Getting Around

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General Information

Most tourists visiting the UAE on all-in package tours will base themselves at one or more hotels in the UAE, using the ubiquitous and inexpensive taxis for sightseeing and shopping and local tour companies for more extended trips. However, it is worth remembering that cars and four-wheel drives are readily available for hire, the road network is excellent and there are intriguing places to visit far from the cosmopolitan cities.

TOURIST OFFICES

Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM)

Dubai (04 2245252 or 2285000) has visitor centres at the airport (open 24 hours), Bani Yas Square in Deira and 40 km along the road to Abu Dhabi (open 7 a.m.-11 p.m.).

 

DNATA, Airline Centre, Al Maktoum Rd., Deira (295 1111)

TRANSPORT

BY AIR

There are no scheduled internal flights in operation in the UAE, however planes are readily available for charter. There are numerous small landing fields in addition to the six international airports.

An hourly shuttle service between Dubai and Abu Dhabi using seaplanes has been under development for some time.

Emarat Link, Deira, Dubai (04 2959779; www.emaratlink.com) operate Cessna flights along the coast.

CAR HIRE

Most of the large car hire firms are represented at airports and hotels. Some local firms also operate car hire services. Rates can vary so it is best to shop around. The services of the larger reputable firms can be very useful in case of emergency, but the smaller local firms also give good deals. Telephone numbers for local agencies can be found in the Golden Pages.

Abu Dhabi

Avis (02 6218400) The main office is on the corner of Al Nasr St. and Khalid bin Al Waleed St. (near the British Embassy). Avis have branch offices at the airport (02 5757180) and the major hotels.

Budget (02 6334200, fax 6331498) Al Nasr St and the airport.

Thrifty ( 02 6345 663, fax 6340234) Al Nasr St., the airport and the Radisson SAS.

Dubai

Avis Dubai International Airport (04 2245219, fax 2244150) 24-hour service; main office (04 2957121) Clock Tower Roundabout, Al Maktoum Rd., Deira.

Europcar (04 3394433) Inter-Continental, Hilton, Hyatt Regency and Al Bustan Rotana hotels

Hertz (04 2824422) Al Maktoum Rd.

Sharjah

Avis King Faisal Rd. (06 5595925). Avis at Sharjah International Airport (06 5581075)

Ra's al-Khaimah

Major hotels have rental car services. Local agencies can be found on Oman St.. in Al-Nakheel. Al-Nakheel (07 2288183)

Ajman

Avis can be contacted at Ajman Kempinski Hotel (06 7448616)

Fujairah

Dubai Renat-A-Car/Europcar (09 2221318) opposite the Hilton Hotel

Diamond Rent-A-Car (09 2241321) adjacent to Ritz Plaza Hotel

Autobahn (09 2232226) adjacent to Ritz Plaza Hotel

Avis is situated at Fujairah Hilton (09 2222021)

DRIVING

There is an extensive high quality road network throughout the Emirates and petrol is cheap. Driving is on the right.

The rules relating to driving licences differ from emirate to emirate, however once you have been issued with a temporary driving permit from one emirate you can drive throughout the UAE.

If you wish to hire a car in the UAE, bring with you a valid international driving licence, your national driving licence, two photographs and your passport. In Dubai you will be issued with a UAE temporary driving permit by car hire companies on presentation of valid national or international driving licences, two photographs and a passport. Most foreign driving licences are accepted provided you are a citizen or resident of the country issuing the licence. If not, you will need an international driving licence. In Abu Dhabi you will need an international driving licence to obtain a temporary permit

Traffic regulations are strict, with radar and cameras in use by the police. In. any case, you need to drive carefully. The speed limit in urban areas is 60- 80 kph and 100-120 kph for cars on the open road. Hired cars are equipped with an insistent alarm that is set off when the speed limit is exceeded. It is illegal to leave the scene of an accident without police permission, except in Dubai where it is not necessary to call the police if you have the correct forms and no one has been injured in the accident. Check with your hired car company for the requiredt procedure. Use of mobile phones while driving is prohibited. Under no circumstances can you drink and drive. Even a small amount of alchohol will put you over the legal limit. Seat belts are compulsory. Children under 12 are prohibited from travelling in front seats of vehicles.

