DUBAI – The City of Gold

Dubai has emerged as a cosmopolitan metropolis that has grown well and has become a global melting pot as well as a business and cultural hub. Although it strictly safeguards its traditional Islamic roots, it allows space for other religions, a rare quality in the conservative Arab world.

Dubai is home to nearly 200 nationalities and offers an extremely memorable experience to all the tourists and visitors. From unparalleled coastlines to spectacular cityscapes, from Burj Khalifa to majestic desert, it offers a larger-than-life experience.
DUBAI – The City of Gold

Back in time, Dubai was nothing but a small fishing village but it has now been transformed into a modern metropolis. Dubai is one of the Emirates of The UAE. It is one of the world’s leading tourism destinations and commercial hubs. It is home to nearly 200 nationalities and offers an extremely memorable experience to all the tourists and visitors. From unparalleled coastlines to spectacular cityscapes, from Burj Khalifa to majestic desert, it offers a larger than life experience.

Did You Know?

The best time to visit Dubai is from November to March. Weather-wise, Dubai only experiences two seasons: hot and hotter. During the winter months, the city sees blue skies and primo beach weather.

Airports and Accommodations 

There are two major international airports in Dubai. One is Dubai World Central or the Al Maktoum International and the other one is Dubai International Airport. According to International Passenger traffic, Dubai International airport is the busiest international airport in the world. 

Ramada hotels in Dubai offer a great stay experience. It would be one of my personal favourites due to the extravagant experience that it has to offer along with it being very close to exploratory destinations. If at Dubai Marina, you wouldn’t want to miss dinner at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, a 5-star resort with rich delicacies of Dubai. 

Some other accommodations with equally great experience include Burj Al Arab, Atlantis The Palm, Address Dubai Marina, The Palace at One and Only Royal Mirage Dubai etc. When in Dubai, you will not be short of extremely luxurious accommodations!

Dubai – City tour 

The Mall of the Emirates is a must-see on any trip to Dubai. It is home to a ski slope, cinema complex and 560 shops and boutiques that will keep you entertained for a good amount of time, and a little shopping never harms!

When in Dubai, spend time seeing the world’s largest choreographed fountain and the illuminated swaying jets throwing around 22,000 gallons of water over 150 meters high at The Dubai Fountain. 

The fast and furious amusement park in Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World in Dubai is the first Ferrari branded theme park ever and is a must-visit during your Dubai trip. A hot air balloon ride over the Dubai desert, A visit to the IMG Worlds of Adventure, the world’s largest indoor theme park, a visit to The Miracle Garden that offers extremely interesting things to do, like 3D mapping activities, live music & dance events, spending time at the trampoline park, are the activities that should be in your trip to Dubai bucket list!

Visiting Dubai Garden Glow is like stepping into the world of fantasy and magic! It combines art with thematic installations to create a unique experience for the visitors and is amongst the best things to do in Dubai especially with kids. Taking a helicopter ride, Marvel at the Dubai skyline from an aerial view and visit various iconic destinations like the Burj Khalifa and The Palm Jumeirah.

Known amongst one of the tallest buildings in the world, Dubai Frame is quite literally a picture frame that has been visited by millions of people since its opening in January’ 2018. Situated at a height of 150 metres, it offers beautiful views of the magnificent old and new Dubai, the glimmering water of the Gulf.

Burj Al Arab is what Dubai is known for now. Amongst one of the top five super-luxury hotels in the world, the Burj alone allures hordes of people to Dubai. This 321 metres tall icon is built on its island and is the exclusive property, offering the best of experience to its guests like Rolls Royce & helicopters for their transfers, Michelin star restaurants, gold studded rooms, etc.

Counted amongst the top things to do in Dubai, people travel from all over the world to indulge in water sports at one of the most famous beaches in the world- Jumeirah Beach. There are plenty of exhilarating options that you can choose from like Flyfish, Donut boat ride, Banana boat ride, etc.

