Dubai Travel Guide

If ever there was a city planned for tourists, it's Dubai. Although the city is a fairly new addition to the tourist map, it's quickly becoming one of the places to see and be seen.

What to Do

Dubai is a city that appears to have grown up out of the desert with one thing in mind - fun. This is a place that's all about partying, sunbathing, shopping and fine dining, so the words Dubai and budget vacation don't really go hand in hand. There are ways to spend less on a trip to Dubai, but that's not really the point of this desert city. The point is bigger, better, faster, more.

This isn't so much a place you go to see sights as it is a place you go to do activities. Dubai's malls are some of its top tourist attractions, and shopping in Dubai is second to none. The nightlife and entertainment has become another major reason to visit Dubai, from music and sporting events to all the excellent clubs and bars around the city (where you can often spot celebrities).

For those who are visiting in the cool season, another thing to enjoy in Dubai is the beach. You can go on shipwreck diving tours, or you can just sunbathe on the impossibly white sandy beaches. Just don't try this in the hotter season, or you'll fry to a crisp.

Getting There

Dubai is well-served by airlines, including its own Emirates. Dubai International Airport (airport code DXB) is the area's primary international airport, although there are a couple of other nearby airports as well. You might consider Sharjah International Airport (airport code SHJ) for your flight to Dubai, as this is where the area's low-cost carrier, Air Arabia, has its base.

Getting around Dubai is easy, if not always cheap, by taxi - you'll find taxis all over Dubai just waiting to take you where you want to go. At busy times, however, you may have troubld finding an available cab. A cheaper alternative is to take the bus, although the route network is not very extensive. And for the ultimate in personal convenience, you could rent your own car - complete with a personal driver, if you like.

Where to Stay

Dubai is all about luxury hotels - it's the city that claims to have the only 7-star hotel on earth - so sleeping cheap isn't the objective of most visitors. Still, you can find budget hotels in Dubai and deals on nicer hotels to avoid paying top prices. And believe it or not, there are even a few hostels in Dubai as well!