Dubai has built a reputation on superlatives (the tallest building, one of the largest malls, artificial islands visible from space) but beneath the record-breaking architecture, Dubai Creek's old trading quarters still show the pearl-diving and spice-trading town this was before the oil and construction booms.
The Skyline
The Burj Khalifa's observation deck, 'At the Top,' requires a timed ticket (book ahead for meaningfully lower prices than walk-up rates) and offers a view over the entire city to the Gulf, go at sunset to see the desert light change over the skyline.
The Dubai Fountain show, set on the lake at the Burj Khalifa's base, runs choreographed performances several times an evening and is free to watch from the surrounding promenade, arrive early for a spot near the front.
Old Dubai and the Desert
Dubai Creek's old quarters, Bur Dubai and Deira, hold the gold and spice souks and an abra (traditional wooden boat) crossing that costs a fraction of a taxi and offers a genuinely different, older perspective on the city.
A desert safari (dune bashing by 4x4, sandboarding, and dinner at a Bedouin-style camp under the stars) is worth doing at least once for the stark contrast with the ultramodern city just an hour's drive away.
Recommended Stay · Dubai · Jumeirah Beach
Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
The sail-shaped icon of modern Dubai, built on its own artificial island with gold-leafed interiors and a private beach, every room is a duplex suite with dedicated butler service.
