Dazzling Dubai
- Sonal Samtani
- Nov 2, 2023
- 5 min read
Dubai, the treasure of the United Arab Emirates, is a city that surpasses the limits of your imagination. Dubai could be described as a desert turned into a global metropolis, with its rich cultural heritage with opulent luxury and groundbreaking modernity.
What to expect in Dubai
Language: While Arabic is the UAE’s official language, English is the language of business and is spoken by almost everyone in Dubai.
Currency: The UAE’s currency is the Dirham (Dhs). One GBP is 4.46 UAE Dirhams, One USD is 3.67 UAE Dirhams.
Credit Cards and Banks: Cash is the best here. While most places accept credit cards, it’s best to always carry small change.
Climate: Dubai is the desert! Summers are therefore extremely hot—winters are much more comfortable.
Good to Know: The minimum drinking age is twenty-one and there are areas where photography is prohibited, so watch out for signs and be respectful to their rules and cultural observations.
Getting around in Dubai
Airport: Dubai has a beautiful, stylish international airport. Book a Marhaba Bronze “meet and greet” service to fast-track through the airport with zero hassle.
Public Transport: It’s forbidden to eat or drink in the metro (and that includes chewing gum). Cabins are reserved for different categories, like women only and gold class, so watch the signs. Sleeping is not allowed in stations.
Taxis: Book a cab by calling 04-2080808. Cabs have a minimum meter charge of Dhs 12. There’s also a Salik charge if you need to go through a toll road, so keep that in mind.
Boats: A lot of attractions in Dubai are on or near the water so there are water ferries and taxis that run to and from 44 stops—you can find the water taxi routes here.
Bike: There are city paths throughout the city that make it easy to bike! You can rent a BYKY bike at a curbside station and return it when you’re done.
Best Restaurants & Cafés in Dubai
Just like their stunning over the top sky scrappers, there are so many amazing cafes and restaurants around the city! Because of the influx of immigrants you can find all types of cuisines. Plus, many Western influences. During my last visit, I was also surprised at the availability vegan options. Here are my favourite restaurants in Dubai:
- Al Safadi (Amazing Lebanese food)
- Brews Cafe (Brunch)
- Shabestan (Iranian food with live Persian music)
- Hutong (Chinese food)
And there are so, so many more options in every nook and cranny of this international dream city - from all your favourite chain restaurants to unique boutique instagramable places.
Things to do in Dubai
Dubai is truly like an adult playground! There is an adventure and fun for literally anyone. I actually visited for my dads 70th birthday with my 11 year old nephews and it was truly a trip of a lifetime with fun activities for everyone. Here are a few top things to do in Dubai:
GO TO THE TOP OF BURJ KHALIFA
Get an unforgettable view from the top of the world! You can’t visit Dubai without going to the planet’s tallest skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa. Ride the world's fastest elevator to the 148th floor, where the breathtaking panorama awaits. As the sun sets, the cityscape lights up, creating a mesmerizing scene.
TAKE IN THE VIEWS
While going to the top of the Burj Khalifa is on every Dubai bucket list, you can also have a really cool view of the city and all the winding roads that loop through from the Shangri-La Hotel. Make a stop here either at sunrise or sunset!
EXPLORE OLD DEIRA Dubai is so much more than it appears. Take a tour around the old Deira to peel back the layers of this dynamic city.
TOP GOLF This is a lot of fun with family and friends, there's music, snacks and a fun vibe as you golf.
DESERT SAFARI See another side of Dubai on a desert safari! Leave the bright city lights behind and go for an adventure. Winter is the best time for a safari, while the temps are cooler during the evening and morning tours. You can rent a dune car at a few different places around the city. Experience an authentic Emirati dinner at a desert camp, complete with entertainment, henna painting, and a star-studded sky.
TAKE A YACHT OUT AT SUNSET Take a yacht out to watch the sunset over the city while you’re out on the water. Put on some music and soak in all the vibes!
VISIT PALM JUMEIRAH
The ultimate in opulence, the Palm Jumeirah is the best faux island you will ever visit. Relax on the private shores of your chosen resort or explore The Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis, The Palm.
EXPLORE MADINAT JUMEIRAH Part of a 5-star resort, you can walk around, explore the souks, and there are gorgeous canals with boats floating about to ooh and awe over (it feels very much like Venice in the Middle East). While it is a resort, the area around it is made to walk around and soak in the Arabian-inspired architecture. I recommend going late in the afternoon or just before sunset.
WATCH THE DUBAI FOUNTAINS
Plan to visit these striking fountains at least twice to get the daytime and nighttime view.
EXPLORE THE DUBAI MALL I admit i do love malls, but this one is extraordinary with a large aquarium circling the mall and much more. Dine at one of the world-class restaurants in the Dubai Mall, offering a range of international cuisines. After dinner, enjoy the Dubai Fountain show, a spectacular dance of water and light set to music.
SKI DUBAI
An indoor ski resort in the Mall of the Emirates where you can experience the thrill of winter in the desert.
DUBAI MARINA WALK
Take a stroll along the Dubai Marina Walk, lined with cafes and restaurants overlooking the man-made marina. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner while watching the sun set over the city's iconic skyline.
TAKE A DAY TRIP TO ABU DHABI
This was one of the most special days of our trip to Dubai. You can book a private vehicle or a group tour to Abu Dhabi and visit the mesmorising Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. After which we visited the Ferrari World which is where you can find the fastest rollercoaster in the world! There is no limits to the experiences that you can find in Dubai.
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