Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Middle East

DUBAI : Overview

OVERVIEW

Dubai is an exhilarating place to visit for travelers from around the world.  Overall, Dubai is very modern and offers visitors similar accessible comforts in some of the hotels and shopping malls. It’s known as the “shopping capital of the Middle East.” Visitors must remember to be respectful and conform to laws and cultural dress when visiting.

“I would not consider Dubai accessible due to its sidewalks and entrances to buildings. But the larger and more modern attractions, like the malls, seem to be fully accessible.” Jenny, 11/29/2010

LANGUAGE

The official language of the United Arab Emirates is Arabic.

CURRENCY

The official currency of the United Arab Emirates is the Arab Emirate Dirham (AED).

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

DUBAI : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

Dubai International: The Dubai International Airport is a modern facility with multiple levels equipped with elevators, and air conditioning for comfort.

The restrooms at the Dubai International Airport have accessible restrooms with large stalls and grab bars mounted on the walls for easy transfer. It’s not known if the airport has companion or family style bathrooms.

If transfer assistance is need to get from wheelchair to aisle chair to board, contact your airline to make arrangements ahead of time. Assistance is available at the airport by personnel.

“If you’re flying into Dubai from the U.S. or Europe as your destination, you will have a jet bridge. If you are arriving from Central Asia or other smaller airlines, you will not exit or board via a jet bridge but be taken to the plane in a vehicle that rises up to the level of the plane. It takes longer, but works well.” Jenny, 11/29/1020

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

TAXI

Dubai Taxi Corporation: The Dubai Taxi Corporation has two wheelchair accessible vans in their fleet. The vans are equipped with a rear lift system. The accessible taxis should be reserved 24 hours in advance through the dispatch center. The number can be found on the Dubai Taxi Corporation website.

RTA: Dubai has a robust network of taxis. For travelers using manual wheelchairs regular taxis are large enough to store the chair in the trunk. Dubai also offers wheelchair accessible taxis with ramp or lift available for those who utilize a power wheelchair or scooter.

“The Dubai Taxi Corporation actually has taxis with lifts in them.  Although you cannot preschedule a taxi from the airport, I have twice found accessible taxis waiting at the airport.  The fair is the same.  Once you are in town, I’m sure we could have called ahead for the accessible taxi, but it was inconvenient, so we just used the minivans, which are fairly prevalent.” Jenny, 11/29/2010

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SHUTTLE

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RENTAL CAR (Wheelchair Van)

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BUS

RTA: Dubai does have a public bus system, however at this time we don’t know if it is accessible.

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TRAIN (Light Rail)

RTA: The city of Dubai does have a light rail system (subway) to get around. We are in the process of researching this information regarding accessibility.

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DUBAI : Accommodations

HOTELS

Arabian Courtyard Hotel and Spa: The hotel has multiple levels and is equipped with an elevator for easy access. There is a ramp located in front of the hotel and around other various barriers. The pool area is accessible, as well as the restaurant.

“As is typical in Dubai, the “ramp” leading into the hotel is for luggage, not necessarily wheelchair access. But the rooms make up for the steep ramp. They are spacious and have wood flooring, which is nice for pushing on.  And the breakfast buffet is worth every penny.” Jenny, 11/29/2010

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LUXURY RESORTS

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DUBAI : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

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ACTIVITIES

Abras (small boat transportation): Not easily accessible for all wheelchairs.

 “The abras are a small boat that allows inexpensive (1 dirham) crossing of the Creek.  I could barely squeeze through the entrance (my chair is small) and there is no walkway to get on to the abra itself – just get lifted onto it.  For 100 dirahm the three of us had an hour-long “cruise” up and down the Creek that dropped us off in Bur Dubai where we stayed.  Since I stayed in my chair, I was not covered from the sun and it got pretty hot.  But it was well worth seeing the city at a leisurely pace and at a good price. “ Jenny, 11/29/2010

Dubai Mall: “The Dubai Mall has every imaginable store and restaurant. Everything is accessible and easy to push around.  The fountain outside is worth viewing, although it was not working the night we went. The Burk Tower is also located here. At first glance I thought the outside walkways were inaccessible, but at closer glance they were so well designed that the accessible route simply blended in.” Jenny, 11/29/2010

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

Bait al Wakeel Restaurant: This restaurant is not fully accessible because of access to the restroom.

“The restaurant is situated on the Creek with outdoor seating.  It’s a lovely location with wonderful food at a good price.  The restroom is located up a flight of stairs.” Jenny, 11/29/2010

Gold and Spice Souks: “Although the Gold and Spice Souks cannot be considered fully accessible due to lack of curb cuts and steps into the shops, it was much easier to get around than I expected. There are steps getting into some of the stores, but shop owners are always willing to lend a hand.   The walkways are covered and have fans for ventilation, so even in the 90 degree heat it was not too hot (although during the summer I’m sure it would be stifling).” Jenny, 11/29/2010

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DUBAI : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

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MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

Rent a Crib: Rent a Crib rents not only cribs and strollers but they also rent manual wheelchairs and adult fold away cots.

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DUBAI : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

“I would not consider Dubai accessible due to its sidewalks and entrances to buildings. But the larger and more modern attractions, like the malls, seem to be fully accessible.” Jenny, 11/29/2010

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