You should make it a point to take a holiday to Dubai. The pearl of the Middle East is truly worth visiting and you have to consider a couple of days’ trip there.
Most people think that Dubai, one of the main destinations of the UAE (United Arab Emirates) is the last place on earth they need to travel to. Yet, something is captivating about this metropolis that would unavoidably attract you to it – you will want to travel there at some point.
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Stunning, glittery skyscrapers, ultra-modern structures and gorgeous beaches and sand dunes; excellent dining; marvellous all-inclusive accommodation choices, shopping at Dubai Mall and excitement filled encounters all make Dubai Holidays worthwhile.
Contemporary cities like Bangkok, Saigon in Vietnam, and even Delhi in India, all appear to have a distinctive ambience and wild energy that keeps you wanting to explore more. These are all the types of things that you end up experiencing on your Dubai Holidays. This is a metropolis that deserves to be uncovered, with many cool tourist places and much more.
Firstly, I will show you all the reasons why you should visit Dubai and share some tips on things to do and must-see attractions in Dubai, and how to organize your trip there.
Top Reasons to Visit Dubai
It is the main airport hub
Plenty of flights from Europe to South-East Asia stopover in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (I stopped in Doha on my way to Indonesia), which means that it is quite simple to travel to Dubai. Airports in the district are simply remarkable. This certainly is the case with Dubai, which is one of the world’s busiest airports. Many people who visit Dubai end up there on a stopover, step out to see the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa and enjoy it, concluding that Dubai is worth visiting.
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It is swiftly changing
No other place on earth knows expansion to a similar level Dubai and other places in the UAE are encountering it. This truly is a start-up metropolis. At any instant, a new skyscraper is being constructed and the skyline is always taking a new form. The best part of it is that as the government is usually involved in the building of these marvels if you decide to visit Dubai you could get in for free (hats off for a city that is popular for being so luxurious!).
Think about going on a stroll (or a drive) down Sheikh Zayed Road, the chief street cutting across Downtown Dubai, to admire the numerous high-rise contemporary structures. Sheikh Zayed Road is where you would also come across the Dubai World Trade Tower, whose observation deck is a low-priced substitute to Burj Khalifa. Another attraction there is the Gold and Diamond Park – practically a mall for jewellery.
You can experience extraordinary views of the city
A city with various skyscrapers is bound to please you with spectacular views – one more reason to visit Dubai. The latest addition to the already remarkable skyline of the metropolis is Dubai Frame, a magnificent frame situated in Zabeel Park which was initially opened during 2018. Dubai Frame is 150 meters tall, and from there you would be able to revel in a 360-degrees view, stretching from the Arabian Gulf to the sandbanks of the Arabian desert, all the way to Dubai Marina.
You will also discover a 93 meters long glass bridge with a 25 square meters’ glass sheet that joins the two towers. If you want to visit this marvellous attraction, you might want to join a guided tour.
It’s extremely diverse
If you ever decide to visit Dubai, you can be sure that you will find it an extremely diverse destination. This is a place where people from all around the world fly in and out of, frequently. And more than that, they do work there as it is a vast business hub. Of all the UAE, Dubai is an enormous melting pot, with cultures socializing to give it a distinct international essence.
The food is delicious
Speaking of tastes, did you know that food in Dubai is delicious? Whatever type of food you might want is obtainable in Dubai – Lebanese, Indian, French… you name it! This to me is sufficient to say that Dubai is worth visiting.
There’s plenty of street food to be found in Al Dhiyafah Road, which means that it is not nearly as costly as you might think – though if you want to indulge in a luxurious five-star restaurant, you certainly won’t have trouble locating one to match your appetite. Just one more reason to visit Dubai. If you visit Dubai, you could also relish food tours and they aren’t that costly at all.
It’s home to the greatest shopping
Even though you are a shopaholic or not, if you visit Dubai you can revel in limitless shopping opportunities – similar to the rest of the Middle East, this is a spectacular destination for that!
