If there's one thing Dubai natives want you to know- it's that you can fulfill all your tourist fantasies here, and all in one day.
Dubai is known globally as an ultra-modern city synonymous with luxury and glamor. It's a vibrant and lively destination that combines first-class hotels with world-class cuisine, and endless possibilities for entertainment. The visionary behind Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, is the man credited with the Emirates' progress, and with its branding.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter
In fewer than three decades, Dubai transformed itself from a regional center to a global one. Despite common (foreign) misconceptions, Dubai's success was not based on oil reserves, but on leveraging human talent and tourism, all while positioning itself as a commercial center.
Most of Dubai's GDP (over 95%) is non-oil-based. In fact, oil has so far accounted for less than 1% of Dubai's GDP, while tourism produced 20% of the GDP. These figures explain why Dubai has become a more dynamic economy.
For the common tourist, and for those who will be visiting from Israel, Dubai has it all- from its breathtaking views from the world's tallest building to artificial islands, skydiving, scuba diving, skiing, ziplining and more. Yes, there's more. Dubai's attractions make for the perfect Instagram shot, from its miracle garden to Burj Khalifa's evening fountain show, world's largest mall, indoor aquarium, and soon to open Museum Of The Future.
Since I only had one full day for sight-seeing I chose to start with the basics like the Dubai Frame, Etihad Museum, the Burj Khalifa rooftop view, and seeing the Palm Jumeirah from way above- but we'll get to that later.
First stop: The Dubai Frame
Inaugurated in January 2018, the Dubai Frame is one of the country's latest must-see attractions. Standing at 150.24 meters tall and 95.53 meters wide, the Dubai Frame is a 50-story gold-plated picture frame that connects the old with the new.
The frame tells the story of Dubai's past, present, and future, by offering panoramic views of the city that can be enjoyed only once visitors take a walk through the history of Dubai on their way to the top. The pace of Dubai's progress and development are overwhelming and any parent living in Dubai will say they remember three different places within their lifetime – a desert, a construction site, and the cosmopolitan city it is today (with ongoing construction).
One of the most astonishing features of the Frame is the glass sky-bridge that turns transparent when walked upon. The first few steps can make your heart skip a beat, but the experience of walking in midair, or at least the illusion of it, are surely worth it.
The Dubai Frame's panoramic views are positioned in a way that show landmarks of modern Dubai on one side, and older parts of the city on the other. All you have to do is make a 180-degree turn and you will travel back in time.
At the very end of the museum, there is a final stop- a three-minute video that shows the ambitious plans for the future. The Dubai-natives that gave me the museum tour emphasized that the future is closer than I think, since Dubai is only picking up the pace, and dreamer bigger than before. Noted!
Second stop: Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is likely the most famous landmark in Dubai, and perhaps in the entire United Arab Emirates. Considered the tallest building in the world since its topping in 2009 (828 meters), it's hard to imagine Dubai without the famous tower. The skyscraper's Atmosphere Restaurant located on the 122nd floor holds the Guinness World Record for the highest restaurant in the world- and we wouldn't expect anything less (this is after all a place known for breaking records). The restaurant and above observation deck offer a 360 view of the city with its coastline, skyscrapers and artificial aqua-colored pools below. Even an amateur iPhone-photographer like myself cannot mess up the picture-perfect view. While locals might prefer taking you to other trendy spots in the city for dinner, make sure not to miss this gem. You haven't seen anything like it.
After visiting the Burj Khalifa during the day, make sure to revisit the surrounding compound at night for the world's largest musical fountain show (we see a theme here, yes?). The fountain show is an explosion of colors and music held with a beautifully lit Burj Khalifa as its backdrop.
The fountain show is held nightly and runs every half hour from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. Often there are special themed lightings on the tower for national and international celebrations, awareness campaigns, and special occasions – most recently being the world's biggest gender reveal. Congratulation's to Dubai-based influencers Anas and Asala Marwah- it's a boy!
Third Stop: Etihad Museum
The Etihad Museum is a place to experience the most significant and defining moment of the union (union being a translation of the word Etihad). It's the very spot where seven leaders came together for the historic signing of the United Arab Emirates Constitution. From the outside the museum looks like somewhat of a spaceship – but when taking a deeper look, it's clear the museum is shaped like a manuscript and features seven leaning columns that represent the seven Emirates- Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah.
The museum's permanent exhibition tells the story of the country's founding fathers, with a key emphasis on the years 1968-1974 around the historic signing. The museum holds everything from old passports to personal artifacts of the rulers of the United Arab Emirates
with most of the museum and its exhibitions located underground, and for good reason.
The museum complex is next to the distinctive oval-shaped Union House where the treaty establishing the UAE was signed in 1971. In order to honor the Union House and what it symbolizes, the adjacent Etihad Museum was build underground in order not to overshadow the original structure.
Museum Director Abdullah Mohammed Al-Falasi told me how a nationwide campaign was launched by the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, calling on the public to submit any historically valuable artifacts. The campaign ultimately helped collect some of the Museums most valuable items.
Fourth Stop: The Palm Jumeirah Island
My tourist grand finale was one I could have never predicted. Just as the UAE and Israel took a leap of faith signing the historic Abraham Accords, I decided to take my own leap of faith and skydive over The Palm Jumeirah Island. I arrived at Skydive Dubai quite nervous as this was never on my personal bucket list, but knew I was doing this as a symbolic gesture, all while facing my own fears. I arrived equipped with an Israeli flag and UAE mask and was soon approached by many individuals excited to see an Israeli at the tandem skydive preparation zone. Some even asked to take pictures.
To anyone considering taking that leap, be sure to wear comfortable clothes and try not to come on a very full stomach. The most important aspect of skydiving is to free your mind and make peace with having no control. It's easier said than done, but entirely possible- take it from me. SkyDive Dubai owns the airspace above and around the Palm Jumeirah Island, and therefore the climb is done in circles, up until the 4000 meter-high jumping point is reached.
The climb up which lasts less than 15 minutes is by far the smoothest flight I've boarded, with one of the most calming views below. At 4000 meters you will receive the best view imaginable of the city and coastline, and will almost forget that you agreed to jump out of an aircraft. The true moment of bliss however comes when minute later, when the tandem instructor opens the parachute shooting you both up in the air. This is the moment you have been waiting for- a spiritual experience of ultimate Zen and stillness, taking place in mid-air. This moment is the ultimate reliever of stress and redefines relaxation. Six minutes later you are already on the ground, and if it weren't for the photographer capturing your every move mid-air, you might question whether the jump even took place. To anyone reading this, I want to emphasize that jumping from a plane is not the objective- coming to Dubai with an open mind and willingness to be transformed is.
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
Dubai is a place to dream and dare, and there's no better example than that given by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai who's ambition and vision transformed the city from a desert village to the global player it is today.
Michal Divon is a New York-based Israeli journalist and TV host, currently working with News12 Networks. She holds a BA in Government, Diplomacy and Strategy from the Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya.
