Dubai Department of Tourism

The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) was established under Law No 1 of 1997 in order (a) to replace and absorb the responsibilities of the former Dubai Commerce and Tourism Promotion Board (DCTPB) in respect of the international promotion of Dubai’s commerce and tourism interests, and (b) to assume a broader role as the principal authority for the planning, supervision and development of the tourism sector in the emirate.

Underlining the importance attached to tourism development at the highest level, the DTCM’s Chairman is UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Its Director-General is Khalid A. bin Sulayem.

In carrying out its marketing responsibilities, the DTCM plans and implements an integrated programme of international promotions and publicity activities. This includes exhibition participation, product shows, marketing visits, presentations and roadshows, VIP and executive missions, familiarisation and assisted visits, advertising, brochure production and distribution, media relations and enquiry and information services.

DTCM set up Training Solutions for the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors as part of a drive to ensure that Dubai's tourism industry continues its world-class development with world-class people involved at all levels. DTCM Tourism and Hospitality Training Solutions is unique and different from any other training delivered by existing colleges, universities and training institutions because it takes the best tools and learning of the tourism and hospitality sectors and ensures relevance to the marketplace at every stage.

Shopping in Dubai

Dubai’s reputation as a shopper’s paradise extends to many aspects of the city’s bustling commercial life. One area where this is especially evident is that shopping centres serve both a regional and tourist - rather than purely local - market.

As an open port with low import duties, Dubai’s retail prices are reasonable and the variety of products available matches that of any other major international city. In particular, Dubai’s residents enjoy tax free salaries and incomes which are among the highest in the world, so there is plenty of money available for the luxuries of life, and the city’s retailers have geared up to meet this demand.

Dubai’s retail trade encompasses traditional souk (market) shopping - where bargaining is very much the order of the day - and modern purpose-built shopping plazas.

Gold, the traditional wealth standard of the east, is another of the city’s best-buys. For centuries Dubai’s gold trade has flourished. The Gold Souk in Deira is a tribute to the metal’s eternal attraction. Housing row after row of shop windows festooned with glittering jewellery and ornaments, this unique market has become a major tourist attraction. Here 18 and 22 carat gold is beaten, worked and fashioned into a cascade of designs calculated to meet the intricacies of a variety of ethnic tastes. Prices, less than half those in the west, are mainly determined by weight and not so much by workmanship.

But the eastern charm of the souks is only one aspect of shopping in Dubai. Attractive modern shopping plazas are conveniently located throughout the city. Marble-walled malls and efficient air conditioning provide a cool welcome to customers. Cosmopolitan stores maintain an affinity with the emirate’s international population and appeal.

Dubai Tours & Safaris

Dubai’s tour companies offer a variety of city tours of different durations and at different times of the day.

As the city is compact and the roads good, it is possible to take in most of the city’s major landmarks and sights.

As listed in the attractions and sight section, within a matter of hours. These would include the creek, the souks and traditional markets, dhow-building yards, Sheikh Saeed’s House, the Heritage and Diving village, the windtower houses of the bastikiya area, Dubai Museum, Jumeirah Mosque and the stunning golf courses.

Dubai Camel Racing

A trip to the camel races, which take place on Thursday and Fridays during the winter months, can be One of the most memorable highlights of any visit to Dubai.

At the racetract on the fringe of the city, the races are vigorous and exciting and a village fair atmos-phere prevails around the track with vendors offering blankets, rugs, beads and a variety of other rural wares spread on the ground.

Owners urge jockeys on the finish line while trainers speedily follow the races in the four-wheel drives which plough through the dust of the inside track. The atmosphere is contagious.

Dubai Desert Feast & Safaris

Particularly popular are safaris that culminate in the evening with spectacular sunset views followed by a traditional Arabian barbecue under the stars.

These can be tailored to meet every taste from a Romantic and peaceful experience to elaborate fun-packed evenings complete with music, belly dancing, the smoking of hubble-bubble pipes and often a display of falconry.

No visit to Dubai would be complete without a trip into the desert.

Such excursions whish are best Organized as part of a group tour, offer a taste of the true heart land of Arabia. The majesty and tranguillity of the desert can be experienced in a choice of exciting half-day, full-day And overnight safaris.

These action-packed trips cover varied terrain ranging from desert to mountain And take in remote camel and goat farms and isolated villages.

And many more awaited for you in Duabi.....