Background Information About Dubai
Due to the Dubai government directing all of its resources and exerting all of its efforts to develop all tourist and urban pathways in it, as well as the beauty of nature there, Dubai’s name has recently risen in the world of tourism and economy on both the global and Arab levels, and this is because Dubai combines a mixture of ancient past with the spirit modern city and the great desert, which is East and West, Old and New.
Dubai as entertainment destination
Dubai has provided many beautiful green places over the years for tourists to enjoy, including Al Mushrif Park, Al Mamzar Beach Park, Zabeel Park, and Al Khor Park. All of these gardens contain large areas of trees and forests as well as numerous bird and reptile species, as well as kid- and adult-friendly games and attractions. Aside from that, there are also water features like lazy rivers, lazy lakes, and beautiful beaches with soft sand, and these gardens have a variety of theatre and cinema complexes, as well as plants that are being grown for the first time in Dubai and watered the traditional way.
Dubai as a shopping destination
There are numerous markets and shopping malls in Dubai, but the gold market is the most notable. Here, you can find everything your heart desires in gold, jewellery, gems, and alloys at the best prices, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time when you see the market’s ancient and authentic gold. Spice and spice markets fill the air with the scents of clove, cinnamon and fragrant incense, and dried fruit stalls line Al Fahidi Street, which has the latest in electronics, technical equipment, TVs and DVDs all at reasonable prices.
Dubai ancient monuments
There are two areas in Dubai that show the city’s development and civilization: the Shindagha neighbourhood, home to Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum, contains much of Dubai’s past life in its ancient details; and Al Bastakiya neighbourhood east of Al Fahidi Fort, site of the Burjeel method, the first cooling method used by ancient people. You may see remnants of our ancestors’ homes, including historic traditional structures.
Dubai is a destination for excitement and fun
When it comes to Dubai’s attractions, the Wonder Bus is the most exciting, as it allows visitors the opportunity to travel between land and sea, taking in all of the city’s tourist attractions as well as its natural beauty. Other options include the Dubai Metro and Big Bus, which allow visitors to see the city’s most popular attractions like the Burj Al Arab and Gold Souk, as well as lesser-known ones like the Tourist Boom and the historic district of Deira.
The most important tourist attractions and places in Dubai
The most popular tourist destination in the United Arab Emirates is Dubai, the country’s most beautiful city. Known for its skyscrapers and upscale shopping centres, Dubai has transformed from a desert resort to an enticing modern metropolis where visitors come to do business and enjoy the warm weather with their families throughout the year.
The Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, as well as shopping malls with large water pools and covered ski slopes are among Dubai’s many appealing tourist attractions. Apart from that, there are cultural activities like visiting the old Al Bastakiya neighbourhood and learning about Dubai’s past, or sailing on the Dubai Creek on a dhow.. We’ll look at some of Dubai’s most popular tourist attractions in this article.
1- Burj Khalifa
As the world’s tallest structure at 829.8 metres, the Burj Khalifa is a popular tourist destination in Dubai. The 124th-floor viewing platform, where visitors can see the city skyline, skyscrapers, the desert, and the sea, is where most visitors want to go when they visit the tower. An impressive multimedia presentation about Dubai and the tower, which was completed in 2010, can be seen here.
At night, visitors throng the tower to capture the tower’s sparkling lights in motion. If you’re thinking about going to the tower on the weekend, buy your ticket in advance to avoid long lines. The gardens that surround the tower, which are located below it, are lush and beautiful. In addition, there’s the Dubai Fountain, the world’s tallest dancing fountain modelled after the Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas.
- Official website: www.burjkhalifa.ae
2- The Dubai Mall
Attractions such as the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Aquarium can be reached via the Dubai Complex, the city’s largest shopping centre. More entertainment options include a skating rink, games room, and movie theatre. There are also numerous shopping, dining, and entertainment options, as well as music and fashion events. Dubai Shopping Festival, which takes place in January and February, and Dubai Summer Surprises Festival, which takes place in July and August, are two of the most notable of these events.
