Travel |

March 2, 2020

The Top 6 Destinations for Bleisure Travel in 2020

The bleisure travel trend is growing at an astronomical rate, and shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, with research showing that bleisure travel helps to reduce stress, increase productivity at work, and improve mental health, this is a trend that may end up becoming the new normal.

Not familiar with the term ‘bleisure travel’?

It refers to combining leisure activities with a business trip, meaning really making the most of your business trip destination, rather than visiting it solely for work.

If you know that you need to plan a few business trips in the near future, here are 2020’s top six bleisure travel destinations.

Tokyo, Japan

With Tokyo recently being rated as the best bleisure destination in Asia, it seemed only fitting that the Japanese capital made first place on this list.

So, what exactly makes Tokyo so suitable for bleisure?

Well, when the bleisure study mentioned above was carried out, Tokyo came out top in a number of areas, including:

Quality of international links
Opportunity for cultural experiences
Availability of consumer goods and services
Culinary reputation

Bleisure travelers appreciate being able to immerse themselves in a new culture, and Tokyo really does provide this. The streets of Tokyo are sprinkled with multiple shrines and temples, and traditional art forms are abundant wherever you go, from origami to flower arranging to tea ceremonies, all of which bleisure travelers can easily take part in.

When it comes to food, Tokyo boasts around 226 restaurants with Michelin stars, which is more than any other city in the world. Whether you’re into fine dining or street food stalls, Tokyo has it all. Yes, you may have tasted everything from sushi to ramen to yakitori in your own country, but nothing quite compares to the authentic flavors you will experience when eating these iconic dishes in their homeland.

With more and more bleisure travelers now choosing to extend their business trips to spend more time in Tokyo, there are now hotels popping up that cater to this. Now, many travelers carry out the business portion of their trip at a more business-oriented hotel, before booking themselves in to somewhere more authentic and traditional for an extra couple of days.

Dubai, UAE

Being the main business hub of the Middle East, Dubai receives millions of business travelers each year. Thanks to the city’s incredible selection of hotels, restaurants, attractions and sights, this is a fantastic destination for a bleisure adventure.

Chances are, the business portion of your trip is taking place in the city center, meaning that you can spend your evenings exploring some of Dubai’s most legendary landmarks, including:

The Burj Khalifa – the tallest building in the world, with the world’s highest observation deck, giving you an amazing view of your surroundings
The Dubai Fountains – the world’s largest choreographed fountain system that sits on a 30-acre man-made lake
The Dubai Mall – the second-largest mall in the world, with more than 1200 stores, including several high end boutiques
Kite Beach – one of the most popular beaches in the city, with large stretches of white sand and waters that reach 32 degrees Celsius

As you can see, many of Dubai’s attractions are worldwide record breakers, and there really is no denying that the city is full of glitz, glamor and bling.

However, what many business travelers don’t usually experience is the seclusion and isolation of the deserts that surround the city, along with the unique culture and heritage of the Bedouin people. This is something that greatly appeals to bleisure travelers, because it provides such a contrast to city life.

Desert safaris are always popular, especially with adrenaline-seekers who want to try their hand behind the wheel, navigating those precarious sand dunes. You could then spend the night at a Bedouin camp, enjoying a traditional meal.

The dunes are also ideal for quad biking and sand boarding, both being experiences that you will never forget.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is nicknamed the “Venice of the North”, due to its ultra-elaborate canal system. The waterways definitely play a large role in adding to the city’s unique appeal, although its narrow gabled houses, artistic heritage, and complex history help with this too.

Amsterdam tends to be quite a popular destination for business travelers, and this is a city where you can really embrace the bleisure trend.

The best way to get around in Amsterdam?

Cycling. The city is home to more than 800,000 bicycles, meaning more bicycles than people! Cycling in Amsterdam is a way of life, thanks to the city’s naturally flat landscape and convenient network of cycle routes. Visitors can easily rent a bicycle for the day and then use this to explore every corner of the city. Since Amsterdam is a relatively compact city, you will still be able to see quite a bit, even if you only have a couple of days to spare.

