DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES.

HOTELS | IMPORTANT INFORMATION | TOURS

Tours & Safaris’ Dubai

Descriptions

‘City of Merchants’ Dubai City Tour

A fascinating historical excursion. Our route takes us to the magnificent Jumeirah mosque; past modern palaces sprawled along the coast.  In Bastakia we stop for a while to admire the old wind-tower houses built by wealthy merchants. Close by, stands the 150-year old Al Fahidi Fort. Here, the Dubai Museum records the city’s past as an important pearl diving and trading centre.  We continue our journey by Abra - local water taxi.  As we cross the Creek we see the modern metropolis with its splendid architecture dwarfing the bustling alleys of our next destination, the gold and spice souks.

‘A Walk Through The City of Contrasts’
Discover Dubai on Foot

What better way to get to know Dubai than on this fascinating walking tour.  Our journey begins along the creekside, once Dubai’s main trading artery and gateway to the outside world.  Across the Creek, you will see a remarkable blend of ultra-modern glass structures and charming old-world Arab architecture.  On our way, we visit a traditional old wind-towered house, now an art gallery. Our walk then takes us into the narrow lanes of the Bastakiya area – a cluster of beautiful, carefully restored, old wind-towered houses.  As we pass the Ruler’s office we find ourselves in a completely different world – the heart of the old souk, which is still a bustling wholesale and retail market.  Revel in the sights and sounds of this quaint marketplace, before taking an abra ride from Shindagha across the Creek.  A short walk away is the exotic spice souk, which has an interesting display of Oriental and Middle Eastern spices.  The alleys of the spice souk lead into the dazzling gold souk.  Our last stop is the fish and vegetable market, from where we take a coach ride back to the hotel.

‘Moonlight Sonata’ Dhow Cruise with Dinner

What could be more enchanting than dinner aboard a dhow as it slips silently along Dubai Creek by moonlight?

Your cruise aboard one of these traditional wooden vessels offers an intriguingly-different view of this amazing city - a portrait of the true character of Dubai, the intertwining of traditional and modern.  You will see old wooden dhows and luxury yachts, splendid examples of modern architecture like the National Bank of Dubai and the spectacular Chamber of Commerce building, whilst Sheikh Saeed’s House, the birthplace of Sheikh Rashid and the Heritage Village are reminiscent of the days gone by.  Dinner and fragrant Arabic coffee is included – a delicious taste of true Arabian hospitality.  (*Seating will be allocated upon boarding)

‘Images of Arabia’ Cultural Walking Tour of Sharjah

Explore Sharjah’s rich cultural heritage with a walking tour of this fascinating city. Our tour begins with a photo opportunity at Mohammed Al Quassimi Mosque followed by a stroll along the creek, past the colourful dhows laden with goods from Iran . Cross over the modern Al Majarrah Souk, a shopping centre popular with the local citizens, and then on to the Iranian market. Our next stop is the creative Art’s House, followed by the Old Souk – part of Sharjah’s original settlement, offering a rich variety of spices, nuts, dates, household goods and the shisha. We continue along streets lined with exotic perfumes and ethnic garments to reach Sharjah Art Museum. Next we stop by the ancient Al Hisn Fort and the nearby Al Arsah Souk where you can browse through souvenir shops. Leaving the souk we visit some old  homes of local people, which are now renovated and exhibit traditional jewellery, costumes and cosmetics, giving you a glimpse of the local way of life in the past. Your coach meets you at this point to bring you back to your hotel. During the summer months you will be transferred by coach to some points on this trip. ** This tour can also be combined with a cruise aboard MV Danat Dubai. For details, please refer to Voyage Arabesque.

‘Voyage Arabesque’ MV Danat Dubai Cruise and Cultural Walking Tour of Sharjah

This exciting excursion combines a leisurely cruise aboard the luxurious MV Danat Dubai catamaran and a walking tour of Sharjah. Depart Dubai and cruise along the colourful coast to the neighbouring emirate of Sharjah. En route take in spectacular views of Dubai’s coastline from the air-conditioned comfort of the lower deck or from the breezy sun deck above. Sail along the Creek past traditional wooden dhows, the Gold Souk, the Heritage Village and the Dubai Ruler’s office. Enter the blue Gulf waters, sailing towards the distinctive Sharjah skyline faintly visible in the distance. Enjoy hospitality on board the MV Danat Dubai with complimentary welcome beverages and light snacks. You may join the Captain at the helm and pick up a few tips on how to navigate a 34-meters catamaran. Disembark at Sharjah for a cultural walking tour to explore the myriad images of Arabia. A veritable treasures tove awaits heritage explorers as you walk through Sharjah’s souks – old and new, Sharjah Art Museum and historical areas, the Al Hisn Fort and traditional houses showcasing the rich past of Arabia.

This combination tour includes pick-up and transfer from your hotel to MV Danat Dubai and transfer back to hotels in Dubai by coach. For details on the walking tour, please refer to Images of Arabia.

