Dubai conjures up images of tall buildings, stunningly shaped and spectacular. The first image that comes to mind is of course the Burj Khalifa. The tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa, is the epitome of all that Dubai symbolises – the motivation for creating bigger, faster, bolder structures, icons of power, class, wealth and sophistication.
The Burj Khalifa stands at a height of 829.8 m, and a trip to the observation deck on the 124th floor is a must-do when you get to Dubai. You can see the spectacular skyline of the city.
Talking about Dubai and architecture, how can one ignore the Burj Al-Arab? Standing at 321 m, it is the largest hotel in the world, and the iconic structure catches the eye because it has been designed to look like a billowing sail. When the Al-Arab is lit up at night, it is a sight that is worth travelling all the way to Dubai and capturing!
Another property that is also symbolic of Dubai's iconic architectural sights is the Palm Jumeirah. The project off the Jumeirah coast is designed in the shape of a palm leaf. Palm Jumeirah is one of the trios of manmade Palm Islands. The World Islands are a group of 300 man-made islands that form into a map of the world when you see i fro the air.
Take a tour of Dubai Marina, and you will realise that all the buildings here are jostling for your mindspace and attention. For instance, the Cayan Tower, which has a 90-degree twist. The building looks like some force has twisted it along its length. Also launched is a structure called the Sparkle Towers, which has been inspired by Swarovski crystals. The building is a take on the luxury and glitz that has now come to symbolise Dubai.
The Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, is one of the city's most beautiful buildings, designed to look like the dhow. It is symbolic of the fishing and harbour heritage of Dubai.
If you are still looking for more examples of Dubai's iconic structures, you should check out the Al Yaqoub Tower, also called the Big Ben of Dubai. The building looks like the Big Ben of the UK, and has 69 floors and is among the top 15 tallest buildings in Dubai.
Have you seen the Swiss cheese building in Dubai? If not, you should. The building has been designed to look like cheese, with the outer wall resembling the Arabian mashrabiya or veil/screen to keep the building cool!
Last but certainly not the least, make a trip to the Dubai Mall. Not just for the shopping, but to enjoy the architectural design of the biggest shopping mall in the world.
There are many architecture walks organised for tourists in Dubai, so you could opt for one of them and enjoy the architectural marvels. In terms of accommodation, there are many Dubai hotels for you to choose from. Hotels in Dubai belong to many categories, to suit various pockets. Pamper yourself at one of these hotels equipped with some of the finest amenities.