Blog
DUBAI
DUBAI
Date: 2016-06-27
Take a Dhow Cruise with Dinner along Dubai Creek, you'll realise there's more to this city.
Burj Khalifa
Dubai's landmark Burj Khalifa, which at 829.8 m is the tallest building in the world. The observation deck on the 124th floor here is a must-do while in the city. The views across the city skyline are simply amazing. The observation deck experience includes a multi-media presentation on both Dubai and the building of the Burj Khalifa (completed in 2010) before you whizz up to the observation deck for the 360-degree views out across the skyscrapers to the desert on one side and the ocean on the other. The building has beautifully designed gardens with winding walkways. There are plenty of water features including the Dubai Fountain, the world's tallest performing fountain.
Dubai Museum
Dubai's museum is housed in the Al-Fahidi Fort, built in 1787 to defend Dubai Creek. The fort's walls are built out of traditional coral-blocks and held together with lime. The upper floor is supported by wooden poles known as "handels", and the ceiling is constructed from palm fronts, mud and plaster. The fort has served as residence for the ruling family, seat of government, garrison and prison. Restored in 1971 (and again extensively in 1995) it is now the city's premier museum. The entrance has a fascinating exhibition of old maps of the Emirates and Dubai,
Bastakia (Old Dubai)
The Bastakia Quarter was built in the late 19th century and was the home of wealthy Persian merchants who dealt mainly in pearls and textiles, and came to Dubai because of the tax-free trading and access to Dubai Creek. Bastakia is in the eastern portion of Bur Dubai along the creek and the coral and limestone buildings here, many with walls topped with wind-towers, have been excellently preserved. Wind-towers provided air conditioning. Lined with Arabian architecture, narrow lanes are of a bygone, and much slower, age in Dubai's history.
Dubai Creek
Dubai Creek separates the city into two with Deira to the north and Bur Dubai to the south. Small villages grew up alongside the creek as far back as 4,000 years ago, while the modern era began in the 1830s when the Bani Yas tribe settled in the area. Used by small traders from across the Gulf, some of the dhows are well over 100 years old.
Deira Souks
Deira is located on the northern bank of Dubai Creek For travelers Deira is most famous for its traditionalsouks (markets), with all day shopping. Deira Gold Souq is renowned as the largest gold bazaar in the world hence the name "City of Gold". The Deira Spice Souq sells every type of spice with stalls of frankincense, cumin, paprika, saffron, sumac and thyme as well as the , rose water and incense. The market was established in the 1830s and features restored wooden archways and wind-towers.
Sheikh Zayed Road
Sheikh Zayed Road is the most wanted to be place in Dubai running through Dubai's modern downtown business district. Sheik Zayed Road is a wide, eight-lane highway rimmed with towering glass, chrome and steel highrises. Main attractions are along, or just off the road between the roundabout and the first intersection. Dubai World Trade Tower has an observation deck on its top floor offering visitors beautiful views.
Dubai Aquarium
One of the city's top attractions, the Dubai Aquariumhouses 140 species of sea life in the huge suspended tank on the ground floor of Dubai Mall. Viewing is free, enter the Underwater Zoo and walk through the aquarium tunnels.
Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall is the city's premier mall and provides entry to the Burj Khalifa as well as the Dubai Aquarium. There is an ice-skating rink, gaming zone and cinema complex. There are special events such as live music and fashion shows within the mall. The Mall is famous for the annual Dubai Shopping Festival.
Burj al-Arab
The famous Burj Al-Arab standing 321 m high, is located on its own artificial island on the Dubai coastline. Resembles a billowing dhow sail, the exterior of the Burj Al-Arab is lit up by a choreographed coloured lighting show at night. One of the most expensive hotels in the World.
To experience the over-the-top opulence one can go for dinner at the underwater Al-Mahara restaurant where floor-to-ceiling glass panels in the dining room walls allow you to view sea life while you eat. Or, book afternoon tea at the Skyview Bar.
Jumeirah Beach
Visitors love Jumeirah's White Sandy Beach, a must for Families and Honeymooners. Hotels along this beach is a most popular place to stay for Visitors.
Mall of Emirates
Mall of the Emirates is one of the Dubai's most famous malls with the spectacular Ski Dubai facility inside. The indoor ski slope is complete with chairlifts and a penguin enclosure, all at a temperature of -4 degrees Celsius.
The Desert Dune Safari is a must, includes dinner, belly dancing and a rough ride over the desert sand Dunes.
For easy access to Dubai's top attractions, stay in Downtown Dubai. Three nights allows you to do City Tour with Shopping, Dune Safari and Dhow cruise with Dinner. Seven nights allows you to experience all of the above attractions at leisure.
Make Dubai a family vacation.