2 For 1 Deals
by chizz
The Entertainer is a good book to have for 2 for 1 deals here in Dubai. It's packed with coupons for deals in restaurants, spas, leisure activities (such as desert safaris, Big Bus Tour, Wild Wadi, Ski Dubai, etc.) It is priced at 250AED for the main Entertainer book, 150AED for the Fine Dining book, and 195AED for The Body book. You usually make back the cost of the book after using 2 or 3 coupons! Also, if you are holidaying in Dubai, they do small booklets of the coupons for 49 dirhams (price for 2007). I used the Entertainment and Leisure booklet for seeing the main sights when my mum came to visit and saved loads (especially as the Big Bus is 175 dirhams pp on it's own!). Books and booklets are available in Spinneys supermarkets, African & Eastern outlets, Magrudy's bookstore, etc. They also do specific discount books on their own such as for Fine Dining, etc.
(ALL PRICES AS OF AUGUST 2008)
Behaviour towards Arabic women
by JessH
Here are a few pointers on the mentality & religious aspects of dealing with Arabic women (and men):
> Women can shake an Arabic woman's hand, but men should not attempt this. The lady may offer to shake hands, do so, but leave the decision up to her as many Muslim ladies do not want to be touched by other men in even the most harmless manner. Vice-versa, some Arabic men will refuse shaking hands with a Western woman. Do not feel offended by this.
> Do not take pictures of Arabic ladies. They can get quite upset about this (this one applies especially to you ladies: if you are in the washrooms, at a ladies-beach or beauty salon where they uncover themselves - they don't want pictures of themselves shown to other men)
> Beware of the mighty Abaya!
The Abaya is the black dress the ladies wear. The head scarf is called Shehla. Some ladies also wear a face-mask, called a Burka. Many ladies (especially the older generation) think the abaya gives them special rights & will quite happily step onto the road, trusting that traffic will stop for her! Also, some local ladies will try to push ahead in a queue.
> Men, please note that institutions such as banks, exchange houses, etc. often have Ladies Sections, where women can sit seperately & have their own queue. Do not sit or stand there, or you will be asked to move by a security guard. If there is no ladies queue, you will notice that the counter clerks will usually call the woman forward to be served first, and men should let her pass. (one of the few reasons I like this country; going to the bank only takes me 5 min!)
> When meeting an Arabic man, men should not ask: "how is your wife?". This may be perceived as intrusive. Rather ask "how is your family?". Women may ask about the wife with no problems.
In general, you will notice that Muslim society is cleary gender-seperated.
Book about cross-cultural considerations in the Gulf is "Don't they know it's Friday?" by Jeremy Williams.
GITEX, the most awaited IT Exhibition
by Rinjani
GITEX.
GITEX is an IT exhibition to show the growth of the IT industry with the latest technology from international IT suppliers.
GITEX is usually take place in two locations. World Trade Center and Airport expo Dubai. World Trade Center is location for most of international suppliers and manufactures to display and present their latest technology. And if you are not keen to IT latest news, but fancy to use their latest product…..(err….read: shopping), go to airport area. The event usually offers the good prices during the exhibition season. Also, the good bargain is usually spread out to almost all electronic shops in Dubai. So fellow, it’s time to shop your latest gadget dream.
For visitors, there is entrance fee. You can register online, then collect your ID badge and pay the entrance fee in the registration section.
Check the event time, schedule and venue at website
http://www.gitex.com
IT Gadget Lover, this is your place!!
by Rinjani about Al Ain Center
Al Ain Center located in Bur Dubai. It situated near the Ramada Hotel. Here, You can find brands of computer and also software. Mostly computer, laptop, software, etc.
The best time to purchase computer and all the IT support is when GITEX season
, IT exhibition in Middle East. (Check the site http://www.gitex.com)
Usually the price is slightly lower for all electronic goods including computer and laptop. IT Lover, you will love it!! Cash and credit card
Boats plying the Dubai Creek
by cochinjew
Plying at the demand of the customers, these descendants of ancient arab crafts now with modern motors, ply between one side of the creek to the other. Just half a dirham ( about 15 cents usd). very pleasant way to travel. Mostly men travelling, since the country is mostly men ( I would dare say over 70% of the population is male ). Gliding past modern buildings, an odd mosque or two . I sat with many other fortune seekers to this arab land, as the sun set over the creek, with this boat gently going from one coast to the other. My best experience in the 12 hour lay over in Dubai
Sunset behind Burj Al Arab
Dubai Marina Yacht Club
Teppanyaki table at Toshi
The Fish Basket restaurant - Dubai
