Dubai really knows how to create headlines! Call it impressive or mind boggling– from seven star properties to manmade islands to underwater hotels – this city knows how to pique people’s curiosity. No wonder this ‘getaway between the east and the west’ has successfully earned its reputation as a tourism, trade and logistics hub.
Just when you think you’ve seen it all, you realize it’s unstoppable when it comes to amaze the world with its marvelous creations. A new project is announced every now and then to generate interest among travelers making it a hot tourist destination.
So, when in Dubai increase your fun quotient by soaking in different experiences. Here’s a list of 15 things to start off with.
1. Visit the Burj Khalifa
‘To build castles (read skyscrapers) in the air’ isn’t just an expression when you visit this magnificent centerpiece. Begin your Dubai sightseeing with Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. This shimmering tower is a sight to behold.
2. Shop at the Dubai Mall
It is massive and you really need to see it to believe. What makes this mall a famous tourist destination? Right from myriad shopping and eating options, it offers a 22 screen cinema, an indoor theme park and a giant Aquarium with an underwater zoo. The spectacular Dubai Fountain starting every evening at 6 pm adds icing to this delectable experience.
3. Ski at the Mall of Emirates
Skiing literally sounds unbelievable in a desert city. But wait till you experience this! Every bit of it is worthy of boasting among your friends. Enjoy a genuinely great ski experience with the longest run at around 1,300 feet at this indoor ski spot.
4. Explore the Ibn Battuta Mall
The world’s largest theme based mall can be seen as a tribute to the famous Moroccan explorer, Ibn Battuta known for his extensive travels. Divided into six sections where each represents the country that he visited - Andalucía, Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India and China, it features 275 retailers, 50 restaurants and 21 cinema screens. If not shopping, then at least the grand decoration will amaze you.
5. Go for Palm Cruise
Get a glimpse of Dubai’s ambitious project, ‘The World’ featuring a series of man-made islands shaped like various continents of the Earth. Sail around the Palm Island and get stunned.
6. Hit the sands with the Desert Safari
A rollercoaster ride of its own kind – it’s a must for everyone visiting Dubai. For a more enthralling experience, try the evening safari. With stars as your companion, enjoy dune bashing, BBQ dinner and camping.
7. Haggle at Deira Gold Souq
All that glitters is gold here. One of the best places in the world to buy gold, you will be blinded by the glitz of this bazaar. The quest for King Solomon’s Mines quite literally ends here once you enter this ‘City of Gold’. But be ready to haggle to get good bargains.
8. Feel Royal at Burj Al Arab
Nobody ever comes to Dubai in search of an understatement. Burj Al Arab with its opulent grandeur and luxury not only dominates Dubai’s skyline but also every tourist’s imagination. This seven star establishment is flanked with everything surreal – from underwater seafood restaurant to the exotic glass elevator. Looking for a royal treatment? You need nothing but pots of gold.
9. Go ‘wow’ at Dubai Miracle Garden
It’s nothing short of a breathtaking oasis. If you’re expecting vast stretches of sand, then you’ll be astounded to find the world’s biggest natural flower garden. Over 45 million flowers are fashioned in the shape of hearts, stars, igloos, pyramids and so on. Hold your breath and take in lots of freshness.
10. Go Wild at the Wild Wadi Water Park
What makes this a highly recommended place for kids and adults alike? It offers something for everyone. With more than a dozen ingeniously interconnected rides, it scores big-time if you’re looking out for family fun time.
11. Have fun at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Immerse yourself in a mesmerizing sight of a colossal aquarium housing 33,000 sea creatures. For a spine chilling adventure, don a wetsuit and join a dive instructor on a shark dive.
A Journey through 3 eco-zones: rainforest, rocky shore and living ocean in the underwater zoo. Meet lots of rare and interesting denizens like a cheeky archerfish that catches insects by shooting water, spooky giant spider crabs and much more.
12. Swirl in the Dubai Ice Rink
Friendly instructors, nice ambience and plenty of space makes it a must visit for first timers as well as experienced skaters. A perfect place to set your spirit free and make beautiful memories!
13. Touch the sky with Sunrise Hot Air Ballooning
Glide up, up and away in a hot air balloon over the tranquil desert as the sun starts to rise. Bask in the glory of morning skies, away from the glitz and glamour of this desert city.
14. Eat at Ravi
No holiday is well spent without tasting the indigenous delicacies. This legendary Pakistani eatery’s (dating from 1978) various delicious offerings – right from spicy curries to succulent grilled meats to creamy daal, makes it a delectable treat for epicureans. The pocket friendliness makes this place all the more irresistible – you eat like a prince and pay like a pauper.
15. Race Nights at Meydan Racecourse
Even if you don’t like horse racing, attending one in a futuristic stadium with a grandstand bigger than most of the airport terminals, is worth watching. Spanning across 16km with solar and titanium paneled roof, it can accommodate 60,000 spectators and integrates a five star hotel.
With world-class attractions at its doorstep, the diversity of Dubai’s offerings will leave you wanting for more.
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