Dubai Mall is one of the top places to visit in Dubai. It works as entry to the Dubai Aquarium and Burj Khalifa: there is an ice-skating rink, and it is a brilliant place for eating as it is filled with restaurants, and it also holds the month-long Dubai Shopping Festival every year in January and February.
But there’s more to it: next to the luxury labels of Dubai Mall, Dubai has lots of bazaars where it is possible to purchase at more than reasonable charges.
Ski Dubai would impress you
You certainly wouldn’t think that if you visit Dubai you could go skiing, right? Well, it is possible (anything is possible in Dubai). One of the coolest (literally!) places to visit in Dubai is Ski Dubai, a ski resort with slopes long enough to either ski or snowboard. They even hire all gear. I know it makes zero sense, but if you are a tourist on a short escape from the heat in town, why not?
Bastakia (Old Dubai) will take you back in time
Bastakia Quarter (which also goes by the title of Al-Fahidi and you will occasionally see spelt as Bastakiya) is one of the places to visit in Dubai. Recognized as Old Dubai, it is in the eastern section of Bur Dubai, and it was constructed during the late 19th century. The region was meant to be the residence of rich Persian traders (truly the buildings follow the usual architectural style of Iranian seaside houses) who relished the tax-free trading. It is situated nearby the creek.
Structures in the region are stunningly conserved. Wind-towers had been connected to homes and offered some type of cooling system, catching the wind and directing it down into the homes.
If you visit Dubai you should not miss the Majlis Gallery, also situated in Bastakia, which has a brilliant selection of customary Arab ceramics and furniture (which are all preserved in a wind-tower); and the XVA Gallery, which on the other hand has a modern art selection. Make certain to also visit the Al Serkal Cultural Foundation, a pleasant place in an ancient building in Bur Dubai where you will discover more art shows.
You could dive at the Dubai aquarium
Dubai has its very own aquarium. This is an underwater zoo with walk-through tunnels that are perfect to admire the numerous kinds of aquatic life, and also take a glass-bottom boat tour. You could also dive in the Dubai Aquarium. How cool is this way of touring this underwater zoo?
And go for a stroll around the Dubai Miracle Garden
An additional must-visit in Dubai is the Dubai Miracle Garden, situated in Dubailand. This is the world’s biggest flower garden, measuring an enormous 2000 square meters and with lots of flower sculptures. It’s a remarkable eruption of colours, ideal for a late afternoon walk.
You can get your thrill fix at Aquaventure waterpark
Aquaventure Waterpark is one of the best tourist places to visit in Dubai, a topnotch waterpark where you could get your adrenaline going. It’s situated on Palm Jumeirah island. There’s also a charming private beach there. The Dubai Pass makes it more useful than you think.
The Dubai Pass is a brilliant way to save some money when you visit Dubai and get a ticket for plenty of tourist places. These are some of the best passes: Dubai unlimited pass, 3 attractions 7-day pass, Supersaver pass and Explorer pass.
Top Things to Do and Must-See Attractions
Dubai is a metropolis that needs to be seen to be believed. Unprecedented architecture stands beside old-fashioned housings, while manmade islands protrude out of the remarkable shoreline. Here are the top places to tick off your sightseeing list when you’re in town.
Burj Khalifa
Iconic Dubai – DISCOVER AN EXCEPTIONAL VIEW FROM THE TOP
Standing 828 metres tall, the Burj Khalifa is difficult to miss. The world’s highest tower governs the Dubai skyline, but the real splendour of the building is best valued up close or, even better, from inside. On a perfect day, the view from the viewing deck on level 124 is magnificent, beaten only by the view from the lavish At The Top Sky Lounge on the 148th floor. And for those who would love to stick around a bit, relish a meal at At.mosphere on level 122 or head over to The Lounge, Burj Khalifa that covers levels 152, 153 and 154, making it the highest lounge in the world.
The Dubai Mall
A shopper’s heaven – REEVALUATING THE MEANING OF SHOPPING
Right near the Burj Khalifa is The Dubai Mall. To call the extensive development just a shopping mall is doing it an injustice. Even a whole day spent here isn’t adequate to see it all. Together with its 1,200-plus shops and 150 restaurants, the place is home to an indoor theme park, an ice rink, an enormous indoor waterfall, a choreographed outdoor fountain and the huge Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.
