Dubai - the largest city in the United Arab Emirates, is one of the new generation megacities in which all the most important shopping and financial centers are concentrated. This is the favorite place of many millionaires who prefer to flaunt the full power of their thick wallet and outshine the public with their chic fleet and yachts. Can anyone else be surprised in this country? After all, the Arab sheikhs still have not recovered from the euphoria of the oil rain that has fallen on them and continue to amaze the public with their grandiose buildings.
Tourism is currently a common occurrence in the UAE. People from all over the world come to the country to see the famous skyscrapers, artificial islands or the innovative city metro operating in automatic mode with their own eyes. It is in this country that there is the largest shopping center in the world and expensive hotels with a seven-star mark, which you will not find anywhere else.
At the first stages, travelers can get lost in this luxury, so we have prepared a special article that can direct you in the right direction. Let's look at what to see in Dubai first, as well as interesting excursions and other useful tips for those travelers who are just starting to explore the Arab world.
Burj khalifa
The most impressive building, which can be seen from anywhere in the city and even from the neighboring emirates, is the 828-meter tower of Burj Khalifa. The construction of this building took about 6 years and 1.5 billion US dollars. Burj Khalifa rightfully ranks first among the tallest buildings in the world, and also received a large-scale observation platform that opens up amazing bird's-eye views of the city.
“How can I go up to the upper floors of such a tall building?” - you ask. It was for these purposes that the fastest elevator in the world was built. For true connoisseurs of luxury and pathos, Burj Khalifa has its own restaurant on the 122nd floor, and special telescopes installed inside help trace the stages of the city’s development and its transformation from the desert into the main metropolis.
The cost of admission for adults is about 125 dirhams, which in terms of is about 1900 rubles, for children the price is slightly lower - about 1500 rubles.
Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard. Metro: Burj Khalifa Metro Station.
Dubai Music Fountain
People from all over the world come to Dubai to become a member of a large-scale fountain performance with musical accompaniment. The largest color music fountain is located on an artificial lake near the Burj Khalifa skyscraper. The height of the fountain sometimes exceeds the mark of 275 meters, and during the performance all possible light sources are activated. This truly fascinating sight is available absolutely for everyone day and evening.
Two sessions in the afternoon: at 13:00 and 13:30, and in the evening - every half hour from 18:00 to 23:00 (from Thursday to Saturday - until 23:30).
Artificial islands
There is an artificial archipelago in the Persian Gulf, consisting of three islands: Palm Deira, Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Jumeirah. The islands received excellent infrastructure, including residential areas and hotel complexes. Many famous personalities managed to buy out private territory here, after which they justified villas and penthouses.
The archipelago is connected to land using a 300-meter bridge, so access to the island is at any time.
Dubai Marina
This is a kind of Manhattan, only in the United Arab Emirates. Dubai Marina is a central area with access to an artificial bay. Since all buildings are located close enough to the water, it offers a beautiful view of the city at any time. Dubai Marina provides space for mooring yachts, there is a luxurious promenade and many picturesque boulevards.
SEC "Dubai Mall"
Dubai Mall has opened relatively recently, or rather, in 2008. In a short period of time, it has become one of the most visited and largest shopping sites in the world. Inside is a huge waterfall that gathers crowds of tourists who want to take pictures in front of him. Most global brands will certainly open one of the boutiques or showrooms inside the Dubai Mall, as this is one of the busiest venues on the planet.
Does the highest fountain in the mall surprise you? What about the giant aquarium inside? Yes, in addition to all the shops and the waterfall in the Dubai Mall, there is a huge aquarium with a capacity of 10 million liters. All visitors are given the chance to watch the life of marine life through a transparent front panel. Shark species, coral reef dwellers and many other predators live in the aquarium. The main thing is that all this is free!
Gold market
The Dubai Market is a special place that can charm every tourist. They do not sell lamb or seafood here, everything is focused on the sale of jewelry and gold. The assortment of the Dubai bazaar surpasses all the markets of the east. All prices on the market are inflated based on the bidding process, with which you can significantly reduce the price.
Dubai Desert Reserve
This is a conservation area that occupies a small part of the UAE. In the reserve there are animals that are on the verge of extinction. For tourists, various excursions are organized. One of these excursions is a jeep safari, during which you can watch some animals.
Ski Dubai complex
Could you imagine earlier that in the middle of the desert one of the largest ski resorts will be organized? 1,500 people can ride along the snowy Ski Dubai tracks at the same time. In addition, there are special areas for sleigh rides and snowball games on the territory of the Mall of the Emirates, where Ski Dubai is located.
The sights of this city, which can rightfully be ranked as one of the wonders of the world, do not end there, there are a lot of them, and to see everything with your own eyes, you will need more than one day. But tourists in the UAE are attracted not only by high-rise buildings, luxurious shopping and magnificent views in Dubai, but also by fascinating excursions. Let's move away from the question of what to see first in Dubai, and take a closer look at some of them.
Six emirates in one day
The tour starts from the most important city in the UAE - Dubai. A mini-group of several people is typed and sent by car through the northern part of the Emirates. The next stop is the cultural capital of the Arab world - Sharjah with a thorough study of all local attractions. After Sharjah, the group travels through the desert to the mountains of Fujairah. Interesting views and the predominance of local color will delight the eyes of travelers. Here you can go to the local market to admire the Persian rugs and taste the abundance of various fruits.
