Your Guide To Dubai.

Skydiving in Dubai!

2011-03-24T07:18:00.000-07:00

Alright. I've been meaning to write about this for a long time. However, I somehow always forget about it. Skydiving! It's the ultimate sport. Not anyone can go up into the sky and jump out of a plane. But for those few brave souls who have no qualms in doing that, Dubai is a must-visit place.
You might have gone sky diving elsewhere in the world. But trust me when I say that Dubai is simply awesome.
Well, let me give you a brief picture. I've been sky diving. twice. Yeah. I'm crazy. I know that. My first time was in Arizona a couple of years back. The thing about Arizona is that the view from the top is pretty much a barren view. For those who've been there, I'm sure you understand what I'm trying to say. The fun in sky diving depends a lot on the kind of cover present in the land below. This might not make much sense. But picture this.
Arizona : you jump out of a plane and all you can see is barren land and shrubs below.
Dubai : You're over the vast ocean. To your left are the palm islands and the Burj-Al-Arab. And this is followed by a very large number of towering skyscrapers. I think you get what I'm talking about.
Winner: Dubai!
The best part about the whole experience is the moment just before exiting the airplane. You'll be right over the ocean and you'll see the Dubai coastline to your left/right. It's such an adrenaline rush! It is kind of expensive though. So if you are prepared to shell out some hard cash for such an experience, I'd suggest you go for it. It's probably the most exhilarating experience you can ever have. I have no idea how I missed out on posting about dubai sky diving before. But hey, better late than never.

The Dubai Mall!

2011-02-23T00:13:00.000-08:00

Ok. So I'm back after a long hiatus. Haven't posted here for quite some time! Nevertheless, I shall try to keep updating here as much as I can. The last year or two has not been a really good time for Dubai as it was really badly hit by the recession. However, everything seems to be back to normal now and the guys here are getting back to their obsession with building the largest/tallest stuff in the world.

Ok now. jokes aside, I recently visited the Dubai Mall. Well, I've been there several times, but this is the first time I'm writing about it here, I think. As most of you know, it is officially the world's largest shopping mall. What people find there that they don't find at the Mall of Emirates, I don't know. But like every other building in Dubai, this has something unique to offer.

The major attraction here has to be the three storey walk in aquarium. Yes you did hear that right. It has a walk in aquarium. There was quite a situation last year when the aquarium developed a crack and people had to be evacuated. It's sad that I wasn't there to witness that. I'm quite sure it must have been epic! You can very easily get lost in here. Being a movie buff myself, I had to visit the Reel Cinemas. Man, it's bigger than I thought. Trust me, watching a movie here is money well spent. Now I'm sure you've all seen the malls in the USA or Singapore and you're probably thinking that this is just another run-of-the-mill mall. Well, just give it a shot. I'm sure you'll be surprised.

Right now, I'm too lazy to upload pictures of Dubai Mall. Hopefully when this lazy spell wears off, I'll upload pics of bigger and better stuff at Dubai!

Getting The Best Deal on Air Tickets | Cheap Flights

2008-12-14T20:53:00.000-08:00

Cheap flights are probably the most searched terms on google and as an answer to this question, I will be writing a series of posts on how to get the cheapest fares while booking your tickets to Dubai. To start off with, while traveling to Dubai, the airfare is always pretty high because the airport tax is also slightly on the higher side. If you have been to Dubai International Airport, you will realize this. The Dubai International Airport is one of the most celebrated airports in the world. If you click on the above mentioned link, you can see that it is lavish and extravagant.

On top of all this, the world's largest airport is under construction in Dubai and will be open in a few years time. So, by then the ticket fares will surely increase. So the best time to avail the lowest fares to Dubai is now. So what should you do?

Firstly, Ensure that there are flights from your city to Dubai. Though there are direct flights from almost any city in the world to Dubai, there are a few exceptions. If there are nor direct flights, you need not worry. You can always connect to Dubai from transit locations.

For example, if you are flying from North America, you can connect to Dubai via various destinations in Europe like Paris, London, Rome to name a few. The national carrier Emirates has been voted the best airline in the world and its service is testament to this recognition. Emirates flies to almost every major city in the world. So rest assured that you can find a flight to Dubai at almost any time on any day.

Moving on, I'll cover different airlines separately and you yourself can decide at the end as to which is the cheapest. Start off with Emirates, I'd say that Emirates probably is not the best airline if you are looking for dirt cheap tickets. If you book in advance, you can definitely get superb fares on Emirates but for last minute deals, there are other options.

Firstly, you should consider Air India Express. Air India Express is a subsidiary of India's national carrier, Air India. Air India is known for its budget fares and they have further lowered the fares with the launch of Air India Express. Air India express, connects to Dubai from various destinations in India. If you are flying from say Singapore, you could fly the Singapore-Chennai-Dubai sector or the Singapore-Trivandrum-Dubai sector, both Chennai and Trivandrum being major airports in India. Also, all routes connecting through India's South West coast are extremely cheap, expecially those connecting from the state of Kerala.

For other travellers from South East Asia, another option is Tiger Airways from SIN to MAA and then availing of Air India Express or Indian Airlines from MAA onwards. MAA (Chennai) is one of the major airports in South India and is a popular transit stop used by many international passengers. In the next part of my Cheap flight tickets series, I will talk about getting the best fares from Europe and the USA. In the mean time, if you want to get ahead and book your tickets, click here to get the cheapest fares and also possible upgrades to First Class.

Getting a Tattoo in Dubai

2008-11-30T08:19:00.000-08:00

Tattoos are hip. No doubt. There are certain places in the world that are renowned for their tattoos, but Dubai really is not one of them. As far as I know, I think tattoos are illegal in Dubai. But this certainly does not prevent people from getting tattoos in Dubai.

Getting a tattoo in Dubai can be quite an ordeal. You should know the right people and you should know how to approach them. Firstly, most of the tattoo parlors in Dubai use natural components and they are washable. If you are looking for a permanent tattoo, then you should either try the parlor near Madinat Jumeirah or the Beach centre. As far as my knowledge goes, I think that the above two mentioned places offer permanent tattoos and they are pretty much the best you can get in Dubai.

Also 4 leaf clover had their outlet in Diyafah Center, but now they have moved to Bur Dubai. I am not sure about the exact location, but if you look up the local directory, I am sure that you can find their listing. They also have contacts throughout Dubai and they can get you hooked up with some really good parlors. But be warned, i think that tattoos are not legal any more in Dubai.
Probably with the opening of the Atlantis and the Restless City, I guess we can hope to get more tattoo parlors in Dubai.

The World's Most Expensive Party and the World's Most Lavish Hotel

2008-11-24T04:15:00.000-08:00

I've heard of Dubai doing crazy things to get the attention of the rest of the world. But the opening of the much awaited Atlantis Hotel redefined the meaning of a party. The resort, the most lavish in the world, was opened amidst much fanfare a few days back and really set a new record which I am sure will not be touched for a very very long time to come.

The party was organized at a cost of 20 Million USD, just for a night of drinks and fireworks. The fireworks at the party was much more extravagant that that at the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony and was the only party that has ever been seen from space!

Amongst others at the party were Denzel Washington and Charlize Theron. Apparently, Dubai seems to remain untouched and unaffected by the ongoing worldwide economic crisis. Spending nearly what I could use for a couple of generations on a single night....well..what's the word...crazy???

Online Poker: An Addictive Acivity

2008-10-31T00:31:00.000-07:00

Casinos have this strange attraction that never seems to die out. Every time I step foot into a casino, there's that inevitable rush through my body and it is absolutely unmatched. But, since it is literally impossible to visit a casino at my whim, I had to look for other alternatives. A simple search online lead me to what has now topped my list of best online casino sites. This website is totally off the hook and is a photocopy of a real Casino. Only that you can play, from the comfort of your bed!

The site has several links to awesome online casinos and each casino has a review that has been written after first hand use. The thing that is really impressive about the site is that they are totally genuine, unlike many other casino sites that have sprung up recently. Their Poker section is something that has to be seen to be believed and it truly does re-define the meaning of online entertainment.

If you think that all this praise is too much, well, think again. The website, which is very user-friendly has everything, right from basic rules to the the most high stakes games on the internet.
Before trying out the actual games, check out their tutorial and rules section. It is really helpful. If you are a novice at this, there's absolutely nothing to worry about. Just go ahead and have fun.

You might also want to try out the suggestions that they provide, because, trust me, they are worth it. On the whole, the website has more than what meets the eye and is truly a one stop destination for casino fans!

Hotels Reaching A New High In Dubai

2008-09-28T01:13:00.000-07:00

As I've already said before (and I'll probably keep saying this), the hotel industry in Dubai is growing by leaps and bounds everyday. With skyrocketing real estate rates and an ever increasing number of visitors flowing in steadily into Dubai every year, it is but natural that several hotels spring up every year.

Dubai is growing to be the Vegas of Asia and the Middle East. In fact, if it keeps growing at the present rate, I would not be surprised if it takes over Vegas.
So let's stick to the discussion. Hotels in Dubai.

Finding a hotel in Dubai can be difficult. Especially, because there are so many to choose from and also because many of them can burn a really deep hole in your pocket. Money is the word to be following here.

So let's start off with some of the good hotels in Dubai. I am not going into the Burj-Al-Arab, Jumeirah Resort and their competitors because I know most of you reading this article most likely will not be heading to such a pricey hotel. I guess most of you have come here looking for a really good hotel and pretty reasonable prices.

To start off with, a great place to stay would be the Holiday Inn, Dubai, which personally is one of my favorites. The Holiday Inn has a great family feel to it and has all the amenities of a great hotel. The thing that I like about the Holiday Inn is that it is not really pricey, but at the same time gives a really international standard hotel feel to the visitors.

The hotel is classy, but is not restricted to the super-rich and famous, like s few other hotels in Dubai. Overall, the Holiday Inn is really good for a short family visit to Dubai.

If you are looking for something a bit more pricey, you can try out the Qamardeen, the Hilton or the Le Meridien in Dubai. All of these hotels totally comply to international standards and are expensive (though not even half as expensive as the Burj). The Fairmont Dubai is another really elegant hotel to be staying in. It has all the facilities that you need to enjoy your time in Dubai. The Fairmont, for its price range, has a lot of competitors and it is advisable to book in advance because the Fairmont is really popular with guests. So, you might not always find a room.

Lately, Resorts with private beaches are really catching up in Dubai and with the construction of the Palm Islands, everyone wants a taste of how it feels to have a private beach. So if you are one of those people, you had better get your reservations ready right now. Some of the resorts have waiting times of upto a year! So you do not want to keep it until the last minute.

There are a million hotels in Dubai and it is really impossible to mention them all in a single post. So, consider this as my selection of the best hotels in Dubai.
And ofcourse, what's a post about hotels without a mention about the Hilton. You can find out more about the Hilton Dubai at:

http://www.hotelscombined.com/Hotel/Hilton_Dubai_Jumeirah_Resort_Dubai.htm

Overall, the process of choosing a hotel in Dubai can be alarmingly difficult if you are not armed with the correct information. You can visit hotelscombined.com for loads of info on Dubai hotels. Cheers!

Gadget Hunting in Dubai

2008-09-16T06:51:00.000-07:00

Having become one of the most preferred tourist destinations in the world, Dubai has also made facilities to become a major tourist shopping destination. While the most popular shopping ranges from traditional handlooms to fashion related stuff, another area where Dubai is fast growing is the tech-gadget area.

Dubai is known for the quality of the tech-gadgets that are available here. Be it the world's largest Plasma display for sale, or be it pure Finland made Nokia phones. Dubai has it all.

Most malls in Dubai have several gadget shop owners plying around every corner in a desperate attempt to sell that brand new phone that was released just the other day. But there are some gadget giants as well. For example, Jumbo Corp., a gadget retailer, is one of the largest chains that sells electronic goods at very competitive prices in Dubai.

