Dubai Favorites

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Favorite thing: Dubai always seems to be playing catch-up to the world's biggest cities. Bigger, better, faster, higher. Never mind that it's probably left most of its mentor cities in the dust when it comes to sheer pace of development. But it's a constant endeavour anyway - world's tallest skyscraper, world's largest man-made islands, world's highest flag pole. Yalla! This tendency is on full view at Sheikh Zayed Road, the city's prominent street.

Adorned by towering buildings on either side, SZ Road is a page straight out New York's Manhattan chapter. Residential addresses, a clutch of 5-star hotels, business towers all jostle for space alongside immaculately sculpted lawns and a crazier-than-hell 8-lane highway.

There's a lot of nightlife on offer amidst all the multinational offices, setting up a work to play ethic. Almost all of Dubai seems to converge in the mother-of-all traffic jams here nightly between 6-8. Time enough for you to get out of your cab, grab a couple of drinks, and crash back into the passenger seat - having missed not a thing.

Favorite thing: This is an extremely brand-obsessed city. But you probably already knew that. Any place touting itself as the 'City of Gold' can't really be too shy about wearing its materialistic heart on its sleeve, now can it? From clothes to cars to mobile phones to what school you want to be sending your kids to - the 'Name' is the end-all and be-all driving factor behind most things.

This branded tunnel-vision is probably most responsible for enveloping the city in a surreal Disneyland-meets-Las Vegas type bubble, where superficiality reigns supreme - a double layer of cream atop the stunningly assembled, saccharine sweet cake.

It can all start to get real tedious real quick, so always have an escape route at the ready. Like with most good things, you need to dig beneath the glittering surface to encounter the city's far more interesting stories and characters. I'd draw you a map, but this is one trip you probably need to be taking on your own... :)

Favorite thing: Its true that Dubai is located in the middle of desert but still it has got many parks and green spots, the following are some of them :-)

Al Mumzar Beach Park
Location: In Deira, north of Al Hamriya Port in Al Mumzar Residential Area.
Telephone : 2966201
Timings: Fri/Tues 8 am -11 pm - Wed/Thur 08 am - 11:30 pm (Wednesday is for family only)
Features: Full beach facilities in addition to over 100 chalets rented out on a daily basis and swiming pool, large green area, swimming pool, in-park transport system, cafeteria etc.Fees/Dhs: 5 Per Person and by Car Dhs 30.Large chalet 200 Dhs,small chalet 150 Dhs
Email/Web: www.dm.gov.ae

Children's City
Location: Located in Bur Dubai, entrance from Creekside Park Gate No. 1
Telephone : 3340808
Timings: Sat/Thurs 9 am - 08:30pm, Fri 3 pm- 8:30 pm
Features: Throughout the buliding there are gift shops,cafes,first aid room, prayer room,28 touch screen, 121 computers, 220 exhibits and more.Fees Dhs: Fees/Dhs: 15 Per Adult & 10 Per child (Family:2adult / 2children :40 Dhs)
Email/Web: childcity@dm.gov.ae www.childrencity.ae

Creekside Park
Location: Located in Bur Dubai, between Al Maktoum and Al Gharoud Bridge
Telephone : 3367633
Timings: Fri/Tues 8 am -11 pm - Wed/Thurs 08 am - 11:30 pm.
Features: The park is designed in a modern style, combining both architectural and natural designs, recreational facilities, Cable Car, Ice World, Restaurants etc. Fees Dhs: 5 Per Adult/child
Email/Web: www.dm.gov.ae

Dubai Zoo
Location: Located in Bur Dubai, on Jumeirah Beach Road
Telephone : 3496444
Timings: 10 am - 5:00 pm except Tuesday
Features: It is a small zoo featuring a variety of birds, reptiles, and mammals including endemic Arabian species and exotic ones like the endangered royal Bengal tiger, and the beautiful axis deer and other animals.Fees Dhs:Fees: 2 Dhs for both Adult/child
Email/Web: makhan@dm.gov.ae

Fondest memory: Jumeirah Beach Park
Location: Located in Bur Dubai, on Jumeirah Beach Road
Telephone : 3492555
Timings: Fri/Tues 8am -11pm -Wed/Thurs 8am - 11:30pm (Monday For Ladies & Children only)
Features: Full beach facilities with round-the-clock lifeguard service, desert garden, children's playground, barbecue areas, Sports Facilities area, and a helipad.Fees Dhs: Entrance fee Dhs.20 per Car, 5 Dhs. per person.
Email/Web: www.dm.gov.ae

Jumeirah Open Beach Park
Location: Located on Jumeirah Beach on a one km. long area.
Telephone : 3443379
Timings: Sat/Fri -all the time
Features: Children Games,Volleyball Court,
Email/Web: www.dm.gov.ae

Mushrif Park
Location: Located in Deira, on Al Awir road, past the Dubai International Airport
Telephone : 2883624
Timings: Fri/Tues 8am -11pm - Wed/Thurs 8am - 11:30pm
Features: "World Village", Ladies/Men swimming pool, merry-go-round, miniature train.Fees Dhs 3 per person, Dhs.10 for cars, Swimming fee Dhs.10 for adults, 5 Dhs. for children
Email/Web: www.dm.gov.ae