‘A Tale of Two Cities’ Sharjah/Ajman

This fascinating tour takes you to Sharjah and Ajman. En route to Ajman’s enchanting museum – housed in an ancient fort and giving intriguing insights into lifestyles before the changes brought by oil – you pass Sharjah’s spectacular King Faisal Mosque, Al Ittihad Monument and the Ruler’s palace. The return journey includes stops at Majarrah Souk with its intricate mosaics and golden dome; 150-year old Al Naboodah House, vividly recalling the way of life of a wealthy pearl trading family; Al Arsah Souk and the Blue Souk, where more than 600 shops sell carpets, gold, silver, antiques, perfumes, clothes and many other temptations. Return to Dubai in time for lunch.

‘A Capital Adventure’ Abu Dhabi City Tour*

From Dubai, we travel past the world’s largest man-made port at Jebel Ali and onward for a two-hour drive through coastal desert scenery, studded with acacia trees.  Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and many of its striking examples of modern architecture show intriguing interpretations of Islamic themes captured in today’s materials.  Shimmering skyscrapers, villas and palaces line our route along the Riviera-style Corniche with its blue Gulf waters and enticing offshore islands.  In this city of dramatic contrasts, we visit the Heritage village and look at the ancient, renovated Al Husn Fort, before visiting the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation.  We see the old dhow yard and charming Batinah harbour.  On our return journey we drive past Sports City, the biggest soccer stadium in the Middle East. An engrossing view of an emirate that is so like Dubai and yet so different. Some of the attractions and the order in which they are visited may change during the Holy Month of Ramadan.  *Lunch not included in the tour price.

‘Camel Caravan’ Al Ain Tour*

A charming desert oasis that has been a stop on the caravan trail since time immemorial.  Today, Al Ain has become a garden city and also boasts a university. The road from Dubai takes us through spectacular desert scenery.  We stop at the archaeological digs at Hili which date back some 5000 years, before proceeding to the oasis town of Buraimi. Here we stroll through the oasis with its ancient irrigation system and saunter through the quaint minuscule souk. We visit Al Ain's museum next to the old fortress, and after lunch*, stop by the Al Ain Palace Museum.  The palace was the residence of the current ruler Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan from 1927 until the early 70’s.  It is divided into two sections: Sheikh Zayed’s or the men’s section, and Sheikha Fatima’s or the women’s sections.  Both sections consist of a number of majlis, each one used for a different purpose.  Interesting displays, including a collection of family portraits, offer an insight into the way the Royal family lived and entertained.  We then stop at the traditional camel market before returning to Dubai.  *Lunch not included in the tour price.

Drive through multi-hued desert landscape to the oasis of Dhaid before journeying through spectacular mountain scenery.  Just before Masafi, you can shop at the local crafts, pottery and carpet market. Continue to Dibba, a picturesque fishing village, and then to Bidiyah Mosque, the oldest and smallest in United Arab Emirates, before following the coast to Fujairah. Lunch is by the Indian Ocean.  Stop by the town’s 300-year old fort before exploring the village of Fujairah, abandoned when mountain dwellers moved away from oil exploration to start a fishing village. Our last stop is Bithnah oasis where you may photograph (from a distance) the impressive fort still guarding the mountain pass, before returning to Dubai. *Lunch not included in the tour price.

Rising with the Stars’ Morning Tour of the Stables.

We make an early start for a guided tour of Dubai’s famous stables where you will see the finest thoroughbreds. You will also have the opportunity o see their extensive equestrian training grounds, farriers’ facilities and feed rooms. We then move on to the Nad Al Sheba Club, venue of the world’s richest horse race – the Dubai World Cup, for breakfast at the Spikes restaurant overlooking lush greens. The second part of our tour takes a behind-the-scenes look at the jockey’s facilities, stewards’ area and the exclusive hospitality options that are on offer on glamorous race nights. The tour ends with a visit to the Godolphin Gallery where you will find an impressive display of international trophies won by the successful Godolphin racing operation, before returning to your hotel.

‘A Night at the Races” Horse Racing

For one of the United Arab Emirates ’ most exciting nights out, join us for an exhilarating celebration of Arab horse racing. Evening meetings are staged by the Dubai Racing Club at the Nad Al Sheba race course – venue of the Dubai World Cup, the world’s richest horse race. The club has a relaxed, informal atmosphere and its superb facilities include an attractive bar and broad terraces. We include transfer to and from your hotel, entry to the club and Millenium Grandstand, your race card a buffet meal & beverages – in fact the only thing we leave up to you is forecasting the winners! Schedule dates may occasionally be changed.

