In January 2010, the world watched as a dazzling fireworks and laser display announced the opening of Dubai’s 828-metre high Burj Khalifa. Now the new title-holder of the world’s tallest building is inviting the world in. The Burj Khalifa’s observation deck is open for business. Located on the 124th floor (rather disappointing not the very top floor, but at 442 metres off the ground, certainly high enough). After purchasing your tickets (currently priced at 400 Dhs, or about €76 at the door, or 100 Dhs with advance purchase) your journey begins on the lower floor of the adjacent Dubai Mall. After this, a ‘travelator’ will transport you (virtually-speaking) from Dubai’s earliest beginnings as trading post to the soaring, hyper-modern city it is today. Then hold onto your hat, as a double-decker, glass enclosed lift travelling at the speed of 10 metres per second will whisk you up, as the skyline of the city falls away beneath your feet. The observation deck has been fitted out with special telescopes that give virtual impressions of the past and future of this constantly changing metropolis, but this pales in comparison to stepping outside the enclosed area for pulse-racing, uninhibited views from ...

The Palm Jumeirah is a man-made island that, from the air, looks like a palm tree. Considered by many to be the 8th Wonder of the world, the Palm Jumeirah islands are one of the most thrilling and inspiring tourist destinations in the region. There are over thirty hotels offering top class luxury, many Dubai villa rentals and numerous upscale shops, boutiques, restaurants and leisure facilities. The trunk of the Palm Jumeirah is a road that is two kilometres long with numerous branches leading to the left and right. Towards the end of the last century, Dubai wanted to expand its tourism industry but only had a limited amount of natural shoreline. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed decided to commission three islands, Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Deira that would literally double Dubai’s 70 kms of white sand beachfront. The Palm Jumeirah is connected to Dubai by a 6-lane highway and also by a monorail enabling people to travel to and from the mainland with ease. Situated along the Palm Jumeirah highway are several hotels with superb restaurants including the Fairmont Palm Hotel and Resort, and the Trump Hotel and Tower, which are accompanied by elegant shops gilding what is ...

There is a good choice of restaurants in Dubai Marina offering a mix of French, Italian and Latin-American cuisine, complemented by restaurants serving an eclectic range of food styles. If you rather not cook in your Dubai Marina apartment then check some of these restaurants out: • BiCE, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, is one in a chain of Italian restaurants that sells the kind of quality dishes that attracts crowds of diners even though it is sited in one of the Marina’s slightly less fashionable locations. The food is exquisite and includes authentic Italian dishes, served with fresh herbs, virgin olive oil and mature balsamic vinegar. • Frankie’s, in Al Fattan Marine Tower, Dubai Marina, is the culinary creation of the champion jockey, Frankie Dettori, and the chef that bucks all the trends, Marco Pierre White. The décor in the bar is plush and soft, with rich colours complemented by the familiar voices of crooners from a bygone age. The dining room is sleek and smart and wholly contemporary and the ideal accompaniment to Marco Pierre White’s perfectly grilled and seasoned fish dishes or richly flavoured game. • Le Classique offers richly flavoured French dishes in traditional surroundings. The restaurant ...