Breaking record after record when it comes to innovation, architecture, and entertainment, Dubai is a playground for the rich and famous, a fabulous beach destination for sun worshippers, and a shopping paradise for shopaholics. However, this is just a general presentation of one of the most impressive and fascinating cities in the world.
Dubai wows and mesmerizes, but also intrigues and makes you wonder. It’s a land of contrasts and a constant source of contradictions. Anchored deeply into its ancient traditions and religion, Dubai still manages to be one step ahead of everyone, always touching the future with its fingertips. So what exactly can you expect from a visit to Dubai?
A land of excess and decadence
At first glance, Dubai blinds you with its infinite skyscrapers dressed in shiny armors, gargantuan hotels and mammoth malls, and an endless flow of crazy expensive cars and decadent yachts. It’s the land of WOW and very proud of this achievement! The busy life of Dubai is based on the 16-lane Sheikh Zayed Road that will take you to an incredible selection of amusement parks, activity centers, and fabulous beaches. There is no time for moderation in Dubai because you have to try everything and do everything while you’re here. Otherwise, you’ll return home drowned in regrets.
Visit Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, scream as loud as you can while bungee jumping into the abyss, and skydive out of a plane even if you’re not exactly a fan of flying… or falling from the sky. This is Dubai! Your personality will suddenly go through an extensive metamorphosis and you’ll feel like you’re able to do anything you put your mind to. They managed to make the impossible possible, why shouldn’t you do the same? Also, spend like no one is watching because shopping is undoubtedly one of the best attractions in Dubai. Dubai Mall can easily keep you trapped inside for the entire day due to its more than 1,200 shops and 150 restaurants, ice rink, indoor theme park, aquarium, gigantic indoor waterfall, and superb dancing fountain. Yes, you’ll probably have to return here the next day…and the next day!
And there is more! Dubai is so ambitious and determined to change the world that it has its own man-made island. Palm Jumeirah is a symbol of the city and one of the largest artificial islands in the world. It’s also proof that everything Dubai wants, Dubai gets, even if this means confronting Mother Nature and designing its own island in the middle of the desert. The island is home to luxurious hotels and connected to the mainland by an ingenious tram system that makes it easier for everyone to enjoy a tour of the Palm Jumeraih.
A land of historical tales and ancient traditions
Once you stop spinning round and round under the influence of all the glitz that Dubai throws at you, take a moment or two to discover the real heart of the city. The Creek is where it all started. This saltwater estuary was once the home of the Bani Yas tribe. It was the backbone of the tribe’s life that gravitated around fishing and pearl diving. Here you’ll discover the Dubai Museum housed inside one of the oldest buildings in the city, the Al-Fahidi Fort, the perfect place to learn about the history of Dubai and admire artifacts that range for old weapons to pearl-diving outfits.
One of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood is a fantastic source of information for those who want to know more about Dubai’s past. If you have the time, you should also stop at the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) where you’ll have the chance to attend heritage tours and mosque visits and even take part in Arabic classes. The Creek is a fascinating maze of alleyways that will take you to tempting spice, textile and gold souks. While you’re here, don’t miss a cruise on the Dubai Water Canal aboard a traditional abra that connects the Creek to the Arabian Gulf.
Don’t leave Dubai without having a chance to feel small and insignificant in front of the magnificent Arabian Desert. Only 20 minutes away from all the futuristic glamour of Dubai awaits one of the most beautiful attractions in the area. A desert safari is a fabulous idea for tourists who have the will and means to make it happen, especially if you’re pairing this adventure with off-roading, sandboarding and traditional barbecues under the stars. You can book a safari with one of the many tour operators in Dubai or embark on a solo adventure driving through the dunes and maybe spend the night at one of the fabulous resorts that have created an oasis of relaxation into this great nothingness.
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