The Dubai Fountain
Breathtaking show – SEE A WATER DANCE IN THE MIDDLE OF DOWNTOWN
The Dubai Fountain, situated at the bottom of the emblematic Burj Khalifa and just outside the doors of the popular The Dubai Mall, consists of the world’s biggest choreographed fountain system. This common dancing water display jets water streams as tall as 150 metres in the air. Each vibrant, well-lit jet sways in time to numerous musical numbers from all over the world, creating what has turned into one of the most famous shows in Dubai. Two presentations happen in the afternoon (1 pm and 1:30 pm), other than on Fridays (1:30 pm to 2 pm) and evening shows start at sundown and happen every 30 minutes until the last song plays at 11 pm.
Palm Jumeirah
Island appeal – TOUR ONE OF DUBAI’S STRUCTURAL ACHIEVEMENTS
A manmade island in the form of a palm tree – there’s a reason why residents say ‘only in Dubai.’ Palm Jumeirah is one of the biggest artificial islands in the world and achievement of human imagination. Natives and tourists similarly relish the Palm’s huge selection of luxurious hotels, which include the Waldorf Astoria, Fairmont, One&Only, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray and, possibly most particularly, the iconic Atlantis, The Palm. And with a rail line running down the ‘trunk’ that links to the mainland’s tram system, travelling there couldn’t be easier.
Dubai Creek
Historic trade routes – WALK INTO OLD DUBAI’S TWISTING WATERWAYS AND BAZAARS
Dubai might be famous for the glitz and glamour of its high-rise towers, but the genuine heart of the city is, and always would be, the Creek. The saltwater inlet is the original location where the Bani Yas tribe settled, and its waters were necessary for what used to be Dubai’s main methods of the economy: pearl diving and fishing. Now, the region is overflowing with the history of the country, as its home to the Dubai Museum and also the intricate passages of the gold, spice and textile markets. While at the Creek, a ride across the water on a customary abra is a must, and at an incredible AED1 per ticket, it’s simply the best value tourist attraction in the metropolis.
The Walk and Beach at JBR
Eat. shop. Beach – ROAM THROUGH DUBAI’S URBAN BEACH QUARTER
For those who love to shop, eat, watch a movie and visit the beach all in one place, think about a trip to The Beach at Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR). With guest DJs playing tunes on weekends, a consistent open-air cinema and a common water park to entertain the kids for an hour or two, JBR is always lively with activity. The Beach is also linked to the new Bluewaters Island region by a pedestrian bridge. This stylish new destination is home to the Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai – the world’s second Caesars Palace – and the sunshine-filled Cove Beach, and also a collection of restaurants and lounges.
Dubai Marina
Spectacular cityscape – WALK BESIDE THE WATER UNDER THIS URBAN SKYLINE
Look into the future at the world’s biggest manmade marina, Dubai Marina. Wonder at emblematic structures as you walk beside Marina Walk or see the marvels from the water on a customary dhow cruise. This New Dubai hotspot is on every travellers holiday route for a reason, and with a range of waterside restaurants to select from, and also enticing retail therapy at Dubai Marina Mall, it’s easy to spend an afternoon here. Feeling courageous? Take on the XLine, the world’s lengthiest urban Zipline.
Kite Beach
Sunshine spot – HIT THE WAVES ON THIS LIVELY EXPANSE OF SAND
The appropriately named Kite Beach is the ideal location to test out your watersports abilities, but there are lots to do out of the water at this common spot, as well! Get a smoothie from one of the countless open-air cafes and restaurants just feet away from the beach, watch bikers and skaters fly by at the skate park or try a game of volleyball with your friends. With lots of beach activities and a breathtaking view of the Burj Al Arab, it’s easy to pass by an entire day here.
Dubai’s desert
A magnificent landscape – CROSS THE EMIRATE’S DESERT BANKS
No more than 20 minutes driving from the modernist roads of Downtown Dubai, you could encounter the wonders of the Arabian desert, the first tourist attraction of Dubai. Take a desert safari Dubai-style with off-roading, quad biking and sandboarding trailed by customary barbecues, henna and camel rides. Or just drive out and encounter the marvel of the desert on an adventure of your own. You can experience Bedouin life first-hand and get exceptional insights into their method of living.