- Address: Doha Road, off Sheikh Zayed Road
- Official website: http://www.thedubaimall.com/
3- Dubai Museum
A fortification built to protect Dubai Creek in 1787 now houses the Dubai Museum. To build the castle’s walls, workers primarily employed coral blocks and limestone. The upper level is supported by wooden beams, and the roof is constructed from palm fronds, mud, and plaster. Throughout its history, the castle has served as a residence for the ruling family, a government centre, a garrison, and a jail. The castle was extensively repaired twice, the first time in 1971 and the second time in 1995. Upon entering, you’ll find a fascinating museum with historical maps of the UAE and Dubai, illustrating the region’s rapid growth after oil was discovered.
The museum’s courtyard is home to numerous traditional boats, a palm-frond house, and an Emirati-style wind tower. The right hall has weapons on display, while the left has Emirati musical instruments on display. Various aspects of traditional Emirati life, including fishing and pearl extraction, Bedouin desert life, and artefacts excavated from graves dating from 3000 to 4000 years old at the Al Qusais archaeological site, are covered in exhibition halls and exhibitions below the ground floor.
- Address: Al Fahidi Street, Al Fahidi District
4- Bastakia district, Bastakia (Old Dubai)
A wealthy Persian merchant class settled in the Bastakiya district, also known as the Al Fahidi neighbourhood, in the late 19th century to take advantage of the lower taxes and easier access to Dubai Creek. The neighbourhood of Bastakiya can be found in Bur Dubai’s easternmost section, along the creek. Well-preserved coral-block and limestone structures include wind towers that served as an early form of air conditioning. The majority of houses along the Iranian coast have this design feature.
The neighbourhood of Bastakiya is well-known for its narrow streets and old Arab-style buildings. Various ceramic artworks and Arab furniture can be found at the Majlis Gallery in the Bastakiya neighbourhood. Additionally, the Al Serkal Cultural Foundation features a gift shop, a café, and a gallery with frequently-changing exhibits.
5- Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum House
Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai from 1921 to 1958, was the grandfather of the current ruler. His original home has been meticulously restored and is now a stunning museum featuring some of the most unusual examples of Arab architecture ever created. Sheikh Saeed’s father built the original mansion in 1896 so that from the house’s balconies, he could keep an eye on shipping traffic. In order to maintain the old architectural style, the current house was built next to the original location of the previous house and features ornamental wood doors, wooden grilles, and gypsum ventilation grilles with floral and geometric designs in floral and geometric patterns. Thirty rooms have been constructed around the central courtyard, with a wind tower atop them.
Within the building is the Dubai Museum of Historical Photographs and Documents. There are a slew of stunning images of Dubai taken between 1948 and 1953. The maritime exhibit features images of fishing, pearling, and boat construction activities. The emirate’s evolution is documented by numerous letters, maps, coins, and stamps that can be found all over the building. He lives next door to Sheikh Obaid bin Thani’s home, which is well-known for its traditional adornments and exhibits. Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum
- Address: Al Khaleej Street, Bur Dubai
6- Dubai Creek and Al Seef District, Dubai Creek & Al Seef District
The Dubai Creek divides the city in two, with Deira to the north and Bur Dubai to the south. As the city grew, the creek played an increasingly important role, luring new settlers to go fishing and diving for pearls. On the coast of the Creek 4000 years ago, small settlements appeared, and the Bani Yas tribe began to settle in the area by the 1830s, ushering in the modern period.
To the north of the Al Maktoum Bridge, along Dubai Creek’s western bank, is the freight boat pier. Pier-moored dhows, some of them over a century old, are still used by small Gulf merchants. You can see the dhows loading and unloading their cargo by walking down to the pier. Boat tours and stories about the lives of sailors are frequently offered to the public. Kuwait, Iran, Oman, and India all receive large numbers of dhows, as does the Horn of Africa. This historic district is a must-see for anyone interested in learning about the city’s rich history.
On the Bur Dubai side of the creek, facing the Bastakiya neighborhood, the waterfront area has been renovated and the Seef District has been established, which includes a waterfront promenade, buildings constructed of coral blocks and limestone, a floating market and shops selling handcrafted products. To travel across the creek, you can either take a trip on one of the dhows that are used as tour boats or take a small wooden ferry.
7- Jumeirah Mosque
The Jumeirah Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in Dubai. It is a replica of the Al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo and is a wonderful example of Islamic architecture. This stone mosque was built in the Fatimid style, with two minarets characterized by surprising artistic details. In the evening, the mosque turns into a wonderful masterpiece when flooded with flood lights. The Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Cultural Understanding (which also runs a program of tours, lectures, Arabic language lessons and cultural activities) organizes guided tours of the mosque in an effort to achieve a better understanding of Islam. Tours start at 10am every day, except on Fridays.
