Prepare yourself for a city of extremes: Dubai is home to the world’s tallest building, the most gargantuan mall and the largest indoor ski slope. There are restaurants from just about every nation on the planet, beaches where both the bikini- and burka-clad relax, vast empty deserts and crowded urban backstreets to explore.
So where to begin? Make sure you’re aware of the most recent COVID-19 safety protocols in place for travelers before starting with these top sights.
Dubai’s Must-See Sights
The world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, is visible from just about anywhere in the city – on a clear day, you can see it from 95km away. It’s currently home to the world’s highest observation deck at a vertiginous 555m. At its feet you’ll find the Dubai Mall, the world’s busiest, as well as the all-singing, all-dancing Dubai Fountain.
The distinctive sail-shaped Burj Al Arab is the city’s emblem and houses the so-called world’s only seven-star hotel. It sits next to the sprawling Madinat Jumeirah complex, an atmospheric take on a Middle Eastern city of old, albeit with high-end hotels, restaurants, bars, shops, and Venetian-style waterways that offer fantastic views of the iconic hotel.
For a hint of what Dubai was like before the oil boom, head to Dubai Creek. Take an abra (a traditional wooden boat, used to ferry people across Dubai Creek) across the creek from Deira to Bur Dubai (or vice versa) and explore the various souqs, where negotiation skills aid you in haggling for gold, spices, and garments. Delve into the emirate’s fascinating history at the Dubai Museum in the Al Fahidi Fort, the oldest building in the city, and then take a short taxi ride to the Etihad Museum in Jumeirah, which looks at the formation of the United Arab Emirates in the 1970s.
Dubai’s landscape is constantly evolving, with the desert’s vastness being a constant reminder of its natural beauty. Numerous companies provide excursions into the red dunes, offering experiences ranging from exhilarating off-roading trips to enlightening tours that provide insight into life in the sands.
Where to Eat in Dubai
Dubai boasts an incredibly diverse and multicultural dining scene, ranging from fine-dining establishments to popular local spots. For an insider’s perspective on the city’s culinary delights, consider a walking tour of old Dubai with Frying Pan Adventures, offering amazing foodie itineraries year-round.
Popular dining districts include The Beach at JBR and The Walk at JBR for mid-range restaurants; Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) for high-end dining options; and Deira for budget-friendly bites (head to Al Muraqqabat Rd and Al Rigga Rd). Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates also host a wide selection of restaurants, cafes, and fast food outlets.
As expected, there’s an excellent selection of Middle Eastern cuisine. Enjoy tasty grilled kebabs at Aroos Damascus in Deira, Lebanese street food at the trendy chain Zaroob, and authentic Emirati cuisine at Al Fanar in Festival City Mall. The city also boasts a vibrant Indian and Pakistani culinary scene, influenced by its substantial expat population. Notable options include the famous Ravi in Jumeirah, Karachi Darbar in Satwa, and the exquisite Indego by Vineet in the Grosvenor House hotel.
Furthermore, there’s an increasing number of innovative homegrown eateries providing casual dining experiences in trendy atmospheres. Make sure to visit 3 Fils at Jumeriah Fishing Harbour and the popular food trucks from Salt at Kite Beach, or indulge at Play, led by ex-Zuma chef Reif Othman at the H Hotel.
If you’re in town on a Friday – the first day of the weekend in Dubai – be sure to experience one of the city’s famous brunches. Two of the most delightful all-you-can-eat-and-drink options are Bubblicious at The Westin and Giardino at Palazzo Versace, as well as more relaxed options at Marina Social and Bread Street Kitchen.
Where to Stay in Dubai
Dubai is renowned for its palatial hotels and five-star beach resorts, but it also offers an excellent range of hotels and apartments suitable for all budgets.
The city is roughly divided into two areas: ‘Old Dubai’ in the north, consisting of Deira and Bur Dubai around Dubai Creek, and ‘New Dubai’ to the south, featuring the sleek skyscrapers of Downtown Dubai, DIFC, and Dubai Marina. It’s a reasonably compact city that’s easy to navigate, allowing you to stay at the beach while effortlessly exploring major attractions. Luxury desert resorts, such as Al Maha and Bab Al Shams, serve as enticing escapes and are located less than an hour’s drive from the city center.
Downtown Dubai features some of the most luxurious city hotels including the Armani Hotel and The Palace Downtown, while nearby Business Bay and Al Habtoor City across the Dubai Canal also provide excellent hotels with convenient access to key sights. Beach resorts are concentrated around Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Dubai Marina, Umm Suqeim (home to Burj Al Arab and Madinat Jumeirah), and Palm Jumeirah; however, the latter’s artificial beaches may not be as appealing as the natural coastal stretches.
For budget-conscious travelers, affordable accommodations can be found in the older districts of Deira and Bur Dubai, while Al Barsha, home to the Mall of the Emirates, is emerging as a hub for mid-range hotels. Government regulators closely monitor hotel standards, ensuring that even budget properties are clean and comfortable.
Dubai’s Water Parks
Regardless of age, Dubai’s water parks are a must-see on your itinerary. The two premier options are Wild Wadi, located in front of the Burj Al Arab, and Aquaventure, situated in the Atlantis resort at the tip of Palm Jumeirah and set to become the world’s largest water park. They offer heart-pounding slides, lazy river experiences, and fantastic children’s areas, while Legoland Water Park at Dubai Parks & Resorts is designed specifically for young children.
Getting Around Dubai
Dubai’s metro system is both affordable and efficient, linking the airport with many key locations across the city. You’ll need to acquire a Nol pre-paid smartcard (available at metro stations), which is usable on the metro, tram, and bus networks.
Taxis are readily available, metered, and moderately priced (the minimum fare is Dhs10). You can find taxis at malls and hotels, or flag one down from the street. They are the fastest mode of transportation, particularly outside of rush hour when the metro is a more convenient option.
Uber and local ride-hailing service Careem present appealing alternatives to traditional taxi services, allowing you to hail a ride using either app, with fares calculated based on distance, wait time, and demand.
Additionally, you can hire bicycles through Dubai’s public bike hire scheme, Byky. There are stations in tourist hotspots like Dubai Marina and Downtown, with an easy cycling route that covers the 11km circuit around the crescent of Palm Jumeirah.
Top Tips
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The best time to visit is from November to March when temperatures hover around 30°C. If you’re visiting in summer, seek respite at indoor theme parks such as IMG Worlds of Adventure or hit the slopes at Ski Dubai.
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Make sure to grab a free SIM card when you land at the airport to help navigate maps and websites while exploring the city. Providers like Etisalat and Du have stores at the airport and within most malls.
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Consider pre-booking tickets for the Burj Khalifa online, as you can typically save more than half the price of an immediate entry ticket during non-peak hours (and save roughly a third during peak times).
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Experience a cultural meal at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, which includes an Emirati feast followed by an enlightening discussion about local culture and religion.
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Don’t worry if your budget won’t stretch for a beach resort – free public beaches such as Kite Beach and JBR Beach offer sun loungers, showers, and cafes.
This article was originally published on September 2017.
