United Arab Emirates
Burj Khalifa
Dubai is a mesmerizing fusion of deep-rooted traditions and futuristic ambition, set amid the striking beauty of the desert. Watch an unforgettable performance at the Dubai Opera, take in breathtaking views from the Burj Khalifa, and stroll along Dubai Creek to explore its vibrant gold, textile, and spice souks. For adventure lovers, the city offers endless thrills — from hot air balloon rides over the dunes to heart-racing attractions at IMG Worlds of Adventure, or even skydiving above the iconic Palm Jumeirah.
Innovation
Dubai is often admired for its unstoppable energy, bold ambition, and the ability to turn visionary ideas into reality that few other places would even attempt. From record-breaking skyscrapers to man-made palm-shaped islands, the city thrives on creating the extraordinary. Futuristic projects like flying taxis, a high-speed hyperloop, and even robotic police showcase Dubai’s fearless embrace of innovation. With even more groundbreaking developments on the horizon for Expo 2020, the city continues to shape its own remarkable story.
Shopping Haven
Dubai is a premier retail destination, home to not just one but two major annual shopping festivals. Here, shopping is an experience, with malls that are more like architectural masterpieces—some resembling Italian palaces or Persian palazzos—featuring extraordinary attractions like indoor ski slopes or massive aquariums. Traditional souks buzz with lively bargaining and timeless charm, while modern outdoor urban malls add yet another dimension to the city’s ever-expanding shopping scene.
Nocturnal Action
After dark, Dubai comes alive as a city constantly seeking entertainment. Its nightlife caters to every taste, budget, and age group, from glamorous dance clubs, rooftop bars, and beach parties to sophisticated cocktail lounges and open-air concerts. While much of the action revolves around luxury hotels, the city also offers more relaxed options, including shisha lounges, community theatre, live music venues, and the dazzling Dubai Opera.
Cultural Dynamism
Dubai, where Emiratis are only a small part of the population, is a vibrant melting pot of cultures from around the world. This diversity shines through in its food, fashion, music, and performances. Rooted in Islamic tradition yet remarkably open, the city offers visitors countless experiences—from dining like a Bedouin and camel rides in the desert to beach parties and shopping for local art. Dubai fosters a dynamic environment that breaks down cultural barriers and broadens horizons.
Al Harees
Al Harees is a traditional UAE dish known for its rich and exotic flavor. Made from just meat and wheat, it’s a simple yet elegant dish that requires long, slow cooking. Traditionally served during Ramadan, weddings, and Eid, wheat and meat are boiled together with a pinch of salt until they form a smooth paste, then cooked overnight in a covered clay pot over coal. The result is a comforting dish where the subtle salt complements the rich taste of meat and wheat. You can also add spices to enhance the flavor, and it’s typically served with a topping of local ghee on flat plates.
Shawarma
Shawarma is one of the most popular foods in the UAE and has also gained fame across Asia. It can be made with lamb or chicken, and different restaurants serve it in unique ways. Typically, it’s wrapped in Arabic roti with garlic sauce, pickles, fries, and tomatoes, resembling a kebab. While the taste and preparation may vary from place to place, its popularity never wavers. In the UAE, Shawarma is often enjoyed with a refreshing fruit drink made from blended strawberries and bananas.
Al Machboos
Al Machboos is a beloved traditional dish of the UAE. Its main ingredients include rice, meat, onions, and dried lemon (Loomy), with spices and salt for seasoning. To prepare, all ingredients are first cooked together in boiling water until tender. The meat is then removed, and the rice is added to the remaining mixture and cooked thoroughly. Finally, the meat is returned to the pot with the rice and vegetables and cooked for an additional two hours. This flavorful dish is a favorite across the Gulf region.
Burj Khalifa
Known as both a “Vertical City” and “A Living Wonder,” the Burj Khalifa, developed by Dubai-based Emaar Properties PJSC, is the world’s tallest building. Rising majestically from the desert, it showcases an extraordinary blend of art, engineering, and meticulous craftsmanship. Standing at 828 metres (2,716.5 ft) with over 200 storeys and 160 habitable levels, it holds more floors than any other building worldwide. Inaugurated on January 4, 2010, Burj Khalifa achieved several world-firsts, becoming the tallest man-made structure just 1,325 days after excavation began in January 2004. Its construction involved 330,000 cubic metres of concrete, 39,000 tonnes of steel reinforcement, 103,000 square metres of glass, and 15,500 square metres of embossed stainless steel, taking a total of 22 million man-hours to complete.
The Dubai Mall
Situated in the heart of Downtown Dubai, The Dubai Mall is the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination. Boasting 1,200 retail stores and over 160 dining options, it offers a unique blend of shopping, world-class cuisine, and leisure attractions, making it an unparalleled experience for visitors.
Ski Dubai
Located inside the Mall of the Emirates, Ski Dubai is the Middle East’s first indoor ski resort and the world’s third-largest. With 6,000 tons of snow, a chairlift, and a T-bar, it offers everything from beginner lessons to advanced slopes with ramps for jumps and tricks. Qualified instructors are on hand to help visitors master skiing or snowboarding, while the dedicated freestyle zone allows for practice of jumps and tricks. Families can enjoy close encounters with Snow Penguins, learning about Gentoo and King Penguins through interactive programs. Don’t miss the March of the Penguins, held several times daily, which is free for all Snow Park guests.
Global Village
Global Village is Dubai’s premier family entertainment and cultural destination, featuring a unique shopping experience across 32 pavilions, each representing a different country. Visitors can enjoy diverse dining options, thrilling rides, and children’s attractions at Fantasy Island. Launched in 1997, Global Village moved locations a few times before settling permanently in 2005 along Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road, Exit 37.