This historical city holds so many alluring
memories and attractions beyond the legend. It has surpassed the caricature of
a gold-diggers paradise with so many oil-rich clients to choose from. Instead
the locality retains many of its wonderful monuments and spaces that equally
appeal to the lone visitor or the rowdy family looking for excitement.
Dazzling Height and Class
No Dubai city tour is complete without a
visit to the Burj Al Arab. Awkwardly translated as the “Tower of Arabs”, this
is reputed to be the only hotel establishment in the world that has achieved
the coveted 7-star status. The billing does not lie because this billowing sail
structure is full of luxuries that are opulent beyond imagination. A thrilling (and
frankly terrifying) view of the city is readily available near its apex which
climaxes at an astonishing 321 meters. Thankfully the 4th tallest
hotel in the world has not given in to the creeping commercialization which
once threatened to overrun this top grade destination.
An Oasis in the Desert Heat
A much cooler
reception awaits at the Dubai Fountains. Water is as precious as gold in these
parts and the calmness of the place draws you in, step by step. It is the
deceptive seductress that offers relief from the unrelentingly harsh weather.
Thirty acres have been set aside for this paradise within the vicinity of the
Burj Khalifa Lake. Forget the glitzy petulance of Las Vegas. This 500ft wonder provides
the ultimate fascination. Young children cannot quite believe their eyes and
that joy of discovery is immediately communicated to the parents. Running 900ft
in length, this fountain forms a graceful arch that is the piece de resistance
for the imaginatively named “WET” company which brought the concept all the way
from California, another terribly hot place. The Fountains of Bellagio are
nothing compared to their achievement here.
A Global Village that does not preach
We have all had
our fill of those begging-cup-in-hand global village warriors. This city
provides a great relief from all the climate change and generous giving stuff.
It is a cultural hub with authentic entertainment which gives visitors a much
deeper understanding of the local vibe than any glossy brochure could ever do.
Of course money has to be made here so an international shopping experience is
added to the mix. That concession can be ignored because Dubai city tours are all about having fun and forgetting pesky
things like budgets. The live performances are professional without seeming
over-staged. The cuisine is exquisite and thankfully moderates some of harsher
spices for those with a bland palette. The pavilions are the United Nations of
the country with all manner of displays. The thrilling rides are almost as
exhilarating as Disneyland but not quite. That is good in a way because there
is so much more to explore.
A Happy Denouement
Do not ask about
the credit statement for another six months. All that a family wants to
remember is a wonderful experience in a city that is rich in both real and
metaphorical terms. It is the visit of a lifetime and worth chronicling for
others to get inspired.
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