Dubai Culture

22 09 2008

A brief history about the culture of Dubai would be very helpful before entering this beautiful place. Dubai is deeply rooted in its Islamic traditions and a good proof of it is the UAE (United Arab Emirates) National’s lifestyles. But, you need not worry since UAE tolerates, actually welcomes foreigners who are not Islamic in religion to enter their country. Emigrants are free to exercise their own religion.

Alcoholic beverages are served in all Dubai hotels and restaurants so it won’t be a problem traveling with your friends or someone special. There are minimal dress codes, and that means no need to adjust to their culture. But, it’s also fun to live the way they do to have a wonderful experience. Buy some clothes they sell and use them while strolling to their historical spots.

Aside from having minimal dress codes, discrimination towards women is not an issue in Dubai. People respect women as they respect others because courtesy and hospitability are few of their many virtues.

The culture of Dubai is pretty much preserved because of the rulers who are keen in maintaining them, practicing numerous traditional events such as sporting events, falconry, camel racing, and dhow sailing. Falconry is a game using trained birds to hunt. It is also known as “hawking”. Camel racing is also a big part of their regular events since UAE are known for camels. It also stands as a tourist attraction just like horse racing in other countries while dhow sailing is another tourist attraction made for riding boats.

If you are worrying on how to communicate with them, don’t fret. The official language of Dubai is Arabic but most people know English so there is no need to using those calculators when bargaining on their products. But, bringing would be better to be sure. The road signs and other significant signs are also written in both English and Arabic so having a map is enough. And since the people in Dubai are hospitable enough, asking would be hassle-free.





Dubai Activities

25 08 2008

Food is a must and having them good will make the trip worthwhile. There are hotels that have restaurants and coffee shops, but if you want them served in other places or if you want to travel and go to other places and try something new. Here are some of the good restaurants Dubai could offer. 25th Restaurant, Afandi Lebanses Bistro, Akbar Joojeh, Al Baiq, Al Boom Dhow, Al Dahleez, and many other. Try their street food as well. The vendors that sell original shawarmas are, well, of course need not to say a must-try when going to Dubai or any part of UAE.

Dubai offer parks as well like Al Mumzar Beach Park that offers beach facilities with over a hundred chalets being rented out daily. This cozy beach park also offers swimming pools, large green area for picnics from the cafeteria, a pretty much different experience. Therefore, I must say, a must try as well. When traveling with kids, a trip to Children’s City would be very memorable because it offers gift shops, coffee shops for the parents who’ll wait for their children, first aid rooms, prayer room, 28 touch screen, 121 computers, 220 exhibits and more. Well, not all places could offer such a wonderful place.

Are cable cars, Ice World, and other stuff your trips? Here is the place for you. It’s still a park and is located in Bur Dubai, between Al Maktoum and Al Gharoud Bridge. The Creekside Park offers both architectural and natural designs combined. The recreational facilities, cable cars and the Ice World is a good trip as well. Restaurants are everywhere as well after those long and crazy laughs and giggles.

Now now, is dolphin shows your thing? Do you love dolphins? Dubai Dolphinarium at Dubai Creek Park offer three shows daily. Its good when you have plans to go to Dubai Creek Park, it is almost there! For schedules, they are posted at their websites of simple e-mail them for further inquiries.

There are other beach parks around like Jumeirah Beach Park and Jumeirah Open Beach Park. You could play beach volleyball, children games, there are also barbecue areas, a Sports Facilities area, and a helipad if you have a helicopter from your country. Just kidding, but there is one honesty.

Dubai zoo is located in Bur Dubai, on Jumeirah Beach Road if you or your kids enjoy watch different animals. This is good for those educational trips since there are Arabian species and exotic ones like the endangered royal Bengal tiger, and the beautiful axis deer. Drop by!





Dubai Guide

10 06 2008

The city Dubai is a cosmopolitan city, meaning people; both locals and foreigners come and go. This is also the reason why dress codes are not a big deal. People dress and wear whatever they like, but not walking around the city naked, of course. But then, even though they are pretty much considered lenient on this matter, local customs still respect this kind of system.

When we say lenient, this does not mean without rules or laws. Still, there are, they are just lenient. Dressing jeans and shorts are considered fine, but it is a good idea not to wear short shorts, tight clothing, revealing clothes and as such. Well, until such time that you have completely adjusted to the kind of environment. A very important tip is to be comfortable first because comfortability equals enjoyment.

Locals usually wear their traditional dresses, men wear dishdasha or khandura. It is a white full-lengthed shirt-dress worn with a white or red checkered headdress known as gutra. Women on the other hand wear black abaya, it is a long robe usually colored black that covers their entire body. It stands as their normal clothes. They also wear headscarf.

In normal days, especially for foreigners, the law of Dubai is pretty lenient. Taking photographs as foreigners will always be there and Dubai permits them. Usually, photographing the beautiful spots and places of Dubai is permitted as long as you do not take pictures of their government buildings, military installations, ports and airports. It would be better and more courteous to ask for permission before taking pictures especially when taking the photos of people. Thus, it is also disrespectful to photograph or take a picture of Muslim women because as we have said earlier, they respect women.

The food they offer are mostly Arabic cuisines comprising of many typres of cooking dishes from different countries. Countries like morocco, Egypt, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Tunisia, and as such have such excellent taste especially in spices. When walking to their streets, city ventors sell shawarmas. These are heated sandwiches with lamb or chicken, carved from a rotating spit and served with lots of onions, vegetables and in a pita bread. Delicious, and is easily found when strolling. It is a must try since their shawarmas are different from the normal ones in other countries. Why? Well, do I have to say it? Nothing beats the original.
Fruit juices are also available from juice vendor. They have a variety of flavors ranging from fresh pineapples, banana, mango, and even mixed cocktail. Yes, mixed cocktail in a juice vendor, how is that! More about Dubai travel and vacation planning.