Besides the glamour of the city, Dubai also has a quieter old world charm about it. The best way to experience this is through the Dibba Musandam Tour. You will cruise along the beautiful Dibba Bay and the quaint Fjords of Musandam, Zeke village, White caves, and explore ancient Portuguese settlements.

Desert Safari

Desert Safari

You can enjoy a morning/evening desert safari which offers an adventurous tour. The desert safari provides about 20 minutes of exciting dune bashing along with an electrifying camp journey where you can enjoy quad biking, camel ride and sand skiing. Morning safari can vary according to your package tour,  and so can the evening one. Get a chance to experience the sunset in the ocean of the desert, enjoy camel ride and sandboarding, try out a beautiful henna design on hands and feet, indulge yourself in a mood of celebration with delicious barbecue and shisha, watch belly dancers and other artists performing on Arabic tunes.

If you’re visiting Dubai it’s one of the must-have experiences. Don’t forget to take sleeping bags and blankets for a night stay!

Burj Khalifa – Level 124, 125 

Burj Khalifa is located in the Downtown Dubai complex situated along the Sheikh Zayed Road, across from Al Wasl locality on the Northwest. The complex has Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, Dubai Mall, Burj Park Island, and The Address Downtown Dubai hotel at the centre. Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, stands at a whopping 829.8 m (tip to tip). There are 163 floors in the tall skyscraper.

Level 124

Be thrilled by the world’s fastest double-deck elevators, cruising at 10m/s. Take a closer look at the world below through avant-garde, high powered, telescopes. Step out onto the public outdoor observation terrace overlooking the ever-growing skyline.

Level 125

At 456 meters, Level 125 offers a spacious deck tastefully decorated in Arabic mashrabiya for stunning 360-degree views. Enjoy a new immersive experience; step on an inspired glass floor with a twist. Feel the glass crack underneath your feet, as you explore the lofty heights from 456 meters in the air.

Dubai Marina 

One of Dubai’s most exclusive neighbourhoods, Dubai Marina is set on a two-mile stretch of pristine sand facing the Arabian Gulf. As gleaming yachts bob gently and towering skyscrapers glitter in the desert sun, locals and visitors shop in glamorous boutiques and dine al fresco by elegant fountains. 

Dubai Marina’s two major beaches are The Beach and The Beach at Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR). Both are family-friendly, with activities for children ranging from inflatable waterparks to miniature trains and even camel rides, yet offer plenty for adults, too. Relax in a cabana between dips in the sea; top up your tan during a game of beach volleyball; take to the waves on a jet ski or wakeboard, or browse the waterside markets. When it’s time for refreshments, be seated at any number of chic restaurants and bars offering tempting fare with Emirati flair. 

Lining the main waterway are broad boulevards ideal for a scenic walk or invigorating jog. You can go shopping at Dubai Marina Mall, take a sunset cruise, go dancing at zero gravity and hit outdoor activities there.

Dubai Creek 

Dubai creek is the Emirates first major port. It is one of the natural waterfront areas which extended in 1955 to enhance transport and trade operations. Now it can accommodate the largest vessels from Arabian Gulf for trade. 

Though it is essentially a saltwater inlet, it has become a hub of commercial and residential activity in the city over the years. Still one of the leading tourist destinations in the city, the experiences that it offers will certainly entertain history buffs and those with a love for all things retro. 

There is a range of options to go from sports to nightlife in this area. You can engage in many different Creek Park Dubai activities as it is perfect for a wonderful family day out. If you are into sports, there is the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club that hosts tournaments for enthusiasts.

The dinner on a floating platform at Bateaux Dubai is another popular activity. Besides this, there are museums, old-style souks and many other landmarks to explore. You can also opt for Dubai Creek boat rides for sightseeing traditional architecture across the waters. Another attraction in the pipeline will be Dubai Creek Tower that will be completed by 2020. This Dubai Creek Harbour Tower will be a new attraction for Dubai Creek tourists.

