Dubai Things to Do Tips by MM212

Burj Khalifa (previously Burj Dubai) Burj Khalifa Review

One of the most ambitious construction projects in the world, Burj Khalifa is the highest tower in the world! It was built by Emaar, Dubai's premier construction company, and designed by the American architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. The stunning 823-metre tower contains an extravagant shopping centre, a Giorgio Armani hotel, offices and apartments. The grounds around the tower are graced by a manmade lagoon surrounded by many residential and office buildings. On my visit to Dubai in October 2008, the Burj was very near completion and the shopping centre below it was set to open a week or two after my visit. I had to wait until November 2012 to see the final product, but unfortunately, going up the tower was sold out that day. I had to contend myself with the stunning views from below...

Burj Khalifa Construction Burj Khalifa Review

The construction of the world's highest tower, naturally, took several years. Although in the Dubai fashion, it was done faster than any other city could have managed at a pace of one floor per week! During my numerous visits to Dubai from Nov 2005 to Oct 2008, I have watched the tower go up and up, almost floor by floor. In March 2006, the tower was finally a distinguishable structure, but by November 2006 it had reached 81 floors. In March 2007, 110 floors were completed, which already made it the highest structure in Europe and the Middle East. On my visit in Feb 2008, it had finally become the world's highest structure. In June 2008, the tower could barely fit in one photo and by October 2008, it was nearing completion. Attached are photos of the progress of construction over the years.

Address: Off Sheikh Zayed Road

Dubai Festival City

One of Dubai's latest additions, Dubai Festival City includes the typical hotel-shopping centre-offices-resort complex. It is located at the southern end of the Dubai Creek, not too far from the airport. The hotels in situ are the Intercontinental and the Crown Plaza, with plans to open a Four Seasons in the near future. The large shopping centre within the complex is extremely large and contains many middle-of-the-range and ultra-luxurious brands. There are also numerous cafés and restaurants, with a beautiful outdoor area along a canal for clement weather.

Website: http://www.dubaifestivalcity.com

Palm Jumeira Atlantis Review

Near completion, the Palm Jumeira Island(s) is another ambitious project in Dubai. A large group of man-made islands in the shape of a palm tree have been built extending from the mainland. The islands will contain many private villas as well as several resort hotels. The large building shown in the photograph is that of a mega resort called the Atlantis, which opened its doors in September 2008. The rest of the Palm islands are nearing completion. This project has been replicated in other parts of Dubai, in Jebel Ali and Deira, and also as the World Islands.

Address: Jumeirah, Dubai, U.A.E.

Madinat Jumeirah Madinat Jumeirah Review

Many might point out that Madinat Jumeirah is completely artificial, but most would agree that it is extremely beautiful and very well done. Madinat Jumeirah is a luxury resort complex of three hotels, shops, restaurants, bars, and conference halls, all of which were built in the traditional Emirati architectural style around a manmade lagoon by the beaches of the Gulf. The whole complex has a relaxing atmosphere with unobstructed views of Burj al-Arab. The shopping area is designed to look like a traditional Middle Eastern souk and contains shops that are focused on eastern arts and crafts. Madinat Jumeirah is well worth a visit especially at night when the lighting is fantastic. Go there to shop, to have dinner or a drink, or if you can afford the luxury stay at one of its three luxury hotels.

Address: Jumeirah, Dubai, U.A.E.

Burj al-Arab Burj Al Arab Review

Burj al-Arab is Dubai's most prominent landmark and the epitome of opulence and excess that this city has become. The structure is situated on a manmade island just off the coast and was designed to resemble the sail of a ship. It houses an ultra luxurious and expensive hotel that claims to hold the world's only 7 star rating and be its tallest. The lavish interior is rather gaudy and resembles hotels in Las Vegas, but the lofty lobby is most astonishing from an architectural perspective (see attached photo). The hotel once allowed outsiders to visit for a fee, but is now restricted to guests of the hotel and of special events held at the hotel (that's how I was able to enter!). The hotel's exterior is best viewed from the neighbouring Madinat Jumeirah.

Address: Jumeirah Beach Area

Ski Dubai Ski Review

You've heard about it, IT'S REAL! The indoor ski slope in Dubai. A crazy idea that has been successfully implemented. Worth going to the Mall of the Emirates to check it out. No need to ski there if you've tried the Alps or the Rockies, but it is great for beginners and for staying in shape.

Equipment and clothing are provided with the ski pass, except for gloves and hats. Bring your own, or buy them at the onsite ski shop. You can get a pass for 2 hours, or an entire day.

Update: In October 2008, I finally entered the ski slope and did a couple of runs. It is quite the experience, especially coming from outdoors where the temperature was about 34C! The snow, as expected, feels icy and manmade and the runs are too short. However, it is definitely a good experience that could keep you in shape.

Address: Mall of the Emirates

Directions: Follow the snow flake signs around town!

Wafi City Wafi City Review

Wafi City is a large complex of everything. Its focus is a shopping centre called Wafi Mall containing high end shops, but the complex also includes a cinema, restaurants, bars/lounges, cafés, a spa and a fitness centre. The luxury Raffles hotel is also part of the complex, along with residential apartments. The entire complex draws its architectural inspiration from Ancient Egypt (it is owned by Al-Fayeds of London after all) and many of the buildings are in the shape of a pyramid, including the Raffles hotel itself.

Website: http://waficity.com

Emirates Towers Emirates Tower Review

One of Dubai's landmarks, Emirates Towers are located off Sheikh Zayed Road among a stretch of skyscrapers. The towers contain a five-star hotel (Jumeirah Hotel), offices, and an elegant luxury shopping centre (The Boulevard) with names such as Zegna, Armani and Bulgari. It also has a number of good restaurants (al Nafoorah, Noodle House), a wine bar and a top quality gym. The towers are a magnificent example of modern architecture.

Address: Off Sheikh Zayed Road

Dubai Marina Marina Review

Dubai Marina is one of the newer projects in Dubai. It is a self sufficient city, built by the beach, with hotels, residential towers, recreation, shops and restaurants. The focal point of this area is a man-made marina which cuts off part of this neighbourhood into an artificial island. Around the marina is a beautiful area with many shops and restaurants and it has become a popular hangout place, especially at night. Dubai Marina is one of the zones in Dubai where foreigners can own property, so it is popular with expats and foreign investors. Those who have lived here have had to endure a couple of years of construction, though fortunately, most of it is near completion. Dubai Marina has some of Dubai's best resort hotels, such as Royal Mirage, Grosvenor House, and the Ritz Carlton.

Directions: In the new Dubai, towards Abu Dhabi