An amalgamation of ultra-modern cosmopolitan lifestyle and ancient Arabian culture, Dubai has plenty to offer the holidaymaker. Beneath the garb of all the glitter and glam, there’s a Dubai which takes pride in its traditional values and rich heritage and welcomes you with immense warmth and hospitality.
From architectural wonders like the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab to stunning man-made islands like Palm Jumeirah and The World, there is loads to fascinate you in this city. There is a lot that you can do here as well – from adventure activities like hot-air ballooning, skydiving and desert safaris to shopping at state-of-the-art malls.
In fact, the Dubai Shopping Festival (held in January – February) sees tour groups thronging the city for irresistible deals and bargains. Nightlife is another big attraction in Dubai. With a variety of restaurants, hookah bars, lounges and clubs, a night out in the town can be an exciting one.
When in Dubai, there are some experiences which just cannot be missed out on. While shopping at the Gold Souk and Dubai Mall is one, a desert safari in the sand dunes is another. Both these experiences are so fulfilling that you will forget everything else in the world while you’re at them.
The cuisine of Dubai is influenced by the flavours of the Middle East, especially Morocco and Lebanon and is perfectly suited for the Indian palate. Try some shawarma rolls, grilled chicken on skewers or a Mezze platter. With something for everyone, Dubai is a great cosmopolitan holiday destination.
The best time to visit Dubai is during the winter months, from November to April. January and February see heavy tourist traffic because of the Dubai Shopping Festival, which makes the city come alive. Â These are some of the places you must see in Dubai.
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! There are various view points you can take photos from but one of the best is from the public beach next to it… there you will get that Dubai shot of you on the beach with The Burj in the back ground.
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).
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. From the moment you arrive, you will be immersed in a dazzling world of imagination, pleasure and luxury of 5-star hotels.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.
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 center 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 center 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.
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  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.
With a choice of casual or fine dining restaurants, a lively Sports Lounge, or the tranquility of the club lounges, all ensure that the clubhouse is a place of refuge throughout the week and not just simply a weekend get-away. For the keen yachting enthusiast, the club organises the increasingly renowned ‘Cruising Club’, which offers exclusively to DMYC members the opportunity to explore regional yachting destinations, and to join the regular series of workshops and seminars with fellow yachtsmen.
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.
Wild Wadi Timings:
- November to February: 10am – 6pm
- March to May: 10am – 7pm
- June to August: 10am – 8pm
- September and October: 10am – 7pm
“Visit the land of skyscrapers, glittering shopping festivals, culinary delights and loads of adventure. Visit Dubai.”
-Manal Mehboob
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