Of course, a visit to Museumplein is a must. This is the cultural heart of the city, filled with impressive 19th century architecture, along with some of the finest museums in the world. A few must-sees include:

The Van Gogh Museum
Rijksmuseum
The Stedelijk Museum

The summer months see Museumplein packed with open-air markets and exhibitions, along with a paddling pool for both children and adults. In the winter, the space turns into a large outdoor ice rink, making Museumplein perfect for a visit no matter the time of year.

If you enjoy shopping, then you will love the vast range of retail therapy that Amsterdam offers. You will find everything from high end luxury designer stores to vintage boutiques here. If you don’t have much time to spare, concentrate your shopping efforts around Hobbemastraat, which is home to some of the finest luxury brands in the city, including an OROGOLD store. Stop by for your skincare fix, whether you have been looking for some new products, need some advice, or want to enjoy a complimentary VIP treatment.

Sydney, Australia

When it comes to business travel destinations in Australia, Sydney comes out on top, meaning that it only makes sense for some of those travelers to combine their business trips with a few leisure activities.

So, how exactly do you do this in Sydney?

Well, a visit to the beach is a must, since beaches are a firm part of the culture in Sydney. The beach you choose will likely depend on your exact location, with the area of Bondi and Manly being the most popular.

Bondi is home to the famous Bondi Beach – head further north to get away from the tourists. A short walk away is Gordon’s Bay, one of the best diving spots in the area, with its own underwater nature trail. However, Manly has plenty to offer too, with numerous beach and water sports, weekend markets, and beautiful views.

Of course, there is so much more to Sydney than just its beaches…

Everything from Sydney Tower to the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens are worthy of your time and attention, but make sure you also save time for a visit to the Blue Mountains. Whether you spend the day hiking, or simply taking in the natural beauty and diverse wildlife, the beauty of the Blue Mountains is something that definitely needs to be experienced.

San Diego, California

Home to several major attractions, miles of beautiful beaches and incredible weather, it should come as no surprise that San Diego is one of the most-loved bleisure destinations in the USA.

When it comes to city-based attractions, you’ve got plenty to choose from, including:

The San Diego Harbor – where you will find public art, street performers, the oldest active sailing ship in the world, and Seaport Village
La Jolla Cove – perfect for some water sports and bird watching
Belmont Park – an amusement park with stunning views of the Pacific
Balboa Park – in addition to housing the San Diego Zoo, this sprawling urban park also boasts 15 museums, landscaped gardens and so much more
Old Town San Diego – the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is believed to be the “birthplace of California”. With the very first European settlements in the state, this is the place to go to learn more about California’s fascinating history

Were you hoping to get away from the city for a bit?

A couple of hours drive north of San Diego will take you to the small mountain town of Julian. The town itself is an official California Historic Landmark, thanks to its gold-mining history. With guided tours of the old mines, pioneer store fronts and several historic sites, this is such a fascinating destination. Julian is also famous for its apple pies, due to its cold climate that makes it perfect for growing the most delicious varieties of the fruit. If you’re visiting in October, then you’ll be lucky enough to take part in the town’s Apple Festival.

London, UK

The capital of the UK, as well as one of Europe’s major financial hubs, London has plenty to offer to the bleisure traveler. This is such a multicultural city with so much to see and do.

If your meetings are taking place in the heart of the city, then this means that you will have easy access to the River Thames. If a river cruise feels too touristy for you, simply take a stroll along the banks instead. From Big Ben to the Tower of London to Tower Bridge, some of London’s most iconic landmarks are situated along the river.

