Also Read: 48 Hours Layover in Dubai
Dubai tops the shopping chart destinations when it comes to Christmas shopping weekend away. Dubai extravagant lifestyle, modern architecture, world-class malls, an endless variety of apparels, accessories, electronics, and other things related to fashion and entertainment on offer, Dubai has soon become the new epitomized destination of the world. There would be Private Dhow charter special tour packages and discounted flight tickets available during this festive season due to the intense demand of traveling to Dubai. Along with the Christmas and New Year celebrations, Dubai would host the annual Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF 2018) in December 2017 that comes with loads of deals, discounts, promotions, and unlimited fun and entertainment. If you book your package early, you give yourself the best chance to lay your hands on the best price on offer and fascinating discounts. Undoubtedly a shopper’s paradise, kids Disneyland, food fiesta for the foodies, an art lover’s horizon, and the grandest cosmopolitan cultural mix. The DSF runs for over a month; there are several shopping malls, general retail stores, markets, and entertainment venues participating in the DSF. They not only surprise you with the variety on display, but also the prices on offer. Not only that, you get to participate in competitions, prizes, and raffles lucky draw to carry back home equivalent or more gold & jewelry, electronics, vehicles, souvenirs, and much more. An excellent opportunity to place your hands on multiple offers running on fashion, electronics, textiles, carpets, spices, furniture, toys, vehicles, jewelry, and dining. You can also grab and taste delicious, diverse multi-cuisines housed under one roof in the Global Village, one of the critical components of the DSF. The amusement parks and entertainment venues also give you jaw-dropping discounts and offer during this period. Some global artists and bands perform live concerts and shows at various places during this extravaganza. Get ready to participate in one of the biggest shopping extravaganzas on the planet in the next couple of months. You will probably never see the City of Gold being lit all over in a fabulous festive mood, with cheerful and vibrant festivity vibes all over the Dubai city. Dubai tourism is going a step forward with this month-long festival, as it welcomes enthusiastic shoppers and visitors from across the globe. There is an excitement booming among the people as they are preparing to be part of this colorful festival. Witness Dubai never like before in this festive season. The DSF has something in store across all age groups and matches all tastes from different parts of the world. The tourists and visitors would feel like these decorations and festivities are made exclusively for them. What are still you waiting for? Book your tour today and spend a fabulous holiday covering the best of Dubai. Talk to our travel experts today and enter the land of dreams and enlightenment.Things to do in Dubai Marina
The heart of Dubai beats through towering architecture, upscale malls, high-class apartments, blue beaches, attractive waterfronts, high-plain desert and cultural dynamism. The one-stop destination to measure these factors is the Dubai Marina. With its unparalleled luxury, range of activities from cruising to skydiving, and strategic location, the region is a must place to visit, either you are in the emirate for a 10-hour layout or spending an entire vacation. This is a manmade canal city, which is influenced and inspired by the Concord Pacific Place of Vancouver, and boasts a highly coveted lifestyle. Built along the Persian Gulf coast, it stretches to two miles and once the development is complete, it will accommodate more than 120,000 people in residential towers and villas. Here are the best activities to do that will give you the real essence of Dubai Marina-1.Have a romantic dinner on Dhow Cruise Marina
Carved out of the traditional boats (dhow), this modern restaurant floating on the waterbody is awe-inspiring. Dhow Cruise Marina features two floors, the lower deck is modern glass covered houseboat, while the upper deck lets you breathe in the open air. Both decks offer breathtaking views of the environment and you will come across the brilliant towers and structures of Dubai Marina, including Dubai Marina residences, Villas of the Palm, Burj Al Arab Hotel, Cyan Towers, and multiple 5-star hotels, beaches and more. You are greeted with welcome drinks and dates. As you are unfolding the luxuries of the Marina one by one, you are served the international buffet with a variety of cuisine and refreshments coupled with live entertainment.2.Ride on the RIB Speedboat
