Dubai Villas

Dubai Villas ~ Dubai is one of the seven Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The other six Emirates are Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al-Quwain.


 

 

Dubai is located between Sharjah in the Northeast and Abu Dhabi in the South and is the second largest Emirate that's situated in the Arabian Peninsula on the Persian Gulf. Dubai has become the most popular of all the Emirates and is often referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Persian Gulf’.

Dubai is bordered by the desert and can get very hot, from May to September the sun is the most intense and temperatures can get up to 45°C (113°F) in the city and even higher in the desert, this coupled with humidity up to 70% near the coast can make most outdoor activities a no go.

The cooler weather lasts from October to May 20°C-25°C (68°F-77°F). December to April generally produces the highest precipitation which is rarely much to worry about.

Dubai offers some of the whitest sandiest beaches in the world with sea temperatures ranging from 35°C in summer to 22°C in winter. With all the recent construction activity diving has been somewhat effected so for first class diving on coral reefs its best to journey to the East coast of Fujairah which is approximately a 90 minute drive away.

Dubai city is divided into two regions by the natural creek, a sea water inlet from the Persian Gulf that cuts through the city centre. The Al Shindagha tunnel which runs under the creek connects the two halves of the city, Deira is located to the Eastern side of the creek and has a vibrant bustling culture and Bur with the more traditional culture is located to the West.

Dubai has just one airport the Dubai International Airport; it is the largest hub in the Middle East and the home base of Emirates, Dubai's flag carrier. The airport has 3 terminals, Terminal 1 is the main terminal, used by most airlines and long-haul flights, Terminal 2 serves regional and low-cost flights, including all FlyDubai flights and Terminal 3 is used exclusively by Emirates.

 

Terminals 1 and 3 serve the Dubai Metro, The Red line travels along Dubai ’s coastline including stops at Burj Khalifa and the Mall of the Emirates. The Green line which is currently being built will go through the city centre including Bur and Deria, the completion for this line is scheduled for August 2011.

Single tickets range from Dh2-8.50, or double that for use of the ‘Gold’ first class carriages. Trains run every 6 to 8 minutes from 6 AM to 11 PM every day except Friday, when services are limited to 2 PM through to midnight.

Taxis are the most popular form of transport from the airport, they are readily available outside the arrivals area, using a meter and starting at around Dhs 20. Buses can also be caught near the baggage claim section. Lines 401 and 402 are the most popular for visitors and they go to Al Sabkha and Al Ghubaiba bus terminals.

An alternate to Dubai ’s International Airport is to fly to Sharjah International Airport and then take a 30 minute taxi ride to Dubai. The main carrier there is Air Arabia which is a fairly low cost carrier serving the Middle East and South Asia.

Dubai strictly follows Islamic laws which should be respected by all travelers. Islam is the official religion, therefore do not publicly criticize or distribute material against it. Eating in public during the holy month of Ramadan is prohibited from sunrise until sunset and visitors should consume meals in the confines of their hotel or residence.

A simple kiss in a public place, having an alcoholic drink in the wrong place or even losing your temper could land you a month or more in jail so please study the laws before you travel and respect them.

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