Saturday, June 19, 2010

Transportation in Dubai

When you are going on vacation to different country probably you would like to know a little bit about transportation system. In your Dubai vacations you will use different kind of transportation. And there is some information you need to know.
High-speed mode in the UAE is controlled by automatic radar with cameras, so to argue with the traffic police is useless. The speed limit is 60 km / h in city and 120 km / h on highways.
Fee-parking in some cities, they are usually found only in the very center, in the narrow streets. Parking fee is 2 DHS per hour.
An interesting feature of the country is almost complete ban on hitch-hiking within the city limits and the suburbs. Standing on the roadside to stop a lift not only prohibited the SDA, but is an administrative violation. If the fault had voted an accident occurs, especially on the freeway, he read automatically awarded imprisonment for several months. At the same time for the local train stop, when he, of course, succeeded, to pay: free local drivers almost nobody ride.
Despite the excellent roads, driving in the UAE has some unpleasant features.
Local drivers ignore other road users, routinely violate even the most basic traffic rules, speeding does not give priority to pedestrians and so on.
The most common form of transport - a taxi. In the municipal taxi fare is paid by the meter. Also operate machine in white with the inscription Emirates Taxi. A trip to these taxis will cost passengers in 1,5-2 times more expensive than usual: they have a meter, which will have to pay depending on mileage, also paid very fact of landing.
Landing at different times of day is 2-3 DHS ($ 0,7), and every 900 meters on the meter - 1 DHS ($ 0,3).
The UAE has a lot of private companies, machines which differ in different body color, uniforms of drivers and service levels, so stop is only for cars with distinctive signs taxi.
The vehicles "privateers" to sit down is not recommended, especially for women.
In private taxi on the cost of travel should agree in advance and bargaining is appropriate.
Taxis, park near the hotel, usually have higher rates than were stopped on the street.
Bus service is developed quite weak. The largest transport company UAE Dubai Transport provides bus service between Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Buses follow every hour. It is extremely difficult to find the exact transport timetables, in addition, the buses always late, or even canceled.
An alternative to conventional buses are the shuttle (service) taxi, departing passengers as required. Car hire is widespread enough, the procedure for registration of vehicles is simple. However, it is valid only for persons over 21 years. You must have a driver's license and credit cards (many agencies charge and will take cash, but will require a deposit of not less than $ 300 and a passport as collateral).
Motor insurance is mandatory. Minimum rental period - 24 hours. Rent at the airport, usually more expensive than in urban locations. Rent a car very simple class, for example, Toyota-Echo, will cost $ 45-50 a day.
Despite the fact that during the British protectorate was built line linking Dubai with Abu Dhabi is currently no train in the UAE is not.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Popular entertainment in Dubai

During your Dubai vacations you will have an opportunity to try a new but already popular entertainment in the UAE - skiing on the sand, the rally car in the desert.
Diving in Fujairah, with its sandy beaches and mountain capes - one of the best places for diving.
The most popular festival in the country - the annual Dubai Shopping Festival (January - February), the largest in the world. During the festival hosts many entertainment events, fireworks, show, grand lottery, racing and bull-fighting, as well as providing substantial discounts on products and services. From Dubai Summer surprises of the festival (late June - August), a "Week of Wonders", numerous contests and concerts, as well as indispensable lottery.
A lot of exhibitions and seminars focused on business tourism, such as the International Exhibition and Conference for Investments and Real Estate (March), International Education Exhibition (April), The Middle East Exhibition of international fashion, accessories and leather goods and garments Middle East Exhibition (April) International Spring Fair and the International Middle East Exhibition for Tourism (May), International Trade Fair for Perfumery, cosmetics and body care products (September), the International Furniture and Interior Design Exhibition and Sports (October), an exhibition of computers and peripherals GITEX (the largest in the Middle East, October), International Trade Fair for Consumer Goods (timed to coincide with Ramadan), International Trade Fair for breeding and Airshow (December), and others. Each of them is usually accompanied by a whole set of colorful shows and performances.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Dubai cousine

As for any vacation you probably would be wondering what kind of food will you have in country you are going to visit. For your Dubai vacation you will have many choices of food.
The UAE uses traditional and nearly uniform for the Arab cuisine, influenced by the particular climatic and religious characteristics of the region.
In your Dubai vacations you will discover that Muslims do not eat pork, the meat dishes are used, basically, beef, goat, veal, poultry, fish and eggs.
The meat is often fried on a hot skillet without fat, which gives it a special taste. Worth trying lamb with rice and nuts - Gouzee, kebab, tikka, traditional Arabic "shavermu (shaurma, shavarma), lamb chops with herbs, kustileta", a famous kebab of marinated lamb or beef - "kebab" lamb "shish-kebab, meat with spices and rice makbus", a traditional kebab of minced meat "jacket", fried meat balls, Kebbi, roast meats, mesh-mushakkal ", a kind of pizza" Rice ", stuffed with young mutton, pepper and many others, not less original dishes.

