Dubai Marina (Interchange 5, Dubai) — an artificial canal city, is a fun place to bar hop and people watch at night. Bear in mind that alcohol is only permitted for non-Muslims in hotels. Fortunately, there are plenty of hotels at the marina, which gives you plenty of options to choose from, including the Observatory […]
Corniche Beach (Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi) – Cities like Nice, France and Havana, Cuba have their seaside boulevards. Abu Dhabi has something similar called Corniche Road – which spreads across an impressive eight kilometers of manicured waterfront that includes children’s play areas, separate cycle and pedestrian pathways, cafés and restaurants, and the Corniche Beach – […]
Burj Al Arab (Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai) — “the world’s only seven-star hotel”, is worth a visit, although unless you are a guest you aren’t allowed inside the gate. The loophole is to make a reservation for “Sky Tea”, or high tea in the Skyview Bar located on the top floor of the sail-shaped hotel. […]
Atlantis Hotel at Palm Jumeirah (Crescent Road, The Palm, Dubai) — this hotel is located at a man-made island in the shape of a palm tree. In the lobby you will find a magnificent glass sculpture by the famed glass artist Dale Chihuly. Keep going and you’ll find the 11-million liter aquarium. This aquarium trumps […]
AL HILI ARCHEOLOGICAL PARK (Mohammed Bon Khalifa Street, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi) — the village of Al Hili, about 12 km north of Al Ain City, has become internationally known for its archaeological excavations which were conducted starting in the late 1960s. Teams from universities around the world have discovered remains of a settlement and […]
Buses (Dubai) — The public bus system is rarely used by Western expats, due to the convenience of taxis. The service is extremely cheap, but routes can be convoluted, journey times lengthy and times erratic. Timetables, prices and route maps are available from the main bus stations of Al Ghubaiba in Bur Dubai (+971 04 […]
Abu Dhabi Mall (Tourist Club Area – connected to Beach Rotana Hotel, Abu Dhabi) — With over 200 shops and upwards of 25,000 visitors a day, restaurants on every floor, a children’s play area and a Cineplex, this is more than just a shopping destination. Look out for big name outlets like Paris Gallery, Areej […]
AL AIN NATIONAL MUSEUM (Al Jahili area, Hessa bint Mohamed Street – next to Al Ain Oasis, Abu Dhabi) — Standing next to the Eastern Fort in Al Ain, the National Museum compiles relics and illustrative findings from the Stone Age until the early days of the United Arab Emirates. To understand life and cultures […]
Al Fahidi Fort and Dubai Museum (Al Fahidi Street, Dubai) — the fort dates back to the 18th century (acting as the oldest existing building in Dubai). It houses interesting archeological finds as spears, khanjar knives and cannons along with various artifacts from African and Asian countries that traded with Dubai traders. Admission: AED 3 […]
Ashwaq (Al Soor and Sikkat al-Khail Streets, Deira, Dubai) – given all the high-brow and fancy restaurants that dominate much of Dubai’s dining scene, this popular local spot is a break from all that. Ashwaq, located near the Gold Souq, serves up succulent lamb and garlic-laden chicken shwarma (like a mini doner kebab, from a […]