Dubai is known worldwide as an extravagant destination, perfect for enjoying luxury five-star hotels and outings. But other than that, this city offers so much more. Yes, you will surely see some golden Ferraris, but Dubai is a combination of different cultures, because of the people who have moved there over the years and you can experience the tastes and traditions of many countries around the world. Therefore, we present five reasons why you must visit Dubai, which will make you spend an unforgettable vacation.
Old Dubai
Before it became a world city thanks to oil, Dubai was just one small city that lived from fish, trade and pearl diving. The best way to experience Dubai’s past and see how people used to live is to visit the old part of the city, located on the banks of the Dubai River which is still sailed by fishermen and traders in traditional boats called dhows. Within Old Dubai is the historic Al Fahidi district, where you can see restored plaster and coral buildings. In this district there is also the XVA Gallery where you can get acquainted with contemporary Arabic works, as well as the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding, which displays the culture and customs of Dubai. Here you will find one of the oldest districts in Dubai: Al Shindagha, where you can visit the museums of Al Shindagha and Sarug Al-Hadid.
However, what is a real symbol of Arabia are the famous bazaars, or souks, where you can buy absolutely everything: from gold, through perfume, to materials. Be sure to visit the Spice Souk Bazaar, where the scents will enchant you, and where you can buy some of the best spices in the world. If you like to bargain, these are the right places for you.
Desert
Dubai is located in the Arabian Desert, which is extremely important in the culture of the city. Therefore, the Dubai Desert Preservation Reserve was established. This reserve makes up almost five percent of the entire area of Dubai and it is possible to enter it only with licensed travel agencies, which will make sure you experience the most beautiful of it. The desert gives you many adventures and experiences. You can walk through it on the back of a camel or a horse, observe wild animals and camp under the stars. Travel agencies organize a desert safari, on which an experienced driver transports you at high speed over sand dunes, after which he takes you to one of the traditional camps, where you can enjoy a feast under the stars, as well as a show with a hawk. During breaks, you can paint a stunning sunset. One of the adventures for adrenaline addicts is a quad ride over the dunes, during which you follow the natural trails over them. Also, in the desert there is an Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa for those who prefer modern conveniences and luxury rather than camping.
Gastronomy
Of course, one of the reasons you visit every country is the traditional and authentic food. In Dubai, you can enjoy the local cuisine of the Emirate, which focuses on the meat of animals such as camels and goats, as well as fish caught in the Arabian Sea. Emirati cuisine is a combination of Lebanese, Iranian and even Indian flavors. You must have already tried hummus and falafel. Hummus is everyone's favorite sauce, and in Dubai you can try it on freshly baked khubz, Arabic flatbread, or with freshly baked kebab. You will surely get water on your mouth and from manakish, a dish that looks like pizza, and which consists of flat dough, on which various ingredients such as cheese and ground beef and lamb are placed. It will take you a long time to try all the traditional dishes in Dubai, especially since other foods from different parts of the world, such as Asian or Italian, will surely distract you. What is very popular in Dubai is afternoon tea, a British tradition that gets a note of luxury and local influence here. In Dubai, you can enjoy different types of tea with delicious sandwiches and freshly made pastries, even at a height of over 120 floors, with spectacular views of the city.
Arabian Gulf
Dubai overlooks the Arabian or Arabian Gulf, which has beautiful beaches and is the perfect destination for a summer vacation. The waters of this bay are ideal for swimming, cruising and other activities such as jet skiing and parasailing. Some of the most beautiful beaches are located in the Jumeirah district. This part of the city has open beaches, luxury villas, cafes, restaurants and shopping malls. If you are in this part of the city, you can also visit one of the culturally important landmarks of Dubai - Jumeirah Mosque. Another part of the city where you can take advantage of all the possibilities of the bay is Dubai Marina. This marina is full of luxury yachts as well as tall, futuristic skyscrapers. You can rent a yacht yourself and explore the Arabian Gulf the way you want. On the artificial island of Palma, there is also the Adventure Water Park, which the whole family will enjoy, considering that it is the largest water park in the world. There are 79 rides, private beaches, water slides and a part where children can play.
Architecture
The first association to Dubai is the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. In addition to this skyscraper, Dubai is home to some of the most fascinating architectural landmarks such as Opus, a hotel located in Business Bay in the city center that stands out for its looks. These are two separate towers that connect together at the base at the level of the atrium and by a bridge located 71 meters from the ground. We must not forget the Burj Al Arab, the tallest hotel in the world, which was built in the shape of a sail, as well as the Tower of the Emirates, the most recognizable skyscraper in Dubai, and of course the islands that people made - the Palma Islands. Large commercial and residential buildings have been built on them, and on one of them is the largest aqua park in the world. Dubai is also home to one of the largest shopping malls in the world, where it is possible to ski in the snow, as well as see penguins.
As you could read, Dubai represents many things merged into one city. Now you understand why a trip to Dubai is one of the favorite decisions of most tourists - it has an amazing history, a desert where you can experience adventures, beautiful food, breathtaking beaches, as well as architecture that breaks records. If you decide to visit this remarkable city, read the complete guide through Dubai, which will make your trip easier and present more details about this amazing destination.
