If you thought that Dubai is good only as a shopping destination, think again. Dubai today looks a lot like your Heaven on Earth fantasies. Be sure to see the best of architecture, the most modern facilities, the best hygiene and sanitation, the best deals on the market, the friendliest people and the safest travel destination.
When time is short and you want to tour the city and surrounding areas of Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman in three days, don’t think you’re thinking of the impossible, even in the harshest of summers. Of course, make sure you always carry your essentials: sunglasses, sunscreen, water and a hat or scarf for the sun, if you travel in the months of May to August.
Dubai is often looked down upon by the ignorant and the uninitiated as a place that only boasts of shopping malls. However, when you get to see these malls, you will find each one as different as it can be. A good place to start would be Kanat-al-Kasbah, located in Sharjah. This included a continental-style promenade, reminiscent of a promenade along the Seine River in Paris. Next door, one finds several glamorous restaurants and shops. On weekends, which are Thursday through Saturday nights, families can be seen dining quietly at various restaurants, which have outdoor options. Kids of all ages can be found here skating, playing games, soaking in the fountains, eating ice cream, etc., while their parents enjoy some adult company. At night, this place literally comes to life, with interesting lighting effects, which bring out the best of the place’s architecture. Kanat-al-Kasbah has now been transformed into a commercial and cultural center and is often referred to as “The Eye of the Gulf”.
Very close to Dubai International Airport is the famous Ibn Batuta Mall, which is modeled after the famous traveler of the Middle Ages, Ibn Batuta and his explorations. Therefore, this mall is both exciting and educational. Each section of this charming and fascinating mall follows the travel route undertaken by Ibn Batuta and thus the shopper gets an insight into various cultures and countries as he shops. Food courts offer a wide variety of lip-smacking food: Iranian, Lebanese, Greek, Chinese, Thai, Indian, Mexican, etc. Interestingly, the mall’s roof takes on the colors of sunset, even though a fierce midday sun may be beating down outside. Ibn Batuta Mall will make you think of it, long after your trip to Dubai is over… it just falls into the “must see” category.
Another famous mall is the Mercato Shopping Mall in Jumeirah, which is inspired by the architecture of the Italian Renaissance period. In this indoor mall, one can immediately be transported to the relaxed Italian lifestyle, with shopping plazas, cafes and restaurants. Artfully done, this mall has balconies on the top floor, with benches for taking a break. At night this mall also hosts live bands and gets the best of the upper class clientele, due to the high quality atmosphere and shopping experience on offer.
Don’t miss out on the out of this world experience of the Dubai Mall for once. As well as being a virtual melting pot of all the world’s races, this place is packed with shops, people and variety. There are musical fountains (with show times) and the best part: the Dubai Aquarium and the underwater zoo. This is a must see for young and old. The Dubai Aquarium has been awarded by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest acrylic aquarium in the world. It is home to thousands of varieties of fish and marine life, and it is a fascinating experience to walk in the tunnel and watch the fish pass above and beside you. In fact, the sea creatures are well cared for and enjoy an ecosystem that they are used to. The Dubai Mall also has an ice skating rink, preferred by the most adventurous enthusiasts and sports lovers.
Upstairs, one has to walk up two flights of stairs to the zoo. This too has an amazing variety: penguins kept on melting ice, water voles, beavers, snakes from all over the world and the deadliest spider – the tarantula. Needless to say, this is an experience you won’t soon forget.
While in Dubai, don’t miss a trip that takes you in front of the Burj-al-Arab or Al-Burj. This super-luxury hotel even charges to walk across the bridge, so if you’re not willing to pay for that, then the surrounding emerald green beach will do just as well. Watch sunbathers, surfers, and sunbathers make the most of this white-sand beach.
The Atlantis, (The Palms Hotel and Resort) is another destination worth reaching. Today it houses hotels, resorts, aquariums, luxury villas, etc., all in the form of a palm tree, which has been built over the sea. One can see this layout plan even more clearly if you cross it by helicopter. The Atlantis has several lodging options for the tourist and the corporate man. It also offers venues for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and other memorable occasions.
Dubai today is the venue for global cuisine, as much as it is for global fashion, electronics, etc. One can savor the tastiest dishes from a wide range of countries and pick up bargains at any of the shops. It’s doubtful you can get a better deal anywhere else in the world.
If you still have time, then take a moment to go to the Mall of the Emirates: it has, as well as shops, Swiss-style snow slopes, which are kept at -4 degrees Celsius! There are even trainers to help you, in case you are inexperienced.
A ride on the Arabian Dhow (fishing boat) is a good way to see the city at night. For a nominal fee, you’ll enjoy a leisurely cruise down the Dubai Creek (Khor River), with a buffet dinner included.
The Dubai Desert Safari is the jewel in Dubai’s crown. This, in short, is a drive through the sand dunes in Land Cruisers, by expert drivers. The thrill of safari is not to be missed as it is an experience of a lifetime. Belly dances and whirling dervish dances are organized at the camp, with dinner included. You can ride a camel, get a henna design on your hands, be photographed with an Arabian Bedouin and his pet falcon, shop for Middle Eastern belly dancing outfits and enjoy a cup of tea… even if it’s summer, and although the mercury is around 45 degrees centigrade!
No one can claim to return without being impressed or affected by Dubai. It is the land of plenty and showcases all the best the world has to offer. If you plan to cover all of this in three days, go with an open mind, lots of energy and drive, and you’ll have it all.
