From its sail-shaped landmark Burj Al Arab hotel and chic malls to its sparkling beaches and Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, it’s difficult to knowingly understate Dubai. But behind its luxurious futuristic façade, Dubai managed to preserve much of its historic sites and Old World Arab charm. As a result, vestiges of pre-1970s Dubai — then an unassuming Persian Gulf fishing village famous for its pearls — still survive, hidden amid the modern glistening towers and flashing lights. This juxtaposition of ancient and über-modern provides a unique perspective into Dubai’s evolution and affords an opportunity to learn about Arabic culture in one of the region’s most open environments.
The iconic 5-star Dusit Thani Dubai Hotel in the city’s vibrant commercial district offers easy access to business and leisure pursuits. It’s only minutes from Dubai’s International Convention Centre, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Jumeirah Beach Park and Deira (historic old town). The hotel’s daily complimentary shuttle service whisks guests to most commercial and financial centers, the beach and malls.
Start your day early with a short orientation cruise of Dubai’s inner bay or the Dubai Creek aboard a traditional dhow. As you cruise past fishing dhows and arbas, your guide provides a brief, informative history of Dubai as he points out the many modern and historic landmarks flanking the bay.
Back at the dock, walk the couple of blocks to the souks in the Deira district on the eastern side of the creek. Here, amid the narrow alleyways, a cacophony of brightly colored fabrics, exotic aromas of spices and the lively chatter of merchants from Iran, Oman and Somalia flood your senses.
A couple of blocks north of the cramped stalls of saffron, bejeweled Arabic slippers, Persian rugs, ornate shishas (hookahs) and coin-encrusted belly dancing costumes, you’ll find the world’s largest gold souk, shop windows bursting with racks and racks of 20- and 24-karat gold bracelets, watches and necklaces.
Continue your eclectic cultural tour across the creek in nearby Bastakiya with lunch at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. The center is famous for its friendly, informal discussions of Emirati culture and its traditional Arab cuisine such as tangy tabouleh; luqaimat pastries with date syrup; sweet khobs khameer flatbread with fennel seed and saffron; and strong, cardamom-scented Arabic coffee.
After lunch, head back to your hotel to freshen up for dinner at the top of the world. Opened in 2011, At.mosphere Restaurant on the 122nd floor of the 2,717-foot Burj Khalifa is the highest restaurant in the world. The combination of magnificent city panoramas and the imaginative menu of Michelin-starred chef Dwayne Cheer, featuring wild sea bass and Moroccan spiced lamb chops, is an unforgettable experience and the perfect ending to your day in Dubai.
Weblinks
At.mosphere Restaurant
Dubai Tourism
Dusit Thani Dubai Hotel
The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
Read This Next
All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Jul 26, 2024Accor Unveils Its First Handwritten Collection Brand in the United States
San Francisco, a city renowned for its commercial hubs and cultural sites, will become the first destination in the United States for one of Accor's newest brands, Handwritten Collection. The city’s Hotel Stratford San Francisco, Handwritten Collection is a European-style boutique property located near Union Square on the famous Powell Street cable car line. The area will now have the Handwritten Collection name behind it. The property becomes Accor's third hotel in San Francisco, joining the Fairmont properties atop Nob Hill and at Ghirardelli Square.
Sponsored Content
Extend Your Stay In Trendy Madrid
With its rich artistic and natural heritage, its outstanding transport network, the quality of its accommodation, its excellent gastronomy, and the passion with which the people of Madrid enjoy both the day and the night, the capital of Spain is one of the most attractive cities in the world.
Global City Guidebook 2024
Jul 26, 2024Bask in Nature’s Tranquility at The Spa at Four Seasons Tamarindo
When the two of us entered The Spa at Four Seasons Tamarindo, past the backlit boutique items and local artisan-painted wood carvings, the place wrapped us in a feeling of tranquility. Its stone walls, earth tones, woven wall hangings and furniture made of natural materials reminded us we are part of nature’s spectrum, the abundant windows showing native plants and trees outside.
Daily
Jul 26, 20244 Boutique Hotels with Exclusive Wedding Buyout Offerings
Couples looking for an over-the-top wedding, consider one of these properties around the world, offering total property buyouts to say your “I do’s.”
Sponsored Content
Paradisus by Meliá Redefines the All-Inclusive Experience
Paradisus by Meliá, a leading luxury all-inclusive resort brand, is taking the hospitality world by storm with its latest developments. With a slew of exciting developments, including a fresh property in Punta Cana, an adults-only resort in Los Cabos, an enticing chef partnership, revamped suites and much more, the brand is setting new standards for all-inclusive excellence. Each property maintains the essence of all-inclusive luxury while immersing guests in the rich tapestry of its destination, offering bespoke experiences that celebrate local culture and heritage. Paradisus is on a mission to redefine the all-inclusive paradigm, moving beyond conventional expectations to deliver personalized, lavish experiences tailored to every guest.
Airlines
Jul 26, 2024BermudAir Maximizes Choices for Travelers with New Options
BermudAir announced an expanded fare structure, allowing customers to choose from five fare types across economy and business class, up from the previous three options. Travelers can now select fares based on their preferences for lounge access, checked baggage, change fees, refunds and priority boarding.
Discover Hvar, Croatia’s, Best-Kept Secrets
Daily
Jul 25, 2024Daily
Jul 24, 2024SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites Introduces Custom Wine Itineraries
SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites offers guests personalized journeys to Mendoza’s finest wineries from Susana Balbo’s family. Immerse yourself in bespoke wine itineraries recommended by Balbo, Argentina’s first female winemaker; her son and third-generation winemaker, José Lovaglio Balbo; and her daughter, hotelier and wine tourism marketer, Ana Lovaglio Balbo.
Sponsored Content
Sail to the Tropical Splendors of Tahiti and The Tuamotu Islands with Windstar Cruises
This November, Windstar Cruises celebrates more than 36 years in Tahiti with an itinerary taking guests to the clear waters of Tahiti and The Tuamotu Islands on a journey exploring Tahitian culture, the ecosystems of Fakarava, and the sunsets of Raiatea and Bora Bora. The 10-day sailing aboard Star Breeze, Nov. 18–28, departs from Papeete and ends in Papeete.
eFlyer Reviews
Jul 24, 2024Althoff Grand Hotel Schloss Bensberg Review
After a long drive from our previous destination, it was a relief to see Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg in our view. When we pulled into the hotel court, I felt like we were pulling up to a royal palace. Considering the hotel was originally built as a castle for Prince Elector Johann Wilhelm II of Duesseldorf and his wife, Maria-Luisa of the Medici family, my thought wasn’t that far off.
ShareThis