DUBAI – LANDMARKS, ICONIC SYMBOLS & OTHER ATTRACTIONS!
Burj Al Arab:
Burj Al Arab (which translates into Arabian Tower) has become an iconic symbol of Dubai. It is one of the region’s most famous tourist landmarks and, as a hotel, it has set new standards for excellence in Arabian hospitality. Designed to resemble the billowing sail of an Arabian dhow, the iconic Burj Al Arab extends 321m (1,053 ft.) into the sky. The hotel, which was inaugurated in 1999, established its presence with its futuristic and magnificent exterior. At night, the Burj is lit up in a spectacular show of changing colours. A helipad and glass-enclosed restaurant extend from the top. The expensive hotel features the world’s largest atrium, and the opulent interior design includes 8,000 square metres of 22-carat gold leaf!
Burj Al Arab Hotel
The World:
The World, a series of 300 man-made islands 4km off the coast of Dubai, is protected by an oval breakwater and situated to form the shape of a map. Each of the islands ranges in size from 23,000 to 84,000 square metres with 50 to 100 metres of water between them, and are being sold at a mere $15 million to $45 million. Although the developer won’t release the names, it’s reported that prospective buyers have included Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Rod Stewart, and Tommy Lee. The World is a landmark for future eco-tourism projects worldwide. It is one of several tourist and commerce related projects in the Arabian Gulf which can be seen from space.
Dubai Marina:
Set in the heart of ‘New Dubai’, the Dubai Marina Yacht Club (DMYC) is one of the largest private yacht clubs in the world, with a stunning purpose-built clubhouse and four marinas spread over a man-made 3.5-kilometre canal.
Dubai Internet City (DIC):
An information-technology park created as a free economic zone by the Government of Dubai. Major companies such as Microsoft, IBM, Nokia and UAE based companies such as i-Make and Acette have established operations at the DIC, attracted by taxation and custom benefits guaranteed by law for the next 50 years.
Dubailand:
At twice the size of Disney World, Dubailand intends to become the planet’s largest entertainment complex, featuring resorts, sports and outdoor activities, health retreats, and a huge shopping mall. The complex will eventually include six zones, or worlds to be known as Attractions and Experience World, Retail and Entertainment World, Themes Leisure and Vacation World, Eco-Tourism World, Sports and Outdoor World and Downtown.
Mall of Arabia:
Set to become the largest shopping mall in the world, the City of Arabia will play host to this wonder of modern consumer activity.
Dubai Sports City:
Dubai Sports City is an entire sports city currently under construction in the entertainment complex of Dubailand, featuring apartment buildings as well as state-of-the-art stadiums and facilities. Dubai Sports City will be the envy of venues around the world. Its centrepiece, a 60,000 seat, multi-purpose outdoor stadium, will play host to football, athletic and rugby matches.
Aerial View of Dubai at Night
Dubai Metro:
It’s hard to imagine locals giving up their automobiles for a ride in the public tube, but the eventual opening of Dubai Metro should ease some of the city’s spiralling congestion and speed up travel within the city. There will be two lines connecting the city’s principal areas.
Burj Khalifa:
Opened in 2010, the Burj Khalifa is a super-tall skyscraper currently the tallest building in the world. In a breathtaking design, which encompasses the makings of a small city in its interior, the Burj Khalifa is a world-class destination and the magnificent centrepiece of Downtown Dubai, Dubai’s new urban masterpiece.
Burj Khalifa
Palm Trilogy:
Many know Palm Jumeirah as an international icon, but few realise that it was created to help solve Dubai’s beach shortage. The Ruler of Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum drew a sketch of a palm tree, realising its fronds would provide more beach frontage than a traditional circular island. From this insight, the idea of Palm Jumeirah was born and the trilogy of islands envisioned including the Palm Deira and the Palm Jebel Ali. The three artificial islands shaped like palm trees sit off the coast of Dubai and are considered by some to be an Eighth Wonder of the World.
Atlantis, The Palm:
Atlantis, The Palm is a 1,539 room, ocean-themed destination resort located at the centre of the crescent of the man-made Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. This US$1.5 billion joint venture project was developed with Dubai Government owned, Istithmar.
Opened in September 2008, the resort utilises the 46 hectares site with 17 hectares of water park amusement, further marine and entertainment attractions and a collection of some of the most renowned world-class chefs including Nobu, Giorgio Locatelli, Santi Santamaria and Michel Rostang.
Atlantis, The Palm offers an unprecedented entertainment centre, an impressive collection of luxury boutiques and shops and extensive meeting and convention facilities. It is home to one of the largest open-air marine habitats in the world, with some 65,000 marine animals in lagoons and displays including The Lost Chambers, a maze of underwater corridors and passageways providing a journey through ancient Atlantis.
The Palm Island and Atlantis Hotel
