DubaiCartine Tematiche

Summers in Dubai are nothing short of torture. One cannot step out of their air-conditioned cocoon for the fear of burning to a crisp in the heat outside. But Dubai, being the beautifully developed place that it is, offers several opportunities for entertainment and leisure even in this sizzling heat. Here are 10 places hot places to visit in Dubai:

1. Burj Khalifa

For most visitors, a trip to the observation deck on the 124th floor here is a must-do while in the city. The views across the city skyline from this birds-eye perspective are simply staggering. A high-speed elevator whizzes you up to the observation deck for those 360-degree views out across the skyscrapers to the desert on one side and the ocean on the other. Nighttime visits are particularly popular with photographers due to Dubai’s famous city lights panoramas. Hours: Daily 8:30am-1am Admission: Observation Deck Entry: Adults  125AED (immediate entry 400AED), children 4-12  95AED, children under 4 free Location: Entry from Dubai Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road, Downtown

2. Sheikh Zayed Road

Sheikh Zayed Road is the main thoroughfare running through Dubai’s modern downtown business district. This wide, eight-lane highway is rimmed with towering glass, chrome and steel high rises along its length.  Also, The Gold and Diamond Park and Museum (Sheikh Zayed Road) is a one-stop shop for jewelry lovers with 118 manufacturers and 30 retailers all under one roof. The complex’s museum presents the history of Arabic jewelry production and also offers short tours of the manufacturing plant.

3. Bastakiya Mosque

The Bastakiya Mosque may not be the largest or most glitzy mosque in the United Arab Emirates, but it has to be one of the most photogenic. This lovely little mosque has exquisite latticework detailing made more beautiful by the blindingly white facade. Nearby you can see the last remnants of Dubai’s city walls, built in the mid-19th century from gypsum and coral.

4. The Aquarium and UnderWater Zoo at Dubai Mall

One of the city’s top tourist attractions, the Dubai Aquarium houses 140 species of sea life in the huge suspended tank on the ground floor of the Dubai Mall. As well as free viewing from the mall, if you enter the Underwater Zoo you can walk through the aquarium tunnels. There is a myriad of activities where you can get a closer look at the sea life. Glass bottom boat tours (on top of the tank) are particularly popular. Cage snorkeling and shark diving activities are also on offer. Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-10pm, Sat-Sun 10am-midnight Admission: Adults 70AED, Children 55AED Location: Dubai Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road

5. Burj Al Arab

The Burj Al-Arab is the world’s tallest hotel, located on its own artificial island on the Dubai coastline. Decadent in every way possible, it is one of the most expensive hotels in the world with the most luxurious suites costing over $15,000 for one night. For those without unlimited credit, the way to experience the over-the-top opulence is to go for dinner at the underwater Al-Mahara restaurant where floor-to-ceiling glass panels in the dining room walls allow you to view sea life while you eat. Or, book afternoon tea at the Skyview Bar (a minimum spend is required) on the 27th floor with its amazing panoramic views of the city.

6. Atlantis Hotel

Atlantis is the majestic resort in Dubai situated on the Palm, a man-made island that has captured the world’s imagination with its magnificent scale and ingenuity. From the moment you arrive, you will be immersed in a dazzling world of imagination, pleasure and luxury of 5-star hotels. The resort offers relaxation and thrills for couples and families alike, including: - Unique marine habitats The Lost Chambers - An exhilarating water park Aquaventure - Pristine white beaches - World-class cuisine in 18 restaurants, - An indulgent spa (ShuiQi) to awaken your senses - Cosmopolitan boutiques to shop until your heart is content

7. The Palm Island

Palm Jumeirah has everything you need to enjoy a wonderful holiday break. World famous hotel names, amazing tourist attractions, luxury fashion and shopping malls are starting to open up. Whether you just want to relax or immerse yourself in an exciting world of leisure and entertainment, this is a truly inspirational holiday destination in Dubai. Visitors will come to enjoy the magnificent sunsets, unwind in the spas, pools and gardens and eat out at the fine selection of restaurants. There’s a wide range of daytime activities, including water sports, aquariums, theme parks and of course miles of beautiful beaches. And at night, the bars, clubs and shows will offer plenty of fun and amusement.

8. Ski Dubai

What better way to unwind in the summer than in an artificially created ski slope and a snow park, complete with snowmen, ice figurines and a snow slide, all in an amazing snow setting to enjoy skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing, or just playing in the snow. Young or old, there is something for everyone, from the beginner to the snow sports enthusiast.

9. Wild Wadi

Located in front of the  Burj Al Arab, Wild Wadi offers 30 rides and attractions for all the family. One of the most memorable rides is the Master Blaster where you sit in a dinghy and are actually propelled up a slide by powerful water jets. There is also the Jumeirah Sceirah (the highest and fastest free fall water slide outside north America), a large wave pool and lazy river among several other attractions in the park. Wild Wadi is themed around the tale of Juha, a known character from the Arabian folklore. Wild Wadi Timings: November to February: 10am – 6pm March to May: 10am – 7pm June to August: 10am – 8pm September and October: 10am – 7pm

10. The Dubai Souqs

Exploring Dubai Souqs is always a treat. The covered, long ceiling bazaar provides a welcome relief to the summer heat. Whether you’re just window shopping or looking for something specific, the souks will entice you with something. It’s also one of the few places in Dubai where you can haggle over the price.