Dubai culture and the City:
With 5 * hotels charging over £175 per night for a 30 sq metre room, it makes sense to pay less, and enjoy a 110 sq metre apartment with a private beach. It's the most sought after location Dubai has to offer - The Palm Island, Jumeirah. Its vastly underestimated what you get for your money with an apartment on The Palm. None of the shoreline apartments are high rises and therefore you dont waste time in waiting for a lift, or getting in and out of the building over to the the beach or into your transport.
You will find the finest selection of world cuisines in the most sophisticated restaurants of Dubai - everything from Arab,Indian, Steaks to Sushi and Thai. With the prices being lower than you would expect to pay in most major cities.
General safety guidelines should still be used. Since the apartment is situated in the new Dubai, the whole area is well lit, developed, and patrolled by security.
Why not try a night camping under the stars as a desert safari!
Souks:
There are a number of traditional Souks, or traditional markets in Dubai. The textile and gold Souks are the best known, and are well placed in the heart of the Old Dubai.
A lot of people take advantage of the textile souk and tailors. They take designer outfits and get them copied from fabrics they pick from the Souk. If you fancy bringing along an old outfit you liked, but want in another material, then do that at the start of the trip, so it can be made in time. Most tailors need a 4/5 days to make a dress to fit you like a glove.
There is ofcourse the Shopping.....you can choose from the many, splendid malls, Emirates Mall, Ibn Battuta Mall, Deira Mall all of which would take over a day to discover!
Do's and Don'ts:
No soft drugs of any kind should be used or brought into the country.
Dress moderately in public areas. The GCC Arabs are still a conservative culture, and tight fitting outfits, midriff, and short skirts are still a no no.
Beach wear - Bikini's are ok for all beaches, but topless bathing is still a don't.
In upscale Malls, ladies should their shoulders covered, since you are often mingling with more local GCC Arab residents, and children.
Putting your feet up in chairs is considered rude, and eating in public during Ramadan is considered bad form.
Although there are numerous bars,restaurants serving alcohol, consumption is fine. Being drunk and disorderly in public however is not. Not the sort of place to have a Hen night or Stag weekend.
Ski:
Indoor Ski Slope at Emirates Mall, 10 mins from the Palm Jumeirah - the most popular attraction in Dubai - well worth a visit if you are missing home!
Golf:
Various Golf courses throughout Dubai.
Other Activities:
Atlantis, Wild Wadi Water Park, Desert Safaris and Ski Dubai.
