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for these to be actively pursued. The city’s architects can be described as ‘starchitects’. Some of Dubai’s most iconic and trailblazing developments that broke architectural barriers and raised the bar for the world are:
BURj KHALIfA
Burj Al Arab hop-on, hop-off facility and live-guided commentary make the Big Bus Tour the perfect introduction to Dubai. Contact: 04 340 7709 Website: www.bigbustours.com
TAKE A CRUISE The sea has always steered life in Dubai. It is only fitting that a dhow cruise along its arterial Creek is one of the best ways to feel the pulse of the emirate. The exteriors of these vessels replicate the traditional Arabian dhows, but the interiors are aesthetically fitted with luxurious furnishings making the cruise a relaxing and enjoyable experience. The idyllic evening cruise offers a breathtaking view of this ‘city of lights’ and includes a sumptuous dinner. Another offering uniquely Dubai is the traditional abra – or local commuter water taxi service – that crosses the Creek between Deira and Bur Dubai. These abras transport more than 15,000 people across the Creek every single day and cost just a few dirhams. Tourists can also hire an abra 38
by themselves for an agreed sum. A modern take on the abra is the Water Bus service launched by the Marine Agency of the Roads and Transport Authority. A highly advanced service, the Water Bus covers key landmarks in Deira, Bur Dubai and the Creek area offering easy access to the emirate’s historical and cultural sites. Setting sail from the Al Shindagha or Al Seef marine stations, the Water Bus runs from 10am to 10pm through the week. The air conditioned Water Buses can accommodate up to 36 passengers taking 45 minutes per trip with an interval of 15 minutes between services. For a reasonable Dhs50 for adults and Dhs25 for children, the Water Bus ticket is valid for one day and includes a tourist map and water bus pack. Contact: 800 9090 Website: www.rta.ae
HELICOPTER TOUR Travel like the rich and famous and fly in one of the most luxurious helicopters around. Dubai is famous for its iconic buildings and magnificent skyline and
there is no better way to see it all than from the air. Taking off from The Palm Jumeirah, the 15-minute flight soars over the beautiful Arabian Gulf coastline, the incredible Palm Island, the Burj Al Arab and The World Islands. Heading inland visitors will fly over Union Square, Sheikh Zayed Road, the Mall of the Emirates and of course, the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. The tour can also be extended to cover the picturesque Dubai Creek, Emirates Golf Course, the Camel Race Track and Dubai’s Nad Al Sheba Race Track. Contact: 04 294 9888 Website: www.alphatoursdubai.com
ARCHITECTURAL MARVELS Its soaring towers and mind numbing constructions have rightfully earned Dubai the title of one of the most intriguing centres of the architectural world. The emirate’s leadership encourages a revolutionary design philosophy and also makes it possible
Symbolic of the new Middle East – vivacious and futuristic – the spectacular Burj Khalifa inspires awe at every level. Soaring 828 metres over the Dubai skyline, this is the world’s tallest building. The Burj is an extraordinary union of art, engineering and heritage. The Burj pays homage to the emirate’s attachment to its past; its basic design is inspired by the desert flower, the Hymenocallis. Mirroring the triple lobed bloom’s harmonious structure, the Burj consists of three towers arranged around a central core. The tower’s stunning interiors reflect both its iconic global status and its reverence for the local culture. More than 1000 specially commissioned pieces of art from Middle Eastern and international artists adorn the walls of the Burj, becoming a unique meeting point for cultures from across the world. But the centrepiece of the interiors is an artwork featuring 196 bronze and brass alloy cymbals suspended on titanium rods anchored at the bottom of two pools. Representing the 196 countries of the world, this masterpiece stands proudly in the tower’s residential lobby. The superlative Armani Hotel is also located in the Burj Khalifa. Boasting 160 chic guestrooms and suites, sophisticated meeting and banqueting facilities, a luxurious spa, five gourmet restaurants and the region’s first Armani/Prive nightclub. It also houses 144 one- and twobedroom Armani residences Contact: 04 888 8888 Website: www.burjkhalifa.ae
BURj AL ARAB The city’s first engineering feat that placed it on the world’s architectural map, the magnificent Burj Al Arab has become synonymous with Dubai. Built on a triangular manmade island that juts 280 metres into the Arabian Gulf, the Burj Al Arab is designed as a billowing sail rising 321 metres above the sea. Tourism Manual 2013