Dubai as an Eclectic Holiday Destination – 5 Amazing Reasons

An eclectic holiday destination is so named because it offers diverse attractions, and hence has something interesting in store for every person and every age group. To this effect, few destinations the world over are as eclectic as Dubai, which has broken out of its conventional image of being an oil hub to emerge as one of the most iconic global cities. Gone are the days when this Middle-east Asian city simply produced and exported oil. Now it happens to be a thriving and flourishing center that attracts not just tourists but also entrepreneurs and potential investors.

In case you still feel confused about why you should consider Dubai, listed as follows are five reasons that render this eclectic holiday destination worthy of travel –  

Desert Adventure

There was a time about five decades back when there was nothing more to this eclectic holiday destination than endless stretches of sand and typical desert vibe. Since then, it has evolved into a bustling commercial hub, and only a small part of this emirate still retains the desert environ. Unlike the rest of Dubai, this locale carries a distinct charm, and including it in your itinerary can lead to some exhilarating experiences.

Having left the urban center behind, make the most of your decision to off-road into the desert by indulging in –

• Dune bashing and Quad biking, wherein you mount a four-wheeler, an ATV or a buggy and bang head-on into the sand dunes or simply ride over them to experience the arid landscape firsthand;
• Hot-air ballooning, preferably during sunrise/sunset, which provides a totally new perspective of the city, not to mention a bird’s eye of the ground below in all its glory and diverse inhabitants;
• Camel riding, or watching the camel race, whichever you are more comfortable with, considering that riding these sturdy animals takes a bit of getting used to;
• Sand-boarding on the dunes, just like you would surf on waves at a beach, or cycling across the sandy terrain to an oasis and enjoying some traditional hospitality, cuisine and music;
• Stargazing with one of the astronomy groups to be able to identify constellations and witness galactic events against a clear dark sky;

Amazing Architecture

What sets the architecture of Dubai apart is the fact that the old and new co-exist in the same set-up. As a result, this eclectic holiday destination captures everyone’s imagination, regardless of individual taste and style. From contemporary sky-scrapers to traditional prayer houses, the city can keep you busy for several days.

Set aside a part of your vacation to Dubai to check out the following architectural marvels –

• Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab, both of which are iconic landmarks that represent a fusion of creativity and modern construction through their distinct outer aura and imposing presence;
• Al Fahidi Fort and Bastakiya, which are the oldest building and the oldest district respectively; while the fort represents 18^th-century architecture, Bastakiya features traditional homes, each of which come with a wooden balcony and a wind tower;
• Alserkal Avenue, an art district which is hosts exhibits, cultural events and other forms of creative expression amidst improvised and beautified warehouses;
• Jumeirah Mosque, a Fatimid style shrine characterized by artistic domes, elegant minarets and ivory columns, all of which are placed in such a way that the interior always remains flooded with natural light and emanates a peaceful vibe;
• Palm Jumeirah, which resembles a large palm tree with multiple fronds, each of which consists of high-end commercial outlets, and a monorail network to ensure connectivity;

Beaches

Sun, sand and azure waters of the Arabian Gulf entice every vacationer, which explains Dubai’s reputation as a popular eclectic holiday destination. Most beaches dot the city-front, while some border the palm-tree island, so all you need to do is choose one that is in close proximity to your location. Another fact that you need to bear in mind pertains to the entry fee. Some beaches require you to pay in order to gain access. The good news is that there are several others which you can visit free of charge.

