Independent holiday in the UAE. There is only the present
However, only people who were absolutely far from politics and did not know about Israel’s long-standing, very complex relations with other Middle Eastern countries could be surprised at this. Including one of the richest in the Persian Gulf region - the United Arab Emirates. The main reason for the constant conflicts and periodically breaking out wars is that the Arab world, with a few exceptions, did not recognize as legal both the division of Palestine into two equal territories and the emergence of the independent state of Israel in May 1948. 20% of the population are Arabs.
"List 17"
It is no coincidence that of the 17 countries that continue to consider the creation of Israel illegitimate, more than half are its neighbors in the Middle East. This, in addition to the Emirates, includes Brunei, Iraq, Yemen, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Saudi Arabia and Syria. Another seven - Algeria, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Pakistan, Somalia and Sudan - are Muslim states that traditionally show solidarity with any Arab people. Including, of course, the Palestinian one. They do not doubt for a minute that this people is suffering from Israel, which has occupied its territory.The UAE, in particular, insists on the speedy withdrawal of the Israeli army from the occupied Arab territories and legal guarantees of respect for the rights of the Palestinians, including the creation of their own state. In addition, Emirati sheikhs generally do not recognize the right of Israelis to live in the Middle East. Therefore, they banned entry into their territory to any citizens who have Israeli passports and live in the territory of this country. And they are not going to lift their ban. True, the UAE army is not yet taking part in military operations.
Tel Aviv's response
Naturally, this situation does not suit Israel itself, which has imposed its own border and visa sanctions against all the above-mentioned countries (which also includes the DPRK). And Syria, Lebanon and Iran were even recognized as “enemy states” in Tel Aviv. For a long time, citizens whose countries were far from the Arab-Israeli conflict also suffered from such confrontation. That is why they could well be denied entry into the UAE only on the grounds that they had visited Israeli territory a little earlier.But in recent years the situation has changed for the better. The sheikhs have softened the access regime to their country, which attracts tourists from all over the world, and “turn a blind eye” to the fact that foreigners who come to them have previously visited, for example, the Israeli Eilat. The situation is a little stricter with those who fly to Israel after the Emirates. They can be given a serious interview with questions like “What exactly did you do in the UAE?” and “Why did you come to Israel?” True, entry and subsequent vacation are usually not denied.
Where they won't let you in
However, particularly inquisitive Russian tourists still cannot relax in Arab-Muslim states. There are still quite a lot of countries in the world where a stamp in a foreign passport about visiting Israel, even for the purpose of ordinary tourism or treatment, is synonymous with taboo; their holders will not be allowed across the border. These include not only those included in the “list of 17” Yemen, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Syria and Sudan, but also Bahrain and Iran.The border guards of these countries can refuse even if they find only indirect evidence of your stay in Israel. These usually include travel stamps through it to the Israeli embassies of Egypt and Jordan, which are located on their territory. By the way, the Israelis themselves can freely visit not only Egypt and Jordan, but also Tunisia and Morocco, which suspended diplomatic relations with Tel Aviv in 2000.
Travel time is always limited. However, even in four days it is quite possible to get acquainted with a new culture, because you will do everything to make these days as bright and eventful as possible. So, what to see in Dubai in four days? We tried to understand this issue.
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Direct flights are available from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg and several other Russian cities. There are direct flights from Moscow from the following companies: Aeroflot, Flydubai, Emirates. Travel time is about 5.5 hours. The price of a non-stop ticket starts from 15,000 rubles, but you can buy a cheaper ticket through promotions that airlines often run. With a transfer you can fly by Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines. You decide!
First day
The first dive into the whirlwind of a new city is always so exciting! That is why we have prepared for you a list of “basic” attractions that are ideal for exploring Dubai, but at the same time will not allow you to even think that this city is bland, conservative and drab.
The architectural originality of this city is beyond doubt, but this particular area is considered a true pearl of modern architectural thought. The elegance of luxury and the beauty of the coastline make a stunning tandem. The area has a dynamic silhouette, as many buildings are still under construction, but the skyscrapers are already clearly visible against the backdrop of the rich blue sky or the bright illumination that is turned on at night.
The pier has kilometers of walking paths along which you can stroll in the morning while the waves splash, or in the evening, having a date under the moonlight. Be sure to visit the local Palm Islands. These artificial islands in the shape of palm leaves have become one of the most extraordinary architectural projects of this century, however, the beauty of this unusual island can only be truly enjoyed from the air. Fortunately, such an option is present.
Jumeirah Mosque
This mosque adorns the central part of the city. It looks especially impressive at night, when the majestic lines are illuminated by hundreds of lights. Only four years were spent on the construction of the mosque, and this happened not during the Fatimid times of the Middle Ages (and this is precisely the association that appears when you first see this architectural monument), but at the end of the twentieth century.
At the same time, up to 1,300 believers can be under the arches of the mosque. It is noteworthy that this is the only mosque in the city that is open to non-Muslims. But this is only possible due to the fact that today the Center for Cultural Understanding has been opened at the mosque, the main task of which is to discover the “true” face of Islam and its tolerance towards other religions.
Jumeirah Open Beach
This public beach stretches along the Palm Islands. It is especially popular among tourists, mainly due to the fact that it is in no way inferior to similar paid beaches, and in some respects it is even more comfortable. Thus, along the coastline there are paths for runners and cycling fans. The beach was created artificially. Sand had to be brought directly from the desert, fortunately, the road was not particularly long.
