Dubai’s architecture is a stunning mix of the historical and ultra modern. As one of the fastest growing cities in the world it is looking to rival Hong Kong, New York and Shanghai as the skyscraper capital of the world.

Dubai is said to currently have 15-25% of all the world’s cranes and with some of the world’s tallest, most expensive projects on the horizon it really is a phenomenon to behold.

In the last 15 years Dubai has undergone a dramatic transformation from tiny fishing village to cosmopolitan city. Whilst in Dubai, check out the Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi Fort to learn about the emirates rapidly escalating skyline. It’s also worth jumping on the Big Bus Tour to see the whole of the city which you’d otherwise be hard pressed to take in during one trip. You can jump off at any of the sites that interest you and hop back on later in the day.
Dubai’s original skyscraper strip is found along Sheikh Zyed Road and the latest scraper to appear on the skyline is the Burj Dubai. Once completed, the Burj Dubai will tower above the current tallest building in the world at an estimated height of over 800 metres.

However, it won’t be too long before the Burj Dubai loses this accolade to a neighbouring tower, the Al Burj, which announced recently will be more than 30% taller than the Burj Dubai and three times as tall as the Empire State Building at a staggering 1,400 metres.

For an unforgettable sight of Sheikh Zyed Road head to Vu’s cocktail bar, found on the 51st floor of the impressive Emirates Towers. Find a table by the windows and take in the sights and sounds of Dubai whilst sipping on a fabulous cocktail or two. 

Dubai’s most iconic and photographed structure, the Burj Al Arab Hotel, was designed to resemble a billowing sail and at a striking height of 321 metres, dominates the Dubai coastline. At night, it offers an unforgettable sight, surrounded by choreographed colour sculptures of water and fire.
The interior of the self acclaimed seven star hotel is just as impressive and definitely worth a visit. If the purse strings don’t stretch to a full week stay at the Burj Al Arab afternoon tea is available to non-guests, and although it must be booked well in advance is a Dubai experience not to be missed.

It is safe to say that Dubai’s construction frenzy will not calm down for many years to come. Its rapidly growing ensemble of skyscrapers is being augmented by many other remarkable engineering projects - from the three Palm Islands and The World coastal developments, which can be seen from space, and the world’s first underwater hotel to Dubailand, which will be twice the size of Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando.

To see this incredible city growing out of the desert for yourself, Tropical Sky offer packages to The Burj Al Arab alongside many other top Dubai hotels.