A mere 20 years ago, no one had every heard of Dubai. But now it's tough
to watch an episode of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous (is it still on?) without the city being mentioned. The recently completed Burj Khalifa has broken damn near every record, tallest this or fastest that. Standing higher than any other man made creation in history, it is a shining beacon of prodigality. Of course, i had to pay my 100 AED for the honour of scaling the beast. But the Emiratis aren't content with building up, they also have endeavoured to build where there isn't even any land. Massive projects like The Palm Islands and The World have moved nearly
incalculable amount of earth to create artificial islands for no reason other than, "we want to". It was only 11 years ago that the Burj Al Arab was introduced to the world. Heralded as the world's only 6-star hotel, this place is the definition of opulence. Whereas most high end hotels will have car service in the form of limos, Burj al Arab one ups them with Rolls Royces. The cheapest way of just getting into the place involves a deposit on a reservation at one of the restaurants. There is riff-raff, street traffic allowed. And the list goes on and on. Colossal mega-malls with every brand name imaginable, an indoor ski hill in the middle of the desert, an aquarium with the world's largest acrylic panel, Dubai is the place where cutting edge/insane (it's a fine line) designers and engineers go to play.
to watch an episode of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous (is it still on?) without the city being mentioned. The recently completed Burj Khalifa has broken damn near every record, tallest this or fastest that. Standing higher than any other man made creation in history, it is a shining beacon of prodigality. Of course, i had to pay my 100 AED for the honour of scaling the beast. But the Emiratis aren't content with building up, they also have endeavoured to build where there isn't even any land. Massive projects like The Palm Islands and The World have moved nearly incalculable amount of earth to create artificial islands for no reason other than, "we want to". It was only 11 years ago that the Burj Al Arab was introduced to the world. Heralded as the world's only 6-star hotel, this place is the definition of opulence. Whereas most high end hotels will have car service in the form of limos, Burj al Arab one ups them with Rolls Royces. The cheapest way of just getting into the place involves a deposit on a reservation at one of the restaurants. There is riff-raff, street traffic allowed. And the list goes on and on. Colossal mega-malls with every brand name imaginable, an indoor ski hill in the middle of the desert, an aquarium with the world's largest acrylic panel, Dubai is the place where cutting edge/insane (it's a fine line) designers and engineers go to play.
But it's not all glitz and glamour. Dubai still manages to sneak in the 
occasional sense of history and culture. Cutting Dubai almost in half is the Dubai Creek. And without question, the best way to see the city is by taking one of the little Abras (ferries) which cross this creek in a seemingly endless stream of chugging and bumping. The whole chaotic scene somehow working remarkably efficiently. While you will never see an Emirati taking one of these (they're all Indian or Paistani or tourists) the ride is cheap as heck, 1AED, and they provide an interesting polar view of the city. On one hand the luxurious buildings and the Emirati that live there and on the other, the "lower" class that actually built the place. But if you're not a mixing-with-the-locals kinda person, you can hire out the entire boat. Alternatively, there are a number of dinner cruise boats starting at around 100AED plus food.
But i guess it's the shopping that many come for. Prices are among
the lowest in the region. And all brand names (or their knock offs) are available. While the malls are super modern and air conditioned and what-have-you, it's the souks (markets) that are way more fun. Now these aren't your stereo-typical Indian Jones type markets. There are no donkeys or monkeys or guys with big swords trying to kill you, and you will struggle to see any Emiratis here. On the Bur Dubai side of the creek, part of the Old Town, called Bastakiya, has a market which is about as traditional as you're going to get. The old town itself has been unbelievably Disney-fied and it's hardly worth it. But the covered market area is lively. On the Deira side, the streets are divided into different areas. The electronic souk, textiles souk and so on. The gold souk is probably the only one worth checking out as, for the most part, they others are just shops on a street.
the lowest in the region. And all brand names (or their knock offs) are available. While the malls are super modern and air conditioned and what-have-you, it's the souks (markets) that are way more fun. Now these aren't your stereo-typical Indian Jones type markets. There are no donkeys or monkeys or guys with big swords trying to kill you, and you will struggle to see any Emiratis here. On the Bur Dubai side of the creek, part of the Old Town, called Bastakiya, has a market which is about as traditional as you're going to get. The old town itself has been unbelievably Disney-fied and it's hardly worth it. But the covered market area is lively. On the Deira side, the streets are divided into different areas. The electronic souk, textiles souk and so on. The gold souk is probably the only one worth checking out as, for the most part, they others are just shops on a street. Emirates airways is a great way to get to Dubai. The airline is top notch and the terminal is wonderful. A number of other budget airlines handle the region including FlyDubai and JazeeraAirways. Getting around the city (and to and from the aiport) has been made much easier since the opening of the Dubai Metro. But even taxis are reasonably priced and they're metered which makes life so much easier.
I'm not entirely sure I'd fly half way around the world exclusively to visit Dubai. It is a cool city with site and activities to suit most travellers. But most definitely if anywhere in the extended region, a multi-day layover in Dubai should somehow find it's way into your itinerary.
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