About Dubai

ദുബായ് ഭരണാധികാരിയെന്ന നിലയില്‍ താന്‍ പ്രഖ്യാപിക്കുന്ന ഈ തത്വങ്ങള്‍ എമിറേറ്റിലെ ഉത്തരവാദപ്പെട്ട പദവികളിലിരിക്കുന്ന എല്ലാവരും പാലിക്കുകയും എല്ലാ ഘട്ടത്തിലും എക്കാലത്തും നടപ്പാക്കുകയും ചെയ്യണമെന്നും അദ്ദേഹം പുറത്തിറക്കിയ പ്രസ്താവനയില്‍ ആവശ്യപ്പെട്ടു.  നമ്മുടെ ജനങ്ങളുടെ സുഖജീവിതവും രാജ്യത്തിന്റെ പുരോഗതിയും വരും തലമുറകളുടെ ക്ഷേമവും ഉറപ്പാക്കുന്നതാണ് ഇവയെന്നും അദ്ദേഹം പറയുന്നു.

1. രാഷ്ട്രമാണ് അടിസ്ഥാനം
യുഎഇയുടെ അവിഭാജ്യ ഘടകമാണ് ദുബായ്. യുഎഇയുടെ ഭാവിയും ദുബായുടെ ഭാവിയും പരസ്‍പര ബന്ധിതമാണ്. രാഷ്ട്രത്തിന്റെ ക്ഷേമം പരമപ്രധാനമാണ്. പ്രാദേശിക താല്‍പര്യങ്ങള്‍ക്ക് മുകളിലാണ് രാഷ്ട്ര താല്‍പര്യം. നമ്മുടെ നിയമങ്ങള്‍ക്കും നയങ്ങള്‍ക്കും മുകളിലാണ് രാഷ്ട്രത്തിന്റെ നിയമങ്ങളും നയങ്ങളും. യുഎഇ ഭരണകൂടത്തിന്റെ താല്‍പര്യങ്ങള്‍ തന്നെയാണ് ദുബായിയുടെയും താല്‍പര്യങ്ങള്‍.

2. ആരും നിയമത്തിന് അതീതരല്ല
ശക്തമായ രാഷ്ട്രത്തിന്റെ അടിസ്ഥാനമാണ് നീതി. അത് ക്ഷേമവും സ്ഥിരതയും ഉറപ്പുനല്‍കും. രാജകുടുംബം മുതല്‍ ആരും നിയമത്തിന് അതീതരല്ല. പൗരന്മാരെന്നോ ഇവിടുത്തെ താമസക്കാരെന്നോ നിയമത്തിന് വിവേചനമില്ല. പണക്കാരും പാവപ്പെട്ടവരും തമ്മിലോ, സ്ത്രീയും പുരുഷനും തമ്മിലോ, മുസ്ലിമും ഇതര വിഭാഗങ്ങളും തമ്മിലോ നിയമത്തിന് വിവേചനമില്ല. വൈകിയെത്തുന്ന നീതി അത് നിഷേധിക്കപ്പെട്ടതിന് തുല്യമാണ്.

3. ബിസിനസ് തലസ്ഥാനം
സാമ്പത്തിക നില ശക്തിപ്പെടുത്തി ജനങ്ങളുടെ ജീവിത നിലവാരം വര്‍ദ്ധിപ്പിക്കുകയാണ് ദുബായ് ഭരണകൂടത്തിന്റെ ലക്ഷ്യം. രാഷ്ട്രീയ താല്‍പര്യങ്ങളില്ല. ദുബായിയുടേയും യുഎഇയുടെയും നമ്മ ആഗ്രഹിക്കുന്ന എല്ലാവരോടും സൗഹൃദം.

