Dubai city tour desert safari which is sparkling gem within United Arab Emirates is an urban area that transformed from small fishing community to an international metropolis within just few years. This dazzling city is famous for its modern urban skyline lavish shopping and rich culture. However beyond city sprawl is captivating Arabian Desert offering thrilling excursions and glimpses of traditional Bedouin living. In this complete guide well lead travelers on an adventure through city’s wonders as well as into desert. Well explore accurate of two worlds of this unique place.
“The Urban Oasis: Dubai city tour Desert safari
Your Dubai journey begins at center of city in which modern wonders as well as traditional charm live perfectly. well planned city tour will guide you through all different aspects of Dubai starting through its beginnings as small town to present status of world class hub for trade and tourism.
Burj Khalifa: Touching Sky
There is no way that trip to Dubai city tour desert safari would be incomplete without visit to Burj Khalifa. It is most awe inspiring building in world. Its height is whopping 828 metres (2717 feet) architectural wonder stands out on all of Dubai skyline. city tour should be accompanied by visit at observatory at 124th level appropriately known as “At Top.” While you ride speedy elevator take in with awe as multi media display showcases rapid growth of Dubai.
At top of mountain you’ll see stunning 360 degree perspectives over town desert as well as Arabian Gulf. When sky is clear its possible to see miles from every angle. Make sure to utilize telescopes that are available for zooming in on specific locations. If your looking for special experience think about moving up to SKY level at 148th level in which you will be able to enjoy drinks and refreshments for free while enjoying view from highest observation deck.
Dubai Mall: Shoppers Paradise
Just beneath Burj Khalifa is at foot of it is Dubai Mall one of largest malls for shopping worldwide. However this isnt solely shopping destination. Its more than just retail therapy its tourist attraction by itself. city tour you take should allow enough time to visit vast complex.
Begin by visiting Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo that is home to over thousand marine animals like sand tiger shark and Rays. tank which holds 10 million liters of water is accessible from mall. However to get better experience go through tunnel which measures 48 meters long or join an excursion on glass bottom boat.
After that visit then Dubai Ice Rink for some cooling relief from heat of desert. If youre an experienced skater or just beginner skating through Olympic sized rink can be an unforgettable experience even located in middle of shopping center.
If you have children in your family KidZania offers an innovative education concept in which children can take on various adult roles within real life mini city. This is great method for kids to get knowledge about various professions as well as learn about importance of money.
Prior to leaving mall be sure to watch at least Dubai Fountain show. This stunning light water and sound event takes place on 30 acres of Burj Lake. Its excellent seen from waterfront promenade of mall.
Old Dubai Glimpse of Past
Even though Dubai is renowned as modern city but trip to city would not be complete without visit to its ancient center. Its Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood is also known as Al Bastakiya and offers striking contrast to glittering towers. There are few narrow streets lined with renovated merchant homes lot of which have been transformed to galleries museums and cafes.
Go to Dubai Museum which is located within Al Fahidi Fort most ancient structure located in Dubai. museum offers amazing insight into history of Emirate and its ways of life prior to it was discovered by oil. From pearl dive to Bedouin tradition exhibits provide an insight into citys fast change.
After that walk around Dubai Creek historic heart of Dubai. There you will be able to watch traditional Dhows (wooden vessels) being unloaded and loaded in same way theyve been doing for hundreds of years. At small cost you are able to travel across river by abra traditional wooden water taxi and get to crowded souks on opposite side.
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Gold and Spice Souks: Sensory Overload
In Deira part of creek is where you’ll find famous Spice and Gold Souks. This Gold Souk is an impressive collection of jewellery featuring numerous shops that showcase finest gold silver and other precious stones. Even if you’re not looking to purchase anything huge quantity of gold displayed is an amazing sight.
Its quick walk from there just few steps away just short walk away Spice Souk is feast for senses with vibrant colours and exotic scents of spices that are from all over globe. From sumac and saffron to dried petals of roses you’ll discover an array of herbal and spices as well as traditional cures. Do not be shy about interacting with shopkeepers. Negotiation is normal and part of journey.
Palm Jumeirah: Man Made Marvel
There is no Dubai city tour or desert safari is not complete without visit Palm Jumeirah worlds biggest man made island. palm tree shaped archipelago an ode to Dubais ambition and technical ability. Enjoy ride on monorail along branch of Palm to enjoy sweeping views of fronds as well as Dubais skyline. Dubai skyline.
On top of Palm lies Atlantis Palm resort. If you don’t plan to stay in resort make sure you pay going to Lost Chambers Aquarium where youll be able to explore underwater tunnels and mazes fashioned in spirit of Atlantis.
