Dubai Museum - Azamara Club Cruises

DUBAI
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Like an oasis in the desert, Dubai is a surreal
land of contrasts. Old Arab traditions
blend with modern realities of comforts, luxuries
and values. Islamic culture and heritage, traditions and customs
both old and new make up the charm of the most populous
city in the United Arab Emirates. Dubai defies its surroundings
with seemingly endless skyscrapers, five and even seven-star hotels,
artificial islands, and an indoor ski slope that dot the desert
emirate. Perhaps only the permanent feature of Dubai is change:
every year the landscape changes with thousands of newly constructed
buildings and infrastructure. Even the land itself changes:
two inaugural land reclamation projects, The Palm Islands
and The World, have emerged from the sea as some of the most
sought after real estate in Dubai. Also known as the Venice of
the (Persian) Gulf, Dubai is the most independent of the emirates,
defying the influence of federal institutions to regulate its trade.
Its residents were fed by the idea that human beings, whatever
their religion, will put aside their differences in pursuit of profit.
Dubai was originally two towns: Deira to the east and Bur Dubai to
the west. If Deira is characterized as the city’s commercial heart,
then Bur Dubai is the city’s historical soul. The two towns are
separated by Dubai Creek. It was here, on the Creek’s banks that
the city grew from a tiny Persian Gulf trading hub into a megalopolis.
Arab wooden boats called dhows carry goods to trade down
the river, alongside the major developments along the creek’s
banks that hurl the city into the twenty-first century. Beginning
in the 1960s, an influx of trade, investment, and publicity flooded
the city to make it one of the most spectacular emirates of the
UAE. Today the emirate needs little introduction, as Dubai has
become synonymous with over-the-top architecture, international
trade, and fantastic beaches. In addition to its jaw-dropping landscape,
Dubai plays host to dozens of international festivals and
sports competitions each year. Today Dubai is home to a list
of superlatives that constantly grows longer: the tallest buildings,
the largest malls, most luxurious hotels, and most expensive real
estate. These days it seems that Dubai’s only competition for
growth is itself.
P ort Explorer
HISTORY
Dubai’s past – and that of the entire United Arab Emirates
– is also a tale in the history of trade, tribes, and Islam in
the Middle East. Arab tribes entered the region around
500 B.C., but there were no permanent settlements until
irrigation techniques and the domestication of the camel
enabled tribes to stay in the area. The pearl and agricultural
industries prompted further urbanization, making
Dubai and surrounding coastal towns into maritime powerhouses.
In 630 A.D., messengers from the Prophet Muhammad
arrived, ushering in the widespread conversion
to Islam. For the following three centuries, the UAE was
the staging ground for political and religious conquests,
paving routes for trade and contact in the Gulf. Until the
1830s, Dubai was part of a conglomerate of Arab commercial
towns that interacted with local merchants and
European traders, especially the Portuguese, Dutch, and
British. European powers tried to control Dubai’s strategic
coast, resulting in the British finally gaining control in
1766.
In the 1830s, Sheikh Maktoum Bin Asher moved into Bur
Dubai and established the Al-Maktoum dynasty that continues
to rule today. In 1892, Sheikh Maktoum signed a
landmark trade agreement with the British. Two years
later, he established a tax exemption for foreign merchants,
and in 1903, Dubai became the main port of call
for British steamships in the Gulf. Its status as a dutyfree
port saved the city when its natural pearling industry
crashed in the 1930s with the invention of artificial pearls.
Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Bin Al-Maktoum developed the
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facilities along Dubai Creek to strengthen the duty-free port’s
“re-export trade” of cheaply imported goods…as well as its
black market for gold smuggling.
The 1966 the discovery of oil lit a fire to the already hot economy.
In 1968, the British withdrew forces from the Gulf, allowing
the local rulers to establish their own government. In
1971, leaders formed the United Arab Emirates, and Dubai
became the free trade center of the union in the subsequent
years. Sheikh Rashid oversaw the transformation of Dubai’s
DUBAI PLACES OF INTEREST
1
Step back in time along the Dubai Creek Waterfront,
which separates Deira from Bur Dubai. The creek literally
links Dubai’s present to its history, as the water guides
traditional wooden boats, known as dhows, to the city center.
2
6
7
Learn about the emirate’s history at the Dubai Museum,
which occupies the former Al-Fahaidi Fort on the Dubai
side of the Creek. The museum exhibits a chronological history
of Dubai from the 19th century onwards including a recreation
of the Dubai souq as it looked in the 1950s. There
are also exhibits on the flora and fauna of Dubai, Bedouin life,
seafaring life and the area’s archaeology.
economy and infrastructure until his death in 1990. His son,
Sheikh Maktoum, continued his father’s legacy until his own
death in 2006, leaving Dubai as the fastest growing city in
the world. Today Dubai plays host to countless festivals and
sports competitions, including the renowned Dubai Desert
Classic golf tournament. The city knows no limits on its potential
growth, and it shows no signs of stopping in the twentyfirst
century.
3
Bastakia is a heritage neighborhood in Bur Dubai that
was originally built by Persian merchants who settled in
the area in the late 1800s. Limestone homes and restored
wind towers line the narrow pedestrian streets that were
largely neglected until the area was restored.
4
First built in 1900, the Dubai Grand Mosque has been
rebuilt several times, yet has always been a center of
worship and cultural life in the city. Most recently reconstructed
in 1998, the mosque has the tallest minaret in Dubai. Non-
Muslims are not allowed to enter the mosque, but they can
visit the minaret and outside areas.
