Shopping in Dubai: real pleasure

Shopping at the oldest area: 
Markets and the Creek:

Rumor has it that Dubai was born in the Creek. It is a natural sea entrance, that was the old port of the city and the place where the pearl trade reached its golden era more than 100 years ago.
Today is the most scenic waterway in the city, with open taxi boats that connect locals and visitors from one bank to another and from one market to another of the old town. The oldest neighborhoods in the city, Deira and Burj Dubai are at each side.
The Creek offers at sunset a very different evening: it is possible to have dinner aboard traditional boats, called dhows. Usually, a tour of this kind provides transfer from the hotel to the pier, buffet dinner at the boat plus drinks and transfer back. The price is around 45 euros. The ride lasts a couple of hours and is sailing quietly as you can see the most historic areas of the city by night.
Another unforgettable visit by day, on the banks of the Creek Deira neighborhood, is taking a walk around the oldest souks or markets of the city.

Closest to Creek, is the Spice Souk. This ancient market has a few blocks long, but deep into it, you can say that it is possible to be back in time. If you like taking pictures of the colors of spices and to experience traditional smells, this is the place. It is perfect to buy not so common spices that are very expensive elsewhere.
You can also buy any type of tea leaves and there are many shops selling clothes, pashminas and traditional dresses.

Just a couple of blocks away from this souk, in the opposite direction of the Creek, is the Gold Souk, named for the high concentration of jewelers dedicated to the beautiful jewels made with gold.
With over 300 stores, this market has given to Dubai many times the nickname of City of Gold
It is amazing to see the sense of security that this place radiates, not for the presence of the police, there is in fact little, but because there is not a cage for windows and it is amazing to see gold jewels that local women show over their traditional black robes at street.
Anyway, to buy something, I recommend as always, discretion and if you buy somenthing, keep the shop bag in a large handbag.

Tips for the souks:

* At the Spice souk, you have to negotiate the price for everything. There is no other way and in fact, this is a part of the show and the experience of visiting it. The hardest salesmen to make you a discount are the one selling pashminas. I suggest not to close the deal with the first shop you visit.

Very often, the good you are interested in, it is easily find in another shop, because the items are repeated.

* In Gold Souk is ideal for touring at noon, when it's the sun of Dubai hits the city. The streets of this souk are roofed, and you can have a nice walk with the golden frame of the windows and sit a while on their benches to rest and analyze business.

* Although the gold price per ounce is not a bargain, it is considerably cheaper than in another country. In Dubai you can find different karat gold: 18, 22, 24. Personally I always lean towards gold 18 as the most lasting in purity and not turn black in the future.

* There is no rule or recommendation to visit a gold shop or another. I find it convenient always have a look first at the way the shop present jewels in the window and the sense of cleaning and presence of the salesmen. The rest depends on each pocket and what you like...

Shopping at the newest area: 

Dubai Malls

There are few places in Dubai that express the richness and opulence of this Emirate and that is the case of Dubai shoppings.
We know the city landmarks, the famous buildings, the impossible architecture, but the malls exude marbles, crystals , fountains and real engineering, all to flatter the eye and the infinite pleasure of shopping.
They worth a ride and reserve part of your time to walk them:

Dubai Mall:
We talked about it, when referring to the Burj Khalifa .
The largest Emirates shopping currently extends to the foot of the tower The four plants contain over 1,200 shops in the center of the city.
Literally, best designers and most exclusive in the world are represented here (Argentina is also presented with an excellent local of La Martina).
You can find exclusive areas of restaurants, french cafés and pasticcerie at all levels and with a touch of style.
The shopping most famous atraction is a giant aquarium in one of the arcades. It is stunning and I recommend to see it . There are also ice rink for kids to entertain like crazy and in the main courtyard , a great place to have a coffee or a drink while the sun falls on the city , it is easy there to locate the Dubai Fountain .
Visiting hours are:
From Sunday to Wednesday from 10:00 to 22:00 hours. Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 to 24:00 .

Mall of the Emirates:
It is another star in the shopping system of Dubai.
Just a little smaller than Dubai Mall, which is located on Sheikh Zayed Avenue, (the largest avenue in the city), very near to the famous Palm Jumeirah.
More french in style, has a beautiful dome made of iron and glass, you can find also fountains at galleries' centers, and it is well known for having a Snow resort called Ski Dubai.
It is truly a park for locals and visitors that gives the idea of being in one of the ski centers worldwide. You may get a ticket to enter, to rent appropriate clothing to skiing or sledding by artificial slopes. You can also see all this activity from the viewpoints of shopping.

