DUBAI, UAE

Dubai is a city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates known for luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture and a lively nightlife scene. But whether you choose Dubai for a layover or stop for a couple of days, there is plenty to see and do. My favourite place outside the Glitz & Glamour of Downtown Dubai is Dubai’s old town along the creek. A bustling gateway that served as a fishing area, pearling site and a gateway for traders before oil was discovered is now full of traditional markets (souks), traditional meals and cultural experiences just waiting to be explored.

Things to know before you go

How to get to Dubai

Emirates and Singapore Airlines both fly direct to Dubai in under 8 hours.

Transport

The most convenient way to get to and from the Airport in Dubai is by private transfer. However, there are ample taxis, and it only takes about 15 minutes. The other option is the train to Burj Khalifa metro station, which takes about 24 minutes.

Weekends

Weekends in Dubai fall on Fridays and Saturdays. Shopping Malls from 10 am to 10 pm. But check the times on a Friday as times may change.

Weather

Sunny all year round is Dubai’s catch cry. However, the best time to visit is between October and March when the sun is shining, but the temperature is perfect –every Day. Of course, if you see outside of these months, it’s hot and humid, but even though a walking tour might be out of the question, air-conditioning is everywhere to keep you nice and comfortable.

Dress

All attires and cultural preferences are generally acceptable. For example, swimwear is permissible on beaches, pool and spa areas, and water-based entertainment but is not considered appropriate in business districts and shopping malls.

In the more historical quarters of the city and places of religious worship, dressing conservatively is appreciated. For example, in mosques, clothing that covers shoulders, arms and legs and headscarves for women is required.

It’s handy to keep a scarf in your handbag to cover the shoulders and rescue you from the air-conditioning.

Visa

Check ivisa regarding visa requirements. Ivisa’s quick and easy system is an efficient way to organise your required visas online. It is the best way to ensure you aren’t caught looking silly when you arrive at immigration.

Insurance

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Start the Day with a visit to the Dubai Frame.

The Frame is “the biggest picture frame on the planet.” From the viewing platform, 150 metres high, you can enjoy stunning city views – new Dubai to the South and old Dubai to the North.

The Frame also has two gallery areas depicting the evolution of old Dubai, then taking visitors on a journey 50 years ahead with a unique audio and visual effects presentation. The Frame opens on weekdays from 9 am and is located in Zabeel Park.

Next Stop –Textiles, Spices and Gold Souks

Head to where history started in the old neighbourhood of Al Fahidi down by the Creek – Bur Dubai. This is my favourite spot to explore, and you could spend all afternoon here in good weather.

Start at the Al Fahidi Fort, which is now a museum and either join a tour or wander through the Textile souk yourself. Haggle for pashminas, cushions and beaded fabric and visit my favourite homewares shop – Chuk Palu, for traditional handmade Afghan cushions, rugs and scarves.

Tucked behind the Grand Mosque is a small Hindu temple. Dedicated to Hindus, it is entered via a narrow, colourful alleyway locally known as Hindi Lane. It is lined with vendors selling religious paraphernalia and offerings, including baskets of fruit, flower garlands and gold-embossed religious figurines.

Although busy on weekends, don’t be afraid to squeeze past the Indian expats to experience the hustle and bustle of the area, then head into the Textile souk to practice your haggling skills. Grab a bag full of freshly cooked pakoras, samosas and deep-fried chilis for a couple of dirhams and then take a short walk back along the creek to weave your way back to the Al Bastakiya area.

Al Bastakiya

The Bastakiya Quarter is the oldest standing residential area of Dubai. First established at the end of the 19th century by rich textile and pearl merchants from Bastak, Iran, today, the Bastik Quarter or Fahidi neighbourhood is alleyways of old-world houses that have been converted into restaurants, art galleries and cafes.

Eating

Walking distance from Al Fahidi Fort, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from in Al Bastakiya or further along in Al Seef.

Mazmi Café

Set on the edge of the creek –a little Venice– where you can watch the boats go while you enjoy a coffee or breakfast or choose from one of their delicious salads.

The Local House

Serving Camel burgers for the adventurous

XVA Café

A delightful courtyard setting offering some great salads & an art gallery

But one of my absolute favourites is The Arabian Teahouse. Don’t be surprised if there is a lineup to get into this little restaurant gem in the winter months. Set in a charming outdoor courtyard, you can enjoy a traditional Emirati meal, freshly cooked bread, hummus and their signature Line & Mint drink. Yum!!

Over the Creek

Grab an abra (water taxi) over to Deira during the winter months. It must be one of the cheapest things to do in Dubai, at only one dirham, and certainly a lovely way to get on the water and see the hustle and bustle of trading boats, fishing boats and abras.

In Deira, on this side of the creek, wander through the Spice and Gold souk, soaking up the scents, sights and sounds.

Like a trip to the souk, spices will teach you, can be burnt like incense in religious ceremonies, added to coffee to lend an Arabic taste, chewed as a breath freshener or treasured for their medicinal qualities. And, of course, there is no end to the uses to which they can be put in the cooking pot. But before you go, don’t miss trying a delicious chocolate-covered date!

A trip to Dubai isn’t complete without a trip to the famous Gold Souk, one of the emirate’s oldest and most fascinating traditional markets.

Whether you’re just browsing or on the hunt for even the slightest amount of precious gold, walk through the glittering Gold Souk, where you can haggle for the most extensive selection of gold jewellery and gemstones.

If you are interested in a guided walking tour that offers bespoke, tailored, flexible tours enquire with MDO (My Day Out) tours at [email protected].