Dubai. So Much Is Possible.

Dubai is a place full of world record holders, from buildings to electronics and more. It’s very easy to embrace this magical city and all its great heights without even trying. But beyond the big lights and sounds of Dubai, lies a whole lot more…

Worlds Largest Indoor Rainforest

One of the lesser known attractions, The Green Planet is not one to miss. This modern build sits on the edge of sand, adjacent to a Gucci store and modern shops, but bursting with life. It holds so much greatest within.

At just over £20 a ticket, you begin the adventure ‘underwater’, surrounded by the fish of the rainforest. A step further and you’re shot to the top of this magnificent glass building and artificial tree, to the glory of this experience.

Surrounding you, fly magnificent birds from around the world, you also come across crawling chameleons, flying bats and the cutest sloths and slow loris you’ll ever see. I could have spent so many further hours surrounded by the baffling idea of so much life bursting inside, with such a hospitable outdoor environment for plants and these animals to thrive.

Worlds Fastest Lift & Tallest Building

The Burj Khalifa is everything as grande and crazy to comprehend in real life as you can believe. Over 800 metres tall, take a breathtaking ride in the elevator up to the 125th floor (in just 70 seconds). Although it may feel hectic, it’s worth taking a moment to soak up the view and marvel at the wonderful concrete jungle and beyond, away from selfies and crazy bustling tourists.

Worlds Largest Shopping Mall

Below the towering Burj Khalifa sits the Dubai Mall. Equivalent to 500 football pitches, it’s quite easy to cover a lot of ground (and burn a hole in your pocket). Whether you’re a lover of top designers or have a high street budget, there’s something for all. Even with no cash to spend, the mall is certainly worth a visit for the incredible displays, from the indoor waterfalls and aquarium, to the 4.3 million square foot manmade lake outside the doors, with fountain shows throughout the day/night. This is a whole new world from the likes of Meadowhall. It makes the Trafford Centre look like a corner shop.

Worlds Prettiest Sunset*

(*Subject To My Opinion)

AND RELAX…Head to Jumeirah beach for soft sands, warm waters and glowing sunset. Surrounded by families, friends and partners, all enjoying the last of the daylight, the sunset is not one to miss. There’s something so relaxing and magical about closing the day  with a beautiful site, as well as creating the anticipation and excitement of the evening beginning.

An Unexpected World Within

After experiencing amazing food and soaking up the view (and the sweat), we stumbled across a classic Irish bar, McGettigans. Hidden behind closed doors on the Marina, a traditional Irish vibe lies within. Featuring live music and generous offers on beers and shots, it was a breath of fresh air to be in a relaxed atmosphere, provoking memories of what we’re so used to, in an otherwise fairly contrasting culture.

Cheers.

And A World Away From Our Own

To celebrate our final evening of our trip, we headed on a desert safari. 45 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of modern life, we were whisked into the heat of the desert. One for the adrenaline junky, dune bashing in a 4 x 4 and sand boarding are a definite must!

After you’ve slid through the sands, you’re able to take a moment to absorb the sun setting and take in how magical this place is. On our organised trip we then headed further into the sands to experience a traditional Arabic BBQ, entertainment and henna painting.

A world away from hectic Dubai and my daily life, this slower pace is definitely worth every second.

This is my second visit to Dubai and certainly won’t be my last. Once you scratch beneath the surface of the obvious perks, Dubai has an awful lot to offer in a range of spectrums and for a range of people. From families with children, to adults enjoying an adventure, there’s something for all and certainly during the British winter months, offering all round heat which I so greatly miss.

You’ve not seen the last of me Dubai.