Over the last 15 years, Dubai’s popularity has risen – attracting more holidaymakers year after year. Each year on average it’s seen an 11.9% increase in tourists, and as of 2013 was the seventh most travelled to place in the world. With its delicate-sand beaches, enchanting deserts and completely over-the-top flamboyant architecture it’s not hard to see why.
But in case that’s not enough to convince you, we’re here to show you why Dubai is a place that’s well worth your attention.
Some like it hot
This is a city that stays hot all year round, with temperatures reaching 50+°C in the summer (ok, maybe a bit too hot for our liking) and lows usually staying above the 20°C mark. April and May are particularly pleasant times to go, with temperatures around 25°C – lovely.
Let’s hit the beach
There is certainly no shortage of beaches in Dubai – JBR Beach is our pick of the bunch. It’s the most centrally located, free to enter and is one of the most popular. If you’re feeling peckish or parched there are plenty of juice bars and burger joints dotted along the beach to fulfil your needs.
Sports fans should check out Kite Beach, which is a regular hot spot for football and volleyball players. Make sure you have the skills if you want to join in with a match; you don’t want to end up face down in the sand.
Parasailing
If you feel like kicking the adrenaline meter up a notch or two, try your hand at some parasailing. You’ll jet out to sea in a cool little speed boat (the driver’s choice of tunes may not be so cool) before strapping up and flying off into the sky.
Gold Souk
Fancy seeing some gold? Loads and loads of gold? Take a trip to the gold souks to witness shop upon shop filled with the dazzling stuff (think Scrooge McDuck’s money pit and you’re not far off).
If you happen to see yourself as a bit of a haggler, then it’s a great opportunity to get a bargain. The shop owners are more than happy to barter until a solution has been reached that both parties are happy with. You don’t have to buy anything though, you can just marvel at all that lovely gold.
The Dubai Mall Water Fountain
You want to know about something that sounds quite cheesy, but is actually pretty cool? Let me tell you about the Dubai Water Fountain my friends. Listen to traditional Arabic music as fountain upon fountain sync with each other, looking like they’re dancing with the music.
They may even throw in the odd pop classic as the waters sway side to side like fans with their lighters out to a Phil Collins classic. Oh Phil, when are you going to make that new hit album? Ahem.
Shop til’ you drop
Dubai has some of the most extravagant shopping malls in the world where you’ll be able to shop for all the luxury brands including Chanel and Margiela. The Wafi Mall includes an extensive collection of artwork inspired by Pharaohs of the past and present. Over at The Mall of the Emirates it is a slightly lower key affair – only slightly though. Here you’ll find Magic Planet: a theme park adventure centre inside a mall, we don’t think we need to say much else.
Food
Dubai is a country where it is very easy to get a fine selection of foods from all over the world. As if they’re going to do something in Dubai, they like to do it the best. Whether you’re looking for some typical western cuisine, a vegetarian dish or some traditional Arabic delights, you’ll be sure to find them in Dubai. They are certainly not stingy on their portions either.
Pierchic is a popular choice, set on a pier stretching out into the Arabian Gulf, it serves some of Dubai’s finest seafood.
Aquaventure Waterpark
Now we’re talking! Aquaventure Waterpark in Atlantis has something for all water lovers, whether you’re searching for an adrenaline-fuelled ride or a relaxing wave machine. There is also an aquarium and you can stop for a spot of lunch at one of the many restaurants. If you’ve got the guts take The Leap of Faith and slide vertically down a nine-storey drop!
Skiing in Dubai
With temperatures averaging 30°C, the logical thing to do in the middle of the desert would be to go skiing right? But if they want to ski in Dubai, then ski they shall. Ski Dubai Winter Resort includes five runs that vary in difficulty, a 90-metre-long quarter pipe for stunts and an interactive snow park. It’s worth going just for how surreal the whole thing is.
Lucky number seven
This may not be on many people’s list of places to stay – unless you happen to grow gold in your back garden. But we had to give a quick mention to the Burj Al Arab, which is the world’s only seven-star hotel. The hotel rests on an artificial island and the royal suite will set you back a mere £11,000 a night! Pocket change, right?
The land of sand
If you’re going to Dubai, you have to visit one of the deserts there. Your hotel should have all the information you need to arrange a tour, which usually includes a drive over the sand dunes in a 4×4 – the experience is not dissimilar to going on a rollercoaster ride! You could also explore the sand dunes with a spot of camel riding, quad bike racing or even some sand surfing, which provides you with a rush of adrenaline as you hurtle down the sand slopes
Palm Islands
At The Palm Islands you will find two artificial islands in the shape of palm trees – another mark of Dubai’s extravagance. The islands comprise of 100,000 cubic metres of rock and sand, and we hear there are properties still available for purchase, if you wish.
For those not interested in buying though, you can always stay at one of the many hotels, which include the city-like Atlantis, The Palm. The islands also have entertainment activities including deep sea fishing and a spot of wind surfing.