Visiting Dubai in the United Arab Emirates promises something new every time. With landmarks that change the city’s skyline to new surprises for the family and thrills for adventurers, one can find plenty to check out on every trip.
Dubai’s population of about 3.6 million is the highest in the country’s seven emirates, and is a surprisingly clean city on the edge of a desert.
POLISH OF DUBAI
Seeing a dirty car in Dubai is unusual; everywhere you go, you’ll likely see people washing cars in parking garages, making it part of the polish of Dubai.
Karak House in downtown Dubai has robust views of the Burj Khalifa tower. It makes well-known traditional spiced teas and serves pancakes, granola and waffles, among other delights. The homemade breakfast, “karak,” is always a popular choice with customers, featuring eggs, zaatar labneh (a Middle Eastern spice blend of dried herbs like thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds mixed with a strained yogurt), hummus, toast and mushrooms at the minimum.
The Dubai Mall features an aquarium as well as an ice rink. If you’re in the mood for shopping, the top designer brands are only steps away.
The Time Out Market allows the finicky eater to choose between Belkan kebabs, Emirati machboos or truffle slices. Be sure to end the gorging with Scoopi’s ice cream.
DUBAI FOUNTAIN
The Dubai Fountain has wonderfully synchronized water jets dancing every half hour. The water takes on a particular sheen as the sun goes down.
For those interested in pampering themselves, The Spa at Palace Downtown has a specific treatment called One Desert Journey, where you’ll get a salt-and-desert-sand body scrub and a massage featuring Moroccan mint oil.
If you’re an opera or all-around theater nerd, the Dubai Opera brings in the globe’s top singers, ballerinas and even comedians.
STUNNING VIEWS
Of course, the day can’t end without visiting the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa. The observation deck is 555 meters (1,821 feet) above the ground, allowing visitors to see as far away as 60 miles (96.5 kilometers), according to a 2010 New York Times article.
From incredible views to tasty international food to vibrant nightlife, Dubai is a bucket-list destination for any traveler.
