Everyone knows about the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah. These Dubai projects made a sensation and became one of the most recognizable objects of world architecture. But these are not the only places that can surprise you in Dubai. The emirate conceals a lot of unusual attractions that not all tourists know about.
Miracle Garden
The world’s largest flower garden, located in the middle of the Arabian desert, opens annually from November to May and amazes with more than 150 million live flowers. It features a full-size A380 Emirates airplane completely covered in live plants, fairy-tale castles made of flowers, arches and tunnels of petunias, and dozens of other installations. On an area of 72,000 square meters, designers create new compositions every year, supported by sophisticated irrigation systems. Miracle Garden is a vivid example of how Dubai is turning the impossible into reality by growing a lush garden in one of the driest regions of the planet.
Al Fahidi
Tourists often build their route in Dubai around new areas: modern real estate abroad https://myestateinvest.com/en/, huge shopping malls and entertainment attract thousands of vacationers. But to visit some “pearls” of the city you need to deviate from the usual route. In the shadow of skyscrapers, an authentic neighborhood with traditional Arab architecture, built in the late XIX century, has been preserved. Narrow winding streets, sand-colored buildings with wind towers and cozy courtyards create a striking contrast to the ultra-modern look of the rest of the city. It is home to the Dubai Museum, many galleries, cafes and souvenir shops where you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the old city. A walk along Al Fahidi allows you to travel back in time and see what Dubai was like before the oil boom.
Museum of the Future
Opened in 2022, this unique architectural object in the shape of an oval ring with a void in the middle is covered in Arabic calligraphy and is considered “the most beautiful building on Earth”. Unlike conventional museums that preserve artifacts of the past, it showcases innovations and concepts of the future through immersive exhibits using virtual and augmented reality. Visitors can explore space stations, interact with robots and ‘transport themselves’ to the year 2071, when the UAE will celebrate its centenary. The museum combines architectural innovation, technological advances and philosophical depth, prompting reflection on the path of humanity.
Lake of Love
Two man-made lakes connected by a canal together form a heart shape, best seen from a bird’s eye view. According to legend, the lakes were created by a couple of construction workers in love who were forbidden to meet by their families, and now it is a popular place for romantic dates and marriage proposals. Along the shores of the lake there are cozy cafes, walking paths and picnic areas, and in the evening the numerous lights create a magical atmosphere. In the center of the lake are two heart-shaped monuments with a glowing arch stretched between them, making it one of the most Instagrammable places in Dubai.
Al Fahidi Coffee Museum
Located in the historic district, this small but atmospheric museum is dedicated to the ancient traditions of coffee preparation and consumption in the Arab world. In the authentic setting of an old house, visitors can see a collection of antique coffee mills, roasting machines and traditional Arabic dallas – long-spouted coffee pots. There are master classes on coffee preparation according to Bedouin recipes and the importance of coffee ceremonies in the culture of the region. A visit to the museum ends with a tasting of traditional Arabian coffee with cardamom and dates, which allows you not only to learn about the history of the drink, but also to experience its cultural significance.
