Beyond the Heights of Dubai

Dubai is synonymous with many words – tall, glamorous, futuristic, to start. Evolving is another one. Dubai will be the host city for Expo 2020, from October through next April. Other upcoming openings extend to The Museum of The Future, to celebrate technological advancements; Meydan One Mall, which plans to out-do The Dubai Mall; and Ain Dubai, which is set to become the world’s tallest observation wheel.

It’s hard to imagine that Dubai was once a small cluster of settlements that were transformed by the discovery of oil in the mid-sixties and the formation of the United Arab Emirates in December 1971. Yet it’s easy to find reminders of its simple past through cultural and historical venues. Here’s where to start.

The Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa

Shopping in Dubai can be an adventure, with open-air centers aligned with stores or indoor malls that are like mini-cities themselves.  The Dubai Mall in downtown Dubai is where shoppers can find just about any major label or souvenir, with 1,300 high-end retail brands anchored alongside upscale restaurants. You can also find Emirati goods at The Souk, which recreates the traditional markets in one setting. Or spend on admission to the mall’s major attractions. One of them,  At The Top – Burj Khalifa, is a ticketed entry point to Dubai’s well-recognized skyscraper, with informative visuals on its development, fun photo-snapping areas and access to an outdoor terrace. Other options include The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, an Olympic ice skating rink, an interactive children’s city called KidZania and a cinematic megaplex.

Alserkal Avenue

A developmental hub for creative-minded companies and non-profits tied to the U.A.E., Alserkal Avenue has transformed a former warehouse complex in Dubai’s Al Quoz industrial zone into a grid of galleries, community spaces, boutiques and small businesses. Take an exploratory walk around the premises and pop into a few of the storefronts. Mirzam Chocolate Makers produces bars at its onsite production facility and shop, then packages them so beautifully you’ll be tempted to leave one unwrapped; they also have a special selection themed with next year’s expo. Fashionistas can get Arabian gulf footwear and custom-made perfume blends from Tamashee or fulfill their sneaker fix at The Good Life. Or perhaps just spin some vinyl at The Flip Side, a record store.

Dubai Frame

In Dubai’s Zabeel Park, a shiny standalone golden rectangle metaphorically links the city’s past and present. Inside the Dubai Frame go back in time to Dubai’s early years on a walkway with a chronology of milestones and historic visuals depicting the souks and pearl diving (which ceased due to Japan developing cultured pearls). Reach the top of the frame’s bridge by elevator and peer down at Burj Khalifa, the Dubai International Financial Centre, the Dubai Mall and other landmarks. Coming back down, step into the future of Dubai with a section on its technological and scientific advancements.

Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood

Near Dubai Creek, there’s a sector that reflects what life in Dubai was like before the U.A.E.’s formation. A mix of 19^th-century buildings, the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood was threatened with complete demolition in the 1980s but thanks to a preservation campaign pushed by a direct plea from Prince Charles, some buildings were saved. Today, the area is home to various art venues, among them, the Alserkal Cultural Foundation which supports budding artists.

Cross the Dubai Creek via an Abra

An abra is a traditional method of transportation on the water. Take one of these small motorized taxis across Dubai Creek between Deira, the oldest part of Dubai on the eastern side, and Bur Dubai, on the western side with hotels, shops and restaurants. There are just four stations: two in Deira, on the northern side, and two in Bur Dubai on the south. Make your way to the city’s Spice and Gold souks by hopping from the Bur Dubai Station to the Deira Old Souk Station.

Hit the Water or Desert

And how about seeing Dubai on surf or sand? Pilot a HERO OdySea boat tour, a self-driven speedboat that takes you along the Arabian Gulf to Burj Al Arab, Atlantis, and The Palm. Alternatively, Platinum Heritage Safaris takes 1950s Land Rovers into the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve with stops for a showing of the Bedouin tradition of falconry and experiencing a Bedouin camp.

La Perle by Dragone

Similar to a Cirque du Soleil show, La Perle by Dragone features aerobatics and aerial feats with a storyline that draws upon Dubai’s culture. Based at The Atrium at Al Habtoor City, the show’s tailor-made aquatic stage is a headliner, as cast members dive or get submerged in its waters.