On Top of the World in Dubai

My family’s third stop on our trip around the world was Dubai. Dubai is located in United Arab Emirates, and is known for its luxury shopping and amazing skyscrapers. One of my favorite highlights from our visit was the opportunity to visit the very top of Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Some other memorable moments from our trip were: ice skating in Dubai Mall, swimming in the Persian Gulf, and staying at Atlantis The Palm.

View from the beach at Atlantis The Palm.

Visiting Burj Khalifa was at the top of our list of things we wanted to do while we were in Dubai. The thought of going to the very top of the world’s tallest building was both scary and exhilarating at the same time. Ahead of our trip, we watched several shows about the building of modern Dubai. When we were there, we still learned even more information during our tour. My family had a chance to spend some time taking in the views in the lounge on the 148th floor of Burj Khalifa, At the Top SKY. The views did not disappoint.

Looking down from Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest man-made structure.

Wings by Collette Miller at Burj Khalifa.

We wanted to stay at a hotel located on The Palm. Palm Islands are three artificial islands that are in the shape of a palm tree with a crescent at the top. We decided to stay at Atlantis resort. Two of the main features that stand out at the hotel are the huge glass sculpture in the lobby, and the floor to ceiling aquatic life feature. My family enjoyed the museum, waterpark, beach, many restaurants and shopping options.

Hotel lobby sculpture by Dale Chihuly at Atlantis The Palm.

Indoor/outdoor aquarium at Atlantis The Palm.

Shopping at Dubai Mall was something we really enjoyed during our visit. Their food court had extensive choices, and I found out that I liked some Middle Eastern dishes I had never tried. There is a large ice skating rink right inside the mall, so of course we had to try it. A grocery store at the mall gave us the opportunity to see what some of the local favorites are as well. Besides some of the experiences the mall has to offer, there is also world class luxury shopping.

Ice skating at Dubai Mall.

My family enjoyed seeing the local groceries available at Dubai Mall.

One challenge that we faced with visiting United Arab Emirates during the summer was the heat. Many of the residents live abroad during the summer months to escape the crushing heat. While we were there, the temperature got up to 118 degrees Fahrenheit with 50% humidity. The indoor air conditioning was a welcome retreat after we had spent some time outdoors.

On the top floor of The Frame.

My family really enjoyed the opportunity to visit Dubai to see the amazing structures up close that we had learned about ahead of our trip. Consider Dubai for a trip if you’d like to see these modern marvels too!