Dubai is a city that has sprung to fame as one of the most luxurious places in the world. While it has a wealth of high-end retail, dining and leisure options, it is most known for its large-scale architecture projects and innovation in the realms of technology and engineering. Whether you’re visiting for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, Dubai has something to offer everyone.
Located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dubai is a cosmopolitan metropolis with a reputation for glitz and glamour. It is also a major commercial hub, ranked as the seventh-largest economy in the world. The emirate’s Western-style model of business has led to its recent economic boom and rapid population growth. Its main sources of income are now tourism, aviation, real estate, and financial services.
Dubai has a hot desert climate, and the city’s summers are particularly scorching. However, thanks to massive investments in infrastructure, this has been mitigated somewhat. In the early 21st century, new roads, bridges, and a fully automated driverless metro rail system have made it easier for people to get around.
The city’s iconic landmark, the Burj Khalifa, stands at an astounding 2,717 ft tall. The building is an architectural marvel, and the views are breathtaking. For the best experience, visit the Burj Khalifa at night to see it lit up with dazzling lights.
You can also visit other popular attractions like the Palm Jumeirah man-made archipelago, Ski Dubai, and the Mall of the Emirates. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you can try out a skydiving experience at Skydive Dubai. The company allows both beginners and experienced jumpers to plunge over the city at speeds of up to 120 mph.
If you prefer to relax, there are many parks and beaches in Dubai. You can also enjoy a boat ride along the Dubai Marina or go to the Wild Wadi Waterpark, which is the largest water park in the Middle East. You can also visit the Dubai Miracle Garden, which is a beautiful botanical garden.
With its pristine white-sand beaches and azure waters, Dubai is also a popular destination for scuba diving. There are a number of dive shops that cater to scuba divers and snorkelers, and many of them have training centers where you can learn the basics.
Dubai’s affluent society is largely fueled by the petrodollar, which has allowed it to grow rapidly since the 1930s. Initially, the pearl industry was the driving force of the city’s economy, but in the late 20th century, it became an international trade center. This attracted a large number of skilled expatriates from other parts of the Middle East, as well as from Asia and Europe. Today, foreign workers outnumber local Emiratis by more than two to one. Many of them live in work camps outside the city’s limits. This has resulted in the city becoming one of the most culturally diverse cities in the Middle East.