Dubai & UAE
Dubai is a city that builds things the rest of the world considers impossible. The tallest building on Earth. An indoor ski slope in the desert. Man made islands shaped like palm trees. An underwater hotel suite where fish swim past your bedroom window. It is audacious, over the top, and completely unapologetic about it. And somehow, it all works.
The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates, but Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the two that matter most to travelers. Dubai is the showman, with its record breaking skyline, luxury shopping malls, and entertainment driven tourism. Abu Dhabi, the capital and the wealthier of the two, is more refined, with world class museums, a stunning grand mosque, and a growing cultural scene that balances tradition and modernity.
Where to Go
The Burj Khalifa is the starting point for any Dubai visit. At 2,717 feet, it is the tallest structure humans have ever built. The observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors offer views that stretch to the horizon in every direction. The Dubai Mall at its base is one of the largest shopping centers in the world, with an aquarium, an ice rink, and over 1,200 stores.
Old Dubai tells a very different story. The Al Fahidi Historic District has narrow lanes, wind tower houses, and small museums that show what Dubai looked like before the oil boom. An abra (traditional wooden boat) ride across Dubai Creek costs one dirham and is one of the most charming experiences in the city. The Gold Souk and Spice Souk on the other side are traditional markets worth exploring.
A desert safari is a must. Options range from dune bashing in a 4×4 to a more relaxed sunset camel ride, often ending at a desert camp with a barbecue dinner, henna painting, and traditional entertainment under the stars.
Abu Dhabi, about 90 minutes south, is worth a full day or overnight. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world, with 82 domes, over 1,000 columns, and space for 40,000 worshippers. The Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by Jean Nouvel, is a stunning museum with a “rain of light” dome and collections spanning global civilizations.
Where to Stay
The Burj Al Arab, shaped like a sail and sitting on its own island, is the most famous hotel in Dubai and one of the most luxurious in the world. Atlantis The Royal, the newer sibling of Atlantis The Palm, offers ultra modern suites and is home to restaurants by Jose Andres and Heston Blumenthal. The One and Only Royal Mirage is a more traditional luxury option with Moorish architecture and a private beach. For families, Atlantis The Palm with its Aquaventure waterpark is hard to beat.
Let Us Plan Your Dubai Trip
Dubai is a destination that scales to your budget and interests. Whether you want a luxury shopping spree, a family adventure, a desert experience, or a stopover on the way to the Maldives or Africa, we will build an itinerary that makes the most of your time in this extraordinary city.
