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Dubai, the largest city in the United Arab Emirates, is known for extravagant displays of wealth. From an indoor ski center to the world’s tallest building and hotel, Dubai boasts some incredible feats of human ingenuity. But there’s also an older, simpler culture still present, and it’s worth taking a look into this part of Dubai as well. Here are our ten favorite places to visit in Dubai, UAE.

Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, and one of Dubai’s premier landmarks. If you’re a fan of observation decks, you’ll be amazed by the deck on the 124th floor. There is no better place to view the surrounding city, flanked by the desert on one side and the ocean on the other. You’ll find the skyline to be particularly breathtaking at night, when a sea of city lights glimmers brightly against the dark backdrop. Whenever you visit, be sure to begin by surveying the gardens that wrap around the building, as well as the Dubai Fountain, the world’s tallest performing fountain.

Dubai Mall

The world’s tallest building is impressive enough, but Dubai also boasts the largest mall in the world by total area. The Dubai Mall is equivalent in size to more than 50 football fields, with 3.77 million square feet of leasable space and over 1,200 stores. This is a shopper’s paradise, but even non-shopaholics will find plenty to enjoy. Dubai Mall is home to an extravagant cinema complex, an ice skating rink, the Dubai Aquarium, and an incredible number of restaurants. Whatever you fancy, Dubai Mall can keep you occupied for hours on end.

Dubai Desert Conservation Centre

While there are plenty of manmade wonders in Dubai, sometimes you just need to get away and enjoy nature. Dubai Desert Conservation Centre, which consists of roughly 87 miles of the Arabian Desert, is the perfect place to experience some outdoor adventure. If you’re looking for excitement, try sand boarding or dune driving. Or, if you’d rather have a more relaxing experience, you can join a traditional camel trek or take a falconry class. Make sure you make a reservation in advance, however, as only four tour companies are allowed to operate tours.

Jumeirah Beach

Dubai can get pretty hot, so a day at the beach is always appealing. Jumeirah Beach is the best spot in town, with soft white sand lining the serene, cool waters of the Persian Gulf. Whether you’re looking to sunbathe, swim, or participate in some water sports, this is the beach for you. There are also picnic and barbecue areas, as well as beachside restaurants to enjoy.

Ski Dubai

While the temperatures are usually pretty high, there is one place that will always keep cool: Ski Dubai. This is the Middle East’s first indoor ski center, complete with a five runs, a chairlift, and a snowboarding area. Ski Dubai also boasts the world’s first indoor black diamond run, as well as the world’s first penguin enclosure contained within the Middle East’s first indoor ski center. You have to see it to believe it.

Bastakia

Dubai is known for its extravagant displays of wealth, but the Bastakia Quarter offers something different. Also known as the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, it was built in the 1890s as housing for wealthy merchants. The buildings, designed in a distinctly Arabian style and made mostly of coral or limestone, have been extraordinarily well-preserved. If you’re looking for a glimpse of the old Dubai, Bastakia is an excellent choice.

Dubai Museum

Have you ever been to a museum in a fort? Dubai’s premier museum occupies the Al Fahidi Fort, which is Dubai’s oldest building and contains a rich history. With wings containing weapons, musical instruments, 4,000-year-old artifacts, and information about everything from sea life to folklore, this museum is one of the most educational places in the city.

Deira

The Deira district offers another look into a more traditional Dubai, away from the opulence of the downtown. Particularly noteworthy are the many traditional souks, or markets, which attract hoards of shoppers every day. Deira Gold Souk, for example, is the largest gold bazaar in the world, while the Deira Spice Souk is a fragrant hub for any spice you could think of. Once you’ve had your fill of the souk experience, head over to the Al-Ahmadiya School, Dubai’s oldest school and a museum devoted to public education.

Burj al-Arab

The Burj al-Arab is the world’s tallest hotel, and also one of the most luxurious. It stands on its own artificial island, boasting decadence the likes of which few people have ever experienced. But there are ways to enjoy the building without breaking the bank, thankfully. Booking an afternoon tea at the Skyview Bar on the 27th floor allows you to take in the Dubai cityscape, while dinner at the underwater Al-Mahara lets you witness the sea life while you eat. Also, if you visit at night you can see the choreographed lightshow on the exterior of the building.

Palm Jumeirah

You’ve probably seen pictures of this manmade wonder, but you need to check out this artificial archipelago for yourself. This impressive feat of ingenuity and architecture is a sight to behold, and the island is full of entertainment opportunities. One of the most noteworthy sites is Atlantis, a luxury hotel resort that also contains the Aquaventure water park. Aquaventure is home to the world’s longest water slide, the Aquaconda, as well as water coasters, underwater safaris, and even a section of sandy beach.

Planning an executive meeting or travel incentive to Dubai?  Contact Gavel International to explore the options and programs available.

Michael Richardson
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