Home is Where Your Passport is: Dubai – The Jewel of The Emirati Crown

Some of us are programmed to explore, others are programmed to dream. Regardless of which category you fall into, there is a whole world out there just waiting to be discovered. Her.ie’s new weekly travel guide brings you to some of the most inspiring places in the world and dares you to turn those dreams into an adventure of a lifetime. As the saying goes, ‘home is where your passport is’ – so where will your passport end up next? ____________________________ Dubai Kicking off our new weekly feature is the jewel of the Middle Eastern crown, Dubai. A complex city where old and new are intrinsically linked, Dubai delivers on the exotic, but reassures with home comforts. Built from the depths of the sand dunes, Dubai is an ever-transforming, rapidly changing and unpredictable melting pot, where the police own lamborghinis and the hint of times gone by whisks by you with each passing sand storm. With so much on offer and something different to see with each visit, here are just some of our must-see stops on a tour of the United Arab Emirates’ most-visited city. The Burj Khalifa Hearlded as the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa dominates Dubai’s skyline day and night. With views across the city from all angles, it’s certainly worth a trip. Handy Hint: Book your spot online to save a lot of money! The Burj Al Arab The only seven star hotel in the world, the Burj Al Arab is a must-see destination in Dubai. Decorated in gold and with luxury oozing out of every pore, it is rumoured that guests at the hotel are given a gold-plated iPad to use during their stay. Nice! Handy Hint: Book yourself and a friend in for Afternoon Tea at the hotel – their delectable treats are worth every penny. Sand Safari Nobody should leave Dubai without doing a desert safari. With hundreds of tour operators running trips into the heart of the nearby desert, the only difference between them all is the price. You can take part in dune bashing (where they drive the jeep REALLY fast over the sand dunes), take a ride on a camel, sample some local cuisine and watch a belly dancing show. Handy hint: Make sure you request pick up from your hotel, this service should be included in the price. Fountains to make your heart sing The Dubai fountains are fast becoming as famous as the Bellagio fountains in Las Vegas. Taller (of course) than others of its kind in the world, the Dubai fountains kick off every half hour in the evening time and are truly a sight to behold. Handy hint: Get in early and go in to the nearby Dubai Mall where if you go upstairs to TGI Fridays, you can request a table on the balcony that directly overlooks the fountain show. Shop ‘til you drop Dubai love to have the biggest and best of everything in the world (note the aforementioned fountains and Burj Khalifa) and that doesn’t stop when it comes to shopping. The Dubai Mall is the biggest mall in the world and home to every high street and designer store you could possibly dream of. Handy hint: Don’t bother visiting the aquarium, you have seen it all from the outside. Instead, take some chill-out time in the Cheesecake Factory. Two words: food heaven. Too hot? Try some skiing Yes, you read that right. Skiing, in Dubai. If you take a trip to Mall of the Emirates there are ski slopes inside the mall and are definitely worth a trip. Practise your skills on the slopes or even try your hand at snowboarding. Handy hint: The slopes are sub-zero temperatures so buy the gloves they offer you before you enter! Souk heaven Another thing that can’t be missed are the souks in Dubai. If you are on the hunt for spices, silks or even some gold and diamonds then the souks are the place to go. Handy hint: Engagement ring shopping? Head to Dubai’s designated Gold and Diamond Park on the Sheik Zayed Road, near the Mall of the Emirates. The Atlantis Located on Dubai’s manmade Palm, the Atlantis hotel is a dream destination for visitors to Dubai. With a water park inside the hotel, along with the option to swim with dolphins, the popular spot attracts thousands of visitors every month. Handy hint: In the mood for some music? Check out the Sanddance or Live at Atlantis listings as a number of well-known acts come to the area to perform. Missing home? Feeling flustered in the heat? Dying for a spot of home comforts? Well fear not, Dubai has just what you need. With a number of Irish bars in the city including McGettigan’s, Fibber Magees and The Dubliner you don’t have far to go to get a taste of home. Handy hint: Go to Fibbers’ on a Thursday night where the hugely popular Paddyman will be performing. http://youtu.be/s_M0xHGPhnU Video via YouTube/Declan O'Sullivan Film Fun One of the many perks of Dubai is the weather – though avoid it between the months of June and September – and with this comes a lazy night out in the form of the outdoor cinema. Located at Wafi, the cinema boasts bean bags and food on demand. Handy hint: Check out the film listing online before you go, it only takes place on a Sunday night. Ladies who brunch If you are in Dubai on a Friday make sure to book yourself into one of the many brunches that take place around the city. Usually kicking off from 12 noon, you can pay about €50 (depending on the hotel) for all you can eat and drink for the day. Handy hint: Double Deckers is the cheap and cheerful brunch, while if you are looking for a spot of luxury head to the Atlantis Hotel for brunch. Make sure to book in advance! Insider’s Tip: The one tip that many don’t know about is the shopping area of Dubai known as Al Karama. One of Dubai’s best-kept secrets, Karama is hugely popular with locals and ex-pats alike.