Off the Beaten Path - Dubai

There are lots of things to do in Dubai and its surrounding areas that you might not have heard of - here we have five of the secret, little known or slightly obscure places that you might want to make a trip to. It can be hard keeping yourself, your friends and your children entertained all weekend so there are some great places for an afternoon or day trip to keep everyone happy and also present some great photo opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

Lisaili Camel Market
There is a Camel Market in a town called Lisaili that features stalls with handicrafts and trinkets as well as regular camel sales. It is next to the Dubai Racing and Camel Club on the Dubai Al Ain Road. Stop by Bab Al Shams resort- which you could visit for a refreshing juice or afternoon tea. Make sure you check it out and buy some of the camel blankets- they are amazing and look great used as throws.

Dubai Creek
The Dubai Creek area really is a wonderful place to visit and many residents who live in the "New Dubai" area have never been. There are 2 sides you can visit- the Bur Dubai side and the Deira side- you can cross the creek by Abra for 2 Dhs which is great fun too!

On the Bur Dubai side, park near the British Embassy and you can wander along the creek past the tourist dhows and abras for private hire- it's about 150 Dhs for a one hour trip- and a lovely way to see the creek. Walk past the Ruler's Court and you will see a Hindu Temple just before the old restored walkways and windtowers of the Bastakiya area. There are lots of market stalls selling fabrics and trinkets and you can really imagine what Dubai was like in the old days- get ready to haggle! It's a great place to take photos too.

Take an abra across to the Deira side and you can visit the gold souk and the spice souk as well as a wander to Naif souk if you're feeling up to it. Otherwise you can stroll back up the side of the creek and see the wooden old dhows being laden with produce to be taken to Iran. It's a great day out and you will see a whole different side of Dubai.

Wadi Bih

Wadi Bih (pronounce waddy bee) is a canyon like gorge in Ras Al Khaimha that is popular with off roaders, bikers, climbers and campers. It really is an area of outstanding natural beauty. You almost feel like you are on the surface of Mars being surrounded by the red rugged rocks and mountains! The roads are passable by most cars- they are quite shaley and rocky and hard bedded dust for the most part- 4x4s don't seem to have any trouble but it is advisable to go in convoy in case of getting bogged down or a flat tire scenario. Don't go if rain is expected do to sudden flooding.

Al Sahra Desert Resort
Fancy some camel cuddling??!! Then check out Al Sahra Desert Resort. There you can experience a true Arabian pastime. The Camel Cuddling activity is an ideal way to interact with these gentle desert creatures, enjoy getting up close and personal and learn more about this fascinating and friendly animal. The experience includes Meet the Herd, learn their language, wash them, feed them and of course cuddle with them if you like. The unique Camel Cuddling experience lasts for approximately 2 hours and also includes refreshing assorted Arabian juices and a photographer that will capture the perfect moment you can save as a souvenir. 

Dragon Mart
Ahhhh... the wonder that is Dragon Mart! It's the biggest Chinese market outside of China, it has over 4,000 stalls and shops and is a giant warehouse in the shape of a dragon. They sell everything you could possibly think of, it's so big the staff use push bikes to get around! Go there to find major bargains on clothing, electric products, furniture, machinery and a lot more! You can barter on some things, others are fixed prices, remember to wear comfortable shoes- you will walk for miles!

Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your business and leisure travel needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc.
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
602-843-5100
rawhidetravel.com