Despite the perpetual addition of new developments, attractions and even made-made islands, much of Dubai still retains a distinctive character, serving as a guide for visitors on where best to stay.
A view over the Dubai cityscape (Photo: Julien Mattei via Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0)
It’s hard to believe, but up until the 1950s, residents in Dubai relied upon fishing and pearl diving to make money. Then, everything changed. Oil was struck in the Persian Gulf in 1966 – and the enriched city was thrown into a period of rapid development. Today it is one of the world’s flashiest holiday hotspots, known for its glamour, influencers and record-breaking architectural projects.
A network of artificial holiday islands, known as The Palm, was finished in 2007 and the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, opened in 2010. But its growth hasn’t stopped there. Today, the ultra-modern emirate stretches out across vast swathes of former desert land, split into self-contained neighbourhoods, each with something unique to offer the huge number of visitors who flock here each year, many capitalising on the city’s geographical sweet spot, easily reachable from both Europe and Asia.
And yet amid this dramatic change, there are still remnants of Dubai’s bygone era. While the development of modern ports for huge ships has been a major feature of the city’s evolution, the shores continue to see dhows [traditional masted sailing vessels] arrive laden with everything from textiles to technology. Meanwhile, colourful souks and historic mosques add further resonance to an otherwise forward-thinking city. This juxtaposition of old and new allows visitors to dip in and out of Dubai’s past, present and future.
Neighbourhoods
When looking for the best place to stay in Dubai, you’ll discover everything from no-frills guest houses to private apartments to the very pinnacle of luxury resort hotels. Whatever your reason for visiting Dubai, the following five neighbourhoods represent the – often surprising – diversity on offer. Each would be a worthy base for your trip, providing a unique taste of a truly iconic destination – one that never fails to surprise and enchant, and is assured to never leave you bored.
Dubai Marina for ex-pats
Boats moored in Dubai Marina by night (Photo: Maher Najm via Flickr / PDM 1.0)
A prime waterside location, an array of amenities and a vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere help make Dubai Marina a popular choice for non-natives laying down roots in the city. Pedestrian-friendly promenades are ideal for families with kids and water-based activities including kayaking and sailing provide plenty of recreational opportunities. For young professionals, an abundance of dining, shopping and nightlife ensures all the entertainment they need. There are also sun-soaked stretches of sand just next door in Jumeirah Beach.
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Downtown for record-breaking landmarks
Another of Dubai’s purpose-built districts, Downtown is both a major business hub and a magnet for tourists thanks to the presence of several must-visit attractions. Perhaps the most notable is Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building and a beacon on the landscape – even among so many glistening counterparts that make up the area’s eye-catching topography. At its base, you’ll find Dubai Fountain, where a magnificent light show draws crowds every evening, and Dubai Mall, a veritable temple of retail to match anything in the world. No surprise that so many pick downtown as their Dubai base.
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Palm Jumeirah for ocean-themed adventure
Hotel Atlantis at sunset on The Palm (Photo: Sergio Boscaino via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
A true engineering marvel, this chain of artificial islands shaped like a palm tree is most visually striking from above – in fact you can barely sense you’re on an archipelago at all when you’re actually in situ. But there is far more to this unique man-made neighbourhood than technological innovation – it also boasts some of Dubai’s most recognisable landmarks, with the jewel in the crown being Atlantis, The Palm, a majestic ocean-themed luxury resort whose arched entrance makes it visible from miles and miles around and also home to one of the city’s two famous waterparks. Private island residences, upscale restaurants, chic beach clubs and on-trend boutiques dotted throughout the district’s “fronds” and outer crescent enhance the allure.
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Deira for heritage & history
Wooden boats on the waterfront in Deira (Photo: Susanne Nilsson via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0)
With so much of the city characterised by the relentless march of progress, the district of Deira – situated on the northeast side of Dubai Creek – continues to offer an enchanting window into the past. Here, centuries-old markets continue to bustle with activity, as does the traditional dhow wharfage located on the side of the creek. The neighbourhood is also a great place to experience the city’s more traditional culinary offerings, with plenty of casual eateries serving up authentic and budget-friendly Middle Eastern fare. A smattering of museums that chronicle the area’s rich heritage – from its people to its vibrant commerce – allow visitors to explore aspects of Dubai that can so often feel left behind.
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Al Barsha for up-and-coming vibes
Part of what is often referred to as new Dubai, Al Barsha has grown rapidly in recent years and is now one of the city’s most buzzing neighbourhoods. A burgeoning stock of apartments and houses, together with plenty of shops and restaurants, have transformed the district into a major residential area, while next door is Barsha Heights, at the heart of Dubai’s media and tech scene, increasing the area’s appeal as a base for those who work in these sectors and want to be close to the office. For entertainment, the district’s focal point is Mall of the Emirates, a vast leisure emporium complete with shops, cinemas, eateries and a hugely popular indoor ski slope.
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Getting Around Dubai – With its own metro, trams, monorail, buses, water taxis and good old-fashioned street taxi cabs, Dubai has an extensive public transportation network – which is a good thing since most of the city is far from walkable. For those who do wish to explore with the wind in their hair, there are bicycles and electric scooters available to rent, but most visitors will tend to use a mix of options during their stay. For road users, traffic should be taken into account, with snarled-up roads a regular feature– especially during the Islamic festival of Ramadan.