Dubai is located in the United Arab Emirates, 200 km north of the capital Abu Dhabi. It was once just a sleepy trading post and fishing village mostly made up of sandy deserts. Today it is known all over the world for its impressive skyscrapers and for the many attractions it offers.
It is currently one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the world and the fastest growing city in the past decade. The Shopping it's commonplace and shoppers have a hard time choosing from at least seventy shopping malls.
Lo development of Dubai it was the brainchild of enterprising Sheikh Maktoum and his family who realized that oil reserves would one day run out and that a new stream of revenue would be needed to finance Dubai's future. What better way to attract foreign money than to create a hedonistic playground for the rich?
This cunning plan paid off for the efforts made; expats on every corner, shopping malls galore, hotels with underwater resorts and a palm-shaped resort built towards the sea.
You can still find the souk (Arab markets) or take a abra (a small water taxi) and visit the old part of the city where the exotic Arab culture still reigns.
Dubai is a very important tourist destination of fun and entertainment. There are many attractions in the city, including some of the largest amusement parks in the world.
Burj Khalifa
The imposing Burj Khalifa it is the tallest building in the world with its 828 meters high. Its interior houses the majestic Armani hotel. The Burj Khalifa is also the building with the most floors (160), and with the highest vantage point in the world (on the 148th floor). His lift is also classified as the fastest elevator in the world.
There are two observation platforms 360 degrees, the one on the 124th floor (At the Top, 456 meters) and the one on the 148th floor (At the Top, Burj Khalifa SKY at 555 meters). In front of this immense skyscraper we find the Lake Burj Khalifa, where you can witness an incredible choreographic show of lights, fountains, water games and beautiful melodies.
Desert Safari
Il Desert Safari is one of Dubai's favorite attractions for adventurous travelers. It is an unforgettable experience to do on 4 Ă 4 off-road vehicles to cross the desert that surrounds the city. Driving in the desert and overcoming the various dunes is a unique feeling and also a fun one. If you prefer something quieter, a camel ride is ideal.
Souks and shopping malls in Dubai
Souks in Murshid
Here you can shop with the locals. Mainly household products and spices. Choose from bags filled with cardamom, ginger, dried lemon, almonds and apricots.
Deira Gold Souk
This market has streets after streets that glisten with gold and all sorts of necklaces, rings and Jewelry. If you like bright colors, you will find them here among gold, diamonds, rubies, emeralds, opals, amethysts and pearls that decorate the windows.
Mall of the Emirates
The marble-clad Mall of the Emirates has shops from top designers. This is also the home of Ski Dubai, which is home to the first and longest black run in the world. There is also a chair lift and two alpine themed restaurants.
Ibn battatta mall
Ibn Battuta Mall on Sheikh Zayed Road is considered the largest themed mall in the world. Inspired by the explorer Ibn Battuta, the mall offers 275 outlets, the atmosphere of which is created with intricate and detailed decorations. You will find many familiar names such as Debenhams, Marks and Spencer, Decathlon and Montblanc.
Jumeirah Mosque
This mosque has to be Dubai's most photographed architectural work. It is made entirely of stone with two minarets. At night, the mosque is illuminated and very beautiful to see.
It is the only mosque that non-Muslims can visit. The wonderful internal and external architecture will blow your mind. Access is allowed with trousers above the knees and women must cover their heads with a veil.
Open: 6 days a week (closed on Fridays).
Access to non-Muslims only through organized visits.
Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi Fort
If you have a hard time believing that Dubai was once just a sandy harbor and fishing village then a visit to this one interactive museum (and air-conditioned) will dispel any doubts. The first written reference to the sleepy fishing village was written in 1580 by the Venetian jeweler Gasparo Balbi who passed here in search of pearls.
There are countless
For those who want to live an experience of contact with animals, we recommend Dolphin bay where you can swim among the dolphins and come into contact with these extraordinary creatures of the sea. This dolphinarium is located inside the Atlantis hotel.
