About Dubai
Considering its massive size, towering skyscrapers and glitzy ambiance, it's incredible to think that Dubai was little more than a sleepy fishing village just a few brief decades ago. The city has experienced some incredible boom times lately, and tourists flock there for premium entertainment and excitement. From world-class shopping to a truly thrilling nightlife, Dubai is undoubtedly the place to be. Incredible beaches and year-round sunny weather make it even better. Regardless of where your interests may lie, you're sure to find something fun to do in Dubai.
A great way to introduce yourself to the city of Dubai is by heading to the observation deck at the top of the Burj Khalifa. At 828 meters in height, it is currently the tallest building in the world. The building holds many other interesting records; for instance, it offers the tallest mosque in the world. From the observation deck, you'll enjoy a truly phenomenal view and can plan out the rest of your explorations.
Several intriguing souks, or markets, are located in Dubai. The Gold Souk and Spice Souk are of particular interest to most visitors, so try to visit them both. The Dubai Museum and the Bastakiya District, which is home to some of the city's best architecture, are great places to learn more about the culture of Dubai. Everything is bigger and better in this dazzling city. That includes the Dubai Fountain, which is the largest in the world. A light show is held there every evening, and it's not to be missed.
Dubai Airports and Airlines
Dubai wants to make it as easy as possible for visitors to get there, and Dubai International Airport is how most British nationals arrive in the city. Thanks to the fact that this is a very modern city, its airport is less than five kilometers from the city centre. Several major British airlines offer regular service to Dubai. You can take your pick from three major airlines from Manchester, two major airlines from Birmingham and 11 major airlines from London. Options include KLM, Thomson and British Airways. Indeed, Manchester, Heathrow and Gatwick all offer regular service to Dubai, so finding affordable and convenient flights is easy.
Because Dubai International is so close to the city centre, getting from the airport to central Dubai is easy. Metered taxis are readily available, and buses are too. Two lines of the Dubai Metro travel between the airport and the city centre, and shuttle service is also available.
Visa Requirements
Visa requirements for British nationals travelling to Dubai are fairly simple. Upon arriving in the country, citizens of the UK who have right of abode in the UK are issued visit visas. There is no fee for these visas, and there is no need to complete an application ahead of time. It is however worth checking with the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates prior to leaving to confirm these requirements.
Basic Laws in Dubai
It's important to be aware of the basic laws of Dubai prior to arriving there. In order to drive, you must have an International Driver's Permit and a regular driver's license from your country of origin. There is a zero tolerance policy for drunk driving, and the blood-alcohol limit is zero. The drinking age in Dubai is 21, and you must be 18 to buy tobacco products of any kind.
Transportation in and Around Dubai
Many people rent cars upon arriving in Dubai. Please note that you drive on the right side of the road in the UAE. Those who prefer not to rent cars can get around in many other ways. The Dubai Metro is clean and easy to navigate. With an NOL card, you can use it to travel around the city with ease. In addition to buses and taxis, there are water buses and water taxis.
The Best Time to Visit Dubai
It's always hot in Dubai. It's especially hot in the summer, so most people prefer to visit between October and April. The average high in January is 13.7 degrees Celsius. In July, the high is 28.9 degrees.
Image attribution: Joi Ito | .EVO. | Sergey Safonov
