UNITED ARAB EMIRATES , DUBAI

Today we arrive at the Dubai International Airport, and you will transfer to the hotel on your own. Upon arrival at our hotel, we will be treated to a non-alcoholic ‘mocktail’ and a private check-in area provided for our group.

Dubai is a city of contrasts: the old and the new. Begun as a pearling village over a thousand years ago, Dubai is now a modern metropolis, deftly mixing Arab tradition with architectural marvels and a stunning coastline.

Along with Abu Dhabi, Dubai was one of the leading emirates in the formation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 1971. Today, the emirate's ruler, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is also the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE.

Since the 1990s, tourism has boomed, and it is now a major part of Dubai's economy. Ambitious developments such as Burj Al Arab, The Palms, and The World, combined with Dubai's renowned shopping and beaches, have attracted tourists who seek a mix of the exotic and the spectacular.

Today, Dubai continues to grow, but the Arab tradition of hospitality remains. With its unique mix of the traditional and modern, relaxation and adventure, Dubai is one of the world’s most exciting destinations.

After breakfast at our hotel, we depart for a company visit in the city. An air-conditioned deluxe bus with an English-speaking guide will be provided to visit a company this morning.

You can enjoy lunch at Bastakiah Restaurant. Al Bastakiah Community is situated in the eastern part of the old city in Bur Dubai. This community represents the architectural landmark of Dubai city, where you can find ‘Barjeel’ (high traditional air-conditioning systems), gypsum decorations, and distinctive carpentry works.

The flickering torches and heavy wooden doors intricately carved and studded with vast iron nails immediately transport the unsuspecting guest into old world Arabia.

The restaurant offers traditional Arabic treats made up of six different styles of starters, four different types of main courses, and magnificent desserts that you can enjoy in one of the many private dining rooms that are available at the restaurant.

After lunch, we depart with our English-speaking guide on a city sightseeing tour where one can find the modern and the traditional, side by side. Our route takes us to the magnificent Jumeirah Mosque and past the modern palaces of the Royal Family sprawled along the coast. We then arrive at the Bastakia, where one gets to admire the old wind-tower red houses built by wealthy merchants many years ago. We continue our journey by abra (water taxi). As we cross the creek, we see the modern metropolis with its splendid architecture on one side dwarfing the bustling alleys of the souks on the other. A walk along the creek is a fascinating sight that combines the past with the present as visitors are able to see the traditional wooden dhows loading and unloading their cargo and setting out to places such as India, the Gulf, and Africa.

Our ride to the other side of the creek takes us to our next destination —the gold and the spice souks. Capture the aroma of old Dubai as we walk through the alleys with little spice souks and end up at the modern gold souk, where you can buy some of the finest and purest gold on earth at excellent prices. Shop after shop offers a dazzling display with windows crammed full of gold, diamonds, and precious gems.

Today we will enjoy full day visits to various companies and/or university lectures. An air-conditioned deluxe bus with an English-speaking guide will be provided for eight hours.

You can enjoy lunch at the Sevilles Restaurant in Wafi City.

With the Spanish chef turning out flavorful tapas and the servers pouring generous portions of red wine, rosé, and champagne sangrias, Sevilles is as close as you'll come to finding a piece of Madrid in Dubai. Andalusian decor dominates the dining room with its terra-cotta floors, Spanish archways, and wall images of bull fighting and flamenco dancing. Hot and cold tapas include fried calamari, prawns cooked in garlic and oil, and chorizo (Spanish sausage) flavored with cider; rich seafood paella is available as well. The popular terrace overlooking the Wafi rooftop gardens is one of the city's hottest hangouts on weekends, and you can come just for drinks if you like.

Alternatively, enjoy lunch at the Observatory at Harbor (Gastro Lounge and Restaurant).

Aptly named and located on the 52nd floor, the Observatory is the harbor’s signature dining experience, offering stunning panoramic views of Dubai Marina and The Palm Jumeirah. The menu offers simple international classics, such as croque monsieur and Welsh rack of lamb, as well as seafood delicacies and daily specials. An extensive wine list including cocktails and premium-branded spirits makes our bar a fantastic place for a social drink with friends.

