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| Dubai Fountain & Burj Khalifa (on the right) |
With constant changing landscapes, thanks to the wealth the discovery of oil brought about 50 years ago, Dubai went from sandy desert plains to extravagant cosmopolitan city. Making the United Arab Emirates one of the world's richest countries.
Dubai is home to the worlds tallest building - the Burj Khalifa. Standing mighty high at 829.8 metres and appropriately positioned, next to the world's largest mall - the Dubai Mall. This mall has over 1,200 stores, with all the major brands and luxury designers under one roof. This mall is built to mammoth proportions, so much so, that it even has it's own aquarium and underwater zoo. Which of course, is the largest suspended aquarium in the world. At some point you'll also stumble across the Dubai Mall's indoor ski resort, a cool contrast to the sweltering Dubai heat. The mall really is of colossal size! - http://www.thedubaimall.com/en/Index.aspx
Just outside the Dubai Mall is the Dubai Fountain, with the world's largest choreographed fountain system, of course! A spectacular water performance, paired with light and music, on every 30 minutes from 6pm. Best seen when the sun is setting.
Downtown Dubai has many of the 'world's most,' a place you could easily spend a day exploring and enjoying. However, if you want to head to the top of the Burj Khalifa, make sure you get your tickets early, as these are a hot item.
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| Burj Khalifa |
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| Dubai Mall in Downtown Dubai |
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| Dubai Aquarium inside the Dubai Mall |
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| Dubai Fountain |
Not quite done with the 'world's most,' Dubai also has the world's largest artificial man-made island, called The Palm. Fittingly, created into the shape of a palm tree, with a tree trunk, 16 palm branches and a crown. Apparently built so big, that it can be seen from space!
Another smaller man-made island, regardless of how small, is occupied by the world's first 7 star hotel - the Burj Al Arab. Built like the sails of a ship, surrounded by ocean water, the Burj Al Arab Hotel is known to offer only the finest, hence earning itself the 7 stars.
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| The Atlantis Hotel located at the crown of the Palm |
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| The Burj Al Arab Hotel |
One of Dubai's refined and stylish districts is Dubai Marina. This region consists of the world's largest waterfront expansion, an area where many luxury yachts are moored. High-rise apartments, with lavish views reside. The Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), where 'The Walk' and 'The Beach' can be found, with bountiful options for shopping and dining. The Dubai Marina Mall, where more shopping can be had and Pier 7 - consisting of 7 levels of 7 different restaurants along with superb marina views. As you can see, the options in the Dubai Marina region are endless.
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| Dubai Marina high-rise apartment views |
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| The Beach - at Jumeirah Beach Residence |
Along the beach of the Jumeirah Beach Residence, a meal containing eggs can be had all day long at 'Eggspectation.' Treat yourself to a satisfying breakfast, lunch or dinner with beach views. With the number of options available on their menu and everything looking so appealing, the choice doesn't come easy, but no matter what the choice, it's probably going to be a good one - http://eggspectation.com/locations/dubai/jumeirah-beach-residence/
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| Lobster benedict from Eggspectation |
Everyone loves a weekend champagne brunch and in Dubai the Arabic weekend begins on a Friday. Dubai is a Muslim city, but alcohol flows quite freely, especially within the confines of hotel establishments. Book yourself and your friends into a Friday brunch and experience brunching on another level. Begin while the sun is still high and ride into the night. There are many brunch venues to choose from such as Zero Gravity, Bar 44 and 360 degree, only to name a few.
