Dubai - Lifestyle & Culture
It's wise to remember that, while Dubai is a welcoming and relatively tolerant society, there are certain rules it's wise to observe.
Overt displays of affection are frowned upon, with interactions between men and women especially sensitive. It's frowned upon for a man to even shake a woman's hand in public. Women should wear a shawl over their shoulders when off the beach, and refrain from wearing short skirts in public places.
Alcohol is only allowed in licensed venues, and never allowed on the beach, or in public places.
Old Dubai houses a group of relatively historic, and cultural, attractions - although, in reality, you'd be hard pushed to glean a rounded and comprehensive view of Arabian life here. Still, the Dubai Musuem does at least give a decent attempt at context.
Housed in the 18th century Al Fahidi Fort, the museum's textiles, glittering armaments, coins and art treasures traces the region's history over the past 3,000 years. Its dramatic dioramas give a good impression of life before the tourists arrived.
The Shaikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding in the historic - and carefully reconstructed - Bastakiya Quarter of Dubai is your best bet for a blast of authentic Arabian culture. Here, excellent guided tours include the chance to enjoy a traditional Arabian breakfast, and to chat to guides about the traditional ways of life here.
The Jumeirah Mosque, on Jumeirah Road, is one of the few open to tourists - and the largest in the city. Its guided tours offer a fascinating insight into the Muslim religion, and the interior's elaborate decorations. It's wonderfully illuminated at night.
Nightlife: The streets of downtown Dubai are alive at night with the sound of Arabian, and western pop music, live concerts, street performers and the holler and bustle of the souks. Alcohol flows freely in the bars and clubs - but don't take it outside with you -and remember, there's a strict zero policy on recreational drug use, with severe penalties.
The Jumeirah Beach complex is the hottest place for clubs. The Jumeirah 360 Degrees is a smart clubbing complex looking like it's been transplanted straight from Ibiza.
Other popular hot spots include Zinc and Sanctuary, pumping out Hhouse tunes into the small hours. Ocean Club Dubai is an R'n'B venue popular with ex-pats and tourists alike, while Longs Bar, at the Towers in the Financial Centre, is the longest bar in Arabia: with all manner of specialist beers, and a young, lively crowd.
The British pub, Double-Decker, Al Murooj Rotana, is a two-tiered sports venue with plasma screens and pool tables, and gets busy with the ex-pat community and those travelling to Dubai on business. But it's a friendly place, and a good way to kick-start your evening. For more authentically Arabian entertainment, try The Address in Dubai Marina, attracting cabaret singers, and a slightly older, more relaxed crowd. Elsewhere, the hotel's own cocktail bars offer a touch of refined elegance - and, often, great views (they're frequently situated on the hotel's higher floors, for added drama - and non-guests are welcome).