Al-Ain Shopping Centre – located in Bur Dubai, on Al-Mankhool Road, this electronic centre specialises in computers. The shops offer all sorts of peripherals and accessories for PC’s, such as external hard drives and USB gadgets. There is also a decent range of digital cameras. Opposite the Al-Ain centre is the Al-Khaleej shopping centre which caters for similar needs, although it comprises of fewer shops.

Al – Ghurair City – located in Deira, this shopping centre caters for those especially seeking traditional Emirati clothes. It is the oldest mall in Dubai, shops here offer stylish abayas and shaylas and Arabic jewellery and rugs. This shopping centre also includes well known outlets such as Paris Gallery and Nine West.

Burjamen Centre - this shopping centre concentrates mostly on the high end of the market, offering premium brand shops and luxury boutiques such as Dolce & Gabbana, Cartier, Calvin Klein and Tiffany. It is located near Khalid bin al-Waleed (Bank St.) and Trade Centre roads.

Deira City Centre – this shopping centre is not as fancy as most of the ones mentioned below but still competes well with its rational lay-out of shops. Like a lot of the other malls it offers a wide seletion of outlets such as Debenhams, Virgin Megastore, Zara and other international high street brands. It includes a multiplex cinema amongst a spread of restaurants and cafes. Deria City Centre is also home of the “Arabian Treasures” souvenir and traditional textiles area. There is a Carrefour hypermarket attached which is usually very busy.

Dubai Festival City – this interconnected shopping centre, branded as a retail resort of its own, opened in 2007 and has been popular ever since. It holds around 600 stores, features out-door performances and 100 restaurants and cafes, as well as being the home of three major hotels. The centre presents so much variety, including well known shops like Mark Jacobs, Marks & Spencer and IKEA. Overall the shopping centre is set over an enormous 2.8 million square foot and its location by the water offers picturesque abra rides.

Emirates Towers Boulevard – this shopping centre is located on Sheikh Zayed Road in the Emirates Towers where Sheikh Mohammed’s office is. Therefore there is very tight security in this mall and it mostly attracts wealthy people who can afford to shop in exclusive designer shops. Brands include – Armani, Gucci and Jimmy Choo.

Ibn Battuta Mall – this shopping centre is located on Sheikh Zayed Road. It is the most unique and captivating mall in Dubai, having been separated into six different themes from the countries Ibn Battuta travelled to. These countries include: China, India, Persia, Egypt, Tunisia and the Andalusia. There is an eclectic row of shops to investigate and there is a golf-cart shuttle to help you get around. A recommended shop to view is Mumbai Se, a collection of Indian accessories from bejewelled mandarin tunics to hand-crafted bags. This fascinating shopping centre also has a permanent exhibition of Islamic science, invention and astronomy.

Karama Shopping Centre – located in Bur Dubai, this popular souk-like area includes a bundle of small shops scattered along a busy backstreet. The shops offer handicrafts, souvenirs and accessories. Here you can purchase fake designer clothes and handbags at bargain prices.
Mall of the Emirates – near the 4th interchange on Sheikh Zayed Road, this is one of the largest shopping centres in Dubai. It houses more than 200 shops, including international high street chains, luxury brand shops, boutiques such as Charles & Keith, and craft shops like the popular Al-Jaber Gallery. Furthermore, the well known food outlet, Carrefour, is attached to the centre. The mall of the emirates also includes many restaurants and cafes and more importantly offers the chance to ski and even watch movies at the multiplex cinema, all under one roof.

Mercato Mall – this shopping centre is on Jumeirah Road and is the only Renaissance-themed shopping centre in Dubai or even in the whole of the Middle-East perhaps. Whilst there is not as much choice as you would find in a larger centre it still includes many trendy shops like Mango, Next, Massimo Dutti, Topshop and Virgin Megastore. There are also several restaurants to dine in.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah – located on Jumeirah Road, this is another of Dubai’s popular shopping centres. Its Arabian architecture with arched wooden ceilings assists to its resemblance of a traditional souk. The Souk Madinat Jumeirah can be quite confusing; with its dim lighting and identical passage ways you may end up walking into the same shops, tempting you to buy yet some very intriguing souvenirs but can be overpriced.

This shopping centre attracts mainly tourists, being right next to the landmark hotel Burj Al Arab, and boasts many licensed bars and restaurants along the waterfront keeping the crowds satisfied.