Tonight, you may want to enjoy the exclusive Dhow Dinner Cruise (Private for our group only). You will be transferred to the creek where you will board a beautifully decorated Dhow. Enjoy the cruise aboard one of these traditional wooden vessels offering an intriguingly different view of this amazing city—a portrait of the true character of Dubai.

Dhows are moored three and four abreast, and the little water taxis putter back and forth between the banks form a floating city of their own. As Dubai evolves, the contrasts in the landscape become more evident. From this elegant traditional styled Dhow, one can see that the north bank of the creek is a showcase for modern architecture but is surrounded by many historic buildings in the former merchant’s area of ‘Bastakia.’ As the Dhow cruises along the creek, you will be treated to an international buffet that is accompanied by an optional open bar. After the cruise, you will be transferred back to your Hotel.

After breakfast, we set off to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the Arab Emirates, a melting pot of cultures where contemporary style goes hand-in-hand with Arab tradition. The city is built on an island, and its name means ‘the father of the Gazelle.’ Our private deluxe air-conditioned motor coach takes us past the world’s largest man-made port at Jebel Ali and onward for a two-hour drive through coastal desert scenery that is studded with acacia trees towards the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi is the capital of UAE and consists of 80% of the total land area of the UAE. 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.

Upon arrival in Abu Dhabi this morning, we will visit a company.

You can enjoy lunch at the ‘Sofra’ at the Shangri-La Hotel. Stroll through the buffet stations and select a variety of exquisite, freshly-prepared local and international dishes in an Arabian market setting. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.

Or enjoy Lunch at the Benihana Restaurant in the Beach Rotana Hotels & Towers.

Taste the American-Japanese cuisine, including sushi, sashimi, salads, steaks, and makimono rolls.

After lunch, we depart for a company visit.

Thereafter, we enjoy a sightseeing tour of Abu Dhabi with our English-speaking guide. In this city of dramatic contrasts, we visit the Sheikh Zayed Heritage village – a ‘living museum’ that shows the traditional way of life before oil was discovered. Managed by the People’s Heritage Revival Society, it features an old pearling dhow, barasti houses, Bedouin goat-hair tents, livestock stables, and an agricultural plot displaying the falaj irrigation system. There are Arabian horses, camel rides, demonstrations of falconry, and camel milking. Visitors can sample local food and henna painting. From there, we continue with a visit to the renovated Al Husn fort, which was built in 1793 on an area of 6,400 sqyare meters. A portion of the fort has been converted into the ‘Documents and Research Centre’ for the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation. We will also visit the charming Batinah Harbor and an old dhow yard. Traditional dhow races continue to keep the spirit of the dhows alive today. In days gone by, the same methods were used to build and maintain the dhows as are used today. On our return journey to Dubai, we drive past Sports City, the biggest soccer stadium in the Middle East.

This morning you may want to take an optional tour of ‘A Tale of two Cities.’ This fascinating tour takes you to two emirates of Sharjah and Ajman. Visit Ajman’s enchanting museum, housed in an ancient fort which was once a residence and which will give intriguing insights into lifestyles before the changes brought by oil. You will pass Sharjah, the 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; the 150-year old Al Naboodah House, which vividly recalls 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.

OR you may want to take a tour of ‘Future and Modern’ Dubai this morning. Our luxury air-conditioned coach with an English-speaking guide takes us to a location near the Burj Al Arab for a great photo opportunity of the world’s first seven-star hotel. Our next stop is The Palm Jumeirah, an artificial island in the shape of a palm tree. Driving across its trunk, we take a closer look at its themed boutique hotels, signature villas, apartment buildings, and a variety of retail outlets. We then drive to the new marina for more photo opportunities.

Our next stop is the Gold and Diamond Park, a new complex of jewelery workshops and showrooms, a favored shopping destination.

