Dubai Delights

ONE of the fastest growing cities in the world, Dubai has also been a delight for tourists for its modern amenities. Two among them are the Dhow Dinner Cruise and the Wonder Bus that runs both on land and water.

The dhow is the traditional boat made out of wood. In the olden days Arabs, who were mostly fishermen and pearl divers, used to build strong wooden boats for their business.The tourism industry in Dubai has now made a tourist attraction out of the dhows and offers a regular tour every evening called the Dhow Dinner Cruise. The traditional boat is beautifully decorated and takes you through the Dubai creek. You have the option of being picked up at your hotel or house or showing up at the site of the cruise. Most dhow cruises start from the Deira side of Dubai although there are some that start their journey from the Bur Dubai side of the Dubai creek. We were picked up from our hotel by our travel agent. There were many Indian families on the cruise that day — some newly married on their honeymoon, some with children and one old couple from South India. As the cruise sails along the Dubai creek you can see the major Dubai landmarks. During the cruise you can enjoy the spectacular modern architecture and the fascinating old city. You will see the past and present architecture of the area which is brought to its full beauty during this time, including the National Bank of Dubai, Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Sheikh Saeed’s Al Maktoum House, which is now a national monument and the Heritage Village. We were spellbound by the beauty of Dubai as the dhow sailed silently across the Dubai creek under the moonlit sky. This unforgettable romantic evening cruise includes a buffet dinner with a variety of dishes, either continental or oriental cuisine and vegetarian and nonvegetarian, along with mineral water, juices, soft drinks and traditional coffee. Alcohol is also available against extra payment. Luckily we had our seats at the deck but even if you don’t have your seats there, you may come and enjoy the fresh air and see Dubai’s lights and sights as the cruise sails along the Dubai creek. With an elegant and unique setting, best food and exceptional service, with through glittering lights and colours reflected on the water, it sure will be one of the most relaxing and enjoyable experiences you will ever have. This memorable and romantic trip lasts nearly three hours. Be it newly married couples or couples who have been married for years, this trip has the perfect setting to fall in love again. The ride creates such a romantic atmosphere that you would wish it goes on and on, so that you can spend more time with your loved one.

We were also lucky to have the experience of the extraordinary Wonder Bus. With unparalleled excitement, you are transported from land to sea, while sitting on the same seat. Wonder Bus is fully air-conditioned, having bathroom, sound system, TV and DVD player, etc. Having a seating capacity of 44 people, it’s the first in the Middle
East and second in Asia after Japan (Osaka). This amazing amphibious bus has been manufactured by CAMI of USA and costs 3.5 million dirhams (around Rs 4.20 crore). Cool Amphibious Manufacturers International (CAMI) was founded in 1999 by John and Julie Giliam who live in South Carolina.They started in the amphibious business
with an operation on Hilton Head Island. They owned Cool Stuff Tours for years. The Giljam’s ran with an old LARC V built in 1963 for the Vietnam War. After running with that cantankerous vehicle, John decided a new vehicle was needed. So he designed and built the Hydra-Terra, which is fully patented. They are being sold for both tourism and search/rescue capacity. The vehicles are being used not only throughout the United States of America, but in other countries as well. They have revolutionized the automobile industry with this invention. This bus is impossible to sink in water and is capable of operating in high winds, rains and flood. It can drive into an area of heavy flooding and sail through it. Thus it optimizes the option available to search and rescue operation. The driver’s cockpit that places the driver in the centre of the vehicle provides more and proper visibility and outward appearance. The bus is designed in bow shape so that it can cut through the water. The bus requires servicing every 3-4 days because of the water but it’s mainly mechanical maintenance. The yellow-blue colour bus where we took the tour was made for Wonder Bus Tours of Dubai by the company. They organize two trips a day of two hours each; which cover both land and
water. But there are three trips on official holidays and other exceptions on school and chartered trips. You should book your seats in advance as there is huge demand for the tour. Also you must arrive 20 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. The bus departs
from the Burjuman Mall and pass by Sheikh Khalifa Road, Sheikh Rashid Road, Zabeel Park, Wafi City Centre, Grand Hyatt, Wonderland, Al Boom Village, Garhoud Bridge, Creek Side Park, Deira Gold and Spice Souk and a tour within the creek. Your journey back will include a trip along the Dubai Courts, Al Maktoum Bridge, Sheikh Maryam Palace and back to Burjuman Centre via the Seef Road beside British Embassy and
Sheikh Khalifa Road. The Wonder Bus cruises Dubai creek in the most beautiful trip you ever dreamed of. In this trip you'll see the beautiful architectures and the historic buildings on the both shores of the creek. And as you travel on the road, the modern skyscrapers lined along the horizon will bewilder you. Each passenger on the bus has access to their personal life jacket and they will also find fire extinguishers in it. One can avail the much-needed help in case of an emergency that is provided by the crew members and the tourist guides. Our tour guide who could speak Arabic, English and French gave special attention to every details of the event, explaining and showing the
important landmarks of Dubai as we travelled, holding quiz and giving prizes,
thus assuring satisfaction and a fun time on board the Wonder Bus.

