Undoubtedly, travelling to Dubai has become a status symbol, but once you travel to Dubai yourself, you might be surprised by what you actually find.
In this series, I offer a view not just through the lens of a tourist, but from someone who lives here. As an expat, I’ve experienced both the glossy postcard version and the everyday reality. And the truth is, Dubai isn’t the same for everyone. Some see it as incredibly exotic and exciting, while others find it overwhelming and crowded. That contrast is exactly what makes it so fascinating.
We moved to Dubai in November 2022 for work. Though I had heard and read plenty about it, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. Some of our friends who visited more than 20 years ago told us there was nothing but sand. So, I came with mixed feelings — somewhere between excitement and caution.
However, I was impressed with the amount of greenery in the city and the surrounding residential areas.
Travel to Dubai
Over two years, a few friends travelled to Dubai for a visit, including my children, friends, my dad, and my stepmom. Initially, everyone was thrilled to see Dubai’s famous landmarks, such as Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, The Palm Jumeirah, Hotel Burj Al Arab, and Dubai Marina Walk.
However, their excitement began to wane after a few days, partially due to the hot temperatures. Some preferred to unwind at the beach, while others were keen on birdwatching and exploring the countryside. A few of them opted to spend a day at the beach club. And most of the visitors loved the typical Saturday outing.
Weekend Brunch in Dubai: More Than Just a Meal
Weekend brunch in Dubai has become a cultural phenomenon that both locals and tourists look forward to. It’s not just a meal, it’s an experience. Picture lavish buffets overflowing with international cuisine, gourmet stations, freshly grilled seafood, and decadent desserts, all served in stylish venues ranging from rooftop lounges to beachfront hotels.
Weekend brunch in Dubai is also a social ritual, a time when friends and families gather to unwind, celebrate, and indulge. Many brunch spots offer live music, themed décor, and free-flowing drinks, creating a festive atmosphere that stretches well into the afternoon. Whether you prefer a laid-back vibe or a more glamorous setting, there’s a brunch for every taste and mood.
Iconic building
When you travel to Dubai, you can see some of the most impressive buildings only if you seek them out or know exactly where to go and what to observe.
For example, Business Bay, a remarkable neighbourhood near the Dubai Water Canal and the Downtown Dubai area, offers visitors a magnificent view of impressive architecture. The area shows off luxurious skyscrapers, five-star hotels, spacious apartments, and office centres, all with well-developed infrastructure.
Unless you’re staying in one of the hotels or renting an apartment, you might not usually consider visiting Business Bay. However, if you’re heading there for a Friday evening or Saturday afternoon meal, it’s worth knowing that weekend brunch in Dubai has become a beloved tradition. Business Bay hosts some of the best spots for it. I highly recommend arriving a little earlier to take a leisurely walk by the canal and admire the stunning, modern, high-rise buildings. The sleek architecture creates a striking backdrop and adds a touch of sophistication to your brunch experience.
Why does everyone travel to Dubai?
Business hub
Travelling to Dubai isn’t just about sightseeing, it’s also about opportunity. From a business standpoint, Dubai has become a leading hub in the Middle East, attracting companies from around the globe. With modern infrastructure, tax advantages, and a highly supportive environment for growth, it’s no wonder entrepreneurs and investors choose to travel to Dubai for more than just leisure. The city’s thriving economy is fuelled by initiatives like the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), which offers a world-class financial and regulatory setup for global business.
Shopping in Dubai:
Experience in the bazaar (souk)
Dubai offers more than an unforgettable landscape; it has exclusive hotels with private beaches. For a remarkable shopping experience, I suggest visiting the Gold or Spice souk, or any souk. But keep in mind that at the souk, you have to haggle.
Don’t assume you’re not the type who can negotiate prices — I used to feel the same way. But if you don’t want to walk away with an overpriced perfume, cashmere scarf, or gold ring, be ready to politely decline and start walking. That’s when the real bargaining begins.
Shopkeepers enjoy the art of negotiation, and if you stand your ground, they often lower their prices. Haggling is not only a way to save money; it can also be an enjoyable experience. Bargaining in the souks feels like theatre—step into the role, have fun with the performance, and walk away with a great deal and an interesting story. It’s one of the highlights of shopping in Dubai.
My favourite places to have a souk experience are Al Seef Dubai, Madinat Jumeirah and Global Village.
Shopping Malls
Shopping in Dubai is more than a pastime, it’s an experience. This city is a true shopping paradise, with countless malls that feel more like entertainment hubs. If you enjoy browsing while travelling, Dubai is the perfect destination. One of the most iconic stops is the Dubai Mall — not just one of the largest in the world, but home to luxury stores, an indoor aquarium, an ice-skating rink, a cinema complex, and more.
For something slightly smaller but just as impressive, the Mall of the Emirates is a favourite. With over 630 retail stores and the UAE’s only indoor ski slope, Ski Dubai, it’s a destination in its own right.
If you’re after a more unique and atmospheric experience, head to Ibn Battuta Mall, where each section is themed around a different country the explorer visited.
For waterside vibes and modern luxury, Marina Mall is one of the top destinations for shopping in Dubai, ideal for retail therapy followed by a canalside stroll or even a dinner cruise.
On scorching afternoons, when you’re seeking a place to escape the heat, Wafi Mall offers a quieter, more cultural retreat. While it may not be the best destination for shopping in Dubai due to a decline in the number of stores, its Egyptian theme and the stunning Khan Murjan restaurant, modelled after Baghdad’s historic caravanserai, make it an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch or coffee in a setting full of character.
Adventures in Dubai
Are you excited about all the adventures you can have in Dubai?
This bustling city in the desert is a playground for thrill-seekers, offering heart-pounding activities that go far beyond the usual tourist stops. Whether you’re up for a desert safari, zip-lining between skyscrapers, or skydiving over the iconic Palm Jumeirah, Dubai delivers high-octane excitement at every turn.
From dune bashing and sandboarding to camel riding, flyboarding, and sunrise hot air balloon rides — the possibilities are endless. Travel to Dubai, and you’ll see why it’s a dream come true for adventurers of all kinds.
Enjoy your stay in Dubai
Dubai isn’t just a destination, it’s an opportunity to experience life from every angle. Whether you’re chasing luxury, exploring vibrant city life, or seeking out thrilling adventures, this place offers it all.
But the real magic starts when you step outside the expected. Try something new. Go somewhere different. Say yes to things you didn’t plan.
The more you explore and push beyond the usual tourist path, the more unforgettable memories you’ll create, the kind that stay with you long after the holiday ends. From November to May, Dubai’s winter season opens up the outdoors to endless possibilities.
So don’t just visit. Dive in, soak it all up, and make this journey one you’ll never forget.
Ready to see a different side of Dubai?
That’s what inspired me to create the Escape Dubai series, for those who travel to Dubai not only to experience the dazzling city, but to step beyond it. Whether it’s the desert, mountains, or hidden lakes, there’s a quieter, more soulful side of the UAE waiting to be explored.
Escape Dubai is your invitation to go off the beaten path. Through these articles, I’ll take you on journeys into the countryside, heritage villages, and lesser-known gems that offer a refreshing contrast to the city’s fast pace — and a deeper connection to the land itself.
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