Dubai has transformed itself into one of the top vacation spots in the world. With its tall skyscrapers, opulent malls, luxury hotels, vast desert and clean white beaches, Dubai is a city that must be seen to be believed.
From architectural wonders like Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building) to stunning manmade island like Palm Jumeirah, there are many exciting attractions to fascinate you, especially if it is your first time visiting the city.
1. Burj Khalifa
World’s tallest building since 2008 (Credit/Flickr)
Standing 828 metres high, the tallest structure on the planet is impossible to miss from the moment you arrive in Dubai. Not only is it the world’s tallest building, it also claims the titles of the tallest freestanding structure in the world, the highest observation deck in the world, and elevator with the longest travel distance in the world. On a clear day, the view from the observation deck on level 124 is stunning, topped only by the view from the luxurious At The Top Sky Lounge on the 148th floor.
2. Burj Al Arab
Once in a lifetime, 7-star stay (Credit/Wikimedia)
Located on its own man-made island, The Burj Al Arab calls itself ‘the world’s only 7-star hotel’ and, whether or not you agree, it’s certainly one of the most iconic buildings in Dubai. From the aquariums that flank the escalator to the underwater seafood restaurant or the exotic glass elevator, it is all eye candy for new visitors. If you didn’t book a room, the cheapest way to walk inside is a visit to the Skyview bar. But whether your visit is inside or not, merely getting a snap of one of Dubai’s most photographed structures is an experience enough.
3. Palm Jumeirah
Artificial palm-shaped archipelago in UAE (Credit/Flickr)
A man-made island in the shape of a palm tree and visible from space, these landforms were made using sand dredged from the shallow waters of the Persian Gulf. With residential units, luxury hotels, parks and clubs, the island offers tourists a host of activities to indulge in. Some of the most fun and attractive places are the Atlantis Resort, Aquaventure Waterpark and The Lost Chambers Aquarium. With a monorail that connects to the mainland’s tram system, getting there couldn’t be easier.
4. Desert safari
Sand surfing, 4×4’ing and belly dancers (Credit/flickr)
Within less than a 30 minutes drive from the modernist Dubai, you can experience the marvels golden sands of the Arabian Desert. Tours pick visitors up from hotels and take them to a camp in the middle of the desert. There you can try the traditional Arabic barbecue, go dune bashing, watch belly dancing and ride camels. For sure it will be a special memory to share with your family and friends back home.
5. Dubai Marina
Home of superyachts and super yummy weekend brunches (Credit/flickr)
Dubai Marina is the largest man-made marina in the world and it’s also home to the Dubai Marina Yacht Club, one of the most popular private yacht clubs in the region. The sheer sight of fancy luxurious yachts with the stunning background of skyscrapers abundant of cafes and restaurants with great ambience makes this entire place unforgettable. Especially at night, the place is lit up and looks picture perfect. You can spend hours walking, sitting by one of the cafes or doing some shopping.
Note: The Dubai Marina Yacht Club closed in January 2017 and is being replaced with Emaar Properties branded residences serviced by the Vida Hotel. The Vida Residences Dubai Marina includes a Vida Dubai Marina Hotel, residences and Yacht Club.
6. Kite Beach
Super clean beach with lots of water activities (Credit/Discover Dubai)
There is always something happening at Kite Beach. The place is famous for kite surfing and has many other sports facilities like volleyball nets and shaded areas to relax after a long sun bath. With white sand and bright blue water, it’s a beautiful beach with an amazing view to Burj Al Arab. There is also a large choice of restaurants and bars with a wide variety of international dishes and refreshing drinks.
7. Dubai Miracle Garden
Guinness Book of World Records for longest wall of flowers (Credit/flickr)
The opening of Dubai Miracle Garden has transformed the parched desert landscape of Dubai into the world’s biggest natural flower garden. The place showcases a large range of flowers that are arranged in different shapes like stars, hearts, pyramids and other figures. The floral patterns change with the season, so any returning will feel like it is your first time.
8. Souk Madinat Jumeirah
An ancient marketplace recreated (Credit/flickr)
Souk Madinat Jumeirah combines traditional Middle Eastern shopping culture of stands, barrows and stalls with a mix of boutique brands, home accessory stores, souvenir gift shops, luxury fashion and jewellery. It is also the home to over 24 restaurants offering cuisines from all over the globe. All Souk Madinat Jumeirah restaurants and cafés have picturesque views of the Arabian architecture, waterways or the iconic Burj Al Arab. Not only can you spend the day shopping and dining, but Souk Madinat Jumeirah also provides tourists with various entertainment activities, from showstopping performances at the Madinat Theatre, to Abra Tours of the stunning water canals and an exciting nightlife.
Written by: Caroline Beber