Wafi Shopping Centre – located on Al-Qataiyat Road this mall mostly focuses on luxury brands, jewellery and expensive boutiques such as Chanel and Givenchy. The Egyptian themed architecture in the new wing includes beautifully stained-glass pyramids which are worth seeing. A luxury spa is also attached to the complex, as well as many bars which are licensed. (Source: Dubai.com)

Aerial Tours

Dubai by air is a spectacular sight that will be unforgettable. Helicopters and plane tours and even hot air balloon rides over the city will give u a birds-eye perspective to the wonder that is called ‘Dubai’. Some trips take tourists across the city, and over the desert and the Hajar Mountains. Experienced pilots with a valid license can hire aircrafts from Dubai Flying Club on an hourly rental basis. Contact Details: Amigos Balloons

Camel Racing

This traditional sport has been renewed with much enthusiasm in recent years. Informal desert tracks, and now quite a few official ones have been assigned for this purpose – a large ten kilometer track on the Al Ain road, about forty-five kilometers from Abu Dhabi city; at Al Ain itself, at Dubai and Umm Al Quwain.

Certain slender, finely formed breeds such as the white or golden ‘Anafi’ and the brown or black ‘Boushari’ are more suitable for racing. Camel training commences at about six months and entrance for official races beginning at about three years.

Camel races are usually held every Thursday, Friday, Sunday and occasionally on Monday mornings, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to observe local Emiratis in harmony with their surroundings. Camel racing season begins in October until April.

Creek Tours

The Dubai Creek can be explored with the help of an organised creek tour. It is a great way to see new and old Dubai side by side whilst enjoying a peaceful and relaxed journey. Many of the tours are carried out by traditional wooden dhows or Abras (the traditional water taxi) which takes you on a short journey across the waterway from the glass-and-steel office blocks of Bur Dubai to the old-world Souks of Deira, providing a fascinating glimpse of Dubai’s trading heritage.

Desert Safaris

Trips to the desert in groups can be a great way to explore the outdoors and meet other people, as well as finding out a little bit more about the Arabic culture. Safaris generally last for half a day and can include an overnight stay in one of the Bedouin tents.

Activities available include:

1. Wadi-Driving – This is a popular pastime with both residents and visitors. This involves discovering the wadis or dry beds of streams that flow after winter rains from the Hajar mountains.
2. Dune driving – Driving in sand can be a thrilling experience by itself and this combines the excitement of a roller coaster ride with the challenge of remaining mobile on the shifting surface. Courses in sand driving are available, with four-wheel-drive vehicles provided, along with expert instruction.
3. Sand-Skiing – Those with a desire for speed, a head for heights and enthusiasm will enjoy an unusual sport, sand-skiing down the dunes of the Dubai desert.
4. Desert Feasts – Safaris are made more pleasurable by culminating into an evening with spectacular sunset views followed by a traditional Arab barbecue under the stars. You can even tailor your evening to your need and round it off with some great Arabic music and belly dancing, the smoking of hubble-bubble pipes and often a display of falconry.

Fishing

The Gulf is rich in marine life, and fishing was once a mainstay of the local economy. Kingfish, jackfish, red snapper, rock cod (the popular Hamour on most Dubai menus), barracuda and other species are caught commercially and not for sport. Sailfish and bottom-feeding sharks are regularly caught by visiting fishermen who can hire fully-equipped boats, with crew, for deep-sea fishing trips.

Golf Courses

Dubai is a golfer’s paradise. The Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and the famous Emirates Golf Club are the venues of the European PGA tour. The Nad Al Sheeba Golf and Racing Club even offers night golf at night for the enthusiasts who want to beat the summer heat of Dubai!

Horse Racing

The sport of kings has rapidly become Dubai’s most popular spectator event, attracting crowds of more than 15,000. Race meetings are held weekly during the cooler months at one of the UAE’s four race courses. Dubai Racing Club situated at the Naad Al Sheba is the city’s largest and most spectacular track and home to the Dubai World Cup – the sport’s richest horse race.

Horse riding is part of the local tradition and is upheld today by several centres including the Dubai Equestrian Centre and Jebel Ali Hotel Riding Stables. Horse rides through the desert are organized regularly and Dubai also has a riding association for the disabled.