Dubai's telecommunication scenario is far more advanced than in the west. The range of cell-phones and PDAs available in the market is stunning and there is so much variety, that you'll be confused as to what to buy.

Major retailers have their outlets at most popular malls. Like for example, the Mall of the Emirates alone has tens of shops lined up, each selling a plethora of electronic items, some at drop-deap cheap prices.

So if you are looking to buy electronic goods, at cheap prices, but of genuine make, you might just want to consider your options again. GO Dubai!

Dubai Residences

2008-09-15T02:54:00.000-07:00

Ever thought of permanently moving to Dubai? Well, if that option has struck you before, don't panic. The first thought that strikes every body is about accommodation in Dubai. Everyone thinks that with such a rapid pace of development, there is a shortage of space. It is quite the contrary actually.

Dubai is building residences at an alarming rate, and these residences are getting filled even more rapidly. One of the most prestigious neighbourhoods in Dubai, the Burj Dubai, has already had almost all of its residences completely booked. But there is help at hand.

The ongoing construction of the Palm Islands (they are actually 3 in number), offers some re-assurance that there will be some residences left back, atleast a few.

Apart from the palm, there are several other mega residence construction projects going on in Dubai. It is said that Dubai gets over a few thousand immigrants everyday! So to cater to everyone's needs, Dubai has some plans.
The Marina will also feature some residences, though these will be the upmarket ones, each ranging to 1 or 2 Million Dollars, for a normal 2BHK apartment!

If that seems steep to you, you should probably look at some other city to settle down, because Dubai ain't coming cheap! The recent launch of the Residences II, at downtown Dubai, will be another place to watch out for!

The Angsana Spa, Dubai

2008-09-14T04:53:00.000-07:00

Situated in a very enviable location, The Angsana Spa at the Dubai Marina is worthy of notice. The Angsana Spa is not as over the top as you'd expect it to be. Unlike most other attractions at Dubai, the Angsana Spa, is not over the top.

The Angsana Spa, has a very strategic location. It has been constructed along the Dubai Marina, which in a very short while will be bustling with full activity, with the opening of the Promenade, Marina Park and of course, the yacht berths. The Angsana Spa can expect to see an increase in business as it is bound to get loads of visitors, mainly because the Dubai Marina is all set to be one of the more plush localities of Dubai.

Getting down to business, the Angsana Spa is not as cruel on the wallet as some of the other spas in Dubai. Mainly, because it is not the part of any of the high-end resorts in Dubai. You can visit the Angsana Spa almost all dayf of the week, and it is not as crowded as its competitors.

If you are the kind of person who wants everything to be handed to you, and if you have been brought up with a silver spoon, Angsana is probably not the place for you.
But if you kinda get what I'm saying, I guess Angsana will be the perfect spot for you! Check it out.

P.S.You might want to check out the timings of the spa. I am not too sure about it.

Spas in Dubai

2008-09-13T05:40:00.000-07:00

Ever wondered where to go in Dubai to get away from all the hustle and bustle of the city? Well, your answer is here. Visit one of the many spas in Dubai for an enriching and rejuvenating experience.

Well, let me start off with the spa at the Park Hyatt, Dubai. The Park Hyatt is one of the upmarket hotels in Dubai, even though it might not seem even close to extravagant, or close to what many other hotels in town offer. The Park Hyatt, does not thrive on extravagance, but rather defines a style of its own and oozes elegance. The Park Hyatt spa has received worldwide acclaim as being one of the better spas in Dubai.

There are several packages that you can choose from while visiting the spa, though the rates can be very steep. The average price at the Park Hyatt spa is around 100 USD per hour and the treatment is really good, though many might not approve of the price.

The pressure point massage technique that is followed here is amazing and is really worth a try. So, check it out! More to come about spas in Dubai in future updates!

Getting Around Dubai. Local Transportation

2008-09-10T07:17:00.000-07:00

The most common form of local transportation is the cream colored local taxi. The taxis are very dependable, and are not that expensive. Non-metered taxis work out a whole lot cheaper, if you want to loosen your collar a bit.

If you are staying at a hotel, check whether your hotel has airport transfers. It most probably will. Most hotels in Dubai do. They can arrange for transportation to and from the airport.

If you are flying Emirates business or first, you can avail of their limo service to and from the airport. They are extremely punctual and their hospitality is out of the world. So if you're flying Emirates, you had better make use of it.

Initially, while getting around you might get a bit confused because every major intersection has some construction work going on. So diversions might be a bit too much. But, once you drive around a bit, you'll appreciate Dubai for what it is!

Italian Cuisine in Dubai

2008-09-07T22:01:00.000-07:00

Italian Cuisine is one of the most popular cuisines in the entire world. Several surveys and studies have shown that Italian cuisine is one of the most popular amongst people of all nationalities. The highlight og the Italian cuisine in the modern world is of course the Pizza.

The Pizza is very very popular. Let me throw you a fact, which you might not believe, but is nevertheless true. If all the pizzas eaten in the US in a single day were to be assembled and laid out in a field, that field would span 18 acres!! Can you believe that?

Well, that's how popular pizza is. So if you are looking for some really good Italian eateries in Dubai, you can head to one of these. One of the best is the BiCE Ristorante, which is in the Hilton Jumeirah. I am not exactly sure of the location. But I am quite confident that it is somewhere on Jumeirah Beach Road. Be sure to try out their Salmon Sashimi. It is out of the world.

If you are not interested in the BiCE, you can head to the Cappana Nuovo , at the Dubai Marine beach resort and spa, which is another interesting option, as it has some really amazing views of the gulf. You wouldn't want to miss it. Their meat treats are really worth the drive and so is their pasta. Kudos to the chef!

(to be contd.)

Horse Racing in Dubai?

2008-09-04T20:33:00.000-07:00

Horse racing in Dubai? Seems unlikely doesn't it? Well, where there's money, there's a way. After having built the world's largest indoor ski slope, the world's largest mall, the world's largest airport (under construction), the world's largest tower and the world's largest metro system, building a horse race course is like a walk in the park for the Dubai authorities.

To start off with, Dubai horse racing involves major players and a very huge amount of money. Majestic Arabian horses make their way through the course and what follows is an exciting finish. This is the typical scene at the Dubai racing club. There are several courses too in Dubai. For example, there's the course at Nad Al Sheba, there's one at Jebel Ali (the place where the world's largest airport is being built) and there are a few more interspersed within the desert kingdom.

Dubai's Sheikh(Dubai's supreme ruler) owns several horses and is the owner of the largest stable of fine-bred Arabian horses. There are several horse races that are held in Dubai, most of them being high stakes races(being held in Dubai, you cannot expect anything less).

Apart from these races, the world cup of horse racing is also held in Dubai and if you are a horse race fan, this is one event which you absolutely cannot afford to miss. Believe me. You will not regret it.

All in all, apart from all the million other attraction that Dubai has to offer, the horse racing events are like a cherry on top of a Sundae adding more glitz and glamor to the already over-the-top desert kingdom of Dubai.

Some Travel Tips while traveling to Dubai

2008-09-03T07:15:00.000-07:00

Currency:

The currency in Dubai is Dhirams. One USD is around 3.8 AED I think. Something around that rate.

Languages Spoken:

You can easily survive here if you know English. Other common languages are Arabic, Malayalam, Hindi and a plethora of other languages.

Health Care:

The most common problem in Dubai is facing the jet lag and of course, the heat. Jet lag will pass in some time, maybe a day or two. But getting accustomed to the heat is a bit of a problem and you are likely to have some problems if you are from a colder country. You should bring along with you all your sunscreen lotions and everything else that you can to protect your body from the sun. Try staying indoors in Dubai if it gets too hot. All buildings are centrally air-conditioned. So, if you stay indoors, you will not face any problems.

Safety:

Unlike many other countries, the crime rate in Dubai is not all that high. Generally, tourists are never affected. But just keep an extra copy of all your important documents just in case anything happens. Touch wood it will not happen.

Internet Connectivity:

Internet connectivity should not be a problems as most hotels have round the clock internet access. But in the UAE, several web sites are banned. For example, orkut, flickr and many other sites are banned in the UAE. So this might be a problem for many of you.

Best time to visit Dubai:

The best time to visit Dubai is between the months of November and March. It is pretty pleasant during these months and the heat is bearable. If you visit in the months of April or May, you will get fried out there!

Buying Carpets In Dubai

2008-09-02T07:08:00.000-07:00

The middle east as a whole is famous for its carpets. Influential Persian designs have laid the foundation for this booming business and the Arabs have carved themselves a niche of being one of the best carpet producers in the world.

The best carpets, that have been designed by the locals there are really good and you can finds loads of such stuff inside the many souks in Dubai.

Souks are probably the best place that you can visit to get a hold of the best artisan products of the middle east. The middle east is rich in culture and heritage and this is clearly reflected in their carpets.

There are several stores that sell carpets. It is upto you to find the best deals and bargains. If you are a good bargainer, you can definitely get those carpets at dirt cheap rates. Middle eastern carpets have several intricate designs that are hard to resist. They are extremely beautiful and for all you women out there, these carpets might be just the thing that you were searching for, to adorn your living room.

In fact the world's largest carpet is housed at the Grand Mosque in Muscat, Oman, which is just about an hour's flight from Dubai. It is truly a sight to see.

So, if you are a carpet geek, then Dubai surely is the place for you.

Online Casinos... Game Anyone?

2008-09-02T06:38:00.000-07:00

Dubai is a developing city and it is also trying to groom itself, similar to Vegas. Though Vegas still remains the undisputed champion when it comes to gambling and casinos, Dubai is still working on it. But if you want to try something online, here's your chance. For a long time, I never really took any interest in online casinos. But recently,I came across PRO 360, an online casino site, which has everything, including online roulette casino, which I must say is excellent.

To start off with, PRO 360 has a list of the best online casino sites. The list in itself is priceless and will definitely prove to be really helpful for amateurs and novices who are just getting into the field. Moreover, PRO 360, as fas as I have seen, does not have any popups or any other annoying stuff of that kind.

Online gambling is really thrilling and when you can profit from it, it gets even better. The popularity of online casinos has risen drastically and even if you cannot make it to any of the genuine casinos in Dubai or Vegas, you can always settle for an online casino.

Apart from all of this, it also has online poker rooms and these rooms are an excellent way to socialize with fellow gamblers. PRO 360 is definitely a revolution when it comes to online gambling and casinos. Kudos to the developers of PRO 360. Rock on!

Airlines That Fly to Dubai

2008-08-30T23:43:00.000-07:00

If you are looking to go to Dubai, you will have to fly there, unless you stay in neighboring places like Oman. If you stay in a neigh boring country, you can probably drive to Dubai and mostly, the drive will take only about 4-5 hours. It'll definitely be worth your time.

But, if you are from Europe, US or Asia or any other place, you will have to choose from a wide variety of airlines that offer services to Dubai.

As you might have already read in my blog, Dubai is currently constructing the world's largest airport and so obviously, there are a million airlines operating to and from Dubai. Wherever you want to fly in from, there will definitely be an airline that offers services to Dubai.

To start off with, you can try booking a seat aboard an Emirates flight. Emirates has earned itself the distinction of being one of the world's premier airlines. Its business class and first class services are unmatched (been there...done that...loved it! ) and they have one of the world's friendliest crew onboard. Though they did mess up with my baggage, I guess I can let them off because they certainly do make up for it with their hospitality.

If you are looking for something that is a little less harch on your wallet, you can try other airlines like Indian Airlines and Jazeera Airways. Jazeera might not be the best option here, but it certainly is cheap!

So wherever you may be, do not worry. There's always a seat free for you aboard a plane to Dubai! Cheers!

