Dubai the most versatile capital of the world

8 December 2015 04:23 pm By Shehara Rizly Dubai is one of the most soughtafter destinations in the world by both Hollywood and Bollywood directors. It is a land of opportunities for people and strategically located as the hub where east meets west as well. Their airline connectivity is great and their plans to open yet another new airport is even better as there will be an influx of tourists flocking to this very busy destination. Then five years will bring about many changes for the emirate as they will be introducing new attractions to lure in more guests not just to Dubai but to the rest of the emirates too. Some of the new attractions in the pipeline include a Bollywood theme park, Marvel and Lego land and a few others to be added on. There are seven emirates in the UAE consisting Abu Dhabi – the capital, Dubai – business hub, Sharjah – cultural hub, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimahand Fujairah. Each of these emirates have their own lifestyle planned. Ajman will be hosting the World Golf Championship in 2016 in order to strengthen the tourist arrivals.

National Day

The national day for the UAE (United Arab Emirates) falls on 2nd December and this year they celebrate their 44th anniversary. There are many programmes planned for visitors and residents. Emirati’s too celebrate this event and it is a special holiday for both public and private sector companies.

Hub for the world

Its strategic position allows many visitors to at least spend an hour at the airport to connect to the next flight towards a further destination. It has equal opportunities for everyone in terms of employment, religion, gender etc. Although there are so many nations living in this hub – they are very peaceful as they respect each other which is really noteworthy. Trade shows, musical events, sports events, shopping or fashion events all take place amidst different crowds and as the expat population is quite large, even they organise their own little events which gather up from many different countries individuals. Something you need to look forward to next year will be the shopping festival in January and the “biggest theme park in the middle east” to be opened in October 2016 between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Must visit places in Dubai

If you visit Dubai, there are many things that you can do, see and indulge in. Some of them are quite expensive yet you can always find out when the rates are lower and make sure to visit them.

Dubai Fountain at the Dubai Mall

Located at the base of the world’s tallest tower, Burj Khalifa is the most amazing fountain that comes alive in the evenings at every half hour and some special times in the day time. It is said that this is the world’s largest dancing fountain and it is something you should not miss out, as it is free for everyone to watch. They start dancing away every 30 minutes generally from Sunday to Wednesday form 6pm to 11pm and a little longer from Thursday to Saturday. The fountain is 900 feet long and has five circles of varying sizes and two central arcs; the fountain shoots water jets as high as 500 feet equivalent to a 50- storied building. It is designed by a California based company known as WET; they are the creators of Bellagio in Las Vegas as well. Apparently there are over 25 colour projectors utilized to create a visual spectrum of over 1000 different attractions.

Burj Al Arab (Tower of the Arabs)

The world’s only seven star hotel designed to resemble a billowing sail, the Burj Al Arab is 321 meters in height and known to be the fourth tallest hotel in the world. It is an iconic symbol and used in most of the advertising material all over the world. It looks very majestic and a photo option is possible from two main areas, one is actually in front of the hotel – you are allowed to take a few quick shots but you must park the vehicle away and walk there. There is a public beach next to it and that is one area from where you would get the best view as if you are standing in front of the property. It has consistently been voted as the most luxurious hotel and the illumination in the night is really an amazing sight not to be missed.

Wild Wadi

An outdoor water park located in front of the Burj Al Arab and the famous Jumeirah beach hotel. It is themed around the tale of Juha, a well- known character from Arabian folklore. It offers about 30 rides and attractions for the entire family and is a must visit attraction.

Burj Khalifa

The tallest tower in the world, it is certainly an amazing feat of engineering and you can visit it by purchasing a ticket either at the Dubai Mall or from certain travel agents and tour operators. The visit is called, “At the top” and it is the highest viewing platform in the world. It is located on level 124, this observatory becomes the highlight of any visit to the Middle East. Your journey begins from the lower ground level at the Dubai Mall. From the time you enter, you will be entertained by the multimedia presentation and learn about the history of Dubai and the structure as well. On 31st night, the beautiful fire. works display and the special lighting effects of the tower make it a spectacular view for all visitors. Most people drive up to a place where they can witness these special effects with friends and family and enjoy themselves as they greet in the New Year.