Further according to the plan - an overnight stop in one of the hotels on the Indian Ocean. The next day, the organizers gather people and go along the red sands of Ras Al Khaimah to Umm Al Quwain, and return to Dubai in the evening. To the question of how much the excursions in Dubai cost, we will try to answer at the end of each paragraph.
The cost of the tour for adults is $ 80 (about 5,000 rubles) and $ 64 (3,500 rubles) for children 3-11 years old.
Desert Safari with dinner
Ready to taste all the Arabian exotic in one evening? Then grab the Desert Safari! You will enjoy a fascinating ride through impassable desert places and the conquest of dunes. And it doesn’t matter that you will not drive the vehicle, your sensations will remain for life. The height of some sand dunes reaches 50 meters, on the way there will be small stops for photographs. On the way back you can enjoy a picturesque view of the evening Dubai.
The cost of the excursion ranges from 3500 to 4000 rubles.
Conquering a skyscraper
This is one of the most interesting places in Dubai. We have already mentioned the opportunity to climb the highest tower in the world and take a breathtaking picture of the city straight from the observation deck. By and large, this option can be attributed to individual tours in Dubai, because to enter the building you only need to purchase a ticket. Exploring Burj Khalifa may take a full day. The cost of admission includes the use of telescopes to track the history of the city, free internet. The visitor assumes the rental of the audio guide and other personal expenses. Also inside the skyscraper is a restaurant with wonderful views from the window.
Dubai sightseeing tour
Almost anywhere in the world, it is possible to arrange a city tour, both individually and in small groups. A sightseeing tour of Dubai is a walk through one of the fashionable areas of Dubai Marina, a man-made island with a stop at the famous Atlantis Hotel for a photostop. Then the group sets off to inspect the Dubai Mall's main shopping venue and dancing fountains. A similar walk around the city for many tour operators is called the "modern Dubai tour."
An adult ticket will cost $ 35, a child will cost $ 25, which in terms of 2000 and 1500 rubles.
Arab sheikh
Feel all the charm of luxurious life during an dinner on an Arab boat off the coast of the most pathos of Dubai Marina! The duration of the tour is about 2 hours. You will enjoy the beauty of an evening walk on a wooden Arab ship, taste the unique local goodies and go ashore of one of the richest areas of the planet.
Such a luxury would cost about 3,500 rubles per person, but it is definitely worth it!
Sightseeing tour in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi for many becomes the personification of modern approaches to the arrangement of the urban environment. It is in this city that you can feel the whole atmosphere of past years, in contact with modern trends in architecture. The tour includes a trip to the city and return to Dubai in a comfortable minibus. The whole day will be devoted to walks through the streets of Abu Dhabi, completely saturated with history, the study of architectural monuments and free time, and in the evening you can catch a tour of “Dubai at Night” - emotions will remain for life from such a busy day.
The cost of such a walk in Abu Dhabi is about 3,500 rubles per person.
Night fishing
As the name implies, the tour involves night hunting for crabs. People who book a trip are given an exclusive opportunity to feel the role of a hunter and enjoy the beauty of the night bay under the light of lanterns. Next you will find dinner with booty, a jacuzzi and a pool with alcoholic drinks. Great opportunity to have a great evening!
Estimated price - in the range from 4000 to 5000 rubles.
Private Dubai Night Tour
This city has at least two faces - daytime and evening. The city that you managed to see during the day turns into a completely different night tale. When the sun sets over the horizon and the heat begins to dissolve in the evening air, your adventures will begin.
The duration of the walk is about two hours. During this time, you will admire the 828-meter Burj Khalif tower at dusk, walk through the ancient Souk Al Bahar shopping market and visit the artificial island.
The final note of the night city tour will be a visit to the Atlantis Hotel, where on the 44th floor there are many popular bars and from where a stunning view of the city shrouded in millions of brightly shimmering lights.
Moroccan baths
This option of excursion is quite expensive, as it takes place in an individual form and implies a whole package of spa services. This is a deep cleaning and rejuvenation of the skin of the whole body with dry and wet steam using special compounds prepared according to ancient Moroccan recipes.
The program includes visits to the bathhouse, pool, hair mask, pedicures and manicures. In addition, there is the opportunity to visit the gymnasium and the magnificent Beauty Palace in the Emirates. At the end of all procedures, you will feel like a real Arab sheikh.
The cost of the service is about $ 380 (21,000 rubles).
According to the numerous reviews of tourists about excursions in Dubai, the most positive reviews are gained by Dubai Night and Desert Safari. But in any case, it is a matter of taste. We hope you can find a suitable option.
Conclusion
The United Arab Emirates is a complete fairy tale of the East. Here, any traveler will find something new and exciting for himself. Local customs and traditions, traditional Arabic cuisine, as well as luxury and all the splendor of the modern state will forever remain in your hearts.
The season on the territory of this state almost never ends. In the UAE, many tourists come for quality shopping and the acquisition of unique oriental souvenirs. Transport connection and infrastructure are well developed here, exclusive exhibits are being created.
In our article, we briefly went through the most important local attractions and described interesting tours in Dubai in Russian. Have a good rest and new discoveries!