Destination Dubai, more than a Desert.

In Dubai, just about everything is meant to be the biggest and the best – and it’s no joke. Here you’ll find the world’s tallest building, the largest man-made islands, the richest horse race, the biggest shopping festival, the most massive mall, and the most luxurious hotel.

People who live here will tell you that Dubai is always changing – that’s an understatement. Dubai has grown so fast that it hardly seems recognizable from one year to the next. Each project has been bigger, bolder, and significantly more expensive. The skyline fills with more architecturally daring high-rises. The land is carved with new canals and marinas. The sea is gifted with new artificial islands.

With people from around the world who live, work, and visit here come demands that the emirate continues to build its international credentials and seeks the best of the various cultures it represents. Here are just a few highlights of memorable Dubai experiences we’d like to share – you will no doubt create many more during your adventures here.

Dubai is recognized around the world for its ambitious tourism developments, which have helped turn the tiny emirate into a major travel destination in just a couple of decades. Among its most extraordinary feats, the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa (previously known as Burj Dubai) and the Palm Jumeirah, which is home to Atlantis, The Palm. This may be some of Dubai’s last grandiose investments for a while, though – other extravagant projects, such as The World and most of Dubailand, were put on hold or canceled as a result of the 2009 global financial crisis and Dubai’s staggering debt. It remains to be seen which of these stalled projects will get another chance.

Dubai without shopping would be like Belgium without chocolate, as the two just go hand-in-hand. Wander Dubai’s glittery tax-free malls, and don’t forget to visit the traditional Eastern markets – especially the Gold Souk – where bargaining is expected.  Mall of the Emirates. Dubai’s second biggest mall offers world-class department stores and retail outlets, extensive dining and entertainment options, and Ski Dubai, the incredible indoor ski resort. Shop and ski, as they say.  Dubai Mall, more of a sprawling shopping, dining, and entertainment complex than what most people think of as a mall, the Dubai Mall offers something for everyone and needs at least a few hours to explore. Be sure to see the aquarium and Dubai Fountains while here.  The enormous Gold Souk features every size, shape, color, and quality of gold you can imagine. Jewelry is sold by rows and rows of vendors, and bargaining is an important component of the shopping experience.

The restored historic neighborhood of Bastakiya boasts meandering lanes, traditional Gulf houses, and ornate wind towers characteristic of early Dubai also has a number of restaurants, shops, and galleries.  The Al Fahidi Fort-turned-museum represents Dubai life in its pre-oil days with re-creations of a souk, early Arabian homes, mosques, and date gardens. There are also exhibits of desert and marine life.  Although non-Muslims are typically not allowed to enter mosques in the U.A.E., the beautiful Jumeirah Mosque is an exception. Cultural tours are offered four mornings a week through the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding.

A journey into the timeless Arabian Desert will seem a world removed from modern Dubai, a chance to drive on the dunes, ride camels, eat authentic Arabic food, and watch belly dancing under the stars.  Sign up with a tour operator offering desert safaris close to the city. Options include half-day, full-day, and overnight excursions, and the most popular are evening dinner safaris. Cruising Dubai Creek by day or night is an excellent way to view the old city up close and to see the new city rising up in the distance. A dinner dhow cruise is an enchanting experience.  Unusual and utterly impractical, Ski Dubai is nevertheless one of the fantastic attractions in Dubai. Spend your day skiing, snowboarding, or throwing snowballs in freezing cold temperatures even as the outside temperature might be sizzling.

Jumeirah Beach. An excellent choice for families. Most people are surprised by just how beautiful Dubai’s beaches are, with powdery white sand and turquoise-colored water. You’ll find a range of private and excellent public beaches in Dubai, with many offering water sports and activities for kids.

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