June 15, 2022 | View Online | Sign Up
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It’s not a mirage. But as the futuristic metropolis of Dubai explodes from the desert, you’d be forgiven for believing so.
Luxury oozes from its mammoth shopping malls and extravagant high-rises all the way to the exclusive beach clubs that line the everwarm waters of the Persian Gulf. But culture-philes shouldn’t be put off. Skip around the parked Lamborghinis and there’s an unexpected treasure of civilizations long gone, Islamic heritage, and astonishing natural beauty.
Believe what you want, but the glamor of Dubai is culture in itself. The monumental Burj Khalifa that towers over its SciFi cityscape is a statement piece — a beacon to the world that this mind-bending oasis is very much here to stay.
مرحبا بكم في دبي
Welcome to Dubai
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| FUN FACTS
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It never stops growing
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If you could travel to Dubai in 1990, you’d find mostly sand. It’s astonishing growth was sparked by concerns for the United Arab Emirates in a post-oil world. Taking the initiative, the rulers of Dubai over the years transformed Dubai into a global city, no longer relying on profits from energy.
Almost non-existent income tax, attractive business incentives, and other programs turned Dubai into an expat haven. Nowadays, foreign residents drastically outnumber citizens. It’s estimated that around 88% of the population are expats.
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| KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
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Make sure the PDA is DOA
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Dubai, despite all of its expats, is still a conservative Islamic country. The UAE is far more progressive than many other Middle Eastern nations, but there are still some really important norms to adhere to.
Kissing and cuddling can be classified as public indecency and punishable by law. Holding hands is permissible IF you’re married. Staying in a hotel room together is illegal if you’re unmarried. You might never be challenged on it, but it’s still technically a risk.
For members of the LGBTQ+ community, it’s important to remember that homosexuality is illegal in the UAE and punishable with prison time or large fines. If you decide to travel to Dubai, it's important that you are extra careful to avoid public displays of affection.
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Don’t dress to offend
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It’s going to be hot in Dubai. Like, really, really hot. But don’t take that as a prompt to peel off the layers too much. You’re okay in your swimsuit at the beach, but anything a little more revealing is likely to draw some unwanted attention. Guys, shirts on. Ladies, watch those short shorts.
As a rule of thumb, shoulders and knees stay covered. Everyone knows you’re not from there and don’t expect you to be completely covered, but it's still wise to show the local customs some respect.
That goes for Ramadan too. Eating or drinking in public is strictly prohibited from dusk till dawn for the holy month. Designated areas will be available for non-Muslims to grab breakfast and lunch — usually with a screen to avoid anyone seeing.
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Tidbits for your checklist
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Check your prescriptions. Drug tolerance is very low in the UAE, extending to some standard prescription drugs. Double-check the rules for your pills before you leave.
Check your potty mouth at the door. Swearing in public can be seen as an affront to decency.
Check yourself before you wreck yourself. Being drunk and drinking in public is also illegal, so if you’ve had a bit too much, grab a cab straight back to your hotel.
Check your dancing shoes. It’s an odd one, but dancing in public is considered provocative. Don’t dance unless you’re in a licensed club or your hotel room.
Don't get discouraged. We know this whole section seems like an endless list of things to avoid. And, well, it kind of is. Dubai really is just different. But that’s not to say you can’t have a fantastic time in this unbelievable city.
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| TOGETHER WITH
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| THINGS TO DO
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Go Skyscraping
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At the top of your Dubai to-do list should be the top of the Burj Khalifa. The world’s tallest building towers over the city, reaching a staggering 828 meters (Freedom Tower in NYC is only 541m).
Depending on the ticket, visitors can access the viewing decks on the 125th or 148th floor. Both offer insane views of the city and the desert beyond. The 148th option gives you personalized tours of the skyscraper and some time in an exclusive lounge where you can grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the views.
For the ultimate experience, try booking tickets first thing in the morning or at sunset. Tickets aren’t cheap - you’ll be looking at around $42 minimum for a basic ticket. To skip the line, grab a meal or a tour, and be prepared to fork out a bit more.
To save a little, you can purchase combos that combine a visit to the Burj Khalifa with other attractions like the aquarium.