4. വളര്‍ച്ചയെ മുന്നോട്ട് നയിക്കുന്ന മൂന്ന് ഘടകങ്ങള്‍
മുന്ന് ഘടകങ്ങളുടെ മേലാണ് ദുബായിയുടെ വളര്‍ച്ച നിര്‍ണ്ണയിക്കുപ്പെടുന്നത്. വിശ്വാസ്യത, മാറ്റങ്ങള്‍ ഉള്‍ക്കൊള്ളാനുള്ള കഴിവ്, മികച്ച ഭരണസംവിധാനം എന്നിവയാണവ. സജീവമായ സ്വകാര്യമേഖലയും ആഗോളതലത്തില്‍ കിടപിടിക്കുന്ന സര്‍ക്കാര്‍ ഉടമസ്ഥതയിലുള്ള കമ്പനികളും സര്‍ക്കാറിന് വരുമാനവും പൗരന്മാര്‍ക്ക് തൊഴിലും ഭാവി തലമുറകള്‍ക്കായുള്ള ആസ്തികളും സമ്മാനിക്കുന്നു.

5. വ്യക്തിത്വമുള്ള സമൂഹം
ആദരിക്കാനും ഒരുമിച്ച് പോകാനും കഴിയുന്ന സമൂഹമാണിത്. സഹിഷ്ണുതയും തുറന്നസമീപനവുമാണ് അടിസ്ഥാനം. എല്ലാതരത്തിലുമുള്ള വിവേചനങ്ങളില്‍ നിന്നും പക്ഷപാതങ്ങളില്‍ നിന്നും വിട്ടുനില്‍ക്കുന്നു. അച്ചടക്കമുള്ള സമൂഹം കൃത്യനിഷ്ഠയും ഉത്തരവാദിത്തത്തോടെയുള്ള പ്രവർത്തനവും ഉറപ്പുവരുത്തുന്നു.

6. സാമ്പത്തിക വൈവിദ്ധ്യവത്കരണത്തില്‍ വിശ്വസിക്കുന്നു
1833 മുതല്‍ ദുബായിക്കുള്ള എഴുതപ്പെടാത്ത ഭരണഘടനയുടെ അടിസ്ഥാനമായിരുന്നു സാമ്പത്തിക വൈവിധ്യവൽക്കരണ പദ്ധതികൾ. ഉൽപാദനക്ഷമതയുള്ളതും പുതിയ തൊഴിലവസരങ്ങൾ വർധിപ്പിക്കുന്നതും രാജ്യത്തിന്റെ വരുമാനം വര്‍ദ്ധിപ്പിക്കുന്നതുമായ പുതിയ സാമ്പത്തിക മേഖലകള്‍ ഓരോ മൂന്നു വർഷം കൂടുമ്പോഴും യാഥാർഥ്യമാക്കുകയാണ് പുതിയ ലക്ഷ്യം.

7. മികവുകളുടെ നാട്
കഴിവുറ്റ വ്യവസായികളെയും ഭരണാധികാരികളെയും എഞ്ചിനീയര്‍മാരെയും സര്‍ഗാത്മകതയും ആശയങ്ങളുമുള്ളവരെയും ദുബായ് എപ്പോഴും ആശ്രയിക്കുന്നു.

8. ഭാവി തലമുറയ്ക്കായുള്ള കരുതല്‍
പ്രാദേശിക രാഷ്ട്രീയമോ അന്താരാഷ്ട്ര സാമ്പത്തിക സ്ഥിതിയോ നമ്മുടെ ഭാവി തലമുറയെ ബാധിക്കാന്‍ പാടില്ല. അവര്‍ക്ക് വേണ്ടി നമ്മള്‍ നിക്ഷേപങ്ങള്‍ നടത്തും. എല്ലാ സാഹചര്യങ്ങളിലും വാര്‍ഷിക ബജറ്റിന്റെ 20 ഇരട്ടിയെങ്കിലുമുള്ള സാമ്പത്തിക ആസ്തികള്‍ ഭരണകൂടത്തിന്റെ കൈവശമുണ്ടായിരിക്കുമെന്നതാണ് ഇതിന്റെ പ്രധാന തത്വം.

With year-round sunshine, intriguing deserts, beautiful beaches, luxurious hotels and shopping malls, fascinating heritage attractions and a thriving business community, Dubai receives millions of leisure and business visitors each year from around the world.

