Emirates 2019 - 2021 Worldwide Brochure

Welcome to Dubai

emiratesholidays.com

The days of Dubai being a convenient global stopping-off point are long over. The city that we proudly call home is a modern marvel in itself, and a testament to human endeavour that begs to be both seen and experienced. From a humble desert community trading in pearls and simple commodities just 50 years ago, Dubai has undergone a mesmerising transformation into a world-class destination; a beacon of progress and a magnet for globetrotters.

Downtown delights The heart of modern Dubai lies in its Downtown district, featuring some stellar attractions for both first time and repeat visitors, and a global icon for a centrepiece. The world’s tallest building at 828 metres, the Burj Khalifa surges skywards like a huge mirrored comet. It is particularly impressive after sundown, when crowds are also drawn to nightly performances of the dancing Dubai Fountain, its spectacular illuminated displays expertly choreographed to music. Downtown Dubai also houses Dubai Mall, one of the most regularly visited buildings on the planet. Its famous focal point is Dubai Aquarium, a vast tank of over 30,000 fish, sharks and rays occupying three floors of the central atrium that visitors can walk through, ride across in a glass bottom boat, or even dive into!

Hit the beach Dubai’s resort beaches and pools are second-to-none, but in recent times its public beach areas have undergone a complete renaissance in order to provide an even better experience. Situated near Dubai Marina, The Beach at JBR provides laid-back, upmarket urban style by the sea. Sun loungers enjoy uninterrupted views across to the island of Bluewaters, a newly opened retail and entertainment complex that also houses the Dubai Eye (Ain Dubai), which when open, will be the world’s biggest observation wheel. Towards the north lies La Mer: an eclectic, Finally, there’s one of Dubai’s longer running institutions, Ski Dubai; an indoor ski resort at the Mall of the Emirates where the family can downhill, bobsled, zorb, or even waddle with the resident penguins. Bring the family Beyond the obvious attractions, Dubai has all the necessary ingredients for a most rewarding family holiday, with the major resorts and hotels featuring excellent pool facilities and kids clubs to keep their younger guests entertained. The city’s theme park landscape has seen some significant additions in recent years, notably Dubai Parks and Resorts, the Middle East’s largest integrated leisure and theme park that houses the Hollywood- inspired Motiongate, its Bollywood-themed counterpart, as well as LEGOLAND ® Dubai and LEGOLAND ® Water Park. Year-round excitement is guaranteed at IMG Worlds of Adventure, the world’s largest indoor theme park, where the Avengers rub shoulders with life sized dinosaurs and the Powerpuff Girls, all in the name of fun. Dubai’s waterparks are not to be missed, either. Set within Atlantis, The Palm, Aquaventure challenges you to ride the Aquaconda, the world’s largest water slide. Wild Wadi sits across from the iconic Burj al Arab hotel and offers rides and attractions for all ages, most notoriously the almost vertical- drop scream fest that is the Jumeirah Sceirah! A more leisurely option is a trip to The Green Planet, a rainforest ecosystem inside a biodome that supports 3,000 species of jungle plants, exotic birds and other critters. Wildlife lovers are also well served by the Dubai Safari Park, open during the winter months, where visitors can take in the big game animals of Africa and Asia at close quarters. Downtown’s most cultured addition is the stunningly designed Dubai Opera, which has already become the hub of the emirate’s thriving arts scene, supporting a year-round programme of performances of both regional and international renown.

Retail therapy If you’ve ever felt the urge to Shop the World in a day without the added hurdle or expense of a transatlantic flight, you can do just that in Dubai, where Bloomingdales, Harvey Nichols and Galeries Lafayette are within easy reach. With over 100 excellent shopping malls to choose from, a string of traditional souks and bustling local craft markets, Dubai is nothing if not a haven for the shopaholic. At Box Park, urban adventurers explore a contemporary, open-air and offbeat landscape that’s unique to Dubai. Over 200 converted shipping containers house some of Dubai’s coolest food, fashion and design outlets, as well as a boutique cinema. City Walk is Dubai’s downtown, design- inspired neighbourhood, which is a magnet for locals browsing high-end stores, culture vultures promenading through world-class street art, and folks indulging in afternoon tea or evening fine dining as they watch the world pass by. Dubai’s changing landscape Dubai continues to evolve with every year that passes, meaning there is always something new to experience here. The Dubai Frame sets a brand new architectural landmark on the skyline; one that stands 150 metres tall and excels in its position as a window between old and modern Dubai by providing superb views of both. The district of Al Seef adorns the banks of the iconic Dubai Creek in a meticulous recreation of the city’s trading heritage. Here you can explore narrow alleyways, or sikkas, and dine on the waterside promenade, as the traditional dhow boats drift past. The Dubai Water Canal makes it possible to traverse the city’s waterways under the span of several stunning new bridges from the Creek to the Gulf via the blossoming Business Bay. Dubai Creek Harbour is another waterside development due to complete in 2020 that could prove to be the jewel in the crown; three times bigger than Downtown, with a retail space nearly the double of Dubai Mall, and most impressively, a Tower that will outstretch even the Burj Khalifa. The future is bright and exciting for Dubai and its visitors. Between the two is Kite Beach; the city’s focal point for community beach life, where the laid-back morning swell of coffee hunters and joggers gives way to afternoon wave surfers and families enjoying the expansive stretch of golden sand. eye-catching and highly photogenic beachfront development of cabanas, boutique shops, restaurants, cafés and even Laguna, its own waterpark.

Burj Khalifa

Dubai Water Canal

We offer an array of holidays to Dubai and the rest of the United Arab Emirates. Talk to our travel experts to combine a holiday to any of our destinations with a stay in Dubai.

7