Proceeding to the Dubailand Information Centre, you will get a preview of dynamic, upcoming projects. The Centre has been called the world’s largest tourism, leisure, and entertainment project, and it was designed to catalyze the position of Dubai as an international hub of family tourism.

Our final stop is the Souq Al Bahar, located at the Old Town near the Burj Dubai. Themed as a traditional Arabian marketplace, it offers a range of shopping and dining choices. It provides an ideal vantage point to capture dramatic shots of the Burj Dubai soaring into the skies above.

You can enjoy Lunch at Aquarium Restaurant at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club.

Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club has attracted considerable international attention since its opening in January 1993. Situated in the heart of the city and just minutes from Dubai International Airport, the Creek Club is a modern landmark with its distinctive clubhouse— voted ‘Best Clubhouse’ in Golf World's ‘Best of the Best’ Awards— and its rolling green fairways on the shores of Dubai's other Creek, the saltwater inlet that gives the city much of its character.

The centerpiece of the Yacht Club and the namesake of the restaurant is the striking four-meter-high saltwater aquarium, which is tubular- shaped, rises through two floors, and is stocked with multi-colored tropical fish. This is a gourmet seafood restaurant that is located upstairs from the boardwalk. The surrounding panoramic glass windows provide views of the creek from one side and the marina from the other, creating a truly magical ambience. Equally incomparable is the restaurant’s impeccable attention to detail and its extensive menu. The mainly fish-based selections include lobster, king prawns, oysters, and red mullet, all served in beautiful sauces. There are also specialty vegetarian and meat dishes available.

From the moment one enters the club’s portals, the venue offers a touch of class in all respects. There is simply no finer place from which to observe the Dubai Creek and enjoy Dubai’s dazzling skyline.

This afternoon we will be taken on a Desert Dune Safari where we will take camel riding lessons.

We depart from our hotel in 4-wheel drive vehicles and head further into the desert for an adventure of a lifetime. Each vehicle seats four people plus a safari guide. The serene atmosphere and the expanse of desert landscape with its changing hues and sculptured dunes makes this an experience worthy of its protected status. You will enjoy an afternoon dune drive where you may be lucky to see the Arabic oryx or gazelles in their natural environment before finding the perfect dune in which to enjoy the stunning sunset. Our excursion will also include rides and slides, sand skiing, camel riding lessons, and soft drinks.

This evening you may want to include an optional ‘1001 ARABIAN NIGHTS,’ an exclusive dinner for our group.

After sunset, the group gets back into their vehicles and drives to the camp for the 1001 Arabian Nights dinner. As the vehicles approach the site, the entire campsite will be lit with live torches. Inside will be rows of special ‘Shamiyanahs’ (Arabic tents that are open from two sides). Each of these tents holds approximately 50-70 guests at a time; the guests sit on cushions with low Arabic rectangular tables.

The use of live torches, Arabic brass artifacts, and souk set-ups will help create a special ambience under the stars. On arrival, the group is offered a typical Arabic welcome of dates and Arabic coffee. A special corner for Narghilla pipes will be set up with helpers to light the pipes and demonstrate this tradition of pipe smoking to the more adventurous attendees.

The typical Bedouin feast begins with a special barbecue meal prepared on spits. Arabic mezzahs will already be set on the tables, and mouth-watering Arabic desserts will be available at the dessert station. The food will be set up at different points, with tripods arranged in the center to serve a variety of rice.

Today we will be taken on an East Coast tour to Fujairah. We 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 mosque in UAE, before following the coast to Fujairah.

We will enjoy lunch at a restaurant by the Indian Ocean. Stop by the town’s 300-year old fort before exploring the village of Fujairah, which was abandoned when mountain dwellers moved away from oil exploration to start a fishing village. Our last stop is the Bithnah oasis, where you may photograph the impressive fort that still guards the mountain pass, followed by our return to Dubai.

