Explore Dubai: A Journey Through the City of Wonders

Dubai, the dazzling city in the United Arab Emirates, is more than just fancy skyscrapers. It's a place of immense growth and development. Luxury and fashion are simply by-products of this incredible advancement. The city boasts futuristic infrastructure, cutting-edge technology, and a vibrant tourism scene. It serves as a major business hub connecting East and West, and is home to a diverse expat population of over 200 nationalities.

A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

Dubai is a unique blend of traditional Arabian culture and ultramodern innovation. You can find attractions ranging from world-class shopping to thrilling desert safaris. Seasonal highlights like the Miracle Garden and the ever-busy Museum of the Future add to its charm. Of course, the Burj Khalifa tops the must-see list, with its impressive lights and the awe-inspiring fountain show at the Dubai Mall right below it.

I visited Dubai in the first week of December for about ten days. I discovered many amazing places, although a few still remain on my to-visit list for my next trip. For now, let’s dive into my list of must-dos in Dubai!

1. Burj Khalifa

When you think of Dubai, the Burj Khalifa is the first thing that comes to mind. Standing at 829.8 meters (2,722 feet), it is the tallest structure in the world. It's huge, majestic, and beautiful! The evening lights at the Burj Khalifa are mesmerizing. You can see it from many places around the city, but nothing beats an up-close view. The Burj Khalifa houses a mix of commercial, residential, and hospitality ventures. You can even visit the observation deck! Tickets are available on their official website (Burj Khalifa).

2. The Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping destination, is right next to the Burj Khalifa. This is a sight you can't miss! The mall offers not just luxury shopping but also entertainment, leisure, and amazing food options from around the globe. You can explore The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, skate at the massive Dubai Ice Rink, or let kids enjoy KidZania, designed for edutainment. Entry to the mall is free, but specific attractions may require tickets, which you can purchase at the mall or online.

3. The Dubai Fountain

The Dubai Fountain, located at the foot of the Dubai Mall on the 30-acre Burj Lake, is one of the city’s most iconic attractions. It features the world's largest choreographed fountain show, with synchronized water jets, lights, and music against the backdrop of the Burj Khalifa. Shows occur in the afternoons and evenings, with evening performances every 30 minutes from 6 PM to 11 PM. You can enjoy the display while strolling around the lake or from one of the many restaurants in the mall.

4. Dubai Marina & The Yachts

Dubai Marina is all about luxury and extravagance. This man-made canal district is known for its vibrant waterfront, stunning skyline, upscale dining, and, of course, yacht experiences. I had a fantastic day planned at Dubai Marina. We booked a yacht for two hours with a group of friends, and it was one of the best experiences ever! Cruising around the water, taking in the views of Atlantis, and soaking in the beauty of the city was unforgettable. There are various yacht operators in the area, and you can find all the information regarding tours on their websites. You can choose time slots that suit you, along with food and beverage options.

5. Global Village

Global Village is a seasonal cultural destination that showcases the traditions and food of countries worldwide. It typically runs from October to May, so be sure to check the dates and ticket details on their official website before planning your visit. Global Village is a perfect blend of fun fairs, delicious food, nightly cultural entertainment, and authentic shopping. With around 90 countries represented, there are over 3,500 shopping outlets, 250+ dining spots, and more than 40,000 shows and attractions. Each year, Global Village introduces new attractions, making it a must-visit during your trip to Dubai.

6. Dubai Desert Safari

The Dubai Desert Safari is a thrilling journey through the Golden Sands. It perfectly blends adventure, culture, and sheer desert romance. Many tour operators offer various safari packages, so you can choose one that suits your preferences. We opted for an afternoon safari, and it was the best decision! Watching the sunset amidst the dunes was one of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever witnessed. It’s a moment that stays with you forever.

7. The Miracle Garden

As the name suggests, The Miracle Garden is truly a rarity. Spanning 72,000 square meters, it features 50 million flowers and 250 million plants, making it one of the largest flower gardens in the world. The garden operates seasonally from October to April, as the summer heat in Dubai is too harsh for flowers. An entry ticket is required, which you can purchase on their website. The Miracle Garden has various themed sections, including the heart tunnel, teddy bear area, sunflower field, umbrella passage, and Smurfs village. The biggest attraction is the world’s largest floral aircraft, an Emirates A380 model covered with over 500,000 fresh flowers and living plants—a true marvel of design and horticulture!

8. The Dubai Frame

Mirroring a picture frame, the Dubai Frame is an observatory museum and monument that holds the record for the largest frame in the world. Standing at 150 meters tall and 93 meters wide, it features a bridge connecting two towers. An elevator takes you to the top, where an observation deck offers stunning views of old Dubai to the north and the modern cityscape, including the Burj Khalifa, to the south. Only 20 people are allowed on the deck at a time, so expect a queue. Tickets can be purchased either at the location or online.

Other Places to Check Out

• Gold Souk – for jewelry, gold, and silver.

• Perfume Souk – for a wide variety of perfumes, ouds, bakhoor, and more.

• Al Seef – a waterfront destination in Dubai Creek, blending Emirati heritage with modern lifestyle.

• The Palm Jumeirah – a famous man-made island shaped like a palm tree, known for luxury hotels, high-end residences, beaches, views, and restaurants.

• Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR) – a lively waterfront community in Dubai's Marina area, known for its sandy shores and The Walk, a bustling promenade with dining, shopping, and entertainment.

• Museum of the Future – a seven-floor museum dedicated to exploring the future of science, technology, and innovation. It's housed in a torus-shaped building with windows featuring a poem in Arabic about the future, written by Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. I couldn't visit because tickets were sold out, so it's best to book in advance!

  
  

Food and Beverage

I indulged in a lot of delicious food during this trip. Dubai is truly a foodie’s paradise! As a vegetarian, I had no trouble finding great vegetarian options. Be sure to check reviews and menus before booking a table at a restaurant. Here are my recommendations:

• Mausam – Dubai Mall

• L’eto – Dubai Mall

• Forever Rose – Boxpark

• Maison De Curry – Souk Al Bahar

• Operation Falafel – Multiple Locations

• Jimmy John’s – Multiple Locations

• Boho X – Downtown Dubai

• Armani Café – Dubai Mall

• Doors – Dubai Mall

• Beresta – Downtown Dubai

• The Cheesecake Factory – Dubai Mall

• Brunch & Cake – Multiple Locations

• Karak House – Downtown Dubai

• % Arabica – Multiple Locations

• Paul – Multiple Locations

  
  

Websites and Applications to Keep Handy in Dubai

There are plenty of applications and websites for services in Dubai. Here are the ones I found most useful:

• Uber – Taxi

• Careem – Taxi

• Noon – Food/Grocery

• Keeta – Food

• Talabat – Food

• Klook – Ticket booking and packages for attractions

  
  

That wraps up my extensive blog about Dubai! I aimed to keep it informative and engaging without being boring!

I hope this helps you plan your trip or provides the information you’re interested in. For any other details, feel free to reach out to me on social media or through the contact section of my website.

Love,

Shriya!