Dubai
A strip of shallow ocean in the United Arab Emirates, the Persian Gulf coastline is home to a surreal mirage of bright lights and space invading towers – Dubai.
A strip of shallow ocean in the United Arab Emirates, the Persian Gulf coastline is home to a surreal mirage of bright lights and space invading towers – Dubai.
A city of pioneering development, it hasn’t taken long for Dubai to be able to place a metaphorical statuette claiming city-in-its-own-right status on the mantel. The first impression here shows ambition and unabashed indulgence; requiring a dive-right-in approach to the glossy designer shops, Michelin-starred gourmet restaurants and beach clubs of the iconic Palm Jumairah that are always one step ahead of the trends.
The city’s aim is simply to be a cut above the rest and, trust us, if somewhere in the world has ‘the best’, Dubai probably has it better.
In pursuit of…
… a future forecaster
Dubai is always dreaming up new ways to wow, you could visit six months apart and the landscape would be completely different. It’s a playground of innovation and wonder that endeavours to have the first or biggest of everything. Like being the first place to harmonise fire and water in fountain form, the official home of the world’s highest 360 degree ‘skypool’, and possessing a water park that has some of the world’s biggest rides within its confines.
“Nestled between East and West, Dubai is at the centre of the world. In less than five hours, one can reach two-thirds of the world’s population. Tell me what you want in the world and I’ll find it for you in Dubai.”
Its essence...
PIONEERING
UNABASHED
INDULGENT
Passages from a journal A weekend in Dubai
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
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![Hotel exterior with a large pool]()
11am
The helicopter flew us in from the airport this morning and we’ve been taking it easy by the pool ever since. This is why we will always come back here, it’s our place to unapologetically unwind. And in about an hour, we’ve got a table for a beach club brunch reserved.
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![Market interior with lots of lanterns and bright lights]()
10:53pm
A bit of retail therapy never hurts, so a private shopping trip followed our leisurely balcony breakfast. As for dinner, it was a fine dining affair, having booked a table at the latest and trendiest restaurant in the financial district way before we came out here.
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![A boat dock with yachts docked]()
9:30am
We’re escaping the city today in favour of some more tranquil waters. I thought we’d spoil ourselves by chartering a yacht, taking a break from the lively beach clubs but not sacrificing on the lavish, of course.
0:00
The leading line-up
Dubai
Destination essentials
WHEN TO VISIT
Flight
Time difference
Currency / Language
FROM THE READING ROOM
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