Compact Travels - Exploring Places Like Never Before...

Our Editor cum Director of COMPACT TRAVELS was in Dubai in the first week of May and after his exciting experience in Dubai and having attended the Arabian Travel Mart, he strongly recommended Sanaya Dadachanji, Senior Travel Consultant at COMPACT TRAVELS to visit this exciting city on her way to India from her 25 days trip to Europe. Here, Sanaya narrates her first hand experience of exploring Dubai for 3 nights/4 days and she too agrees that there is much more to Dubai beyond mere shopping

This is what I gathered, learnt and experienced in my 3 nights/4 days trip to Dubai. As one of the seven Emirates that make up the U.A.E, and home to a large expatriate population, Dubai is a cosmopolitan city with a distinctive cultural blend where the old meets new and east meets west. In a single day, the tourists can experience everything from rugged mountains and awesome dunes to sandy beaches and lush green parks. And if you are wondering how they manage to create lush green grass, it is because UAE imports grass from the Bermuda Triangle and the soil from Holland. To maintain the grass they water it almost 3 times a day in summer. But Beware - If you spoil even 1 metre of the grass bed you are liable to pay a penalty of 500 Dirhams (approx Rs 6000) and 80 lashes on your back.

The search for oil throughout the Middle East intensified after World War II, but it was not until 1966 that Dubai's reserves were discovered, with the first exports following in 1969. Their Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, ruler of Abu Dhabi, and the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, then ruler of Dubai, clearly saw the attraction of bringing together the individual emirates of the gulf coast into a single nation.

In 1971, the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm-al-Qaiwain, Fujairah and one year later Ra's al- Khaimah came together to form the federation of the United Arab Emirates, a proud sovereign state of 83600 square kilometres and a small population which has subsequently grown to some four million people in 2004. Abu Dhabi and Dubai are the largest and most important of the Emirates in the Federation and complement each other. Abu Dhabi is the seat of the federal government and a major oil industry centre while Dubai is the main commercial centre, with trading and business ties extending beyond the Middle East to all corners of the world.

It is said that the oil reserves in Dubai will last only upto 2010, where as Abu Dhabi is gifted with oil reserves which will last for another 250 years to come. Oil contributes less than 10% of the total economic production of Dubai. Therefore the Government of Dubai felt the need to set up DTCM. After the setting up of the DTCM (Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing) trading, manufacturing and services including tourism now dominates the economy.

At present Dubai is in the able hands of Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, present ruler and Prime Minister of UAE. His vision was to transform Dubai into the 21st Century city. In this work Sheikh Maktoum is ably assisted by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, deputy ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of finance and industry, and General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, crown prince of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defence.

Abu Dhabi is the seat of the federal government and a major oil industry centre while Dubai is the main commercial centre, with trading and business ties extending beyond the Middle East to all corners of the world.

Future Projects and Major Attractions.
The Palms and The World have put Dubai on the map. The palm projects, for example are creating one of the world's most iconic housing and tourism projects, each offering a host of villas and apartments for sale. They are the world's largest man made islands and are adding much needed beach frontage to the Emirate of Dubai. The World comprising of 300 islands protected by an oval breakwater and positioned to form the shape of the world map, is already arising from the waves and will represent the ultimate in exclusive island living. Burj Dubai, billed as the world's tallest tower, at more than 800 metres high, will lie at the centre of a fantastic new downtown complex also containing the world's largest shopping and Arabian themed housing district. Dubai sunny mountain Ski Dome, is an artificial mountain covered with snow all year round, so one can ski even in the summers when the temperature outside is 42 degree centigrade.

Welfare of the people
Let's start from the education of a local boy in Dubai. In earlier days the traditional Muslim families did not allow their children to go to school as they felt that the International Schools set up in Dubai were a threat to their culture and religion.

The then ruler of Dubai had actually invited the international schools to set up in Dubai to impart good quality education. But the locals refused to send their children to school. The sheikh then announced that education would be free for all which includes books, uniforms and meals.This was not good enough to send their children to school. Later the sheikh declared that every child who goes to school gets 500 Dirhams per month as pocket money.

