Burj Khalifa in Dubai
Reach the clouds in the world's tallest building
The sheer scale of the Burj Khalifa was breathtaking that it almost didn't look real
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To say my first trip to Dubai was a memorable one is an understatement. To be honest, I went there with an open mind and was fully prepared to be disappointed, as it didn’t fulfill my normal checklist or attributes that I look for when planning a destination to visit. I have a fascination with old architecture full of history and stories to tell, accompanied by aged pubs and family-run restaurant business’s where you can enjoy authentic food made with love.
So as I say, with Dubai being the polar opposite consisting of ultramodern architecture with virtually no ‘history’ around it I was skeptical. But I must say I fell in love with the futuristic city, wealth and luxury that pulsated through the streets; everything so lavish and sparkly.
We were lucky to be invited by my boyfriends family who live out there at the moment, so not only did we have ‘locals’ who knew what's what and shared their tips, but we also had a gorgeous villa to stay in just outside of the city center in Mirdif, only a short car ride away.
One of my most memorable things we did and was one of the sightseeing activities I was most looking forward to was going up the Burj Khalifa. If you are scared of heights and the thought of whizzing up a lift inside the highest building in the world scares you to death, please still try. Heights aren’t my best friends either but reaching the top and looking across the city and surrounding desert was hands down one of the most breathtaking moments of my life. Cars look like teeny tiny ants, it is madness. MAKE SURE YOU DO IT.
It was SO windy at the peak
Annoyingly we didn’t have the clearest weather, as you’ll see from my photo above, so the best tip I can give you is to check the weather or sand storm likelihood before booking your ticket.
Directly beside the Burj Khalifa is the famous Dubai Malls, they don’t do anything by halves so like the Burj being the tallest building, the Dubai Malls is the world's largest and most visited shopping mall with the Dubai aquarium and underwater zoo inside (perfect attraction to keep the kids happy!). It is a great place to have a pre or post lunch after coming down from amongst the clouds!
Quaint Arabic boats
The water was so beautifully turquoise
The Duba Mall lining the Burj Lake
Surrounding the malls is the Burj Lake where you can have a relaxing sail on a traditional Abra boat, the water is so crystal clear and blue it feels so surreal and almost not real. One not to miss is the Dubai fountain, they have a spectacular performance with traditional Arabic music followed by current music, it is an amazing performance that gave me goosebumps. Be sure to check the time schedule so you don’t miss it.
The fountain display
More stories from my trip to Dubai to come!