Accommodation Guide in Dubai
Top Picks:
1. Stay in Deira
• Highlights: Famous for its Gold Souk, offering a wide variety of affordable, high-quality gold jewelry.
• Why Choose Deira: Located close to the city center, making shopping and transportation very convenient. Most hotels are concentrated near the airport or along the coastline.
2. Stay at Jumeirah Beach
• Highlights: Known for its fine white sand and crystal-clear waters, ideal for sunbathing and swimming.
• Why Choose Jumeirah Beach: Many luxury hotels are located here, including the iconic Burj Al Arab. This area offers stunning ocean views and proximity to the world’s first seven-star hotel.
3. Stay in Bur Dubai
• Highlights: A historic district with a mix of traditional markets, cultural landmarks, and historical buildings along Dubai Creek.
• Why Choose Bur Dubai: Close to the city center and major shopping malls, perfect for exploring Dubai’s old-town charm while enjoying modern conveniences.
4. Stay on Palm Jumeirah
• Highlights: The world’s largest man-made island and an architectural wonder. From above, it resembles a giant palm tree floating on the blue ocean.
• Why Choose Palm Jumeirah: Home to 32 hotels and numerous entertainment options, including Atlantis The Palm and its “Lost Chambers Aquarium,” a must-visit underwater world.
Getting Around in Dubai
1. Dubai Airport Tips
• Transportation Options from the Airport:
• Convenient but Pricey: Take a Taxi
Taxis from the airport start at 25 AED, and a ride to the city costs around 20-30 AED. To save money, consider taking the metro a couple of stops before hailing a taxi, as regular taxis have a lower starting fare of 10 AED.
Tip: Book a point-to-point transfer for hassle-free communication and time savings, especially if you want to avoid potential taxi scams.
• Cost-Effective Option: Book a Shared or Private Transfer
Perfect for groups, private transfers are affordable, skip long taxi lines, and come with added comfort. For solo travelers, shared shuttle services are budget-friendly at just 68 CNY (~37 AED).
• Most Budget-Friendly: Use the Metro
Follow the signs to the Red Line. You can transfer to the Green Line at Union Station to reach most destinations. Be mindful of Dubai Metro’s dedicated cabins:
• Gold Class: Premium seating, highest fare.
• Ladies’ Cabin: Exclusive to women and children (strictly no men).
• Other Airport Tips:
1. Follow “Transfers” signs if you’re not exiting immigration.
2. Dubai Airport has over 200 gates; double-check your flight information regularly to avoid missing it.
3. Free Wi-Fi is available, but sockets for charging devices may require British-style adapters.
• Shopping at the Duty-Free Store:
Dubai Duty-Free offers competitive prices on cosmetics, fragrances, chocolates, and luxury watches (e.g., Rolex, Omega). L’Oréal products are especially affordable, with sets costing far less than in other countries.
2. Transportation Around the City
• Public Buses:
Dubai operates 62 bus routes, with fares ranging from 1.5-2 AED. Service runs every 20-30 minutes.
• Taxis:
• Identifiable by their different roof colors (e.g., red, orange, pink).
• Minimum fares:
• Daytime: 3 AED (starting fare)
• Nighttime: 3.5 AED (starting fare)
• Special Note: Pink taxis are exclusively for women and families, driven by female drivers.
• Abra (Water Taxi):
Cross Dubai Creek for just 50 fils and enjoy a unique perspective of the city.
• Car Rentals:
Road conditions are excellent, but strict traffic laws prohibit speeding and random stops. Avoid driving after drinking, as this results in severe penalties.
Conclusion
Dubai offers a perfect blend of modern luxury and traditional charm—immerse yourself in its diverse experiences and make your trip unforgettable!