For many bleisure travelers, the idea of exploring a little further afield is extremely appealing. After all, if you’ve already spent several days in the city, then it only makes sense to spend those precious extra couple of days seeing what else the country has to offer. Fortunately, there are many destinations just a short distance from London that are perfect for a one or two night getaway:

Stonehenge – this famous UNESCO World Heritage Site is believed to have once been a place of pagan worship. Stonehenge is located in Salisbury, which is also home to the Magna Carta and a cathedral with the tallest spire in the country
Oxford – just about everybody has heard of Oxford, with this city boasting some world-class museums and truly incredible architecture
Windsor – for those interested in British royalty, a visit to Windsor is a must. This is where you will find Windsor Castle, the weekend getaway for the Royal Family, complete with a special route through a few rooms that visitors are able to tour
Bath – this Georgian city is famous for its Roman baths, which have been perfectly preserved. You will also find UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient Roman architecture and some of the best ale in the country here
The New Forest – if you would prefer to experience some of England’s countryside, the New Forest is the place to go. With ancient woodlands, open moors, cliff top walks and herds of wild horses roaming the streets, this magical area will quickly steal your heart

Just about any business trip can be turned into bleisure experience, so long as you are willing to set aside the extra time needed to pursue a few leisure activities. Whether this means spending the early mornings and evenings exploring your surroundings, or extending your trip by a couple of days so that you can really check out everything on offer, bleisure really is the way forward when it comes to business travel in the future. After all, all work and no play is never fun!

Travel |

February 22, 2020

| OROGOLD

8 Things to Know Before Visiting Abu Dhabi

The capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi may not offer the same level of glitz and glamor as its famous neighbor, Dubai, but this world-class city is brimming with heritage and culture, although this might be a little different than what you are used to. If you have been considering a visit to this Middle Eastern gem, here are eight things that you should know before you go.

You Will Need to Dress Modestly

Locals tend to dress pretty conservatively in Abu Dhabi, with the majority choosing to don traditional wear (a full-length white robe for men, and a full-length black robe with a headscarf for women).

Although tourists aren’t expected to dress in the same way, you will need to pay close attention to the outfits you choose to wear when in Abu Dhabi, and this applies to both men and women.

Form-fitting clothes, as well as anything that shows unnecessary skin, should be avoided. The same goes for shorts, which are only appropriate if you are at the beach. Instead, go for long and loose clothing, picking items made from natural materials. Not only will this enable you to adhere to the customs of Abu Dhabi, but it will also help to keep you cool in the city’s heat.

Creative Family / Shutterstock.com

Save Room in Your Luggage for Shopping

If you are someone who loves to shop, especially when you’re on vacation, then Abu Dhabi will feel like paradise to you. Of course, this does mean that you will need to save quite a bit of room in your luggage for all of your shopping, or you could just buy a new bag too, packing all of your shopping in there.

Now, when it comes to the shopping in Abu Dhabi, you will have your pick from sleek, luxurious shopping malls to bustling markets, along with everything in between.

If you prefer malls, some of the best in the city include:

Abu Dhabi Mall – this magnificent mall has been running since 2001, and boasts more than 200 different stores. It is also home to cinemas, restaurants and several other amusements
Yas Mall – located on Corniche Road, one of the most gorgeous areas of the city, Yas Mall offers up even more than the Abu Dhabi Mall, with 400 different stores to browse, including our very own OROGOLD Abu Dhabi store. Once you’ve indulged in your skin care fix, you can try everything from ice skating and bowling to a multiplex movie theater and even a rollercoaster
Avenue at Etihad – this boutique mall placed a focus on customized luxury, with many of the high-end stores here offering up a personalized service
The Galleria – this elegant piece of architecture houses some of the most sophisticated brands in the world, along with an exquisite selection of restaurants from all over the globe

While malls are fun, there’s nothing quite like the authentic experience that comes from shopping in one of the city’s traditional markets, known as souks. Here are a few to visit:

Madinat Zayed Gold Souk – this is the place to go for gold jewelry, with numerous styles available as well as the option to purchase a custom designed piece
Al Ain Camel Souk – this livestock market guarantees an authentic experience. You will find a vast array of camels here, both old and young, as well as goats and sheep. Be careful that some sellers may demand a payment if you take photos of their animals
Souk Qaryat Al Beri – with ornate chandeliers, pointed arches and winding canals, this souk almost feels like an Arabian fairytale. Be sure to save time for a meal at one of the waterfront restaurants here
Abu Dhabi Carpet Souk – although you may not be planning on taking a carpet home with you, the sheer array of colors and patterns at this maze-like souk make it well worth a visit

As you can see, extra room in your luggage will definitely be needed when visiting Abu Dhabi!