However, this unnatural origin has its advantages - the beach is cleaned daily using special machines that allow the entire beach area to be cleared. It is from this beach that the most beautiful views of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest skyscraper in the world, the beautiful port of Rashib and the Parus Hotel open, which is difficult to confuse with anything else due to its shape.
Wild Wadi Water Park
This water park is rightfully considered one of the best water entertainment in the Middle East. The title is a combination of English and Arabic. The result is “The Bed of a Mountain River,” which fully corresponds to the set of attractions that are presented. The designers tried to make sure that tourists could fully immerse themselves in the extravaganza of the oriental fairy tale about Sinbad, the conqueror of the seas. It is noteworthy that not only adults, but also children can have fun here.
Unfortunately, the most dangerous attractions will be closed to guests whose height is below 110 centimeters for safety reasons. However, special attractions are open here for little travelers, so you won’t be bored in any case. Once in Wild Wadi, be sure to visit the most exciting water slide, which has no analogues in the world - the free fall effect is guaranteed to be etched in your memory.
Palm Jumeirah Islands
All the islands of Dubai are the result of human creativity. And they were all created with one goal in mind: “A place that captures the imagination.” It is worth admitting that the plan was completed surprisingly completely. Today, the construction of the Palm Jumeirah island has been fully completed, but the other two are still in various stages of development. The island is shaped like a palm leaf, along the “trunk” of which hundreds of shopping centers, restaurants and even residential complexes stretch.
And on seventeen leaves today there are numerous world-class hotels. Needless to say, this is where the most luxurious mansions of truly rich people are located. The local waves are quite calm thanks to the “crescent”, which protects the island from the violence of the real elements. The island is connected to the mainland by a monorail and a highway, so getting to Palm Jumeirah should not be a problem.
Butterfly Park
The Butterfly Park is often mistaken for a continuation of the Garden of Miracles, which is not surprising, because the “park” fits into several domes, where conditions similar to a tropical forest are maintained. Each dome is a small ecosystem, unlike all the others. So, in one there are cages with tropical birds, and in the other there is a tiny waterfall, which fits perfectly into the local surroundings.
There is no need to worry that the beautiful inhabitants of this fairy-tale world will fly away - all the domes are connected by closed passages. To move from one fairy tale island to another, you don’t have to go outside. The butterflies themselves fly quite calmly and often “travel” on guests. At the entrance to the park there is a small but rather unusual museum - there are paintings “painted” with the help of butterflies.
Park of Flowers
The Flower Park or Garden of Miracles is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the floral extravaganza of a real Garden of Eden. Be prepared for the fact that you will have to really walk a lot - the area of the park is more than seventy thousand square meters. Up to forty-five million flowers can bloom on the territory at the same time, which are decorated in stunning compositions - local flower beds and sculptures are among the most vibrant and “fleeting” pieces of art that history has known.
The park bears little resemblance to a tourist site, but rather to a full-scale exhibition of “living” art. Do not deprive yourself of the pleasure of strolling under the arch of their richly colored umbrellas or sitting in the gazebos, which seem to consist of delicate inflorescences. This oasis of fragrant life in the middle of a colorless desert could easily pass for a bitter mirage of a heat-weary and expensive companion.
It's not enough to simply label this theme park as an "amusement park." Such a characteristic will be insufficient. This place is a real country of entertainment, whose territory is equal to twenty-eight football fields. Full-length dinosaurs roam here and the Avengers come to life. Any fairy tale literally becomes a reality thanks to the use of modern technologies.
The local roller coaster accelerates to 100 km/h in just 2.5 seconds. The speed is amazing! It is this fact that allows this roller coaster to maintain its status as the fastest in the world over the past years. Designers and engineers - sometimes thanks to 5D, and sometimes thanks to delicate metal work - were able to create the so-called Lost Valley with seven dozen dinosaurs that “live” here on a permanent basis.
Ancient reptiles move and deafen the surroundings with a thunderous roar. But such extreme rides may seem too scary for children - it’s better to visit the family zone, where kids can meet the characters of their favorite films and cartoons.
Second day
We suggest you spend your second day in the city more actively, especially since Dubai has all the resources necessary for such an approach to relaxation: there is a ski resort, there is a Dolphinarium, there is a Water Park. And the evening hours can be devoted to a cultural program and visit, for example, the Dubai Opera.
Ski resort "Ski Dubai"
This is the only complex in Dubai that literally has everything - from a snowboard track, alpine skiing, etc. to the cable lifts. The scope of the complex was also quite large. Up to one and a half thousand guests can stay here at the same time, but this is not the maximum capacity. It doesn’t matter what time of year you find yourself in Dubai - winter clothes can be obtained directly on the spot, and therefore it is not at all necessary to bring a jacket and warm shoes with you.
Today, the Ski Dubai complex includes five slopes of different difficulty levels, so both professionals and amateurs can feel quite comfortable. In addition, if you are just learning to stand on a snowboard or skis, you always have the opportunity to use the services of instructors. Don't worry about the little guests of the complex being bored. There is a children's club on site. While you conquer the icy peaks, children will complete quests from the animators' company.
Burj Khalifa observation deck
At the Top – this is the name of the once most famous observation deck of the city. It is located on the 124th floor of the Burj Khalifa skyscraper. Many people say in all seriousness that visiting it is necessary if you want to get a complete picture of this rapidly developing city. True, quite recently a new observation deck was opened on the same skyscraper - this time guests were invited to climb to the 148th floor.
There is a recreation area here, and panoramic windows offer stunning urban landscapes. However, if you want to take a closer look at the cityscape, it is better to use the interactive screen and take a virtual tour of Dubai. Hurry up to visit this landmark of the Arab metropolis - it has every reason to be included in the Guinness Book of Records.