Atlantis the Palm

Those of you who may have watched. the famous Hindi movie “Happy New Year,” will definitely remember this iconic structure. This luxurious five star property stretches over a vast area of land and is once again. another iconic structure where many visitors flock to take a photograph. It is situated on the Palm Island – a manmade island which captured the world’s imagination and where many famous personalities are said to be having their own home too. However, the Atlantis hotel is an up-market resort which caters to couples and families alike with unique features such as marine habitats, an exhilarating water park with pristine beaches, world class cuisine with 18 restaurants to choose from, an indulgent spa, and the most important of all is the shopping experience – the cosmopolitan boutiques will surely make you shop until you are satisfied.

Meydan Races

Most often, on Saturday evenings you can witness some great real life horsing events at the stand. Entrance is free except for certain signature racing events. You can have a good view either seated at the stand or go very close to the line and even have the chance to witness the jockey and horse at close proximity before and after the event, especially if you feel adventurous enough to sit on the grass patches adjacent to the main line which separates the course from the spectator area.

Ibn Battuta Mall

It is a must visit mall inspired by the great Moroccan explorer Ibn Battuta with many interesting facts about the early times of the Middle East. Also, the early methods of arithmetic, medicine, trade, musical instruments and so many other facts are presented in various places grabbing the attention of the visitor. There are six different courts segmented which are the countries visited by the explorer. They consist of Egypt, India, China, Andalusia, Persia and Tunisia. It occupies an area of 521,000 square meters and has 270 shops, 50 restaurants, 21 screen cinemas and will be further expanded very soon. You can get there by metro or bus from all leading bus and metro stations.

Global Village

This has been providing cultural entertainment for the past 15 years with an international shopping experience to millions of visitors from around the world. Apart from thrilling rides, attractions, games and fireworks displays there are also live performances, delectable cuisine, handicrafts and merchandise from various countries at different pavilions once again. Every year from November to March it is open and you can register on the website if you wish to visit this year.

Palm Island

Most visitors visit the Palm Jumeirah for a wonderful holiday break as there are some world famous hotels located close by with amazing attractions, luxury fashion and shopping malls especially for the discerning travellers who would prefer to be a little more pampered. There are various water sports, theme parks, aquariums and a wide range of daytime activities that one can decide on depending on his/her own choice. However, the list is endless for the up market traveller as I mentioned.

Dubai Creek

You can take a trip in the water taxi in the natural seawater inlet and experience a good view of the old trading port and the dhows from the water. A cruise to Al Maktoum bridge will pass many of the city’s historic and modern landmarks. If you actually stroll around the wharf you are sure to get a picturesque glimpse of Dubai’s trading heritage where dhows bound for distant places dock to unload goods.

Ski Dubai

This is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East and it offers the most amazing snow setting to enjoy skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing or simply just playing in the snow. Ideal for teenagers, adults and kids too, there is something for everyone irrespective of age. It is quite exciting to experience snow right throughout the year in Dubai. All necessary clothing and gear to be clad in the snow are available for the visitors so it is an experience not to be missed.

Dubai Marina

It is the largest man-made marina in the world and home to many yachts and a great Dubai Marina mall. Whether it is during the day or in the evening, it is always a lovely place to walk around (remember to wear proper walking shoes), a good time to have a relaxing stroll especially in the winter as the summer months can be humid. The Dubai Marina Yacht Club (DMYC) has gained a reputation as one of the renowned private yacht clubs of the region with a club house that has a sheltered berthing for over 500 yachts. It has various programmes for those who are keen in yachting and many interesting events are organized.