The local currency is the Dirham, which is pegged at AED 3.67 to 1 US dollar. Dubai is tolerant and cosmopolitan and all visitors are welcome. However, Islam is a way of life in the city, and therefore tourists should adopt a certain level of cultural and religious sensitivity for the duration of their stay.

Dubai Rulers: Since 1833 the reigning Al Maktoum family have ruled Dubai. Under their wise and progressive leadership Dubai has prospered and it is now the business and tourism hub for a region. More …

Dubai Economy: The past few decades have witnessed incredible growth throughout all sectors of the Dubai economy. The emirate’s government is constantly working to improve its commercial transparency and introduce dynamic regulations that aid the formation of small and medium enterprises. Dubai’s economy is no longer reliant on oil, but is more diversified, relying heavily on trade, services and finance sectors. With its central geographic location between Asian and European markets, Dubai has worked hard to establish itself as an integral part of the global trade mechanism. Its central location has also allowed Dubai to become a popular and accessible tourist destination.

Attractions: A good place to start exploring the history and heritage of Dubai is the Dubai Museum: it is located inside Al Fahidi Fort, one of Dubai’s oldest buildings dating back to 1787. There are other museums in Dubai and in surrounding emirates that also offer important insights into the history and growth of the city and of the United Arab Emirates.

Culture & Heritage: Courtesy and hospitality are among the most highly prized of virtues in the Arab world, and visitors will be charmed by the warmth and friendliness of the people. One of the largest and most beautiful mosques is Jumeirah Mosque- a spectacular example of modern Islamic architecture.

Dubai Nature: Dubai, with an area of 3,885 square kilometres, is the second largest emirate in the UAE. Situated on the banks of the Dubai Creek, a natural inlet from the Gulf which divides the city into the Deira district to its north and Bur Dubai on its south.

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In December 2nd 1971, United Arab Emirates was declared as a united, independent and sovereign state encompassing of seven emirates, i.e. Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Um Al Quwain and Al Fujairah. 
Location: 

UAE ranked world’s second safest country
The UAE has been ranked as the second safest country in the world, beating popular holiday destinations like France, Italy, Singapore, the US and Thailand. The country has been ranked second only to Iceland by UK-based Which? Travel magazine when it comes to lowest risk of crime. In fact, both the UAE and Iceland have been given a score of 6.6 by the magazine. 11/11/18.
Expatriates constitute around 90 per cent of the UAE’s 9.7 million population.

UAE
United Arab Emirates is located in the south east region of the Arabian Peninsula, as it extends from the Oman Gulf eastward to Qatar westward, bordered by the Arabian Gulf from the north and the North West, Qatar and Saudi Arabia from the west and Oman Gulf as well as Sultanate of Oman from the east. United Arab Emirates shores towering over the southern coast of the Arabian Gulf extends to cover an area of 644 Kilometers from the base of Qatar Peninsula westward to Ras Masandam eastward, having the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman and Um Al Quwain diffused over the coast, whereas the coast of the seventh emirate Al Fujairah stretches for 90 Kilometers over the coast of Oman Gulf. Therefore the state occupies the located area between the latitudes 22 and 26.5 degrees northward, and the longitudes 51 and 56.5 degrees eastward Grenache.

The Area 

United Arab Emirates area excluding the affiliated isles is amounted to 83.600 Square Kilometers. The Emirate of Abu Dhabi represents the greatest share since it covers an area of 67.340 Square Kilometers equivalent to 87% of the total area of the State.

The Climate 

Due to the location of United Arab Emirates in the dry tropical region, the climate is generally characterized by the increase of humidity and temperature during the summer since the temperature average during the summer ranges between 35 to 40 cent degrees as the humidity degree occasionally reaches 100%. On the other hand, the weather during the winter is mild where the temperature reaches 18 cent degrees.

