Dubais Stunning Architectural Wonders

Dubai is an architectural wonder, quite unlike any other place on the planet. With cloud-piercing skyscrapers, sprawling man-made archipelagos and outrageously glamorous hotels, this particular Arab Emirate resembles a futuristic, space-age metropolis. Its almost inconceivable constructions and their unfathomable scales have surpassed almost all existing architectural feats, and are a testament to the infiniteness of human ambition and ingenuity.
Dubai’s pioneering architectural research was initially funded by the exportation of oil, though this now represents just a small fraction of the city’s revenue. Tourism, real estate and financial services now account for the vast majority of its wealth – much of which has been poured into the design and development of many of the world’s officially ‘tallest’, ‘largest’, ‘greatest’ man-made constructions, which have re-directed the emirate’s economy towards tourism.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Burj Khalifa

Building

Arguably the most magnificent structure is the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building on Earth which spears into the clouds at an incredible 828 meters. Its design was inspired by the naturally symmetrical hymenocallis desert flower – a concept also incorporated into the 27-acre-park surrounding the skyscraper, as well as the adjacent Dubai Fountain (the largest fountain in the world) which is accompanied by 6600 lights, 25 colored projectors and a sinuous network of water jets.

Dubai Mall

Shopping Mall

The Dubai Mall, in addition to being the biggest shopping centre on the planet (with a total area of 1,124,000 meters squared) is somewhat a microcosm of the city itself, comprising 150 restaurants as well as an aquarium, zoo, theme park, ice-rink, waterfall and its own luxury hotel.

Burj Al Arab

Building

It is the Burj Al Arab– a 280-meter-tall building which stands upon its own artificial island, that might just be the most luxurious hotel in the universe. It has been granted a 7-star status (the only hotel to have ever been given such an accolade) and boasts one of the most expensive suites, at a whopping $18,716 a night.

Atlantis Hotel

In 2001, construction began on Palm Jumeirah- a sprawling collection of artificial, interconnected islands resembling a palm-tree, that extend out from the city’s coastline into the Persian Gulf. Several residential properties line its fronds whilst the iconic Atlantis Hotel sits upon its apex. The Palm Jumeirah is in fact one of three ‘palms’ under construction in Dubai, with the development of Palm Deira and Palm Jebel Ali currently on hold – both of which will be larger than Jumeirah upon completion.

The World Archipelago

Ski Resort

Between these constructions sits ‘The World’ archipelago, composed of islands made from sand excavated from the gulf’s shallow waters and resembling a map of the Earth.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.