Buying Gold in Dubai

Buying gold in Dubai

Buying gold in Dubai

In Dubai, the gold market is known as The Gold Souk. There are a number of shops within this area which sell gold jewellery. The most amazing fact about this place is that you will never be able to see such a large congregation of gold jewellery anywhere else in the world. Usually, the souks are crowded, you will find that there is very little security for the gold shops in this place which is astonishing. It is best to visit during the evening time. You may find yourself lost in the vast collection of jewels leaving you indecisive. So, make sure you allot plenty of time for this.

In Dubai, Gold prices are the cheapest, this is the main factor drawing tourists to purchase gold on Dubai. There are two gold markets in Dubai. The Old and New Gold Souk, which are adjacent to each other. Buying gold is a risky affair, especially from a country that you’re visiting for the first time. The thing to remember is that jewellery design is the same in most of the shops, but you might get a good deal depending on the shops. It is essential to keep a few things in mind before buying gold in Dubai.

Remember to always bargain. It is a natural tendency for shop keepers to hike up prices when tourists come buy. So bargain for a lower prices, chances are that you can end up buying it for almost 20% less by bargaining. Don’t buy jewellery instantly. Since it is an investment, it is wise to always check the rates in different shops and then arrive at a conclusion. Also, Shimmer of the gold may differ outside and inside the shop at night, so check it in daylight as well. Make sure you get the necessary documents which support the authenticity of the gold. Usually, credit card payments are charged extra. While weighing the gold keep a watch, there are ways in which it can be manipulated. Don’t mix up your own jewellery with the ones in the shop while you’re trying them on. With all these things in mind gold shopping in Dubai should be a cinch.

Nightlife in Dubai

Nightlife in Dubai

Nightlife in Dubai

Like most cities, Dubai is more vibrant during the night. There are a host of nightclubs to choose from depending on what you’re looking for. However, tourists should remember that Dubai is an Islamic city. Thus, there are strict laws governing its nightlife. Liquor is not easily available in Dubai. There is a liquor permit issued for residence visa holders. If you are a visitor you will have to go to a nightclub or to a bar in a hotel to get liquor. Liquor is expensive in Dubai, especially in nightclubs and hotels. It would be best to buy liquor from the Duty Free shop at the Dubai Airport. There are no bars due to religious reasons. If drinking is a vital part of your routine then you will have to conjure up ways to get alcohol.

Cover charge is almost inevitable in any night club. It comes up to AED 50-100 for normal entry which sometimes includes a drink or two. In most clubs the entry for women in free. Certain clubs also have free entry on weeknights. On DJ nights the entry charges are around AED 100 – 200.

Like most countries entry for women and couples are hassle free. During the holy month of Ramadan you may be asked what religion you are. Muslims will be requested not to enter Dubai nightclubs and bars. Some of the popular clubs in Dubai are

  • 360° located in the Jumeirah Beach Hotel.
  • Scarlette which is located at Emirates Towers.
  • Sho Cho in Jumeirah Beach Road is known for its music.
  • Zinc loacted in the Crown Plaza Dubai has stand up comedy as an entertainment solution.
  • Barasti Bar at the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Resort.
  • Buddha Bar in Grosvenor house.

Night clubs are allowed to function till 3 A.M., beyond which strict penalties are imposed. The Clubs also follow a strict dress code. Girls can pretty much get away with anything they wear. Men are supposed to wear formal shoes and shorts are not allowed. The weekend starts on Thursday so the clubs are bustling with people on this day. Dubai is considered one of the best and safest cities for partying, Extravagant yet classy!

Arabian Adventure Tours in Dubai

Arabian Adventure Tours in Dubai

Arabian Adventure Tours in Dubai

Known for its mystical splendour, Dubai doesn’t fall short of adventures which will leave you breathless. The city is gifted with natural landscape which supports adventure tourism. The facilities and infrastructural development has ensured that adventure tourism serves as a huge attraction. Dubai has a variety of adventure sports lined up for the venture hungry soul. You can choose from the following list: Desert Safaris, Mountain Climbing, Sky Diving, Scuba Diving, Water Surfing, Sailing, Snorkeling, Swimming, Go Karting, Wadi Bashing,and Dune Bashing.

Desert Safari’s are by far the most enjoyable in Dubai. It takes you through the arid land in what seems like a roller coaster ride in a car. These safari’s are mostly arranged in the afternoon such that the tourist can end a safari by seeing the sun set in the evening. In addition, most tour companies offer a sumptuous dinner along with a drive through the night desert. Mountain Climbing has been in practise from the 1970’s. Since then the passion for it has increased. Mountain climbers have been discovering new areas in the hilly terrain through ardent trekking. The climbing wall in the Wafi pyramids has been attracting enthusiasts from all over the world. If you’ve never sky dived before and want to try it, then an introductory Tandem Jump is what you should do in Dubai. The Tandem jump is the easiest and most fun way to experience the thrill of a skydive for first timers. It can be done at the Umm Al Quwain aeroclub or the dreamdays which has unique drop zones in this part of the world like over the Palm Jumeirah.

