The iconic Dubai skyline… No matter where in the world you are, the 7-star hotel shaped like a sailboat and tallest building in the world are instantly recognizable. They ooze luxury and glamour. Sometimes overshadowing other architectural wonders that also help in painting Dubai’s view from the horizon. From record-breaking swimming pools to shimmering towers, here is a list of all the cool places you can see when driving your own boat around in the emerald waters surrounding Dubai’s coastline.
*Tip: The best way to marvel at the skyline is by driving your own HERO Boat.
1. JBR/Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina shines from the outside, drawing you in with its twinkling lights and more than 200 towering buildings. The Dubai Marina is an artificial canal city famous for its lifestyle, entertainment and dining options, once voted as one of the 50 coolest neighbourhoods in the world by the global editors of Time Out. One of the many things to do include walking along the Dubai Marina Walk and its 7km palm tree lined path.
Photo by ShuGa Photography
2. Ain Dubai
The world’s highest observation wheel that makes any other ferris wheel in the world look miniscule, boasting a record 250 meters in height. The attraction has 48 cabins and can take up to 1,750 people at once. Each cabin offers literal 360-degree views of Dubai. Guest can even opt to book a private event in one of the cabanas, your event will be completed with a mixologist, DJ and many more. Ain Dubai can be found on Bluewaters Island, another area where you can enjoy shopping, dining and 5-star hotels.
Photo by ShuGa Photography
3. Address Beach Resort
This 5-star hotel stands out amongst its peers, firstly for the unique shape. The second is because it holds one of the highest infinity pools in the world, at a staggering height of almost 294m, their Level 77 pool gives you uninterrupted views of the emerald blue waters that make up the Arabian Gulf. Unfortunately, this pool is closed off to the public and can only be accessed by in-house guests.
Looking for an infinity pool where you can take pictures to your heart’s content? Continue reading to learn more about Aura Sky Pool at The View, The Palm!
Photo by Address Dubai Beach Resort
4. Atlantis, the Palm
The first resort on the palm, with over 1500 rooms, and one of the biggest hotels in the world. Its staff consists of over 5000 people, from 82 different countries and speaking 68 languages, you will definitely be in good hands when checking into this aqua-themed hotel. If you’re not a staying guest, Atlantis still welcomes you to one of their many attractions and fun things to do. These include Aquaventure Waterpark and the Lost Chambers Aquarium.
Photo by ShuGa Photography
5. The View at The Palm
Remember that other infinity pool we mentioned? The AURA Skypool can be found here, in Nakheel Mall, towering 200m over Palm Jumeirah. This is the world’s highest 360 degree infinity swimming pool and is open to guests hoping to spend the day in the clouds (and in the water). The Observation Deck in the same tower also offers unprecedented views of Dubai and can be found on the 52nd floor of the Palm Tower. Here you can also find St. Regis Dubai, the Palm and the world-famous Sushi Samba.
Photo by Sajimon Sahadevan on Unsplash
6. Sheraton Mall of the Emirates
Between Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab you will spot a blue dome (at night it’s lit with red). This is the Sheraton Mall of the Emirates. Although not the first place that comes to mind when you think about the Dubai skyline, it’s a well known building that can be seen from several places in Dubai. This 5-star hotel has 428 rooms, of which most have a clear view of both Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa in one shot (something you don’t get everywhere). It’s also connected to Mall of the Emirates, one of the biggest malls in the world, with several dining and shopping options, as well as an indoor ski slope!
Photo by Sheraton Mall of the Emirates
7. Ski Dubai
Just right of the Sheraton, Mall of the Emirates you will see an uninteresting looking piece of metal defying gravity and extending into the sky. This is an indoor ski resort with 22,500 sqare meters of indoor ski area. They cater for everyone: if you are an expert skier and miss hitting the slopes, you can take on the 85-meter high and 400-meter-long concrete mountain with 5 different slopes and difficulties. If your skills are not up to par yet, you can either join their ski school or just join in the fun at the snow park, consisting of snow slides and activities. There is also a daily penguin show where you can opt to have an encounter with the walking tuxedos.
Photo by Ski Dubai
8. Burj Al Arab
It might not look the part, but this 7-star hotel is one of Dubai’s oldest skyscrapers, opening in 1999. The shape of the hotel was inspired by traditional fishing boats, called dhows, and therefore looks like a sail. It stands 321 meters tall, has 60 floors and it’s taller than the Eiffel Tower! When staying here, you are guaranteed a luxurious experience. Each room has its own butler, and guests can retreat to the private beach, where A-list celebrities are often seen hanging out.
Photo by ShuGa Photography
9. Downtown Dubai
Downtown is marked by the world’s highest building, Burj Khalifa (we’ll get there in a minute). When looking at it from the water, you see a lot more skyscrapers painting your view. This modern neighbourhood offers so much more. With the world’s biggest mall, Dubai Mall, several restaurants and tourist attractions and also being close to the beach, this is a sought-after area to stay in. Downtown Dubai consists of the newest tourist spot called the Museum of the Future. It also has beautiful parks, a record-breaking fountain and even a World Trade Center.
Photo by Karen Dalton on Unsplash
10. Burj Khalifa
The last of the world-record breaking landmarks you will spot from the Dubai waters, is Burj Khalifa. It’s more than 160 stories and 828 meters tall. It broke several records, including tallest building in the world, tallest free-standing structure in the world highest number of stories in the world, elevator with the longest travel distance and a few more! When visiting, you can go to the 124th and 125th floor and take in splendid views from the whole of Dubai.
Photo by Burj Khalifa
Open the latest Guinness Book of World Records and you will probably see Dubai in there quite a few times. Be part of the legacy and witness these marvelous wonders first hand when exploring the city from the coast with a self-drive boat tour! To book yours, click here.