Dubai Frame: Past Present & Future
An incredibly new feature of Dubai tourist attractions relatively new addition to Dubai attractions Dubai Frame can be described as 150 meter tall structure that literally forms frame around entire city. On one side it is possible to see Old Dubai & from other side you will see Dubai modern urban skyline. Its all more exciting on 93 meter glass bridge on highest point. You’ll be able to experience an multi sensory augmented reality show that demonstrates Dubai evolution from time to date as well as vision it has for future.
Dubai Marina: Modern Waterfront Living
In course of day city tour will be taking you to Dubai Marina man made canal town that is built on 3 kilometers that runs along Arabian Gulf shoreline. area is an excellent illustration of modern city planning and includes luxury homes along with marina lined with yachts and waterfront promenade.
Walk leisurely on Marina Walk enjoying breathtaking views of high rises reflected in waters. To eat dinner pick one of many restaurants serving cuisines from all over globe. If time allows you can consider taking cruise dinner aboard traditional dhow. There you will be able to enjoy illuminating skyline and enjoy lavish meal buffet.
Burj Al Arab: Icon of Luxury
In evening take stroll towards your destination Burj Al Arab. It is often called worlds first seven star luxury hotel. hotels interior is only to guests only visitors can take in view of this iconic sail from nearby Jumeirah Public Beach. To experience ultimate luxury make reservation for restaurant of hotel. Al Muntaha is one of them. Al Muntaha offers panoramic views of city and Arabian Gulf from its perch located on 27th level.
When you’ve completed city tour You’ve had chance to experience perfect of modern Dubai. However your journey is just one third completed. When night falls your ready for completely different adventure: Dubai Desert Safari.
Into Dunes: Dubai city tour desert safari
While glistening light of city dims in distance brand new adventure starts. Its Dubai Desert Safari offers spectacular contrast to urban scenery taking you to middle of Arabian Desert for an experience that blends adventure nature and culture.
Departure and Dune Bashing
Your desert safari usually begins at end of afternoon after vehicle with 4x4s will pick you up from hotel. After leaving city take look how scenery transforms into glass and concrete to endless sandy dunes.
The fun begins once you enter conservation reserve. skilled driver will let tires deflate just suitable to get ready for dune bashing experience thrilling ride that will make your heart beat across back & over dunes. Keep your hands on wheel when car climbs up until it reaches peak of dune. It before plunging down opposite side and leaves stomach in its place. ride which is roller coaster like experience lasts over period of 30 to 45 minutes stopping periodically for photographs and to gaze at desert scenery.
For those looking for an experience that is less strenuous be sure to inform tour company prior to departure. There are many companies that offer alternatives that allow for relaxing drive through sand dunes.
Sunset in Desert
When dune bashing season comes to an close your driver will be able to find best location to enjoy sunset. Its awe inspiring to watch sun set beneath horizon of desert. dramatic changes in colors of sun and sand produce an amazing display. This is best moment to take photographs so get your camera at hand.
A lot of tours provide tours that offer choice of brief camel ride during this time. Although its not popular excursion you cant deny true pleasure of tromping through desert on”the “ship of desert.”
The Desert Camp
When sun goes down in evening you’ll find yourself in Bedouin style camp tucked within dunes. There world of authentic Arabian hospitality is waiting for you. camp usually is constructed with couches and tables set in central area. Torches and lanterns help in providing dramatic illumination.
When you arrive you’ll be received upon arrival with Arabic morning coffee as well as dates. Its an old fashioned welcome to area. Explore campsite and engage in numerous activities that are available.
Desert Activities
A majority of desert safaris have an array of activities that you can try:
- Henna Painting: Artists who are skilled can decorate your hands or feet with elaborate designs of henna. This form of tattoos has been practised across globe for long time.
- Shisha Smoking: Take look at water pipe of old with range of different flavors. If youre not smoker pipe tobacco these ornate pipes can be beautiful sight.
- Falconry Demonstration: Get to know falconry art form that has been around for centuries and its use throughout Arabian Peninsula for thousands of years. It is possible that you be able to handle falcon you have trained.
- Sandboarding: For those who are curious consider sliding down sand dunes using board. Its similar to snowboarding however with sand underneath your feet and not snow.
- Traditional dress There are many camps that offer chance to wear traditional Emirati clothes. For men you can dress in kandura an long white robe that is ankle length & women are able to try on abaya long black dress paired with head scarf.
