When we think about the prefect dream holidays, probably the first destination that comes to our mind is the place with lot of scenic beauty a paradise, an escape of choice, where we can relax and spend the holidays in peace and enjoy to the ultimate, the way we want. Some prefer locales shining with turquoise waters, sun, sand and the beaches. A few prefer places that will have adventurous locales, high treks and breathtaking challenges.
Holiday destinations can vary from travelers to traveler. I have come across many kinds of travelers with varied choices of destinations.A section prefers sky scrapers and high rise skyline. Gigantic manmade structures, luxurious hotels and destinations that give choices for a frivolous shopping spree. Like shop till you drop!
Dubai is a destination of choice of many tourists .Contrary to rumors, Dubai has more to offer than concrete. Yes it doesn’t have Versailles or the Colosseum of Rome, but it has the biggest skyscraper on the planet an innovative piece of architecture and that’s pretty amazing too! It’s really amazing to know how incredibly fast the city has grown and has caught up as a tourist destination. 40 years ago there was nothing here, and now you have one of the biggest metropolis on earth!
Dubai, known as the entertainment capital of the Middle East, is a city full of greatness, galleries showcasing contemporary Arabic art, cozy teahouses, crowded souks filled with gold, spices and fine Emirati cuisine, a sleek metro that zips through the sky like something out of Blade Runner, man-made islands, giant shopping malls, indoor ski, water parks, clubs and bars, desert, luxury hotels, fountain shows… well there’s a thousand things to do in Dubai.
One of my favorite things about Dubai is the weather… it’s always summer. Best time to visit is during October-March, when temperatures are cool, surprisingly it only rains six days in Dubai !!
If you’re heading here for sun, sea and sand, spring and autumn is the ideal time to visit Dubai, when you can bronze your body by day and cool down after dark.
Cost wise summer is the cheapest time to visit Dubai, but get ready to burn! Temperatures can easily go over 50 degrees Celsius in July and August.
There are couple of things that attract the attention of the tourists in Dubai .A few places that cannot be just mentioned but have to be experienced .The cuisines that can be relished than discussed .That’s Dubai.
Dubai is a city and Emirate in the United Arab Emirates. It is the most populous city In UAE.It is located in the south coast of the Persian Gulf and the capital of Emirates is Dubai. It is one of the seven emirates that make up the country. It is known for luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture and a lively nightlife scene. The sight catcher is none other than Burj Khalifa, an 830m-tall tower, which dominates the skyscraper-filled skyline. At its foot lies Dubai Fountain, with jets and lights choreographed to music. On artificial islands just offshore is Atlantis, The Palm, a resort with water and marine-animal parks.A place for movie shootings and stars.
There are a few strict laws that need to be followed in Dubai, no matter what. Following a dress code and being dress modest is one of the few to name. Dubai is safe for women travelers. Women are permitted to drive, live and lead a liberal life style.
Top few things without which Dubai trip is incomplete are.
1. THE BURJ KHALIFA
It’s the wonder of the modern technology that gives a stunning view of the entire Dubai. It is the tallest structure on the planet. The Burj Khalifa has an observation deck on the 134th floor basically to look everywhere .The best time to take pictures from The Burj Khalifa is during the sunset. This can be seen from a long distance when you are about to land Dubai .A piece of architectural marvel.
2. DUBAI MALL
When we talk about shopping, Dubai is the destination of choice of all the travelers. There are dozens of shopping malls, markets and souks in Dubai. The most talked about is the Dubai Mall, the largest shopping center in the world with more than 1,000 stores and a giant Aquarium with an underwater zoo. Walking is no where denied so just make sure you use comfortable shoes… if you get tired you can also get a golf car taxi, how fabulous is that?