- Address: Jumeirah Road
8- Deira
Deira is located on the northern bank of the Dubai Creek, and is a melting pot of various nationalities that have come to consider Dubai as a second home. On the beach, you will enjoy watching ancient dhows loading and unloading goods. There are also many modern banks, hotels and companies.
Tourists will enjoy spending the most enjoyable time in Deira, which is famous for its traditional souks, and which is packed with shoppers at all times of the day. The gold market in Deira is world famous as it is the largest gold market in the world. While at the Spice Market in Deira, you will find all kinds of spices imaginable, among them male frankincense, cumin, paprika, saffron, sumac and thyme, as well as aromatic oud wood, rose water and incense. There is also a fish market which has a lot of types of fish.
Heritage lovers will have unparalleled fun while visiting the Deira region, as there is the Heritage House, which was built in 1890 as the residence of a wealthy Iranian merchant, and then became the residence of Sheikh Ahmed bin Dalmouk (the famous pearl merchant in Dubai). Currently, it is visited by tourists to get acquainted with the classic style of old houses. There is also the Ahmadiyya School, which was built in 1912 and is the oldest school in Dubai and is now a museum of general education.
- Address: Dubai Creek
9- Dubai Frame
The Dubai Frame is 150 meters high and is one of the newest landmarks of Dubai, and it separates the old quarters dotted around Dubai Creek from the modern part of the city. The frame houses a series of art galleries that take you on a journey through the city’s history to discover the ancient Emirati heritage. On the viewing deck, you will enjoy stunning panoramic views of the old and modern neighborhoods of Dubai. And at the Dubai Future Museum, you will discover a futuristic vision of what the city will become in the future.
- Address: Zabeel Park, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Road
- https://www.dubaiframe.ae/en
10- Sheikh Zayed Road
Sheikh Zayed Road is the main road that passes through the modern commercial district in Downtown Dubai, and it is a highway with eight lanes for cars, scattered on both sides of tall buildings and skyscrapers constructed of glass, chrome and steel. On this road and in close proximity to it, there are the most important landmarks of Dubai, including some of the most famous shopping malls in Dubai.
There is also the Dubai World Trade Center tower, which has a viewing deck on the top floor, from which visitors enjoy great panoramic views of the city (which is a cheaper option than the Burj Khalifa). And at the Dubai Gold and Diamond Park, jewelery lovers will find 118 factories and 30 luxury jewelry stores.
11- The Heritage and Diving Village
In the Heritage and Diving Village, you will discover an unparalleled wonderful experience with Dubai’s architectural, cultural and marine heritage. You will enjoy watching many exhibits related to building sailboats and diving in search of pearls, two of the historical economic pillars of Dubai. There is also a display of traditional life in the Bedouin and coastal villages, in addition to Persian-style houses, traditional cafes, and a small market with many stalls that locals use to display their handcrafted pottery and textiles. During the period from October to April, the village witnesses many dance and music performances. Visitors can also get some helpful recipes from folk medicine experts.
- Address: Al Shindagha, Bur Dubai
12- Dubai Aquarium
The Dubai Aquarium is one of the most important tourist attractions in Dubai, with 140 species of marine life in the huge basin on the ground floor of the Dubai Mall. You can enjoy free viewing from the Dubai Mall, but if you enter the Underwater Zoo, you can walk through the Aquarium tunnels. Through the various activities, you will be able to get a closer look at the marine life. Glass-bottom boat tours, cage diving and shark diving are also available.
- Address: Dubai Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road
- Official website: http://www.thedubaiaquarium.com
13- Burj al-Arab
Burj Al Arab is one of the tallest hotels in the world, with a height of 321 meters, and it is located on an artificial island on the coast of Dubai. It was designed to resemble a sailing sailboat. In the evenings, the hotel is decorated with colorful dancing lights. The Burj Al Arab Hotel is characterized by an exceptional level of luxury, and it is considered one of the most expensive hotels in the world, where the cost of staying in luxurious suites is $ 15,000 per night.
