Dubai among top 10 must-visit cities in 2020

Dubai, travel, Expo 2020, Burj Khalifa, Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, visit Dubai, Dubai tourism, UAE tourism

Dubai - Lonely Planet lists key upcoming attractions as well as iconic landmarks no tourist should miss.

By Staff Report

Published: Thu 24 Oct 2019, 12:15 PM

Last updated: Thu 24 Oct 2019, 9:28 PM

As a city of unparalleled experiences, Dubai has been named one of the world's best cities for travellers to visit in 2020 by Lonely Planet.

The 'Best in Travel 2020' list features the emirate amongst the top 10 'must-visit' cities for global visitors in the coming year. The unique combination of iconic attractions and entertainment destinations, outdoor and cultural offerings, and the "boundary-pushing marquee projects" continue to cement Dubai's position as a preferred holiday destination of choice.

Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM) commented: "Being recognised as a 'must visit' travel destination by Lonely Planet is testament to the dynamic evolution of Dubai's tourism proposition, and with the support of one of the world's leading travel publishers, increases consideration and appeal for the emirate in the lead-up to a momentous year. In line with our goal to becoming the most visited city as envisioned by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, we will continue to build greater relevance for the emirate amongst global travellers through innovative, impactful and strategic initiatives in 2020 and beyond."

Tom Hall, Lonely Planet's VP of Experience, said: "Dubai is famed for its drive to seek out new world records, which will enthral visitors. The food is wonderful, and the shopping is world-class. Plus, in the run up to Expo 2020, Dubai has been expanding its portfolio of attractions, which now include the giant Ain Dubai ferris wheel, the Al Shindagha Museum and the Jameel Arts Centre."

With 2020 marked as an unmissable time to visit the city, Lonely Planet's expert community have outlined key upcoming attractions, as well as iconic landmarks that further build on the destination appeal. These include the Dubai Expo 2020 site; the Museum of the Future, a unique incubator that will explore the future of science, technology and innovation - a concept embodied by the stainless steel torus structure adorned with Arabic calligraphy; and Ain Dubai, which stands over 250m tall on Bluewaters Island and promises breath-taking views of the city's beautiful coastline and famous landmarks.

The city's historical treasures, museums and heritage areas have also been featured as key highlights in the list, including Al Seef, Al Shindagha Museum, Dubai Museum, the charming Souks of old Dubai, the Jumeirah Mosque, the recently-opened Jameel Arts Centre, as well as the hidden gastronomic gems of Old Dubai with Frying Pan Adventures.

Other popular attractions and entertainment destinations included the Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall, Burj Al Arab, and the Madinat Jumeirah, as well as Dubai's bustling beachfront promenades like La Mer and Kite Beach.

The breadth of Dubai's ever-expanding destination proposition also encompasses the city's ecotourism destinations, including the mountain enclave of Hatta that showcase the emirate's natural beauty. The emirate also invites visitors for a unique desert exploration at Al Marmoom, the largest tourism project of its kind in the region that focuses on the desert environment and the first unfenced desert conservation reserve in the UAE, rich with hundreds of species of wildlife. The city is also continuing its focus on leisure and entertainment with attractions such as Dubai Parks and Resorts and IMG Worlds of Adventure, which are fast becoming top preferences for families.