Zero Gravity is located in Jumeirah Beach Residence at 'The Beach' area, across from Skydive Dubai. Don't worry about early wake-ups, because brunch doesn't begin until 3pm. Enter through the tunnel to Zero Gravity and be met with a large illuminating circular bar, two levels, an outdoor grass area, with an outdoor bar and sandy beach front with gorgeous views. At Zero Gravity, the brunch is brought to your table in three courses - entree, main and dessert. If you like something in particular, you can ask for more. Same with the drinks and alcoholic beverages, non-stop food and drinks, during your 3 hour brunching session! Eat and drink to your hearts content. After brunch, stick around for the evening events and dance the night away - http://0-gravity.ae/
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| Zero Gravity bar |
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| Brunch at Zero Gravity - Entrees |
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| View from Zero Gravity |
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| Outdoor area of Zero Gravity |
If you're looking for some great food, you can find it at Pier 7, next to the Dubai Marina Mall. There are 7 restaurants, each serving different cuisines, on each separate level. Each restaurant has the treat of the marina views. For delicious foods from around the world, go to Fume Restaurant. An eclectic venue with bare ceilings and cement walls, sophisticated lighting features and impressive views. The food is nothing short of satisfying and the drinks are fantastic too! - http://www.fume-eatery.com/index_pier.html For other restaurants at Pier 7 go to - http://www.pier7.ae/en/Dine/dine.aspx
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| Fume Restaurant at Pier 7 |
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| Delicious food & drinks from Fume Restaurant at Pier 7 |
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| View from a Pier 7 restaurant |
For something a little different and a lot of fun, experience an Arabian desert night. Book yourself on a desert safari and leave the sprawling city behind for some peace and quiet amongst the desert dunes.
Arabian Adventures have different types of tours, but don't go pass the 'Sundowner.' A late afternoon to evening desert safari, that starts with a falcon show. Then onto dune driving through the desert, up and down peaks of sand, where you'll be dropped off in the middle of no where and see nothing but sand for miles - indulge in the amazing sunset. Then bash more dunes to arrive at the Arabian desert dinner grounds, where you'll meet some camels for a brief ride. Within the dinner grounds, an Arabian style buffet will await. Dinner under the desert stars, surrounded by sand dunes, accompanied by music and entertainment - just perfect! - https://www.arabian-adventures.com/en/tours-and-safaris/find-tours-and-safaris/dubai.aspx
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| Dune driving with Arabian Adventures |
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| Sunset watch |
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| Desert camel ride |
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| Arabian style buffet |
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| View from the dinner grounds of the illuminated sand dune |
The capital city of the United Arab Emirates is Abu Dhabi. From Dubai, a taxi ride to Abu Dhabi is 1 - 1.5 hours and costs about 200AED. No special car arrangements need to be made, you can easily hail a taxi from the streets and they'll be happy to take you.
Worth the visit in Abu Dhabi, is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. There are free walking tours throughout the day lasting about 45 minutes. The mosque was completed in 2007 and is the largest in the UAE. It can fit over 30,000 worshipers at any one time. The monumental mosque was built with materials sourced from around the world. Made from marble stone, with more than 80 plump domes, topped off with gold tips. Luscious greenery and pools surround the mosque, reflecting back it's beauty. While inside, a chandelier of grand proportions hangs in the centre. Made from millions of Swarovski crystals, casting warm colourful hues and 24 karat gold. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is grandiose from all angles.
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| Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque |
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| Some of the thousands of columns within the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque |
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| Reflective pools that surround the mosque |
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| Chandelier inside the mosque made of millions of Swarovski crystals |
There is plenty to do in Dubai and there will be plenty more to come, this city is expanding on a rapid scale and no doubt there will be another 'world's most' coming soon. The city is electric, call it the 'new city of lights.' Spectacular structures, amazing man-made islands, large scale shopping malls, along with an abundance of fine and fabulous restaurants and bars, this city is your oyster. Dubai welcomes foreigners with open arms, however be mindful and respectful of their laws. The choices in Dubai are bottomless and although there are many riches visibly seen cruising the streets, it's really a playground for all.
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| The Burj Khalifa |
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| Desert sunset |
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| There's something peaceful about sitting in the middle of the desert |
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| View of Dubai from the sky |
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Great pics, so jealous of all your amazing travels!
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