Holidays to Dubai have been said to have increased by 12% in the past 3 years, while the boost in tourism has led to an increasing number of restaurants and resorts opening up in the area, not to mention the never-ending line of billionaires ploughing their money into the area. With the 2022 World Cup set to be hosted in Qatar, I’ve listed my top things to do in Dubai for anyone considering heading over there in the next few years.
1) Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world. It has the fastest single running elevator which goes up 140 floors at 10 meters per second. It took 12,000 workers to construct the building each and every day, while it took six years to build and opened in January 2010. It was designed to resemble the Hymenocallis flower.
2) Ski Dubai and penguins
A part of the mall of the emirates, it looks like a huge snow globe inside the mall right at the back. It’s a huge indoor ski resort with 22,500 square meters of indoor ski area, while the mall is one of the largest shopping malls in the world. Inside the ski resort you can amazing snow activities like skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing. They will give you the ski clothing and equipment to use so you don’t have to worry about bringing anything with you. You can even meet penguins that live inside the sub-zero penguin zone at the complex. Your entry will include a 40-minute experience where you feed and learn about the penguins.
3) Dubai fountains
The Dubai fountains is the world’s second largest choreographed fountain and is located at Burj Khalifa Lake. You can watch the water rising to a height of 500 feet in the air. They use 6,600 lights with 25 coloured projectors. It performs to both classical and Arabic music and it starts from 6pm till 11pm, while it lasts for 30 minutes at a time. If you get a bit peckish then you don’t have to worry at all as there are loads of restaurants around with an amazing view.
4) Safari and dinner
This trip involves being collected by a 4×4 land cruiser and riding over the sand dunes. It’s a great opportunity to look at the beautiful scenery while listening to music in the car. I can honestly say this will be a ride you will never forget. Once the ride is over, you head to their campsite, which will be in the middle of nowhere. A buffet will be cooked, and you can watch belly dancers by the campfire.
5) Aquaventure water park
Located at the Atlantis The Palm, this is seriously an amazing water park! It has everything and more. It even has its own Atlantis- themed aquarium, while its adventures are fit for all ages. You can ride through a shark tunnel and unwind on the lazy river. The water park is so big you can get pretty lost, something that happened to me once or twice. I’d recommend riding the Poseidon’s Revenge, where a trapdoor opens beneath you and sends you flying 75 feet downwards. You can even relax on a sandy beach while looking out at the view, a nice relaxing break from all the rides.
6) Speed boat tour
Why not jump on a speed boat that takes you around the palm Jumeirah and heads towards Atlantis. Going past Burj Al Arab and returning to Dubai marina, this tour should last around 90-minutes and will offer you a unique tour of this bizarre place.
7) Bastakia old Dubai
Bastakia is a hidden gem. Tourists like opting out for the newer and grander options of the city, which makes it a nice way to get off the beaten track and see a more historical side to Dubai. You can come see the local art galleries. I found it all to be a nice quiet and calm place, with an old culture of UAE. Architects come from all around the world to see the unique buildings, or so I’m told.
8) Eat seafood in an underwater restaurant – Burj Al Arab
Nathan outlaw is an award-winning chef from England and this is the best seafood restaurant in town. Al Mahara restaurant is located at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. Walk into the 7-star hotel to the ground floor (yes, you heard me right, a seven star hotel, so make sure to look smart). The decor of the restaurant is beautiful and has that wow factor. You enter a gold lift, before walking through a glittering shell-shaped tunnel to the dining room. When inside, you see a huge aquarium, and get lost looking at the fish swimming around. You might have to book a few months ahead of your visit, but it will be worth it. Of course, you will need to save your pennies as about £200 per head can hurt the bank account, but what an experience.
9) Have a Chocolate afternoon tea and body treatment
Do you love chocolate? Of course you do, so here is a great way to satisfy those cravings without the calories. Jumeirah Lakes Towers has the best spa massage, which includes a chocolate wrap and full body massage. I have been told it leaves the smell of chocolate on your body. You will leave stress free and feeling amazing. Sounds like heaven? The only thing that could beat this for me is hanging out with puppies.
10) Gold souk market
Gold, gold, gold! Dubai is known for its cheap prices on gold. Of course, you will need to haggle for it, but that is all part of the experiencec. They have a series of jewellery shops and museums with some amazing gold pieces for you to peruse through.
11) Bollywood Park
With all the glitz and glamour, why not come and see these five movie themed areas. It even has 16 rides, attractions and shows.
12) Zipline over Dubai fountain.
XLine Dubai is a hair raising zipline that runs between a 90-meter high tower by the Dubai mall terrace. The zipline only last 33 seconds, however if you have a fear of heights that will probably be long enough. If you are a thrill seeker, I would definitely recommend going on this. Why not face your fear of heights and jump on?
13) Motiongate
This is a motion picture inspiration and entertainment theme park from Hollywood Studios. It has four different zones with 27 rides inspired by action and animations films that include Shrek, Ghost busters and the hunger games.
