A day in Dubai

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See & Do

Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa tower stands at 2,717 feet making it the tallest building in the world. Photos: Getty Images

The tallest building in the world

Talk of the town: Tom Cruise was spotted hanging from the top of the Burj Khalifa during the filming of 'Mission Impossible 4'.

Noteworthy for: The base of the tower was designed to resemble the shape of a desert flower.

From a distance, the Burj Khalifa looks like little more than a tall spindle. It is only up close that the breadth and beauty of the structure can be fully appreciated. Stretching up to a boggling 828 metres (more than twice the height of the Empire State Building), the tower dwarfs all other buildings in existence.

A high-speed, multimedia elevator ride shoots visitors up the 124th floor to view Dubai from the world’s highest observation deck, called At The Top Burj Khalifa. Though visibility can sometimes be poor from up there (sand storms in nearby Saudi cloud things up a bit), high-tech telescopes have the option of glimpsing an alternative, clear day view. There is also a nifty multimedia display that lets you see how the Burj Khalifa would affect the skyline of cities around the world. Purchase tickets online or at The Dubai Mall on the lower ground floor.

Fee: Adult: AED 100, Child (4-12): AED 75, Child (under 3): Free
Immediate Entry: AED 400

Open Hours: Sun-Wed: 10am – 10pm
Thu-Sat: 10am - 12midnight
Address: Near 1st interchange on Doha Street/Sheikh Zayed Road
Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall
Phone: +971 4 888 8124
Burj Khalifa's webpage

See & Do

Desert Safari

Fulfill your “Lawrence of Arabia” fantasies

Noteworthy for: Dune bashing get bumpy? really bumpy. Anyone prone to motion sickness is advised to sit this one out.

Word to the wise: What can be better than sandboarding down the dunes? Not all tour companies offer this option, though, so be sure to ask.

Finding the desert from Dubai is simple: just pick a direction and drive a few kilometers. There is something undeniably captivating about the vast stretch of empty desert, and those rollicking sand dunes were just made for off-roading. Going solo can be tricky, though. Getting lost in the desert is all too easy, and car rentals don’t take too kindly when their vehicles take a battering on the dunes.

There are, fortunately, dozens of tour operators that offer desert safaris. Prices vary, and some have more activities than others, but almost all offer hotel pickup and hours of dune bashing before emptying out into a campsite where patrons can enjoy a traditional Arabic meal. Camel rides, a henna station and live entertainment in the form of a belly dancer are also par for the course.

Price sample: Adult: AED 325-350, Child: AED 280-300
Age: 3
Open Hours: Daily: 3pm - 9pm
Phone: +971 4 303 4888
Arabian Adventures' webpage

See & Do

Diving on the East Coast

See the underwater sights of the UAE

Word to the wise: If you are diving in June or July, be prepared for the possibility of murky waters. The East Coast often experiences heavy plankton bloom during these months.

Naturally, diving and snorkeling come to mind at the sight of Dubai's miles of pristine coastline. Unfortunately, the waters of the Arabian Gulf have been compromised due to Palm construction. For the best diving and snorkeling opportunities, head to the East Coast of the UAE. The Gulf of Oman is rich in corals and sea life such as clown fish, reef sharks, turtles and rays. During winter (October-April), there are frequent sightings of whale sharks. For most trips, a speed boat takes you out to the reefs, and you have time for two to three dives.

Several companies arrange dives in Fujairah with transportation from Dubai. Khorfakkan is the most popular location, with tours running from Dubai every weekend. Day trips on Dhow boats for snorkeling and diving are popular in Musandam and Dibba. Look for the organizers Al Boom Diving, based in Dubai, and Freestyle Divers in Dibba.

Price sample: Dive tour: AED 350-400 (includes two dives and complete gear)
Address: Al Boom Diving- Al Wasl Road
Phone: + 971 4 342 2993
Al Boom Diving's webpage

See & Do

Majlis Art Gallery

The first true art gallery in Dubai

Noteworthy for: Majlis Art Gallery is a mecca for art in Dubai, located in an inspiring and culturally protected area next to Dubai Creek.

Word to the wise: Parking is difficult in the area. Call the gallery before you visit so they can direct you to a parking lot.

Alison Collins, the founder, came to Dubai in the 1970s to work with interior design. She eventually started Majlis Gallery in its current spot in Bastakiya after falling in love with both the house and the area. Dubai Municipality intended to tear the house down, but Alison was given permission to convert it into a gallery.

Majlis holds various exhibitions by both local and international artists. Photographs, paintings and crafts can be seen in the gallery's collection.

Open Hours: Mon-Thu, Sat: 10am - 6pm
Address: Al Musalla Roundabout, Bastakiya, Bur Dubai
Phone: +971 4 353 6233
Majlis' webpage

Shopping

Souk Al Bahar

Boutique shopping with a fountain view

Word to the wise: On Fridays, the Souk Al Bahar hosts Dubai’s only farmer’s market. Produce is all regional and, considering it’s all grown in the desert, surprisingly flavourful.

