Tourism Included

Some of the tourism highlights of this class include:

• Guided Coach Tour of Dubai including a photo-stop at the Burj Al Arab, the 7-star world’s tallest hotel, as well as a drive passed some of the Sheikh’s palaces towards the impressive Jumeira Mosque where you can see beautiful Islamic architecture.
• Guided Coach Tour of the Emirate’s Capital city – Abu Dhabi, where you will see the Jebel Ali (the largest man-made port in the world) and then visit Al-Hosn Palace, the Old Fort, built in the late 19th century, making it one of the oldest buildings in town.  Then on to Abu Dhabi's fish market for a snack stop and time to check out the dhow wharf where Dhows (traditional Arabic wooden boats) are being built.
• Guided walking tour of downtown Dubai (duration 2 hours) including visits to the Spice Souk where rare and expensive foodstuffs have been traded for well over a century. While strolling along the narrow alleyways you will get a feel for the Dubai of old and your olfactory senses will shift into overdrive as various aromas such as chili, cinnamon, ginger and much more mingle in the air. Then move on to visit the Gold Souk, one of the world’s most important jewelry trading centers catering to customers worldwide. With annual trading of between $5 - $7 billion it is estimated that (apprx) 20% of the world’s annual gold stock pass through this building. Upon completion of the guided walk you’ll have free time to grab lunch and then meet back at the bus.
• Admission ticket and visit to Heritage House which is one of the few remaining old buildings dating to 1890. This magnificent structure will give you an insight into life in the area 100 years ago. Each room depicts different traditional practice and provides an insight into Arabian history and culture.
• Admission ticket and visit to the Dubai National Museum. Initially built in 1787 to protect the area from pirates, it has been expanded and restored and now houses the National Museum. You’ll step back in time to before the discovery of oil and the arrival of container ships and discover Dubai’s history of pearl trading, fishing, spice trading and metal working. You’ll also see artifacts found on archaeological digs in the area that date back to the 3rd millennium BC.
• Admission ticket and visit to Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum’s Palace which overlooks Dubai creek and was the epicenter of power until the mid-20th century. This palace is Dubai’s last example of traditional large scale building with high quality domestic architecture.
• Admission ticket and visit to Ski Dubai which is the largest indoor snow park in the world. Skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels will enjoy the various slopes and marvel at the enormity of this amazing facility.
• Admission tickets to a session of Camel Racing where you can enjoy this traditional sport and experience Arabian culture at its best.
• Tickets to a Dubai Creek cruise onboard a traditionally decorated wooden dhow passing by Dubai landmarks including the best of both past and present architecture including the National Bank of Dubai, Dubai Chamber Commerce, Sheikh Saeed's house, the Heritage Village and more.
• Desert Safari where you’ll experience an exhilarating roller coaster ride as 4X4 vehicles drive you across the tranquil red sand dunes and into the heart of the Arabian Desert. There are several “postcard perfect” photo stops on route. On arrival you are invited to dress yourself in the traditional Arabic costume then Bedouin hospitality awaits you as you are welcomed with the divine (kahweh) Arabic coffee accompanied by an assortment of freshly made Arabic sweets. You’ll then learn about the significance of Falconry, an age old Arabic tradition in the lives of the Bedouins. You’ll also take a camel ride and have the opportunity to go sand skiing or relax at the camp. As dinner time approaches you can watch the Bedouins cook a traditional feast with Arabic appetizers, grilled meat, fresh salads as well as delicious Arabic sweets and beverages. While you are dining you will be mesmerized as the Belly Dancer sways to the pulsating Arabic music under the starlit sky.