Etihad Museum
A modern history – DISCOVER MORE ABOUT THE UAE’S CURRENT AGE
Learn about the United Arab Emirates’ modern history at Dubai’s newest cultural contribution – the Etihad Museum. The splendid new museum, situated in Jumeirah 1, consists of a surplus of interactive pavilions where tourists could see the UAE’s history – with certain prominence on the important era surrounding the formation of the country’s independence amid 1968 and 1974 – via pictures, films and more. Furthermore, guests could learn about the UAE’s wealthy inheritance before the nation’s founding Fathers signed the agreement that united the seven emirates and also the ensuing economic growth.
Dubai Canal
On the water – TAKE A RIDE ON DUBAI’S LATEST WATERWAY
Dubai Water Canal is a 3.2km lengthy waterway stretching from the Creek in Old Dubai across Business Bay before finding its way to the Arabian Gulf. Since opening in 2016, its produced 80,000sqm for public space and services, and a 12km cycling path. The Canal has become a common tourist attraction with five pedestrian bridges that twist its way over the emblematic canal. Adjacent is the Habtoor City development that’s home to the thrilling La Perle by Dragone show, five-star hotels, and a range of restaurants.
Madinat Jumeirah
Past encounters present – A STUNNING RESORT COMPOUND BESIDE THE SEA
For an encounter that weds custom and extravagance, come to Madinat Jumeirah. Interpreted as ‘City of Jumeirah’ this compound is inspired by a historic citadel. It includes luxury hotels, private areas constructed in the traditional style, the top-notch Talise Spa, the Madinat Souk, Madinat Theatre, and nearly 40 restaurants and lounges. You could also tour the tranquil region on customary wooden abras to cherish the waterways and architecture.
Dubai Opera
Hub of culture – DISCOVER DUBAI’S STRUCTURAL WORK OF ART
The Dubai Opera, located in the new Opera District in the middle of Dubai, provides a tempting schedule which could be compared to that of London’s West End or Manhattan’s Broadway. With sights of the Dubai Fountain and nearby the Burj Khalifa, the structure was inspired by the form of Arabian dhow ships and is certain to grab your attention. While the back of the building curves upwards like a hull and is utilized as a foyer, taxi rank and car park, the stage part is designed in such a way that it could simply be transformed into three different event stages: theatre, hall or concert hall.
IMG Worlds of Adventure
Indoor theme park – ENJOY DELIGHTS IN THIS GRAND ADVENTURE HUB
Fun, pleasure, speed – and also 5D, you could expect all this in the huge theme park, which is the size of 28 football pitches. With the best up-to-date and thrilling rides, IMG Worlds of Adventure brings your favourite characters to life. There are themed rides for younger kids with Ben 10, Gumball, The Powerpuff Girls and LazyTown, while older tourists could explore the world of Marvel heroes: Spider-Man, Hulk, Iron Man, Thor and The Avengers. You will also discover life-size animated dinosaurs in the Lost Valley. The variety of entertainment guarantees round the clock enjoyment for the entire family, and there are also lots of restaurants and shops to visit.
City Walk
Outdoor shopping – STROLL EUROPEAN-INSPIRED ROADS IN THE CENTER OF ARABIA
Extending over 13,000sqm, City Walk is reminiscent of European pedestrian surroundings providing an enjoyable vehicle-free walk. Take a stroll down tree-lined streets with shops and restaurants, and look upwards to find skyscrapers like the Burj Khalifa on the skyline. There are wonders at each turn as the region is also home to some of the city’s best street art and the entertainment centre Coca-Cola Arena. There are also fountains, kid’s playgrounds and lots of open-air seating.