Credit Repair made easy

2008-08-28T07:52:00.000-07:00

I have sometimes had some problems with my credit and this forced me to think outside the box. I have previously approached several credit repair firms but I have returned disappointed. So I set searching on the internet to get a good online service to repair my credit and that is when I stumbled upon the Credit Repair website.

This website really is worth your time and money. The services that they offer are top notch and what's more? They charge you only if they are successful at removing items from your credit history. Impressed? Well, you should be.

They are also involved in renegotiating rates on credit card and loan products by which I have been throughly impressed. Credit Heaven has truly set the standards high and are sitting on the top now.

They are also into foreclosure prevention and deposit refund for pre-construction investors. I know that there are many people out there who offer such services but try out this one and you will not regret it.

Credit heaven is the new kid on the block and they have definitely turned some heads while doing their thing. I would not say that their services in the field of credit repair are unmatched, but they certainly are among the top layer of the credit repair service firms out there. They have earned themselves the niche of being one of the nation's leading credit repair firms. Nothing less.

Phentermine to the rescue

2008-08-27T03:27:00.000-07:00

As most of you already know, I have been getting lots of requests for tips on how to lose weight quickly. Apparently, this topic has caused more sparks than many other posts that I have made so far. So, I just want to keep you updated with the latest stuff.

The latst buzz word is about Phentermine. Phentermine is basically a weight loss pill which has an extremely simple working mechanism. It tones down your appetite. Simple. Nothing more. Nothing less. Consuming this pill excites a particular part of the nervous system that releases neurotransmitters, which in turn help tone down your appetite. If you aren't able to understand what I am saying, don't bother. Simply put, you will not feel like eating too much.

So why is something so simple, yet so effective not extremely popular? Well, because it has several side effects, ranging from elevated blood pressure and heart rate. But the fact that it is FDA approved means that there is not much to worry about and that it is basically your appetite that is being suppressed.

Many of you might be wondering what relation this pill has, to our general context of discussion, that is travel. Well, it is of utmost importance that you look your best while traveling because most people judge a book by its cover. So you might definitely be interested in checking out Phentermine if you want to lose weight. and fast!

I know that I am not expert on such issues. So if you want information from an expert do visit the Phentermine Diet website. You'll understand then. Cheers!

Distance Learning..An Exciting Way Of Education

2008-08-18T03:59:00.000-07:00

The world is short of educated and skilled professionals (so is Dubai). Life's pace has become hectic as well and this has promoted the popularity of what is known as distance learning. Distance learning is nothing but learning a course of some sort, without actually attending classroom sessions.

Distance learning is most popular among students who are unable to attend on-campus classes.

Do not be misguided that distance learning is not as good as the traditional classroom technique. It all depends on who you are taking classes from. A visit to the distance learning courses website will make you understand that it is one of the better distance learning services that have been established.

With distance learning, you can study almost any course of your choice. Be it book keeping, child care or social studies. There is an amazingly wide option of choices to choose from and you will definitely be thrilled and amazed by seeing what distance learning has to offer.

Distance learning is also very popular among those who want to master web design and internet technology. For such courses, distance learning is the apt choice.

If you are more of the techie kind of person, you can also opt for the information technology courses that are offered. There are a plethora of courses for technically-oriented students as well.

Distance learning is also suitable for working professionals who do not have the time to attend actual classes. Virtual online classes, coupled with the indispensable techniques of distance learning provide a whole new experience.

If you are still doubtful, you can always visit the above mentioned website for more information.
It has courses for international students as well. I am sure that you will be impressed!

Visit 1847. The Emirates Towers Boulevard..Impressed?

2008-08-12T23:23:00.000-07:00

It oozes elegance and oomph. It is drenched in style. It is the place for the most elite men. No less than the top-most cream of men visit this place.

No. I am not talking about the house of the crown jewels. I am talking about 1847, Emirates Towers Boulevard. It is one of the most sought after grooming lounges for men in Dubai and it redefines the meaning of the word posh.

Getting a manicure or pedicure done here is a totally different experience from what you would have had before. The lounge is often fully populated so might want to ensure that it is free before you pay a visit. The prices are a bit steep but you can expect nothing lesss from a place of such magnificence.

The lounge totally complements the idea based on which Dubai is expanding. Its architecture and interior design speaks volumes of its stature, which might not seem very surprising after you pay a visit to other attractions in Dubai. The Emirates towers themselves play host to several other posh facilities, with the lounge being just one among the herd.

Leptitrex...Lives Up To Its Name

2008-08-12T23:13:00.000-07:00

Leptitrex, for some time, was thought to be a scam by many buyers. But after having a single look at the Leptitrex review, you will definitely change your mind. Leptitrex is one of the most effective diet pills in the market. with an enthralling mix of essential minerals and vitamins.

Apart from such minerals, it also has other essentials like Dandelion root, DMAE and Licorice. These constituents are indispensable when it comes to losing weight. Not only do you lose weight, the pill also improves almost every body function and promotes mineral balance.

If many of you are thinking why I am concentrating on pills all of a sudden, it is because I have been getting a lot of queries regarding health effects of travelling to hot palces to Dubai, and also about how to get in shape quickly, if you are about to go on a Business tour of some sort.

If you aren't familiar with how pills work, you can go back to my older post to get a basic idea. Leptitrex, has a high success rate, but it has not been recieved with open arms by many. But its statistics speak otherwise. So you can definitely opt for it.

The best answer to both the queries would be diet pills, and in particular, Leptitrex. Do not dream of losing 50 pounds in a week or something like that. You can definitely hope to lose around 7-9 Pounds in a week and that will enhance your trip, believe me. If you have any further quaries about Leptitrex, you can always visit the Leptitrex website. Cheers!

Getting In Shape ...Using Diet Pills

2008-08-12T23:03:00.000-07:00

I think almost all of us will have been a situation where we are looking to get in shape in a short amount of time.

And being a traveller, the urgency to achieve the same is of utmost priority. So what is the best way to lose weight fast and get in shape before embarking on a tour? Well, the answer to this is by using diet pills.

To start off with, there are so many diet pills in the market that most of the times you will be confused as to which pill to use. But at the best diet pills website, you can get all the information that you need to burn all that fat.

Many think that diet pills are unhealthy. But that is absolutely false. Diet pills are very safe to sue as long as you know which pill you ought to take. Again, the best diet pills website comes to your rescue.

The site has reviews of many pills and also teels you which pill is the best for you, based on several factors, including customer opinions.

The site has information on many pills and this becomes really useful for most first-timers out there. SO, if you are looking to get in shape , and fast, then look no further. Use diet pills.

The Sky Is The Limit!

2008-08-04T06:07:00.000-07:00

When people surf the net, they see all these marvelous man made wonders such as Palm island, World Island etc. All is well and good when you see it on the screen; But it never is as good as it would be, if seen in person. So if you are in Dubai and you are running around due to shortage of time, you should probably read this article. I have your solution.

There is a solution to this problem, Dubai Seawings, A private seaplane taking you over all the famous destinations around Dubai in a short 30-minute flight. However this quite expensive and has 4 different plans.

The price being anything above AED 895/- per adult, despite the steep price the tour is worth the money since it gives you a great view of the whole of Dubai and the key locations in Dubai and you won’t miss anything.

The Dubai Seawings tour is quite different from the other aerial tours that are offered in Dubai. Unlike the Hot-air Balloon ride or the helicopter ride, the seawings tour is extremely exclusive and expensive, which makes it much more thrilling than all of its other comopetitors. I haven’t actually been on a Seawings tour, but from the reviews that I have heard, all I can tell you is that it is an out-of-the-world experience.

If you have the money to burn then you can totally customize the whole trip with an in flight party and limo-to-limo service. However a maximum of 7 people are allowed to be in flight.

The Cheapest pack is priced at AED 895/- per adult and only for 30 minutes. While the “Seawings sliver” pack is AED 1100/- per adult with a 40 minute flight, and finally the “Seawings Gold” pack priced at a steep AED 9,500/-per adult the service includes limo-to-limo pickup and drop of at transit and a luxurious private jet. If you are in Dubai for a short stay, go for it!

Do Airports Get Any Better?

2008-08-03T08:57:00.000-07:00

Dubai being one of the most, if not the hottest tourist destinations in the world must have a good Airport and good service. Elite locations like the Burj-Al-Arab would be a sad visit with a crappy airport. Does it live up to the expectations? Yes, Dubai International airport is one of the most efficient and good looking airports you may have ever seen.

With state-of-the-art technology such as individual barcode recognition of passenger’s baggage and Car Rental services Dubai International Airport definitely takes its passengers seriously. Apart from Car rental facilities there are public buses available between Terminals 1 and 2. Buses No. 4,11,15,33 and 44 connect the 2 terminals. However, these buses lack luggage space, so the airport has introduced their own air-conditioned buses which have large luggage holds.

The Dubai International Business lounge is one of the best you may ever see, 24hrs internet access, food and laptop/cell phone charging facilities. They have one of the best spreads of dishes that I have ever seen. Beats every other airport in the world, including Amsterdam, which was my previous favorite. The best part of the lounge is that it is very silent giving it an isolated and relaxed feeling, much needed for those long and tiresome journeys.

If you are not into high-class luxury and just enjoy junk food, you are not going to feel left out. There are plenty of fast food restaurants. There are 25 different restaurants located between gates 13 and 15 in the departure area.

With all these great facilities, are the Dubai people happy? Hell NO, the world’s biggest Airport is going to be constructed in nearby Jebel Ali and being already equipped with one of the world’s largest and modern airports, all we can do is wait and see what Dubai will come up with now.

Click here for stunning images of Dubai Airport.

Wanna know about the Cheapest Airfares?

The next thought on your mind must be about the airfare. Well, I have just the thing for you. I stumbled upon an e-book on the net the other day, which is basically a guide to getting amazing discounts on air-tickets to literally anywhere.

This book is really worth its price. Being a travel freak, it takes more than just a book to impress me. But considering the fact that I was so impressed that I am recommending the book to you, I guess that you will have realized how good this book is.

It is written by a guy who has had over 16 yrs of experience in the Airline ticketing field. So the book is genuine and I would definitely recommend the book to all all of my readers. Give it a try. It costs just a few dollars. There have been many cases where people have got over 250 $ discounts on their tickets! Impressed?

Well, you should be. The returns that you'll get definitely justify the book. So if you are planning a trip to Dubai, I would suggest that you start off by getting this book , so that you can get the lowest airfare possible.

So what are you waiting for? If you want the e-book for getting the cheapest airfares, just click on the link below ( as far as I remember, I think it costs just a few dollars).

Click Here! to avail the lowest possible airfare to Dubai!

Mushrif Park : Good For A Nice Stroll in the desert

2008-07-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

The Mushrif park is quite different from your ordinary park, lined with prized roses on either side and surrounded by greenery. In fact, it is quite the contrary. The Mushrif park is a desert styled park which really isn't all that extravagant, quite a contrast to the other stuff that you would normally find in Dubai.

The park spans over 120 Hectares and has several recreational facilities like a pool, camel and pony rides, a children's play area and much much more. Though this park is safely embedded in the desert sands, it has an extremely well-maintained set of roads leading up to it.

So you will not have to take your kids on another desert safari to get here. As if one wasn't terrifying enough!

The park is not all that far away from the City Center, so you could probably couple the visit with a trip to the mall. The park is open from about 8 in the morning to around 11 in the night, though Wednesdays are meant only for women and children.

The park was renovated at a cost of around 17 Million Dhirams! It also has a ladies pool, gymnasium and loads of other stuff. Perfect getaway from the maddening crowd!

The Gold Souk : Blinded By Gold

2008-07-26T19:14:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been in a place where everything you saw was gold. I guess many would say that such things happened only in fiction. Hell no! The Dubai gold souk offers exactly what it is named after. It is a gold market.