Singing fountain
An extravaganza of sound, light and water - this is the Dubai Musical Fountain, whose appearance became possible only thanks to the joint efforts of architects, designers and engineers from sunny California. Its location was not chosen by chance - it basks in the shadow of Dubai's top mega-skyscraper - Burj Khalifa, right in an artificial lake whose area is twelve hectares. The fountain itself is today considered one of the largest and most powerful in the world.
The design itself is based on the work of specially designed “water robots”, which make the water “dance” in the air. And thanks to numerous spotlights, the spectacle becomes unforgettable, especially at night. The voices of Andrea Bocelli, Whitney Houston and other world celebrities merge with the sound of falling water, enhancing the already stunning effect to the core.
Thanks to the opening of the Dubai Opera, the metropolis managed to rank with such theater capitals of the world as London's West End and New York's Broadway. The project is truly colossal. The building is a real work of art, both in terms of layout and design, and in terms of technical equipment. In the outlines of the opera one can discern an Arabian dhow, and this association is completely fair.
A sparkling boat of glass and concrete heads straight into a bright future. There can be two thousand spectators in the building at the same time. And sold-out crowds are not uncommon here, because only the most gifted representatives of elite culture perform here. For example, Placido Domingo, who was called for an encore literally a hundred times after one of his performances in Vienna.
Dolphinarium
The Dolphinarium is simply a fantastic place to spend your leisure time. Fur seals and bottlenose dolphins are not afraid to perform in the spotlight and confidently stay in the “playpen”. They juggle, dance, play ball, and the most talented even draw! The evening program is somewhat more varied - it includes acts with water acrobatics and magic tricks.
Carefully study the dolphinarium's work schedule - periodically they organize days when guests can swim with the artists. In addition, the dolphinarium owns the only mirror labyrinth in the Emirates, which you can explore before or after the show.
Zabeel Park
There are quite a lot of green areas in Dubai - like oases in the middle of the desert, where you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of a huge metropolis. And Zabil Park is one of the most picturesque areas. Despite the fact that a fairly busy highway runs through the center of the park, the noise from the roadway is practically inaudible. These two parts are connected using decorative bridges.
Avant-garde style fountains are a real treasure of the park. If you want to have a picnic, Zabil Park is an ideal option - adults can sit in the barbecue area, and children are guaranteed not to get bored, since there is a special play area for them with carousels, swings and slides. The building of the Starqate entertainment complex, which is also located on the territory, is made in the shape of a spaceship with a predominance of space themes in the design.
The top floor consists of five domes, symbolizing the Earth, Mars, Saturn, the Moon and the UFO ship. Thus, children will be able not only to play, but also to significantly expand their knowledge about the structure of the universe.
The city has many acclaimed attractions, but this does not mean that local designers will suddenly stop creating. One of the most original recent architectural masterpieces is the so-called Dubai Frame, which is located on the territory of Zabeel Park. It stands on the “border” between the old city and the modern metropolis, which is mostly known to tourists. The dimensions are also amazing - the frame is as much as eleven meters higher than the notorious Egyptian pyramids, and this already says a lot.
The project turned out to be extremely expensive, because gilding was used in the cladding. The inside of the frame is not hollow - there is an interactive museum that will tell you about the history of Dubai. At the top there is an observation deck, which, perhaps, will evoke more emotions than all other observation decks in the city, because the floor here is made of glass.
Aquarium
The world's largest aquarium is located in Dubai, which confirms the Guinness World Records. It’s hard not to find it - the Aquarium is part of the Dubai Mall complex. This three-story structure is home to more than thirty thousand sea creatures that live next to each other. A glass tunnel is laid across the entire length of the Aquarium, which allows you to get to know the local inhabitants as closely as possible.
The kings of selfies and photographs are usually the extremely “cheerful” stingrays. It is noteworthy that here you can not only admire the sea inhabitants from afar and hunt for colorful photographs, but also personally dive into the water to swim among the sharks. If you are a certified diver, this underwater excursion can be done independently, but if you do not have relevant experience, you will have to undergo training before diving.
Zoo
This is one of the first zoos in the Arabian Peninsula. Its establishment became possible only thanks to the initiative of businessmen in the seventies, then the zoo came under the jurisdiction of the state. Once here, you can’t help but feel surprised – there are no palm trees. Deciduous trees, familiar to any European, create shady alleys. The zoo is extremely comfortable, but somewhat chaotic.
The enclosures are located without any clear system, and therefore the ostriches living next to the striped predators have long become accustomed to their growling neighbors and have stopped hiding their heads in the sand. The zoo's territory is not too large, but the animal diversity is more than complete - 230 species of animals live here, as well as 400 species of reptiles.
Be especially careful about what you wear. The zoo has a very strict dress code, and therefore it is better to refrain from exposing your shoulders and legs.
Green Planet
Another very futuristic complex is a living copy of the Amazon rainforest - Green Planet. The glass building surprises with its innovative design - it looks like a huge sparkling origami module. However, it was this ancient art that became the source of inspiration for the architect. The complex occupies four floors, which manage to accommodate copies of 3,000 representatives of the flora and fauna of South America.
This entertainment complex is of interest mainly to schoolchildren and tourists who are fascinated by nature. Sloths sleep on the branches, spiral staircases encircle the trees, toucans quietly dine, and porcupines try to hide from the scorching summer heat in the thorny trees. The green planet is a real separate world, a visit to which should definitely be included in your program of exploring Dubai.
