Play Golf in Dubai Infographic

Courtesy of: My Dubai Stay

A Futuristic World and its Architecture

The world moves at an alarmingly quick pace; if you think back to your childhood, does it even look like the same place? Well, how about that same amount of time into the future.

Here we take a look at some of the world’s most futuristic architecture and imagine what our cities will look like in years to come.  

Burj Khalifa, Dubai

 (image: Hisham Binsuwaif under CC BY-SA 2.0) 

The World’s tallest building since 2010 had to be on this list. At 2,716.5ft, it is also the world’s tallest free-standing structure, has the highest number of stories, the highest occupied floor, the highest outdoor observation deck and the longest elevator.

Basically, it’s tall! But besides its size, the Burj Khalifa is also a stunningly designed building. Three elements, centred on a central core, point outwards like a spider lily with onion dome motifs.

To enjoy the best uninterrupted views of this magnificent creation rent one of the Palm Jumeirah villas or take a trip to the World Islands.  

Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

 (image: Gardens by the Bay under CC BY-SA 2.0) 

The supertrees, in the Gardens by the Bay, in Singapore, are truly magical. Lit up at night they look like space ships in a fantasy land. Singapore’s government want to change this ‘garden city’ to a ‘city in a garden’, and this park is doing its bit to help this movement.

The Gardens are set over 250acres of land in central Singapore, next to the Marina Reservoir. The trees are built for aesthetic reasons, as well as to act as environmental engines for the space they sit in.  

Galaxy Soho Building, Beijing

  (image: Engineering Cut) 

These eco-friendly buildings are a modern take on a traditional Chinese courtyard; which is overlooked from all angles. With five sections the buildings blend together with a flow like expanse to create offices and a retail centre.

This building not only looks futuristic, but has our futures in mind too. It also conserves energy and water, and reduces emissions - a clever design with a conscience.  

W57 Pyramid, New York 

(image: Human Scribbles)

Currently being built is a rather unusual looking, triangular structure on the crossing of 57th street.

Designed by a Danish architect Bjarke Ingels, and assisted by Soren Grunert, this building is intended to hold retail stores for designer brands such as Hugo Boss, and provide modern city living.  

Absolute World Towers, Mississauga

(image: Arch Week People and Places) 

Canada is known for its famous CN Tower, but who could miss these unusual looking twin buildings in Mississauga. Could you imagine living in these twists? Well, you could, as they are filled with residential condominiums.

Thanks to their curves these buildings are affectionately known as the ‘Marilyn Monroe Towers’, and they have won many design and engineering awards.

Could these be the skyscrapers of the future?

There are plenty of other wonderful buildings out there; the beehive-like Al Bahar Towers in Abu Dhabi, the soon to be opened National Museum of Qatar and the proposed Water Discus Hotel in Dubai.

Our skylines are rapidly changing so we’re not 100% sure what our future will look like, but we are sure the buildings will be beautiful.

Infographic: Dubai Record Breakers

Fancy a Dip? The Best Swimming Pools in Dubai

When you visit a hot country like the United Arab Emirates it is important to know the best places to cool down. Here are a pick of our favourite swimming pools in Dubai:

Aquaventure Waterpark at the Atlantis, Palm Jumeirah 

Aquaventure Waterpark is the no. 1 water park in the Middle East and Europe. Stretched over 17 hectares of land, there is plenty to keep visitors of all ages busy. There are many slides to keep adrenaline junkies happy, a lazy river for a gentler trip, or simply just lay down a towel and relax on the Aquaventure beach.

For a unique experience take a ride through shark infested lagoons, have a go on the world’s largest slide and race down a dual slide within a slide – the first in the world!

The Address Dubai Marina

Enjoy a leisurely swim in this oval shaped pool whilst surrounded by concrete giants. Located on the 4th floor of the hotel, this infinity pool has amazing views of Dubai’s skyline, and with plenty of comfy sun loungers and complimentary towels it is the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon.

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray 

This private swimming pool for guests staying in the hotel is the largest at this resort and overlooks the Arabian Gulf. It is a 59m infinity style pool with in-pool trees that create shade from the summer heat. If you are staying in the resort’s Royal Residences, you will even have your very own private lagoon pool for when you want some privacy.

