My Margie Sartain
It shimmers like a mirage on the horizon, an otherworldly place to realize your wildest dreams. It appears like a concrete jungle offering a fast-paced and glittering lifestyle. However, there is much more to Dubai than what first meets the eye. Dig a little deeper and you will find a city that is worthy of the buzzwords and the hype.
Dubai’s transformation from a small fishing village, established in the early 18th century, to one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world is nothing short of remarkable. With roots in the pearling industry, fishing and sea trade, the city had developed into a thriving port by the 1930s. The discovery of oil in 1966 spurred on the development of schools, hospitals, roads, as well as a new port and terminal at Dubai International Airport. Leadership, excellent infrastructure and a tax-free, expatriate friendly environment meant that Dubai quickly became a business and tourism hub. In the 1980s and early 1990s, Dubai took the strategic decision to heavily invest in tourism infrastructure, a choice that has paid off.
In 2016, Dubai International Airport remained the busiest in the world by recording over 83.6 million international passengers. In 2018, it was the 6th most visited city with over 15.8 million visitors pouring in from every corner of the globe. Saudi Arabia, along with India and the United Kingdom, is one of the top three international sources for tourism into the UAE. The UAE is accessible from every major global city in one stop and is an 8-hour flight away from two-thirds of the world’s population.
Dubai’s most exciting upcoming project is Expo 2020. The exhibition will bring together 180 countries to explore themes of connecting minds and creating the future, opportunity, mobility, and sustainability. It is estimated that the Expo could potentially lead to over 270,000 new jobs and that the UAE will award $102 billion (AED 374 billion) worth of contracts over the next 12 months, further driving the country’s growth. While construction for the Expo is still underway, new landmarks like the Dubai Frame have already been completed. The 150-meter tall structure ‘frames’ old and new Dubai, serving as a metaphorical bridge, connecting the cities rich past with its magnificent present.
It is this fusion of the old and new, the traditional Bedouin culture combined with a thoroughly modern city, resided in by open-minded, multi-cultural people that make this city so beguiling.
Offering world-class galleries showcasing contemporary Arabic art, local souks filled with gold, spices, textiles, Arabic ceramics and the heady smell of Oud, opportunities to explore the culture of the city are abundant.
When it comes to the food on offer, Dubai capitalizes on its melting pot of cultures. A wide variety of restaurants, some the best in the world, offer traditional Emirati cuisine and food from every other corner of the globe.
For shopping, visit Dubai Mall, the world’s largest mall, or explore the gold and spice souks in Deira. For thrill seekers or outdoor adventurers, try Hatta Heritage Village, learn to play polo at Dubai Polo Club, learn to waterboard or kite surf at the Dubai Marina or skydive over Palm Islands.
If you are traveling with children, visit OliOli, Dubai’s first interactive play museum, Legoland, or KidZania, where children can live out their adulthood dreams with over 90 role-playing professions in a replica of a real city.
The city is a unique representation of the people who live here, coupled with the audacious dreams and bold ambition of those who have helped to shape it.
Must-Visit Restaurants
- No weekend is complete without a visit to Tom & Serg. A grammable, gritty and industrial space bustling with great food, excellent coffee, and an easy going atmosphere.
- Arabian Tea House Café is in an Arabian house that is tucked away by the Dubai museum and textile souk. With a beautiful outdoor courtyard, it is perfect for a simple Arabic lunch and if you’re feeling decadent, a few scoops of camel milk ice-cream!
Must-Try Shops
- Founded in 2013 by Saudi entrepreneur, Arwa Hafiz, The Odd Piece is a two-story haven of eclectic furniture, decorative interior pieces and a wide range of homewares. Perfect for those looking for a unique and unusual addition to their home or just to pursue and be inspired.
- O’de Rose is filled with home décor, furniture, art and chic bohemian fashion, hand-made by artisans across the world. Each item reflects Arabic heritage, with a modern twist. So whether you are looking for a unique gift or something beautiful for yourself, you will find it here.
Local Products or Produce
- Everyone loves a farmers’ market, and Ripe Markets is Dubai’s version amongst the skyscrapers. From seasonal organic fruit and vegetables to freshly baked bread, food trucks and over 100 small businesses selling local crafts and jewellery this is a place to while your day away. Not to mention the yoga classes, kid’s activities, a petting zoo, workshops, and live music!
- Brace yourself for a sensory sensation; the Spice Souk is home to alleyways filled with colourful, fragrant spices. Try and seek out the hidden gems selling historical artifacts from the region and locally produced spices. Haggling is expected, so be prepared for a little to and fro before you reach a price you are happy with.