Glowing Garden
Without exaggeration, this unique LED complex is located on the territory of Zabeel Park, in the shadow of the Emirates Towers, which themselves are a tourist attraction. Engineers and designers from all six continents took part in its creation. The main goal was to demonstrate the unique charm of Dubai. It’s worth starting with the fact that the Glowing Garden is a completely ecological project.
All thirty-two installations were made from recycled materials, as well as old medical bottles. In order to save energy, it was decided to use LED lighting. Some of the attractions open for viewing today have already been included in the Guinness Book of Records. It is better to arrive at the park closer to 5-6 pm in order to have time to look at the “inhabitants” of the Dino Camp.
Such a trip will make a special impression on little travelers - the huge ancient dinosaurs are life-size (as the creators assure). Thanks to modern technology, the terrifying reptiles move and even roar. Among the more peaceful inhabitants of the Glowing Garden, it is worth mentioning the “talking” trees and flowers.
The third day
You have already managed to get acquainted with the modern city in its various manifestations. It's time to dive even deeper and find out what the city was like before, get acquainted with its traditions and crafts.
Historical center of Bastakiya
Bastakiya, as a region, is distinctive. It stands in stark contrast to the ultra-modern buildings that largely characterize this city. This area is located along Dubai Creek. If you want to get here, you will have to get to Old Daira by metro. You should get off at Historic Bastakiya station, which is also interesting for tourists for its design.
Bastakiya is home to mostly sand-colored buildings in an authentic Arabian style, wind towers and narrow ribbons of alleys. Development of the area took place mainly at the end of the seventeenth century. At the end of the last century, when office buildings were erected en masse in the city, Bastakiya buildings were under threat of destruction. The city authorities, fortunately, discovered the error of their actions in time, and part of the area was saved.
This museum, as it should be, is located in the oldest building of the city - the Al-Fahidi Fortress, which was built in 1787. If you plan to visit this monument, make sure you have plenty of time, because the fortress is a large-scale kaleidoscope reflecting life in the city before oil was discovered in the region. The museum's galleries are by no means modest.
They feature full-size authentic Arab houses, entire markets and even date plantations have been reconstructed. The port and desert landscapes were recreated with special care, without which the city would lose a part of itself. Another interesting permanent exhibition is the pearl exhibition. The pearls themselves are presented here, as well as the tools necessary for their extraction: scales, sieves, and so on.
Sheikh Said House Museum
Every tourist who comes to the Arab East is simply obliged to visit the real house of the sheikh. Fortunately, the city is ready to give you this opportunity. The house-museum is located on the Shindaga Peninsula. The ancestors of the currently ruling sheikh rebuilt this house. So, Sheikh Mohammed’s grandfather lived here all his life and died on the island. Because of the sheikh’s love for this place, government meetings were usually held right on the island.
And today tourists will have a wonderful opportunity to see with their own eyes those halls where the fate of the entire state was decided for almost a century and a half. In terms of design, the Sheikh Said House Museum is no different from hundreds of similar residential buildings: it has thirty rooms in the plan and was built from coral mined from the Persian Gulf.
However, all the premises are literally imbued with the spirit of the ruling dynasty. This monument is an architectural reserve. There is also a wide exhibition of photographs and lithographs dedicated to everyday life of the last century.
Pearl divers village
The village is a real open-air museum. It is located in one of the oldest areas of the city - Al-Shindag. At the initiative of the city authorities, it was decided to recreate the traditional settlement. This happened at the end of the last century. The result came out amazing! Today here you can get acquainted not only with the architecture of the Bedouin settlement, but also with their culture and art.
Masters of pottery and weaving live here, whose work you can watch. Guests can visit a pearl exhibition, try themselves as hunters, and ride camels. If you get hungry, visit one of the authentic Arabic restaurants that abound in the village, and be sure to try dosas, flatbreads made from lentil flour. It's usually not particularly busy here.
The exception is when archery masters gather in the village as part of the annual Eid festival in Dubai.
Women's Museum
It would seem that a women's museum, quite unexpected for the United Arab Emirates, opened in the Duira area. To avoid getting lost in the city, focus on the Gold Market. The museum was opened on the initiative of Rafia Obaid Gubash, who wanted to clearly demonstrate that women are not an isolated part of society. On the contrary, they are a significant and more than active component of it.
The museum's exhibition includes numerous traditional jewelry and costumes, perfumes and linens, household utensils - everything that surrounds Arab women. Visitors can also see numerous photographs and documents that indicate that women played a significant role in the political life of the state.
You can also see an impressive collection of women’s passports, thanks to which you can clearly track how a woman’s status changed from a housewife to a real estate owner equal to a man.
Moroccan baths in the Palace of Beauty
A visit to the Moroccan baths will take about two hours - two hours of complete relaxation, both physical and spiritual. The palace premises are saturated with the aroma of incense. The procedures begin with cleansing the skin using dry and wet steam. In order for the procedure to have the maximum effect, incense and special compositions are used, which are made by hand according to old Moroccan recipes.
Then you can relax in the sauna, swim in the salt water pool, or spend time alone in the relaxation room. Local masters will provide you with healthy hair treatments and give you a manicure or pedicure. To visit the Moroccan baths, you need to take a swimsuit and beach accessories with you, since the Palace of Beauty also owns a section of the coast.
Night city tour with boat ride
After a busy day of sightseeing followed by relaxation in the Moroccan baths, you will feel pleasantly tired. To slightly prolong the effect of being in an Arabian fairy tale, you just need to plunge into a new dream - into the world of a cool Arabian night. The excursion lasts 4-5 hours and will be the real highlight of the evening. You can start with the singing fountain show.