Souk Madinat Jumeirah:
It is located just a few steps away from the most famous hotel in Dubai, the Burj Al Arab.
Very different from the big malls, this souk is attractive because of its galleries, a truly modern representation of an old traditional souq , with a very pointed Moroccan air.
Prices are not so expensive. Bijoux or traditional hanging lamps with colored glasses are one of the best souvenirs. There are carpets shops and a large range of items to decorate home.
From the cafes terraces you can enjoy a magnificent view of the iconic Dubai hotel. The mall has over 70 stores and is particularly nice in the evenings because of the fine lighting that the shops have.

Tips on transfers:
The Mall of Emirates is strategically connected to a metro station, which is very easy for going and coming for example from the center to the mall.

Metro station

Both Dubai Mall and Mall of Emirates, offer free services or private shuttle bus from the main hotels in the city, so take advantage of that and have another nice trip around the city.
The subway is not free, but it is still very cheap. At least, make time for a short visit. The subway is actually a monorail that spans almost parallel to the main avenue of the city over enormous colonnades.
Subway stations are also look like a spaceship, inside each one, you could see a different design. Wagons are spacious, clean, bright, and allow a different view of the city, you can almost say "from the air".
Stations can also be used to cross the main avenue. Dubai is not easy to walk specially at downtown by the large amount of traffic, its huge avenues and narrow city sidewalks. That is why is always better to take subway or shuttle services from the hotels.

Currency:
Dirham is used in the United Arab Emirates. In April 2012, the conversion was around this: 1 dollar = 3.67 dirham.
Both dollars and euros are accepted in exchange offices.

Where to Stay:
I have the fortune to stay at the Al Murooj Rotana Hotel, a couple of blocks away from Burj Khalifa tower. I included my review at Advirsor Trip page.

Data trip to Dubai:
Dubai travel agency: Alpha Tours
http://www.alphatoursdubai.com/alphatours.html

Dubai: An Arabian tale come true

The City Essence:

The Emirate of Dubai is without exaggeration, a tale of the Arabian Nights came true.
The name of the city which is also the second Emirate of UAE (remember that there are seven that built this nation), is today synonymous of one of the most publicized and emerging destinations that tourists can find.
It is also the absolute proof that when financial capacity, clear vision, and most exquisite commitment to pursuing perfection are together, there is no limit to the strength of mankind.
Originally was a small pearl fishing village; the discovery of oil , made to Arab nomadic tribes to settled on its shores and brought wealth and visionary spirit in the last century. But it was in the course of the last twenty years that the desert city literally grew up until become a magnet for investment and tourism in the Gulf.
All that we have heard about this city of the United Arab Emirates is true and there is still room for wondering.

Must to see n°1: Burj Al Arab

... "Her silhouette simulates a sailing deep into the vastness of the sea ..." you can say that with this frase began the legend of current Dubai. With this hotel called "Tower of the Arabs" and its almost magical design, Emirates understood how to place Dubai in the world and attract attention on the city.
Located in one of the most beautiful beaches of the Emirate of Dubai, Jumeirah Beach or the Palm, is a magical and engaging site.

It is often said that is the the only seven-star hotel in the world for the quality of its service and the luxury it provides to its guests. True or not, you cannot deny that is one of the most famous hotels in the world since it opened in the beginning of 2000.
Even it you cannot afford it, the hotel worths a visit and nothing better than hiring a tour that allows you visit it with the excuse of a lunch or dinner at one of their restaurants.

By day, white and blue colors are seen and the hotel seems to emerge from the mist of the Persian Gulf. At night, the sail, this is mean, the main body of the hotel, offers changing colors from dusk, providing a spectacle as soon as you can reach the hotel silhouette.

You can say that color is the key to the hotel.
By accessing, strong colors like gold and red dominate the lobby. A great fountain built as an staircase at dark marble brings the rumor of clean water to the visitor. This is not the only surprise. Remember to raise your head and look at the main atrium: all the colors of the sea are reflected there in a magnificent palette: deep blues, turquoises, greens.

You can also find two large aquariums at each side of the mecanic staircases. They help you to moving up to the first floor.
Once you reach the first floor hall, a new fountain greets and provides a visual and musical welcome. You will enjoy it as a kid!!!
Again, lots of color, red and gold give you right access to any of their restaurants or even visit the very exclusive shopping arcade. A multicolored mosaic on the floor of the center of the gallery recalls Versace 90' style.

