Dubai – The city of superlatives

Why go?

For the largest, the tallest, the fastest, the biggest, Dubai is the ultimate destination as it continues to build the biggest constructions in the world. One of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is rather like an independent city-state, the most modern and progressive in the UAE.  Dubai makes for a great short break for shopping, partying, sunbathing, fine dining and sporting events and even a few sinful pleasures.

What to do?

A 4X4 desert safari is a must do while in Dubai. Experienced drivers will take you on a roller coaster ride through the sand dunes and take you to the best vantage points to watch the sun set. Try your hand a sandboarding down the sand dunes before dining under the stars with music and dancing to complete the atmosphere. Go for a camel ride or have one of the women decorate your hands and feet with henna tattoos for a more native feel.

Visit Satwa, where the streets of the small community are rowed by small textile shops, offering silks and cottons of all colours. Be sure to bargain for your wares as locals would do. Not only is Satwa a hub for textile shops but some tailoring shops are dotted around the area and will make bespoke dresses after purchasing of raw materials.

Take a trip to the Gold Souk market where gold is sold by weight with an added charge for workmanship. It pays to head down there equipped with the current gold price and a knowledge of the making charges in order to get the best possible prices. Despite the 22 carat dazzling items there is little visible security along the stalls.

Not far from the Gold Souk market, the Spice Souk market has been a part of Dubai since the beginning of the city itself and though the supermarkets have taken over the spice trade it is still an experience to tantalise the senses. 

Witness a completely different image of Dubai from a bird’s eye with a Hot Air Balloon Ride soaring in the sky. As you fly high in the sky, behold the Arabian desert’s amazing sand dunes, mesmerizing oases and camels wandering in the unknown horizon.

Where to eat?

For a warm and traditional atmosphere, try Awtar in Dubai’s Green Valley. Delicious Lebanese food complimented with lively entertainment make it popular among many local Emiratis. The restaurant offers an extensive meny of kebabs, raw-meat dishes and hot and cold meze.

Gordon Ramsay takes his glowing reputation worldwide to the Creek side restaurant Verre (www.gordonramasy.com/dubai). Outstanding choices on the menu may cause some confusion but classic French dishes will surely not disappoint.

Al Mahara does not only offer the most exquisite seafood dishes but also fascinating surroundings. A spectacular aquarium awaits your arrival, filled with fish, sharks, turtles and other sea creatures. If you are lucky you may even spot a diver feeding the fish. The menus range from classic, modern, Arabic adventure and Seafood experience, offering various types of specialties. This restaurant is one of the most expensive in Dubai but its unique atmosphere is worth at least a visit.

Where to stay?

Standing 1050 ft above the sea level, Burj al Arab is the world’s second tallest building solely operated as a hotel, and is linked from its mock island to the Dubai mainland through a private bridge. Lavishly decorated in bold stones, the hotel offers an indoor and outdoor swimming pool; swim up bar, private beach, health spa and massage treatment rooms, steam room, fitness equipment, library, hair salon and a pool table. Even if you can’t afford the steep room rates, the hotel is worth a visit.

The Palm is an exclusive property spread across 46 hectares of land. Located about 35 kilometers away from the Dubai International Airport, the resort offers a variety of entertainment options along with on-site shopping and tempting dining options. Water lovers can enjoy the private beaches, swimming pools, marine and water parks or swim with the dolphins.

For those visiting for business purposes, the area of Bur Dubai has a good choice of hotels with meeting rooms, conference centres and Wifi spread out, it is located near the financial and commercial district. Furthermore, most of the hotels are within close proximity to lively entertainment and exclusive shopping malls.