Metro
Metro
After a lengthy wait, the Dubai Metro launched in September 2009. It is a well-used and extraordinarily cheap way to get around parts of the city, with fares as low as Dhs1.80, and the most expensive standard fare less than Dhs6. You will need a Noll card (see Buses for more info). For those concerned about crime, fear not: a total of 3,000 CCTV cameras keeps an eye on Dubai Metro’s passengers. Full details of the route and stations opened are available at www.dubaimetro.eu.
TAXI
Taxi
Official taxis are well maintained, air conditioned and metered. Fares are Dhs1.6 per kilometre (0.3 miles), with Dhs3-3.50 cover charge depending on the time of day. Taxis don’t have to pay Salik (tolls). The biggest taxi companies are Dubai Transport (04 208 0808) and National Taxis (04 339 0002). Taxi drivers usually have a reasonable grasp of English, and it’s best to identify your destination by a particular landmark rather than the street address.
Expats rarely trust booking a taxi, but if you do, as a rule of thumb, if your cab hasn’t arrived within 15 minutes, it isn’t coming. If you’re a regular taxi user, you might find it useful to take down the phone numbers from a couple of drivers. Many will be happy to make an arrangement with you, for example, if you need a ride to and from work on a daily basis.
To hail cabs from the street, raise your arm. Vacant taxis have their yellow light on and must stop if free. However, many don’t, and if they do, will ask where you’re going before letting you in the car. Again, they’re not allowed to do this, and can be reported to the RTA (800 9090). To ensure you actually get in, you could tell them you’re heading somewhere that’s an appealing fare (long distance, limited traffic) and then ‘change your mind’ once in. Where hotels and malls have long taxi lines, you’re often better off walking for 15 minutes to a roadside spot. The other negative is that taxi drivers can be very aggressive on the roads. Don’t be afraid to ask them to slow down, and if they refuse, take down their taxi number and report them.
Water taxis
If you are by Dubai Creek, you can take an abra across for the bargain price of Dhs1. These tiny, noisy boats run from 5am to midnight, carrying about 20 people across the water from various stations along each side. They’re the quickest and most atmospheric way to enjoy the creek, and get from Bur Dubai to Deira and vice versa.
Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding/SMCCU
Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding/SMCCU
Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding/SMCCU (House 26, Al Mussallah Road, Al Fahidi District, Bur Dubai) — Located in a traditional Wind Tower House in the heart of the historic Al Fahidi District in Bur Dubai, the SMCCU offers a range of activities through its programs. Operating under its philosophy & motto “Open Doors. Open Minds.” the SMCCU strives to raise awareness and demystify the local culture, customs and religion of the United Arab Emirates to foreigners. With an overall objective to improve cross-cultural understanding and communication between locals and guests, visiting and residing across the UAE, visitors are invited to learn more about the local culture in Dubai. The SMCCU is open to the public Sunday through Thursday 8am to 6pm, and Saturday from 9am to 1pm.
Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House
Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House
Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House (Shindagha Heritage Area, Dubai) — This was the house of the current ruler’s grandfather. Built in 1896, under Sheikh Maktoum bin Hasher al-Maktoum, the house was home to the ruling family until Sheikh Saeed’s death in 1958. Aside from being an architectural marvel, it has been converted into a museum with photographs of old Dubai and the current scenario. Open daily from 7.30 am to 9 pm and 3.30 pm to 8 pm on Friday.
Jumeirah Mosque
Jumeirah Mosque (
Jumeirah Mosque (Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai) — This is the best known mosque in Dubai, made prominent by its huge central dome. This is also the only place of worship where non-muslims can enter. Organised tours of the mosque are conducted every Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday at 10 am.
Heritage and Diving Village
Heritage and Diving Village
Heritage and Diving Village (Bur Dubai, towards the mouth of the Creek, Dubai) — Displays ancient artifacts from sites dating back as 550BC. You may enjoy coffee and traditional Arabic bread at a small souq in the village.
Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina (Interchange 5, Dubai) — an artificial canal city, is a fun place to bar hop and people watch at night. Bear in mind that alcohol is only permitted for non-Muslims in hotels. Fortunately there are plenty of hotels at the marina, which gives you plenty of options to choose from, including the Observatory at Dubai Marriott Hotel and Suites, and Embassy at Grosvenor House Dubai.
Burj Al Arab
Burj Al Arab
Burj Al Arab (Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai) — “the world’s only seven-star hotel”, is worth a visit, although unless you are a guest you aren’t allowed inside the gate. The loophole is to make a reservation for “Sky Tea”, or high tea in the Skyview Bar located on the top floor of the sail-shaped hotel. The price isn’t cheap (roughly US$100 per person), but would you expect anything less at one of the world’s most expensive hotels? The fare is substantial and the tea is delicious.
BurJuman Centre
BurJuman Centre
BurJuman Centre (Trade Centre Road, Dubai) — BurJuman has more than 300 prestigious stores including designer fashions such as Donna Karan, DKNY, Calvin Klein, Cartier, Rodeo Drive, Stuart Weitzman Polo Ralph Lauren, Escada, Christian Lacroix, Louis Vuitton, Aigner, MaxMara, as well as popular ready-to-wear apparel from NEXT & Guess. You can also choose from a wide selection of restaurants, a food court and cafes.
Atlantis Beach Dubai
Atlantis Beach Dubai
Atlantis Beach Dubai – a.k.a. Nasimi Beach (Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis Hotel, Dubai) – this mega hotel occasionally makes an effort to book mega dance music events within its grounds (in this case, at a place called Nasimi Beach), often with interesting results. House music acts such as Avicii, ATB and David Guetta have performed there. It also hosts weekly satellite club nights for mega club brands such as Hed Kandi and Defected In The House. For the expat Indian crowd, the Atlantis also books various Bollywood events for them.
Even when there’s no special event booked at Nasimi Beach, hanging out to the soulful sounds of resident DJ Smokin’ Groove while taking in the night time cityscape of Dubai is worth the trip to this man-made Palm Jumeirah island in the shape of a palm tree.
