Dubai Tours Blog

Luxury Desert Experiences near Dubai in the UAE

2009-02-17T20:51:00.000-08:00

If you have thought of going to Dubai you have undoubtedly thought of towering skyscrapers and a bustling city of luxury and excess right on the coast of the Persian Gulf. But did you know you could also experience luxury away from the city and combine that with the beauty and mystery of the desert? If you didn’t you’re not alone. Actually there are two great resorts that can offer you these great qualities, the Al Maha Desert Resort and the Jumierah Bab Al Shams Resort and Spa.

First let’s look at the world renowned Al Maha Desert Resort. Al Maha is a Bedouin style eco-resort located on the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve which has received 11 international awards. If you are looking for a romantic getaway resort this is a fantastic option. One of the great aspects of this lavish resort is their ability to balance a great sense of privacy and luxury without the feeling of complete isolation. This is accomplished through the layout of the suites, which are all stand-alone tent-roofed structures that each offer their own chilled pools and patios with stunning views of the desert panorama. The views that are offered cannot be easily overstated. The orange dunes scattered over the horizon mixed with greenery and the majestic long-horned oryx, for which the resort is named, grazing just over the next hill create an amazing experience that can’t be replicated any where else. There is also no lack of activities you can choose from which are included in your stay. There is archery, falconry, a whole host of spa treatments, and many others. You can even enjoying strawberries and champagne as you watch the sun set over the desert after a tranquil camel ride. Finally, the dinning experiences that The Al Maha offers are exquisite. Not only is the food amazing but you can enjoy it anywhere from their beautiful main restaurant, to dinner served at your own suite, to somewhere deep in the heart of the desert.

Are you looking for luxury but perhaps want to bring your kids along? Then the Jumierah Bab Al Shams Resort and Spa may be just the place for you. Situated 45 minutes outside of Dubai it is well worth the trip. This 5-star resort appears like an oasis out of the desert, surrounded with palms and a gorgeous pool overlooking the desert. The rustic Arabian décor creates a truly unique ambiance that will give you the feeling of royalty. The maze-like design of the resort also provides for hidden staircases, romantic terraces, and quaint little courtyards. At night the beauty of this resort is further enhanced by the light of candles and lanterns that illuminate the exterior. When you want to go have some fun, feel free to drop the kids off at the Sinbad Kid’s Club while you explore the desert, go horseback riding, or relax for a spa treatment. With respect to relaxation, this is where Bab Al Shams really shines. They offer a whole host of spa treatments designed especially to ensure your comfort and ability to unwind. When it’s time to eat there are several options to choose from, offerings ranging from traditional Arabian fair, to Indian, and even Italian.

If you’re ready to spend a little time in the desert for an experience unlike any other that will compliment the rest of your vacation we can offer a tour package that will include one or both of these resorts. For more information call or e-mail us at dan@latitudeworldtours.com, and be sure to check out our other offerings at http://latitudetours.com/pages/dubai-8-day-dubai-oman-focus. - Derek H.

Ski Dubai

2009-02-17T20:48:00.000-08:00

If you are going to Dubai there are certainly plenty of activities that you can occupy yourself with, perhaps you have thought of riding camels, going on a desert safari, or going shopping. But there is probably one activity that didn’t cross your mind, how about skiing? When you think of the Arabian Peninsula skiing doesn’t usually cross your mind unless it is down the side of a sand dune (also very fun!). But if you travel to Ski Dubai you can brag about your experience skiing on snow in the middle of the desert!

Ski Dubai, located at the Mall of the Emirates, has been around since 2005 and is the largest indoor snow park in the world. Ski Dubai is truly a technological marvel with a lot to offer any traveler. They boast 5 different ski runs with varying difficulties as well as the world’s first indoor black diamond run. Ski Dubai offers many of the same features that you would expect from an actual mountain, a snow park for kids to build snowmen, a quarter-pipe and some jumps for experienced skiers and snowboarders, and areas for beginners. If you have never skied before you can even take lessons from professional instructors. And after you enjoyed the slopes you can take pleasure in a warm meal at either the St. Moritz or Avalanche café.

