EXPERIENCE
Ask the concierge
Desert driving
L ahcen Sa adaoui, chief concierge at the Ibn Bat tuta Gate Hotel share s his tips for a fun-filled stay in Dubai
Dubai is abundant with jaw-dropping views and I always recommend guests visit either At the Top, which is the observation deck on the 124th of the Burj Khalifa, or Skyview Bar in the Burj Al Arab, which offers amazing views of the Arabian Gulf. A lot of visitors come here to shop, but with so many malls to choose from knowing where to start can be tricky. First up is The Dubai Mall, the biggest shopping centre in the world with over 1,000 stores. Another top retail spot is BurJuman which is located in Bur Dubai and is home to Saks Fifth Avenue. Ibn Battuta Mall, with its unique design and built to celebrate the travels of the famous Arabic explorer Ibn Battuta, also has a wide variety of stores to explore. Dubai is a city that comes to life at night and many of our guests ask which bars and clubs they should visit. Trilogy at Madinat Jumeirah is known for its cool club sounds and is always a big hit. For a glamorous hangout, Cavalli Club at The Fairmont Dubai ticks all the boxes. Alternatively the guests may be looking for something romantic, in which case I would recommend Nassimi Beach at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai for sundowners by the sea. Alternatively dinner aboard river restaurant Bateaux Dubai gives visitors the opportunity to take in the idyllic views of ‘old Dubai’ as they sail down Dubai Creek by moonlight. In addition to the glitz and glamour, there is also a historic side to the emirate. I recommend guests take time to visit the Bastakiya quarter, which is Dubai’s old district. Another must-visit is the Shiekh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. This non-profit organisation, based in the Bastakiya quarter, is dedicated to offering unique activities, such as cultural breakfasts and historic tours. I also recommend a visit to Jumeirah Mosque, one of only a few mosques in Dubai open to the public.
A trip out of the city into the Arabian Desert is an awe-inspiring adventure. The unspoilt dunes can be reached within an hour, with tour operators providing pickups from Dubai’s hotels. Those looking for excitement can taste the thrill of desert driving, while a trip to a traditional desert camp provides a more sedate experience. Turn to page 84 for a list of tour operators.
SHOP
Retail revelry Dubai is abundant with shopping malls and retail revelers should direct their attentions to BurJuman, which has a large selection of designer brands including Cartier, Dior (pictured) and Christian Lacroix. It is also home to Saks Fifth Avenue. Turn to page 78 for a list of malls. Contact: 04 3520222.
DISCOVER Dubai Museum
If the ultra-modern side of Dubai is all you know, step back in time at Dubai Museum. Located in Bur Dubai, inside the Al Fahidi Fort, you’ll find artefacts, photographs and life-sized displays. Open Sat to Thu from 8.30am to 8.30pm and Friday from 2.30 to 8.30pm, admission is AED3 for adults and AED1 for children under six. Contact: 04 3531862.
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