Dubai offers something special for every taste
Dubai offers something special for every taste - explore 15 enthralling experiences in this fascinating city (click on the links for more details & to book at the best prices:
1. AL FAHIDI HISTORICAL DISTRICT
The traditional style of life that was prevalent in Dubai from the mid 19th century till the 1970s is reflected at Al-Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, where buildings with high air towers (Barajeel), built with traditional building materials such as stone, gypsum, teak, sandal wood, fronds and palm wood are aligned side by side, separated by alleys, pathways and public squares, which gives the district a natural and beautiful diversity.
2. BURJ KHALIFA
The Burj Khalifa, known as the Burj Dubai prior to its inauguration in 2010, is a skyscraper with a total height of 829.8 m and a roof height of 828 m. It has been the tallest structure and building in the world since its topping out in 2009.
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is home to thousands of aquatic animals, comprising over 140 species. Over 400 Sharks and Rays live in the 10 million litre tank, including Sand Tiger Sharks, Giant Groupers, and a host of other marine species. A series of carefully designed experiences will allow visitors to come face to face with the aquatic residents for memorable moments with friends and family.
4. DUBAI CREEK
The seawater Dubai Creek (Khor Dubai), flowing between Deira and Bur Dubai in the historic center is the reason for Dubai's very existence. When trade with the outside world began over a century ago, this protected inlet was the obvious choice to develop a commercial seaport. The creek has been widened many times during the last century, and today, it's often busy with abra (small wooden water taxis) ferrying passengers between the souks of Deira on the northeastern bank and the historic district of Bur Dubai on the southwestern bank.
5. DUBAI DESERT
The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is an 87-square-mile (225-square-kilometer) protected area of Arabian desert; that’s nearly 5 percent of Dubai’s total land area. To maintain a balance between Dubai’s rapid growth and the need to preserve its natural heritage, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE’s Prime Minister, purchased the land. It was previously a camel farm. Today it’s a shelter for hundreds of plant and animal species. The only way to explore the park is with one of the reserve’s approved tour operators. They offer a range of different experiences including resort stay, camel treks, archery, falconry displays and SUV journeys over dunes and through the desert terrain.
6. DUBAI FOUNTAIN
The Dubai Fountain is a choreographed fountain system located on the 12 hectare (30 acre) manmade Burj Khalifa Lake, at the center of the Downtown Dubai development. Illuminated by 6,600 lights and 50 coloured projectors, it is 275 m (902 ft) long and shoots water up to 500 ft (152.4 m) into the air accompanied by a range of classical to contemporary Arabic and world music.
7. DUBAI GOLD SOUK
Dubai Gold Souk is a traditional market (or souk) located in Dubai's commercial business district in Deira, in the locality of Al Dhagaya. The souk consists of over 380 retailers, most of whom are jewelery traders. Some of the shops are as old as four decades. The Souk is bordered to the north by the Dubai Fish and Vegetable Market and the Deira Corniche and the other side of the Dubai Creek lies the Dubai Textile Souk.
8. DUBAI MALL
The Dubai Mall is the largest mall in the world by total land area and the 26th-largest shopping mall in the world by gross leasable area. It has a total retail floor area of 502,000 square metres (5,400,000 sq ft) and includes over 1,200 shops. In 2011, it was the most visited building on the planet, attracting over 54 million visitors.
9. DUBAI MUSEUM
Dubai Fort is situated at the south of Dubai Creek, at the Al Souk Al Kabir area which teems with vigorous trade and is close to the Ruler's Court (the monarch's divan). It was built back in 1787 as the premises of the monarch and a fort of defence, since it sat on the border of the urban Dubai at the time. Later on, this fort turned into an arsenal for artillery and weapons. It was also used as a prison for the outlaws. This fort was renovated during the reign of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. It was opened in 1971 (the year the federation was formed), to be an official museum that displays the history of Dubai and its original heritage. In 1995, another underground museum was established and added to the old fort.
10. DUBAI SPICE SOUK
Tucked into Dubai’s Deira district just north of Dubai Creek and close to the Gold Souk, the Dubai Spice Souk offers some of the city’s most rewarding shopping. Here, covered alleyways brim with stalls that sell all manner of Arabian and Asian spices, herbs, and delicacies, making the souk ideal for souvenir hunters and anyone hoping to get a sense of old Dubai.
11. JUMEIRAH BEACH
Jumeira Beach is a white sand beach that is located and named after the Jumeirah district on the coast of the Persian Gulf. It stretches along the coast south of the city's historic district to the junction with The Palm Jumeirah and terminates between the southern end of the Jumeirah Beach Residence (adjacent to the Dubai Marina district) and the port facilities at Jebel Ali. The beach and its frontage feature large hotels, resorts, and housing developments, including the Burj Al Arab (Arab Tower) hotel, Wild Wadi Water Park, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, and the old-style Madinat Jumeirah, a hotel and shopping complex. On one side of the Burj Al Arab Hotel is a water park (wild wadi) and on the other side is the Jumeirah Beach Park.