Ski Dubai can make for a wonderfully unique day trip experience that could compliment any Dubai tour and we would be happy to include it in any of our packages. If you would be interested in more information please call or e-mail us at dan@latitudeworldtours.com. Also check out some of our other offerings at http://latitudetours.com/pages/dubai-8-day-dubai-oman-focus . - Derek H.

Abu Dhabi

2009-02-17T20:27:00.000-08:00

While we specialize in Dubai, another classic destination within the UAE is of course Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi is a more traditional Middle Eastern city, yet modern, bustling and connected with the larger world. It's a fascinating place well worth 2 -3 nights to experience. Naturally we offer a variety of excellent tours and fine hotels for tours within and around Abu Dhabi. Call us if we can help arrange a package tailored to your dates, interests and budget.

Burj al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel

2009-02-11T09:14:00.000-08:00

If you have a burning desire to stay at the Burj al Arab- one of the world’s iconic hotels, shaped like a sail towering high into the air above the turquoise Arabian coast - the best time for the best value is when it's burning up outside in the Arabian summer. The best rates are from June 1 to September 20. While this may be the hottest time of year, the Burj naturally is climate-controlled inside, and the beach and swimming pool are always just outside your door.

To accentuate your time in Dubai, we can arrange exciting touring both within Dubai and in the other Emirates via air-conditioned car and van. So just because it's hot, don't let a good value slip away if you have the passion to spend an evening or two in one of the leading hotels on Earth.Even then, at a relatively good value, the Burj is not for most travelers - it is simply too expensive for most travelers no matter when you travel. However, right across from the Burj is another simply wonderful 5-star hotel, with it's own unique shape, in the form of an giant shimmering wave. That hotel is of course the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, owned by the same group as the Burj, with outstanding services and facilities. It's also about 4 or 5 times less expensive!

If you are looking for a fantastic hotel to complement your overall Dubai (or Muscat) experience, just call us or email me at dan@latitudeworldtours.com, and we can make a recommendation based on your travel style and budget needs. Just remember that when you travel can influence what we might suggest.

Radisson SAS Deira Creek in Dubai special rates

2009-02-09T08:36:00.001-08:00

We just received word from our operations department that the 5-star centrally located Radisson is offering our clients special rates. The hotel is easy to include in any of our packages, including the 3 day Dubai Highlights (though I usually suggest 3 nights, not two, like it is online). The Radisson Deira Creek is an outstanding choice for travelers seeking comfort and centrality, in the heart of it all, with each room we book for our guests coming with a balcony overlooking for Creek. Call us or email us for more information.

Be happy you are just visiting!

2009-02-05T18:25:00.000-08:00

I found this to be incredible:

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/markets/the_gulf/article5663618.ece

It's a story about ex-pats leaving their cars at the Dubai International airport, to the tune of 3,000 vehicles (so far), fleeing the country and their loans (that presumably they are defaulting on).

Dubai remains a simply outstanding country to visit, and generally speaking, the great steps the government has taken to diversify their economy have put the UAE in a good position to weather the global economy crunch, but before you buy real estate here or elsewhere, think about it long and hard!

Dubai and Oman - our best tour for the money

2009-01-29T09:43:00.000-08:00

I was helping a client today with a custom 8-day Dubai and Oman Focus proposal, and it dawned on me, that I should write an entry about why that trip is the best all-round tour for Dubai and Oman for many travelers.

~ It's short; you can see the highlights of both countries in 8 days, plus one on each end for travel days.

~ It's customizable; depending on your interests, we can switch out "x" activity and replace with "y". For example, instead of the day trip to Sharjah, check out the desert in a private 4WD excursion, or choose to have a free day of R&R and enjoy Dubai on your own.