Try to avoid traffic congestion in Dubai and Abu Dhabi between 7 a.m.-9 a.m., 1 p.m.-2 p.m. and from 6 p.m.-8 p.m.

The Arabian Automobile Association (04 2669989 www.cyberwebz.com/aaa) will provide more information.

Emergency breakdown service

Your best bet is to contact your car hire company. Arabian Automobile Association (800 4900 free phone no.) can also assist.

Parking

It is possible to find parking in parking lots or bays in the centre of Abu Dhabi, however avoid the bays marked in red - they are reserved for emergency services. New multi-storey car parks are under construction.

Dubai operates paid parking costing approximately Dh2 per hour. Tickets can be purchased from a machine in the car parks and must be displayed on windscreens. There is a four-hour limit. There are two centrally located covered car parks near the Spice Souq and Bani Yas Square in Deira.

Off-road

There are many kilometres of perfect road surfaces in the UAE, but it is always tempting to venture beyond the tarred surfaces. Most of the local tour companies organize off-road trips - probably the best way to explore if you are not familiar with off-road driving in desert conditions. Some tour operators also run courses in desert driving, a must if you are a novice.

In any case you will need to hire a 4wheel drive if you intend to travel independently off the beaten track. Please keep to the tracks to avoid damaging the desert. Make sure that you have a tow rope and shovel, as well as plenty of water. If you get stuck, let some air out of your tyres, clear the sand from in front of the wheels and replace with mats, cardboard or dead branches. Rev the car slowly and get your passengers to push. It is advisable to travel with at least one other vehicle and a GPS and or mobile phone is always handy.

UAE Off-Road Explorer published by Explorer Publishing has satellite maps, GPS waypoints, safety hints etc which should make your trip a safe one.

 

Distances from Abu Dhabi

Ajman 186 km

Al Ain 160 km

Dubai 166 km

Fujairah 292 km

Khor Fakkan 310 km

Ra's al-Khaimah 256 km

Sharjah 176 km

Umm al-Qaiwain 206 km

ACCIDENT REPORTING

Emergency 999

Abu Dhabi 402 4196666 ext 208 or 259

Dubai 04 2692222

Sharjah 06 5381111 / 5512222

Ajman 06 7424999

Umm al-Qaiwain 06 7666666

Ra's al-Khaimah 07 2351111

Fujairah 09 2229884

Al Ain 03 7073555

TAXIS

Taxis are readily available, offer an efficient, relatively inexpensive service and are really the best way to get around. They can be flagged down on the street, pre-booked by telephone or picked up outside your hotel. Taxi drivers are usually familiar with the main souqs, shopping centres, hotels and major landmarks. Most are metered in the major cities. The metered rate in Abu Dhabi is Dh2 plus 50 fils per km. Expect to pay Dh5 for average city-centre taxi journey. Prices in Al Ain are roughly the same. The more upmarket Al Ghazal taxis must be pre-booked or picked-up outside one of the five-star hotels.

In Dubai the metred day rate is Dh3 plus Dh1.17 per km. The night rate is Dh3.50 plus 1.70 per km. However, most of Dubai's taxis do not have meters. In this case the minimum fare is Dh3. City-centre trips that do not cross the Creek generally cost Dh4-Dh5. If you cross the creek expect to pay Dh7 (Dh10-15). If your hotel is located outside the city, or you wish to take a taxi from your hotel to a destination outside the city, the concierge or doorman will give you an idea of average fares. But be aware of the expensive fixed-price taxis that operate from some of the larger hotels.

 

Dubai Transport 04 2080808

Cars Taxi 04 2693344

Golden Taxi 04 3365444

Gulf Radio Taxi 04 2236666

National Taxi 04 3366611

 

Taxis in Sharjah are not metered. Journeys in the city centre should cost Dh5-Dh10.

