With its futuristic skyscrapers and luxury desert safaris, it’s inconceivable that this city of extremes was once a humble fishing village. But when Dubai struck oil in 1966, it paved a lucrative path. Over the years, the nation within the United Arab Emirates has been on a meteoric rise, remaining at the forefront of innovation across the fields of technology, architecture, and conservation.
Since 2010, the Burj Khalifa in Downtown Dubai has held the status of the tallest structure ever built. Developers raised the standard by designing the building to resist strong winds with its tiered design. Towering at a staggering 829.8 metres, the Burj is home to residential apartments, several hotels, as well as the highest nightclub and restaurant. Begin your day with breakfast among the clouds at Atmosphere, where you can enjoy your cappuccino topped with 24-carat gold flakes. Book a trip up to the observation deck on the 148th floor for unobstructed views of the city, as well as a chance to see the influence of Islamic architecture on the Burj’s design.
While this skyscraper stands proudly, its voluminous neighbour keeps its attractions submerged. At the base of the Burj, the Dubai Mall spreads across an expanse equivalent to 200 soccer pitches. Located between hundreds of luxury stores is the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. With over 140 species, and 400 sharks, the abundant marine life here parallels the excess of the city’s largest shopping complex. The aquarium provides thrilling opportunities to interact with a diversity of sea creatures while shopping, and is working to promote conservation from a young age through their Ocean School programme.
For an unexpected yet illuminating experience with otherworldly creatures, head to the Dubai Glow Garden. The world’s largest glow-in-the-dark theme park features lights that combine to create coral reefs, birds, fish, and even animatronic dinosaurs. If the spectacle formed by energy-saving bulbs is not enough, there’s also the Dubai Miracle Garden which features over 150 million flowers. Here, everything from airplanes to a tunnel of hearts has been created with blooms, leading to the garden being recognised for the largest ever floral arrangement.
After a day of unrivalled experiences, stroll down the promenade while contemplating your fine-dining options at The Pointe, a waterfront complex located in the Palm Jumeirah. This archipelago is a feat of engineering rather than nature, as it comprises a series of man-made islands designed to resemble a palm tree from above. Constructed using satellite-guided technology with sand reclaimed from the bottom of the Persian Gulf and boulders from the mainland, the Palm Jumeirah now covers a total of 560 hectares.
Dubai is consistently breaking new ground to bring people unprecedented encounters, from its elaborate buildings and attractions to the land that they’re built on. With a nothing-is-impossible attitude, locals are always one step – and many world records – ahead. There’s no telling what this city will come up with next.
