Hot air, safaris on sand dunes, skyscrapers and mounded islands…. A little over half a century ago, the United Arab Emirates simply did not exist, but today it is one of the world’s economic centers and a destination for expats and tourists.
Especially popular is Dubai, one of the most progressive cities in the world. We are going to talk about it today. I tell you what to see in Dubai and what sights to include in your itinerary.
What is important to do before traveling
Before booking a hotel, I recommend to clearly define the goals of your trip: exclusively beach vacation, shopping and entertainment or immersion in the atmosphere of the East.
In addition, it is important to take into account that the distances within the emirate are huge: for example, the road from the famous tourist area of Dubai Marina to the old city – as much as 30 kilometers. So either get ready for a lot of cab rides or try to choose a hotel based on its location.
Dubai Marina is suitable for a beach vacation, but the price tag on food and accommodation here is quite high.
The bustling Downtown will appeal to those who are here for shopping and entertainment. If beach vacations are more important to you, don’t check in here, as it will take about 20 minutes by cab to get to the nearest beach.
More expensive than Downtown and Dubai Marina is only the Palm Jumeirah neighborhood, a luxe palm-shaped bulk island where one hotel is more luxurious than the next.
If you want to immerse yourself in the flavor of the East, the ideal area is Deira or Bur Dubai. You can have a budget vacation here.
So, let’s break down where to go in each of Dubai’s neighborhoods.
Dubai Marina
One of the largest man-made marinas, luxury hotels, an excellent beach – Dubai Marina can be called the Emirate’s calling card. The ensemble of grandiose skyscrapers, whose silhouettes are reflected in the water surface of the artificially created channel, attracts the eyes here. By the way, thanks to it Dubai Marina is often compared to Venice.
It is one of the most popular areas, a city within a city with first-class infrastructure: clean beach, many restaurants and cafes, walking paths and jogging areas, cinemas and shopping centers, pharmacies, nightclubs.
Transportation is excellent in Dubai Marina: the area is easy to get around on foot, and remote locations are easily accessible by metro.
Wait until evening to appreciate the beauty of Dubai Marina, highlighted by the magnificent illuminations. Another landmark that makes the emirate easily recognizable is the world’s largest Ferris wheel, the Ain Dubai.
What’s a must-do in Dubai Marina
- Take a ziplane ride between the rooftops of Dubai Marina shopping mall and one of the Amwaj towers.
- Explore the waters of the canal on a cruise. Many yachts depart from the marina and then head along the entire coastline, particularly to the Burj el-Arab area.
- Relax on the best beach in the area, JBR Beach. There are many cafes, restaurants and terraces along the beach, and water activities such as wakeboarding, kayaking and water skiing.
- Go to the largest inflatable water park in the world – Aquafun. Its trampolines offer a magical view of the city.
Where to eat in Dubai Marina
Observatory Grill Bar on the 52nd floor with a fantastic view of the whole city, including the Palm Jumeirah area (a palm-shaped island). The menu features a large selection of grilled dishes and craft drinks.
For Lebanese cuisine and views of the blazing sunset, head to Asil Restaurant.
At Masti, you will experience the aesthetics of Indian cuisine in an unusual serving.
Downtown
The city center, which embodies all the features of a metropolis: bustling streets, beautiful types of entertainment for every taste.
Downtown is definitely worth a day trip, a photo walk and a chance to see for yourself some of the emirate’s main attractions: the tallest tower in the world, the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall shopping mecca and the dancing fountains.
I’ll tell you about each attraction in a little more detail.
Burj Khalifa
At the beginning of the 20th century, Dubai was a small port town with a population of some ten thousand people. At that time, it was hard to imagine that in a hundred years the Arab Emirates would be able to amaze the whole world with its architectural projects, in particular, with stunning skyscrapers.
The tallest of them is the Burj Khalifa with a height of 828 meters. The highest observation deck on the planet, located on the 148th floor, offers an amazing view of the city.
Pictures of fairytale beauty can be taken at sunset: imagine the futuristic look of the emirate, illuminated by thousands of lights, and the spires of glass giants drowning in snow-white fog. The schedule is 8:30-00:00. On Friday and Saturday you can meet the sunrise at 5:30am. Ticket prices start from AED 149 depending on the level of ascent.
Dancing fountains
At the foot of the Burj Khalifa is the artificial lake of the same name, where several times a day you can catch a show of Dubai’s dancing fountains, of course, the largest in the world. It is a magnificent union of music, light and water jets moving to the rhythm of modern, Arabic and classical melodies. The show is best enjoyed on a boat ride.
Burj Park
Along the artificial lake there is a beautifully manicured green area – Burj Park.
Here you can not only take a walk, but also attend one of the events, such as the Dubai Trade Festival, various concerts and shows.