~ We can tailor the trip to the best price for you. If you have a certain budget, just let us know, and using the itinerary as a blueprint, we can fashion the best Dubai and Oman tour for you and your wallet. Obviously, there are many different hotels, hotel specials, excursions and date choices that we can draw from in order to help you best.

~ You pick the date. Among the many options with this trip - as good as it is, "as is" - you pick the date you want to go. Naturally we can help with recommendations for best climate, lowest prices, etc. but we leave the timing to you.

~ Options. You can choose public excursions - shared with other travelers seeking the best value - or you can opt for private tours, private guides, private vehicles, if finances allow.

~ The tour can accommodate any number of travelers, there are no group minimums or maximums.

Here is one example of a recommended schedule, or recommeded itinerary for Dubai and Oman:

Day 1, Friday: Arrive Dubai - most flights get in late ... Fridays are the "down" days in the region so they make good days to arrive and depart generally.

Day 2, Saturday: Afternoon Dubai discovery tour/ Evening dhow dinner cruise along Deira Creek.

Day 3, Sunday: Dubai development tour, and/or 4WD evening desert escape and BBQ dinner out in the sands.

Day 4, Monday: Abu Dhabi, full day exploration / or Sharjah discovery / or a 4WD trip out the wadis, coast and/or desert mountains

Day 5, Tuesday: Full day touring to Muscat, o/n Muscat (or if traveling solo, fly to Muscat, it can be a better "deal").

Day 6, Wednesday: Muscat city discovery tour, including a not-to-be-forgotten visit to the majestic Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.

Day 7, Thursday: Nizwa - a must see - full day.

Day 8, Friday: Depart Muscat - perhaps relaxing in a public park with local families or lounging on the beach prior to your flight home (typically in the evening).

For a specific quote and recommended itinerary, we just need to know what date - generally or specifically - you want to go, how many people would be traveling, and what kind of hotel (economy, moderate, luxury) you'd prefer.

Of course, this trip is online, at http://www.latitudetours.com/pages/dubai-8-day-dubai-oman-focus and you can always email me, at dan@latitudeworldtours.com or call me, at 866.949.9940 x701, or direct, at 303.495.3432 for more information.

Saving money on ATM and cc fees in Dubai

2009-01-28T11:20:00.000-08:00

The New York Times has a helpful article about how to save money on ATM and cc fees. I thought I'd post the link but first chime in some extra advice.

Naturally the first order of business is choose your cards (generally a "primary" credit card and one ATM card, plus a "backup" credit card should suffice) then notify the credit unions or banks about your tour, so they don't think you're being defrauded. Generally a quick call or an email to them is enough and they will make a note on your account- just give then the general region you're traveling in "the UAE and Oman" e.g. and the general time frame. (When you get back, make a point to monitor activity for awhile just case).

Now, one particular useful reminder in the article is to research who the local partner of your bank are - you'll often save on transaction fees - if not get free service entirely - if you take the time. Often you can ask the bank or go online and google partners in the country you plan to visit.

Here is that passage: you can "...reduce the fees somewhat if you use their own machines, or those of their partners. Bank of America, for example, partners with Deutsche Bank in Germany and BNP Paribas in France, so withdrawals are fee-free there (but not, however, at Deutsche Bank branches outside Germany)."

The link to the whole article is here (which also details insurance plans for budget/long term travelers, so that information may not really apply to most of us):

http://frugaltraveler.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/27/packing-the-right-credit-card/#more-115

Oman getting some deserved props

2009-01-14T21:29:00.001-08:00

Oman was recently recognized by Lonely Planet in their new guide, "The Best in Travel 2009," with an inclusion into the "top 10 countries" to visit in 2009. The publication noted a number of compelling reasons, among them the exciting new developments and fantastic culture in Muscat plus the outstanding natural history in the nation's wild and wooly desert landscapes. Oman deserves the love, it is a secret now but not for long!