The cool placid waters of the Arabian sea were once attractive to pearl divers, now it has become an excellent tourist attraction. The clear waters makes it more inviting. Scuba Diving is one of the sought after Water Sports in Dubai. Scuba Diving can be done through out the year in the crystal clear waters of Gulf untouched by pollution. Water depth ranges from 5 m to 30 m and exotic marine life, charming coral reefs and wrecks can be discovered just off the Jumeirah coastline. This make the waterfront perfect for snorkeling. The Emirates Diving Federation, a non-profit organization provide tourists with diving gears and equipments and also take diving classes and demonstrations. Most hotels and clubs in Dubai have swimming in open pools, rooftop pools and heated pools. Some of the hotels even have private beaches where you can enjoy natural swimming in the water of the Gulf. Sailing is another popular Water Sport since the conditions are almost perfect with minimum water currents in the Gulf. Amateur surfers can enjoy the water as well.

Go Karting in Dubai is an activity adored by a huge number of tourists. Dubai is home to the Middle East’s first fully-equipped indoor go-kart facility at ‘Formula One’. Spread across 40,000 square feet, this air conditioned area is the best place for go Karting in Dubai. Wadi and Dune bashing are almost similar. Wadis are dry riverbeds that follow the course of seasonal streams flowing through rocky valleys. Wadi bashing in Dubai is all about riding through wadis in a four-wheeler where as dune bashing is the done the same way through the sand dunes. Arabian adventure tours can e arranged by agencies with prior or on the spot booking.

Water Sports in Dubai

Water sports in Dubai

Water sports in Dubai

The climate in Dubai makes water sports a very popular way to cool off. Travellers keep this in the top of their to do list. The calm and warm waters of the Dubai Coast has contributed to water sports and made it a sought after recreational activity. Water sports is a must do if you’re in Dubai especially because of the alluring clear and shallow water which makes it safe for everyone.

The Wild Wadi Water Park is the main area only for water sports in Dubai. Rides are open 24 hours a day and the place is safe for both children and adults. There are different types of water rides which are sure to thrill you all the way. The crystal clear waters of the Arabian Gulf are home to innumerable species of fishes and thus the biggest support for the fishing industry in Dubai. It is the easiest and most favorite water sport Dubai has to offer. Being a fishers paradise, it is recognised as one of the biggest sailfish destinations in the world. Water Skiing gives tourists a chance to feel the caress of the gentle waters, and sea breeze. Dubai creek is one of the most favorite destinations. It is where the overseas trading in Dubai flourished. Now, it serves as an excellent area for a dinner cruise or a private boat ride.

Getting a little more adventurous, scuba diving is something you should not miss. There are many private tour operators providing training and necessary equipments for the enjoyment of this water sport in Dubai. While scuba diving, you’ll come across diverse sea life, so check your equipment before venturing into the sea. Another activity which is famous due to the shallow waters is snorkeling. Crab hunting and pearl diving are activities unique to the coasts of Dubai. Pearl diving forms a part of the ancient tradition.

Sailing, a very important part of the maritime tradition in Dubai. The Sailing clubs in Dubai provide all the luxurious facilities to the travelers while they sail across the Arabian Gulf. Ships are set with navigators and wireless Internet makes this a memorable activity.

Sponsoring a Maid in Dubai

Sponsoring a Maid in dubai

Sponsoring a Maid in dubai

80% of the population in Dubai consists of expatriates. Thus, sponsoring a maid is an option given by the Government for its expatriate population. A maid’s visa can be sponsored by the head of the family (mostly a male) whose salary is not less than AED 6000 a month or AED 5000 + accommodation. In Dubai, a maid can be sponsored only from the following countries: India, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, and Indonesia.

There are certain rules to be followed to bring an immigrant maid to Dubai, They are as follows:

  • Each country may have certain restrictions on employing their nationals as maids, for example minimum salary, minimum or maximum age. You will need to check with the embassy or consulate of that country for the details. Most minimum salary requirements are over AED 1000 per month.
  • There is a standardized or unified labour contract (“employment agreement”) for maids and other domestic workers, and their sponsors as of 01 April 2007, which is issued by the immigration or residence department at the time of visa application. This contract specifies vacation time, airline tickets, and other details of employment.
  • More than one maid per family is possible but will depend on salary and size of family.
  • Women with children who don’t have a husband in the UAE might be able to sponsor a maid or nanny.
  • Bachelors are not eligible to sponsor a maid.
  • Maids that are the same nationality as the sponsor need special approval from the DNRD in Dubai, and you will need a document from your embassy/consulate to prove that the maid is not related to you.