The City’s Pink Taxis are for Women Only

Chances are, when visiting Abu Dhabi, you will end up taking a taxi quite a few times. Well, if you happen to hail down a gold, silver or white taxi, there isn’t anything unusual about this. However, if you come across a pink, or even a lavender-colored, taxi, there’s something you should know…

These pink taxis are to be taken by women and children under the age of 10 only, and they are driven by female drivers. Even if you are a man traveling with your family, you would still not be allowed to enter into one of the pink taxis.

This women-only taxi service was introduced in the city in 2010, and has since become extremely popular.

If you decide to give public transport a try…

Keep in mind that the front seats on public buses are reserved for women. This is to enable women to travel safely, without having to worry about unwanted attention from men.

Abu Dhabi Boasts 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

If you appreciate history and heritage, then you will love the fact that Abu Dhabi is home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From an ancient archaeological park to a desert oasis, be sure to save space on your itinerary for a visit to these four gems:

Bidaa Bint Saud – this ancient caravan stop is home to numerous tombs from both the Bronze and Iron Ages, as well as a mud-brick hall that has been impressively preserved
Hili Archaeological Park – dedicated to Al Ain, a Bronze Age site, this archeological park, along with its beautifully-manicured flower gardens, feature a collection of historic monuments that date back to 5000 years ago
Hafeet Tombs – there are hundreds of beehive-style tombs here, dating back 5000 years, and visitors are allowed to explore each one. This site also happens to be set on the summit of the Jebel Hafeet Mountain, standing at 1160 meters high, giving you an incredible view of the desert that surrounds you
Al Ain Oasis – this site is located in the heart of the city, and consists of a 1200 acre green desert oasis. The 147,000 date palm grove here makes use of traditional falaj irrigation systems, keeping the area lush even in the harshest of climates

Local Laws May Surprise You

Getting acquainted with local laws isn’t something that many travelers do before visiting a destination, but it would be well worth doing so before heading to Abu Dhabi.

Why?

Because some of the local laws here may surprise you, and you do not want to end up finding yourself unexpectedly in trouble.

So, when it comes to a relaxing vacation, chances are that you expect there to be some alcohol involved, whether in the form of a cold beer by the pool or an evening cocktail. Since Abu Dhabi is an Islamic country, it is illegal to drink in public here.

Don’t worry, alcohol is still available at several hotels around the city, so long as they have a legal permit. However, you will still need to watch how much you actually drink, and be sure to sober up before heading out of the hotel bar, since it is also illegal to be intoxicated in public here.

Now, if you’re visiting Abu Dhabi with that special someone, you will need to keep any PDA to a minimum. While married couples are allowed to hold hands in public, pretty much everything else, from kissing to hugging, would be viewed as offensive, and could even cost you some time in jail. Again, don’t worry – you will find signs reminding you of this all over the city!

This Desert City is Home to Several Green Spaces

When you visit a steel-dominated city, located in the middle of a desert, you don’t expect to encounter many green spaces. However, the UAE has recently been focused on a long-term plan of greening the desert, but doing this in a sustainable way that does not place a strain on their important water resources.

As a result, Abu Dhabi is witnessing more and more parks and green spaces emerging throughout the city, providing a lush breath of fresh air for those who need some respite from the hectic chaos of the city. Here are a few to check out:

The Corniche Parks – these run along the corniche, enabling you to enjoy both greenery and the beach
Capital Gardens – located in the heart of the city, this park boasts recreation areas, greenery and an incredible fountain
Khalifa Park – measuring more than 500,000 meters square, this sprawling park provides a train to help visitors get around, as well as an aquarium, history museum, library and children’s water park
Mangrove National Park – this protected parcel of land is home to some dense palm forests, with a kayaking trip being the best way to explore all that this park offers

There are Hundreds of Fountains in the City

Abu Dhabi is a city that loves fountains, which beautifully juxtaposes with the heat and arid climate that the city experiences. As a result, you will find fountains of all shapes and sizes just about everywhere you go in the city. While some of these are small and simple, others are grand enough to justify a visit just to see them.