This was a good deal of money and this is how he encouraged children to join schools. Once the child finished his education or graduation the sheikh would sponsor air tickets to the country where the boy would like to go for further studies. But this is given on a condition that when he finishes his course or higher studies he returns to his home country and offers his services to the government. That means he has a secured job. Later the local boy falls in love with a pretty local girl and they decide to marry. The bride and the bridegroom with the blessings and permission of the Sheikh get married and all the marriage expenditure is born by the Sheikh. If the local boy is unable to support his family he can approach the Sheikh with his problem and the Sheikh offers him a Low Cost Housing which is just a 5 bedroom, hall, kitchen and a maid's room with a private swimming pool. The local boy has to only bear the cost of water and electricity. This is called born with a 'Golden Spoon'.

Dubai Attractions
Dubai Creek is a natural sea water inlet that cuts through the centre of the city and is historically and to this day a focal point for life in Dubai. Having expanded along both the banks of the creek, Dubai's central business district is divided into 2 parts- Deira and Bur Dubai connected by a tunnel and 2 bridges. The best way to see the creek is from the water itself. Small water taxis called 'Abras' traverse the creek from the souqs of Deira to those on the Bur Dubai side, charging each passenger less than a dirham

Creekside view
A group of distinctive and remarkable modern buildings are ranged near the purpose built dhow wharfage beside Maktoum bridge. These buildings include the Etisalat Tower, topped by a telecommunication dome resembling a giant globe which is particularly striking when illuminated at night. The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tower is a dramatic blue glass faced structure- a symbol of emirates prosperity and forward vision. Most striking though is the headquarters of the National Bank of Dubai building, home to the DTCM Head office that, with its use of polished steel and glass, produces a shimmering reflection of the creek on its curved façade. This eye catching building which was designed by Carlos Ott, architect of the Bastille Opera House in Paris, is at its most spectacular at sunset.

Jumeirah Mosque
Dubai has many fine mosques but one of the largest and most beautiful Jumeirah mosque is a spectacular example of modern Islamic architecture and is frequently photographed. It is particularly attractive at night when the subtle lighting throws its artistic twin minarets and majestic dome into relief.

The Souqs
Dubai is famous for its Souqs particularly its Gold Souq, which is one of the biggest souqs in the world. Both sides of the creek have souqs that are attractive not just for their shopping bargains, but also as places for the tourist and photographer in search of local atmosphere.

Along the slightly larger lanes of the gold souq, each shop window is crammed full of gold necklaces, rings, bangles, earrings and brooches. The gold prices are among the lowest in the world and in the evening the area is a hive of activity. A huddle of narrow alleys has survived on the Deira side, despite a block of buildings coming up in the recent years and in the tiny lanes of the Spice souq, the atmosphere and the scents of the past can be savoured. Bags of spices, incense, rose petals and traditional medicinal products are all stacked outside each stall. On the Bur Dubai side of the Creek, the lanes are full of textile shops, where a blaze of colourful raw silks and cotton hang in profusion in many shop windows. But mind you the materials that you find in the shops are mostly from India.

Dubai Museum
Dubai Museum is housed in Al Fahidi fort, an imposing building which is also a fascinating military museum. Built around 1787, it once guarded the city's landward approaches and since then has served as a palace, a garrison and a prison. Renovated for use as a museum in 1971, the building underwent further restoration and the addition of galleries in 1995. Colourful and evocative dioramas complete with life-size figures and sound and light effects vividly depict everyday life in pre-oil days. And galleries recreate several scenes from the creek, traditional Arab houses, mosques, the souq, date gardens and desert and marine life. One of the museums most spectacular exhibits portrays the underwater world of pearl diving, accompanied by sets of pearl merchant's weights, scales and sieves. Also on display are fine copper, alabaster and pottery artifacts uncovered in 3000-4000 years old graves situated at Al Ghusais.

Wild Wadi
Wild Wadi is an exciting, state of the art water park that forms part of the Jumeirah Beach Resort. The park has 24 rides-16 of which are interconnected- including the Jumeirah Sceirah, which is the tallest and fastest free fall slide outside the United States. The Summit surge uses high powered water jets to transport as many as people simultaneously uphill, while the Wipeout flow rider is another Middle Eastern first on which thrill seekers can surf a perfectly shaped tube wave that's nearly three meters high.

Burj Al Arab
Set on its own man made island, projecting 280m into the Gulf and shaped like an enormous billowing sail, Burj Al Arab is a 321m high master piece of architecture. With restaurants at the very top and underwater, kaleidoscope interior décor and 202 luxury duplex suites, the hotel besides being one of the tallest hotels in the world is an architectural wonder and has become a famous icon of the new Dubai. Most of the tour operators give a brief photo stop at the Jumeirah beach to capture the Burj Al Arab in your cameras.

