All of us have heard of Dubai. Mainly as the glittery playground of the super rich packed with towering skyscrapers, city-sized malls and man-made islands. A few may also know of Abu Dhabi, albeit largely as a stopover en route to Asia or Australasia. But what about Fujairah, Sharjah or Ras al-Khaimah?
Seven emirates make up the UAE (United Arab Emirates), but do any of them hold any interest for serious travellers? Read on to see another side to this oft misunderstood nation, beyond the glitz and glamour of Dubai…
DUBAI
Despite its relatively small share of the UAE’s oil wealth, Dubai spent big and grew likewise. Today, it’s a land of superlatives: the tallest building in the world (the 830m-high Burj Khalifa), the largest shopping mall (Dubai Mall), the busiest airport. For many it’s a transit stop, but away from the malls and waterparks there is a gleam of authenticity. “Dubai was built on trade,” said David Millar, author of Beyond Dubai: Seeking Lost Cities in the Emirates, “and its creek still bustles with dhows carrying cargo.” Head to Al Fahidi Fort, the emirate’s oldest building, which doubles as a heritage museum.
If you look, there’s plenty of culture to be found. “Soak up Arabic art in Bastakiya, or wander the gold and spice souks of Bur Dubai and Deira, and then visit Jumeirah Mosque,” advises Wanderlust’s web editor and former Dubai resident Hazel Plush.
Esta historia es de la edición April 2016 de Wanderlust Travel Magazine.
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Esta historia es de la edición April 2016 de Wanderlust Travel Magazine.
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Vermont, USA
The Wanderlust team relocated to New England for part of this issue, as we explored a lush state filled with outdoor escapes, historic towns... and lashings of maple syrup
Unique North America
See a side to the USA and Canada beyond the big cities and discover incredible stories and special wildlife with our pick of the trips
The call of the Rockies
From historic ski lodges to rustic backcountry cabins and a mock-Scottish castle, we pick the stays in Canada's Rocky Mountains that make the most of their setting
A new dawn for the Garifuna community
When the Garifuna people settled in Belize, they had to carry their traditions and culture with them; now a new trail is inviting visitors to explore this heritage through local communities
On the edge of history
In south-west Colorado lies the largest archaeological preserve in the USA, a series of vast cliff dwellings whose residents 'vanished' overnight. But was the answer to their disappearance in plain sight?
Tigers burning bright
As India celebrates 50 years of its Project Tiger conservation scheme, we visit the reserves of Madhya Pradesh to see how its success has impacted a tiger population that once looked in danger of disappearing
SEASON'S GREETINGS
From fiery fall foliage to art fairs and harvest festivals, opens up a wealth of across the USA and Canada autumn experiences
Waking a sleeping GIANT
A slow drive along the North Wales Way, from the English border to Anglesey, reveals not only a land of incredible local food and castles, but a region that is slowly reimagining itself
The rebirth of old JEDDAH
As efforts to restore Al-Balad, Jeddah's historical district, take hold, we get an exclusive peek at how art and culture are taking centre stage
Star-studded escapes
Wilderness, history and wildlife combine at some of Britain's most iconic stargazing sites, as more and more travellers are looking to the heavens
