Places to Visit in Dubai

By Anjeanette Manuel

When you say Paris, Tokyo, New York and London, it would be a big joke if you forget about the most expensive metropolitan in the Middle East and the only Muslim city with a booming 9.89 million overnight tourist this year; Dubai, the city of infrastructures beyond the imagination, the hub of rapid modernization that competes with the top cities of the world and of course, the place where Lamborghini, Aston Martin and Bugatti are no big deal.

You’re a tourist and you find yourself being eaten up by the giant buildings around, “Where to go?” you ask yourself.

Here is the list of some (because there lots) places that will make your stay in Dubai worth remembering, budget-wise and will definitely give you the bragging rights.

1. The Dubai Mall
   
   

• Who would even want to miss the largest shopping mall in United Arab Emirates plus the indoor aquarium that marvels thousands of marine creatures and the dancing fountain that grooves on the famous songs of all time? Reports showed that the mall accommodated 65 million tourists last year, beating New York and Los Angeles. A friendly tip; Wearing heels can be inconvenient. The mall is so big and the shops you’re looking for can be from one corner to another. Have mercy on your feet.    
  

Photos Courtesy of Anjeanette Manuel, freshada.com & thenational.ae

1. Wild Wadi Water Park
   
   

• Dubai’s summer heat is unimaginable and you fancy some water slides and big splash. Wild Wadi is an outdoor water park located beside Dubai’s trademark building, Burj Al Arab. The rides and attractions were named after the characters in Ali Baba, Aladdin and Sin Bad. Some of the famous attractions in this water park are the 18 m (59 ft) waterfall from a gigantic pail on top of the slides that goes off every ten minutes and the breathtaking “Jumeirah Sceira”, a 32m high twin slide that gives new challenge to the daredevils.
  

Photos Courtesy of flashydubai.com & 7daysindubai.com

1. Burj Al Arab
   
   

• Also known as the only “seven star hotel” in the world that stands on an artificial island like a ship. Grand and luxurious. It may be impossible for an ordinary people to come inside but this is the trademark of the city. A snapshot of the hotel will always be free of charge.
  

Photos Courtesy of Anjeanette Manuel and onestoptourism.com

1. Dubai Miracle Garden
   
   

• “It’s like you’re in Paris. But only in desert,” one visitor said. Labeled as the “The world's biggest natural flower garden”, tourists are flocking the place to take pictures and bond with their loved ones beside the landmark stretched by hundreds of flower varieties. The flowers are carefully watched and maintained by gardeners scattered on the place. Quick tip; the best time in coming there is before sunset when the sun’s exposure isn’t that high since the area is uncovered. Stay hydrated.
  

Photos Courtesy of Dubai Miracle Garden and Anjeanette Manuel

1. Jumeirah Beach Park
   
   

• Ideal for family picnic, meditations, group sports, barbequing or even just a moment to get a sexy tan. It is basically a park aesthetically landscaped into lush green area of trees and grassy fields adjacent to the beach. It is a relaxing experience where you can rent an umbrella and lay down on a beach bed while watching the inviting turquoise waters meet the sparkling sand under the sun. Don’t forget your sunscreens!
  

Photos Courtesy of travelblog.org & guidepal.com

1. Burj Khalifa
   
   

• The tallest man-made structure in the world. One can conquer fear of heights by overlooking the city on top allowing the visitors to view the surrounding landscape. It is the third-highest observation deck in the world and the second-highest outdoor observation deck in the world, at 452 m (1,483 ft).
  

Photos Courtesy of Anjeanette Manuel

1. Dubai Creek
   
   

• Feeling historical? One can find the century- old water boats (abra), gold souks and spices that give you a peek on the history of the city. A stroll around the area is suggested.
  

Photos Courtesy of cleopatradhowcruise.com & travels.tl

1. Ski Dubai
   
   

• Dubai’s weather too hot to handle? No problem! Experience snow in the Middle East and chill out inside Ski Dubai! It is the first indoor snow resort in the Middle East located at one of the largest shopping malls in the world, Mall of the Emirates. It offers an unforgettable experience that makes you think like you’ve been to cold countries. It maintains a temperature of −1 °C during the day and −6 °C at night. A real snow fall is also produced. One can go skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing or even play at the icy landscape.
  

Photos Courtesy of Anjeanette Manuel

1. Dragon Mart
   
   

• Dubai does not always offer pricey goods, Dragon mart is a dragon-shaped mall that offers more than 3000 shops that engage in wholesaling and retailing the cheapest variety of products from China. If you are an expert in bargaining, Dragon Mart is the perfect place to master it.
  

Photos Courtesy of true-dubai.com & dragonmart.ae

1. Aquaventure, Atlantis The Palm
   
   

• Craving for adrenaline rush? Aquaventure levels up your water park adventure. It is “Dubai's awe-inspiring beach resort where fantasy meets splendor.” It has rides, slides, and beach relaxation. Imagine sliding in an Egyptian ziggurat and falling into a chamber surrounded by dolphins. Plus a chance to have an encounter with them. Amazing, right?
  

Photos Courtesy of atlantisthepalm.com & zimbio.com

1. Jumeirah Mosque
   
   

• Curious about the interior of this castle-like structure? One cannot end his or her Dubai vacation without visiting the Jumeirah Mosque, it is said that it is the most photographed mosque in the City and non Muslims are allowed to go in. According to emirates.com, “It’s one of the few ways that visitors can sweep aside the veil of Islam and witness the real face of the country’s religion”. Note: Proper attires should be worn and right conduct should strictly be practiced both for men and women in respect to the holiness and solemnity of the place.
  

Photos by emirates.com

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