What holidays are celebrated in Dubai?

Dubai is a true foodie paradise, where culinary traditions from around the world converge in one place. One of the most memorable places for me was "Al Mahara" restaurant in the Burj Al Arab hotel. Getting there is an adventure in itself: you walk through an "underwater" tunnel, surrounded by a huge aquarium with exotic fish. I was captivated not only by the exquisite seafood cuisine but also by the fairytale atmosphere straight out of "One Thousand and One Nights." If you are looking for something more authentic, "Al Fanar" offers traditional Emirati cuisine in an old Dubai atmosphere. I tried there "hari", a tender dish of wheat and meat cooked over a slow fire, and it was a revelation for my taste buds. For lovers of panoramic views, you should visit "At.mosphere" on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa, where dinner is accompanied by a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the city.

Dubai is a city of contrasts, and each of its districts has a special character. Dubai Marina is a modern oasis with skyscrapers, yachts and a promenade ideal for evening walks. Here I felt like I was in the center of a cosmopolitan world where cultures and languages meet. Deira is the opposite of Marina, an old shopping district with narrow streets and markets. Wandering through the gold market, I was amazed at the brilliance and abundance of jewelry, and at the spice market, the aromas of cinnamon, saffron and cardamom turned my head. Al Fahidi is a historic district with traditional architecture, where you can feel the spirit of old Dubai. Walking through its quiet streets, I found art galleries, museums and cozy courtyards with fountains.

Education in Dubai blends tradition with modern approaches. Public schools are free for UAE citizens and teach a national curriculum in Arabic, with a focus on Islamic values. However, most expats send their children to international schools, where instruction is in English according to British, American, or IB programs. I visited the Dubai International Academy and was impressed by its multinational environment: students from over 70 countries learn together, sharing their cultural experiences. Higher education is represented by branches of renowned universities, such as New York University Abu Dhabi and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, as well as local universities. The city actively invests in education, striving to become a center of knowledge and innovation in the region.

Speed limits for yachts in Dubai vary depending on the area: - Marinas and ports: Speed limit up to 5-7 knots. - Near beaches and bathing areas: Speed limit up to 5 knots. - Open waters: Usually the speed is not limited, but it is recommended to take reasonable precautions and take into account weather conditions.

A license is needed if you control your own boat or other water mode of transport.

When renting a yacht in Dubai, you need a passport or ID.

Currency can be exchanged at banks, exchange offices and hotels. Exchange offices often offer more favorable rates and are located in shopping malls and tourist areas.

Ski Dubai is a real winter resort in the heart of the desert, located inside the Mall of the Emirates. Imagine this: the scorching sun and 40°C outside, and you're standing at the top of a snowy slope, ready to ski or snowboard down. I couldn't miss the opportunity to experience this marvel of engineering. The complex maintains a constant temperature of around -4°C. I rented all the necessary equipment and went to explore five different slopes, including the longest one at 400 meters. It was a special treat to interact with real penguins in a specially equipped area. After skiing, I warmed up with hot chocolate in an alpine cafe, watching other skiers through panoramic windows.

A culinary journey through Dubai is a mix of flavors from the Middle East, Asia and even Africa. Be sure to try shish tauk — tender pieces of chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, strung on a skewer and fried on coals. Machbus is a fragrant rice dish with lamb or fish, seasoned with lemon, saffron and cardamom. For those with a sweet tooth, there is lukumat — small fried donuts, sprinkled with date syrup and sprinkled with sesame seeds. And you can wash it all down with freshly squeezed pomegranate juice or mint tea.

Burj Khalifa can be reached by metro, taxi or bus. The nearest metro station is Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall on the Red Line. From the station, you can walk to the skyscraper or take a free shuttle to the Dubai Mall, which is located nearby.