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5
Gold Souq, is probably the largest
such market in Arabia and should
be at the top of any “must see” list for
Dubai.
6
In 1896, a coral-block home with
four wind towers was constructed
for the ruling family, Sheikh Saeed Al
Maktoum. Today Sheikh Saeed’s
House has been restored as a museum
of pre-oil times. It sits beside the Creek
on the Dubai side, near Port Rashid.
7
Learn about Dubai’s maritime history
at the Heritage and Diving
Village in Al Shindagha. The Heritage
area features traditional craft demonstrations,
while the Diving Village displays
the pearl diving history of Dubai.
Beyond Central Dubai
The 39 floor World Trade Center once
was the tallest building in Dubai. There
is a viewing gallery on the 37th floor for
those who want a bird’s-eye view of the
city.
Out of the waters near Dubai has
emerged Jumeirah Palm Island, the
first of three planned reclaimed landmasses.
The project will add over 500
kilometers to Dubai’s coastline and is the
most ambitious land reclamation project
in the world.
As if skyscrapers and artificial islands
were not enough … it even snows in the
desert at Ski Dubai, an indoor ski center
in the Mall of the Emirates. The facility
has a restaurant overlooking the slope
where you can marvel at the improbable
wonderland.
In 1998, UNESCO named the neighboring
emirate of Sharjah the capital of
the Arab world for its preservation of its
traditional architecture and culture with
historical museums, mosques, and heritage
areas.
SHORE ExCURSIONS
To make the most of your visit to Dubai and surrounding areas we suggest you take
one of the organized Shore Excursions. For Information concerning tour content
and pricing, consult azamaraclubcruises.com or contact the onboard Shore Excursion
Desk. When going ashore, guests are advised to take with them only the items
they need and to secure any valuables.
LOCAL CUSTOMS
Bargaining: Haggle hard anywhere in the souq but don’t expect the prices of things
like gold or electronic goods to come down by more than 10 - 15%. Antiques and
crafts may come down a bit more.
Tipping: Tips are not generally expected in the UAE, though since most waiters
receive extremely low salaries they would certainly be appreciated. The service
charge added to your bill usually goes to the restaurant, not the waiter.
LOCAL CUISINE AND DRINk SPECIALTIES
Arabic food reigns supreme in Dubai. Indian, Pakistani, and Lebanese restaurants
abound, as well as every international cuisine imaginable at Dubai’s vast array
of hotel restaurants. Be prepared to eat “mezze” style, in which a variety of appetizers
arrives at your table at the same time, rather than a series of full-course
dishes. Shawarma is an Arabic sandwich made with pita bread, lamb or chicken,
and topped with tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce, and hummus. Falafels are a delicious
fried mix of ground chickpeas and spices, which can look like a croquette or
cutlet. Try it as an appetizer, in a sandwich, or as a side dish.
Non-alcoholic drinks such as soft drinks, fruit juices and mineral water are available
throughout the country. Alcohol can only be sold in restaurants and bars attached
to hotels. The selection is what you would expect to find in any well-stocked
bar. Bottled water is recommended.
SHOPPING
When a city has an annual Shopping Festival, you know the opportunities will be
endless… Dubai City Center is a popular destination with hundreds of shops. The
Mall of the Emirates was the largest mall in the world until the Dubai Mall opened in
November 2008 in Downtown Bur Dubai. With over 1200 stores, an Olympic-size
ice rink, and a Fashion Catwalk, it will be difficult to not find something to purchase
at these malls.
For a taste of traditional market culture in Dubai, visit one of the many souks.
Dubai has souks specializing in gold, spices, perfumes, and textiles. Besides the
title goods at the souks, popular souvenirs in Dubai include Persian rugs, pearls,
and jewelry. Be prepared to haggle.
LOCAL CURRENCY
The UAE Dirham (Dh) is divided into 100 fils. You will also hear the currency occasionally
referred to as rupees. Notes come in denominations of Dh 5,10, 50, 100,
200, and 500. Coins are Dh 1,50 fils, 25 fils, 10 fils and 5 fils. Foreign exchange
rates fluctuate. There is also a slight variation for cash or traveler’s checks.
POST OFFICE AND TELEPHONE FACILITIES
There is a Post Office available at the cruise terminal.
Dial the following access numbers to use a personal calling card:
AT&T: 0.800.121 or 0.800.161
MCI: 0.800.111

TRANSPORTATION
The most popular way to get around Dubai is by taxi. There
are metered taxi services on either side of Dubai Creek. The
emirate’s bus system is also reliable and extensive. Local
buses operate out of the main stations in both Deira and Bur
Dubai. Numbers and routes are posted on the buses in English
as well as Arabic.
To go from Deira to Bur Dubai across Dubai Creek, take an
abra or small water taxi. You can also hire a private abra with
an operator for a larger fee.
TOURIST INFORMATION
There is a Tourist Information Desk available at the cruise
terminal.
USEFUL WORDS AND PHRASES
Good morning - sabah al-kheir
Good afternoon/evening - masa’al-kheir
Thank you - shukran
You’re welcome - afwan/al-afu
Yes - ai/aiwa/na’am
No - la’
How much is that? - bcham hatha
Where is the washroom (toilet)? - wein al el-Hammam
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This information has been compiled for the convenience of our guests and is intended solely for that purpose.
While we work to ensure that the information contained herein is correct, we cannot accept responsibility for any changes that may have taken place since printing.
© RCCL 2010 - All rights reserved.