11 Reasons You Should Visit Dubai In 2018

Dubai Miracle Gardens are a must visit spot! The gardens are full of vibrant sculptures using flowers from a giant teddy bear, to a hall of heart arches, to a full-sized Emirates airplane.

Contributors: Jessica Serna from MyCurlyAdventures

An intoxicating fusion of extravagance, heritage and contemporary style, Taj Dubai occupies a prime location, in the Emirates’ most famous city. The hotel’s 296 lavish rooms are a mix of rich Indian artistry and traditional influences, suffused with a cool, vibrant twist. Multiple room offers stunning views of the majestic Burj Khalifa.

Conveniently located at the Burj Khalifa precinct, Taj Dubai is a mere five minutes from the famed Downtown area and Dubai Mall. The airport is only nine miles (15 kms) away, making this one of the most coveted locations for business travellers and tourists alike. The hotel offers the ideal vantage point to watch the bustling city assume its glamorous, late-evening avatar. With iconic landmarks like Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Fountain in close proximity, Dubai's glitzy  nightlife is a stone’s throw away.

Contributors: Courtney Curtsinger from Laura Davidson Public Relations

The first luxury hotel is opening in the cultural hub of the UAE. Located just 20 miles from Dubai along the southern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, and widely recognized as the cultural hub of the UAE, Sharjah is brimming with 6,000 years of history and culture.  From captivating souks and museums to majestic mountains and incredible coastline, Sharjah is a place yet to be explored by the international traveler for its cultural and historical importance, that brings to light the real Arabia.

Newly emergent on the international art scene, Sharjah is in the midst of an exciting cultural renaissance. Al Bait Sharjah which translates to ‘The House’ is set to raise the bar for luxury hotel accommodation in the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) cultural city of Sharjah and help to place the destination on the map. The boutique property will be home to 53 luxury guest rooms and suites and is built to resemble the traditional homes of prominent Emirati families.

The hotel facilities and amenities will include a luxury hammam and an array of dining offerings spotlighting local and international cuisine. The architecture and design will sensitively reflect Arabic culture, in tune with its surroundings and blending harmoniously with the heritage buildings in the district.

Contributors: Julie Leventhal  from JG Black Book

Far removed from the glitz and glamour of the city, yet still just a short drive away, these magical hot air balloon rides let you immerse yourselves in the heart of the desert, silently drifting over an endless ocean of shimmering dunes, emerald green oases, and wandering oryx, gazelles and camels. Witness a breath-taking sunrise against the backdrop of the majestic Hajjar Mountains, and take in the natural beauty of a desert untouched.

Contributors: Marissa Salway from Edelman

By its very nature, skydiving is a spectacular activity. After all, how could jumping out of a plane at 13,000ft not be? However, the factor that can really elevate a skydive from exhilarating to completely unforgettable is the view. It just so happens that the jump zone at Skydive Dubai offers one of the most incredible views in the world - the Palm Jumeirah.

Contributors: Marissa Salway from Edelman

Take a prestige tour of the dunes with other travelers with the ultimate luxury Range Rover, a safari guide and fine dining experience to see the sands sparkle in the sun!

Contributors: Marissa Salway from Edelman

You can't get more sky-high than at the top of the world's tallest building on the 148th floor of the Burj Khalifa in its SKY Lounge - officially the world's highest observation deck! Look down on the labyrinth of highways and out into the sprawling desert or the crystal waters of the Arabian Gulf.

Contributors: Marissa Salway from Edelman

Open to the public and easily accessible, BOTE paddle board kite surfers and spectators unite at the popular and well-named Kite Beach. With a variety of restaurants to visit and watersport operators available along the sand, you can rent equipment and test your skills against the emerald waters of the Arabian Gulf for a fun day in the sun.

Contributors: Marissa Salway from Edelman

Treat yo'self as you shop (and barter) for silks, throws and cushion covers in every color and shade imaginable in the Textile Souq before heading across the Creek in a wooden abra (boat) to reach the aromatic Spice Souq where baskets burst at the seams with spices, dried fruits and frankincense. Additionally, the retail heaven that is Mall of Dubai is located at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, and it's the world's largest shopping, entertainment and leisure destination with more than 1,200 retail outlets. Whatever you're looking for, you are bound to find it in the Mall of Dubai.

Contributors: Marissa Salway from Edelman

Step into a world of crystal-clear pools and cozy private gardens, and you'll feel refreshed almost instantly. Dubai's many luxurious destination spas offer the complete rejuvenation package, from the latest aromatherapy treatments to cosmetic wraps and holistic massages.

Contributors: Marissa Salway from Edelman

Gain a greater appreciation of Dubai's culture and customs at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU), located in a beautifully restored wind tower house in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood in Bur Dubai. Sign up for a traditional Emirati breakfast, lunch, or dinner and you'll start with a guided walking tour of the historic neighbourhood. Then take a seat on Bedouin-style carpets and pillows and enjoy a selection of traditional dishes while your local host answers questions about life in the emirate.

Contributors: Marissa Salway from Edelman