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Within easy reach from Europe, Asia and Africa, Dubai is a tourist’s dream destination. Its rapid growth from a humble fishing and pearling village to the magnificent, ritzy oasis on the Persian Gulf’s coastline to the city/emirate it is today was powered by the discovery of crude oil off its coast in the 1960s.
Now, anyone would be forgiven for thinking that this desert-bound city is a dusty, shabby, stinking hot destination but, they would be very wrong; indeed, Dubai is anything but!
Dubai attracts travellers from all over the world because of its shopping experience, futuristic architecture (including the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa) and a mix of old-world culture and extravagant modern attractions. Stroll around the old town’s ancient souks or discover a world of luxurious brands (at cut-rate prices) at a 1,200-store mall; hit the slopes at an indoor snow park/ski slope or scuba dive inside the massive tank at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.
There is more to Dubai than meets the eye. For instance, the Dubai Museum is housed in the oldest building in the region, an old fort. The museum consists of two parts, the high coral-built walls surrounding general weaponry above ground, while a gentle pathway entices you to the air-conditioned underground interior. Entrancing dioramas engage your attention, some make use of realistic holograms, showing everyday life in the emirate before oil was discovered.
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The pearl divers exhibit is especially worth seeing. Before heading back to Bur Dubai stop off at the Gold Souk where bespoke jewellery can be manufactured overnight! The aromatic adjacent Spice Souk, is an experience with some of the world’s most expensive spices (like saffron), on offer.
After the visit, hop on to a jostling abra (inexpensive water taxi ride) and head back to the Bur Dubai side of the creek to embark on a 2-hour cruise on a traditional dhow dinner cruise from the Dubai Marina. Take in the view of the incredible evening skyline while being served an array of mouth-watering dishes. Listen to the rhythm of Arabic cultural performances, such as the Tanura Dance and Belly Dancing.
Take a guided visit to the Jumeirah Mosque (one of few Mosques allowing non-Muslims entrance), or the Virtual Reality Park at the Dubai Mall; be enthralled by the kaleidoscopic choreographed Dubai Water Fountain. What about visiting one of the largest suspended aquarium tanks in the world; or getting a reprieve from the heat by heading to the Wild Wadi Waterpark, one of the largest theme-based water parks on Earth.
One of the most incredible experiences in Dubai is paying a visit to the majestic icon of the city – the Burj Khalifa. Enjoy a jaw-dropping view of the entire city from the Observation Decks and admire the incredible architecture of this structure that soars over 828 meters into the sky.
To round off your visit, there is one thing that is an “absolutely-not-to-miss-experience”. Go on a late afternoon desert safari! Enjoy exhilarating activities, like sandboarding and dune bashing, hop on a camel and enjoy the blaze of a campfire while belly dancers wiggle and shake on Persian rugs spread on the sand. Snap a pic with a falcon perching on your hand while the ladies have intricate henna patterns drawn. There’s traditional live music to listen to while savouring the scrumptious flavours of the Middle East.