 

Taxis are plentiful in Ajman, a trip to Sharjah will cost you Dh10- Dh15 or you can travel to Dubai for Dh25.

Delta Taxi 06 5598598

 

In Ra's al-Khaimah meters start running at Dh2. 50 for each kilometre for the first 10 kilometres, 75 fils for each kilometre for the next 10 kilometres, and Dh1 for each kilometre after that, 50 fils for each six minutes of waiting time.

(Taxis in Ra's al-Khaimah are not metered. Fares within old Ra's al-Khaimah or within Al-Nakheel are about Dh5.

Long-distance taxis

Long-distance taxis can also be picked up near the main bus station in Abu Dhabi, close to where the minibuses are located. A taxi in which you are the sole occupant will cost approximately Dh150 to Al Ain, Dubai or Sharjah, whereas a shared taxi (5-7 people) will cost approximately Dh30 per person - luggage extra. The taxi leaves when it has sufficient passengers.

The taxi station in Al Ain is next to the bus station - prices are similar to Abu Dhabi.

There are two taxi stands in Sharjah. Taxis travelling to Umm al-Qaiwain and Ra's al-Khaimah congregate on Al Arouba Rd. Taxis for Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain commence their journey next to the Plant Souq.

The long-distance taxi stand in Ra's al-Khaimah is on King Faisal St. Shared taxis to Dubai and Sharjah will cost approximately Dh70, to Ajman or Umm al-Qaiwain Dh40 to Dh50.

BUSES

Intercity buses are available only within Abu Dhabi emirate. The main bus station is on East Rd. Buses to Oman depart from Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre (East Road on the corner of Zayed the Second St)

Although most tourists travel long-distance by taxi, buses are air-conditioned, clean and efficient. Minibuses (located beside the main bus station) with a seating capacity of 14 also travel to the same places as the large buses.

Buses travel from Al Ain to Abu Dhabi approximately once every hour from the bus station behind Al Ain souq. Tickets cost about Dh10.

Dubai Municipality (04 2859401) operates a reasonable public bus service, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Adult fares are Dh1-3.50 depending on destination and these are paid to the driver on boarding. Three types of bus pass are available. Smart Cards costing Dh20 cover Dh22 worth of transport and monthly passes (taufee) are available at a cost of Dh75 for journeys on one side of the creek, or Dh120 for unlimited travel within the whole city. Routes and bus numbers are posted in both Arabic and English. Passes, timetables and bus maps are available from the main bus stations at Bur Dubai on Al Ghubaiba Rd and in Deira near the Gold Souq.

Intercity buses only operate within Dubai emirate. Air-conditioned buses depart every hour for Hatta and twice a day for Muscat, Oman (5-6 hours). Interemirate travel is run by Dubai Transport minibuses, however you can only pick these up in Dubai. Telephone 04 2273840, for services to the Northern Emirates, or 04 3937014, for Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

There are no bus services in the other emirates.

WATER TAXIS

One of the nicest things to do in Dubai is to take a motorized water taxi or abra across the Creek. The main abra dock on the Deira side of the Creek is at the intersection of Al Sabkha and Bani Yas Roads. Bur Dubai dock is located at the end of the souq, near the waterfront houses. Abras depart when full, which doesn't take long. Just hop on and the driver will take the fare of Dh1 as you cross.

You can also hire a private abra for a cruise along the creek. This will cost you approximately Dh35-Dh50 for 30 minutes.

FINDING YOUR WAY AROUND

Maps

Most hotel shops, bookshops and supermarkets sell city street and road maps for Abu Dhabi and Dubai as well as the UAE as a whole. As in all travel, a well-chosen map is an essential starting point for exploration.

The Geographical Information System Centre of Dubai Municipality has developed an e-guide (www.gis.gov.ae) which should be of great assistance in guiding residents and tourists around Dubai. Work is currently underway throughout the Middle East to survey the road systems to enable the receiver to translate the map co-ordinates to a user-friendly map. In a short space of time handheld GPS will be as common as a mobile phone.

