Favourite destinations
Dubai
Dubai has evolved over the years to become one of the world's most prestigious and popular tourists attractions, enticing visitors from different sectors to its shores to experience what the 'must visit' destination has to offer.
Dubai is undoubtedly one of the most unique cities in the world. For those with an untreatable case of wanderlust, this city is a traveler’s dream. Dubai has historic sights, futuristic architecture, active night life and out-of-this-world attractions. As a place famous for superlatives, such as the world's biggest skyscraper and largest mall, it's unsurprising that people flock to its shores to set their eyes on its great feats and achievements, but what keeps people coming back year after year?
Whether you're Downtown around the Burj Khalifa (the tallest man made structure on earth), or down at the Marina, home to 4 of the 5 tallest residential buildings in the world (pictured), you're never too far away from a pretty amazing view. Home to more skyscrapers than you can count Dubai is known for its super structures with the Burj Khalifa being the tallest of the supertall. At nearly twice the height of New York's Empire State building, the tallest free-standing structure in the world towers above the clouds at 2,722 ft or 828m. With 163 floors you just know the view from the observation decks are going to be worth the entry fee.
Dubai has a rich history that will give any visitor a feel of the traditional Arabic culture. A popular historic attraction is the Dubai Museum. Located inside Al Fahidi Fort, one of Dubai’s oldest structures, the museum is home to important artifacts and inspiring stories that make up the city’s modest roots.
Bastakiya is also one of the go-to places for a trip to the olden times. It is most known for its wind towers designed to provide air conditioning in the dry city in the past. It now houses several art galleries and various shops.
As mentioned earlier, Dubai is home to the world's largest mall, so it would be remiss not to mention the emirate's shopping facilities, which are well-known across the globe. The malls are modern, air-conditioned and feature the latest fashions.
Not only can you find your favorite and popular brands in the retail outlets located in the region, but you can also experience the gold markets, which offer platinum, diamonds and occasionally silver at cheaper prices than you can find in the UK.
Dubai is known worldwide for its architecture. It’s hard to believe that only four decades ago, the city did not have a single building. Now, the Dubai skyline is full of unique skyscrapers designed by some of the best architects in the world. A drive down one of UAE’s main roads, Sheikh Zayed Road, will leave anyone in awe. Buildings come in all shapes, sizes and styles. Anything Dubai does, it does in style, so even the metro stations are architectural wonders.
For those looking for an island holiday, Dubai offers unique artificial islands. While most are still under construction, The Palm Jumeirah has been around for over a decade and offers beaches, hotels and restaurants. Inspired by Dubai’s traditional tree, this island is shaped like a massive palm tree spreading into the ocean. Even better than visiting the Palm Jumeirah is to take a helicopter tour and see it from above.
For those who like to party, this city is all about its nightclubs and bars, open every night of the week. With some household names such as White Dubai, Blue Marlin and Cirque Le Soir, this city doesn’t take a single night off. Bars are also open every night and come in different themes and styles.
Dubai is widely known for its amazing Gold Souk, which offers dozens of jewelry stores selling gold, silver and precious stones. Check out the world’s largest gold ring, weighing almost 64 kilograms. The gold souk is located in old Dubai, and is a real contrast to the newer side of the city. The traditional market looks simple until one starts window shopping and sees some of the most astonishing jewelry designs. The most impressive part? None of the stores have security guards protecting the priceless jewelry. Dubai is largely a safe city, and theft is not a concern in the Gold Souk.
Springing up from the Arabian desert, Dubai is a city full of ambition from mega malls to some of the tallest buildings and the largest artificial islands in the world! Weather wise Dubai can get really scorching in summer so the best time to visit is Nov-Jan to experience the blue skies and picture perfect beach weather. If you’ve never been to this incredible destination here’s ten reasons you can’t say no to.
(Source: Collector)