What amazing way to explore the Marina neighbourhood than the speedboat! The yacht club from where the boat starts is lined with beautiful yachts. It is a 90-minute fun-filled and action-packed sightseeing tour with an expert commentary that would enlighten you with the jaw-dropping Dubai Marina skyline. Dotted with high-rise, super-tall, uniquely-designed buildings, be ready to be surprised with the excellent views from the Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis The Palm to villas and palaces. Get your camera out of the bag to snap the Instagrammable pictures.3.Shop at Dubai Marina Mall
Dubai Marina Mall is a leisure and all-in-one shopping mall. Its waterfront location, high-end brand stores, numerous food outlets, and entertainment zones will keep you busy for a long time. Across four levels of the structure, you will find 130 outlets, and premium chain stores like Tommy Hilfiger, Nine West and Cos, Giordano, Miss Selfridge and many more. It is called the perfect family destination for its six-screen Reel Cinemas, a wide array of restaurants from Japenese to Continental, and kids will love Gymboree, Mamas & Papas, Mothercare, Adams Kids, Destination Maternity and Early Learning Centre.4.Stroll on the Dubai Marina Walk
One of the other ways to admire the glory of Dubai Marina is to spend time at Marina Walk. The 7 km long pedestrian will take your entire day as the pathway is lined by 305 outlets, 69 restaurants and some outstanding architectures of the world. The Jumeirah Beach offers scenic views against the Arabian Gulf. The weekends then see the public shows and events of which you can have the firsthand experience. Later visit the Covent Garden Market for shopping the latest fashion trends, handmade jewellery and artisan-created souvenirs. At night, the opulence of the city is accentuated by the illumination.5.Enjoy the adventurous sports
Forget simply strolling or swimming in Dubai Marina, but there are also adventurous sports that would challenge your guts. Here are the highlights-- The longest urban zip line in 2017 was opened in the Marina and there was no stopping from then. The daring travellers from different corners of the world flocked to experience this. At 170m, it connects one of the JBR’s Amwaj Towers to the waterway of Marina Mall and runs at 80kms/hr.
- Not for the faint-hearted, skydiving over Palm Jumeirah is exceptional. You get to free fall from the top that rushes your adrenaline.
- Get drench in the JBR beach with jet skiing and flyboarding.
- Go cycling through pavement and tacks, or Street Workout Park.
6.Dine with a view at top restaurants
Amongst many luxurious buildings are the alfresco dining options, there are cafes with delicious gourmet dishes, rooftop dining with fresh air and panoramic views, and casual outlets for weekend hangouts. The dishes are like heaven in your mouth, such as lamb ribs, bread pudding, Pita Falafel, Paneer Naan, Butter Chicken, Choco Banana and more. To satiate your hunger pangs, the best picks of restaurants are Pier 7, Bateel Cafe, Simon Rimmer, Brothaus Bakery, Operation Falafel and Kebab Grill 44.7.Party at Zero Gravity Club
Dubai is par belief, and Zero Gravity is following its foot trails. It is the place with high spirits and zeal. It is the ultimate spot for couples, youngsters and clubbers who want to gather and chill, slurp drinks, gobble multi-cuisine, swim in the pools, sunbathe at the beach, and laze at the lounges.8.Unwind at a spa
When you are done exploring the Marina, escape to the world of serenity and tranquillity at a spa. The spa rooms are well-equipped and maintained to provide you with the utmost relaxation. The masseur is an expert who is trained to loosen your body with the right pressure and stretch. There is a dedicated space for wellness that contains steam room, sauna and thermal pools to provide everything from full body massage to facial. The pampering treatment will keep you ready for more fun. Dubai has a reputation for being extravagant, so splurging out is common. And while thinking of budget activities could be challenging, we have found the FREE stuff to do:- Easen and stretch out with free yoga at Karma Yoga.
- Bask in the sun at the poolside of Barasti.
- Check out the unusual street art adorning buildings, parking and pillars at Marina Walk.
1.What is dhow?
