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Dubai: A Modern-Day Marvel
Dubai can rightly be called a modern day miracle. If you look at Dubai's decades-old history, all that can be seen is barren desert lands, with no livable environment whatsoever. Its journey was not a smooth one, and it wouldn’t be entirely wrong to say that Dubai’s current ruler and UAE’s vice president and prime minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has been the man behind planning this enthralling city.
Today, not only Dubai has become one of the most livable cities around the world, but it also boasts of being one of the most developed, advanced and futuristic cities around the world, which makes it one of most visited travel destinations across the globe as well.
From having the tallest sky-scrapers amidst the clouds to the beautiful beaches and captivating deserts, it has everything one longs for in a travel destination. In this peace, we bring you the historical transformation of Dubai along with the top 10 places to be visited in this Emirati city.
Rich History of Pompous Dubai
Having officially been in existence for only over fifty years, Dubai’s history still can be traced back to as long as the 18th century when about 800 individuals from the Bani Yas clan, led by the Maktoum family, settled in the region in the early 18th century. The creek was a natural harbour before Dubai long turned into a place for the pearling, sea exchange and fishing.
By the twentieth century, Dubai was an efficaciously run port, and the souk (the Arabic word for market) on the side of Deira of the harbour was the biggest on the coastline, with over 300 shops and an unfaltering crowd of guests and business people.
Oil was found in 1966, and Sheik Rashid used the oil incomes to induce infrastructure development in Dubai including Schools, medical clinics, highways, enhanced airports and free trade zone ports.
In 1971, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah and (in 1972) Ras Al Khaimah, came together to form the United Arab Emirates. Through the 1980s and the 1990s, Dubai focused on developing as a unique global and high-quality tourism destination.
Dubai is presently a city that flaunts top brands in hospitality, stunning architecture design, and world-class entertainment. The amazing Burj Al Arab, presiding over the coastline of Jumeira beach is the world's only hotel with a seven-star rating!
Rich Ethnicity & Vibrant Culture
The religion practiced in Dubai is Islam, which influences its day to day life aspects. The Jumeirah Mosque , a fantastic example of Islamic design is one of the biggest in the world. It is made of stone in medieval Fatimid style. The mosque becomes very alluring, especially in the evenings, when inconspicuous lighting tosses its imagination into sharp relief.
Dubai’s remarkable ethnic and racial diversity, its immigrant history, institutions and all of its people have collectively made it one of the most cosmopolitan cities globally in every way possible, more so than others in the United Arab Emirates.
Best Places to Visit in Dubai
Dubai Miracle Garden
Were you under the impression that Dubai was all about enthralling sky-scrappers, giant malls, and huge amusement parks? You couldn’t have been more wrong! For our first spot, we picked the botanical beauty of Dubai.
With three Guinness Records under its belt, Dubai Miracle garden is a sight to behold. Giant Cartoon characters, airplanes, entrancing passages and even an entire castle, all made from the most eye-catching flora, are some of the many floral structures present here.
The floral castle offers dining facilities as well, which makes it the perfect place to have a small excursion with your family for a day.
Dubai Desert Safari
Your trip to Dubai won’t feel complete without experiencing the Arabic desert expedition. Several options to explore the vast stretches of desert include:
- Camel Safari: What better way to experience the early Arabic ways of life than a camel safari? Enjoy a ride of 45 minutes or more depending on your preferences and enjoy the thrill of exploring the desert the Emirati way.
- Quad-bike exploration: Hop-on to your rented quad-bike to explore the vast stretches of land. There won’t be a better way to explore the desert with a rush of adrenaline all the way through.
- 4 x 4 SUV: This option is for persons longing for a comfortable and easy desert exploration. Bash those sand dunes with the 4 x 4 SUV and explore the desert an easy way.
Generally, desert safari options come in packages in which you can opt for one, two, or all of three options to explore the desert. The other activities during Desert Safari include a delicious BBQ amidst the desert with other guests from around the world, cultural and dance performances and a full course meal at the end of the extravaganza.
Al Bastakiya
Al Bastakiya is one of the few monuments that showcase traditional Dubai. Located between Bur Dubai and Dubai Creek, the vicinity is a labyrinth of art galleries, cafes, museums, and buildings. Walking around the sand-hued, slender paths of the heritage region, you will undoubtedly notice wind towers on most architectures.
These towers went about as natural air conditioning systems back in the day and still keep the spot moderately relaxed. One can't resist the urge to acknowledge how perfectly the site has been re-established, particularly after the year 1970, when it was wrecked, and a few people wanted it to be decimated. This is a treasured piece of Dubai's history and a very recommended tourist destination, enough to inspire the traveller in you.
Dubai Aquarium: The Biggest Underwater Aquatic Zoo
Want to spend a day marvelling at awesome aquatic animals? So, hurry to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo situated at the Dubai Mall. Get an opportunity to interact up close and personal with approximately 33,000 marine creatures. Appreciate the marine life and exuberant climate of the ocean. Feel mind-boggling environment, and marvellous magnificence at the World's biggest aquarium exhibiting Goliath Sand Tiger Sharks, lovely Stingrays, and immense Groupers.
