Dubai is nothing short of amazing. Known for being a tourist mecca that offers travellers 5-star hotels, mega malls, thrilling adventures, and so much more, it makes it increasingly hard to limit the reasons to visit this magical city to just five. However, I am going to try:
The Views
With one of the most amazing skylines in the world, you can only imagine how breath-taking the views of the city and the Arabian Gulf really are. With a skyline filled with skyscrapers – one of which is the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building and man-made structure in the world – innovative architecture and natural beauty, there is so much to see while in this luxurious city. No matter where you are in the city – whether visiting Dubai Creek or are staying in a Dubai hotel room – you are never too far away from a beautiful and breath-taking view.
The Shopping
Being home to some of the world’s largest shopping malls – including The Dubai Mall – Dubai is a shopper’s paradise. Each housing high-end retail outlets, for those travellers looking for the perfect place to indulge in some retail therapy, Dubai is the place to visit. In addition to the numerous malls located in and around the city, Dubai hosts a month-long shopping festivals that includes concerts and giveaways where lucky shoppers can win cars and gold. For those who would like a less expensive shopping experience, Dubai is home to a number of Souks – including the Gold Souk, Spice Souk, and many more – where shoppers can use their haggling skills to purchase a number of bargains.
The Thrills
For thrill seekers, Dubai is an adult’s playground. With numerous attractions located across the city, thrill seekers can get their adrenaline pumping by taking part in an array of different activities. Ski Dubai – the Middle East’s first indoor ski centre – offers visitors the chance to try out their black run, while Aquadventure at Atlantis, the Palm is home to a variety of thrilling water rides – including the Leap of Faith, a nine storey tall mega-slide that hurtles riders down a near vertical drop in a single second before sending them through an acrylic tube surrounded by sharks and cownose rays – that will leave riders breathless once they reach the end. What’s more, there is the option to take to the desert’s sand dunes in a 4×4.
The Cultural Experience
There are almost 200 different nationalities who call Dubai their home, making it a multi-cultural melting pot. 90% of the population have moved to Dubai from outside the country, making Dubai one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. Most of the expats are first-generation, unlike other cosmopolitan cities like New York or London, and they bring with them a number of different cultural traditions, making the city incredibly diverse. This means that travellers are more than likely to meet and make friends with an array of people from different places, giving them insight in to their culture and their beliefs.
The Food
With an array of different cultures, comes an array of different foods. I love food and I always say that above anything, I travel through my stomach, and Dubai is the place to visit for all of those travellers who love food as much as I do. The diverse population has ensured the city has a vast range of food styles, with restaurants offering everything from Arab to Persian food, Indian to French food, and British to Chinese food. Additionally there are a lot of high-end restaurants that are owned by renowned chefs, with many more popping up throughout the city each year.
Dubai offers travellers a holiday destination they will never forget, with an array of experiences that will change the way they see the world and travel in the future.