Travel One look at Dubai

Dubai, with its fantastic architecture and ubiquitous luxury, intimidates and fascinates everyone who visits this almost utopian metropolis. How to get to know Dubai from a pedestrian’s perspective? From which point is it worth looking at the city from a bird’s eye view? What means of transport will allow you to see the most?

Look up…

…and down

Through the windshield

If you associate underground traveling with seeing the dark walls of a tunnel through your window, Dubai will surprise you. Here, the underground runs above the ground and is the fastest means of transport offering unforgettable views. All public transport vehicles are state-of-the-art – the underground and trams are remotely controlled, and the windshield seat is accessible to passengers.

Admiring the city from this perspective is an amazing experience. NOL ride card allows you to use all public transport. You can buy it and top up at the metro station. For tourists, the silver version of the card for AED 25 is recommended. All public transport vehicles are divided into zones: gold, for holders of the NOL gold card; pink – intended only for women and children; and a general one. There are high fines for staying in the wrong zone, as well as littering and… transporting fish in public transport.

A highway to Heaven

Dubai’s motorway network is growing faster than GPS updates are made. Comfort of access to every corner of the city by air-conditioned vehicle as well as low fuel prices (about 2 AED, i.e. 2 PLN per litter) make the car a convenient solution for tourists. You can rent a car at the airport or book it in advance via the Internet – in this option, prices start from PLN 90 per night. You can also go overboard by renting a motorcycle such as the classic Harley Davidson. When choosing a car or motorbike as the main means of transport, you have to take into account the specific driving culture, often outdated GPS system and very high penalties for breaking the regulations. Most tourists prefer easily accessible, inexpensive taxis from Dubai Taxi Corporation. Those with pink roofs are for the exclusive use of women. At www.dubaitaxi.aeyou can check the estimated price for the ride. In Dubai, there are no standard addresses – when getting into a taxi, it is best to provide the driver with a landmark (e.g. name of a metro station, skyscraper) near your destination.

Biking through the desert

Even though Dubai’s road infrastructure is designed with cars in mind, the city is becoming more and more opened to cyclists. It is true that it is not possible to cycle between the districts (cycling on the motorway can be fined), but lovers of two wheels will find something for themselves. City bikes (rented via the app, from AED 20 per day) are available in the vicinity of parks and metro stations. Interesting recreational routes can be found in Mushrif and Al Barsha parks. A short bike path also runs along Jumeirah Beach. The Al Qudra bike route is the biggest treat for cyclists. These are two routes of varying difficulty with a view of the dunes. Bicycles can be rented easily in the Al Qudra Road area. Equally attractive is the Nad Al Sheba trail – the former camel trail, with routes illuminated and available around the clock. It is worth knowing that cyclists in Dubai are required to wear helmets, and also reflective vests when driving around the city. There is a fine of AED 200 for driving on pedestrian routes or roads with a speed limit of more than 60 km/h.

A cruise with a view

While in Dubai, it is worth leaving the solid ground under your feet for a moment and taking advantage of water entertainment, for example crossing the Dubai Creek in a traditional wooden boat, the so-called abra, used since the time when there were no bridges on the canal (it costs AED 1, crossing locations: Bur Dubai Abra Station, Deira Old Souk Abra Station, Dubai Old Souk Station, Al Sabhkha Abra Station). Viewing a city like Dubai from the Persian Gulf waters is a magical experience, that is why it is worth considering a private Dubai Marina cruise (e.g. a night cruise with dinner on a barge or a luxury yacht cruise with breakfast on board). If you are adventurous, check out our guided jet ski tours (for example: a 30-minute trip across the bay to Burj Al Arab Hotel costs around AED 370). A dose of adrenaline and unforgettable views guaranteed.