Luxury and Modernity in Dubai
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Dubai, the brilliance of the desert and the urban splendor.
Explore the city where tradition and future meet.
Must-see locations
Dubai, a journey between modernity and traditions.
Sports all year round (or almost!):
Nine months out of twelve for enjoying the outdoors, from temperate to very hot. Then four months of scorching summer more suited to jogging in air-conditioned shopping malls! The Emirate you are about to explore boasts nearly 400 kilometers of maritime showcase, saline lagoon basins, and beaches. You can dive, golf, walk, and swim. What a pleasure it is to take a bath at Jumeirah or by the JBR Walk in water at 30°C! What a joy it is to linger under a parasol with a minty lemonade in hand!
Luxury, Innovation, and Tradition at the Desert Crossroads
Dubai reshapes its own image every day, from road facelifts to Botoxed towers. Under a sun with sharp teeth, or in the beige mist that falls from the sky and seems to paint the landscape in terracotta, we breathe in this city to the point of intoxication. With its two metro lines, straight out of Batman's aesthetic, running through it, and while the Burj Khalifa towers over it at nearly 828 meters in its center, we wonder if it will ever stop. It awaits being overshadowed by Calatrava's tower in the new Dubai Creek Harbour district, or for the completion of the Expo 2020 site in the new South Dubai area in the desert. We think that nothing compares to it.
A Journey Between Modernity and Traditions
More than anywhere else, the Gulf is a temple of luxury hospitality, an open-air palace with multiple locations. For reasonable prices, if one knows how to shop online, travelers can enjoy a few nights in a palace shining with a thousand lights, inspired by oriental palaces or featuring ultra-design styles. The following pages present a selection of establishments visited and chosen for their location. Everyone can find something to suit their tastes and budget. Here, nothing is shabby or approximate; everything is designed to offer a unique and memorable experience.
Oriental Traditions
Don't expect to dive into a postcard market, smelling of spices and camel leather! Here, shopping centers have sprung up quickly, occupying this desert that never knew the great markets. However, with a little insight, traditions remain within reach of the visitor who knows how to blend into the crowd of souks.
A Peaceful Cosmopolitanism: Security and Stability
Dubai, like the rest of the Emirates, is very safe. One can walk around without worry, without having to watch over their bag or fear for their vehicle. Crime is nonexistent or very marginal, and pickpocketing or theft in hotels is extremely rare. It is advisable to stay vigilant while driving, as drivers of large 4x4s tend to speed. Additionally, the diversity of nationalities present in Dubai leads to different interpretations of traffic regulations.
On the religious front, the government openly condemns extremism and embraces cultural differences. Children are warmly welcomed and can roam with their parents without concerns for their health. Hygiene is excellent, there are few or no insects, and no vaccinations are required for visitors.
The land of endless possibilities: a fascinating destination
In less than 24 hours, you can experience a multitude of incredible adventures. You can start with a sea bath at 38 °C, then explore the desert on the back of a camel and admire the oryx in a reserve. Next, cross the Creek in an abra, a traditional boat. Treat yourself to a dinner cruise, fly over the desert in a hot air balloon, or speed along the immense Palm in a fast boat. Don’t miss the sunset behind the dune of Bab Al Shams and enjoy a moment of relaxation by smoking a shisha in a Bedouin camp.
On the culinary side, taste local grouper, Al An dates, Dutch cucumbers, or even Iranian caviar. The most discerning can indulge in fresh products from the Rungis market. Finally, stroll while savoring a fresh mint lemonade or a glass of grand cuvée champagne to conclude this exceptional day.
The Shopping Paradise
Chanel, Dior, YSL, Cartier, Vuitton... the most prestigious brands seem to have gathered in Dubai, the chosen land of Platinum cards. Most European brands have one or more stores there, as well as major names in technology and home decor. About seventy malls compete with ingenuity to attract customers with exceptional services: a variety of bars and restaurants, nurseries and play areas for children, cultural centers, amusement parks, hotel grocery delivery, etc.
Shopping in Dubai also includes fabric and bag merchants in the Karama district, the spice souk with negotiable prices, and art galleries exhibiting Middle Eastern talents. Two periods are particularly interesting for bargain hunters: the Dubai Shopping Festival in December-January and the Dubai Summer Surprises in July-August.
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