It”s Dubai Time! The Best Guide Cruising Oman & UAE in 2024
It"s Dubai Time! The Best Guide Cruising Oman & UAE in 2024
We were quite impatient at the beginning of 2019 because we were embarking on the journey of a lifetime in a few days. We placed an Orbitz order for a combination trip: After a week-long cruise through the United Arab Emirates, which includes Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Khasab, and Muscat, we flew to Thailand to enjoy the Indian Ocean in Khao Lak. We had fantastic tours, including touring the desert, tourist destinations, and downtown Dubai.
Located in Western Asia on the Persian Gulf, the United Arab Emirates is a federal absolute monarchy that shares maritime boundaries with Iran to the north and Qatar to the west. It borders Oman to the east and Saudi Arabia to the south. 9.2 million people called the United Arab Emirates home in 2013, of which 1.4 million were native Emiratis and 7.8 million were foreigners.
Photo Source : traveldreamdiary.com
Informations
Temperature: The best time to go to the UAE is in the months of August-September when the temperature is comparatively mild and autumn is steadily setting in.
Language: The official language of the United Arab Emirates is Arabic. Due to the fact that tourism is one of the most important income in this country, most people speak English.
Currency: The Emirati Dirham is the official currency of the UAE, abbreviated officially as AED. 1 USD=3,7 AED 1 EUR=4,5 AED
Food Prices: Cheap Restaurant 9 USD/person, Mid-range Restaurant 2 persons 60 USD
Informations about Visa you can find here.
Notice: Several of the links below are affiliate links, which means that if you click over and make a purchase, I will get a commission at no extra cost to you. Here is a link to our complete affiliate disclosure.
For this all-inclusive vacation, which included breakfast in Thailand and an all-inclusive cruise, we spent 1400 euros per person. We were always far from the hotel during the day, so it was fine to only have breakfast because food in Thailand is quite inexpensive. The only issue here is that, naturally, trips were not included, so we had to withdraw more funds from our wallets to cover them. We will tell you about the cruise in this post, and we will write another one about Thailand—Khao Lak.
Things to do
After a four and a half hour flight from Munich to Dubai, we left our bags behind and drove into the desert, where we had pre-booked a Desert Safari with Sandboarding & Camel Ride on the internet. We had dinner, a belly dance performance, and henna painting on my hands. I advise you to confidently buy from Viator and obtain your guide for these trips, as you will be paying a significant amount of money once you arrive. Sagar, our driver and guide, was excellent. We went on safari and had a fantastic time, making friends with him and the other tourists right away:
Desert Safari with
Sandboarding & Camel Ride
Located in Western Asia, the Arabian Desert is a large desert environment.and the biggest in Asia. Among the many species that have adapted to the harsh conditions of the desert are gazelles, oryx, sand cats, and spiny-tailed lizards. The harsh habitat includes everything from dangerous quicksand to red dunes.
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The following day, we went on a guided tour that took us to Old Dubai, which includes Downtown Dubai, the Al Fahidi neighborhood, the Dubai Museum, the Mosque, a traditional boat ride on Dubai Creek called an abra, the spices market, and the gold market.
Old and new Dubai tour
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Following this excursion, our ship, the Costa Mediterranea, traveled to Khasab. Since the city was small and we only had a few hours to spend, we chose to take a nap and explore the ship instead. This is the vessel on which we enjoyed seven blissful days:
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The ship traveled to Muscat, the capital of Oman, during the night. Together with an older German couple we had become friends with, the four of us took a taxi to Muscat. The taxi driver was very nice and patriotic, he gave us a reasonable price and took us to all the major sights in the city, including the mosque, the forts, and the royal palace.
The Grand Palace Muscat
One of the six sultan’s residences, Al Alam Palace was constructed more than two centuries ago, under the supervision of Imam Sultan bin Ahmed, Sultan Qaboos’ seventh straight ancestor. Though tourists are allowed to pause close to the gates and snap pictures, the inner grounds of the palace are still off-limits. The Mirani and Kalali Forts, which were constructed by the Portuguese in the sixteenth century, encircle Al Alam Palace.
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Mirani and Jalali Forts
Old Muscat, Oman’s port is home to the forts of Al Jalali and Mirani. After Ottoman armies had twice sacked Muscat, the Portuguese, led by Philip I of Portugal, constructed the forts to guard the harbor in the 1580s. In 1650, Omani soldiers captured it. Persians who had been recruited to support one of the opposing Imams twice took the fort during the American Civil War, which raged from 1718 until 1747. Later, the fort was completely reconstructed.
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Sultan Qaboos Mosque
The Grand Mosque of Oman was ordered to be built in 1992 by Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said. Construction started in December 1994, following a design competition in 1993. Six years and seven months were needed for building work. 300,000 tonnes of Indian sandstone were used to build the mosque.
