Top Things to Do In Dubai

Dubai, this truly magnificent city has a tantalising combination of the old-school charm and modern sophistication, making it an ideal tourist destination for all. The city boasts extensive beaches, a desert and towering modern mega structures. Dubai has been aptly nicknamed the shopping capital of the world. People go there to stay at luxurious hotels and to buy everything from gold to electronics to designer clothes. Well, I will need another couple of holidays here to discover all the attractions and the latest hip places to be seen at! But, in the meantime, as a little starter, here are a few attractions I recommend if you are visiting the first time like me!

at the Jumeirah Zabeel Sarey Resort

Visit The Burj Khalifa

At 828 meters, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building and the tallest structure in the world. The first thing to do in Dubai is to go to the top of the Burj for a panoramic view of the city. The 148th floor observation deck is an excellent backdrop for photography enthusiasts. Every tourist must grab their cameras and tripods and visit the observation deck to capture exceptional photos. If not, the deck also has telescopes that offer a virtual time travel experience for tourists. One tip I have for you is to either buy your tickets online in advance to avoid long queues or else go to the restaurant called At.Mosphere on the 122nd floor and take a few cocktails there instead of paying an entrance fee to the observation deck.

Go Shopping to the Impressive Shopping Malls

The shopping malls in Dubai are famous for their huge variety of brands from Accessorize to Louis Vuitton and Valentino and a multitude of restaurants and cafes to enjoy. People visiting Dubai buy a multitude of items, ranging from TV screens and mobile phones to fashionable clothing and perfumes and so much more. Every mall has its own unique shopping experience including attractions like aquariums, skating rinks, ice skating rinks, cinemas … making mall-hopping a leading tourist activity in Dubai.

Visit The Burj Al Arab

The Burj Al Arab is a seven-star hotel built on an artificial island. It’s also the world’s fourth-tallest hotel. Plus the Burj Al Arab mimics the shape of a ship’s sail. Rooms in this hotel are expensive, but it is a favorite among the rich and famous. Even if tourists don’t stay at the Burj, they must visit it to absorb the grandeur of the construction.

Take a Desert Safari

Dubai is bordered by a desert on one side of the city. Tourists can take tours through the deserts and drive dune buggies through the sand. There are also regular barbecues and parties on the sands of Dubai for overnight tours, one of the Dubai must-try tourist attractions. We did not manage to fit in this full day in our busy schedule but I’m really looking forward to plan it on our next trip. All the more a reason to visit again soon right?

Enjoy some Beach Time!,

After extensive shopping sessions and tours through Dubai, every tourist must reserve some time to relax and sip cocktails on Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach or their beach resort. The beaches offers white sands and pristine waters for tourists and locals who want to take a break from the hectic city life in Dubai. Be sure to visit when weather permits, as the extreme heat can be overwhelming.

We stayed at the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray a beach resort on the Palm Islands and we were extremely satisfied with our choice. I will be posting a full review about this next week, at the end of our stay…

Watch the Fountain Shows beneath the Burj Khalifa

Fountain shows are pleasing to the eye, especially in soaring-high temperatures. The fountains of Dubai located at the base of the Burj Khalifa offer an incredible experience for tourists, similar to the dancing fountain displays in Las Vegas. We enjoyed it very much at the end of our shopping day. Tourists can book tables at the numerous restaurants around the fountains or simply wait for a fountain display to start by the wayside. They happen every 30 minutes and they are different every time!

The Dubai Fountain rises in a choreographed sequence of water, light, and music.

Visit The Dubai Gold Souk

Just a short drive from Dubai Creek is the world famous Dubai Gold Souk. Here you will be able to find some stunning gold jewellery, some of which you won’t be able to find anywhere else in the world. The experience of visiting the gold souk in Dubai is authentically Middle-Eastern, and it is possible to haggle if you want your gold at a lower price! You can also visit the spice souk while you’re there, and try some spicy recipes when you get home.

Explore the Madinat el Jumeirah

The Madinat Jumeirah the Arabian Resort – Dubai is a luxurious 5 star resort in Dubai and is also the largest resort in the emirate, spreading across over 40 hectares of landscapes and gardens. It is designed to resemble a traditional Arabian town. The resort comprises three boutique hotels (Al Qasr, Mina A’Salam, and Al Naseem) and a courtyard of 29 summer houses called Dar Al Masyaf. The resort has over 40 restaurants and bars. We enjoyed a brief tour of this destination with friends of ours who live and work in Dubai and we dined at one of the restaurants followed by a walk through the Souk or market that offers a myriad of traditional offerings. Definitely worth a visit!