The federal authorities of the State consists of the Supreme Council of the Federation, the Chairman of the Federation and his Deputy, the Cabinet, the Federal National Council and the Federal Judiciary Body. The Union represents a part of the great homeland bonded by the ties of religion, language, history and mutual destiny, as its people constitute an integral part of the nation, embracing Islam as a religion and the Islamic teachings represents the main source for legislation, having the Arabic language as its official language.

Glance about United Arab Emirates 

The President of the Country : H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan

The Population : 4.320 Million (Estimations of 2005).

The Capital : Abu Dhabi

The Seven Emirates : Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Um Al Quwain and Fujairah.

Area: 83.600 square kilometers

The Religion: Islam

The Language : Arabic Language is considered the official language in the country whereas the English Language is widely used as far as the commercial and economic domains are concerned.

The Local Timing: The timing of United Arab Emirates precedes the Grenache timing by four hours. (Grenache + 4).

The emirate of Dubai is located in the northern part of the UAE. It stretches over 72 miles (115 km) on the Gulf coast. It. The total area of Dubai is approximately 2428 square miles (3885 km).

Dubai has changed dramatically over the last three decades, becoming a major business centre with a more dynamic and diversified economy. Dubai enjoys a strategic location and serves as the biggest re-exporting centre in the Middle East.

Its low logistical and operational costs and excellent infrastructure, international outlook and liberal government policies are attracting investors in a big way. Activities such as trade, transport, tourism, industry and finance have shown steady growth and helped the economy to achieve a high degree of expansion and diversification.

Reach levels 148, 125 and 124 of the world’s tallest building and experience the breathtaking 360- degree views of Dubai from the observation deck.

For tickets, visit their website.

Dubai Frame
Standing tall at Zabeel Park, the Dh260 million project tells the story of the past, present and future of Dubai. The two 150-meter high transparent glass towers are connected by a 93-meter bridge where visitors can get a 360-degree view of the city. The North shows the landmarks of old Dubai, including Deira, Umm Hurair and Karama, while the South portrays the modern shopping malls, Sheikh Zayed Road skyscrapers and Burj Khalifa. website

Book your tickets through www.dubaiframe.ae or Dubai Frame App.

Tickets: Dh50 for adults and Dh20 for children.

World’s largest butterfly garden
Visit world’s largest covered butterfly garden from 9 am to 6pm. Located next to Dubai Miracle Garden which is temporarily closed but will open this winter, you can take a walk in the midst of thousands of fresh blooms. website

Dubai Water Canal 
Cruising along the Dubai Water Canal, with a backdrop of Dubai’s awe-inspiring skyline in petrol heritage abra can be an experience to remember. You can indulge in one for Dh25 for a whole hour.

The Canal itself is a sight to behold. The 3.2km extension ranges 80 to 120m in width and cuts through Dubai’s main artery, the Shaikh Zayed Road, across Safa Park and into the residential Jumeirah district.There is also a mechanical waterfall, where the Canal meets the Shaikh Zayed Road bridge.
Take your time along the illuminated walkways and pedestrian bridges that overlook the Dubai water canal and enjoy the sight of the mechanical waterfall. It’s a perfect place to take photos and just enjoy a relaxed, cool and free evening. The Wi-Fi there is really good too.
Location: near Business Bay Metro Station

The Marina
If the weather is just perfect, you should plan an evening by Dubai Marina. With tall buildings, including the twisted ‘Cayan Tower’, you can stroll along the Dubai Marina Board, walk or take a traditional dhow and explore the area through the waterways.

If you are a beach-lover, head to The Walk at JBR to admire the sunset, the biggest Ferris wheel – Ain Dubai, and indulge in the endless options of restaurants and shopping.

