Top 10 Reasons
to Visit Dubai

Candid insights

Burj Al Arab - a world wonder
Burj Khalifa - a world wonder
Interesting Dubai tidbits

My Top Ten list is based on my impartially researched consensus of knowledgeable travelers who have been to Dubai.

1 Spectacular modern architecture

Leading architects from around the world consider Dubai's sprouting modern buildings to be remarkable. Design masterpieces include the Burj Khalifa skyscraper and Burj Al Arab hotel (both Hillman Gold Medal winners). Dubai also has the wave-shaped Jumeirah Beach Hotel (see photo), the twin Emirate Towers, and the Dubai Gulf & Yacht Club's clubhouse.

2 Dubai is upbeat & exciting

It has an energetic cosmopolitan lifestyle and an entrepreneurial spirit. Dubai has 100 vibrant nightspots with no prohibition on drinking alcohol. It stages frequent concerts and firework spectaculars. Dubai has a wide choice of restaurants serving food from dozens of countries.

3 Superb shopping

Dubai is known worldwide for its shopping variety and bargains. The highlight is the gold market where artistic jewelry is sold. You will also find traditional souqs (markets) wending down narrow covered alleys and streets. And, there are well-appointed stores in air conditioned modern malls featuring the latest in international fashions.

4 It has sun galore

In the summer, practically every day is sunny. In the winter, rainfall is usually modest and most days are sunny (averaging hours per day).

Tip: Despite the modest possibility or rain, the winter months (November to March) is peak tourist season because humidity and temperatures are normally mild. This is not the case during the summer months. June, July and August can be very humid and scorchingly hot with record temperatures approaching 50ºC (120ºF) in August (with occasional sand storms driven by the strong Shamall winds). On the positive side, many buildings and vehicles are air conditioned - and hotel room prices and scarcity drop.

5 Great beaches

Dubai has long stretches of beautiful, unspoiled white beaches. It also has upscale umbrella-dotted beaches. The best is Jumeirah Beach, located near the Burj Al Arab hotel.

6 Dubai is friendly

The inhabitants are well-known for their traditional Arabic hospitality. Visitors are treated as welcomed guests.

7 The premier sports capital
of the Middle East

Dubai hosts two world-class tournaments, the Dubai Desert Golf Classic and the Dubai Tennis Open. Dubai's deluxe race track holds two world records on stakes ($15 million for a single race day and $6 million for a single race). Other popular sports activities include golf, sailing, deep sea fishing, diving, snorkeling, water skiing, dune surfing, falconry, and camel racing.

Dubai even has a large indoor ski resort with five slopes, ranging from snow bunny to expert level. There are also bobsled and snowboard facilities.

8 Luxurious hotels & resorts

The three best are the Burj Al Arab hotel, the Armani Hotel & Suites (in the Burj Khalifa skyscraper), and the Al Maha resort (sits secluded in the middle of a desert wildlife reserve).

9 Dubai is safe for travelers

It is one of the world's safest travel destinations because street and hotel room crimes are practically non-existent.

10 Multi-cultural

Only about 20% of the inhabitants are considered "locals." The remaining 80% come from over 100 countries (led by India, Pakistan and the Philippines). This has generated a vibrant fusion of cultures. However, distinct traditions of each culture remain, which lends character and produces vivid ethnic contrasts.

My other
Dubai pages

Burj Al Arab - a Top 100 World Wonder
Burj Khalifa - a Top 100 World Wonder
Interesting Dubai tidbits

External link

Dubai Tourism official website

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©2010 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications