by Contrasts are everywhere in Dubai. Everything from the glittering skyline, which is made up of skyscrapers so tall they defy imagination, to the cutting-edge collection of shops and restaurants, which offer every possible choice, to the opulent hotels, which are ready to welcome even the most discerning traveler in style and excess, is present in this city.
There are also the traditional abra boats that carry passengers across Dubai Creek, the souks with their maze of stalls stocked with bins overflowing with a rainbow of spices, and the desert with its rolling hills of sand etched with the footprints of Arabian oryx and gazelles.
In just a few decades, Dubai has grown from a small desert port to a gigantic metropolis with countless neighborhoods, landmark skyscrapers, and extravagant malls (the renowned Burj Khalifa wasn’t even constructed until January 2004).
Dubai is now a city where you can simultaneously buy till you drop, party until the wee hours of the morning, enjoy a desert conservation reserve, and relax with an avocado toast on the beach. You can also enjoy numerous adventure activities in Dubai, including skydiving in Dubai, jet skiing, deep-sea fishing, diving, etc. This article gives you an insight into the best places to visit in Dubai with family or adventure-and-leisure-seeking groups. These differences are what make the city so fascinating to explore.
Best Season to Visit Dubai
Even though temperatures in Dubai rarely drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, December is one of the coolest months to visit. Those who prefer to travel light will be pleased to learn that the desert’s early mornings and evenings are noticeably more relaxed and that air conditioning is widely available in Dubai.
The Dubai Shopping Festival, held annually in January, is another reason to visit the city during the winter. The festival features fantastic sales, live performances, and free giveaways.
Several Points to Consider
While there are many advantages to visiting a contemporary city like Dubai, there are also some rules that visitors must obey. Dressing modestly is encouraged, and while you might see people in all sorts of outfits, it’s best to at least cover your shoulders and knees out of respect (think a t-shirt and a midi skirt or jeans for women). Visitors to mosques outside the city, for instance the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in neighboring Abu Dhabi, require even more modest attire..
Public displays of affection and public intoxication, both prevalent in the United States, are frowned upon or even prohibited in Dubai (you can drink in certain places like licensed hotel bars, restaurants, and clubs).
Even for women traveling alone, Dubai is a very safe city thanks to the city’s tourist police force. Nonetheless, as a large metropolitan area, tourists in Dubai should exercise common sense and take the usual precautions. The Mall of the Emirates provides free use of portable chargers if your phone dies while you are there.
Finding Your Way
The Dubai Metro is considerably hip than your typical subway system, with its automated and stylish cars (the Red Line is the longest driverless metro line at more than 32 miles), free WiFi, and gender-specific carriages for women and children. The Dubai Metro is the best mode of transport to both see the city and travel around quickly and easily; there are roughly 30 stops, and much of the track runs beneath the city’s famous skyscrapers, such as the Burj Khalifa. Visitors can buy one-way, round-trip, or day passes or use the cashless smart card Nol.
More than 1,500 buses serve 87% of Dubai’s metropolitan regions, with 35 routes linking to the city’s metro.
A vast taxi system transports visitors across Dubai. Getting a taxi is a breeze at busy shopping centers and the seaside. Those who want to travel with a female driver can use the city’s “Ladies and Families” taxi service.
Transportation apps like Uber and Careem make it easy to reserve a taxi in any part of town.
The Gold Souk, Textile Souk, and Spice Souk of Dubai are located in the Deira district, which may be reached from the Bur Dubai district by taking the Abra, a traditional wooden boat. Tourists can take a trip for just AED 1 (INR 20), or they can lease the boat privately for AED 120 (INR 2,427) per hour.
Best Hotels to Relax in Dubai
Dubai’s Armani Hotel
Location: Burj Khalifa, Number One Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4888 3888
One of the most recognizable buildings in Dubai, if not the globe, is home to this five-star hotel: the Burj Khalifa. The hotel occupies the first 8 floors and the 38th and 39th floors of the tallest structure in the world, providing guests with breathtaking views of the city and the Arabian Gulf below. After a day of extensive shopping at The Dubai Mall, guests can unwind in one of the hotel’s namesakes, Giorgio Armani-designed rooms.