Then, in the company of a guide, you will find yourself in the world of an oriental night bazaar, and this is a more than memorable sight. Souq al-Bahar will maintain its lively and busy atmosphere even at this time of day. And then the brightest part of the evening will begin - a boat ride along the most colorful quarter of the city. It is proposed to end the night on the forty-fourth floor of a skyscraper. The whole city will be at your feet.
Fourth day
You simply must turn your last day in the city into an adventure - after all, you are still in the fabulous world of an Arabian fairy tale! What fairy tale is complete without adventure? Only bad. We have collected for you the most interesting interactive excursions that Dubai is ready to offer you!
Excursion Six Emirates
This group bus tour lasts 12 hours. It includes a visit to the Six Emirates, a walk through which will help you get a little closer to the uniqueness of this country. First on the list will be the brilliant Dubai - a world of futurism in the middle of a scorching desert. It will be followed by Sharjah, one of the country's most important ports. This is where the largest mosque in the Middle East and ancient watchtowers are located.
Ajman is famous mainly for the fact that traditional Emirati sailing ships, dhows, are still manufactured here. And they do this using the same technologies as five centuries ago. Al Fujairah will be remembered for its rugged mountains that stretch all the way to the Indian Ocean, as well as a visit to the hotel that belongs to the ruling sheikh. Here you can have lunch. After a hearty lunch, you will visit Ras al-Khaimah with its ancient city of Julfar, as well as Umm al-Quwain, which will close this excursion.
Desert Safari
Five and a half hours in the middle of a hostile desert - how do you like this type of vacation? High dunes and dunes will rush past the windows of a comfortable SUV. If you are a fan of extreme sports, ATVs or camel riding are waiting for you. Don't worry, there will be a number of stops to take colorful pictures.
Photos of sunsets in the desert usually turn out especially beautiful. You will meet the evening in the Bedouin village, where an enchanting fire show will take place. Here, right under the bright stars, you can enjoy barbecue, national sweets and hookah. If you wish, you can take a couple of photos in Arabic traditional clothes and keep a henna tattoo as a souvenir.
The oasis city of Al Ain
This city is known mainly as a vacation spot for sheikhs who are tired of cities made of glass and concrete. Sand castles and evergreen trees help create a concentrated atmosphere of the East. This ten-hour excursion will be very eventful. The main highlight of the program is the palace-museum, which looks more like a fort with all its battlements and watchtowers.
Essentially, it is a mini-city with its own collection of weapons, cars, a school and a Koran hall. Next, we plan to visit hot springs formed after a volcanic eruption. Local waters have healing properties due to the presence of sulfur and mineral compounds in their composition. A traditional Arab bath is equipped at the springs.
During the journey, a stop will be made at Mount Jebel Khalifa. It's always cool here due to the high altitude, and the views of Oman and the United Arab Emirates are truly stunning. The tour will end with a visit to the largest zoo in the Middle East.
Travel to Abu Dhabi
Just thirty years ago, on the site of the ultra-modern city there was a tiny fishing settlement. What now? The concentration of the most original architectural solutions that can only be found in the Emirates. This eight-hour excursion will include a number of iconic sights. Abu Dhabi has its own Louvre, which actually houses exhibits from the iconic museums of France: Versailles, the Louvre itself, as well as the Georges Pompidou Center.
The Arabic Louvre itself is an impressive architectural structure with a network of water canals, as well as an openwork dome that literally “floats” above the building. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is another grand ensemble whose elements were included in the Guinness Book of Records. You can also visit the local Leaning Tower of Pisa and the bridge, which was built according to the drawings of Zaha Kadid, and she, in turn, continues to hold the title of queen of architecture. She was inspired to create the bridge by the landscapes of sand dunes.
Evening lights of Dubai
It is difficult to associate such a concept as “charm” with evening Dubai. It's too soft. Dubai is not charming, no. It is stunning - with light, scope, surrealism. This excursion lasts five hours, during which you will be able to learn more about the present and the past of the city. The tour will focus on several objects from the “must-seen” series, as well as more information about the history of their construction.
Of course, this list includes the Dubai frame, which combines dogmatic antiquity and more liberal modernity; Dubai Marina is a fashionable marina with stunning views of the skyscrapers; Dubai Venice is an area with narrow streets in the atmosphere of old Arabia, where you can find everything: from household utensils and bright clothes to family recipes for brewing coffee; Palm Jumeirah is a palm leaf-shaped island that hardly needs any further description. The excursion will end with a visit to the Oceanarium, as well as a walk at the Singing Fountains.
How to get from the airport to the center
There are several options for getting from the airport to the center. Let's take a closer look at them. Please note that the city has an excellent public transport infrastructure, which will be convenient if you have relatively few things. If you are traveling with large luggage, it is better to take a taxi or order a transfer.
- Bus
The bus is the best option, because they also run at night. However, the waiting time may vary. During the day - no more than 7 minutes, at night - about 20. Bus routes are designed in such a way as to cover the main hotels of the city.
Choose the bus number according to the area you want to go to. Keep in mind that if your hotel is located in the central part of the city, you will pay no more than $2, but travel to more remote hotels can cost several times more.
- Metro
Luckily, the local subway is not as complicated as in Tokyo. There are only two branches - red and green. Everything is quite simple: if you need to be in the center, choose the red line, if in other areas, the green line will do. Trains run frequently and the journey takes on average up to forty minutes. The fare payment system here is somewhat different from ours.
