Top 10 Activities

#1. Desert Safari
The desert surrounding Dubai is truly spectacular. The sheer enormity of the dunes, along with the stark sand capes might seem dull to some unless you've been out in a 4x4 among all the desert has to offer. There's a strange sense of surreal beauty to the desert, but the sheer adrenaline rush of scaling monstrous sand dunes and descending back down the sheer drops again makes it even more worthwhile. You can also try camel riding after you're done with the dune bashing.

#2. Shopping
The plazas and bazaars in Dubai are a brilliant place to pick up some amazing bargains. You can order a tailor made suit or outfit made from your choice of fabric for incredibly low prices or you can pick up some of the most amazing gold jewelry for unbelievable prices. The gold in Dubai is a very yellow color that's rarely seen in the US or the UK, but this is because it's much higher quality than is often available. If you really love shopping, then visit the Mall of Emirates. It's the largest shopping mall anywhere in the Middle East, spanning approximately 6.5 million square feet.

#3. Hot Air Balloon Ride
The only true way to take in the spectacle that is Dubai is to see it from the air. This city really has grown into a jewel in the middle of the desert with amazing man-made palm-shaped islands, lagoons and resorts extending out into the sea and some truly sumptuous buildings and towers. Then there's the expanse of gently undulating sand dunes stretching away into the distance that you simply need to see to be believed.

#4. Dhow Boat Cruise
Take a dhow cruise along the Dubai creek for a magnificent view of the Dubai city skyline. Most cruises offer lunch and drinks during your tour and the evening cruises usually offer entertainment as well, including belly dancers and traditional Arabic music.

#5. Aquaventure Water Park
Set on the man-made Palm Jumeirah Island, the Aquaventure Water Park is one of Dubai's most popular attractions. Aside from being set on more than 2,300 feet of stunning beachfront, the water park contains many exciting and fun-filled ways to escape the Middle Eastern heat. Take the plunge down the side of a huge 100ft tall pyramid and into a shark-infested lagoon or ride any of the seven water slides. You'll find tidal pools, rapids, wave pools and many more water attractions that are a great way to cool down while you're having fun.

#6. Bastakiya District
Visit the Bastakiya District and really get a feel for Old Dubai. You'll find many historic and reconstructed traditional buildings here, so soak up the atmosphere of the real Middle Easter mystery.

#7. Visit a Mosque
Take a trip to the Jumeirah Mosque and take some time to understand what Islam is really about. It is the world's second largest religion, so go with an open mind and learn a bit out the beliefs and forms of worship in another culture. Standing directly opposite the Palm Strip Mall, this is one of the very few mosques open to non-Muslims.

#8. Sand Skiing
If you love snow skiing in winter, then you'll adore sand skiing too. The object is to ski down the massive sand dunes in a similar way to what you would on snow, only without getting cold and wet. This is a great way to spend a day soaking up the sun while having a lot of fun.

#9. Abu Dhabi Golf Club
The Abu Dhabi Golf Club is easily one of the more sumptuous greens in Dubai. Spend a day on the greens playing a few holes of golf and then enjoy the great food available in the club rooms while you marvel over the stunning view of the sun setting over dunes that change from yellow to vivid oranges and reds before your eyes.

#10. Al Mamzar Park
Al Mamzar Park is a beautiful park with an even more stunning beach. This is a great place to visit and unwind from shopping and sight-seeing while soaking up the sun. It's fine to wear beach-wear on the beach, but if you step off the beach be sure you wear socially appropriate clothing (e.g. sarong or other covering clothing).

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Arabic Cuisine

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Best Time To Visit

The climate in Dubai is hot! This city in the desert is known to experience very hot temperatures through summer, with temperatures ranging between 107-114F (42-48C) between June and early September. Winter sees far more comfortable temperatures with averages around 78F (25C) from December through to March, so you'll find your visit far more enjoyable throughout this time of the year.

When you're searching for the best Dubai travel deals, be sure to consider how the weather will affect your plans.

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Travel Shopping

Dubai offers two distinctly different types of shopping experience for travelers to enjoy. You will find malls and plazas that are similar to those you would find at home, but perhaps more interesting is shopping through the traditional souks or markets, where you can negotiate on prices and haggle for all kinds of goods.

The gold in Dubai is nothing short of amazing and available in most malls, plazas and souks. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try your luck at finding a bargain in the Gold Souk, a marketplace dedicated to solely gold vendors.

Remember - Dubai still follows strictly Islamic laws that should be respected by all travelers. Eating in public during the holy month of Ramadan is prohibited from sunrise until sunset, so be sure you eat your meals in your own hotel or rooms during this time.

Public displays of affection are also frowned upon, so take it back to your room! Women should dress sensibly (i.e. no revealing or provocative clothing) when traveling to busy areas and especially in the evening. Swimsuits and bikinis are acceptable on the beaches, but be sure to cover up when you leave the beach.

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Festival Events

Ramadan
Ramadan is the name of the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. All Muslims are required to fast from dawn until dusk, so if you're visiting during this time, be sure to eat your meals in your hotel and not in public.

Dubai International Film Festival
The International Film Festival is held in December and features a week-long showcase of films, features and documentaries from around the world.

Dubai Shopping Festival
January sees a month of great shopping discounts and bargains. If you intend to visit Dubai for the shopping, be sure to catch the shopping festival.

Dubai International Jazz Festival
February sees jazz bands, musicians and performing artists coming to Dubai from around the world to perform and entertain.

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Basic Arabic Phrases

Hello - Salam

I don't speak Arabic - Ana ma ba'aref ahkee Arabee

Do you speak English? - Hal tatkalam al Engleaziah?

Please - Min Fadlak

Yes - Na'am

No - La

How much? - Bekam?

Thank you - Shukran

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Explore Dubai

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