Jewels of the Emirates - Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Welcome to the Emirates! The cruise ship was leaving from Dubai port, therefore I had a few days to visit Dubai and Abu Dhabi as well. Here are the most important sights you should not skip in the UAE.

Dubai – the international city of huge malls and statement buildings

The place is never ending development, the city that’s constantly changing, where there is always something to discover. Let me start with the two iconic symbols.

Burj Al Arab

Once you are in Dubai, you will go to Burj Al Arab, the most luxurious seven star hotel in the world. You can enter the hotel only if you stay there, otherwise you can walk on  the Jumeirah beach and make a few shots on the sail- shaped building. Burj Al Arab stands on the artificial island. The construction works started in 1994, today it’s the third tallest hotel in the world. It's a pleasant area with nice beach and cafes.

Burj Khalifa

The second must see building is the Burj Khalifa, today they say, it’s the tallest building in the world, it hosts the Armani Residence and the Armani Hotels, the tower is also home for lounges, wellness facilities and observation decks. More than 12.000 people worked on the project and the shape of the building was inspired by the Spider Lily, which is regional desert flower. The view from the 148th floor is breathtaking. You have to enter the tower via the Dubai mall, take your time and arrive at least 15 minutes earlier, otherwise you will be so lost in the mall.  I also highly recommend you booking your ticket several days in advance, therefore you can access easier, peek time is around sunset, then the tower is more crowded, the view of the dancing fountain is pretty amazing from up there.

Storm is approaching.

Night view

View

Dubai Mall entrance

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The cheapest and easiest way to get around the city is by taxi. I was really curious about the Palm island, I visited the Atlantis and the Lost Chambers Aquarium. If you have children, make sure to visit the place, they will love it too.

Dubai Marina walk

A tidy port for nice and long walks, also great place for lunch. All in all it’s a commercial part of the city, still the skyscrapers and the yachts are serving as fabulous sights. You can escape from the noise of the malls and soak in the beauty of the special architecture here.

Shopping with style in Dubai

The city is well known for the huge malls, actually The Dubai Mall is the largest shopping center in the world, I was lost twice, but don’t worry, there are maps everywhere, you will find your way. It houses 1200 stores, no wonder it’s called the ultimate paradise for shoppers. The interior design is based on arabesque motifs, warm colors, golden details, such an elegant set. There is a huge aquarium inside, a kid-friendly program again, be prepared for queues though.

Even if it’s 40 degrees outside, you can still enjoy skiing inside the Mall of the Emirates, yes, it’s possible. You will see real igloos, faux mountains, ski slopes, Alpine style „Hütte” and everything you need for skiing. Crazy idea, but this is Dubai. The shopping center is just as stunning as the Dubai Mall, experience the luxury and visit these two malls, you won’t regret it! 

It’s SOUK time

If you still couldn’t get enough of shopping, discover the old part of Dubai, enjoy the authentic atmosphere, the smell of the spices and perfumes in the Souk, perfect program for the evening. I just found a local restaurant by coincidence, it’s called Al Buraq, it’s an all you can eat place at a very good price. I was amazed by the Gold Souk, I don't think I’ve ever seen so much gold at one place. I finally bought a perfume, sweet and spicy with oriental notes. Amber, oud and roses are typical blends in the Arabic world. The best souvenir from this region.

Desert Safari

Experience the desert in a different way. It’s definitely an adrenalin bomb, drivers are skilled in dune dashing. I skipped the dinner and belly dancer part, I only had time for the dune drive, which was an exciting closure for my stay in Dubai. If you stay for the dinner program, take extra jumper with you, temperature might drop in the desert.

Abu Dhabi - the city of luxury

Emirates Palace

I only had one full day for discovering Abu Dhabi. First I was visiting the iconic Emirates Palace, the luxurious accommodation designed with rich arabesque decor, it’s located on a private beach.  The inside is glamorous with pure gold and geometric details, it just looks sophisticated.

Wander around the public areas, go straight to ’Le Cafe’ where you can grab a really unique cappuccino, believe it or not, it's sprinkled with 24K gold flakes, luxury on top. It’s said that aprox. eleven pounds of pure gold are used each year just to decorate the food and drinks. Famous people like Jon Bon Jovi, Elthon John and Bill Clinton enjoyed there stay at this expensive hotel. 

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

This place is the 'jewelry box of the country' to me, it’s a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and one the largest mosques in the world. The  first ceremony was Sheikh Zayed’s funeral, who is buried at the site. 100,000 tons of pure white marble were used during the construction works. Delicate floral designs, elegant hand-knotted carpets, luxurious, gold chandeliers with Swarovski crystals  and traditional ceramic details make the place stunning and impressive.

You are allowed to enter bare foot only, women should be covered up, your appearance is checked at the entrance. If you are not appropriately dressed, you can borrow hooded abaya at the entrance for free.  Visitors are welcome, except during prayer times, you’d better check the website before visiting (http://www.szgmc.gov.ae/en/Home) , because the schedule might change  every day. Even though it’s a very touristic place, you will not regret spending an hour here and admiring the mixture of beauties.

Ferrari World

It’s a large indoor theme park on Yas island, perfect  program for families.  You can experience the place through fun drives, roller coasters, go carts and simulators.  Formula Rossa is one of the fastest roller coasters in the world. The place is often crowded, however mornings are more quiet, go there for opening hour if you are bothered by the crowd. Deep in the Ferrari World and have fun!

Central Market Souk

No way I would ever skip a visit in the Souk, I only had one hour before my cruise ship was heading to another city, so I dropped by for a drink. I’ve found this place called NAB Juices, they offer a hug variety of organic juices and blends. Perfect refreshment!

The old souk burned down years ago, the Central Market is a traditional one with modern features, unique wooden architecture and wide range of products from spices to traditional clothes, you can buy your souvenir here.

Have fun and enjoy your stay!