The cost of the trip depends on the zones. So, a trip to the center usually includes 3-4 zones, which will cost you $1.6, but if we are talking about other areas, the payment will rise. Also keep in mind that the metro does not operate at night.
- Taxi and transfer
Oddly enough, transfers and taxis are almost less popular than other means of transportation. Mainly due to the fact that night travel around the city is still not so stable, and traveling by car is in any case more comfortable than traveling by bus. On average, even taking into account the fact that you are likely to get stuck in a traffic jam, the journey to the center will take no more than forty-five minutes, but the fare will immediately increase.
The trip usually costs $36. However, if you don’t feel very confident in the city, are not comfortable with maps, or are traveling with children, such a “surcharge” will be worth it. This way you are guaranteed to get where you need to go. In order not to waste time trying to “catch” a car, you can use the application and order a Qiwi taxi.
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Anyone considering a holiday in the United Arab Emirates should remember that this country is not only a popular holiday destination, but also a typical Muslim state with all the oriental flavor and many rules of behavior and laws that may seem strange to a foreigner. However, these features must be known and respected in order to avoid getting into trouble in a foreign country. To prevent this from happening, the following article contains things that you need to keep in mind while in this beautiful country. These tips will be especially useful for those traveling to the UAE for the first time.
Visa and obtaining it
In order to get to the UAE, a traveler from the CIS countries needs a visa. There are different types of visas, but for most visitors to this country the tourist visa is suitable.
You can obtain a visa at the UAE Embassy (only with official and diplomatic passports), at special visa centers, with the help of a travel agency or one of the Emirates airlines from which you purchased your tickets. If you are not traveling by invitation, then you will need the help of a “sponsor”, which can be a travel company, an airline or the hotel where you are going to stay. Please note that if you are applying to a hotel, it must be at least 4-star and have the appropriate visa assistance function.
To obtain an Emirates visa, your passport must expire no earlier than six months after the completion of the intended trip. However, if you have a new passport and it does not have foreign travel stamps, you may also need proof of your social status, such as a certificate from your employer. If you are traveling with a child, you must have a birth certificate with you.
It is most difficult for young girls under 30 to get into the United Arab Emirates. They must carry a duly issued travel permit from their parents or guardians if they are single. In addition, they must be accompanied by their husband or an adult male relative.
The UAE visa is not pasted into your passport; you receive it electronically. Guests of the country are required to print it out and have it with them throughout their entire stay in the Emirates.
Customs rules
According to UAE customs rules, it is prohibited to import into the country more than 2,000 cigarettes (100 packs), 400 cigars, and 2 kilograms of tobacco. You also cannot carry more than 2 liters of strong alcoholic drinks and the same amount of wine. It is also worth recalling that when entering our country, you are allowed to carry no more than 3 liters of strong alcohol, 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco.
Money
The state currency of the Emirates is the dirham, which can be roughly equivalent to a quarter of a dollar or 18 rubles. In most establishments in the UAE you can pay with a plastic card, but it is still better to have money with you that can be exchanged at exchange offices, banks or hotels.
Timezone
All parts of the UAE lie in the same time zone, which differs from Moscow by 1 hour. Thus, if in Moscow the time is, for example, 12:00, then in Abu Dhabi, or in Dubai, or anywhere else in the UAE it will be 13:00
Climate
As a typical Arab country, the Emirates is located in very hot latitudes, and most of the country's territory is desert. The temperature does not drop below +100C and can reach +480C, so here it is worth using ultraviolet creams and avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun during hot midday hours. This time is considered a siesta among the indigenous population and is spent in well-conditioned rooms.
Language
Despite the fact that the official language of the UAE is Arabic, most hotel staff and service workers understand English, French, German and even sometimes Russian.
Religion
The state religion of the Emirates is Sunni Islam. The culture and customs here are inseparable from Islam, and despite the high standard of living, people live according to Sharia law. UAE residents respect people of other faiths and demand the same respect for their religion. This imposes certain obligations on guests of the country to comply with local rules, which will be discussed in more detail later. Here it is worth noting the main ones: do not photograph indigenous people (especially women) without their consent, as well as military and government buildings. It is better not to show any special attention to women in the UAE; pointing a finger at them is considered a particularly serious violation. If you wish to enter a mosque, you should dress appropriately, avoid shorts, and be sure to take off your shoes upon entry.
Tips
In the UAE, it is customary to leave a tip of 5-10% of the bill, depending on how much you liked the service. Taxi drivers don't have to tip, but you can pay the driver an extra dirham or two if you want.
Sockets and mains voltage
Electrical networks in the UAE provide a standard voltage for our devices of 220-240 volts at a frequency of 50 Hz. But the configuration of the sockets is the same as in America, with a third pin. To turn on or charge a device with a standard European plug, you can always purchase an adapter in the store, but as a rule, you can simply ask for it at the hotel.
How to behave as a tourist in the country so as not to get into trouble
The United Arab Emirates is a federal state consisting of 7 emirates, each of which has an absolute monarchy of the emir. Laws in different emirates may vary slightly, but in general they are based on moral standards and customs based on the principles of Islam. Regardless of citizenship, tourists and guests of the country, while on its territory, are responsible for offenses in accordance with the laws of the UAE, ignorance of which does not excuse them from liability. For some serious offenses, the principles of Sharia provide for harsh punishments that are unusual for us, so for the sake of their own safety, tourists need to know and comply with local laws and customs.