The Souk Al Bahar shares many traits with the Souk Madinat. Both are faux souks with Arabesque touches (think latticed grills and lanterns), the merchandise is near identical (souvenirs and antiques), and each are part of a larger, heavily touristed hospitality concept.

That said, the Souk Al Bahar is worth a visit for its beauty alone. Fake it may be, but it’s got charm in spades. It's got some of the city’s top restaurants, and two of Dubai’s best landmarks are on its doorstep: The Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall.

Open Hours: Mon-Thu, Sat: 10am – 10pm
Fri: 2pm – 10pm

Address: Downtown Burj Dubai
Phone: +971 04 362 7011
Souk Al Bahar's webpage

Restaurants

Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire

Award-winning restaurant from celebrated French chef

Noteworthy for: Pierre Gagnaire doesn’t believe in the traditional main. Instead, he serves several variations on a theme, resulting in a single course made up of four to six dishes.

Word to the wise: The lunch menu offers exceptional value-for-money. Try it if the dinner option’s too pricey.

The dining room at Reflets couldn’t be more camp if it tried; purple, Murano glass chandeliers, pink stuffed chairs and a private, mirrored entrance make it feel almost inaccessibly opulent.

Despite appearances, the service is the opposite of stuffy, and the friendly staff are both welcoming and knowledgeable. Gagnaire likes to use the kitchen as an experimental lab, and he encourages his chefs to do the same. The result is some ingeniously avant-garde interpretations of classic French fare.

The menu changes constantly, but past examples include langoustines seasoned in a spice mix made from the dustings of their barbecued shells.

Price sample: Main course: AED 230-310
Four course Friday lunch: AED 250
Open Hours: Mon-Fri: 12noon – 2pm, 7pm – 10pm
Address: InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Al Rebaat St
Metro: Al Rashadiya
Phone: +971 4 701 1197
Reflet's webpage

Restaurants

Caramel Restaurant & Lounge

Sleek after-hours spot

Popular plate: The kobe sliders go down a treat. These mini burgers are packed with flavour and come topped with aged cheddar and balsamic-pickled onions.

Word to the wise: Ladies get half off cocktails on Tuesdays, while men get discounts on spirits and brews on Mondays.

Set up in the heart of DIFC –Dubai’s answer to Wall Street – this restaurant-cum-bar is a popular haunt with the after work crowd. Low lighting, humming music and a plush, Asian-inspired outdoor terrace combine to create a scene that’s chic, yet subdued. Good for when craving a spot of sophistication.

Price sample: Main course: AED 100-200
Age: 21 for alcohol
Open Hours: Sun-Thu: 11am - 2am
Fri-Sat: 7pm - 2am
Address: DIFC Unit 1, Precinct Building 3, Level 2.
Metro: Emirates Towers, World Trade Centre
Phone: +971 4 425 6677
Caramel's webpage

Bars & Nightlife

The Rooftop

Step into Aladdin’s drinking den

Tipple of choice: Try an apple martini or strawberry daiquiri, the bar's signature cocktails.

Word to the wise: Want to sample the local tunes? Stop by on Thursdays and Fridays after 9pm, when regional bands play funkified Arabesque.

The Rooftop’s '101 Nights' look may lack authenticity, but when the setting is this stunning, what does it matter? The décor borrows heavily from every Arabic fairytale ever told. Embroidered cushions, tiled tables and candle lighting set the mood, as does the view overlooking the Gulf.

The music is similarly Arabian themed, with the odd pop number thrown in. Cocktails run on the expensive side, though they are expertly prepared, however, it is the ultra-smooth vibe, which keeps the masses coming back.

Price sample: Drinks: AED 40-60
Age: 21
Open Hours: Daily: 5pm - 1am
Address: One & Only Royal Mirage Hotel, Al Sufouh Road
Phone: +971 4 399 9999
One and Only's webpage

Bars & Nightlife

Armani Priv�

Fashionable nightclub at Burj Khalifa

Noteworthy for: Not only does it bear the name of a world-famous fashion designer, Armani Privé's location inside the tallest building in the world is also legendary.

Word to the wise: Be sure to check www.platinumlist.ae for special events and guest list possibilities.

When a fashion designer decides to open a club, it better be… well, fashionable. Giorgio Armani succeeded (was there any doubt?) in creating what is possibly the trendiest nightspot in Dubai. A massive LED light show blankets the dance floor, keeping the energy level consistently up, while the city’s A-listers lounge in elevated VIP areas with views of the Dubai Fountain.

The second outlet of Giorgio Armani’s exclusive club (the first is in Milan) is more aesthetically subdued than many Dubai venues. Armani favoured a minimalist design, replete with geometric themes and simple Armani Casa furnishings. The formula works.

Fee: Free, unless there's an international DJ
Price sample: Drinks: AED 45-65
Age: 21
Open Hours: Mon-Sat: 10pm - 3am
Address: Armani Hotel, lobby level at Burj Khalifa
Phone: +971 4 888 3308
Armani Hotel's webpage