Dubai, UAE
Dubai is las vegas on steroids.
The first thing I said when I got out of the airport in Dubai was, “Wow, what a way to tell someone they are poor!” Even the stoplights were in gold. Everything is so luxurious and gaudy. They are years ahead of their time in terms of architecture and technology, making the US seem primitive. However, if you are looking for culture, you will not find it, particularly in Dubai. I was there for a week and did not meet anyone that was actually from Dubai! It seems like that is where a lot of people go for work. I haven’t been to Dubai since 2016, so many things may have changed since then, but if you are the type that likes to “turn up” and have a good time, then this is the place for you. I want to give you some quick tips or suggestions about your future trip to Dubai.
Accommodations: Whatever you do, do NOT make my mistake and book somewhere far from everything. Since I booked so close to departure, I had to choose a cheaper option. When you go, stay in either the Marina area or Jumeirah Beach. Those areas are central to everything, close to the metro, and let’s not forget the stunning views. You may also want to look into Airbnb because I found that many people living in these high-rises rent their apartments out through Airbnb and HomeAway. I spent so much money on taxis because we were so far away that I was disgusted with myself. Don’t follow in my footsteps!
*NOTE: If you are traveling to Dubai with a significant other, you cannot sleep in the same room with them unless you are married.
Attractions:
Of course, you must go to the World’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa (which I didn’t get a chance to do *insert sad face here*). For a smooth $500US, you can also bungee jump from a building and see it that way, too, but I am not about that life!
You should also do the Desert Safari tour, but I recommend booking once you get to Dubai versus booking a prepaid tour online. I saved significant money by waiting to do it when I got to the hotel. The desert safari tour was the most fun I had out there. You get picked up in an SUV, and they take you on a roller coaster ride (literally what it felt like) to the middle of the desert where you can ride a camel, ride an ATV quad bike (which I did for the first time), eat a BBQ dinner, see an Arabian show, smoke hookah, get henna tattoos, you name it, and they got it!
Both the Dubai Mall & Emirates Mall are overwhelming. The Dubai Mall is the most overwhelming due to the fact that it’s one of the largest in the world. Put your walking shoes on that day. There is an indoor skating rink and underground aquarium in the Dubai Mall, and if that isn’t enough, you can head over to the indoor ski resort and have a penguin encounter at the Emirates Mall.
Being that Sunday is the start of the work week in Dubai, everyone starts partying on Thursday, and on Friday, it seems like everyone is at what’s considered one of the most exclusive brunch spots in Dubai, the Saffron Brunch. It’s located in the Atlantis Hotel. I have NEVER paid over $60 for brunch, but this brunch is about $145US, and it is worth it! Or at least I thought it was worth it after I ate and the liquor started flowing. It includes a delicious buffet with every type of food you can think of, unlimited top-shelf liquor, and a shuttle to the after-party at NDulge.
*Please remember that public intoxication is illegal in Dubai, and they are super strict regarding drinking and driving, so do NOT get too crazy.
FYI: For my ladies …every Tuesday is Ladies Night in Dubai, which means ladies drink and get into the nightclubs for free. And they don’t pour cheap liquor either!
Visit the Global Village for cool souvenirs and gifts. This place was an experience in itself. It consists of all these buildings, and each building is named after a country or continent. Inside, they sell things from that particular country or continent. I bought a lot of cool knickknacks in Egypt and didn’t even have to fly there. ALWAYS, and I mean ALWAYS, negotiate the price. You will end up paying whatever you think the price should be. Trust me!
Last but not least, you absolutely cannot leave UAE without taking a trip to Abu Dhabi and visiting the Grand Mosque. It’s breathtaking. Please remember that you must be covered from head to toe. I bought an abaya (robe worn by women) and a shayla (scarf) from the Gold Souk shops before I went, but you can also rent both free at the Mosque when you get there.
Dubai is not as conservative as people think. You do not have to walk around covered head to toe, but be mindful that dressing provocatively may offend others. I wore fitted jeans and T-shirts while out there and was just fine. However, places can refuse to let you in if you are dressed too revealingly.