Jumeirah Creekside 

This hotel pool is great, whether you are looking to swim laps or just splash about a bit. Made in a large D-shape, there are glass extensions which cut into the hotel’s atrium, like floating goldfish bowls. Swim into these areas for a bird’s eye view of the hotel – that is, if you’re not afraid of heights! There is also a great play pool for the kids here.

Kempinski Hotel & Residences, Palm Jumeirah

This lush pool area is located a mere stone’s throw away from the white sandy beach and crystal clear water of the ocean. The highlight of a luxury 5 star hotel, this swimming pool is 1200m long and has its very own kid’s area too.

The pool area is surrounded by trees and lush green lawns making it a pleasant escape from the city. And when you’re not swimming take a nap in one of the cabanas, enjoy a spa treatment or even teach your little ones how to swim with help from one of the instructors here.

Meydan Beach Club 

The Meydan Beach Club is situated on the beachfront near the Jumeirah Beach Residences and is the epitome of style. The club has two infinity pools to choose between and is known for its Ibiza-like atmosphere, with a pool bar and chill out lounge. This is the perfect location to take a lazy day into a party night.

If you are looking for a holiday rental in Dubai, then why not pay one of these pools a visit? After all, they are the best!




(images: Wikimedia, Neekoh.fi, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray’s Facebook, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray’s Facebook, Jumeirah Creekside Hotel’s Facebook, The Address Dubai Marina’s Facebook, Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah and Meydan Beach’s Facebook)

Dubai Nightlife: The Best Bars and Clubs in the U.A.E.

If you have booked a break staying at quality holiday apartments in Dubai with friends, then spend your days lying on the beach relaxing and recuperating, because at night the city comes alive! Here’s our pick of the best bars and nightclubs in Dubai.

360°

360° is one of the most spectacular locations in Dubai.  This venue is on its very own circular island a kilometre out to sea. Make sure to pay it a visit in early evening in order to witness the beautiful panoramic views across Dubai’s skyline as the sun sets for the day. It’s truly breath-taking and a great way of seeing the city.

People

Crystal’s super club People is known among locals as one of, if not the best, clubs in Dubai. It is located on the upper two floors of Raffles Dubai, the iconic pyramid shaped hotel, allowing endless views across the city. There is a cosy yet sophisticated décor, with dimmed lighting and rich colours, plus plenty of seating to sit back and enjoy a drink.

Thanks to its great reputation, People is home to the biggest gigs and performances by huge superstars on a regular basis and is seen as the pinnacle of the Dubai social scene.

Mahiki

Mahiki in London is a popular celeb hotspot and its Dubai equivalent is no less plush. A new bar and club, with its Tiki Polynesian theme, means you can rely on it being busy every week. If you like a cocktail or two then this is the place-to-be. And if you’re hungry take a bite from one of their grilled dishes – they’re so good! Aloha!

XL Beach Club 

This is the location for some of the best pool parties in the U.A.E. and is lively all around the clock. Dubai’s ultimate luxury venue is known for its events which often spill out onto the nearby beach. There are specials for ladies all year round with 50% off most drinks. So when the heat gets too much, take a dip and enjoy a cocktail!

Jetty Lounge

Another great outdoor bar and brilliant for al fresco dining, the Jetty Lounge has chic Arabian architecture moulded with a contemporary and elegant atmosphere. This is THE bar for relaxing and chilling out near the beach.

Bliss Lounge 

Located at the end of The Walk in the Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort, this tasteful bar has hot club nights and the coolest clientele. Whether you sit in one of their circular booths or dance the night away, you’re sure to enjoy a night at the Bliss Lounge.

Calabar

If you want an awe-inspiring view of the Burj Khalifa then pay a visit to Calabar and prepare to be amazed. You can even see The Dubai Fountains from the terrace!

A Latin inspired lounge bar, Calabar is a favourite among Dubai’s fashionable elite. The energy is electric here, and make sure to ask to try some of their South American specialities. You won’t be disappointed!

Pure Sky Lounge

This outdoor bar reminds us of a spa with its cool colours and tranquil atmosphere. It is located on the 35th floor of the Hilton’s residential JBR tower overlooking the Palm Jumeirah. There is indoor and outside seating and it has a delicious sounding menu.

So will you and your friends be paying any of these clubs and bars a visit on your holiday? We’d love to hear what you thought of them.




