Dubai
Dubai, a city synonymous with opulence and extravagance, is a dream destination for superyacht enthusiasts. Explore the finest attractions that seamlessly blend luxury, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Here’s your guide to the top 10 attractions in Dubai.
Dubai Fountain
A captivating water, music and light spectacle in Downtown Dubai, The Dubai Fountain is the world’s tallest performing fountain. At over 900 ft in length – equivalent to over two football pitches – The Dubai Fountain is situated on the 30-acre Burj Lake and performs to a selection of different melodies. The fountain has a unique design comprising five circles of varying sizes and two arcs and features powerful water nozzles that shoot water up to impressive heights. Over 6,600 WET Superlights and 25 colour projectors create a visual spectrum of over 1,000 different water expressions, while 50 colour projectors provide a full spectrum of colour with a total output of 1.5 million lumens. The fountain performs to a range of different songs from classical to contemporary Arabic and world music. When operational, the fountain has over 22,000 gallons of water in the air at any given moment.
The Dubai Fountain Lake Ride
Sights, sound, sail! Set sail on a traditional Abra for an ultimate ride on the Burj Lake, home to the world’s largest performing fountain. The Dubai Fountain Lake Ride gives you front row seats to the best show in town.
The Dubai Fountain Boardwalk
A brand-new floating platform located within The Dubai Fountain, The Boardwalk allows you to get closer than ever, giving you a whole new perspective of the captivating performances. Guests can start their journey from Burj Park or Fountain promenade and stroll down the 272-meter boardwalk, with the closest point putting you only 9 meters away from the fountains!
The Palm Jumeirah
Renowned for its breathtaking skyline, Dubai showcases another engineering marvel that captivates the world’s imagination. Crafted from reclaimed land in a sequence of artificial archipelagos, Palm Jumeirah assumes the distinctive shape of a palm tree when observed from above.
This unique island hosts some of Dubai’s premier luxury resorts, such as Atlantis, The Palm, FIVE Palm Jumeirah Hotel, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, One&Only The Palm, and many others. The Palm also boasts exquisite fine dining establishments like Nobu and 101 Dining Lounge, along with a plethora of over 80 restaurants, lounges, and attractions at The Pointe, situated along a picturesque promenade at the tip of The Palm.
Accessibility is seamless, facilitated by a network of roads, tunnels, and public transport options like the Palm Monorail. This rail service, featuring a complimentary car park at the Palm’s base, provides stops at Atlantis, The Palm, and Nakheel Mall.
Exploring Palm Jumeirah via yacht or speedboat is a popular choice, with numerous private touring companies available. Alternatively, one can appreciate the maritime scenery from Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk or the vibrant Palm West Beach. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Skydive Dubai offers an exhilarating skydiving experience.
For a relaxed evening, Club Vista Mare beckons with a series of restaurants constructed on a pier extending over the water. Options include signature comfort food at Ría Restaurant and seafood with an Arabic twist at Ibn AlBahr. All these dining establishments offer panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf, the Dubai skyline, and the majestic Burj Al Arab.
Dubai Marina
Named one of the 50 trendiest neighborhoods globally by Time Out’s international editors, Dubai Marina isn’t just a favored locale for sun-drenched beach days and vibrant nightlife – it’s a community that resonates with both young professionals and families.
Situated along the waterfront, Dubai Marina is surrounded by emerald-green waters, bordered by some of the world’s tallest and architecturally striking residential towers. Adjacent to it is Jumeirah Beach Residence, a distinctive neighborhood serving as the gateway from Dubai Marina to the beach.
Unsurprisingly, Dubai Marina stands out as a hub for water-centric activities. A delightful way to explore not only the Marina but the entire Dubai coastline is by chartering a yacht for the day, offering sightseeing, fishing, and diving tours. For a livelier coastal adventure, HERO Boat Tours provides a unique 90-minute self-drive boat tour – the only one of its kind in Dubai. Water sports enthusiasts can indulge in jet-skiing, parasailing, and more within the vibrant setting of Dubai Marina.
