Traditional Dubai
Airing Date: Apr 4th, 2005
Dubai is described by some as the Hong Kong of the Middle East with its fast pace, glittering glass and steel skyscrapers and very large expat population. Attitudes here are much more westernized, making it a great entry point for those worried about culture shock, and also particularly for women who are travelling alone. Dubai is able to offer an authentic Middle Eastern experience for those who want the best of both worlds.
Widespread and intense wealth among the elite class of merchant sheikhs means that money is being spent on Dubai everywhere you turn. Yet Emiratis are fiercely proud of their Arab roots, and many aspects of daily life in Dubai have never changed for example, the Creek which divides Dubai in two and has been the lifeline of the city for centuries. Traditional dhows continue to plow through the waters, with fishermen practising their trade in exactly the same way as their forefathers, despite the hustle and bustle around them. It's also in their religion to treat a guest in a very special way. If they have a guest staying at their house they can stay for three days without giving a reason, even if the guest is a complete stranger!
When you visit Dubai you must visit the elaborate Mina A Salam. This Boutique hotel has an amazing 292 rooms. It has a vast number of activities, restaurants and bars with service you would usually reserve for the queen!
Also, Dubai is a fantastic spot to shop. Shopping is a major pastime for locals and visitors alike in this tax free haven, and Dubai offers as many bargains in its traditional marketplaces as in its huge shopping malls. For visitors looking for the more traditional shopping experience though, bargaining is only welcome in the souks. One of the best shopping bargains to be found in Dubai is gold. You will also love the traditional perfumes of Dubai, where you might find pure frankincense or myrrh, or the traditional smoky bukhoor!
For some real female bonding, visit the local henna shop, where you can sit around with some of the local women while they decorate your hands or feet with traditional patterns. Another traditional Dubai experience is the shisha pipe. It's a unique smoking device that involves flavoured tobacco. There is great skill involved in making these unique smoking devices. Each shisha pipe is usually lavishly decorated
For the evening, it's time to hook up with the Sundowner Safari run by Arabian Adventures. Join a group of vehicles that head out into the desert in the late afternoon. There's time for some wadi bashing, where the drivers show off their skills through the desert and the dunes, and then the group heads into the dunes themselves for some sand skiing! Sand skiing most closely resembles snowboarding in that you're moving sideways down the hill on a board. It's a very popular stop on the Arabian Adventures desert tours. Finally, the tour settles in Bedouin style at the campsite out in the desert, complete with resident camel, lounging on cushions under the stars for a local dinner and some bellydancing.
Further information:
Emirates Airlines will fly you to Dubai from $1990 ex west coast & $2030 ex east coast
Prices include taxes. Subject to exchange rate. Conditions apply.
Rooms at the Mina a'Salam start from $571 a night.
Mina a'Salam: Ph. 0011 971 4 366 8888
The Arabian Adventures Dune Dinner Safari starts from $93 a person this includes hotel pick-up & dinner.
Emirates & Arabian Adventures: Ph. 1300 303 777
arabian.adventures@emirates.com
www.arabian-adventures.com.
Prices correct at 4/4/05.