Here are some of Abu Dhabi’s most spectacular fountains:

Yas Marina Musical Water Fountain – this fountain is all about extravagance in the evenings, when it lights up and puts on a stunning musical display for those around
Cedar Fountain – this was actually a gift to the UAE from Lebanon, and is designed in the shape of Lebanon’s cedar trees. This fountain is one of Abu Dhabi’s oldest landmarks
Reem Central Park – the statement fountains at this recreational park dot turquoise canals, providing the perfect backdrop for a photo

Of course, if you prefer your fountains to be made from chocolate rather than water, there are also a few spots in the city that are famous for their indulgent chocolate fountains. Try the Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, where you can choose between white, milk and dark, or the Yas Island Rotana, where you will often find seasonal specialties.

Watch What You Photograph

Love taking photos when you’re on vacation?

In this day and age, pretty much everyone does. After all, that perfect Instagram shot may just be one more snap away!

Well, while you will definitely want you camera to hand when exploring Abu Dhabi, you do need to be careful about where you point it…

Usually, if something is in a public area, then you wouldn’t think twice about snapping away. However, in Abu Dhabi, you need to make sure that the photos you take do not contain any people, or anything related to the government, including government buildings.

When it comes to people, if you have their consent, then there isn’t a problem. However, if you snap away at members of the public without their permission, and they are identifiable in your photo, then this would be considered an invasion of personal privacy, which would therefore be an offense.

Abu Dhabi is a rapidly-growing city with so much to offer. Whether you’re into history, heritage and culture or prefer modern day comforts, this is a city that boasts something to appeal to just about everybody.

Travel |

April 15, 2017

| OROGOLD

Touring Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital

Falcon

The most important falcon welfare institution in the world, as well as the largest, the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital first opened its doors in 1999.Not only does the hospital do so much to help falcons, as well as other animals, but it is also one of Abu Dhabi’s major tourist attractions, and has been visited by a number of VIPs over the years.

Falcons in the UAE
Falcons have long since been loved by falconers in the UAE, with many of them lavishing a huge amount of care, attention and money onto their birds. These birds are treated as part of the family, not only having their very own perch to sleep on next to their owner’s bed, or even in their owner’s office, but also their very own passport, as well as a business class seat on airplanes. These birds are primarily used for hunting purposes, and are trained to hunt game. Each year, the hospital treats around 11,500 birds, running in the same way that a human hospital would. The birds first arrive for a general check-up, which could then lead to further examinations, whether this may be x-rays or surgery, while an emergency room is available for more urgent cases. When a falcon loses or damages even a single feather, this can really throw them off balance during flight, so the hospital keeps multiple spare feathers in stock, so that they can replace any damaged feathers that they may encounter during general check ups.

The Falcon World Tour
Since 2007, the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital has placed a huge emphasis on tourism, which has been helped by the fact that the hospital has been so widely featured in the media over the years. The Falcon World Tour that they offer is the best way to really see all that the hospital does, providing you with a deep insight into the world of falcons. There are two tour options available, one of them two hours long and one of them three hours long, but both of which will immerse you in the history of falconry, as well as giving you the opportunity to hold a falcon. This unique tourism program has won the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital multiple awards from around the globe, as it is the only place in the world that can offer this experience to tourists.

Falcon Passports
The illegal trade of falcons is something that has been hugely on the rise, which is why the UAE recently introduced falcon passports. This means that no falcons are able to be taken abroad without one, and it is the responsibility of the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital to issue these, which visitors will be able to learn more about.

