Not many places have opened their doors to international visitors post the lockdown. But Dubai has. A city that has always welcomed its guests warmly, it has been quick to unlock its borders and receive tourists with open arms. The city might have seen fewer cases than many other urban centres in the UAE, but it has strict guidelines and regulations in place for the safety of its people and its visitors.
If you’re looking for a break from the stress of the last several months, perhaps you’d want to consider making a quick trip to Dubai before the year ends.
Here’s a bit about what you can see and do in this super-city of glass towers and malls.
1. The Bastakia Quarter
Dubai used to be a fishing village and you can still see signs of it in the Bastakia Quarter. Sitting in the middle of the Dubai Creek and the Bur Dubai district, you can lose yourself in a maze of buildings, shops, art galleries and cafés. Walk these lanes and you are sure to spot several gems, such as the Majlis Gallery of mainly Middle Eastern art and the XVA Gallery of mainly contemporary art. Head over to the textile souk and pick up bolts of brightly colored fabric to take back home.
2. Jumeirah Beach Walk
Take a walk along Dubai’s stunning beachfront and marina, Jumeirah Beach Walk (or JBR, as the locals call it). This massive single-phase residential area is a truly panoramic destination. The Walk is spread across 36 massive towers, and along the wide promenade, you will be able to feast your eyes on beautiful boutique shops. Once you’re tired, simply grab a coffee or a snack at any of the many cafes and restaurants, and find yourself a comfortable spot from where you can gawk at the millionaire wardrobes and fancy cars zooming past.
3. Wadi Wurrayah
Dubai might be a desert city but it does boast of UAE’s only natural waterfall at Wadi Wurrayah. This place is also home to the Hatta natural rock pools of Hatta. When you tire of the glitz and the glamour of Dubai, you can plan a one-day excursion to Wadi Wurrayah, less than an hour outside Dubai. You’ll need to hire a 4×4 as Wadi Wurrayah and Hatta are both located in the desert.
4. The Burj Khalifa
How can one forget the Burj Khalifa! This structure is the iconic symbol of Dubai today, towering proudly above the skyline, knowing it’s the tallest free-standing structure in the world. While you cannot miss seeing the structure from anywhere in the city, you absolutely must ride the elevator to the 134th-floor observation deck. The view from here is breathtaking, especially at night when the entire city is lit up beautifully.
5. The Palm Islands
Also called ‘Palm Jumeirah’, these three architectural wonders have been designed in the shape of a date palm tree. When seen from the top, the complete layout includes a massive trunk, culminating in a full palm crown with fronds. Beyond the fronds lies a crescent island that acts as a breakwater wall. The Palms are the world’s first man-made islands and they have also earned themselves the title of the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’.
6. The Dubai Mall
Put aside a whole day for a visit to the famous Dubai Mall. Renowned for its luxurious brands, this shoppers’ destination has the who’s who of stores, a 22-screen cinema, Kidzania world for children, a giant aquarium and underwater zoo, a huge indoor theme park, and a full-sized ice rink. The experience is worth at least one visit.
7. Desert Safari
You cannot go to Dubai and not go on a Desert Safari. You will find a host of tour operators offering you a range of desert safaris, depending upon your preference and convenience. Ride in a 4WD vehicle as you go dune bashing, ride a camel, try your hand at sand skiing and quad biking, and enjoy a barbeque dinner replete with sheesha and belly dancing. The morning safari is the shortest due to rapidly rising temperatures. An evening or overnight safari is more leisurely, with the latter giving you a chance to camp in the desert at night. If you want a quiet desert experience, there is the option of dinner only.
8. The Old Gold Souk
There is no other place in the world that shimmers and dazzles like the Old Gold Souk (gold market) in Dubai. We promise you will be amazed by the seemingly-endless display of gold jewellery, both modern and traditional, as well as unique gemstones. Whether you’re a serious gold shopper or simply looking for a souvenir to take back from your trip to Dubai, the Old Gold Souk will not disappoint. You will find hundreds of vendors selling their goldware stacked in shop windows and stalls. You can be assured you’re buying the genuine product as the Dubai authorities ensure the quality and authenticity here. Browse, try on and finally choose the piece that talks to you. And yes, don’t forget to haggle for the best price.
9. Skiing
Skiing, that too in a desert? Dubai promises you the world and actually delivers it. Head to Ski Dubai, located in the Mall of the Emirates, hit the slopes and practice your moves. Your friends and family back home will wonder exactly where you went for your vacation. With snowy slopes of up to 1,300 feet all year round, this is a great way to get some thrill and excitement on your vacation. The best part is that you don’t even need to have your own equipment. You can rent skis as well as inner tubes for riding the hills right here.
Dubai is becoming the most favoured destination for everyone, especially families looking for some time off from the stress of the daily grind. With a range of attractions, the city promises to give you an out-of-the-world experience.
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