The United Arab Emirates is a completely unique destination for tourists and is filled with towering cities, beautiful beaches, incredible dunes and some of the most luxurious hotels in the world. Dubai is probably the most recognized holiday destination in the UAE and is one of the most remarkable cities you will ever visit.
Dubai is full of activities and places to visit and there can be a lot to pack for your stay, but what should you spend your time on?
For a once in a lifetime experience, you really need to book a desert safari in Dubai. There is nothing better than taking a 4X4 ride through wide dunes and then a camel ride to a secluded camp to watch the sunset, enjoy an Arabian party and sleep under the stars. There are many extras, such as belly dancing or divination, to make the experience a little more memorable. To help preserve the environment, all of this is taking place in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, which is only 45 km from the city of Dubai and has been set up to protect endangered species and preserve the desert’s habitat. D.D.C.R is regulated and certain tour operators have been given limited access to protect the environment.
While the desert landscape can be stunning, few things in Dubai are as spectacular as the Dubai cityscape. A great way to see the city is to take a ride on Seawing’s seaplane. This aerial sightseeing tour takes place in an amphibious aircraft from the Cessna 208 Caravan and takes you past all the popular landmarks including the World Islands, Palm Islands, Jumeirah Beach, Dubailand and more. There are many different options to choose from to suit a variety of budgets and needs, including packages that add something extra to your sightseeing trip, such as dolphin watching, sailing or spa experiences.
For something truly unique, take a trip to see Ski Dubai, even if you do not like skiing or snowboarding. In a city where the temperature can exceed 40oC, it is quite surprising to enter an indoor ski resort with temperatures around -1oC. In any case, a visit to Ski Dubai is a good excuse to cool off. Ski Dubai is 85 meters high and contains five different slopes with different levels of difficulty. There are themed restaurants, shops and a freestyle area for the more adventurous to practice their stunts and tricks.
If you still have money left over after skiing, flying with seaplane and exploring the desert, you may be able to afford the cost of staying in an ultra-luxury hotel. Burj Al Arab, a striking landmark on its own island 300 meters offshore, has gained an unsurpassed reputation for its abundance. Currently, Burj Al Arab is one of only two hotels in the world that claims a seven-star rating. Burj Al Arab features more than 200 luxury suites and an exclusive helicopter shuttle service. The hotel is certainly not for those on a budget, but it is worth staying if you can afford it as there is nothing like it in the world.
Visiting a souk is one of the highest priorities for any visitor to the city. A souk is the name of a traditional market in an Arab city. Located in the heart of the commercial business district of the city of Deira, the Dubai Gold Souk has more than 300 retailers selling local handmade jewelry and stunning international pieces. It is often said that there are more than 10 tons of gold on the market at a time. It is certainly a rich cultural experience to visit the market and it can be quite overwhelming for some, so be prepared for a bit of “bustle”.
