Let’s Look at Las Vegas vs. Dubai

I recently came across an article in a magazine titled Resident that really intrigued me. It appeared in October 2019, was written by Marvin Scott and sported a provocative headline that said, “Dubai: Las Vegas on Steroids.” Who could resist a description like that? Or, as the author says, “There are no glittering lights to lure you in, but there is an electrifying vibrancy that beckons a FIRST-TIME VISITOR.

It All Begins With the City’s Dazzling Skyline

There’s an eclectic array of magnificent skyscrapers reaching into the cloudless sky. It’s like a living museum of architecture with modernistic edifices – no two buildings look alike.

There Are Close to 100 Shopping Malls in Dubai

It is said that the largest mall in the world is the Dubai Mall that offers more than 1,300 stores (just writing this exhausts me). There’s everything from Hermes to Versace and much more. For example, you’ll find a cinema, an Olympic-size ice rink, an aquarium and an underwater zoo. This sounds as if there’s something for all ages.

This summery rendition of the Hermès Kelly bag is one of the maison’s most time-consuming creations. The finest strands of willow are first sourced and scoured. Then dried, woven and shaped with a calfskin leather flap and handle – why not pop over to Dubai and pick one up? Photo: Courtesy of Vogue, Jan. 2020

Guess What? There’s Snow in the Middle of a Desert!

At the Mall of the Emirates the temperature outside was in the 80s – but inside the world’s largest snow park it was in the 20s. And yes, one is given a full-length down coat and boots before entering “Sky Dubai.” There’s a chairlift and ski slopes plus bobsled rides for kids and adults.

His Room is on the 55th Floor and Offers a Fantastic View

Aside from having a spectacular view of the city below, the author says that his eyes are fixated on the towering BURJ KHALIFA that, at 160 floors, is the world’s tallest building. In a matter of minutes, the elevator can go to the 148th floor (the highest level visitors can go).

Since rising off Jumeirah Beach in 1999, the Burj Khalifa has been the symbol for Dubai as much as the Eiffel Tower is for Paris. This homegrown star is still regarded with a mixture of affection and awe. The atrium rises 590 ft. Arriving here and looking up can make one’s head spin. Photo: Courtesy of Condé Nast Traveler, The Gold List February 2020

A Visit to the Renowned Souks or Market Places

How about the Gold Souk? You’ll find dazzling gold in all shapes and weights – a truly spectacular selection of gold jewelry. This can be followed up by a visit to the Spice Souk with its scents of saffron and incense.

Hundreds of Classy Restaurants, Stylish Lounges and Nightclubs

This means there are many places to go after the sun goes down. However, for a truly unforgettable experience one should spend time in the Arabian Desert. A 45-minute drive from the author’s hotel brought him to a spot where it was possible to race across the sand dunes before sitting down with a group of sophisticated tourists for a traditional Bedouin dinner. Personally, I think this would be my favorite thing to do – but maybe not. At the very end he says the following:

“The Piece de Resistance Was Dinner at the Burj Al Arab Hotel”

An elevator whisked him and his party to the 27th floor and the Al Muntaha restaurant for a six-course dinner (French cuisine) with a wine pairing. He notes that, “it was an epicurean delight fit for a sheik!” CLICK HERE(Open Link in new window) to learn more about mind-boggling Dubai.

What Happened to Las Vegas? This is the second time I’ve done this: no Vegas copy. The third time I’ll make it work – that’s a promise.

UPDATE: On 10/20/20 the first World Expo will be held in the Middle East with Diwali, the over-the-top, five-day festival that begins on 11/14/20. Dubai will host the Expo, a six-month exhibition that will bring together 192 nations to showcase human ingenuity as it’s applied to three themes: opportunity, mobility and sustainability. Visitors will be able to enjoy global fare (everything from street food to haute cuisine), see 60 live performances every day (music/comedy/dance) and view large-scale art installations. This promises to be a great spectacle that will be enjoyed by all.  

Shaun Nelson-Henrick

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