When it comes to amazing, uplifting and unforgettable things to do in Dubai, there are far too many to list in a top ten guide. It’s one of the most singularly unique holiday destinations you could ever hope to discover, and much too diverse and decadent to be summarised in a mere list. Still, lists are, like Dubai, so hot right now so here goes…
1. Gawp at the world’s tallest skyscraper
Fair enough, New York’s the Empire State Building remains a pretty iconic structure, what with king Kong scaling it while batting away pesky helicopters, its timeless art deco design and its imposing seniority on the Manhattan skyline etcetera. But it’s getting on a bit. It’s an octogenarian and there are younger, taller upstarts waiting in the wings to dwarf it in their shadow. Namely Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the world’s current most-sky-scraping building.
Man’s insatiable quest for building prowess
2. Party
Though there are in place strict laws that make British drinking habits rather difficult (e.g., you need a liquor licence – which must be signed off by your boss – to drink in the comfort of your own home), Dubai can none the less claim to be somewhat of a party capital. Some of the planet’s shiniest clubs present some of its greatest DJs at top class club nights. Also, weirdly, clubs are not allowed to refuse entry to anyone so your hedonism won’t be halted by any draconian door staff.
3. Go around the world in 80… minutes?
Could this have happened anywhere else? World Islands is an artificial archipelago off the coast of Dubai in the shape of… a miniature… Earth! Originally conceived by the ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the islands were constructed using sand dredged from the surrounding shallow waters and measure an impressive nine by six kilometres. If you’ve ever wanted to pretend you’re a giant and tower over your hometown, now’s your chance.
And if you look to your left ladies and gentlemen, you’ll see the whole world accompanied by a giant palm tree
4. Sleep amid the clouds
In Dubai you’ll find some of the most decadent and luxurious residences imaginable, including the world’s only 7-star hotel. But you knew that. How about this though – the JW Marriott Marquis hotel now boasts four stunning suites on the 69th floor. At 300 metres they are the loftiest lounges this side of an astronaut’s bunk bed.
5. Enjoy a city of unique contrasts
To quote our erstwhile copywriter, Jonathan, “A common platitude in travel writing is that odious adage ‘a city of contrasts’”. Hyperbolic? Perhaps, but it’s a good phrase so sue me. Anyway, Dubai really is just that and is altogether more stimulating and interesting as a result. A beach escape but also a ski resort? A bit spendy yet also thrifty? An international transit hub where people seem to stay? Anciently historic while being utterly, achingly modern? All of the above. Delve into Dubai’s uniquely contrasting way of life and get confused in a really good way.
6. Ski Sunday, or any day
As alluded to above, you can ski in Dubai. In one of the globe’s hottest holiday destinations – in a desert – you can go skiing. And the ski slope’s in a shopping mall. I once visited a mall in Minnesota that contained a roller coaster. I thought that was cool but this, this is next level. Hit the slopes at Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates.
A spot of shopping followed by some skiing. An average day in Dubai.
7. Discover Dubai’s past
Dubai Museum is housed within the beautifully restored Al Fahidi Fort. Built in 1787 to provide protection from invaders, it was converted into today’s museum in 1971. A diverse collection of artefacts presents real insight into the rich history and cultural heritage of the city. Definitely one of the most rewarding and educational things to do in Dubai.
8. Hit the Beach, skim board style
Dubai’s beaches are various and very much fun, all glistening in blistering sun. All that lounging around working on you tan is all well and good but to really exploit a beach’s true potential, you’ve got to hit the surf. Swells don’t really get big enough for proper surfing here but skim boarding is an equally excellent, and easier to master, alternative.
Surf’s up, bro
9. Pamper yourself perfect
The following is a quick look at just three of the marvellous myriad spa and beauty treatments available in this land of luxury: Biolite Aesthetic Clinic will coat you in gold! Gold leaf sheets are applied to your face to remove impurities in this royally enriching treat. Wanna smell like an Easter egg whilst becoming silky smooth? Head to the Ritz-Carlton Spa for a Peruvian chocolate body treatment that’s said to do more than the conventional sand or salts when it comes to skin care. Cosmic Healing Centre can help relieve various physical and emotional strains by placing crystals or gemstones strategically on the body over your ‘chakras’. Novel stuff huh?
10. Witness a robot camel race
I can’t actually bring myself to spoil the above sentence with an explanation. You’ll just have to look it up.
So, whether you’re well-travelled, curious or just after some fun in the sun, Dubai promises to give you your very own top ten list of memories to treasure. We’ve got some fabulous deals on luxury holidays to Dubai with Kenwood Travel.