This is Dubai

On the Persian Gulf coast of the United Arab Emirates, you will find Dubai. Sharing its borders with Abu Dhabi in the south, Sharjah in the northeast, and the Sultanate of Oman in the southeast, Dubai has something for everyone.

But what draws 16 million people to visit this destination each year?

Main Reasons to Visit Dubai

Known as the Pearl of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai contrasts the old with the new, the modern with the traditional. Even its landscapes are contrasting, from the Blue waters of the Arabian Sea to rolling desert sand dunes. With some of the most luxurious hotels and year-round sunshine, this is an ideal destination for both couples and families.

The Palm Jumeriah

This man-made island sits off the coast of Dubai and is so large it can be seen from space. It’s the size of 800 football pitches and adds 87km to Dubai’s coastline. The Palm is home to many hotels including the incredible Atlantis The Palm, numerous upscale shops, restaurants and leisure facilities such as Aquaventure Waterpark and Dolphin Bay. The Palm offers a new and different Dubai experience and is rapidly becoming the top place to be.

Dubai Marina

The Dubai Marina is a fabulous place to walk around with skyscrapers and perfect clear waters, it is also the heart of Dubai’s café culture, and features the Marina Walk, a beachfront paved walkway with 305 outlets and 69 restaurants. It is a haven for shopping and indulgence.

Shopping Malls

Shopaholics are spoilt for choice in Dubai. The Mall of Emirates alone has over 500 fashion, electronics, interior and lifestyle stores plus more than 80 dining options, cinemas, hotels and entertainment venues. Dubai Mall has hundreds of stores and restaurants as well as being the home of SEGA republic, an indoor theme park with over 200 games.

Food

Dubai is a leading culinary hotspot for fine dining, international flavours and local specialities and is an absolute delight for any food lover. With celebrity chefs, Michelin starred restaurants and Friday Brunch events along with the Dubai Food Festival, there really is something to suit all tastes. 

Beaches

Dubai is home to some of the best beaches. Jumeirah beach is perhaps the most popular with its crystal-clear waters and soft white sand and you will find a string of cafes, barbeques, palm trees, desert gardens and children’s parks. Located across the Al Manara Road junction, Kite Beach sees thousands of tourists every year, who visit this beach specifically to enjoy extreme sports and kitesurfing. If you are looking to spend time relaxing, then Al Sufouh Beach is one of the best beaches. Al Sufouh Beach is one of Dubai’s best beaches. Nicknamed the Secret Beach, this hidden gem has rows of palm trees so it is hidden from the city.

Deserts and Mountains

Dubai’s dunes and desert landscapes offer a vast array of excursions including safaris, dune driving, and camel trekking. The Western Hajar Mountains which run alongside Dubai’s border with Oman boasts numerous trekking possibilities, with spectacular mountain scenery and a well-established network of trails; many of them along old donkey tracks through the mountains.

Dubai Creek

Dubai Creek marks the border between Deira, to the north, and Bur Dubai to the south. Located north of Al-Maktoum Bridge, one of best attractions is the Dhow Wharfage, where you can find beautiful dhows that are more than 100 years old and other boats still in use for trading.

Along Dubai Creek, on the Bur Dubai side, is the Al Seef district, a lovely area with beautifully kept buildings, shops, and a floating market. On the northern banks of Dubai Creek, Deira is the most multi-cultural part of the city and home of the famous souk. The Gold Souk of Deira is the world’s largest gold bazaar and the spice souk is a perfect place to wander for hours.

Burj Khalifa

The symbol of the city at 829.8 metres high, the now famous Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world and a must-see on any visit to Dubai. From the 128th floor Observation deck, the views are absolutely incredible.