8 Wonderful Things to do in Dubai ...

Things to do in Dubai are going to keep you well occupied. Dubai is an epic place. It is the child of some visionary men who conjured something spectacular from the dry desert. It’s a true city of the future and all the things to do in Dubai are big in outlook if not in scale. So many of the following picks will involve the biggest, tallest, longest whatevers – here is my choice of 8 Wonderful Things to Do in Dubai:

Absolutely top of the list of the best things to do in Dubai is shop. You’ve landed at the new international airport terminal which is the world’s largest single floor space so it’s time to make your way to Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping center. Opened in 2008, it has the footprint of 50+ soccer pitches. For your delectation are 1,200 shops, a cinema with 22 screens, 160 eateries and an Olympic sized ice-skating rink. One of the best places to shop for gold, jewelry, precious metals and gems, there are 200+ outlets here.

Currently the world’s tallest building, the Burh Khalifa stands 2717 feet. As the signature architectural masterpiece of downtown, it’s the must-see of places to visit in Dubai. Make your way up to the observation deck on level 124 to see what looking down on the world truly feels like.

I’ve said see rather than visit the Grand Mosque because entrance is forbidden to non-Muslims. It wouldn’t be right to leave it off the list of things to do in Dubai because it has great local significance and is also a magnificent building even just from the outside. It boasts the tallest minaret in the city at 231 feet and has 9 large domes and 45 smaller ones.

You’ll find Jumana in Dubailand out in the desert. It starts with dinner (buffet or a la carte) then it’s on to the massive outdoor auditorium which seats 1,500. You are then treated to an absolute treat of audio-visual extravagance. Jumana, the Secret of the Desert is a collage of waterworks, fireworks, dance, camels, horses and lasers held together with a voice over from Omar Sharif. Jumana certainly is one of the most impressive things to see in Dubai.

Here we go with another of the biggies. The three Palm Islands are the world’s largest man-made islands and are visible from space. Still under development, there are major projects in progress including the bridges to connect the mainland which is one of the largest construction projects in the world and then surely one of the most ambitious global aspirations – the recreation of The World on 300 small islands.

With all the 21st century splendour on offer, it’s important to remember some of the things to do in Dubai have a traditional flavour. Take a trip to the Heritage and Diving Villages to indulge in the Bedouin way of life. See locals in traditional dress living in barasti housing and enjoy displays of handicrafts and shows of folk song and dance.

Some of the popular touristy things to do in Dubai are the various 4WD tours out into the deserts and beyond. The rugged Hajar Mountains are 62 miles south of Dubai City running along the border with Oman. Enjoy great scenery including the dry river beds as you make your way to Hatta, a hill town which has been redeveloped as an oasis.

You can surely see now just why Dubai is popular with the fashionable set. The nightlife and restaurant scene is just as spectacular as everything else. Go celeb spotting at the Buddah Bar, bask in minimalistic Asian chic at Ginseng, go retro in the pyramid inspired Carter’s or be inspired by the cocktails at Left Bank. Then move on to the clubs: indulge in the decadence of the Cavalli Club, dress to impress to get into Boudoir or get down to the hip beats at The Apartment.

There is nothing shy and retiring about Dubai so it probably won’t appeal if secluded tropical beaches are your vacation scene but for a bang, all-out fest of things to do, things to see and places to go, it’s here. If you’re planning a trip, make an itinerary, there are so many wonderful things to do in Dubai, you need to choose wisely.

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