The Al Fahidi Fort and Dubai Museum

2009-01-14T21:24:00.000-08:00

If you are going to Dubai and wish to take in some culture while you are there then the Dubai Museum located at the Al-Fahidi Fort is certainly a must. It has been called one of the most impressive museums in the country and it will give your visit both a historical and cultural perspective.

The fort where it is located, first used for protection against foreign invaders and the ruler’s office, is over 200 years old and is thought to be the oldest structure in Dubai.
Inside the museum you can view exhibits chronicling the extraordinary development of Dubai from a small fishing village to an international hub. Most of the museum uses life-size dioramas complete with an excellent use of video and sound to illustrate several aspects of historic Dubai life. Some of these exhibits depict Islamic schools, various workshops, a dhow dock, a marvelous underwater pearling display, and several others. There are also a number of displays that explore the nuances of desert living, from flora and fauna to desert survival and the desert at night. If you are interested in artifacts there are plenty that abound the museum both big and small. In the courtyard you can view cannons, boats and huts and inside you can observe excavated pottery and other relics some dating back to the 2nd millennium B.C..

So if you are thinking of spending some time in Dubai consider setting some time aside to have an in depth look at the history and culture of Dubai at the Dubai Museum. If you are interested in learning more or are looking for a tour of this and many other exciting places take a look at one of our base tour packages here: http://www.latitudetours.com/pages/dubai-3-day-dubai-highlights. -Derek H.

Traders Hotel Special Offer through October 2009

2009-01-13T08:14:00.000-08:00

Traders Hotel, one of my favorite 4-star properties in Dubai, is offering a great special - 'pay for 4 nights, and stay for 5.' This is a great deal at one of the very best moderate-priced hotels in the region. 5 nights/6 days allows you to really experience not just the amazing development of Dubai, but also to branch out and explore the greater Emirates, including the wild and scenic East Coast, desert mountains and canyons (known as "wadis"), Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and more. So much is within easy driving distance it is ridiculous. Excellent roads in the UAE and Dubai and our A/C vehicles make it comfortable. Call or email us for a quote, no obligations: 866.949.9940 x701 or email me at dan@latitudeworldtours.com. We can generally generate a quote and a custom itinerary proposal for you within 24 hours for most requests!

The epic Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat

2009-01-09T10:08:00.000-08:00

Are you planning on going to Dubai soon and looking to build your itinerary? Something you may want to consider is taking some time out to visit Oman. “Why” you ask? Well Oman is what we like to call a “hidden gem”. There are some spectacular sights to see that most people don’t know about.

One of those sights is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. This is truly a wonder of modern architecture and design. The massive complex occupies over 100 acres on which the structure and a beautiful garden is located. The building, with it’s main dome standing over 150ft high and the primary minaret standing nearly 300ft high, masterfully combines subtlety with the ornate. The sandstone exterior uses smooth archways, the single color of natural stone, and reflective marble floors to create a very tranquil and heavenly feeling. The dichotomy becomes apparent when you step inside and marvel at the extremely elaborate tiles and carvings that adorn the walls and ceiling. You will also notice that the monotone exterior is highly contrasted with the vibrant use of color inside. The Persian carpeting is currently the second largest hand woven rug in the world and took 600 workers 4 years to complete. The main prayer hall is also ornamented with the world’s second largest chandelier made of Swarovski crystal which is 45 feet tall. The detail and the shear grandeur of Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is breathtaking, and many people usually find themselves spending a few hours at least to really take in all of its beauty. .

So if you are thinking of going to Dubai, it could be well worth your time to visit Oman as well. If you are interested in touring either Dubai or Oman or even better, both, we have tours available that we will tailor to your needs and can easily include a guided visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. Just email us at info@latitudeworldtours.com or call our Dubai and Oman desk, at 866.949.9940 x 701. - Derek H.

Hyatt Regency in Dubai

2009-01-05T08:20:00.000-08:00

We have also secured special rates - for package travelers enjoying our private airport transfer service, at least one excursion and hotel - at the other outstanding, centrally located 5-star, the Hyatt Regency, with special rates all the way through September 19, 2009.