Appearance Rules
In much of the public space of the UAE, especially in tourism development zones, the attitude towards rules of appearance for foreigners is not very strict. Tourists will have no problem wearing swimsuits or bikinis on the beach, but appearing topless or nude in public is strictly prohibited. However, in public places, especially outside tourist areas, overly revealing or provocative clothing should be avoided. This is especially true for women who should avoid wearing revealing clothes with a large neckline, bare shoulders and back, and miniskirts. Leggings and tight pants are also best avoided.
Men should also watch how they dress and not appear in swimming trunks and flip-flops outside the beach, and enter the mosque in clothes that cover their arms and legs, and take off their shoes upon entering. On the other hand, posing as a Muslim when you are not one, and appearing in public in a Bedouin robe is also not worth it. When going to a restaurant, it is customary to adhere to a formal style, including a jacket and, if possible, a tie for men and an evening dress for women. You should be especially attentive to local customs during the month-long fast of Ramadan (in the coming years, its beginning will fall at the end of May - June), when even tourists are prohibited from eating in public places, with the exception of hotels, before sunset. Tourists are also advised to wear sunglasses to protect themselves from the sun.
Food and water
For religious reasons, Muslims are prohibited from eating pigs, which they consider dirty animals. If desired, tourists can buy pork in a special section of the supermarket, but they should not try to serve it to local residents. It is also best to avoid clothing or accessories with images of these animals. In addition, Muslims are prohibited from drinking alcohol, and in general, according to the law, the attitude towards alcohol and persons under the influence of alcohol is very strict. One of the emirates even introduced prohibition. Therefore, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you drink and drive.
The tourist should not
- offend the religious, national and personal feelings of the indigenous population;
- gamble;
- import pornography into the country. Any video materials will be selected and viewed when passing through customs, so you will only be able to receive them after some time;
- importing and distributing drugs into the UAE is prohibited UNDER PENALTY OF DEATH PENALTY;
- in the emirate of Sharjah the import and consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited, YOU CAN BE PLACED IN JAIL FOR THIS, in other emirates the attitude towards this is softer, but in any case you should not walk around the city in a state of strong alcoholic intoxication;
- take photographs of Muslim women and certain government institutions unless you have special permission;
- swear if Muslims are nearby.
In the Emirates, you can always find an establishment that serves dishes from any cuisine of the world, including Russian. Of course, there is also fast food for every taste. Any catering establishment has air conditioning and is kept cool. But if you want to not only eat, but also drink alcoholic beverages, then this can only be done in bars and restaurants at hotels.
In addition, you can buy alcohol in special stores, but to do this you must be over 21 years old, and you will also need an alcohol and liquor license. As mentioned above, Muslims are strictly forbidden to drink and, in general, the attitude towards alcohol in the country is quite harsh. Therefore, you should not try to offer, much less sell, alcohol to locals.
Transporting alcohol from one emirate to another is also prohibited, especially if you are traveling to Sharjah, where it is considered a criminal offense. Being drunk in public places, and even more so while driving, is strictly prohibited; you can even be sent to prison for this. But if it happens that you did not calculate your strength and got drunk, try not to disturb public order, order a taxi and calmly get to your hotel, where it is also better not to disturb anyone unless absolutely necessary.
Weekends and opening hours
In the UAE, as in any Muslim country, Thursday and Friday are considered days off. These days you will not be able to enter government offices. In addition, on Fridays, many shops and establishments are closed during the afternoon prayer, which lasts an hour, starting at 11:30, but after that they are open until late and without interruptions. Due to the hot climate in the country, there is a siesta - an afternoon break during the hottest time of the day. It usually lasts from 13:00 to 16:00.
Only shopping centers open from 10:00 to 22:00 are open without breaks. Other shops and markets are open from 9:30. Government offices are open on weekdays from 7:30 to 14:30.
The public park can be accessed every day from eight in the morning to eleven at night, but some of them are closed to men on certain days.
Shops operate on special hours during Ramadan, during which Muslims are prohibited from eating during the day. During this fast, they open in the morning, close for the evening breaking of the fast, and open again late in the evening to work until nightfall. Ramadan is celebrated at a different time each year because it is linked to the lunar calendar, and moves forward by 10 days each year. Thus, in 2015 it began on June 18, and in 2016 it will begin on June 8, and so on.
Connection
One way or another you will have to pay for telephone communication between Russia and the UAE, the only difference is how and how much. Naturally, you can call from a mobile or hotel phone by dialing the Russia code 007, then the area code and the subscriber number, and this option will cost about 12.5 dirhams per minute. There is also the option of using calling cards, which can cost 30, 60 or 120 dirhams. The cost of a call using such cards will be 9 dirhams per minute, and from midnight to seven in the morning - 7 dirhams. There are two types of cards. A normal card allows you to make calls from payphones with card readers. These machines also allow you to pay with coins. The second type of card - prepaid - contains a hidden number that must be entered when connecting to an operator, and makes it possible to call at a cheaper rate from a regular phone.
UAE residents can only apply for Visit Visas for their immediate family. Inviting other relatives and acquaintances of residents for a visit visa requires special permission from the management of the immigration service. Only UAE citizens are allowed to invite friends to the UAE on visit visas.
The package of documents for obtaining a visa is submitted directly by the sponsor. It is issued for 2 months with the possibility of extension for another 1 month.
Holders of passports from some countries have the opportunity to receive a free visit visa for a period of 30 days at the airport upon arrival in the UAE, with the possibility of further extension. These countries include: Great Britain, France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Cyprus, Finland, Malta, Spain, Monaco, Vatican City, Iceland, Andorra , San Marino, Liechtenstein, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.
