Joanna James
As one of the Middle East's most visited tourist hotspots, the city of Dubai is a popular holiday destination for all. Here are 5 not-to-miss highlights on a tour of the city.
When it comes to Dubai city attractions, it should come as no surprise that one of the main points of interest for all visitors heading to the capital is the Dubai Mall. As the retail highlight all visitors to the city flock to for branded wares and designer clothing, the Dubai Mall also holds the distinct honour of being the largest mall in all of Dubai. Attracting a whopping 54 million shoppers annually this larger than life retail space is home to 1200 stores including signature outlets of the world's leading fashion and lifestyle labels. The Dubai Mall, however, is not strictly reserved for shopaholics as it also contains the Underwater Zoo as well as the Dubai Aquarium. The latter is home to an impressive 300 varieties of marine creatures including stingrays and shark species.
Often regarded as the most recognizable landmark in the city, the Burj Khalifa can be identified as the official symbol of the desert city oasis and one of United Arab Emirates' finest engineering feats. A record holder in every sense of the term, the Burj Khalifa is not only the structure with the highest number of floors anywhere on the planet but the tallest man-made building in the world. Containing the globe's longest distance travelling lifts, the Burj Khalifa is also home to the world's tallest observation deck. What's more, the world's highest placed nightclub is also located within this magnificent structure which is deemed the most popular tourist attraction in the city.
As one of the most visited tourist highlights in the city, the Dubai Fountain is another record-breaking attraction all visitors must experience. Ideally situated within a short distance of AVANI Deira Dubai Hotel and numerous other hotels in Dubai Deira, the fountain is the globe's second most expansive choreographed system of fountains. Occupying pride of place in the Burj Khalifa Lake which is spread out across 30 acres, the light and sound spectacle is among the best audiovisual displays in the city. Employing 6600 lights and twenty-five projectors, the fountains dance to the beat of Western and Arabic hits with water reaching heights of up to 500 feet on occasion.
Whether one is a beach lover or is simply looking to relax in one of Dubai's most popular recreational hubs, spending an afternoon at Jumeirah Beach is a must. Not only does the area feature some of the city's finest beachfront restaurants and properties but the beach is perfect for a few hours or rest and relaxation surrounded by stunning ocean views and a cool breeze. Pack a picnic and enjoy a meal on the shores of this stunning piece of paradise in Dubai.
Wild Wadi is an amusement park par excellence in Dubai and its location across the road from the Burj Khalifa makes it the perfect pit stop for most visitors exploring Dubai. A well-known family attraction, the Wild Wadi is an edutainment point of interest which not only entertains but informs visitors young and old about fascinating stories from local folklore and Arabian legends. Opening its doors to the public at 10 am, the venue closes at 6 pm during the months from November to February and at 7 pm from March to May and once again from September to October. The park closes at 8 pm from June to August.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
