Dubai has transformed itself into one of the world’s most recognizable luxury destinations. The United Arab Emirates city combines futuristic architecture, enormous shopping destinations, beachfront resorts and entertainment on an extraordinary scale. Its international population also gives the city a distinctly cosmopolitan character, with cultures and cuisines from around the world represented across its neighborhoods. For travelers looking for comfort and spectacle, there is an enormous range of experiences available. Yet some of Dubai’s biggest attractions have become landmarks in their own right.
Dominating the skyline is the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. Rising 828 meters above the city, the skyscraper provides panoramic views from observation areas high above Downtown Dubai. Its distinctive silhouette has also become part of popular culture. In Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol, Tom Cruise famously performed a sequence outside the building, turning the Burj Khalifa into the setting for one of the franchise’s most memorable stunts.
Around the tower, Downtown Dubai brings several major attractions within a relatively compact area. The Dubai Mall combines luxury boutiques and international retailers with entertainment ranging from an ice rink to an enormous aquarium. Nearby, the Dubai Fountain has long been another popular attraction, using water, light and music to create large scale performances against the dramatic backdrop of the Burj Khalifa.
Dubai’s appeal, however, extends well beyond its downtown skyscrapers. Palm Jumeirah demonstrates the scale of the city’s ambitions from an entirely different perspective. The palm shaped artificial island stretches into the Arabian Gulf and contains residences, hotels, restaurants and beaches. Its unusual design has made it one of Dubai’s most recognizable developments when viewed from above.
Among the island’s best known resorts is Atlantis, The Palm. The large beachfront property combines accommodation with restaurants, aquatic attractions and entertainment, making it a destination even for visitors who are not staying there. Over the years, Dubai’s luxury hotels and resorts have also attracted entertainers, athletes and other internationally known visitors, contributing to the city’s glamorous reputation.
There is more to Dubai than extravagant buildings and luxury shopping. Its multicultural population has created a varied dining scene, while beaches, desert excursions, traditional markets and historic districts offer alternatives to the polished atmosphere of its newest developments. That contrast allows visitors to experience different sides of the city within a single trip.
Dubai’s greatest attraction may ultimately be its ability to offer variety on a remarkable scale. A day can begin hundreds of meters above the city, continue through enormous shopping and entertainment complexes, and end beside the Arabian Gulf. For travelers drawn to modern architecture, ambitious experiences and high end hospitality, Dubai has created a destination unlike almost anywhere else.