Watch the video, an Arab traveler reviews the most important tourist places in Dubaihttps://www.youtube.com/embed/Qe5s-zPsW-A?feature=oembed
Fans of exceptional luxury can enjoy an unparalleled dining experience at the Al-Mahara Restaurant, which is located under the water surface, which gives diners a wonderful opportunity to enjoy watching marine life while eating, through the glass panels extending from floor to ceiling. You can also dine at Scape, which features a California-inspired design. You can also have tea at the Skyview Bar and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city. This bar is located on the 27th floor and it has a minimum bill.
- Address: Jumeirah Road, Dubai
14- Jumeirah Beach
Jumeirah Beach is the premier beach destination in Dubai, with its soft white sand and wonderful surroundings. On this beach, you will find lots of chairs for relaxing in the sun. There are also many great facilities and interesting water sports activities. This, in addition to many luxury hotels.
Not far from the beach is the Majlis of Umm Al Sheif Chamber, that historic edifice built in 1955 and which was the summer residence of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. The structure, made of coral blocks and limestone, has been restored while preserving its exquisitely original design that reflects the lavish lifestyle of the rulers of Dubai. Majlis gardens include many palm trees that are irrigated with the ancient Arab irrigation system.
- Address: Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai
15- Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
You don’t need to be far from the heart of Dubai to enjoy the picturesque wildlife. At Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, you will find plenty of mangrove forests and wetlands of Dubai Creek. The reserve is an important resting point in the bird migration paths, in addition to being a main destination to enjoy watching flocks of flamingos in their beautiful pink colors when they land during the winter in the lakes in the region. Numerous hideouts have been set up so that visitors to the reserve can see the birds up close.
- Address: Ras Al Khor Road, Dubai
- Official website: http://wildlife-ae.herokuapp.com
16- The Crossroads of Civilizations Museum
This museum reviews the historical role of the United Arab Emirates as an important trade center linking Asia, Africa and Europe long before the emergence of oil. The museum is located inside the old residence of Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, who was a member of the ruling family in Dubai. The exhibits, which include many artifacts and manuscripts, illustrate the history of this coastal region as part of global trade routes. Also on site is the Museum of Rare Books and Manuscripts and the Small Weapon Museum.
- Address: Gulf Road, Dubai
- Official website: www.themuseum.ae
17- Mall of the Emirates
Mall of the Emirates is one of the most famous shopping centers in the city, and it includes the amazing Ski Dubai facility, which is a covered resort that provides skiing, meeting penguins and cable car rides, in a temperature of -4 degrees Celsius. There is also a complex of cinemas and a center for family entertainment activities that offer a large variety of games suitable for adults and children alike. In addition, the Mall of the Emirates offers its visitors countless shopping experiences and exceptional dining experiences.
- Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
- Official website: http://www.malloftheemirates.com
18- IMG Worlds of Adventure
The IMG Worlds of Adventure theme park is located close to Global Village and offers great entertainment options for adults and children alike. And inside the amusement park, there is an area dedicated to the characters of the mythical Marvel universe and another area dedicated to the terrible world of dinosaurs. There is also a Cartoon Network character area suitable for younger children. It is an ideal destination for family entertainment, where each family member can enjoy their favorite activities. Make sure to visit IMG Worlds of Adventure, and let your children join Spider-Man and other superheroes the most exciting adventures.
- Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Dubai
- Official website: www.imgworlds.com
19- Dubai Opera
The new stately opera building in Dubai opened in mid-2016, and is the most important landmark of the Opera District overlooking the sea in Downtown Dubai, and is set to become the main cultural center and entertainment destination in the city. Throughout the year, Dubai Opera hosts many famous theater and musical performances, ballet shows and comedy shows. The theater building, which seats around 2,000 people, is a stunning architectural masterpiece, with its glass and steel walls and a modern design that resembles the design of a traditional sailboat.
- Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road
- Official website: www.dubaiopera.com
20- Kite Beach
Kite Beach is located south of Jumeirah Beach, and is distinguished by its soft white sand and wonderful atmosphere. In addition to swimming and relaxing activities on the sands of the beach in the golden sun, Kite Beach is the most important destination in Dubai for kite surfing, in addition to other interesting water sports. On the beach, there are facilities to rent windsurfing equipment and stand-up paddle boarding and provide educational lessons for these sports.
