Cheap flights to Dubai depart from Manchester Airport as well as Heathrow and Gatwick near London. Dubai is very well served from the UK and is the hub for Emirates Airlines. The following cities are also served from the UK: Birmingham, Glasgow and Newcastle. Flights to Dubai arrive at Dubai International Arrival. UK citizens will be given a 30 day visa upon arrival in the United Arab Emirates. Dubai Transport taxis can be hired from the taxi rank just outside the arrival halls of each terminal building. The taxis are metered and can be recognised by their cream coloured livery. Local buses run by RTA are available from the bus stations outside all three terminals. Dubai Airport also runs special shuttle services into the city centre and to a number of hotels. The Dubai Metro operates two lines between the airport and city centre.
The RTA and Dubai Metro provide train and bus services throughout Dubai. Purchase a NOL Card before using public transport. These tickets are similar to the Oyster cards used on the London Underground and can be topped up with more credit when needed. NOL Cards can be purchased from the RTA website or from ticket offices and vending machines in bus stops and metro stations. The RTA also has a useful ‘Journey Planner’ section on their website. The Marine Transport Agency operates the Dubai Water Buses and taxis to various destinations across Dubai Creek.
Dubai doesn’t do things by halves. The Burj Khalifa - currently the tallest building in the world –towers over the rest of the city. Enjoy wonderful views over the city from the tower’s Observation Deck. Dubai also boasts the world’s largest fountain – the Dubai Fountain, which has a special light show that is put on every evening. Venture to the Bastakiya District for a peek at Dubai’s traditional architecture. Peek behind the city’s glitz and glamour at the Dubai Museum, and learn about its evolution from a poor village to one of the world’s richest metropolises.
The Gold Souk is both a tourist attraction as well as a shopping destination. Be dazzled by the plentiful amounts of the shiny metal on offer, and watch as skilful shoppers haggle for the best deal. The historic Spice Souk is also not to be missed. Large sacks of fragrant spices and herbs, as well as dried fruits and nuts are all on offer here. The Textile Souk and the Satwa district will cover all your fabric needs – pick up lustrous sari fabrics, basic cottons or some knock-off brand name scarves here. Shabestan is Dubai’s favourite Persian restaurant. The award-winning restaurant serves up traditional Persian dish, as well as fragrant deserts such as rosewater infused Iranian ice-cream. Gordon Ramsey’s Verre offers diners a choice of modern European-influenced dishes. At.mosphere, on Level 122 of the Burj Khalifa, is famous as much for its food as its stunning views. The popular Peppermint Club often brings in international DJs such as Paul Van Dyk to entertain Dubai’s partygoers.