Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network, compiled and reported by Chen Guanxin
What do people really know about this desert oasis called Dubai? Is it the Burj Khalifa, which snatched the title of the world’s tallest building from Taipei 101 in 2008? Or the sail-shaped hotel that holds the unique distinction of being the world’s only seven-star establishment? Visiting Dubai, apart from seeing its world-famous hotels and towers, you can also explore the Grand Mosque, Cultural Square, and water taxis, all offering a fresh perspective on the city. In response, domestic travel agencies have launched itineraries that combine both fashion and culture, with attractive starting prices from just 69,900, making it easy to discover this oasis in the desert.
In Dubai, besides the iconic Burj Al Arab, there are many culturally rich attractions and activities waiting for visitors to explore. (Image source / The Jumeirah Group Media Library)
Burj Al Arab (Sail Hotel)
Over a decade ago, when Dubai was still relatively unknown, one hotel put it on the map — the now world-renowned Burj Al Arab.
In 1999, the Burj Al Arab was completed on a man-made island just 280 meters off the beach. A British female journalist, after visiting, praised its luxurious facilities and services so highly that she referred to it as a seven-star hotel in the media. Since then, not only has the hotel become famous, but it has also significantly boosted Dubai’s global recognition. It is the first and likely the only time a single hotel has brought such widespread acclaim to a place.
The original name of the Burj Al Arab means “Arab Tower.” Its architectural form resembles a silver-white sailboat standing on the Arabian Sea, as if ready to set sail, hence the nickname “Sail Hotel.”
Due to the hotel’s policy of not allowing public tours and requiring security checks even for guests, the entrance screening feels like stepping from an ordinary life into a paradise of luxury. Arriving at the hotel in a Rolls-Royce sent from the airport, the fairy-tale life of princes and princesses begins to unfold.
The Burj Al Arab stands 321 meters tall with 56 floors, but all rooms are designed as two-story duplexes, resulting in 202 suites across 27 actual floors. The 28th floor houses a helipad where wealthy guests can land by helicopter for a fee. (Image provided / Moleskine Editorial Department)
Burj Khalifa
In July 2008, while still under construction, the Dubai Tower surpassed Taipei 101 as the world’s tallest building, reaching over 508 meters at the time. In January 2010, it officially opened to the public at a towering height of 828 meters and was named the Burj Khalifa.
Undoubtedly, the Burj Khalifa is Dubai’s latest feat showcasing national strength and capturing global attention, following the legacy of the Burj Al Arab. The completed structure will house shopping malls, high-end residences, leisure and entertainment centers, restaurants, offices, and more than eight global luxury or chain hotel brands.
The exterior of the Burj Khalifa draws inspiration from spider lilies and Islamic geometric patterns, exuding a modern yet elegant style. Not only does it aim to be the tallest, but it will also feature the world’s largest shopping mall, capable of accommodating up to 50,000 people at once. With high-speed elevators traveling at 18 meters per second, it sets records for both height and speed. Additionally, its daily water usage of 95 liters per person and electricity consumption equivalent to 360,000 100-watt light bulbs are truly astonishing.
The observation deck on the 124th floor of the Burj Khalifa offers views stretching up to 80 kilometers away. (Image provided / Moleskine Editorial Department)
Grand Mosque
This Grand Mosque, boasting the tallest minaret in Dubai at 70 meters, is often thought to have been built around the same time as the nearby Dubai Museum. However, it was actually constructed around 1990, originally serving as a school (Kuttab) where local children learned the Quran. By the time of its reconstruction in 1998, it retained the traditional mosque style with wooden lattice windows and Islamic domes, including the main minaret, 45 smaller domed towers, and nine large arched gates adorned with stained glass.
Men and women pray separately at the Grand Mosque, and non-Muslims are not allowed to enter, only to view it from the outside. (Image provided / Moleskine Editorial Department)
Abra (Water Taxi)
No matter how indulgent your Dubai experience may be, you should take an Abra ride through Dubai Creek to get a taste of local life. Amidst the various boats and yachts on the creek, the Abra is the oldest and simplest type. Because it’s as common and convenient as a taxi, locals call it the “water taxi.”
Actually, Abras aren’t primarily meant for tourists, but serve as a transport option for locals commuting between the two sides of the creek — Deira and Bur Dubai. Driving between these areas can take at least 20–30 minutes without traffic, while an Abra ride takes just 3–5 minutes. Plus, it’s cheap, saving both time and money. No wonder the three main Abra routes are always busy. Fortunately, there are plenty of boats, and each carries up to 20 passengers before switching to the next, with no fixed schedule but also no long waits.
If you find the short Abra ride too brief, you can negotiate with the boatman for a private charter, arranging your route based on your budget and preferences. (Image provided / Moleskine Editorial Department)
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