DUBAI clinched its newest Guinness World Records title, 555 metres above sea level in Burj Khalifa, even as developer Emaar Properties unveiled additional viewing decks with ‘At the Top, Burj Khalifa SKY.’ Now officially the highest observation deck in the world, this vantage point offers unparalleled views of the city, a premium lounge with five-star hospitality services and, of course, a retail facility.
Apart from ‘At the Top, Burj Khalifa’ on Level 124 that will continue to operate, the tower now offers an additional ‘At the Top, Burj Khalifa SKY’ journey at the observation floors on Level 148 and Level 125. The new honour adds to Burj Khalifa’s three existing Guinness World Records titles for the tallest building, the tallest man-made structure on land ever and the highest restaurant from ground level for At.mosphere. ALL THAT GLITTERSA popular hub for gold trading, Dubai now lays its eyes on SWAROVSKI, Austrian producer of crystals, for the city’s first crystal-inspired towers. Sparkle Towers, branded ‘Space Marveled by SWAROVSKI’, will have crystal enhancements in the interiors. The residential Sparkle Towers at Dubai Marina is expected to be completed in December 2016.Developer Tebyan’s chairman, Sheikh Adel Al Hussaini, says, “In a city that frowns upon the ordinary and demands the extraordinary, we have created an extraordinary residential haven.” THE STUFF OF DREAMSDubai Parks and Resorts LLC, a Meraas Holding company, has announced plans to develop a DreamWorks Animation-themed zone within motiongate™ Dubai, which is a Hollywood-inspired theme park.motiongate™ Dubai will encompass a total of four million square feet and is anticipated to attract three million visitors a year. It will host four zones with a total of 27 attractions, as well as a vibrant retail, dining and entertainment options across all areas. Phase 1 of Dubai Parks and Resorts will comprise three theme parks: motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai, and LEGOLAND Dubai. The development, scheduled for completion in 2016, will also feature Riverpark – a grand entrance plaza and Lapita, a family themed hotel. HOP-ON, HOP-OFFCurrently, Dubai offers a new hop-on, hop-off service, as travel services provider dnata and its partner, City Sightseeing Worldwide, start operations.City Sightseeing’s two routes will cover Dubai’s present and past. The Blue Route offers 12 stops, including The Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, Jumeirah Mosque, and Jumeirah Beach Park, the Umm Suqeim Public Beach, and Madinat Jumeirah, taking guests onto the iconic Palm Jumeirah and ending at the Mall of the Emirates. Its Red Route has 16 stops, including the Gold and Spice Souqs, The Dubai Mall, dhow cruise, Bastakiya, the Dubai Museum and the Old Souq.Tickets are available from Dh100 ($27.5) for 24 or 48 hours, and for single travellers or family packages.