Nothing but fun in the hot desert sun
Print Edition
When talking about Dubai, oil, obscene wealth, women wearing an abayat and a wide expanse of desert all come to mind. But the city offers a remarkable range of experiences that deliver beyond the expected.
For shopaholics, exclusive fashion boutiques and top luxury designer brands are represented in the vast shopping malls, fashion avenues and traditional markets known as souks. The absence of import and sales tax has added to its appeal as one of the world’s top shopping destinations.
The array of activities that can be done in the course of 48 hours in Dubai is incredible. You can shop for luxury brands at a leading shopping mall, visit an art gallery, enjoy gastronomic delights and follow it up with an evening desert safari.
10am
Dubai’s shopping malls are more than just for shopping, they are entertainment centers. The Mall of the Emirates is never a dull place to be. It has the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East. You can ski, snowboard, toboggan or play in the 22,500-square-meter facility. It features five ski runs varying in difficulty, height and steepness. The longest run stretches 400 meters with a vertical drop of more than 60 meters.
12pm
The iconic Burj Al Arab rarely ceases to amaze with its sail-like appearance. Built on a man-made island 280 meters offshore and connected to the mainland by a slender, gently curving causeway, the hotel is supported by 250 columns that go 45 meters under the sea and are held in place by the friction of the sand. Voted the world’s most luxurious hotel, it is open only to hotel guests and those who have a reservation at one of its restaurants.
3:30pm
Take a walk along glorious Jumeriah Beach. Hit the beach cafes, take a plunge in the Persian Gulf or simply grab a mat, lay back and take it easy on the soft white sands.
4:30pm
Take part in an evening desert safari, an off-road adventure up and down the sand dunes of the Dubai desert. Camel rides, dune–bashing, dune-buggying, sand-skating and henna painting are all available. After enjoying a brilliant sunset, wolf down a scrumptious barbecued feast around a blazing bonfire and watch, or perhaps even participate, in a traditional belly-dance performance.
8pm
Back to hotel, or go to any of the malls to continue shopping.
9am
Jumeirah Mosque is the only mosque in Dubai that welcomes non-Muslim guests and is worthwhile as a place to learn more about Islam and its traditions. The mosque, which is large enough to hold up to 1,200 worshippers, was built entirely from white stone in the medieval Fatimid tradition with towering twin minarets framing a large central dome.
(Tips: Women should wear long sleeve tops, loose clothing, and ensure their knees are covered. A head scarf should also be worn so it is best to bring one with you.)
10am
Dubai Museum, housed in the Al Fahidi Fort built in 1787, is the oldest existing building in Dubai. It features exhibits that depict everyday life in the days before the discovery of oil. The museum, which opened in 1971, features galleries that recreate historic Arab houses, mosques, souks, desert and marine life. It also includes an exhibit on pearl diving, with sets of pearl merchants’ weights, scales and sieves.
11am
In Dubai, you can catch Old World ambience in the souks. There are more than 300 jewellers in the Dubai Gold Souk. It is always bustling with people. Dazzling window displays of bangles, necklaces and rings lure in even those who don’t intend to buy anything. Gold dominates but diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires and pearls are also available. Then follow your nose to the nearby Spice Souk. The narrow lanes are packed with shoppers. Scents such as cinnamon, cardamom, clove, nutmeg, star anise and saffron waft through the air.
12pm
No visit to Dubai is complete without a visit to the top of the world’s tallest building — Burj Khalifa. It is prominently featured in the film “Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol” as actor Tom Cruise did his own stunts, including rappelling down, running on, climbing and "flying" around on a rope. After ascending 450 meters to the At the Top observation deck in a high-speed lift, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking, unobstructed 360-degree views of the city, desert and ocean. Digitally powered telescopes provide virtual time travel with views of the past and the future.
2pm
After that, spend hours at the world’s largest shopping mall where there is much to see and do, from ice skating and shopping to marine life and dancing fountains. The Dubai Mall has 1,200 shops of both international labels and local designer brands and 150 catering outlets. Dino Dubai, the original skeleton of the long-necked, whip-tailed Diplodocidae dinosaur that is over 155 million years old, is one of its new attractions. Along with skating at the Olympic-sized ice rink, there is also discover 33,000 marine animals that populate the beautiful Dubai Aquarium.
8pm
After dinner, enjoy a water dance at the Dubai Fountain, located at the base of the Burj Khalifa. Featuring the world’s largest choreographed fountain system, this popular show jets up to 22,000 gallons of water as high as 150 meters in the air at any one time. Each colorful, illuminated jet sways in time to music, producing what has become the most popular show in Dubai.
Emirates Airlines offers two direct flights a day to Dubai from Shanghai. It takes about nine and a half hours.
Dubai has a vast range of accommodations. If you are a big spender, the luxury hotels such as Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeriah offer outrageous luxury. If you just want comfortable accommodation, Jumeriah Creekside Hotel is a good option due to a convenient location, spacious rooms and pleasant service.
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