Burj Khalifa by Roman Emin
With its vast indoor malls, man-made beaches and 'seven-star' hotels, Dubai is the perfect place for a luxurious city break. The city enjoys great weather, a reasonable cost of living, and is easy to access, thanks to companies such as DialAFlight offering regular and well-priced flights to Dubai. Here's how to enjoy yourself on arrival.
Stroll through the Bastakiya Quarter: If your taste runs to the historical then this should be where you begin your exploration of the city. The charming old courtyard houses used to be cooled by traditional wind towers "“ structures which can still be seen and visited today. You'll also find a smattering of cultural venues, from art galleries to craft markets, a range of souks and plenty of street cafes where you can relax and enjoy the street scenes with a cup of the local (non-alcoholic) tipple in your hand.
Get a lift up the Burj Khalifa: This impressive structure is one of the tallest buildings in the world, and hosts the prestigious Armani Hotel as well as a mall and a fitness centre. If you simply want to enjoy a bird's eye view of the city then there's a public observation deck on the 124th floor which offers the perfect photo opportunity for tourists.
Dubai Museum: Cultures vultures shouldn't miss this big cultural centre, which is housed in the historic Al-Fahidi Fort. Admire the fort's 18th century architecture before browsing the exhibits, which include everything from old pearl diving outfits to 4,000-year-old grave finds from Al-Ghusais. Outside you'll find a big wooden ship beached right by the museum "“ a tourist attraction in itself.
Dubailand: By 2015, this ambitious development project will be fully open to the public, with attractions such as a Universal Studios theme park, the world's largest hotel project and a Tiger Woods-designed golf course all combining to make it one of the largest attractions of its kind in the world. For now, visitors can enjoy shopping at the Dubai Oulet Mall, exploring the Sahara Desert Resort and watch games at one of Dubai Sports City's many stunning venues.
By ITKT Media Partners
