Evolving from a tiny fishing village surrounded by an arid desert Dubai has emerged to a glittering cosmopolitan city with towering skyscrapers, world-class shopping and some of the world’s most luxurious hotels and resorts. Drenched in luxury Dubai is a post-modern mecca, an enchanting metropolis with an excess of everything. There is much to explore, from its untamed desert with sparkling sand dunes and camel rides to the Burj Khalifa tower overlooking man-made islands.
When in Dubai feast your eyes on its gold souk with a labyrinth of walkways home to hundreds of shops selling gold, silver, diamonds and precious metals. A variety of urban style outdoor malls expand the shopping experience along with its popular fountain, Dubai Creek and the renowned Palm Jumeirah and a host of luxurious hotels and resorts.
Shopping Haven
What’s not to love about shopping in Dubai? In a city of about 3 million inhabitants Dubai has more than 65 malls. The most recent Dubai Square, a mega mall project set to be among the world’s largest is in the works. Currently the Dubai Mall is the most popular in town, encompassing an area of 5.9 million square feet it is home to over 1,200 shops, 120 cafes and restaurants and 22 movie theaters.
It includes an aquarium and underwater zoo allowing you to walk through a 270-degree tunnel whilst enjoying intimate views of the most vibrant aquatic and marine life. Children can relish the fun at the mall’s Olympic sized skating rink. Other malls worth exploring include Wafi Mall, the Global Village and Burjuman Center among others.
For a unique and authentic shopping experience head to Dubai’s spice market, bustling with crowds’ all year round its vendors sell everything from Persian dried limes to rose hips and traditional Middle Eastern spice mixes. That’s not all, in the bustling creek of Bur Dubai is the textile market, makeshift stalls sell Pashminas, Saris, Abayas and Kaftans in every color you can think of.
Located in the commercial district of Deira is the oldest and most fascinating traditional markets in the emirate, namely the gold souk. Shop windows and stalls are filled with gold, platinum, silver and diamonds to the brim. The market has a myriad of eye catching jewelry with hefty weights and prices. Whether you are browsing or genuinely interested in buying, a walk through the glitzy gold souk is a fascinating experience to say the least. Retailers are more than willing to offer a bargain provided you are fair with your price.
Dubai Creek
Nestled in the heart of Dubai is its saltwater creek, in the past it played a pivotal role in the trade route with India and Africa. Today Dubai creek has some of the trendiest cafes and restaurants along with Middle Eastern style architecture gracing its banks. One of the best ways to explore the creek is to catch a ride on the traditional dhow or ride on the water taxi commonly called Abra. Glide down the waterway as you experience glittering views of the magnificent skyline. Some of the most interesting activities you can do along the creek include skydiving, golfing, shopping, and taking a nighttime dinner cruise.
Burj Khalifa & Dubai Fountain
A stop by Burj Kalifa should be the ultimate bucket list experience, considered among the tallest buildings in the world it is over 828 meters (2,716.5 feet) and more than 160 stories high. Soaring high above Dubai’s skyline it is nearly twice as tall as the Empire State building and three times as tall as the Eiffel Tower. The Dubai Fountain graces Burj Khalifa, the fountain dances to a variety of tunes from classical to contemporary arabic every 30 minutes from 6:00 pm Wednesday through Sunday.
Swarms of visitors’ tourists and locals alike gather around the gigantic fountain to enjoy the impressive show it displays each afternoon. With thousands of lights and dozens of projectors employed it is certainly a marvel of design. At over 900 feet in length it is one of the world’s tallest performing fountains, equivalent to over two football pitches, firing water 50 stories high. It has become a focal point for ushering in the New Year, celebrating holidays and welcoming famous celebrities.
Burj Al Arab
Dubai is renowned for its world-first approach; Burj Al Arab luxury hotel is an ideal example. The impressive hotel is considered the most iconic in Dubai and the world. Located off the coast of Dubai on a man-made island it is part of the Jumeirah beach strip. At 321 meters above sea level with 56 floors it epitomizes luxury. Its opulent and lavish interior and suites are draped in gold complemented by some of the world’s best restaurants.
The extravagant hotel allows guests to choose their own dining options, including the choice to dine in its underwater restaurant and aquarium. Guests are ferried to the hotel with a fleet of Rolls-Royce cars. For a relaxing time out, the hotel has its own terrace stretching over 10,000 square meters along with poolside lounging.
With all it has to offer Burj Al Arab is not open for sightseers, access is limited to guests only. If you would like to tour the hotel you can reserve a seat in advance in of its cafes or restaurants. For a selection of world class hotels and resorts visit Palm Jumeirah, the unique island archipelago resembles a palm tree when viewed from above. Palm Jumeirah is home to more than 18 luxury hotels and resorts. Considered the hottest address in town, it has over 4,000 exclusive private villas and apartments with stunning sea views and a host of amenities. Among the fun things you could do is sail on a yacht or speed boat or experience the ultimate adrenaline rush of skydiving above Dubai’s skyline
