Dubai is the most heavily populated city in the UAE. In recent decades, Dubai has grown and consistently pulled in lots of money thanks to the floods of tourists that keep on deciding to visit the place year after year, with deluxe hotels, mouth-watering restaurants, and designer fashion shops popping up all over the place. In 2019, before travel restrictions were introduced due to the global pandemic, the Emirate welcomed 16.73 million international tourists. Carry on reading to discover more about the top things to do and see when visiting Dubai in 2022.
Check Out the Iconic Burj Khalifa Building
The Burj Khalifa building opened in January 2010, and it is a famous landmark that has become synonymous with Dubai and its impressive desert skyline. The building is named after Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the president of the UAE since 2004.
But what can you see in the Burj Khalifa? Well, at the foot of the building lies the impressive Dubai Fountain. You can stand and watch in awe as thousands of gallons of water are sprayed into the air, and the lights are put on at night, showcasing the splendor of the modern water feature. It’s quite the spectacle. If you want a look at Dubai in all its glory, head up to the observatory deck on the 124th floor and soak in the gorgeous panoramic views. If you want to go to an even higher observation deck, make sure you get yourself an ‘At the Top Sky’ pass, which will take you up to the 148th floor. The prominent Burj Khalifa building is undoubtedly a must-see when you visit Dubai.
The Dubai Expo 2020
The Dubai Expo 2020 finally opened its doors on October 1st, 2021, after having its opening delayed by a year due to the pandemic. It is now open until March 31st, 2022, and it really is something you go and check out for yourself. There are tons of different things going on in the pavilions at the Dubai Expo 2020 site, including light shows, robots, LED screen animations, stunning architectural sights, and so on. There are also many world cultures and nationalities represented at the site. There are plenty of ways you can learn more about the world by visiting one of the pavilions. For instance, in the Alif Mobility Pavilion in the trefoil-shaped building, you can learn all about the history of transportation and the latest technological developments. The pavilion is also home to a 500-seat amphitheater.
The Expo 2020 is rapidly becoming a popular destination for international tourists and local people alike in Dubai. As well as being home to stunningly attractive modern buildings, the Expo site is a fountain of knowledge and a place where you can learn about all sorts of fascinating things. However, those thinking of visiting should be aware that given that it’s one of the biggest global events to be held since the pandemic emerged, the COVID measures in place are stringent. You must be vaccinated or show a negative lateral flow test. All staff and volunteers working at the Expo are fully vaccinated. The Expo 2020 is a celebration of modern technology and embraces the future with open arms.
Visit the Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall is genuinely heaven for all you shopaholics out there. There’s a broad range of shops selling designer fashion items. In addition, if you’re a fan of top-quality jewelry, the Dubai Mall is a place where you can find some excellent pieces of quality jewelry.
If shopping isn’t your thing or you simply cannot shop any longer, check out the entertainment options that the Dubai Mall offers. For instance, if you fancy watching a movie, visit the Reel Cinemas in the Dubai Mall. If you prefer looking at some amazing sea life swimming around in front of you, go and see the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, which is also found in the mall. But it’s perhaps not something for the faint-hearted, and you should prepare yourself that you may end up looking AT some big sharks with sharp, scary gnashers. So don’t miss out and make sure you visit the Dubai Mall and take in everything it offers.
Take a Walk Through Old Dubai in the Al Fahidi Quarter
The Al Fahidi quarter was constructed in the late 19th century to provide homes for wealthy Persian merchants. The neighborhood is home to aesthetically appealing wind towers. These wind towers were initially built to provide the homes in the area with some degree of air conditioning, given the sweltering unforgiving temperatures that locals faced.
Are you a lover of traditional Arab ceramics and furniture? Then checking out the Majlis Gallery fine art gallery is a must. The gallery opened its doors in 1989, and it’s often home to contemporary exhibitions which are there to excite visitors.
So, these are just a few top suggestions for visiting Dubai. Hopefully, as things open up again and the world gradually recovers from the pandemic, international visitors will return to Dubai, and you will be able to discover the Emirate and all its little quirks. It is certainly a unique place to visit.