(This article was published in the Horizon section of the newspaper Assam Tribune)

Dubai Metro / Dubai Taxi

The next day we just moved around Meena Bazar purchasing dresses for Mehr and few souvenirs as gifts for family and friends. Then we went to the nearby metro station, near Burjuman Mall as we decided to have an experience of travelling through the Dubai’s Metro. On 9 September 2009, Dubai inaugurated its metro network, becoming the first urban metro network in the Gulf's Arab states. All trains and stations are air conditioned with platform edge doors to make this possible. We booked our tickets to Mall of Emirates station. The stations were meticulously clean and tidy. From the ground floor one can use the conveyer staircase or elevator which takes to the level of the metro station. A glass wall with sliding doors separates the tracks from platform for safety and security. When the metro train arrives, the glass-doors and the train doors open automatically and simultaneously. As the commuters enter the train, after few seconds both the doors close following an announcement: ‘Please stand clear of the door’. The entire metro system runs automatically as there is neither a driver (motorman) nor a guard on the metro train. We had lunch at one of the restaurants of the Mall of Emirates and returned to Burjuman Mall station again. Did hear that Dubai’s metro is world class and its really true.

We checked out of the hotel at around 4pm and took a cab/ taxi from our hotel to the airport. On the way, while Jeet talked to the driver and we came to know that taxis in Dubai are owned by the government. There are five companies under government. The top most part of the cab/ taxi has a colour….the five companies have five colours…red, blue(own by an Indian and Arabic), green, yellow and orange. Thus we come to know to which company the cab belongs to by the colour.

We had our flight to New Delhi late at night, so had to wait a long time at the airport. Mehr made lot of friends but it was very boring for me. We wait'd at Terminal1, and I checked out the few shops that were there to pass my time.

Our vacation in Dubai is a memorable one. I love’d Dubai and will surely go back again. With a perfect winter climate, top class hotels, superb facilities for a variety of sports and leisure activities and excellent shopping, Dubai has something to offer everyone. Moreover, the emirate is friendly, safe and virtually crime-free. What more can a traveller ask for???

Heritage Village- An Interactive Look at Dubai ’s Past.

Just a few steps ahead is the Heritage Village, full with activities. A traditional heritage village, located near the mouth of the Creek, has been created where potters and weavers display their crafts. It focuses on the UAE’s maritime past, trading activities and local history. There are several traditional shops, handicraft stores and exhibitions—you can also ride a camel. It’s a great place to see the more traditional aspects of Dubai life that are missing from the modern city. Here the visitor can look back in time and experience some of Dubai’s heritage. There are displays, which include a tented Bedouin village with traditional weapons, chests and household utensils.

