Dubai is the jewel in the crown of the Middle East. Modernity & tradition come together here in the most effective manner, creating unending “wow” experiences for tourists & locals alike. Traditional souks to futuristic skyscrapers and desert safari to retail therapy in the midst of top global brands – Dubai will leave you spoilt for choice! Planning your next vacation in this dazzling city? Well then, here are the top 6 things you can’t miss on your Dubai trip.
- Burj Khalifa – the Tallest Wonder of the World
Unless you pay a visit to this architectural masterpiece, your Dubai visit isn’t considered complete! This breathtaking building stands tall at 828 meters, rising like a Goliath above the entire city. Beyond being just a skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa is an undeniable symbol of the greatness of Dubai.
You can simply book Burj Khalifa tickets for the 124th and 125th floors where the observation decks are located. From here, you will be rewarded with some of the most magnificent & incomparable views of the whole of Dubai, along with the sea & deserts beyond it – stretching endlessly up to the horizon. At the 148th floor, you can enjoy a premium experience at the deluxe lounge, “At The Top SKY.” And during sunset, the beauty of the scenery gets enhanced by many notches.
- Try Dhow Cruise Marina Dinner
Here’s a chance to enjoy an enchanting evening that is laced with traditional Arabian culture. Get into a dhow – a traditional Emirati boat, but equipped with every luxurious feature, from Dubai Marina. As the vessel sets sail, the dazzling skyline of the swish Dubai Marina floats past you, leaving you wide-eyed.
On board, you would be regaled by skilful local Tanoura artistes & other performers. The lavish buffet dinner is a perfect combo of international & Arabian delicacies, accompanied by unlimited soft beverages. The serene ambience onboard, blending modernity & heritage, is the best possible takeaway from this cruise.
- Try Hot Air Balloon Ride
Move out of the urban hustle & bustle to explore another fascinating aspect of Dubai – its desert landscape. And among the best ways to view these golden-hued sands is from several thousand feet up in the air, aboard a hot air balloon – especially at dawn. Just book the ticket 2-3 days beforehand during the normal days and at least 1 day prior to the balloon trip during the festive season or New Year. Soar along over the glistening sands stretching into the endless horizons. The rising sun would bathe the shining sands in deep crimson shades. You may catch sights of elusive fauna like gazelles & Arabian oryx.
Several hot air balloon ride packages include a gourmet breakfast at the desert camp. You may also go for a sedate camel ride to explore the desert. One thing’s sure – endless happy memories are sure to be created here.
- Visit Dubai Aquarium & Dubai Mall
The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is a gigantic 10-million-litre water tank. It houses many thousands of exotic marine fauna, including sting rays, sharks, and octopuses, among others. You can walk through underwater glass tunnels surrounded by these beautiful creatures or go for a glass-bottomed boat ride.
Dubai Mall – the world’s largest – offers an unmatched shopping experience. Home to most of the legendary retail brands in the world, Dubai Mall is all about an incomparable shopping extravaganza. Brands across the budget range are available here – from apparel to electronics, and from restaurants to jewellery. And besides retail therapy, Dubai Mall also offers you an ice rink that can rival its Olympian cousins, an array of VR zones, a massive indoor waterfall, and many options for fine dining. And the Dubai Mall is adjacent to the Burj Khalifa, thus making it convenient for you to club the two visits.
- Old Dubai & Souks
While Dubai is renowned for its urban glitz & glamour, there’s a part of the city that is still rooted to its humble pre-petroleum boom days; the days when it was a modest trading hub. To know more about this interesting phase in the megalopolis’ history, take a walk through Al Fahidi Historical District. Old-style houses, narrow lanes & bye-lanes, and the Dubai Museum within the Al Fahidi Fort take you back to the days of the traditional Emirati way of life.
Do also check out the bustling old markets or souks – especially the Spice Souk & Gold Souk. They will leave you wide-eyed with their wide variety of colorful & exotic spices and intricately designed jewelry, respectively. This is a great way to know more about the trading heritage of Dubai.
- Desert Safari
The sprawling golden desert outside Dubai is as much an integral part of the emirate as the urban architectural marvels. You can indulge in some pulse-pounding dune bashing in 4×4 SUVs, quad biking, and sandboarding here – along with a gentle camel safari. And at the Bedouin-themed desert camp, you would be enjoying some scintillating belly dancing, Tanoura, and fire shows. The evening rounds off a delectable multi-course BBQ dinner.
To conclude, Dubai has seemingly endless offerings for tourists. But if you talk of “must-visit,” then you simply can’t skip any one of the activities mentioned above!
