Undoubtedly, travelling to Dubai has become a status symbol. Once you experience it, you’ll understand why. Discover Dubai as a tourist and from the perspective of expats.
However, when visiting Dubai, everyone has different expectations, views, and feelings. What someone finds as incredibly exotic and interesting, others might see as overwhelming and crowded. We moved to Dubai two years ago for work. Though I heard and read a lot about it, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. Some of our friends who were here more than 20 years ago said there was nothing there, just sand.
However, I was impressed with the amount of greenery in the city and the surrounding residential areas.
Travel Dubai
Over two years, a few friends travelled to Dubai for a visit, including my children, friends, and my dad with 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 typical Saturday brunch.
Weekend brunch in Dubai has become a cultural phenomenon that is highly sought after by both locals and tourists. It is a social gathering where friends and family come together to relish in an indulgent variety of food and drinks, often complemented by live entertainment.
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 are staying in one of the hotels or renting an apartment, you might not usually consider visiting Business Bay. However, suppose you go to Business Bay for brunch on a Friday evening or Saturday afternoon. In that case, I highly recommend arriving a little earlier to take a leisurely walk by the canal and appreciate the stunning, modern, high-rise buildings.
Why does everyone travel to Dubai?
Business hub
Travelling from a business standpoint, Dubai has become a leading business hub in the Middle East, with companies worldwide establishing a presence in the city. It is due to the city’s modern infrastructure, tax incentives, and favourable business environment. Dubai’s thriving economy and business-friendly environment have made it an attractive destination for foreign investors. The government has also introduced several initiatives to support businesses, such as the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). DIFC provides companies with a world-class financial and regulatory environment.
Shopping experience in the bazaar (souk)
Dubai offers more than an unforgetable landscape and 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.
Do not assume that you cannot negotiate prices. I used to think that way, too. But if you don’t want to end up with an expensive perfume, cashmere scarf, or golden ring, you should at least decline and walk away if the price seems too high. And that is when the bargaining game begins. Shopkeepers enjoy the process; they may offer a fair price if you negotiate well. Additionally, it can be an enjoyable experience.
If you don’t play their game and agree with their price, they will squeeze the last penny out of you. Haggling is like a kind of theatre, so learn to play the role, have lots of laughs, and get some bargains.
My favourite places to have a souk experience are Dubai Old Village, Madinat Jumeirah and Global Village.
Travel to Dubai and shop in the mall
Dubai is a shopping paradise, with many shopping centres commonly known as malls. If you enjoy shopping while travelling, Dubai is the perfect destination. Among the numerous options, one of the most popular and largest shopping centres in the world is the Dubai Mall. Besides luxury stores, the mall boasts an indoor aquarium, an ice skating rink, a cinema complex, and much more. If you are looking for a smaller yet equally impressive mall, the Mall of Emirates is a great choice. It is home to over 630 retail stores and is the only indoor ski slope in the UAE, Ski Dubai.
But if you prefer malls with a unique and charismatic atmosphere, try Ibn Battuta Mall. However, one of the top shopping destinations in the area is Marina Mall. Enjoy a day of retail therapy and complement it with a beautiful canalside stroll or an enchanting dinner cruise.
If you’re looking for an indoor place to stroll around on a hot summer afternoon without specific shopping plans, walk through the Wafi Mall, an Egyptian-themed shopping centre. Have lunch or coffee in Khan Murjan restaurant, inspired by Baghdad’s historical caravanserai.
Adventures
Are you excited about all the adventures you can have in Dubai? This bustling city in the desert has many thrilling activities to pump your heart and adrenaline. Whether you are looking for a desert safari, zip-lining, or skydiving over the famous Palm Jumeirah, Dubai is the perfect playground for adventure seekers. From dune bashing and sandboarding to camel riding, flyboarding, and hot air balloon rides, this dynamic wonderland has no shortage of unforgettable experiences.
Enjoy your stay in Dubai
Discovering new places and experiences is a unique journey for everyone.
So, whether you’re a luxury seeker, a city explorer, or an adventure lover, you can experience a little bit of everything.
By immersing yourself in all that your destination has to offer, you can create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t limit yourself to just one thing – embrace it all and make your journey worth it. From November to May, the winter months offer endless possibilities, so make the most of your holiday and seize every opportunity. It’s time to create an unforgettable adventure!
For those who travel to Dubai not only to experience the bustling metropolis but also to embark on adventures in the desert, mountains, or lakes, I have created the series ESCAPE DUBAI.
ESCAPE DUBAI is a captivating series of articles that will take you on a journey through the serene countryside, rich heritage, and rural parts of the UAE. These articles present an exciting opportunity to break free from the hectic life in Dubai and experience a world of peace and tranquillity.