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Next, our ship sailed to Abu Dhabi, where we selected this trip, which took us to Corniche Beach, Grand Mosque, and Ferrari World. After that, we returned to Dubai and went to the Dubai Mall and Heritage Village.
Ferrari World
Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates is home to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, a theme park that is primarily inside. Formula Rossa, the fastest roller coaster in the world, is located at the world’s first Ferrari-themed entertainment park. The park was developed over three years, and on November 4, 2010, it was formally opened to the public.
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Grand Mosque
The largest mosque in the nation and the main site of daily prayers is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Building on the Grand Mosque took place between 1994 and 2007. The building’s primary axis is oriented toward the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, by a rotation of almost 12° south of true west. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late president of the United Arab Emirates, initiated the project with the goal of creating a framework that would bring together the Islamic world’s many cultural traditions with the traditional and contemporary ideals of art and architecture.Sheikh Zayed passed away in 2004 and was buried in the mosque’s courtyard.
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Corniche Beach
The Corniche stretches about 8 kilometers and features eateries, cafés, a separate bike and pedestrian route, and a children’s play area called the Corniche Beach. The Corniche was expanded and land was reclaimed from the sea between 2002 and 2004. In the process, a few of the older landmarks were destroyed, including the Abu Dhabi clocktower and the volcano fountain. People use the Corniche as a public beach, which has resulted in extensive sand accumulation in some areas.
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Heritage Village
To celebrate cultural events and provide a live portrayal of the old, traditional way of life in the United Arab Emirates, the cultural Village was established next to the Diving Village. It depicts the elements of mountain, sea, and wild life, and allows visitors to carefully recognize the nation’s ancient customs as well as the unique features of the nation’s historic homes, handicrafts, patterns, and lifestyles. Heritage Village is open from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday and from 3 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
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Dubai Mall
A retail center in Dubai is called The Dubai Mall. By total land area, it is the second largest mall in the world, second only to the Iran Mall, and the 26th largest shopping center globally.It is a component of the $20 billion Downtown complex, which is home to over 1,200 stores and is next to the famous Burj Khalifa. It was the world’s most visited building in 2011 with approximately 54 million people annually.
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We had prearranged a tour that included admittance to the Burj Khalifa, the aquarium at Atlantis the Palm and Dubai Marina, and a tour of New Dubai that included the Burj Al Arab. The ship sailed back to Dubai the next day, giving us another day off.
Burj Khalifa and Dubai Marina
A skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is called the Burj Khalifa. When it was completed in 2009, the Burj Khalifa overtook Taipei 101 as the world’s tallest structure and building. Its overall height is 829.8 m (2,722 ft), with a roof height (excluding antenna) of 828 m (2,717 ft).
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A neighborhood in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is called Dubai Marina. Situated on a 3 kilometer (2 km) strip of Persian Gulf shoreline, it is an artificial canal city. When the entire project is finished, residential towers and villas will be able to house around 120,000 people. Because of the marina’s closeness to the open sea, marine life—especially whales and sharks—has frequently entered it.
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Atlantis the Palm
The Atlantean Situated at the highest point of the Palm Jumeirah in the United Arab Emirates is The Palm, Dubai, a luxurious hotel resort. The first resort constructed on the island, it is based on the tale of Atlantis with definite Arabian influences. Opening day for the resort was September 24, 2008.The 1,548-room resort with a nautical theme is divided into two lodging wings, the East and West Towers, which are connected by the Royal Bridge Suite. It is enhanced by the Lost Chambers Aquarium, which is home to over 65,000 marine creatures, and the Aqua adventure water park.
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New Dubai and Burj al Arab
One of the priciest and most opulent hotels in the world is the Burj Al Arab. Standing at 321 meters, it is a prominent landmark in Dubai and among the world’s tallest hotel structures. This structure is easily identifiable because of its exposed location and sail-shaped cubature.
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Our time in the United Arab Emirates was drawing to a conclusion, and today would be our last day there. Naturally, though, we felt happy and confident when we woke up the following morning because it was our first time visiting Thailand. Continue reading the article about our journey to Khao Lak, Thailand, while you are here.
Where to stay
Traditional Food UAE
Sweet and salty components are combined to create the Baleetat. It’s a brunch dish consisting of vermicelli and an omelet. For flavoring, you can add sugar, cinnamon, saffron, cardamom, orange flower, or rose water. All that is Shakshuka is eggs scrambled with pepper and tomato. Add the coriander and thyme to the tomato’s surface. Bread from Chabab – Emirati Pancake Reqaq is a whole wheat flour-based crispy paper-thin bread. Dango: cooked split peas
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Hareeth is a ghee and meat-based wheat porridge. There’s a stew made of meat and huge potatoes. It can be prepared using lamb or chicken. The most popular rice meal is called maochbos, and it can be made with fish, lamb, or chicken. On Levantine bread, fattoush is a salad made with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, mint leaves, onion, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Al machboos is a dish consisting of cooked red meat, chicken, or shrimp combined with spices and loomi, or dried lime powder. The national dish of the United Arab Emirates is called khuzi, or ghuzi. Since this dish comprises of roasted lamb or mutton served on top of a bed of rice and topped with veggies and other toppings, it is a complete, satisfying, and delicious dinner.
