There are dozens of places in the world that people may not think they can afford as a tourist, never mind a citizen. From the bright lights of Las Vegas to the urban utopia of Singapore, it’s hard to justify going so far for an ultimately expensive trip; however, there’s one place that’s not only cheap to fly to, but hotels are very reasonable as well – at least, when one considers how pricey the area is traditionally known to be.
Dubai has undergone a remarkable transformation over the last 30 years, turning the oil-rich emirate into a sprawling futuristic landscape covered in beautiful skyscrapers, manmade lagoons and one of the most exclusive destinations this world has to offer. As the largest city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it gained independence from the UK in 1971, making it a friendly and often culturally-familiar location for Brits and North Americans who don’t want to worry too much about new languages.
- DubaiStephan Geyer
Tourism is one of the biggest assets to the Dubai government, after its obvious oil fields (which themselves were only discovered four decades ago). Dubai primarily focuses on shopping as a key attraction,but its rich history also gives it a fantastic variety of ancient and modern attractions. This brilliant combination has led to the emirate becoming the eighth most visited city of the world, and is expected to accommodate well over 15 million tourists by 2015.
As far as shopping is concerned, there really is something for everyone. Not only does Dubai have more than 70 shopping malls, but it also has the world’s largest with the Dubai Mall. This, like most other things in Dubai, is not seen as excessive – just a way of life. Even inside the mall, visitors can experience some mind-blowing creations that outdo any rivals around the world. For example, the shopping centre is home to the largest suspended aquarium in the world, which houses 33,000 marine animals and has a single panel measuring 32m x 8m across. It also has the world’s largest indoor waterfall, the biggest candy shop (930m2), and an Olympic-sized ice rink.
Many boutiques, electronics shops and department stores work on the standard fixed-price basis, but most outlets around the mall will happily barter using friendly negotiation; it’s no wonder why Dubai’s premier shopping destination gets over ten million more visitors each year when compared to Times Square, Central Park and Niagara Falls.
- Burj Al ArabJoi
Bigger is better outside, too. The Burj Khalifa – the tallest manmade structure in the world – beats even the largest radio masts by over 200m, standing proud at 829.84m. While visitors can’t go to the very top – floors 160 to 124 are largely privately owned – they wouldn’t want to, as floor 124 doesn’t sway so much in the wind; you also get a better view, owing to a larger deck.
If crazy architecture is your bag, there may be a chance to visit one of the three Palm Islands on the coastline. Each settlement – Jumeirah, Jebel Ali and Deira – is (or is currently being shaped into) a palm tree island topped with a crescent, hosting residential, leisure and entertainment complexes throughout. They add an estimated 520 kilometres of beaches to the city. In between Jumeirah and Deira is the crazy development known simply as “The World” – a collection of islands reflecting the world map, split into countries. If a person has a lot of money and wants to buy Angola, for example, they may have the opportunity. Chances are they won’t, though.
Water parks will stop people overheating in Dubai. Aquaventure sits pretty in Atlantis the Palm Hotel, while the Wild Wadi Water Park – featured in many TV shows around the world – sits between the immediately recognisable wave-shaped Jumeirah Beach Hotel and the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab.
Finally, if the history of Dubai is top of someone’s list of things to see and do, visiting places around the creek will give them what they want. This area, which splits Dubai into two (Bur Dubai and Deira), gives the real feel of the old city. Visitors can go pearl diving and fishing, while the area is being actively preserved to recreate life in Dubai as it used to be. Elsewhere, there is the Dubai Museum in the restored Al Fahidi Fort, which was built in 1799 and the Heritage Village of Hatta, which is around 115 kilometres south-east of Dubai City, which can be traced back to about 3,000 years ago.
So, if you’re considering the excursion, what are you waiting for? Check out the deals available and head to this sprawling metropolis at a surprisingly low price!