21- Alserkal Avenue
Al Serkal Street is part of the industrial area of Al Quoz, and this street has been developed to become a major center of art in Dubai, as it houses a group of the most important contemporary art galleries, such as the Green Art Gallery, The Third Line, and Ayyam Gallery. There are also several small art galleries. Most of the art galleries focus on the work of top artists while celebrating the young talent emerging in the Middle East. There are also fashion and accessories stores that display designs from the most famous international designers, in addition to a large variety of restaurants and cafes that reflect the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
- Address: Al Serkal Street, Al Quoz Industrial District
22- Dubai Parks and Resorts
At Dubai Parks and Resorts, you will enjoy all leisure activities in one place. This huge entertainment project includes a wide range of world-class parks that offer recreational activities to suit all visitors, regardless of their ages. And in Motiongate, you will discover the greatest entertainment content inspired by the wonderful world of Hollywood, while in Bollywood Parks, you will enjoy a wonderful atmosphere inspired by the wonderful world of Indian cinema. There is also Legoland Dubai and Legoland Waterpark, where young visitors can enjoy many rides, interactive activities and fun water sports. In Riverland Dubai, there are plenty of exceptional dining experiences and exciting activities during the evening and evening hours.
- Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, Jebel Ali
- Official website: www.dubaiparksandresorts.com
23- Aquaventure Waterpark
This water park is located in the Atlantis The Palm Resort, Palm Jumeirah, an artificial island that is a great destination to relax after a long journey of shopping and sightseeing in the city. The water park provides its visitors with many exciting water activities and games, including the Aquaconda game, which is the longest water slide in the world, with a height of 9 floors. There is also a “Leap of Faith” brave jump, jet skis and underwater safari with Sea TREK helmets. Not only that, there is also a children’s water play area, and there is also a white sand beach covering 700 meters, which is ideal for rest and relaxation.
- Address: Crescent Road, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
- Official website: www.atlantisthepalm.com
24- Dubai Miracle Garden
Dubai Miracle Garden is the largest flower garden in the world, with an area of 2000 square meters, and 100 million flowers. And in this beautiful garden, flowers cover everything, including English-style huts, windmills and trucks. Not only that, there is a miniature version of Burj Khalifa made entirely of flowers. Visitors enjoy the walking paths dotted among the brightly colored flowers.
- Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Al Barsha
- Official website: www.dubaimiraclegarden.com
25- Dubai Butterfly Garden
If you want to spend quality time in the arms of nature away from the hustle and bustle of the city, then the Butterfly Garden is your ideal destination. This wonderful garden includes about 15,000 butterflies that live in domed greenhouses. This park provides children with a great opportunity for children to see butterflies up close, as butterflies often land on the shoulders and hands of visitors. The park includes a museum that displays valuable information about butterfly species, their places of existence and their life cycle.
- Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Al Barsha
The most important activities that can be enjoyed with children
The city of Dubai includes many parks, gardens and theme parks that offer a wide variety of exciting games and entertainment activities. There are also desert tours and safaris where children can discover wonderful experiences in nature. Many of these tours include sand-skiing or camel rides. In beaches and resorts, children can practice many water activities, such as swimming and boating. And in the Mall of the Emirates, there is the amazing Ski Dubai facility, which is a covered resort that provides skiing activities and the opportunity to meet penguins and ride a cable car.
Luxury, medium and cheap hotels in Dubai
It is preferable to stay in the center of Dubai in order to be close to the most important tourist attractions in the city, including Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest tower in the world, the Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountain, in addition to many shops, restaurants and art galleries, a 15-minute drive from Burj Khalifa, There is Jumeirah Beach, which is a great coastal destination for tourists to enjoy swimming and relaxing on the white sands of the beach under the golden sun. Here is a list of the best hotels in Downtown Dubai:
- Luxury Hotels: The Palace Downtown Hotel, located within walking distance from Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain and Souk Al Bahar, is a wonderful hotel that blends luxury with a great location. Armani Hotel is located in the Burj Khalifa and is characterized by an exceptional level of luxury, while the Burj Al Arab Hotel, Jumeirah is one of the most luxurious hotels in the world, and it is designed in the shape of a sail.