Dubai Parks and Resorts
Theme park excitements – VIEW YOUR FAVOURITE CHARACTERS COME TO LIFE
Dubai has become a genuine entertainment utopia thanks to the opening of the Dubai Parks and Resorts. Kids will not be able to hold their excitement in the maze of huge theme parks like Motion gate, Bollywood Park, and Legoland theme and waterpark, while the adults could unwind on Riverland Boulevard which is home to restaurants and thrilling entertainment programmes.
Further Details to Plan Your Trip to Dubai
The Best Time to Visit Dubai
Dubai is warm throughout the year. The best time to travel to Dubai is amid November to April, and usually in the winter months. January and February are the hectic months because that’s when the Dubai Shopping Festival takes place in the Dubai Mall. As might be expected, that’s when places in Dubai get the most packed, with hotel charges and airfares rising.
In terms of climate, winter is the ideal time to travel to Dubai because it is a little cooler and therefore it is possible to take part in outdoor activities.
The months from April to October are certainly not suggested for travel. That’s when temperatures begin increasing, going well past 40 degrees Celsius. The weather tends to be warm, and worse than that it is so hot that any outdoor pursuits are difficult. In those months, you could only visit shopping malls and all air-conditioned places.
Where to stay in Dubai
Such a popular destination as Dubai has no shortage of marvellous accommodation choices, to the point that some claim that Dubai is worth visiting just to encounter a magnificent hotel. You could choose to stay in one of Dubai’s super extravagant hotels in downtown so you can have access to attractions like the Dubai Fountain and be next to Jumeirah Beach, or there are also inexpensive options.
You can check Travel Center’s Destination E-Books “The Ultimate Guide to Your Dubai Experience” for some of our itineraries and the various hotels we include.
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Getting Around Dubai
Just like any major metropolis and tourist area, there is plenty of traffic in Dubai. There is also rush hour traffic. You need to be aware that the work week in Dubai is Sunday until Thursday. Their weekend days are Friday and Saturday. This influences the time it takes by car/taxi travelling from one location to the next. Traffic is much lesser on the weekends.
Taxis
For the ideal charges utilize the regular taxi cabs and not the extravagant Lexus taxis. Check to see if there is a meter in the taxi and you could also ask what the fee would be from one place to the other. For instance, I was uninformed of an automatic surcharge departing from the Metro station on Palm Jumeirah to the Dubai Mall.
Metro
The Metro system in Dubai is very hygienic and easy to use. During the week and rush hour, this might be your best bet based on the traffic. But, the day I used it I found it to be packed (no seats vacant), I had to change trains and wait for extended stretches since it was a weekend and the distance to the metro in the Dubai mall was a long walk! It took me about an hour to arrive at my location utilizing the Metro so give yourself lots of time if you have to change trains. During the week the trains run more frequently.
Hop-On/Hop-Off Buses
This is another method to explore Dubai and there are two systems offered. Both are situated at the Dubai mall for pickup and have diverse roads that take you to all the chief areas. Regrettably, because of Thursday rush hour traffic, I was not able to explore as much as I would have loved to on my bus. So, if you decide to do this, begin early in the morning, do it on a weekend or buy a multi-day pass.
What to Wear in Dubai?
This is something that plenty of travellers worry about when travelling to the United Arab Emirates, particularly those thinking about travelling to Dubai as a woman. Tourists and ex-pats wear normal clothes. The only time I wore a customary hijab and abaya was when I visited the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. I expect that will be the same when going to any mosque.
While on the beach I was surprised just how skimpy people were dressed or not dressed. You are also expected to have on closed-toe shoes with pants or long skirts for ladies with your shoulders covered while having meals in restaurants in Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab.
Do They Speak English in Dubai?
I found that many people were fluent in speaking English and the road signs, menus, essentially all the signage was in both Arabic and English. This made it very easy to travel on my holiday to Dubai. Well, there you have it everything you need to know on why you should have Dubai on your travel bucket list for 2021. So, without further delay call us, email us and allow our leading travel agents to plan your holiday to Dubai right now!
Well, there you have it everything you need to know on why you should have Dubai on your travel bucket list for 2021. Comment below and let us know what you think, are you open to travel to Dubai soon? If you are, then let our travel agents plan your perfect holiday to Dubai right now!
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