Last Minute Deal in Dubai

2009-01-05T08:02:00.000-08:00

One of our premier partner hotels, the Radisson SAS Deira Creek (outstanding location and service), is offering extra special rates for travel between now and January 17. If you can't make that window but you would still would like to experience Dubai and stay at one of Dubai's best located 5-star hotels, please know we've re-negotiated special rates all the way through April 30, 2009 valid for new bookings). Just let us know how many nights you'd like to enjoy in Dubai and peruse our selection of day tours for a great "hub and spoke" vacation, where you conveniently stay in one hotel in Dubai but experience the wonders of the other Emirates. This is just one of many options we can help you with: www.latitudetours.com/pages/dubai-3-day-dubai-highlights or email me direct at dan@latitudeworldtours.com.

Burj Al Arab

2008-12-30T07:42:00.000-08:00

When one imagines Dubai, the mind conjures thoughts of lavishness, innovation and beauty. While there are several examples of these qualities throughout Dubai, nothing has come to symbolize them more than the Burj Al Arab hotel. Burj Al Arab has become world renowned for its innovative architecture and exquisite service. This is a property we can include in any of our tour quotes, though nights here, with taxes and breakfast, can easily reach over US$2,000/night. Most people can easily recognize it by its tall sail-like shape that dominates the Dubai skyline and offers a magnificent view of both the Arabian Gulf and Dubai. Once inside, your eyes are immediately drawn skyward as you marvel in one of the largest atriums in the world.

While the hotel only boasts 202 suites, each one contains two levels luxuriously decorated in vibrant colors and lavish furniture. These accommodations range between 1,800 square feet to over 8,300 square feet. The aesthetic appeal, however, is only half of the experience. They also offer world class service and, in fact, it is currently the worlds only (self-described) seven-star hotel. For those seeking relaxation and self-indulgence they offer the Assawan Spa and Health club, located on the 18th story surrounded by beautiful mosaics and a tranquil view of the ocean. Here you can treat yourself to everything from facials, body massages, Jacuzzis, and even entire ritual sessions lasting up to 150 minutes perfect for both men and women. After revitalizing yourself, you can easily head to one of the several amazing restaurants within the hotel offering fine cuisine from around the world. The signature restaurant, the Al Mahara, which has received numerous accolades, combines a stunning atmosphere with exquisite seafood. The most noticeable feature within Al Mahara is the enormous seawater aquarium in the center of the dinning area, which creates a unique and unforgettable ambiance. After enjoying a perfect meal, you can take a short walk around the hotel’s white sandy beach listening to the waves and admiring the beautiful hotel exterior as its lighting scheme changes throughout the evening. Before going back to your room for the night, head to the Skyview bar and overlook the breath-taking scenery from the 27th floor while enjoying a specially made cocktail and reflecting on the day’s events and planning for tomorrow.

It is no wonder that Burj Al Arab has attracted so much praise and attention from around the world; they don’t just offer a beautiful hotel but an entire experience for those seeking opulence and luxury. Among the tours you can consider including a night or two at the Burj is the Dubai Highlights tour, which is right here: http://www.latitudetours.com/pages/dubai-3-day-dubai-highlights. - Derek H.

Dubai Special Offers

2008-12-14T22:18:00.000-08:00

For a limited amount of time, for travelers seeking a wonderful short luxury tour of Dubai, for example, a 3 night tour of Dubai, using our Dubai Highlights tour as "the base," we can offer exemplary luxury accommodations at a special rate for a program using the 5-star Jumeirah Beach Hotel or it's premier sub-property, the 5-star + Beit Al Bahar, for stays between January 9 -March 19, for a limited time - call us or email us to see if the special incentive program is still in effect. The Jumeirah Beach Hotel is best known for it's shape, like a giant glimmering glass wave set on a fine sand beach, while nearby loom other epic emblematic developments of Dubai like the Burj al Arab.

