The Villages Travel and Tour Magazine

A view of downtown Dubai from the Palm Jumeirah
over time. Also be sure to take the time to learn
about local culture as it relates to modern Dubai at
the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural
Understanding (SMCCU), which offers a plethora
of enrichment activities to raise awareness and
educate visitors about the customs and culture of the
people living in the UAE today. Most notably, the
center leads guided tours of the stunning whitestone
Jumeirah Mosque, the only mosque in Dubai
that is open to the public.
6. SKYDIVE OVER THE PALM
JUMEIRAH AND “THE WORLD”
Only in a dare-to-dream destination like Dubai
would it be conceived to design islands in the form
of recognizable shapes. The palm-tree-shaped Palm
Jumeirah, which, despite naysayers who said that the
project couldn’t be done, is now the largest manmade
island in the world. And then, there’s “The
World,” a largely undeveloped series of about 300
islands that resemble a map of the world. These
unconventional archipelagos, best seen from above,
have helped earn Dubai a spot on the list of
skydiving’s top “drop zones.” For those less
daredevilish, a number of other activities, such as
seaplane and helicopter tours, also allow you to see
these man-made curiosities from above.
7. MAKE A SPLASH ON THE WORLD’S
LARGEST WATERSLIDE
Located at the notorious Atlantis resort, the
Aquaventure waterpark is an unprecedented funfilled
destination perfect for the entire family. This
wet-and-wild park is full of surprises (the nearvertical
nine-story Leap of Faith, for example), but
its claim to fame is the Aquaconda, the largest
waterslide in the world. In addition to waterslides,
other can’t-miss Aquaventure activities include the
underwater helmet-diving extravaganza, Shark Safari,
Cownose Ray Feeding and Atlantean Flyer Zip Line.
8. SHOP FOR AUTHENTIC WARES AT
THE SOUKS
Luxury brands are nice, but if you’re looking for
more authentic, only-in-Dubai souvenirs, ditch the
malls and head to the bustling souks, traditional
open-air marketplaces selling everything from spices
to gold to textiles to perfumes—a tantalizing
experience sure to entice all the senses. Take an
early-morning abra ride along Dubai Creek to the
historic districts of Deira and Bur Dubai to explore
these classic trading posts in all their glory.
Bargaining here is a skill and a sport, so don’t be
afraid to try some haggling in order to get the best
deal possible. For a 21st-century take on these
Arabian markets, visit Souk Madinat or Souk Al
Bahar, which evoke the traditional souks, but are
housed in modern-day structures.
9. DINE AT SOME OF THE WORLD’S
BEST RESTAURANTS
Dubai has no shortage of dining establishments
(upwards of 10,000 eateries), catering to a wide
variety of international tastes and flavors. Celebrity
chefs from around the world (think: Jamie Oliver,
Gordon Ramsay, Wolfgang Puck, Jean-Georges
Vongerichten and Nobu Matsuhisa) have been
scouting out locations in Dubai for years, realizing
the city’s reputation as a top global culinary
destination. Not to mention, Dubai has two of what
are known to be among the best restaurants in the
world (according to the respected San Pellegrino &
Acqua Panna list of the world’s best): La Petite
Maison and Zuma.
10. TAKE A DESERT SAFARI AND
SLEEP UNDER THE STARS
You don’t have to venture far beyond Dubai’s
towering skyscrapers to uncover what this desert
landscape once looked like. Exploring the dunes, the
wadis (dry river beds) and mountain passes is
essential if you want to experience Dubai at its
fullest. Be prepared for a roller-coaster ride through
the hot sands on a rugged 4x4 up the sand dunes,
along the narrow, rocky mountain passes, all while
keeping your eyes peeled for rare Arabian oryx or
gazelle. The desert is also a playground for a number
of activities, including camel riding (or even camel
polo), sand boarding, falconry and more. If you
choose, spend the night under the stars at a
traditional Bedouin camp and discover what it really
means to experience the “Arabian Nights.” TL
Where to Stay
Dubai is a tourist magnet, so it’s
no surprise that there are
hundreds of luxury hotel
options from which to choose.
Here are some
recommendations:
CONRAD DUBAI
Conveniently located in the
hub of Dubai’s commercial
center, Conrad Dubai is a
stylish city haven featuring
555 luxury rooms and suites.
It’s perfect for business
travelers, as it has one of the
largest meeting spaces in the
city and is close to the Dubai
International Convention
Centre.
AJMAN SARAY
This Luxury Collection Resort
offers 205 rooms and suites,
most of which have sweeping
views of the shimmering
turquoise coastline. Located
about 20 miles outside of
downtown, this oasis within an
oasis is the perfect escape
where you can grab a lounge
chair by the pool or directly on
the sand and let all your
stresses drift away.
RADISSON ROYAL
HOTEL, DUBAI
Located on Sheikh Zayed
Road close to numerous
public transportation hubs,
this opulent 51-story hotel
features 471 rooms and
suites with breathtaking city
views. It’s also home to a fullservice
spa and a number of
world-class restaurants,
including TRE by Roberto
Rella, the famous Italian
restaurateur.
CALL US
To start planning your
unforgettable trip to
Dubai, contact our
agency today.
LET’S
GO
These once-in-a-lifetime experiences and more await you in Dubai, one of the world’s most fascinating cities. Whether you want to
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sleep under the stars on a desert adventure or enjoy a luxurious stay at one of the world’s most desirable hotels, Dubai has it all. Call
us today and we’ll plan an extraordinary customized vacation to this extravagant city based on your specific interests and using our
personal experiences and international connections. We’re just a phone call away!
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