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| Downtown Dubai - The Centre of Now |
What was once a small fishing village by the Persian Gulf over 40 years ago has transformed into an extravagant showcase of what a 21st century metropolis is expected to look like. The desert city of Dubai is famously home to all things big in the world - the tallest building that boasts the biggest New Year's Day fireworks show, the biggest mall based on total area, the biggest fountain show, the biggest artificial island group - and diverse - almost 8 out of 10 people you meet around are foreigners or expats, with most of them coming from South Asia, Africa and Europe.
Attracting over a million new tourists each year, Dubai continues to expand its horizons, thus becoming a new beacon of tourism that does not expect to lose its popularity in the next few years, or even decades, especially after being named as the host city for the 2020 World Expo.
With the influx of tourists coming into Dubai - whether for an epic desert and city adventure featuring fine dining and lavish nightclubs or taking advantage of tax-free luxury shopping - the city continues to create ways of making a traveler's experience a memorable and a truly unforgettable one, thus turning the city into the world's most visited lifestyle destination.
When on budget in traveling here, it is highly suggested that you travel on off-peak seasons, particularly before or after any major holiday, as accommodation and shops tend to rise in their rates during these times.
Our timing for our first visit in Dubai came in time for the New Year, as it has become world famous for its fireworks show in Downtown Dubai featuring the Burj Khalifa.
How to Get There
For most travelers going to Dubai, a visa may be required upon entry. Please check with your immigration office on this matter upon your decision to travel here.
- By Plane. Travelers arriving the city enter through Dubai International Airport (DXB). There are a number of direct flights flying to Dubai (from Manila via Cebu Pacific Air or Philippine Airlines). Airline costs don't come cheap while getting here, especially when you are coming far from Dubai (flight time from Manila is about nine hours). Checking out for promo fares on some budget airlines may help you a lot in saving money for this trip.
Where to Stay
Dubai has well sorted out their hotels ranging from beautiful 3-star hotels - not that I know of any hotel below that - to extravagant 5-star and even 7-star hotels! If price per night is a concern, by now you'd probably know the difference.
- Deira / Bur Dubai. The historic district of Dubai is located along the Dubai Creek. From where we stayed in our travel here (Deira), there are a number of hotels conveniently located at almost every block. Though I can't give you how the exact going rate for a night in hotels in the district because our timing was on a peak season (New Year), but based on acquaintances within the area, hotels here are relatively cheaper than in Downtown. While it may take you at least 10 to 15 minutes to get you the city proper and other relevant attractions, there are train stations and buses available to make a smooth trip around the city.
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| 3-star hotel? Looks 5-star to me already. |
- Downtown Dubai. While hotels here could be more pricey as expected, but you are just closer to the action as anyone else. The malls, the amazing series of skyscrapers piercing the Dubai skyline, the beautiful beaches, you name it.
What to Do
Too many to mention. On to the next post. Here are some teaser photos, though, of where we were.
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| An outdoor garden thriving in the middle of the Desert. |
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| Epic adventure right at the tip of The Palm. |
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| The world's only 7-star Hotel |
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| The world's biggest shopping mall viewed At The Top |
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| All that glitters in Dubai is gold. |
Where to Go Next
- Abu Dhabi, UAE. The Emirati capital city that is home to the Grand Mosque, the Palace, and for high speed car fans, the Ferrari World. Get a glimpse of unique architecture that rises from the desert. Just a short one hour trip by land from Dubai.