It reminded me of Dilli Haat (a combination food plaza and craft bazaar located in the heart of Delhi. It has stalls representing each state of India, giving a complete variety of tastes available all over India.) The Heritage Village has many shops selling souvenirs, but the shop keepers are mainly Indians or Bangladeshi’s. They speak and dress like a Arabic and sometimes it becomes difficult to understand that they do not belong to Dubai. Here you need to do hard bargaining. We purchased a spoon and freeze magnet as souvenir from a shop whose owner was from Kerala, India. There are also many small shops run by Bedouin women, where they make and sell varieties of food items mainly sweets. It was a pleasure to see live demonstration of Arabic food being made. While I took rest on a bench, and was feeding MEHR, Jeet went and purchased few Arabic roti's, filled with omlette and cheese. It was really very tasty. The Arabic food stall was full with customers and you have to wait for a long time for your turn. The village was full with not only tourist but also local Arabic people as it was Eid holiday.

During Eid special programmes are held. So we got the opportunity to see a Bedouin marriage. I was sitting next to an Arabic family. They were very friendly and explained me in details the rituals of the marriage. At first the bride’s family came, singing and playing musical instrument. There were no male/ gents in the group; only ladies. They were making so much noise that we were confused as to what was happening. Then the Arabic lady next to me told me that it is a marriage ceremony that is going to take place and that the bride is coming with her relatives and friends. Her relatives in box’s and trunks carried things that would be given to her for marriage (cloths, accessories, jewellery etc). Even one of them was carrying a pillow. After they took their seat, they showed to public one by one all the items. They sang marriage songs and in the middle of the songs would make some noise from their mouth, which we call “uruli” in Assamese (India). In the same way, the bridegroom came with his relatives and friends. In the village the traditional dance and songs were also performed as part of the wedding. Folk dance and music performances are staged from time to time in the village.
The village boasts a number of cafeterias and a seafood restaurant. The village provides a glimpse of Dubai’s traditional culture and lifestyle. Thus it is an enjoyable, interactive look at Dubai ’s past.

For more you can check the website: http://www.dubaicity.com/What_to_do_in_dubai/dubai_heritage.htm

Near the Village, are two Arabic restaurants. They must be very popular as it was over crowded. The people were smoking sheesha, eating, enjoying the fresh air of the sea and the Creek side view. We could not find a place so decided to walk down to our hotel. On our way to the hotel, we visited Meena Jewellery and checked out few earnings and chains. It was late and it was time for the shop to close. Anyway I did not like the designs and decided to check shops later, the next day. We had dinner at Bhavna Veg Restaurent. It cost us 13 dirham per person; quite cheap. They gave lot of things..Plain rice, pulao, two vegetable sabzi, 2 chutney’s, roti, aachar, lachi,dal, kofta,lemon and papar. But the food was not very tasty (ok type) and the restaurant especially the basin / hand wash area was very dirty.


We hurried back as it was getting late to feed MEHR.

Diving Village, Dubai

Just few minutes ahead of Sheikh Obaid bin Thani House, is the Diving Village, which is a collection of pearl-diving artefacts and pictures of Dubai’s pearl divers and marine life. Some of the black and white photos are interesting, reflecti ng the tough life that many divers endured before scuba diving was invented. The village forms part of an ambitious plan to turn the entire Shindagha area into a cultural microcosm, recreating life in Dubai as it was in days gone by when pearl diving and fishing were central to Dubai’s economy and Dubai Creek became a central hub for trade in the region. Fish’s mainly sea fish found in the Gulf region is kept in tanks and aquariums. You will also find fishing nets and boats here.

Pearl diving, one of the oldest professions in the region, existed almost six to seven thousand years back. A pearl diving ship carried 10-60 people on board for an expedition. The team comprised a captain (Nokhaza), some divers, seeb, and other staff. The diver often risked his life to gather pearl studded oysters from the sea bed. He used to dive deep for more than two minutes to collect a handful of oysters. The season lasted only for six months starting from April because the Gulf waters during this season were warm and safe.

There is a gift shop ( mainly items made of pearls) found here .

Sheikh Obaid bin Thani House, Dubai

With the soft wind blowing we enjoyed our walk. On our way to the Heritage house from Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, we came across Sheikh Obaid bin Thani House. The entry to this house is free. It’s an old house with a large courtyard and several rooms for the family members and special entrance for the female guests. The Pippal tree (common in India) in the courtyard provided ample shade for the members entertaining their guests or enjoying a gathering. We were pleasantly surprised to see such a big old pippal tree in the courtyard. Now in the rooms are details on how the Universe started and teaching of Quran are beautifully shown in screens.

