What souvenirs should I bring from Dubai?

When you first see the glittering skyscrapers of Dubai, it's hard to imagine that less than a century ago there were only sand dunes and fishing boats bobbing on the waves of the Persian Gulf. The history of Dubai begins at the beginning of the XVIII century, when the Bani Yas clan founded a small settlement near the Dubai Creek. This narrow bay has become a vital artery for trade and fishing. In 1833, the Al Maktoum clan peacefully seized power, and since then Dubai has been ruled by this dynasty. But the real turning point came in the middle of the 20th century with the discovery of oil. Instead of relying solely on oil revenues, wise rulers invested in infrastructure, trade and tourism, turning Dubai into a global hub in a few decades.

If you want to arrive in your own car, you can park in the city parking lot.

You can rent a car in Dubai as follows: Company Selection: Choose an international or local car rental company (e.g. Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar). Documents: A valid driver's license, international driver's license (if required), passport and credit card will be required for the rental. Booking: Book a car online or through the company's office. Specify the rental period and additional services (for example, GPS navigator, child safety seat). Getting a car: Sign a rental agreement and get a car at the company's office or at the airport.

The cockpit is the place on the yacht where all the magic happens. Here you control the ship, enjoy the sun and discuss with friends which of you will be the first in line for a cocktail. This is the ship's control area, where one or two steering wheels, a navigation system, winches for controlling sails and other equipment are located. The yacht's skipper spends most of his time here. The cockpit also applies to the entire interior of the yacht, unless it is divided into cabins, a gallery and other rooms. If you suddenly hear the phrase “everyone to the cockpit!”, this is just an invitation to have fun.

Dubai's cultural scene is constantly evolving, offering a variety of events. Dubai Opera is an architectural masterpiece shaped like a traditional dhow boat. I attended a performance there and was impressed by the acoustics and comfort of the hall. The Opera's program includes ballet, musicals, classical concerts, and even contemporary shows. Magic Planet in Mall of the Emirates offers family entertainment programs, including theatrical productions and artist performances. Coca-Cola Arena is the largest indoor multi-purpose arena in the region, hosting concerts by global stars, sporting events, and festivals. I attended a concert of my favorite band and appreciated the high level of organization and technology.

The prices for renting a boat in Dubai strongly depend on the selected vessel, the duration of the rental and additional services. On average, renting a small motorboat that can accommodate up to 8 people starts from 300 AED per hour. If you need a more spacious and luxurious boat, for example, a yacht 50-60 feet long, be prepared to pay from 500 AED to 5,000 AED per hour. The cost may vary depending on the level of comfort, the amenities provided and the services included, such as the availability of a captain and crew.

Yes, many modern yachts offered for rent in Dubai have Wi-Fi. However, before booking, be sure to check this point with the company that provides the yacht for rent. The availability of Wi-Fi may depend on the class of the yacht, the year of its manufacture, as well as on the specific services included in the rental package.

Driving in Dubai is organized to a high standard, but there are a few things to note. Driving is on the right-hand side of the road and the roads are generally of a high quality, making driving easy. However, traffic during rush hour can be heavy, especially on major roads like Sheikh Zayed Road. Speed and traffic cameras are in operation throughout the city, and fines can be substantial. I hired a car and found that local drivers can be quite fast and sometimes make unexpected maneuvers, so it’s important to be attentive. Parking can be expensive in the city center, but shopping malls often offer free parking. Public transport, including the metro and tram, is a good alternative for getting around the city.

Various festivals are held in Dubai, including: - Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF): An annual festival with great discounts, promotions and entertainment events, held in January-February. - Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF): A prestigious film festival attracting filmmakers from all over the world. - Dubai Jazz Festival: A musical event featuring performances by famous jazz musicians and performers of other genres. - Gourmet Taste of Dubai Festival: A food festival where visitors can taste dishes from the best chefs and restaurants. - Dubai Tennis Championship: An annual tennis tournament that attracts the world's leading players.

Dubai is the perfect destination for a family vacation, offering entertainment for all ages. Dubai Miracle Garden is a huge flower park with giant installations made of millions of living flowers. I watched children run excitedly among the floral castles and fairytale characters. KidZania in Dubai Mall is an interactive city for kids where they can try different professions, from firefighter to doctor. My nephew was thrilled "working" in a bakery and getting paid in play money. The Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, also in Dubai Mall, offers the chance to see sharks, penguins and even dive in a cage among marine predators. And Legoland Dubai is every child's dream, where all the rides are made from the famous LEGO bricks.