Rising out of the desert, Dubai does more than impress. A futuristic like metropolis in the midst of arid land has the goal to be the biggest and best in every regard. Not only does Dubai hold the world’s largest shopping center and tallest tower, but the city also combines tradition mingling about with skyscrapers.
Most visitors begin a trip through Dubai in the Bastakiya Quarter of the city. The Bohemian quarter positions in Dubai’s city center. Here, travelers can explore modest museums, cafes, street markets and art galleries. Much of the area clouds in ecologically sound structures and traditional courtyards.
Reaching truly toward the sky, Burj Khalifa has become Dubai’s latest attraction. At a height of 828 meters, Burj Khalifa claims the title of the world’s tallest building. Visitors can rise to the world’s highest public observation deck for unparalleled views of the city. The tower is not just for ostentatious purposes. It also holds a mall, restaurants and a fitness center.
Dubai is all about impressing and outdoing itself. Travelers can get a taste of every piece of the world at the Palm Islands and the World attraction in Dubai. The site contains a theme park and hotels along with perhaps the city’s most ambitious attempt at map making. The space aims to recreate the shape of the world with 300 offshore islands.
The city may be extremely modern, but it still has its elderly side. The Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoumls House remains one of the oldest houses in the city. Said to be a fine example of traditional architecture in the city, the home boasts views of the sea and a touch of history. Constructed in 1896, the home was originally that of a Dubai ruler, who used the space to monitor trade in and out of the country.
Probably Dubai’s most photographed building comes at the Jumeirah Mosque. Dressed to impress, the Jumeirah Mosque radiates with its modern Islamic architecture. Adorned in two minarets unmistakable to the eye, the mosque composes entirely of stone.
Bearing the same name, the Jumeirah Archaeological Site rests in the city as a popular attraction. Easily one of the most important and significant archaeological sites in the United Arab Emirates, the Jumeirah Archaeological site holds items from the 6th century A.D. What was once a caravan stop now introduces visitors to pre-Islamic and Islamic eras.
Dubai’s traditional side is hard to find, aside from its historical and archaeological sites. However the souks or markets in the city lend the best insight into Dubai before it greased up in oil. The traditional markets still serve as one of Dubai’s greatest attractions. The spice market in particular perfumes in exotic sents worth a whiff or two.
More of the city’s history and tradition lies at the Dubai Museum. Contained in the historic Al-Fahidi Fort dating back to 1799, the museum hosts exhibits on old weapons and pearl diving outfits. The Dubai Museum also houses an impressive collection of military artifacts. Perhaps the most popular exhibits remain the 3,000 years old graves found at Al-Ghusais.
Visitors can even observe moments with nature in the midst of such a modern and futuristic city. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary claims 3,000 pink flamingos. Situated with Dubai’s metropolis in the background, when the thousands of flamingos arrive in winter months, visitors can capture a truly out of this world scene.
Dubai has an attitude. It may be one of being over the top. Then again, it may be one that keeps traditions side-by-side modernity. Regardless, the sky isn’t the limit for Dubai and it has the towers and skyscrapers to prove it.
