DISCOVERING DUBAI’S CHARM
Tamara Rebeira delves into the emirate’s vibrant and dazzling travel experiences
Situated on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, Dubai is renowned as a world where desert sands meet futuristic skylines, ancient traditions blend with modern marvels and luxury is at every corner. When in the city for business or leisure, look forward to encountering the heady mix of cultures, architecture and experiences unlike any other. This city is home to awe-inspiring structures such as the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, which pierces the sky at over 828 metres. If you can sneak in a couple of hours, visit the observation deck where an average visit will take around two hours.
The man-made Palm Jumeirah (an iconic palm-shaped island) and the luxurious Burj Al Arab (a hotel designed to resemble a sail) are other notable architectural marvels that you really must see or visit.
Dubai is synonymous with luxury and extravagance, and boasts world-class shopping malls, luxury hotels and upscale dining experiences.
A must visit location – although a couple of hours might not suffice to explore it fully – is the Dubai Mall. In addition to being a shopper’s paradise, it’s also home to the Dubai Aquarium, an ice rink and countless entertainment options.
The emirate is known for its extravagant nightclubs that host international DJs and performers, cultural festivals and entertainment – the likes of White Dubai, Base Dubai and Soho Garden are famous for high-energy music, impressive light shows and celebrity appearances.
This city is also home to numerous rooftop bars and lounges where you can enjoy amazing city views. Places like Skyview Lounge, Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar and Mercury Lounge provide sophisticated settings for a night out among many other alternatives.
What’s more, many of Dubai’s beaches are transformed into vibrant beach clubs by night with Nikki Beach Dubai and Zero Gravity Dubai being popular options.
And don’t forget to take a stroll along the Dubai Marina Walk, which is lined with restaurants, cafes and shops – or consider a boat tour. If you have time on your hands, take an abra ride along Dubai Creek to experience the historic trading area, which contrasts old and new Dubai.
Dubai’s dining scene merges seamlessly with its nightlife as many restaurants offer late night dining and transform into lively venues as the evening progresses. Pierchic, Pier 7 and At.mosphere are examples of dining destinations with stunning views.
Indulging in diverse street foods is an essential experience. From traditional Middle Eastern delights to international treats, street food vendors offer a mouth-watering array of options. Popular street food items include shawarma, falafel, manakish, chaat and a variety of grilled kebabs.
For cultural entertainment, the Dubai Opera hosts a variety of events including concerts, theatre productions and ballet performances.
Traditional souks like the Gold Souk and Dubai Spice Souk offer a glimpse into the city’s trading past. And the Dubai Museum, located in the historic Al Fahidi Fort, showcases the emirate’s transformation through time.
If you have an evening to spare, the desert safari is an absolute must try, usually requiring about five or six hours of your time. The safari includes dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, cultural experiences, sunset watching and a dinner buffet at the desert camp. There are also options of morning or full day desert safaris that vary in timings.
The Dubai Fountain – at the base of the iconic Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall – cannot be missed. Make time between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. to catch the shows at what’s considered the world’s tallest musical fountain as there’s one every 30 minutes. The spectacular light show at The Palm Fountain, said to be the largest seawater musical fountain in the world, is another attraction.
While exploring the city, keep an eye out for Dubai’s luxury cars – a sight as regular as tuk-tuks in Sri Lanka. From sleek Lamborghinis and Ferraris, to Rolls-Royces and powerful Bugattis, these vehicles weave through the streets casually.
These are but a few attractions as Dubai offers a world of wonders and an unforgettable experience.