Amazing Dubai is one of the top tourist hotspots to go on holiday. Located in the (UAE) United Arab Emirates, it’s just astonishing what man has done with what used to be a barren desert. The main source of income in the UAE is oil and the leaders of the region understood that at some point it’s eventually going to run out. They then came up with the wonderful idea of turning some of its cities into popular tourist attractions; henceforth Dubai has been transformed from an area full of sand dunes into a city full of shopping malls and luxurious high-rises.
Getting into Dubai is quite easy because it’s a major transit hub. There are numerous airlines that fly through there, whether you’re travelling from Europe to Asia, most Airlines pass through Dubai. So getting an affordable flight to Dubai shouldn’t be that much of an issue. It’s advisable that you change your money into the United Arab Emirates Dirham currency at the airport. There are quite a few number of currency bureaus there.
After that’s done, these are the major things that you have to do when you’re in Dubai:
Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is a major landmark in Dubai, which stands at 892.8 meters tall. That’s currently the tallest building in the world and its rightly marketed as so. Tourists get a chance to get a beautiful view of the city from its glitzy observation deck that is situated on the 124th floor. There is even a presentation that runs on loop educating people on the history building itself, about the city and how it came to be. The building uses high-speed elevators that get you to the observation deck, imagine what a nightmare it would be using standard elevators to get you up 124 floors. On the observation deck, you get to see a birds-eye view of the ocean on one side of the building and the desert on the other side.
The building is open from 8:30 AM to 1: Am to tourists because just as beautiful as Dubai is during the day, it equally shines through the night. It gives people a chance to take panoramic photographs of the beautiful night city lights.
The attraction with the Burj Khalifa isn’t just on the observation deck, they have wonderfully designed gardens on the ground. There are also water features which include the world’s tallest fountain known as the Dubai Fountain, it looks pretty similar to the Vegas fountain.
Bastakia (Old Dubai)
Nothing shows the History of Dubai more than the Bastakia. Bastakia occupies the larger parts of Bur Dubai along the eastern lands. The Bastakia quarter was constructed in the 19th century as a home for the wealthy Persian merchants who traded in textiles and pearls. They were lured towards this region because of the easy access to Dubai Creek and also because it was a tax-free heaven.
Most of the buildings here are made from limestone and coral and it’s not uncommon to see many wind towers. All these buildings have been well preserved by the government because they represent the history of Dubai. What’s uncanny though is the houses look similar to the Iranian Coastal homes. That’s because the Persians developed the buildings there to look like their homes. The alleyways are extremely narrow similar to the bygone days of Arabian homes. If you dive deeper into Bastakia, you’ll end up coming across the Majlis Gallery. Here you will find a collection of Arabic furniture and ceramics.
We have covered the places to visit what about tasting the local cuisine. Of course, there are restaurants that offer British foods, Italians foods or French foods, but we advise that those can be had anywhere in the world. Why not try what the locals eat? This is one of the best places to eat in Dubai.
Shabestan- Located near the creek, this is one of the best restaurants to eat Middle Eastern foods. The different types of foods include slow cooked lamb, chicken dressed pomegranate sauce and charcoal grilled kebabs. They also have traditional ice cream and rose water for deserts and after’s.
Once you’re done with the restaurants what next? A fun activity. Here is a good example
Hot Air Balloons- If you have had enough of the city then a great way of feeling refreshed on your vacations is going up into the skies via the popular Dubai hot air balloons. You get to glide over the red desert as the sun sets all the while getting a view of the spectacular desert vistas. The air balloons also popular for couples just cause of the romance involved with the whole activity. The whole trip should take about an hour and you’re offered refreshing drinks once you get back down on the ground.
The hotel you pick largely depends on what your budget is, so we pick two hotels. One that’s considered a luxury hotel and one that’s a cheap hotel. But they both offer excellent services.
Park Hyatt Dubai Hotel – Rooms here start from 947 AED, there are great spa attractions and it’s situated next to a golf club. The Park Hyatt is a favourite for couples looking for a romantic getaway hotel. It’s been expertly designed with the theme of both Moroccan, Arabian and Mediterranean influences. It’s conveniently located ten minutes from the airport so you don’t have to worry about traffic and getting late when it’s time for departure. While it is an expensive accommodation, it offers an experience that you won’t regret.
Dubai Mall Street Hotel – located in the heart of downtown Dubai, the emerging hotel group DAMAC are becoming serious contenders to the tradition Dubai property options with a range of affordable yet highly luxurious hotel and long-stay accommodation in prominent locations throughout Dubai, including in Business Bay. With spa, dining and business facilities all on-site, it’s the perfect alternative for those who wish to shop in convenience a short stroll from Mall St.
Arabian Courtyard Hotel – Here rooms start from 351 AED, this is one of the cheapest hotels in Dubai. It’s located directly opposite the Dubai Museum and one block away from Bastakia. This is a target destination for people on a budget and also businessmen, there is a lot of trade that goes on around the business surrounding the Arabian Courtyard Hotel. Here there the design is mostly Arabian but there is also an air of Indian influence.
Why it makes sense to add Dubai to your 2016 travel wishlist:
Dubai is an adventure in itself, whether you’re on a budget or not there is something for everybody. The food is healthy and there are numerous hospitals just in case you do experience food poisoning and most of all you will feel safe as a tourist. There is little to no crime in Dubai because the government is very harsh to those found guilty of an offence. Although the primary dialect is Arabic, you’ll find that most people speak English so getting services shouldn’t be an issue. So with all this newfound knowledge that you have why not visit majestic Dubai?