Travel the World

Dubai's Old Town, also affectionately known as Al Fahidi or Bastakiya, is like a pearl in an oyster. Nestled among the modern and rapidly evolving cityscape, it beautifully preserves the traditional charm of Dubai before the buzz of modernisation. Walking down the winding lanes, you'll witness quaint old-style buildings and traditional wind towers and perhaps even hear stories of the bygone era that still echo within these ancient walls.

Dubai's Old Town is well connected by public transport, making it a breeze to get there. Al Fahidi is the nearest metro station, but you can also opt for a taxi or a local bus from any part of the city.

Imagine waking up to the melodic call for prayer, enjoying breakfast at a traditional café, and then setting off to explore the historical nooks and crannies right at your doorstep. Staying in or near the Old Town can offer you just that!

There’s a range of accommodation options for you to choose from. If you want to mix and match diverse experiences, why not stay at one of the luxury resorts in Dubai? The likes of Anantara World Islands Dubai are preferred by those who want to stay close to the city’s attractions.

Dubai's Old Town isn't just about old buildings; it's an exciting blend of culture, heritage, art, and food. From the bustling souks or local markets selling everything under the sun, the intriguing Dubai Museum that holds the city's past, to the splendid Al Bastakiya Quarter that takes you back in time, there's so much to discover. Every corner of the Old Town has a story to share.

There's something truly magical about Dubai's Gold Souk. As you wander through the hundreds of shops adorned with gold, you'll quickly see why Dubai earned its nickname, City of Gold. Whether you are on a shopping spree or simply window-shopping, remember, haggling over prices isn't just expected here; it's a tradition!

The Al Bastakiya Quarter, with its narrow lanes, century-old houses, and iconic wind towers, is the perfect place to lose yourself in history. As you walk around, don't forget to visit the numerous art galleries, cafes, and boutiques that beautifully combine modernity with the area's historic charm.

Want to experience the local culture? Visit the Arabian Tea House. In the traditional courtyard setting, you'll find more than 150 types of tea from across the globe. And while you are sipping on a delicious brew, why not try some scrumptious local dishes as well?

The Dubai Museum, tucked within the 18th-century Al Fahidi Fort, offers an intriguing journey into the city's past. The museum houses an impressive collection of photographs, artefacts, and exhibits that paint a vivid picture of life in Dubai before oil exploration began.

Looking for a serene escape? An evening dhow cruise along Dubai Creek might just be the answer. As you gently float down the creek, enjoy the captivating contrast of Old and New Dubai, with traditional Emirati houses set against the backdrop of modern skyscrapers.

Just a stone's throw from the Gold Souk, you'll find yourself at the aromatic Spice Souk. Your senses will be treated to the fragrant aroma of exotic spices, herbs, and incense. The vibrant display of saffron, cinnamon, and a myriad of other spices makes for a delightful sensory experience.

To cap off your trip, visit Coffee Museum, where you can learn all about coffee's intriguing journey from bean to cup. Right around the corner is the XVA Gallery, where you'll discover contemporary art pieces from the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent.

Dubai is one of the most fascinating cities in the world, and a great destination for adventure seekers. It is located in the Arabian Desert and offers an array of desert activities for thrill-seekers. Planning a desert adventure in Dubai requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure that you have an enjoyable experience. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to plan a desert adventure in Dubai.

Image via Avani Ibn Battuta Hotel

The first step in planning a desert adventure in Dubai is to research and choose the right time to visit. Dubai has a hot desert climate, and temperatures can be extreme during the summer months. The best time to visit is from November to March when the weather is mild, and you can enjoy outdoor activities without worrying about the heat. Additionally, it is essential to check the weather forecast before your trip to avoid unexpected weather conditions that can hinder your adventure. While planning, also make sure that you book your accommodation in advance picking a centrally located establishment. You could choose the likes of Avani Ibn Battuta Hotel which is one of the renowned hotels near Dubai Marina for your stay.

Dubai offers various desert adventures, including dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, quad biking, and hot air balloon rides. It is crucial to choose the right type of adventure that suits your interests, budget, and physical abilities. If you're an adrenaline junkie, dune bashing or quad biking might be the perfect activity for you. However, if you prefer a more relaxed adventure, camel riding or a hot air balloon ride might be a better fit.

When planning a desert adventure in Dubai, it is essential to book a reliable tour company. A reputable company will ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience. They will also provide you with a professional guide who will help you navigate through the desert and offer you insights into the local culture and history. You can check online reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or your hotel concierge to find a reputable tour company.

Desert adventures require appropriate clothing to ensure that you are comfortable and protected from the sun and sand. It is recommended to wear loose-fitting and lightweight clothing that covers your skin to avoid sunburn and heat exhaustion. Additionally, it is advisable to wear a hat, sunglasses, and closed-toe shoes to protect your head, eyes, and feet from the sun and sand. A scarf or shawl can also come in handy to shield your face from the blowing sand.

