Tracing its origins back to 3,000 BC, Dubai's inhabitants made their livelihood from the sea: fishing, pearl diving, boat building, and sea trading. From a small town with approximately 7,800 members in the 18th century, Dubai has transformed to one of the most cosmopolitan and innovative cities in the world, its development accelerated by the discovery of oil in the late 1960s. Mindful of the limit of its oil reserves, modern-day Dubai relies on tourism, attracting the world attention through large construction projects and sports events, housing the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.
Dubai operates an extensive and integrated bus network with over 100 lines connecting various places in the city. There are several types of bus in Dubai, which are Metrolink, Articulated, Standard, and Double Decker.
Dubai Bus operates from 07.00 to 23.00 from Saturday to Thursday and from 10.00 to 23.00 on Friday.
Similar to Metro Dubai, you need to use your Nol Card as your bus ticket. The bus fare depends on the number of zones you have traveled, starting from 3 to 15 AED or approximately US$0.82 to US$4,08. The Nol Card stores your balance and serves a special travel pass that gives you access to various modes of public transportation including Dubai Metro, Dubai Bus, and Dubai Tram.
Dubai is famous for its splendor and luxury. Go to the At The Top Observation Deck to see the city beneath your feet. The deck is located on floors 124 and 125 of the Burj Khalifa (skyscraper). Prepare yourself for a breathtaking view. You will see a panoramic view of Dubai stretching as far as the eye can see. Magnificent panoramas of Dubai such as the Burj Al Arab (iconic hotel), Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain and sunset over the Arabian Sea. Palm Jumeirah is another icon of Dubai's wealth. It is a famous palm tree-shaped artificial island with luxury hotels and apartments.
Dubai's currency is the dirham (AED), which is often referred to as the "Emirates dirham". The value of 10 AED is equal to about US$2.72.
The amount spent in Dubai for tourists will depend on the places visited and the accommodation used. The average price for a week of hotels in Dubai is US$420 to US$700.
Coupled with the cost of eating and visiting tourist attractions, you will spend around US$1,590 to US$2,385. If you want to save more, some hotels offer lower prices. It costs about US$300 a week and costs around US$795 to US$1,186 per person.
Dubai's official language is Arabic. Although Arabic is the national language, English is widely spoken. Most people in tourism, education and retail speak in English. But knowing a few words in Arabic will make your trip easier.
Dubai is well-known for its towering Burj Khalifa and white sand beaches. The beauty of Dubai is a combination of natural forces and technology. They use glass, steel and modern architecture in their technological designs. No wonder Dubai is one of the most iconic cities in the world.
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