Why Dubai Is More Diverse Than Many Travellers Expect
If you haven’t yet visited Dubai, then the chances are that you have a fairly crude picture of what the place is like. You might think of glittering skyscrapers, gold-plated shopping malls, a heaving gig economy and a local population of thawb-clad Arabs milling around on their mobile phones.
Many visitors find themselves surprised at just how diverse, cosmopolitan, and Westernised the city really is. It’s a place that’s sprung up from the desert, in response to considerable oil wealth. But more than that, it’s a product of collaboration, between peoples from across the globe.
City Shaped by Hundreds of Nationalities
What makes Dubai unique is immigration. Dozens of separate cultures might be discerned in the city on any given day. And this diversity can be found reflected in every facet of daily life.
Just consider the cuisine. You might spend your early morning with a cup of arabica (naturally) in the heritage district, before dining Indian-style at lunch, and moving to the marina in the evening for a fairly respectable plate of Italian-style pasta. And that’s before you mention the boundless variety of dishes available for delivery.
Offering more than skyscrapers and shopping
While the city’s image is based on skyscrapers and shopping, there’s more to enjoy here than you might have time to sample during a short layover while your plane refuels.
A look into the city’s pre-oil past can be obtained at certain historic neighbourhoods, like Al Fahidi. On the other hand, if you want to see local wildlife, you can head out along the coast in a jeep – or even out into the desert.
Experiences for Every Type of Traveller
Whether you’re bringing your family to the area, or romancing the special person in your life, or just visiting on your own, the chances are good that you’ll find a local attraction that appeals. You might head to the top of the tallest skyscrapers for a peerless view of the desert (and the sea).
You might head to a theme park or a water park. Or you might even go clubbing. It’s often surprising how vibrant and rewarding the nightlife can be in a city that’s notorious for prohibiting public drunkenness. Holidays to Dubai can broaden your perspective, as well as keeping you entertained!
A Food Scene That Reflects the World
We’ve already mentioned the variety of food on offer. And you might make this variety a central pillar of your itinerary. Every neighbourhood might have something a little bit different to offer. Some of the world’s best chefs are drawn to this part of the world, and you’ll find a number of elite-quality restaurants. But at the same time, some of the more memorable dishes you’ll sample will come from street-food vendors.
It’s often a good idea to do a little bit of research in advance, and to have an idea of where you want to eat before you land. This will allow you to avoid falling into tourist traps!
