DK Eyewitness - DK Eyewitness Top 10 Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Clockwise from top: Dubai Marina at night, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, traditional wooden dhow in front of the Dubai Museum, water pool at Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Aladdin shoes in a Bur Dubai souk, desert hotel Anantara Qasr Al Sarab near the Liwa Oasis, aerial view of the Palm Jumeirah

Dubai and Abu Dhabi are two of the worlds most exciting, rapidly changing cities. Packed with soaring skyscrapers, chic shopping malls and luxury resorts, both offer a surfeit of hedonistic pleasures and futuristic style. With Eyewitness Top 10 Dubai and Abu Dhabi, it is yours to explore.

Both these cities have rewritten the record books and established themselves as global icons with mega-developments. Dubais sail-shaped Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is one of the Middle Easts most instantly recognizable landmarks, now rivalled by the cloud-capped Burj Khalifa, the worlds tallest building. In Abu Dhabi, the extravagant Emirates Palace and monumental Sheikh Zayed Mosque have set their own raft of records, with the Louvre Abu Dhabi adding lustre to the citys ever-growing array of attractions.

Although modern developments tend to hog the headlines, both cities, Dubai especially, have an older and more traditional side. The labyrinthine souks of Deira and the historic windtower houses of BurDubai are a joy to explore, while a ride on Dubais breezy creek is the highlight of any visit. Outside the two cities, the desert landscape is spectacular, and is best appreciated with a drive across the dunes.

Whether youre coming for a weekend or a week, our Top 10 guide brings together the best of everything that the cities have to offer, from shopping for spices in the backstreets of Deira to the futuristic cityscapes of Dubai Marina and Al Maryah Island. The guide has useful tips throughout, from seeking out whats free to avoiding the crowds, plus nine easy-to-follow itineraries designed to tie together a clutch of sights in a short space of time. Add inspiring photography and detailed maps, and youve got the essential pocket-sized travel companion. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Exploring Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi are very spread out, and away from the old centre of Dubai you wont see much by walking. Fortunately, Dubais superb modern metro system makes getting around easy, while in Abu Dhabi there are plenty of inexpensive taxis. Whether you have just a couple of days or more time to explore, here are some time-efficient ideas to help you make the most of your visit.

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Two Days in Dubai

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Day 1

Morning

Start the day with a visit to the .

Afternoon

After lunch, head to the at sunset.

Day 2

Morning

Begin with a visit to the soaring .

Dubai Mall, the worlds largest shopping mall, is packed with stores, food outlets and attractions.

Afternoon

Head out into the sands for a , starting with a spot of dune bashing. Round off the day with an evening of henna painting, belly dancing and other traditional activities.

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Seven Days in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

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Day 1

Start by visiting the .

A desert safari is a popular and thrilling way of seeing the desert.

Day 2

Visit the beautiful for stunning views.

Day 3

Take a day trip to explore either the excellent museums and traditional buildings of .

Day 4

Head to .

Day 5

Visit the monumental before returning to Dubai.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque is a truly incredible sight. The exterior is crafted entirely using gleaming white marble.

Day 6

Explore the labyrinthine .

Day 7

Admire the quirky .

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Top 10 Dubai and Abu Dhabi Highlights

The entrance to Sheikh Zayed Mosque at dusk, Abu Dhabi

TOP 10 DUBAI AND ABU DHABI HIGHLIGHTS

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BURJ KHALIFA AND AROUND

Opened in 2010, the Burj Khalifa is by far the tallest building on the planet (828 m/2,716 ft). Its needle-thin outline soars high above Dubai and is visible from almost 100 km (62 miles) away. The Burj was planned as the centrepiece of the multi-billion-dollar Downtown Dubai development, but only when prompted by Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed did architects consider making it the tallest building in the world and a true symbol of Dubais towering ambitions.

NEED TO KNOW

Burj Khalifa: 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai; 04 888 8888; open 8:30am10pm daily; adm adults AED 125500, children AED 95500; www.burjkhalifa.ae

Armani Hotel: 04 888 3888/3666; www.armanihotels.com

The Address Downtown: 04 436 8888; www.theaddress.com

Google Map

• The two observation decks are on floors 124 and 148. Entrance is via the . Tickets are cheaper for floor 124 if pre-booked online, but prices rise for sunset. Combination tickets for floors 124 and 148 must be pre-booked and also cost more at sunset.