Dubai is one of the most well-known cities in the world; with Towering skyscrapers, famous palm islands, and excessive opulence.
It is easy to underestimate just how expansive the city really is. While most destinations have a single center point, the attractions in Dubai are spread throughout the city and along the beach. It can take upwards of half an hour to travel from one destination to the next without traffic. That is why it is important to consider your itinerary when booking a stay in Dubai.
1. The Burj Khalifa: Twice the height of the Empire State building and taller still than three Eifel towers combined, the Burj Khalifa towers over Dubai at 828 meters (2716.5 feet.) Visible from 95km away, this building among the clouds literally cannot be missed on any trip to Dubai.
Enjoy live entertainment and afternoon tea at the Lounge in the clouds on the 154th floor or stop at the 125th floor to check out the world's highest observatory.
*Fun Fact: The Burj Khalifa was originally called “Burj Dubai” but was renamed in honor of Sheik Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahayan of Abu Dhabi after he provided the financial aid necessary to complete the building.
2. The fountain shown at the Dubai Mall. An illuminated fountain show synchronized to new and old musical hits against the backdrop of a sparkling Burj Khalifa. The performance takes place every half hour from 6 PM to 11 PM as well as 1 PM and 130 PM during the day.
Instead of crowding on the walkway for a good view of the show, I recommend grabbing dinner at one of the nearby restaurants with fountain views. I have personally dined at Third Avenue Café on the 2nd floor of the Dubai Mall and we were able to relax and enjoy 3 or 4 perfectly unobstructed fountain shows without a single elbow thrown. Joe’s Café and TGI Fridays are alternate 2nd story options. (No alcohol served at any of the above 3 locations) The outdoor dining at Ewaan has a view of the fountain but is farther away, bringing with it a much more relaxed ambiance when you are looking to chill- maybe have a glass of wine and smoke some shisha. For just under $20 USD you can take a boat onto the lake for an up-close fountain experience.
3. Skydive Dubai. Jumping over Palm Jumeriah Island is a bucket list item for a lot of people, however, that iconic view will come at a cost. A tandem jump at the Palm will run you about $600 USD (photos/video automatically included.) Alternatively, tandem jumps at Skydive Dubai’s desert campus will cost $462 USD.
For my fellow fun jumpers, the Palm DZ requires a USPA-D license and a minimum of 800 logged jumps. The Desert DZ is open to all skill levels, even those looking to learn.
4. Zip line through Dubai Marina. Looking for a thrill? Xline Dubai boasts the worlds longest urban zipline…are there any others? You will soar through sky scrappers and buzz over luxury yachts starting from 170 meters high and reaching speeds up to 80 km. Summer price is $110 USD for a single and $190 USD for a double with video automatically included.
You can book your spot online, or at the Dubai Marina Mall (The meeting place for the experience starts here.)
5. Did somebody say BRUNCH?!
Loving brunch has become something of a millennial identity. When Coronavirus hit it was one of the first things we collectively missed and as the world reopens we anxiously await the days of free-flowing mimosas and waterboarding by way of Bloody Mary (…did I take that too far?) But I am here to tell you that nay. You don’t miss brunch. You don’t even know brunch. Brunch is yet another one of the world’s wonders that Dubai stole, perfected, threw some diamonds on, spiced up like a habanero chili, paired with exotic tigers, and added some half-naked ladies before generously gifting it back to the world.
Saffron at Atlantis the Palm. A legendary Friday brunch that is so much more than just food and drinks. Make sure to actually eat before getting swept up in the party- this brunch is basically a right of passage for ex-pats in the Middle East. 12:30-4PM, $145
Bubbalicious at the Westin, Marina. With floor-to-ceiling windows, a live band and roaming acrobats this brunch was equally opulent with a more mellow vibe than that of Saffron.
The pricing is broken up No alcohol: $115 USD, Sparkling:$141USD, Bubbly:$167 1:00- 4 PM 6. Ride a camel on Marina Beach. Starting for about 50 Dirhams (~$15 USD) you can ride a camel along the beach behind the Hilton hotel. It really isn’t the most relaxing experience…but you know what they say- “When in Rome, do it for the gram.”
*Did you know that in the UAE camels compete in beauty pageants where they are judged on their lips, tail, and hair? Move over Kylie Jenner.
7. Overnight desert safari with a sunrise hot air balloon ride.
You can check out my post on Platinum Safari Adventures for more details but this is the one experience that I highly recommend to actually get a feeling for Middle Eastern heritage. It is on the pricier side but the memories are so worth it! Don’t forget your camera (like I did .)
8. Boating in the Arabian Gulf. Is there a more bougie way to enjoy the coast than by privately chartered yacht? I don’t think so.
Luckily we had a large group and could afford to rent and cater without breaking the bank but alternatively, there are plenty of companies that allow you to book individual spaces on a group charter. We chartered the 53ft boat with catering through Xclusive Yachts (9 people, 4 hours, $915 USD total incl. VAT)
9. See a show at the Dubai Opera House. Flying to Dubai for Phantom of the Opera? First date goals achieved.
The Dubai Opera House is located right next to the Burj Khalifa; with such stunning architecture on the outside, it is surprisingly cozy on the inside. The show was fantastic and afterwards, we were able to watch the fountains from a grassy veranda right outside.
10. Buy an Atlantis 1 Day Super pass; all day access to Aquaventure Waterpark and the Lost Chambers Aquarium.
No need to stay at Atlantis to enjoy over 30+ waterslides, at $46USD this might be the most reasonably priced activity in Dubai. Click here to check it out!
11. Heat got you down? Grab your coat and hit the slopes at Skii Dubai. Obviously no substitute for the real thing but where else are you going to hug a penguin in the Middle East? Prices start at $40 USD, check out packages here.
12. Remember Salt Bae? Experience Nusr-Et Steakhouse. The waiters all have mustaches, they will salt your food with style and cut your steak…maybe even feed it to you. The food is delicious but the price is $$$, even for Dubai. Think CUT Steakhouse as a price/ quality comparison.
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