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.
This story is from the April 2016 edition of Wanderlust Travel Magazine.
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This story is from the April 2016 edition of Wanderlust Travel Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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