Dubai Lifestyle and Dubai Attractions

Cosmopolitan City

Dubai is a bustling centre of excellence, recognized as the commercial capital and tourism centre of the region, and one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. It is a city of contrasts, where outstanding modern architecture and soaring skyscrapers stand alongside traditional Arabic buildings and suburban villas. Dubai's many and varied attractions provide visitors with a unique experience. Choose between clean, peaceful sandy beaches, towering sand dunes, barren rocky-mountains, velvety, green, PGA-standard golf courses, fascinating winding roads, brand new shopping malls, ancient Arabic forts and modern five star hotels, condo hotels and condominium residences. Timeless majesty of the desert contrasts with a spectacular nightlife of restaurants and nightclubs. The city has a strong service-driven economy, offering every business amenity from banking to telecommunications. International trading and industrialization are encouraged by the provision of seaports and specialist free trade zones. Recent projects, such as Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City, are bringing 21st century technology and communication to Dubai in the world's first Free Zone dedicated to e-business. In October 2003, Dubai was voted safest holiday destination in the world by Cond� Nast Traveller magazine, which boasts of a readership of two million high-spending, well-traveled individuals. Dubai bagged the award � for the second year in a row � ahead of cities such as Stockholm, Bangkok, Madrid, Las Vegas and Berlin. This global acclaim is a new addition to our achievements. Dubai is a destination of choice for business and leisure travelers around the world. Dubai hotel establishments played host to over 4.76 million guests in 2002, a 31.15 percent increase compared with the previous year. The first quarter of 2003 witnessed a 5.15 per cent increase in visitors to Dubai compared to the corresponding period. Dubai real estate is considered by many to be one of best property investments available in the world. More than a shopping stopover or a beach holiday, Dubai is a phenomenon, a Muslim, Arab society reinventing itself with all the ethnic diversity, economic energy, and architectural ambition of early 20th-century Los Angeles, Manhattan, and Chicago. Burj Al Arab is the hotel aficionado�s Mount Everest, wrote the magazine. The population of Dubai is estimated at around 1,204,000 people. Dubai is made up of more than 130 nationalities, bringing a richly cosmopolitan character to the city. Owning a Dubai condo or condo hotel will provide you with residency to U.A.E. along with an unparalleled lifestyle.

Activities and Attractions

Dubai offers a multitude of attractions for visitors. From the majesty of the desert and its surrounding mountains to five-star hotels and beaches and from original old houses complete with wind towers to modern, high-tech buildings and shopping malls, there�s something for everyone. International businesses are attracted by Dubai�s cosmopolitan approach, while visitors enjoy the relaxed, luxurious lifestyle. Followers of sport appreciate the many world-class events held here such as the Rugby 7s, the Desert Classic golf tournament, ATP and WTA Tennis Championships and the Dubai World Cup - the richest horse race in the world. A comprehensive list of annual events is available in the International Events section. On Dubai�s historic Creek you can see numerous dhows that still sail to and trade with other countries. You can join the activity on the Creek by taking one of the many abras (water taxis) that constantly carry residents from market to market. Alternatively, you can rent an abra for your own private Creek tour and marvel at the contrast of old and modern buildings along the waterfront. At the far end of the Creek, past Garhoud Bridge, is a wildlife sanctuary that houses thousands of migrating birds including the Greater Flamingoes, which can be seen at most times of the year. For a more exhilarating mode of transport, rent a jet ski near Garhoud Bridge and see the sun setting near the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. Jet skis can also be rented at many of the beachfront hotels. For a slower pace, visit Creekside Park with its beautiful landscaped gardens and scenic foliage, or walk along the Corniche promenade on the Deira side of the Creek towards Maktoum Bridge. We offer many Dubai properties next to the many activities and attractions of Dubai. Real estate investors and those seeking to experience the Dubai lifestyle will find spectacular properties including Dubai condos, villas and condo hotels in the choicest locations from DubaiCondoProperty.com.

Dubai Shopping Festival

The annual Dubai Shopping Festival extravaganza has rapidly become an internationally-known event, with thousands of bargains, prize draws, shows, promotions and some of the world's lowest prices. A whole area of Dubai is dedicated to the Global Village where stands from several different countries sell local handicrafts, clothes, food and pottery. This festival is one of many events that draws tourists and new residents to this magnificent city. These events help to market the city, drawing even more tourists and new residents all pushing towards a skyward movement in the Dubai real estate market.

