A landmark of Dubai is the world's only 7 star hotel, Burj Al Arab, worth seeing.
An alternative to hotels is furnished apartments with housekeeping services. However, the demand is far bigger than the availability.
Although construction is booming in Dubai, it is not easy to identify accommodation. Due to the existing demand, the construction companies sell their products already upon approval of the projects. The most interesting residential projects are at present:
- The Palm Jumeirah,
www.thepalm.ae
- Jumaira Islands,
www.jumeirahislands.com
- Jumairah Beach Residence,
www.jumairahbeachresidence.com
- The Palm Jebel Ali,
www.the palm.ae
- Dubai Marina,
www.dubai-marina.com
- Emirates Hills/The Meadows/The Springs/Gazelle,
www.emaar.com
- The Greens,
www.thegreensatege.com
- Arabian Ranches,
www.arabianranches.com
The acquisition of real estate by foreigners is possible. Many projects allow obtaining a residence permit upon purchase of a flat or house. The most spectacular construction projects at present are the Burj Dubai, the highest office building in the world with 120 floors as well as the construction of an adjacent shopping mall with more than 9 million square feet and underground parking for 16.000 cars, making it the world's largest shopping centre.
Dubai is also called shoppers' paradise because a great number of modern shopping centres as well as traditional markets are available where every product on earth is offered at reasonable prices.
Due to the pleasant warm climate (there is only extreme heat during the summer months) all kinds of outdoor sports are available, such as every watersport, golf, tennis, horse riding, flying, dune buggy riding, etc.
A number of fun and amusement parks are available for family excursions, among others the Wild Wadi Waterpark, opposite to the Jumeirah Beach hotel, a great pleasure for children of all ages. Trips to the neighbourhood, i.e. to the Hatta mountains, are also recommended.
Packed with all nationalities, Dubai's nightlife is very popular. The large hotels have offer for every taste. Dedicated nightclubs and discotheques, which do not open before 23.00, are the perfect place to cut loose.
