Autumn and winter are the best time to relax in Dubai: the unbearable heat subsides, making it possible to visit the sights of the Arabian Peninsula without risk to health. Half a century ago, instead of skyscrapers, highways, parks and shopping centers, there was a desert here. And today more than 15 million tourists come here, on the coast of the Persian Gulf, a year. Where to go in Dubai and what to do, read our guide for travelers.
See the "most-most"
It is best to admire the artificial island Palm Jumeirah, considered the eighth wonder of the world, skyscrapers, the Persian Gulf and picturesque sand dunes from a bird's eye view - for example, from the cockpit of a helicopter or a seaplane. An alternative to the flight can be acquaintance with the sights from the observation decks.
A beautiful view opens from the Al Muntaha restaurant, which is located on the 27th floor of the Burj Al Arab tower. This 321 meter tall building, shaped like a sail, has become a symbol of Dubai.
And the most dizzying observation decks are located in the tallest skyscraper in the world that looks like an arrow: the Burj Khalifa rushes up 828 meters. A high-speed elevator takes tourists who have bought tickets to the observation decks to the 124th, 125th and 148th floors. The last one is at an altitude of 555 meters!
Burj Khalifa is home to the giant Dubai Mall. There is also a three-story aquarium, the largest in the world. More than 30 thousand marine inhabitants live in it: sharks, rays, octopuses, all kinds of fish. Brave divers can swim with sharks, while those who are afraid to dive under water are offered a boat ride and feed the predators.
Near the Burj Khalifa there is an artificial lake with the world's largest fountain complex, where an enchanting fountain show takes place every day and in the evening. And although the performance only lasts a few minutes, viewers take their seats in advance, including sailing closer on boats.
Soon, a unique museum of the future in Dubai will be added to these attractions. Today, its facade - a ring decorated with 3D calligraphy - is becoming an object for photography. The building, the construction of which is estimated at more than $ 315 million, will showcase the latest technical developments and new scientific achievements.
Visit the desert
Dubai Nature Reserve surprises with mesmerizing sand dune views and a variety of flora and fauna. The Arabian desert is home to sand cats, foxes, gazelles, hares, hedgehogs, camels and Arabian oryx - a rare endangered species of antelope.
Depending on the excursion program in the desert, tourists ride bicycles, snowboards, off-road vehicles and camels, and also fly in hot air balloons, participate in a safari https://www.bigreddxb.com and have dinner at a Bedouin camp, watching belly dancing and slowly chatting behind a hookah.
Find out the past
Little has survived from the old town, but in the Bastakia area you can still walk along narrow streets lined with 19th century houses, where pearl divers and Persian merchants settled. A peculiar attraction of this place is the wind towers, which can be considered the first local “air conditioners”.
The oldest building of the metropolis is also located in Bastakia - the Al-Fahidi fort, built in 1787 and serving as the residence of the rulers, an arsenal and a prison. Today it houses a local history museum, which tells about local customs, the cultivation of dates, and the pearl industry, which was the main commodity before oil production. Next to the exhibits are brief descriptions in English and Arabic.
Where to go in Dubai with children
The three-story Children City Center in Creek Park is designed specifically for children. Here the child will learn what space is, what physicists and chemists do, get acquainted with the culture of the peoples of the world, take part in master classes and games. And most importantly, for this he does not need to speak a foreign language. All lessons are structured in such a way that children understand teachers without words.
A visit to the Miracle Garden Flower Park will remain in the memory of the whole family. Seven hectares of the former desert are occupied by giant floristic installations, flower beds, cars, pyramids, clocks filled with flowers. All this splendor will not only make an impression, but also become an excellent background for a photo.
Visit Abu Dhabi and Yas Island
The capital of the United Arab Emirates - Abu Dhabi - is another place that boggles the mind. You should definitely come here to stroll through the huge Sheikh Zayed Mosque, whose walls are decorated with gold and gems, see the falling Capital Gate tower and visit the Arab Louvre with a lacy floating dome. Here is a collection of paintings by great masters: Gauguin, Monet, Rembrandt, Leonardo da Vinci.
The center of attraction for tourists in Abu Dhabi is Yas Island. It is famous for the giant Ferrari World water park and amusement park, which is located next to the Yas Marina F1 circuit.
At Ferrari Park, you can admire the famous racing cars and ride 20 different attractions, including the world's fastest roller coaster, Formula Rosso, and the highest dead loop. For a trip to Ferrari World, it is better to choose a weekday to avoid long queues, and tickets will be cheaper if you buy them online.
You can get to Abu Dhabi on your own in two hours by bus or taxi.
Hot and austere Dubai: tips for tourists
There is a dress code in Dubai. Women should definitely cover their shoulders and knees; some attractions are not allowed to visit without a headscarf or scarf. Shorts and T-shirts are acceptable in many places other than mosques and old districts.
Before taking a photo of a local resident, it's best to get their consent, especially if it's a woman. It is also unacceptable to demonstrate feelings in public here: you can hold a loved one by the hand, but it is better to refrain from kissing.
It's always hot in the UAE, so a hotel with its own pool will be very welcome. Conveniently located next to the World Trade Center Metro Station is the Novotel Dubai World Trade Center .
And for family holidays, the Pullm an Dubai Creek City Center Residence apartment hotel with a well-equipped kitchen is suitable .
In addition to traditional types of transport - metro, buses, taxis - abras are a convenient means of transportation on water. These small modern boats are considered a landmark in the UAE and ply in different directions.
Lovers of gold, silver and gemstones will surely love the Gold Souk near Al Ras Metro Station, where precious metal jewelry can be bought for scrap prices. In addition to genuine Cartier and Chopard jewelry, here you can find inexpensive copies of every brand imaginable. Such a purchase will be a wonderful gift and a reminder of the country where all the sights are "the best".