To sponsor a house maid, you will need to have a resident visa. Arranging sponsorship for a maid is a two step procedure. First you need to obtain an entry permit / employment visa so she can enter the country. Then you need to apply for a UAE residence visa for the maid. The DNRD will issue a residence visa, labour card, and labour contract for the maid. The same procedure applies for sponsorship of other domestic help such a houseboy.

Cheap Dubai Holiday Packages – Fun without Breaking the Bank

Cheap Dubai Holiday Packages - Fun without Breaking the Bank

Cheap Dubai Holiday Packages - Fun without Breaking the Bank

There is nothing like a well planned holiday which gives you a good feel as well as leaves your pocket intact. Cheap Holiday packages to Dubai are plenty in number but how to find them is the tricky part. When booking your holiday through an agent it is always necessary to pay standard rates for air tickets and stay. However, there are agents whom you can contact for cheap Dubai holiday packages.

Holiday packages provide all facilities in a nutshell. They can arrange everything in your itinerary like flight tickets, rental cars, sight seeing etc. Most people go for one tour operator to do the whole package. But, sometimes its better to choose different tour operators for different needs. This will help save a lot of money. This task is a little tedious as it requires quite a bit of ground work.

There are certain things to keep on check while picking a tour operator. Check the validity period, requirements and refund policies. There may be variations, so make sure you read between the lines. Always check the authenticity of the tour operator. Keep a fully done package as a reference so you don’t miss out on any of the fine details. Refer to many holiday tour packages before landing at a conclusion because many cheap tour packages may not be as cheap in the end. Undoubtedly, travelling as a group would give you more perks. Some tour operators even have special packages for the whole family. Hotels in Dubai like Jumeirah Beach hotel, Hilton Dubai Creek offer free stay for kids in the family. Hotels in Dubai are exotic and offer good deals. They usually have discounted holiday packages which often come with a discount code. On arrival you can mention the special discount code and avail the discount.

Another thing you should not miss is the tax. Dubai is a tax free city, but airport taxes and any hidden costs should be calculated. Else, the package may end up costlier than expected. TravelNow has very good deals. They have 24/7 customer support and also they are often cheaper than the rest.

Renting a Car in Dubai

Renting a Car in Dubai

Renting a Car in Dubai

A good holiday accounts for how easily you can adapt to the place. In Dubai, commuting with a rented car is the best way to get around. Mostly, Taxi fares can burn a hole in your pocket. Buses are less frequent and you may end up losing valuable vacation time waiting for one. So, a car rental is the perfect solution. Dubai is a left hand driven country. Maximum speeds in most of the highways are 125 kmph. The roads are fairly neat and well maintained with signs at all junctures for easy navigation.

Renting a car depends on the type of passport and visa that you hold. A person with a visit visa and passport from countries like USA, UK and Australia can use the license from their country. Whereas, those from other countries with a visit visa must possess an international driving license to drive around in the streets of Dubai.

While choosing car rental companies you can choose from international and local ones. A number of international rental car companies are operating in Dubai. They have offices in the Dubai airport itself and also in major hotels. Some of the international car rental companies in Dubai are Herts, Budget car rentals, Priceline etc. They offer special rent packages for tourists. It is best to book through an agent as costs could be higher if booking is done directly. The benefit of choosing an international company is availability. You can also be sure that you get a good vehicle. Priceline is considered as one of the companies which give a good deal. You can get up to 30% off on the rental charges.

The advantage of choosing a local car rental company is the cost. Although, money might be at the cost of quality. It is not advisable to rely on service and there are chances you may end up with a bad vehicle. Some companies may confirm the booking and when you go there the vehicle wouldn’t be available. Such is the case with local car rental companies in Dubai. Be careful in weighing your available options and requirement to get a good rental deal.

Holidays in Dubai

Holidays in Dubai

Holidays in Dubai

Dubai is a city which is going all the way to make itself the biggest tourist destination in the world. From man made beaches to shopping festivals, Dubai offers a kaleidoscope of activities to gratify it’s visitors. Many would find it hard to believe that an arid desert land can provide such a marvellous experience. The efforts of the Dubai Government to make it bustling with tourists haven’t gone in vain. It is a truly an unique destination and as they say you have to see it to believe it.

The city of Dubai has a modern setting yet it maintains traditional values. One of the main attractions towards Dubai is the breathtaking architecture. One can see a variety of buildings like the modern ones in the posh localities of Dubai and the mud houses in Heritage Village which represent primitive architecture. It is home to the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa. The bustle in the souk’s of Dubai are never ending. Shopping is another major attraction in Dubai. So much so a month long festival called the ‘Dubai Shopping Festival’ brings in customers all over the world with the tax free products that it showcases. The beaches and islands in Dubai are a class apart. The islands are man made off the Dubai coast where as the beaches have crystal clear water with golden coloured sand. Jet skiing and snorkeling are some of the main crowd pullers here.

