From international musical concerts to homegrown pop-up art sales, from seaplane tours to gourmet experiences, Dubai’s evolving tourism offerings have something unique for tourists every time they visit the emirate By Sudipta Dev
Dubai keeps reinventing its tourism attractions and this is one of the factors that draws repeat visitors to the emirate. For those looking to discover new aspects of Dubai beyond the glitzy malls and the ubiquitous desert safaris there are many interesting tourism options – all reflecting the changing face of Dubai and its multicultural populace.
Dubai is fast emerging as a hotspot for musical performances across all genres. Blended invites international artists to perform in Media City Amphitheatre grounds. This year’s lineup included Robin Thicke and Kool & the Gang. The arrangements are impressive – while a majority of the audience enjoy the concert in a picnic like atmosphere on the grounds, there is also a VIP lounge area where guests are provided complimentary food and drinks. There are food trucks and stalls around as a primarily expatriate crowd catch up with their friends and enjoy a Friday evening of music and fun.
For those interested in arts, the Alserkal Avenue is the place to be. The whole area comprises of art studios and galleries that encourage many homegrown talent. Art and craft lovers can find a better bargain here than the high-end galleries of Dubai International Financial Centre. There are in fact 20 art galleries in the vicinity. A4 Space is the main meeting point for artists. Every three months they organise a pop-up sale of their creations. For those visitors looking out to buy something eclectic these sales are perfect opportunities to pick up interesting creations of budding talent from the field of fashion to jewellery design. It is also very different from the usual mall experience that is synonymous with Dubai.
Those who never had a chance to go on a seaplane tour of Dubai, must not miss this opportunity the next time they are heading for the emirate. Seawings seaplane tour is a highlight for most visitors to Dubai. The eight-seater planes gives a window view to every passenger. The panoramic aerial views of Dubai and its development in real sense give an insight into the soul of the city as it stretches out before you in the 25 minute Dubai Creek Silver Tour. From the imposing Burj Al Arab to the World Islands, the tour is a breathtaking sightseeing experience. With prices starting from US$ 407, the luxury aerial sightseeing tours operated by Seawings does not come cheap, but the experience is worth it. There are also special packages for MICE and groups.
Despite being a modern global city, heritage is at the heart of Dubai’s culture. From the restored Al Bastakiya area to the still thriving gold souk and spice market, centuries old traditions have been preserved for the modern day visitor to admire and appreciate. Al Bastakiya is an old Iranian village. Many Iranians settled here, mostly trading in textile and food. The textile souk was also restored. An abra (water taxi) ride will take visitors to the spice and gold souks.
Gourmet capital
Dubai has over the years emerged as a gourmet capital in the region. For a city that takes great pride in its cosmopolitan culture that has embraced as many as 200 nationalities, the world of cuisines is also as diverse and rich. While the Rib Room in Jumeirah Zabeel Saray offers mouthwatering steaks, Nobu at Atlantis The Palm is perhaps the best Japanese restaurant in the city serving creations of legendary Chef Nobu Matsuhisa. For a quick lunch, one of the perfect dining options is the buffet offering at the Deli in Armani Hotel, Downtown Dubai.
Alta Badia at Jumeirah Emirates Towers is a leading Italian restaurant in the emirate. Named after a ski resort in the Dolomities, the restaurant is located at the 50th floor of the hotel. It do es not just offer authentic food from the heart of Italy but also spectacular views of Dubai city. Qbara restaurant is an interesting dining venue, not just because of the food – arabesque cuisine with a modern twist – but also because of its fascinating interiors. Having won many design awards since its opening, the restaurant is a must visit.
At The Top
The highest outdoor observation deck in the world is located at, not surprisingly, the tallest building in the world – Burj Khalifa. At The Top, Burj Khalifa SKY is located at level 148 in Burj Khalifa. Adding to the experience is the element of luxury and hospitality that so typifies Dubai. The entrance to At The Top is inside the Dubai Mall. A briefing session is conducted in At the Top, Burj Khalifa SKY lounge, where visitors are offered dates, sweets and Arabic coffee.
Audio guides are handed over by guest ambassadors who escort visitors to special high speed elevator that takes them to level 148. It is a thrilling moment for visitors to look down at the city sprawled before them from the 555 metres high observation deck. Here also hospitality has been incorporated in the heart of the whole experience as guests can relax for sometime in the luxurious lounge and sample delectable Arabic sweets and sip in refreshing mint lime cooler. Level 125 is at 456 metres which houses the Falcon’s Eye View experience. One of the highlights is the exhibition on the ground floor which gives behind the scene stories of how Burj Khalifa was built. There are giant posters of the teams who made the vision possible. It is a proud moment to see many Indian names and faces among them.
