Dubai: The World in One City

Dubai: The World in One City

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A futuristic city rising between sea and desert, the Dubai of today is an economic centre, trade hub, paradise for shoppers and a showcase of luxury. Beyond the towering skyscrapers, visitors can also experience authentic desert safaris. Travel to Dubai with Antoine Gauvin to explore these contrasts, and two hotels that recently joined the Kempinski constellation, Kempinski The Boulevard and Kempinski Central Avenue

Between tradition and future, sand and sea

by ANTOINE GAUVIN · 24 January 2025

It’s morning when I walk into the hotel’s big white lobby. Elegantly simple, it's a modern European harmony of marble and velvet. All around the hotel are giant buildings, luxury brands and a gleaming spire that seems to reach the sky. The entire world and all its continents seem to coalesce here. But where am I? 

Map Dubai

Between tradition and the future, sand and sea – Dubai is the world in a city.

11:30 – WELCOME TO DUBAI

My head is spinning – jet lag after the long flight. Then a man clad in a long robe and headdress comes towards me. He opens a box and holds it out to me: sweet juicy dates, aligned in neat rows. So I must be somewhere in the Middle East. The figure of this man brings to mind visions of deserts, sand, caravans, palm trees, dhows and pearl fishers. And the proud tribes who came together one day in 1971 to create a string of small states along the Gulf coast: the United Arab Emirates. Eighty thousand square kilometres of sand and mountain, with flamboyant Dubai next to the more reserved Abu Dhabi, then Sharjah, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain at the northern end. 

Over the centuries Dubai has been a major trade hub, strategically placed on the route between East and West. And it has made the most of that situation. The gigantic airport now under construction (intended to be the world’s largest, with 400 boarding gates) reminds us that Dubai is a huge success and yet there’s still more to come.

Ready to explore Dubai yourself? Choose from one of four Kempinski havens

13:30 – TIME TO EXPLORE

A short walk from the hotel takes me to the city’s beating heart. It’s a huge complex comprising Dubai Mall, the fountain boardwalk, the small and lesser-known Souk Al Bahar and the imposing Burj Khalifa. This 838-metre skyscraper is the spectacular expression of a city shaping the future.

Dubai Mall is a world in itself. In 2023 the celebrated shopping hotspot became the most visited place in the world, with a record 105 million visitors. Its million-plus square metres house 1,200 shops, a giant aquarium, an ice hockey rink, cinemas and more than 200 restaurants. As I stroll through the mall, stopping for a meal and a drink, I hop from continent to continent. All in miniature, but put together it’s gigantic. A kind of on-the-spot world tour. 

18:30 – IT’S SHOWTIME

It’s time to head to the water display. With the sunset as a backdrop, the illuminated fountains leap to a staggering height of 150 metres (492 feet), responding to the music as if to a snake charmer’s flute. This evening the fountains dance to the tune of

"La Vie en Rose", Edith Piaf’s famous hymn to happiness. What song could better suit this city of delight?

7:30 – LEAVING THE CITY BEHIND

Next morning there’s a great day ahead of me. I’m going to discover the “real” Dubai, beyond the skyscrapers. I want to get to know the people who are my hosts for these few days. I’ve opted to enjoy the extraordinary hospitality of the desert people whose austere lives have taught them to welcome strangers kindly. As we head south with Platinum Heritage, the expats’ luxury compounds with their gardens and palm trees soon give way to sand. In a hollow between the dunes, I meet the tribe who are to be my hosts. The meal has been simmering gently in an earthen oven; I savour a delicious moment and authentic generosity.

17:00 – HISTORY AND AUTHENTICITY 

Continuing my exploration of Dubai, I reach the creek in the old Al Fahidi district, where I soak up some local history. The traditional houses are built from coral. And the souks immerse me once more in the world of trade that shaped Dubai when goods were transported by sturdy sailing dhows.

There have been dhows for more than a thousand years. Arab sailors spread their design around the Indian Ocean, venturing even further to discover new lands and do business there. Variants such as the small, easy-to-handle jailbut and sambuk were designed for pearl fishing. All-purpose dhows traded far and wide between Arabia, Mesopotamia and the Indian peninsula. The main ports (Muscat, Sharjah, Dubai, Manama and Kuwait) became vast entrepots, re-exporting merchandise from Africa and India.

Today, many dhows have been built up, varnished, air-conditioned and turned into floating nightclubs. But they still have their proud, authentic look. I’ve stepped aboard and cast off for a dreamy time where intrepid sailors and pearl fishers tame the blue seas of the Gulf and the ocean beyond. Perhaps it’s here that I encounter the true soul of Dubai.

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Discover our two new havens in Downtown Dubai

 

In this city of contrasts, Downtown Dubai stands out as one of the most prestigious areas of the city. Whether you're keen to marvel at the skyline, delve into local heritage or indulge in some retail therapy, you'll be immersed in the spirit and heritage of Dubai. Discover our two Downtown havens, and start planning your visit to this dynamic destination. 

Go behind the scenes of the photoshoot here.

KEMPINSKI THE BOULEVARD

Fifteen minutes from the airport, and close to the Dubai International Financial Centre, Kempinski The Boulevard is a sophisticated haven in this non-stop city, catering to business and leisure travellers alike. Its architecture and design reflect Dubai’s diverse culture and heritage featuring contemporary artworks that contrast with traditional, elegant handmade chandeliers. 

KEMPINSKI THE BOULEVARD EXTERIOR - LANDSCAPE1.jpg

All glass and marble, Kempinski The Boulevard provides a resolutely contemporary setting. 
 

Dining options include modern French-inspired cuisine in La Brasserie Sur Le Boulevard, as well as delicious light dishes and homemade pastries in the Lobby Lounge. And guests in the luxurious suites can enjoy the Club Lounge. Holistic wellbeing is the focus of the fully equipped fitness centre and the Spa and Wellness Centre. There’s an outdoor infinity pool with Burj Khalifa and city views as well as a family pool, while the Titan Tikes Kids’ Club has fun activities for younger guests – ideal if you need to work or just want some me-time. With indoor access to Dubai Mall, and iconic landmarks close by, it’s the perfect base for exploring this fascinating city.

KEMPINSKI CENTRAL AVENUE

Located within Dubai Mall, giving easy access to shopping and entertainment, Kempinski Central Avenue is a luxurious urban retreat that is ideal for retail therapy and family entertainment. The 245 spacious rooms and suites blend style with comfort and guests in the suites have exclusive access to the Club Lounge with its dedicated 24-hour concierge. 

Four restaurants and bars take you on a culinary journey from international dishes to Middle Eastern cuisine. Visiting on business? The Business Lounge provides personalised service and versatile event spaces, with dedicated teams, making the hotel ideal for corporate gatherings or celebrations. The spa and wellness facilities include one of Downtown Dubai’s largest open-air lap pools. Its kids’ splash pad and large sun lounging deck, with stunning views of iconic landmarks, make it perfect for family time. And the Titan Tikes Kids’ Club will keep youngsters entertained with its range of activities and games.

Hotel pool

In the beating heart of Dubai, Kempinski Central Avenue offers a serene experience. 

If you enjoyed this, why not discover other top shopping destinations in this piece by Ariana Dickson? 

 

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