Enjoy the Summer Heat at the "Pearl of the Persian Gulf": Dubai- a Travel Guide

Who said that the heat can't be fun? This summer, you can experience a different kind of enjoyment with an exceptional blend of a modern captivating city which preserves a traditional past, all within a timeless dessert.

So what are you waiting for? If you need more details and advice on what to do there, keep reading this Dubai vacation guide and you should find plenty of ideas.

Travel for women, kids and handicapped

Unlike other Muslim cities, Dubai has a much more liberal lifestyle for women and traveling alone is safe, but consideration to the traditional roots of the place is important to avoid hassles or insults especially in wearing proper attire in the proper place.

Kids are welcome in Dubai as well as the handicapped traveler. Special packages and services are being offered to meet their specific needs. Discounts may be given for kids under 12 for admission at museums, parks and other recreational areas.

Famous attractions

Dubai's expansion on both banks of the Creek lead the way to its division into two sides: on the northern part is Diera while Bur Dubai on the South, and with its top tourist destination at Jumeirah. Both sides have their own facilities to offer and traditional water taxis called Abras may take the tourists from one side to another.

a. Bur Dubai, South Creek

Aside from its modern-day facilities and sites, Dubai maintained its historical structures at Bur Dubai where Bastikaya Quarters is located with its narrow lands and tall-wind towers that were not just built to décor the place but as cooling houses as there was no electricity yet. Another, Dubai Museum is a fort built last 1799 against foreign invasion, thus, enabling tourists a glimpse of old collections and traditions from the mode of living to war crafts. The Grand Mosque and Sheikh Al Maktoum House were rebuilt and restored making the first as a place of worship, while the latter showcases the great development in Dubai.

b. Jumeirah

Unofficially tagged as the world's only seven-star hotel, Burl Al Arab is an extraordinary sail-shaped building standing on an artificial island. Jumeirah also has archeological site, rich with historical pieces dating back from the 6th century AD. Notably, some remains where linked to Ummayad Dynasty in the 7th century when Islam arrived to the Gulf. Furthermore, the most visited and photographed mosque is in Jumeirah. Lastly, Wild Wadi Waterpark is very attractive for children especially with its popular free-fall ride, Jumeirah Sceirah.

c. Diera, North Creek

Like, Bur Dubai, Diera also has several must-see historical attractions: from the first school in Dubai (Al-Ahmadiya School) to Burj Nahar and Dhow Wharfage, a watch tower and traditional docks, respectively. Also worth visiting are heritage houses and traditional markets (Deira Covered Souk, Deira Spice Souk and Gold Souk); and finally the historical town of Hatta, the outskirt of Dubai famous for its Heritage Village and Hatta Mountains.

Must-see Festivals during summer

Summer months in Dubai starts in May and ends on September. Famous festivals are outlined:

Festival of Taste - perfect for food lovers where world-class chef gather and cook different specialties around the globe; this is held at Majinat Jumeirah for one week

Dubai Summer Surprises - commonly known as "DSS" has a comical mascot, Modhesh, popular for younger generations; the 10-week festivity is divided into different themes and caters more attractive packages.

Motexha Textile Show - largest textile and clothing show featuring over 500 exhibitors showcasing at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre throughout its 30 international pavilions.

Choose your Indoor or outdoor activities

Dubai features a lot of activities to choose from:

camel or horse racing,
aerial and creek tours
desert safaris - wadi/dune driving, sand-skiing, desert feasts
fishing
golf courses
gallera ice rink
go karting
thunder bowl
and more

Delicious cuisine and nightlife

You'll start drooling upon choosing where to fill up your empty stomach. Top restaurants cater very delicious famous cuisine. You won't want to stop trying one food then another from daytime to nighttime. For party-people, bars and nightclubs accept 21-year old customers and usually close at 3 am.

Hotels

Different packages are available that should suit your budget from one-star to five-star hotels.

My tour to Dubai

"If you cannot afford to go to other places, then read!" I did not personally go to Dubai, but I happen to have friends living there. Hearing their stories, gathering information from them, aside from the net, makes me really aspire to go there someday. It's good to have online technology, you can book your travel and hotel reservation in just one click. Here are some useful sites for these:

http://www.dubai.com/
http://www.dubaitourism.ae/
http://www.dubaicityguide.com/tourism/tostay.asp
http://www.godubai.com/
http://www.iexplore.com/cityguides/United+Arab+Emirates/Dubai/Where+to+Go