The Burj Al-Arab
Location: Jumeirah Street, Dubai
Phone: +971 4 301 7777
The Burj Al Arab may be the second most recognizable structure in Dubai, after the Burj Khalifa. And one of the city’s most beautiful hotels may be found within this distinctive sail-shaped edifice that floats in the center of the gulf. Access to the hotel’s private beach and the Arabian-themed Wild Wadi Waterpark is included in the price of each brightly decorated room, as are Hermès toiletries and butler service.
Top-Rated Dining Spots in Dubai
Brasserie 2.0
Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa, located at Al Mamsha Street in Dubai Marina.
Phone: +97 143 165 550
Dubai is home to numerous five-star dining establishments, but nothing says “grand” like an extravagant brunch spread. And this one is perfect, with a juice and smoothie bar and more than ten live cooking stations (think seafood on the outside grill and paella) for customers to enjoy in the garden. Make a reservation for Friday’s brunch service.
Comptoir 102
It is located at 102 Beach Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai.
Phone: +971 4 385 4555
When you sit down on the shady patio of this organic cafe, you might be fooled into believing you’re in California or Tulum. Invigorate yourself with a chai latte prepared from homemade almond milk while you munch on avocado crostini, a halloumi salad, or gluten-free buckwheat pancakes. Visit the adjoining concept store to browse bohemian dresses, one-of-a-kind glasses, jewelry, and more after you finish your meal.
Things to do in Dubai
1. IMG Adventure Worlds
Indoor theme park IMG Worlds of Adventure may be found in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It’s the first central theme park in Dubai. There are five “epic zones” within the park. Two of the five zones feature popular international companies like Cartoon Network and Marvel, while the other three are original ideas from the IMG Group. A deal was signed between Novo Cinema and IMG Worlds of Adventure in May 2015, making Novo Cinema the fifth segment of IMG Worlds of Adventure.
Moreover 1.5 million square feet in size, IMG Worlds of Adventure is the world’s second-largest indoor-themed entertainment attraction due to its climate control features. As it is fully air-conditioned, it is one of the best indoor activities to try in Dubai during the summer season. Here you will find roller coasters, thrill rides, and other attractions based on well-known Cartoon Network characters, Marvel Super Heroes, and animatronic dinosaurs at this location, which can accommodate more than 20,000 visitors daily. And it is also one of the best shopping spots in Dubai, with fantastic retail outlets in every zone.
Now after an entire day at this huge indoor theme park you would definitely want a place near the area. Well there are several luxury and budget hotels near IMG Worlds of Adventure where you can unwind and relax.
2. Action in the Frying Pan
Phone: +971 56 471 8244
These excursions aim to give visitors a taste of the diverse cuisines of Dubai, arguably the most acceptable way to get a feel for the city. Meat and rice pilaf, “stuffed” falafels, and the custom of preparing Arabic coffee can all be sampled while exploring the back alleys of a souk and learning about the city’s history.
3. Platinum Heritage
Location: Motor City, Dubai, Office 1303, Control Tower
Phone: +971 4 440 9827
This desert safari, which focuses on finding wildlife, is one of many ways to explore the stunning desert terrain outside of Dubai. Still, it is particularly respectful of the local ecosystem. Visit the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve searching for Arabian oryx and gazelles by booking a ride in a vintage Land Rover or a modern Range Rover. Layer your clothing, as the desert early in the day can be cool but warms up rapidly as the sun rises.
The Dubai desert Safari and an entire day at the IMG World of Adventures is the perfect 2 Days in Dubai Itinerary. If you are staying for a longer period, then you can try out these next activities too.
4. Burj Khalifa
Location: 1 Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, Dubai.
Phone: +971 4 8888888
The breathtaking scenic view from the top of the world’s highest tower is a treat. Experience Dubai from above at the 125th-floor observation deck or the 148th-floor outdoor terrace of the world’s tallest observation deck. After you’ve landed in Dubai, stay for the spectacular performance put on by The Dubai Fountain.
The Burj Khalifa is one of the few places to stay cool in Dubai.
5. Master the art of falconry
Location: Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.
Phone: +971 4 435 6550
Take a tour with Royal Shaheen Events and learn about falconry from a team of expert falconers, with the bonus of meeting some fantastic birds up and personal. These trips are fun-filled for the whole family and teach visitors about the history and practices of falconry, both old and new.
