Dubai... the City of Dreams

DUBAI- is an emirate within the United Arab Emirates(UAE). It is the second largest emirates among the seven emirates, after Abu Dhabi. It has emerged as a global city and a business hub known internationally. Its economy, though known for its oil reserves also boast in tourism, properties and real estate,trading and financial services.
It is worldly known for its mega construction projects, namely:
The Burj Khalifa:

Burj Khalifa- knowned as the tallest building in the whole world which measures 829.84 m or 2,722.57 ft. was completed last 2010 which has 163 floors. It has the highes installed elevator and the fastest at the speed of 64 kmh with the highest outdoor observatory at the 124th floor reaching this observatory in a matter of 60 seconds using the fastest elevator.

Burj Khalifa is designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merril. Its structural design was derived from patterning system derived from Islamic architecture. Its structure embodies the cultural and historical elements of the place. They said that the Y shape of the base of the building is designed for the residences because it allows the maximum outward view and inward natural light. the designe of the base is inspired by the Hymenocallis flower commonly known as spider lilies which tehy said is an arabian flower.

It's outdoor observatory, known as AT THE TOP is located at the 124th floor of the building allowing you to have a 360 degrees top view of the city. People are transported within 60 seconds by the elevator.

Tickets need to be purchased online or purchased over the counter for advance booking costs 100 dhs. Tickets which are purchased over the counter  on the spot costs 400 dhs. The AT THE TOP experience start at the reception of Dubai Mall where you will be directed to take the 65 m long elevator that travels 10m per second. At the observatory, during the day you will have a clear view of Dubai's cityscapes and the sea, while during evenings, you will be amazed how this building are lit up and the lights at sheikh zayed road that is illuminated by cars. There are special telescopes provided to have a clear view of what can be seen and some informations about the city and the buildings.

              Another Dubai landmark is the iconic Burj Al Arab(Tower of Arab)-is the 4th highest hotel in the world and the only hotel that gets a rating of 7 stars. It was built in an artificial strip of island from Jumeirah and is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge. Its structure is made to mimic like that of a sail of a ship. It has 202 bedroom suites, a magnificient golden pillared entrance. The presence of luxury cars like of Ferari is common in this place. Restaurants offers arabic, international , asian and mediteranean foods. The Al Muntaha restaurant is located 200 m above the Persian Gulf which enable you to see Dubai in a 360 degree perspective, Junsui is an Asian inspired restaurant and Al Mahra, an aquarium themed wall restaurant. I celebrated my 29th birthday at Junsui with my friend EL ESpuerta, a cozy and lovely dinner that will be treasured forever. It was a joint celebration as her birthday falls on January 9.

The maiden of Dubai- Burj al arab

Junsui- asian themed restaurant

Ceiling view of the Burj al arab

Photographer's favorite subject

Ten Things to do in Dubai

1. Visit the gold souq in Naif(It is the old gold market in Dubai and yet still having the best bargain in town).

2. Tale the Big bus Tour.It takes you to the major attractions in Dubai,i.e. Mall  hopping, Burj Khalifa, Burj al arab, and the old town.

3. Experience Dessert safari where you experience dune bashing, henna painting, arabic belly dancing, camel riding, and arabic dinner buffet. Prices vary from different tour agencies.

4. Visit and experience the thrill in Wild Wadi. The best water rides in Dubai.

5. Visit the spice souq(market)

6. Shop. you can shop in the major shopping malls with all the major brands like Harvey Nichols, Zara, Splash, and many more... depends on how deep you can dig on your pockets.

7. Bargain. Visit Karama Bargain center where you can find the best deals and cheap bargains in town.

8. Ride the abra (wooden boat) .

9. Dine out. Try arabic food @ Automatic restaurant, Pakistani food at Ravi Restaurant in Al karama, Filipino pride Max's and Tipanan, Curried Seafoods at Bu Qtair Jumeirah Beach Road(a must visit), Safron tea at Fili Cafe in Mamzar, Buffet lunch at Westin Dubai Mina Siyahe Beach Resort(the best buffet lunch in town) it costs 100 US$ per person but it is really worth the price,good variety of food and,international menu and this is the only place where you can find roasted pork(only for non-muslim), and try the shawarma(you can find in most cafes around town), 

10. Visit Atlantis Hotel and Its aquarium, AT The Top in Burj Khalifa and have the bird's eye view of Dubai entrance is 36.7 US$ if booked 1 day ahead  or you pay outright  112 US$ of you want to go at the top right away, Burj al arab, and and Dubai Mall.

Enjoy Dubai, a futuristic and modern city yet retain its culture. A reminder to all tourists, Dubai with its glitz and glamour is still an Islamic country so observe decency and dress modestly.