In Dubai, the possibilities are endless—you’d need several weeks to see and do it all.!
A must-see spot in Dubai is the Marina, one of the city’s liveliest districts. Here, you’ll find waterfront restaurants and shops with stunning views of the boats and yachts moored along the promenade. It’s also home to the world’s longest zipline, offering a truly unique way to explore this part of Dubai! For a more traditional experience, you can hop on a dhow—a traditional wooden Arabian boat—for a short cruise through the heart of the Marina.
Beaches
Not far from here, Sunset Beach is a little slice of paradise, perfect for a swim in the warm waters of the Persian Gulf. Other beaches in Dubai—such as La Mer, Black Palace Beach, and Jumeirah Beach Park—offer wide sandy stretches and plenty of activities for the whole family. For water sports enthusiasts, Kite Beach is the ideal spot to enjoy surfing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding, or even a game of beach volleyball!
Jumeirah Mosque and the Dubai Frame
For those interested in discovering the city’s cultural heritage, be sure to visit the Jumeirah Mosque. With its stunning architecture, it’s the only mosque in Dubai open to non-Muslims. If you’d like to go inside, remember to dress modestly—cover your arms and legs, and for women, your hair as well. Don’t forget to remove your shoes before entering. The Dubai Frame is also an unmissable landmark, it’s the largest picture frame in the world! You can go up inside for a spectacular view over the city—with the old neighbourhoods on one side, and the modern skyscrapers of downtown on the other.
The Mall of the Emirates
For shopaholics, the Mall of the Emirates is nothing short of paradise! With 560 shops, it’s almost impossible not to find something that catches your eye. It’s also home to the famous and surprising Ski Dubai—the largest indoor ski slope in the world—where you can ski or snowboard as if you were in the mountains, right in the heart of the desert! The complex features five different slopes, a freestyle zone, a bobsleigh track, a zipline, icy slides, and even a pool with real penguins—an utterly extravagant experience.
A Desert Excursion
To round off your visit to Dubai, nothing beats spending a day or two in the desert! Whether by 4×4, quad, or buggy, these safaris take you across the vast sand dunes of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Most excursions also include a camel ride, sandboarding, or even an overnight stay in a traditional Bedouin camp. Unmissable experiences for anyone travelling to Dubai!
Abu Dhabi
After exploring each corner of the city of endless possibilities, I highly recommend visiting Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. There, you’ll see the largest mosque in the world, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, as well as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Ferrari World. You’ll find plenty of tours online, with or without guided visits. If you prefer to go on your own, the bus is a great option—it’ll get you there in about 2 hours at a relatively cheap price. Taxis are also available. Just a tip: if you’re planning to visit one of the capital’s top attractions, book your tickets in advance to be sure to enter and avoid long lines.
Fujairah
If you’re looking to explore another interesting city in the UAE, head to Fujairah, about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Dubai. Home to the oldest mosque in the country—and the second largest after Abu Dhabi’s—Fujairah also features the oldest fort in the Emirates as well as a breathtaking natural scenery. It’s a less touristy destination, but really worth it as it’s packed with fascinating sites and rich history. You can go there on a day trip from Dubai or rent a car for a few days.
The Hajar Mountains
If you’re in the mood for a nature getaway, head to the Hajar Mountains, a stunning mountain range whose highest peak, Jebel Jais, sits on the border between the Emirates and Oman. You can drive up to the top and enjoy a meal at the restaurant, go for a scenic hike, or even take a ride on the longest zipline in the world. To get there, you can rent a car or join a guided excursion from Dubai. Along the way, don’t miss Hatta, a charming mountain village that serves as a hub for hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, horseback riding, and other outdoor adventures. You’ll also find historical and cultural landmarks that give you a glimpse into traditional life in the region.
Al Ain Oasis
Finally, for another breathtaking landscape, head to Al Ain Oasis, about 1.5 hours from Dubai. Lush and green, it features nearly 150,000 palm trees, date trees, and fruit trees, offering a refreshing change of scenery. It’s also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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