As a child, I grew up listening to the fascinating tales of The Arabian Nights. The incredible lavish lifestyle that was described in the tales of the history, the iconic Arabian Belly dancing and of course the famous story of Ali Baba and The 40 Thieves transcended me from the city nights to the dreamland of rich and varied heritage. Cut to 30 years later, when I finally had the opportunity to travel to this magnificent city, it was time to live and experience the childhood memories.
Dubai is the most glamorous and one the most progressive emirates in the UAE. Luxury lifestyle is synonymous to this city. So when I decided to visit and explore this place, my excitement levels were at its peak. I had heard so much about Dubai that I really wanted to take it slow when it came to exploring the city.
The first pit-stop had to be the gorgeous Burj Khalifa. Standing tall at 830m high, this sky scrapper will for sure leave you spellbound with its architecture details and magnanimity. There are two pit-stop to Burj Khalifa - One at the 124th floor and the other at the 148th floor which has an observation deck. Another interesting fact about the tallest structure is that you get to the 124th floor in an elevator in about 60secs! The entrance to Burj Khalifa is through the luxurious Dubai Mall. If you are a brand addict and do not mind in splurging, this mall is for you. The brands that you see on your favorite celebrities are available all under one roof.
The parkland of Burj Khalifa has an artificial lake. Take a ride in the Abra at the dusk in the lake to witness the beautiful Dubai Fountain Show.
If there is anything adventurous that I have done in my life till now, then The Hot Air Balloon ride will definitely be on the number one spot. This was how I wanted to visit the desserts of Dubai, get a close look at the Falcon show and do the dune bashing. Whether you're with a partner, in a group or just a solo traveler; the hot air balloon ride offers the mesmerizing ride at the crack of dawn, seeing the sunrise from the balloon, float through the cool breeze of the dessert and finally landing on the dune - once in a lifetime experience.
Visit The Gold Souks of Dubai if you're the type who loves jewlery. They have something in store for all age groups and the designs are infinite.
You can't not go to Atlantis The Palm when in Dubai. This place is another world altogether. With a theme park, luxury residences; you can just go on and on about Atlantis. Luxury is an underrated term for this place. I just loved every bit of time spent here. The people, the place, the beautiful cars driving through the drive ways, the restaurants - my favorite Gordan Ramsay has his restaurant here; I could just go on with the list of delight.
Getting around in Dubai is extremely easy and tourist friendly. There are the Dubai Rails that are very well connected to most of the tourist locations. The taxi's are also plenty in number although a bit heavy on the pocket. In case you plan to pub hop or stay out late, cabs are recommended as the traffic rules and laws are very strict in Dubai.
I left a little early before The Dubai Global Village festivities kick started. But if you can plan your trip around the next Global Village Festival to witness the culture and heritage of different countries in one place, you surely want to be in Dubai during this time.
I was also hoping to see Shah Rukh's residence in The Atlantis while I was there, but I was denied access (what a bummer!!).
My next trip to Dubai will definitely be around The Dubai Shopping Festival so that I can shop till I drop. Until then, Shukran Dubai!
Dubai is the most glamorous and one the most progressive emirates in the UAE. Luxury lifestyle is synonymous to this city. So when I decided to visit and explore this place, my excitement levels were at its peak. I had heard so much about Dubai that I really wanted to take it slow when it came to exploring the city.
The first pit-stop had to be the gorgeous Burj Khalifa. Standing tall at 830m high, this sky scrapper will for sure leave you spellbound with its architecture details and magnanimity. There are two pit-stop to Burj Khalifa - One at the 124th floor and the other at the 148th floor which has an observation deck. Another interesting fact about the tallest structure is that you get to the 124th floor in an elevator in about 60secs! The entrance to Burj Khalifa is through the luxurious Dubai Mall. If you are a brand addict and do not mind in splurging, this mall is for you. The brands that you see on your favorite celebrities are available all under one roof.
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| Burj Khalifa - at the break of dusk |
The parkland of Burj Khalifa has an artificial lake. Take a ride in the Abra at the dusk in the lake to witness the beautiful Dubai Fountain Show.
If there is anything adventurous that I have done in my life till now, then The Hot Air Balloon ride will definitely be on the number one spot. This was how I wanted to visit the desserts of Dubai, get a close look at the Falcon show and do the dune bashing. Whether you're with a partner, in a group or just a solo traveler; the hot air balloon ride offers the mesmerizing ride at the crack of dawn, seeing the sunrise from the balloon, float through the cool breeze of the dessert and finally landing on the dune - once in a lifetime experience.
 |
| Sunrise from The Hot Air Balloon |
Visit The Gold Souks of Dubai if you're the type who loves jewlery. They have something in store for all age groups and the designs are infinite.
You can't not go to Atlantis The Palm when in Dubai. This place is another world altogether. With a theme park, luxury residences; you can just go on and on about Atlantis. Luxury is an underrated term for this place. I just loved every bit of time spent here. The people, the place, the beautiful cars driving through the drive ways, the restaurants - my favorite Gordan Ramsay has his restaurant here; I could just go on with the list of delight.
 |
| The Atlantis |
Getting around in Dubai is extremely easy and tourist friendly. There are the Dubai Rails that are very well connected to most of the tourist locations. The taxi's are also plenty in number although a bit heavy on the pocket. In case you plan to pub hop or stay out late, cabs are recommended as the traffic rules and laws are very strict in Dubai.
I left a little early before The Dubai Global Village festivities kick started. But if you can plan your trip around the next Global Village Festival to witness the culture and heritage of different countries in one place, you surely want to be in Dubai during this time.
I was also hoping to see Shah Rukh's residence in The Atlantis while I was there, but I was denied access (what a bummer!!).
My next trip to Dubai will definitely be around The Dubai Shopping Festival so that I can shop till I drop. Until then, Shukran Dubai!
