Christina Savvas enjoys a short break in Dubai, playground of the rich and famous.
Standing on top of the world’s tallest building I looked down at Dubai sprawlingout below, everything so shiny and new, it’s impossible not to marvel.
From the 124th floor of the Burj Khalifa in downtown you can see the sun-soaked Emirate in all it’s glory.
The needle-shaped skyscraper which stands more than 800 metres tall is a gleaming testament to Dubai’s glory days.
Boasting the world’s first Armani hotel, the tower also houses 900 residences, 37 floors of office space, and several restaurants where we enjoyed ‘High’ lunch in Atmosphere, while taking in the breathtaking views.
My journey had begun with an Emirates flight from Birmingham. A 15 minute transfer from my home and an award-winning airline was the perfect start to a girlie mini-break.
And at the other end we had reached our hotel in less than 15 minutes. As we drove along the lengthy and beautifully lit entrance to the Park Hyatt I knew we were in for a treat. The five-star hotel, popular with footballers and popstars, offers a stunning waterfront retreat adjacent to the world-famous Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.
In just a few short hours a Dubai city tour reveals the most amazing offerings, from the signature Burj Al Arab hotel, designed to resemble a billowing sail, to one of the few places you will find anything old in Dubai – the wooden goods-laden dhows, a reminder of Dubai’s history as a trading port.
“Dubai is a trendsetter’ explains our tour guide Barti, as we walk along the sandy beach with the Burj standing proudly on the coastline.
“It started off as the dream of a young boy.” he tells me before going on to explain that Dubai is the vision of the Al Maktoum dynasty – probably the most successful ruling family in modern times.
As Barti, an Indian who has been a certified tour guide in Dubai for 13 years, tells me how far Dubai has come since it was hit hard by the property collapse, we hear the call to prayer from the towers of one of city’s mosques – serving as a reminder that religion is an integral part of everyday life here.
Barti speaks passionately about the place he has come to call home, and his excitement is infectious.
I admit that before visiting Dubai I thought it was a soulless city plonked in the middle of the dessert and while geographically that is the case, for me the people are the soul.
The melting pot of nationalities from across the world, combined with ancient Arabic culture and the most up-to-date trends makes it all the more fascinating.
If culture is your thing head to Bastakiya, one of the most successful preservation areas in Dubai. Located on the Creek in Bur Dubai, it was settled in the early 1990s by traders from Bastak in Southern Iran and is one of Dubai’s few pedestrian areas devoted to culture and tradition. Along cobbled alleyways you’ll find 100-year old wind towers raised above galleries showing the latest modern art.
A wander around the spice and gold souks in Deira, was the perfect way to end the city tour. Here is where you get to see the real thriving community. The best way to get to Deira is by abra, the traditional Dubai water taxi, a lovely way to see the Creek – and it’s the cheapest thing you will find in Dubai – at 1dhs, about 20 pence. When you get inside the souks just remember to haggle.
There are many misconceptions about drinking in this Muslim country but you can drink, and people do, often in copious amounts, but it’s not cheap so look out for special deals. There is so much on offer when it comes to nightlife but the ultimate girls night out must be Ladies night on Tuesdays, when the women get to drink for free.
The Westin has the best reputation for Ladies night, and by 7pm the Oeno bar and its terrace were packed. After knocking back a few proseccos we took time out to line our stomachs for the rest of the evening with delicious pizzas at the hotel’s Bussola restaurant..
After a night out there’s no better way to recover than lying on a sandy beach in 35 degree heat. All public beaches are free, just rock up and find a spot. But if you fancy somewhere with facilities such as showers and sun loungers there is the Jumeira Beach Park. For just five Dhs you can gain entry into the park and beach area; sun loungers cost a further 15 Dhs.
With spas, beaches, and partying there is a lot of fun to have in Dubai but my all time favourite pastime has to be shopping and this sure is the place to come for that.
The Dubai Mall at the foot of the world’s tallest building houses 1,200 stores, including the world’s largest gold souk and a seperate fashion island with 70 designer boutiques.
Even by Dubai standards, it’s an impressive adventure in retail heaven – you literally can shop ’til you drop!
Whatever your holiday fantasy, chances are you’ll find it in Dubai, with hotels, dining and shopping to rival the best – but get saving, because it all comes at a price.
Travel Facts
* For more information about Dubai visit www.definitelydubai.com or call 020 7321 6110.
* Emirates Tours (020 7590 1485/www.emiratestours.co.uk) offers a 4-night package from Birmingham to Park Hyatt Dubai from £869 per person based on two people sharing with breakfast daily and transfers. Valid 11 May–15 July and 11 Aug –1 Sept 2012.
* A half day Dubai city tour costs from £31 per person in chauffer driven cars (minimum 2 guests) with Gulf Ventures visit www.gulfventures.ae.
