Dubai is the most famous city of the seven Emirates,
known for world-class architecture, luxurious shopping and extravagant lifestyle.
The yearly Dubai shopping festival happens in Jan-Feb every year and it’s one
of the best times to be here, though any time from November until March is
considered an ideal period. More the number of days you spend in Dubai, the merrier it is so
let’s have a look at what should not be missed “When in Dubai”.
Burj
Khalifa
Dubai’s landmark building, that is 828m tall is the
highest man-made building in the world. The observation desk on the 124th
floor called “At the Top” is an exceptional experience that gives you a view of
Dubai city’s skyline. Burj Khalifa is all about grandeur and is a must on every
visitor’s check list.
Burj
Al Arab
This 7 star hotel is an epitome for luxury and
architecture which cannot be matched with any other building in the world. It
has one of the best spas called Assawan and if you want to feel the opulence
without burning a big hole in your pocket then the two restaurants Al Muntaha and
Al Mahara can be the best options for a meal. The Skyview bar on the 27th
Floor has a panoramic view of the city and a cup of coffee there with your special one is a delight.
Dow
Cruise @ Dubai Creek
Separating Bur Dubai to the south and Deira to the
north is the saltwater creek called Dubai Creek. The Dhow Wharfage is located
on the banks of the Dubai Creek and the dhows are still used by small traders
from across the Gulf. Many dhows have been restored as a tourist cruise boats
and a romantic evening can be planned in one of the cruises which also gives a
magnificent view of Dubai skyscrapers and the creek.
Ski
Dubai
Desert, creek, world class hotels and amazing night
life, if that’s not all then experience throwing snowballs at each other or
skiing in the snow! Yes, Dubai is home to UAE’s first indoor ski resort – Ski
Dubai. With activities like chairlifts, skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing and
Penguins enclosure, enjoy the snow in the heart of the desert – all at minus 4
degrees Celsius.
Mall
of Emirates and Dubai Mall
The best of the brands in the world with endless
shopping opportunity, oodles of options for in-house entertainment, experiences
that should not be missed and boundless eating options with conceivable world
cuisine are the highlights of the 2 most famous malls in Dubai. Dubai Mall
provides entry to Burj Khalifa, Fountain and Aquarium and Mall of the Emirates
has the Ski Dubai. The annual Dubai Shopping Festival in January & February
and the Dubai Summer Surprises Festival in July & August are also held in
Dubai Mall.
Dubai
Fountains
Modelled on Las Vegas’ famous Fountains of Bellagio,
the Dubai fountains are the world’s tallest performing fountains with a
capacity to spray 22,000 gallons of water in air at any point in time. It is
902ft in length and shoots water up to the height of 500ft; it is illuminated
by 6600 lights and 25 colours projector. The performance is accompanied by
lights and music. This extravagant show should not be missed.
Palm
Jumeirah
Pure luxury is what defines this man-made archipelago
that is one of the three planned Palm Islands. A 6 lane bridge leads to Palm
Jumeirah which clearly is one of the most popular tourist attractions. The
Atlantis Hotel stands tall at this man-made marvel that has many exciting theme
parks. Retail therapy can be done at its best with many up-market malls. The
island has many luxury beach resorts and hotels.
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| Image Source: Wikipedia |
Jumeirah
Beach
The most famous beach in Dubai, Jumeirah Beach is a
strip of white sandy bliss and is also home to numerous high end hotels. Sun, Sand and lots
of fun is possible as there are many water sports that can be indulged in
like para-sailing, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling etc and for those who
are looking for relaxation, this place is best for sun lounger with great sea
views and skyline of Dubai.
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| Image Source: flickr |
Desert
Safari
Another must when you are visiting the UAE, this safari
SHOULD NOT BE MISSED! An experience that you will always remember, Desert
Safari include options of exciting dune ride, belly dancing, BBQ, Shisha, Camel
ride, Sun set photography, Quad bike, Sand Skiing, Sand boarding, Henna designs,
Traditional costumes etc. Option of overnight safari is also available.
Dubai
Museum
If you want to witness how Dubai was before it
turned into an architectural delight then head to Dubai Museum. Housed in the
Al-Fahidi Fort which was built in 1787 to defend Dubai Creek, Dubai Museum will
take you to more traditional Dubai with artefacts showcasing the pre historic
era. There is also a movie that exhibit the journey of Dubai from a barren
desert to an example of modern architecture & infrastructure.
Atlantis
Hotel
Opulence, Lavishness, Extravagant and Style are few
words that are synonym to Hotel Atlantis. It’s not just about food and stay,
the hotel is a lot more than that. Various activities in the hotel make the
place a destination in itself. You can enjoy the following activities in the
hotel:
·
Encounters with Dolphins at Dolphin Bay
·
Slides
·
River rides
·
Shark Safari
·
Cownose Ray feeding
·
Snorkelling
·
Diving
·
Exquisite Marine Life
·
Lost Chamber
·
Fish Feeding
Deira
Gold Souq
Gold Souq is renowned as the largest gold bazaar in
the world and hence Dubai received the name “City of Gold”. All possible
designs and a variety of jewellery is available here from traditional to
modern, from daily wear to wedding and also the option of customizing your own
design. Since the gold rate in UAE is much better than in India, you can find
many Indians buyers shopping their hearts out.
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| Image Source: Flickr |
The
World
The World compromises of 300 small artificial
islands which are in a rough shape of world map and attract many tourists
because of being abode to private homes of celebrities, out of the world
resorts & hotels and much more. This man-made wonder cannot be seen
anywhere in the world and the architecture is worth the appreciation.
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| Image Source: Wikimedia |
Tour
of Abu Dhabi
The 150 kms (approx 93miles) drive from Dubai to Abu
Dhabi is a fantastic idea of covering another astounding city while you are
in Dubai. The city of Abu Dhabi has bountiful leisure options few of them being
a "Must Do" , like-
·
Ferrari World
·
Sheikh Zayed Mosque
·
Emirates Palace
·
Yas Waterworld
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| Image Source: royalpark |
