With its opulent ‘seven star’ hotels and man-made islands built in the shape of palm trees, Dubai, a city and emirate in the UAE (United Arab Emirates) is known as an oasis for luxury travellers with extra money to burn. This cosmopolitan city is a mecca for duty free shopping as well as offering gorgeous beaches and plush resorts.
It is a Top Tourist Attraction for luxury shopping, cutting edge architecture and a very lively nightlife scene.
The Top 3 Sites Include:
- Burj Khalifa, an 830m-tall tower, dominates the skyscraper-filled skyline. It has a massive fountain at its feet called the Dubai Fountain, with jets and lights choreographed to music.
- Atlantis, The Palm, is a manmade series of islands with a resort and water and marine-animal parks.
- The Dubai Mall is a shopping mall in Dubai and the 2nd largest mall in the world by total area. It is the 21st largest shopping mall in the world by gross leasable
Just be Careful of the Morality Laws
Just don’t get so distracted by the trappings of wealth that you forget that this is a Muslim country and the morality laws are alive and well. Ensure to read up on laws regarding alcohol consumption, dress code and public displays of affection, to be on the safe side.
Alcohol and medicine: Hotels and restaurants need special licenses and you can’t get alcohol anywhere else. You also want to check the prescription medication you want to take there as many of them are illegal here. Be sure to pack a copy of your GP prescription and leave them on board if possible, just in case.
Public Displays of Affection: It’s a no-no, especially if you’re gay as, believe it or not, homosexuality is still illegal here. If you are caught doing more than holding hands, the police are allowed to stop you and ask for a wedding certificate!
Dress Code: The rule is that if you’re at a hotel resort, you can wear beachwear with shorts and tank tops, etc. But, for spending the day in town, you will have to cover your arms and legs, especially if you’re planning to visit any mosques.
Your Gateway to the Modern Middle East
Having said all of that, Dubai is still an awesome place to visit! Its huge port means that a lot of cruises start from here and also stops here for a day of fun. Dubai is almost always included in popular Middle Eastern itineraries that sail along the Arabian Gulf or in and around the Arabian Peninsula through to the exciting Red Sea and Suez Canal.
High Season for these cruises are from October to May and many European lines, like Costa and Fred Olsen, cover it. If you’re curious about what the modern Middle East is like, Dubai is a brilliant place to start. You are guaranteed fantastic sunny weather and Dubai has some of the most awe-inspiring man-made creations in the world.
Enjoy Something a bit Different Outside of Town
You won’t regret choosing a cruise that stays over for a whole day or more. This will allow you to enjoy a series of inclusive unforgettable moments in Dubai that has nothing to do with its incredible shopping. You can experience the thrill of dune bashing in a 4×4 vehicle but be aware – this is not for the faint of heart! There is also a day trip that involves a camel ride which will allow you to admire the views of the barren yet enchanting landscape on the way to the Desert Camp, where you will be spoilt with some performances, henna art and some seriously strong locally brewed Arabic coffee. Watch the crimson desert sun setting over the golden sands and finish the experience with a scrumptious starlit Arabic BBQ dinner, while being entertained by an exotic belly dance and a tanoura whirling performance.
Cruise Deal for Dubai
If you’re raring to go to Dubai, Cruise Nation has some fantastic deals for the next few months. Check out our website today for one that suits your tastes and budget.
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