Dubai, the country of the UAE. The best markets and restaurants in Dubai

One of the most visited places in the Arab Emirates is Dubai. Every year the country receives millions of guests, and all of them come mainly to this city. This is not surprising, because in this region there is everything that tourists need: a high level of service, numerous attractions, clear waters of the Persian Gulf, shopping centers and the hot sun.

Dubai: general information

Surely many people have heard about this city, but, unfortunately, some people still ask the following question: "Dubai is which country?" As you know, the city is part of the United Arab Emirates. It is located on the Arabian Peninsula, in the southern part of the Persian Gulf. The population of the megalopolis is about 2 million people. Local people communicate mainly in English and Arabic. Muslim laws are respected sacredly, but at the same time there is more freedom than, for example, in the emirate of Sharjah.

Historical essay

Until 1940, Dubai was a small settlement. The main occupation of local residents was to obtain pearls, which were exchanged for food. But soon the Japanese began to produce pearls artificially . This led to the fact that the need for the present has significantly decreased. In this connection, a crisis began in the region, which lasted for several years. Everything changed only after oil was discovered in these places. Since that moment, Dubai and other emirates have started to expand and flourish rapidly.

Climate of the region

The climate in this emirate is very hot, this fact should be used by everyone who is going to Dubai. The country in the summer months is literally exhausted from the heat, sometimes even in the shade the temperature can reach a mark of 50 degrees. Winters are cooler here, in January the temperature can drop to 19 degrees.

Architecture of the resort

One of the main attractions of the city can be called its hotels. Burj Al-Arab is considered the most famous of them. From the windows of its upper floors you can see the artificial Palm Islands, which became the greatest project of our millennium. The Madinat area deserves special attention, which is stylized as a romantic Venice. Here you can ride a real gondola.

In the same area is the highest skyscraper in Dubai and all over the world - Burj Khalifa, its shape resembles a stalagmite. From its top platform you can see clouds passing by. The height of the building is 828 meters (162 floors). In this grand building there are 50 elevators.

Near the skyscraper of Burj Khalifa, the highest fountain in the world is built. The height of the jets of this amazing musical structure can reach 150 meters.

Events

One of the most revered events that take place in Dubai, you can call the Dubai World Cup (horse racing). In the world of equestrian sport this event is considered very significant. In the main, only the tribal racehorses of the whole planet become members of the races. Falconry is also held in the megalopolis.

In this emirate there are many important international exhibitions and conferences. For example, the annual shopping festival in Dubai brings together representatives of almost all nationalities here. Every year in January and February the metropolis is transformed into a huge fair. More than 2000 stores offer their products at incredible discounts. In addition, at this time there are many lotteries, competitions and performances. What is worth playing rallies-royces and gold bars!

sights

In the world, probably, there is no place more colorful, than Dubai. The country perfectly combines modern technologies and ancient traditions. In the museum of Fort Al-Fahidi, you can see different strange objects of applied art of Bedouins. Unique examples of eastern architecture are the Jumeirah Mosque and Sheikh Said Palace. To the outstanding architectural monument is also the Great Mosque with the highest in the city 70-meter minaret.

To travel back a couple of centuries, it's enough to stroll along the streets of the ancient Bastakia district. The narrow narrow streets and wind towers are breathing the spirit of the past.

The history of the city is closely connected with the bay "Creek". It is a natural sea sleeve that divides Dubai into two parts. It is very interesting to observe the bustle of cargoes and unloading of ships, which are still traveling in strange ways to India and Africa. The inner extremity of the bay is now considered a reserve, where many species of birds live. The most amazing of them are flamingos, for which the bay "Creek" has become a permanent home.

Neighborhoods of the city

Skyscrapers and fountains are not all that Dubai can show you. The country on the world map looks like an unassailable and severe desert. Despite the fact that outwardly these expanses seem lifeless, here there are a large number of plants and animals. There is a lot of entertainment in the desert: jeep safaris, skiing from sand dunes and others. In the mountain range of Hatta you can admire the restored ancient irrigation canals, as well as the nearby canyons, at the bottom of which the water does not disappear all year round. The reigning peace in these places contrasts sharply with the noise of the metropolis.

Entertainment of a megacity

In the huge shopping center "Deira City" there are unique attractions for children, which include a labyrinth, a mini-golf course, bowling alleys and various electronic games.

In the city there is an indoor ski resort. Its area is 22.5 thousand square meters. (On this area you can place 3 football fields). The room can accommodate about 1.5 thousand people at the same time. While this is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East.

