A trip to Dubai can be the richest of experiences. With iconic buildings and some of the world’s bests of many, there are a lot of outings to explore. If you need a few ideas, consider these:
1. The Dubai Frame. One of the first places to visit should be The Dubai Frame, one of the UAE’s most recent cultural landmarks. This iconic structure holds the Guinness World Record for the “largest picture frame in the world” and frames extraordinary views of Old and New Dubai. It connects the Emirate’s rich past to the exquisite city it has become present day. Built in 2018, it is 150 meters high and 95 meters wide. This structure showcases contemporary Emirates Towers and Burj Khalifa (new city) on one side, and Deira and Karama (old city) on the other side.
Tours are offered most days from 9 am to 9 pm. Be sure to check hours during major holidays such as Ramadan. You can also purchase tickets ahead of time to avoid long waits. Guests are asked to wear respectful clothing at all times, shoulders and knees are to be covered when visiting as a general policy.
2. Burj Khalifa. The world’s tallest building is The Burj Khalifa, located a
a short distance from the Dubai Frame. It is one of Dubai’s top attractions and understandably so. It is also home of the world’s fastest elevator. Zip to the 124th & 125th floors for a short presentation about Dubai’s history. The 124th floor stuns with floor-to-ceiling glass walls and panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf while the 125th floor is an open-air terrace and observation deck with ocean and desert views.
If you’re not afraid of heights, you are sure to be impressed with this popular Dubai attraction.
3. The Burj Al-Arab hotel is renowned for having a “seven-star status’’ and is the highest-ranking hotel in the world. Its level of customer commitment is out of this world, and guests even get a “Pillow Menu” to choose from 17 different styles (wow!). It is comprised of fine-dining restaurants, incredible beaches, and an expansive Burj Al-Arab Terrace.
Since opening in 1999, the Burj Al-Arab has hosted a prestigious guest list of VIPs and celebrities from around the globe.
he Burj Al-Arab hotel has put Dubai on the global luxury tourism map, complete with a private island. Shaped like a sail and located in Palm Jumeirah, the Burj Al-Arab is truly the ultimate destination spot.
4. Shopping Malls. Dubai has more than a dozen shopping malls and centers. The Dubai Mall is one of the largest in the world and has outstanding family-oriented entertainment. There are more than 1,200 retailers to explore, including Bloomingdale’s. This mall even has a dedicated section for couture enthusiasts called Fashion Avenue. Splurge on Louboutin, Fendi, and Dior, and then treat yourself and your crew to some fun at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.
The Mall of the Emirates also offer a wide range of couture and street-style fashion, including the tech-focused Apple boutique and department stores like Marks & Spencer and Debenhams. After a long day of “shopping ‘til you drop,” feast on a bowl of dumplings at one of Dubai’s popular Asian eateries or have a warm cup of joe at one the mall’s hip café shops. If you have children in tow, let them loose at Magic Planet, a popular indoor fun and games center.
Dubai is also home to Dubai Festival City, another lively shopping center; the Dubai City Walk, for outdoor browsing; and the Dubai Marina Mall. And, if you’re looking for luxurious ambience while shopping, you’ll love discovering Italian Renaissance-inspired Mercato Shopping Mall. There is a setting for every type of shopper, making this truly a luxury spender’s utopia!
5. Dubai Snow. After leaving the Mall of the Emirates, you only have to go to the roof to find Snow Dubai, one of Dubai’s most-beloved “outings.” You can glide on ice at the Olympic-sized skating rink, play with penguins, roll downhill in the snow, ride a bobsled, or explore the snow cavern! This incredible indoor wonderland captures hearts of all ages.
Play a while, or for the rest of the day – and then head back downstairs to refuel and try another one of those fabulous restaurants.
These are only a handful of exciting places to see. There is much to discover in this city that many only dream of visiting … Make your dreams come true with a trip to one-of-a-kind Dubai. Ancient culture, modern luxury, and adventure await you!
