Dubai is the most populous city within the United Arab Emirates and has a population of around 2.11 million welcoming around 16.7 million tourists in 2019. Dubai is known as the business and cultural hub of the Middle East with its high-rising buildings and unique tourist destinations.
Points of interest
The Dubai Fountains are set on the Burj Khalifa Lake shooting water as high as 500ft. There are around 6,600 WET Super lights which can be seen from over 20 miles away; making it the brightest spot in the Middle East. Shows are scheduled for 13:00, 13:30, 18:00 and 23:00.
Burj Al Arab is the world’s most luxurious ‘7 star’ hotel and provides a private beach, four swimming pools and a helicopter pad. Booking a room or a table in the hotel’s nine restaurants is the only way you’ll get inside. Its impressive sail like design is already a spectacular sight.
Global Village is an ideal tourist destination providing both entertainment and cultural experiences. Its main attractions include live performances, multicultural cuisine, firework displays and a theme park.
Transport information
Dubai offers many public transport options to help navigate the city. An abra is a small ferry boat, which carries around 20 people from one side of the creek to the other and has an average fare of around AED2.00 (£0.32). Their road network is the most popular form of transportation with taxis available from almost every street corner. Their public bus service has recently been extensively improved and provides a cheaper way to travel within the city. Dubai also has the world’s longest driverless metro system, which runs from 5:50 to 23:00, Monday to Friday and slightly later during the weekends.
Airport
Dubai International Airport is situated in the Al Garhoud district and is Dubai’s main airport seeing over 7000 weekly flights. There are around 140 airlines flying to over 230 destinations. The Emirates airline, which is the largest airline hub in the Middle East, is based here and handles 50% of all aircraft movement in the airport.
Airport lounges
Business Lounge: Located in terminals 1 and 3 for business class passengers only. Facilities include work stations, wireless internet, showers and a sleeping room.
First class lounge: Located in terminals 1 and 3. Facilities include an array of food and beverages, showers and a place to store luggage.
Quiet lounge: There are two quiet lounges located in terminal 1. Facilities include reclining chairs for naps between flights. The lounge also offers separate prayer rooms.
Transfer Details
Dubai International Airport provides convenient transportation to and from the airport.
Taxis – metered cab services are available from the airport and are recognised by their cream colour.
Car – multiple car rental companies are available within the airport to hire a car for the duration of your stay.
Metro – the metro operates trains every 10 minutes from the airport to stations located throughout the city.
Schools
The education system in Dubai has many levels including primary and secondary school education, which cater to a number of linguistic and cultural groups. Public schooling is compulsory and there are over 130 private schools throughout the city. Dubai is also home to the University of Dubai (UD), which specialises in Business Administration and Information Technology.
Currency
AED = Dirham
Weather
Dubai has a tropical desert climate meaning its summer months (June through to September) reach average temperatures of above 40 °C. Its winter months (January through to March) are more bearable with temperatures reaching around 30°C. Sandstorms are quite regular around late May and early June, whilst rainfall is most common in January through to February. It’s a good idea to check the latest weather conditions before you travel to the city.
Serviced apartments in the area
We highly recommend our Arjaan Dubai Media City Apartments, which provide 1, 2 and 3 bedroom properties. All kitchens are fully equipped and all apartments come with free wireless internet. Onsite amenities include a swimming pool and fitness centre. Also take a look at our 1 and 2 bedroom properties in Dusit Thani Dubai Apartments, which feature kitchenettes with laundry facilities, a wireless internet connection and a free onsite fitness centre with swimming pool. We have plenty more serviced apartments in Dubai in our portfolio so take a look to see which you like, or give us a call and we'll find the perfect fit for your needs.