Very popular dishes of poultry - chicken stewed with tomato, chicken for a couple of "Al Mundy" with honey, meat, chicken casserole with "haris" (often the case with beef), rice with chunks of stewed chicken, biryani, Ajaj, kebab chicken "tikka-dadzhadzh, acute chicken" Judge tannuri ", a very revered in the east of quail meat" Samman ", etc.
As a garnish for dishes such uses rice and salad with fresh vegetables.
In large quantities, while use of various spices and seasonings. An important place on the table and take the thick meat soup with beans and rice, peas, potatoes, capers, etc.
The meal is often accompanied by cakes made of coarse flour and meat "KUBBA" or small triangular pies "sambusa with vegetables -" Khoudary, cheese - "dzhabna, meat -" lyahma or spinach - sabeneh. Broadest way using vegetables and herbs - pasta khomus (hummus), hommos bi-Tajin, wheat or corn porridge "burgul, stuffed zucchini" kurzhety, vegetable salad with Arabic bread "fatush" Eggplant " mutabbal "," tabbulya "- a dish of wheat and finely chopped green cabbage (dolma), grape leaves, Uarach-Anab, soaked white peas" Dahna "rice in various combinations, as well as marinated and pickled vegetables and seasonings. In large quantities are consumed meals from fermented milk products, especially cheese, as well as fish and seafood - "biryani-Samak, a kind of risotto with fish" makbus-Samak, grouper, Hamuro, "Sultan Ibrahim" (sultan or red mullet), "Shaari," Zubaidi, various crustaceans, and even sharks. Fish is traditionally prepared solely on coal.
Very good local desserts - milk pudding "Umm Ali" with raisins and nuts, sweet cheesecake with cream "al-asaya" (or "al-shed"), pudding with pistachios "mehallyabiya", "baklava", donuts and honey "ligemat", "sherbet", a kind of Arabic dessert asyda ", etc. A special kind of meal - coffee. This is the traditional drink for the conversation, and a special art, which neglect in the Arab world is not worth it.
You will find on your Dubai vacations that coffee is prepared on-site, no machines are not recognized in principle, and is poured from traditional coffeepots "Dalla" in small bowls. Varieties of this drink a great many, but the most popular traditional black varieties, as well as light and Arabian coffee with cardamom.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Dubai history


When we go to different places, we would like to know more about history of that place. And this is not different about Dubai vacations, you would like to know a little bit about Dubai history.
On the banks of Dubai Creek found traces of Bronze Age settlements belonging to the 3 millennium BC, as well as a whole at the Emirates the first humans appeared, according to scientists 7 thousand years ago.

Ancient inhabitants engaged in hunting and fishing. Valuable export commodity for many centuries was copper. Some scholars tend to identify the area Emirates and Oman, with an enigmatic country Magan, rich in copper, which tell Mesopotamian cuneiform tablets.

Mention of the land Magan suddenly stopped at the end of the 2 nd millennium BC Perhaps this is due to start to use iron instead of bronze for weapons. However, Magan is mentioned as a place with fertile lands, where transported to other countries, vegetables and cane. Therefore, it is possible that the mysterious disappearance of the name on the map due to climate change and the encroachment of the desert. After a long decline of a huge empire of Alexander the Great united the Mediterranean world and the East, gave new impetus to trade.

In 622, the local tribes voluntarily accepted Islam. But 10 years later, after the death of the Prophet Muhammad, some of them rebelled. Center for the rebels was Dibba, located on the east coast of the emirate of Fujairah. It happened last battle apostates and followers of the Prophet, after which the whole of Arabia was Muslim.

After the formation of 750, the Abbasid caliphate in Baghdad, the importance of the Gulf ports again increased. With the weakening of central authority in Baghdad, local residents feel more desire for independence and therefore has 8-in. AD in the Gulf appear independent and semi-autonomous sheikhdoms and sultanates.

In 1498 the Portuguese had discovered the sea route to India, the appearance in local waters, the Europeans led to solknoveniyam with local sailors. Under the pretext of protection of seafarers has taken a punitive expedition, plundered and burned the major ports, naeslenie fled into the country.

In 1600, the British East India Company forced the Portuguese to withdraw from the Gulf.

In 1820, between the sheikhs and the British coast of the armistice was signed at the six-month period in the pearling season.

In 1853 a treaty was signed on a permanent peace on the sea between the rulers of the principalities located on the territory of the UAE.

The search for oil began in 1920. But found it was only in the late 50's.

In 1969, Britain announced a withdrawal from the shores of the Gulf, and soon the region's political map has acquired new - the present - shape.

