The Top 10 Things To Do In Downtown Dubai

Venture into the sandy deserts of Dubai and be treated to myriad surprises along the way. Beyond the Dunes redefines the essence of a safari and offers tourists the golden opportunity to travel into the desert, regardless of whether you are part of a large group or aiming for a romantic getaway. Be transported on an Arabian journey as you witness the exuberant live concerts, traditional celebrations and take part in beneficial team building activities to bring you and your friends closer together in an unconventional setting. Opting for the Arabian dune experience will allow you to enter a realm of fascinating attractions ranging from interpretive dances to riding the majestic animals of the desert, camels that will leave in awe of their endurance and grace. With a chance to stargaze at nightfall or take a Harley Davidson motor tour of the barren yet incredible lands, Beyond the Dunes is the perfect change of scenery, providing unforgettable entertainment while distracting you from the hustle and bustle of the thriving metropolis that is Dubai.

Built on the 24-acre Burj Lake, The Dubai Fountain is a landmark to appreciate, as you can witness the expulsion of water that can reach impressive heights of 450 ft (140 meters). The structure is a creation of the California-based WET, the masterminds behind the Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas. The Dubai Fountain is 900 ft (275 meters) long and comprises five circles of varying sizes along with two central arcs. The fountain stands proudly with over 6,600 WET Superlights and 25 projectors that produce an illuminating spectrum of kaleidoscopic color. The beam of light shining upward from the fountain can be seen from over 20 miles away and is also visible from space, making it the brightest speck of light in the Middle East. Choreographed to music, the fountain performs daily with an eclectic playlist ranging from songs in Swahili to local popular beats. A dramatic way to end a night in the town which will leave you overwhelmed with its intensity.

Recognized as the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa stands at 828 meters and comprises 160 stories whereby the tower’s three Sky Lobbies act as transfer areas for residents and guests. The Sky Lobbies are connected by express elevators that feature exclusively composed instrumental music, reminiscent of the background score of an adventure flick. The purpose of the dramatic music is to build an anticipated crescendo as the elevator reaches each floor. If you’re feeling peckish, the highly respected Armani restaurant boasts an extensive selection of delights that are sure to leave you satisfied. The tower takes on a tri-petal form in order to allow every apartment to have an unrivaled view of the city. In addition, the incandescent lights at the top of the building provide the finishing touches to an amazing piece of architecture.

Revel in the weight of the world being lifted from your shoulders at the Zen Lounge, a spa catering to both genders that endeavors to deliver top-notch services. Zen is a true paradise allowing you to distract yourself from the hardships of everyday life. Relax your muscles with an intense massage, rejuvenate your skin with a cleansing facial and pamper yourself with the waxing services. An elegant and serene haven to nourish the body and soul, the Zen spa is secluded, despite being situated in downtown Dubai, so as to give you the well-earned space to unwind in privacy. Why not indulge yourself and give your body and soul the tender loving care it requires?

The ideal place for families, the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is an underwater wonderland. Located at The Dubai Mall, the aquarium that possesses a capacity of 10 million liters of water offers an eventful and fascinating insight into ocean life. As one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world, it excels in showcasing some of the most charismatic jewels of aquatic life. Just above the aquarium, the Underwater Zoo introduces visitors to a plethora of animals ranging from penguins and piranhas to crabs, sea horses and jellyfish. A remarkable new development at the Underwater Zoo is the King Croc, regarded as a miracle of nature due to its gargantuan length of around 5 meters and weight of 750 kg. The Underwater Zoo regularly hosts various innovative exhibits which include a presentation of intriguing cephalopods along with the nocturnal creatures of the UAE. A marvelous chance to educate the public on the less domestic creatures of the animal kingdom.

Take advantage of this unique chance to allow your children to learn how to grow at KidZania, an establishment that strives to educate kids between the ages of four to sixteen and to encourage them to role-play by mimicking activities done by adults in real life, a concept that is probably familiar to them as they may have done in play. Emulating the real world, children carry out certain jobs such as being a firefighter, doctor or police officer and are rewarded for their work through a fictional currency (kidZos). The indoor educational center is a replica city built to scale for children with buildings, paved streets along with transport, an established economy, and well-known destinations that multi-national brands and local brands sponsor. KidZania also provides a separate area for toddlers to play in a safe and engaging environment allowing parents to guide their children and prepare them for the world ahead.

Want your observational and logical skills to be put to the test? Then Brainscape is the ideal challenge and opportunity for the entire family to work together in order to solve series of mini problems in order to reach the goal: escaping! Yes, Brainscape’s aim is to lock your group in a room and offer you 60 mins to be freed after answering and cracking various riddles and codes that are sure to stretch you mentally. The tools you learn as a child in school are applied in a fun and innovative setting which brings out your competitive side as you exercise your brain power in order to beat the clock. Find yourself encased within a labyrinth of clues in the seemingly innocent, themed rooms and have a blast doing something that not everyone has the fortune of experiencing.

The upbeat, Latin-inspired, Calabar is a premium lounge bar, a regular social hub for Dubai’s most stylish and elite. Calabar’s sundowner terrace comes alive with an energetic buzz the moment the sun sets and nightfall arrives. On the menu is an extensive selection of refreshing beverages and exotic new cocktails that include Calabar’s signature South American mixes. The lounge also serves savory South American specialties. A relaxing place that unites people of personalities alike, Calabar is only open to those aged 21 and over, making it an appropriate venue to host dinner parties and reunions. Lower your inhibitions and discover the vibrant nightlife of Dubai.

Regarded as a major leisure attraction at The Dubai Mall, the ice rink can be located on the ground floor of the mall next to the Souk and has become a popular trend, appealing to those on both ends of the age spectrum. The Dubai Ice Rink has succeeded in expanding its range of facilities to maintain its credentials as a must-see destination. This popular attraction hosts a vibrant dance floor and a lively venue for all kinds of events. They ensure unlimited fun for all whether you’re in the advanced stages of skating or a beginner. The ice rink has proved to be a physically challenging experience that even offers children under 100 cm a chance to learn the art. Skate to the beat during a disco session or freestyle to your heart’s content and perfect your skills.

A paradise for art enthusiasts in need of inspiration, the Sconci Art Gallery exhibits some of the most obscure masterpieces by an array of artists right in the heart of Dubai. Appreciate the works of Carlo Morganti, Antonio Corpora and plenty more pieces that date back to the early 17th century. Should you want to acquire a painting, the gallery has advisers who can aid you in making the right choice. Many exhibitions are showcased here which provide the public with artist-specific pieces that are guaranteed to broaden your artistic horizons as well as bring the best of Italian artwork to the Middle Eastern forefront. By Lavanya Nair