Dubai Tour Guide: Best Things To Do In The City

Welcome to Dubai

Dubai, a fusion of tradition and innovation, holds roots tracing back to 2500 BC. However, it truly transformed in the early 2000s, blossoming into a modern marvel. The city flaunts a skyline adorned with globally acclaimed structures and remarkable artificial islands. Yet, amidst the futuristic architecture, remnants of the past linger—endless sand dunes in the Empty Quarter, where camels roam alongside Bedouin guides, serene mangrove forests, and numerous date palms.

Once a vital trade hub, Dubai now stands tall as a bustling business and financial center for the Middle East and Asia. This diversity attracts expatriates worldwide, turning Dubai into a melting pot of languages, cultures, and cuisines.

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Dubai caters to various enthusiasts—from travelers with layovers seeking exploration to luxury seekers reveling in opulence. It’s a haven for foodies craving diverse, high-end dining experiences and jet setters fascinated by world records.

Budgeting for a Trip to Dubai

Expect Dubai to be on the pricier side, typical of major cities. Hotel costs fluctuate with the season; summers offer more affordable stays. On average, a night for two can range around $200, but options exist both on the outskirts and in lavish accommodations, varying from $500 upwards.

Dining for two averages around $60, yet this can significantly rise at upscale restaurants or drop at local shawarma stalls or in Old Dubai. Alcohol tends to be costly, with prices nearly triple those in the US for beers and wines.

Safety Considerations

Dubai stands among the safest cities globally for tourists. Violent crime is exceptionally rare, and concerns about theft are minimal. However, the main challenge arises from unfamiliarity or disregarding local laws. While some strict laws may not always be strictly enforced, tourists should be aware of them. For instance, cohabitation of unmarried couples, engaging in “homosexual acts,” public intoxication, using CBD, importing pork products, public displays of affection, criticizing the government on social media, and taking photos of people without consent are all prohibited. While Dubai may seem lenient compared to other Middle Eastern countries, respecting its Islamic laws and customs ensures a hassle-free trip.

Weather in Dubai

Dubai maintains high temperatures year-round, hitting around 105°F in summer with an intense UV index and 60-90% humidity. From December to March, the weather is more pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from high 70s to low 80s and dropping to the low 60s at night.

When to Visit Dubai

Optimal times to visit Dubai fall between October and April. During this period, the weather allows for enjoyable beach days without the extreme heat. January sees a surge in UK travelers, while the Eid holidays attract visitors from the rest of the Middle East (with varying dates each year).

Money Saving Tips

1. Dining in North Dubai: The historic district in North Dubai offers some of the city’s best and budget-friendly food. With a predominantly Indian population, food stalls serve dishes from India, Nepal, Pakistan, Iran, the Philippines, and more at a fraction of downtown prices.
2. Free Beaches: While Dubai boasts numerous high-end beach clubs, free beaches like Jumeirah Beach and Kite Beach offer clear waters, food stalls, full bathroom, and shower facilities without the cost.
3. Ladies’ Night: Most bars in Dubai host “ladies’ nights” where women enjoy free drinks, each bar offering varying deals like unlimited drinks for a small fee or a limit on complimentary drinks.
4. Join the Entertainer: Consider joining the Entertainer app for deals on hotels, restaurants, spas, and more, especially if planning multiple visits or an extended stay in Dubai.

Top 10 Things to Do in Dubai

Burj Khalifa Observation Deck:

Ascend 125 floors in the world’s tallest building for a 360-degree view of the Emirate. Gaze upon the skyline, desert, and the man-made islands in the Persian Gulf resembling palm trees and a world map.

Dubai Fountain Spectacle:

Witness the mesmerizing water and light show outside the Dubai Mall, reminiscent of the Bellagio fountain in Las Vegas. Shows run daily from 6 pm to 11 pm, offering stunning views of the fountain and the Burj Khalifa around twilight. Alternatively, catch the Palm Fountain, the world’s largest, with shows from sunset until midnight.

Dubai Mall Adventure:

Explore the world’s largest mall, a haven of hundreds of stores, an impressive aquarium with sharks and rays, diverse dining options, an arcade, and even a cinema. It’s not just shopping; it’s a day-long experience.

Luxurious Hammam Experience:

Indulge in Dubai’s luxury spa scene, especially the Turkish hammam treatments. Try the Talise Ottoman Spa with its beautiful tiled pool and hammam, offering exceptional treatments along with unique amenities like adventure showers, a snow room, and a saltwater therapy pool.

