Jumeirah Dubai United Arab Emirates

Jumeirah is a coastal residential district in Dubai, United Arab Emirates which mainly comprises low rise private dwellings. It has both expensive and large detached properties as well as more modest town houses built in a variety of architectural styles. The area is popular with expatriates working in the emirate and is familiar to many tourists visiting Dubai.
Jumeirah is a diverse destination whose residents are the Europeans to the Filipinos to the Pakistanis; a mixed Little Europe, Karachi and Manila. Jumeirah is much favoured by Europeans due to the ease of access of the beach, Beautiful villas are seen here. Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah Beach Residence’s the Walk and Jumeirah Mosque are the top attractions.

There are endless water-sport opportunities in and around Jumaeirah. Dubai has some of the whitest and sandiest beaches in the world with ocean temperatures ranging from 22°C in winter up to 35°C in summer. There are few wave breaks and the strong winds can make swimming difficult. The water is also very salty so many prefer to use their hotel swimming pool. Diving activities have been severely affected by offshore construction work for the Palms and The World; consequently, long boat trips are necessary to reach wreck sites. Alternatively, one can make the 90 minute road journey to the E coast Emirate of Fujairah or the Sharjah enclave, Khor Fakkan, for top class diving on coral reefs supporting extensive marine life.
Aside form the beach, Jumeirah and the wider areas of Dubai have many attractions and things to do and see:

• Burj Khalifa, At 828 metres and 160 floors, this is the world’s tallest structure by a long way, over 300m taller than the previous contender in Taipei. The observation deck at the 124th floor is also said to be the highest in the world. Already dominating the Dubai skyline, the newly opened tower houses nine hotels and a Las Vegas-inspired fountain system. The visitors’ entrance is located at the lower ground floor of Dubai Mall. Tickets cost Dhs 100 or Dhs 400 if you do not want to queue.

• The Dubai Fountain. At 900 ft in length and sporting a jet that shoots water up to 500 ft, the Dubai Fountain is indeed the world’s largest dancing fountain and one with a very enticing display – a definite must see. The show starts every evening at the Burj Dubai Lake. Easy way to approach it is via the Dubai Mall.

• Burj al-Arab hotel. For a real glimpse into “how the other half lives”, (self-proclaimed as the only 7 star hotel in the world), afternoon tea, or cocktails, may be an interesting experience. Entry to the hotel requires a reservation which will be confirmed at the entry gate, although residents of adjacent Jumeirah hotels may be able to visit by arrangement. Other tourists may occasionally be able to book tours of the hotel itself, however these will not run when the hotel is full. A “very smart casual” dress code applies. Reservations are usually required about a month in advance for a room, but a few days will generally suffice for a meal.

• Dubai Marina. One of the newer and more popular areas of Modern Dubai, both with residents and tourists. It offers numerous features such as a phenomenal skyline, world class hotels, a fabulous beach, a mall, and 2 different walkways (The Walk and Marina Walk) with coffee shops, restaurants, and shops. Marina Walk is right on the “Marina water”, and there are many yachts there. You can rent a yacht for a cruise around the area. The Walk has a nice open market run from October till May, every Fridays and Saturdays at daylight.

• Palm Islands. The three largest artificial islands in the world are located just off the coast of Dubai; a major urban development to add a significant amount of upscale beachfront property to the area. Each of the islands is shaped like a palm leaf, with a trunk connected to the mainland, fronds extending from the trunk, and a crescent (a breakwater encircling the trunk and fronds). Of the three planned, the Palm Jumeirah, at 5km square and near Dubai Marina, is the only one yet open, connected to the mainland by a freeway bridge and a monorail and sporting marinas, luxury resorts, and upscale shopping areas.

• Al Ahmadiya School, Deira. Built in 1912, this was Dubai’s first school and has now been nicely restored. It would be a stretch to call the exhibits of old reed pens and diplomas fascinating, but they’ve tried pretty hard, and if nothing else, the air-con and clean toilets may come in handy. Free entry.

• Bastakiya District. One of the last remaining pockets of Old Dubai, home to many reconstructed buildings in the traditional style. While information on the structures is slim here (see the museum in preference), the atmosphere is very evocative and there are plenty of delightful art galleries and cafes to explore.

• Dubai Museum, Al Ibn Abi Talib Road, ph: +971 (4) 353-1862. A must-see for anyone interested in the social history of the Emirate (and indeed the country). A visit starts at the al-Fahidi fort, which has a few examples of the traditional reed houses and other artifacts, but isn’t much to look at. The more interesting part is the modern extension built underneath the fort, showcasing Dubai’s history using the latest technology and culminating in a reconstructed souq from the pearling days, complete with authentic sights and sounds. It is quite fascinating to see the speed at which the transition from poor pearling village to modern metropolis occurred. Admission 3AED.

• Jumeirah Mosque, Jumeirah Road, Jumeirah 1 (opposite Palm Strip Mall). Is the largest in the city, and a wonderful example of Islamic architecture. Built in the medieval Fatimid tradition with the interior decorated with elaborate Arabic calligraphy. It is one of few mosques in the city open for visits by non-Muslims, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding conducts special tours for non-Muslims to help promote understanding of Islam. Guided tours are available on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday beginning at 10AM, followed by a question-and-answer session. Located on Jumeirah Road, the mosque is an especially great place to visit in the evening when it’s dramatically illuminated by floodlights.

