Where are the yachts refueled?

If you think shopping malls are just places to shop, Dubai is ready to change your mind. Dubai Mall is not just shopping, it's a whole world under the roof. Imagine a place where you can start the day by watching underwater wonders in a huge aquarium, then go ice skating on an ice rink in the middle of the desert, and in the evening watch a movie in a luxury cinema. I remember getting lost among more than a thousand shops, unexpectedly coming across a waterfall with figures of drivers, as if floating in the air. The Mall of the Emirates offers an even more surreal experience: inside it is Ski Dubai, a real ski resort with penguins and snow slides. Going down on skis, knowing that the scorching sun and sand are outside the walls, is an indescribable feeling.

Dubai may seem like an ultra-modern city of glass and steel, but behind the shine of the skyscrapers lie neighborhoods where one can feel the spirit of the past. One such place is Al Fahidi, also known as Bastakiya. As I wandered through its narrow streets, I felt like a time traveler. The traditional houses with wind towers, built from coral stone and gypsum, told stories of how people lived here centuries ago. I visited the Dubai Museum, located in Al Fahidi Fort, the oldest building in the city. Inside, I was greeted by exhibits that narrated the lives of Bedouins, pearl diving, and the trade that made Dubai what it is today. Don’t miss Deira, home to the famous markets—the Gold Souk, Spice Souk, and Fish Market. Here, the aromas and sounds of the East create a unique atmosphere, and the opportunity to haggle with vendors adds to the charm.

The best places to observe marine life from a yacht in Dubai include: - Persian Gulf Coast: Dolphins, sea turtles and a variety of fish can be seen in the morning hours at a distance of about 15 miles from the coast. - Mangrove forests off the coast of Ras al Khaimah: A great place to observe birds and marine animals. - World Islands: An area with rich marine life and coral reefs.

A sextant is a navigation tool used to determine the angle between objects on the horizon and celestial bodies. This helps sailors pinpoint their location.

Dubai is a real paradise for shopping lovers, offering many opportunities: Shopping malls: Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta Mall and others. Traditional markets (souks): Gold Souk, Spice Souk, Textile Souk. - Boutiques: Luxury boutiques in shopping malls and hotels. - Trade festivals: The annual Dubai Shopping Festival with great discounts and promotions.

Approximate prices: • Small motorboat (up to 6 passengers) per hour: from 500 AED (about 135 USD) • Medium motor yacht (up to 10 passengers) for 3 hours: from 2000 AED (about 545 USD) • Luxury yacht (more than 10 passengers) per day: from 10,000 AED (about 2725 USD) The cost of renting a yacht in Dubai can greatly depend on many factors. Here are the main ones: • Yacht size and type: Small motorboats are cheaper than large luxury yachts or catamarans. • Rental duration: The longer the rental period, the higher the total cost. Renting for an hour or several hours will be significantly cheaper than for a day or several days. • Season: In October-April, yacht rental prices are usually higher than out of season (May-September). • Additional services: Captain and crew, catering (food and drinks), entertainment (water skiing, wakeboarding, fishing, etc.) increase the rental price. • The lessor company: prices may vary from company to company. The Council: • Determine your budget and desired yacht parameters in advance. • Compare prices from different companies and read reviews. • Specify what expenses are included in the rental price.

Interestingly, despite popular belief, oil only accounts for a small portion of Dubai's economy - around 1%. The main industries are trade, real estate, tourism, and financial services. In the 1960s, the discovery of oilfields spurred the development of infrastructure, but Dubai's rulers wisely invested in diversifying the economy. Today, the city is a major transportation hub, with one of the busiest airports in the world and the largest port in the region. I was impressed by how rapidly Dubai transformed from a small trading port into a global city.

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.

Yes, I have.

Before traveling, it is important to familiarize yourself with the visa requirements. Citizens of many countries, including Russia, can obtain a free tourist visa on arrival for up to 90 days. I recommend checking the current information on the official website of the emirate or at the UAE consulate, as rules may change. Upon entry, you will need a valid passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival. At the airport, I was asked to fill out a migration card and go through standard control procedures. Everything went quickly and without complications, and soon I was enjoying the sights of the city.