A gilded city on a golden coastline in the Persian Gulf, Dubai is an opulent emirate oasis that is home to revolutionary megaprojects that are a must-see for anyone with the means to do so. When you gaze upon Dubai’s skyline from a private charter jet, know that its confidence and bling factor are just as high. From the biggest malls in the world to hotels with self-appointed seven-star ratings and the opportunity to do almost anything your heart desires, the only limit in Dubai is your imagination and pocketbook.
A Few of the Best Experiences in Dubai
Indoor Skiing
Photo by Jon Rawlinson
Ski Dubai, part of Mall of the Emirates, opened in November 2005 and features an indoor mountain that’s 85 meters high. The resort has five ski slopes that vary in steepness and difficulty. The longest is 400 meters and is the world’s first indoor black diamond run. The indoor ski resort also has a 3,000-square-meter Snow Park area for those who want to build snowmen, sled down hills and venture through ice caves. The price of admission includes ski and snowboarding equipment, as well as winter clothing. Additional adventures at Ski Dubai include exclusive penguin encounters, skiing and snowboarding lessons, and the Snow Bullet, a sub-zero zip line.
Slumbering with Fish
Photo by Werner Bayer
Check into a different world. At the apex of the Palm Jumeirah (the artificial palm-shaped archipelago) Atlantis, The Palm, features the Poseidon and Neptune Underwater Suites for its most discerning guests. The lounges, bathrooms and bedrooms in the select rooms have floor-to-ceiling views of the hotel’s 65,000 marine animals. A truly modern marvel, your stay includes complimentary butler services and transfers from Dubai International Airport, so you don’t have to worry about transportation when you arrive in your private jet. Additional perks at Atlantis, The Palm, include private beaches and pools, dolphin encounters, a record-breaking aquatic park, unlimited access to the Lost Chambers Aquarium, and aroma therapy services.
Garden Tourism
Photo by Tim Adams
Dubai has no shortage of gold, brilliant jewels, supercars, shopping experiences, luxury tours, caviar, and extreme adventures. Amid the razzle-dazzle, you might want to do something that’s a little more down to earth. The Dubai Miracle Garden is the perfect solution. At 72,000 square meters, it is the largest natural flower garden in the world with over 45 million plants. In 2015, the Miracle Garden won the International Garden Tourism Award’s Moselle Award for New Garden Experiences. With garden tourism a major player in international tourism—the fourth largest industry in the world—such an honor only goes to gardens that set industry standards for excellence and innovation. The garden uses reclaimed water to hydrate its plants and recently opened the Dubai Butterfly Garden, the world’s largest butterfly garden and the first of its kind in the region. Within the garden domes, you’ll find over 15,000 butterflies from 26 species. The Miracle Garden also includes edible plants, medicinal plants, fruits and vegetables. Garden staff invites guests to create their own teas, dishes and salads using the natural ingredients.