Excursions: things to do in Dubai (English version)

Many Cruise Companies (including Costa Crociere, Aida, Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises) offers Dubai as port of call during our cold cruise season (from November to April).

credit: http://www.peakpx.com/586995/burj-al-arab

The following article is created for those who are looking for excursions that starts at the Dubai cruise terminal. Dubai is a relatively young city in continuous expansion.

The first written mention dates 1905. The city has about three and a half millions inhabitants. It's the capital of one of the seven emirates that creates the United Arab Emirates. It is located on the south of the Persian Gulf in the Arabian Peninsula. Dubai enjoys a subtropical desert climate. Winters are very mild or pleasantly warm. The minimum temperature occurs in January with values between 15°(minimum) and 24° (maximum). Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world. The policemen are usually not in uniform. Rest assured, respect the traditions, their uses and customs and everything will be fine. There are no particular limitations on what you can wear on, except to maintain decency. You can't dress provocatively or wear transparencies on. If you are planning a view to the Mosque, be prepared to leave your shoes at the entrance, to cover your shoulders and knees and for women also your head.

People who have not an adequate dress code, a suitable clothing will be provided at the mosque entrance.

Dubai on your own? It is possible to visit the city independently, but you have to take in consideration the distances. Dubai is a huge city. Taxis are particularly cheap due to the low price of petrol that is produced locally. You can check online the prices. Did you see a particular attraction on Instagram like the Miracle Garden? (if you don't, go immediately to look for it!) Well, it'll be easily accessible by taxi. There is also an Overground Train, comfortable, fast and all air conditioned.

Miracle Garden

credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/98142333@N05/9166004466

What are the most important things to see in Dubai? I strongly suggest the Burj Kalifa, 829.80 meters of skyscraper, currently holding the title of "the highest skyscraper in the world" (buy tickets online to avoid queues), the Mall (mall) with the largest internal aquarium in the world and the amazing pool in the basement of the skyscraper that offers exciting dancing water shows every 30 mins.

Burj Kalifa

credit:https://www.flickr.com/photos/4444/8267491796/

I recommend then to visit Dubai Marina with its beautiful and very modern skyscrapers, a photo-stop at the Burj Al Arab (7 stars hotel), cross the Dubai Creek aboard of a traditional boat (Abra) and don't miss a visit in "old Dubai" with its traditional Souq of spices and jewels. For those wishing to ski, there is also a real ski slope inside the Dubai Mall. The Dubai Frame, is also very peculiar, a skyscraper with the shape of a frame that allows you to make a dizzying walk on a transparent floor (at 150 meters from the ground). Also for the Dubai Frame it is advisable to buy the ticket online.

Dubai Frame

credit: https://www.maxpixels.net/Asia-Orient-Frame-Record-Dubai-Places-Of-Interest-4044194

The city was built over a very characteristic red sandy desert

For who desires to get out from the lights and the splendor of the city, and do something different, the companies usually allow you to do the excursion in the desert. During these excursions you proceed with a "ride" on the sand dunes in a off-road Vehicle followed by a short walk on a camel with a final visit to the Bedouin's camps. There you can enjoy a complementary dinner with buffet and barbecue admiring the sunset between the dunes.