A dazzling urban adventure in the desert
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Welcome to the city of superlatives. Dubai is home to the world’s tallest building, the largest shopping mall, and even the biggest musical fountain. Yet scratch beneath the shiny surface and you’ll find another side to the best-known part of the United Arab Emirates. Hop on a wooden abra and weave your way across Dubai Creek, or haggle for curly-toed slippers in a traditional souk. Then hit the beach or relax in a world of luxury. Bottom line? There’s more to Dubai than meets the eye.
Go up the Burj Khalifa
‘Build it and they will come,’ best describes Dubai’s mentality and the Burj Khalifa is the ultimate example. At 830m high, it’s the world’s tallest tower, offering dizzying views of Dubai’s ever-changing skyline. Expect a choice of two observation levels (very high and extremely high) as well as a restaurant, At.mosphere, which – yes, you’ve guessed it – is the highest restaurant in the world.
Go on a unique tour
No visit to Dubai is complete without taking a private tour of the amazing architecture that is like something out of a sci-fi film. Start at the Burj Al-Arab, the hotel that’s shaped like a billowing sail to symbolise the city’s nautical heritage. Take in the artificial Palm Islands then move on to the views from the surreal Dubai Frame.
Go round Jumeirah Mosque
Dubai is often seen as a modern city but it has a traditional side too. For local flavour, take a tour of Jumeirah Mosque, one of the few mosques in the UAE open to the general public. This striking house of worship was built entirely from white stone, with twin minarets framing a large central dome.
Go and indulge yourself
Shopping is serious business in Dubai and the emirate is home to many mega malls including Dubai Mall, the world’s largest. This has a staggering 1,200 stores, aquarium and Olympic-sized ice rink. For a more authentic shopping experience, wander around one of Dubai’s legendary markets in the old town, such as the textile souk.
Essential Dubai
A humble fishing village until oil was discovered in 1966, Dubai is the capital of the most populous of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with over three million inhabitants. It’s also synonymous with luxury and excess, where almost anything can be built if you have the money. But while Dubai might seem outwardly modern, it’s worth remembering that it is still an Islamic state where swearing or being inebriated in public is illegal.
Where it is
Middle East
When to go
November to April
Why go there
Futuristic architecture
Luxury lifestyle
Shopping
What to see
Burj Khalifa
Jumeirah Mosque
Souks
