DUBAI

Quite literally, Dubai, the most heavily populated city in the United Arab Emirates, burst onto the international scene. And also quite literally, it continues to evolve to the point that it’s difficult to keep up with the changes. Ambitious projects mean Dubai continues to get bigger and better. The modern-day business center and tourism hub located on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf brings the tranquility of the desert and the hustle of modern city life together. From sand dunes and beaches to mountains and parks, one can always find something to discover in Dubai.

GETTING THERE

Dubai Airport (DBX) is about a 10-minute drive from the city center. Rental cars are plentiful at the airport, but visitors can also transit via RTA Airport Bus and taxi. The bus departs every 30 minutes with stops in Deira and Bur Dubai. The 20-minute ride is approximately $1.50. The starting cab fare is about $5.50 from the airport; fares vary depending on distance.

GETTING AROUND

For travelers who choose not to drive while in Dubai, taxis are the best bet. There are seven different companies within Dubai; cabs can be hailed, or call the Dubai Taxi Corp. to book one in advance. Pink-roofed cabs are for woman only. The minimum fare is around $2.75. Both the RTA Bus and the Dubai Metro require Noi tickets before boarding. Fares vary on each. More than 75 routes operate daily from 5 a.m. to midnight. The two lines of the metro — red and green — operate Saturday through Thursday 6 a.m.–11 p.m., and until midnight on Fridays.

TOP ATTRACTIONS

Burj Khalifa
The world’s tallest building stands 2,726.5 feet above the city of Dubai. As a centerpiece of the city’s everchanging skyline, it holds a number of world records and other accolades. Take a ride to the 124th-level observation deck and look out across Dubai before visiting the hotels and shops throughout the building.

Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
This is the biggest piece of land Dubai dedicated to a single project — creating a protected environment for the last of the desert wilderness and threatened species. Dubai’s first national park is open to visitors.

Ski Dubai
The first indoor ski resort in the Middle East offers visitors a chance to escape the desert atmosphere and hit the slopes. The mountain-themed setting offers five ski runs of various difficulty and skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing. Clothing and equipment are for rent; restaurants and shops are also open.

EVENTS AND FESTIVALS

Dubai Desert Classic
Each year the U.A.E.’s most popular golfing event, held at the Emirates Golf Club, draws professionals and tourists from around the world.

Dubai Marathon
Three races make up this charitable event. The fun run is nearly two miles and intended for all fitness levels; people 15 and older can participate in the six-plus-mile road run; and those over 18 years of age can join the 26.2-mile long-distance run.

Dubai Shopping Festival
More than 2 million people flock to the month-long festival attended by nearly every shop in Dubai. Concerts, entertainment, fireworks and events distract from the shopping to be had.

RESOURCES

For more information, visit definitelydubai.com