Details of the base tour are right here: http://www.latitudetours.com/pages/dubai-3-day-dubai-highlights.

For those on the other side of the budget spectrum, we have a special rate, over a more extended time, from now until May 2009, at the more modest but economical Arabian Park Hotel. Call or email us for details of how you can save money on your Dubai vacation.

Dubai Shopping Festival

2008-12-12T12:16:00.000-08:00

I might not be the biggest shopper in the world, but that's not my mom's fault. She has tried her best. She is a unashamed "shop-a-holic." So when I told her a little about the Dubai Shopping Festival, it was like beautiful music to her ears. The Dubai Shopping festival is one of the world's premier events for shoppers, and understandable it's held every year in Dubai, a prosperous, leading city of the world with a rich history of trading and commercial enterprise.

The event in 2009 is running January 15-February 15, with many 'mini-events' within that time frame to keep a shopping enthusiast busy. One of our more popular day trips we build into our grander tours (Dubai transfers, Dubai hotels, and Dubai excursions) good anytime of year however is the full day shopping excursion.

Note that this is a full-day shopping tour by private car with - like always - one of our English speaking driver/guides, that will take you around the most luxurious & traditional shopping malls in Dubai.

The day tour includes the visit of 3 or 4 shopping areas, according to the location & distance between each other.

List of Recommended Malls:

- Dubai Mall, Opening in August ’08 and will be known as the biggest shopping mall with attractions in the world
- Mall of the Emirates, Connected to Ski Dubai
- Mercato, Italian Themed Mall
- Bur Juman, Luxury Designer stores
- Deira City Center, Near the Airport
- Ibn Battuta Mall, Architecturally subdivided in countries explored by the Moroccan explorer
- Waterfront – Dubai Festival City, On the Dubai Creek
- Wafi City, With Khan Murjan, handicrafts souq
- Dubai Outlet Mall

Call us or email us for more information about how we can help arrange your Dubai shopping tour, whether you want to go over the official Shopping holiday or any other time of year - shopping in Dubai is excellent anytime of year!

Hyatt Regency in Dubai

2008-12-08T16:54:00.000-08:00

One of the several outstanding features of the 3 day (or more often, 3 night/4 day) Dubai Highlights tour with Latitude World Tours - details right here: http://www.latitudetours.com/pages/dubai-3-day-dubai-highlights - is that you pick your hotel -like the rest of our tours, you tell us your budget range you'd prefer to stay within for your tour arrangements and we'll build your tour around the rate you require. If you require a good budget hotel in Dubai we can help; if you'd rather enjoy more luxurious accommodations in Dubai, we can also adapt our proposal for that interest.

We have a good rate and special promotion going on right now for one of the 5-star city hotels in Dubai, the Hyatt Regency. A modern, luxury Dubai hotel, the Hyatt Regency Dubai is centrally located on the Deira Corniche, overlooking the Persian Gulf at the mouth of Dubai Creek, and is within walking distance of the Gold Souk. The hotel is only two minutes from the commercial and shopping areas and just 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport. Call us at 866.949.9940 x701 or email me at dan@latitudeworldtours.com if you have any questions or requests.

Dubai Luxury and Adventure in one tour!

2008-11-25T17:26:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite 4-wheel drive excursions out of Dubai is our full day Musandam mountain safari. This is just one of many 4-wheel drive and private sedan excursions we can arrange to the unique outer realms of the United Arab Emirates.

The excursion combines breathtaking scenery, fun off-roading and unique culture; it begins with a scenic drive through the oases of Al Dhaid and Masafi, then reaches the seaside village and port of Dibba, located at the base of the magnificent Hajar Mountains. To view the fascinating cliffs and deep canyons, we drive across the Musandam Peninsula on off-road tracks through winding gorges up to a height of nearly 1,200 meters. A Picnic lunch is served en-route. We continue through Wadi Bih with its steep walls of rock and pass through Ras Al Khaimah on the way back.

