Dubai is one of those rare gems in a rushed modern world – it sparkles with opulence but is balanced by a sense of refinement and history, with almost year-round sunshine, and plenty of great shopping opportunities! Anyone who’s been dreaming of visiting Dubai should know about the top attractions and places of interest that you can see while on vacation:
What To Do In Dubai
With silvery beaches that are fringed by palm trees, a day in the sun is in order when visiting Dubai. If you choose to stop off at one of the local beaches, then consider looking at the popular Kite beach (where you can kite surf), or the more sedate JBR beach that has a variety of local dining spots and access to watersports.
The golf lovers will be thrilled at the chance to play on the Emirates Golf Club, the Els Club, or the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club courses, each of which offers beautiful views, challenging terrain, and the possibility of rubbing shoulders with celebrities who often stop in when filming on local, or going incognito on a holiday.
In the evening head to the Dubai Fountains, at the base of Burj Khalifa Lake. It is home to the world’s largest dancing fountain, so relax and enjoy the sight of water rising and falling to beautiful music and lights. The shows occur every half hour of the week until 23:00. A good day trip out would be to the Dubai Museum, which is a place of interest and history, as it is housed within the 18th century Al Fahidi Fort. The map collection is impressive, as are the numerous artifacts, weapons of war, and a look into ancient desert life and cultures.
Those after culture should visit the Jumeirah Mosque which is an active place of worship, and a place of architectural beauty that many consider to be one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture. Tours are every Thursday and Sunday morning from 10am, and ladies are required to cover up out of respect.
Desert activities are plentiful, with choices between hot air balloon rides above the sandy terrain, or 4×4 explorations and safaris between the dunes, but if you’re missing the cold you can head to the appropriately named Ski Dubai, which is a snowy paradise that you can glide through on skates or on a snow board, all year round.
Where to Shop and Eat in Dubai
If for some reason, you opt to eat out, instead of within your decadent hotel, then the top areas to get a satisfying meal and fulfill a cultural tour is by visiting the Bur Dubia district. It is filled with historic scenery, quaint cafés for coffee and snacks, and is home to a mishmash of houses within maze-like streets that make an ideal photo backdrop – as well as being home to plenty of interesting art galleries.
Of course, Dubai Mall has to get a mention, as it has over 1000 shops within it – that’s as much entertainment as an online NZ casino! Everything you can imagine is available here such as saris and sunhats, to designer handbags. It is also home to an incredible Underwater Zoo and Aquarium and is home to the world’s largest candy store.