Most hotel shops, bookshops and supermarkets sell city, street and road maps for Abu Dhabi and Dubai as well as the UAE as a whole. As in all travel, a well-chosen map is an essential starting point for exploration.

The Geographical Information System Centre of Dubai Municipality has developed an e-guide which should be of great assistance in guiding residents and tourists around Dubai.

Work is currently underway throughout the Middle East to survey the road systems to enable the receiver to translate the map co-ordinates to a user-friendly map. In a short space of time handheld GPS will be as common as a mobile phone.

Street Names

Almost all street and road signs are written in English and Arabic. However, as already remarked, the transliteration of Arabic can lead to some confusion over spelling. In this guide we have tried to use spellings that are in common usage as opposed to those that may or may not be technically correct, however you will come across common street names with a variety of spellings. In addition, although many streets are officially named on street signs, others also have unofficial or older names. Still others are named and numbered. Taxi drivers frequently do not know either the offical or unofficial street names! But all is not lost- most taxi drivers will know the names and locations of major hotels, attractions, souqs and shopping centres. In general, directions are given by reference to landmarks, particularly roundabouts, such as the clock tower roundabout, fountain roundabout etc, or indeed landmark buildings, of which there are many.

Abu Dhabi

The city of Abu Dhabi takes up much of the island on which it is located, however the city centre is compact and close to amenities. The main business district is in the area between Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed and Istiglal St to the north, Zayed the Second St to the south, Khalid bin Al Walid St to the west and As-Salam St to the east. Many of the major hotels and restaurants are located along the Corniche.

To find your way around Abu Dhabi, you will need to be aware of the following name changes:

Official name Common name Al-Falah St Old Passport St East Rd Muroor Rd Haza bin Zayed St Defence St Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed St Hamdan St Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum St Airport Rd or Old Airport Rd Sheikh Zayed the Second St Electra St East Rd & Lulu St. Fourth St. Al-Nasr St. Fifth St. Umm al-Nar & Bani Yas St Sixth St. Liwa St. Tenth St.

Al Ain

Al Ain is a sprawling city but if you find the clock tower and coffeepot roundabouts in Al Ain and Buraimi roundabout in Buraimi you are on the main road.

Official name Common name Khalifa bin Zayed St Khalifa St Zayed bin Sultan St Main St

Dubai

Deira to the east and Bur Dubai to the west are separated by the winding Creek which can be crossed by car through Shindagha Tunnel to the north, over Al-Maktoum Bridge in the centre and over Al-Garhoud Bridge to the south or, alternatively for foot passengers by abra (water taxi) in the city centre.

Bani Yas Rd running along the Creek, Bani Yas Square, Al Maktoum Rd, Al Maktoum Hospital Rd, and Naif Rd are the main areas of activity in Deira. In Bur Dubai, the main business area is on Sheikh Zayed Rd, the souq area runs along Al-Ghubaiba Rd, (the site of the bus station) to the Ruler's Office and inland as far as Khalid bin Al Waleed Rd.

Alternative street names are as follows:

Official name Common name Al-Jumeira Rd Jumeria Rd., Jumeira Beach Rd or Beach Rd Al-Wasl Rd Iranian Hospital Rd Bani Yas Square Al-Nasr Square Khalid bin Al Waleed Rd Bank St. Sheikh Zayed Rd. Abu Dhabi Rd.

Sharjah

Al-Arouba Rd. is the main street in Sharjah

Al-Soor Rd is also known as Al-Mina St., Port or Harbour Rd.

Ajman

Ajman has a Central Square which is within walking distance of shops, hotels, restaurants and coast.

Ra's al-Khaimah

There are two distinct districts in Ra's al-Khaimah city, the old town on a sandy peninsula along the coast, which is linked by a bridge to Al-Nakheel, a newer business district. Most hotels, shops, restaurants etc are in Al-Nakheel, many on Oman St.

Fujairah

The main business centre is along Hamad bin Abdullah Rd where you will find post office, banks and souq. Travelling from north to south, the coast road changes from Regalath Rd. to Gurfah Rd. and on to Al-Faseel road.

