Dubai gets a lot of ink. This jewel of the United Arab Emirates set on the Persian Gulf is a travel destination like no other. Inherent in its nature is a love for the fantastical. Its skyline shines against the backdrop of a barren desert. People the world over flock to its stunning shoreline, out-of-this-world shopping experiences, diverse culinary scene, and incredible attractions. There are so many reasons why Dubai should be on everyone’s travel list.
For a tourist, Dubai is a city of contradictions. It is home to some of the world’s most modern and breathtaking sites. But it is still tethered strongly to its past as a small port town. Traditional wooden abras float past large modern vessels. Natural sands are counterposed by carefully sculpted islands. Traditional souks (markets) are set amid the massive Dubai Mall. It is a special dynamic and one that establishes Dubai firmly on the tourist map.
What to Do
Spend a day at the beach. Most hotels in Dubai offer exclusive beach and pool day passes. One of the best is the expansive One&Only Royal Mirage. The hotel is one of Dubai’s most opulent, with extensive grounds and a long stretch of private beach. Buying a day pass to its DRIFT beach club gives you access to sun-loungers and several different pools, with lots and lots of space to find your perfect spot.
Visit the Museum of the Future. One of the city’s most famous landmarks, this ‘living museum’ explores how society could evolve in the coming decades, combining elements of traditional exhibition, immersive theatre, and themed attractions. Look beyond the present and towards the future’s limitless possibilities across a range of sectors, including space travel, climate change and ecology.
Take a ride on the Ain Dubai. Ain Dubai is one of Dubai’s many record-breaking attractions. Located on Bluewaters Island, it offers 360-degree views of the urban skyline during a 38-minute journey. There are three different pod experiences on offer: observation cabins, social cabins, and private cabins.
Soak in the views at The View of the Palm. Enjoy incomparable views of one of Dubai’s most talked about landmarks at The View at The Palm. Located 240m high, the observation deck presents never seen before 360-degree panoramas of Palm Jumeirah alongside the sparkling waters of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai skyline in the distance. The View at The Palm is located on level 52 of The Palm Tower, which also houses a café.
Scuba Dive. Yes, in the desert. The latest addition to the city’s thriving sports and adventure activities scene, Deep Dive Dubai is the place to be for all aqua enthusiasts. The recreational center’s 60.02m-deep pool is certified by Guinness World Records as the world’s deepest swimming pool for diving. Aside from its remarkable depth, the pool features other unrivalled underwater additions, such as a ‘sunken city’ feature.
Immerse yourself in the biggest immersive digital art center in the Middle East. Infinity des Lumières, brings contemporary art to life through 130 projectors, 58 speakers and an incredible 3,000 HD digital moving images. The immersive experience transports visitors into a world where they can enjoy living dynamic art. Exhibitions related to Van Gogh, Japanese artists such as Hokusai, and a doorway into the cosmos with Thomas Vanz, will run simultaneously through the gallery and captivate your senses.
Tour the Burj Al Arab. While the iconic sail-shaped hotel has been synonymous with Dubai for decades, for the first time since its launch, the Burj Al Arab has opened its doors to visitors for an immersive 90-minute tour. The exclusive experience invites viewers to explore the landmark’s gilded suites and ultra-luxurious interiors while uncovering its history and wealth of untold stories.
Buy spices in a soukh. A trip to Dubai is not complete without wandering around its traditional markets. There are many to choose from which offer special mementoes of your trip.
Play a game over a Cuban sandwich. Homemade sandwiches, plus desserts and coffee, are all available as you pick which of Unwind’s 800 games to play next. This Al Barsha playing place, the first of its kind in the country, gets rave reviews. Take tips from Unwind’s games masters to get an edge over your friends and family.
Where to Eat
Teible. The farm-to-table specialists at Teible restaurant are serving up a poetic degustation experience inspired by a Nabati poem. Chef Carlos Frunze has taken verses from the Bedouin speech and turned them into a culinary ode to the country, highlighting local produce and customs through a 10-course meal. Only on offer till September, this not to be missed affair.
Bastion. Seafood fans can indulge their palates every Monday as European brasserie Bastion puts the spotlight on fresh black mussels every week. Feast on unlimited bowls of the fruits des mer, cooked in sauces like blue cheese, marinière, curry or cream, alongside crisp chips at the popular brasserie. Book your table for the two-hour sessions.
Al Fanar Seafood Market. This traditional Emirati restaurant brand was set up in Dubai in 2011 and if you’re looking for tasty, authentic food showcasing the UAE’s history, this is the place. Recipes passed down include sea bass machboos and classic dessert luqaimat. Al Fanar’s Al Barsha branch specialises in seafood dishes, and the setting – on the edge of Pond Park – is incredibly peaceful.
Where to Shop
Dubai Gold Souk. The mesmerising Dubai Gold Souk on the banks of Dubai Creek is undoubtedly one of the most famous attractions in Dubai, with millions of visitors each year browsing the 380 stalls and stores selling every item of jewellery imaginable. As with most markets in Dubai, haggling is expected, but as Dubai has few taxes and is a major centre for the international gold trade, prices usually match the global standard.
The Dubai Mall. The biggest mall in the world is home to over 1,200 retail stores spread over an area the size of 200 football fields and has something for everyone. Everything from ultra-luxury to chain stores are found within. The mall is so large that it might be worth hopping onto an indoor car that can take you around it.
Boxpark. Walk between small shops on the street of this outdoor shopping center located between Al Wasl and Jumeirah in Dubai’s Business Bay. The vibrant industrial complex, made from colourful shipping containers, is the perfect place to find souvenirs for those at home. Or yourself.
Perfume Souk. Follow the scents inside of Dubai’s perfume souk in search of your new signature smell. Located in the souk area of Bur Dubai, this souk is a maze of tiny stalls stocked with a vast array of scents. Liquid perfumes, incense sticks, solid perfumes, and smoking bakhoor (incense) are available. Oudh is a signature scent in the UAE, and the woody smell lingers in the air.
Outlet Village. Outlet Village is the destination to buy high-end brands for less. Set in Dubai’s central Jebel Ali district, Adidas, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Tumi and Tommy Hilfiger all have shops in the mall. Among 120 others.
Where to Stay
Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Village Triangle. The family-friendly Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Village Triangle offers panoramic views of the city skyline and a host of amenities to keep all ages entertained. An aqua park, kids’ club, three swimming pools (including an infinity just for women) and a luxe La Mer Spa. Foodies dine at international favorite MRKT, Italian restaurant Ricci and the lobby located Mövenpick Cafe, where you can even indulge in complimentary chocolate treats every evening.
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa The Palm. This waterside resort differentiates itself with amenities such as in-suite jacuzzis, an in-house School of Yoga, and the longest pool on The Palm. Soft play areas, entertainment zones, an award-winning Jiva Spa and signature Varq fine dining restaurant are just some of its attractions.
Raffles The Palm. This ultra-luxurious hotel takes up prime space along the West Crescent of Palm Jumeirah and has enchanting city and sea views. Its tranquil interiors and private al fresco spaces are an escape from the urban bustle, while still within easy reach of Dubai’s top attractions.
