Dubai has certainly transformed from a fishing settlement it once was. This city is truly remarkable to see as a blend of the past and ultra modernization. Dubai has its own unique flavour in the Middle East and its city of luxury and relaxation with a few extremes. It is quickly becoming a favourite spot for Nigerians on holiday.
You will want to shape your holiday right away after discovering the 15 reasons why Dubai is always a good idea for vacation… and then some.
Al Bastakiya and the Old Fort
Get away from the glitz of ‘new’ Dubai and flavour some of its past. The village of Al Bastakiya was scheduled to be demolished but thankfully it was saved when it was stressed to developers on how important it is to retain the past. Built in 1787, the Al Fahidi Fort is one of the charming original mud buildings that were used to defend the city against attacks from neighbouring tribes. It now serves as a history museum.
Burj Al Arab
You will easily know you are in Dubai once you see its most recognizable buildings, the Burj Al Arab Hotel that is in the shape of a sailboat. Guests and staff fondly call it a “7-Star hotel”. It may be a bit too pricey for most of us but it is still free to take a photo and show it off to your friends in Nigeria.
Burj Khalifa
The world’s tallest skyscraper looks impressive in photos, but once one sees it in person, it will be a sight that will never be forgotten. Glistening at an enormous height, it can be a struggle to try and get it all in one photograph. Luckily, the observation deck is open to provide a beautiful view of the city for visitors.
Discover the Lost City
Manmade islands are what placed Dubai on the map, and that give the city plenty of space to expand upon. Even if you are not staying at t the luxurious Atlantis Palm Hotel, you will be welcomed as a visitor to the ‘Lost City of Atlantis.’ Within this complex, head to Aquaventure and slide down on one of many waterslides for an exhilarating experience. Walk through underground grottos with all sorts of aquatic species behind aquariums. View dolphins up close and even feed sting rays.
Do More than Shop at the Dubai Mall
The mall is roughly 5-10 minutes away from most areas of Dubai and it is colossal! The extravagant Dubai Mall deserves a whole day to take in all it offers. The mall is split into several sections with hundreds of shops and restaurants, 22 screen multiplex movie theatre, an aquarium, ice skating rink and an entire theme park called Sega Republic, amongst other entertainment venues.
Fly High Above
The best way of seeing all of Dubai and identifying the various parts of the city, its towers and buildings all at once are to take a helicopter tour. Only from the sky is it possible to all of Dubai in its entirety from its skyscraper hotels, business district, outlying deserts and the oasis of green areas formed by the golf course, race track and Creekside Park.
For the Sports Minded
Manicured golf courses provide ready enjoyment for golfers, as well as many major sporting events take place in Dubai for the spectator. Past sports events played in Dubai have included the Dubai World Cup, the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships, the Dubai Desert Classic Golf Tournament, and major polo and cricket competitions. The Nad Al Sheba Racecourse is a favourite recreation for many. We all know Nigerians love to participate in sports and you won’t be disappointed at the Dubai Sports World. Avoid the heat in June through August and remain indoors in cool air condition space and indulge in a game of basketball, tennis and football amongst other games.
Green and Sea Fun
Dubai is the preferred travel spot in the Middle East because of its beaches and green areas. Creekside Park is a 221-acre green space that families prefer. Take the cable car on premises for an uplifting adventure that gives you an unobstructed view of the park, botanical garden and the high-rises building.
Beaches are either free or fee-paid. Both the private and public beaches are frequented because of their fine, white sand and clean water. Many beaches have recreational activities such as jet skiing, windsurfing, paragliding, and deep-sea fishing.
Haggle at the Old Souk
Photo Source: Bryan Allision on Flickr
A Souk is a marketplace that seems to have been around since the beginning of time. Even though there are markets in Nigeria, there’s no place like the old Souk to purchase gold. This is a market with a Middle Eastern charm filled to the brim and vendors sell solid golden bracelets and necklaces, well as more modest items. Make sure to haggle in order to try and get the best price.
Hit the slopes
A once in a lifetime experience for any Nigerian is to try something new especially when it concerns the snow. Skiing in the midst of the desert in Dubai Mall is sure to be at the top of anyone’s list. The ski centre with snow covered slopes has a longest run of about 400 metres. It’s a great place for all members of the family to enjoy. For those not keen on skiing can still have fun by partaking in inner tube riding and snowboarding. All equipment is available for rental.
Indulge in Art
Dubai contains several galleries with a unique offering of styles in media. These galleries provide opportunities for contemporary, experimental and traditional works of long standing and upcoming artists. The focal point of art in Dubai is Gallery 76. It is the oldest public art gallery and contains not only touring and local exhibits, but classes that Nigerians can participate in as well. Bring back to Nigeria a souvenir of your choice of the beautiful ceramics, handicrafts, and jewellery.
Ride the Waves
Perhaps it’s because of Dubai’s past as a fishing port that it concentrates on an array of water related attractions. Wild Wadi Waterpark contains 30 water rides covering the relaxing to straightforwardly scary such as the 33m-high Jumeirah Sceirah slide or the white-water rapids ‘river’ ride. It certainly has enough splash-about attractions to keep anyone amused for a day. They even have devised a fake thunderstorm for entertainment.
See a Free Show
Set on the 30-acre man-made Burj Khalifa Lake, Dubai Fountain is made to impress. Each night, the world’s largest dancing fountain is illumined with 1.5 million lumens of projected and colourful lights on its shooting water spouts. It performs to a wide variety of synchronized music and water as high as high as a 50-story building. It is visible from any position along the lake promenade and in view from neighbouring buildings.
Surf the Dunes
Take a day long trip that with a tour and take part in a desert safari in a jeep. Travel through the red and golden towers of sand and descend the dunes on mounds with a 300-meter drop. View the dramatic desert landscapes making this one the most interesting side trips imaginable. Afterwards indulge in the ride of your life by standing on a surfboard or skis and try to go down the dunes on your own.
Understand the Culture
Stop in for breakfast or lunch for cross-cultural appreciation of the Muslim world at The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. As its name suggests, this centre is an introduction to understand Islam and its people. All questions will be addressed; even non-Islam related ones such as how to survive in the desert.
Now you know the 15 reasons why Dubai is always a good idea for vacation. If you are looking for even more reasons, well guess what?
There are plenty of reasons, such as riding on a camel, dining on mouth watering cuisines, racing in a virtual car at ‘Xxtreme Simulation’, defying gravity at ‘iFLY Dubai’ or going on an enthralling deep sea fishing adventure.
If you are planning to visit Dubai any time soon, Global Links Travels offers Dubai Visa at an affordable price.