Sun, Sand and the Arabian Nights
Dubai, one of the most spectacular and amazing cities in the world, was merely a vast desert over centuries ago. The city was a small trading port on the banks of Dubai creek, but has now developed outstandingly, offering the world class infrastructure facilities and entertainment activities for travellers.
Dubai has some of the most daring infrastructure projects, such as The Palms, Jumeirah and Burj-Al-Arab, which has defied conventional imagination and looks straight from a Hollywood science fiction movie. In fact, in near future it is also expected that Dubai residents will live on water houses, enjoying the water front! Amazing it is to even imagine, isn’t it?
Today, Dubai stands as one of the most hospitable destinations in the warm shores of Persian Gulf and attracts thousands of tourists every year from all across the world. This is the city with tallest skyscrapers and the most luxurious beaches.
I have been to Dubai at least twice already now and yet there is so much to explore. I would describe Dubai in two words as simply awesome!
Please enjoy reading below on Dubai’s major attractions, sightseeing activities and top things to do which I explored during my visit:
Dubai’s Top Attractions:
Burj Khalifa:
Burk Khalifa is one of the tallest tower in the world and almost twice the size of Empire State building in New York City.
The observatory deck on top of the tower offers a picturesque view of Dubai city and tourists consider visiting this point as one of their major touristy activities.
Burj Khalifa tower could be viewed from most of the places in Dubai and it particularly looks attractive during night time, when all lit up.
The Dubai Mall:
From Armani to Gucci and from a Prada to Pucci, this mall is super gorgeous and has all luxury brands to offer! With over a thousand brands under one roof, this mall is one stop destination for all your upscale fashion needs. You will find here people from different countries carrying shopping bags of all different sizes.
You can also visit the largest aquarium of Dubai, which is located inside the mall and witness varieties of sharks swimming right beside you!
And later, spend your evening enjoying the world’s largest choreographed Magical Fountain at the Dubai Mall. It will be one great experience and a beautiful sight to capture pictures with Burj Khalifa tower in the back drop!
The Palm Jumeirah:
The tree-shaped Palm Jumeirah is a series of man-made islands and one of the most spectacular piece of architecture in United Arab Emirates.
Palm Jumeirah is well known for its beach clubs (with infinity pools and spas), posh apartments, upscale restaurants, shopping malls and the most luxurious properties, like Madinat Jumeirah and Atlantis, The Palm.
You can take the monorail to Atlantis or to the crescent of the palm and the ticket will let you have a return journey as well. And if you drive, go down the trunk of the palm where you will see the shoreline and best luxury hotels (some lots of lovely new ones like St. Regis).
Burj-Al-Arab:
Burj-Al-Arab is the world’s luxurious seven-star hotel. This is one of most incredible buildings standing tall off the cost of Dubai and an average stay in this luxury hotel would cost you anything between 7,000 to 30,000 USD, for a night!
A lot of celebrities from across the world prefers to stay here (you might be lucky to spot a few in coffee shop) and there is a fancy helipad standing facility, on top of the hotel, for choppers to arrive and depart. Splurge, if you may and I promise, it’s totally worth it!
Abra Dock (Old Dubai):
This is where it all started for Dubai city.
Dubai, over centuries ago, was a small trading port on the banks of Dubai creek and visiting Old Dubai will give you a historic glimpse of its trade business.Abra is a traditional boat made of wood and are used to carry people across Dubai Creek.
This is still used by many locals as a mode of transportation and a must try! You can visit the Abra Dock and take a cheap ride to the other side of Creek and back.
Gold Souk:
Dubai, the city of Gold, is famous for its Gold Souks. And Deira Dubai is most famous for its traditional souks since jewellery of all kinds, is available here, in all ranges and designs from conventional to modern.
You will be mesmerized with glittery gold collection and even consider Dubai as your wedding shopping destination (wink)!
Gold Souk:
Dubai, the city of Gold, is famous for its Gold Souks. And Deira Dubai is most famous for its traditional souks since jewellery of all kinds, is available here, in all ranges and designs from conventional to modern.
You will be mesmerized with glittery gold collection and even consider Dubai as your wedding shopping destination (wink)!
Desert Safari:
Book a Desert Safari ride for adrenaline rush! It’s fun, crazy and exciting!
Plus, tour packages give perks to enjoy a tour of dunes bashing, camel ride, bike ride, and fun evening activities including belly dances and BBQ food!
Some good tour companies to book desert safari packages are: Evening Desert Safari, Red Dunes Desert Safari, Arabian Nights Tours and Desert Safari Dubai Tours.
PS, you can also get special deals and offers from these tour companies, starting anything from 60-99 AED per person. It’s pretty awesome!
Dubai Beaches:
Enjoy a beautiful sunrise and sunset (or even a sun tan) on pristine beaches in Dubai. I would highly recommend on visiting Jumeirah white-sand beach and Nikki beach resort. These are my favourite tourist spots in Dubai!
You can explore the famous JBR walk at Jumeirah beach; this is a popular for outdoor shopping and fine dining. And Nikki Beach Resort & Spa is located on the Pearl Jumeirah, so tourists can enjoy a beautiful waterfront view and capture good pictures.
Dubai’s Night Life:
With so many music festivals, night clubs, lounges and Sheesha places, Dubai’s night life is spectacular and crazy!
Do visit 360 Degree, which is at the end of the Jumeirah Beach hotel walkway and it is superbly amazing for nice ambiance and drinks!
Baristi Beach Bar Dubai is another good place which I would recommend for food and drinks. This is also very popular with expats.
Hard Rock Cafe Dubai is another great place to chill out!
Best Time to visit: From December until April are usually the best months to visit Dubai however could be a bit expensive due to high rental rates
Visa on Arrival: You can get a visa on arrival for up to 30 days stay in Dubai
Where to stay: You can either go for Air BnB or budget hotel deals on bookings.com and can find decent accommodation starting at 30-40 USD per night
How to travel: Using Dubai metro is best mode of travel for shopping owing to its excellent connectivity with best shopping malls. A one day pass can cost up to 15 AED
Try not to visit Dubai during Ramadan days (which begins in late June and lasts usually for 30 days) since most of the eateries and cafes would be shut during this time.
Here’s just hoping this blog will be useful to plan your Dubai holidays.
Much thanks for reading! And Stay tuned for more exciting travel blogs! Happy Traveling!
Cheers,
Neha Rai
