Things to do in Dubai!
Dubai is becoming a great popular stopover destination for those travelling to The Indian Ocean, but it is also an amazing destination in its own right.
Considering a trip to Dubai? Long sandy beaches, grandiose shopping malls and souks, international championship golf courses, never-ending deserts and great landscapes - Dubai has so many things to offer.
Some of Dubai landmarks include the Jumeirah Mosque (from 1979) , in the style of Fatimi mosques in Egypt. It is a place of great contrasts where sophistication meets tradition, where East meets West!
Popular things to visit in Dubai include:
Malls: Shopping is one of the most intriguing things to do in Dubai. In the Souk Madinat that is in the Madinat Jumeirah Hotel there is a waterway to transfer customers from shops to bars, restaurants and a few hotels in the neighbourhood. The Mall of the Emirates has real snow in its indoor ski slopes. It makes a nice change from the beach.
Dubai International Airport: a major aviation hub, it is situated 4 km (2.5 mi) southeast of Dubai. The airport has three terminals, two cargo mega terminals, an airport free zone, an expo centre, a major air maintenance hub and a flower centre. There is also a great shopping mall with efficient agencies to find flights to Dubai .
Going to the Beach: Dubai has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world with white sand, dark turquoise water and lots of water sport activities.
Dune Bashing: There are experienced drivers who take visitors in SUVs to the sand dunes. They fly up and down the dunes for a thrilling ride. Some excursions include a gourmet dinner afterwards.
Wild Wadi: Wild Wadi is a water park that is just as extravagant as everything else in Dubai. It has water thrill rides, surfing and water slides that children and adults will enjoy.
Golfing: There are plenty of celebrities who play golf in Dubai. There are courses designed by Ernie Els and Colin Montgomerie. The most renowned course is the Emirates Golf Club where the Dubai Desert Classic is hosted. Better book tee times in advance.
Gold Souk: The quality of the gold, diamonds, platinum and silver is regulated by government controls, and this gorgeous jewellery is affordable. Even for those who don’t wish to buy, it is worth the stroll through this dazzling market. Haggling is a must to reduce the price and walking away can reduce it by almost half.
Burj Al Arab: The tallest hotel in the world claims to be seven star. With the Rolls Royces in the front courtyard and the magnificent fountains in the entrance hall, it is not understated and not meant to be. Visitors need to book a room or a table in one of the restaurants to get inside to see the aquarium, the top floor lounge and all the gold leaf. When VVIPs arrive, there are fireworks from the bridge.
Bastakia Quarter: Part of traditional Dubai, it is a mini maze of buildings, many with wind-towers, that have been converted into cafes and art galleries. It has a textile souk where visitors can see gorgeous bolts of fabric. It was once a quiet fishing village. From there visitors can take a water taxi for a scenic tour of the waterway.