Watch feeding of the marine giants by experts, live and if you’re looking for a thrilling adventure, sign up for the Shark Walker diving and get to examine these beautiful marine giants closely.
Dubai Aquarium offers some unique and learning experiences for your kids viz., Junior and Senior Aquarist which are usually 3-hour programs. For children aged between 5-15 years, which include behind-the-scenes tour, meeting an expert aquarist, live-watch shark feeding, assist in feeding the animals, ride on a Glass-Bottom Boat and many more activities.
Dubai Creek
Dubai might be celebrated for the extravaganza and style of its amazing world towers, yet the real spirit of the city lies in the Creek. Dubai’s primary economy was initially based on fishing and pearl diving, which were carried out in the saltwater estuary. A water ride on a conventional abra is unmissable, and at a mind-blowing AED1 per ticket, it's comfortably one of the best vacation spots in the city.
If you're looking for a premium experience, book yourself a short dinner cruise in a Dhow, a traditional Arabian wooden Sailboat, offering 5-star meals with complimentary water and soda, passing amidst sparkling mosques and other heritage sites.
Palm Jumeirah
It’s a man-made island in the shape of a palm tree. Palm Jumeirah is a unique creation and one of the biggest artificial islands on the planet and a masterpiece displaying skillfulness of the human mind. The extensive range of top of the line inns, including the Waldorf Astoria, Fairmont, the famous, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray and, the luxurious Atlantis attract both sightseers, as well as locals. The sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel and numerous food trucks offering delightful snacks only add to this island’s charm. Not to forget, the lively evenings which are turned on by DJs, around the lavish pools.
Hatta Lake
Hatta is your place to go to if you want some time off from the city’s hustle-bustle. Situated about 130 km from Dubai’s main territory, the site will be sure to capture your attention with its incredible scenic beauty. It’s definitely an unmissable getaway! The serene Hatta Lake makes kayaking an enjoyable experience.
Ongoing developments in the region incorporate a chic cabin style lodging, trailer parks for glamping fans and a lot of adventure activities, for example, zorbing, free-fall bounces, mountain biking and that's only the tip of the iceberg. All the activities are accessible by means of Hatta Wadi Hub. Remember to pack your swimsuit as the Hub is additionally home to Asia's first ever water jump park, Hatta Drop-In.
Kite Beach
The Kite Beach is an ideal spot to test your water sports adroitness, yet there's a lot to do out of the water at this well-known spot, as well! Get yourself your favourite beverage from any of the outside restaurants and eateries and just stride along the shoreline, watching bikers and skaters fly by at the recently completed skate park or get into a round of volleyball.
With a lot of shoreline activities, in addition to a magnificent perspective on the Burj Al Arab, you may not want to spend an entire day here. It gets exceptionally occupied on Fridays and Saturdays when a shoreline advertisement with specialties and endowments is set up.
IMG World of Adventures
Fun, energetic, speed - and even 5D, you can expect this in the gigantic amusement park, which is to the extent of 28 football pitches. With the most advanced and energizing rides, IMG Worlds of Adventure will breathe life into your preferred characters.
There are themed rides of your kids’ favourite characters like Gumball, Ben 10, the Powerpuff Girls and LazyTown, while comic fanatic guests can experience the universe of Marvel superheroes: Spider-Man, Hulk, Iron Man, Thor, and The Avengers. You will likewise run over life-estimate enlivened dinosaurs in the Lost Valley. The scope of amusement guarantees nonstop diversion for the entire family, and there are a lot of eateries and shops.
Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa is an unmissable incredible modern engineering marvel. Standing at 828m height, it is hard to miss. The building acts as a global symbol that is both a model for future urban centers and advocates movement towards compact, liveable urban areas by combining cutting-edge technologies and cultural influences.
It is the world's tallest tower and dominates the Dubai skyline. The truly magnificent building is best experienced up close. On a bright sunny day, observation deck from the 124th floor provides one breathtaking view of the incredible city. And, if you want a more luxurious picture, floor number 148 is your place to be! Don’t forget to try the best meal you’ve ever had, amidst the clouds on level 122.
Bonus: Shop Duty-Free from Dubai Airport on Your Way Back
Being one of the world’s most prominent and busiest airports, Dubai Airport itself could be a complete shopping destination for all you shopaholics out there. Make sure to take some time out for the day you’ve scheduled your flight back home, and shop duty-free and grab some souvenirs back home for yourself and your dear ones.
Some of the best items to be bought from Dubai Airport include:
- Liquor: Get some of the most premium and fine champagnes and wines, all duty-free!
- Cigars & Cigarettes: High quality and top-brand Cigars and Cigarettes are available to buy from Dubai Airport.
- Handcrafted Camel & other small Souvenirs: A lot of options to choose from, our suggestion would be to go for handcrafted camels to bring a small part of middle-east back with you.
- Arabic Sweets & Dry Fruits: Some of the finest quality sweets and dry fruits can be bought from the Dubai Airport.
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Experience Lavishness Personified in These Best Places to Visit in Dubai
If you want to experience extravagant and pompous lifestyle up close, Dubai is the perfect place to be. Plan a trip with your family in 2019, and see for yourself, why Dubai ranks on top of the bucket-list of every traveler.