Introduction to Dubai
Dubai is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. It is located along the southern coast of the Persian Gulf and has emerged as a cosmopolitan, international hub for business, tourism, and luxury living.
Dubai has a rich history, originally established in the early 18th century by the Bani Yas tribe. It was a small fishing and pearling village up until the discovery of oil in 1966. This ushered in a period of rapid development and growth, transforming Dubai into the modern metropolis it is today.
The city is situated in the Arabian Desert, with a subtropical desert climate. Summers are very hot and humid with temperatures averaging 40°C. Winters are mild and pleasant, with temperatures around 25°C during the day and cooler at night. Dubai experiences little rainfall, only about 10 cm per year on average.
Dubai has developed into a global hub for trade, tourism, real estate, and finance. It has one of the most diversified economies in the Gulf region and has become known for luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture, and a lively nightlife scene. Key industries include tourism, real estate, financial services, trade, and logistics. The Jebel Ali Port is one of the busiest in the region.
Dubai offers a high standard of living and has attracted expatriates from around the world. The population is estimated around 3.5 million, with only about 15% being UAE nationals. It is a multicultural city with a large South Asian and Western expatriate presence. Dubai offers tax-free living and is seen as a destination for luxury, glamour, and over-the-top experiences.
Top Attractions
DUbai’s incredible architecture and unique attractions make it a top destination for travelers from around the world. Some can’t-miss sights include:
Burj Khalifa
This 2,722 foot tall skyscraper is a marvel of modern engineering. Visitors can head to the observation deck on the 124th and 125th floors for jaw-dropping 360 degree views. Trying to spot landmarks from this bird’s eye perspective is a fun challenge.
The Dubai Mall
Located at the base of Burj Khalifa, this massive shopping complex has over 1,200 stores. It’s one of the world’s largest malls, and even includes an indoor aquarium and ice skating rink for entertainment. The surrounding fountains and sculptures make the area lively.
Palm Jumeirah
This human-made archipelago has an instantly recognizable palm tree shape when viewed from above. A monorail runs the length of the “trunk” area, with homes, hotels, and entertainment complexes branching out on the fronds. It’s a cutting-edge engineering feat.
Dubai Fountains
Set on the 30-acre Burj Lake, these dancing fountains span 900 feet and can shoot water up to 500 ft in the air. Fountain shows take place daily to accompanied by lights and music, with the Burj Khalifa as an epic backdrop. It’s a don’t-miss free attraction.
Desert Safaris
Dubai is home to majestic desert landscapes with enormous golden dunes that seem to go on forever. Taking a desert safari tour is one of the most popular activities for visitors who want to experience this iconic terrain. Your safari will likely begin with dune bashing, an exhilarating drive over the rolling sandy hills in a 4×4 vehicle. Hold on tight as your driver navigates up and down the steep dunes!
After working up an appetite dune bashing, stop and enjoy a barbecue dinner right in the desert. Sit back on colorful carpets and cushions and feast on local dishes like chicken, rice, and grilled vegetables. You’ll also be treated to live entertainment like belly dancing under the stars.
No desert safari is complete without a camel ride. Cruise through the desert at sunset on the back of your very own “ship of the desert.” Your guide will lead your camel along as you take in panoramic desert views. For another perspective, try sandboarding down the dunes or have a go at quad biking. Falconry displays are also popular, where you can see falcons fly and return to their handlers.
With its mix of dune bashing, dining, camel rides, entertainment and more, a desert safari promises an unforgettable Arabian adventure. Don’t miss out on this iconic Dubai experience.
Luxury Accommodations
Dubai is known for its over-the-top luxury hotels, with lavish amenities and stunning architecture. Three of the most iconic luxury hotels in Dubai are:
Burj Al Arab
The Burj Al Arab is one of the most recognizable buildings in Dubai, with its distinctive sail-shaped silhouette. Perched on a man-made island, this all-suite hotel screams opulence. The Burj Al Arab has a helipad near the roof, a fleet of Rolls Royce cars to shuttle guests, and lavish two-story suites decorated in gold leaf and marble. Guests can enjoy private beach access, nine world-class restaurants, and amenities like an infinity pool, spa, and kids club. With personal butler service round-the-clock, the Burj Al Arab brings luxury to the highest level.