It is just gold on either side of the Souk. Let me brief you on what a souk is. A souk is basically a marketplace, usually characterized by its narrow lanes and maze like structure. The lanes are all intertwined and are lined on both sides with shops. Now there are many souks in Dubai. Some selling gold, some selling spices and some selling fish!

Now let's get to the point. What is so special about the gold souk?

Well, firstly the bargains that you get here are unmatched. Believe me when I say that you would have seen nothing like this before in the west. The variety that is offered is amazing and the bargains that you can get on some of them , are even better.

There are several international brands here so you will not have to worry about the quality of the gold that you are buying. The souk spans several streets and several floors, so it is better to be accompanied by someone who knows the best shops around.

If you are looking for a good shop, I would suggest Joy Allukas, which is an Indian brand, who are known worldwide for their quality and service. They also have loads of showrooms in Dubai. So you can always pay a visit to one of them.

Necklaces, earrings, rings, brooches. Name it!

Splashland and Wonderland : Riddled With Water

2008-07-26T18:55:00.000-07:00

Splashland and Wonderland are one of the most popular amusement parks for kids. The main advantage of this amusement park is that it has a central location and is located very close to creekside park. I guess it goes without saying, that this park is the ultimate haven for children and I assure you that they will not return disappointed.

The log flume is probably the most popular and if you are taking your kid here, I guess you will be in line for tickets to the log flume at least a few times. There are numerous water rides here, including several bumper rides and slides.

You can just keep skidding on the water all day long. There is also a wave pool in case you want to try out something other than rides. If in case you get bored of it, you can always get something to eat.

There are several places to eat as well. Do not expect anything very classy, because this ain't such a place. There are places where you can grab a quick snack or if you are up to it, you may even grab an entire meal. Whatever you want, it is always there.
The entry fee might come as a surprise to you. It in under 10$USD for adults themselves!

The amusement park si known for the rollercoaster ride so ensure that you don't miss out on that one. It'll be a ride that you will remember for the rest of your life. So what are you waiting for? Let's get splashing!

The Dubai Zoo: The perfect family entertainer

2008-07-26T18:38:00.000-07:00

The Dubai zoo is probably the best place for you ti visit in Dubai if you are going all with your family and kids. The Dubai zoo might not be as extravagant or over-the-top as some of the other attractions in Dubai, but it sure is worth the money.

The Dubai zoo has over 230 species of animals and has some really rare animals, that you are unlikely to find in most other zoos in the world.
There are a few star attractions at the Dubai zoo. Your first stop should be the Barbary sheep. The Barbary sheep might not be a real visual treat, but it is one of the more popular stops in the zoo. So I suggest that you visit it.

But in my opinion, the best selection at the zoo is that of the Bengal Tiger. The Bengal tiger is a fast dying species. They are very few in number and man! are they ferocious.

Most Bengal tigers are feared for their man-eating trend, and that is what makes this enclosure one of the most prized ones in the entire zoo. Simply seeing the tiger will send a chill down your spine.

The Siberian tiger the Arabian Wolves are another set of species that you cannot afford to miss. If you plan on visiting the zoo, ensure that you make it there by at least 4:00 pm, because the zoo closes on most days by around 6:00 pm. So if you want to get a good look at all the animals, get in early.

The World's Most Luxurious Hotel : The Burj-Al-Arab

2008-07-17T09:08:00.000-07:00

Well, I bet that everyone who has seen this post has read a lot about the Burj-Al-Arab and are frankly BORED about hearing about that hotel. Here is a recap of why this hotel isn’t just the only 7star hotel but not to mention the most marvelous place to go.

To start off with the first impression of the service, it is amazing what you can do even when you haven’t reached the hotel yet. You can call for a Rolls Royce BMW to pick you up from where ever you are. “Just a Rolls Royce!” you say, The Rolls Royce phantom has 453HP and has all the latest features like ABS, EPC , EPS just to name a few. Not only is the car great but the service surprisingly efficient. You can order almost anything you want before had and it will be delivered to you with the Rolls Royce.

The entrance is another scientific marvel, a fountain with fire dancing in the middle. This is done by oxidizing the water so that the flame is encouraged to burn rather than put out. Further inside is the astonishing zero turbulence fountains, water prinking from life to right like a needle pulling thread. Further on up the stairs a fountain sprinkling water up 22 stores high and surprisingly on impact with the ground doesn’t splash and soak the passing by customers. Don’t forget that this is all built on a man-made island.

On every floor there a reception and a personal waiter is assigned to you. Even the dustbins are made of Gold. Each suite is on the cutting edge of technology and nothing less than the latest is installed. 42” plasma TV with a DVD system and not to mention the hotels very own DVD collection to chose from. Even if you are not a movie fan there is also book library to choose from. The service is nothing less than perfection. The waiter is extremely useful as he knows almost all of the best places to shop, eat and party in Dubai.

However this isn’t just a hotel. You could spend the whole week in the hotel and still not see a stone of Dubai. The Burj-Al-Arab offers multiple sports facilities. Like Tennis, Golf , Windsurfing, Deep sea fishing and much, much more.

There are 2 restaurants located at the man-made island. One is located under the hotel and another at the back of the hotel. The undersea restaurant is amazingly beautiful and if you are a aquatic-life fan then you are in for a real treat as you dine next to a high fish tank which has a self sustained ecosystem. The food itself isn’t a push off by any means. All vegetables are exported from all parts of the world and are fresh in every since of the word. The 2^nd restaurant is at the at the top floor viewing behind the hotel and has an amazing view to the gulf sea.

The Burj-Al-Arab is nothing but a spectrum of wonder setting the standard of 7star hotel and gives it meaning.

RSS Hugger : One of the best ones out here

2008-07-09T11:14:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. I though I'd take a break from stuff about Dubai and talk about a very good website that I came across earlier today. I would really recommend it to everyone. (btw, the next Dubai update will come tomorrow. Sorry for the delay. Out of town.)

RSS hugger is one of the few sites that actually manually checks al the feeds being submitted to their site. Though this amount of manual cross-checking must take a very long time, site founder Colin Lahay, lives up to his reputation. Colin is also the founder of the widely popular wordhugger website, which was a smashing success. And his rsshugger website seems to be following in the footsteps of the former.

Rsshugger basically contains several quality feeds. Not every site gets listed in rsshugger, only those which are regularly updated, and only those which feature quality content. Though there are other sites on the internet with similar taste, I can say for sure that they are all expensive, each demanding a minimum of about 50 USD for a simple registration.

While rsshugger also charges money, it is a very nominal fee of about 2 USD per year. This being said, rsshugger has all the potential to become one of the best feed sites on the web. So don't miss out on it! Great work Colin!
Click here to visit rsshugger.

Work Hard...Party Harder!

2008-06-30T03:49:00.000-07:00

You wanna party. Sure then. Party hard. With 29 bars, 10 discos, 6 pubs and 8 cocktail bars, night life in Dubai comes with quite some choice.

Dubai has a flurry of bars and nightclubs and none of them are a note less than extravagant.
To name a few there’s Al Pasha Restaurant & Keyclub Life in Arabia
on Airport Road, Boston Bar, Club Desi, Cyclone(not for the shy), Da Gama
Portuguese to Goa at Tennis Stadium, Aviation Club, Emirates Tower
Wine Bar, Pearl Bar (Cocktails with live music) at Airport Road, Goodfellas American Bar, Kasbar, Skyview Bar and many more.

The picture shown below is of the ice bar in Dubai ( it is a lounge made entirely of ice! )

BOSTON BAR:
Located within the Jumeirah Rotana Hotel you can have your night out here 7 days a week. ‘Sports Bar’ nights take place on weekends and the exclusive ‘Ladies Nights’ on Tuesdays and Fridays include 4 drinks free. Fridays feature a special Boston Brunch Buffet and the DJ wars throughout the night feature international chart toppers. Happy Hours are everyday from Noon till 8pm.

CLUB DESI:
Located in the Palm Beach Rotana Inn, this pub is a spacious, chic nightclub and bar with modern neon decor. Other than large video screens and billiards it features Dubai's top DJ's, Club Desi provides premiere Arabian nightlife. One of the best in Dubai for late night drinks, dining and entertainment.

GOODFELLAS AMERICAN BAR:
Basically dedicated to deliver coverage of mega sports events like the English Premiere League (EPL), UEFA Cup and Scottish League and even Rugby, it is full of TVs, plasmas and projectors even in the toilets so that you don’t miss “that particular goal”. Without any particular dress code (though you should wear jerseys of the team you support) it offers a great English and international menu. Open till 2am each night though happy hours continue till 10 every night.

SKYVIEW BAR:
Now take a deep breath. You are about to enter one of the best cocktail bars in the world, located on the 27th floor of the world’s only 7 star hotel: Burj-al-Arab. Open till 2 am, international bands perform live six days a week from 8 pm onwards. Dress according to the strict dress code that means no jeans, shirts with collars, no trainers etc or simply dress up in the national dress. Menu includes “international cocktails”. With a capacity of 70 plus 12 barmen this is something out of reach for the “house of commons”.

KASBAR BAR:
Located in the Royal Mirage Hotel, Beach Road, this is a very traditional nightclub with authentic Arab decors, music and dance. Featuring Dubai’s best DJs this is one of the most popular night clubs of all. Music includes all house, techno and Arabic hit numbers.

COPA CABANA:
Known as the most “happening” and the best pub of Dubai Copacbana has become a major youth hub. The place to be for all the alcoholic beverage lovers with the world’s best alcoholic brands available, snacks served here are simply mind blowing.
People below 25 are not allowed entry. Is also known for its “rich and famous” crowd.

Dubai has awesome night time activities for everyone, be it the dotcom billionaire, or the budget minded student. You'll never feel yourself being left out while in this heck of a city!

Sun, Sand, Sports....Dubai Has It All!

2008-06-27T10:24:00.000-07:00

Dubai other than being a financial and technological hub also has something to offer for every sports and adventure enthusiast. Be it Skiing (sand and for that matter ice too!) or horse and camel racing or fishing or go-karting. You name it, they have it.

Dubai lives up to its expectations when it comes to sports and recreational activities. It offers all the possible sports activities that generally only the western and European countries boast of. And yes this does include ice skating and skiing (not quite typical of a Middle East country where temperatures soar as high as 50 degrees Celsius)
For a fact (which not many may know) that Dubai gets more revenues from its sports events than oil and petroleum.

SKIING:
A one stop shop for all you snow sport enthusiasts. Spread over an area 22500 sq m. it is the world’s largest indoor snow resort. It’s no less than a wonder that Dubai despite its hot climate manages to boast of the worlds largest indoor Snow Park-sprawling over 3000 sq m located within the resort. Kids and adults are welcome. Closed on Sundays and Mondays this interactive snow park admits on hourly basis. All the required clothing and equipments are available here itself. It has everything in store for professionals, amateur and kids too. It has 5 runs each different in difficulty, slope etc.
And it's not only snow skiing that we are talking about. Click here to know all about skiing in Dubai.

FISHING:
Yes, you read right. Fishing is actually quite popular in Dubai. Dubai which is located amidst the gulf brings with it its exotic marine life. Perfect for fishing with its extensive flee of chartered boats, it constitutes a good proportion of the country’s economy. Fishing is done mainly on a commercial basis.

GO KARTING:
For all you aspiring Schumachers and Alonsos the Emirates Motor Sports and Motorbike Federation and Formula One together will suffice your passion for racing. Battle it out at the UAE’s first fully air conditioned indoor race tracks. It offers a 800m long outdoor track. You can enjoy this sport during the months between October and May.