Dubai Summer Surprises

Thousands of tourists, mainly from the Gulf region, come to Dubai during the summer months. Hotels and restaurants have great offers and deals, while daily activities for children take place in most shopping malls.

Areas of Historical Interest

Bastakiya

Catch a glimpse of old Dubai by wandering through the Bastakiya district. The narrow lanes and traditional courtyard houses with cooling wind towers give a fascinating insight into traditional life.

Dubai Museum

The museum is housed in Al Fahidi Fort, which once guarded the city's landward approaches. Built around 1787 it has served as a palace, garrison and prison. In 1970 it was converted to an innovative and imaginatively designed museum that depicts Dubai�s history by showing how people lived during pre-oil days. The areas depicting typical scenes from traditional Arabian houses, schools and mosques as well as the spice souqs and people at work offer sounds and smells, as well as the visual delights. The desert and the animals that inhabit it are presented in an interactive way that is fun for both adults and children. A huge room is dedicated to marine life and the activities of the pearl divers.

Dubai Mosques

One of the largest and most beautiful of Dubai's numerous mosques is Jumeirah Mosque, a spectacular example of modern Islamic architecture. The mosque is built of stone in medieval Fatimid tradition with twin minarets and a majestic dome. It stands as a city landmark and is worth visiting, especially at night when it is fully illuminated.

The Grand Mosque near the Ruler's Court in Bur Dubai boasts the city's tallest minaret at 70 meters. The Grand Mosque has 45 small domes in addition to nine large ones, making it a dominant landmark and place of worship.

Heritage & Diving Villages

Go back in time and experience some of Dubai's heritage. The heritage village located near the mouth of the Creek has potters and weavers working on their crafts, along with dancers, Arabic restaurants and many other traditional pursuits.

Dubai Zoo

The zoo in Jumeirah houses a variety of imported animals alongside indigenous Arabian species, including the Arabian Wolf, which is no longer found in the wild. Regional birds of prey can be found in the large aviary.

Wonderland

This unique amusement and water park near the Garhoud bridge is set in 18-hectares of land. It features water rides, speed slides, a roller coaster and a power cart track. It also has a water mist show and water cinema, with videos projected onto a thin film of water.

Magic Planet

This children's entertainment centre in the Deira City Centre shopping mall is a unique indoor site with fairground rides ten-pin bowling, a variety of electronic games and even a mini pitch and putt.

Encounter Zone

Situated in Wafi shopping mall Encounter Zone houses a number of rides and games as well as the Crystal Maze horror chamber, exciting 3-D films, a roller coaster simulator and the Komet ride which shoots around tracks at the top of the building.

Wild Wadi

Next to the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, this 12-acre water park combines thrilling rides, a surf area, a wave pool and many more water activities for all ages. The park is themed in the style of Sinbad and ancient Arabia, set in a created wadi setting.

Parks and Picnic Areas

Numerous public parks and gardens around Dubai offer a peaceful respite from urban life. Popular with families, they offer attractive picnic spots and children's play areas with a variety of entertainment facilities. The largest of the city's parks are Jumeirah Beach Park, Dubai Creekside Park, Mushrif Park, Al Mamzar Park and Safa Park.

Eating Out

Dubai's restaurants provide cuisine of every nationality possible, ranging from typical Arabic food, European, Indian to Far Eastern and American - the list is endless. Whether it's fine dining or fast food you want, Dubai has an outstanding choice of restaurants to choose from. Almost all of the condo residencies and condo hotels that we offer have several restaurants and cafes inside. Local and Arabic food is available in the ritziest hotels to the humblest caf�s. Locally caught seafood is plentiful and the quality is unbeatable. Only restaurants in hotels, condo hotels and leisure complexes are licensed to sell alcoholic beverages. There are numerous international fast food chains such as McDonalds, Burger King, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Hut, Round Table Pizza and Pizza Corner. Theme restaurants such as TGI Friday's, Planet Hollywood, Hard Rock Caf� and Henry J Bean's can also be found around the city. These western names provide a sense of home and comfort to many westerners and helps to promote new real estate investors and non residents to purchase Dubai property.

Nightlife

Dubai has a lively after-dark scene. The young at heart can dance the night away at numerous nightclubs around the city where popular DJs keep the music flowing. There are also Middle Eastern, Indian, Filipino and Asian nightclubs where singers and dancers perform regularly. Major international entertainers come to Dubai regularly while theatre groups sometimes perform here as part of their world tour. Major dance groups from Europe and Asia and ballet and opera companies from around the world are regular visitors to the Emirates, as are a stream of international comedians. Cirque Du Soliel has also just signed on to perform a show in Dubai.

