Joanna James
Dubai has come a long way from just a stopover between the East and the West to a glamourous metropolis full of high-rise buildings, gigantic shopping malls and structures that keep breaking world records every day. Here are the top-rated attractions.
At 829.8m, the Burj Khalifa happens to be the tallest building on the planet. Its distinct outline has transformed Dubai's skyline making it a popular location for visitors from all over the world, especially tourists. The observation deck attracts many people as gives you unrivalled 360-degree views of the city. The Burj Khalifa's tall majesty isn't the only thing there is to see in the vicinity, you can also visit its carefully curated gardens and the Dubai Fountain which is the tallest in the world. It is within walking distance from Avani Ibn Battuta Hotel Dubai.
One of the grandest malls in Dubai, the Dubai Mall is located as the entrance to the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Aquarium. The mall is equipped with all the amenities, luxury boutiques for high-end brands as well as a cinema, gaming zone and ice-skating rink. There are plenty of options when it comes to eating and shopping as well as fashion shows and live music gigs. During the start of each year, the Dubai Mall plays host to the Dubai Shopping Festival and in Jul and August holds the Dubai Summer Surprises Festival. It is located in a place of convenience, just off of most of the major Sheikh Zayed Road Dubai hotels.
Located within the Al-Fahidi Fort, which was constructed circa 1787, Dubai Museum is a place that is quite unlike anything else in the city. That is, it's not new but a tribute to the old. Dubai has come a long way from these historic beginnings. The museum showcases a grand collection of old maps of the Emirates, as well as various dioramas that tell you the story of Bedouin life. There are also artefacts on display which were taken from the tombs at Al Qusais and have been dated to be over 3,000 to 4,000 years old.
Bastakia is Old Dubai. Built close to Dubai Creek, it was a settlement of Persian merchants that dealt in pearls and textiles during the 19th century. The buildings like the Al-Fahidi Fort are made of coral and limestone. One of the most fascinating aspects of Bastakia is the wind towers which were built so they could trap wind and funnel it through the house, creating what was the first instance of air-conditioning known to man.
From 1921 to 1958 Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum was the ruler of Dubai. His original residence constructed by his father in 1896 has been restored and used as a museum to showcase the intricacies of Arabian architecture. The original structure which was replaced by the remodel features teak doors, gypsum ventilator screens and wooden lattices across the windows. There are also display of old photographs of the region indoors.
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