Luxury and tradition coexist — a short trip to Dubai offers many "world firsts"

▲ Dubai’s ultra-luxurious urban landscape often leaves travelers in awe.

Tourism center / Comprehensive report

Located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, Dubai is not only a great transit hub for travelers heading to other destinations, but its rich Arabian charm and luxurious modern cityscape also make it worth staying an extra 2–3 days to fully appreciate the city’s beauty.

The most exciting part of a 2–3 day trip to Dubai is arguably the “accommodation.” Compared to hotels in other countries, Dubai is home to numerous world-renowned hotel brands, featuring diverse architectural styles — from Arabian, modern, to surreal — and many also offer integrated features like water parks and large shopping malls, allowing guests to both stay and play all day. Travelers can even opt to stay at top-tier hotels like the Burj Al Arab or Armani Hotel to indulge in Dubai-style luxury.

▲ Staying at top-tier hotels such as the Burj Al Arab is one of the greatest joys of traveling in Dubai.

Aside from its wide variety of superlative hotels, Dubai also boasts many “world’s first” tourist attractions. The world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, stands at 828 meters, making it the first structure in human history to surpass 800 meters and also a landmark of Dubai. Dubai’s “Ski Dubai” is also the world’s largest indoor ski resort, offering the thrill of skiing in the desert. Walking through the city streets, you’ll be greeted by towering skyscrapers, each uniquely designed, bringing surprises at every turn.

▲ Take a leap from the sky and enjoy a view of Dubai’s famous Palm Islands. (Photo / CFP)

If you feel that exploring just the “land” isn’t enough, Dubai has also popularized skydiving adventures in recent years. In the past, aside from extreme sports enthusiasts who used wingsuits to conquer Dubai’s skies, the city has also become a top choice for many thrill-seekers looking to skydive. The moment your feet leave the plane at around 4,000 meters above ground, you’ll be treated to the best views of Dubai. When the iconic Palm Islands bloom before your eyes like flowers, all worries will vanish; the breathtaking scenery and adrenaline rush will surely make you exclaim, “Dubai is amazing!”

▲ Hotels in Dubai also feature amenities like water parks, combining accommodation with sightseeing. (Photo / Provided by Wu ?yP)

Not only do buildings, hotels, and premium entertainment zones showcase Dubai’s unique character, but within its bustling urban area, luxury cars like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Bentley cruise the streets, and even the local police vehicles include high-end models like Bugatti and Aston Martin, highlighting Dubai’s grandeur. Hotel lobbies may even have vending machines selling gold coins and bullion — simply swipe your credit card to take home a gold bar. This top-tier consumption style further underscores Dubai’s opulence.

▲ Even Dubai’s police cars include luxury supercars like BMW and Bugatti worth millions. (Photo / CFP)

For those who enjoy deep cultural experiences, head to the old town. Dubai originally grew from trade and pearl dealing, gradually becoming an economic hub in the Middle East. The old town bears witness to and retains traces of Dubai’s development from ancient times to the present, featuring not only rich Arabic architecture but also the Gold Souk, where you can see a wide array of gold jewelry and witness gold trading in action. At this globally renowned gold trading hub, shops display dazzling arrays of gold, from expensive necklaces to delicate rings — it’s truly eye-opening: “In Dubai, gold is sold like fruit!”

▲ The Gold Souk in Dubai’s old town is one of the world’s most important gold trading hubs. (Photo / CFP)

Of course, within Dubai’s pervasive Islamic culture, the Jumeirah Mosque is also a religious site where you can experience Islamic traditions alongside architectural beauty. These structures, infused with traditional mosque elements, along with the devout prayers of worshippers, offer a sense of stability and serenity, making it worth exploring during your short trip to Dubai.

Compared to other Islamic countries, Dubai has a more liberal and open social atmosphere, blending modernity and tradition, luxury and simplicity. In Dubai, female travelers are not required to wear a headscarf and can explore freely, even sunbathing or swimming in bikinis by the sea. People from Europe, Asia, and other regions wear their own national attire and speak their native languages, continuously infusing Dubai with new energy. Yet, stepping into the old town and mosques, you can also feel the deep-rooted history. The ability to experience diverse cultural facets and numerous “world firsts” in just a few days is perhaps the greatest charm of traveling in Dubai.

In the past, Taiwanese people may have felt unfamiliar with Dubai’s exotic culture, but with the launch of direct flights between Taipei and Dubai by Emirates, Dubai is no longer out of reach — it’s now a new travel destination you can visit anytime. To explore Dubai, home to many “world records,”the official websiteof Emirates provides abundant travel information about Dubai. Through the Emirates website, travelers can learn about the latest attractions in Dubai as well as flight details, and then take a safe and comfortable Emirates flight to this city of countless “world firsts” — truly the ultimate travel enjoyment.