The Big Bus in Dubai

The Big Bus
Open Topped Double Decker Bus

The tourists in Dubai have the chance to see the city's sights in the same way as the tourists in England from the upper deck of an open-topped double decker bus.

It is the first time the company has ventured outside London. Dubai was the first foray for the company outside of London. For past four months, The Big Bus Co. has operated sight-seeing tours in Dubai.

The company keeps its buses - two of which are red double deckers - at its garage in Jadaf. The buses were shipped to Dubai from the UK.

Each bus seats 41 people on the upper deck and 27 on the lower. The tour takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes depending on traffic, and allows customers to hop-on and hop-off the bus at 8 different stops. These include Wafi City; Dubai Creek, next to the British Embassy; Dubai Museum; Bur Dubai Old Souk; Jumeira Mosque; Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum's House and Heritage Village; the Gold Souk; and a stop by the twin towers on Baniyas Road.

Tours start from Wafi City at 10:00 in the morning, and depart every 30 minutes till the last bus at 22:00. Each ticket is valid for two evenings, and also includes entrance to Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum's House, Dubai Museum, as well as a Wafi Advantage Card, which offers discounts at various outlets in Wafi City.

During Summer Surprises the cost is Dhs 50 per Adult, Dhs 30 per child (aged 5 to 15 inclusive), and Dhs 130 per Family (2 adults and 2 children). Children under 5 are free. Buses are also available for private hires.