Dubai Mall
Although many of the shops in Dubai are more on the higher end pricey side, you can still walk around and admire the mall for free. Inside the mall there are incredible views of the Burj Khalifa and the fountains, you can browse book stores, look at the indoor aquarium and window shop.
Location: Downtown Dubai Cost: Free to enter Timings Weekdays from 10am to 12am

Dubai Mall Ice Rink
Located on the ground floor of Dubai Mall and extending to the second floor, the Dubai Ice Rink is an Olympic-sized ice skating rink in Downtown Dubai. It is the largest and best-equipped rink in the city.  website

Public skating sessions are conducted everyday from 10am until late in the evening. Disco sessions are held in the evenings. Check website for more details. https://dubaiicerink.com/en/

La Perle
La Perle is the city’s one-of-a-kind live entertainment show with acrobatics and aerial stunts. 10 performances take place each week at the purpose-built theatre in the heart of Al Habtoor City. The aqua theatre uses state-of-the-art technology that produces waterfalls, torrents and rain on a floor that floods and drains within seconds.

You can witness world-class performers from 23 countries performing breathtaking and extraordinary acts including acrobatics, contortion, flying, diving and even motorcycles defying gravity.

Dubai Safari Park
The Dh1 billion new Dubai Safari Park spread over 119 hectares provides visitors and residents a close encounter with over 2,500 animals from 250 species in an open exhibit through four villages – African, Asian, Arabian and open Safari Village. Dubai Safari aims to be home to 5,000 animals by 2020.

Price: Dh30 for children, Dh85 for adults.

Fill your shopping bags
It isn’t uncommon for international tourists to come to Dubai and indulge in some retail therapy. As a resident, you can get the best value for your buck by keeping a check on the sales in town. Keep a tab on the social media pages of the brands and malls and visit any of the numerous shopping malls in Dubai – Dubai Mall, Mall of Emirates, Ibn Battuta Mall, Marina Mall, Mirdiff City Centre, Mercato Mall – to shop to your heart’s content.

Starry solitude in desert!
When was the last time you spent some quiet time under the stars? A desert safari in Dubai is one of the adventures you can try if you have the evening by your side. You can enjoy some sand dune bashing in the 4X4 vehicles, click pictures with the camels and even camp out in the desert.

Atlantis Lost Chambers 
If you are a resident you can enjoy a 40 per cent discount on Aquaventure Waterpark? Explore The Lost Chambers Aquarium at an exclusive price of Dh125 for adults and Dh50 for children.

The Dubai Fountain
The light and music show at the Dubai fountain is one of the must-do things on every visitor’s list. Now you explore the grand experience going closer to the fountain as a fountain broad walk has been installed only 9 meters away from the fountains!
It’s a favourite go-to spot among residents and tourists. The Dubai Mall fountain is an unforgettable experience that really just moves everyone because of its beauty and synchronized dance and song.

You can buy the tickets at the Fountain promenade, Burj Park and At the Top, Burj Khalifa ticket counters.
Price: Dh20
Timings: 5 pm to 11 pm

Location: Dubai Mall, Timings: Evening shows daily from 6pm to 11pm, every 30 minutes

Global Village
Imagine a place with more than 75 cultures, represented across 27 country pavilions and spread over 1.6 million square meters.

There are more than 3,500 outlets, including hundreds of boutique shops, 23 restaurants, and cafes, and 120 food and beverage kiosks featuring cuisines from the Far East to the Middle East; Asia to Europe, Africa and the Americas.

What more, now you can take an electric abra and enjoy the ride along the water canal.

Price: Dh15

Timings: 3.30 pm  until half an hour prior to park closure. website

Dubai Flea Market 
If you are a bargain hunter and want to check out some pre-loved stuff in Dubai, you need to head to the Dubai Flea Market. Held at different locations around Dubai, you can also put up your own stall and make some quick money from your unused stuff.

The next flea market is at Al Barsha Pond Park on November 24, Al Nahda Pond Park on December 8 and Zabeel Park on December 9, 2017.

Timings: 1 pm to 5 pm

Price: Free

Coffee Museum
Coffee is an integral part of many cultures and you can walk through the history of the popular drink at the Coffee Museum in  Dubai’s heritage district, Al Fahidi.

As you walk around the courtyard, you can see neatly stacked artifacts and antiques, dating back to century. On display is a 300-year-old clay jug used by the Ethiopians. A level up, there is literature room with texts related to coffee from the eighteenth century to present times.