GUIDED TOURS

- Adventure Unlimited of Al Ain (03 7687458) runs trips into the wadis of the Hajar Mountains, climbing, camel safaris, potholing in Jebel Hafit and four-wheel-drive desert excursions.

 

- Al Ain Camel Safaris (03 7688066), Hilton Hotel, Al Ain organizes excursions into the desert, including overnight trips, wadi bashing etc. Camel rides are a speciality.

 

- Alpha Tours (04 2949888)

Website: www.alphatoursdubai.com

Hotel reservations, visa arrangements, incentive and special interest groups, city tours, desert and mountain safaris. Tours of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, creek cruises, desert safaris etc.

 

- Arab Link (04 2689555)

Website: www.arablinkdubai.com

Hotel reservations, safari and sightseeing trips, complete holiday packages, conference and business travel arrangements, including car rental.

 

- Arabian Adventures (04 3439966)

Website: www.arabian-adventures.com

Email: arabian.adventures@emirates.com

Operated by Emirates Airlines, Arabian Adventures have offices in Dubai (04 343 9966/3034888 and Abu Dhabi (02 6338111). They provide a total travel service - planning, hotel bookings, scheduled excursions and safaris. incentive packages etc. sporting, entertainment and outdoor activities. They can tailor a package to suit the requirements of an individual or a group, big or small, no matter what your interest. Seven-day operation with 24-hour help-line and 365 day reservation system.

 

- Arabian Dream Tours (04 2274255)

 

- Blue Dolphin Company LLC, Intercontinental Hotel (02 6666888) runs hour-long trips on a traditional Arab dhow from the Breakwater in Abu Dhabi. You can also hire a traditional dhow to take you further afield during the day.

 

- Coastline Leisure (04 3984867) runs one-hour guided tours of Dubai Creek on a traditional dhow. The tours start at 11.30 p.m. and are at two-hourly intervals thereafter. Costs are Dh 35 for adults and Dh 20 for children.

 

- Danat Dubai (04 3511117) have a number of cruises on offer on their 34m catamaran ranging from a Sharjah heritage cruise on Tuesdays and Saturdays, commencing at 9 a.m. for Dh250; Sharjah lunch cruise departing from Sharjah creek at 1.30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Saturdays for Dh130; and a trip by sea from Sharjah to Dubai commencing at 3.15 p.m. on Tuesdays and Saturdays for Dh50.

 

- Desert Adventures Tourism (04 2242800)

Website: www.desertadventures.com

Visa Handling, Hotel Reservation, sightseeing tours, adventure safaris, car rental, incentive and group travel, Oman trips.

 

- Desert Rangers (04 3453091) caters for the less conventional tourist. Visit the archaeological sites in Ra's al-Khaimah, explore Hatta rock pools or take a canoe trip around the mangrove stands at Khor Kalba.

 

- East Coast Outdoor Activities - in conjunction with North Star (050 6499858)

Email: janedoran@hotmail.com

Based in Fujairah and offers guided outdoor activities, including as mountain biking.

 

- Hobby Holidays of Dubai (Colin Richardson 04 3472277)

Email: olinr@emirates.net.ae

Colin Richardson runs bird-watching tours in the UAE. He organizes and leads day (and half-day) birding tours, offering a choice of three tours, which take in a variety of places and habitats, enabling the business or holiday visitor to see up to 90 bird species in one day.

 

- Net Tours (Abu Dhabi 02 6794656; Dubai 04 2668661)

Email: netmerry@emirates.net.ae

Net Tours has an office on Khalifa St opposite the Sheraton in Abu Dhabi. One of the largest and oldest ground operators in the UAE, it has a large fleet of 4WDs and operates its own dhows. Net provides visas, transfers, hotels, daily tours, desert safaris, incentive packages, and conferences ad exhibitions. Can provide groups with complete itineraries for trips to the UAE.

 

- North Tours (04 2737474) organizes tours for visitors with special needs. Customized vehicles and specially trained staff are used. Itineraries are drawn up to ensure access.

