Oldest Mosque in UAE

The oldest mosquein the UAE can be found in Fujairah. Al-Bidyah Mosque is believed to be 580 years old. The construction reminds me a lot of the clay mosque in Mali. The simple lines, the feeling of being a building that sprung out from the earth beneath it.

The Imam of the mosque is a stout Bengali fellow. As I entered the mosque I stood in the doorway and was quickly welcomed in with a smile. "It's ok, pictures are allowed."

Men prayed on one side of the tiny praying space, and women on the other side. Equal space, side by side.

Lonely planet Dubai Tourist Guide

Lonely Planet Dubai One of the better guides available for tourists visiting Dubai is the Published by the famous city guide company Lonely Planet this book is authored by Carter, Terry and is available in Paperback from any book shops or you can purchase it online at bigger books by visiting the following link for a remarkably low price of $14.51 which is a saving of $4.48 over the list Price Find great tips and savings in the guide to make you trip to Dubai a memorable one.Lonely Planet Dubai

Best Hotels of Dubai

Burj Al Arab
Burj Al Arab or Arabian Tower is the ultimate symbol of Dubai, it is also famously known as the sail of arabia because is shaped like the sail of a ship.

The stunning property has already become an internationally recognizable landmark and is known as the world’s tallest hotel. Burj Al Arab’s sail shaped structure, which soars 321 metres above the Arabian Gulf, is taller than Eiffel Tower in Paris and just 60 meters shorter than New York’s Empire State Building.

Burj Al Arab scales new heights of luxury, introducing new levels of comfort with its superlative standards of acomodation and service in its suites. leisure facilities and restaurants. Built on a man-made island lying 280 metres offshore, the hotel houses 202 duplex suites, which are both spacious and lavish, with the personal services provided by private butlers.

The hotel offers the guests a feast for both the eyes and the plate. From the highest point of the hotel right doown the sea level, the restaurants locations are as impressive as the creative menus. Whether the guests are looking for a healthy snack or the best in haute cuisine, the six Burj Al Arab restaurants have perfect answers every time.

The stunning Assawan Spa is inspired by the architecture of ancient Arabia. Facilities include exercise equipment, indoor swimming pools, Jacuzzi and a seperate reserved area for ladies.

Online @ http://www.burj-al-arab.com

Al Qasr Hotel
Elevated as if to emphasis its splendor, Al Qasr is the "palace" at the heart of Madinat Jumeirah, The Arabian Resort - Dubai. Approached via a ceremonial causeway, this majestic mansion style hotel rises up to form the jewel in the crown of the world’s most sublime Resort and authentic recreation of ’old Arabia’.

Surrounded by water, Al Qasr forms a virtual island looking down upon a multitude of fascinating aspects: ancient wind towers, pools, meandering waterways and the superb two kilometer wide private beach.

Online @ http://www.madinatjumeirah.com/al_qasr/

Bab Al Shams
Bab Al Shams or The Gateway to the Sun. Is located in the middle of the Arabian Desert, Emerging from the heart of the desert, Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa is an elegant luxurious desert resort in a traditional Arabic fort setting.

For those seeking a unique desert experience within easy reach of Dubai, Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa presents the ideal destination.

Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa offers 113 exquisitely appointed rooms in a rustic Arabic style.

Online @ Bab Al Shams

Jumeirah Group
Jumeirah was founded in 1997 with an aim that was as clear in its simplicity as it was bold in its ambition; an aim to become a hospitality industry leader through establishing a world class portfolio of hotels.

Hotels that would not just aspire to the benchmarks set by the world’s finest establishments, but actually redefine them. Hotels that would be destinations in their own right. Hotels that would offer a unique travel experience. Today Jumeirah Groups hotels have achieved that and are the best to stay at.

Online @ Jumeirah Group

Royal Mirage Hotel
Royal Mirage Hotel is located on the exclusive Jumeirah Beach, approximately twenty minutes from Dubai , opposite the Golf Club and adjacent to the Dubai International Marine Club.

The Royal Mirage blends fantasy and tradition in the opulent splendor of a rediscovered Arabian fortress, this distinctive beach resort pays homage to Arabian architecture and hospitality. All rooms are sea facing, central air conditioning, walk-in closet,luxurious bathroom with separate shower, private balconies or ground floor patios, themed bar and dinning experiences including the spectacular Kasbar for evening entertainment.

Online @ Royal Mirage

The best Spa in Dubai- Amara Spa

No tourist destination is complete without good spas. Dubai is known for its great variety of spas. Amara being the best amongst the lot.

Located in idyllic surroundings on the banks of the Dubai Creek and world-famous Dubai Creek Golf Course, Amara is a true sanctuary of luxury and tranquility. A magnificent tribute to the ancient Moorish palaces, the white exterior and royal blue domes offer a welcoming entrance into this private and secluded spa, where exotic rituals have been created to stimulate the senses, soothe and rejuvenate.

A unique place where the senses are awakened with calm settings, a scent of rare oils, captivating lush gardens and a tranquil swimming pool. With soft evening light of flicking candles and oil lanterns, Amara spa is reminiscent of the ’Arabian Nights’ tale.

The Amara concierge will customize your experience using the ancient healing philosophies of Diamond, Emerald, Ruby and Sapphire. These precious jewels, each with its own physical and spiritual benefits, combined with the finest products, Arabian teas and authentic delicacies, ensure a quality and personalized experience.

Begin your journey with a refreshing rain shower in the private garden of your spacious spa suite. Couples’ suites are also available for a shared spa experience. This will prepare you for your rose petal hand and foot ritual. Drift away with the surrounding euphoric aromas of the Orient having chosen your own music from the music menu … and this is just the beginning.

Things to do with Kids in Dubai

Dubai is a family tourist destination and a place for stuff to do for people of all ages, so planning a visit to Dubai with family and kids is easy and children will have a great time on the vacation to Dubai. Most hotels have facilities for children including clubs for kids to play in with supervision. Most restaurants in Dubai will allow children without a problem except some very exclusive places which will want children to be out before 8:00PM. All the shopping malls in Dubai have play areas for kids even soft play areas for toddlers and this keeps the children busy and enjoying the vacation

List of things to do for Kids Dubai

• Dubai also offers magnificent green spaces and parks which offer children s activities these include Safa Park, Creek Park and Jumeira Open beach.
• Skiing and snow Park at Ski Dubai in Mall of the Emirates.
• Ice Skating at the Dubai mall.
• Paint Ball near the Grand Hyatt Hotel.
• Rainforest Cafe, Aquarium and Underwater Zoo in Dubai Mall
• Children's City at the Creek Park.
• Lazy River and Laser Tag at the Wafi Mall.
• Wild Wadi water Park on Jumeira Beach Road.
• Aquaventure water park located at Atlantis Palm Jumeira.
  
• For dolphin lovers the Dolphinarium at the CreekPark is a wonderful place you can even swim with the dolphins.
  
• Fairgrounds at the Festival city is very good place for children.
  
• Sega World at the Dubai Mall is fun for tech savvy kids.
  
• Cafe Ceramique
• Planet Hollywood located on Sheikh Zayed Road is a good kids friendly restuarant.

There are many others and you will find all the usual fast food places Mc Donalds, KFC, Pizza Hut, Pizza Express. There are several ice cream parlours in the malls; Cold stone creamery and marble slab are particularly good.