Price: Free

Timings: 9 am to 5 pm

Dubai Museum 
Located at Al Fahidi Fort, built in 1787, you can dig into the history of the Emirates before the discovery of oil. The museum opened in 1971, features recreated Arab houses, mosque, Souks, date farms and desert life. Also on display are exhibits on pearl diving from the yesteryears.

Timings: Saturday to Thursday, 8:30 until 8:30, and Fridays from 2.30 to 8.30

Price: Dh3 for adults, Dh1 for children

Bollywood Parks 
Indulge in the grandeur, drama, music, dance and magic of Indian cinema right before your eyes as you stroll through the region’s largest theme park, Bollywood Parks.

IMG Worlds of Adventure
UAE residents can get an entry to the park at a special residents’ offer of only Dh199 till September 30, 2018. The ticket includes unlimited access to all the rides and attractions throughout the day.

For details, follow their website.

Dubai Mall Aquarium
Did you know the Dubai Mall Aquarium showcases hundreds of sharks and rays, including the largest collection of Sand Tiger sharks in the world? Walk through the underwater tunnel and see the creepy crawly zone with snakes.

Palm Jumeirah
The Palm is worth exploring, especially if you are visiting Dubai. Definitely head to the top of the Palm and watch the sunset on the crescent.
Location: Palm Jumeirah Dubai, Cost: Free, Timings: anytime

The famous Dubai Skyline
You could literally just drive up and down Shaikh Zayed Road. One of the best spots to see the skyline is from one of the Dubai Canal bridges.
Location: Shaikh Zayed Road Dubai, Cost: Free, Timings: anytime

Go to the beach
You don’t need to spend money at a fancy resort to enjoy beach access in Dubai. Kite Beach is one of the city’s nicest beaches and the entry is free for everyone. Bring your own juices and lunch and you won’t need to spend a penny. Kite Beach even has free Wi-Fi and a running track if you’d rather exercise on land than in sea.
Location: Jumeirah Beach Road, Cost: Free, Timings: anytime

Visit Fossil Rock
Fossil Rock is an unforgettable and surreal experience. Many of the fossils there are said to be over 80 million years old. To get there you need to drive down the Dubai- Hatta road through to Al Awir. Once you arrive at Fossil Rock, take a moment to sit among fossils that are over millions of years old, enjoy clear blue skies, rocky hills and pristine dessert sand in one of the UAE’s natural wonders. Have a picnic with some packed lunch and enjoy!

Location: Maleha, Cost: Free, Timings: anytime (daytime recommended)

Have a picnic in Al Qudra lakes
A great natural area to spend an afternoon. The Al Qudra lakes are spread over 10 hectares in the middle of the Saih Al Salam Desert. The man-made Lake is supplied with water by the Jebel Ali sewage treatment plant of Dubai Municipality, thus has created a natural habitat of rare breeds of birds, fish and other smaller animals. Get in touch with nature in this free to enter area and have a picnic with friends and family. Most importantly, do not forget to clean up after yourself.

Location: End of al Qudra Road Cost: Free Timings anytime

Enjoy an amazing light show in Dubai Festival
‘Imagine’ is Dubai Festival City’s record-breaking attraction, which uses the power of light, water and fire to offer a kind of sensory experience. They use 30 fountains and surround sound to give the audience a unique multisensory show.

Location: Dubai Festival City Mall promenade Cost: Free Timings Weekdays: Star Dancer show at 7pm and 9pm, A Child’s Dream show at 8pm and 10pm, Weekends Star Dancer show at 7pm and 9pm, A Child’s Dream show at 8pm and 10pm and 11pm

Cycle on the Qudra track
Cycling is one of the best types of cardio exercise. If you are a cycling enthusiast then Al Qudra is the perfect place for you to cycle long distance and the best part, is that it’s free.

