Downtown Dubai

With icons like the world-famous Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountain, Downtown Dubai has plenty of wow-factor for visitors. But along with luxury retail, phenomenal architecture and swanky five-star hotels, the district also has an urban community feel thanks to its pedestrian-friendly design.

A trip up to the observation deck of the world’s tallest tower Burj Khalifa is a fantastic way to start any Dubai holiday, and offers the chance to snap some truly memorable photos. Mere metres away is The Dubai Fountain that delights with a music, water and light show like no other, and The Dubai Mall, one of the largest malls in the world.

Downtown might be urban but there are pockets of green in the neighbourhood, such as Burj Park, boasting splendid views. The park regularly hosts large-scale events, like Market OTB, a pop-up market which takes places every winter during the Dubai Shopping Festival.

Wander through the beautifully landscaped promenades along Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, with walkways lined with irresistible restaurants. Follow its curves and you’ll likely reach the Dubai Opera – the city’s entertainment soul, which stages a regular programme of concerts, theatre and more. This area is especially vibrant at night, with tall palm trees illuminated by fairy lights, al fresco tables buzzing with diners and opera-goers dressed up to the nines.

The neighbourhood even has its own unique form of transport — The Dubai Trolley, the world’s first hydrogen-powered trolley, which travels along Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, transporting passengers between various points of interest.

It’s difficult to miss the mix of modern and traditional architecture – colossal towers and gleaming buildings sit next to beautiful Arabian-styled structures, with pockets of green to explore. It’s the best of Dubai, in one place.

Getting there: If using the Dubai Metro, get off at the Burj Khalifa/The Dubai Mall station. To get to The Dubai Mall, you’ll have to cross the metro link bridge.