Emirates plays host to many international events including:

ATP and WTA Tennis Championships
Dubai Desert Classic Golf Tournament
Dubai Desert Classic (rally driving in the desert) in February
Emirates World Series Racing Championship (EWSRC)
The Dubai World Cup
Emirates Grand Prix Powerboat Race in November
Dubai Airshow in November
The Dubai Rugby 7s in November/December
Dubai Shopping Festival
Dubai Summer Surprises June - August

Shopping

Dubai has earned an international reputation for the excellent quality and variety of its shopping, whether in the traditional stores, condo apartment buildings or condo hotels, or in the ultra-modern, air-conditioned shopping malls.

Bargain hunters head for the stores, where haggling is a tradition. A labyrinth of narrow winding alleys on the Deira side of the Creek houses the spice and gold stores. Near the spice store you will be greeted by the pungent and heady aromas of Arabia, tempting you to buy bargain spices, perfumes, incense and foodstuffs from around the region. Further along be prepared to be dazzled by the window displays of rings, bangles, necklaces and jewels in the gold store. Bargaining with the shopkeepers is expected.

Close by is the antique market where you can buy brass coffee pots, Arabian chests, daggers, Bedu jewelry and carvings at excellent prices. If you're interested in buying textiles or silk, head for Cosmos Lane in Bur Dubai or the streets of Satwa, where numerous shops sell a vast array of colorful fabrics. For a genteel experience of an old style store, visit the the Madinat Store at the opposite end of Dubai along the beach road and housed within the Madinat Jumeirah hotel complex. Here the traditional winding streets and old buildings have been recreated to provide an atmospheric shopping experience � with modern air conditioning.

Carpets from the Gulf, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan can be bought from traders throughout Dubai. In Deira Towers shopping mall, there is a carpet store where prices are very competitive and bargaining is expected. For electronic goods head for Al Fahidi Street in Bur Dubai where the streets are lined with electronics shops. Further out from the city centre, you will find a bargain or two in Karama, renowned for its numerous cheap and cheerful shops selling sportswear, household items, toys, clothes, souvenirs and fashion accessories. For a different type of shopping experience, head for one of the many modern shopping malls offering the best of the world's goods at duty-free prices. Free of tax, many top brand-name products are cheaper in Dubai than in the countries of their origin. Whether you want to buy fashion items, cosmetics, jewelry, electronics or CDs, you are sure to find a bargain in Dubai. All of the Dubai properties that we offer are nearby the top shopping hubs and malls.

Sports

The warm waters of the Persian Gulf are ideal for sailing, windsurfing, water-skiing, fishing, snorkeling or scuba diving. Many of the beach hotels, Dubai condo residencies, condo hotels and specialized beach clubs offer facilities for water sports and lessons. Alternatively, use your own equipment on one of the many stretches of public beaches. On land there are numerous sports you can play or enjoy as a spectator. There are range of sports clubs and local competitors for children right up to competitive adult level, e.g. rugby, soccer, ice-hockey, shooting, go-kart, racing, netball, scuba diving, cycling and many more. In fact, most sports are catered to the diversity of nationalities and interest�s that make up Dubai�s population. Dubai also prides itself on having championship golf courses and annually hosts the Dubai Desert Classic, attracting many of the world�s best players including Tiger Woods and Ernie Els. The five main grass courses are the Emirates Golf Club on the edge of the city, which boasts two 18-hole courses, complete with water hazards and daunting bunkers; the Montgomery, another high quality international course also on the edge of the city; Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club championship course close to the centre of the city, with water hazards, cunning dog-legs and a nine-hole par-three floodlit course; Nad Al Sheba Club, only 10 minutes from the city centre, and the Middle East's only floodlit 18-hole course. For views over the Gulf, Jebel Ali Hotel and Golf Resort has a nine-hole course, while the Arabian Ranches offers an authentic desert course. If skiing is your sport try sand-skiing in the desert using a snowboard. Trips can be arranged by Arabian Adventures. Also try go-carting, ice-skating, archery, target shooting, bowling, tennis or off-road driving to name just some of the many activities on offer in Dubai. We offer many properties, both condos and condo hotels in Dubai Sports City, Dubailand. Dubai Sports City, will be an entire section of Dubai dedicated to sports and is sure to put Dubai over the top as the premier sporting destination.