Palm Jumeirah
It is a set of artificial islands that form the image of a palm tree in the middle of the sea and it is one of the attractions that attracts the most attention among visitorsthe. Between the islands, there is a residential complex and a hotel, but to fully appreciate Palm Jumeirah you need to take a helicopter or seaplane ride. They say that Palm Islands (Palm Jumeirah and Palm Jebel Ali) are so big that you can see them from space.
These man-made islands designed to look like palm trees using land reclamation experience, are meant to be the largest artificial islands in the world which will host over a million people.
The Palm Jebel will have a water park, the Palm Jumeirah has a mix of residential homes and hotels. These are accompanied by âThe Worldâ - a series of 300 offshore islands representing the world.
Burj Al Arab
This iconic world-famous sail-shaped hotel, is the most characteristic of Dubai. The billion dollar hotel stands alone on its own man-made island and overlooks Jumeirah Beach. It has self-designated itself as the world's only seven-star hotel, but at 321 meters (1053 feet) it is the fourth tallest hotel in the world.
The Burj Al Arab is one of the most expensive hotels in the world which offers 202 two-story duplex suites instead of rooms (some with rollaway beds) and has the tallest lobby in the world (180 meters / 590 feet). At its heart is a dazzling waterfall combined with a light show.
In its upper part is the restaurant Al Muntaha, which offers beautiful panoramic views. On its lower level is the restaurant Al Mahara accessed via a simulated submarine. In the center is a mesmerizing aquarium, filled with colorful fish and plants found in the Persian Gulf.
Dubai Creek
The Creek is a channel of water about 14 kilometers long, around which the original center of the commercial activity of the city of Dubai. You have to take an abra and take a trip along Dubai Creek, which is always teeming with boats.
This sea ââwater channel, a reference point for the inhabitants and a pole of attraction for tourists, crosses Dubai and is the fastest and most characteristic way to get to know the old commercial port and the dhows (a dhow is a traditional Arabian sailing ship with one or more triangular sails). It is also the ideal way to cross the Creek from the Eira Souks to the ones on the Bur Dubai side.
Bird watchers should stop in Dubai Creek as this is a large, shallow lagoon that has been transformed into a wildlife sanctuary. Migratory birds love it, and 27.000 have been spotted at one time during the autumn migration.
Ski Dubai
Skiing in the desert? In Dubai it is possible. In this city full of excesses and with all comforts, you can do everything, even skiing. Discover Ski Dubai, the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East offers fun for the whole family. The largest indoor snow park in the world is home to 3.000 square meters of snow.
An incredible mountain-themed winter setting where you can go skiing, snowboarding, sledding, take part in numerous snow events and meet and play with the new Ski Dubai residents; the snow penguins! Ski Dubai is located in the Mall of the Emirates.
Amusement parks in Dubai
Dubai is not only the city of great attractions, but also of important amusement parks. In 2016, two fantastic theme parks were created to fascinate visitors and especially families.
Dubai Parks and Resorts
The new Dubai Parks and Resorts is located on Sheikh Zayed Road, opposite the Palm Jebel Ali, which opened on 31 October and is the largest multi-storey theme park in the Middle East. Choose only your favorite space between Legoland and its water park, Bollywood parks and Hollywood-themed Motiongate.
IMG Worlds of Adventure
This theme park partnered with Marvel and the cartoon network that caters to superhero fans who might love the idea of ââinteracting with Doctor Ocopus, Spider-man, and the Avengers. Or even dine at Iron Man's high-end 10-story restaurant.
Kidzania
For the enjoyment of children Kidzania is the right stop. This large entertainment center offers many incredible opportunities for the little ones to have fun and learn many new things.
Wadi Wadi Water Park
Designed as an Arabian wadi (oasis), this is a water park of 12 acres offering 30 different rides and slides of varying difficulty for the whole family.
