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Six destinations you must visit in Dubai, UAE

 

 Dubai [Photo: Courtesy]

A little over 50 years ago, Dubai was a small port that hardly made a mark on the global front. Today, it is a world-renowned metropolis that’s on many Kenyan’s bucket list. What are the prime areas for touring?

 Burj Khalifa [Photo: Courtesy]

 1.     Towering heights                                                    

At 828 metres, the Burj Khalifa towers over every other man-made structure. It takes only 77 seconds for the elevator to clear 124 floors to the viewing deck. Along the route leading to the elevator are pictorial and video lessons about the construction of the highest residential and commercial units in the world. If you are among those who have fear of heights, think twice before embarking on this adventure of a lifetime.

 The gold souk [Photo: Courtesy]

 2.     The gold souk

A gold digger’s paradise! The gold souk (market) is located on a creek in Deira, one of the key districts in Dubai. This is the more traditional segment of Dubai with narrow streets akin to our own Lamu archipelago. Gold Souk in Deira is the world’s largest gold bazaar. At any given time, there are 10 tonnes of the precious metal on display here. Crime rates in Dubai are very low, so the traders have nothing to fear while you sample the ornaments. Apart from gold, the souk is home to perhaps the largest collection of spices anywhere. There is cumin, frankincense, paprika as well as sweet-smelling incense.

 Dubai Mall [Photo: Courtesy]

 3.     Dubai Mall

For ardent shoppers, this is a must visit. It is one of the most-visited malls in the world. All the world’s top brands have a presence here. Apart from shopping outlets, Dubai Mall has the largest indoor aquarium where sharks, sting rays and other predatory sea creatures drift while looking down on shoppers. Dubai Mall is also known for its dancing water fountains overlooking the Burj Khalifa. Accompanied by music, the fountains seem to be in sync with the melodies as they twist and turn to the delight of visitors. At the mall, you can also become a captain for a day by trying out the A380 simulator manned by Emirates Airline’s crew.

 Desert safari [Photo: Courtesy]

 4.     Desert safari

A desert is a harsh place. The desert just outside of Dubai is no exception. However, this one beckons thousands of visitors every year. Try a ride through the unforgiving dunes. For the adrenalin-seeking visitors, this a roller-coaster experience in a speeding car that throws tons of dust in the air. No need for excessive worry as safety comes first in the desert adventure.

 Falcon show [Photo: Courtesy]

 5.     Falcon show

Visitors to the desert are also treated to a falcon show by, should we say, a falcon whisperer? Falcons were not indigenous to the desert and came because of their migratory routine. However, the Bedouins (the desert’s inhabitants) found them useful in catching food. The Bedouins carefully watched the hunting traits of the falcons, and then used them to capture food items such as hares by luring them with a lesser morsel. The habituated falcons then formed a symbiotic relationship with the desert dwellers.

 Water dining [Photo: Courtesy]

6.     Water dining

While there are several boats offering this dining experience, you may want to try the Bateaux Dubai. This is a long vessel with glass windows, a classy and romantic affair. There is no better way to view the city that to dine on a moving vessel for more than two hours.  

 

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