Dubai is one of the few cities in the world that has undergone such a rapid transformation – from a humble beginning as a pearl-diving centre – to one of the fastest growing cities on earth. Dubai today is a tourism, trade and logistics hub and has earned itself the reputation of being the ‘gateway between the east and the west.’ It is also considered as the dynamic nucleus of the Arabian Gulf region.
Home to just over 2 million people from more than 200 nationalities, Dubai is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. Living in Dubai has a lot to offer. It is safe, politically stable, centrally located, has a good education system and healthcare facilities, modern infrastructure and much more. The sun shines almost every day, the shopping and leisure facilities are impressive, and the salaries are tax-free.
Living in Dubai is exciting, something new and different happens ever so often. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, a new project is announced, whether it is the launch of a sports stadium, a mega commercial tower, a residential enclave or yet another shopping mall! Dubai is constantly on the move, striving for greater heights and more facilities and comfort for its residents and visitors.
Getting to Dubai cannot be easier! Situated at the cross roads between the east and the west, Dubai enjoys, without a doubt, one of the best locations on the planet. Situated halfway between Europe and Asia, Dubai can be reached conveniently by air, sea and land.
MUST VISIT PLACES
1. Burj Al Arab
The Burj Al Arab (Tower of the Arabs) is the world’s only 7 star hotel and designed to resemble a billowing sail, the Burj Al Arab soars to a height of 321 metres, dominating the Dubai skyline making it the fourth tallest hotel in the world.
It truly is one of the most iconic symbols of Dubai and is a majestic building. No trip to Dubai would be complete without at least seeing it! It is one of the most photographed structures in the world, and consistently voted the worlds most luxurious hotel. It is illuminated at night by choreographed lighting making it an impressive building day or night!
2. Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest tower and is an amazing feat of engineering- the story of which you can see if you take a trip to “At The Top”- the highest viewing platform in the world. The high point of any Burj Khalifa experience is the view from At The Top. Located on level 124 of the world’s tallest tower, this observatory is destined to be the highlight of any visit to the Middle East. The journey begins in the lower ground level of The Dubai Mall. Throughout the journey to the top, visitors are entertained by a multi-media presentation of the exotic history of Dubai and the marvel that is the Burj Khalifa.
3. The Dubai Fountains
At the base of the world’s tallest tower is one of the world’s most amazing fountains! In fact it is the world’s largest dancing fountain!
Set on the 30-acre Burj Khalifa Lake, the fountain shoots water jets as high as 500 ft, equivalent to that of a 50-storey building. The fountain is 900 ft long and has five circles of varying sizes and two central arcs.
The Dubai Fountain performs daily, with the performance repertoire including Sama Dubai; Baba Yetu, an award-winning song in Swahili; the Arab world’s top-selling dance number Shik Shak Shok; and the signature piece of world-renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, Con te partiro (Time to Say Goodbye). Over 6,600 WET Superlights and 25 colour projectors create a visual spectrum of over 1,000 abstract attractions. The beam of light shining upward from the fountain can be seen from over 20 miles away, and will be visible from space making it the brightest spot in the Middle East, and quite possibly in the entire world.
4. Atlantis Hotel
Atlantis is the majestic resort in Dubai situated on the Palm, a man-made island that has captured the world’s imagination with its magnificent scale and ingenuity.
The resort offers relaxation and thrills for couples and families alike, including:
* Unique marine habitats- The Lost Chambers
* An exhilarating water park- Aquaventure
* Pristine white beaches
* World-class cuisine in 18 restaurants,
* An indulgent spa (ShuiQi) to awaken your senses
* Cosmopolitan boutiques to shop until your heart is content
5. Global Village
For the past 15 years, Global Village has been providing cultural entertainment along with an international shopping experience to millions of visitors. Breathtaking live performances, mouth-watering cuisine, authentic handicrafts and merchandise from different countries await you at the many national pavilions in Global Village.
There are many more attractions, including thrilling rides, games and firework displays, to complete your visit. Global Village is open from November to March every year, some year’s the extravaganza is extended sometimes well into April – it’s worth checking their website for more details if your trip falls over the March / April cut off.
