NOT JUST DESERT
One of seven states that make up the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is probably the best known, attracts the rich and famous from around the world. Sabelo Skiti went to find out what all the fuss is about
A new arrival and a longtime resident reveal different sides of Dubai
SOME famous people have made Dubai their home — or have at least bought holiday houses there in recent years — while others continue to flock to the most famous city in the Gulf to seek their fortunes. Here’s looking at what it has to offer — for the moneyed classes and the ordinary tourist too.
1) IT’S GOT STYLISH ARRIVALS
Dubai is home to over 70 five-star hotels, not to mention the famous Burj Al Arab seven-star hotel, in which one can buy the world’s second-most expensive cocktail.
I stayed at Le Meridien Hotel near the airport which, if you book the right package, could have you make the three-minute commute from the airport in the finest German limo.
We arrived just after midnight, and we were greeted by friendly front-desk staff, who got us to our rooms in less than 10 minutes.
Le Meridian is part of the Starwood chain of hotels and is home to a lot of expats
Scrumptious meals, both local and international fare, are served at the hotel restaurant, which is next to a cigar bar in the lobby area. The restaurant leads to one of two pools that come complete with a bar and is well hidden enough to allow guests to catch a tan in their most skimpy outfits. Yes, in the Middle East.
If you’re more serious about your swimming, there’s a third, Olympic-sized pool next to the gym and spa.
2) IT’S A GOOD PLACE TO SPEN YOUR MONEY
Most of us love big, shiny things. And Dubai’s “new town” is as big and shiny as they come.
At over 11 million metres square, the Dubai Mall, at the foot of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, is the biggest in the world, sporting the most high-end retail options. This mall is so big that if you were to walk its entire length and breadth, it would take, well, days.
But, if like me, you’re intimidated by the notion of 1 200 retail stores and more than 200 food outlets, you could just while away the hours at the aquarium and underwater zoo, which is also situated inside the mall.