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Guide to Dubai
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items Did you know Dubai was actually conceived to be a tourist city? Yeah, me either until recently. Dubai is like the Miami or Palm Springs to people in Europe. It's not far away and a great introduction to the UAE. English is the most common language and only about 15% of the population of Dubai is actually from the UAE so you're bound to meet some really amazing people when you're there! Here are m...
Map
Sections
5
Things To Do
Restaurants
Shopping
Accomodations
Abu Dhabi
Things To Do
There are so many things to do in Dubai, that it would be almost impossible to list them all, but here are some of the best and most popular things!
The tallest building in the world. The Burj Khalifa has an absolutely stunning view of Dubai from the top. You can actually see where the desert meets the city.
Burj Khalifa
An indoor ski and snowboarding resort in the desert. This will be a little underwhelming for those who grew up in a place that has more of a winter but is a really fun experience for anyone who grew up in a warmer climate.
Ski Dubai
There are lost of cultural experiences you can do in the desert like riding 4x4s, camel riding, sand boarding, falconry, and a ton of other different desert adventures!
Desert Safari Dubai
This waterpark has a ton of thrilling rides and is set against the backdrop of the Burj Al Arab!
Wild Wadi Waterpark Jumeirah
The underwater tunnel is a really amazing experience and has a very diverse array of marine life!
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Dubai an amazing place to do a helicopter tour. The breathtaking views can really only be fully appreciated from up high.
Helicopter Tour Dubai
Restaurants
Everything in Dubai is super amazing and luxurious. Every single MIchelin star restaurant has a location in Dubai and since so many people have moved there from around the world there is some really amazing and authentic cuisine.
Zuma does a great business lunch!
Zuma Dubai
This spot has some amazing meals and is a perfect option if you're not sure where to go for dinner!
ROKA Dubai
A beautiful atmosphere with amazing food makes this spot a great dinner location!
COYA Dubai
While this can seem like more of a thing to do (and it is) this is more centered around a meal. They offer cultural lunches where you can sit down with a local Emirati and have a traditional meal.
Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
An Australian cafe. Some things to try are the chicken salad and the bang bang cauliflower.
Common Grounds
Shopping
All the best shopping areas in Dubai
Full of traditional markets, this spot has amazing places like a spice market, gold market, and a historic district.
Discover Dubai's Old Town
The Dubai marina is a trendy spot with upscale dining, shopping, and a very lively atmosphere.
Dubai Marina
A beautiful standard shopping mall and the indoor ski resort is there too!
Mall of the Emirates
One of the biggest malls in the world this mall not only has some of the most luxurious stores but also hosts the Dubai Aquarium
Dubai Mall
A beautiful mall with a world class spa. You'll be able to shop until you drop and then relax afterwards!
Wafi City
Accomodations
Pretty much anywhere you stay in Dubai is going to feel luxurious compared to hotels and places to stay in the US, so here are my top options to make the most of your stay!
This hotel is one of the only ones that embraces middle eastern architecture. There are 4 buildings total on the compound and it's a very luxurious stay!
Madinat Jumeirah | Beach Resort Dubai
Not too far out of Dubai (it's surrounded by desert) is this amazing adults only resort, you can get the full experience here if you only stay a couple of days. There are a lot of things to do in the desert including markets!
Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai
One of the most unique buildings in the world this spot is something you definitely have to see. Though you need a reservation at the restaurant in the hotel or be a guest at the hotel to see even the lobby. Staying here is meant for a very specific ...
Burj Al Arab
Known for Beyonce being present for it's opening this spot is absolutely gorgeous, it's not a far train ride away from Dubai and an exceptionally luxurious hotel. Also this is not to be confused the Atlantis in the Bahamas. They used to be in the sam...
Atlantis The Royal
Located on the tip of The Palm (a man made island made of reclaimed land)while this is one of the more luxurious resorts in Dubai, the price point is lower than some of the other similar ones. It does have one of the coolest hotel rooms in the world,...
Atlantis, The Palm
This is much more of a boutiquey stay on The Palm. It's also not as tall as most of the other hotels and resorts in Dubai which makes it great for those who want a stay a little bit more lowkey.
One&Only The Palm
This is definitely an exclusive experience with tons of gorgeous architecture.
Bulgari Resort Dubai
Everything in this hotel (down to each dish) is hand picked by Mr. Armani. This means that this hotel caters to a very specific taste. It's a much more masculine hotel than most of the other spots in the area. It's in downtown Dubai in the Burj Khali...
Armani Hotel
Most of this hotel is brand new due to a massive fire in 2015 that destroyed much of the building. There are many hotels of this brand in the UAE. They are not all the same though. Some of them are lower end than what is standard in Dubai. The downto...
Address Downtown Hotel, Dubai UAE
Due to it's proximity to the airport (only 15 minutes away) this hotel is often thought of as an airport hotel. Though it's really a very peaceful and gorgeous spot. There's a manmade lagoon and a sweet little beach area. The rooms themselves are a l...
Park Hyatt Dubai
Abu Dhabi
A perfect side or day trip from Dubai since it's only a few hours away. Abu Dhabi has just as many things to do as Dubai does!
This is an example of modern Islamic architecture and is open to visitors. It was completed in 2007 and has 82 drones and over 1000 columns.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Not everyone knows there's more than one Louvre but there is! The Louvre in Abu Dhabi opened in November of 2017 and provides a unique cultural experience. It has a globally diverse art collection and an iconic dome!
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Yas Island is a thriving entertainment destination and has been developed over the last decade. It has a Formula 1 racetrack, a waterpark, and tons of hotels. It's a great place for thrill seekers and those looking for adventure!
Yas Island - A Must Visit Place In Abu Dhabi For the Whole ...