Dubai has become one of the top destinations in the world with its headline making buildings, hotels and events – here’s a quick guide around the opulent city.
It’s easy to imagine Dubai as another Vegas, we often hear of extra luxurious hotels and supercars roaming the streets but in reality Dubai is nowhere near as vulgar as Vegas. In fact there’s no gambling – it’s illegal. Dubai is more subdued, there’s no glaring neon lights or showgirls walking the streets. It’s all about making a statement through architecture, and a burgeoning art scene. It’s become a popular tourist destination because it knows how to create headlines with amazing feats of engineering.
Burj Khalifa
Standing at an impressive 829.8 m tall, Burj Khalifa reigns supreme as the tallest artificial structure in the world. They also hold other records relating to height including, highest number of stories, highest occupied floor and the elevator with the longest travel distance in the world. Visit level 148, the highest outdoor observation deck in the world and enjoy the breath-taking view in luxury, this is not for people scared of heights.
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Dubai Museum
If you want to see the rise of Dubai from a tiny fishing and pearling village and one of the world’s first free-trade ports to the bustling metropolis you see today, then you can’t miss going to The Dubai Museum. It’s not only the engaging exhibits that you should visit but also the actual building it’s housed in – the majestic Al-Fahidi Fort, the oldest building in the area.
Zaroob
Levant cuisine is prevalent across Arabic restaurants in Dubai, but Zaroob has a fresh new take. Inspired by the traditional street food vendors, it captures authentic simple cooking and brings Arab street food to a modern audience. There are live cooking stations and open kitchens to give you the sigh and smell of any Middle Eastern street market.
Where to drink
Dubai has a bustling nightlife with some ultra-cool bars dotting the city. Head over to Le Royal Meridien Beach to a new venue in the form of Zengo. Restaurant, bar and lounge it’s poised itself to be a one stop venue that you stay in for the whole night. The three bars – Mist, Fire and Smoke certainly help with that.
High atop the Sofitel Downtown, Above looks across to the towering Burj Khalifa. You can enjoy a vantage point of the world’s tallest building that most people will never see.
Ibn Battuta Mall
Escape the heat of Dubai by visiting one of the many malls of Dubai. Check out Ibn Battuta, they’ve got an interesting concept with mocked up shopping ‘streets’ resembling marketplaces in 14th-century Andalusia, Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India and China. It’s the world’s largest themed shopping mall with over 275 retailers, 50 restaurants and food outlets. Oh, and if you need another excuse to spend it up in Dubai, shopping is tax free!
Burj Al Arab
Marketed as the world’s first seven star hotel, the Burj Al Arab is what we think of when we think about Dubai extravagance. The interiors are opulent, the exterior is pure architectural excellence and the attentive service is seven-star standard. If it’s a bit pricey to actually stay there, book in a treatment at Assawan Spa or have a few cocktails at Skyview bar to get a glimpse of the service.
Which is your favourite hotel to stay at in the world?
