Canadian World Traveller Summer 2019 Issue

parking as well as a 24-hour concierge is
also included.
Nowadays, Diera is also the heart of Dubai’s
growing Indian community, whom have settled
in the Emirate due to the overwhelming
demand for skilled labour. Overall, Indians
represent more than 40 percent of the UAE
population.
Palm Jumeirah
Considered one of the engineering wonders
of the world and even visible from space, the
Palm Jumeirah is an artificial archipelago that
was built specifically to house some of the
WT Library Photo
city’s best beaches, hotels and most opulent
properties. While the Palm itself features
hotels such as the Atlantis, Waldorf Astoria
and St. Regis, we chose to stay at the brand
new Aloft Palm Jumeirah as it provided a perfect
mix of luxury and contemporary style at
an affordable rate. The property maintains a
private beach, complimentary valet parking
and most rooms include an ample buffet
breakfast. The Aloft proved to be an affordable
gem on the Persian Gulf.
Arabian Desert
Built in the heart of the Arabian Desert, the Al
Maha Desert Resort & Spa can easily be considered
one of the best hotels in the world.
With only 42 guest rooms, each being a full
suite which includes a private pool and deck,
guests receive the royal treatment throughout
their stay. Each night at the full-board hotel
includes three five-star meals as well as two
unique Arabian activities such as falconry,
camel riding, a nature walk or a sunset drive
in the desert. One night in the serenity of the
desert will leave you relaxed, recharged and
ready to continue your adventure.
Dining
Dubai’s food scene is arguably the world’s
best and most diverse, featuring outposts of
nearly all of the world’s most renowned chefs
as well as every franchise from all corners of
the globe. One of our favourites was Switch
in the Dubai Mall as it offered a local spin on
a traditional Mediterranean menu, including
delicious dishes such as a Camel Burger and
Halloumi Pasta. From Asian to French, Pier 7
in the Dubai Marina boasts seven unique
restaurants, each with incredible views of the
man-made canal, the largest in the world.
For a unique experience, visit the Local House
Restaurant in the Al Fahidi district and order
a date-infused camel milkshake.
Desert Safari
For first-timers, a Desert Safari is a must-do.
We used Destination Insight for our adventure
due to their stellar reputation online –
and they did not disappoint. Each safari
begins with a 30-minute dune bashing trek in
the desert, which is broken up by an opportunity
for pictures and sand boarding. Once
your stomach settles down, guests then join
other tours for an evening of traditional
Arabian food, activities (shisha,
camel riding and sandboarding) and
entertainment.
Abu Dhabi
We carved out one day for a trip to the
United Arab Emirates’ capital of Abu Dhabi.
Only an hour drive south, Abu Dhabi is
Dubai’s conservative counterpart and a
must-visit. While the Emirate is home to the
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the
largest mosques in the world, Abu Dhabi is
also emerging as a go-to as well for excitement.
If your visit does not coincide with the
annual Formula 1 race, spend your afternoon
at Ferrari World. Built in 2010, the
theme park is perfect for families and thrill
seekers, as among its 20+ rides is the
world’s fastest roller coaster and a number of
other stomach churning activities. For non-
Ferrari buffs, across the street is Warner Bros.
World, perfect for movie and television
lovers. Both theme parks are located outside
downtown Abu Dhabi on Yas Island, a destination
in itself with hotels, shopping, golf
courses and miles of beaches.
Downtown Dubai
All visitors must spend at least one evening in
the downtown core, which is anchored by the
Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. Aside from
being the world’s largest retail space, the
mall features a full-sized dinosaur skeleton, a
skating rink and the world’s largest indoor
aquarium. With 65 million visits per year, the
mall has become a destination in itself.
Located between the mall and the Burj
Khalifa are the Dubai Fountains, home to the
world’s largest choreographed fountain
show. Performances take place every 30 minutes
in the evening. Set aside one hour at the
Burj Khalifa, where from the world’s highest
observatory, you can take in breathtaking
views of Dubai and its surroundings.
Like no other place else on earth, Dubai’s
reputation precedes itself. After all, where
else on earth could you spend your morning
by the beach, go indoor skiing before lunch
and spend your evening dining under the
desert sky?
www.visitdubai.com
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Canadian World Traveller Summer 2019