Dubai is one of the seven emirates making up the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is the 8th most visited city in the world and is still growing in popularity. Although most of these visitors are believed to go for the shopping, there are other things to attract the visitors. Here are 10 of perhaps the most popular.
01: Desert Safari
Desert Safari – This is an increasingly popular activity among visitors to Dubai. The fun is to rent an off the road vehicle and head into the sands of the desert. It takes some unique skills to both drive and navigate in this environment, something that seems to appeal to many of the more adventurous visitors.
02: The Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall – By area, this is the largest Mall in the world. Apart from the attraction of the 220 gold retailers in the gold souk and the 1200 shops, the Mall also has a Fashion Catwalk Atrium, Fashion Island, Oasis Fountain Waterfall, the WaterFront Atrium and the Galeries Lafayette Department Store is the first in the Middle East.
03: Ski Dubai
Ski Dubai – part of the Mall of the Emirates, this is an indoor ski resort. It has a 60 meter high mountain which provides 5 separate ski slopes of a variety of difficulties. It also has a “black run” and a 90 meter long quarter pipe for skateboarders. The entrance fee includes the rent of winter clothing, ski and skateboard gear.
04: Dubai Museum
Dubai Museum – Another attraction that is growing in popularity. This museum does not only tell the story of Dubai in its artifacts but also of some of Dubai’s traditional trading partners.
05: Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa – This, as you can imagine, being the tallest building in the world at 828m, can provide some excellent views over the city. Situated on the 122ndfloor, 442m in the air, is located the highest restaurant in the world.
06:The Palm Islands Dubai
The Palm Islands Dubai – These are three man made islands in the shape of Palm trees. Each one was built for housing and they are so big that they can be seen by the naked eye from space.
07: The World Islands in Dubai
The World Islands in Dubai – Perhaps even more impressive than the Palm Islands are this archipelago of 300 islands built in the shape of the world map, 4km off the coast. Each of the islands range in size from 14,000 square meters to 42,000 square meters.
08: Burj Al Arab
Burj Al Arab Hotel Dubai – This building that is in the shape of a sailing boat with its sail fully blown out, is the tallest hotel in the world. It also has the prestigious title of being the first and as yet only, 7 star hotel in the world.
09: Dubai Beaches
Dubai Beaches – Dubai is home to some of the best beaches in the world. Although much of the beaches are taken up with hotels or private clubs, there are still ample places that are open to the public and have the expected BBQ spots and shopping kiosks.
10: Dubai Autodrome
Dubai Autodrome – Although its main function is as a Motor Sports Venue, it also has a Race and driving school and a certified Karting track.