One of the first houses of Al Shindagha, Obaid bin Thani’s House was built in 1917 of maritime stones and gypsum, thus reflecting the prosperity of the region at that time due to the flourishing pearl trade.The 1250 sq.m two storey house is made of stone and mud with traditional style windows, doors and facades.The Sheikh Obaid Al Thani’s House, just like the Sheikh Saeed Aal Maktoum’s House and the adjoining Heritage Village, is itself a tribute to Dubai Government’s determination to preserve the local heritage and cultural values. The house is an oasis of tranquillity in an otherwise bustling month in Dubai’s calendar.

Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House - Now A Heritage House

We had a good view of Dubai through Wonder Bus Tour and also saw lot of sea gulls in the creek. I tried to capture them in my camera as the bus was moving through the Creek but couldnot get the perfect picture.

At around 3.45 we returned to Burjuman Mall from the Wonder Bus tour. We walked down to our hotel as it was nearby. It took us around 20minutes. MEHR was very tired and slept. We took rest in our room for some time and around 6.30pm we were out again. We walked to the Creek side area as we had plans to visit the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, Heritage Village and Diving Village. We had never been to this side of the Creek. You will feel as if you are in India. As we walked towards Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, we found lot of middle class/ working class bachelors sitting, relaxing and talking to each other. Also lot of Indian shops, mainly textile shops are there in this area. We first visited Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House.

Sheikh Saeed’s House overlooking the mouth of the Creek at Shindagha is a listed national monument that showcases the history and development of Dubai. Dating back to 1896, this imposing building was once the seat of local government, the nucleus for political and social organizations of the day and the official residence of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum, the father of late Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the architect of modern Dubai, and the grandfather of the present Ruler, Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It is one of the oldest building in Dubai, as well as one of the best examples of traditional architecture. It is situated next to the Heritage and Diving Village.

The ambitious restoration project, begun in 1986, won a coveted award from the Arab Cities Organization for the conservation of heritage buildings. Today, fully restored to its former glory, the building houses an impressive exhibition of photographs, paintings, lithographs, stamps, coins and art objects that vividly portray the early development of the Emirate. The air-conditioned museum is divided into wings as per the different historical and cultural periods. Presently this palatial home boasts of photos that depict the different generations of the Al Maktoum family.

The restoration of this house to a museum did not destroy the traditional architectural designs as the wooden lattice screens, carved teak doors and windows, and the balustrade railings are still preserved. The ventilation screens that are set into the walls are designed with floral and geometric designs. It is built in the traditional manner, from coral covered in lime and plaster, all built with very thick walls to provide maximum coolness. The house also boasts of 30 rooms which are built around the central courtyard. The main entrance is from the Creek side, the second entrance is on the rear side of the building, and was probably reserved for family members.

Old Dubai in Pictures: An exhibition of rare photographs, taken in Dubai between 1948 and 1953, provides a fascinating glimpse of the city before the discovery of ol. Gracing both the walls of the appropriately named Al Maktoum Wing, the exhibition leads the viewer through the development and growth of Dubai, under the wise leadership of the late Sheikh Rashid. There are nostalgic photographs of Al Fahidi Fort, erected around 1787 to defend the city against foreign invasion, Al Ahmadiya School, which pioneered education in the emirate, and Al Maktoum Hospital, which brought modern medical care tpo the people of Dubai. Other exhibits depict ships moored on the shore, the beach tents of fishermen and old neighborhoods with their wind towers and winding alleys.
Marine Life: Dubai’s enduring relationship with the sea is dramatically brought to life in the Marine Wing of Sheikh Saeed’s House, where an exhibition of photographs, sculptures and ephemera chronicle the birth of the city’s fishing industry , as well as the development of boat building, net making and pearl-diving. Also on display are scale models of various types of boats used during the period, including fishing boats, pearlers, abras(water taxi) and dhows called Al Sambouk and Al Jalboot. An exhibit of traditional pearling implements, including weighing scales, weights and pearl grading tools, pays tribute to Dubai’s once unrivalled position as a pearling centre.

