Dubai is a destination of dreams to many and is the perfect shopping hub for those with riches in the pockets. The City of Gold as it is referred to at times is a perfect face to the otherwise conservative society that is synonymous with the region in general and the country in particular. The rulers of this emirates were the first ones to realize that dwindling oil reserves would soon be over and traditional dependence on this natural resource as a backbone of the economy is no longer a sustainable model. This realization quickly was turned into an action which transformed this once a port city into a cosmopolitan megacity home to varied superlatives.
While tourists look to cover the entire city in whirlwind tours to various spots, I had an opportunity to spend some extended time in the city as part of one of my client engagements. The two weeks I spent in the city gave me a chance to explore various areas of the city at a relaxed pace and this article emanates from that experience I had in the city. Here we would like to offer you a glimpse into the city and what are various things which could interest tourists into opting this as the destination of their choice.
Dubai is a city that is developed across a stretch of length rather than the radial nature of most cities. The city has grown along the coastline which measures quite a long length. The city has earned a reputation for being a modern face to the otherwise conservative city. The high proportion of expat population has given it a contemporary outlook and the culture has gradually gained a fusion nature given the inputs from all over the world. The restriction on clothing and behavior have eased a lot compared to other parts of this Arab region. The city has put in quite a lot of effort to develop the city and build infrastructure and facilities to attract both tourists and
We bring to you the 10 most iconic spots in the city which are must to have on your itinerary of the city if you plan to boast to your friends that you did spend time here.
1. Burj Khalifa – Takes You to the Top
Burj Khalifa has today become synonymous with Dubai and every tourist visiting the city has dreamt of enjoying the view of the Arab City from its top. The 160 storied building allows you to capture the views of the city from a height of about 850 meters – just short of getting a kilometer high in the sky. Of course, that is talking in extremities and more reasonably a tourist would have the option to attain either 125th or 148th stories based on the choice they make. There is an observation deck – At the Top - at the 125th story which allows a panoramic view all around and is perfect for a general tourist but for those inclined, a trip to the 148th story is possible too. The tickets are priced based on the levels you would like to access and the time of the day. Generally, tickets for evenings are expensive but recommended given the activities all around which one can view from the top. The view of Dubai fountain and lighting in the Dubai Mall are views worth the extra bucks they charge. In case you are in the city on a weekend – be aware that their weekend is Friday and Saturday – you may also opt for the Sunset View timing which is economical and equally beautiful as you get to see the Sun appearing from the horizon bringing with it all the niceties of a fresh start. So go ahead and get your tickets booked in advance to the top of the tallest free-standing structure in the world!!''
| A Zoom-in View from the Top of World - At the Top, Burj Khalifa |
2. Desert Safari – An Adventure Ride
Another dream that a tourist to Dubai has lived through is the charm of Desert Safari – an adventure ride in the raw natural terrain of this Arab country. A gradual immersion into the brown expanse with dunes shifting locations with the changing winds is an experience to be lived first hand. The impressive Toyota Land Cruiser 4X4s zip you off the highway and take you through the rough haphazard natural arrangement of sand dunes. I am sure words are not enough to do justice to the experience and hence I would just leave you with a recommendation to not miss this attraction. What I would recommend you though is to carefully negotiate the deal as the options vary a lot. While you may get some cheap packages but there is a good chance they would take you to a nearby compound rather than a good spread out desert. So it is recommended to confirm all the details of where the safari would be conducted and what all is included as part of the package. Also, I would suggest opting for the evening Safari as that is one which comes at a perfect timing. Generally, the package includes – pickup and drop from a hotel or specific points in city, a belly dance performance, a dinner buffet and of course the 30-35 minute bumpy ride on the sand!
| Dubai Desert Safari - An Awesomeness of a Ride |
3. The Dubai Mall - Lot More than Shoppers Paradise
Located in the city center amidst various skyscrapers, financial district, and offices of global conglomerates, this Emaar creation stands firm attracting tourists. Dubai Mall is no doubt a shopper’s paradise for all tastes but that is not the end of it. The vast complex of the mall houses a multitude of tourist attractions within its gamut. One of the most famous spots within the Mall is the Dubai Fountain. The spectacle of water, light, and music is a captivating sight at the Burj Lake with a height of over 900 feet across an area equivalent to 2 football fields. Visitors have an option to enjoy the performance while riding a traditional boat in the lake or from the floating platform – the Broadway - around the lake. Another landmark situated in The Dubai Mall is the Dubai Aquarium, which is the largest suspended aquarium on Earth. With a capacity of over 10 million liters of water, you are bound to see species of fish you have never seen before. The 48-meter long tunnel gives you 270-degree views of the of the gigantic aquarium with an option to check out the underwater zoo that houses Sea otters, piranha, penguins and many other animals.