Safa Park
Location: Located in Bur Dubai, Between the 2nd interchange on Shk. Zayed and Al Wasl Road
Telephone : 3492111
Timings: Fri/Tues 8am -11pm - Wed/Thurs 8am - 11:30pm
Features: A Mini-City complete with small scale roads, traffic lights and signs for the children. Also, a lake with fountain, waterfall and boating facilities.Fees/Dhs: 3 per person
Email/Web: www.dm.gov.ae

Favorite thing: When travelling to another country its much better to have the contact detail of the embassy/consulate of your native country with you, even have it handy in case. Hopefully you wouldn't need it and will leave U.A.E with good memories :-)
Embassies & Consulates in Dubai
All numbers in this list are Dubai area code prefix (04).
If dialling from abroad prefix the number with country code +971-4-consulate number
Sudan, Consulate of
P.O.Box : 19575
Telephone : 2637555
Fax : 2637080
Email : sudancon@emirates.net.ae www.sudan.net

Sultanate of Oman Office
P.O.Box : 1898
Telephone : 3971000
Fax : 3977688
Email : general@ocodubai.com www.ocodubai.com

Switzerland, Consulate of
P.O.Box : 9300
Telephone : 3290999
Fax : 3313679
Email : vertretung@dai.rep.admin.ch www.swissbcuae.com

Syria, Consulate General of
P.O.Box : 7801
Telephone : 2663354
Fax : 2653393
Email : syrian-con-dubai@hotmail.com

Taiwan, Commercial Office of Republic of China
P.O.Box : 3059
Telephone : 3977888
Fax : 3977644
Email : corocdxb@emirates.net.ae www.boca.gov.tw

Turkish Consulate General
P.O.Box : 9221
Telephone : 3314788
Fax : 3317317
Email : tcdubkon@emirates.net.ae

United States of America, Consulate General of
P.O.Box : 9343
Telephone : 3116000
Fax : 3116166
Email : www.usembabu.gov.ae

Uzbekistan, Consulate General of the Republic of
P.O.Box : 53432
Telephone : 3947400
Fax : 06 5725322
Email : -

Vietnam, Consulate General of
P.O.Box : 11457
Telephone : 3988924
Fax : 3988624
Email : vnconsul@emirates.net.ae

Yemen, Consulate of the Republic of
P.O.Box : 1947
Telephone : 3970131
Fax : 3972901
Email : -

Fondest memory: Dubai is a small friendly city to all tourists and visitors in the middle of Arabia :-)

Favorite thing: When travelling to another country its much better to have the contact detail of the embassy/consulate of your native country with you, even have it handy in case. Hopefully you wouldn't need it and will leave U.A.E with good memories :-)
Embassies & Consulates in Dubai
All numbers in this list are Dubai area code prefix (04).
If dialling from abroad prefix the number with country code +971-4-consulate number

Qatar, Consulate General of
P.O.Box : 1877
Telephone : 3982888
Fax : 3983555
Email : qatar98@emirates.net.ae

Romania, Consulate General of
P.O.Box : 73765
Telephone : 3940580
Fax : 3940992
Email : romcons@emirates.net.ae

Royal Danish Consulate
P.O.Box : 2988
Telephone : 3480877
Fax : 3480899
Email : dtcdubai@emirates.net.ae www.dkdubai.dk

Royal Netherlands Consulate
P.O.Box : 7726
Telephone : 3528700
Fax : 3510502
Email : nlgovdba@emirates.net.ae www.netherlands.ae

Royal Norwegian Consulate
P.O.Box : 8612
Telephone : 3533833
Fax : 3533915
Email : -

Royal Thai Consulate General
P.O.Box : 51844
Telephone : 3492863
Fax : 3490932
Email : thaidub@emirates.net.ae www.mfa.go.th

Russian Consulate
P.O.Box : 39229
Telephone : 2231272
Fax : 2231585
Email : conspred@emirates.net.ae

Saudi Arabia, Royal Consulate General of
P.O.Box : 1876
Telephone : 3979188
Fax : 3979614
Email : -

Singapore, Consulate General of the Republic of
P.O.Box : 15144
Telephone : 3353770
Fax : 3353771
Email : ie_spore@emirates.net.ae

Somalia, Consulate General of
P.O.Box : 63993
Telephone : 2958282
Fax : 2957570
Email : -

South Africa, Consulate of
P.O.Box : 34800
Telephone : 3975222
Fax : 3979602
Email : sacons@emirates.net.ae www.southafrica.ae

Sri Lanka, Consulate General of
P.O.Box : 51528
Telephone : 3986279
Fax : 3984687
Email : slcondxb@emirates.net.ae www.srilankaconsul.org.ae

Fondest memory: Dubai is a small friendly city in the middle of Arabia :-)

Favorite thing: When travelling to another country its much better to have the contact detail of the embassy/consulate of your native country with you, even have it handy in case. Hopefully you wouldn't need it and will leave U.A.E with good memories :-)
Embassies & Consulates in Dubai
All numbers in this list are Dubai area code prefix (04).
If dialling from abroad prefix the number with country code +971-4-consulate number