 

- Offroad Emirates (02 6333232)

Email: offroad@emirates.net.ae

Offroad Emirates specializes in cultural adventure tours throughout the UAE, either day outings or much longer trips. Self-drive is an option or you can opt for an experienced driver.

 

- Orient Tours (Dubai 04 828238 and Sharjah 06 5682323) runs an evening cruise on the Dubai creek for Dh210, departing daily at 8.30 p.m. Desert trips, including camel riding and sandboarding, barbecue and belly dancing for Dh260, Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, departing 3.30 p.m. Trip to Hatta, Dh260, inclusive of picnic lunch, Saturday to Wednesday, departing 8 a.m., Souqs and heritage centres in Sharjah, highlights of Abu Dhabi, Liwa Oasis. You can also experience a 40-minute air tour of Dubai for Dh250. This takes place every day. Orient tours Ra's al-Khaimah and Umm al-Qaiwain from Dubai and Sharjah on Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Dh175.

- Orient Tours departs from Dubai for Liwa Oasis on Mondays at 6.30 a.m.Dh395.runs a tour of Al Ain, commencing in Dubai, Thursdays only 8 a.m.-5.p.m., Dh85.

 

- Ra's al-Khaimah National Travel Agency (RANTA 07 2287536)

 

- RMMI Travel Centre, (07 2284312)

Email: travelmmi@mmi.co.ae

Located on Oman St., Al Nakheel, Ra's al-Khaimah.

 

- Seascope semi-submersible at diving village in Shindagha offers 45-minute cruises of the coast.

 

- Seven Seas Tours, Sheikh Zayed Road, Sharjah (06 5670760)

Website: www.seastravel.com

Email: seastour@emirates.net.ae

 

- Sharjah Airport Travel Agency (SATA 06 5684411)

Website: www.shj-airport.gov.ae

SATA organizes Sharjah classical city tours, tours of the East Coast including Dibba, Khor Fakkan, Fujairah and Kalba, the market at Masafi and Al Dhaid; desert and mountain safaris, and dinner cruises.

 

- Sharjah National Tourist and Transport Authority (SNTTA, 5684411). SNNTTA has an office on Al-Arouba Rd. and runs tours of Dubai, every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoon for Dh100. Illuminated dhow dinner cruise in Dubai Creek, Monday and Thursday evenings, Dh225. Dinner in the dunes every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings for Dh240. Cultural tours of Sharjah and Ajman every Sunday morning for Dh100. Camel races every Friday afternoon for Dh75.Tours of ancient sea ports every Wednesday for Dh160.

 

- An overnight safari in the desert for Dh455. See www.sharjah-welcome.com for more details.

 

- Sunshine Tours (02 4449914)

Website: www.adnh.com

Email: abusun@emirates.net.ae

Operated by Abu Dhabi National, Hotels Corporation, Sunshine Tours can handle all of your incoming needs in the UAE. Meet and assist, visa arrangements, city tours, shopping trips, museum excursions, desert safaris, cruises in modern yachts or traditional dhows, diving and golf or any specialist activity 'from art or archaeology to ornithology or yoga'. Sunshine Tours have a desk in the lobby of the Sheraton Hotel on the Corniche in Abu Dhabi.

A wide range of companies based in the UAE offer tours of the emirates and for many people this can be the best way to see and experience the country. As well as the more conventional trips, a few operators cater for the adventurous and/or energetic visitor who might like to indulge in more unusual activities. Some of the tour companies can also take care of all your incoming needs.

You can do a half-day city tour that will take you around the tourist highlights of each city, including museums, shopping areas and traditional souqs. Alternatively, see Abu Dhabi or Dubai by night, ending with belly dancing in an Arabic nightclub. Take a full day to travel into the desert, culminating in dinner at a bedouin campsite where you can ride a camel and enjoy a desert barbecue under the starry skies. Better still, stay overnight at the campsite and watch the sunrise. Try your hand at sand-skiing, dune driving, or wadi bashing. Sail on a dhow, or watch a traditional falconry demonstration. Visit the high sand dunes at Liwa and the palm plantations at Al Ain. Explore Sharjah's heritage centres and Ajman's boatbuilding yard. Discover the old town of Ra's al-Khaimah. Drive through the dramatic Hajar Mountains to the magnificent East Coast. The choice is endless!

