Dubai in 3 days: a taste of the best the world has to offer
If you thought Dubai was good only as a shopping destination, think again. Dubai today looks a lot like your Heaven on Earth fantasies. Be sure to see the best of architecture, the most modern facilities, the best hygiene and sanitation, the best deals on the market, the friendliest people, and the safest travel destination.
When time is short and you want to tour the city and its adjacent areas of Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman in three days, don’t think you are thinking of the impossible, even in the harshest of summers. Of course, make sure you always bring your essentials: sunglasses, sunscreen, water and a hat or scarf for the sun, if you travel in the months of May to August.
Dubai is often looked down upon by the ignorant and the uninitiated as a place that only boasts of shopping malls. However, when you set out to look at these malls, you find each one as different as can be. A good place to start would be Kanat-al-Kasbah, located in Sharjah. This included a continental-style promenade, reminiscent of a promenade walk along the Seine River in Paris. Next door, one comes across several glamorous restaurants and shops. On weekends, which are Thursday through Saturday nights, families can be seen quietly dining at various restaurants, which have al fresco options. Here children of all ages can be found skating, playing, bathing in the fountains, eating ice cream, etc., while their parents enjoy some adult company. At night, this place literally comes to life, with interesting lighting effects, which bring out the best of the architecture of the place. Kanat-al-Kasbah has now been transformed into a commercial and cultural center, and is often referred to as “The Eye of the Gulf”.
Very close to Dubai International Airport, is the famous Ibn Batuta Mall, which is modeled after the famous traveler of the Middle Ages, Ibn Batuta and his explorations. Therefore, this mall is exciting and educational. Each section of this enchanting and fascinating mall follows the path of travel undertaken by Ibn Batuta and thus the shopper gets an insight into various cultures and countries while shopping. The food courts offer a wide variety of lip-smacking food: Iranian, Lebanese, Greek, Chinese, Thai, Indian, Mexican, etc. Interestingly, the roof of the mall assumes the colors of dusk, even though a fierce midday sun may be beating down outside. The Ibn Batuta Mall will make you think about it, long after your Dubai trip is over…it just falls into the “must visit” category.
Another famous mall is the Mercato Shopping Mall in Jumeirah, which is inspired by the architecture of the Italian Renaissance period. In this indoor shopping center, one can immediately be transported to the relaxed Italian lifestyle, with shopping plazas, cafes and restaurants. Artfully done, this mall has balconies on the top floor, with benches to take a break. At night, this mall also hosts live bands and gets the best of the upper-class clientele, due to the high-end environment and shopping experience on offer.
Don’t miss out on the out-of-this-world experience of the Dubai Mall for once. Aside from being a virtual melting pot of all the world’s races, this place is packed with shops, people and variety. There are musical fountains (with show times) and the best part: the Dubai Aquarium and the underwater zoo. This is a must see for young and old. The Dubai Aquarium has been awarded by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest acrylic aquarium. It is home to thousands of varieties of fish and marine life, and it is a fascinating experience to walk into the tunnel and watch the fish go by above and beside you. In fact, the sea creatures are well cared for and enjoying an ecosystem to which they are accustomed. The Dubai Mall also has an ice skating rink, a favorite with the most adventurous enthusiasts and sports lovers.
Upstairs, one has to climb two flights of stairs to the zoo. This also has an amazing variety: penguins kept on melting ice, water rats, beavers, snakes from all over the world and the deadliest spider – the tarantula. Needless to say, this is an experience you won’t quickly forget.
While in Dubai, don’t miss a ride that takes you in front of the Burj-al-Arab or Al-Burj. This super-luxury hotel even charges to cross the bridge, so if you’re not willing to pay for that, then the surrounding emerald green beach will do just as well. Watch the sunbathers, surfers, and sunbathers get the best of this white-sand beach.
The Atlantis, (The Palms Hotel and Resort) is another destination worth reaching. Today it houses hotels, resorts, aquariums, luxury villas, etc., all in the shape of a palm tree, which has been built over the sea. One can see this design plan even more clearly if you fly over it by helicopter. The Atlantis has several stay options for the tourist and the corporate man. It also offers venues for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and other memorable occasions.
Dubai is today the venue for global cuisine, as much as it is for global fashion, electronics, etc. One can savor the tastiest dishes from a wide range of countries and shop for bargains at any of the stores. It is doubtful that you can get a better deal anywhere else in the world.
If you still have time, then take a moment to go to the Mall of the Emirates: it has, in addition to shops, Swiss-style snow slopes, which are kept at minus 4 degrees Celsius! There are even trainers to help you, in case you are inexperienced.
A ride on the Arabian Dhow (fishing boat) is a great way to see the city at night. For a nominal fee, you’ll enjoy a leisurely cruise on Dubai Creek (Khor River), with a buffet dinner included.
The Dubai Desert Safari is the jewel in the crown of Dubai. This, in short, is a ride over the sand dunes in Land Cruisers, by expert drivers. The thrill of the safari should not be missed as it is a once in a lifetime experience. Belly dancing and whirling dervish dances are organized at the camp, with dinner included. You can go for a camel ride, get a henna design on your hands, have your photo taken with an Arabian Bedouin and his pet falcon, shop for Middle Eastern belly-dancing outfits and enjoy a cup of tea… even though it’s summer and the mercury is hovering around 45 degrees Celsius!
No one can claim to return without being impressed or affected by Dubai. It is the land of plenty and showcases all the best the world has to offer. If you plan to cover all of this in three days, go in with an open mind, lots of energy and drive, and you will have accomplished it all.