Atlantis The Palm
Atlantis The Palm is a sprawling resort situated at the apex of the man-made Palm Jumeirah archipelago. The grand Arabian architecture houses over 1,500 guest rooms and suites spread across two towers. The hotel is home to 23 restaurants plus an underwater suite with floor-to-ceiling views into Ambassador Lagoon aquarium. Guests can enjoy the Aquaventure Waterpark, private beach access, world-class dining, and three spas. With lavish rooms featuring sunken tubs and views of the Arabian Sea, Atlantis The Palm creates a luxurious island resort experience.
Armani Hotel Dubai
As the first hotel designed by Giorgio Armani, Armani Hotel Dubai brings sophisticated Italian style to the heart of Burj Khalifa. The hotel occupies floors one to eight of the world’s tallest tower, with 160 guest rooms and suites offering breathtaking views over Dubai. Interiors feature Armani’s signature furnishings, fabrics, and amenities. Guests can enjoy fine Italian dining at Armani/Ristorante, the Armani Lounge, and Armani Deli. The indulgent Armani/SPA provides a rejuvenating wellness experience. Staying at Armani Hotel Dubai allows guests to experience Armani’s luxurious lifestyle.
Fine Dining
Dubai is a foodie’s paradise, with an incredible array of fine dining options to suit all tastes and budgets. For a truly unique experience, visit one of Dubai’s underwater restaurants. Located at Atlantis, The Palm and Al Mahara at Burj Al Arab, these restaurants offer stunning views of marine life while you dine on gourmet cuisine.
Several Michelin-starred chefs have opened restaurants in Dubai, including Gordon Ramsay, Vineet Bhatia and Heinz Beck. Taste their signature dishes at restaurants like Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen, Vineet Bhatia’s Indego and Social by Heinz Beck.
With a multicultural population, Dubai offers authentic flavors from around the world. Try Emirati cuisine like Luqaimat desserts, Armenian at Enab Beirut, Italian at Roberto’s, Japanese at Nobu or Moroccan at Tagine. New restaurants are always popping up, so there’s an ever-evolving dining scene to explore.
The dining options are seemingly endless. With so many international flavors, unique settings and celebrity chefs, Dubai is a true culinary playground for those who love to eat well when they travel. It’s easy to eat at a different world-class restaurant every night of your Dubai holiday.
Shopping
Dubai is a shopper’s paradise, with a wealth of options from massive malls to traditional open-air souks. The top shopping destination is Dubai Mall, located next to the Burj Khalifa, which offers over 1,200 stores. You’ll find global brands, fashion, jewelry, electronics, homewares, entertainment, and more all under one roof. It’s one of the largest malls in the world.
Make sure to visit the Gold Souk and Spice Souk for a more traditional shopping experience. The Gold Souk has over 300 jewelers selling everything from delicate jewelry to lavish golden creations. You can watch skilled goldsmiths at work crafting custom pieces. The Spice Souk transports you to an open-air Arabian marketplace with colorful pyramids of spices and aromatics.
Haggle for the best deals as you browse through this sensory overload of spices and textiles. Look out for saffron, cardamom, cinnamon sticks, dried limes, rose petals, incense, dried chilies, nuts, and herbs. It’s a photographer’s paradise. End your haggling and shopping spree by enjoying a traditional cup of Arabic coffee or Karak chai tea.
Splash into Dubai’s Top Waterparks
While the desert landscape may seem an unlikely place for waterparks, Dubai is home to some of the best in the world. Cool off from the hot Dubai sun by spending a day at one of these thrilling waterparks:
Wild Wadi Waterpark
Located right next to the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel, Wild Wadi offers 30 rides and attractions spread across a heated wave pool, lazy river, and children’s area. Must-try rides include the white-knuckle Jumeirah Sceirah, bursting with speed slides and sharp drops; Juha’s Journey lazy river; and the Wipeout and Riptide Flowriders, which mimic surfing waves. With dining options and private cabanas available, you can make a full day out of your Wild Wadi visit.
