Visiting Dubai
Dubai today is very different from what it was barely a decade ago. It has emerged to be a global city and premier business hub, driving its economy mainly from tourism and trade. Lying directly within the Arabian dessert, landscape is highlighted by its sandy desert pattern. The sandy desert surrounding the city supports wild grasses and occasional date palms. Dubai’s lure for tourists is based mainly on shopping, but also on its possession of other ancient and modern attractions. Dubai has a rich combination of modern cosmopolitan buildings and traditional structures. Islam influence is evident in the present in the constructions and developments being made.
As of 2010, Dubai was the 8th most visited city of the world.
Dubai has a rich collection of buildings and structures of various architectural styles. Many modern interpretations of Islamic architecture can be found here, due to a boom in construction and architectural innovation in the Arab World in general. The city of Dubai is a highly cosmopolitan society with a diverse and vibrant culture.
Today it has the most population and second largest territory by land area in the whole of Emirates, current infrastructure developments consider the increase in population and expected further growth in the economy and a bigger number in tourism.
Experience the desert
Whether done in the morning or the evening, Dubai visitors should not leave without going on a desert safari. Feel the exhilaration of riding over the majestic desert dunes, the excitement of sandboarding and the novelty of riding a camel. Desert safaris are usually capped by a sumptuous meal and sisha (Arabic water pipe).
Go for gold
Explore the massive Gold Souk and haggle with the traders when purchasing gold jewellery and ornaments. Housing over 300 shops, shoppers from far and wide will have no difficulty finding the setting they prefer. The souk is not just for shoppers but also for traders, jewellery shop owners and investors in gold coin or bars.
Relax under the moonlight
Go on dhow cruise dinners to witness the city in an intriguing new light. Admire the melding of architecture of the historic and the contemporary - old town, Sheikh Saeed’s house, birthplace of Sheikh Saeed, Heritage village, golf club, parks and well as the famous modern skyscrapers of the city in the spectacular night light.
Have fun with the entire family
Dubai offers many attractions that will excite kids of all ages. Take them to the indoor ski slope, Dubai Aquarium, Wild Wadi Adventure Park, the mini-city Kidzania and the indoor amusement park, Sega Republic.
Feed your appetite
Michelin star restaurants can be found all over Dubai amidst eateries that cater to the tastebuds and budgets of Dubai’s diverse workforce population. So tourists who would like to wine and dine like kings will find themselves satiated at restaurants offering gastronomic delights dreamed up by world-famous chefs. Tourists who crave to get a taste of exotic and local dishes need only to explore the city on foot to stumble on its hidden treasures.
Scale the heights
Dubai is home to some of the best-known skyscrapers. The seven-star Burj-al-Arab opulent décor includes tall pillars plated in 22 carat goldleaf and a 32 meter fountain on the Mezzanine level rising into the world’s tallest atrium of 180 meters. At over 828 meters, Burj Al Khalifa has the distinction of being the world’s tallest building. Ascend to the 124th Floor to gaze at the city from its highest point.