Palm Jumeirah Exploration:

Venture to the man-made palm-shaped island, where you can shop, lounge at the beach, and experience vibrant nightlife. Visit the Atlantis hotel at the tip, themed after the lost city of Atlantis and boasting its water park and aquarium.

Step into Old Dubai:

Discover the Al-Fahidi historic district with its history museum, Al Fahidi Fort (the city’s oldest building), restored old homes, Al Seef Market showcasing handicrafts, and the Spice Souk. Cross the Dubai Creek via an abra (traditional boat) to reach the Gold Souk.

Explore the Gold Souk:

Dive into the world’s largest gold market, offering a fantastic array of jewelry at relatively inexpensive prices due to no import duties on raw materials and gold bars.

Global Village Experience:

Head to Global Village, akin to Dubai’s version of Epcot, presenting 90 countries with shopping, diverse cuisines, and live shows within different country pavilions.

Relax at Beach Clubs:

Enjoy Dubai’s private beaches with accessible day passes offering lounge chairs, refreshments, towels, and facilities. Look out for ladies’ day deals or discounts through the Entertainer app.

Evening in JBR and the Marina:

Take a leisurely stroll between Dubai’s Marina and JBR districts. Enjoy the waterfront atmosphere with numerous open-air bars, dining spots, and shops.

Local Picks for Top Attractions and Activities in Dubai

i. JLT Dining Experience: Explore Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), a local hotspot where residents frequent eateries like Streetery Food Hall, Farsi Restaurant, and Pitfire Pizza. It might not be the most upscale, but it’s where locals savor their meals any day of the week.

ii. Learn Water Sports: Take advantage of the calm Persian Gulf, perfect for learning surfing with several spots along Kite Beach offering lessons. Additionally, try stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking for aquatic adventures.

iii. Desert Camping: Experience a local tradition by camping in the desert. Al Qudra Lakes is a popular spot where locals often drive out, set up camp, and spend a night under the starry skies, sometimes without a tent, just blankets for warmth.

iv. Al Quoz Exploration: Visit Al Quoz, Dubai’s hip industrial zone turned trendy neighborhood. It’s brimming with repurposed warehouses transformed into art galleries, unique boutiques, and vegan cafes. Weekends here often feature live music and various pop-up events along Alskeral Avenue.

v. Indulge in Dubai’s Brunch Culture: Brunch is a big deal in Dubai, offering lavish and unlimited spreads. Whether it’s an extravagant affair with caviar and champagne or a more casual setting with jazz and pizza, it’s somewhat of a local tradition. Always make reservations in advance.

vi. Night Out in DIFC: Experience the glam side of Dubai’s International Financial Center (DIFC) at night. Amidst banks and consulting agencies, renowned restaurants like Cipriani and Gaia draw fashion-forward crowds. The evening transforms with dancing hotspots like Indochine and Mantis.

Foods to try in Dubai

Dubai’s culinary scene mirrors its diverse population, offering a global array of cuisines with a slight tilt towards fine dining. Even famous chefs from cities like London and New York have set up secondary branches of their restaurants here. While the options are upscale, casual spots and food stands also thrive. Here are some exceptional dining experiences:

• Bu Qtair: A fish joint near Kite Beach renowned for its fried fish or prawns drenched in a signature curry sauce served with rice. It’s one of the few Emirati restaurants offering great value, and their sauce is a true highlight.
• Lalezar: Nestled in the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray hotel, this Turkish restaurant not only delights with its cuisine but also boasts stunning interiors. The floral walls, meticulously hand-painted by Turkish art students, replicate Anatolian palace designs.
• Arabian Tea House: This small chain offers traditional Arabic fare like shawarma, hummus, and fattoush, but the Al Fahidi location exudes the most charm.
• Yalla Saj: An unassuming gem in Dubai Mall’s food court, renowned for serving some of the city’s finest shawarma.
• Al Hallab: Located in Dubai Mall, this Lebanese restaurant offers a pleasant dining experience with a patio overlooking the Dubai fountain.
• Nobu: A classic Dubai hotspot among the 32 global locations, known for its luxurious setting and delicious meals. Dressing up is encouraged.
• Boca: Situated in DIFC, this restaurant emphasizes sustainable seafood and local produce, striving for sustainability even in a desert setting. It boasts one of the city’s more intriguing wine selections.
• Barasti: A lively beach bar renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, where parties are a regular occurrence day or night. While offering standard bar food, the real draw is the energetic ambiance and relatively inexpensive beers compared to the rest of the city.