CAMEL RACING:
To top it all up there is the ancient sport of camel racing. Consider yourself lucky if you are here during the period October to April. These majestic beasts of at least 10 different breeds offer much more than you can possibly imagine. These tracks host the world’s richest thoroughbred race: The Dubai World Cup. Races generally take place on Fridays and national holidays. Place bets on your favorite camels or just sit back relax and watch the beasts and their owners fight it out for the coveted title.
DESERT SAFARIS:
Once you come to Dubai you possibly cannot afford to miss the desert safaris, a typical of the place. After the camel racing events this is one of the most popular activities. No less than a roller coaster ride you can even enjoy activities like sand skiing and camel riding here in this magnificent desert.
Generally organised for groups of tourists the various events are: quad biking, sand skiing, dune bashing and a barbeque dinner to culminate it.

GOLF:
Dubai’s tourism is incomplete without mentioning its 7 sprawling lush green golf courses out of which three are venues for the European PGA tours. You can click here to know more about golfing in Dubai. It also has an all sand course! Irresistible.....huh?

Dressing Appropriately In Dubai | Dubai Dressing

2008-06-21T21:47:00.000-07:00

Firstly, let me start off by saying that you have dress differently, depending on where you are. Different times of the year require you to dress differently and different occasions require you to dress differently.

Dressing According To Weather:

As I have said in my earlier posts, Dubai is always very hot, especially for the Americans traveling to Dubai, who come from subzero temperatures and have to withstand temperatures of up to 50 Degrees Celsius. So it is always recommended that you pack light cotton clothes for your trip. Click here for more details.

Dressing Appropriately:

Inside The Hotel:

Inside the hotel, women can move around in their bikinis. Nothing wrong with that. But once you move out of your hotel, bikinis are a strict no-no. Even for the guys, inside the hotel, you can roam around in your shorts or Bermudas. You will mostly find only westerners inside the hotel. So, dressing inside the hotel will not be much of a problem.

Outside The Hotel:

The UAE as a whole is very religious and the last thing you would want to do is to hurt their sentiments. And dressing plays a very large role. So you should be aware of how to dress while traveling in Dubai.
Traditional Arab women generally wear long robes and head scarves. You do not need to wear exactly that, but there are some rules that you will have to follow.

Firstly, you should avoid wearing shorts or tight skirts in public places. Though I have seen women who wear clothes that are considered offensive even in the West, I strictly believe that you should respect the sentiments of the locals.

Even for the men, avoid wearing t-shirts with offensive or vulgar messages. They are not received well in Dubai. Dress as per the occasion. And remember, the less the exposure, the better.

While On An Official Trip:

While on an official trip, you should dress only in formals. Some offices are fine with short sleeves and jeans, but not all are as tolerant. As for the women, as I said, try avoiding skirts and stick to shirts and trousers.

So on the whole, shorts and sleeveless clothes are the best options while dressing inside the hotel. But during the hot months, I would say that shorts are the best way to dress in order to battle the heat, though it is considered offensive by some locals. So wearing exposing clothes has its advantages and disadvantages, and depending on which part of Dubai you are in, you should decide for yourself which is best.

Universal Studios All Set To Operate In Dubai

2008-06-20T03:38:00.000-07:00

Just when you thought it could not get better, Dubai has conjured up another surprise. And this time, it is big. Universal Studios is coming to Dubai!
Universal Studios has planned top open a theme park which will not just be one among the crowd in Dubai, but will definitely stand out as one of the best. The theme park which is being built as a part of Dubailand, will be built at a cost of $2.2 Bn USD and will be one of the star attractions at Dubailand.

Dubai is already proving to be a home away from home for Americans, by constructing the Las-Vegas styled theme park, The City Of Arabia. With the entry of Universal Studios, Dubai is more equipped than ever to attract visitrs from around the world, especially Americans and Europeans. Dubai is determined to give every traveler that sets foot in Dubai should get a taste of every city in the world.

The park will have various attractions like Revenge Of The Mummy and King kong and will attract more than 5 Million visitors annually. Apart from this, The Jurassic Park will also be recreated as a part of the Restless City Project.

So now I guess the next obvious thing in line will be for Disney to follow in line and open another majestic theme park in Dubai, which I guess we can expect in the next 2-3 years considering the pace at which everything is done in Dubai.

All these spectacularly extravagant things are being built to support Dubai after its oil wells dry up and I am sure as hell that they will not be disappointed. Apart from this, Dubai is also currently constructing the world's largest airport. I'll tell you the rest in the next post. Can you handle it?

Sandboarding In The Desert Dunes

2008-06-16T23:44:00.000-07:00

Sandboarding is a fun sport. Not many know that such a sport exists. I am sure that most of you would have gone skiing or snowboarding during some time in your life. Sandboarding is pretty much similar to that. Instead of doing it on snow, you will be doing it on sand. But the experience is very different. For thouse of you who were not able to get into SkiDubai, you could try this out as this is a fun and cheaper alternative.

To start off with, snowboarding is longer because the slopes are pretty huge so you can probably snowboard for a lot of time. But since sandboarding involves only sand dunes, it will probably last for much lesser time, but it is loads of fun.

Usually, the sandboarding activities are coupled with the dune bashing sessions. The usual schedule that is followed is that the tourists are first taken for dune bashing, followed by sandboarding, followed by camel rides, followed by the visit to desert camp/belly dancing/dinner at camp. So most probably, you will be sandboarding in the evening, which is good because it would be terrible to do it during day time ( man! the sand is hot during the day ). But by evening, it cools down a lot and this is probably the best time to sandboard.

But you had better ensure that you are in top shape because you wont have ski lifts like the ones you have on ski slopes. So everytime you get down, you have to walk back atop the dune, which is not an easy task. Trekking to the top of a sand dune is probably one of the more exhausting activities that you would be doing in Dubai. So everytime you want to get back on to your board and ride that dune, remember that you will have to walk back right to the top of the dune. This is probably why many people do not prefer to go sandboarding and this is exactly why it has not gained the poularity that it should have gained.

The whole session will probably last for around 30 minutes and it costs around 20-25 USD. The session is definitely worth the money and I'd definitely recommed this to anyone travelling to Dubai. So are you fit and game enough to ski on the mean Dubai dunes??

Dubai Museum : A Cut Apart From The Ordinary

2008-06-12T21:50:00.000-07:00

When you enter a museum, you would normally expect to find a whole horde of century-old artefacts, guns and weapons dating back to thousands of years back and things of that sort. But, Dubai museum is no where near the ordinary museum. Dubai museum does not have many atrtefacts, but rather has tried to potray the lives of the early inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula.
The Dubai Museum shows common day things like a Souk, a marketplace, a school etc., all being recreated using wax statues. Touring the entire museum might take around 45 minutes, which includes a 10 min, video presentation. The video presentation is very impressive and I would suggest that you check that out first because it offers a wholesome view about the development of Dubai.

The museum consists of beautiful and extremely life-like recreations of the early UAE natives and it shows their way of life. One word of caution. Don't visit the museum unless you are really interested in history and related fields. It does get quite boring after a certain amount of time. So unless you are really interested about the history of this desert nation, don't bother checking out the museum. But if you are a history-freak, this one is definitely for you.

I'd rather you visit the Al Fahidi Fort. This fort is very beautiful and shows the cutural and life-style changes in Dubai through the passage of time. The Al Fahidi Fort, was a jail before it was converted into a museum and it has displays like arab weaponry, traditional arab dhows and many other things that play an important role in the arab lifestyle.

Dubai Attempts To Recreate Jurassic Park!!!

2008-06-10T07:10:00.000-07:00

In what can be termed as Dubai's most ever over-the-top tourist-attracting move, Dubai has engaged in constructing a $1Billion Jurassic theme park. The park will consist of robotic dinosaurs, and the environment will be very similar to the breeding conditions of the actual species, about 65 Million years back.

The park will consist of over 100 robotic dinosaurs, beloinging to over 40 different species. The park will be situated in The City of Arabia ( sounds far away and mystical....doesn't it? Well, that's the idea ), Dubai. The very idea of reconstructing a Jurassic based theme park can be seen as one of Dubai's most out-of-the-world, or tourist-attracting ( or should I simply put it as crazy? ) moves....one of the many recent initiatives being taken by Dubai.

The park will be constructed over a staggering 500,000 Square feet. Dinosaurs will be capable of interacting with guests. Early signs of the popularity of animals interacting with guests were seen in Singapore, where guests could dine with real time lions. But Dubai has totally crushed this, and really redefined tourism promotion. The City Of Arabia is being styled like Las Vegas, and the park ( which is called "Restless Planet, Dubai" ) is definitely going to be the star attraction.

The rides will make optimum use of light effects and smoke, in an attempt to recreate the exact surroundings that existed in Pangean Earth. The 'dinosaurs' are also being programmed to lunge at visitors randomly, so as to create an extremely lifelike, scary (but safe) environment. It takes over several months to construct each dinosaur, but it will definitely be worth the effort.

Very deep research is being conducted, so that the exact likeliness of the dinos can be recreated. In fact, many leading researchers from the US have been roped in to help with the project.

So the next time you visit Dubai, it won't be only your wallet you'll have to hold on to, you'll also have to hold on to your backpack, because you never know...there might just be a T-REX wating to snap you off around the next corner!

Dubai Shopping Festival 2008

2008-06-07T01:18:00.000-07:00

Ok now. What's the first thing that pops into your mind when I say Dubai? It obviously has to be shopping. Dubai has every single major brand. Be it Versace, Gucci, Nike, Adidas or whatever brand you might adore. Dubai has them all. So, I guess the next most sensible thing to do would be to organise a mega shopping carnival that will redefine the way people shop. Right from stunning discounts to unbelievable contests and awesome prizes, the Dubai Shopping Festival, or DSF as it is lovingly called, is one of Dubai's main highlights.
Ok. So now I guess the next thing that will be on your mind is that where is an event of such magnitude held every year? Wel,, firstly many participating malls offer superb discounts on most products in all stores. And since malls are an integral part of your visit to Dubai, rest assured that you will definitely come across loads and loads of bargains.

The epicenter of all the activities is the Global Village. Several countries gather and display their traditional artefacts and handicrafts here and this is really somehting that you should definitely see. The Global village has been upgraded and it also has an artificial creek or lake at its centre. All the 'countries' are built surrounding this. To prove their point, Dubai is also coming up with the World Island. So I guess their objective is to ensure that all tourists get a taste of everything when they visit Dubai.

The DSF is alaways held during the months of January and February and it is during this time when Dubai gets its maximum inflow of visitors. So if you are planning a visit to Dubai during this time, you had better plan your trip in advance.

What Americans Travelling to Dubai Should Know

2008-06-04T20:27:00.000-07:00

The UAE as a whole, has a very conservative outlook, while its actions and marketing might speak otherwise. But it is extremely essential to understand that you should follow certain rules while travelling in Dubai.

Let's talk about the dressing in Dubai first. Though I have seen many women dress the usual way they would dress back in the States, it is advisable to cover more and expose less. While Americans have a broad-minded outlook to the way people dress and express their feelings, it is not so in Dubai. Well, you won't be fined or jailed or anything of that sort, but it is important that you respect the feelings of the locals in Dubai.

There was a huge uproar recently when a young British woman was walking nearly nude on beach, and though nothing really happened to her, the locals were absolutely outraged. It sparked off controversial discussions. So it is always better to dress less skimpy, because you have to remember that this is not the USA.

But do remember that Dubai is a very very hot city. Dubai weather is very hot always. So always pack light cotton clothes and of-course your hat. Try to pack in some moisturisers and sun-screens because they'll really save your ass out there.

Next let us come to eating in Dubai. There are really no restrictions on eating execpt that there are certain rules that you have to follow during the holy month of Ramzan. The holy month of Ramzan is considered very important and sacred throughout the UAE so you had better follow in their footsteps.

There is no shortage of international outlets in Dubai. You have Subway, McDonnalds, Burger King, Pizza Hut and everything else that you would find in a typical American mall. So rest assured that you will not feel left out. You can also opt to try out other cuisines like Italian or Indian. There are tons of awesome Indian restaurants in Dubai. Click here to find out more about the varied cuisines in Dubai.