Social Life in Dubai : The social life is the mirror reflection of the different styles of lives for people and nations through their customs, traditions, habits and occasions ,and it explains the strong human relation within the old society. In a separate wing of the building , a series of photographs and paintings vividly captures the social, cultural , educational and religious life in Dubai during the 1950’s. Scale models and pictures of typical windtower houses highlight the prevailing architecture of the era, while other exhibits focus on traditional art and dance forms that eloquently express the lifestyle of the people. Visitiors can also get the glimpse of the harsh realities of nomadic life in the desert, through a photo essay that pictures proud Bedouin engaged in their daily chores- digging wells, transporting dates on camelback and carrying wood to market- as well as in popular sports such as camel racing and falcony.

Coins, Stamps and Historic Documents: Some of the earliest coinage, stamps and postal stationery used in Dubai are on display at the House. Exhibits include rare coins dating back to 1791, as well as Dubai’s first postage stamp, and currency notes issued during the reign of the late Sheikh Rashid. Invaluable documents- letters, treaties, agreements, decrees and maps – and manuscripts that have literally shaped the history of modern Dubai are also available for viewing.

We went to the roof from where you can have a breathtaking view of the Creek. The house also has a library and gift / souvenir shop.

The Wonder Bus, Dubai

Have you heard of a bus that can travel both in land and water? Sounds strange and impossible, isn’t it? Unthinkable but true. I was lucky to have the experience of this extraordinary bus during my visit to DUBAI. With unparalleled excitement, you are transported from land to sea, while seating on same seat. Wonder Bus is the only bus in the world equipped with all the facilities like full internal decoration, air-condition, Internal bathroom, Sound system, TV and DVD player. Total seating capacity of the bus is 44. It’s the first in the Middle East and second in Asia after Japan(Osaka).

This amazing amphibious bus is manufactured by CAMI of USA and cost 3.5 million dirhams( around 4 crores 20 lakhs). Cool Amphibious Manufacturers International (CAMI) was founded in 1999 by John and Julie Giliam. They live in South Carolina. They started in the amphibious business with an operation on Hilton Head Island. They owned Cool Stuff Tours for years. The Giljam’s ran with an old LARC V built in 1963 for the Vietnam War. After running with that cantankerous vehicle John decided a new vehicle was needed. He designed and built the Hydra-Terra from the ground up. He wanted a vehicle that did not rely on an antiquated military unit. He also wanted to be able to walk into an auto parts store to purchase what he needed for the new vehicle. John has been designing and building specialty vehicles all of his adult life. He built farm and construction trucks, oil field service trucks, fire trucks, ambulances, rescue trucks and other specialty vehicles. It is this experience that enabled him to develop the Hydra-Terra, which is fully patented. They are being sold for both tourism and search/rescue capacity. The vehicles are being used not only throughout the United States of America, but in other countries as well. They have revolutionized the automobile industry with this invention. This bus is impossible to sink in water and is capable of operating in high winds, rains and flood. It can drive into an area of heavy flooding and sail through it. Thus it optimizes the option available to search and rescue operation. The driver’s cockpit that places the driver in the center of the vehicle provides more and proper visibility and outward appearance. The bus is designed in bow shape so that it can cut through the water. The bus requires servicing every 3-4days because of the water but its mainly mechanical maintenance.

