Marhaba!

Today we explore the incredible, awe-inspiring destination of Dubai, which dazzles and delights, from the tops of its tallest skyscrapers to the bottoms of its deepest sand dunes.

Dubai is the largest of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. Just two hundred years ago it was a quiet fishing village, but with the discovery of oil in 1966 it was transformed into a destination synonymous with luxury and the ultramodern. 

When considering a visit to Dubai, it’s important to remember that this is a cosmopolitan city that is home to over 200 cultures. Along with the seven-star hotels, luxury shopping, theme parks, and space-age architecture are thousands of years of Bedouin and Arab culture and the incredible natural beauty and wildlife of the area.

Dubai offers countless imaginings come true, and there are true as many ways to experience this glittering emirate as there are people and possibilities. We approach the endless list of things to do in Dubai from three directions: cultural, natural, and superlatives. Focus your visit on one or mix it up. Just follow your heart and dreams and Dubai will deliver an experience of a lifetime!

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Superlatives

We’ll start here because it’s what most people think of when they think of Dubai, even if they don’t realize it! What does it mean to be a land of superlatives? It means land of the tallest, fastest, biggest, most expensive, and most unique in all the world. These adjectives apply to so many buildings, experiences, and objects that we can only scratch the surface!

If you want to experience the superlatives of Dubai, we suggest:

• The Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, is half a mile tall. You can stand at its base and gaze up at it through the dancing Dubai Fountain, choreographed to music, or stand on its 124th-floor observation deck and look at the city below.

• An underwater suite at the Atlantis, the Palm, where 65,000 marine animals in the Ambassador Lagoon will swim past you while you sleep.

• The Dubai Mall, the largest mall in the world at 12 million square feet and with 1,200 stores, restaurants, and incredible entertainment options.

• Ain Dubai, the world’s tallest observation wheel standing 820 feet in height on Bluewaters Island near the Dubai Marina.

• Dubai Miracle Garden, the world's largest natural flower garden with over 50 million flowers.

• XLine, the world’s longest urban zip line which whisks you from a height of 557 feet down half a mile over the Dubai Marina at up to 50mph! 

• Ski Dubai, an indoor ski resort with five ski runs, including the first indoor black diamond slope ever.

• Dive Dubai, the deepest diving pool in the world, to include a sunken modern city to explore.

• A visit to Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a luxury mall that resembles a traditional Arabian town and includes its own abra ride (read on to learn more about the abra!).

• A stay at Burj Al Arab, a 7-star hotel resembling a traditional sailing vessel of the Persian Gulf.

• A day on the private beaches and boardwalk of Palm Jumeirah, a man-made island shaped like a palm tree. (See its shape best by skydiving over it!)

Cultural

When traveling to Dubai you also have the opportunity to experience the Emirati and Bedouin cultures which have steeped this land in food, music, arts, and traditions for thousands of years. It is easy to be blinded by the lights of modern Dubai, so make time to look closer to get to know the history and people of this incredible part of the world.

If you want to experience the culture of Dubai, we suggest:

• A traditional abra crossing over the historic Dubai Creek; these traditional boats are quick and affordable ways to get from one side to the other.

• The 19th-century neighborhood of Al Fahidid, formerly called Al Bastakiya, is a maze of narrow streets and Arabian architecture.

• The many traditional markets, such as the Textile Souk in Bur Dubai as well as the Gold Souk and the Old Spice Souk in Deira.

• A Flavors of Arabia Food Tour through Al Fahidi to experience authentic Emirati cuisine while you take in the sites.

• The Dubai Coffee Museum, also in Al Fahidi.

• Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding where you’ll be introduced to local customs and try Emirati food.

• Al Shindagha Museum and the Perfume House along the historic Dubai Creek. 

• The beautiful Jumeirah Mosque.

• The Saruq Al-Hadid Archaeology Museum housed in the former home of Sheikh Juma bin Maktoum Al Maktoum

Natural

Dubai is both a shining oasis in a desert and a pearl beside the sea. This means that whichever direction you venture from the city you will encounter breathtaking nature. Even within its cosmopolitan confines are opportunities to get closer to nature and have soul-satisfying outdoor experiences.  

If you’re hoping to experience the nature and wildlife of Dubai, we suggest:

• A day trip to the town of Hatta, where you can enjoy the surrounding mountains by bike, foot, or kayak, and even stay the night.

• A hot air balloon ride over the undulating dunes of the Arabian Desert.

• A private night safari into the desert to include a conservation guide, a vintage Land Rover, and stargazing.

• Camel rides through Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, an unfenced nature area that makes up 10% of the emirate of Dubai.

• Time by the sea enjoying the many water sports on offer: jet skiing, scuba diving, kite surfing, and parasailing, just to name a few.

• White sandy beaches, many of them free to the public, like Al Mamzar Beach Park and Kite Beach.

• The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve to learn about raptors and the tradition of falconry used by Bedouin people.

• Sandboarding down the 328-foot high red sand dune known as Al Hamar, or Big Red, just 30 miles south of the city of Dubai.

Tips

We hope we leave you with a head full of the wonders and possibilities offered by this amazing destination. Before you start your planning, here is a bonus list of good tips for when you finally arrive in magical Dubai!

• Plan your visit between November and March, when the weather is best, and you can enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities.

• Remember that travel during long weekends and religious holidays will be more expensive.

• Be aware that the holy month of Ramadan’s dates vary year-by-year and many things will be closed during that time. 

• Plan your trip according to your interests and be realistic in how long you will actually spend on activities. In other words...do what you love and take your time! 

• Direct taxi drivers by landmarks rather than streets.

• Use the abra (boat) service to get from one bank of Dubai Creek to the other; it only takes a few minutes and is a special experience.

• Dress conservatively in the historic neighborhoods and when visiting places of worship.

• Keep public displays of affection limited to holding hands in public places.