Culture
The Muslim influence is felt everywhere from the beautiful mosques and their five daily melodic calls to prayer which can be heard throughout the city. Islamic influences are felt in the architecture, textiles, and national dress. Many buildings reflect modern architecture at its most innovative including the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel, shaped like a sail and most often associated with Dubai. The twin Emirates Towers (and Hotel) boast the third tallest building in the world and the tallest hotel. You will also find some beautiful examples of Islamic architecture and culture in newer hotels along Jumeriah Beach at the Royal Mirage and Madinat Jumeriah. Both provide a glimpse into an exotic world long since forgotten. The Dubai Museum provides a rich perspective on the history and culture of the region and is worth a visit.
Art
As a Muslim country, art consists of animals and inanimate objects with colorful and exotic sculptures adorning the medians and roundabouts including fish, Arabic coffee servers, or other objects. Traveling throughout the UAE you will notice banners, billboards, and posters of the smiling ruler. It can be very unnerving to a Westerner and is reminiscent of twentieth century dictatorships. Dubai, however, has a benevolent monarchy, and the ruler is beloved by his people. Unlike many parts of the world, the UAE has shared its oil wealth with its citizens. That is how this tiny country has leap-frogged into the twenty-first century, skipping the twentieth century entirely. However, if you seek opera, ballet and symphonic pleasures, they have not yet arrived.
Climate
When I visited Dubai for the first time, I was struck by how lush it is. You can easily forget that you are in one of the most inhospitable deserts in the world, recently transformed into a rich oasis. Days are sunny, with beautiful views of the Arabian Gulf throughout the City. The best times for a visit are December through June. July and August are notoriously hot (140 degrees and 90 percent humidity) and most locals leave on holiday, leaving the country empty aside from a few hundred thousand laborers busy building over two hundred new skyscrapers, resorts, and attractions. You won’t want to visit during Ramadan, which is a month-long religious holiday where the faithful fast during the day, not eating or drinking until after sundown. Malls and other businesses keep shorter hours and restaurants do not serve alcohol during the holiday.
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