Located in the city center amidst various skyscrapers, financial district, and offices of global conglomerates, this Emaar creation stands firm attracting tourists. Dubai Mall is no doubt a shopper’s paradise for all tastes but that is not the end of it. The vast complex of the mall houses a multitude of tourist attractions within its gamut. One of the most famous spots within the Mall is the Dubai Fountain. The spectacle of water, light, and music is a captivating sight at the Burj Lake with a height of over 900 feet across an area equivalent to 2 football fields. Visitors have an option to enjoy the performance while riding a traditional boat in the lake or from the floating platform – the Broadway - around the lake. Another landmark situated in The Dubai Mall is the Dubai Aquarium, which is the largest suspended aquarium on Earth. With a capacity of over 10 million liters of water, you are bound to see species of fish you have never seen before. The 48-meter long tunnel gives you 270-degree views of the of the gigantic aquarium with an option to check out the underwater zoo that houses Sea otters, piranha, penguins and many other animals.
| The Rush at Dubai Fountain |
| Night View Across The Dubai Mall Courtyard |
Another shopping mall slightly away from the Dubai Mall, this is yet another storytelling the extravaganza and glitter that this land entails. Long, broad aisles of shimmering shops line on both sides along with a generously large food court serving a variety of cuisines and tastes is what one experiences as you move from one corner of this mall to another. However, as with most of the shopping malls in the region, this one has its uniqueness in hosting a theme park like no other – the one that is called Ski Dubai.
| Ski Dubai - Mall of Emirates - Snow in Scorching Heat |
| Mall of Emirates - Shopping Extravaganza |
5. Dubai Marina Zone
Dubai Marina is a residential district built along a stretch by the Persian Gulf and is a symbol of Dubai’s affluence. This is an artificial canal city built around artfully developed water channels around it. At the center stage of the district is the spacious Marina Mall which provides shoppers with another paradise in this dream city. The Marina walk is the famed center of activities in this zone which blossoms with activities as the evening dawns in this region. There are various eateries, cafes, and shops along the walk for keeping you engaged. It is an idle place to spend an evening with family.
| Peir 7 - Marina District - Modern Chic Ferries |
| Atlantis - Standing Tall in Downing Sun |
Additionally, at the far end of the walk, there is Ferry Station from where a ferry takes you to high seas every day at the designated time. I would actually recommend the evening sunset ferry that takes you around the Palm Islands and provides an awesome view of the Atlantis from the sea. As the sun sets behind the gulf waters, the reddening skies cast a spell over the island city and the scene is mesmerizing.
6. Palm Jumeirah Area – The Affluence Symbolized
This area includes the palm islands and the coastline around the connection of the island which is habituated by those who have enough to spend and forget. There is a pristine beach along Jumeirah which provides crystal views of the seas and the Palm Islands from far. Further, there is Madinat Jumeirah which is a posh shopping and fooding complex providing a plethora of options to hang out again if you have the moolah. The view of Burj Al Arab from this area is simply marvelous and you can witness the imposing tower standing tall in all its glory.
| Aerial View of Palm Islands |
Dubai is not all glitter and shimmer of modernity – while there are all the modern and cosmetic advances that the city brings alive, it has equally rich history behind it. Shopping malls, on one hand, showcase the affluence, there is an equally interesting old city which occupies an important corner of the city. As you take the metro ride towards the far end of the city, you enter the still-raw old part of the city where mom-n-pop stores and friendly retail stores don the streets trying to attract customers in their traditional ways. This region is popularly called Bur Dubai – an area popular among Asian expats who have settled here considering the low rents.
One of the landmarks in this area is the Al Fahidi Fort - at the Al Souk Al Kabir area which teems with vigorous trade and is close to the Ruler's Court (the monarch's divan). It was built back in 1787, about 200 years ago, as the premises of the monarch and a fort of defense, since it sat on the border of the urban Dubai at the time. Later on, this fort turned into an arsenal of artillery and weapons. The visitors of Dubai Museum "Al Fahidi Fort" have an opportunity to get rich, full and integral knowledge of the very old history of Dubai as the museum within the fort has been developed and maintained by the authorities.
| Dubai Fort Museum - A Tale of Dubai's Origin |
This is a saltwater channel flowing through the old part of the city and divides the city into two parts – Deira and Bur Dubai. It is an important part of Dubai’s iconic locations and provides tourists with another aspect of Dubai. While you are at this location one thing that you cannot afford to miss is a ride on the traditional wooden boat – Abra. The motor operated small boats – once manually propelled – charge as high as 1 Dirham to take you across the creek. The slow ride along the waves is definitely a worthwhile experience witnessing the confluence of history and modernity.
| An Abra Ride Across Dubai Creek |
9. Bollywood Theme Park
A theme park dedicated to spreading the Hindi movie industry globally is something every Indian would like to visit. Developed in close coordination with the various superstar of Indian movies, this theme park boasts of rides designed after iconic movies like Lagaan, Rock on, Krish etc. This is a good visit but only if you have an entire day at your disposal as it takes a lot of time to explore and enjoy this destination so that its worth the money you spend there.
10. Getaways – Drive Out and Away
Dubai in itself is a perfect destination catering to every taste and preferences but it is not all of Middle East and certainly not all of UAE too. While it has had the advantage of head-starting the revolution in the country from conservatism to modernity, there are cities around Dubai coming up quickly to attract tourists and expats. Here is a list of a couple of them you may like to explore:
| Head-out to Outside Dubai |
- Abu Dhabi – A cultural hub of the country being developed consciously to bring out the heritage and traditions of this Arab country is about a two-hour drive from Dubai. Take a cab and explore the upcoming cosmopolitan of UAE offering the likes of Grand Mosque, Louvre Museum, and Ferrari World – along with a well-manicured beach full of activities
- Al Ain – An oasis city which is famous of its palm plantation offers tourists a countryside experience into traditional ways or irrigation and explores how a relatively relaxed life is still a possibility in this world of digital swiftness
- Sharjah – Third largest and populous city of UAE is considered as the cultural capital of the country by many. Developed along the Gulf and around a creek, this relatively conservative emirate of UAE located about an hour’s drive away from Dubai provides an option to immerse in Emirati customs
