Thought Dubai was all about shopping and high-rise hotels? Think again, says Janine Kelso – some resorts have been built with culture and heritage in mind…
Sun-soaked beaches, unparalleled shopping, opulent hotels and more bling than you can shake a gold-encrusted stick at; it’s these factors which have traditionally lured travellers to Dubai.
But if you’re fed up of the flashy stuff and are craving culture, some resorts have made concessions to the emirate’s Arabic heritage.
Emirates Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa
Emirates Al Maha Desert Resort and SpaBased on a blend of South Africa’s upmarket lodges and the renowned Arab hospitality, this property was built in the style of a traditional Bedouin encampment.
The luxury property provides the perfect setting for romance and is only a 45-minute drive from Dubai airport.
Resort activities include falconry, camel trekking, archery with traditional bows, dune safaris and excursions to local villages and the Hajar Mountains.
The resort also has a nature reserve to reintroduce indigenous wildlife species, some of them endangered, to the Arabian Desert.
Sample package: Emirates Tours offers four nights’ full-board (for the price of three) for £1,145 per person, including flights and transfers. Valid from June 1 to September 30.
One&Only Royal Mirage
The architectural style of this hotel is in keeping with traditional Arabian designs.
From the grand lobby to the arabesque design of the carpets in the suites, this property is a far cry from the characterless international resort hotels which are springing up all over the city.
It also has an authentic Moroccan restaurant, Tagine, in which everything from the staff to the furnishings are 100% Moroccan.
The hotel’s spa has an oriental hammam with a marble massage table, two steam rooms, two whirlpool baths and 12 treatment rooms.
Sample package: Seasons in Style offers seven nights’ half-board at the One and Only Royal Mirage for £1,645 per person until September 30, including flights and transfers.
Madinat Jumeirah
Madinat JumeirahThis sprawling resort features two boutique hotels.
Guest rooms in Mina A’Salam have a Middle Eastern flavour with plenty of dark wood and lavish antique furnishings. Set among meandering waterways, guests can travel through the resort by traditional water taxi.
At the heart of the resort is Al Qasr, which resembles a palace and is surrounded by a moat, reminiscent of Dubai’s ancient architectural style.
Sample package: Hayes and Jarvis offers five nights’ bed and breakfast at Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah for £699 per person departing June 2, including flights.
Q&A with Ian Scott, director, Dubai department of tourism
What are the main cultural attractions in Dubai?Dubai’s Arabian roots can be seen in the souks and mosques in Bur Dubai in the southern part of the city. This ancient heritage is also reflected in the annual Islamic festival of Ramadan.
A fleet of festivals form the backbone of Dubai’s cultural events calendar, including jazz, film and even shopping. Travellers can take a jeep tour in the desert before enjoying food and drink in a Bedouin camp.
Camel rides and falconry displays complete the experience.
What attractions might people not be aware of?
Big names in the architectural world have created Dubai’s eyecatching skyline. World-famous French architect Jean Nouvel is overseeing the development of a new opera house.
Jumeirah Mosque is the only mosque open to non-Muslims, and visitors can take a tour around it to get a wider understanding of Islam.
What is the tourist board doing to make people aware of Dubai’s cultural side?
Our website dubaitourism.ae is regularly updated with news of events, openings and key projects. We also offer a training programme to travel agents so they can brush up on their knowledge of Dubai which includes a module on culture.