Aquaventure Waterpark
Part of the Atlantis, The Palm mega resort, Aquaventure spans over 17 hectares with waterslides, river rides, and pool areas. The highlight is the Ziggurat temple structure housing the Leap of Faith slide, a near-vertical drop from 27 meters up. Other record-breaking slides include the twin-rider Duelling Dragons and the steep, fast Slitherine. Aquaventure also has a dedicated kids area, splash pads, and pristine beaches with loungers when you need a break. With dining outlets scattered throughout, you’ll be fueled for a full day of aquatic fun.
With these world-class waterparks in Dubai, you’ll be cooled down and entertained no matter how hot the desert climate may get. Scream down thrilling slides, float along lazy rivers, and splash away the afternoon.
Theme Parks
Dubai is home to some of the world’s best, most thrilling theme parks. For families and adventure seekers, no trip to Dubai is complete without a visit to at least one of its world-class theme parks.
The top theme parks in Dubai are IMG Worlds of Adventure and Motiongate Dubai. IMG Worlds of Adventure is the world’s largest indoor theme park, spanning over 1.5 million square feet. With adrenaline-pumping rollercoasters, thrill rides, and family-friendly attractions based on popular Cartoon Network characters like The Powerpuff Girls, Ben 10, and LazyTown, it offers entertainment for all ages.
Motiongate Dubai is another must-visit theme park, bringing three legendary film studios – DreamWorks, Lionsgate, and Columbia Pictures – together in one location. Step into blockbuster films like Kung Fu Panda, The Hunger Games, Ghostbusters, and Zombieland through exhilarating rides, interactive experiences, and immersive themed zones. With world-class rollercoasters, 4D and 5D cinema rides, live entertainment, and dining, Motiongate Dubai brings cinematic wonder to life.
Visiting Dubai’s incredible theme parks like IMG Worlds of Adventure and Motiongate Dubai is an experience both kids and adults will never forget. Thrill-seekers and families alike will be amazed by the world-class rides, entertainment, and immersive theming that has made Dubai a global theme park destination.
Museums
Dubai is home to world-class museums and cultural attractions that should not be missed. The city’s most famous museum is the Louvre Abu Dhabi located on Saadiyat Island. This stunning architectural masterpiece displays artwork from around the world. Some of the most famous pieces include Leonardo da Vinci’s La Belle Ferronnière and Whistler’s Arrangement in Grey and Black.
Another top museum is Dubai Frame, an iconic landmark that resembles a giant picture frame. It offers 360-degree views across Dubai from the observation decks on the top and bottom floors. An expo of Dubai’s history and future takes place inside the frame.
For book lovers, the Mohammed bin Rashid Library is a bibliophile’s paradise. As one of the biggest libraries in the Arab world, it houses over 1.5 million books, magazines, and other resources. Free to enter, visitors can marvel at the jaw-dropping architecture and expand their knowledge across numerous topics.
With world-renowned art galleries, striking architectural icons, and vast repositories of books, Dubai’s museums offer enriching cultural experiences. Don’t miss out on these magnificent attractions on your Dubai itinerary.
Luxury Lifestyle Tips
When visiting Dubai as a luxury traveler, there are some important lifestyle tips to keep in mind:
Dress Codes
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While Dubai is open to tourism, public displays of affection and revealing clothing may be considered offensive. Keep shoulders, midriffs, knees, and necklines covered when out in public areas.
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At luxury hotels and high-end restaurants, elegant attire like dresses, pantsuits, button-downs, and trousers are recommended over very casual wear like shorts, flip flops, and tank tops.
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If visiting mosques, women should cover their heads with a scarf and both men and women should avoid shorts or sleeveless tops. Loose, modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders is required.
Cultural Etiquette
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Greetings like handshakes are not common between members of the opposite sex. Wait for a local to extend their hand first.
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Avoid using your left hand for eating or handing items to others, as the left hand is considered unclean.
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Public displays of affection should be avoided.
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Be discreet when consuming alcohol, as drunkenness in public is illegal.
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Ramadan etiquette like not eating, drinking, or smoking in public should be observed during the holy month.
Transportation
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Taxis are widely available, metered, and affordable for getting around the city.
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The Dubai Metro provides quick transportation to major attractions.
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For luxury, consider a private car service or limousine, which can be arranged by your hotel concierge. This ensures privacy and comfort.
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Car services like Uber and Careem are used in Dubai, but licensed taxis are the official option.