mitchell mcclung
Part of the charm of a city like Dubai is its ability to reinvent itself with its newer world class attractions and architecture, while safeguarding its traditions and history. Travellers have fantastic choices across the tourism spectrum.
“Our residents, businesses and visitors have played a supporting role in our tourism success, with their authentic voices and genuine advocacy promoting the city and its unique experiences,” said Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Visit Dubai), part of DET. “Dubai has become even more accessible, with a robust infrastructure and a business-friendly environment that fosters collaboration, while a year-round calendar of leisure, trade and MICE events have further diversified the city’s visitor base and generated significant economic impact. In collaboration with our key stakeholders, we remain committed to enhancing quality of life for visitors and residents through infrastructure development and sustained investment in capacity to attract new international audiences.”
Families, couples, multi-generational family groups or simply individuals looking to get away are guaranteed to enjoy everything this iconic city has to offer. Dubai’s modern side made a splash around the globe with its hyperbolic architecture and attractions that have sprung up over the past 15 years. No building embodies this more than the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, an 828-metre behemoth that dominates the skyline. Whether it is gazing across the city from the famous observation deck, enjoying the serenity of the world’s tallest dancing fountain, a world class dining experience or relaxing in a wellness facility, The Burj Khalifa offers it all. This is the type of landmark that keeps travellers returning to Dubai, as there is always something more to see.
The Dubai Frame is another modern addition to the skyline of the city, located in Zabeel Park. This is the largest frame on the entire planet with a height of 150.24 metres and a width of 95.53 metres. The Dubai Frame features an observatory offering visitors “Framed” views of both Old Dubai and New Dubai, celebrating the richness of its past with today’s modern achievements. Visitors can also visit galleries that celebrate Dubai’s past from a fishing village to today’s incarnation of the city, and onwards to Dubai’s future.
As striking as Dubai’s modern attractions are to visitors, the traditions of Old Dubai provide a perfect contrast to the modern developments, with rich cultural possibilities and experiences. The Dubai gold souk has 380 different sellers of gold and jewellery with beautiful features displayed in their windows. One of the most fascinating parts of shopping at the gold souk is that prices fluctuate based on the daily price of gold and the Karat (Purity, Ie 18k, 22k, 24k) of the metal. Pieces selected will be weighed and priced based on the number of grams and the karat of the jewellery.
The textile souk is another shopper’s paradise located on the opposite side of the creek from the gold souk. Dating back to the 1800’s, the souk grew as Dubai’s geographical position was accessible to traders from all over the region. Persian traders came to trade and as time passed, merchants from India and Pakistan became more prominent. Today’s souk offers great shopping opportunities with colourful shops and stalls, and haggling on price is expected.
Visits to the various souks can also be combined with food tours, offering travellers the chance to enjoy local delicacies while on a shopping spree. Visitors can enjoy traditional Emirati street foods and endless international choices in this cosmopolitan city. Locally based Frying Pan Adventures offers some excellent tours that combine visits to three different street food vendors, local sandwich and tea finished off with a full course meal. Starting at 430 PM as the temperature starts to get a little cooler, participants will be guided through narrow alleys, providing a multi-sensory journey of food, history and shopping.
Part of exploring a country is understanding its history and culture, and the Etihad Museum is a perfect location to learn about its past. Officially established in 2016, this location includes Union House, the location where the United Arab Emirates was officially declared a sovereign state in 1971, and the original copy of the Emirati constitution can still be viewed today. The museum has different pavilions highlighting different historical eras of the country with many excellent interactive experiences. Dubai offers no shortage of places to stay, and its hotel scene has become globally recognized for its prominence in setting the standard for luxury. The Address Creek Harbour Hotel is an excellent example, with a great waterside location conveniently located near downtown and Dubai’s international airport. Of course, this hotel offers fantastic dining, entertainment and wellness options, and the views of Dubai Creek and the city’s skyline are incomparable, making it a favourite landmark for both tourists and locals.
Another great accommodation option is the Palazzo Versace, which is reminiscent of a 16th Century Italian Palace and is architecturally a Neo-classical masterpiece, featuring original fabrics and designs from the Versace fashion house. Its 215 rooms and suites are Versace designed and the hotel, like everything in Dubai, offers best in class dining and leisure options.
On the edge of Palm Island, Atlantis The Royal which is an ultra-luxury destination in itself. World class designers and architects painstakingly created this indulgent slice of heaven, and it delivers on every aspect of the guest experience. Featuring dining options from world famous celebrity chefs such as England’s Heston Blumenthal and Peruvian Gaston Acurio, the hotel is literally a who’s who of global cuisine. It also features a first of its kind in the world, the Nobu Beach Club, offering the incomparable Nobu dining experience coupled with a best-in-class pool and beach club.
The Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is also located close to Palm Island is another luxury oasis, with rooms all offering incredible views. Its 11 in house restaurants and four bars under one roof cater to the whims of the most discerning traveller and features the crème de la crème of global cuisine. The wellness options at this property will pamper the body and indulge the soul. Built over three storeys and bathed in stunning natural light and the impressive views, travellers will enjoy relaxation and solitude.
But to experience Emirati hospitality and culture, it would be remiss of travellers not to leave the city and stay in the Amar Luxury Desert Eco Lodge. Its ten spacious luxury tents provide an authentic Bedouin twist combined with an eco-friendly luxuriousness.
Guests can enjoy the best of Arabic hospitality and enjoy activities such as falconry, camel rides or sand boarding when not basking in the solitude of this unique destination.
Showcasing Dubai’s ever-evolving and diverse destination offering, Visit Dubai launched a series of campaigns this year, including ‘Find Your Story,’ featuring Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi.
