...
Magnificent Dubai

DUBAI…… a name that captures anyone’s attention. It’s a place that has good food, bargains, adventure and wonders. It’s a true wonderland for all ages. 

Dubai is one of the seven emirates that make up the country United Arab Emirates. It’s definitely the most popular as most of UAE’s famous landmarks are in Dubai. Its home to the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa. This building is composed of 163 floors, at a height of 828 meters. The views from its observation decks on the 124th and 125th floors are absolutely stunning. Burj Khalifa also has the world’s highest observation decks on the 148th floor.

 World's Tallest Building, Burj Khalifa Wheelchair Access -  WheelchairTravel.org

Other iconic buildings are Dubai Frame, Museum Of The Future, Infinity Tower, The Opus and some hotels such as Burj Al Arab and Atlantis. The Palm are some of the many architectural achievements of Dubai. The hotel Atlantis is located on one of the three man made Palm Islands. It has the largest aquarium in the Middle East. 

When you think of Middle East you don’t expect to see beautiful parks and greenery. There are several parks in Dubai, not just for children to play in, but also for families and friends to get together for picnics and barbecues. One of these parks is Miracle Gardens, its many extraordinary buildings and structures covered in beautiful floral exhibits, is a sight you have to see to believe.

Dubai Miracle Garden: A Virtual Tour To World's Largest Flower Garden

Other parks with kid-friendly entertainment include Safa Park, Creek Park, Zabeel Park, Mushrif Park, Burj Park, etc. Most parks have dedicated areas for picnics, barbecuing and even sports facilities. A very unique park is the Quran Park. It was designed to promote a better understanding of the Islamic heritage. You’ll find trees and plants mentioned in the Holy Quran. One of its main attractions is the Cave of Miracles.

Dubai's Quranic Park on mission to build cross-cultural bridges || AW

Dubai Parks and Resorts is another thrilling attraction. It has 3 theme parks: Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai, Legoland Dubai as well as a water park called Legoland Water Park.

The best way to experience the dessert life is to go on a dessert safari. You’ll be taken in a land cruiser dune bashing, it’s a bumpy ride on sand dunes. Families can enjoy other fun activities at the camp like quad biking, sand boarding and long camel rides, you‘ll even get to hold a falcon. At the camp site the henna artisans are there to put beautiful henna designs. You can also take photos in traditional Bedouin costumes. By night, you’ll be entertained by some stunning performances from belly dancers, Tanura dancers and a fire show. You will be offered a famous international buffet dinner while you take in these acts. The meal will be served outside under the lovely starry night.

Global Village is a major event that’s held every year between October and April. It can be thought of as a huge multi-cultural theme park. There are pavilions from almost every country. You have the unique opportunity to visit various countries and witness their cultures and taste a variety of dishes in one place. You also get to see spectacular live shows and concerts. There are thrilling rides and games to suit all ages. Global Village is a heaven for shoppers thanks to the variety of pavilions, you can buy clothing, shoes, furniture, spices etc. from different parts of the world. You can never be disappointed shopping in Dubai! Throughout the year you’ll find good bargains but during Dubai Shopping Festival, operating between December and January, the whole city comes alive with promotions and offers in every mall and shopping center. Dubai Mall, Mall Of The Emirates, Dubai Outlet Mall, City Centre Deira and Mirdiff City Centre are some of the shopping malls. LULU shopping center and Karama shopping complex are popular places for every type of shopping. But if you have sharp bargaining skills then a real treasure for the shopaholics are the souks (marketplace) such as Deira Gold Souk, Dubai’s Textile Souk, Meena Bazaar, Naif Souk, Deira Spice Souk and Perfume Souk.  


                    


Wherever you go in Dubai, whether you walk through the alleys or drive down the busy highways you can never miss the variety of culinary delights available. It can be an overwhelming experience as the choices are endless and most importantly halal. From budget-friendly to fine dining, every kind of cuisine from around the world can be easily found in Dubai. The food courts in all the malls will definitely not disappoint, even the picky eaters. Some of the favourite local foods are Shawarma, Falafel, Manousheh, Fattoush, Tabbouleh, Kebabs, Al Harees etc. and rice dishes like Al Machboos, Mandi and Maqluba. Some mouth-watering sweets are Luqaimat, Knafeh and Mahalabiya. Of course, no meal is complete without a coffee, the traditional coffee Gahwa is spiced with cardamom, cumin, cloves and saffron. If you prefer tea then try Karak tea it’s spiced with cardamom, cinnamon and ginger. 


            


Dubai has many internationally popular hotels that can be easily found on any travel websites. There are also many family friendly hotels to suit any budget in Deira and Bur Dubai. Al Rigga, Al Muraqqabat and Al Muteena etc. are places in Deira. Al Mankhool, Al Karama and Al Fahidi etc. are places in Bur Dubai. Al Barsha located in New Dubai area is another place to find budget friendly hotels. 

Dubai is a metropolis that is always changing. While preserving the past, it also moves forward. Anyone who visits this vibrant city will be left with lifelong memories of its stunning coastline, deserts, and cityscapes.