VISITING DUBAI: TRAVEL AND SHOPPING TIPS

Everything in Dubai is the world’s first, largest, or most expensive, and the list keeps growing every year. So be prepared to be impressed! Here are our top recommendations on the best attractions, shopping and restaurants.

I would recommend spending at least a week in this extraordinary city to explore everything it has to offer, plus a couple more days for the beach and entertainment that definitely won’t disappoint.

General facts

• Dubai is the capital of the Dubai Emirate, one of the 7 country’s emirates.
• It was established in the beginning of the18th century as a fishing village.
• Dubai is the most populated city in the country.
• Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world with the height of 828 mts.
• The Burj Al Arab hotel is often described as the world’s only 7-star hotel.

What to see

Although this is not your typical historical round – most of the attractions were built in the last 20 years, you will see the things you won’t see anywhere else, at least in the near future.

Burj Khalifa

Would you like to look down at the city’s numerous skyscrapers, the ocean on one side and the desert on the other? The observation deck on the 124th floor of the world’s tallest building is an absolute must-visit while in Dubai. Book in advance, especially if you wish to visit during the sunset hour. Alternatively, there is a lounge on floor 155, the entrance to which includes one alcoholic beverage.

Dubai Desert

In the mood for a little adrenaline rush? Head out on a desert safari tour. Most of them include a hotel pick-up, camel ride, sandboarding, henna painting, and a traditional show. And if you wish to spend more time in the desert, there is an overnight camping option.

Global Village

If you happen to be in Dubai between October and April, make sure to stop by the Global Village – an international entertainment park with 26 country-themed pavillions, as well as shops, restaurants, rides and roller costers for the entire family. This is a truly unique experience.

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

Have you ever experienced shopping, dining and marine life in one place? The Dubai Mall has all of that and more to offer. While you can’t miss the huge tank with over 140 species on the mall’s ground floor, there is a separate entrance to the Underwater Zoo, where a 270-degree glass tunnel will make you feel surrounded by the water. 

Museum of the Future

Opened in February 2022, Museum of the Future is a true landmark of science and innovation. Here you will find everything from space travel to robots to biodiversity, as well as an entire floor of the children’s interactive activities. The collections are constantly updated, and there are various tempopary exhibitions throughout the year. 

The Palm Jumeirah

The Palm Jumeirah is a famous palm-shaped set of artificial islands with various hotels, as well as the Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark that boasts the world’s longest (no suprise there) water slide, among other impressive rides and water activities.

If you wish to see the island from a bird’s eye view, you may book a skydiving experience that includes an instructor and a photographer that will take your photos in the air.

Burj Al Arab

The sail-shaped Burj Al-Arab is another one of Dubai’s extravaganzas. Also known as the only 7-star hotel, it is the tallest, as well as one of the most luxurious and expensive hotels in the world. It features its own light show at night, and is equally impressive inside and out. Not many people can afford to stay at Burj Al-Arab, but you can still visit one of the hotel’s restaurants or lounges for lunch, dinner or afternoon tea.

The Dubai Fountain

You can’t miss the Dubai Fountain show taking place every evening right in front of the Burj Khalifa on the Burj Lake. Yet another world record, as the water reaches the height of 150 meters, making it the world’s tallest fountain display. The show lasts about 30 minutes and is free of charge.

Dubai Museum

Located in the 1787 Al-Fahidi Fort, Dubai museum exhibits various stages of the Emirati desert life along with the artifacts from 2000-1000 BC. You will also find a display of old maps, clothing, ships, weaponry and musical instruments. The fort itself represents a traditional architectural style with coral blocks.

Jumeirah Mosque

Take a break from all those ultra-modern high-tech attractions and pay a visit to what is considered the most beautiful of Dubai’s mosques. Built in 1979 in medieval Fatimid style, the Jumeirah Mosque is a fine example of traditional muslim architecture. You are welcome to visit on your own, or attend one of the daily guided tours.

What to Buy

Besides numerous tourist attractions, Dubai is also famous for the shopping possibilities. Due to the local tax policies and trade relations, you can find virtually anything here. But don’t miss out on the authentic products that are the real local gems.

Arabic Attars

Arabic Attars, or scented oils, are very popular in the Middle East as a perfume alternative. You can choose from a variety of options, or even have one exclusively prepared for you. The price is very reasonable, which makes it a great authentic gift for yourself or anyone else.

Camel Milk Chocolate

Here is something extremely rare and unique for your consideration – camel milk chocolate. It is quite pricey since it’s produced by one company only, but totally worth it, and an absolute must-try in Dubai. It comes in several flavors and shapes, most popular being the camel-shaped.

Jewelry

Dubai is known as the “City of Gold” for a reason. The variety and quality of gold jewelry here is incomparable, the prices are very moderate, and bargaining is welcome. You can also find decend platinum, diamonds and other precious and non-precious stone variations.

Arabian Coffee

If you are into a stronger and bitter coffee taste, this one is for you, and is one of the best souvenirs to take back home from Dubai. You may take it one step further and compliment the coffe with traditional coffee cups or pots that come in a variety of designs and price ranges.

Sweets

Speaking of coffee time, don’t forget about desert! Middle East is famous for exceptional sweets like Baklawa, Khabees or Batheeth. You may also consider dates as a healthier option.

Arabian Spices

If you like cooking or know someone who does, this is a great way to spice things up. You will find them in huge variety at any market, but make sure to inquire about the spiciness, as some of them can be very hot.

Arab Shoes

Traditional arab shoes can be a real work of art with embroidery, beads, and even precious stones. The best place and price would be at the Souk Market, where you can also find shawls and traditional clothing.

Tea Blends

The UAE follow an ancient tea-making tradion. Therefore, tea here is so much more than just boiled tea leaves, it’s a multitude of blends that combine usual flavors with exotic ones, like rose petals or saffron. Most sellers allow tasting at the store.

Lamps and Lanterns

An Arabic lamp or lantern will add a lot of flavor to your home decor, or make a great gift for someone else. The best ones are hand made of copper and tin, but there are also cheaper aluminium and stained glass variations.

Where to eat

Dubai is filled with 5-star hotels and restaurants, rooftop lounges, gourmet coffee shops, you name it… Here is our selection of medium-priced, but very high-rated eateries.

Couqley French Bistro & Bar

Located at the Mövenpick Hotel and often described as “affordable luxury”, this bistro serves French and European quisine, but also great drinks during the ladies light. 

SIKKA Café

It is a must to try some local food during your vacation. This Café offers a blend of indian and arabic options, as well as amazing breakfast and brunch. Reasonably priced and located within a mile from the Dubai Fountain.

Azure Beach Dubai

This seaside restaurant and bar serves sushi, European and Asian dishes, as well as alcoholic beverages. It is extremely fancy with various types of facilities, but not too expensive with prices ranging between $11 and $60.

Tribes Carnivore

In the mood for some really good steak, or willing to try some African food? Tribes Carnivore is your go-to. It offers great value for the price, and conveniently located at the Dubai mall.

Seagrill Bistro 

Located at the Palm hotel on Palm Jumeirah, Seagrill Bistro serves the best seafood in town. It also offers mediterranean cuisine, vegetarian dishes, alcoholic drinks, and shisha menu. Waterfront with sunset view – you won’t be disappointed.

Gordon Ramsay’s Street Pizza

While visiting Atlantis at the Palm, stop by for a slice of pizza or other Italian meal. Apparently, pizza is not the most popular dish in Dubai, but Gordon Ramsey’s knows how to make it!