I recommend the Junsui restaurant at the intermediate level of the hotel, specializing in Asian food. The design and the colors contrast here with the very intense color of the hotel. With simple lines, lots of glass, light colors and cuisine based on vegetables, fish and sushi, this restaurant calls for tranquility and simplicity. The cost of dinner is around u$s 150 per person.

Photos are allowed inside the hotel, but the videos are restricted in order to preserve the privacy of the guests.
For car lovers, the fleet of Rolls-Royce in white at the entrance, is not a myth, and you can take pictures with them.
More information on the official website:
http://www.jumeirah.com/Hotels-and-Resorts/Reiseziele/Dubai/Burj-Al-Arab/

Must to see n° 2: Burj Khalifa

It is now the world's tallest building. The tower, which resembles a needle, virtually dominates the sky of Dubai and is visible from anywhere in the city. It may even be seen from the plane as you approach your destination.
It is the city's current pride and most promoted attraction. The terrace for visitors, called "At the Top" is located on the 124th floor and is a must to appreciate the development of Dubai.
The tower was built at downtown, and it is surrounded by hotels, fountains, gardens, Dubai Mall (the world's largest shopping) and office buildings that complement the landscape.
In order to access to this particulary floor, you have to reach the entrance, which is located on the ground floor of the Dubai Mall there are available tickets, but be patient, there is always a line to wait. On the official website of the Tower, you can find an option to buy tickets on line in advance.
After buying the tickets, there is a mecanic scale that you have to climb and then a long corridor that serves to connect the mall with the base of the building. During this walk you can learn about the fantastic story of the construction of the Burj and the statistics involved, many parts of the corridor use several holographs that allow you to review the progress of construction.
Following the above final corridors there are two elevators that lead to the viewpoint.

Each elevator is made for about 20 people. The trip to the 124th floor is done at high speed, but you would scarcely feel it, perhaps a bit clogged ears, but causes no dizziness or anything. It's electrifying to see how the monitor adds floors to the countdown. The inside of the elevator is small and discreetly illuminated with flashing lights and cool background music.
When the doors opened, you will enter to a large gallery of marble floors and large windows. You can go outside to the terrace. It is completely safe since it was built with hard glass and steel that protects the visitor of the height, but you may feel the place a little windy.
 From that spot you get a fabulous view of the city, the highways, the buildings, the avenues, new developments and hotels nearby and the Persian Gulf. It is easy to understand then that the city almost emerged from the desert. 
If you look above of your head, you will see that the tower continues, elegant, and almost infinitely.
From the external viewpoint it almost impossible to see the other building "symbol" of Dubai, the sailboat hotel aka "Burj Al Arab", since the mist usually cover it. Within the internal galleries, there are electronic telescopes that seem to belong to Starwars but they give a fantastic view of the more distant points.
On the 124th floor, there is also a souvenir shop with replicas of the tower and other goodies to make.
All the information about the Tower, can be found in English on the official website
http://www.burjkhalifa.ae/language/en-us/the-tower.aspx

Must to see n° 3: Dubai Museum

Dubai Museum is located at the historic and oldest building of the city, near the area known as Creek.
The first impression is cool, as the museum is located in the Al Fahidi Fort, a defense built in 1787 to protect the early settlers of Dubai from invaders.
The doors are awesome, made of thick wood with ferocity spikes embedded in this entrance. 
In the courtyard of the fort, you can see traces of the way of life in the early 1800s: the old boats that Pearl Fishers used in the past and a fully furnished summer house. There is also a collection of Arabs weapons dating back since medieval times.
However, the good part of the museum is underground ... an internal ramp snail down and another museum appears before our eyes like magic. With wax dolls, music chord, sounds and voices and soft lights, the museum attempts to recreate the daily life of Dubai old citizens, whether at home, at school, or in the markets, even in the desert tents and between archaeologists campaigns. It's very well accomplished ​the atmosphere of the shipyard and the dangerous task under water of pearl divers men.
The museum also has a very large room with archaeological remains of the oldest civilizations in the areas: jewelery, beautifully decorated terracotta pieces and daily utensils.
The museum gift shop, next to the spiral ramp that leads up, is fantastic and I recommend a visit.
Schedules and tickets costs can consult you on this link:
http://visiting.definitelydubai.com/cosas-que-ver/heritage-a-museums/dubai-museum