Tonight you can enjoy a farewell dinner at ‘AL DAWAAR’ Revolving Restaurant at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

The ‘Al Dawaar’ is Dubai’s only revolving restaurant. The restaurant gives a panoramic view of the city and its coastline from the 25th floor. Enjoy international dining with the most spectacular views, including ‘old Dubai,’ the famous Dubai Port, and the neighboring Emirate of Sharjah.

A veritable feast of flavors from around the globe is presented in an unforgettable setting, with guests having the opportunity to have a bird’s eye view of the city of Dubai while enjoying the international cuisine.

Or enjoy farewell dinner at ‘SEZZAM’ Restaurant at Kempinski Mall of the Emirates Hotel. The 935-seat restaurant features three cooking methods as opposed to ethnic cuisines, celebrating food at its simplest. Guests are guided by all five senses; taste, sight, smell, hearing and touch. Sezzam’s dining emphasis is on how the food is prepared and cooked, as opposed to being aligned according to a distinct geographical area. The emphasized preparation methods are steaming, baking, and grilling. There are two different service areas: the Sezzam Express, a high class fast-food area, which offers interactive over-the- counter service; and the Eatery, an a-la-carte sit-down area, with a spectacular view over the first Middle East indoor Ski Dome. Sezzam dining also features a Beverage Island; a Dessert Bar; a Retail Gourmet Shop; and finally, a cutting edge, fully- licensed, trendy bar called Evory Lounge.

This morning we will visit one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in Dubai, the Jumeirah Grand Mosque. Generally, non-Muslims are not permitted to enter a mosque; however, the Jumeirah Grand Mosque is the first and only mosque in the United Arab Emirates to open its doors to non-Muslims. It has been doing this since 1998 under the supervision of the SMCCU Director, Abdullah bin Essa Al Serkal.

The Jumeirah Grand Mosque was built in the Islamic Fatimy style, with one large central dome, four smaller domes, and two minarets. The mosque has the capacity to house 1,200 people for prayer.

This unique tour will enable participants to learn about the ‘five pillars’ of Islam and the Emirati culture and its traditions. The last part of the visit is dedicated to a ‘Question and Answer’ session in which guests are encouraged to ask any questions they may have relating to Islam and the Arab culture in a free and open forum. Participants are reminded that a special dress code applies. Men must wear long trousers. Women must have their heads, arms, and legs covered when in a mosque. For those who do not have a head covering, scarves will be provided.

Or enjoy an optional Catamaran Cruise around the Palm and World Island for 3 hours including refreshments on board (private for our group only)

Be among the first to observe the Eighth Wonder of the World from the deck of our luxurious catamaran as we sail leisurely around the constructions of the Three Palms and The World. These outstanding developments are a tribute to Dubai’s rising success and ever-evolving culture. The Three Palms opened at the end of 2006 and has luxurious hotels, theme parks, restaurants, and leisure facilities. Three miles out to sea is the World, made up of 300 islands representing countries of the globe. A late brunch or lunch on the boat can be organized for guests to enjoy. As they return to the shore, guests will view the breathtaking Dubai skyline and witness the opulence and beauty of the Burj Al Arab.

After our tour, you can enjoy lunch at the ARBORETUM at Madinat Jumeirah.

The Arboretum is a light and spacious, organically-styled environment in which Arabic design details influence the dining experience. Offering sumptuous all-day dining of international appeal, the Arboretum features Arabic dishes of delectable quality with a global appeal.

The ambience at the Arboretum is distinctly ‘of the region’—a style-driven interpretation of traditional Arabic themes. Guests will appreciate the opportunity to dine al-fresco on a wide terrace that borders a busy waterway and offers views of the Arabian Gulf.

After lunch, you will be transferred to the hotel.

Contact our Tour Connoisseurs Name : * Email : * Address : People Travelling :* Adults 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15+ Children 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15+ Your Country : * Tentative Date of Travel : * MM Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec YYYY 2010 2011 Phone : * Tour Duration : * Days 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31+ Please give details of your requirements : * Please Enter Image code: