Dubai Explorer (Explorer Series)

Rating:
Summary: Don't go to Dubai without but bring another...
Review: The best guide of the region but most of the thickness of the book comes from the extensive dining and shopping directory. However, that might be just what you are looking for. As an American on business I would have like to have seen a more spent covering customs, history, and pictures.

I suggest also bringing along "Lonely Planet Dubai".

Rating:
Summary: Don't leave home without it !
Review: Very informative and up-to-date guide - useful for visitors and expats alike. Split into 8 broad sections the guide starts with the usual general help - including cultural and practical information. Particularly liked the summary boxes and top tips - saves a lot of time ! The hotels listing may be disappointing for visitors (just a contact list) but the guide more than makes up for this by the great Eating Out/On the Town sections, with price guide and pretty accurate reviews of restaurants and the varied nightlife. The New Residents section is an essential reading for expats or potential expats - great practical information. The 'Exploring', 'Pleasure and Leisure' and 'Sporting activities' sections contain all a reader needs to know about what to do in the Emirates - without this book a visitor could miss out on many of the delights offered in this part of the world. Since shopping is a major pastime in Dubai this section of the guide is an excellent timesaving guide to the malls and the extensive range of goods to buy.

Extensive index and the simple, practical layout of the guide make it easy to use. The aerial maps at the back of the book are stunning ! Dubai is a rapidly developing place and a current guide is essential - as an expat myself I always buy the new edition of Explorer and refer to it almost daily. Much more up-to-date information than many other guidebooks - thoroughly recommended for expats and visitors !