The traditional selling vessel which once played a crucial role in boosting Dubai’s economy through mandate trade is the dhow cruise. Today, you see transformed and modernised restaurants floating on the river, decorated with lights and styled in vintage. Formerly, in the pre-oil period, this was a part of the pearl farming and fishing in the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. They have been brought through generations and constructed in a very manual way, which makes it an exclusive tour. A dhow is divided into two floors. The lower one is the air-conditioned deck that has window glasses and the travellers can sit in luxury glancing at the royal outlook. Or hop on to the upper deck which is open-air and more intimate to the world around. It has a capacity of 200 guests.2.Why you should choose the dhow cruise?
Firstly, it is an off-road activity and somewhere we all are excited to be a part of something ‘not ordinary’. It is a beautiful composition of a cruise made out of woods in this such a technologically advanced era. Also, after a long day, shopping around, playing games and going on crazy rides, let the city pamper you in peace. Experience the unmatched hospitality (of what Dubai is famous for) accompanied by enchanting sightseeing. This activity is more like leisure to shed off the stress and end the day on a relaxing note. It was never easy to throw a romantic surprise or celebration before!3.What is the price of a dhow cruise in Dubai?
Dhow cruises are very famous and the price varies according to what kind you select. From royal dhow cruise to half-day dhow cruise, the choices have varying itineraries.- From AED 106 (2010 INR)-AED 69 (1308 INR), book the Dhow Cruise Dinner-Creek.
- From AED 155 (2940 INR)-AED 101 (1916 INR), book the Dhow Cruise Dinner – Marina.
Dhow Cruise Itinerary
Dhow usually begins the engine on the time, it can be minutely affected due to weather and in the month of Ramadan. So, reach on the schedule and settle down at your preferred deck.- You are bestowed with welcome drinks, coffee, tea, dates and more.
- As the ship sails, the buffet opens for the people to give a treat to the taste buds. The top chefs prepare the meal and you get customised options of delicacies. It is a 3-course meal cooked under the 5-star hotel standards. To make it an extravaganza affair, you can devour in both the food and views at the comfort of the table, either in the air-conditioned indoor setting or the rooftop dining.
- While sailing, different old-styled and revolutionary structures deck the fringes of Creek and Marina respectively.
- Since now you are impressed by the architectural feat of Dubai, it is time to unfold the art side. Spending a few hours on the cruise is full of surprises and entertainment. Revel in the live events of Tanoura, magic show and puppet show. There are also a couple of traditional singing galas that will add to the moment as the smell of spices waft by from the spice souk, or the poised Burj Al Arab makes your jaw drop.
4.Types of Dhow Cruise in Dubai
1.Dubai Cruise Creek
Duration: 2 hours Starting Time : 18:15 Creek has its own charm. Tucked in the old part of Dubai, the region offers you a spectacle of what the emirate looked in the ancient years. The bustling old areas of Deira and Bur Dubai that wings out on either side of the creek are speckled with ancient monuments and shopping areas. There are several very well-preserved heritage buildings that will turn your head again and again. As you reach the location, the river lining the creek is an attractive spot in itself. The dhow manages to leave the first-timers awe-struck and gasped. Set in the boat and as it sails, the chapters of history start unfurling. Some landmarks include-- Dubai National Bank
- Dubai Chamber of Commerce
- Gold & Spice Souks
- Grand Mosque
- Old Boat Fort
- Sheikh Saeed’s house
- Sheikh Rashid’s birthplace
- Al Diwan
- Heritage Village
2.Dubai Cruise Marina
Duration: 3 hours Starting Time : 19:15 Dubai Marina is a posh area and an authentic replication of the innovation and prosperity that the city boasts. Dotted with upscale restaurants, lavish malls, ingenious architecture, high-end apartments, mega-resorts and other luxurious facilities, it is one hell of a tourist place. And the best way to discover everything there is to reserve your dhow cruise in Marina. It is magical in the night and promises to leave a strong impact on your vacation diary. In a Venice-like canal, with an incredible milieu, the dhow leaves the dock from the Dubai Marina Yacht Club. The major places that you get a look through, are-- Dubai Marina Residences
- Villas of the Palm
- Multiple 5-star hotels
- Cyan Towers
- Atlantis Hotel
- Burj Al Arab Hotel
- Rolex Twin Towers
- Dubai Marina Mall
- Bridges
- Beach resorts
5.Dhow Cruise Creek Vs Dhow Cruise Marina
It is evident that the Creek is delightful yet has limited attractions on display while Marina is on roll for two miles from the start to the end. It is breathtaking and lets you see the real, present and futuristic Dubai. The ambience is different, on one side where the Creek has the hustle and bustle of ports and trams, the Marina is laid-back, full of fun and enjoyment. Needless to say, the Marina is expensive to that of the Creek. It’s time to select your dhow cruise and unwind in style.1.Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is not only the capital of the country but also the largest Emirate of the UAE. Although it is not as popular as Dubai, it would be surprising to know that Abu Dhabi is also the richest Emirate and the financial capital of the country. Here are some of the most important places that you can visit in Abu Dhabi.Why not try something out of the ordinary?