Being one of the leading, and largest, avian hospitals in the world, the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital has earned itself quite the reputation. From the way in which it is able to perform complicated procedures on these rare birds, to the emphasis that they place on educating the public on the importance, as well as the beauty, of these magnificent creatures, a tour of the hospital is definitely worth doing the next time you find yourself in Abu Dhabi.

Travel |

August 3, 2016

| OROGOLD

Architectural Sites in Dubai

Modern architecture has flourished beautifully in Dubai, and the city is now recognized all over the world for its creative buildings, many of which have won numerous architectural awards for their innovative designs. From the tallest building in the world to the world’s largest dancing fountain, these are some of the architectural wonders in Dubai that visitors should definitely not miss out on.

Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa
Standing at almost 830 metres, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest structure in the world and is one of the most iconic buildings in Dubai. The building managed to break over fifteen different world records, from the world’s highest restaurant and nightclub to the world’s highest elevator installation to the tallest free-standing structure in the world, making it quite the architectural marvel. For those that want to take in the view from the top, the Burj Khalifa also has the highest observation deck in the world, providing you with panoramic views as far as the shores of Iran. There are also telescopes located here so that visitors can enjoy a more detailed view of the landscape below.

Dubai Fountain

Dubai Fountain
Considered to be the brightest spot in the Middle East, the Dubai Fountain, set on the 24-acre Burj Lake, is made up of 6600 lights, as well as 25 color projectors, creating beams that make it visible from space. In addition to the light shows, the fountain also shoots water jets 500 feet into the air, completely in sync with Arabic, classical and world music. This is the largest choreographed fountain in the world, making it well worth stopping by to check out its performance.

pio3 / Shutterstock.com

Cayan Tower
Also known as Infinity Tower, Cayan Tower is over 300 metres tall, and challenges conventional architecture in a completely innovative way. This residential tower features a twist that runs through the building, which means that every apartment within enjoys 90-degree views of either the marina or the sea. The building does not have any structural pillars within it, making its construction even more awe-inspiring.

Leonard Zhukovsky / Shutterstock.com

Jumeirah Beach Hotel
The Jumeirah Beach Hotel is a luxury five-star resort that stands at 93 meters high and 275 metres long. Its outstanding feature is the way in which it has been designed to replicate a giant wave, with the layered facade adding to the impression of a wave rolling and breaking. With all the corridors within the resort being curved, each room enjoys sunset views of the ocean, and, when the building is viewed together with the adjacent sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, it looks as though there is a large sail trying to navigate this crashing wave. The resort itself has won awards for being the best in the world and is always a popular accommodation choice for upscale travellers.

Dubai is now officially the tallest city in the world, taking over from previous contenders Hong Kong and New York. The city has developed incredibly over the years, and if you are keen on seeing some world-class examples of modern architecture, Dubai is most definitely the place to go.

Travel |

August 1, 2016

| OROGOLD

Great Beaches in the Middle East

Rus S / Shutterstock.com

The Middle East is home to some of the finest beaches in the world, but, due to political reasons, beach tourism is often not promoted heavily in many areas. Nevertheless, each of these beaches are truly spectacular in their own right, and are well worth considering for your next beach vacation.

Beit Yanai Beach, Israel
Considered to be one of the best beaches in Israel, Beit Yanai Beach is located about a 20-minute drive from Tel Aviv. Since the beach is run and managed by the Israel Parks and Nature Authority, it is extremely clean, relatively quiet, and has some great facilities. Since the beach is not protected from the sea, it often experiences massive waves, making it a popular spot for surfing and kitesurfing.

Khor Kalba Beach, Sharjah, UAE
The beach at Khor Kalba is extremely hidden and tucked away, but this is a large part of its charm. What it lacks in amenities, it makes up for in privacy, seclusion and incredible natural beauty. From the surrounding mangroves to the nesting turtles, Khor Kalba in itself is an important nature reserve, and the beach is a fine example of a conservation success. The waters here are calm, and if you want the utmost in serenity, it is best to pay the beach a visit during the weekdays.

