World Tourism Organization figures show that domestic tourism in the UAE grew 31% in the first six months of this year compared to 11% over the last three years. Deputy General Manager at Al Rais Travel attributed the increase to a rise in the number of inbound tourists to Dubai. Mohammad Al Rais said Arab families are choosing to visit because the hotel and airline offers are irresistible. He said that “Hotel rates have gone down by 40 per cent with special offers for kids and of hotel guest” and airlines have provided equally attractive offers.
Mr. Rais said there has been a 30% increase in the number of Kuwaiti families booking with his company. He said Arab families used to travel to Europe or South East Asian countries because airfares were about Dh2,000, but “Now the situation is different. It has become economical to be in Dubai and the GCC for the holidays.”
Full of Czech symbolism, this building is Art Nouveau homage to nationalism. There is a mosaic called Homage to Prague above the entrance which represents the oppression and resurrection of the Czech people. There is a cafe; concerts are held in Smetana Hall and tours. Location: Namesti Repuliky 5 Opening Times: 7:30am – 11pm, Information Centre: 10am – 6pm Admission Prices: guided tou...
Dating back to the 1700s this temple was used by Buddhists to pray for rain. It now houses the biggest bell [over 20 feet wide] built by any Chinese emperor as well as other bells dating back to the Yuan and Ming dynasties. Timings: Daily 8 30 A.M- 4 30 P.M Admission: Y 10 Address: 1 A Beisanhuanxi Lu Tel: 010-6255-0843 ...
As the name goes, this museum is a memory of all the times that Finland has had to protect itself from external offense during the two World Wars. The exhibits display the artillery, guns, missiles and gunpowder used and the ways in which Finland maintained its sovereignty through the years. It was opened in 1948 with the thick walls of the Suomenlinna fortress. The museum is open seasonally durin...
Heritage Village includes a small museum displaying ancient artifacts from several archaeological sites dating as far back as 550 BC. The Village also displays and sells traditional crafts, pottery, woven goods and Bedouin jewelry. There is a small souk where visitors can drink coffee and sample traditional Arabic bread. There are also archaeological remains dating from the 6th century. Divin...