12. JUMEIRAH MOSQUE
The Jumeirah Mosque is one of the most loved architectural treasures in Dubai. Opened in 1979, Jumeirah Grand Mosque was a gift from the Late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the former Ruler of Dubai and father of the current Ruler of Dubai HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The style of the architecture originated from Syria and Egypt and it can accommodate approximately 1500 worshippers.
The multi-level shopping mall currently features more than 630 retail outlets, 7900 parking spaces, over 100 restaurants and cafés, 80 luxury stores and 250 flagship stores. It has a total gross leasable area of 255,489 square meters. It also hosts family leisure activities including Ski Dubai (the Middle East's first indoor ski resort and snow park), the 500-seat capacity Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre and Magic planet, one of the largest indoor family entertainment centres in Dubai.
14. SKI DUBAI
Ski Dubai is an indoor ski resort with 22,500 square meters of indoor ski area. The park maintains a temperature of -1 degree to 2 degrees Celsius throughout the year. The resort features an 85-metre-high indoor mountain (equivalent to a 25-story building) with 5 slopes of varying steepness and difficulty, including a 400-metre-long run, the world's first indoor black diamond run, and various features (boxes, rails, kickers) that are changed on a regular basis. A quad lift and a tow lift carry skiers and snowboarders up the mountain. Equipment such as skis and jackets are provided with the ticket and one can buy equipment in the nearby stores. Adjoining the slopes is a 3,000-square-metre Snow Park play area comprising sled and toboggan runs, an icy body slide, climbing towers, giant snowballs and an ice cave.
The Wild Wadi Water Park is an outdoor water park situated in the area of Jumeirah, next to the Burj Al Arab and the Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Wild Wadi has a heated/cooled wave pool, multiple water slides and two artificial surfing machines.
WHEN TO GO: 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.
LANGUAGE: The official language of the United Arab Emirates is Arabic. Modern Standard Arabic is taught in schools, and most native Emiratis speak a dialect of Gulf Arabic that is generally similar to that spoken in surrounding countries.
CURRENCY: The United Arab Emirates dirham, also known as simply the Emirati dirham, is the currency of the United Arab Emirates. The term dirham is officially abbreviated "AED", while unofficial abbreviations include "DH" or "Dhs.". The dirham is subdivided into 100 fils.
HOW TO GET AROUND: Metro, bus, taxi & boat
SLEEP AT ATLANTIS, THE PALM
Nestled between the calm turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf and the majestic Dubai skyline, Atlantis, The Palm is the crown of the world-famous Palm island in Dubai. Whether you’re staying in this world-renowned resort, dining in one of the award-winning celebrity chef restaurants or feeling the rush at Aquaventure Waterpark, experience a world away from your everyday at Atlantis, The Palm.
SLEEP AT ATLANTIS, THE ROYAL RESORT
Atlantis, The Royal Resort will forever change the landscape of Dubai. Crafted by the world’s leading designers, architects and artists, this iconic destination will offer extraordinary stays with infinite ocean and skyline views, unparalleled dining experiences, attractions, entertainment & nightlife. With access to Aquaventure Waterpark, The Lost Chambers Aquarium, Dolphin Bay, Sea Lion Point as well as Atlantis, The Palm's extensive facilities and restaurants, the world is yet to experience anything like it.
SLEEP AT AVANI DEIRA DUBAI HOTEL
Soak up culture. Shop till you drop. Discover an iconic destination. Spend, spend, spend at the world-famous Gold and Spice Souks. Explore vibrant streets where you’ll discover Arabic and Eastern wonders. Take an abra down the creek to see the first port of the city while enjoying the refined comforts of one of the leading hotels in Deira, Dubai. Just 4 km away from Dubai International Airport, AVANI Deira Dubai Hotel is perfectly placed for your adventures in this cosmopolitan UAE destination.
SLEEP AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL JUMEIRA DUBAI
Overlooking both the pristine waters of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s glittering skyline, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai is a stunning destination with an enviable beach setting. With its inviting interiors and unmatched levels of service, the resort brings a new wave of luxury to the shores of Dubai.
SLEEP AT REFLECTIONS HOTEL
Located in one of the most dynamic destinations in the world, Reflections Hotel has been beautifully designed to reflect the cosmopolitan city that is Dubai. Built over 13 floors, the hotel exterior is a testament to the warmth and hospitality of Arabian Culture, showcasing the traditional design of the region from the authentic wind towers to the gentle arches of the windows.
SLEEP AT SNOOZE CUBE
Passengers facing flight delays, cancellations or long transits at Dubai International Airport (the 4th largest in the world) now have the option to rent out a micro-hotel room right inside the terminal. Their Snooze Cubes provide the perfect space for passengers looking for extra privacy, a step up in comfort from terminal seating and somewhere to lay their head.
