Dubai is a Hollywood-Esque, Vegas-on-steroids middle eastern metropolis. Approximately 1 in 100 citizens are millionaires. The country is rich in natural resources and the city seems determined to project itself as a world class destination. By any standard, it has certainly succeeded, and only within the last decade or two it has boomed from tiny fishing village, to the glittery jewel of the middle east that it is today.
In a city where you can rent a pet tiger for a day, here are some slightly more legal, ethical and reasonably priced ways to splurge:
1. Book a table for dinner at Ossiano
Have you ever wanted to eat dinner in an aquarium? Well, now you can! Located on the lower level of the Atlantis, the restaurant has massive 20 foot floor to ceiling windows into an 11-million gallon aquarium with some 16,000 various aquatic species.
The dinner isn't cheap by any standard, but the food is delicious, there are several courses of petit fours, which were provided at no cost, and the ambiance can not be beat.
Expect to pay about 30$ US for cocktails, between 40-60$ for an appetizer and 90$ and up for entrees.
2. Ski Indoors
As discussed, Dubai is home to the unmatched experience and this is once again true of their indoor 22,500 square foot ski park, complete with real snow, 5 ski slopes and a 3000 square meter 'interactive snow play area' for kids, and kids-at heart (the largest in the world). Ski hills range from beginner to advanced, and there is both a chair lift and a rope pull to ascend the 'mountains'. The area also features the worlds first black diamond indoor run.
You can choose to ski, snowboard or toboggan down the runs and there is a half pipe area exclusively for snowboarders to use. All equipment and winter clothing are rented and are included in the cost of the ticket.
At just over 100$ for a lift ticket, the cost isn't prohibitive; however this type of ticket only allows you on the ski hills, with clothing/equipment rental. It doesn't include the interactive play exhibit, or any other attractions, lockers or meals.
The fully inclusive ticket includes all basics plus penguin visit, 1 hour lesson or session with ski instrument on the hill (learn a trick or two?), and a meal at the restaurant. It also includes access to all other activities (including a giant snowball and the interactive snow play area. These tickets start a 210$ US.
All skiers must have a minimum level of ski skill (including knowing how to start, turn and use the chair lift), or else a lesson is mandatory.
3. Uber yourself a private helicopter ride
Uber is a wonderful safe way of getting from a to b in Dubai. Cars are plentiful and rates are fair.
But if you prefer a high class/exciting ride, why not uber a private helicopter ride to your destination?
Use the uber app as you usually would and if one is available, the option is shown alongside the car options. Only those destinations and departures that have helicopter pads are able to accept trips. (Ie: from the airport to the Atlantis hotel). Starting at just over 250$ US, this can be an excellent way to move through rush hour traffic and have an excellent aerial view/mini tour of the city.
4. Zip line through the Burj Fountains and downtown Dubai
The X-line is a zip line that zooms you between skyscrapers in downtown Dubai, and beside the worlds tallest tower – the Burj Khalifa. Bonus points if you time it right so you're flying by the fountains as they go off (every half hour from 6:30-11:00pm). This is pretty much as close to riding a flying carpet as you can get. 😉.
For just 220$US, this experience can be yours. Up until 2016, the experience was by invitation only. There were limited spots and they were highly coveted. Fortunately for you, they have now opened the zip line to anyone who wants to pay the price, and has nerves of steel to hop off the 90 metre-high platform and fly through the skies reaching speeds of 100mph, and who can pay the price tag for about 90 seconds of thrill.
5. Rent your dream car for a day
Whether you dream of Ferrari ownership or just want to say you've actually driven your dream car, it can be done in Dubai. Numerous companies offer hourly and daily rates starting at about 180$US per hour for just about any dream car you could imagine. Dubai's roads are pretty straight and while drivers are not always conscientious or considerate, and traffic can be a nightmare, it is possible to drive your dream car in Dubai.
Don't feel like driving? Most companies also offer a driver with your dream car for just slightly more dirham per hour.
Of course, for those of you looking for the really pricey splurges, Dubai is a city with almost no limit on what can be bought or rented. You can rent a royal mansion in the desert, stay at the worlds only 7-star hotel, or throw a party on a private yacht. The only limit is your imagination, and your pocketbook.
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