More updates to come!

Why Rent A Car In Dubai??

2008-06-02T23:12:00.000-07:00

Dubai is just one of those cities where you absolutely need a car to get around, though the traffic snarls are amongst the world's worst. You cannot afford to go out in a motor-cycle purely due to the temperatures and the public transport system is only now under construction. So the only available option is to use a car.

So now you have learnt that cars are indispensable in Dubai. Many people hire cars that they used to own back home, to combat home-sickness as well. It might seem quite lame, but when you actually come to think of it, it is a really effective method to combat home-sickness, especially for the ever-growing population of Europeans and Americans in Dubai. Won't it be great if you were able to rent your very own Chevy on short-term basis?? So you must be asking yourself, " Where can I rent a car in Dubai?". Well, read on.

Firstly, let us talk about the prices. You have to understand that in Dubai, there are no lemon laws like you have back in the US, so do not expect all cars to be in top notch condition, though invariably they will be in very good condition. A simple google search will tell you that cars are available generally at prices around 160$ a week. There are several options to hire a car.

For example, consider Muscat, the captial city of Oman. The moment you step out of baggage claim in the airport, you have a car rental booth just outside the airport and this is a very good option. Even at Dubai airport, there are several car hiring agencies. But the problem with Dubai is that, the airport is so huge that you will find it difficult to go in search of a car rental stall. And even if you do find one, walking to it will be quite a challenge.

You'd rather book it online as it will save you the trouble of filling forms once you manage to get to the stall. So the best option for you is to do it online, prior to your departure. You can check out http://dubai.rentalcargroup.com/ for more info on hiring cars online for use in Dubai.

Emirates Airlines and Dubai Airport: A Truly Great Combo!

2008-05-30T12:28:00.000-07:00

Emirates First Lounge : Brisbane

Artist's Perspective

Emirates Business Class Lounge : Dubai International Airport

Emirates Business Class Cabin : Check Out Those Screens!

Dubai International Airport : During The Lean Hours

Emirates First Class Seat: One Of The Best In The Business

Dubai International Airport: From Another Angle

A Typical Scene At Dubai international Airport

Rush Hour At Dubai international Airport

An Emirates Plane Ready To Take-off in all its glory

Service Aboard Emirates Business Class.....Impressed?

Some Of My Favorite Photos Of Dubai

2008-05-24T18:26:00.000-07:00

Desert Safari : Dune Bashing

A Road In Dubai, during Lean Hours

Aerial View Of The Palm Island

Base View Of Sheikh Zayed Road

Another Stunning View Of Towering Dubai Skyscrapers On Sheikh Zayed Road

Burj-Al-Arab: Aerial View

Sheikh Zayed Road : Aerial View

Dubai From A Different Angle

Dubai Airport: Swanky Ain't It?

Dubai Creek: As Seen from Bur Dubai

Stunning Photos Of This Crazy City

2008-05-24T18:10:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

For all you photograph enthusiasts out there, I will be posting pics of Dubai from now onwards so that you can really see what it has to offer instead of just reading about it. So keep visiting http://tour-dubai.blogspot.com for the best on what Dubai has to offer!

Dubai : A Growing Hub For Used Cars.

2008-05-19T03:56:00.000-07:00

Dubai is growing leaps and bounds and so is the car industry here. People say that corporate companies give discount sales to push away old products. This sort of sales only occurs to fast-moving products like cell phones, mp3 players, TV, clothes etc. However discount sales are never offered by car dealers. If there was a discount sale for cars they would become the most profiting company over night. There are companies that actually do give discounts but are thought of cheaply. These are second-hand car dealers. While travelling around Dubai you would realize that this city is most enjoyed only when driving in a Car, though the traffic jams are sometimes maddening.

There are buses and public transport but everyone wants a car. I have had experiences where I am driving around in my Volvo and racing past me is a Nissan 350Z and suddenly I start dreaming of when I would get a paycheck to afford that. That same day I went to the second-hand car dealer and before my eyes I saw the same 350Z I saw in the afternoon. I realized that second-hand cars can fool anybody, but the trick is to find out the best place to buy them.

There are only a few dealers who sell second hand cars because they want others to feel better. There are those who do it because they just need more money. Some of the best dealers are auto dealer UAE, auto souk and dubaimoto. These companies not only help in purchasing a used car but also help in selling your current car at a decent price and some companies like dubaimoto even offer service for free. The reason why people need an agency like auto dealer is because some individuals will give you information about a false car or a car that doesn’t exist and try and extract the money from you as soon as possible. With agencies this is avoided, and the money you pay is valued. Such people may also pose to be as the genuine brand and will try to cheat you, we recommend that you certify that they are genuine and if not contact the official people and report. To communicate with them log on to:

Auto Dealer: www.autodealer.ae
Auto Souk: www.autosouk.com
Dubai Moto: www.dubaimoto.com

These websites provide approximate sales vales for you current car also. Sometimes consumers tend to give their car for service for just changing something simple for routine and when they sell it, it goes for a cheaper price. These websites also proved guide lines for such duties and give tips to maximize your mileage, in case you’re a mileage junkie like me. The best part of these types of dealers is the fact that they all are in contact with each other and one may even re-direct you to another company. However beware of frauds they are not merciful!

If you want to know more about tips while moving about in Dubai, keep visiting http://tour-dubai.blogspot.com for more exciting posts!

Camping At The Kempinski

2008-05-14T07:13:00.000-07:00

The first thing you realize about the Mall of The Emirates when you first step in is just how big this Mall is. If you see it from the outside it looks kind of like any other mall, however once you go inside it’s another world all together, especially with a huge indoor skiing arena.

The real start of the show is the Kempinski Hotel which is located near the Mall and is an absolute beauty in all angles. The best part about the place is the fact that it has a balanced contrast of business and pleasure. The best part is all these things are in just walking distance of each other. The financial district and the Jumeirah Beach are just some examples.

The hotel lobby is well designed, and has some nice natural finished to it giving a very relaxed, but at the same time “down to business” feel. From my point of view, this Hotel is meant for any business man who wants to have a relaxing and enjoyable work environment.

Apart from the delicious Hotel food, you could step out and eat out in any of the many restaurants at the Mall. From the Asian “24 Seven” to the elegant “1897 bar”, the Mall really makes the stay at Kempinski worth it. Since the Hotel is mostly business oriented there is a business centre which provides all the need for all the corporate guests. Including high-tech utilities pre-installed for the business meeting, but it doesn’t end there a dedicated staff tends to the need of all the corporate guests.

Don’t be fooled, this hotel isn’t totally a business bee hive; a spa is available for all those who want to tone down their stress levels. The spa itself gives a “Caribbean like” atmosphere and provides a number of different beauty treatment and not to mention massages. The gym-rats won’t be out of place as there is a gym for them as well.

The guest rooms follow the trend of the lobby having a dynamic mix of natural and modern flavors which make your stay harmonic. If you someone like me who cannot live without everything handed to you, then you’re right at home. With a wall mounted HDTV in each room and a DVD/CD player as a standard this place feels just like home, and not to mention high –speed internet access. The wooden flooring gives a good feeling as it’s not used much in many hotels, which is bad. The toilet is still is harmony with the rest of the world having a dynamic feel to it. All well stocked with robes, towels and slippers. The more expensive rooms come with a personal butler who does everything from shopping for you to providing room service.

All perfect dreams do have a condition. This hotel lacks one of the most important aspects of a high class hotel, which is the service. It’s not bad but it not good either. Usually queries and requests are unanswered or unattended to which has to be a standard in any hotel making a name for itself.

Yeah, we have Indian Food too!

2008-05-10T01:15:00.000-07:00

People may ask “what does Dubai lack?” Beautiful hotels, amazing shopping malls and great beach resorts. Well, here is one more to add to the list.

The Antique Bazaar restaurant is a must go for any tourist wanting to experience the true taste of Indian food. The Antique Bazaar is part of the Dinning service of the Four Point Bur Dubai Sheraton Hotel. Its rich Indian atmosphere makes you crave for more, so don’t think of think a quick stop, because this restaurant will make you want to stay. The 4 star Hotel Sheraton gives a feel of dinning with the elite and gives a kind of Ancient Aura that would be perfect for the theme of the restaurant.

The restaurant is located in the heart of Dubai’s financial district and is in easy access to the airport (only 10 minutes drive). You can visit all the hot financial sites in just a walking distance from the Antique Bazaar, including The Dubai World Trade Centre, the Creek Golf and Yacht club. The service in the Antique Bazaar is no less than 5 stars. Efficient and care for detail make the chef and the staff nothing less than professional. Any foreigner, who has no idea what a chicken curry is, is given a detailed explanation and sampling to help give them a better idea.

The restaurant itself is a sight to see. From its exquisite furniture and extravagant environment to its original antiques which date back to the royal era, just to sit and marvel at the textures and sip on a hot cup of Tea, is an experience in it-self.

Even if you are an Indian, eating at Antique Bazaar is no sin. Apart from familiar names and smells, the food itself is enough to make any Indian mother envious.

A live band plays Ghazal music and belly dancers make you feel like a King on his thrown. Another reason why many people go to Antique bazaar is because it is one of the few, reasonably priced restaurants which serve alcohol in Dubai.

The Antique Bazaar is rated as one of, if not, the best restaurant in Dubai, and is popular among the locals. However, this isn’t a dream come true. The Antique Bazaar is mostly booked throughout the year, so it’s a good idea to book ahead of time.

Next time you go to Dubai don’t forget to visit the Antique Bazaar in Dubai.

Dubai: All Set To Become The World's Busiest Metropolitan

2008-05-03T08:57:00.000-07:00

Dubai's five star hotels boast of an incredible 92% occupancy, even while having occupancy rates higher than most of their European counterparts. Dubai tourism boom is fueling these lofty figures and these figures are expected to exceed 5 million annual visitors to 15 million in the next 5 years. The chief factor responsible for this oom is none other than state run airline, Emirates. Emirates has direct flights to 80 destinations throughout the world and will definitely make its presence felt worldwide, soon enough.
The Dubai hotel sector is set to add Versace Palace and the Trump project to its skyline and they are just adding fuel to the already booming tourism industry in the middle east, particularly Dubai.

The Tourism boom led by the United Arab Emirates has paid Acting strategically at the outset as a stop for Europeans and Asian by linking all the continents. They are also exercising this strategy in North American cities as well, not to mention Australia, and specific North American destinations like New York, San Francisco etc. . Much of the work in the future will focus on the acquisition of North American markets as they have done in Australia in addition to going to do very lucrative Chinese market, because of the presence of Hong Kong, Shanghai and vrious other high-traffic airports.

So armed with all that money can buy, The Dubai govt. is all set to further their presence on the internation map! Whew!

Have You Ever Tried Golfing...Dubai Style?

2008-04-26T06:02:00.000-07:00

Dubai has raised the notch. It golf course are among the top 100 in the world...and that too, right in the middle of the desert. The best golf club in Dubai, is of course the Emirates Golf Club. The Emirates Golf Club has set the standards in the city for other upcoming golf clubs and is truly a superb place to play golf. The Dubai Desert Classic and the Dubai Ladies' Masters always witness packed houses. The very fact that there is such sprawling green in the golf courses in Dubai, in heart of the desert, is something that leaves me with total and abolute awe. The Emirates Golf club was designed by Nick Faldo, the golfing champion. The rates are a bit steep though. The prices can range anywhere in between 200 to 900 DHs., based on your needs once you get there.

Dubai also has an all-sand golf course. It is obviously not your average golfing experience, but be warned that the conditions are demanding, because such are the temperatures out there. The all-sand golf course is a must-see for all golfing enthusiasts because it is a totally different experience to be playing on bunkers all the time!
But Dubai still has a very long way to go if it hopes to catch up with the likes of its European counterparts. But the time is not far away, when the world's largest course will be built in Dubai!

