In most of your minds, the most obvious association of Dubai with luxurious high-rises is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world with a shape similar to a palm tree, which appears to sink into the sea (Palm Jumeirah), or an expensive hotel that looks like a sail on a ship (Burj Al Arab). However, if you will be visiting this fascinating city for the first time, you should know that there is more to it than just the extravagant landmarks. During your trip to Dubai, do not forget to check out Abu Dhabi as well, because you will not know how much fun you’ll be having until you visit these cities for yourself!
We will now be taking a look at some of the most iconic destinations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi that you should not miss when you plan a trip there.
Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi
One of the biggest mosques in the world and a dedicated monument to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the United Arab Emirates, this mosque is known for its size and design. His vision was to create a place that would be welcoming and culturally rich and be an inspiration to people of all backgrounds.
A Cultural collaboration even took place during the construction of the building. There are more than 1,300 Iranian artisans who were responsible for hand knotting the large carpet that covers the main space of the mosque, making it one of the largest carpets in the world, which was designed and built by skilled teams from all over the world.
During your journey through the marbled halls, you’ll come across some of the most one-of-a-kind treasures in the world, including gold-plated Swarovski chandeliers, vast marble mosaics in the courtyard, and reflective pools that reflect some of the many columns that are embedded with amethyst and jasper. There are four beautiful minarets standing proudly atop the mosque that have a height of 106 metres, so it is a treat to see when you are out there.
Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi
Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi, the first five-star hotel in the region, combines luxury comfort, impeccable service and an array of unique dining experiences within an enchanting setting. As viewed from a distance, the hotel’s main structure seems to stretch over a kilometre from one wing to the other, while the gardens spread over an area of over 100 hectares and the grounds look like something out of an Arabian fairy tale. When you walk into one of the rooms, you will immediately feel a sense of deep relaxation washing over you. Besides the pristine 1.3 km private beach, the hotel offers stunning pools, a lakeside marina and natural bay, an excellent spa, and highly rated restaurants, as well as a renowned golf course nearby
Abu Dhabi Corniche
Several activities can be enjoyed on the Corniche, including dining, shopping, watching cruise ships go by while they travel along the Persian Gulf as they make their way to the shore. Furthermore, from here you will be able to see a spectacular sunset over the city and at the same time enjoy the early morning hours with the least amount of people around for beautiful photos.
Earlier this year, the Corniche beachfront in Abu Dhabi was awarded the much-desired Blue Flag accreditation, a global recognition for beaches and marinas for being clean and safe, and this accreditation distinguishes the beautiful beachfront from the rest.
Atlantis the Palm, Dubai
The Palm Islands in Dubai are the largest artificial islands in the world and are designed in the shape of palm trees. You can see that they are the world’s biggest. In Dubai’s fast-growing tourism sector, reclaimed land was used to build these offshore islands as a result of their uniqueness and Dubai’s fast-growing tourism industry.
Dubai’s world-famous Palm Island is crowning the elegant Atlantis, The Palm hotel which sits amid the tranquil turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf and the spectacular cityscape of Dubai.
Burj Khalifa, Dubai
Burj Khalifa is one of the most iconic buildings on earth due to its status as a global icon and as the world’s tallest building. It is undoubtedly a true feat of engineering to be able to construct such a magnificent building which represents the conceptual heart and soul of Dubai.
It goes without saying that this towering structure with a height of 828 meters is one of the most amazing structures in the United Arab Emirates and it has attracted the attention of people from all parts of the world since it opened in 2010. As a result of the unique design of the Burj Khalifa, you have not one, but two observation decks from which to enjoy the incredible view of the city – the two-storey at the Top observation deck on floors 124 and 125 as well as the 148th floor observation deck which is one of the loftiest in the world (555 meters).
Dubai Museum
This museum is made up of a number of wings that are dedicated to the various aspects of life and to living in Dubai during different times. It comprises of a gallery of artefacts dating back up to 1960 in the south-western tower of the citadel which can be accessed by descending a spiral staircase through the central tower of the fort. You are given the impression that you are in an ancient souq (market) when you step outside the museum, both in terms of the full-scale wings displaying various relics of trade and commerce from ancient Dubai together with video footage that is telecast in the background.
Dubai Frame
At 150 meters high, Dubai Frame is the tallest structure in the world that provides a bird’s eye view of Dubai’s skyline, while giving you the chance to get a glimpse of the old and new parts of the city, as well as see how the city has transformed into one of the world’s most magnificent cities.
Dubai Spices Market-Gold Souq
Dubai is home to one of the world’s largest markets called the Gold and Spice Souks, which is located in the city of Dubai. This Gold Souk is a place where there are outlets available where you can find gold jewelry, silverware, antiques, and other decorative items for your house. Make sure you look at the shops at the end of this market as well because there are also shops selling diamond rings. So make sure to take a look at them too!