Iran, Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of
P.O.Box : 2832
Telephone : 3444717
Fax : 3449499
Email : iranconc@emirates.net.ae www.iranconcul.org.ae

Italy, Consulate General of
P.O.Box : 9250
Telephone : 3314167
Fax : 3317469
Email : consulit@emirates.net.ae www.italian-embassy.org.ae

Japan, Consulate General of
P.O.Box : 9336
Telephone : 3319191
Fax : 3319292
Email : cgjapan@emirates.net.ae

Jordan, Consulate General of the Hashemite Kingdom of
P.O.Box : 2787
Telephone : 3970500
Fax : 3971675
Email : jorcnslt@emirates.net.ae

Kazakhstan, Consulate General of
P.O.Box : 14180
Telephone : 2242462
Fax : 2242482
Email : kzconuae@emirates.net.ae www.kz-consulate.ae

Kuwait, Consulate General of the State of
P.O.Box : 806
Telephone : 3978000
Fax : 3977707
Email : kuwaity@emirates.net.ae

Lebanon, Consulate General of
P.O.Box : 7800
Telephone : 3977450
Fax : 3977431
Email : lebconsd@emirates.net.ae www.lebconsd.org

Libyan Consulate
P.O.Box : 33577
Telephone : 3973972
Fax : 3970092
Email : libyacon@emirates.net.ae

New Zealand Consulate
P.O.Box : 23156
Telephone : 3317500
Fax : 3317501
Email : evelyn.mcnally@nzte.govt.nz www.nzte.govt.nz

Pakistan, Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of
P.O.Box : 340
Telephone : 3973600
Fax : 3971975
Email : parepdub@emirates.net.ae www.pakistan.gov.pk

Palestine, Consulate General of the State of
P.O.Box : 22132
Telephone : 3972020
Fax : 3970070
Email : falasteencons@hotmail.com falasteencons@yahoo.com

Email : pancondb@emirates.net.ae

Fondest memory: Panama, Consulate General of
P.O.Box : 2121
Telephone : 3372538
Fax : 3372641

Dubai is vety friendly to all :-)

Favorite thing: With each passing day, project and monumental skyscraper - the divisions between old and new Dubai get noticeably more marked. It's like being in two different cities really, and with the onset of time, you get the feeling that never the 'twain shall meet. Old Dubai - characterized by its crowded streets, abra rides, graced by the ever graceful creek is almost a parallel universe away from New Dubai - all gleaming towers reaching into the sky, freehold properties for expats willing to finally call Dubai home, amidst the general principle that bigger, bolder and more ridiculous necessarily equals best.

This is not a sermon for old vs. new. Nor is it a rant against rich vs. poor. It's just that the gleaming facade of Dubai seems desperate and destined to wash away all remnants of any remaining character whatsoever. It's becoming a rich man's playground, with all the vacousness such a hurriedly coveted tag brings. Glide by the city on a Friday morning or better, really late at night. When you won't be swamped by traffic and awful radio. See which of the 2 Dubai's you seem more drawn to. See which of the 2 cities you'd prefer your story to be told in.

Favorite thing: United Emirates including Dubai and Abu Dhabi is a great place to visit, but you must choose your time to go. For example now (October) is Ramadam, which is a religious time of year lasting for 30 days, in 2007 it will come forward by approximatly 15 days, entertainment and Alcohol is restricted and in some places banned during Ramadam. I have seen a tour operators advertising cheap holidays to destinations including the UAE withour mentioning this fact. Would be holiday makers wanting to come to Dubai have also fallen for the adverts offering cheaper accomodation in Sharjah, which is only a few miles away, beware traffic is notorious between these two places, can take 1 or more hours in peak periods a $US40 fare each way is not unusual. Cheaper holidays area also available during the high Summer months, you may be able to stand the heat but the Humidity is unbearable at certain times, be sure to check the relevent information regarding temperatures. 5 star hotel food is great but rather expensive, the local eateries are fantastic, Indian, Pakistani, Fillipino, Thai, Korean, if you are prepared to sit with the local and expats with basic chairs and tables then go for it, i have eaten in most of the places in Dubai, 7star to no star, my favorite is the Indian Thaley with hot nan bread served on a steel dish with many compartments you will be forced fed for approximatly $US3 (AED 8) most of the places have dishes like this. Visit one of the 5 Star hotels and try their International Buffett, fantastic value, great food, all for approximatly $US 45. You will find that hotel accomodation is good value, many to choose from at different prices to suit all pockets, a 3 star Hotel in the UAE is at least equivilant to a 4 star London hotel and a lot cheaper. Finally make sure you have a reservation before you travell to the UAE, at certain times they have exhibitions and trade seminars, hotels get full to overflowing, beware. PS: Dont miss Wild Wadi Dubai - look it up.

Fondest memory: My first fondest memory of Dubai is having Sundowners with my mates, my second fondest memory of Dubai is having more Sundowners with my mates!