Top Dubai Neighborhoods for Visitors

• Marina: Known as expat central, the Marina is a haven of luxurious high-rise buildings housing a diverse expatriate community, primarily Europeans. Evenings are spent strolling along the marina, dining in nearby restaurants, and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of neighboring Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR). Visitors can spend the day relaxing at the beach in JBR and the evening exploring the waterside restaurants.
• Old Dubai: This neighborhood is a historical gem, home to many of Dubai’s expats from South Asia. It holds the city’s main historic attractions and represents where Dubai as a city began back in the 1970s when the rest of the area was mostly desert.
• Downtown: As the bustling heart of Dubai, Downtown houses numerous office buildings, the iconic Burj Khalifa, the vast Dubai Mall, luxury hotels, fine-dining restaurants, nightclubs, and a plethora of other attractions. It’s a dynamic hub of activity.
• The Palm: Although some reside on The Palm, it’s primarily renowned for its beach clubs and dining options. The introduction of the new Palm Fountain and several malls has amplified its popularity in recent times.

Public Transportation Options in Dubai

• Dubai spans a considerable area, approximately 20 miles from the airport in the north to the Marina in the south. Travelers often need to move across this distance during their trip, making Careem an easy-to-use transportation option, much like Lyft or Uber. Taxis are more economical than private cars, and both options are safe and priced similarly to major US cities.
• The metro system in Dubai is user-friendly, impeccably clean, and secure. However, routes can be limited. A direct trip from the Marina to Dubai Mall or downtown typically costs around $2 and offers a straightforward journey.
• Dubai isn’t particularly pedestrian-friendly. Most neighborhoods are linked by highways and large overpasses, necessitating the use of Careem or the metro for travel between areas.

Dubai Airports

Dubai International Airport (DXB) stands as one of the largest airports globally and holds the title of the busiest in terms of international passenger numbers. Situated about three miles from Dubai, DXB serves as the primary hub for Emirates Airline and is a central hub for the budget carrier, flydubai.

Day Trips from Dubai

Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve: Located about 40 minutes from the city, this reserve, the UAE’s first national park, houses endangered species like the Arabian Oryx, diverse bird species, and antelopes. Tours, particularly those by Platinum Heritage Desert Safaris in vintage Land Rovers, offer an immersive experience.

Hatta: Positioned around 90 miles away, Hatta offers adventure enthusiasts zip lines, hiking, water sports, a restored heritage village, and mountain-view lodges for relaxation.

Al Ain: Roughly 85 miles from Dubai, Al Ain boasts the country’s inaugural UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Al Ain Oasis, renowned for its ancient irrigation system. Visitors can explore the oasis, visit a date museum, a historic fort, and admire the Jebel Hafeet mountain’s panoramic views.

Other Places to Visit from Dubai

Abu Dhabi: Just a 90-minute drive away, Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s capital, beckons visitors with the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and the breathtaking Empty Quarter’s orange sand dunes, especially beautiful at sunset.

Sharjah: Located about 90 minutes from Dubai, Sharjah showcases a well-preserved historic center with vibrant souks, the Sharjah Art Museum, featuring Middle Eastern artists, and the Museum of Islamic Civilization. Al Bait hotel, a UNESCO-assisted restoration of a historic palace, offers a unique stay.

Fujairah: An escape destination for Dubai locals, Fujairah, an Emirate along the water, boasts rugged cliffs, azure waters, and opportunities for snorkeling at Snoopy Island to witness sea turtles and colorful fish. Don’t miss trying the local Dibba Bay oysters.

Books and Movies Set in Dubai

• Movies: Dubai’s stunning desert backdrop has been featured in films like Star Wars and Syriana. Jackie Chan’s Vanguard portrays the city prominently as an accountant seeks refuge from a terrorist organization with Vanguard’s help. The movie Dubai, a City of Dreams sheds light on the different realities experienced by tourists, wealthy expats, and migrant workers.
• Books: “Desperate In Dubai” tells a tale of an Emirati woman seeking a lavish lifestyle in Dubai, while “Alif the Unseen” brings readers into a mystical world through a modern Arab-Indian hacker navigating life in Dubai.

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