The second largest Emirate and one of the world’s most multicultural countries, Dubai invites travel folk to marvel over its manmade shores and opulent lifestyle.
WHY WE THINK YOU’LL LOVE IT
- Dubai has undergone an extraordinary transformation from a sleepy fishing and pearl diving centre on the shores of the Gulf to the ultra-modern city-state of today in a matter of just a few decades.
- Cultural attractions may be light on the ground, but that is simply not what Dubai is about. What it does, it does very well.
The tiny Emirate of Dubai has seen a seismic shift in growth over the past twenty or so years. It may have lost some of its lustre during the recent financial crisis, however, she’s come back with a vengeance (as well as pure opulence) to build itself to a Grande status in time for hosting the Expo 2020.
DID YOU KNOW
- The worlds tallest building, the 164-floor Burj Kalifa, is situated in Dubai
- With over 1200 stores, the Dubai Mall is the world’s largest shopping centre
- Dubai is thought to be the world’s fastest growing city with only one skyscraper in 1990 and over 400 today
- There are no street addresses in Dubai
- 80% of Dubai’s residents are from other countries
- Double-decker roads have been introduced to help reduce traffic jams
Dubai still remains an archetypal winter sun destination for luxury holidays – good weather is all but guaranteed, there’s a choice of outstanding resorts, pristine beaches, warm sea, famously good (tax-free) shopping, and all within reasonable flying time of the UK. The portfolio of quality luxury hotels and desert resorts is always expanding, as are the dining options. With a large expat community and international flavours influencing the cuisine, Dubai now hosts a number of fine dining establishments, including Michelin star and celebrity chef hosted restaurants. Café culture is also something of a lifestyle adaptation in Dubai with a number of great ice cream parlours, cake shops and sheisha bars dotted throughout modern city – not a bad way to spend your luxury holiday.
Modern Dubai is a cosmopolitan society with a wide range of attractions, from watersports, golf and tennis to international sporting events such as horse racing’s World Cup. Dubai’s legendary tax-free shopping ranges from traditional Arabic souqs to opulent, marble-clad malls, where the choice (and price) of products are unrivalled.
The past hasn’t been completely erased by the present, however. Dubai’s old heart can still be found in the Bastakia area around the Creek, from where wooden dhows still trade across the Gulf and further afield. And not every modern building is a hotel – the Jumeirah Mosque is a striking example of modern Islamic architecture and well worth a visit.
For that burst of much-needed winter sun, a Dubai luxury holiday isn’t easily beaten. Our Middle East team are here to help with every detail of your trip whether it’s a high tea in the Burj al Arab (Dubai’s tallest building to date) or the best spot to dine whilst watching the famous water fountain show at the Dubai Mall. Dubai has it all and more, the country is so multi cultural that one day you could be sat in an American style diner and shopping in a souq the next. The statement ‘seeing is believing’ springs to mind when summing up Dubai, which is why we recommend you do – no brainer.