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Get a desert adrenaline rush
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Dubai’s exuberance extends to its tourist attractions in the most unique ways possible. One of the most popular thrills in Dubai is a skydive over the city. It’s the best way to check out the astonishing manmade archipelagos if you can ignore the fact you’ve just jumped out of a plane.
For a different experience, try scuba diving in the world’s deepest swimming pool. Fourteen million liters of freshwater allow divers to go as deep as 60m, depending on ability. Deep Dive features an underwater city, 56 cameras to film your adventure, and underwater viewing windows so friends and family can see you.
If neither speaks to you, try the world’s longest urban zip line or even skiing (yes, you read that right). Dining can even be a thrill with Dinner in the Sky.
And frankly, the size of the malls in Dubai means they’re an adventure in themselves.
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Get to grips with the sands of time
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Dubai is a symbol of modern city development, and the big-ticket draws are amazing. But there are still some amazing cultural experiences to be had. The Middle East is an unbelievable region, and if you’re willing to explore a little more, your Dubai experience could be exceptional.
Maybe head out to the Dubai Race Track to catch a camel race. The sport has been a part of life in the region for centuries, and the early morning races are a fantastic way to experience an intimate piece of Arab culture.
Visiting a mosque in the city is another excellent way to delve into the inner social workings of the city. Jumeirah Mosque is the only one open for visitors to go on guided tours, but there are plenty of mesmerizing sites that you can admire from the outside too.
For an understanding of a pre-oil UAE, visit the Dubai Museum, situated in the oldest standing building in the city. The old fort housing the exhibits is worth checking out, as it harbors the remnants of a Dubai that most now couldn’t imagine.
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| WHERE TO STAY
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Seven Star Luxury
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Dubai doesn’t hold back on the opulence front, and that mentality stretches firmly into its hotel scene. Home to some of the most over-the-top hotels on the planet, it’s best to throw yourself into the luxury without judgment.
With that said, there are plenty of excellent hotels at reasonable prices, so if you’d prefer to splurge in other ways, you’re covered. Here’s our pick of the lot.
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Our Top Pick: The Burj Al Arab Hotel
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Dubai, UAE
$$$$$ | See inside
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One of the most iconic hotels in the world, the Burj Al Arab has often been named the only seven-star accommodation on the planet. Trying to explain just how luxurious this place is tough, but to throw some stats at you:
The interior is covered in gilded gold, it has the largest Swarovski chandelier in the world, and it has more than 24 thousand square meters of the same type of marble that Michelangelo used for his famous David sculpture. There are 17 pillow options to choose from, and the down inside the duvets are harvested from abandoned duck nests in Norway. Throw in five Michelin stars, a manmade beach, and a turtle hospital (what?!), and you’ve got the most over-the-top place you’ll ever stay.
Ready for the prices? A basic room is $1046. The top-tier suite is almost $7000 a night.
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| Book Your Stay |
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Other Top Picks
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| WHERE TO EAT
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Would you like some gold flake with that?
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You could spend two weeks in Dubai and never touch a piece of local food. There are literally hundreds of high-end restaurants serving anything from gold-crusted steak to the most expensive Chinese food on the planet.
Definitely indulge in some of those, but don’t forget to try some of the Emirati food that’s sustained the region for centuries. Dubai's location and role as a port town made it a melting pot of Middle Eastern food. Hearty stews, delicate pastries, and even camel grace the menus of some of the cheaper food options, and all are worth some attention.
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Our Top Pick: Al Fanar
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Dubai, UAE
$$$$$ | Menu
Al Fanar is part of a dying breed of restaurants in Dubai. As globalization takes hold, international cuisine takes center stage in place of the regional dishes that were once the bread and butter of the Middle East. Al Fanar is trying to hold onto the vibrant foods of the past and introduce them to a new audience, making it a perfect deviation from the glamorous restaurants elsewhere in the city.
Serving a broad range of Emirati dishes, Al Fanar’s breakfasts are a highlight. Local bread, dates, eggs, and cheese combine for a local delight. Further down the menu are samosas, pakoras, stews, and many other Middle Eastern staples for visitors to get a handle on.
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| Reserve a table |
The Best of the Rest
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| WHAT'S HAPPENING IN DUBAI
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