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Planet Dubai |
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Couples wishing to escape the winter frost will find plenty of sun, relaxation and adventure in Dubai. But there's more to this city than skyscrapers and shopping malls, as Rowena Marella-Daw discovered |
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| Click on any of the images below to view a larger version |
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| Palm Jumeirah master plan |
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| Burj Dubai artist rendering |
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| Mina A'Salam - Image by Rowena Marella-Daw |
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The second largest of seven states that make up the United Arab Emirates, Dubai straddles the old and the new. What was once a humble pearling and fishing village is now a major commercial hub in the region. It may lack the magnificent monuments found in Egypt and Jordan, but it is an impressive place in its own right thanks in part to the man-made islands and ultra-modern architecture.
Sand dunes are eclipsed by monoliths of glass and steel, as property and leisure development companies operate at warp speed to build the biggest, the tallest and luxurious resorts, theme parks and skyscrapers - all mushrooming along the coast. The Palm Trilogy, The World and Burj Dubai are the upcoming wonders of Dubai, making Florida and Las Vegas look like your local fun fare.
It?s easy to be seduced by Dubai?s glitz and glamour, but one must not overlook its true character and past, which can be found in the Deira district along the banks of Dubai Creek. Deira is an organised chaos of narrow alleyways lurking behind old, nondescript buildings. Walking down these streets, you come face-to-face with the city?s down-to-earth side ? merchants, workers and families just going about their daily routine. Seek out the gold souk?s rows of jewellery shops and hone your haggling skills. Follow you nose towards the spice souk and its myriad aromatic herbs, spices and dried flowers. Tenacious vendors' in-your-face marketing skills can be intimidating, but part of the experience. Cross the creek like a native, on an Abra (water taxi), the best value for money as far as river trips go. On the eastern side of the Creek is Dubai Museum and its impressive life-size dioramas depicting life in Dubai past and present.
MUST DO
Dune-bashing
Forget shopping and the malls. Head for the desert and go dune-bashing in a 4x4. A convoy of cars rides the crest of sand dunes in exhilarating speed ? turning, spinning and diving. Best to go with an empty stomach. At the end, you will be rewarded with a pit stop to watch the glorious sun as it disappears behind miles and miles of sand dunes. The evening culminates in a typical Bedouin feast in a large encampment, with belly dancing, henna artists and camel rides.
PLACES TO VISIT
Hatta Heritage Village
The Hatta Heritage Village recreates lilfe in a typical mountain village in an oasis, and focuses on the Emirate?s maritime and pearl diving history.
The World
Visitors can hop from country to country in a day at The World, the man-made archipelago of 300 islands. Visible from space and created from tons of packed sand kept intact by a feat of engineering genius, it will become a major tourist, residential and commercial landmark.
Mall of Asia
The Mall of Asia, in the City of Arabia, is poised to be the largest shopping mall in the world. Start saving now!
Burj Dubai
When the Burj Dubai opens in 2009, it will be the tallest building in the world. More like a city (Dubaitown District) within a city, this architectural marvel will be hard to beat.
Palm Trilogy
The Palm Jumeirah, the Palm Deira and the Palm Jebel Ali form the eagerly awaited Palm Trilogy, the brainchild of the Ruler of Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, as a solution to the shortage of beaches in Dubai.
Atlantis, The Palm
Fantasy meets reality in Atlantis, the 1,539-room, ocean-themed resort due to open this autumn. The mind-boggling US$1.5 billion project spans 46 hectares to include a water park, marine and entertainment attractions, boutiques, entertainment centre and convention facilities. It will also be home to one of the world?s largest open-air marine habitats (65,000 marine animals), and The Lost Chambers, a maze of underwater corridors and passageways simulating a journey through the lost city of Atlantis.
Falcon City of Wonders
Dubailand, the multi-themed park opens this year to include the Falcon City of Wonders, which recreates the Eiffel Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and other landmarks.
Ski Dubai
You can be sunbathing by the beach in the morning and skiing indoors in the afternoon. Disorientating and bizarre, the experience is made possible by Ski Dubai, the third largest indoor ski resort in the world and the first in the Middle East. The size of three football pitches, 6,000 tons of ?real snow? allows you to practice your downhill or cross-country strokes. The 3,000 sqm Snow Park comes with tobogganing hills, twin-track bobsled rides and more thrill rides. www.skidxb.com
Fore more information, visit www.dubaitourism.ae
MUST KNOW
Dubai may be the most modern-looking city in the Middle East, but strict Muslim customs and traditions still apply. When walking around the old town, women are advised to cover up (avoid shorts, short skirts or skimpy outfits).
WHERE TO STAY
Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa
Tel: +971 4 809 6100
www.jumeirahbabalshams.com
One & Only Royal Mirage
Tel: +971 4 399 99 99
www.oneandonlyresorts.com
Madinat Jumeirah, The Arabian Resort
The Mina A? Salam, Al Qasr and Dar al Masyaf
Tel: +971 4 314 3555 or 366 8888
www.madinatjumeirah.com
www.jumeirahinternational.com
Images provided by The Government of Dubai, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing
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