DUBAI - Land of enchanting contrasts

 by Sabine Cassar-Alpert
(Photos by Jeff Vergara)

Most Gozitans and Maltese regard Dubai as nothing more than one huge, posh shopping centre, the ultimate shopaholic vacation spot!

However, there is much more to this land of amazing contrasts. In a comparatively small area you find anything from mountains, sand dunes and ancient villages, to sandy beaches, green parks, luxurious residential districts and, well, ultra-modern shopping malls.

Dubai City

Dubai’s central business district is divided into two parts — Deira on the northern side of the Creek, and Bur Dubai to the south — that are connected by a tunnel and two bridges.
 

Dubai Museum

The Dubai museum is housed within the beautifully restored Al Fahidi Fort and is a must to visit. Its diverse collection of exhibits offers a fascinating insight into the rich history and cultural heritage, spanning a time period of several millennia!

The Creek

The Creek, a natural sea-water inlet cutting through the centre of the city, is the historic focal point of life in Dubai. Hour-long boat trips are offered from the abra embarkation points, leading to the mouth of the Creek and inland to the Maktoum Bridge, passing on the way many of the city’s historic and modern landmarks.

At the inland end of the Creek a large, shallow lagoon has become wildlife sanctuary, a haven for migrating shore birds. The most spectacular species are the many Greater Flamingos which have made the Creek their permanent home.

Shopping in Dubai

One of the reasons why Dubai is a sought-after ‘shopping destination’ is its open port with low import duties. Free of tax, many top brand-name products are cheaper in Dubai than in the countries of their origin. Numerous top-class department stores and boutiques are found throughout the city.
 

The Souks

The souks on both sides of the Creek are attractive not just for their shopping bargains but also picturesque places for sightseeing and photography. In the ancient narrow alleyways and the tiny lanes of the spice souk, the atmosphere and the scents of the past can be savoured.

Bastakiya

The old Bastakiya district with its narrow lanes and tall wind-towers gives a tantalising glimpse of old Dubai. Wind-towers are not merely decorative; they were the only means of cooling houses in the days before electricity and can be regarded as the oldest form of air-conditioning!

Climate

Dubai has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Sunny, blue skies can be expected most of the year. Rainfall is infrequent and irregular, falling mainly in winter.

Temperatures range from a low of about 10.5°C to a high of 48°C. The average daily maximum of 24°C in January rises to 41°C in July.
 

Clothing

Lightweight summer clothing is suitable for most of the year, but sweaters or jackets may be needed for the winter months, especially in the evenings.

Dubai has a very relaxed dress code, although care should be taken not to give offence by wearing clothing which may be considered revealing. However, at the pool or on the beaches, trunks, swim-suits and bikinis are quite acceptable.

Alcohol

Alcohol is available in hotel and club restaurants and bars. However, restaurants outside the hotels are not permitted to serve alcoholic beverages. Never drink alcohol in public!

In Ramadan, never eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours; the same applies to noon – 2 pm on Fridays, even outside Ramadan.

Photography

It is considered offensive to photograph Muslim women. It is also courteous to ask permission before photographing men. In general, photographs of government buildings or military installations should not be taken.

Transport

Metered Taxis (recognised by their cream colour) charge as follows: Dh 3.00 for pick-up (Dh 3.50 between 22.00 and 06.00 hrs), followed by Dh1.17 per kilometre.

The fares of non-metered taxis are negotiated and start at ca. Dh 5 for short local journeys, while it may cost Dh10 to Dh15 to cross the Creek from one side of the city to the other.

Driving in the UAE is on the right-hand side.

Water taxis are an interesting way to travel between Dubai and Deira across the Creek. The cost of this experience is 50 fils.

Local Time

Three hours ahead of Malta time.

Currency

One dirham (Dh) is divided into 100 fils.
Lm 1 = ca. Dh 10.20
Dh 1 = ca. Lm 0.10