Depending on the type of adventure you choose, you may need to bring specific gear. For instance, if you plan on sandboarding, you will need a sandboard. If you plan on quad biking, you will need to bring protective gear such as a helmet, gloves, and goggles. Some tour companies provide gear, but it is best to confirm beforehand to avoid any inconveniences.

The desert can be unforgiving, and it is crucial to stay hydrated and nourished throughout your adventure. It is recommended to bring enough water and snacks to keep you energized and hydrated. You can also check with your tour company to see if they provide water and snacks.

Dubai is a Muslim nation, and it is essential to respect the local culture and traditions. Dress appropriately, and avoid public displays of affection. Additionally, it is crucial to respect the desert environment by not littering or damaging the flora and fauna.

Planning a desert adventure in Dubai requires careful consideration of various factors, including the right time to visit, the type of adventure, a reliable tour company, appropriate clothing, gear, hydration, and snacks. By following these tips, you can have an enjoyable and unforgettable desert adventure in Dubai.

Dubai is indeed a city known for its luxurious lifestyle, grand architecture, and extravagant events and it comes as no surprise that many couples dream of having their wedding in this beautiful city. But planning a wedding in Dubai can be overwhelming, especially if you are not familiar with the city's culture and customs. In this blog, we'll provide you with some tips and insights on how to plan your dream wedding in Dubai.

Before you start planning your wedding, it's essential to set a budget. Dubai is known for its extravagant lifestyle, and weddings can be expensive. Setting a budget will help you prioritize your expenses and avoid overspending.

Dubai has a wide range of venues, from luxury hotels to beach resorts to elegant ballrooms. When choosing a venue, consider the number of guests, the theme of your wedding, and your budget. Popular wedding venues in Dubai include the 5 star hotel in Dubai the likes of Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai and more!

Planning a wedding in Dubai can be a daunting task, especially if you are not familiar with the city. Hiring a wedding planner who knows the city well and has experience planning weddings in Dubai can be a great help. A wedding planner can help you choose a venue, find vendors, and handle all the details of your wedding.

If you are a non-resident couple planning to get married in Dubai, you will need to obtain a marriage license from the Dubai Courts. The paperwork process can be time-consuming, so it's best to start the process early.

Dubai doesn't downplay extravagance when it comes to events and your wedding should be no exception. Choose a theme that reflects your personality and style, and work with a decorator to create stunning decor that will impress your guests.

The ultramodern city has a wide range of vendors that can help you create your dream wedding. From caterers to florists to entertainment, you can find everything you need in the city. Ask your wedding planner for recommendations or do your research online.

Dubai has a hot desert climate, and temperatures can soar in the summer months. If you are planning an outdoor wedding, it's best to avoid the summer months and consider indoor venues or a winter wedding.

Known for its vibrant cuisine, Dubai is renowned for culinary extravagance and your wedding menu should be no exception. Work with a caterer to create a menu that reflects the city's culinary culture and includes local specialities.

Known for its nightlife and entertainment scene, Dubai is a destination that does things big! And your wedding should be no exception. Consider hiring a DJ or live band to keep your guests entertained and create a fun and lively atmosphere.

Despite being a high and hip travel destination, Dubai is a conservative city, and it's important to respect the local customs and traditions. When planning your wedding, consider the dress code and ensure that your guests are aware of any cultural sensitivities.

Dubai is a city that is spread out, and it's important to consider transportation and accommodation for your guests. Work with your wedding planner to arrange transportation for your guests from their accommodation to the wedding venue. Also, consider arranging accommodation for your guests in hotels that are close to the wedding venue to make it convenient for them.

Planning a wedding in Dubai can be a magical and unforgettable experience. By following these tips and working with a wedding planner, you can create a wedding that reflects your style and personality and creates lasting memories for you and your guests.

Home to some of the most sought-after desert landscapes in the world, Dubai is poised to escort you on a thrilling adventure out across the shores of the Gulf to the rocky regions of the Hajar Mountains. In short, going on a desert safari when in Dubai comes off as one of the better activities to spend your time on. Penned down below is how you can go about scheduling one.

Image via pixahive

Staying well clear of searing temperatures will be hard to come by, particularly given the environment and weather patterns that impact Dubai and the UAE at large. However, the cooler months from November through February would be one’s best bet with one having to contend with daily desert temperatures of between 20 – 25 degrees Celsius. Although, since this is the tourist season, holidaymakers like yourself will have to deal with more crowds and steeper costs. Alternatively, the off-season which stretches out from March to May can be factored in which is a time of year synonymous with lower fares and intense temperatures in the morning that give way to cooler evenings that in turn, would make for far easier adventuring over and around the dunes.

Well aside from the plethora of activities that can be partaken of which appeal to both laidback and adventure-travellers, these regions are perfect for uncovering and learning of the ancient mannerisms of the Bedouins. Added to this, what’s not to like about tucking into traditional Arabic cuisine, oozing in zest and flavour as you unwind with family, friends or by yourself near a glowing campfire and under a starlit sky?

