Over the past decades, Dubai has developed into an up-and-coming place in the Middle East. Focused on luxury and tourism, it is a hotspot for locals and tourists alike. It is the most populated among the seven emirates, constituting the United Arab Emirates. With many five-star hotels and architectural wonders, such as the tallest building in the world, Dubai has set a mark in the Middle East. Dubai, also known as the “City of Gold”, offers many places to visit and activities to enjoy. We have compiled a list of 10 places to visit in Dubai.
1. Burj Khalifa
Standing at a height of 828 meters, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world. Not only does the height of the building set a record, but so does the elevator, which is one of the fastest elevators in the world, travelling at an incredible speed of 10 meters per second. These elevators bring visitors to the observation decks, from which they can enjoy stunning views of the city. Besides the observation decks, Burj Khalifa entails luxury apartments, offices, restaurants, entertainment facilities and the Armani hotel. Moreover, the building attracts tourists with its iconic light shows during special occasions. The Burj Khalifa was designed by Adrian Smith and completed in 2010. Its sleek yet grandiose design was inspired by the shape of a desert flower called Hymenocallis. Burj Khalifa is an iconic, record-breaking building that represents the ambition and progress of the City of Gold.
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2. The Dubai Fountain
The Dubai Fountain is the largest choreographed fountain system in the world, featuring daily stunning displays of water and light that are synchronized with a variety of music. This impeccable spectacle is integrated with the Burj Khalifa, which is used as a stunning backdrop. This impeccable show is especially impressive during events in which the displays stand out more. The shows are free for the public and are in the heart of Downtown Dubai, right next to Burj Khalifa.
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3. Deira
Located on the eastern side of Dubai Creek, Deira is one of the oldest districts in Dubai. It is characterized by its traditional Arabian architecture with its narrow streets and old buildings, reflecting the rich history of the area. It has a long history as a center for trade and commerce in Dubai. Deira entails traditional souks, among which the most popular one is the Deira Spice Souk, where a great variety of spices can be found. There are also many restaurants that offer traditional Emirati as well as international cuisine. Moreover, Deira is home to many heritage sites, such as the Al Fahidi Historic District, in which the Dubai Museum is located. For visitors who would like to explore the area on water, Deira offers cruises on the traditional wooden boats known as dhows along the Dubai Creek and Abra rides with the traditional water taxis made from wood.
4. Dubai Creek
The Dubai Creek is a natural saltwater inlet that separates the city into two parts, namely Bur Dubai and Deira. It holds historical significance, as it has been a trading hub for centuries. Along the Dubai Creek, there are historic buildings depicting traditional Emirati architecture and gold and spice souks. Some popular activities at Dubai Creek include the dhow cruises and the abra rides, which offer stunning views of the city’s skyline.
5. Museum of the Future
The architecture of the Museum of the Future tends to reflect what this museum showcases. The oval-shaped, futuristic-looking museum is made of stainless steel and entails Arabic scripture. Not only is it a museum that showcases the latest advancements in technology and interactive exhibits on themes such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, robotics and sustainability, but it is also a platform that brings together researchers, experts, visionaries and more. It has become a renowned landmark in Dubai, symbolizing innovation and technological advancements.
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6. Dubai Aquarium
The Dubai Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world, located in the Dubai Mall, one of the biggest shopping malls in the world. The aquarium houses a wide range of sea creatures, including sharks, rays and fish. The aquarium offers shark-feeding and diving experiences. However, visitors who prefer to stay dry can observe sea life through the 48-meter-long underwater tunnel, the Underwater Zoo or the glass-bottom boat tours. The Aquarium provides educational programs, workshops and presentations aimed at increasing awareness of marine life and the importance of conservation. After immersing themselves in sea life at Dubai Aquarium, visitors can enjoy diverse dining options that overlook the aquarium.
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7. The Palm Jumeirah
As the name suggests, the Palm Jumeirah is a unique palm-shaped artificial island located off the coast of Dubai. It is one of the largest man-made islands in the world and features many attractions. It is home to luxurious villas, apartments and high-end resorts that offer impeccable views of the Arabian Gulf. Moreover, the islands entail the iconic Atlantis hotel and the Pointe, a vibrant waterfront destination.
8. Burj Al Arab
The sail-shaped Burj Al Arab is one of the tallest hotels in the world, with a height of 321 meters. It is located on its own island, offering great access to different attractions in Dubai. The hotel is known for its luxurious suites, exceptional service and world-renown restaurants, including the famous Al Muntaha on the 27th floor. Burj Al Arab offers a range of facilities, such as an infinity pool, a private beach, a luxurious spa and a tennis court located 211 meters above ground level. Moreover, guests can enjoy unique experiences, including private yacht cruises and helicopter tours. The hotel’s opulence has gained global recognition, attracting many visitors.
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9. Global Village
The Global Village is a multicultural festival park that unites diverse cultures, traditions and cuisines of different countries in the world in one place. Besides many entertainment options, such as concerts, live performances and cultural shows, there are also different delicacies from around the globe as well as numerous retail outlets. This family-friendly destination creates a festive atmosphere with colorful decorations and a funfair section with attractions for all age groups. The Global Village offers the whole world in one place.
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10. Dubai Frame
The Dubai Frame is an architectural landmark in the form of a 150-meter-high frame located in Zabeel Park. The Dubai Frame offers spectacular views of the city and its iconic landmarks from the observation deck as well as from the glass-floored sky deck at the top of the Dubai Frame. Inside the Dubai Frame, there are exhibits that demonstrate the transformation and progress of Dubai throughout history. This landmark has become a popular spot for photography as it is a great place to capture the frame of the city.
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