The glamorous shining star of the middle-eastern desert, Dubai speaks of the good life. But recently, it’s been in the news more for building glitzy towers – like the Burj, and islands – like the Palm Jumeirah and the World (under construction) than the things it was previously known for – oil and Dubai shopping festival, better known as the DSF. For being a nation that used to earn a major part of its revenue selling crude oil to becoming a nation that made use of its capabilities and resources to bring the world together to its doors with full wallets and topped up credit cards only to make it spend in a hurry, Dubai has come a long way. ‘Dream of something and we’ll make it come true’ is the attitude that the leader of this glamorous metropolis, Sheikh Muhammad lives by but beneath the garb of all the glitter & glam, there’s a Dubai which takes pride in its traditional values while respecting traditions which foreign visitor bring along. They sing, dance, fast in the month of Ramadan and urge everyone to maintain the sanctity of the Emirate. The nation lives as a closely knit group and urges visitors to do the same. Welcome to Dubai…


When to Go:
The 20-day long Dubai Shopping Festival commences 17th June this year, undoubtedly the best time to visit Dubai. But this is one of the hottest periods as well with temperatures soaring way above the 45°C mark. If you are visiting Dubai for its beaches and some laidback fun, we recommend the months between October and April. Dates for Ramadan are decided by the Islamic Calendar, generally August/September - a good time to visit the metropolis to enjoy non-vegetarian delicacies in the evening after the prayers.


Local Transport:
Metro
This is the best way to get around the city after taxis. Get a day pass for 14 Dhirams available at all metro stations and most bus stations. The services are great and the surrounding areas are well connected by feeder buses.

Bus
Traveling in buses is cheap but not very feasible unless you are in the Central DubaiArea. The services elsewhere are infrequent.

Taxis
A taxi is still the best way to travel around the city. And it doesn’t come expensive. In fact, the rates for metro, taxies and buses are all the same so hop in the first thing that comes along your way. Taxis at the airport will charge you a standing fare of 20 Dhirams.