Imagine you and your partner flying high (some 4,000 feet) on the hot air balloon amidst the open, red striking sky with a neat flow of breeze and you take out the ring box, isn’t it breathtaking? This is just the trailer. After all, everything is possible in Dubai. Sunset views, silky beaches and iconic buildings- Dubai loves to treat the couples! We surely don’t want you to look back and regret, “Had I gone insane to propose her the old school way when I could blow magic in the amazing spots around Dubai?” And so, keeping aside all the typical cliches like the Eiffel Tower in Paris or a trip to Venice in Italy, here we have compiled the exceptionally fabulous places in Dubai to spellbind your partner in love with you and make the perfect moment to ask her, “Will you marry me?” Discover the best collection from restaurants to beaches and from budget to blowout in Dubai-1.Take romance to luxury heights : Dhow Cruise Dubai
This luxurious cruise features private deck for the couple to spend the precious quality time. While the Dhow cruise sails on the glittering sea around the applauding landscape of Dubai, and its grand skyscraper, there is a lavish dining facility. Plus there are live entertainers that serenade the duo. Everything seems more beautiful when a soothing song plays in the backdrop and this is the classic moment to take the knees and pop the question.Romantic Restaurants in Dubai
The classic romantic candlelight dinner can never go out of style. So whatever might be the occasion, be it a proposal date or your anniversary, there is surely nothing more romantic than taking your beloved to a restaurant, which not only offers great food but also an amourous ambience. Dubai is a city where you would find several restaurants that are perfect for a romantic rendezvous. If you are holidaying in Dubai or are new to the city, here is a list of some of the best restaurant for a romantic private dinner in Dubai.
1.Pierchic
Perched on a wooden pier, overlooking the Arabian Gulf, the Pierchic surely looks like a dream. The restaurant which is located in front of the Madinat Jumeirah Complex is classy and offers an incredible view. This is also the place where you can get the best view of the Burj Al Arab. You would be able to feel the romance in the air right from the time you walk hand-in-hand on the wooden bridge towards the restaurant. When it comes to food, Pierchic has a Modern European seafood menu and serves the best oysters, salmon and prawns dishes in the city. Do not forget to order one of the delicious desserts which you can devour while enjoying the gorgeous view of the sea. However, make sure to book in advance as Pierchic is really popular and getting a table at the last minute can prove difficult.
1.New Law to Increase Tourism
UAE is shifting from being an oil based economy to being a trade, retail and tourism based economy. The government is taking many steps to push tourism, and the 48 hours free UAE transit visa is one such important step. This visa is absolutely free, and citizens from most countries would be able to avail it. Furthermore, this visa can be extended up to 96 hours by paying a small fee of just Dh 50. So, this ensures you can pretty much have a short vacation in Dubai or Abu Dhabi and enjoy the plethora of attractions these cities have to offer. This law is due to be passed in the next few weeks. So, you can start planning now if you have an international trip that requires a long layover in UAE.Also Read:Solo Travel Guide For Woman