A holiday in Dubai cannot be limited to shopping and sight seeing alone. Apart from this there are a variety of recreational activities which cannot be found anywhere else. Desert Safari or Dune Bashing is an activity where you can head to the desert in an SUV with specialist Desert Drivers. The drivers will take you for a roller-coaster ride over sand dunes, show you the sunset from a strategic vantage point and then take you to a lavish dinner with music and dance to complete the journey. Wild Wadi Park and the Dubai Zoo are great places to take the kids. Golfing and Tennis are immensely popular in Dubai. For a change, you can try out sand golfing in the desert.
If you don’t want to strain yourself choosing the right places to visit, the best option is to go for a holiday package. A holiday package arranges everything from your air tickets to hotel to commuting within the city. There are a variety of attractive holiday packages available to Dubai.

Major Banks in Dubai

Major Banks in Dubai

Major Banks in Dubai

When travelling to a foreign city, it is always good to have some information about how money transactions can be made. For this you have to foray into the list of services offered to tourists by banks. In Dubai, like any other city, there are multinational and national banks. Banks are open 8:00 am to 3:00 pm from Saturday to Wednesday and 8:00 am to 12:00 pm Thursday. Most banks offer 24-hour access to automated teller machines (ATMs). Fridays and Saturdays are holidays for most establishments in the city.

If you are a credit card holder,t hen these are the ones which would be helpful during your visit; Mastercard, Visa, Diners Club and American Express. However, most small establishments may not have a card swiping machine. Therefore, it is wise to carry some cash with you. The official currency in Dubai is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED). One AED equals 12.20 INR. You can get foreign currency exchanged from major banks and private financial institutions/outlets like MMA Forex, UCS etc. Most of the hotels also do currency exchange like Flora Grand Hotel, Deira and Palm Beach hotel, Jumeirah.

Some of the multinational banks in Dubai are as follows:

  • Citi Bank
  • Barclays Bank
  • ABN-Amro
  • HSBC
  • Standard Charted Bank
  • Lloyds TSB

Some prominent local banks are:

  • National Bank of Dubai
  • Dubai Islamic Bank
  • Emirates Bank
  • Mashreq Bank

Tourists with a Visit Visa cannot open a bank account. Only a person with a resident visa is allowed to open a bank account in Dubai. In case, you are working in Dubai, your company will be able to arrange a bank account for you. Two important documents are necessary for opening a bank account in Dubai: the passport with the resident visa stamp and a letter of employment stating your salary from a company in Dubai. Tourists are easy targets for thieves, keep an eye on your wallet or purse when in crowded areas like Naser Square or Deira. If you are withdrawing large amounts of cash from ATM’s or banking institutions, either conceal the notes or ask the institution’s security to escort you to your vehicle. There have been repeated reports of theft in such a manner.

Adventure Sports in Dubai

Adventure sports in dubai

Adventure sports in dubai

The mark of a good adventure sport is the rush that it gives. Dubai is not likely to disappoint in this area. The arid desert is home to a host of adventure sports. The city is not only famous for its sky high scrapers in the metallic jungle but also for the great fun it provides outdoors. The vast span of golden sand is the perfect place to start with sand skiing. Dashing through the sand and seeing the sand flying behind you is a feat you can experience only in Dubai. When compared to snow skiing, it is less risky in terms of injury as the sand gives a softer landing. However, for beginners it is always advisable to get some professional help. Dune bashing or the desert safari is another adventure sport Dubai has to offer. It is a form of off-roading a vehicle to explore the sand dunes. As far as safety is concerned, an experienced driver is sent along as manoeuvring through the sand isn’t all that easy!

Camel riding is an upcoming favourite amongst tourists. It is best way to enjoy the deserts and sand dunes. These bumpy rides have stops for refreshment and rest as well. Camel riding is provided by the hotels and is also included in certain travel packages. Rock climbing is a common adventure sport. There are some interesting rock-climbing routes, one can try out indoor climbing at the Pharaohs Club, Qud al-Mehta and Pyramids in Dubai.

For all those speedsters, the Formula One Track on the Dubai-Abu-Dhabi road is something that you shouldn’t miss. Fully equipped with indoor facilities for go-karting, this place is a must-visit on Dubai adventure trips. The excitement of adventure sports in Dubai will be incomplete without cycling in Hatta Town, which is about one hour away from Dubai.

Those who would enjoy a panoramic view of the city have a few options to choose from. Paragliding gives a scenic view of the city’s skyline. Helicopter or balloon rides are also available for providing the same experience. Similarly, there are is indoor sky diving at iFLY, Mirdif City Centre. So if you’re on a pursuit adrenaline fuelled activities, Dubai is the place to visit!