The Double Decker Bus

Straight from the streets of London to the highways and roads of Dubai, these highly visual, vintage double-decker buses provide fun for everyone whatever the occasion. With lots of unique activities for all ages, Dubai’s only red double-decker buses provide an exclusive party venue, eye-catching promotional media, or just a fun way to add interest to a corporate or public event.
(Source : Dubai.com)

An amazing 22,500 square metres covered with real snow all year round.

Ski Dubai has 5 runs that vary in difficulty, height and steepness, the longest run being 400 meters with a fall of over 60 meters. Test your skills on the world’s first indoor black run or practice your turns on the gentle beginner slopes. Skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels will enjoy these various slopes and snowboarders can also practice their stunts on the 90-metre long quarter pipe. Kids and parents alike will have fun in the huge interactive Snow Park, which at 3000 square meters is the largest indoor snow park in the world.

You don’t have to worry about ski clothing or equipment either. Ski Dubai has thought of it all and offers guests the use of winter clothing, ski and snowboard equipment. Your skis will carry you down the slope, and ski Dubsi’s quad-chairlift and tow lift will promptly carry you back to the top for another run.

Timings : Saturday – Tuesday: 10.00 – 23.00; Wednesday – Friday: 10.00 – 24.00

Galleria Ice Rink

The rink offers all the thrills and chills of ice skating, and professional ice skaters are available for private tuition. You can call: 971 4 209 6551 to make a reservation. The team will also take enquiries for cool kids’ parties, which can be organized for a maximum of 15 children.

Go Karting

Dubai has the first Middle East fully-equipped 40,000 sq. ft air-conditioned indoor go-kart facility at Formula One. Outdoors, an active go-karting fraternity races regularly at the track beside the Jebel Ali Hotel. Visitors can enjoy this sport during the months of Oct-May.

Thunder Bowl

Thunder Bowl is the first of its kind in the Middle East, and its concept is based on similar centres in America and Europe, which have proved to be very popular. Thunder Bowl has successfully incorporated the traditional game of bowling, with state of the art technology from the Brunswick Corporations, USA. To further enhance its appeal, Thunder Bowl also offers its customers a complete leisure entertainment package, which includes: 20 state of the art bowling lanes by Brunswick Corporation, Pool & Snooker Hall, Haagen Dazs Ice Cream Parlor, A & W Burger Restaurant, Pizza Inn, Allewan Restaurant & Cafe – Arabic Restaurant, Bowling Pro Shop, Network/ Cyber Games Cafe and Video Games Arcade. Located in the former Safestway Supermarket, on Sheikh Zayed Road near the Defense Round About, Thunder Bowl allows easy access to its customer with ample car parking for over 300 cars.

Magic Planet:

Housed in the giant Deira City Centre shopping mall, this children’s entertainment centre is a unique indoor site with 10 pin bowling, a crawling bungie jungle, a variety of electronic games and a mini pitch and putt.

Wild Wadi

Imagine 12 acres of desert filled with 30 million litres of water, solely dedicated to having fun. That is Wild Wadi in Dubai, with 23 rides to entertain and excite every member of the family. This has been more than just a shelter for those wanting to escape the heat of the desert. Adrenaline seekers will love Jumeirah Sceirah – a 33-meter high slide with steep angles to propel riders up to 80km per hour. There is also Breakers Bay, which has a wave machine creating 1.5-meter waves all day.

Wonderland

The 18 hectare Wonderland family fun park features a wide range of water attractions including speed slides, surf hills, wave runners and a Caribbean cruise. It is closed on Sundays, Wednesdays are for Ladies only and Thursdays are for Families Only. (Source: dubai.com)

January:

• New Year’s Day
• Hotel Intercontinental Dubai Golf Cup
• Arab Health Exhibition (bi-annual)
• Seatrade Cruise Conference (bi-annual)
• Eid Camel Races
• Horserace and Camel Race Meets

February:

• Tier II WTA Women’s Tennis Tournament
• Dubai Tennis Open – ATP Tennis Tournament
• Dubai Jet-ski Race
• Dubai Desert Classic Pro Am Gold Tournament
• * Horserace and Camel Race Meets

March:

• *Eid al-Adh – The Festival of Sacrifice. This festival commemorates Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice everything for God, including his son Ishmael. Because God substituted a sheep for Ishmael, this occasion calls for the slaughter of an animal and then distributing its meat among family, friends and the needy.
• Dubai Desert Classic – PGA Golf Tournament
• Middle East Oil Week – Oil and Gas Conference
• Dubai Fishing Challenge
• Dubai World Cup – International Horserace Meet. One of the world’s premier horse races.
• Dubai Shopping Festival – This popular event has reached international levels. Bargains, shows, promotions and fantastic prices have made this a must see for the serious shopper. Airfares are reduced and visa regulations are often loosened to accommodate the large amounts of tourists who come for this event.
• Horserace and Camel Race Meets