Suq al-Bahar Bazaar
For a seamless fusion of Eastern tradition and modernity, head to the indoor market of Souq Al Bahar. Its name means ‘sailors’ market’ in Arabic, a tribute to the Emirate’s fishing past. The souk offers shopping, entertainment and restaurants.
The Burj Khalifa towers over Souq Al Bahar, and the market itself can be reached via the beautiful Dubai Mall pedestrian bridge, which overlooks the Dubai Fountain.
Dubai Waterfall
The Expo 2020 World Expo has blended perfectly into the architectural image of Dubai.
On the occasion of this large-scale event, the emirate has built a huge number of new facilities, one of which is a breathtaking waterfall flowing into a canal.
Dubai Mall
Shopping in Dubai is almost a must-do. The biggest shopping center of the country, Dubai Mall, is located here. Its scale is really impressive: the area is equal to fifty soccer fields, and it is home to luxury brands and inexpensive boutiques, in total there are about 1200 different stores.
UAE Main Aquarium
One of the landmarks in Dubai Mall is the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. This is the main aquarium of the Emirates and one of the largest oceanariums in the world. It is located on the ground floor in the heart of the center.
The Dubai Mall Aquarium is home to more than 33,000 aquatic animals on three floors, including piranhas, stingrays, tiger sharks and crocodiles. The unforgettable journey through the marine world begins in the 30-meter tunnel that crosses the mall: it is free to observe the underwater inhabitants, but you will have to pay to enter the aquarium itself.
Opening hours are 10:00-22:15 (until 23:15 on Saturdays). Ticket prices start from 199 dirhams.
A dinosaur skeleton
London and Paris can boast of a real dinosaur skeleton, but since 2014, the ancient lizard can also be seen in Dubai.
On the first floor of Dubai Mall in the Souk district stands the skeleton of Diplodocus, one of the largest dinosaurs. It was found in the United States, and 90% of its bones are real.
Pearl divers
Until oil was discovered in the Emirates, pearl mining was the main source of income. Paying tribute to this industry, Dubai Mall has installed a dizzying installation: a 24-meter-high waterfall with figures of divers frozen in flight. For locals, this attraction is a symbol of prosperity and wealth.
The waterfall is located about 30 meters from the rink, there are many cafes around it, where you can have a cup of coffee or tea, meditate while listening to the sound of water. It will be ideal to come to admire the divers in the evening, when the sunset rays break through the glass atrium and illuminate the figures.
A380 flight simulator
In Dubai Mall you can try on the role of a pilot of the world’s largest passenger airplane Airbus A380. For this purpose, there is a real simulator on which civil aviation pilots are trained. It was provided by Emirates airline. The simulator can be used to fly to more than a hundred airports around the world.
However, this entertainment is not cheap: for a session of 30 minutes with an instructor you will have to pay about 350 dirhams per person.
What you need to remember to do in Downtown
- Attend one of the performances at the Dubai Opera or at least admire its building: it is designed in the shape of the bow of a boat and is a work of art in itself.
- Ice skating. This exotic pastime is available at Dubai Mall. Skate rental is included in the price, and children can use the penguin-shaped stands for free. By the way, the UAE’s home hockey team gathers at this rink.
- At the same Dubai Mall, go to a virtual reality park and try two rides: falling off the Burj Khalifa Burj Drop and flying over Dubai’s version of 2050.
- Stop by Dubai Design District, aka d3, Dubai’s most creative neighborhood, and visit the contemporary art exhibition. Here you can find a unique design piece for the interior.
Where to eat in Downtown
Hafiz Mustafa 1864 in Dubai Mall is the place to go for oriental desserts and delicious coffee. Baklava, rakhat loukoum, pistachio ice cream… Will you be able to stop?
Ewaan Restaurant offers Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine in buffet mode. The prices here are pleasant even for expensive Downtown.
For cocktails, shisha and Vietnamese cuisine, you can head to Treehouse Dubai Wine Bar.
Al Barsha
Another dynamic neighborhood in Dubai with a well-thought-out infrastructure: there are many parks and recreation areas, boutique hotels and villas for rent.
Garden of Wonders
One of the most unusual places in the city – an oasis in the desert and a stunning example of fantasy landscape design. Everyone is used to the fact that in Dubai everything is “the most”: the tallest building in the world, the largest shopping center… So, Miracle Garden is also the largest in the world: it is spread over seven hectares and pleases visitors with 150 million species of plants.
The Garden of Wonders will please not only with its floral variety. Here, flowers are used to create landscape sculptures and replicas of major landmarks. Every year the expositions change.
You can wander endlessly along the alleys decorated with all sorts of figures and constructions of plants and flowers. The main thing is to come with a charged camera or a phone with plenty of free memory. Believe me, you will want to take photos at every step. Opening hours: 09:00-21:00 (until 22:00 on weekends). Ticket – from 94 dirhams.
