Port Rashid’s modern Cruise Terminal covers 3,300 square meters and contains everything cruise passengers could want or need. Dubai has become more popular as a tourist destination in the past years. It’s a great location for shopping, sunbathing, celebration, and some of the world’s finest dining.
Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Photographed from Al Muntaha, the cantilevered restaurant at the top of the Burj Al Arab, on 25 December 2007.
Photo by Imre Solt
Surrounded by desert, Dubai can get very hot. The most pleasant weather lasts from early October to late April. Like any desert, night temperatures are cool year-round. The “rainy season” lasts from December to April. But don’t be alarmed. The highest precipitation may be 10 centimeters (5 inches), and many years see a few limited showers. In the heart of the city, you’ll find the Wild Wadi water amusement park -- with adventure rides and water surfing – a great break from the sun-drenched heat.
Old Town
Downtown Dubai
As seen from the 76th floor of the Burj Dubai on 27 November 2007.
Photo by Imre Solt
Visitors to Dubai won’t want to miss the Old Dubai district containing 1912 Al Ahmadiya School and the Bastakiya District with many art galleries and cafes, the Dubai Museum with the old al-Fahidi fort and a modern underground extension that showcases the city’s history, the Jumeirah Mosque open to non-Muslims for tours, and the Shindagha District containing the Heritage Village.
Modern Dubai contains an impressive collection of sophisticated hotels and shopping opportunities. The Burj al-Arab Hotel boasts of being the only 7-star hotel in the world, and visitors must have a reservation to enter the lobby or to have a meal. The Burj Dubai is still getting taller, but it is already the tallest building in the world, already having passed 600 meters and expected to pass 800 meters on completion.
Old Town
Downtown Dubai
Photo was taken on 10 December 2007.
Photo by Imre Solt
Near Port Rashid, you’ll find some of the finest white sand beaches in the world. Ocean water temperatures are comfortable year-round, and you can reach ship wreck sites by long boat. A 90-minute trip to the East coast locales of Fujairah or Khor Fakkan offers world-class diving opportunities on coral reefs with abundant marine life.
Desert drivers will take you on great desert safari or dune bashing trips where you can watch a glorious desert sunset and then enjoy an exotic Arab dinner. Dubai grew from the Dubai Creek, its original trading port. Remnants of the old shipping culture still stand, and you can take an hour-long ride on the creek to view them. You can also enjoy some splendid golf courses or hot air balloon rides over the dunes and mountains.
Dubai Marina
Aerial view taken 1 May 2007.
Photo by Imre Solt
Being an Arab city, visitors are encouraged to wear modest clothing and observe local customs. While visitors should be prudent, Dubai is considered to be a safe, welcoming destination for tourists.
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