3. THE DUBAI FOUNTAIN
Dubai is the place where vision doesn’t rest. Right next to Dubai Mall you will find the Dubai Fountain. The light show starts from 6:00 in the evening and goes every half an hour .There are many restaurants that are lined near it .Souk AL Bahar-The Mango tree to name a few. There are many food joint bordering it where you can relish mouth watering food and enjoy the shows away from the crowd
4. BURJ AL ARAB
The Dubai Landmark, the 7 starts hotel Burj Al Arab. Truth is, you can’t officially go higher than five. The seven-star rating may be an urban myth that got out of hand, but nothing dominates the Dubai skyline and tourists’ imagination quite like it. The prices to enjoy the luxury are exorbitant. One cannot imagine spending 1800€ for a night as a tourist least you are enthusiastic about it. But you can actually go inside for an afternoon tea, the cost is “only” 155€. Fortunately, you can see from outside without paying nothing!
5. PALM JUMEIRAH
The most mind boggling and audacious mega project of Dubai. Palm Jumeirah, It is the world’s largest man –made island that extends the Dubai’s shoreline to a total of 520 kilometers. It was originally considered as the Eighth wonder of the world and along the Great Wall of China. It is the only structure that is created by man that you can see from the space. Palm Jumeirah, which looks like a stylized palm tree from above. In Palm Jumeirah you will find the famous The Atlantis Resort, it worth a visit, maybe to have lunch and get startled with the huge aquarium with whales.
For the travelers who like water parks with thrill and adventure Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah has a water park. Aquaventure ,which is probably the most thrilling one in Dubai. It includes the Leap of Faith, a near-vertical 90ft water slide, down which you whoosh into a tunnel that runs through a shark-filled lagoon. Gentler alternatives include swimming with dolphins in a series of seven interconnected pools, and floor-to-ceiling glass walls in the shopping mall through which you can watch 65,000 marine creatures glide among sunken streets and relics. Atlantis offers many more reasons for you not to leave, including boutiques, 2km of pristine beach, 18 bars, restaurants, a nightclub and a spa. You name it and you have it Palm Jumeirah is a destination to visit in itself and spend a luxurious fun filled time with family and friends.
6. JUMEIRAH BEACH
Dubai is a destination with shores lining it so beaches are travelers delight as well .Near Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach is the number one beach destination for Dubai visitors. This is the most popular places for the tourists to stay. There are hotels strung out all along the length. The beach has excellent facilities with plenty of sun loungers, restaurants and water-sport operators offering jet skiing. Near Burj Al Arab also ,you can find Jumeirah Beach Park with its small coffee shop and approx.AED 5 (1€) entrance fee, or the free stretch of sand running the length of Umm Suqeim, known as Kite Beach due to its popularity with the city’s kite-surfers. Dubai offers a lot to its tourist than mere tall buildings and shopping malls. It gives a urbanized holiday option for the travelers who wish to avail best of both the worlds.
7. SKI
Travelling with your little ones, and ever wondered that in the land of desert you will mesmerize them with the snow and chillness down the spine. Located on Emirates Mall, Ski Dubai is the Middle East’s first indoor ski center. Whether you’re a newbie or a pro, Ski Dubai offers an amazing setting to enjoy skiing, snowboarding or just playing in the snow. From tube slides, slopes and jumps to a 3,000-meter interactive Snow Park and Zip Wire, this is an indoor ski resort that has it all. Its again an architectural wonder that gives Dubai a snow capped address in the midst of hot desert.
8. DUBAI MARINA
Destination Dubai is place to relish on the Arab delicacies like now where else. The huge magnificent sky scrapers and the incredible tall high rise give Dubai a place next to Las Vegas. Dubai Marina, It’s a great place to take a walk and a drink at night. na Dubai Marina offers hundred of restaurants, shops, etc. The WOW! factor just doesn’t stop counting .While your walk down the Dubai Marina you can sight the one of its kind, twisting Cayan Tower. Want to go a little topsy turvey then just don´t forget to smoke Arabian shisha (hubbly bubbly pipes), cherry is my favorite.
