As excited as I was to be traveling to Dubai, which is one of seven Arab Emirates, I nonetheless had some preconceived notions about it. Most notably, I envisioned a destination that was simply akin to Las Vegas on steroids.
Although comparisons to Vegas are apt C the city does, after all, have a seemingly endless number of over-the-top resorts and attractions C they overlook the depth and breadth of the destination, which is something I discovered in early May when I attended the annual Arabian Travel Market.
For starters, although Dubai has decidedly generous number of luxury hotels, the destination is also attracting less affluent traveler with an ever-growing number of three- and four-star properties.
And, in contrast to its dramatic and ever-sprawling cityscape, the emirate is home to Old Dubai, whose roots trace back to the early 18th century.
Theres much to see and do here.
The Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is filled with winding streets and alleyways where visitors will find a range of local eateries, museums, art galleries, teahouses and more.
A guestroom at the Arabian Boutique Hotel. (Source: Claudette Covey)
Located in the heart of the Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is the new Arabian Boutique Hotel, the first Emirati boutique property in Old Dubai. It is equipped with 10 charming guestrooms and suites in a renovated historic house, with another 10 coming soon in an adjoining house. Onsite is Arabian Fish House, where I had a lavish Emirati breakfast that was beyond the pale C and ?included the most delicious falafel Ive ever had.
Old Dubai also boasts fascinating textile, gold and spice souks, which are decidedly exotic and tons of fun to explore.
A vendor at the Spice market in Old Dubai. (Source: Claudette Covey)
An excellent way in which to better understand the local culture and customs is by visiting the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding, where guests sit on Bedouin-style carpets and pillows while the hosts provide them with an overview of local culture and traditions. The experience also includes a traditional Emirati breakfast or lunch and question-and-answer sessions where no questions are off limits.
Theres absolutely no discounting that the glitzy side of Dubai is as fascinating as its traditional side. In every direction, theres something architecturally interesting to see and one-of-a-kind attractions to explore, like Burg Khalif, the tallest building in the world and the Dubai Mall, which houses an aquarium and Olympic-sized ice skating rink, to name just a few.
In the final analysis, theres really no place Dubai on earth C including Las Vegas.
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