It is a land
where nothing is never knowingly underplayed and superlatives litter every
sentence that comes out of a tour guide’s mouth. So you would expect Dubai to
resemble Las Vegas.
Yet this Emirate has no neon signs lighting up the sky. What
was once a small fishing
settlement on the Gulf now has stunning
skyscrapers piercing through the clouds
and elegant hotels, all constructed with style and panache. Dubai seems to have
taken the best designs from the rest of the world and made them better.
 | |||
| Dubai landscape Courtesy of Dubai Tourism |
Dubai boasts the world’s highest skyscraper, the Burj
Khalifa, the largest shopping mall, Dubai Mall, the most enormous indoor ski
resort at the Mall of the Emirates and the largest man-made marina and, reputedly, it also has the
longest driverless rail system in the world as well as the tallest hotel on the
planet, the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai.
Regarded by many as the most luxurious hotel in the world,
the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab is one of the region's most renowned landmarks.
The sea is littered with man-made islands. Yes, Dubai is the place where
self-indulgence knows no bounds. From extravagant restaurants to absolutely
amazing shopping malls, if you want to immerse yourself in luxury you will find
it hard to beat this place. So you can see why it has gained favour with those
with bulging pockets who
want to be cocooned in grandeur looking for sun, sand and retail therapy.
 |
|
Palm Jumeirah
Courtesy of Dubai Tourism |
It may be the
building projects that make the news but the real story about Dubai is that,
like its neighbour Abu Dhabi, it is a peaceful oasis in a problematic region
because of its political stability and promotion of religious tolerance.
Dubai has a population of about 2 million which is
predominately male. Emiratis, Arabs, Indians, Filipinos, Iranians as well as
Europeans live in harmony and give this young city a wonderful cosmopolitan
flavour. Everything is clean and spotless – even the Metro. You feel so safe
here. Crime is almost unknown. People are warm and friendly and readily go out
of their way to help tourists. What you do have to remember is that Dubai is
one of the seven Emirates that form the United Arab Emirates. It is a Muslim
country and the laws and customs are different from ours. So when in Rome, as they say….
 |
| Dubai at night Courtesy of Dubai Tourism |
Dubai is not only about glitz and glamour. Dig underneath
the surface of this sprawling desert city and you will discover it has a heart
and soul. The city started its life at the Dubai Creek. You can take a boat
trip cross to the old town of Deira. It is a far cry from Palm Jumeirah, the
world’s largest artificial island, home to some of the most astounding hotels
in the UAE. This district has an authentic charm about it.
Here you can see old Arab traditional houses, slotted between souks where you can
haggle for spices or whatever else takes your fancy in the shops that flank the
chaotic alleyways and streets.
The Gold Souk is -
you guessed, another record - the world’s largest gold
market. Shop windows full of glittering gold and diamonds try to grab your
attention. And you can buy with the assurance that the quality of the
merchandise is regulated by the government so what you buy is the genuine
article. It is said to be one of the best places on the planet to buy gold.
 |
| Dubai at night Courtesy of Dubai Tourism |
Close by is the Spice Souk. Exotic fragrances waft through the air and every imaginable spice can be found here. I was also given the chance to try chocolate made from goat’s milk.
If you thought Dubai
lacked culture you are wrong. A crop of cool art galleries have sprung up in Al Quoz. The
Dubai Opera, designed to resemble a dhow, pays homage to Dubai’s maritime past.
Floating above the lake next to the Dubai Mall, it hosts only the best
productions from around the globe.
The snow-white Jumeirah Mosque, is one of Dubai’s most
stand-out sights. Unlike most of the mosques in Dubai, which non-muslims are
not allowed to enter, this one opens its doors to all. The Sheikh Mohammed
Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) organises tours so you can have an
insight into the religion of the Emirates. Whatever your own beliefs, you will
be glad you made the effort.
If you want to get a feel for the simple pleasures of the
region’s Bedouin past you can experience falconry, ride camels in the desert,
and see folk dancing. You can also take a trip to find out about pearl diving.
Before the heady days of discovering liquid gold, that is oil, pearls were the
mainstay of the Dubai economy. Now, they are distant memory.
I was worried that Dubai would be a city of bling. How wrong
I was. It may have the biggest and the best. It may also be constantly
changing. But what really wins you over is its rather endearing personality.
By Daralyn Danns
Getting there
Fly with Emirates. For more information and best fares visit emirates.com
Stay at One&Only Royal Mirage. For more details and best rates visit oneandonlyresorts.com
Fly with Emirates. For more information and best fares visit emirates.com
Stay at One&Only Royal Mirage. For more details and best rates visit oneandonlyresorts.com
For more information about Dubai go to visitdubai.com/en-uk