Global Village Dubai
In thematic pavilions you can find beautiful handicrafts and delicious dishes of different nations of the world, as well as see national costumes, attend concerts and theatrical performances. This is a unique entertainment and leisure complex, which is usually not given due attention. And in vain: it engages in the carnival atmosphere, offering visitors to travel to more than 90 countries and get acquainted with their culture.
Opening hours: Global Village is open from October to April. Open Sunday through Thursday from 16:00 to 00:00, Friday and Saturday until 01:00.
Ski Dubai
You can go skiing in the middle of the realm of sand and hot sun in the Mall of the Emirates. Ski Dubai is the largest indoor ski attraction in the world, with slopes of different levels and winter playgrounds.
Opening hours are 09:00-23:00, Friday through Sunday until 00:00.
Where to eat in the Al Barsha neighborhood
Golden Fork restaurant chain will pleasantly surprise you with a variety of dishes and prices. For fresh seafood, you can safely head to Ibn Hamido.
Jumeirah Palm
Build an island in the shape of a palm tree? Why not! The UAE is used to surprising the world with its architectural ideas – Palm Jumeirah has become the largest artificial island ever created. This is a truly luxurious area of Dubai, home to over 30 luxury hotels, the most famous of which is Atlantis.
The best view of this man-made wonder is from the heights, if possible, I advise you to book a helicopter tour. In the lagoons between the huge “leaves” of palm trees are moored luxury yachts, on the white sandy beaches a lot of options for water sports. There are also great views of the Palm Jumeirah from the Dubai Monorail.
Sail Hotel (Burj el-Arab)
One of the hallmarks of Dubai is the seven-star Burj Al Arab Hotel, a global benchmark of luxury. Its design in the form of a ship’s sail is thought out to the smallest detail. The hotel is located on an artificial island, which is connected to the mainland by a guarded bridge. You can’t just get there: you need to book either a room (the price range is up to 35,000 euros per night) or a table in one of the restaurants on the territory of the hotel.
Jumeirah Mosque
One of the most famous mosques in Dubai, Jumeirah, can be seen on the 500 dirham bill. The majestic monumental white stone shrine attracts attention from afar.
The mosque was built more than 30 years ago in the style of Cairo mosques of XIII-XV centuries. The main idea of the mosque is that people of all faiths could come here. Later, the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding was founded on its base, where followers of different faiths can learn about each other’s culture and religion.
Things to do in the Palm Jumeirah area
Go to Kite Beach, a meeting point for kitesurfers, kayakers and paddlers. Be sure to wait for the moment when several kites are in the sky: it’s a magnificent sight. There are food trucks along the beach that offer low-priced food.
- Go to the Wild Wadi water park, one of the best in Dubai. From here you can take some beautiful pictures of the Burj al-Arab area with its calling card – the Sail Hotel.
- Take a river trip in a traditional abre boat along the canal of the Madinat Jumeirah hotel complex. By the way, they say that prices in this quarter are more favorable than in the old bazaars.
- Take an evening stroll along the “palm tree” promenade, which offers a beautiful view of Dubai Marina, skyscrapers and the Ferris wheel.
Deira
When you look at Dubai’s newest neighborhoods, such as Downtown or Palm Jumeirah, it’s hard to imagine that the emirate also has authentic places with ancient history. For the flavor of the East, for example, you should go to Deira.
It has ceded the title of city center to the modern districts, but still remains lively and vibrant. It is in Deira that you can see the way of life of the locals, stroll through the narrow streets and oriental bazaars.
Dubai Creek
Deira is divided into two parts by Dubai Creek Dubai Bay: on one side lies Deira itself and to the south lies the Bur area. The bay was the city’s strong point: the locals built their homes along it, and a port and pearl fishing center were established here.
Throughout the 20th century, cargo ships from African countries and India arrived here. Today the bay has no commercial function, but there are plans to continue this activity.
For just AED 1, you can take a ride on Dubai Bay and admire the birds: at its mouth is a wildlife sanctuary that is home to some 30,000 birds.
There are a total of four boat stations, with boats leaving the marinas several times an hour. You can catch an abra at Deira Old Souk station (next to Spice Souk) or Al Sabkha station.
What to do in Deira
- Stop by one of the markets to buy spices, jewelry, textiles and admire the beauty of Arab culture.
- Visit the Women’s Museum and learn about the great women who have made history in Dubai and the Arab Emirates.
- Go to the Al Mamzar beach complex, a true haven of tranquility. Here you can sunbathe on the white sand under the shade of palm trees and visit one of the playgrounds.
Where to eat in Deira
For Arabic sweets, check out Qwaider Al Nabulsi. Their specialty is kenafeh made of white cheese, pistachios and kadaif vermicelli.