• Shindagha District — Home to the open museums of the Heritage Village, and has the home of former Sheikh Rashid Al-Maktoum.

Dubai Travel Guide

Situated in the NE of the country, Dubai is one of the 7 emirates that comprise this country. Dubai is 120 klm NE of Abu Dhabi city and is set directly on the Persian Gulf occupying level terrain. It is bisected by Dubai Creek (also known as the Khor Dubai), which is really a deep-water inlet. The area consists of flat desert surrounds; a great expanse of sand dunes stretches away to the S, and the rugged Hajar Mountains rise to the E.
Without doubt the most popular tourist venue in the UAE, Dubai is a wealthy, cosmopolitan, multicultural and multinational city that combines the glamour and entrepreneurial panache of Hong Kong with the flamboyance of Las Vegas, all served up with an Arabian flourish.

This liberal, tolerant destination has what it takes to have a good time, with big-time horse races and sporting events, first-class tax-free shopping, fine beaches lapped by the Gulf’s warm waters, guaranteed sunshine and lively nightlife. With its array of striking, ultramodern architecture and brisk pace of life, the casual observer can be forgiven for thinking that the city is entirely a modern creation; the fact is that the location has been inhabited for well over 2 millennia, and old minarets, mosques and traditional dwellings can be found dotted about the older portions. The city hugs the coastline for about 15 mls (being about 5 mls at its widest), and comprises 2 main parts: Bur Dubai (the original section) and, on the opposite side of Dubai Creek, Deira, now the city centre. Along the coast to the SW of the centre lies Jumeirah, a residential area that’s home to many Western ex-pats. Around the airport on the NE side of Dubai Creek is Al-Garhoud, a select suburban area.

Dubai is becoming increasingly popular with middle- to upmarket Western tourists seeking a hot, sunny shopping and sunbathing haven. Large numbers of international business people also flock here due to it’s well catered business environment. Dubai also hosts arguably the world’s most luxurious (7 star) hotel (Burj al Arab Hotel).
There are more than 2 dozen de luxe hotels and modern apartment complexes, as well as more modest properties in and around the city centre. Many of the most modern, luxurious establishments are dotted along the very extensive sandy shoreline (Jumeirah Beach) to the SW; most are well equipped and stylish, with their own in-house entertainment.

Although the city itself has a sandy shoreline broken only by the mouth of Dubai Creek, broad Jumeirah Beach to the SW is the resort’s premier location: uncrowded, with gently shelving, soft, pale sands and warm clear water stretching for over 8 mls; numerous breakwaters flank the hotels’ private sections, making bathing safer. All kinds of water sports are available including pedalloes, water-skiing, windsurfing and diving.
Dubai really is an upmarket shopper’s paradise. Fine jewellery, gold, watches, designer labels, fabrics, Persian carpets, sports gear, consumer electronics and even cars, often at incredibly low prices (thanks to low customs duties). A proliferation of large air-conditioned shopping malls, plus more conventional street parades and centres. A number of traditional souks; the Gold Souk, with its plethora of Arabian, Indian and SE Asian wares, is an experience in itself, and one of the largest retail gold markets in the world. Haggling is de rigueur, and watch your back pocket. Prized local products include Arabian coffee pots, silver and brass swords and khanjars (curved daggers), shisha pipes, porcelain prayer beads, antique silver jewellery, brass trinkets, model sailing ships of silver and wood, and high-quality wooden furniture.

Nightlife is varied and surprisingly lively, with lots of bars and clubs (most based in hotels in order to serve alcohol). Most nightclubs have cover charges, and drinks tend to be expensive. Just about every bar in town has live music or a DJ. A few jazz bars and piano lounges. Thursday nights are the busiest, and most bars and clubs close by about 3 am. Little in the way of performing arts; some traditional entertainments, such as belly-dancing.
Entertainment is found generally in the traditional quarter of Bastakiya. The Dubai Museum, housed in an old fort, provides an entertaining interactive introduction to the city’s history. The Sheikh Saeed al-Maktoum House, a history and culture museum. The Dubai Heritage and Diving Village (traditional culture). Numerous souks. Several mosques. Trips aboard dhows (traditional sailing vessels). Super beaches and varied water sports. Amusement park; water park. Shopping. Horse and camel riding. Scuba diving. Horse racing. Exclusive golf clubs. Small zoo at Jumeirah.
Eating out is truly cosmopolitan, ranging from familiar Western fast-food chains and pizzerias to fine dining, including Italian, German, Indian, Chinese, Thai, Lebanese and other Arabian cuisine. The cost of dining and drinking in hotel restaurants tends to be on a par with the same in London. Kebabs and Indian fare are plentiful in the streets, and very cheap. Shopping malls have large food halls.

 Getting around is fairly easy and the city’s public buses are air conditioned and frequent, with extensive coverage; they can, however, get crowded. Abundant metered taxis are cheap. It is entirely safe for women to travel alone. Reputable car hire is readily available. Nearly all roads are 4- to 8-lane dual carriageways; traffic is fast and heavy, with traffic jams common throughout the day. English-language signposts make things easier, but local driving style leaves a lot to be desired. Ditch the car and take a cab.
Local excursions consist of Dubai city tour; Sharjah city tour; sand skiing; hiking tours in the mountains and desert; bird-watching; charter boats; deep-sea fishing; traditional village of Hatta (60 mls). Full day: the city of Al Ain; Abu Dhabi; 4-wheel-drive desert safari; overnight Arabian safaris/camping.