Most of the tour companies have multilingual tour guides and packages can be tailor-made for customers. You will be picked up from your hotel and transport is usually either by well-equipped four-wheel drive vehicles or small minibus.

We have listed some of the more popular operators and scheduled trips below, however you will need to contact the individual operators to obtain information on all they have to offer. It is a good idea to book a few days in advance. Prices are for adults, discounts are usually given for children.

 

- Adventure Unlimited of Al Ain (03 7687458) runs trips into the wadis of the Hajar Mountains, climbing, camel safaris, potholing in Jebel Hafit and four-wheel-drive desert excursions.

 

- Al Ain Camel Safaris (03 7688066), Hilton Hotel, Al Ain organizes excursions into the desert, including overnight trips, wadi bashing etc. Camel rides are a speciality.

 

- Alpha Tours (04 2949888)

Website: www.alphatoursdubai.com

Hotel reservations, visa arrangements, incentive and special interest groups, city tours, desert and mountain safaris. Tours of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, creek cruises, desert safaris etc.

 

- Arab Link (04 2689555)

Website: www.arablinkdubai.com

Hotel reservations, safari and sightseeing trips, complete holiday packages, conference and business travel arrangements, including car rental.

 

- Arabian Adventures (04 3439966)

Website: www.arabian-adventures.com

Email: arabian.adventures@emirates.com

Operated by Emirates Airlines, Arabian Adventures have offices in Dubai (04 343 9966/3034888 and Abu Dhabi (02 6338111). They provide a total travel service - planning, hotel bookings, scheduled excursions and safaris. incentive packages etc. sporting, entertainment and outdoor activities. They can tailor a package to suit the requirements of an individual or a group, big or small, no matter what your interest. Seven-day operation with 24-hour help-line and 365 day reservation system.

 

- Arabian Dream Tours (04 2274255)

 

- Blue Dolphin Company LLC, Intercontinental Hotel (02 6666888) runs hour-long trips on a traditional Arab dhow from the Breakwater in Abu Dhabi. You can also hire a traditional dhow to take you further afield during the day.

 

- Creekside Leisure (04 3984867) runs one-hour guided tours of Dubai Creek on a traditional dhow. The tours start at 11.30 p.m. and are at two-hourly intervals thereafter. Costs are Dh 35 for adults and Dh 20 for children.

 

- Danat Dubai (04 3511117) have a number of cruises on offer on their 34m catamaran ranging from a Sharjah heritage cruise on Tuesdays and Saturdays, commencing at 9 a.m. for Dh250; Sharjah lunch cruise departing from Sharjah creek at 1.30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Saturdays for Dh130; and a trip by sea from Sharjah to Dubai commencing at 3.15 p.m. on Tuesdays and Saturdays for Dh50.

 

- Desert Adventures Tourism (04 2242800)

Website: www.desertadventures.com

Visa Handling, Hotel Reservation, sightseeing tours, adventure safaris, car rental, incentive and group travel, Oman trips.

 

- Desert Rangers (04 3453091) caters for the less conventional tourist. Visit the archaeological sites in Ra's al-Khaimah, explore Hatta rock pools or take a canoe trip around the mangrove stands at Khor Kalba.

 

- East Coast Outdoor Activities - in conjunction with North Star (050 6499858)

Email: janedoran@hotmail.com

Based in Fujairah and offers guided outdoor activities, including as mountain biking.

 

- Hobby Holidays of Dubai (Colin Richardson 04 3472277)

Email: olinr@emirates.net.ae

Colin Richardson runs bird-watching tours in the UAE. He organizes and leads day (and half-day) birding tours, offering a choice of three tours, which take in a variety of places and habitats, enabling the business or holiday visitor to see up to 90 bird species in one day.