For instance, consider the thought of booking into hotels near Palm Jumeirah such as Avani Palm View Dubai from where you can schedule and fine-tune your itinerary while having access to knowledgeable tour operators to consult and work alongside. Staying at such establishments will offer you a chance to query the locals on what would work and what wouldn’t. What’s more? Vacationers will also have ample space to visit some of the most talked about and cherished tourist hotspots that have made Dubai into what it is today.

First up, is the need to find a suitable tour operator in the likes of Headout who offer a wide spectrum of packages that are reputed for complementing all whims and fancies. Be it a luxurious ride to a more riveting, action-packed one that will have you gripping the seat of the 4x4, Dubai’s desert safari culture is all this but so much more. Made up of premium transfers and authentic encounters in a charming desert oasis, look no further than the Ultra Luxury Desert Safari where you will have the best seat in the house to go on a 1-hour nature safari. Wear the traditional Emirati headscarf and look forward to delighting in vistas of native birds, lakes and a falconry performance. Also, make time for a camel ride before retiring to the comfort of your private cabana from where a sumptuous 6-course meal will be served. For a cost beginning at AED 1,750, you will certainly be getting your money’s worth in every sense of the phrase. If you desire to ride along in a vintage Mercedes with the desert unravelling before your very own eyes, then do reserve the Al Marmoon Oasis Bedouin Camp Heritage Safari. As you are driven in a G Class Mercedes of the 1980s, begin scouring regions near and far that encompass the Al Marmoon Desert Conservation Reserve. Traverse through sparkling dunes en route to the Bedouin village that will warmly welcome you and in turn, serve you appetising gahwa and a host of traditional sweets to snack on. Herein, you will be presented a chance to sit through an Arabic coffee-making session before being treated to the intricacies of preparing traditional Emirati bread as was customary during the times of old. On the flip side, you can pocket out AED 400 for one mesmeric escape to the Al Awir Desert where dune buggy rides and unlimited campsite refreshments are the norms. For the laidback at heart, perhaps, a camel ride in close proximity to the camp would be the perfect tonic so to speak. Although, the daring traveller will be compelled to ride a 4x4 as part of a dune bashing experience or hop onto the next available quad bike to discover the very best of what these dunes have in store.

Dubai’s glamour beckons visitors to enjoy the finer things in life, but how do you get around once you are there? The metropolis is pretty hot and strolling from place to place is not an option. The 100 km/hr speed limit makes driving somewhat dangerous and biking almost impossible. However, the city offers ample transport options. Let’s take a look.

Dubai’s tram system connects the residential and commercial hubs of Dubai Marina, Media City and Palm Jumeirah. Hence, if you stay at a Palm Jumeirah Hotel you can have easy access to the metro system. Some hotels like the Avani Palm View Dubai are connected to the metro system. The tram offers a flat rate regardless of the length of travel. This is a convenient and inexpensive mode of transport to explore the hubs of Dubai. When you wish to spend some time at Palm Jumeirah Island, you can use the Palm Monorail. This rail system connects Dubai’s mainland with the Palm Jumeirah Island station. You can use the Palm Monorail to get around Atlantis the Palm and theme parks like the Aquaventure Water Park.

Unlike most metropolises, Dubai only operates two metro lines, but with 45 stops this service serves main tourist attractions. The metro fare depends on the distance and zone that you are travelling. As a large number of destinations in the city are set around Sheikh Zayed – you can easily use the metro to get to these places. The metro line connects the iconic Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina and the Dubai mall. All you have to do is get yourself a Nol card. You’ll come across trains every 10 minutes.

The city is full of taxis and hailing one of these is the easiest way to get around Dubai. While the government operates most taxis, there are a few private players around. These metered service taxis charge their fees by distance travelled. You should remember to ask the taxi driver to turn on the metre if it isn’t set to automatic mode. You can identify licensed taxis by the tan and red colours or pink roofs. Women taxi drivers drive the pink-roofed taxis – intended for women and families only. If you are a man or a group of men travelling together, you cannot use the pink-roofed taxis. You can hail taxis from the Dubai mall, Palm Jumeirah, the Burj Khalifa or the Mall of the Emirates. While these are easily accessible, you would have to prepare for longer waiting periods during rush hours (3 30 pm to 5.30 pm).

Careem is Dubai’s version of Uber. It is actually a regional app. The Careem app is easy to use and stops you from having to go look for a taxi. However, Careem is slightly more expensive than normal taxis. But you do get nicer cars and the convenience of ordering transport via a click of your phone. If you take a Careem ride from the airport to Downtown Dubai expect to spend about 25 USD.

Water taxis are not the most popular way of getting around in Dubai, but it is undoubtedly unique. You can cruise across Dubai Creek, and gaze at the cityscape from a different perspective. You can capture a beautiful picture of this decidedly modern yet ancient city with its stories on your phone and memory. This cruising experience however doesn’t come cheap. A water taxi ride from the Dubai Marina to Deira Old Souks cost about 85 USD, and it will take about an hour and half for you to get to your destination.