Dubai: A Legend in the Desert
Dubai is the largest city in the United Arab Emirates and a major economic, financial center and hub in the Middle East.
The ruler of Dubai once said: No one in the world remembers the second, so Dubai strives to be the world's number one! And indeed it boasts several world records: the Burj Al Arab (the seven-star sail-shaped hotel), the Burj Khalifa (the tallest building), the largest man-made island, the eighth wonder of the world – the World Islands, the largest shopping mall, and the largest indoor ski resort.
Dubai's charm lies in its perfect fusion of opposites – it is a metropolis that is both mysterious and open, both luxurious and traditional. From a barren desert to a modern, opulent city, Dubai itself is a living desert miracle. Foresight, forward planning, relentless ambition, and pragmatic determination have become key factors in Dubai's development miracle.
Ah Niu and I have a special fondness for independent travel; we enjoy experiencing various modes of transportation in different countries and immersing ourselves in local life. Even the 48°C (118°F) scorching heat could not stop us from moving forward. The metro and bus were our main means of transport. With one card (a transportation card) in hand, transfers were very convenient. The fully enclosed air-conditioned bus shelters were great places for us to cool down. During the two days of July 31 and August 1, we visited famous attractions including Old Dubai, the Al Bastakiya Quarter, the Gold Souk, Dubai Creek, Wafi City, the Burj Al Arab, the Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall, the Twin Towers, and more.
(1) Burj Al Arab
It was because of the Burj Al Arab that Dubai became known to the world. This top-tier hotel, built with 26 tons of pure gold, is a source of pride for Dubai and its iconic landmark. Dubai's seven-star hotel – the Burj Al Arab – is a building hailed as a historical masterpiece, unique in the world, and indeed the world's only seven-star hotel.
Dubai's Burj Al Arab, also known as the Arab Tower Hotel, is the world's first seven-star hotel. It is located on an artificial island extending 280 meters into the Arabian Gulf, and its shape resembles a sail billowing in the wind. Besides being a hotel, it is a must-see attraction for tourists. The hotel has 56 floors, is 321 meters high, and features 202 luxurious double suites. The top floor houses a lavishly decorated restaurant, representing the epitome of luxury in the UAE. Additionally, the hotel houses the Al-Mahara seafood restaurant, which is located underwater and can only be reached by submarine.
The above 4 photos of the hotel interior are from the internet.
(2) Wafi City Mall
Wafi City is an elegantly luxurious large-scale shopping complex that combines shopping, leisure, and entertainment. Its architectural style is antique and distinctly ancient Egyptian. Flanking the shops are two majestic sphinx statues. Inside, there are various high-end stores, making it one of Dubai's finest. It includes brands such as Betty Barclay, Caresse, Chanel, Giordano, Escada, Roccobarroco, and Versace. The new underground shopping mall Khan Murjan, themed around traditional Arab art and handicrafts, adds a touch of charm to Wafi City.
Coming to Wafi is not just about simple shopping; it can also be visited as a tourist attraction. The Egyptian-themed architecture is very distinctive.
(3) Burj Khalifa (Dubai Tower)
Burj Khalifa is currently the world's tallest building. Its architectural design adopts a challenging single-structure form composed of interconnected tubular towers, giving it a space-age appearance. The base is surrounded by geometric patterns with Islamic architectural style – the six-petaled desert flower. Floors 1–37 house a hotel, while floors 45–108 are apartments. The 123rd floor features an observation deck offering a panoramic view of Dubai. Burj Khalifa, also known as Dubai Tower or Burj Dubai, is a completed skyscraper in Dubai, UAE, with 160 floors and a total height of 828 meters – 320 meters taller than Taipei 101. It was constructed by South Korea's Samsung company, construction began on September 21, 2004, and it was completed and opened on January 4, 2010, with a total investment of over US$7 billion. It was officially renamed Burj Khalifa. Burj Khalifa has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's tallest building.
The entrance to visit Burj Khalifa is inside The Dubai Mall. After strict security checks, you can experience the high-speed elevator.
Model of Burj Khalifa
View of Dubai from Burj Khalifa
What comes into view is a row upon row of skyscrapers, each with a unique architectural style, each with its own meaning.
Half desert oasis, half sea.
The towering Burj Khalifa
Thank you to my friend for providing night view photos.
(4) The Dubai Mall
Adjacent to the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa, is the world's largest shopping and entertainment center, The Dubai Mall. The Dubai Mall is not only the world's largest shopping mall but also ranks first globally in sales performance. It is the largest shopping mall in the world, equivalent to 50 football fields in size. Inside, it features over a hundred gourmet food outlets and more than 1,200 brands, including the French department store Galeries Lafayette.
Many people consider Hong Kong a shopping paradise, but in reality, Dubai is the true shopping paradise! What Hong Kong has, Dubai has; what Hong Kong doesn't have, Dubai also has. In addition, it boasts the world's largest aquarium, an ice rink, a cinema, a theme park, and the largest indoor gold market. Stepping into The Dubai Mall feels like entering a colorful world – dazzling, overwhelming, and disorienting. We had to get a Chinese guide map from the information desk. Ah Niu didn't leave my side for a moment, afraid of getting lost in the maze and unable to return to the hotel. Haha!