The yellow-blue colour bus where I took the tour was made for Wonder Bus Tours of Dubai by the company. They organize two trips a day of two hours each; which cover both land and water. But there are three trips on official holidays and other exceptions on school and chartered trips. You should book your seats in advance as there is huge demand for the tour. Also you must arrive 20 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. They doesn’t guarantee the seating if arrival time is not 20 minutes before tour. The bus departs from the Burjuman Mall and pass by Sheikh Khalifa Road, Sheikh Rashid Road, Zabeel Park, Wafi City Centre, Grand Hyatt, Wonderland, Al Boom Village, Garhoud Bridge, Creek Side Park, Deira Gold and Spice Souk and a tour within the Creek. Your journey back will include a trip along the Dubai Courts, Al Maktoum Bridge, Sheikh Maryam Palace and back to BurJuman Centre via the Seef Road beside British Embassy and Sheikh Khalifa Road. The wonder Bus cruises Dubai Creek in the most beautiful trip you ever dreamed of. In this trip you'll see the beautiful architectures and the historic buildings on the both shores of the creek. And as you travel on the road, the modern skyscrapers lined along the horizon will bewildered you.

Each passenger on the bus has access to his/ her personal life jacket. You will also find fire extinguishers in it. You can avail the much-needed help in case of an emergency that is provided by the members of the crew and the tourist guides. Our tour guide could speak Arabic, English and French. He gave special attention to every details of the event, explaining and showing the important landmarks of Dubai as we travelled, holding quiz and giving prizes, thus assuring satisfaction and a fun time on board the Wonder Bus. The tour price includes nuts, water and juices.

Dubai's Icon

Every city has a signature building, instantly recognizable by visitors from all over the world. London has Big Ben, New York the Empire State, and Dubai has the Burj Al Arab.The Burj Al Arab stands on an artificial island 280 m (920 ft) out from Jumeirah beach, and is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge. It is an iconic structure, designed to symbolize Dubai's urban transformation and to mimic the sail of a boat.The hotel has a stunning, signature sail shape that is dazzling white by day and used as a canvas for a rainbow of spectacular light displays at night.

It was a hectic day. Our tour guide had booked breakfast and tour of Burj Al Arab Hotel. He came around 9am to our hotel and took us to Burj Al Arab. He first gave us the tour of the hotel and then we had breakfast at “Sahn Eddar” one of the restaurants with live Arabic music to our delight. We were very happy when we saw Assam Tea in the menu. Infact we could not stop ourselves from ordering it.

At 321 meters high, the Burj Al Arab is bigger than the Eiffel Tower. The Burj offers 202 duplex suites, each with floor to ceiling windows, breathtaking views of the ocean, plasma TV, DVD player, and laptop computer with internet access. Privacy and service are second to none, no floor has more than 12 suites and personal butlers are provided.The lavishly decorated Assawan Spa & Health Club is located on the 18th floor of the Burj and offers pools, Jacuzzis, spas, massage, beauty and therapy rooms. Guests also enjoy complimentary use of extensive watersports and leisure facilities at the nearby Jumeirah Beach Hotel and the Wild Wadi Water Park. This is what our tour guide told us as he took us on the tour of the hotel.

I have no words to describe this only 7-star hotel in the world. The interiors, facilities, restaurants, views…….everything are all beyond words. Just too good and sophisticated. Everything inside the hotel is gold plated. They have express lifts and within seconds you reach the topmost floor. May be some day in the future, I will be able to save enough to be able to stay at this hotel for 2-3 nights. Was just wondering what/how will be the experience of staying, when the experience of having breakfast was so magnificent??

Dubai Dhow Dinner Cruise -Fall In Love Again

The Dubai Dhow Dinner Cruise is another must for all tourists visiting Dubai. The Dhow is the traditional boat made out of wood. In the olden days Arabs who were mostly fishermen and pearl divers used to build strong wooden boats for their business. The tourism industry in Dubai has now made a tourist attraction out of the dhows and offers a regular tour every evening called the Dhow Dinner Cruise. The traditional boat is beautifully decorated and takes you through the Dubai Creek.