For an adrenaline rush, Xline Dubai Marina offers the world’s longest urban zipline, starting from heights of up to 170 meters and covering a thrilling 1 km along Dubai Marina at speeds of up to 80 km/h, all while capturing the experience with helmet-mounted cameras.
For the ultimate adventure, daredevils can head to Skydive Dubai, a star attraction of Dubai Marina. This parachuting center elevates participants thousands of feet in their private plane, offering a tandem skydive experience with an experienced instructor.
Elevate your dining experience, literally, by visiting Dinner in the Sky, located right next to Skydive Dubai. Dine while suspended 50 meters in the air as your meal is freshly prepared before you. Beyond the delectable dishes, the main attraction is the breathtaking view of Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah as the sun sets on the horizon.
Dubai Harbour, featuring a world-class cruise terminal, is also worth exploring. It hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from live music performances to business conferences, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of Dubai Marina.
Burj Al Arab
In English translation, the name “Burj Al Arab” signifies ‘the tower of Arabs,’ bestowing a graceful safeguarding quality to the structure as it gracefully rises from the turquoise shoreline, standing sentinel over Dubai’s captivating cityscape. Residents often express profound sentiments, lyrically describing the building’s sail-like silhouette, especially when it is illuminated at night by sparkling lights and projections. Notably, during its debut, a journalist was so profoundly moved by the hotel that they insisted on giving it a rating of seven stars, surpassing the standard five-star maximum. Pictures, it seems, fall short of capturing its ultramodern splendor and intricacy, prompting us to share numerous stories below to convey the meticulous craftsmanship and dedication that have transformed the Burj Al Arab into an awe-inspiring experience.
Architecturally, the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is crafted to emulate the billowing sail of an Arabian dhow, earning the title of the tallest all-suite hotel globally. Soaring at 321 meters, it surpasses The Shard in London by 12 meters and falls 60 meters short of the Empire State Building in New York. Positioned on a man-made island 280 meters off Dubai’s coast, the Burj Al Arab boasts the world’s tallest atrium, reaching over 180 meters and flanked by imposing golden columns. Architect Tom Wright of WS Atkins, the concept architect, was tasked with creating a pioneering superstructure that reflects the heritage and traditions of Dubai and Arabia. Renowned Chinese interior designer Khuan Chew, from KCA International, is the creative force behind the distinctive interiors, harmonizing a vibrant color palette with exquisite materials.
The hotel showcases over 30 different types of Statuario marble, covering nearly 24,000 square meters, the same marble employed by Michelangelo for his masterful sculptures. The interior is adorned with approximately 1,790 square meters of 24-carat gold leaf, and an estimated 86,500 individual hand-fixed pieces of Swarovski crystals embellish the frame of the mirror in the Junsui bar and the entrance. The Burj Al Arab stands as an iconic testament to architectural brilliance, blending tradition with modernity in a palatial setting.
Dubai Creek and Old Dubai
Discover the historical heart of Dubai along the Dubai Creek. Take an abra (traditional boat) ride, explore the bustling souks (markets), and visit the Dubai Museum housed in the Al Fahidi Fort. Old Dubai provides a stark contrast to the city’s modern skyline.
Miracle Garden
Embark on a floral adventure at Dubai Miracle Garden, the world’s largest natural flower garden spanning an impressive 72,000 square meters. Within this vast expanse, renowned buildings and structures have undergone a remarkable transformation into vibrant flower exhibits.
Stroll along the heart-shaped pathway or meander through petal-adorned castles, enchanting illuminated nightscapes, and life-sized houses. With over 150 million blooming flowers, the garden offers a plethora of attractions and a diverse array of whimsical arrangements.