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Luqaimat are date syrup-covered sweet fried dumplings made with milk, sugar, butter, and flour. Batheetha is not so much a dessert as it is a cookie made with dates. Aseeda is a traditional pumpkin dessert.
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Traditional Food Oman
Mashuai is a dish made of flavorful lemon rice and grilled kingfish. Soft flatbread loaded with cheese, pork, spinach, or honey is called a mussahat. Shawarma Mishak is grilled marinated meat chunks on long wooden sticks, usually consisting of chicken, mutton, or beef. Oman’s sticky, sweet, gelatinous dish, halwa, is cooked with eggs, brown sugar, honey, and a variety of spices. Harees is boiling, cracked, or coarsely ground wheat that has been soaked in water, together with clarified butter from meat and sheep tail fat that has been left overnight. Placed on a dish, it resembles porridge more.
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Restaurants
The Greatest Restaurants in Dubai At.Mosphere at Burj Khalifa, Ossiano, Eat Greek Kouzina, Aseelah, Iris Dubai, The Pierchic, Al Hadheerah, Ronda Locatelli, Eau Zone Restaurant, Bateaux Dubai.
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The Greatest Dining Establishments in Muscat Begum’s, Baba Salem, Bait Al Bahar, Al Angham Restaurant, Al Khiran Kitchen, Al Mandoos Restaurant, Al Tanoor, and Asado Steakhouse.
The Greatest Restaurants in Abu Dhabi Milas, COYA Abu Dhabi, Bonna Annee, Parker’s, Mezlai, Catch, Bord Eau, BBQ Al Qasr, SALT, Tamba, Bu Tafish, Hakkasan.
Saving Tips
- Book your stay at a budget hotel
- Avoid consuming alcohol
- Look for cheap or inexpensive restaurants
- Use Metro for domestic travel
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Go to a happy hour Savor food in Old Dubai Use the metro. Groupon is very popular in Dubai; on the website, you can find a ton of bargains, 2-for-1 offers, and discounts. The Entertainer is a magazine and app that provides deals and discounts on lodging, dining establishments, and recreational activities.
We suggest these two firms if you don’t want to go by automobile and would want additional information about tours, things to see, and things to do. You may purchase vacations from them for a lot less money than if you were to buy them directly.
Shopping
Shopping in Oman’s Muscat Many Omani households get their essential goods from markets and souks, which are fundamental to their way of life. The souks in Muscat offer wonderful shopping opportunities.The city’s historic commercial center is Mutrah. Even though the ancient palm structures were replaced with concrete apartments in the 1970s, this souk nonetheless holds true to its authenticity in Arabia. If you venture off the main street of the souk, it’s easy to become lost, but that’s all part of the experience. Explore the glittering Gold Souk, located west of the main area and reachable from further down the Corniche. It’s also worthwhile to explore Souk Ruwi, which is close to Mutrah and Old Muscat.
Abu Dhabi’s markets, souks, and shopping centers A sizable retail center with a typical Arabic souk is located within the World Trade Center Abu Dhabi’s Mall. Abu Dhabi Souq Freshly caught fish, vegetables, and fruits are sold at Abu Dhabi’s Mina Markets, a classic Arab souk. The Al Maryah Island Galleria The mall, which is situated in Abu Dhabi’s brand-new Central Business District, provides breathtaking views of the harbor.
Yas Mall is the best location for food, shopping, and entertainment. Abu Dhabi Mall features significant brand outlets in addition to more than 200 stores. In Abu Dhabi, the Marina Mall is home to more than 400 upscale, name-brand retailers.
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Dubai’s shopping centers The Pointe Mall is a promenade for shopping located on Palm Island, Palm Jumeirah. The longest retail strip in Dubai is called City Walk. An area of more than 13,000 square meters is filled with excellent stores catering to all budgets. One of Dubai’s most opulent retail complexes, the BurJuman Centre is home to numerous upscale stores like Calvin Klein and Hermes. In addition to 500 stores, Dubai Festival City Mall features a movie theater complex, a Hard Rock Café, and a wide variety of eateries and cafés. Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and seafood may be found in the Mercato Shopping Mall. A few designer businesses and an Italian delicatessen are also located in the mall.
