Abu Dhabi ( Discount
Abu Dhabi Airfare )
A predominantly modern city, Abu Dhabi nevertheless retains
some of its ancient past. The Diwan Amiri (White Fort) was built
in 1793 and still survives. There are many mosques, from the
massive blue mosque on the corner of the Corniche to the tiny
one in the centre of Khalifa Street Roundabout, surrounded by
trees. There is also a museum. The oldest part of the town is
the Batin area, served daily by the fishing dhows bringing their
catch of Gulf prawns and other fish to the small harbours. The
old building yards demonstrate craftsmen's skills which have
remained unchanged for centuries. The city has ancient burial
mounds at Um al Nar.
Dubai ( Discount
Dubai Airfare )
The 'Pearl of the Arabian Gulf' grew up as a seafaring settlement
along either side of the Creek, a natural harbour for dhow traders,
pearl divers and fishermen. Deira on the northern bank and Bur
Dubai to the south are connected by a tunnel and two bridges
and can also be reached by abra (water taxi). Bur Dubai has
substantial areas of old buildings, atmospheric alleyways and
souks (markets), including the world-famous Gold Souk and colourful
Spice Souk. Fascinating glimpses of the past can be gained from
Al Fahidi Fort, the Dubai Museum (which houses, among other
things, artefacts recovered from the ancient graves at Al-Ghusais),
the traditional windtower houses of the nearby Bastakiya district
and, at the mouth of the Creek, the magnificently restored Sheikh
Saeed's Palace as well as the diving and heritage villages.
The Deira side of the creek is cosmopolitan and lively, with
many attractive gardens and first-class shopping facilities,
ranging from Western-style shops to the ancient souks where
spices, perfume, clothing, antiques, handicrafts and jewels
are available.
Dubai's thriving tourist industry is based on guaranteed sunshine,
a clean and safe environment, bargain shopping and superb sporting
facilities, especially for golf and watersports. A long ribbon
of development alongside the Gulf, extending south and west
of Dubai city to Jebel Ali offers an impressive range of coastal
hotels and resorts. The recreation and sporting complex en route
to Jebel Ali includes a golf course and an all-grass cricket
pitch. Freshwater lakes can also be seen here, full of Japanese
carp.
The emirate has many well-qualified tour companies offering
such activities as desert safaris by four-wheel drive, sand-skiing,
moonlit bedouin barbeques, camel riding and dhow cruises. The
Dubai World Cup (the world's richest horse race), the PGA Desert
Classic Golf Tournament, Dubai Shopping Festival and more than
80 major trade exhibitions are among the high-profile events
attracting business and leisure visitors to the city each year.
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United Arab Emirates Airport Guide
