Dubai
Dubai is the perfect blend of traditional charm and progressive, futuristic vision.
Words Nikki Beach GlobalDubai has accomplished a huge amount in just 46 years, from attracting more than 10 million people to its sandy shores to building the world’s tallest building, all while remaining true to its Bedouin culture, religious heritage and traditions.
With shiny skyscrapers, shopping malls and even an indoor snow slope, it’s hard to imagine the early days in Dubai. Starting out as a humble village, the main trades were pearl diving and fishing — the former taking a downturn in the 1950s when Japan invented artificial pearls. This didn’t last long though, as everything changed when oil was struck in the 1960s.
Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Dubai began to boom, transforming into a modern port city and commercial hub. In 1971, seven “nations” joined together and the United Arab Emirates was formed.
Dubai exploded in less than half a century, introducing some of the world’s modern wonders such as the Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa, two of the most iconic landmarks around the globe.
Exploration
ABOVE: Dubai is home to some of the best restaurants, hotels, beach clubs, bars, shopping malls and buildings in the world.
People from all around the world started to flock to its sandy shores, bringing not only their diverse cultures but also an entrepreneurial spirit. With that, Dubai quickly earned a reputation as one of the most fun and fast-paced cities in the world, becoming home to some of the best restaurants, hotels and leisure activities.
It’s a place where the fun and fabulous hang out, where the rich and famous play during the winter and where the rest of the world comes for holidays throughout the year. Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai is a place we like to call home.
When to visit
Blessed with blissful balmy weather from October through April, summers are a little hotter. This city has adapted and boasts some of the best air-conditioning in the world, so there isn’t really a bad time to visit Dubai.
Whatever the weather, if you’re heading here for sun, sea and sand, you can bronze by day and cool down after dark.
There’s also a wonderful spa tradition, and the spas here are mind-boggling, combining five-star service and trusted methods and ingredients. You haven’t lived until you’ve tried a Frankincense facial!
Horse racing fans can sip on bubbles from the impressive Meydan grandstand while watching some of the world’s best steeds compete at the Dubai World Cup in March.
The Essentials
Fashionistas can keep up-to-date with the latest local trends and designers at the region’s biggest fashion event, Fashion Forward, which takes place every year in October and March.
Formula One fanatics can enjoy five-star hospitality at Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi during race weekend in November, and friends and families can ring in the New Year while watching the record-breaking firework display light up the sky near the Burj Khalifa.
What to expect
Whizzing you to Dubai in style is the world’s number one airline, Emirates, which operates the world’s largest fleet. With world-class entertainment and award-winning economy, business and first class cabins, flying has never been so exciting! On arrival, you’ll be dazzled by Dubai Duty Free, the busiest travel retailer in the world, where you can stock up Dubai essentials including perfume and fresh dates.
Getting around Dubai is also made super easy by the Dubai Metro — the longest automated public transport network in the world. The 75km network has air-conditioned train cars — essential for the Dubai desert climate. With easy hop-on, hop-off access, you’ll be able to navigate your way to The Dubai Mall, which offers 3.9 million sqft of retail space, making it the largest shopping mall in the world. The building used more steel than the Eiffel Tower!
Discovery
ABOVE: The UAE’s horse racing season is highlighted by the running of the Dubai World Cup, the world’s richest day of racing.
Venture south and you’ll arrive at Palm Jumeirah, the world’s largest artificial island, which is also visible from space. It adds 520km of shoreline to the UAE.
The UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi, also hosts an abundance of gems, including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque — the largest in the country at more than 240,000sqft, able to accommodate nearly 41,000 worshippers at once.
At the end of the Abu Dhabi corniche, Emirates Palace Hotel is home to the first ATM in the world to distribute gold bars.
The UAE is also home to the most date palm trees anywhere on the planet — a Guinness World Record.
And last but by no means least, Dubai is home to the phenomenal Burj Khalifa in Downtown Dubai. Soaring an astounding 828m above the city and only taking six years to complete, this impressive piece of architecture still holds the record for being the world’s tallest building.
Dubai
Location
Nikki Beach Dubai
Pearl Jumeira, Dubai, UAE
PO Box 8286