Location: Al Qudra Cost: Free Timings anytime

Dubai Coffee Museum
Located in the Al Fahidi district, Dubai is home to the UAE’s first museum dedicated to coffee. The museum opened its doors in September 2014 to mark International Coffee Day, which takes place on September 29. The museum is a showcase that connects the past and the present of the coffee world. The ground floor of the museum is made up of 6 different rooms including the different roasting and brewing styles from various countries, which are live demonstrated. The first floor of the museum offers a large selection of books about the history of coffee as well as documentaries that visitors can watch in the media room. Coffee lovers can also sit and enjoy some tasty coffee in their homey and cosy coffee lounge as well as purchase related items from the museum gift shop.

Location: Villa 44, Al Fahidi Historical District Cost: Free Timings Daily from 9am to 5pm, closed on Friday

Gold Souk in Deira

The Dubai Gold Souk is a traditional market in the heart of old Dubai by the creek. This market mainly sells gold, silver and precious stones. You’ll find the odd seller of handbags here and there, but it’s just a great place to walk around to really get the feel of old Dubai. The souk is home to over 300 retailers. Some have been there for over 40 years, while others have just set up shops a few years ago. It is a must visit for tourists who want to see more than just the glitz and glamour of the UAE.
Location: Al Ras Deira Cost: Free entry Timings 10am to 10pm (some stores are closed between 1pm to 4pm)

Dubai Spice Souk
The Dubai Spice Souk is a delight to the senses. It’s a traditional market in the heart of old Dubai near the Gold Souk. This market mainly sells herbs, spices, soaps and much more. The souk is home to over 150 small retailers. A visit to the spice souk is a great opportunity to see herbs, spices and salts in their raw and natural form. The people working there, will try and educate you on the origins and history of the spices, so make sure you listen with an open mind. Most sellers have been trading spices in the souk for over 20 years, so their experience shouldn’t be taken with a grain of salt.

Location: Al Ras Deira Cost: Free entry Timings 10am to 10pm (some stores are closed between 1pm to 4pm)

Jameel Art Center
Jameel Arts Centre, is a contemporary art space in Dubai that opened in November. Located at Jaddaf Waterfront, the Centre is home to multiple gallery spaces and curated art commissions, projects, and solo and group exhibitions, drawn both from the Art Jameel collection and through regional and international artist collaborations. The art pieces displayed are amazing and the venue itself is located in a very peaceful beachfront area in town. Make sure you head upstairs onto the rooftop garden to see glow in the dark light up palm trees and other plants.

Location: Al Jaddaf Waterfront Cost: Free timings Weekdays from 10am to 8pm, and weekends from 10am to 10pm

Alserkal Avenue
One of Dubai’s coolest and most unique artsy spots. The avenue is home to art galleries, classic cars, record stores, many different cafes and even a chocolate factory. Also check out Nadi Al Qouz, which is an integrated space that is open to anyone and everyone. You can sit and work there or just catch up for a coffee.

Location: Al Serkal Avenue, Al Qouz Cost: free Timings Open daily, but most shops are closed on Friday

Hatta Pools
Want to find yourself in the middle of a wallpaper-worthy backdrop? Look no further than good-old Hatta. The drive is worth it as you wade feet-first into the pristine green-blue waters that form the centre-piece of the gritty rocks around them. Make sure to carry an ID and other verification documents with you since the pools are technically in Oman. Explore the rich, well-preserved culture of Hatta on the way too, by visiting the Heritage Village if it’s open.

Location: Hatta Cost: Free Timings anytime

Go on an abra
One of Dubai’s oldest modes of transportation and the easiest way to get across the creek. It’s definitely an enjoyable experience.
Location: Bur Dubai (Creekside) Cost: Dh1 per ride Timings Daily from 5am to 12am

Dh 1 Bombay Toast
Bombay Toast can be found at Dh1 in most places in old Dubai
Bombay toast is the Indian equivalent of French Toast. It’s unbelievably good.
Where to get it: At different street side cafés in Satwa and Deira

Arabic coffee
A proper tourist day in this Arab country is incomplete without a hot cup of Arabic coffee and there are many outlets that boast authentic brews. Look around the area and you’ll definitely find someone on a street corner, who will serve you a cuppa.
Location: Al Fahidi, Bur Dubai Cost: Dh1 Timings all day