Affordable shopping is available at Dubai Outlet Mall, which is conveniently located near a free shuttle bus stop. City Centre Deira: Affordable and a haven for kids There are about 350 stores, roughly 75 eateries, a movie theater, and a kid-friendly amphitheater in the Cityland Mall. is the biggest mall in the world all on one floor! There are 630 stores and numerous eateries at the Mall of the Emirates. It also features a theater, a playground, and a movie theater. With five levels with over 300 stores, eateries, and entertainment options, the Nakheel Mall is located on the Palm Jumeirah. The Dubai Mall offers 350,000 square meters of opulent entertainment and shopping space.
Getting Around
In Oman, public transportation is scarce. Buses may get you about the major towns and cities in a hurry, but if you want to explore much of the nation, you’ll need your own transportation, which can be obtained through taxis, rental cars, guide-driver services, or tour packages. Making the most of your time in Abu Dhabi means taking in the world-class attractions the emirate has to offer. To get to your intended location, you can do that by using rental services, taxis, and buses. Some attractions can also be reached on foot, depending on where you stay.
Because of the UAE’s good road system, traveling around the country is simple. It is simple to locate a taxi to go between the emirates. Other modes of transit include the bus, train, metro, airline, and ferry service. To ensure a convenient and hassle-free journey, renting a car is another option.
METRO With cutting-edge autonomous trains operating on a combination of overground and underground lines, as well as visually appealing new stations, the Dubai Metro provides an affordable, efficient, and comfortable means of transportation. There are two lines in the metro. Beginning in Rashidiya, which is immediately south of the airport, the 52-kilometer Red Line travels via the airport, through the city center, and down Sheikh Zayed Road south to Jebel Ali. The Green Line, which stretches 22 km around the city center, starts in Al Qusais, north of the airport, travels through Deira and Bur Dubai, and ends at the Creek.
Trains Run from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturday, Thursday, and Friday; from 5.30 a.m. to midnight (and 1 a.m. on Thurs). Trains depart every 4–8 minutes. The fare ranges from 3dh to 7.5dh for a single voyage (or 6dh to 15dh in Gold Class) and 20dh for a full day of travel, depending on the distance covered.
TRAM The new Dubai Tram, which arrived in late 2014 and filled one of the remaining significant gaps in the city’s transportation network, provides a practical means of moving northward toward Umm Suqeim and around the Marina. Eventually, the system is intended to reach the Madinat Jumeirah.
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BUS Although Dubai’s bus system is vast and effective (wdubai-buses.com), tourists will find it of limited value as the majority of the routes go through areas of the city that are unlikely to be of interest to casual visitors. Instead, the system is primarily intended to serve the requirements of low-paid expat workers. Many services call at both the Gold Souk Bus Station in Deira and the Al Ghubaiba Bus Station in Bur Dubai, where most services start or end. All day and all night, public buses provide an affordable means of getting about Abu Dhabi. During your bus ride in Abu Dhabi, utilize a Hafilat Smart Card to make your payment. Hafilat, which is Arabic for “buses,” is a pre-paid card that you can use to scan in and take out of any public transportation vehicle.
The United Arab Emirates is a simple place to travel by automobile because of its good and well-maintained road network. On the right side of the road, vehicles are driven. Typically, Arabic and English are used on traffic signs.
Getting Here
Travelers and guests can reach Oman or the United Arab Emirates by plane, sea, or land. World-class airlines have good connections to the United Arab Emirates. Private vehicles and public buses are the modes of transportation by road. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been included to a number of cruise ships’ Asian itineraries. Airlines operating out of the United Arab Emirates provide direct flights to the majority of global cities, including those in the far-off Americas and Australia. You can take use of the online booking options offered by these airlines, which include eTicketing. Several methods, such as real-time bank transfers, eWallets, credit and debit cards, can be used to make payments swiftly and effectively.
A number of airlines, including budget carrier Salam Air, regularly offer direct flights to Oman in addition to Oman Air. Overland, the Sultanate borders Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. There are five border crossings that are on land.
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Popular destinations on the itinerary of major cruise lines include Abu Dhabi, Muscat, and Dubai. The ports in the United Arab Emirates offer up-to-date amenities and expedited immigration counter procedures for the issuance of visas. Access to the cities is made simple by the ports. Another option for getting there would be to take one of the buses run by national carriers. Every traveler needs to have both an entry permission or visa to the UAE and the appropriate exit permit from their place of origin.
Drive-in access to the United Arab Emirates is available from the neighboring countries of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman. Driving into the United Arab Emirates requires both a valid driver’s license and an international driving permit. Driving permits issued by their home countries are accepted for use when driving in the United Arab Emirates by citizens of GCC nations. Australians, Austrians, Bahrainis, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, and Americans are among the nationalities whose driving licenses can be used in their home countries.
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