A City Guide To Dubai
Over the past few decades Dubai has quickly become one of the most popular cities in the world for tourists to visit. It’s also the place that Roderer is proud to call home. We love our city and so whether you’re thinking about joining the millions of people who will visit Dubai every year or you’re a local looking to rediscover your city, let us recommend some amazing attractions for you to check out.
THE BURJ KHALIFA
The Burj Khalifa holds the distinction of being the tallest structure in the world. The design of this building was influenced by patterning systems found throughout Islamic architecture. It incorporates cultural and historical elements specific to this part of the world, with the Great Mosque of Samarra being just one of its many influencers.
To give you some idea of just how tall the Burj Khalifa is, consider the following:
- It is 2,722 feet tall.
- It is comprised of 163 floors, 154 of which are actually usable (the last nine were simply to help secure the record).
- 57 elevators service the Burj Khalifa. Two of which are double-deckers.
While the building itself is used for mixed residential and business purposes, tourists are more than welcome to take a trip to the top and enjoy the observation deck.
It actually holds more than 15 records. Aside from being the tallest building in the world, others include:
- Highest display of New Year fireworks
- Highest restaurant in the world (this belongs to At.mosphere, which is on the 122nd floor)
- Highest nightclub in the world (this is on the 144th floor)
To put the Burj Khalifa’s height in perspective consider the following:
- One World Trade Center in New York City is about 1,000 feet shorter.
- The Sears Tower (now called Willis Tower) is about 1,300 feet shorter.
- The Empire State Building is about 1,500 feet shorter.
Aside from the great views, it’s packed with other luxurious accommodations, too. You could easily spend an entire day at the Burj Khalifa.
SKI DUBAI
Many people know Dubai as a sprawling metropolis that rises up out of the desert. It’s also true, though, that there is plenty of water throughout the area, too.
What you may not expect here is snow. However, remember that this city is home to Burj Khalifa, manmade islands and other unbelievable wonders. Therefore, creating snow wasn’t much of a stretch.
Ski Dubai is an indoor skiing facility, the first of its kind in the Middle East. Guests can choose to ski, snowboard or even ride toboggans. Best of all chairlifts effortlessly bring you back to the top the moment you arrive at the bottom.
There are also jumps, tube slides and penguins. You read that right. Ski Dubai has penguins.
DUBAI AQUARIUM AND UNDERWATER ZOO
Speaking of which, if you like wildlife, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is not to be missed. In one area, the glass wall separating you and the aquarium is three stories high! This gives you an unbelievable view of the countless different fish swimming in front of you. At 10 million liters, this one tank inside the facility is one of the largest on the planet. Amongst other species, it is home to the largest population of sand tiger sharks outside of the ocean.
You can take a 48-meter walk through a tunnel that actually goes along the floor of the aquarium. Again, you get an awesome perspective. Other unique views can be gained inside a snorkeling cage or a glass-bottom boat.
If you’re feeling especially brave, get in the water and go swimming with the sharks. Other rare animals at this aquarium include stingrays, otters, crocodiles and jellyfish.
With so much to do in Dubai, it should be nearly impossible to ever suffer through a dull moment. While it’s still worth planning ahead before your visit, start with these three recommendations.