Dubai: The City of Wonder and Luxury - The Wonders of the World - Travel Guides

Dubai and its origins

Dubai, one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, is a city that has seen an extraordinary transformation in recent decades. Once a fishing village and pearl trading centre, today it is a symbol of modernity and luxury. Its origins date back to the 18th century, but it was only with the discovery of oil in the 1960s that Dubai began its rapid development. Today, the city is a global hub for trade, tourism and innovation. Its futuristic skyscrapers, glitzy shopping malls and artificial islands are just some of the elements that make it a unique destination. Despite its modernity, Dubai retains traces of its past, visible in the traditional souks and historic neighborhoods such as Al Fahidi.

Illuminated Dubai - ph by Ivan Siarbolin from Pexels

What see

Dubai offers a wide range of attractions that combine tradition and innovation.
- Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is the tallest skyscraper in the world and one of the symbols of Dubai. At 828 meters high, it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and the surrounding desert. You can visit the "At the Top" observatory on the 148th floor for an unforgettable experience.
- Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall is one of the largest and most luxurious shopping centers in the world. With over 1,200 shops, an ice skating rink, an aquarium and a theme park, it is an unmissable destination for shopping and entertainment.

- Dubai Fountain: Located in the Burj Khalifa artificial lake, the Dubai Fountain offers a show of lights, music and water that attracts thousands of visitors every evening. The water jets, which reach up to 150 meters in height, move to the rhythm of the music creating fascinating choreographies.

- Palm Jumeirah: Palm Jumeirah is one of Dubai's most iconic artificial islands, designed in the shape of a palm tree. Here you will find some of the most luxurious resorts and hotels, such as Atlantis The Palm, as well as numerous restaurants, bars and private beaches.

Dubai Museum: The Dubai Museum, located in Al Fahidi Fort, is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the city. Through interactive displays and historical exhibits, you can explore Dubai's past and its development.

Desert Safari: A unique experience not to be missed is the Desert Safari, which offers the opportunity to explore the desert dunes in a 4x4, enjoy a barbecue dinner under the stars and watch traditional belly dancing performances.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Dubai offers a lively nightlife and numerous leisure activities. If you are a shopping enthusiast, you cannot miss the Dubai Shopping Festival, which is held every year between January and February. For an unforgettable gastronomic experience, visit one of the city's Michelin-starred restaurants. Dubai's nightclubs, such as White Dubai and Armani/Privé, offer exclusive parties with international DJs. If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, you can enjoy an evening cruise on the Creek or take a stroll along the Marina.

Climate and Curiosities

Climate: In Dubai the climate is desert, with very hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can exceed 40°C, while in winter they vary between 14°C and 24°C. Rain is rare and occurs mainly in the winter months.

Fun fact: Dubai is home to some of the most impressive world records, such as the Burj Khalifa (the world's tallest building) and the Dubai Mall (one of the world's largest shopping malls). Another curiosity is that Dubai is home to the police with the most exclusive luxury cars, including Lamborghini, Ferrari and Bugatti.

Advice

If you arrive in Dubai by plane, Dubai International Airport is one of the busiest in the world and is approximately 15 km from the city centre. You can reach the center by taxi, subway or ride-sharing services such as Uber and Careem. For a comfortable stay, choose hotels located along Sheikh Zayed Road or near Dubai Marina. The currency in use in Dubai and throughout the United Arab Emirates is the dirham, officially abbreviated to AED (Arab Emirates Dirham) but often indicated on sites and guides as Dhs or DH. One dirham is equivalent to approximately 0.25 euros, but of course this figure is only indicative because exchange rates can vary over time. There are banknotes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 10,000 dirhams, coins of 1 dirham and 1, 5,10, 25, 50 fils. The time zone of the United Arab Emirates is GMT+4, which means that Dubai is three hours ahead of Italy (two hours when summer time is in force here). Getting around on foot in Dubai is unthinkable. To visit it you can use public transport and taxis, which are efficient and cheap. Dubai's public transport network includes metro, buses, trams, sea taxis and a monorail. The metro is ultra-modern, fully automated and currently has two lines, the red and the green. Finally, remember to respect local laws, which are stricter than Western ones, especially when it comes to public behavior and dress.