What: Personal tips for sightseeing, restaurants, things to do Where:…
Dubai – The hotspot in the Middle East, Part II
What: My favorite tips and things to do, part II
Where: Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Welcome to Dubai, the city of superlatives with the world’s highest skyscraper, the world’s largest shopping mall, the world’s largest occurrence of luxury hotels and luxury cars. Where yesterday was a desert, today the largest city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) stretches, with international architects’ vertiginous creations. There is probably no city that has grown faster. And the construction boom does not stop. Dubai is the hotspot of the Persian Gulf, attracting 16 million tourists a year, fleeing European winter to combine beach holidays with power shopping. After reporting about Downtown Dubai, the souks and sightseeing highlights as well as the art scene and the most beautiful, public beaches in part I of my Dubai adventure, I now share my experiences about a desert safari, the island The Palm and one of the most beautiful hotels in the Persian Gulf area. But one after another…
Who does not reside on the palm-shaped peninsula The Palm Jumeirah, should definitely plan a trip to the 2001 accumulated area. Here, private villas and five-star hotels accumulate like pearls on a string – the rooms in high season (November to April) are from 300 euros upwards!
The finest and most beautiful hotel in Dubai is, in my opinion, the luxury hotel Bulgari Resort, which opened in late 2017 with excellent restaurants and an extraordinary spa. Instead of glitter and bling-bling, the guest can expect a discreet, modern design in warm colors and materials. The 101 rooms in total are equipped with high-quality details such as cashmere plaids, cedar shoe straps and a large Bulgari beach bag. Even a yoga mat was thought of, which I greatly appreciate as a yoga fan. The absolute highlight are the 20 noble villas that line the bay with its private beach. In addition to a butler service, they have their own pools in secluded gardens. On the sandy beach, the guest can book private pavilions, which are equipped with a small bathroom, bar, towels, sunscreen and what else you need for a pleasant day on the beach. Anyone can and wants to, docks in the Bulgari Resort with their own ship, because the luxurious five-star plus hotel has its own marina and club. (Deluxe room with beach view from 890 euros per night).
My most impressing Dubai adventure: A dinner-sunset-safari in the Red Dunes (Safari: 70 euros per person via Arabian Adventures). With a 4×4 vehicle, we drive through the Red Sand Desert of Dubai with stops in front of a fantastic dune landscape. In time for the sunset with an XXL sun on the shimmering sky, an aperitif is being served before continuing by jeep over the sometimes steep and vertiginous desert slopes. I am lucky and see camel herds, gazelles and onyxes on the way. The evening ends in a Bedouin camp with delicious barbecue, camel ride and – if desired – a henna tattoo. Fascinating is the starry sky over the desert, a glitter and sparkle, so incomparable and intense, that one does not want to avert the view.
Dubai is a city of contrasts, unmissable is the socio-political contradiction. And yet a fairy tale from 1001 Nights that fascinates. BvH
Tip Dubai:
Can you afford Dubai as a person on average wage? Indeed, if known how: Who can tolerate temperatures of 30 degrees plus, should plan his trip from the end of April. I visited Dubai in May – during the Muslim month of fasting Ramadan* – and experienced a relaxed metropolis in which, despite religious restrictions, tourists hardly perceive differences. Shops and several restaurants are also open during the day, in the hotels alcohol is served, where a wine can quickly cost 15 or 20 euros – per glass. Overnight stays in the luxury hotels are offered for half the usual price and the sightseeing highlights barely have waiting time. (*Ramadan 2020 from April 24 to May 24)
See you soon in Dubai:
The next Dubai highlight will be the world exhibition Expo from October 2020 to April 2021
More travel stories you can here.
Part I of my Dubai adventure you can find here.