BURJ AL ARAB Billowing like the sail of a dhow, the Burg al Arab has come to symbolize 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 walkway 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.
THE PALM Jutting into the calm turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf is a man- made archipelago built in the shape of a palm tree. It can easily be reached via the city’s excellent monorail system. Its trunk is three miles long and its fan of fronds are lined with luxury villas and five-star hotels. At its farthest point is its crown jewel — the majestic Atlantis complex. Its footprint is 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 parlor even provided a dimension of its own. Ice cream was thrown between two waiters and toppings juggled in a theatrical fashion as they were prepared for us.
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 this 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.
24 RUMMELE’S JEWELERS MAGAZINE
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