United Arab Emirates to Penang

Dubai will lead you into a historical sojourn like no other place in the world. The primary history of this city’s establishment is not that well documented; however, research suggests that this land is close to 4,000 years old. Modern Dubai has evolved from fishing populations, which existed along the coast of the Arabian Gulf during the 1830s. The Dubai Creek was an ancient port of trade, very busy during times of trade between Indus Valley and Mesopotamian civilizations. The historic finds that give us insight into this ancient city lie preserved as artefacts in the archaeological section of the Dubai Museum.

Dubai is the second largest emirate among the seven that exist as the United Arab Emirates. It is located on the southern shore of the Gulf. The city is known to house one of the world’s most curated experiences. A bustling metropolitan steeped in culture and tradition, Dubai is the epitome of the amalgamation of western luxury and mid-western morals. The region is characterized under “desert vegetation” for a reason, for the temperature here remains high all year long. Dubai enjoys a sub-tropical, arid climate. Large populations of expats live here, including Arab, Asians, and European.

How to reach Dubai

By Air – The main airport in Dubai is the Dubai International Airport. All major airlines fly to this airport on a daily basis. Emirates Airlines is the preferable and national carrier that operates flights to Dubai. The Sharjah International Airport is another important node here, although only a few airlines land and take off from there. A taxi ride from the airport to the main city costs about 50 Dirham.

By Bus – Daily buses connect Dubai to the other emirates. The Emirates Express plies on a frequented route from everywhere in the Emirates, including Sharjah, Ajman, Masafi, and Abu Dhabi.

By Road – One can drive from Oman to Dubai across the international borders without needing a permit or fee upon entering Dubai; however, an exit fee of 3,000 Omani Rial will be charged upon leaving Oman. Make sure you retain the slip as the receipt must be produced during the return trip.

What to do in Dubai

A few decades ago, Dubai was a land of strong winds carrying the desert soil over and about the vast cityscape. It used to be a land of sparsely scattered skyscrapers. Presently, however, it is a widely populated metropolitan, which houses post-modern tall buildings, and within the alleys, retains the charm of the Old Dubai Town. It is the perfect amalgamation of tradition and modernism. Explore the city, which is referred to as one of the most affluent in the world, soaking in the olden culture of the Arabs alongside the buzzing nightlife that’s on offer.

Whether scouring the city’s popular spots, like visiting the traditional establishments, modern architectural marvels, a man-made beach and the best flea markets in all of the Emirates, tourists to Dubai have a many options to choose from:

Burj Khalifa

Dubai Deira Fish Souk

The Dubai Mall

Old Souk

The Dubai Fountain

Palm Jumeirah

Dubai Creek

Naif Souk

Alserkal Art District in Al Quoz

The Grand Mosque

Kite Beach

Dubai Marina

The Desert

Meena Bazaar

Al Fahidi

IMG Worlds of Adventure, indoor theme park

The Dubai Canal

Madinat Jumeirah

Dubai Opera

The Walk at JBR

Dubai Safari

Jumeirah Beach

Marina Beach

Jumeirah Mosque

Many operators offer private safaris across the wildlife and desert attractions in the vicinity. For night safaris, tourists are taken to an area 20 minutes away from downtown Dubai.

Apart from safaris, ATV tours, camel rides in the dunes, and hot air balloon rides are also popular activities most enthusiasts.

Major Airports in and near Dubai

The main airport in Dubai is the Dubai International Airport. This airport connects Dubai to other emirates as well as major international destinations. All international flights to and from Dubai land here.

MakeMyTrip offers a wide range of flights to Dubai. One can easily use the website to book a flight to Dubai or from Dubai, with the major airport being a hub to domestic and international airlines. MakeMyTrip flights to Dubai can be availed at highly discounted rates during festivals and off seasons.

An island located off the North-Western coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Penang is famous for its beautiful beaches, laid-back villages, historic landmarks and burgeoning resort areas. Boasting of a unique culinary diversity and exotic flavours, this place has earned the prestigious title of ‘Food Paradise’ of Malaysia. To discover the heritage of this city and witness the architectural beauty, visitors can step in the Georgetown district, which is famous for its ancient churches, temples and colonial structures. Travellers looking for a peaceful and rejuvenating setting in this town can visit Balik Pulau, a small village, known for its fruit orchards and paddy fields. Kek Lo Si- the 'Temple of Supreme Bliss' is a must-visit place on any trip to Penang. Recorded as the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia, this highly pious site is sure to leave an everlasting impression on the hearts and minds of visitors. Penang Botanic Gardens that boasts of a small waterfall and hosts several floral festivals and music festivals, every year is another place of tourist interest here. Tourists can head to Penang Bridge- one of the most iconic landmarks in this region to behold amazing views of the city and the port. To travel around this marvellous island city in a cost-effective manner, tourists can grab a cheap travel package from MakeMyTrip.