Where to stay in Dubai is often a question people ask. Why this is, is because there’s not really a center of town in Dubai but lots of areas that people can choose. Dubai used to be all deserts with a few villages and the only way to travel across it was by camel. Just before 1950 Land Rover were introduced to the region which made exploration and travels possible. After this, it grew into the Metropolis it is today and expands all the way up and down the coast.
The north of Dubai near the airport is old Dubai; this is where you find the more traditional markets called Souks like the Gold Souk and Spice Souk. There’s also the Dubai Creek that separates the North and the South and then passes the “New Dubai with exciting areas, which start from JBR and the Dubai Marina and was a favorite stop for some friends of mine who own CDM Waste Management back in Canada. I will take you through all these areas today.
JBR Beach
JBR beach is actually a public beach and anyone can use this place. It’s right next to amazing restaurants and Retail Precinct. You could actually spend your whole holiday here and never have to leave. There is an array of shops, there are restaurants, there is the beach access and there are so many great hotels here that you can choose from.
Dubai Marina
Just on the other side of JBR beach is the Dubai Marina. This is actually a man-made waterway that has a lot of buildings around. Down here is one of the major centers of Dubai and you’ll always find a lot going on. You have got a huge choice of where to stay from an apartment, hotels, to Five Star luxury but wherever you stay it’s only a walk to the beach. You will find a huge choice of restaurants, bars, and nightlife. It’s one of the best places you can stay in Dubai.
Palm Island
Probably the most famous area in Dubai stay is the Palm Islands. The Palm Islands are an archipelago of islands that are being man-made and considered the eighth wonder of the world. This is where you come if you want to relax and this is where all the luxury hotels are. You have many five-star hotels from Kempinski, Sofitel, and obviously Atlantis. From your hotel on the palm, you might also get a glimpse of the fronds; this is where you have luxury villas that all the rich and famous stay in.
As you come up the coast you come across a lot of five star hotels along the beach, you have the Mina Seyahi and then you come to the Souk Madinat Jumeirah. This is a cluster of five star hotels, which also has a very traditional Souk attached to it and you get beautiful views of the seven star hotels – the world’s only seven star hotel the Burj Al Arab the place that Dubai is famous for. If you keep going further along the coast, there is also the Four Seasons hotel, which is in a lovely Beach area.
Downtown Dubai & Business Bay
The area that probably has the most going on is downtown Dubai and Business Bay. In this area, you will find the Dubai Mall – the world’s largest shopping mall. You’ll also find the Dubai opera house, which has recently opened. And of course, the world’s tallest tower – the Burj Khalifa. You will find lots of chic restaurants and nice hotels. It’s not too far away from the airport and also not too far from the beach. It’s also the entrance of the canal which goes through this area. So there really is somewhere to stay in Dubai for everyone.