DESTINATION GUIDE

Evening in Dubai

Dubai offers plenty of options for spending your spare time, even if you only have a few hours to yourself. In a city of contrasts, from the cosmopolitan to the cultural, there are a number

of ‘must-see’ attractions, entertainment and dining options.

Here are a few highlights, all easily accessible from Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

Shops and restaurants open late, making the evening a perfect time

to explore.

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DESTINATION GUIDE– Evening in Dubai –

DOWNTOWN DUBAITRAVEL TIME 10 MINUTES BY METRO

This is the first box to tick on most people’s ‘must do’ list for Dubai, combining many of the city’s famous attractions,

a chance to shop until you drop, an astounding choice of dining options and waterside cafes. All just three stops on the Metro from Dubai World Trade Centre, you can spend a

couple of hours, or an entire evening in this area.

BURJ KHALIFANo trip to Dubai is complete without a visit to the world’s tallest manmade structure. Soaring an awe-inspiring 828m high in the ‘new’ area of Downtown Dubai, the building offers spectacular views from At The Top, its 124th-floor observation deck.

Travel in the lift at 10 metres per second and spend a couple of hours witnessing unparalleled 360° views of the city set against the stunning backdrop of the desert and the Arabian Gulf. Open until 22:00 daily, last admission at 21:45.www.burjkhalifa.ae

THE DUBAI MALLAfter your meeting, head to this sprawling mall for shopping on a seriously large scale. The world’s largest retail centre houses more than 1,200 shops and countless places to eat and drink. It also has its own gold souk, a dedicated fashion avenue and an aquarium, home to more than 33,000 tropical fish.www.thedubaimall.com

THE DUBAI FOUNTAINThe world’s largest water fountain is a feature of the Burj Dubai Lake between Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall, offering a mesmerising spectacle as water jets dance 150 metres into the air, carefully choreographed to music. It is best viewed in the evening when the fountain is dramtically lit. To enjoy the performance in ultimate style, book a table at a restaurant overlooking the lake, a boat ride in a traditional abra, or just lean on the handrail and watch the show for free.

SOUK AL BAHARThis Arabesque mall on the Old Town Island mixes traditional architectural motifs and the atmosphere of an old-world souk with a thoroughly modern shopping or dining experience. Outdoor dining, particularly at one of the restaurants overlooking the lake, is a highlight.

DESTINATION GUIDE– Evening in Dubai –

THE INDOOR ‘SKI RESORT’

Mall of the Emirates

This favoured luxury shopping destination is a little further from Dubai World Trade Centre, but features another iconic attraction: Ski Dubai, and is accessible by Metro. The indoor ski slope can be seen from the distance as you approach the mall, jutting out beside and above the bulk of the building. Lift passes, including all equipment except gloves, are surprisingly affordable if you want to say you went skiing in the desert, or you can simply enjoy the view of the winter wonderland with a warming coffee. For shoppers, the mall offers around 560 international designer and high-street brands and almost 100 dining outlets. Ski Dubai is open until 11pm weeknights, midnight weekends. www.malloftheemirates.com

AL FAHIDI HISTORICAL NEIGHBOURHOOD(Closest Metro: Al Fahidi) Formerly known as Bastakiya, this charming area offers a culturally rewarding experience in one of Dubai’s oldest quarters. Wander through a network of narrow, shaded alleyways and take in the traditional coral stone architecture and striking wind towers. The stylish XVA Gallery, nestled in the neighbourhood’s heart, is a rustic place to stop for an authentic Arabic snack and also doubles as one of Dubai’s leading contemporary art galleries.

THE SOUKSLocated on both sides of Dubai Creek, the city’s traditional bazaars are famous the world over. Wander around and enjoy the sights and scents of the spice, gold, textile and perfume souks for some local and imported souvenirs. The markets are less labyrinthine than they once were, but these historic areas still offer hospitable trading and good-natured bartering with vendors. A visit in the cool of the evening will see traditional Middle East commerce at its most lively. Using the map on a smartphone will help

you keep track of your location, but losing yourself is no great problem when there are new sights around every corner. A walk through the Bur Dubai souks should end at the Creek, where you can feel the pulse of the city’s Arabian heart.

For dinner, there is a wide selection of mid-range restaurants, as well as cheap eats, in the area. The famed Creekside restaurant, Bait Al Wakeel (The Agent’s House), which was home to one of Dubai’s first shipping agents, is a local favourite with a deck that juts out over the water.

If you have time, take an abra

‘OLD’ DUBAI, SOUKS & CREEKTRAVEL TIME 20 MINUTES BY METRO

For all its glamour, Dubai also has a few corners of old-world charm. The city was founded on the banks of the Dubai Creek, where dhows still trade and historic souks are alive with colour, noise, and bargains. Start in Bur Dubai by taking the Metro four stops from Dubai World Trade Centre and enter another world.

(water taxi) across the Creek to Deira, where there are more souks to explore, particularly the Spice Souk and the Gold Souk. From Deira it is simple to return to your start point via the Metro.(Closest Metro: Baniyas Square)

DUBAI CREEKThis historic waterway separates the old Dubai from the new, giving a unique insight into the city’s history and its place in the Arabian Gulf. Dubai Creek is home to remarkable buildings such as the Deira Twin Towers, Dubai Creek Tower and the National Bank.

BURJ AL ARABThe world’s most luxurious hotel, with its distinctive sail-shaped design and set on its own tiny island, is a potent symbol of Dubai’s emergence as a world city. Visitors must pre-book to dine at any one of its world-class outlets, but simply viewing this impressive building from the nearby beach is worthwhile.www.jumeirah.com

SOUK MADINAT JUMEIRAHThis charming reproduction souk is nestled between Al Qasr and Mina A’Salam hotels, in the shade of the Burj Al Arab. Meander down its narrow alleyways and browse souvenirs, or hop onto a motorised abra for a fun yet peaceful way to see the exciting range of waterfront cafés, restaurants and bars.

By night, the souk is beautifully lit, and during the cooler months it is the perfect place to dine outside with stunning views of the waterways and its iconic neighbour.www.jumeirah.com

METRO

Dubai’s metro provides access to DWTC and many of the larger hotels. The network is divided into the Red and Green lines, which connect to key destinations across the city. DWTC has its own metro station, Dubai World Trade Centre, which is situated at the start of Sheikh Zayed Road, next to the DWTC building.

GETTING AROUND

TAXI

Taxis in Dubai are reliable, efficient and abundant, and the best option if time is against you. Most hotels have private taxis (or ‘limousines’) but are always obliged to call you a public, metered taxi. Wherever you are in the city, you can easily flag a high-quality metered taxi.

DESTINATION GUIDE– Evening in Dubai –

BEACHSIDE DUBAI: JUMEIRAHTRAVEL TIME 25-30 MINUTES BY TAXI

While a day at the beach may not be on the agenda for business travellers, it is still possible to enjoy a little time

by the sea. If you pick one beachfront area to visit, it should be Jumeirah, particularly the area around the famous

Burj Al Arab for a sea view, another Dubai landmark, and more shopping and dining options. Jumeirah is off the Metro,

but easily accessible by taxi.