Honeymoon in Dubai
Dubai is the largest emirate by population and the second-largest by territory among the seven emirates that together constitute the UAE or United Arab Emirates. Though it is a centuries old trading center and an ancient pearl diving location, the city of Dubai is just over 20 years old and growing fast. A young look, technological marvels and old oasis bordered by a majestic desert and the clear waters of the Arabian Gulf make Dubai one of the most exciting destinations in the Middle East.
Fantastic views
Despite its desert landscape, Dubai is home to some of the most breathtaking parks and landmarks in the world. The Burj Khalifa, the Deira Clock Tower and the Jumeira are only a few of the most magnificent points of the cityscape while green spaces like the Safa Park, the Mushrif Park and the Wild Wadi Park heighten its beauty. Panoramic city views can take your breath away and help you get oriented. The 40th floor of Burj Dubai, the world's highest building, is the perfect place to begin. For a romantic view after dark, have a drink at the bar at Grosvenor House Hotel where you can see sparkling city lights spread out below you as you listen to soft piano music. As romantic venues however these are mostly frequented by expatriate or foreign couples since free mixing between the sexes is not allowed among the local population.
Exciting nightlife
Once you have taken in the sights, it is time to head to go clubbing in this desert city. Dubai has the most vibrant nightlife in the region and in an article dated December 2007 and titled, ‘Clubs Bloom in the Desert’, the New York Times1 describes Dubai as “the kind of city where you might run into Michael Jordan at the Buddha Bar or stumble across Naomi Campbell celebrating her birthday with a multiday bash”. Some of the most fashionable nightclubs in the city-state are Peppermint at the Habtoor Grand Resort, the Trilogy at the Medinat Jumeira Hotel, and the 400 Club of the Fairmont Dubai. Added to these are the numerous Shisha and Qahwah boutiques the dot the city as well as stylish theme lounge bars like the Trader Vic’s at the Crowne Plaza Dubai, the Cuban-themed Malecon and the Red Square Discothèque in Hotel Moscow. These venues are very popular with the affluent or the Western expatriate community and if you have the dollars to spare, you can get a taste of incredibly exciting nightlife right in the middle of the desert country. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights are prime time when you can dance until 3:00 a.m. Some clubs are segregated into Arabic, Western, Indian, and Filipino clientele so it may be a good idea to check with your concierge before you and your spouse head out for the nightclub.
Shoppers’ Paradise
But more than its scenery and nightlife, Dubai scores as the top honeymoon destination for couples who love shopping. Dubai is Duty Free throughout. Many shops close from ll: 30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. But all are open until 9:00 p.m. every night some of the best known among these are the Deira City Centre, Mirdiff City Centre, Burjuman Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall and Ibn Battuta Mall where you and your brand new spouse can browse through the latest in fashion brands as well as bond with each other. Then again there are events like Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Summer Surprises which attract over 4 million visitors from across the region and generate revenues over $2.7 billion annually. At the same time these festivals are much more than commercial enterprises – they are in fact a cultural extravaganza, showcasing the cuisine, the music and crafts of the region and offering ample opportunities for honeymooning couples in the city to have a great time.
Traditional Souks
Other destinations which can turn into an equally enjoyable day out for couples include the traditional souk districts of Dubai like the Spice market and the Gold market. Get a taste of days gone by as you stroll the covered alleyways of these two centuries old souks. At the Spice Market, you can Taste juicy fresh desert dates as you explore exotic spices at old fashioned shops. The Gold Market next door is a truly awesome place shimmering with every possible display of the precious metal. The price per carat is posted on an anachronistic ticker tape high above the ancient front gate. Gold comes in 14-24 carats and prices here are among the world's lowest. However keep in mind that Shops in the traditional souk markets shut down from one in the afternoon to four in the evening.
Fascinating Sports
Even if you and your new spouse are not really an indoors people, Dubai can pamper you with an incredible range of adventure and sporting activities. Championship golf courses and tennis courts are easy to find. The proximity of Arabian Sea means that Dubai has aquatic sports galore like sailing, windsurfing, fishing and diving though for the latter you need to bring your credentials. For the more adventurous, there is sand skiing over high dunes, taking a camel ride, driving over high desert dunes, watching a polo game or a hawking expert and even swimming with dolphins.
Interesting Art
Even for couples who are art lovers, Dubai has something that will prove memorable. The Bastakiya Art & Cultural Center is a prime attraction among tourists and a great place to ramble though a pleasant afternoon with your beloved. The cultural center is made up of a cluster of small houses, wind towers and narrow streets dating back hundreds of years. It is now a heritage area that has a series of shops and art galleries. Their annual Art Fair complements the internationally famous Art Dubai Fair. A small restaurant in the courtyard is a perfect place to cool off and enjoy a snack after sightseeing.
Some considerations
Islam which forms the state religion in UAE traditionally prohibits the free mingling of the sexes before marriage and this could affect romancing couples among people of other religions and nationalities. Thus be careful to avoid Kissing and fondling in public as these can get you arrested. Don't wear revealing clothes, tank tops, low necklines, short shorts or revealing clothes in public places. Again when meeting local people, women are not expected to shake hands with Arab men, though men can shake if a hand is offered. Also consumption of alcohol is forbidden under Islamic law. As a result, pubs, nightclubs and bars which make up the most popular hang-outs for singles in liberal societies cannot function as stand-alone establishments in Dubai. However bars and clubs are allowed to exist in Dubai as long as they form part of big hotels and fine dining establishments. Because Friday is the day of rest in Islam, Friday and Saturday are the weekend while the other five days are working days. Also before heading out for your honeymoon check if it is part of the holy Ramadan month – during this time Muslims fast from dawn to dusk though Visitors can dine in hotels throughout the day.
Staying and Getting Around
Dubai is home to some of the most opulent hotels in the world. Seven and five star hotels can offer you the honeymoon suite of your dreams though couples of a more modest budget can look for four star accommodations. Again if you and your spouse are keen to indulge yourselves, you can look to stay at a spa, a desert resort or even a historical place designed as a fortress. Finally moving around presents rarely any problem. An ultra modern metro can whisk you across town. Taxis are affordable and ferry boats cross the creek. At the airport, pink taxis whose female drivers wear pink uniforms are for women and children.
Though Dubai has certain restrictions because of its Islamic laws, on the whole it is a great place for honeymoon couples offering scenic views, awesome shopping, adventurous sports and lavish hospitality.
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