- Mid-Range Hotels: Ramada Downtown Hotel is located a 10-minute walk from Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, while Al Manzil Downtown Hotel is distinguished by its modern Arabesque design. And a 12-minute drive from Burj Khalifa, Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach is located on Dubai’s most famous promenade, “The Walk,” where there is a wonderful waterfront, as well as many shops and restaurants.
- Budget Hotels: The Ibis Mall of the Emirates Hotel is located next to the Mall of the Emirates, near the metro station, and a 13-minute drive from the Burj Khalifa. The ibis Al Rigga hotel is located near the metro station and the international airport. If you like history, then the XVA Art Hotel, located in the heart of the historic Bastakiya district, is your ideal choice.
Tips for tourists traveling to Dubai for the first time
In recent years, Dubai has become a prominent tourist destination that tourists from all over the world flock to to enjoy the most enjoyable times in a wonderful atmosphere, as well as to enjoy a visit to a large and diverse group of tourist attractions that are unparalleled anywhere in the world. Dubai offers its visitors an amazing bouquet of exciting activities that suit all tastes. Below is a list of some useful tips that tourists should know when visiting Dubai for the first time.
The perfect time to visit Dubai
There are a number of factors to consider before deciding on when to visit Dubai. The Dubai weather is the only thing that is not ideal in this wonderful tourist destination, as the summer in Dubai extends from May to September and the temperatures are very high. In the winter season, the weather is better, but the city is witnessing a large number of tourists. The best time to visit Dubai is during the months of February and November. It should be noted, however, that Dubai is not without its tourists throughout the year.
1- Get a Go Dubai Card
Having a Go Dubai Card is the best investment to make upon arrival in Dubai. This card allows you to save money by offering discounts on entry prices to many tourist attractions in Dubai. Currently, the card includes entry to the top of the Burj Khalifa and sightseeing tours around the city, in addition to many other activities that are provided at reduced prices.
2- Don’t worry about your belongings
Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world, the government controls the city with an iron fist, and crime rates are negligible. So, you don’t have to worry about your belongings while enjoying the sightseeing of the city.
3- Get to know Dubai Airport well
Dubai Airport is one of the largest airports in the world, and it may take some time to be able to move from one place to another within the airport. So, do not plan to do any activities immediately after arriving in the city, and make sure to go to the airport well in advance so that you can catch your flight in time.
4- Dubai is not a conservative city as you think
You may have heard horrific stories about foreigners arrested for possessing a PDA or for consuming alcoholic beverages in public. Despite these alleged stories, Dubai is a liberal city that contains more freedom than other Arab and Islamic cities. There are no laws in Dubai that prohibit anyone from wearing any type of clothing, but since it is a country with conservative values, it is preferable to wear clothes that cover the shoulders and knees. There are also many bars and nightclubs that serve alcoholic drinks to their patrons.
5- Ask about your medications
There are some substances that may be legal in your country, but are banned in the UAE, such as medicines containing codeine or opium. Consult your doctor to find out the combination of your medications, and change your prescription if needed.
6- Do not drink alcohol outside bars and closed places
The United Arab Emirates is an Islamic country that implements the teachings of Islam. Wines and alcoholic beverages are not permitted outside the licensed restaurants and bars. Also, there is a group of drugs that are prohibited from circulating in Dubai, and abuse of them is a crime punishable by law. Also, e-cigarettes are confiscated upon arrival.
7- Learn about the calendar of Islamic events
During Islamic holidays, such as the holidays and the month of Ramadan, an atmosphere of calm prevails in the city and most activities cease, and this may affect the transportation system. During Ramadan, food and drinks are not served in many restaurants before sunset. So, you should keep these things in mind when planning your trip to Dubai.
8- Don’t forget to visit spa resorts
Dubai is known for providing exceptional spa experiences, as luxury hotels include luxury spas that offer a wide variety of amazing treatments that will make you change your idea of traditional spa treatments.
9- Shopping malls in Dubai are not just stores
Malls are mostly destinations for buying food and supplies, but in Dubai it is different, as most malls offer a large variety of interesting recreational activities, such as gaming areas, ski slopes, basins and water parks. Not only that, the shopping experiences in Dubai are exceptional, unlike any other.