 

- Net Tours (Abu Dhabi 02 6794656; Dubai 04 2666655)

Email: netmerry@emirates.net.ae

Net Tours has an office on Khalifa St opposite the Sheraton in Abu Dhabi. One of the largest and oldest ground operators in the UAE, it has a large fleet of 4WDs and operates its own dhows. Net provides visas, transfers, hotels, daily tours, desert safaris, incentive packages, and conferences ad exhibitions. Can provide groups with complete itineraries for trips to the UAE.

 

- North Star East Coast Outdoor Activities (04 3328702) organizes tours for visitors with special needs. Customized vehicles and specially trained staff are used. Itineraries are drawn up to ensure access.

 

- Offroad Emirates (02 6333232)

Email: offroad@emirates.net.ae

Offroad Emirates specializes in cultural adventure tours throughout the UAE, either day outings or much longer trips. Self-drive is an option or you can opt for an experienced driver.

 

- Orient Tours (Dubai 04 828238 and Sharjah 06 5682323) runs an evening cruise on the Dubai creek for Dh210, departing daily at 8.30 p.m. Desert trips, including camel riding and sandboarding, barbecue and belly dancing for Dh260, Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, departing 3.30 p.m. Trip to Hatta, Dh260, inclusive of picnic lunch, Saturday to Wednesday, departing 8 a.m., Souqs and heritage centres in Sharjah, highlights of Abu Dhabi, Liwa Oasis. You can also experience a 40-minute air tour of Dubai for Dh250. This takes place every day. Orient tours Ra's al-Khaimah and Umm al-Qaiwain from Dubai and Sharjah on Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Dh175.

- Orient Tours departs from Dubai for Liwa Oasis on Mondays at 6.30 a.m.Dh395.runs a tour of Al Ain, commencing in Dubai, Thursdays only 8 a.m.-5.p.m., Dh85.

 

- Ra's al-Khaimah National Travel Agency (RANTA 07 2287536)

 

- Royal Tours (04 2231567; www.royaltours-dubai.com). Charter hire.

 

- RMMI Travel Centre, (07 2284312)

Email: travelmmi@mmi.co.ae

Located on Oman St., Al Nakheel, Ra's al-Khaimah.

 

- Seascope semi-submersible at diving village in Shindagha offers 45-minute cruises of the coast.

 

- Seven Seas Tours, Sheikh Zayed Road, Sharjah (06 5670760)

Website: www.seastravel.com

Email: seastour@emirates.net.ae

 

- Sharjah Airport Travel Agency (SATA 06 5618888)

Website: www.shj-airport.gov.ae

SATA organizes Sharjah classical city tours, tours of the East Coast including Dibba, Khor Fakkan, Fujairah and Kalba, the market at Masafi and Al Dhaid; desert and mountain safaris, and dinner cruises.

 

- Sharjah National Tourist and Transport Authority (SNTTA, 06 5684411). SNNTTA has an office on Al-Arouba Rd. and runs tours of Dubai, every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoon for Dh100. Illuminated dhow dinner cruise in Dubai Creek, Monday and Thursday evenings, Dh225. Dinner in the dunes every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings for Dh240. Cultural tours of Sharjah and Ajman every Sunday morning for Dh100. Camel races every Friday afternoon for Dh75.Tours of ancient sea ports every Wednesday for Dh160.

An overnight safari in the desert for Dh455. See www.sharjah-welcome.com for more details.

 

- Sunshine Tours (02 4449914)

Website: www.adnh.com

Email: abusun@emirates.net.ae

Operated by Abu Dhabi National, Hotels Corporation, Sunshine Tours can handle all of your incoming needs in the UAE. Meet and assist, visa arrangements, city tours, shopping trips, museum excursions, desert safaris, cruises in modern yachts or traditional dhows, diving and golf or any specialist activity 'from art or archaeology to ornithology or yoga'. Sunshine Tours have a desk in the lobby of the Sheraton Hotel on the Corniche in Abu Dhabi.

 

- Voyagers Xtreme, Dune Centre, Satwa (04 3455770; www.privatravel.com) organizes adventurous activities throughout the Emirates.