After visiting the most contemporary cities in the world in all 6 continents (like New York, Toronto, Sao Paolo, Buenos Aires, Beijing, Hong Kong, Tokyo, New Delhi, Melbourne, Sidney, we decided, in the end of April, 2014, to travel to the Middle East - United Arab Emirates (UAE). They are located along the Persian Gulf. Founded in December 1972 by Sheikh Zayed they consist of 7 city-emirates. Total Area of UAE is 82,880 sq.km. Total population is 2,562,212 people (2008).Only 16% are Muslim local Arabs. Another 84% are Indians and Pakistani, Arabs and Africans from North East coast of Africa, Europeans and Americans, making business here. The richest and most powerful of Emirates are Dubai and Abu Dhabi. We had escorted tour with car and Driver - Sheer (Pakistani) and very competent and friendly guide Hossam - Egyptian. They both were speaking good English... They met us at the Airport of Dubai, delivered us to the Hotel - Landmark Riqqa, located in the Business district of Beira. With their help we saw everything most interested in Dubai and Abu Dhabi:
1. Burj Al
Arab Hotel, located on small artificial Island closed (280 m) to the Jumeirah
Beach, connected by a private curving bridge. The shape of the structure is
designed to mimic the sail of a ship, 322 m. high, 60 floors, 203 rooms, 18 elevators. It's
referred "the world's only 7-Star hotel". The fourth
tallest hotel in the world. Completed Dec.1999. Cost USD $650 millions.
2. The Birj
Dubai Skyscraper (Burj Khalifa Tower) is 818 m. high, 162 floors. Armani
Hotel occupies the lower 37 floors, floors
45 through 108 are private apartments, and the 123rd floor is an observatory
for visitors, to get a full view of the entire city. Top 38 stories are Government of Dubai property. Completed Jan. 2010. Cost USD $8 billion (12.3 times more than Burj
Al Arab Hotel).
3. Jumeirah
Mosque is a significant landmark in Dubai city. It is the largest and most
beautiful mosque among the more than 1,000 mosques in the city. Build by yellow-white
stone is a splendid example of modern Islamic architecture. Situated on
Jumeirah Road, across from the Palm Strip Shopping Center.
(By the way we listened in the hotel room every morning and every evening the
cries of the nearest mosque 'Hodge" for service.
4. Palm
Islands are two artificial islands in Dubai in the shape of palm trees, topped
with a crescent. Theу are
named Palm Jumeirah and Palm Jebel Ali. The two islands comprise approximately
100.000 cubic meters (3,500,000 cu ft) of rock and sand. On theе Twoо Island are over 100 luxury hotels,
residential beach-side villas and apartments, marinas, water theme parks,
restaurants, shopping malls, sport facilities and health spas.
5. Atlantis is a giant castle at the top of Palm
Jumeirah. This enormous resort boats a fantastic water park, an aquarium, a
dolphin habitat and several kilometers of private beach.
6.
Jumeirah Beach Hotel is set on the shores of the Arabian Gulf and builds in the
shape of braking wave. It has 600 rooms, his private beach and six swimming
pools. In adjacent is Wild Wadi Water Park, to which guests have unlimited
access.
7.
Dubai Soaks are 10, spread around all city, but more interested for tourists
are in Deira, where was our hotel and we visited them by foot the last morning,
we had free. Number one in the world is Deira Gold Soak - gold, silver and
gems. Prices are competitive. Dealers come from around the globe, mainly Persia
(Iran), India, Pakistan. Deira spice Soak is a sensory delight. You can buy all kind of spices like cloves, cardamom
and cinnamon. Iranian saffron is good value too, we only bought some grams more
like souvenir. Deira Perfume Soaq sells heavy exotic scents like jasmine, oath, amber and rose and
mix scents. Deira Coved Soaq feels more Indian, than Arabic - textile,
spices, kitchenware and clothes.
8.
Dhow Dinner Cruise aboard a traditional decorated Wooden Dhow Cruise as it
sails along the creek of Dubai at moon light. All boats are decorated with multicolored
lights. Buffet dinner, both continental and oriental, with a background Arab
music and oriental dances. Excellent choices of soft drinks. All alcoholic
beverages are prohibited out of Western hotels restaurants and bars.
9.
Full Day Abu Dhabi Tour includes: the world 3rd biggest Mosque, the so-called
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. It consists the largest carpet in the world and the
biggest mosque chandelier. The unique the world most luxurious hotel Emirates
Palace - USD $5,000 per night. The
Heritage Village, which houses a small museum showing the traditional daily old
nomad activities. Lunch in one of the most prestigious Arabic food restaurant
in Abu Dhabi, built as a Barasti Palm House. The last stop at the so
called Ferrari World, the exposition of the last models Ferrari cars and
engines, and the world biggest indoor themed-park, with more than 22 rides and
simulators and
the world fastest Roller-Coaster, sliding down with a speed of 240 km/h ( 160
mls/h). Abu Dhabi is the federal
capital and the center of government in the UAE. With the population of under
1,5 million only 420,000 are citizens in the Emirate, each has an average net
worth of 17 million!...
10.
Desert Safari Trip with Dinner includes: Pick up in the after-noon with a luxury SUV 4x4 (Toyota Land
Cruiser), proceed to the meeting point where the tires get deflated for less
pressure. The
trills of bashing the dunes up and down, with a very exciting unforgettable
experience. Drive in no direction recall the old past days of the Nomads and
find more about those harsh conditions of the Arabian Desert Rube Alkhali,
which the Bedouins proudly overcame. Before the night entertainment in the
Bedouin-like camp ride the camel and take a picture with Falcon and local Arab
hunter. Enjoy the Arabic Dinner with background of "belly Dances" of
pretty Bedouin female dancers. Unforgettable Desert adventures!....
.