What's nice about this tour is while it can arranged on a private basis any day of the week, there is a special scheduled group departure every Sunday, allowing solo travelers the opportunity to better afford this exciting outing.

What I like to offer our travelers is a variety of meaningful excursions with several hotel options, ranging from refined 5-star hotels like the exquisite Mina A' Salam ("Harbour of Peace") to less expensive hotels in Dubai like Traders Hotel, Hotel Al Manzil, etc. creating the right Dubai tour for your interests and budget. One trip we can easily expand, incorporating a unique 4-wheel drive adventure or an affordable group day tour to Abu Dhabi or elsewhere is our Highlights tour: http://www.latitudetours.com/pages/dubai-3-day-dubai-highlights. Call or email me at dan@latitudeworldtours.com for a quote and suggested itinerary!

Cultural Local Day Tour in Beautiful Salalah Oman

2008-11-19T20:35:00.000-08:00

Looking for a special way to enhance your Oman experience? Visit Salalah, a short flight (you can consider Oman Air, at http://www.omanair.aero/wy/index.htm ) from Muscat and near the Yemen border. This is an area of profound natural beauty and culture, with history and an interesting city, Salalah, to serve as your base. Safe with some of most hospitable people in the world, Salalah presents one more fascinating choice for your time in the region.

While you are there, you have a broad choice of off-road adventures. One excursion features a close look at local culture as well as sweeping views of the unforgetable countryside:

Full Day Qara Mountains & Wadi Sahanwoot, with visit to a local family (4WD)

Enjoy a day out into the desert mountains, providing valuable insights into the local culture, flora and fauna. Drive via the rugged Qara Mountains and Wadi Sahanwoot to visit a local family in the mountains. Continue via the Haloof (rocky) mountains to Wadi Ayoun for great views the profuse foliage and natural beauty. Our last stop is the Job’s (Hiob’s) Tomb, visited by Islamic and Christian pilgrims alike. We'll enjoy lunch en route.

Contact one of the travel professionals at Latitude World Tours with help in creating the perfect Oman tour for you!

DTCM’s Destination Dubai 2009 Tourism Manual Launched

2008-11-17T17:29:00.000-08:00

The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) released the 2009 edition of its yearly tourism manual - Destination Dubai. The magazine was officially launched at the World Travel Market (WTM) 2009 in London.

The colorful and attractive manual is a comprehensive book for all potential visitors to Dubai and documents the emirate's progress in trade, travel and tourism, sports in addition to listings of airlines, tour operators, shopping and other leisure options.'Destination Dubai 2009' features Dubai's fast transformation into a haven for sun seekers and shoppers and also a city of adventure, offering exciting discoveries in both mountain and desert terrain. The manual fulfills a genuine attempt to present Dubai's fantastic tourism options to a global audience.

Mohamed Khamis bin Hareb, DTCM’s Executive Director of Operations and Marketing said “This year 20 more pages had to be added to the manual which contains valuable information like tourist attractions, heritage sites, entertainment and tours and dining out options in a budding destination. It also has useful tips and information regarding visa, immigration and customs rules and regulations and a quick version of Dubai at A Glance, Dubai’s tourist map.”

Dubai's emerging reputation as a shopping and real estate oasis with features like the Dubai Duty Free and Dubai Shopping festival and the new projects like the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Land and Dubai Waterfront are well represented in the manual. She added that Destination Dubai 2009 also explores the interesting spots in other emirates to offer a total UAE tourism experience for the visitors. A complete listing of Dubai's rapidly expanding list of hotels and hotel apartments, foreign embassies and consulates in the manual will help guide tourists through the multiple leisure options that are available in Dubai.

Of course, the Dubai tour experts at Latitude World Tours can help you customize your vacation in Dubai (whether for just your family or your entire goup), and help you navigate the ins and outs of traveling to and in Dubai.

--Daniel Crandall