6. Palm Island
Palm Jumeirah has everything you need to enjoy a wonderful holiday break. World famous hotel names, amazing tourist attractions, luxury fashion and shopping malls are starting to open up. Whether you just want to relax or immerse yourself in an exciting world of leisure and entertainment, this is a truly inspirational holiday destination in Dubai.
Visitors will come to enjoy the magnificent sunsets, unwind in the spas, pools and gardens and eat out at the fine selection of restaurants. There’s a wide range of daytime activities, including water sports, aquariums, theme parks and of course miles of beautiful beaches. And at night, the bars, clubs and shows will offer plenty of fun and amusement.
7. Dubai Creek
The natural seawater inlet that cuts through the centre of the city is the historical part of Dubai where visitors can take an abra (small water taxi) and view the old trading port and the dhows from the water.
A cruise to Al Maktoum Bridge will pass many of the city’s historic as well as modern landmarks. A stroll around the wharf offers a picturesque glimpse of Dubai’s trading heritage, where dhows bound for distant places dock to unload their goods.
The Creek, a natural sea water inlet which cuts through the centre of the city, is the historic focal point of life in Dubai. A stroll along its banks evokes the city’s centuries-old trading traditions.
Visitors will be captivated by the colour and bustle of the loading and unloading of dhows which still ply ancient trade routes to places as distant as India and East Africa.
8. Ski Dubai
Ski Dubai is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East and offers an amazing snow setting to enjoy skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing, or just playing in the snow. Young or old, there is something for everyone, from the beginner to the snow sport enthusiast. Ski Dubai is a unique mountain-themed attraction that offers you the opportunity to enjoy real snow in Dubai all year round.
You don’t have to worry about ski clothing or equipment either. Ski Dubai has thought of it all and offers guests the use of winter clothing, ski and snowboard equipment. Your skis will carry you down the slope and our quad-chairlift and tow lift will promptly carry you back to the top for another run.
9. Dubai Marina
One of Dubai’s newer tourist attractions is Dubai marina. The marina is set in the backdrop of the amazing buildings of JBR and has great views, walkways and boat rides available. It is amazing either during the day or in the evenings. Dubai Marina is the largest man-made marina in the world and is home to super yachts and also Dubai Marina Mall.
Set in the heart of ‘new Dubai’, Dubai Marina Yacht Club (DMYC) has rapidly gained a reputation as one of the renowned private yacht clubs of the region, with a purpose built clubhouse forming the centre-piece of four distinctive marinas. Arrayed along the length of a remarkable 3.5km canal, the marinas provide sheltered berthing for over five hundred yachts, in a setting that is simply unrivalled.
10. Wild Wadi
Located in front of the Burj Al Arab, Wild Wadi offers 30 rides and attractions for all the family. Wild Wadi is themed around the tale of Juha, a known character from the Arabian folklore.
11. Desert Safari
Dubai Desert Safari is a must do tour if you are in Dubai for business or pleasure, spare an evening for the Desert Safari to enjoy the life out of Dubai’s busy life. On a desert dune safari you will experience a thrilling drive in the Arabian desert’s sand dunes and enjoy a great BBQ Dinner over a live Belly dance show in a desert camp just outside the modern city of Dubai.
One must get a camera when going to a desert safari in Dubai as the views are breath taking and awesome, also one should wear comfortable cloths and avoid jewelry or expensive watch and cell phones as there is no signal at the camps.
SAND SKI : A very popular part of the desert safari. You get to ski from the highest dunes on a ski board, everyone can do it as if you fall the soft sand is there to catch you .A thrilling experience and one that every one should do an a desert safari.
CAMEL TREK : Another Popular activity in the desert is the camel trek. Enjoy the sunset while you are on the highest dune going towards the camp where you have drinks and dinner waiting for you. This is a more personal way to experience the desert environment, you get a glimpse of the desert vegetation the strange insects on the sands.
Standards of international cuisine in Dubai are high and the choice is diverse. Top class restaurants in the city’s hotels offer Arabian, French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Mexican, Russian, British, German, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Indian, Flilpino and Korean cuisine to name just a few.
A city of merchants, cultural crossroads, second largest of the seven emirates in the UAE. Dubai is a city that offers rare opportunities to experience local and ethnic cuisine from almost every region in the world for those who enjoy good food and a great dining experience.
– HINAL SHAH
4 Comments