Each city is significant for a distinctive reason. Some are best known for sights thought only to exist in dreams, while others possess history far more realistic than classroom textbooks can describe. Dubai is one of a kind. It has characteristics that make it similar to other cities, but its uniqueness is apparent to every traveler that receives the opportunity to visit. Known for breaking over 100 world records, Dubai holds everything from the tallest to the smallest. It is the ideal location for any tourist looking for adventure.
â–º QUARTER FINALIST 2012 TEEN TRAVEL WRITING SCHOLARSHIP
On the first morning of my arrival, my family and I all rode a tour bus that took us to the famously known Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Its creation has broken seventeen world records including being the tallest existing structure in the world and having the world’s fastest elevators that travel at speeds of 40mph. Upon entering Burj Khalifa through an entrance from the Dubai mall, we took an elevator to the 124th floor within 60 seconds. We were taken to an outdoor observation deck which showed a remarkable view of the city beneath us. Much of the building’s floors have been occupied for use by hotels and people wealthy enough to live there. The skyscraper is well known for its appearance on the 2011 movie Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol.
We also visited the site of Burj Al Arab which is a luxury hotel that breaks the record of being the world’s fourth tallest hotel. It is significant for its architecture. Not only is it designed similarly to that of a boat at sail, but it also sits on an artificial island made for the purpose of its creation.
JBR or Jumeirah Beach Residence which is located less than 1 mile from Burj Al Arab is a a 1 mile long strip of stores, houses, hotels, and other things along the Jumeirah Beach. My family and I spent time on the beach and also enjoyed eating ice cream while walking along the beautiful strip. JBR also attends to Dubai’s record breaking status by being the world’s largest single-phase residential area in the world.
The Mall of the Emirates in Dubai contains the Middle East’s first indoor Ski Resort. My cousins and I experienced something far different than an average mall experience in America. We suited up in ski suits, hats, and gloves then walked into a winder wonderland. At first, we entered through an area made entirely of ice, where ice statues were on display. After that, we enjoyed our time with multiple attractions. Ski Dubai has 5 different runs, a freestyle zone, and appearances from real penguins several times a year. It was easy for us to forget that we were indoors due to the fact that it is made of real snow.
One of the most memorable events during my trip to Dubai was when we went into the desert to try out dune bashing, which is an activity that involves a professional performing tricks on dunes using an off-roading vehicle while tourists enjoy the thrill of the ride. This was offered by a tourism company called Oasis Palm. Following the dune bashing, we all rode ATVs through a course in the desert. That night, we sat in tents while eating dinner and watching a performance held onstage. It was by far one of the most exciting experiences of my life.
The amount of things to do in Dubai is endless. There was never a dormant moment during my entire trip. The city really did prove itself for being the world’s record breaker.
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