Aroos Damascus offers Syrian cuisine: hummus and Fattach salad, for example.
The Sumibiya restaurant in Dubai’s oldest five-star hotel, the Radisson Blu, is also worth a visit. It serves Asian cuisine – Korean barbecue and sushi.
Bur Dubai
Together with Deira, Bur Dubai forms the old city. A stroll through its oriental streets with architecture typical of past centuries is a real journey back in time. Many of the old houses now house small museums and cafes.
Dubai Museum
A must-see on a trip around the emirate. Located inside the Al Fahidi Fort, a 1787 defense fortress, the museum is the oldest building in the city.
The museum exposition will tell the history of Dubai and show historical artifacts: weapons, jewelry, musical instruments, paintings. The contrast between the Dubai of yesteryear and the Dubai of today is particularly evident here.
Opening hours: Saturday-Thursday 08:30-20:30, Friday 13:00-20:30. Ticket prices are symbolic – from 3 dirhams.
Museum of the Future
Built in the form of an asymmetrical figure made of steel and glass, the Future Museum has been recognized as one of the 14 most beautiful museums in the world. It is the product of architect Sean Killa’s imagination, who wanted the museum to be the embodiment of the Dubai of the future.
The museum combines elements of traditional exhibitions with immersive theater and themed attractions to show visitors the limitless possibilities of the future.
Opening hours are 10:00-21:30 and ticket prices start from AED 150.
Dubai frame
Another masterpiece of modern architecture, a monument in the shape of a photo frame Dubai Frame. On its top, at a height of 150 meters, there is an observatory with an impressive view of Downtown.
Opening hours are 09:00-21:00 and tickets cost from AED 20.
Sheikh Zayed Mosque
Sheikh Zayed Mosque mosque is the third largest in the Middle East. It was built by the founder of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The mosque was designed to emphasize the interaction between Islam and other world religions.
The working hours are 09:00-22:00, with a break from 12:00-15:00 on Friday.
Covering 22,000 square meters, the mosque is home to the largest chandelier and the largest handmade carpet in the world – it weighs as much as 47 tons, about the size of 23 SUVs.
What is a must do in the Bur Dubai area
- Stroll through the Al Fahidi neighborhood, where old buildings house craft workshops, cafes, art galleries and museums, many of which are crowned by typical wind towers – barjilas;
- Take a traditional abre boat ride on Dubai Bay;
- Relax in an oasis in the middle of the Old City, at Creekside Park by Dubai Bay. Green spaces are quite rare in Dubai, and you’ll definitely enjoy the freshness in this park. By the way, there is a whole “Children’s City” where you can play miniature golf and go-karting.
Where to eat in Bur Dubai
Indian cuisine and an authentic atmosphere await diners at Antique Bazaar Restaurant.
And for traditional Emirati dishes it is better to come to Arabian Tea House Restaurant. Here you can enjoy tender lamb meat and traditional shawerma. As a compliment, you will be served dates and Arabic tea.
Checklist: What not to forget to do in Dubai
- Take a desert safari tour and stop by a Bedouin village;
- Climb the world’s tallest building at sunset or sunrise (Friday-Saturday) and take great pictures;
- Purchase jewelry at the Gold Souk gold market in the Deira district;
- Take a river cruise in a traditional Dubai abre boat on Dubai Creek Bay;
- Wander around Dubai Mall, see the famous pearl divers and the world’s largest aquarium;
- Take a helicopter tour over Dubai, capture images of the palm tree-shaped mounded island;
- Taste the melt-in-your-mouth baklava at the Deira Bazaar.
Travel Tips
1. Be sure to try at least a few oriental dishes: falafel, shawerma, hummus, tabbouleh, manakish, baklava and rahat lukum.
2. Dubai’s climate is extremely hot. In addition, sandstorms are not uncommon during the summer months and the change of seasons. The best time to travel is from September to December and January to April.
3. Be sure to carry a bottle of water and don’t forget a cream with SPF-50 or higher protection.
4. In clothing, it is better to prefer natural light fabrics. Despite the fact that Dubai is considered a tolerant city, it is not customary to dress provocatively in public places. It is better to refuse tight clothes, minis, transparent fabrics and cleavage.
5. Both men and women should keep their shoulders, abdomen and knees covered when visiting mosques. Tops and shorts are strictly prohibited.
6. The most convenient way to travel around the emirate is by cab. Public transportation (monorail and metro) is quite expensive, and the trains are very slow. Riding on them will be interesting rather as an excursion.
7. It is better to call a local cab Dubai Taxi, its prices are about 20-30% lower than in “Uber”.
8. It’s worth downloading a map of Dubai to your phone in advance so you can navigate even if you lose internet.
9. Don’t forget to take out medical insurance for the entire trip.