9. DUBAI CREEK
Dubai Creek is a saltwater creek located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Previously it extended to Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary but as part of the new Dubai canal it extends through to the Persian Gulf. Running through the heart for the city Dubai creek segregates Dubai into two towns with Deira to the north and Bur Dubai to the south. The retro look is evident in every nook and corner of the creek. Dubai creek has been very prominent in the growth of the city. first attracting settlers here to fish and pearl dive. 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 Yes tribe settled in the area. To travel across the creek you can either take a trip on one of the many dhows that have been restored as tourist cruise boats or take an abra (small wooden ferry) between the ferry points on the creek’s Bur Dubai and Deira banks. Old-style buildings that reflect rich Arabian hospitality, traditional style wooden dhows, and bustling souks – all make Dubai Creek a must-visit landmark of the city
10. DEIRA SOUKS
Souks are none other than the vibrant market places in Dubai that reflect the tradition and culture of Dubai.Deira is most famous for its traditional souks (markets), which bustle with shoppers at all times of the day. We have always associated Dubai with the yellow shine. Here in Deira Gold Souk you will find really cheap gold, but you’ll have to haggle for it. Whether or not you’re ready to buy, a stroll through the dazzling Gold Souk is a must.
The way Deira Gold Souks attract the tourist there are many kind of markets like the Deira Spice Souk, where you’ll find every imaginable spice with stalls overflowing with bags of frankincense, cumin, paprika, saffron, sumac and thyme as well as the fragrant oud wood ,which is one of the rarest, expensive and precious ingredients of the perfume, rose water and incense. Not so far from Deira you’ll find Karama market, a paradise for ladies searching for fake bags.
11. SHEIK ZAYED ROAD
Urbanization is the visual treat that Dubai offers its travelers. Along with the most exotic food to the lavish resorts a fabulous beach side relaxation Dubai makes its tourist go awestruck with the Sheikh Zayed Road which is the main thoroughfare running through Dubai’s modern downtown business district. Well it and magnificent, this wide, eight-lane highway is rimmed with towering glass, chrome and steel high-rises along its length. Main attractions are along, or just off, the strip between the roundabout and the first intersection. The Courtyard Gallery (6A Street) has an excellent permanent collection focused on contemporary art from Arab artists. You should do this by subway, it’s incredible.
12. AL FAROOQ OMAR IBN AL KHATTAB MOSQUE
This is the place which exhibits the wonder of the 60 Moroccan craftsmen and is one of the most beautiful monuments in town .A Mosque to must add to the list of places to visit. This mosque is inspired by the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, The mosque is named after Umar bin Al Khattab, a companion of the Prophet Mohammed who became the second Caliph after Abu Bakr and was given the title Al Farooq, meaning someone who distinguished truth.
13. THE ARABIAN DESERT
I love the desert! This is a great activity, especially for those who are looking for some adventure. The easiest way to get at the dunes outside the city is on a four-wheel-drive safari (check out www.arabianadventures.com), it takes approximately 30 minutes from the city center to the desert. You will be able to do some camel trekking and have a delicious breakfast at the oasis. Desert Safari is a must do activity. It’s also called as Dune bashing, this excursion takes passengers are an exhilarating ride through the sand. While you can rent your own 4WD drive vehicle, hiring a professional driver allows you to get the most out of the experience. You will be picked up about 2 PM and taken to the rallying point where vehicles from all the tour companies will meet and go out together. You will usually have about a 30 minute wait. During this time, the companies will double check to their cars as young men perform driving tricks to entertain the tourists. Once the safari begins, be ready for the ride of your life. The drivers will spend about a hour and a half racing through the sand. This time will be divided between multiple exciting maneuvers such as bursting through small dunes, climbing up mountains, and speeding diagonally across the ground.
14. HELICOPTER TOUR
To get the spectacular view of Dubai a helicopter ride is offered by multiple tour operators in Dubai .It is more than interesting. It’s a privilege that one can enjoy. These aerial tours have been created keeping in mind to ensure an unforgettable experience for the entire family. Get ready to fly over Dubai. These tours encircle the huge Burj Khalifa to the world famous Burj Al Arab to the spectacular the world famous Palm Jumeirah. These helicopter tours give you an unobstructed view of the Dubai in well appointed helicopters .These tours take off from Dubai Marina Helipad and one can choose from a 12 minutes tour to a 22 minutes tour.
A destination of world class amenities, exotic locales and spectacular adventures travelling to Dubai is a choice that one should not miss to explore.