"Why Dubai?" A Tourist Asks
A prehistoric mind would ask, "A tourist spot in a desert? That's insane!" Yes, that would be its exact words. But if you've seen how this city has progressed in a sense-blowing pace, those thoughts would never even come to mind.
Dubai's rapid growth - with skyscrapers blossoming here and there, malls and recreation centres budding everywhere, among others - has definitely garnered the description of being one of the most magnificent tourist spots in the world. And that entailed an influx of visitors and increased demand for hotels and accommodation. The city has developed to something extravagantly beautiful and elegantly modern whilst keeping its rich culture and luxurious history.
So what does this city offer? For starters, it's a very wide hub for shopping enthusiasts. A grandiose Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates and The Ibn Battuta Mall, which holds not only high-end retail shops but gives massive discounts especially during the Dubai Shopping Festival. Within these malls are attractions suited for anyone - an ice skating rink, Ski Dubai, the dancing fountain, and the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Tunnel.
Amusement parks were sprouting too, IMG Worlds of Adventure, Legoland, HubZero and Motiongate, along with Global Village and Bollywood Parks. Marvel at their architectural wonders like The Burj Khalifa, The Burj Al Arab, The Palm Jumeirah and The World Islands, and even The Wafi Mall and the Miracle Garden are beauties on their own.
Something's in store for history aficionados as well - there's the Al Fahidi Historic District which is near to Gold and Spice Souq, Dubai Museum, Heritage House, Madinat Jumeirah where anyone can enjoy a contemporary experience of a traditional Arab village, and the Dubai Frame which would give one an interactive view of the city's past, present and future.
Art buffs will also have their fill of modern art at Alserkal Avenue, Dubai Walls at City Walk, and Dubai Street Museum in Jumeirah. Sports enthusiasts will have theirs as the city holds their Dubai World Cup, a horse racing event that starts from November and finalizes by March, in addition to dragon boat races, series of marathon events, and desert safaris with sand dune surfing. The city has mesmerizing white sand beaches at Jumeirah Beach, Sunset Beach, Al Mamzar Beach Park and a recently opened La Mer.
From the museums to the beach, lets move on to engage our gastronomic palettes. Dubai has restaurants that serves food from around the world! From Asia to Europe and its neighbouring Middle East countries, you can choose whichever your taste buds preferred at the moment - Singaporean, Japanese, Thai, Nepalese, French, Peruvian, Greek, Italian, Syrian, Lebanese, just to name a few.
Dubai locals were men of the waters. Settling near the creek, it has become its natural harbour and source of livelihood - fishing, pearling and sea trade. Thus, navigating Dubai waters through yacht rentals is reliving the city's history at its finest. What better way to discover this city than in a boat cruising along its immaculate waters while enjoying international cuisine and bathing in the warmth of a sunset?
But whichever you want to explore this amazing city, for sure you will have a wonderful and meaningful time.