Long Term Visit Visa valid for up to 90 days. Cannot be renewed or restored if not used within 60 days from the date of issue. It can be issued either under the sponsorship of an individual, if the relationship between the sponsor and the applicant is proven, or under a commercial structure. If there is an individual sponsor, the package of documents includes: a photograph of the applicant certified by the sponsor, a copy of the sponsor's passport, a copy of the applicant's passport, a salary certificate or a copy of the sponsor's employment contract, a document confirming the relationship between the sponsor and the applicant, and medical insurance.
If there is a sponsor - a commercial structure, the package of documents includes: a photograph of the applicant certified by the sponsor, a copy of the sponsor's passport, a copy of the company registration certificate in Dubai, medical insurance.
The total cost of obtaining a visa is 1110-1120 drkh (US$ 300-305). The applicant is required to pay a deposit of 1,000 drkh (US$ 270), which is returned to the sponsor after the sponsored person leaves the UAE.
Short Term Visit Visa valid for 30 days of stay in the UAE. Cannot be renewed or restored if not used within 60 days from the date of issue. It can be issued either under the sponsorship of an individual, if the relationship between the sponsor and the applicant is proven, or under a commercial structure. If there is an individual sponsor or a commercial sponsor, the package of documents includes the same documents as when opening a long-term visitor visa.
The total cost of registration is 610-620 drkh (US$ 165-170). A deposit of 1,000 drkh (US$ 270) is also paid for the applicant, which is returned to the sponsor after the sponsored person leaves the UAE.
Multiple Entry Visa valid for 6 months and allows its holder to stay in the UAE for no more than 14 days after entry. An application for a multiple entry visa can be submitted to the UAE while the applicant is in the country on a visit visa. It is not renewable and costs 2110-2120 drh (US$ 570-575). However, it makes sense to check with the embassy of the state in which the applicant resides about the conditions for issuing multiple-entry visas, as they may vary depending on nationality.
Tourist Visas. Only licensed hotels or travel agencies have the right to request such visas. If previously the permitted list of countries for issuing tourist visas included less than 80 countries, now this restriction has been completely lifted. Tourist visas valid for 30 days can be renewed twice for an identical period of time. The visa cannot be restored if it is not used within 60 days from the date of issue. The total cost of registration is 210-220 drkh (US$ 57-60). Renewing a tourist visa costs 610-620 AED (US$ 165-168). A deposit of 1,000 drkh (US$ 270) is also paid for the applicant, which is returned to the sponsor after the sponsored person leaves the UAE.
Transit visa (Transit/ 96 Hours Visa) valid for 96 hours of stay in the UAE. Cannot be extended or restored if not used within 30 days from the date of issue. Issued to the traveler provided that the break between flights is at least 8 hours. To obtain a visa, you need a copy of your passport, a completed form for a 96-hour visa, a ticket for the next flight, and a hotel reservation. Issued at customs, costs 165 drkh (US$ 45).
Education visas (Education/Student Visa) may only be received on behalf of UAE licensed educational institutions. The applicant must be accepted for study and have health insurance at the time of application. A deposit of AED 1,000 (US$ 270) is charged upon receipt of the visa, and is refundable upon expiration of the visa. This type of visa is issued for a period of 60 days and can be renewed four times.
The first student visa costs 1110-1120 drkh (US$ 300-305), renewal - 610-620 drkh (US$ 165-168).
Visas for participants of exhibitions, festivals and conferences (Visa for Exhibition, Visa for Festival, Visa for Conference). This new type of visa is issued for a period of 30 days only to government agencies and private companies. Cannot be renewed or restored if not used within 60 days from the date of issue.
The package of documents includes: a photograph of the applicant certified by the sponsor, a copy of the sponsor's passport, a copy of the company's registration certificate, a copy of the company's license, an official letter from the organizer of the exhibition, festival and conference about the event indicating the dates, place and time, medical insurance. Any of the subtypes of these visas costs 210-220 AED (US$ 57-60).
Medical Treatment Visa- a new type of visa, issued only if the sponsor is a medical institution licensed by the UAE Ministry of Health. The visa is issued for a period of 90 days and can be extended twice for 60 days. It cannot be restored if it has not been used within 60 days from the date of issue.
To obtain this type of visa, you must submit: a photograph of the applicant certified by the sponsor, a copy of the registration certificate of the medical institution, a copy of the attestation certificate of the hospital card from the Ministry of Health, and medical insurance. A visa costs 1110-1120 drkh (US$ 300-305), renewal - 610-620 drkh (US$ 165-168).
Short-term work permit (Service Visa) issued to foreigners who need to work in the UAE for no more than 14 days. Cannot be extended or restored if not used within 14 days from the date of issue. This visa costs 310/320 AED. Resident visa (Residence Visa). Issued to persons wishing to reunite with family living in the UAE. Validity period - 3 years. The visa is automatically canceled if its holder is not in the UAE for more than 6 months.
Parents of UAE residents receive this type of visa after special approval. The parents' visa can be renewed annually after 3 years. A deposit of 5,000 dirhams (US$1,367) is paid for each parent, which is returned after the visa is closed.
Employment Visa. A work visa (work permit) is issued by the Immigration Department to a foreign citizen who has an invitation to work in the Emirates, certified by the UAE Ministry of Labor.
The visa is valid for two months from the date of issue. Gives you the opportunity to enter the country for up to 30 days. During this time, the employer must begin processing the resident visa.
Guide "Keys of the East" (c)
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