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Magnet of the Middle East, Dubai’s draw as a
shopping mecca and adventure playground has captured the imagination of the
South African travelling public.
Dubai, is a place of fascinating contrasts, a
distinctive mix of modern city and timeless desert, East and West where the
traditional blend of old and new has created a cityscape brimming with character
and charm. The city’s famous Creek – a sea water inlet dividing the city into
Deira on one side and Bur Dubai on the other – is an historical focal point of
life in Dubai forming both its visual and commercial heart. It is from here that
the wooden dhows set off to ply the famous trade routes and pleasure crafts
jostle for space with a myriad of ferry boats.
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The numerous souks and shopping
malls reveal a selection of goods ranging from jewelry,
electronic equipment, clothing, silks, spices, cosmetics, brass
and silver ware. One of Dubai’s greatest attractions is its
hopping festival held in March and during this time the bargain
prices are discounted even further.
But there is so much more to see and do in Dubai:
Cross the creek by abra (water taxi), drive past the Jumeirah
Mosque, see the old wind tower houses and the Al Fahidi Fort,
take a dhow cruise by moonlight, participate in a desert safari,
overnight in the dunes, learn to sand ski, experience the
sensation of riding a camel, take a fascinating drive though the
desert to the fortress village of Hatta, spend a day in Abu
Dhabi or Oman – the choice is yours.
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Dubai’s cosmopolitan flavour is clearly depicted in
its many restaurants and nightspots. All types of Gulf and Middle Eastern
cuisine can be found in the Emirates and Arabian specialities form an important
part of most buffet spreads. The finest in international cuisine is also widely
available. Hotels offer a vast range of restaurants from coffee shops and fine
dining to speciality outlets and there are many small restaurants to be found
outside the hotels. A point to remember is that restaurants not situated within
hotel premises are not permitted to serve alcohol. The nightlife scene is lively
– British and Irish pubs, sophisticated cocktail lounges, discos and of course
exotic Middle Eastern nightclubs featuring belly dancers, singers and Arabian
music.
Daily flights have made Dubai easily accessible with 8½ hours of sunshine daily
and the temperature ranging between 17 and 28ºC, it is an ideal autumn
destination for the South African market.
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