Burj Khalifa is a skyscraper in Dubai and with its height of 829.84 m is the tallest manmade structure in the world. The building officially opened on 4 January 2010 and is part of the new 2 km2 flagship development called Downtown Dubai. The tower is center for the world's finest shopping, dining and entertainment. The skyscraper was initially called Burj Dubai, but since its completion coincided with the global financial crisis, the government was forced to seek multibillion dollar bailouts from its oil-rich neighbor emirate Abu Dhabi to complete the tower. In honor of the UAE President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his crucial support of the tower, the tower was renamed Burj Khalifa.
The Burj Al-Arab is the world's tallest hotel, standing 321 m high, located on its own artificial island on the Dubai coastline. Designed to resemble a billowing dhow sail, the exterior of the Burj Al-Arab is lit up by a choreographed coloured lighting show at night. Decadent in every way possible, it is one of the most expensive hotels in the world with the most luxurious suites costing over $15,000 for one night. For those without unlimited credit, the way to experience the over-the-top opulence is to go for dinner at the underwater Al-Mahara restaurant where floor-to-ceiling glass panels in the dining room walls allow you to view sea life while you eat. Or, book afternoon tea at the Skyview Bar (a minimum spend is required) on the 27th floor with its amazing panoramic views of the city.
The Dubai Mall, with its 1,200 retail outlets, two anchor department stores, and over 160 food and beverage outlets is one of the the world's largest shopping and entertainment destinations. It is part of the Burj Khalifa complex and attracts more than 750,000 visitors every week. Attractions within the shopping mall include the famous Dubai Aquarium and Under Water Zoo, with the world's largest viewing panel, Dubai Ice Rink, Gold Souk, Fashion Catwalk atrium, Oasis Fountain Waterfall, SEGA Republic indoor park, 250-room luxury hotel, 22 cinema screens etc.
Dubai's excellent museum is housed in the Al-Fahidi Fort, built in 1787 to defend Dubai Creek. The fort's walls are built out of traditional coral-blocks and held together with lime. The upper floor is supported by wooden poles known as "handels", and the ceiling is constructed from palm fronts, mud and plaster. In its history, the fort has served as residence for the ruling family, seat of government, garrison and prison. Restored in 1971 (and again extensively in 1995) it is now the city's premier museum. The entrance has a fascinating exhibition of old maps of the Emirates and Dubai, showing the mammoth expansion that hit the region after the oil boom.
Palm Island Dubai (Jumeirah Palm Island) is one of the most ambitious real-estate developments on earth, heralded as the 8th wonder of the world as it can be seen from space along with another major landmark, The Great Wall of China. It is one of three islands called the Palm Islands (Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Deira) which extend into the Persian Gulf. Jumeirah Palm island features themed hotels, villas, apartment buildings, beaches, marinas, restaurants, and a variety of retail outlets. The most popular feature being 5 star aqua themed hotel Atlantis.
The Dubai Opera situated in the new “Opera District” in the heart of Dubai offers an enticing schedule which can be likened to that of London’s West End or Manhattan’s Broadway. With views of the Dubai Fountain and next to the Burj Khalifa, the building was inspired by the shape of Arabian Dhow ships and is sure to catch your eye. While the rear of the building arches upwards like a hull and is used as a foyer, taxi rank and car park, the stage area is designed in such a way that it can easily be converted into three different event platforms: theatre, hall or concert hall.
Fun, excitement, speed - and even 5D, you can expect all this in the enormous theme park, which is the size of 28 football pitches. With the most up-to-date and exciting rides, IMG Worlds of Adventure will bring your favourite characters to life. There are themed rides for younger visitors with Ben 10, Gumball, the Powerpuff Girls and LazyTown, while older visitors can delve into the world of Marvel heroes: Spider-Man, Hulk, Iron Man, Thor and The Avengers. You will also come across life-size animated dinosaurs in the Lost Valley. The range of entertainment promises round the clock fun for the whole family, and there are also plenty of restaurants and shops.
Stretching over 13,000 square metres, City Walk is reminiscent of European pedestrian precincts offering a pleasant vehicle-free stroll. Take a walk along tree-lined avenues with shops and restaurants. Look upwards and discover skyscrapers like the Burj Khalifa in Dubai’s city centre. There are also fountains, children's playgrounds and plenty of open-air seating.
Dubai Frame is one of the newest additions to the city’s skyline and represents a remarkable engineering feat. Situated in Dubai’s Zabeel Park and directly between old and new Dubai, the towering structure offers sweeping panoramic views of the city from 150m high. One of its most amazing features is the state-of-the-art clear glass bridge connecting parallel vertical towers to create the shape of a picture frame. Dubai Frame has quickly become a must-see attraction for the city’s visitors and residents alike.
Featuring the largest and most diverse number of wildlife species in the UAE, Al Warqa’s Dubai Safari is home to 2,500 animals. Adventurers can encounter monkeys, lions, giraffes, crocodiles and a whole lot more as they explore the park's four themed sections: the Arabian, Asian, African and Safari Village. While its solar-powered driving vehicles and world’s first drive-through crocodile exhibit are impressive feats, the park has big plans in store as it aims to provide a safe haven for 5,000 animals by 2020.
Atlantis is the majestic resort in Dubai situated on the Palm, a man-made island that has captured the world’s imagination with its magnificent scale and ingenuity.
From the moment you arrive, you will be immersed in a dazzling world of imagination, pleasure and luxury of 5-star hotels.
The resort offers relaxation and thrills for couples and families alike, including:
One of the most visited and famous activities in Dubai is desert safari. Safari tours in Land Cruisers and Hummers take visitors right into the heart of the desert where they experience the excitement of a roller-coaster tour down the astonishing high dunes (dune bashing). Some packages include visit to the traditional village where you can get insight into the traditional life of the Bedouins, try the 'hubbly-bubbly/sheesha' and the henna painting or enjoy one of the activities such as camel ride, sand boarding, and belly dancing.