Emirates Towers
No matter where you are in Dubai, it is hard to miss the elegant hotel and office complex of Emirates Towers. At 350m high, the office tower is the tallest building in the Middle East and Europe. Primarily a business Hotel, Emirates Towers has every conceivable luxury for the travelling executive.

Desert Safaris
No visit to Dubai would be complete without a trip to the desert. Such excursions are best organized as part of the group tour, offer a taste of the true heartland of Arabia. The majesty and tranquility of the desert can be experienced in a choice of exciting half day, full day and overnight safaris.

The action packed trip cover varied terrain ranging from desert dunes to mountains and take in remote camel farms and isolated villages. It is essential to book the Desert Safari in advance and on the desired day the tour operator arrives at the hotel at around 4:15 pm for a pick up.

Before getting on to the desert you take a brief stop at a gas station where the driver deflates the tyres of the safari vehicle. You wait until all the safari vehicles have arrived after picking up guests from various hotel properties. Once all the safari vehicles are ready, the safari leader departs with all the other safari vehicles following like a convoy.

They follow the tracks of the safari leader all through the desert. I was lucky to have had the opportunity to be seated beside the safari leader. Driving in the sand is an adventure in itself, combining the excitement of a roller coaster ride with the challenge of remaining mobile on a shifting surface.

As the symbols of Arabia, camels are major tourist attractions. Camel rides often form an integral part of desert safari. For those with a taste for speed and an enthusiasm for unusual sports, sand skiing down the dunes near Dubai may be just the answer. Special boards are used and high dunes in the interior of the desert are chosen as slopes.

The camp site where you spend the evening is accessible only if you sand ski. Once you arrive at the camp site you have the option of trying the 'Shisha' (Hookah or Hubble- Bubble pipes) in very authentic Arabian surroundings. Then you can try your hands on the Arabian dates and Coffee.

After experiencing the Arabian hospitality you can get a Henna Design done on your hands or feet by a professional henna designer at no extra cost, though the intricate designs made in a few minutes compel many tourists to give a small tip to these talented artists.

After you are done with all these activities you can take your seat in any one of the tables laid for a Desert Feast comprising of a traditional Arabian barbecue dinner under the stars. Before returning to the hotel watch the Belly Dancer perform her show around the campfire by starlight on the foot tapping Arabian music and you too can participate in moving your belly and gaze at the stars and carry back wonderful memories of the Arabian Night.

Dubai - A Shoppers Paradise
Dubai's ultra modern shopping malls and centuries- old souks attract shoppers from all around the Middle East, Europe and Asia. You are never too far away from a shopping mall. Here is a list of some popular malls for the shopaholics - Deira Malls: Deira City Centre, Dubai Shopping Centre, Al Bustan Centre, Century Mall, The Galleria Bur Dubai Malls: Wafi City, BurJuman Centre, Oasis Centre, Al Ain Centre, Karama Centre, Al Khaleej Centre. Dubai Duty Free at Dubai International Airport has won numerous awards and ranks among the top duty free operations in the world. It has 54000 square metres of retail space with 65000 different products. One of the main attractions at Duty Free is the finest Surprise raffle draw that gives passengers the chance to win one of the super luxury sports cars on display all year round.

Popular Souvenir Gifts:
If you are ever wondering what to buy from Dubai for your friends and relatives apart from competitively priced electronic products, watches, cameras and other items popular traditional gifts might include:

• Arabian Coffee pots
• Silver and brass swords and khanjars
• Soapstone figures
• Marble goblets
• Silver and wooden miniature dhows
• Persian carpets
• Jewellery boxes and chests decorated with semi precious stones.

All the attractions mentioned above other than the Desert Safari and Shopping can be covered in 6 hours. It is known as the Golden City Tour. This tour commences at 1:45 pm and ends at 7:30pm. This shows that if you want to soak yourself in Arabian hospitality and adventure you must stay in Dubai for a minimum of 3 nights/4 days.

Now that you know that Dubai is not just a shopping destination and much more than a transit stop, we at COMPACT TRAVELS have created packages to Dubai from a minimum of 3 nights/4 days to experience the best of the Middle East and take with you wonderful memories of one of the world's most exciting cities.

(Look out for forthcoming issues of O.T. where Sanaya narrates experiences starting from a tete-a-tete with a Coach Captain to an Air Hostess and a lot more…)