BURJ AL ARAB Billowing like the sail of a dhow the Burg al Arab has come to symbolise Dubai. It is in the Jumeriah area which is flanked by idyllic sandy beaches. Designed by architect Tom Wright it sits on an artificial island. It was completed in 1999 and its 202 rooms are amongst the most expensive in the world. Its hospitality, service and sumptuous dining make it unique and are open to non-residents. Close to the Burg Arab a canal has been constructed and in its picturesque setting restaurants spill out onto the walk way with giant parasols. It is a great place to chill out and a boat ride on the bright blue water is a great way to spend some free time. BURJ KHALIFA Downtown Dubai is the city’s busy tourism hub and here you will find the tallest skyscraper in the world - the Burj Khalifa with its observation deck on level 125. From its dizzy height the view is exhilarating although on some days its sheer height causes clouds to collect around it. In
the evening we gathered with others at its base to watch the exhilarating fountain display choreographed to music, its many jets shoot water as high as a 50-story building. Designed by creators of the Fountains of Bellagio in Vegas, Dubai fountain is an amazing experience. SHOPPING MALLS
There are so many shopping malls in Dubai that it is impossible to visit them all. They compete for your attention by offering amazing additions. One even has a ski slope. It easily surpassed any indoor skiing experience I had previously encountered. Everything you could ever need can be found in them. Take your pick and shop till you drop.
THE PALM Jutting into the calm turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf is a manmade archipelago built in the shape of a palm tree. It can easily be reached via the city’s excellent mono rail system. Its trunk is 3 miles long and its fan of fronds are lined with luxury villas and five-star hotels. At its farthest point is its crown- the majestic Atlantis complex. Its footprint the size of 64 Wembley football pitches. It stands like something from a Disney movie and this pink hued resort houses not only accommodation but a water park, an aquarium, fine dining, a private beach and a shopping mall. I remember the ice cream parlour even provided a dimension of its own. Ice cream being thrown between two waiters and toppings juggled in a theatrical fashion as they were prepared for us.
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