April:

• *Hijra New Year’s Day – New Year on the Islamic calendar. This celebration commemorates the move of the Prophet Mohammed and his followers from Mecca to Medina.
• International Jewellery Exhibition
• Agriflor Middle East – Flower Exhibition

May:

• Dubai Formula F4 Circuit Race – Powerboat Race
• Arabian Travel Market – Tourism Exhibition
• Middle East International Boat Show

June:

• *Prophet’s Birthday – The celebration of the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad.

June – September:

• Dubai Summer Surprises – Summer Festival

August:

• *Accession Day – (6th) – Commemorates the accession of the ruler of Abu Dhabi.

September:

• Motexha – Fashions and Textiles Exhibition
• GCC Snooker Championship

October:

• World Offshore Championship – Powerboat Race
• GITEX – Computer and Technology Exhibition

November:

• International Autumn Trade Fair
• World Offshore Championship – Powerboat Race
• Dubai Air Show Aerospace Exhibition (bi-annual)
• UAE Desert Challenge – Off-road Rally
• Horserace and Camel Race Meets
• *City That Cares – Ramadan Promotion

November/December:

• Ramadan – This holy month requires a dawn-to-dusk fast for Muslims. Visitors are not required to partake in the fast, but should take care not to eat in public during daylight hours. Eating in hotels, or preferably, in your hotel room, is allowed. The timing of this holiday varies; so make sure to check the dates before booking your trip to Dubai.

December:

• National Day – (2nd) – This day celebrates the founding of the UAE. Festivities can last through the following week.
• Eid al-Fitr – The celebration of the end of Ramadan. Although most of the activities occur on the first day, the festival lasts for three days. Muslims visit with friends and relatives, attend a prayer session, and donate to charity as part of the celebration.
• *City That Cares – Ramadan Promotion
• Dubai International Rally
• Dubai Rugby Sevens
• *Eid Camel Races
• Horserace and Camel Race Meets

*Please note that these events are scheduled according to the Islamic calendar. This is based on lunar observations and moves forward by approximately 11 days each year.

BurJuman Centre – A massive shopping mall in the Bur Dubai area. Along with a plenty of shops selling designer brands, you will find a cinema complex and a leisure arcade here. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants to revive your spirits when you’re all shopped out.

Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club – If you love fishing, you can hire a 10m boat here for you and your friends to angle in style. The fairly high cost does include a skipper as well as lunch for both you and the fish, and it might seem less costly when the price is divided between the six passengers the boat can hold.

Dubai Museum – Housed in Dubai’s oldest standing building, a former fort in Bastakia. Displays include a souk peopled by waxworks, a collection of skeletons and some examples of desert wildlife. Very small charge for admission.

Heritage Village and Diving Village – An enjoyable, interactive look at Dubai’s past. Both are found on the Creek. The diving village features displays on pearl diving, as well as scale models of dhows and pearling boats. The heritage village recreates a Bedouin settlement, complete with homes made from barasti (dried palm leaves tied together) and mud. You can also enjoy pottery and weaving workshops as well as visiting a traditional coffee house. A small souk sells a mixture of traditional Bedouin handcrafts and imported items. Admission is free.

Nad Al Sheba Racecourse – This is home to the Dubai World Cup, possibly the world’s most famous horse race, and certainly the one with the highest stakes. The club, to be found a short drive south-east of Dubai, is surrounded by stables, and in the early morning during the winter season you can watch the horses being trained. The Dubai Racing Festival meets start in January and last nine weeks, but there are other race meetings between November and April. General admission is free.

Wild Wadi water park – A water park with 23 interconnected rides, to be found between the Burj al Arab and the Jumeirah Beach Hotel Dubai. Brave souls should try the Jumeirah Sceirah (geddit?), a speed slide where you reach heights of 33 metres before being hurtled downwards again at speeds of up to 80km an hour. The whole place is themed around an Arabic legend about Sinbad the sailor, and the shop is built to resemble Aladdin’s Cave. However, it is quite expensive to get in, and there isn’t much of a discount for children.