EXPAT LIFE, TRAVEL

Things to do in Dubai

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First time in Dubai? Here is my personal list of best places to visit.

Famous Attractions and Must See’s:

  • Burj Al Arab – This is one of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks. It is also known as the sailboat-shaped building. Self proclaimed as a 7-star hotel. Only accessible to guests of their restaurant or hotel. If booking at a restaurant, they are quite well known for their seafood at Nathan Outlaw, inside has a huge aquarium.
  • Dubai Mall & The Dancing Fountains – Check out the fountain show that is on daily at Dubai Mall. It is known for the largest choreographed fountain show in the world. Free of charge.
    • INSIDER TIP: The fountain show can get quite crowded, if you are going to eat at Dubai Mall anyway, reserve a terrace table at Serafina Dubai  or Guynaydin for front row seats. 
  • Dubai Old Souk, Gold Souk – Must visit to check out the old Dubai. It has a mini market “souk” for tourists ranging of items like rugs, spices, and all sorts of souvenirs. Be sure to haggle here.
    • INSIDER TIP: Head over to these souks via Abra. Find the Abra Port in google maps. Abras are old wooden boats which transport people across the creek. This was their traditional method of transportation and still being used heavily by residents. Only AED 1 for each way. 
  • Ski Dubai – this is the worlds largest indoor ski resort. Yes, you can ski even during the blazing hot summer we get in UAE. Located at the Mall of the Emirates. Starts at AED200 for adults.
  • Desert Safari – a visit to UAE would not be complete without a visit to the desert. Package usually includes dune-bashing, shisha, bbq, sand boarding, a show and transportation starting at AED 70.

Other Noteworthy Places to Visit

  1. The Last Exit – Food Truck Park mandatory stop for me on the way to Dubai from Abu Dhabi. I like to enjoy lunch or a snack here at one of the most amazing food-truck parks ever. You HAVE to check out their washrooms too, the decor is out of this world.  Open 24 hours.
  2. Global Village –  Themepark. this is like a mini replica of landmarks and little shops around the world. Check it out and see if you can name which cities are there. (Opens after 4pm, entrance is around AED 20). Great place for street eats and buying souvinirs.
    INSIDER TIP: Dont be afraid to haggle/negotiate when you are purchasing goods here, they don’t have prices on these for a reason. 
  1. Miracle Gardens or Glow Garden – miracle garden houses tons tons tons of flowers, such a beautiful place and of course it smells good too! If you did not have time in the day for the Miracle Garden, you can check out Glow Garden at night. I have not been to it yet but I’ve been photos online and it is so rad. These are perfect for some romantic dates and awesome photos. Entrance is around AED 50-60 per adult with free parking. 

  2. JBR – Jumeirah Beach Road. Here there is the amazing beach where you can rent a cabana, get a camel ride, or play in the waters. There is a huge inflatable water park you might want to try. Tons of things happen on JBR. There is a long boardwalk full of stores, vendors, restaurants and carnival games.  

  3. La Mer Beach- this is similar to JBR where it has a boardwalk full of restaurants and things to do. Over 50 restaurants here and has a nice beach area with a large waterpark. They also have tons of mural art for some really good insta-worthy photos.
    INSIDER TIP: if you spend more than 100 AED at any outlet you can avail 3 hours of free underground parking. (We only found out after countless trips here!) 

  4. Dhow Cruise down the creek – You can see the beautiful skyline of dubai by renting a boat or dhow during your trip. There are Dhow cruises available on Facebook and Groupon for an afforable price (less than AED 130 pp) which includes the cruise, dinner and show. 

  5. The Palm Islands – Atlantis the Palm Hotel – see the palm islands either by boat or you could visit the iconic Atlantis. This hotel is located at the end of the palm and gives pictureque views of the water from here. They also have a fun waterpark – Aquaventure.
    INSIDER TIP: If its your birthday, its free entrance to Aquaaventure! Be sure to check their website to confirm this promo is still valid. 

  6. IMG World Themepark – this is a great activity for families. IMG World is the largest indoor themepark in the world. This super-hero themed park is sure to be a whole day’s activity. 
    Other alternatives to themeparks for your family is Dubai Parks and Resorts which has Motion Gate Theme Park and Bollywood.
    INSIDER TIP:     download/purchase The Entertainer to get Buy 1 get 1 free tickets. Membership is AED 450 but it might be worth it if you have a large family. 
  7. SkyDive Dubai – jump out of a plane in Dubai over the Palm Islands. One of the best places to skydive as the view is unreal. Book at least 1 month beforehand, the morning is the best time to book as the weather is most stable.

    INSIDER TIP:  The cost is AED 2199 but if you are a UAE resident or if it is your birthday, there is a 10% discount. Inquiry with Skydive Dubai. 

There is always new up and coming attractions in Dubai. Depending on when you’re visiting next, these attractions might be open to the public already: Ain Dubai (largest ferris wheel in the world), Moon Museum (Museum shaped in a crescent moon), The World Islands (man-made islands shaped as the world map), and The Tower (next tallest building in the world that will beat Burj Khalifa). Enjoy your time in Dubai. 

Follow me on Instagram @dotonherway and please feel free to reach out to me there if you have questions about your next trip! 

About The Author
DOT Hi there! I am an aspiring blogger who loves to travel, eat and instagram @dotonherway. Along the way I have met and been to some really incredible places. This is a channel for me to share some more details about my life and stay in touch with family and friends all around the world. Thanks for dropping by!

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