As the sun starts to leave us behind, the nights draw in the and the winter coats come out from the back of our wardrobes, we can officially say that summer is over. While it’s true some us very much look forward to the cooler months, a lot of us will be continually casting our minds back to summer and perhaps that glorious summer holiday you had. Thoughts of this make us both happy and sad, as while the memories of a fantastic holiday are always great to have, most of us will have to now wait until next summer before we get the chance to head to warmer clients again.
However, don’t despair, because while October brings with it cold weather, Halloween and the usual premature Christmas hype, there are still plenty of destinations around the world that you can enjoy the heat and the sun. One of those is Dubai. Temperatures in this Arabic city remain high all year round, which means it’s a popular destination for people looking for some winter sun. People travel to this city from around the world, thanks to a combination of regular cheap flights to Dubai, the expansion of its international airport and the growth of its national airline Emirates into one of the best in the world.
Once you arrive, you won’t be stuck for things to do either, with a host of amazing landmarks, monuments and activities and can see and do. We pick some of our favourites:
You can’t visit Dubai with seeing the tallest building in the world. The 160-story skyscraper stands at 830m tall, making it quite a sight when up close. Head to the top where you’ll find an observation deck allowing you to see for miles and miles around as well as take in breathtaking views of the city. The since finishing construction in 2010, the Burj Khalifa has cemented itself as one of the world’s most impressive buildings and has become a recognisable landmark. No trip to Dubai is complete without seeing this mega-structure.
The Dubai Mall
When things are built in Dubai, they are built on a massive scale. That is particularly true when it comes to the largest shopping mall in the world, The Dubai Mall. At 12 million sq ft, it is the size of 200 football pitches and is home to over 1,200 shops and more than 200 restaurants. If you are a shopaholic, you will be convinced heaven exists when you visit The Dubai Mall. That being said, if shopping isn’t your thing, there is plenty else to do as well. Within the complex you can find the Dubai Aquarium, children’s theme parks and the Dubai Ice Rink.
Dubai is known for world firsts. One astonishing example of this is the artificial islands that have been created in the emerald waters off the coast of the Dubai. The first development of its kind, Palm Jumeriah is in the shape of a palm tree when looked at from above and plays host to luxury hotels, posh apartments and upmarket global resturants. An incredible example of what mankind can create, Palm Jumeriah further highlights Dubai’s draw for seeing incredible structures and landmarks.
If you want to cool off from Dubai’s intense heat, head to two of the best water parks you will find anywhere around. Wild Wadi Waterpark is a themed waterpark with over 30 rides and attractions, overlooked by the Burj al Arab hotel. The water parked is themed around the tale of Juha, a known character from the Arabian folklore. The other option is to head to the end of the Palm Jumeriah where you’ll find Aquaventure Waterpark. Considered one of the best waterparks in Europe and the Middle East, you’ll find enough rides to please everyone.
Burj al Arab
Designed to look like a billowing sail, the Burj al Arab is considered the most luxurious hotel in the world. This hotel is really more of a symbol of Dubai than anything else, which means you get the chance of living like a Sheik when you are there. Chauffer-drive Rolls Royce’s, helicopter trips from the iconic helipad and more amenities than you will ever possibly need, the Burj al Arab is perhaps worthy of its self-proclaimed 7* status. While most of us can only dream of staying there, it is still definitely worth a visit.