THINGS TO DO IN DUBAI

In terms of tourism and travel, Dubai is well established and ahead of many other cities in the region. There are over 7million visitors to Dubai each year and that is set to double by 2010. The mix of visitors is roughly 60% leisure and 40% business which is a good indication that there are plenty of activities to keep you occupied during your stay at Villa Masbah.

Dubai is not just all about modern high rise buildings such as the Burj Al-Arab hotel, the new Burj Dubai, which is the tallest building in the world or even the residential developments such as The Palms and The World, it is also about taking time to enjoy yourself and indulge in leisure activities of tours, sports, theatre, dining out, relaxing on the beach or just plain old shopping. Dubai has it all.

The rich history of Dubai along with the more recent architecture provides superb sightseeing opportunities for everyone. The heritage and culture of Dubai is firmly routed in the Islamic traditions of The Gulf. Local citizens dress in traditional robes and head dresses. Arabic culture and folklore find expressions in poetry, dancing, songs and traditional art. But, there is also modern theatre and pop concerts along with art galleries.

Traditional sports such as falconry, camel racing, horse racing and dhow racing continue to thrive along with the modern sports of golf, football, tennis, motor racing and power boat racing to name but a few.

The number of historic buildings and sites around Dubai such as the Dubai Museum, Sheikh Saeed’s House, Al-Amadiyah School, Bait Al-Wakeel and the Bastakiya all offer a glimpse of a bygone era.

Shopping, a favourite pastime in Dubai, everything you could wish for. From the old markets or souks to the most up to date mall with their designers shops. Of course there is the Dubai Shopping Festival held every year, and lasting a month, something not to miss.

Dining and nightlife in Dubai is something to behold, there is food for every taste and from street vendor food selling shwarma (Arabic donner kebab) to 5* hotel cuisine. Nightlife in Dubai varies from pubs, bars and nightclubs. Things tend to liven up from 9 pm onwards.

Of course there are many companies in Dubai that offer an array of tours and excursions and these are a good way to see Dubai, however, many visitors prefer to find their own way about with the use of a good guide book.

If you are feeling a bit more adventurous then there is hot air ballooning, para-sailing, go carting, snow skiing, skydiving, sand boarding, polo, horse riding, the list goes on and on.

Alternatively, just going to the beach and soaking up the sun, could be what you are looking for