City Guide: Why you should visit Dubai

From desert safaris to the tallest building in the world, this is what Dubai has to offer

“There’s nowhere else like it in the world.”

There are many destinations that have this praise levelled at them. From the National Parks of America to the sites of the Seven Wonders, people heap adoration and admiration on cities and locales around the world. But there are only a few places that truly live up to the label – places that epitomise originality, genuinely feel unique and show visitors a time like no other. Dubai, sitting on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf in blazing heat, modern beauty and architectural wonder, is one of them.

Gentleman’s Journal took to the United Arab Emirates to experience the best the city has to offer, from the towering Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, to The World Islands, an incredible feat of modern engineering that typifies just how inclusive, global and important Dubai has become in the 21st Century.

Where to stay

Dubai is known for its heady atmosphere. A bustling contender for the new capital of the world, this is a city of power, of luxury and of taste. But, on occasion, it pays to escape the towers of the central metropolis and relax on the outskirts, delving into the action only when you’re ready for the excitement. And where better to relax than along the glistening Gulf shores?

"A bustling contender for the new capital of the world, this is a city of power, of luxury and of taste..."

Thankfully, that is exactly where the JA Palm Tree Court sits – one of the best beach resorts in the UAE. A home from home, the Palm Tree Court is home to 208 decadent and sumptuous suites (either Garden View, Beachfront or Royal Jasmine) – all just steps from the sea. Additionally, The Residence in JA Palm Tree Court is a beachfront villa offering 14 suites that you’ll find it hard to leave.

Simply decorated, thoroughly modern and thankfully air-conditioned throughout, the rooms are served well by restaurants including Italian La Traviata and the Ibn Majed buffet, as well as bars from Palmito Swim-up to the White Orchid Lounge (who do a mean seafood menu).

The resort is also dedicated to leisure activities from horse-riding to water-park action, not to mention seaplane flights and clay shooting. Tiger Woods has played the Championship course, the wellness centre is a holistic sanctuary boasts sublime views and, if you do need to work, there are several indoor venues that can be tailor made to your specifications. But when you’re at the JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort, all you’ll want to do is relax…

Where to eat

If you want to set foot outside of the JA Palm Tree Court, and away from the mouth-watering offerings of the White Orchid Restaurant, then there’s no better bet than Nathan Outlaw at Al Mahara. Set in the striking and already-iconic Burj Al Arab, one of the world’s only 7-star hotels, this seafood restaurant opened in 2016, and presents Nathan’s signature dishes alongside the finest shellfish on ice and whole fish served table side. Leading the kitchen, Nathan’s long-standing Head Chef, Pete Biggs delivers a selection of seafood with artful simplicity.

"Set in the striking and already-iconic Burj Al Arab, one of the world’s only 7-star hotels, this seafood restaurant opened in 2016..."

The dress code is conservative, with a smart casual look encouraged for lunch, and smart elegance demanded for dinner. National dress is, of course, welcomed, and we’d recommend the tasting menu – which comes in at AED 995. Here’s just a taste of what’ll be on offer.

Lightly pickled oysters with gherkins and coriander are followed by Crab and Sturgeon Soup, which is in turn followed by Hand-dived Scallops in the Shell served with Orange & Rosemary Butter. The Wild Cornish Turbot is to die for, as is the Red Mullet – and each course is expertly paired with a fine wine by a team of possibly the friendliest sommeliers on earth – and equally as personable serving staff who will deliver your desert, we recommend the Dark Chocolate and Hazelnut Torte, to your table. Mouth watering yet? It should be.

What to do

There is so much to do in Dubai you’ll have to stop yourself rushing in the heat. One of the world’s top tourist destinations, choose from natural beauty or manmade wonder…

Platinum Heritage Desert Safari

At the World Travel Awards, Platinum Heritage Luxury Tours & Safaris recently won the best Desert Safari award – and for good reason. Tackling the tricky excursion of the desert safari can be difficult, but Platinum Heritage aim to put the romance back into this adventure – and have mightily succeeded. Dining with a partner under the stars, taking in local entertainment such as falconry displays or traditional dance and dining on Emirati cuisine leaves you feeling like an extra in Lawrence of Arabia.

Golden sands, soft flames and a warm glow around Bedouins brings authenticity back to the end of the evening – relaxation time enjoyed after a day of seeing, b Arabian Oryx, deer and a whole host of other beasts and creatures who call these dunes home. A, if that wasn’t cool enough, the Heritage tours will take you on this adventure in 60-year old vintage Land Rovers – for the full Indiana Jones experience.

Burj Khalifa

Surely the tallest building in the world needs no introduction, but we’re going to give it one anyway. Completed in 2009, the building opened in 2010 to worldwide wonder. It contains 57 elevators, cost $1.5 billion to build and measures to 828 metres – that’s almost a kilometre.

And, perched at the top is At the Top – Dubai’s most iconic destination. Get ready to enjoy exclusive access to the redefined, highest outdoor observatory in the world, spread across levels 148 and 125 of Burj Khalifa, when you step into the Burj Khalifa SKY lounge, from where you will be personally escorted to a dedicated elevator. Inside, watch in amazement as specially designed projections give you the feeling of flying over global landmarks as you ascend to Level 125 – where the views will speak for themselves.

Al Serkal Avenue

Founded in 2007, Alserkal Avenue is Dubai’s foremost arts hub, bringing together collaborators from diverse artistic disciplines and encouraging open dialogue, the sharing of ideas and the ability to collaborate to develop them. Spread across 250000 Sq ft, Alserkal Avenue’s creative warehouse spaces include a vintage, kitschy cinema, clean-cut cafe and a chocolate factory – yes, even in this heat.

Also on site are several stunning art galleries and a mercifully air-conditioned classic car showroom. So keep an eye out for events whilst you’re in town, as everything from exhibitions, talks, panel discussions, Young Collector’s Auctions and community-based festivals that celebrate the arts, food and creativity take place on the Avenue.

To learn more about Dubai, visit the official website here

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