‘Sundowner’ Dune Dinner

The mysterious desert beckons you for a magical evening out – an adventure you’ll never forget. Leaving behind the bustle of the city in the afternoon, our safari guides will transport you, by four-wheel drive vehicles, for a thrilling journey over rolling dunes, deep into the heart of the desert. En route, you will stop to see camels resting at their camp, and then, from the crest of a high dune, watch the sun cast its orange glow over the vast expanse of rippling sand all round you as it sets. Like a shimmering mirage in the distance you will see the flickering lights of your camp where a traditional Arabian welcome awaits you.  The encampment conjures up images of the Arabian nights. Relax on comfortable low cushions in Bedu tents and quench your thirst, have your hands painted with intricate henna designs, experience a short camel ride, or just enjoy the aromatic shisha. A feast of grilled meats, fresh salads and delectable Arab sweets is served and under a galaxy of stars, you will be entertained by the bewitching belly dancer swaying to the haunting strains of Arabian music. You won’t want this enchanting evening to end.

‘Riddle of the Sands’ Full Day Safari

This off-road adventure, taking in some of the roughest, most dramatic terrain in the country, leaves Dubai on a journey which leads you through traditional villages, over towering dunes, and deep into the steep wadis of the rugged Hajar Mountains. En route you visit a camel farm and see plantation of alfalfa, the high protein feed given to racing camels to enhance their performance, before arriving at Fossil Rock.  This awe-inspiring monolith, towering over the surrounding desert landscape, is embedded with fossils some 80-million years old, recalling the time when this part of Arabia was covered by sea. Your safari then takes you into the rocky escarpment of the Hajar Mountains, the jagged mountain range that runs down the east coast of the Arabian Peninsula. A cold luncheon and refreshments are served in one of the many wadis before our return to Dubai.

Rides and Slides’ Camel Riding and Sand-skiing Tour

The contrast between the ancient Bedu lifestyle and one of the world’s latest sports makes this an unforgettable tour.  Leaving Dubai at 08.00 hours your four-wheel drive vehicle takes you far into the desert, where you meet your camel caravan for a half-hour ride across the spectacular red dunes of Murgham. Here you abandon tradition for one of the world’s newest and most exciting sports - sand-skiing.  Just strap on your sand boards, draw a deep breath and take an exhilarating rush down the steep-sided dunes to the floor of the valley below.  Return to the city at around 12:30 hours.

Starlight Express’ Overnight Safari

Discover the true essence of Arabia on this exciting overnight safari. Your four-wheel drive leaves the bustling city of Dubai in the afternoon, heading deep into the vast expanse of the desert, driving over some of the world’s largest dunes. At sunset, we set up camp amongst the oceans of sand.  Under the sky of a million stars enjoy a barbecue feast before retiring to your tent. Rise with the sun to the aroma of breakfast before starting on the next stage of the adventure, when we travel through the wadis, which take us deep into the rugged Hajjar Mountains before returning to Dubai aroud mid-day.

he Wadi’ Mountain Safari to Wadi Hatta

We drive along a motorway cutting a swathe through the rolling desert and its changing hues.  Then the real adventure begins as we turn into the Hajar Mountains where canyons line our route.  We follow the trails of the wadis and stop for an alfresco picnic lunch ** in one of the wadis. After lunch we drive into the small town of Hatta where we visit the Hatta Heritage village which has a restored old fort that has been converted into a museum and provides fascinating historical insight of the dwellers in this area.  We then commence our return journey to Dubai. En route we pause by the biggest of the roller coaster dunes to admire the silent vastness of the desert.  **During the summer, from June 01^st to August 31^st, we stop for lunch at a hotel, the price of which is not included in the tour price.

‘Dune Roller’ Desert Driving Course

For those who would like to master the skills needed to drive across the challenging desert terrain in a four-wheel drive vehicle, we offer a choice of two courses – a half-day beginner’s course and a more advanced full day’s tuition. Both courses are accompanied by a highly-proficient and experienced tutor/driver and are designed to be interesting and fun – as well as leaving you well versed in the art of desert driving.  All driver must be over 21 years of age and have held an appropriate driving license for over a year. Residents of the United Arab Emirates require a valid United Arab Emirates driving license. Visitors to the country need to present an international driving license, but regulations may change from time to time. So please check the current requirements with Arabian Adventures.

‘Grand Canyons’ Safari to the Hajar Mountains

We depart from Dubai in the morning and drive towards the East Coast of the United Arab Emirates , stopping at a pottery market by the oasis town of Masafi.  We continue to the shores of the Indian Ocean, where an optional stop may be made at the colourful vegetable market in the tranquil fishing village of Dibba.

Our off-road adventure through the steep passes of the rugged Hajar range starts here.  For the next two hours the journey takes us through a wild landscape of dramatic canyons, deep gorges and rocky valleys.  Amidst these impressive natural sights lie small mud-walled villages where crops are cultivated.  After pausing for la picnic lunch, our safari continues through the wadis to Ras Al Khaimah.  The day’s journey takes us through four of the UAE’s emirates before we return to Dubai by late afternoon

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