10- Enjoy exceptional dining experiences
Perhaps the biggest problem for tourists when visiting a city for the first time is getting used to the food. But this does not apply to Dubai, which offers its visitors a varied dining experience, including the most delicious local dishes, in addition to delicious dishes from all over the world, including, but not limited to, Iranian, Filipino, Yemeni, Bangladeshi, Ethiopian and Pakistani dishes.
11- Discover a different shopping experience during the shopping season
If you like shopping, be sure to visit Dubai during the Dubai Shopping Festival that is organized during January and February, and the Dubai Summer Surprises Festival that is organized during the months of July and August to enjoy a range of the best offers and discounts.
12- The weekend in Dubai begins on Friday
Although the weekend around the world is on Saturday and Sunday, the weekend in Dubai is on Friday and Saturday. So, be sure to keep this in mind when planning your itinerary in Dubai.
13- Dubai is not suitable for walking around
Lovers of wandering and discovering the sights on foot will be disappointed, because the ideal way to discover Dubai is by car as the city is not designed for pedestrians and the temperatures are extremely high. Often times, you will not feel safe while walking in the pedestrian paths while the cars rush around you at speeds of up to 120 km per hour. The only places where you will feel safe and comfortable while wandering around on foot are the shopping malls.
14- Tips
Tipping is not the norm in Dubai, taxi drivers are not waiting for tips, while luggage and baggage holders in supermarkets get little tips for the services they provide.
15- Staying up late in the city of Dubai
Dubai is a vibrant city at night, with plenty of bars, nightclubs, restaurants and cafes. Nightlife usually lasts until three in the morning. There are also yacht tours and parties.
16- Dubai is not just skyscrapers
Dubai has a long history, there is the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk on the outskirts of Dubai Creek, where you can buy Iranian turquoise jewelry, Moroccan spices and Omani silver. Gold prices in Dubai are relatively cheaper, so the Gold Souk is a great destination for buying jewelery and gold crafts.
17- Camel Racing
Camel racing is not common in most parts of the world, but it is a preferred sport in Dubai. You will be surprised to learn that there are tiny robots that guide camels during races. The racetrack is usually so huge that you can hardly see the camels in action.
Tips for saving money when traveling to Dubai
Trnsportation
- Book airline tickets to Dubai early in order to get the best prices. And don’t forget that searching for flights in incognito mode is a good way to avoid cookies that lead to high prices based on your previous searches.
- Book your flight to Abu Dhabi instead of Dubai, as flight prices to Abu Dhabi are cheaper. Buses are available to travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai in less than 1.5 hours.
- Get a Nol card upon arrival in Dubai, as cash cannot be used on public transport, except for taxis. And with Nol Cards, you can save money when you travel on public transport.
- The metro is the cheapest and fastest way to get around the city, with tickets starting at 4 dirhams.
- Traveling on buses is more expensive than traveling on the metro and takes longer, but they get to more places.
- Avoid using taxis in Dubai as they are very expensive.
- Use the ferries to cross the Dubai Marina, especially after sunset, for the sightseeing of the city’s most important landmarks.
- Traveling on traditional ferries across Dubai Creek is a great way to discover ancient means of transportation. A one-way ticket costs 50 dirhams per person.
The food
- You can enjoy delicious shawarma and kebab dishes in the small restaurants located in the vibrant streets of Dubai, an experience full of authenticity and wonderful flavors at the cheapest prices.
- Home delivery service with Zomato, Uber Eats and Talabat services is available in Dubai, and you can place your order online and save money.
- Shawarma is one of the most delicious and cheapest food options in Dubai, and it is available in many flavors, and the vegetarian option (falafel) is also available.
- There are some tour packages that offer free meals.
More money saving tips
- Use electronic coupons for meals and other offers to save money, including Zomato Gold and Groupon.
- Choose a hotel close to the metro station so that you can benefit from the cheapest and fastest transportation in Dubai.
- Use Couchsurfing to save money on accommodations.
- Drink prices in bars and restaurants are relatively high, so make sure to drink during “happy hours” so that you can enjoy the discounts.
- If you are planning to stay in Dubai for a period of more than 3 days, it is preferable to stay in an equipped apartment because it is cheaper than staying in hotels. Also, you will be able to cook your meals and save the exorbitant service fees charged by hotels and restaurants.
- Use the Smart Palm, as it has charging ports and provides free Wi-Fi.
Photos of Best Places in Dubai
Facebook Comments