(images:  Jumeirah, Dubai Platinum List, Time Out Dubai, Accenture Investment, One&Only Royal Mirage Dubai Facebook, Bliss Lounge Facebook, The Address Downtown Dubai Facebook and Pure Sky Lounge Facebook)

Dubai Taj Mahal Delayed Until 2015!

Have you always dreamt of seeing the Taj Mahal but don’t think you could manage such a long haul flight? Then you may be able to cut the journey time considerably by visiting the Taj Mahal replica in Dubai when it is built.

The Taj Arabia
Sadly however thanks to delays this will not be a possibility until at least 2015. The developer in charge of this colossal build has announced thanks to delays it will be built up to a year later than scheduled. (The project is being built by Link Global.)
(image: Pixabay) 



When built the Taj Arabia will be 4 times the size of the Agra mausoleum and be included as part of the Falconcity of Wonders – a much delayed mixed-use site that will include other monument replicas such as the Eiffel Tower and the Great Pyramids. The Taj Arabia will hold a 5 star hotel with 400 rooms managed by Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts of India.

This isn’t the first time the project has suffered delays. In 2013 the project was criticised by cultural officials in India as they believe copying the UNESC world heritage site will steal attention from the real deal. Former legislator Satish Chandra Gupta has said “It is patently wrong and absurd,” he continues “This kind of distortion and in principle duplication of history artificially makes no sense.”

The Falconcity of Wonders project was first announced in 2005 and was set to hold replicas of 7 of the world’s most famous monuments, a theme park and many retail outlets. So far however little of this has been achieved. To date 300 villas, a sewage plant and an electricity substation has been built and the latest reports state that the whole tourist attraction may take 7 to 10 years to complete.

Other Attractions

Lucky for you however if you are heading over to the United Arab Emirates sometime soon to stay in one of the many luxurious self-catering apartments in Dubai then there is still plenty to see and do. Here are a few of our favs:

Desert Safari – Whether day or night in an SUV or on camel back this is an experience unlike any other. You could even enjoy an evening meal and sheesha under the stars from a sand dune while enjoying a belly dancing show and henna painting. This is a real taste of the exotic.

Dhow Cruise – Get to see the city from another angle by cruising down Dubai’s rivers on a traditional dhow sailing vessel. Enjoy a marvellous dinner with music and Tanura dance while on a romantic adult visit.

Dubai Fountains – Located on the 30 acre Burj Khalifa Lake these fountains shoot up to 500ft and are  amazingly 900ft long with carrying arcs and circular shapes. Light shows and performances are daily and set to music making the fountains great night time entertainment. If these fountains remind you of Las Vegas then you’d be right! The same creators, WET, also made the Bellagio fountains.

Dolphin Bay – Always dreamt of swimming with dolphins? Then this is the place where dreams come true. This is one of the most sophisticated Dolphin habitats in the world which allows you to feed the dolphins as well as swim or scuba dive with these elegant creatures.

Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa – When in Dubai you should really pay a visit to see the world’s tallest building and the world’s only 7 star hotel. The Burj Al Arab which is shaped like a sail is also the 4th tallest hotel in the world and is located on an artificial private island. Even if you don’t go inside these buildings they are simply a marvel just to look at from the outside.

Want to learn more about Dubai and the United Arab Emirates? Then read our other blog posts!

Designer Dubai: Shopping at its Best!

Drool over Prada, Dolce & Gabbana and let’s not forget Escada in the shopping capital of the Middle East for a girl’s weekend away with style.

Dubai is the shopping capital of the Middle East and is the perfect location for you to visit with your girlfriends for a girl’s week away. From Emilio Pucci to Forever 21 there is something for everyone and any budget so read on to learn more about this shopping paradise.  

Shops in Dubai

Whether you are looking to splash the cash, bag a bargain or simply do some window shopping, Dubai is a shopper’s paradise. Dubai has more than 70 shopping centres, the biggest and best being Dubai Mall.

If you are looking for something more traditional then head to one of the many souks in the districts which line either side of the stream. Near to the docks, this is where cargo from the nearby ships would have been bargained over and even today is a location where you, if you are a little cheeky, may get yourself a bargain. Bargaining is part of the fun of shopping in Dubai.