Travel Guide–Dubai United Arab Emirates

A relatively new tourist destination, Dubai was gaining popularity in recent years until the global economic crash of 2008. Dubai is essentially a desert city with superb infrastructure, liberal policies (by regional standards), that became popular for its excellent tourist amenities.

Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, is a non-profit community service organization that has been set up to bring down barriers between people of different nationalities, and to help understand the traditions, customs and religion of the UAE. The SMCCU, under the banner, Open Doors Open Minds organizes educational and social events, that allows its clients to exchange ideas, pursue learning and share ways to reach understanding for their companies, their families, their countries and the world. Some of the activities that are offered at the center include:

• Cultural Courses.
• Arabic Language Courses.
• Guided tours to Jumeirah Mosque.
• Creating and managing cultural events.
• Coffee Mornings.
• Walking Tours (Bastakiya).

If you are walking through the streets, you will most probably come across people wanting to sell you pirated movies or anything else that can be replicated or faked. They will tend to lead you off the streets into a alley and into a building. This can seem to be very dangerous but you will find that 90 percent of the time it will be what they actually claim it to be. This is done because they have to hide from the police. Also, don't take very much money with you, otherwise they will ask for all the money you have. A typical pirated DVD should cost about 10-15 dirhams, although purchasing pirated DVDs should be avoided as, not only is it illegal and with most crimes in Dubai they are very punishable, the DVD will probably be of very poor quality.

Religious services and Pork

Dubai gives freedom of religion to its residents and citizens, Pork is consumed here mostly by Filipinos and Europeans. Pork sections exclusive for Non-Muslims are found in Spinneys (have numerous branches, they have one in Jumeirah and another in Dubai Marina and many others), Al Maya Lal's (generally caters to Filipinos, they have a branch in Satwa) New Westzone Supermarket (have a branch in Satwa, it's bigger than nearby rival Al Maya Lal's). St. Mary's Catholic Church is a Roman Catholic church located in Oud Metha opposite the Indian High School, it has masses celebrated in Tagalog and other Indian languages as well as in Arabic aside from English. While Holy Trinity Church is a Protestant Church is located too in Oud Metha.

Consulates

Australia, Level 25, Bur Juman Business Tower, Khalifa Bin Zayed Road, ☎ +971 4-5087100 (info@austrade.gov.au, fax: +971 4-3551547),

China, Villa No. 14, St 8, Community 357, Umm Al Sheif St, Safa 2 Area, ☎ +971 4-3944733 (chinaconsul_db_ae@mfa.gov.cn, fax: +971 4-3952207)

Egypt, Al Hamariya, Khaled Ibn Al-Walid Street, ☎ +971-4-3971122 (consulate.dubai@mfa.gov.eg, fax: +971-4-3971033), Sunday-Thursday 9:00 AM - 15:00 PM.

India, Al Hamariya, Diplomatic Enclave, Bur Dubai, ☎ +971.4.3971222 (cgidubai@eim.ae).

Iran, Iranian Consulate Bldg 256, Al Wasl St, Jumairah Area, ☎ +971 4 344 4717. 

Pakistan, Near Burjuman, opp. Iranian School, Khalid Bin Walid Rd, ☎ +971-4-3973600.

Phlippines, 35 Beirut St. Ext. No. 2,Al Qusais 3, ☎ + 971 4 2207100 (pcgdxb@pcgdubai.ae, fax: + 971 4 2207800),

United States, Dubai World Trade Center, ☎ +971 4-311-6000 (dubaivisaenquiry@state.gov),

Hotels Dubai - Hotels - Discount Rates for all Hotels in Dubai-United Arab Emirates

	Ramada Downtown Dubai Deluxe Suites Area: Down Town Burj Dubai / Business Bay Very Good 7.9
	Atlantis The Palm Dubai Area: Palm Jumeirah Fantastic 8.8
	Arjaan by Rotana – Dubai Media City Area: Media City / Internet City Fantastic 8.1
	Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport Hotel Area: Dubai International Airport Very Good 7.7
	Amwaj Rotana Jumeirah Beach Area: Dubai Marina Fantastic 8.7

Hotels Popular right now in Dubai United Arab Emirates

	Carlton Tower Hotel Baniyas Street
	City Seasons Hotel Port Saeed Al Maktoum Street
	Eureka Hotel Al Rigga Road
	London Suites Hotel Oud Metha Street, Jadaf