The Feast
The desert experience isn’t incomplete without lavish meal. majority of camps provide feature of buffet meal that is an assortment of Arabian and European cuisine. There are usually:
- Hummus baba Ganoush and many other Middle Eastern dips
- Fresh salads and fresh vegetables
- Grilled meats (lamb or chicken beef)
- Shawarma stations
- Arabic bread
- Vegetarian alternatives like falafel or vine leaves stuffed with meat
- There are variety of desserts to choose from such as baklava as well as U mm Ali (a type of bread pudding)
Drinks such as soft drinks water tea and coffee generally come with along with alcohol based drinks available for purchase at an more cost in certain camps.
Entertainment
While dining at restaurant you’ll enjoy several performances that will showcase traditional Arabian entertainment.
- Tanoura Dance: Watch in amazement as dervish that spins turns seemingly indefinitely with his lively skirt flaring out creating captivating display.
- Belly Dancing belly dancer is staple for Arabian entertainment. smooth motions of belly dancers are captivating. (Note that it may not be part of every safari package in month of Ramadan.)
- The Fire Show: few camp sites offer thrilling flame dancing show where professional artists control flames through thrilling performances.
- Live Music: Traditional Oud musicians typically add an atmosphere of music during night.
Stargazing
After meal make sure to get away from campsite and gaze to night sky. Away from city lights and city lights desert gives you unbeatable views of night sky. In clear evening it is possible to see an entire Milky Way stretching across skies.
A few tour operators provide simple astronomy classes which include showing constellations & telling anecdotes about how early Bedouins utilized stars to aid in purpose of navigation.
Return to City
In late evening and you’ll take your 4×4 vehicle for your return trip back to Dubai. After leaving peacefulness that is desert & city lights appear in sight take some an opportunity to think about stark contrast of Dubai’s two distinct faces: modern cityscapes and classic desert.
The majority of desert safaris end in city by 9 after sunset but some tour operators also offer an overnight option which allow you to rest in traditional Bedouin camp under stars.
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Plan For Your Dubai city tour desert safari and desert Safari
In order to make most of your Dubai adventure take note of these tips:
- Timing It is believed that desirable time to go on to go on desert safari is during October and April when temperatures are cooler. In summer (May until September) daytime heat can be brutal however night safaris can still be arranged.
- Clothes: for city tours dress in modest manner particularly when you visit sacred sites or areas of traditional significance. If you are going to desert safari you should wear casual loose fitting clothes. Wear jacket that is light or sweater as desert is often cool during evening.
- Sun Security: sun of desert isnt always pleasant. Take sunglasses sunscreen as well as hat for outdoor things.
- Camera: Do not forget to bring your camera for capturing breathtaking landscapes of cities and deserts. Smartphones are usually enough however photographers may prefer bringing DSLR for stunning sunset images.
- Motion sickness: If youre predisposed towards motion sickness think about having medication prior to dunes bashing portion in safari to desert.
- Fitness Level: Although most types of activities can be appropriate for everyones fitness level Be sure to inform tour guide about any medical concerns or mobility issues prior to departure.
- Be respectful of local customs: Dubai is more open than rest in Middle East but its nevertheless an Muslim nation. Pay attention to local traditions and dress code particularly when it comes to Ramadan.
The combination of Dubai city tour desert safari as well as desert safari provides most unique combination of activities that convey spirit of this intriguing Emirate. From modern skyline and lavish shopping malls to stunning splendor of desert & traditional Bedouin welcoming Dubai offers journey full of different perspectives.
The city tour highlights Dubais rapidly changing landscape and its ambitious plans every attraction tells story of Dubai. Its Burj Khalifa represents its reach to skies & Dubai Museum its humble beginnings and Gold Souk its status as worlds largest trade centre.
The desert safari in contrast provides chance for visitors to go back in time to experience beauty of nature that has defined landscapes history for millennia. Its an ode to arid environment founders of Dubai overcame to create their dazzling city within sandy.
These experiences offer complete picture of Dubai as city that is proud of its history and is boldly moving forward into new. If youre looking for thrill of adventure and culture luxury or just natural beautiful Dubai delivers on all aspects creating an unforgettable place that makes an unforgettable impression on those who come to.
If your planning trip to Dubai be aware that city as well as desert form two parts of same coin. Both have their unique charm. When you experience both and taking in both you’ll collect more appreciation for Dubai’s spirit. Dubai and all treasures it can offer. Pack your bags take your sense of adventure and set out to embark on trip that stretches across highest structure anywhere on Earth to endless desert dunes that make up Arabian Desert. Dubai will be waiting to impress and excite.!