One unmissable highlight is the Guinness World Record-breaking rendition of an Airbus A380 superjumbo aircraft, created in collaboration with Emirates Airline. Adorned with more than 500,000 fresh flowers and living plants, it stands as a breathtaking centerpiece. Another lively addition is the Smurfs Village, a vibrant display where enthusiasts of all ages can encounter the brilliantly-blue characters across four immersive zones.
Set your sights on the captivating ‘floating lady,’ adorned in exotic blooms, and explore a walking track featuring daily entertainment such as parades, street performers, and family-friendly activities. A visit to the dazzling Butterfly Garden is essential, housing 15,000 butterflies in ten custom-built domes.
Planning ahead is advisable, as the park typically closes during the summer for renovations and the installation of new exhibits. Dubai Miracle Garden promises a world of floral marvels that captivate and delight visitors throughout the year.
Dubai Opera
Experience live performances and immerse yourself in a wealth of arts and culture at Dubai Opera. This world-class performing arts destination, renowned for hosting the finest operas in Dubai, transcends the typical definition of an opera house.
Designed specifically for entertainment and music, Dubai Opera boasts a versatile space that can seamlessly shift from a traditional theatre to a concert hall or even a flat floor with no seating. With a capacity for 2,000 guests, the venue caters to a diverse range of performance styles, encompassing ballets, classical orchestras, and theatrical plays.
The allure of Dubai Opera extends beyond the stage; before or after an event, explore the onsite dining options. The exquisite Dubai Opera lobby provides an ideal backdrop for mingling with the city’s discerning crowd, offering breathtaking views of the iconic Burj Khalifa.
Situated across from The Dubai Fountain, next to The Dubai Mall in Downtown Dubai, Dubai Opera presents a blend of homegrown talent programs and touring productions from across the globe. To pay homage to the UAE’s rich heritage, Janus Rostock, the architect behind this masterpiece, designed the building to resemble a traditional dhow boat. Visitors to the area are invited to partake in guided tours of this magnificent facility, offering insights into its architecture and providing access to the backstage realm of high-end productions.
Ski Dubai
Experience snow in the desert at Ski Dubai, located in the Mall of the Emirates. This indoor ski resort offers skiing, snowboarding, and even penguin encounters, providing a unique and chilly contrast to the city’s warmth.
Jumeirah Mosque
A beautiful example of Islamic architecture, Jumeirah Mosque is one of the few mosques in Dubai open to non-Muslim visitors. Join a guided tour to learn about Islamic culture and enjoy the stunning views of the mosque.
Dubai’s attractions cater to a diverse range of interests, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a blend of modern luxury and cultural exploration. Whether you’re fascinated by futuristic architecture, indulgent shopping, or rich history, Dubai has something for everyone.
Madinat Jumeirah
Madinat Jumeirah stands out as one of Dubai’s most captivating developments, offering a contemporary take on a traditional Arab village. The complex features a bustling souq, picturesque palm-fringed waterways, and desert-themed hotels and villas adorned with wind towers. At the core of this architectural gem is Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a labyrinthine bazaar hosting approximately 75 shops along wooden walkways.
While the atmosphere may lean towards a somewhat contrived representation of an authentic Arab market, the quality of crafts, art, and souvenirs found here is notably high. For a touch of Western culture, the Madinat Theatre showcases various performances. Numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants add to the vibrant scene, with some offering delightful views of the waterways and the iconic Burj Al Arab. Embark on a leisurely 20-minute cruise through Madinat Jumeirah’s 2.5-mile-long network of winding waterways aboard a traditional-style abra—a motorized wooden boat equipped with cushioned benches. As you glide along, the desert feels a world away, replaced by enchanting gardens featuring billowing bougainvillea, lush banana trees, and majestic palms, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Burj Al Arab. Tours depart from the Souk Madinat waterfront, near Trader Vic’s, and no reservations are necessary. If you’re staying at a Madinat hotel or dining at one of the restaurants, your abra shuttle is complimentary.
