safari
- Dubai Creek
- Dubai Museum
- Dubai Souks
- Jumeirah Mosque
- Madinat Jumeirah
- Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
Events
- Dubai Shopping Festival
- Dubai Fringe Festival
- Dubai International Boat Show
- Eid al-Fitr
- Sharmilas Annual Dance Show
- Urban Desert Festival
Accommodation
Search over 330 hotels in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
General Information
Dubai is nine hours ahead of U.S Eastern Standard Time and the currency used is the United Arab Emirate Dirham (AED, Dhs or Dh). The best way to get around Dubai is with Taxis, they are easy to get and inexpensive. No matter what time of year you visit Dubai pack a light jacket, the air conditioning in shopping malls and hotels can be freezing. If you are going to enjoy the sun, remember to pack your sunscreen, sunglasses and hat. You do not want to look like a lobster after day one of your seven-day “holiday in the sun”. Wear comfortable sandals or flip-flops if you are lazing next to the pool. Sneakers are best for the desert safari, camel rides, and sand boarding. Respect the local culture and religion and dress accordingly. Shorts and skirts must cover the knees and sleeves to the elbows. Keep a pashmina in your bag in case you need to cover up.
Weather
The best time to visit Dubai is during the winter months, December through February, when the average temperature is 24°C. Summer months, from May through September, are extremely hot and humid with an average temperature of 40°C in mid-summer.
