The best of both east and west
by uglyscot
This is the commercial centre of the Emirates with its Duty-Free shopping. There are number of shopping malls, multiplex cinemas, as well as a golf course, yacht club and excellent restaurants.
The skyline has noticeable features in the Emirates Twin Towers, and the sail of the Burj el Arab.
A shopper's paradise, but a driver's nightmare. Everyone drives too close and too fast.After erecting so many high glass fronted buildings, the architects are turning to building more traditional buildings alongside residences th at blend with them [like at Al Badia], or areas where exotic domed 'palaces'are in the same area as a'traditional English market town 'shopping complex [as at Mirdif].
In other words, you never know what you will find in Dubai. The warm weather in the winter months when much of the northern hemisphere is suffering freezing temperatures.
The space after the polluted city that is Cairo, and where seeing the sky is a strain at times.
"sadik" or "mahfriend" comes in handy
by rachelleiris
* "sadik" or my friend (more accurately pronounced as "mahfriend" -- pronounced with one quick breath)... is what we usually call the cab drivers, salespersons or security guards. comes in handy especially if you ask for directions or prices in souks or bazaars. the word "sadik" or "mahfriend" makes them more comfortable right away, thus making it easier for them to give you directions or discounts or whatever it is that you need them for. in effect, mahfriend is equal to sadik which is also equal to best buys and good prices.
Superb & fascinating Ibn Battuta Mall
by EmilianoCV
Ibn Battuta is an impressive Mall dedicated to Ibn Battuta travels in the Middle Age.
Ibn Battuta was the Marco Polo of Orient. He visited Andalusia, Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India and China.
Indeed the Mall has 6 Courts, each of one dedicated to the six destinations of Ibn Battuta.
The decoration of each one of the Courts is exquisite.
Stylish Bar with a Magical Asian Influence
by miso80 about Ginseng -- Cocktail Bar & Lounge
My great VT guide to Dubai (aka Siddha3th) suggested we meet up at Ginseng ...and I'm quite glad he did! Located in the Wafi Pyramids, Ginseng offers upscale asian (malaysian, japanese, Thai,..) cuisine served in a swanky, Asian-inspired red, beige and black setting. This restaurant/bar/lounge will delight you from the moment you enter. From the good music to the Asian calligraphy and images represented by the murals on the walls, Ginseng will please your eyes, ears... and most important your appetite. Whether settled into the dining space, lounging on the sofas or sitting at the bar, indulge in a snack or a light meal from the delectable and shareable Asian-inspired bar menu..From small plates to large, the menu features a shared culinary adventure across Asia.
A refreshing and vibrant gathering place and a hot spot that makes things cool for locals and visitors alike. Smart Casual
Modern, clean taxis
by Durfun
The fastest way of getting around the city, especially to places not well-connected by the metro is by taxi. though most malls have a metro station beside them, the walks can be long, as is the case with Ibn Battuta mall, Dubai mall, and Mall of the Emirates.
Taxis have a flagfall rate starting at 3.00 AED, with the minimum fare being 10 AED. ~Hence, if there are 3 or 4 of you in a group a taxi can even be cheaper, as the minimum charge in the metro using a silver Nol card is 1.80 AED per person for journeys under 3 kms.
From the airport, the flagfall starts at 20 AED.
For ladies travelling alone or those concerned about safety, there are even pink taxis driven by women dressed in Arabic clothes!