WELCOME
ISLAMIC TRADITIOn
Interior shot of Burj Al Arab
Dubai prides itself in being a progressive, multicultural and tolerant society. There is a deep rooted belief in Islam and the culture centres on the family. A trade and investment powerhouse, the emirate is one of the world’s most rapidly growing economies and steadfastly upholds its Islamic values and tradition.
PLACES TO SEE AnD THInGS TO DO
ARTS AnD CULTURE Dubai’s reputation for being one of the region’s leading centres for arts and cultures was cemented by its past. Steeped in culture and historically rich, art galleries, museums and heritage areas flourish in the city. The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority is committed to bringing Emirati heritage, visual arts, theatre, poetry, music and literature to the fore. The city is also host to a series of groundbreaking initiatives such as the Dubai International Film Festival and Emirates Airline International Festival of Literature. These initiatives are testament to Dubai’s dedication towards promoting a dialogue between cultures and nations and nurturing local talents. Art Dubai, the largest contemporary art fair of the Middle East, has today evolved as the quintessential meeting place for collectors, artists and art professionals from across the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and beyond. Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre (DUCTAC) has become the torch bearer for theatre, dance and musical endeavours in the city.
Imagine a place where you can indulge in every leisure activity known to mankind – water themed parks, desert safaris, scuba diving, jet skiing, hot air ballooning, horse riding, shooting, shopping, blokarting, bird watching, eating, eco-tourism, skating, partying, virtual gaming and even skiing! See a brilliant performance of dolphins and seals at the Dolphinarium or step into KidZania – a complete kiddy themed country. And if all this isn’t your cup of tea the just book a city tour and take a look at the iconic landmarks that have put Dubai on the world map. The options are limitless and the fun endless.
SHOPPInG Dubai has the world’s best buys and just one look at its colossal malls explain why. From bespoke designer brands to local creations, exquisite jewellery to the latest gadgetry – the city is a shoppers’ paradise. Retail extravaganzas such as the Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai Summer Surprises, Eid in Dubai, Ramadan Market and Gitex descend upon the city almost every month attracting thousands of shoppers worldwide. The great value-for-money bargains literally make retailing a therapeutic pastime.
SPORTS Some the world’s most prestigious events take place on the shores of Dubai. The world’s most expensive horse race, the annual Dubai World Cup, attracts more than 50,000 racing enthusiasts to the city’s spectacular Meydan racing complex. By hosting events such as Dubai Desert Classic Golf Championships, Dubai Rugby Sevens, Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, FIFA Beach Soccer and FINA World Swimming Championships, the emirate’s sporting facilities have garnered world-wide acclaim, winning a pole position for the city. 8
plush stays in the world – the opulent Armani Hotel, the ultra chic Address, downtown, the majestic Burj Al Arab or the desert oasis which is Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa. Almost every venue features a celebrity chef restaurant, avant-garde business centres to top notch leisure facilities.
GETTInG AROUnD ECOnOMY
ACCOMMODATIOn
Tourism, trade, real estate and financial services power the emirate. Tourism is the real thrust behind the economy and the government aims to build 100,000 rooms for 15 million visitors by 2015. Within the next few years 42,000 first class and luxury rooms will be added to Dubai’s hospitality sector.
With every taste, style and budget catered to, choosing accommodation in Dubai is super-easy or maybe even super difficult! Be spoilt for choice with the wide variety of well appointed hotel apartments, city hotels and beach side resorts that dot the emirate. Discerning guests can pick from some of the most
Worried about how you will see all these delights strewn across the city? Relax. The Dubai Metro with 85 trains and 47 stations in the city’s most strategic locations, plus an efficient fleet of more than 500 buses and taxis, ensure that you are never more than a stone’s throw away from the place where you want to be. Tourism Manual 2013