Must to experience n°4: Desert in 4 x 4 with Dinner

While Dubai emerged from the depths of the desert , you have to leave town to really taste the ancient sands .
One of the most famous and promoted tours of the city is to hire a safari on 4 x 4 trucks over the sands with dinner in a typical desert camp style .
The adventure usually begins at 4 pm when the 4 x 4 pick up passengers at the hotels. On the highway after twenty minutes, you will cross the invisible boundary between Dubai and the Emirate of Sharjah. You will leave the pavement to get into the dunes of the desert.
Adrenaline is triggered then: cars begin to explores dunes after adjusting the tire pressure. It is an unique experience: it's almost as surfing the dunes at high speed to avoid getting stuck and gravity-defying angles . 
You probably think that drivers make impossible movements , up and down , bend over and start all over again. 
Halfway through the safari , the caravan stops to enjoy the sunset in the desert. It is something unforgetable to feel the breeze, the hot, see the natural movement of the dunes and try to move without much success because of endless sand . For the more adventurous , it is a good time to practice sandbourding , to the quietest, is the perfect time to hold your camera and immortalize that amazing landscape.
The safari then returns to the sands of Dubai and get to one of the camps specially prepared to enjoy typical dinner and way of life for a while in the Arab fashion. You can see there falconers, ride a camel, try the shisha, decorate your hands with henna tattoos, buy some crafts , walking barefoot on the soft sand , or just enjoy the sunset and watch the starry desert sky .
There are soft drinks and fresh mineral water and snacks to the main dinner hour. Served in buffet way, you can try chicken, lamb and vegetables, even some local sweet and also some fruit.

At the end of the evening , the famous belly dance show recreates the magic of the Arabian Nights , and it is a pleasure to sit on the cushions and carpets Arabs to enjoy the music and the mystical atmosphere .

Tips about the ride:

* The 4x4 have comfortable seating and internal barrettes to hold beyond the belt. 

* Expertise in driving is splendid, so there is no fear in the vehicle to lose control or roll over.

* The vehicle has air conditioning. However, usually transported five people plus the driver. If you add outside heat, back seats could be a little hot. For this situation and the constant movement of the car, I recommend taking a medication for dizziness or nausea.

* Camp bathrooms are surprisingly clean and at european style, so there is no problem in using them.

* The full cost of the tour with transportation from and back to the hotel is around 75 euros or 100 dollars.

Must to see n°5: The Dubai Fountain

It's free and easy to locate , so it is on my list of recommendations. 
Located in the outer courtyard of the Dubai Mall at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, is the Dubai Fountain.
To get there, you must locate first the Burj Kalifa. Entry The Dubai Mall and follow the directions of the numerous billboards downstairs.
Similar to what can be seen in Las Vegas, outside the Bellagio Hotel, the Emirates spared no effort to hire the same engineers who designed the original fountain and make their own version made ​​in Dubai.
Daily and hourly from 20 to 24 hours , it is possible to appreciate the spectacle of light, music and water that the fountain provides . 
You should go with time, to get a good spot on the terraces of the bars in the Dubai Mall or the bridges that link the mall with hotels around.

The Dubai Fountain measuring 275 meters long and its water jets ever reach more than 150 meters high as it moves to the beat of the music and the play of light around them.

Must to experience n° 6: Navigating the Persian Gulf.

It's the best excuse to visit Dubai Marina and be amazed with this area. It will have a greatest impact to the city's future. With innovative buildings that emerge against harbours, this skyline will be tomorrow's city most famous place. I could be wrong, but Dubai Marina has a destiny: to be as famous as it has been for decades, New York.

For u$s 100 you can hire a boat tour of two hours. It offers go out of the marina and sail around the Palm, the most famous man-made island in Dubai. It is a pleasure to relax over the calm waters of the Persian Gulf and see famous buildings and landmarks like the Atlantis, crown of the island, or the Burj Al Arab. In the evening, the sunset and the sea breeze make this tour an unforgettable ride.

Currency:
Dirham is used in the United Arab Emirates. In April 2012, the conversion was around this: 1 dollar = 3.67 dirham.
Both dollars and euros are accepted in exchange offices.

Where to Stay:
I have the fortune to stay at the Al Murooj Rotana Hotel, a couple of blocks away from Burj Khalifa tower. I included my review at Advirsor Trip page. 

Data trip to Dubai:
Dubai travel agency: Alpha Tours

http://www.alphatoursdubai.com/alphatours.html