Your Head Will Spin On This Tower. Literally!

2008-04-20T07:34:00.000-07:00

Dubai has crossed all barriers by announcing the world's first rotating skycraper!
The skyscraper will have about 60-65 floors, I think, and eachfloor will rotate autonomously, using solar power. If that weren't enough, it also has residences, each apartment of which will get unique views everyday because the tower sill be rotating a few degrees everyday. Not hard to imagine considering the fact that they are going to build an underwater hotel and a resort on 300m poles....is it? Nah, that's just Dubai.

Dubai is crazy, to describe it in one word. It just acnnot bear to see a single piece of land that does not obstruct the path of sunlight. It is a jungle of skyscrapers and it continues to add fuel to the fire, though I must say the fire is turning out to be very good!

So there you have it, the world's first rotating slyscraper.Also, only 90 on-site technicians will be present, compared to the usual 2000, because mosat of the tower will be built and compiled in a mnufacturing plant and will then be transported to the site for final 'fitting'.

So dont be surprised if in a few years time, they build an airport on water because planes are finding it difficult to navigate through the skyscrapers. Everything is possible in Dubai, as they have proved.

Other upcoming projects are the Tulip, the Hydroplis, the arch-bridge and many many more. So if you want to really understand the meaning of crazy, catch the next flight to Dubai!!

A Resort On Stilts?? Yes, Of Course!

2008-04-17T11:01:00.000-07:00

Dubai has gone an extra step to prove that it is absolutely crazy. A resort known as the cloud is being built on poles, 300 m tall!! Yes, you heard right. The Cloud is being built on 300m tall poles erected on the ground.
It is designed to resemble a cloud from which rain is pouring down. The architect, Nadim Karam, (he is a Lebanese architect) unveiled the idea recently and the idea has won critical acclaim.

The concept has just entered the design books and has not yet been finalised but judging by Dubai's trends, it looks like this baby is here to stay.
There was speculation about the stability of this piece of architecture (I dont know how else to call it. it is not a building, not a tower, not a skyscraper....wierd) but it looks like only time can tell whether or not this resort will be built. Stay tuned to http://tour-dubai.blogspot.com for constant updates!

Awesome Dubai! Featured On Youtube!

2008-04-15T10:37:00.000-07:00

One Of The Wildest Water Parks!

2008-04-11T06:59:00.000-07:00

Wild Wadi Park is situated pretty much right in front of the Burj-Al-Arab. It is a water amusement park. Wild Wadi gets several visitors everyday, so you might not want to visit it when it is a public holiday, or on weekends, because the queue just keeps going on and on.
Wild Wadi Park has some really wild rides. It is most famous for the Jumeirah Sceirah. The Jumeirah Sceirah is a water slide about 33 metres tall and is the largest water slide outside the U.S. It is not for the faint-hearted. Trust me. You feel nearly weightless while on it. It really really freaks you out. So do not go for it unless you are really confident about it.

If you are going with your family, with little kids, try the Juha Dhow. The Juha dhow is basically like a small lagoon, which has been designed mainly for children. Another awesome ride is the flowrider. It is a surfing area, an artificial one.
If you are not in the mood for exhilarating rides, then you should probably head to the Breaker's Bay. The Breaker's Bay is HUGE. The largest wave pool that I have ever seen. Really awesome!

Another awesome experience is the flood river. This is the first ride that I went to as soon as I entered the park. A friend had told me about this ride. You basically sit on a circular rubber tube and you are swept by gushing river rapids through a pre-determined course. The waves are really WILD! The freaking waves sometimes reach upto around 2 metres! It is simply too good.

Wild Wadi park is regarded as over-priced by most. I agree. The rides are all terrific fun, but the price is a little too much. It is around 70 $! If you have a heavy wallet, then I personally suggest that you don't mis out on the Wild Wadi for anything in the world!

A Tennis Treat

2008-04-05T02:09:00.000-07:00

Dubai has set its sights on a new target: the sports arena. Recently, Dubai saw the inauguration of the Dubai Open, a tennis contest that plays host to the top tennis figures from around the world.
The Dubai Open is usually held during the months on February and May, a period which might not be the ideal time to visit Dubai, with temperatures battling to reach their peaks. Despite this, The Dubai Open has seen vast crowds, largely because of the international stars who participate in the tournament.
The 2008 edition of the Dubai Open, which was held last month, was conquered by Australian star, Andy Roddick. World no.1, Roger Federer , is also a common sight at the Dubai Open.
Dubai Open icket prices are well under 40$ and such ticket prices have also boosted the crowd. So if you are looking for some hot action while at Dubai, Head to the Dubai Open Arena to wach some of the best players, doing what they do best. Playing Tennis!

Dressing Smart In Dubai

2008-03-31T08:53:00.000-07:00

Dubai demands that you dress differently, during different times of the year. Let me start with summer. Dubai, during summer, is one of the hottest places on the planet. Temperatures can reach up to 50 degrees Celsius. This means that walking out on the roads is literally impossible, if you are accustomed to the cold climate of the US and Europe. If you are an Asian or Australian, you have better chances of surviving the heat, though you will have to do so by biting your teeth.

So the only other way out is to dress smart. During summer, trousers are a no-no. Always stick to shorts. Wearing sleeveless clothes is a good idea, but if you are prone to sunburns, then refrain from doing so.
But shorts and sleeveless clothes are considered offensive by some locals, so you had better dress so at your discretion.
Wear airy slippers but ensure that the padding is thick to ensure that the heat from the ground does not seep into your feet.
When you go to the desert, my advice is that you do not wear shoes and instead wear sandals. The reason being, all the sand will go into your shoes and it is a pain in the neck to clear it out.

Anyways, I dont think anyone in their sane minds will venture out into the desert in the middle of the summer season in Dubai. It is suicidal to do that.
Now, if you visit during Nov or Dec, the weather is pretty pleasant. It is pretty much like Texas during the day but it does get chill during the night. Pack those leather jackets and silk clothes because now would be a good time to use them.
Drink a lot of water because many people might face dehydration while traveling because Dubai is situated in the heart of the desert. The advantage in Dubai is that all the buildings, cars,buses and hotels are air-conditioned so when you are indoors, there is nothing to worry about. In fact, you can even pay a visit to Ski Dubai at the Mall of the Emirates!

This Is Not Quite The Literal Meaning Of A 'Tree House' !

2008-03-28T01:45:00.000-07:00

The Palm Island is a man-made island, in the shape of a palm tree. It is sitll under construction. It is a very very massive residential spaces undertaking. It is lined with skyscraper residential buildings, whose prices are absolutely through the roof. Typical prices for a bedroom apartment is around 700000$ ! There are also sprawling villas that are avilable for those who are so rich, that they do not know what to do with all the money that they have! At Dubai. there is always something for those, for whom nothing seems expensive.

The area of the Palm is around 5 Sq.Kms. The best way to see this exotic island is by air. The aerial view is simply awesome (see photo). There are 2 other Palms coming up namely, Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Deira. There is abslutely no othere place like the Palm elsewhere in the world. Constructing this mammoth is definitely an engineering feat. A few years back, there was nothing here but the plain old sea. But now, after years of construction work, It houses several thousand extraordinary, supremely expensive, skyscraping housing complexes. Wierd? You think? Nah, that's just Dubai.

There is a monorail that runs through the trunk of the tree shaped island, that links the various parts of the island. Imagine this. Staying on the 40th floor of a skyscraper, built on a man-made island, near on of the world's most beautiful beaches, which overlooks a really really huge column of skyscrapers on the other side, with a monorail when you look down from the window situated near several malls, pools and an awesome marina. Whew!! It is going to take quite a while for you to get over that list.
Apart from the residential complexes, there are also several private villas and guess what. They come with their own private beaches. They also have their own 24 hr water patrol service, that constantly monitors activity in these waters.

To top this all, there is also a 6 lane underwater tunnel to link the different parts of the Palm! Well, I can keep on writing about the Palm. The post wil just go on and on and on. All I can tell you is that the Palm has to be seen to be believed. Period.

Wanna Ride An Amphibian?

2008-03-25T05:08:00.000-07:00

The wonderbus is the true definition of an amphibian. It can travel both on land as well as sea. It is an air-conditioned bus that has large television screens in the interior. It also serves refreshments during the tour and also has internal bathrooms. It is the perfect tour-bus.

The experience for me, when I first visited Dubai, was fabulous. The wonderbus was so relaxing and exciting as well. IT covered many of the major attractions at Dubai, some of them being Dubai courts, the Al-maktoum bridge and Sheikha Maryam's palace.

The tour starts from the Burjuman center near Karama. After a short tour on land, it cruises along the Dubai creek. The experience is way different from the dhow cruise, though both of them are creek cruises. The tour is priced at around 30-35$ for an adult. It offers excellent value for money and I'd definitely recommend this ride to all tourists visiting Dubai.

Dubai Scenic Flight : Dont Worry. You Wont Smash Into Any Skyscraper!

2008-03-25T04:55:00.000-07:00

The scenic flight is an awesome way to tour Dubai. The flight rates start at around 65$ for around an hour. The tour involves a hot-air baloon ride that offers you a fantastic view of the city's major tourist attractions. Right from the Tennis court atop the helipad at the Burj-Al-Arab, to splendid views of the majestic Arabian desert; The flight offers it all.
For guests staying at the Burj, there is a special helicopter service from the hotel to the VIP lounge at the Dubai International Airport. The rates are pretty steep though. It can go upto 2500$ for each ride to and from the Burj!!

Dhow Cruise : Simply Awesome!

2008-03-21T06:24:00.000-07:00

The dhow cruise is the perfect way to unwind after a hectic day on Dubai's busy streets and several malls. The dhow cruise lasts for around 2 hours, during which, the dhow will cruise along the coastline of Dubai. Several of Dubai's landmarks can be seen up close, from a different angle, when on the dhow cruise.

The dhow is a traditional Arabian boat. When I went on the cruise, There was a young Asian woman performing, aboard the dhow, on the lower deck. Yes you heard right. The dhow has 2 decks, though the upper one is not covered. The open deck gets very chill during the cruise. So I personally suggest that you occupy the lower deck.

The dhow is also used by people to hosts parties and other functions. Anyways, let us come to the main part. The food.

The food served on board the dhow is very good. They serve several items, right from the local roti bread, to macaroni. Do not expect 5 star treatment, because the cruise aims at creating an informal and party like atmosphere. Drinks are available on board.

The atmosphere is very lively, especially for me, because I was sitting right next to the pretty woman who was performing. On the whole, it really loosened me up after a tough day and I would suggest it as a Must-Do, for every Dubai visitor.

It Just Keeps Going On And On And On!

2008-03-18T02:46:00.000-07:00

The world's tallest tower. Nothing more. Nothing less. In Dubai, it has become kind of a habit to construct the 'world's biggest' something. Be it a building, or an airport, or a mall, or a metro system. Whatever. Nothing is left untouched. Everything has to be modified and must have something special. Or else it goes out.

This aggressive attitude has really proved fruitful in terms of development, as Dubai has seen unparalelled growth over the past few years and it has emerged as a major global player.

To top it all, there is the Burj Dubai Tower. It is taller than the Taipei tower, The Petronas Tower and every other major tower. It is still under construction.It has enormous tourist potential (tell me...who wouldnt like to stand next to the world's tallest tower??) and Dubai is sure to capitalise on that.

It is estimated to be 1680 feet tall and comprise of 144 floors. It is really not a surprise that Dubai has 1/3rd of the total number of cranes in the world.

The authrities are not revealing the actual height of the Burj Dubai Tower until near completion.