Consider visiting the following beaches to make the most of this eclectic holiday destination –

• Kite beach, which offers the option of learning how to kite-surf in addition to soaking in the sun and sand;
• Al Mamzar, a not-as-crowded beach courtesy of the entry fee, but fun and enjoyable none the less owing to offering a multitude of activities to choose from; it is one of the few beaches that features a life-guard on duty, and also permits night swimming during some months;
• Jumeirah Beach, wherein you can keep ogling at the luxurious Burj Al Arab’s silhouette while walking the length of powdery sand; if you happen to be an early bird, make it to this coast at sunrise, otherwise push your visit till late afternoon to avoid the crowds;
• Al Sufouh, popularly known as the ‘Secret’ beach owing to being shielded by opulent palaces and having no other approach road except a narrow trail squeezed between two imposing buildings;
• La Mer, centrally located one-stop shop for all those who wish to club together multiple activities, this beach is ideal for day spending; from cinema and shopping mall to playgrounds, water park and tree-lined edge, every age-group is likely to find something to occupy themselves with;

Heritage Highlights

Dubai was not always the vibrant and pulsating center that it is currently revered as. A peek down the memory lane reveals the traditional lifestyle that people led, and how the trade and commerce over sea and land began. To its credit, the wealthy emirate still acknowledges its ancient roots despite having come a long way. Several pockets still echo the old customs and practices, thus adding to the charm of this eclectic holiday destination.

To experience the old but not forgotten cultural aspect of Dubai, you must include the following spots in your trip –

• Dubai Creek, wherein you get the opportunity to ride the Abra, a traditional wooden boat used in the yesteryears for sea commerce, and currently plying the same channels to evoke nostalgia; this ancient natural harbor is also home to flamingoes and numerous other bird species that enjoy protection under the Ras Al Khor sanctuary;
• Al Shindagha, a museum that traces the emirate’s evolution from a predominantly trading port into a global melting pot of culture, commerce and contemporary lifestyle; absorb what the emirate was in order to fully grasp the extent of transformation that it has gone through;
• Hatta, nestled amidst the Hajar Mountains and enclosed within date trees, remains testimony to the way of life that entailed surviving the barren landscape by living in stone houses with palm-frond roofs, and using earthenware utensils and primitive tools and weapons;
• Traditional Souk, which still conducts trade in the traditional commodities, namely spices and gold, and provides a glimpse of how buyers and sellers struck bargains and deals in olden times;
• Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, which served as the seat of Dubai’s ruling family for many years, and now houses the memories of the years gone by;

Shopping and Food

Shopping remains one of the foremost reasons which has catapulted Dubai to fame as an eclectic holiday destination. Given its vast and diverse range of consumer products, the city is nothing short of being a shopper’s paradise. While in Dubai, try out the following options to unleash your shopping rage –

• Dubai Mall, City Walk and Mall of the Emirates, all of which cater to the present-day demands of global brands, fashion and lifestyle products, fine dining and progressive ambience, not to mention featuring aquariums teeming with marine life and virtual-reality salons;
• Spice Souk at Deira and Meena Bazaar at Al Karama, which offer cost-effective options for traditional fare ranging from various types of dry fruits and fragrant spices to textiles, fabrics and rugs;
• Gold Souk, a tax-free haven for purchasing precious metals and precious stones at prices that are lower than anywhere else in the world;
• Dragon Mart to explore Chinese merchandise;
• Global Village, for checking out seasonal fare from countries all over the world;

While shopping, seek products that are unique to this eclectic holiday destination, such as –

• Ethnic fragrances and perfumes;
• Camel milk products, most notably chocolates;
• Dates, various varieties and their by-products, like syrups, jams and so on;

Final Thoughts

Bearing in mind certain protocols while touring this eclectic holiday destination would put you at ease and enable you to avoid receiving awkward glances. No matter where you go, make it a point to dress modestly as an acknowledgement to the Islamic culture that is prevalent across the emirate. Also avoid consuming alcohol in public places, although there is no restriction in sipping a refreshing cocktail or mojito at a licensed restaurant. Refrain from kissing/hugging in public, as such gestures could draw unwanted attention.

Last but not the least, keep yourself hydrated and use appropriate skin-care routine to counter the hot and arid climate. Also learn the art of bargaining, and you will have made the most of your trip to this eclectic holiday destination. Call Flipside Leisure, and not only will we plan your vacation to this eclectic holiday destination, but also guide you in terms of transport and local norms to ensure that you have a wonderful and safe trip.