Foto: The giant aquarium in the Dubai Mall (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
United Arab Emirates - Just outside the hotel, we exchange some money and then take a taxi to Jumeirah Palm Island. The Palm is about fifteen kilometers from the hotel. We drive west along the broad highway through the financial district and see the Burj Khalifa towering above— the tallest tower in the world. Before we know it, the driver announces that we are entering the Palm. A wide road flanked by tall apartment buildings gives no hint that we are driving onto a man-made island. In the distance, the luxurious Atlantic Hotel comes into view. On the left and right are the access roads to the Palm fronds, which are not freely accessible. Above us, the monorail hums across the island. At the end of the Palm, we enter a tunnel to return to the outer ring above ground. The taxi driver drops us at the entrance of the Atlantic Hotel and waits for us. As soon as I enter, I am amazed by the opulence—luxury shops, gleaming floors, and a large aquarium to the side. We try to reach a panoramic terrace, but without a room key, it is not possible. We do, however, explore the lobby, the fountain, and are allowed to peek outside at the pool’s sunbathing area. After half an hour, we meet our taxi driver again outside. He drives us to the Mall of the Emirates, where we settle almost all our exchanged money with him. The Mall of the Emirates is one of Dubai’s largest and most luxurious shopping centers. Inside, there is an indoor ski slope. Dubai Ski is the largest indoor ski facility in the world. From the mall, we watch people skiing down the slope—a strange sight when it is over 30 degrees Celsius outside. We take the metro back to the hotel, observing the Dubai cityscape passing by.
The Grand Mosque of Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates - The Sheikh Zayed Mosque, also known as the Grand Mosque of Abu Dhabi, is one of the most impressive religious buildings in the world. Located in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, this mosque exemplifies Islamic architecture and cultural heritage ...
The luxury Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai
United Arab Emirates - In the evening, we dine at the seven-star Burj al Arab hotel. The Burj al Arab is the most luxurious hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The building, over 300 meters high, stands on an island off the coast. It is designed in the shape of a dhow sail ...
The over 800 meter high Burj Khalifa
United Arab Emirates - The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the tallest building in the world and a global icon of modern architecture and technological advancement. Standing 828 meters (2,717 feet) tall with 163 floors, this impressive skyscraper is not only one of the most recognizable ...
The skyline of Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates - Of the seven sheikhdoms that make up the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is geographically the largest. Abu Dhabi is the capital of the state of the same name. It is also the federal capital and seat of government. Abu Dhabi is distinguished by a unique ...