SLEEP AT SOFITEL DUBAI DOWNTOWN
The only international 5-star hotel linked to The Dubai Mall through an air-conditioned skywalk. Apart from the immediate proximity to The Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa, the hotel is a few minutes away from Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai Opera, City Walk and also offers shuttle bus service to Kite Beach, La Mer Beach, The Mall of the Emirates and other destinations. Sofitel Dubai Downtown guests can avail of special offers at some of Dubai’s most famous attractions that include KidZAnia Dubai, Dubai Aquarium, Reel Cinemas, and Virtual Reality Park.
SLEEP AT SOFITEL DUBAI JUMEIRAH BEACH
A luxury five-star hotel located in Jumeirah Beach Residence, Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach opens directly onto Dubai’s most popular recreation promenade The Walk as well as the new beachfront low-rise leisure and retail destination The Beach.
SLEEP AT SOFITEL DUBAI THE PALM
Discover the warm French-Polynesian welcome of Sofitel Dubai The Palm, a luxury 5 star beach resort situated on the East Crescent of the world famous Palm Jumeirah, offering a rejuvenating escape inspired by the rich culture of the South Pacific. Nestled amongst lush greenery on the idyllic shores of the Arabian Gulf, Sofitel Dubai The Palm offers a tropical and relaxing sanctuary, only a short distance away from the vibrant, buzzing metropolis of Dubai.
SLEEP AT THE WESTIN DUBAI MINA SEYAHI BEACH RESORT & MARINA
Peaceful retreat settled on Jumeirah Beach, their resort offers the perfect destination for the entire family to unwind and recharge with a breath-taking array of recreation activities and close proximity to major Dubai local attractions. Featuring exceptional views over the Arabian Gulf, their impressive neoclassical architecture fills their five-star luxury beach resort in Dubai with charm and inspiration.
EAT AT GORDON RAMSAY'S BREAD STREET KITCHEN & BAR
Experience the best of Britain at Gordon Ramsay's restaurant in Dubai. Inspired by the original Bread Street Kitchen in London, the relaxed warehouse setting is a favourite destination for families and friends, featuring outdoor dining, an ice-cream bar, and a lively Friday brunch.
EAT AT NETSU BY ROSS SHONHAN
Netsu by Ross Shonhan is a Japanese Steakhouse from acclaimed Chef Ross Shonhan. Showcasing the traditional Japanese cooking technique of Warayaki – straw fire cooking – Netsu serves a tantalising menu of Warayaki style grills, sushi and sashimi platters, and other Japanese style dishes, complemented by stunning interiors and a sophisticated atmosphere.
EAT AT NOBU
A winning formula that's made Nobu a global culinary icon. At Nobu Dubai, begin your night with cocktails and Japanese tapas in the sake lounge, before sitting down to an exceptional omakase or a la carte menu in the dream-like Japanese garden. Indulge in celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa's iconic black cod miso, premium wagyu beef tacos with a Japanese twist, and Dubai's best sushi.
EAT AT RONDA LOCATELLI
Enjoy relaxed dining at this casual Italian restaurant where Michelin-starred Italian chef Giorgio Locatelli creates delicious antipasti, stone-hearth pizzas and the best fresh pasta in Dubai. With plenty of vegan and gluten-free options, outdoor dining and a playground for the kids, Ronda Locatelli is the perfect destination for families, friends and couples.
EAT AT TASCA BY JOSÉ AVILLEZ
Tasca is an exciting new restaurant from culinary genius José Avillez. Named after the Portuguese word for tavern, Tasca is José Avillez’s first international opening, following on behind the Michelin-starred Belcanto as well as his other celebrated ventures in Portugal. Serving genuine Portuguese flavours with a contemporary twist, Tasca’s menu bursts with character and flavour. Complementing the menu is a wine list with the largest selection of Portuguese wines in Dubai as well as a tempting array of craft cocktails.
PLAY AT ATLANTIS AQUAVENTURE WATERPARK
Voted Region’s No. 1 Water Park in Dubai, Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark promises a world of excitement to make you feel different in water in more ways than one. Get your pulse racing on over 30 slides and attractions, laugh your way down Dubai’s longest Lazy River, and relax on 500m of private beach.
PLAY AT POPEYE JETSKI
Popeye Jet Ski rental is owned and operated by Nicolas and Driss, two French expats passionate about watersports with years of experience in the industry. At Popeye Jet Ski, they know what you are looking for and they will meet your requirements; you can come & meet them down at "Popeye Jet Ski Rental" to create memories which will last forever.
PLAY AT SEA ESCAPE
Sea escape is a new way of boating! Long cruises, fishing, sightseeing trips, sport and great sensations, they do it all! They take you all around the Dubai waters to see the most memorable sights.
PLAY AT WHEEL DREAM DUBAI
Wheel Dream Dubai is a leading tour provider that specializes in the packages as well as tailor-made tours across Dubai and car & motorcycle rentals.
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