United Arab Emirates consists of seven separate emirates: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ajman, Ras-sl-Khaimah, Umm Al-Kuveyn. United Arab Emirates, a land of ancient history, rich culture and traditional hospitality. Traditional Arab culture evolved over the centuries, but there are noticeable and the influence of European culture. This is due to the fact that the population engaged in mainly shipping. UAE exists as a unified state for about three decades (in 1971 the former British colony gained independence).

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Attractions in Dubai


Before going on your Dubai vacations you probably would like to know more about different places, you would like to visit.
The main property of the UAE - is the bright sun 360 days a year and the warm clear water, breathtaking scenery of the desert to the oases and the zones of red sand, quiet wadis (dry river mouths) and many-dunes, rocky peaks of the array Al Hadzhars, numerous key lakes of volcanic origin, and fantastic color palette of stones.
Coral reefs Cor Faka famous flora and fauna of the underwater world, and the Persian Gulf coast is famous for its golden sands and excellent water clarity. Hotels on the beach offers visitors swimming pools and well appointed accommodations beaches, equipped with all necessary. In the city of Dubai - the old Arab buildings Bastakiya area, Dubai Museum of History (Fort Al Fahidi), Jumeirah Mosque, Sheikh Saeed's Palace, the Historical Museum and Village, Dubai Zoo - the best in the Middle East, Wanderland - one of the largest water parks in Asia.
Dubai Hatta - mountain resort, geographically belonging to the Emirate of Dubai, located in the heart Hadzharskogo mountain range, is a picturesque place, surrounded by palm trees and small farms. The mountain air, clear lakes and majestic cliffs. Once a year, Dubai has become the venue for the world's largest shopping festival, which attracts more than 2 million visitors. Ajman: Ajman Museum, located in the fort, built in the late 18 th century until the end of 1970 is the residence of the Emir. His collection includes: a collection of archaeological finds, ancient manuscripts, weapons, refurbished rooms and a traditional Arab market.
Dubai vacations


The emirate of Ras al-Khaimah (the area of 1700 square meters. Km.): The ancient city Yulfar (Julphar) - a thriving center of trade in the past, pearls, hot springs Hutt, attracting visitors over the last several centuries, Digdaga - the largest old city of Ras Al-Khaimah, the emirate's Museum (a huge military fort) with traditional household items, jewelry, archaeological finds, the oldest of which dates from the first millennium BC. Oe. Umm al-Quwain ('source of strength'): Falazh Al Mu'ala - huge palm garden, surrounded by high dunes, water park 'Drimlend', with an artificial volcano height of 18 meters with imitation fire, lighting effects, numerous water attractions.

The modern city of Fujairah, with wide and spacious streets, stretched along the coast. The city is decorated with numerous fountains, sculptural compositions with traditional Arab motifs. The centuries-old forts bit and Fujairah were closed only recently. Meredzha, which is a 'museum treasure United Arab Emirates', the oldest district of Sharjah emirate - one of the largest in the Middle East, King Faisal mosque, accommodating up to 3,000 worshipers, numerous museums and exhibitions, beaches Khalid lagoon. Top-most: Hotel 'Arab Tower' in Dubai (Burj al-Arab) - the world's highest hotel (altitude 321 meters).

Monday, June 14, 2010

Political system in Dubai

For your Dubai vacation will be good idea to know a little about a political system.
The political system - Federation of the Emirates (Emirate Al-Arabiya Al-Muttahida), which includes Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah (Al Fujairah) Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al-Quwain (Umm al- -Quwain).

Head of state - president, elected by the Federal National Council (Supreme Council) of the number of monarchs Emirates (emirs) for a period of 5 years.

Legislative power is vested in the Supreme and the Presidential Council.

Each emirate has its own while the government and the relevant administrative bodies, as the supreme authority in the emirate is inherited.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Currency in Dubai

If you are going to have Dubai vacations, you need to know what currency is used in Dubai.
Dirham (international designation - AED, within the country - DHS), equal to 100 fils (FLS).

Currently in use are coins of 25 and 50 fils and bank notes in 5 (orange), 10 (green), 50 (purple), 100 (red), 200 (brown), 500 (blue) and 1000 denominations.

They are also use coins of lower denominations - 1 dirham, 10, 5 and 1 fils as well as more expensive collection, but they commonly are very rare or virtually do not occur.

Banks are open from 8.00 to 12.00-13.00 Saturday to Thursday, Friday - day off.

Exchange offices in Dubai work from 8.00 to 19.00-20.00 with a break for lunch.

During you Dubai vacations You can exchange money at most banks, as well as in specialized exchange offices and private exchange bureaus.

More favorable exchange rate used in relation to the denominations of $ 100 in small bills rate is noticeably lower.

In the vast majority of retail outlets to freely accept U.S. Dollars, but the rate of conversion may not be the best. All the more common credit card world's leading systems, although in the province pay them is problematic. Travel checks are accepted at most large banks.