With traces of its past instilled on every stone, the ultra urban city screams of uniqueness. With open arms, the landscapes of Dubai welcome wanderlusts with a promise of long lasting memories. Summers paint different colors in different parts of the world. Dubai’s summers bring a box of surprises for a perfect summer vacation with family and friends. A traveler’s quest to experience a fusion of ancient footprints on modernity is fulfilled by this desert city.
DUBAI SUMMER SURPRISES
‘The 45 days of Summer’ organised by the Dubai government is a call to all the families in the world seeking to include fun, knowledge and entertainment into their vacation. The series of events planned cater to the children and people across all ages. The festival’s mascot is called ‘Modhesh’, which in Arabic means amazing and incredible. The event kicked off in 1998 to promote the infrastructural beauty and modernization of the city to the rest of the world. The festival showcases the Emirati culture and speaks about the history of the land’s art and traditions. One among the seven Emirates, located in the Arabian Peninsula, Dubai startles the tourists with its unconventional culture and lifestyle. Housing underwater aquariums, restaurants and world’s biggest luxury houses, the city is way ahead of its time. Scorching summers are well taken care of with world class infrastructure to cool down a tourist’s dream vacation.
BURJ KHALIFA
Ever wondered what the world looks like from the top most point of the earth? Standing at 160 floors, Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world. The infrastructural wonder with stunning work of art and distinctive engineering has no competition in the world. Termed as Dubai’s beacon of success and mascot of its progress, the structure is based on human talent and vision. Standing proud at 2,716 feet, Burj Khalifa holds the record of highest outdoor observation deck in the world.
MODHESH WORLD
While children are the stars of any family and their happiness matters the most, Modesh World brings best of the gaming world under one roof. The entertainment center is the largest indoor edutainment destinations in the region. Spread over an area of 34,000 square meters, the gaming center is every child’s dream playground.
TRAVELLERS’ SHOPPING CART
Retail therapy is the most soothing after an adventure filled day. The city is home to the world’s largest shopping centre, Dubai Mall. With over 1,200 shops to choose from, the center is also home to the Dubai Aquarium which houses almost every sea animal. From Sharks to piranhas and from Australian crocodiles to Penguins, the Aquarium is a manmade wonder. Art lovers’ and a shopaholic’s paradise, the Mall also has the Paris Gallery, which takes you through the world of retail luxury and style. The Mall broke all records with a whopping 5 million visitors in 2010. It’s a tourist’s perfect shopping and entertainment destination. A shopper’s greed for luxury never ends, and the city’s offer to the retail world is spread throughout the city. Dubai’s City center Deira is another favorite destination which houses over 350 brands and is set in the old architectural hub Deira.
FOODIE’S HAVEN
With a population from more than 200 nationalities, Dubai offers multi-cultural cuisine to the travelers. You never miss home food as the city is home to one of the most exquisite Indian restaurants, including Michelin Chef Vikas Khanna’s tasty recipes at Junoon. As Arabian coffee remains the authentic drink of the region, it doesn’t shy away from welcoming the popular cappuccino culture of the western world. The city is also a great hit with the pub hoppers who experience live music from music bands from all over the world.
DUBAI MOTOR FESTIVAL
While Dubai Shopping festival provides a perfect family vacation, automobile lovers flock the city for its Motor Festival. The third edition of this high-octane extravaganza, held under the patronage of His Highness, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, DMF runs during the month of November. In 2014, Dubai Motor Festival scaled glorious heights by registering two Guinness World Records — one for the largest number of car brands in a parade and another for the longest selfie relay. Last year’s festival also featured crowd favorites such as the Dubai Grand Parade, the Supercar Rides and Motor Village – the first of its kind to be launched in the Middle East region.
TRAVELLER’S TIPS
“When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” and that sums up what you should do when in Dubai. Though a shimmering metropolis region, Dubai has its laws and precautionary regulations in place so make sure you read up a little so you can enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
- Dress appropriately: There is no ban or a rule which stops you from wearing what you like. However, being a part of the traditional Emirates, you are expected to draw a line between dressing stylishly and vulgarly. The people are welcoming of all cultures and you will find young girls walking around in the latest of fashion trends but with a tinge of appropriateness. Yes, minis are a huge trend there too!
- Money Exchange: Do not exchange your currency at local street stores. That’s a risk and make sure you do it at a bank or at the airport when you arrive.
- Leave PDA’s at home: No matter how much you love your partner and want to express your love, please do not indulge in public kissing or any display of affection physically. Holding hands and hugging your friends is not a part of this list. It’s not as bad.
- Do Not Do Drugs: You will be all set to feature in the next season of “Banged up abroad” if you involve in any illegal drug trafficking activity not only in Dubai but anywhere in the world where it’s illegal. Keep away your toxic habits if you have any.
- Drink and Stay Safe: Alcohol is not banned in Dubai, however, you can consume alcohol only at hotels and licensed bars. Public drinking (on the roads) is completely prohibited.