Exciting emirate
Sandhya Ramachandran reviews the great activities in the desert emirate
Dubai conjures up contrasting images of the undulating desert and tall skyscrapers. Known as the global capital of the Middle East, this emirate is a sweet spot between the East and West. Here’s our recommended itinerary for your next trip to this cultural melting pot.
THE TWIN TOWERS When in Dubai, it is hard to miss seeing the Burj Khalifa. It’s the world’s tallest building, looming over its towering neighbours. You can dine on the roof or pay and access the top floor for a bird’s eye view of the city. The older Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is a luxury hotel built on an artificial island. Shaped like the sail of a ship, this hotel has a helipad that’s often used for special events. It also hosted a death defying leap by Danish kiteboarder Nick Jacobsen in 2017.
GO MALL HOPPING If you missed the annual shopping festival that the city hosts, don’t fret. There are swanky malls around the city retailing all the major consumer brands – a paradise for shopaholics! We recommend The Dubai Mall (second largest in the world), the themed Ibn Battuta Mall, WAFI Mall, Mall of the Emirates and BurJuman Mall.
UNDERWATER DIVE While at The Dubai Mall, don’t miss the world’s largest suspended aquarium. It’s home to 33,000 aquatic animals from over 140 species. Say ‘hi’ to the piranhas, sand tiger sharks, stingrays, penguins, crocodiles, jellyfish and more during your shopping spree.
A DESERT SAFARI If you don’t experience life in a desert at least for a night, your trip is incomplete. So book a desert safari; start with a dune bashing adventure and end with a camel ride. There is also belly dancing and a delicious barbecue dinner while on safari.
THE SPICE SOUKS Sacks of cinnamon and lavender jostle for space with za’atar and sumac in this old-world marketplace. You can get a great deal on nuts, spices and dates to take home as souvenirs.
DUBAI’S HISTORY The Dubai Museum showcases a representative history of the Arab lands. After a dose of dates, names and events, head to the lovely Dubai Creek, bobbing with dhow boats and then to the nearby park for a stroll. THE OLD QUARTER A slice of old Dubai, Al Bastakiya is a charming district that’s home to cosy art cafes, souvenir shops, a coffee museum and more. Its limestone alleyways are great for a stroll on a cool evening.