Katiekk / Shutterstock.com

Mughsayl Beach, Oman
Oman boasts about 1000 miles of coastline, many parts of which are just simply breathtaking. Hidden away in southern Oman, Mughsayl Beach offers quite a diverse experience, depending on when in the year you visit it. In the summertime, it is reminiscent of a tropical Caribbean island, with coconut groves and banana plantations lining the pristine sand, while in the winter months, giant waves crash into the cliffs, with water exploding out of blow holes dotted along the coastline. The beach is situated about 40 kilometers from Salahah, and is easy to access.

Naqoura, Lebanon
Situated in the south of Lebanon, Naqoura is a small city that boasts an expansive, and extremely clean, beach. Unlike many of the other beaches in Lebanon, this one is free of beach resorts, large crowds and noisy bars, giving you the opportunity to hear the sound of the waves crashing onto the sand, and the breeze rustling through the trees in the forest behind the beach. To access the beach, visitors need to cross a beautiful orchard, which also serves as a turtle reserve, and is home to a number of other wildlife species too. Rumour has it that developers are interested in Naqoura’s beach, so if you want to experience this untouched slice of paradise, now is the time to visit.

While the Middle East may not immediately spring to mind when planning a beach vacation, there is no denying that the beaches found in this part of the world are extremely underrated. From the sandy coconut groves of Oman to the abundant wildlife in Naqoura, these are all considered to be some of the finest beaches that the Middle East has to offer.

Travel |

November 2, 2015

| OROGOLD

Things to Do in Dubai

Dubai is known for its extravagance and glitzy lifestyle, but the city also has a strong sense of tradition and culture. From taking in the view from the top of the tallest building in the world, to exploring traditional Arabic street markets, here are some of OROGOLD’s favorite things to do in Dubai.

Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa
From the moment that you first set eyes on the city, the Burj Khalifa will immediately catch your attention. This is the tallest building in the world, complete with the fastest lift in the world to whisk you up to the very top. Although the ride only lasts for a few seconds, it is most definitely exhilarating, and not something that OROGOLD would recommend for the faint of heart! The view is incredible, and the building itself is a feat of engineering, depicting Dubai’s desire to reach new heights. OROGOLD recommends visiting the top of the Burj Khalifa at sunset, as the golden glow that gets cast over the city makes the view even more memorable. You should also try to purchase your tickets a few days in advance, as this will save you a considerable amount of time on the day itself.

Philip Lange / Shutterstock.com

Shopping at the Souks
‘Souk’ means marketplace in Arabic, and these traditional street markets are a great place to pick up some bargains. The Gold Souk is the most famous one in Dubai, and features over 300 jewelers showcasing a variety of gold goods. The Spice Souk, just a few minutes walk from the Gold Souk, is another popular market, with narrow alleyways crammed with shops and stalls selling endless arrays of colorful spices. For perfumes, head to the Perfume Souk, which is just east of the Gold Souk. Finally, the Textile Souk is another OROGOLD favorite, and is great for buying all sorts of fabrics, as well as unique garments and souvenirs.

Seqoya / Shutterstock.com

Desert Safari
Dubai’s vast deserts are where the Bedouins used to roam many years ago, and are definitely worth a visit if you want to experience these historic times for yourself. A four wheel drive will take you to a traditional Bedouin campsite, where you will be able to try an authentic Arabic ‘shisha’, as well as enjoy a barbecued meal. Depending on your personal preferences, your day in the desert can be filled with a variety of activities, from camel trekking to desert driving to falcon watching, or even learning how to belly dance. There are many different companies in Dubai that offer desert safaris, so be sure to research your chosen one well in advance so that you know exactly what will be included.

Dubai is a city that OROGOLD would recommend everyone visit at least once in their lifetime. While the new megastructures, such as the Burj Khalifa and all of its engineering glory, may dazzle you at first, you are likely to also enjoy the traditional side of Dubai, as well as the laid-back desert lifestyle. OROGOLD recommends that you try to experience all of this, in order to really be able to enjoy all that Dubai has to offer.