Dubai

Discover luxurious shopping, ultramodern architecture and a vibrant nightlife in Dubai, a city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates. Home to nearly 200 nationalities, Dubai promises a truly memorable experience to all visitors — memories just waiting to be made.

GETTING THERE & AROUND

Dubai International Airport, located five miles from city center, is the main airport serving Dubai and one of the world’s busiest for international passenger traffic. Many hotels offer a shuttle bus or other transportation service to and from the airport. Taxis do not have meters, and fares vary widely. A public bus service is also available. While exploring the city, taxis offer one of the most efficient ways to get around; you can hail them on the street or from an app called RTA Smart Taxi. The Metro can also take you from place to place and is one of the most affordable transportation modes.

To the Top: Burj Khalifa

PHOTO: © MIKE FUCHSLOCHER | DREAMSTIME.COM

LODGING

Atlantis, The Palm

This luxurious resort features 1,539 rooms; nextlevel amenities; a 42-acre water park; a giant aquarium with more than 65,000 sea creatures; a shopping mall; and more. Take it up a notch and stay in an underwater guestroom with windows looking directly into the aquarium.

Crescent Road, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE, tel 971 4 426 2000 atlantis.com/ar/dubai

Bulgari Hotel & Resort, Dubai

Located along a private beach that fronts Jumeirah Bay, the property offers guestrooms, suites and villas. Each guestroom has its own balcony, soaking tub and walk-in closet. Enjoy breathtaking views of the bay, a spa, fitness center and elegant dining.

Jumeira Bay Island, Jumeira 2, Dubai, UAE, tel 971 4 777 5555 bulgarihotels.com

Burj Al Arab

The Burj Al Arab takes hotel design to a new level of elegant luxury, redefining the meaning of world-class hospitality. The sail-like design of the exterior has become an iconic sight in the city.

Jumeirah Street, Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai, UAE, tel 971 4 301 7777 jumeirah.com DINING

Al Mahara

Chef Nathan Outlaw brings his unique twist on seafood to the city at one of the best places to dine in Dubai. It may look like the restaurant is underwater, but it is actually located within a vast aquarium.

Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Street, Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai, UAE tel 971 4 301 7600 jumeirah.com

Eauzone

During the day, Eauzone provides a relaxing atmosphere, but after sunset the venue turns into a sleek, refined restaurant. The restaurant is perfectly positioned around the pool, giving it the illusion of floating on water.

One&Only Royal Mirage, Al Sufouh Road, Jumeirah Road, Arabia Court, Opp Media City, Dubai, UAE, tel 971 4 315 2412 oneandonlyresorts.com

Pierchic

Set on a long pier jutting into the Arabian Gulf, Pierchic offers the finest seafood in Dubai. Enjoy an intimate dinner of modern European seafood dishes and take in the views of the Arabian Gulf from your overwater table.

Jumeirah Al Qasr Hotel, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, Umm Suqeim, Dubai, UAE, tel 971 4 432 3232 jumeirah.com ATTRACTIONS

At the Top Burj Khalifa SKY

Soaring high, At the Top Burj Khalifa SKY is Dubai’s most iconic destination. Enjoy exclusive access to the redefined highest outdoor observatory in the world. Take the elevator to Level 125 and watch in amazement as specially designed projections give you the feeling of flying over Dubai landmarks.

1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd., Dubai, UAE, visitburjkhalifa.com/at-the-top-sky-tickets

Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

Step away from the glitz and glam of Dubai and escape to Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. The U.A.E.’s first national park sits at the edge of the city and acts as a research area that allows visitors to explore the desert. Plan ahead, as the park offers plenty of activities and requires advance reservations.

Sharjah, UAE, tel 971 50 907 0193 ddcr.org

Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall is every shopper’s paradise. The massive mall is one of the largest shopping centers in the world and houses more than 1,300 stores. Even if shopping isn’t for you, the mall offers a movie theater, ice rink, aquarium and more.