Capsule Spot: Dubai, U.A.E.

Dubai is one of those rare places in the world that is uber-hyped, and actually lives up to or maybe even exceeds that hype when you finally get there. Superlatives are normal and necessary descriptors for a city that boasts the tallest building in the world, the most luxurious hotel in the world, a bunch of artificial islands arranged in what look like kiddie-completed doodles off the coast, and exorbitant prices. With a collection of stores and brands unrivaled in any part of the world I have been to, Dubai offers essentially something for everyone – it’s an interesting place to see, but don’t stay long unless you independently wealthy or on an expense account.

Things to See and Do

Atlantis | For a little taste of Las Vegas in Dubai, head out to the Palm Jumeriah and visit the Atlantis Hotel. Decorated with an insane collection of over-the-top colors and decorations of a lost underwater city, the hotel also features a huge aquarium, a fancy beach, and a full-on water park. Get a “reservation” for drinks at the outside beach bar in order to get outside and see the water.

Burj Khalifa | This is one of my regrets. The Burj Khalifa’s observation deck on the 124^th floor was closed when we were in Dubai, so we actually didn’t get to see it. However, despite not having experienced it myself, I think I’d still say this is a must-do on your itinerary. I’m a sucker for tall buildings though. If you do decide to go, get online and book your ticket in advance. You’ll save about 60 dollars this way, meaning your ticket will ‘only’ cost you forty.

The Malls | Take your pick between the Mall of Dubai and the Mall of the Emirates. One has a huge aquarium in the middle, the other has a ski slope. One has Lafayette, the other has Harvey Nichols. Both are littered with well-known brands from around the globe, and both are ginormous. My personal pick is probably the Mall of Dubai, just because it seems to have more food options, a better outdoor area, and is located right next to the Burj Khalifa.

The List

The only way to get into the Burj Al Arab (Dubai’s famous sail-shaped 7-star hotel) is to have an inside connection, be super rich and have a room there, or eat at one of the restaurants in the hotel. We chose the latter, and made reservations at the Skyview Restaurant on the 27^th floor of the hotel. It’s the cheapest option, but it still cost us a mint. At least we got some tasty cocktails and a really tasty and large 12 oz. hamburger (that cost fifty bucks.)

I am a huge fan of the Fairmont Dubai. It’s got great spa facilities, a wonderful rooftop pool, and luxurious rooms with good toiletries and services (including a free shoe shine!) It’s also located conveniently close to the airport and the Burj Khalifa, and when the metro station opens up outside, it will be even better. As with everything in Dubai, the Fairmont isn’t cheap, but google for a discount code and be surprised at how cheap five star luxury can be.

World-wise Wisdom

Can’t find easy-to-access free wi-fi? You’re not alone. It seems that most cafes offer wi-fi, but it’s not free. If you need to get online, but don’t want to pay, head over to the Mall of Dubai, where the entire honkin’ mall is a hot-spot. But be sure you register in advance and get a pin emailed to you because the only other way to do it is to have a local mobile phone number. Free wi-fi can also be had at the Borders bookstore in the Mall of the Emirates, no registration required. And, ironically, if you do make it to the Burj Al Arab, you’ll be tempted to pull out the notebook during dinner, because there’s free wi-fi here too.

One of the best places to see the Burj Khalifa is from the back of the Mall of Dubai, near the lake and the fountains. Head out to the bridge across the river towards the gold souk for great night shots of the Khalifa.