"Known as the City of Merchants, Dubai is the second largest of the seven Emirates that make up the UAE. In the entire Gulf, there is no place quite like Dubai. Its history began in the 1830s when the city broke away from Abu Dhabi and became a center of commerce and trading in its own right. In fact, Dubai's wealth is founded on trade, not oil. When oil was discovered in 1966, it merely contributed to the city's prosperity and sped up modernization.
Modern development began at the turn of the last century with heavy import-export trading, mainly in gold. What opium was to the growth of Hong Kong, gold was to Dubai.
As the leading center for business and tourism in the Middle East, Dubai offers a fascinating kaleidoscope of contrasts in a distinctive blend of modern city and timeless desert, east and west, old and new. As an exotic destination with a cosmopolitan lifestyle, Dubai combines the comfort and conveniences of the Western world with the unique charm of Arabia. Even with a high degree of tolerance for different lifestyles, Dubai remains close to its heritage.
Dubai's souqs and huge shopping malls are crammed with goods - at some of the world's best prices.
But there is more to the city than shopping. You can find an outstanding museum and superb recreational facilities, ranging from golf and water sports to desert safaris and dhow cruises.
As the sports capital of the Middle East, Dubai boasts four championship golf courses; it is a regular fixture on the European and Asian PGA circuits and hosts the Dubai World Cup - known as the world's richest horse race. An endless array of restaurants and nightspots offers a wide choice of cuisine and entertainment.
Dubai is a place of fascinating contrasts, a distinct blend of modern city, timeless deserts, rugged mountains and miles of sandy beaches. The streets are clean and safe. With so many attractive attributes, it is not surprising that Dubai rates highly with world-class travelers, businessmen and the international jet set.
Dubai has a excellent museum and features a great collection of interesting artifacts from Dubai's pre-oil days when the city was known as an important pearl diving and trading center. The museum is air-conditioned and exhibits are labeled in both Arabic and English. Since its renovation, the museum has become one of Dubai's main attractions. On Fridays, the museum is closed in the morning.
"Old Dubai" is best viewed at the Creek. Around bus stop 10 (red route) one will still see ships completely loaded by hand. A huge contrast in this city of glamour, but surely a photo opportunity.
"The best way to see Dubai is by Hop on/off bus. It is way to hot to travel on foot and is not recommend and the sights are too spread out.
A new marine station opened by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) at Port Rashid will enable ferry and water taxi services between the cruise terminal and Al Ghubaiba station. The ferry and water taxi trips will be available only when ships call at the Port. A one-way silver-class trip on the route will cost Dh50, while a round trip will cost Dh75. A one-way trip in the gold class will entail Dh75 and a round trip will be available for Dh100.
The big thing to do in Dubai is to go to At The Top, the viewing platform of the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. Don't do this on a shore excursion – it's too rushed. Instead, on the night you're in port in Dubai , go it alone. It's easy. Tickets are time-controlled so book online a long way ahead and time your visit for sunset. It'll cost you 100 dirhams (about 18 Euro). Take a cab from the port. Wander round the shops and market, watch the spectacular musical fountains and then head for At The Top to watch the sunset. We did this in 2013. And while we were there we visited the Dubai Fountain, the world's largest dancing fountain and one with a very enticing display - a definite must see. The show takes place at the Burj Dubai Lake. Easy way to approach it is via the Dubai Mall. Daily 1 pm and 1.30 pm and from 7 pm to 11 pm every half an hour.
So much to see and only 2 days to see it in.....
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