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If there is one destination in the Middle East that captures the imagination, it is Dubai. Part of the United Arab Emirates and a versatile holiday destination. Most tourists come here for the beautiful weather and the endless beaches, but you can also experience a lot in terms of art and culture, good food and adventure. Curious about what you can do in Dubai and which sights you should not miss? You can read it in this blog.
WHAT TO DO IN DUBAI?
Dubai is a city of superlatives. Everything here is bigger, better, more expensive and more exclusive than what you are used to. Here you will find the highest skyscrapers, the most expensive hotels, the largest shopping centers, and so on. A must-see destination once in your life, even if it’s just for a day during a transfer to the next destination.
BURJ KHALIFAI
The literal highlight of Dubai is the Burj Khalifa, at over 829 meters the tallest building in the world. It is one of the most famous sights in Dubai and can be seen from all over the city. When you are at the foot you have to put your head back to see the top, so you have to check how cool the view is from the top. If you want to admire the view from the Burj Khalifa, it is recommended to buy a ticket in advance . You don’t have to queue for so long and you can go up at your ideal time. Keep in mind that the tickets sell out fastest around sunset, so book a ticket well in advance for your visit to the viewing platform. Book your tickets in advance at Qatarairways .
VISIT THE FOUNTAIN SHOW
After you’ve admired the sunset from the Burj Khalifa, you can go straight to the Dubai Fountain afterwards. Located at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, this fountain covers the area of two football fields. Every evening you can admire a spectacular water show with towering water jets, music and light effects. The show starts at 6:00 PM, lasts three minutes and repeats every half hour.
SHOPPING AT THE LARGEST MALLS IN DUBAI
Another reason why Dubai is such a popular destination for a holiday: the shopping is excellent here. The so-called malls of Dubai are world famous, with branches of all major fashion brands. These gleaming malls are so big that you can easily spend a whole day here. And not just with shopping and spending money, because the malls of Dubai can best be compared with a small village. Complete with hotels, food courts and excellent restaurants. Some of the most important sights of Dubai can even be found in these shopping malls. For example, in the Mall of Emirates you can take ski lessons in the largest ski hall in the world. And in the Dubai Mall you will find the largest aquarium in the world.
BEACHES OF DUBAIA
The reason many travelers book a holiday to Dubai: because of the nice weather. Especially in the winter months, Dubai is a great destination to escape the Dutch cold. It never really gets cold here and during the day you can enjoy pleasant temperatures and lots of sunshine. Add to that the many beautiful beaches and you understand why Dubai is the perfect destination for a beach holiday. Not all beaches are publicly accessible. Some are owned by a hotel and you must have a room to use the sunbeds. The C Central Hotel and Resort The Palm is an example of such a hotel with its own sandy beach.
Do you sleep in a hotel that is not directly on the coast? The most beautiful public beaches in Dubai include Sunset Beach, Black Palace Beach and Kite Beach.
TAKE A TOUR IN AN ABRA
Dubai has transformed in a few decades from a traditional desert town to a bustling metropolis. If you want to catch a glimpse of old Dubai, you have to look hard. For this it is best to travel to the Deira district, across the Dubai Creek. You get there by metro or taxi, but it is more fun to take a trip in a traditional abra. These wooden boats shuttle back and forth across the Dubai Creek and are mainly used by the locals. There are several boarding points and there is always a boat with space for you. You pay 1 Dirham (about 25 cents) for the trip to the other side. So you can’t beat the price. Definitely do if you are in Dubai!
THROW THROUGH THE OLD CENTER OF DUBAI
Once you have arrived in the Deira district, you can take a walk through the old center of Dubai. You can wander through the streets on your own, but it is even more fun to go out with a local guide. This can tell you everything about the history of Dubai and which must-see sights in this part of Dubai. During this super fun tour you will visit the gold and spice souks, take a trip in an abra and taste some street food dishes along the way. Plan your Dubai trip with Qatarairways .
SHOPPING IN THE SOUKS
The souks in old Dubai have been around since the nineteenth century and despite the fact that it now looks a bit more modern, little has really changed. Originally, treasures from the Middle East were sold here to western merchants and world travelers, and they still do. In the souks you can pick up the most beautiful souvenirs, from hand-knotted carpets to colorful scarves. Each souk has its own specialty, there are separate souks for textiles, gold, perfumes and spices.
GO ON A DESERT SAFARI
After a few days in busy Dubai , there is nothing more fun than leaving the big city behind during an excursion to the desert . Within an hour you are on deserted roads where the desert sand blows over the road and you transfer to large off-road vehicles. During a desert safari you will cross high sand dunes during the so-called dune bashing , you can ride a camel, go sandboarding and enjoy an extensive dinner in a nomad tent during the sunset.
ALSO FUN TO DO IN DUBAI
Above we gave you an idea of fun things to do in Dubai, but there are more sights and highlights. If you have plenty of time during a holiday in Dubai, it is also nice to put the following activities on your list.
- Spend a day at the Dubai Aquaventure Waterpark
- Immerse yourself in local history at the Dubai Museum
- Take a day trip to Abu Dhabi
- Overcome your fear of heights on the SkyWalk Dubai
- Take a trip around the world in miniature at Global Village Dubai
- Enjoy the view of the skyline during a boat trip in the Dubai Marina
OVERNIGHT IN DUBAI
There is no shortage of hotels in Dubai and there is something to choose from for every budget. Cheaper hotels can be found in the Deira district, for example. You are then really in the city and far from the beach, but that translates into lower prices. During our stay in Dubai, for example, we stayed at the Ramada Plaza in Deira , where you have decent rooms from €50 per night. If you really want to spoil yourself, a large hotel on the beach is very nice.
HOW TO TRAVEL TO DUBAI
Traveling to Dubai can be comfortably done with a direct flight from Emirates, For Dubai flights tickets check out Qatarairways’s amazing Offers.
Hope you enjoyed the article. check out amazing offers and deals at Qatarairways .