The Burj Dubai tower, once completed, will dominate the Dubai skyline. But Dubai will surely come up with a taller skyscraper in a matter of a few years. They just arent conetnted. Are they??

Other Malls In Dubai

2008-03-16T02:47:00.000-07:00

Malls in Dubai offer more than just plain shopping. They concentrate a lot on the architecture, which in itself seems to be attractin several thousands of tourists each day. Apart from the Mall Of The Emirates, there are many other malls in Dubai. If you are not able to visit the emirates mall, then you can check out some of these malls that might be close to where you are staying.

Burjuman Centre:

This is one of the most beautiful malls in Dubai. It looks amazingly classy and is filled with a vareity of superb architectural styles. Its architecture oozes oomph and is a contrast to the otherwise crowded malls. It is a mall where you dont have to rush from shop to shop and you can just relax and shop and of course, admire the architecture. Quite a few major brands are present here, but not as exclusive as Mall Of The Emirates.It is situated near the Trade Center road , near Al Karama. (The image to the right is a snapshot of the Burjuman Center.)

Dragonmart:

This is one very long mall. No floors. No breathtaking views. But very very long. It is the main Chinese market in Dubai. It is not your average glittering, shining mall but has more of a Chinese kind of flavor to it. It is an ideal place for you to get silk clothes or street footwear and dead cheap prices. It is situated near the Oman highway.

Emirates Towers Boulevard:

This is more like the Beverly Hills of Dubai. All major international designer brands are present here. This is not a place for window shopping. It is more for the seriously-looking-out-for-something-very-chic kind of shopper. So if you are in the mood for designer labels, head to the Emirates Tower Boulevard.

Ibn Battuta Mall:

This is a mall comprising of very traditional architecture. Architecture from Africa, India, Egypt and several other places, can be seen here. This is not as exciting as the other malls that you would find in Dubai.

Dubai Mall:

There are more than about 50 malls in Dubai. And now, the biggest of them all is set open in 2008. The Dubai Mall.Built over 12.1 Million Sq.ft., Dubai Mall is all set to make a grand entry into Dubai's top real estate deals. I possibly cannot list all of its features here. But it will definitely make global news, once its doors fly open later this year. It is being built close to the world's tallest tower, the Burj Dubai Tower. (The images are an artist's comception of the Dubai Mall). The mall will contain a 3-storey tall walk through aquarium and a glass walk-through area!! The image shown to the right shows how the walk-through aquarium will loke upon completion. Dubai has really broken the barrier this time by building such a huge mall. The Dubai Mall, once opened is sure to be a major tourist attraction in Dubai.
The Dubai Mall is being built to resemble an ocean liner from the outside and has facilities to house thousands of shops in its several phases.
There is just so much to do in Dubai that you will never ever get bored in this awesome city. Period.

Mall Of The Emirates

2008-03-15T07:25:00.000-07:00

Ok. Here goes. Mall Of The Emirates. It is the Third largest shopping mall in the world. There are about 400 major brands, that have their own stores in the mall. All major international brands have managed to fit in their outlets in this mall, right from Gucci and Versace to Ralph Lauren and Bvlgari. And of course there's Carrefour, Burberry and DKNY and all the other stores that you would find in other malls.

Although Mall of the Emirates, might not have indoor roller coasters like the mall at Times Square, Kuala Lumpur, it does have another feature. Ok. Hold your breath. It has an indoor ski slope!!.

The indoor ski slope, also known as ski Dubai, is one of the largest of its kind in the world. It is unusual to be skiing in the middle of the desert, but at Dubai, nothing is impossible.The ski slope is the third largest of its kind in the world. It attracts several thousand visitors every day. There are also many restaurants overlooking the indoor slope. So not in the mood for skiing, you can always sip on that cup of hot maddening crowd.
There are several restaurants spread out through the length of the entire mall and also adjoining Ski Dubai. Many major international joints have their outlets in the Mall Of The Emirates. Still not impressed?
There is also a multiplex (Cinestar Cinemas) at the mall where you can just sit back and enjoy that new action flick that you have been wanting to see for so long. The facilities offered at the mall are numerous and are sure to suit every member of the family.
It has everything from jewelleryand cell phones, to designer shoes and clothes. So head to the Mall Of The Emirates for one hell of a weekend!!

Desert Safari : A Must Do Acitivity In Dubai!!

2008-03-14T07:28:00.000-07:00

'Wild' is the only word that I can use to describe this awesome activity that is unique to Dubai. The desert safari is Dubai's version of a roller coaster on solid land and not in the air. This is definitely one of the most fun things that I have ever done.

The desert Safari starts off with an off-terrain vehicle picking you up from your hotel and taking you to campsite situated about 15 minutes into the desert, off the main highway. The first leg of the safari involves a really wild dune bashing ride through the huge sand dunes of the Dubai desert.
That is when you realise the true potential of these 4 X 4 vehicles. It is an activity that is gaining popularity in the Middle East.
After the first leg, I was dropped off at the desert camp. The desert camp is beautiul. It consists of a large seating area and a stage in the middle for the belly dancing show. There are other activities inside the camp like henna painting, glass painting and other traditional Arab art activities. It is a welcome respite from the maddening Dubai lifestyle. There is absolute calm over the desert and one can just lie down there all night long starring into the starry sky. Later, after sunset, Dinner begins. The dinner spread is paradise! Kebabs come right off the grill and onto your plate. Hot food served in the cold desert surroundings. Tastes better than most of the food than I have tasted before.

This is followed by the belly dancing show. This has to be one of the most difficult dancing techniques ever. Truly spectacular performance by the young woman. The belly dancing session saw several people get up from their seats and dance on the stage. Or if you want to stay away from all the limelight, you can just lie back on the sand next to the fire and smoke your sheesha. Sheesha served here is of very good quality. Many visitors stay overnight in these camps and this allows you to truly experience the desert. I stayed in a small hut in the desert camp. It runs entirely on solar energy and there is usually no pwer supply after 11 pm. So it is just you, your rug and the desert sand. Dont miss out on this. Before the morning sun came up, I managed to climb to the top of a very tall sand dune with my naked feet and watch the sunrise over the horizon.
It was a glorious sight.I was speechless.
So make sure to go on the desert safari when you visit Dubai as it gives you a true taste of Dubai.

Tourist Attractions In Dubai

2008-03-14T07:15:00.000-07:00

There are too many tourist attractions to list in Dubai. This site contains information about all the major tourist attractions. Everytime I visit Dubai, I find that there are around 5 new tourist attractions, 20 new hotels, 15 bridges and a few 10000 people more in Dubai. It is one of the most fastest growing cities in the world and this exponential growth can be primarily attributed to the amazing tourism potential in the region. You cannot possibly get bored in Dubai because there is so much to do. So do explore this site for more details!

The Weather In Dubai. How Hot Is it?

2008-03-14T07:02:00.000-07:00

Situated smack in the middle of the great Arabian desert, Dubai stays hot for most of the year. Temperatures touch the 50 degree celsius mark. It is literally impossible to walk out on the roads during peak summer that often occurs during the months of April and May.
The ideal time to visit would be around Nov-Dec and this is the time when Dubai stays pleasant with bearable temperatures.
So while planning your trip to Dubai , make sure to pack loads of thin and airy cotton clothes and leave behind those leather jackets and jerkins. Wearing sleeveless clothes is a good idea to combat the extreme heat at Dubai. But ensure that you do not venture out too much in these clothes or you till get sun burnt. So dress well. Dress practically.

Restaurants In Dubai

2008-03-14T06:27:00.000-07:00

Restaurants are aplenty in Dubai. Dubai is truly a melting pot of different cultures with cuisines like Chinese, Thai, Indian, Italian, Arabian and several more. It gives a real taste of Asia.
Below are some of the best restaurants in Dubai:

Thai Restaurants:

The Benjarong restaurant has got to be the best Thai restaurant in Dubai. It is situated in the Dusit hotel and offers a fantastic view of the desert. The food is served piping hot and has the traditional authentic Thai taste.
But close follows the Blue Elephant. Though I have not personally visited this restaurant, its reputation is clear proof of the great food that is served there. The Blue Elephant hs tasted success in London and is looking to repeat the same here in Dubai.

Italian Restaurants:

My choice would be the La Vigne restaurant in Century Village. It is one of the best Italian restaurants that I have ever dined in. Though there is the Cappa Nuovo and the Venezia restaurant, my personal favorite is the La Vigne. The food is reasonably priced. The ambience is not something out of the world but the food is simply awesome. So be sure to visit this restaurant while at Dubai.

Indian Restaurants:

Indian cuisine is one of the most widely avaiable in Dubai. To begin with, visit the Saravana Bhavan or Sangeethas (both are located within 100 metres of each other) for breakfast. They offer excellent South Indian delicacies, all served piping hot.
For lunch, try the Sukh Sagar (situated in Al Karama) or the Gazebo. These 2 restaurants offer very good North Indian food. Apart from these, there are several other joints like the Bombay Chowpati chaat joint which has awesome Indian chaat ( chaat is something like a street snack in India and Bombay Chowpati totally rocks in this division ). So if you are looking for Indian food, head to these restaurants.

Chinese Cuisine:
Dubai has too many Chinese restaurants to list out. Though I have been only to the Golden Dragon and the Chinese Kitchen, there are several other options. These restaurants offer quality chinese food at affordable rates and are the apt choice to get a taste of Chinese street food. Every area in Dubai has atleast 2 Chinese restaurants. So wherever you are staying, you will never be far away from a Chinese restaurant.

Arabian:
I think Arabian restaurants would be only too easy to find Dubai! So there would be no use of me posting their names here.

I think the above list of restaurants is far far away from exhaustive. These are just some restaurants that top my favorites list. So if you are an adventurer, go ahead and visit the many other restaurants in Dubai.Enjoy!

Eating In Dubai : International Outlets

2008-03-14T06:19:00.000-07:00

Duabi is full to the brim with international joints like Pizza Hut, Subway, Burger King, KFC and what not. It has a wide variety of fast food joints ranging from traditional Thai cuisine to spicy Indian cuisine!
Most of these joints are fairly priced. Take Burger King for example. An average burger+coke+fries combo would cost you around 6$-7$ at the most. Compared to the other restaurants in town, these joints are a good way to save on money and catch up on lost time.
There are also many Mexican food joints, some situated inside local markets, thus making them the ideal stop to eat while shopping. Do not mistake local markets for Malls. Malls form a separate segment altogether. I'll come to that later.

Hotels In Dubai

2008-03-14T06:01:00.000-07:00

Dubai has an exotic range of hotels to choose from, the most exquisite of them all being the Burj-Al-Arab. If you are a traveller with a lot of cash to burn, try staying at the Burj-Al-Arab, the world's only 7 star hotel. Burj Al Arab pampers you right from the moment you step off your plane. It has a helicopter transport service that ferries you, to and from the hotel. Apart from this, it also has a tennis court situated on the helipad ( I am not too sure whether they have removed the court now ).Apart from the Burj, there is a horde of 5-star hotels in Dubai. There are several new hotels still under construction , set to open in the near future. Apart from 5 star hotels, there are also 3 star hotels in Dubai though they are not as famous as their higer end counterparts. Dubai is known world-wide for its hospitality services.
There are also hotels for the budget traveller. A good example is the Arabian Courtyard, with prices beginning at around $40! The Princess hotel is another option due to its close proximity to the Dubai International Airport. There are also hotels like the Burjuman Rotana which caters to the moderate budget traveller. Overall, there are numerous options as far as hotels are concerned.

Flying To Dubai

2008-03-14T05:57:00.000-07:00

Dubai is well connected by air to almost every city in the world. It has one of the largest airports in the world and is definitely one of the most posh airports in the world. Swanky interiors greet every passenger that arrives at DXB international airport. It has one of the best duty-free shopping centres in the world and that in itself is a tourist attraction. All major airlines operate to Dubai.