Dubai Creek becomes a hub of nightlife options as the sun goes down. Thanks to the new Al Seef development on the banks of the creek, there are plenty of trendy restaurants and bars to hit near Dubai Creek. For party-goers, there is a selection of lively bars and entertainment venues in the region. 

Abra rides, JA Bateaux Dubai, Dubai Frame, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Children’s city, fireworks and entertainment, Hindi Lane, Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, The Dubai Museum, The Old Souks, are some great places to explore and go for shopping in the Dubai Creek.

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The Palm Jumeirah

This stunning architectural wonder is home to some of the top luxury resorts, world-class fine dining restaurants, entertainment hubs, and some exciting attractions. You might be wondering as to which places you should visit during your time here, the guide here should help you with some of the top places to visit in Palm Jumeriah.

There are so many things to do and places to visit at Palm Jumeriah, that you won’t be disappointed. From unwinding at the beach clubs to relishing delicacies to splashing at the waterparks, the place does have it all. 

AI Ittihad Park is one of the most popular attractions in Palm Jumeirah. If you’re looking to learn more about the diverse plan of life or merely enjoy the beautiful greenery around, then this would be the perfect place for you to visit. While you’re visiting the Palm, be sure to spend a relaxing evening here.

You might’ve heard about the famous lost city of Atlantis while reading books or watching documentaries on this ancient city. Atlantis is a fictional island that is now lost somewhere deep in the sea. Inside the Lost Chambers Aquarium, you will find chambers and lagoons, all themed around the ancient mythical city of Atlantis.

Nasimi beach has been popular among tourists since its opening. If you’re looking to just relax and enjoy nature or have a fun time at the beach club, the Nasimi beach is the perfect place for you. If you’re looking to do something adventurous that gives you the adrenaline rush, then you must try out skydiving when you’re at The Palm Jumeirah. 

When you’re in Palm Jumeirah, you should visit The Penthouse. The Penthouse is a rooftop adult-only bar located on the 16th floor of the ultra-luxury Five Palm Jumeirah hotel. It doesn’t matter if you drink or not, this is a place that appeals to every visitor. From partying till dawn with amazing backdrops, or enjoying the breathtaking views of the Dubai skyline, or relishing the world-class cuisines, you can do all of this at the Penthouse.

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Dubai Delicacies 

In Dubai, camel is a common and popular dish.

Many Emirati dishes include camel as one of their main ingredients. You can try stuffed camel, which is a famous dish in the area. When walking around Dubai, consider trying the local street food. Street food is an inexpensive and tasty option, and many people who live in the area eat street food every day. There are many delicious Pakistani, Indian and Chinese restaurants in the city worth exploring. If you want to have an authentic Emirati dish, you should try some Shawarma. The meal is a type of spicy meat served in a wrap and is considered fast food in Dubai. 

Harees, Majboos, Luqaymat, Madrouba, Thareed, meat biryani and chicken saloona and are some of the must-try dishes in Dubai.

Best time to visit Dubai 

The best time to visit Dubai is from November to March. Weather-wise, Dubai only experiences two seasons: hot and hotter. During the winter months, the city sees blue skies and primo beach weather. However, this is also peak tourist season, so expect plenty of company on Jumeirah Beach. You can escape the crowds if you visit during the summer months but be prepared for triple-digit temps and high humidity levels.

Trip Summary 

Dubai is an amazing place to visit or to settle down given the perks that it has to offer for both the tourists and migrants. Be it a family vacation, couples stay or a solo trip, this Emirate facilitates one and all. With unlimited access to fun and entertainment, monumental wonders, adventures etc. From the malls to the airports, the deserts to helicopter rides, everything is modern yet the authenticity is successfully maintained. 

Although it strictly safeguards its traditional Islamic roots, it allows space for other religions, a rare quality in the conservative Arab world. It has been successful in shielding itself from extremism, making it one of the safest places to visit in the Middle East. Dubai has emerged as a cosmopolitan metropolis that has grown well and has become a global melting pot as well as a business and cultural hub.

VARTIKSETHI