Despite visiting a few years ago, Dubai is still at the top of my favorite travel destinations. With incredible new age architecture, luxury, and all things grand Dubai is a fun and adventurous journey for kids or adults!
How to get to Dubai
We booked our flight through one of my favorite airlines, Qatar! My sister used Emirates, now offering nonstop flights from Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, another great airline that regularly offers sales and discounts to travel. Emirates is also known to have great in flight entertainment, something you’ll really need for a 14 hour flight time! Sign up for their email list or follow them on Instagram to find their latest deal. As usual, check and track your desired travel dates using Google Flights!
Tourist Visas
If you are from the US you are able to receive a visa on arrival for 30 days, make sure your passport isn’t going to expire for another 6 months and you have 2-3 blank pages. If you need to apply for a visa in advance, Emirates offers an online visa application that can help you through this.
Things to be mindful of
- As a tourist you are allowed to dress a bit differently, however, it’s always best practice when traveling anywhere to be mindful of the country and respect its culture. I recommend dressing a bit more conservatively here with your shoulders covered and shorts or skirts just above your knee just to be safe as many places like the mall may restrict you from entry without appropriate dress. You can wear swim suits on the beach or at the pool in your hotel.
- Public display of affection should be kept to a minimum when visiting, holding hands is okay but kissing and hugging in public is generally not allowed.
- Don’t get drunk in public, this is a big no no. You also need to be 21 years old to consume alcohol. Be mindful of traveling during religious holidays like Eid (like we tried to do) where alcohol will not be served in most places.
Things to Do
We planned our itinerary with a travel concierge service who provided a flat rate for transportation services and private entrance to all activities. Unfortunately the company we used is no longer in business, but there are a few other options listed online. You can also check with your hotel to book any of these activities.
Visit the iconic Burj Al Ahrab
Noted as one of the only 7 star hotels in the world, the Burj Al Ahrab is one of the most famous buildings in Dubai. Getting in here isn’t easy nor cheap but was something we decided to splurge on for my birthday festivities.
During high tea, you’ll experience amazing views of the Palm Jumeirah and The World Island, pastries, cake and small sandwiches. Really, you’re not only going here for the lavish food or champagne, it’s the overall experience of being inside this world of luxury! More information and pricing can be found on their website.
Desert Tour
Another iconic thing to do while visiting Dubai is heading into the Arabian Desert! We did a half day tour which included an ATV ride into the desert, Dune buggy adventure, camel ride and dinner at a camp within the desert.
Dune Buggy
When I was first told about this part of the tour I got a bit scared. Everyone described it as a wild ride up and down the dunes that could potentially give you some serious motion sickness! As a person that doesn’t get motion sickness I ignored all these warnings and went ahead, and I’m so thankful I did! You’re pretty much in a 4×4 SUV racing up and down the desert dunes, safely strapped in, that’s it! You can let your driver know the level of intensity you’re willing to endure. Want something even more adventurous? Opt for a quad bike tour!
ATV Ride
Another fun experience in the desert is taking an ATV ride! Overall, this was a really fun part of the experience until my sister ran her ATV into a fence.
Yes, in the middle of the desert she managed to find the only fence and crash her ATV right into it!
Don’t be alarmed, this ATV ride is very safe just don’t speed up and down the dunes like she did to “catch some air.”
Camel Ride & Dinner
At the end of your tour you’ll get to visit a traditional camp in the desert where they serve a wide variety of Arabic eats (my favorite type of food!), hookah, henna, a traditional show and dancing.
There are also a few camels you can ride around a small area for an extra fee, which is nothing like riding a horse! Hold on tight when they get up off the ground, they really do stand tall.
Checkout the Burj Khalifah
The Burj Khalifah is notably the tallest building in the world with 163 floors just in front of the Shanghai Tower with 128 floors!
With 160 fun facts about this building listed on their website, the Burj Khalifah will impress you from the moment you walk in the door.
One of the most popular things to do here is to check out the observation deck sitting on the 125th floor. The views can make you a little weak in the knees but are truly amazing! We took the time to sit, have some tea and really take in the whole experience. It’s highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance online as this typically sells out. You may also see haze and fog at the top during summer months, winter is known to give you a clearer view!
The Dubai Fountain
Located next to the Burj Khalifah, this captivating water, music and light show can rival that of Marina Bay Sands in Singapore! At over 900 feet this fountain is two football fields long and holds the record (as everything in Dubai seems to) for the world’s tallest performing fountain. Unfortunately I missed this experience as I was sick for most of my trip (ugh, this was the worst). Looking for something a little more thrilling than just watching a water fountain? Checkout the world’s longest urban zipline zipping you right over the fountains!
Ski Dubai
Located within the Mall of the Emirates, Ski Dubai is an indoor ski resort offering those who know how to ski five indoor slopes. For those like me who don’t know how to ski, there’s still plenty other options available like tobogganing and tubing.
Dubai Marina
Sitting in the middle of the tallest skyscrapers in Dubai with luxury yachts passing by throughout the day, the Dubai Marina is a relaxing stop to take in amazing views, have lunch, or even do a bit of shopping at the many high end stores!
Boat Tour
You can catch a traditional dhow boat or a typical speedboat for the boat tour. We opted for the speedboat for the more thrilling experience! Almost all boat tours take you through the waterways of the marina and to the Oceanside of the Burj Al Ahrab where you’ll get to take all those amazing photos! Booking this is easy when you get to the marina as there are many tour companies available.
Dubai Creek
The Dubai Creek harbor is located near old Dubai, noted as a historic area that gives you a little taste of what Dubai was like before all the glitz and glamor of the new age high rise buildings and all things record breaking. Taking a water taxi (like we did) is the cheapest way to experience the river. You can also book a sunset river cruise which takes about 2 hours and includes dinner with a show onboard. Lookout for the Dubai Creek Tower in 2020 which is expected to surpass the Burj Khalifa as the tallest building in the world!
Dubai Spice & Gold Souk
Located right next to each other, the Dubai Spice and Gold Souks are traditional markets in Dubai where you can find great deals on gold and fill your senses with the most amazing spices!
You’ll also find a wide variety of dried fruits and chocolates. I recommend you try the camel milk chocolate, it’s actually quite yummy! Purchase your souvenirs here for the best price and be sure to bargain.
Spend a Day in Abu Dhabi
Just over an hour from Dubai you’ll find the more traditional city of Abu Dhabi, another must do to your trip to the UAE. This can usually be done as a half day tour visiting all the major spots including the famous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Nascar Race track and carpet gallery.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the most beautiful buildings in Abu Dhabi with fascinating marble work, chandeliers from all over the world, paintings and architecture at every turn.
Just like any other mosque, women and men have to have their shoulders and knees covered to enter with women also needing a head scarf. Shoes are also not allowed inside, remember to bring socks! Head scarfs will be provided if you do not bring one.
Things I missed
There are so many new attractions popping up in Dubai, it’s hard to keep up to date! Checkout the Visit Dubai website to keep up with everything and help you plan your next adventure in Dubai.
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