Incredibly, the biggest aquarium is also in this megalopolis in the huge shopping center "Dubai". Quite popular is the Dubai Zoo, which is located in Jumeirah. Here lives a huge number of animals: birds of prey, representatives of the cat family, seven species of primates, Arabian wolves and other species.

There are many golf courses in the city. In the hotel "Hatta Fort" everyone has a unique chance to play golf in a mountainous area.

Dubai Markets

Bazarov in the city is just a myriad. In the markets of Wasl and Naif you can buy great clothes for adults and children, haberdashery, inexpensive cosmetics. The Murshid bazaar is famous for its wholesale shops. Here, the products are sold for dozens and "Darzans." Acquired in Murshid mainly cloth, dried fruit, incense, household appliances - all at fairly low prices. For spices and goods for the house is to go to the Old Market and the Bazaar Mauain. Fresh seafood is offered on the Fish Market. Here in the range you can see Dubai smoking pipes and tobacco for them.

In the market of fruits and vegetables, the variety of goods is simply amazing. This is more a wholesale market, but they also release kilograms here. Gold at the rate of the International Gold Exchange can be bought on the Old and New Gold Market. The price of the product depends on its weight, but on average for a gram of this noble metal will have to pay from 11 to 15 dollars. It is interesting that a lot of jewelry on the market is intended for men.

On both sides of the bay there is the Bar-Dubai market. On this old market spices and textiles are sold. From the variety of tissues, eyes really run. Here you can choose everything from brocade to chintz, and at the most affordable prices.

Eating out

The gastronomic theme deserves special attention. Dubai is a real oasis of various eateries, fast food establishments and cafes. Restaurants in Dubai can boast not only culinary masterpieces, but also a truly incredible original design.

In the metropolis there is a unique revolving restaurant Al Dawaar. It is located on the 25th floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Every two hours the establishment makes a complete turn around its axis. It has beautiful views of the city, the harbor, the airport and the golf course. The restaurant is designed in a classical style. The menu Al Dawaar presents dishes of various cuisines: Japanese, Arab, European, Asian. The menu card has alcoholic beverages, however, their cost is higher than in other establishments in Dubai.

The Trader Vic's restaurant is decorated in a Polynesian style and is housed in the Crown Plaza Hotel. The place is famous for the amazing cuisine of the southern seas and a bar with exotic cocktails. But it is worth noting that the prices here are very high. However, in the restaurant there are so-called happy hours - from 18.00 to 20.00 for cocktails are given a discount of 50%.

In Dubai, there is a Mexican restaurant Cactus Cantina. The institution is preparing Almost all dishes of Mexican cuisine and a variety of cocktails. Great popularity is also enjoyed by the Italian restaurant Venezia, which is located in the Venetian quarter. The prices here are acceptable.

An incredible combination of American classics and the modern East can be contemplated in the Hard Rock Cafe. In the menu you can see mostly American dishes, a large selection of strong drinks and beer. In the evenings, a rock band often performs at the institution.

Do I need a visa in the UAE?

Recently, the Arab Emirates slightly relaxed the conditions for crossing the border. But, unfortunately, for Russians and other citizens of the post-Soviet space a visa to Dubai will still be needed. To obtain a visa for an adult, you need such documents:

• Passport (its validity period is more than half a year after the end of the trip);
• Scanned color copy of the first page of the passport;
• One photo card.

For children, you need a color photocopy of the passport page of the parent, where there is a record of the child. All documents can be submitted electronically. Permission is also given in the electronic version, and at the airport in Dubai will need to provide a copy of it. The time limit for visa processing usually does not exceed 5 days.

Nuances

It is worth mentioning some difficulties that may arise before those who issue a visa to Dubai. The country may refuse to issue an entry permit without explaining the reasons and without returning the cost of processing the documents. As a rule, young girls who plan to visit a country unaccompanied by men, or citizens whose passport is stamped by Israel, can get a refusal. In addition, a visa to Dubai is not issued to tourists under the age of twenty-two if they plan to enter the country without accompanying adults, since in the UAE adulthood comes only after reaching this age.

A visa to the UAE can be one-time, it is issued for up to 59 days, but only 29 days are allowed for it in the country. It can be renewed by paying an additional visa fee. If a foreigner has an invitation from a local resident, then you can stay in the state for not more than 90 days.

After all of the above, we hope that no one else will have a question: "Dubai - which country?". In addition, you also now know that this city is a real modern miracle of the Light. Successful travel!