Joanna James
Tipped to be the Middle East's most popular tourist destination, the capital of the United Arab Emirates has a lot to offer visitors of all ages. Here are five of the best things to do during a holiday in the desert metropolis.
Often regarded as one of the best ways to uncover the history of the city as well as its tumultuous past, the Dubai Museum remains the ideal venue to uncover the cultural heritage of Dubai. Housed in the iconic Al-Fahidi Fort which dates back to 1787 in order to protect the Dubai Creek, the building in which the museum is housed is a relic in its own right. Made using coral blocks and bonded together using lime, the top floors of the fort are supported by poles. Plaster and palm fronds were used to build the ceiling of this fort which also served as the home of the ruling monarch, a prison, a garrison and a government office at various points in history.
Travellers who take advantage of Dubai hotel offers usually head to the city for one reason and that is the wealth of shopping experiences on offer. Those based at Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai and other centrally located resorts will be within walking distance of some of Dubai's retail paradises including the sprawling Ibn Battuta Mall, the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Marina Mall and City Walk. The Dubai Festival City, Mall of Emirates and Mercato Mall are also worthy of exploration even if the luxury brands and high fashion for sale at the venues are beyond your budget.
No trip to Dubai would be complete without exploring the many traditional retail hubs occupying its landscapes. There's nowhere better than the souks of Deira to shop till you drop in the maze-like atmosphere of its conventional marketplaces. The banks of the River Deira is where dhows loaded with goods disembark so visitors can also see how many of the products sold at the market arrive there. Renowned as one of the largest bazaars on the planet, some of the best things to purchase from the souks include spices, incense, perfumes, frankincense, rose water and other local specialities. The Heritage House ( built in 1890) and the Al-Ahmadiya School (built in 1920)are located close to the souks are two other highlights visitors can tour after a shopping spree in Deira.
The Dubai Frame is a one of a kind landmark that resembles a picture frame that's 150m in height. Inside the frame lie a host of galleries that delve into the heritage of the emirates as well as showcases of new Dubai and Dubai of centuries past. Going up to the Sky Deck and taking in the views and walking around the Future Dubai gallery are the main highlights of a tour.
Dubai is also the ideal city holiday destination for those who wish to go on a four-wheel drive across the arid plains of the desert or engage in dune bashing or desert camping activities. Available through a number of local tour operators, visitors can sign up for any of these wild adventures in the desert.
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.