You have the option of being picked up at your hotel or house or showing up at the site of the cruise. Most Dhow cruises start from the Deira side of Dubai although there are some that start their journey from the Bur Dubai side of the Dubai Creek. We were picked from our hotel by our travel agent. There were many Indian families on the cruise that day, some newly married on their honeymoon, some with children and one old couple from South India. As the cruise sails along the Dubai creek you can see the major Dubai landmarks. During the cruise you can enjoy the spectacular modern architecture and the fascinating old city. You will see the past and present architecture of the area which is brought to its full beauty during this time, including the National Bank of Dubai, Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Sheikh Saeed’s Al Maktoum House house, which is now a national monument and the Heritage Village. We were spellbound by the beauty of Dubai as the dhow sailed silently across the Dubai creek under the moonlight sky.This unforgettable romantic evening cruise includes a buffet dinner with a variety of dishes either continental or oriental cuisine and vegetarian and non-vegetarian, along with mineral water, juices, soft drinks and traditional coffee. Alcohol is also available against extra payment. Luckily we had our seats at the deck but even if you don’t have your seats there, you may come and enjoy the fresh air and see Dubai’s lights and sights as the cruise sails along the Dubai Creek.

With an elegant and unique setting, best food and exceptional service, with music at the background and dinning through glittering lights and colours reflected on the water, it sure will be one of the most relaxing and enjoyable experiences you will ever have. This memorable and romantic trip lasts nearly 2.30hours. It starts at 8.30pm but you need to be at least 10-15 minutes ahead of time.

Be it newly married couples or couples who have been married for years ,this trip has the perfect setting to fall in love again. The ride creates such a romantic atmosphere that you will wish, it goes on and on, so that you can spend more time with your loved one.

Creek side Park, Dubai

After the show, we spend time in the Creek side park which was attached to the Doplhinarium. It was a very big, well maintained park with lot of flowers, restaurants, and facility for camel, horse and donkey ride. Children’s City is a part of this park where there is lot of games for kids. The park was full with people enjoying the day with friends and relatives. It was Eid so this was one reason why so many people had come to the park. It was nice watching people and kids. We enjoyed in the park for nearly two hours but hurried back to the hotel,(took a taxi) as we had to go for the Dhow Cruise.

Dubai Creek-romantic place to spend the evening

Just opposite is the Dubai Creek…..a very romantic place to spend the evening with your loved ones. It’s from here the Dhow Dinner Cruise starts. It was full with boats-small (“abra” in Arabic) and big ones for the cruise. With fresh cool breeze blowing, it was a relaxing atmosphere. Many people were just sitting, talking, relaxing and enjoying. MEHR too enjoyed as we walked down to our Hotel. As I was helping MEHR with her dinner, Jeet went out again for an hour, exploring Dubai on his own.
Had to cancel our Abu Dhabi tour, as I still had swelling in my legs though the horrible pain was gone. After Jeet’s return, we went out again for dinner. We had dinner at Veg World; another famous Indian restaurant in the Meena Bazaar area. I had masala dosa and Jeet had Gujarati thali.

Visiting Dubai’s Past – Bastakiya District

Then we walked down to the Bastakiya district. The old Bastakiya district with its narrow lanes and tall wind-towers gives a tantalizing glimpse of old Dubai. Immediately to the east of Al Fahidi Fort is the largest concentration of traditional courtyard houses with wind towers. This unique part of town is worth checking out, as it offers travelers glimpses of what life has been like in Dubai since the 19th century, when Persian merchants first moved here and "set up shop," so to speak. Since many of these expatriates hailed from Iran's Bastak region, this quarter of town became known as the Bastakiya District. Noteworthy features in the district include its quaint, narrow lanes and ornate wind towers, which channeled wind in order to cool nearby homes. In the days before electricity and air conditioning, Dubai Creek was lined by a mass of wind towers that kept the local houses cool through an ingenious employment of air currents.

The Bastakiya district is a step back in time, laden as it is with traditional courtyard houses, bedecked with these uniquely Arabian wind towers. It has two restaurants….. Bastakiah Nights Restaurant and Local House Restaurant. In the restaurants, the ambience is such that you will feel, as if you were dinning in Old Dubai. We visited the Coins Museum in the Bastakiya area, which houses historic coins from the Arabic and Islamic era; the Stamp Museum; Architectural Heritage Department and the art galleries. We felt as if we were transferred to ancient times with Bedouin tents and camels, art and handicrafts galleries and wind tower surrounding us. We wanted to stay for few more hours but it was getting late and MEHR was hungry and crying.