It’s hard to believe Dubai was a simple fishing village as recently as the 1960s. Then it struck oil and underwent a radical transformation into a city of extremes. There are vestiges of the old town in there, but what puts this uber-wealthy emirate on the map are the over-the-top architectural feats, fantasy shopping malls and mind-boggling attractions that seem to be bigger, better and more outrageous anything else on the planet. Visitors can’t help but be dumbfounded by its oppressive heat and obscene excess. Love it or loath it, it’s an amazing modern Middle Eastern metropolis everyone should see at least once in a lifetime. Here are ten definite things to do in Dubai.
1. The Burj Khalifa
You literally can’t miss seeing this skyscraper when visiting Dubai. Just look up. It’s officially the tallest building and free-standing structure in the world (plus a few other record-busting titles), and it pokes its pointy head well above the other relative pipsqueak buildings in the cityscape. It’s a marvel of modern architectural engineering and a source of great pride in the UAE. Plan on whizzing up to the 134th floor observation deck for a spectacular stratospheric city view, day or night.
2. Palm Island Jumeirah
This is one of the most ambitious construction projects to be dreamed up – and dredged up – in Dubai. It’s billed as the eighth wonder of the world and has become a symbol of the city. This artificial archipelago in the shape of a palm tree has materialized offshore from over 7 million tons of rock and 100 million cubic meters of sand. The trunk, 16 fronds and surrounding crescent reef design maximizes the beachfront real estate offerings for its luxury hotels, shopping plazas, restaurants and residences. Frankly, Palm Jumeirah is most impressive when seen from a birds eye view. It doesn’t look all that when you’re on it, but it’s a landmark “wow” you just can’t miss in Dubai. Take the monorail up the trunk to the Atlantis Hotel for some memorable fun at their waterpark. Two more reclaimed palm islands are in the works, as is a series of islands in the shape of a world map.
