The Dubai Skyline
The Dubai Skyline

Dubai

Desert State of Superlatives

Published: 27 January 2023, 11:00
Updated: 27 April 2023, 11:00

The world’s tallest building, the world’s largest mall and the largest Ferris wheel: in Dubai, everything is “higher, faster, further”, setting one world record after the next. Prepare to be constantly amazed when paying a visit to the capital of the emirate of Dubai and the largest city in the United Arab Emirates. In addition to ultra-modern architecture and structural innovations, Dubai also has many spectacular experiences in store: from desert tours to downhill skiing on the indoor ski slope – everything is possible here. 

Figures, dates, facts

  • Time difference: +2/ 3 hours*
  • Population: 3.3 million
  • Official language: Arabic
  • Currency: UAE Dirham

* depending on winter or summer time

Dubai’s spectacular architecture in 10 pictures

The Dubai Skyline
Dubai’s skyline is dominated by impressive skyscrapers. Six of them are even over 300 metres high. © EdNurg / Adobe Stock
Burj al Arab from above
The 5-star Burj al Arab hotel is shaped like a sailboat. The building stands on an artificial island. © Irina Schmidt / Adobe Stock
Burj Khalifa
Standing at 830 metres high, the Burj Khalifa is twice as tall as the Empire State Building (without antenna). © tampatra / Adobe Stock
Dubai Mall Fountain
The water in the Dubai Fountain is shot up to 152 metres into the air on the artificial lake, accompanied by Arabic and international music. © creativefamily / Adobe Stock
Palm Jumeirah
The artificial island of Palm Jumeirah can even be seen from space. © Kertu / Adobe Stock
Atlantis Hotel in Dubai
The luxury hotel Atlantis The Palm was the first hotel on the Palm Jumeirah island and opened in 2008. © Oleg Zhukov / Adobe Stock
Dubai Frame
The Dubai Frame frames the vista of modern Dubai as well as that towards the old city, symbolically connecting the past and present. © tampatra / Adobe Stock
Museum of the Future
The windows at the Museum of the Future are shaped like Arabic characters and are quotes about the future from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. © Grigory Bruev / Adobe Stock
Waterfall in the Dubai Mall
The figures on the indoor waterfall in the Dubai Mall symbolise Dubai’s pearl divers. © Roxana / Adobe Stock
Dubai Marina from above
Dubai’s artificial harbour, the Dubai Marina, is home to the most luxurious yachts. © ajandali / Adobe Stock

Off to the desert!

To explore Dubai’s desert landscape, you can swap the taxi or metro for a different kind of transport for a day: thrill-seekers can go quad biking and those looking for even more adventure can take a ride on a camel. It’s definitely worth leaving the air-conditioned skyscrapers and malls for these kinds of unique experiences!

Once in a lifetime: experiences that stay with you forever

A camel looks into the camera
Who could resist that look?! A tour through the desert on a camel’s back is a special experience. © Martin M303 / Adobe Stock
Jeep in the desert
If you want something a bit faster, take the Jeep – numerous operators offer tours through the desert. © Niko / Adobe Stock
Ski slope and lift in the Mall of the Emirates
The Mall of the Emirates is home to this winter wonderland, which includes a ski slope and lift. Dubai is always good for a surprise! © thierry burot / Adobe Stock
A girl standing in the tunnel at the Dubai Mall aquarium
The aquarium at the Dubai Mall, which extends over three floors, is an impressive attraction. 33,000 animals live there. © galitskaya / Adobe Stock

Dubai from BER

Flugzeug kurz vor dem Aufsetzen auf die Start- und Landebahn

Condor
(Winter flight schedule 2024/25)

Eurowings
(Winter flight schedule 2024/25)

Piktogramm Info-i

Dubai International (DXB)

5 travel tips for...

1. Take the metro from the airport to the city. The Dubai Metro is cheap, clean and convenient.

2. Enjoy the view from the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa. Avoid long waiting times by pre-booking a ticket.

3. Admire the Dubai Fountains’ choreographed water and light show at the foot of the Burj Khalifa.

4. Buy a souvenir at the Dubai Mall and visit the aquarium, which is also located there.

5. If there is enough time, go on a desert tour and explore the impressive landscape around the modern metropolis before heading back to the airport.

1. Stroll through the largest mall in the world, the Dubai Mall, with its some 1,000 shops. 

2. The Mall of Emirates is also a shopping paradise!

3. Browse Dubai’s traditional markets and buy jewellery at the Gold Souk or clothes at the Textile Souk.

4. The Dubai Waterfront Market offers not only food, but also clothing, jewellery and more.

5. Shop for branded products at reduced prices at the Dubai Outlet Mall.

1. The sculptures made of flowers in the shape of Mickey Mouse and friends at the Miracle Garden make children smile.

2. Enjoy carousels and 3D shows at the air-conditioned indoor amusement park IMG Worlds of Adventures.

3. Swim together and enjoy the sun on Jumeirah Beach.

4. Riding the Ferris wheel here is a very special experience – the Ain Dubai is the largest one in the world! One tour takes 38 minutes.

5. Try out the many different water slides at Atlantis Aquaventure Park.

Image source header: © Rastislav Sedlak SK / Adobe Stock

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