Dubai: The City of Extremes

Dubai is a city of superlatives. It is home to the tallest building in the world, the largest shopping mall, and the most luxurious hotels. But Dubai is more than just a city of excess. It is also a city of history and culture, with a rich heritage dating back thousands of years.

History and Culture

Dubai was founded in the 18th century as a small fishing village. In the early 20th century, it began to grow as a trading port. In recent decades, Dubai has undergone rapid development, becoming a global hub for business, tourism, and finance.

Despite its rapid growth, Dubai has preserved much of its history and culture. The city’s old quarter, called Al Bastakiya, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to traditional Arab buildings with wind towers, which were used to cool the air inside.

Dubai is also home to a number of museums, including the Dubai Museum, the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Museum, and the Dubai Museum of the Future. These museums offer visitors a glimpse into the city’s history, culture, and future.

Things to Do

There are endless things to see and do in Dubai. Here are a few of the highlights:

Visit the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Take the elevator to the observation deck on the 124th floor for stunning views of the city.
Go shopping at the Dubai Mall, the largest shopping mall in the world. With over 1,200 stores, you’re sure to find everything you need (and more).
Take a desert safari. This is a great way to experience the desert and see some of the wildlife that calls it home.
Visit the Palm Jumeirah, a man-made archipelago in the shape of a palm tree. The Palm Jumeirah is home to some of the most luxurious hotels and resorts in the world.
Go skiing at Ski Dubai. This indoor ski resort is the perfect place to cool off on a hot day.
Relax on one of Dubai’s many beaches. The beaches in Dubai are some of the most beautiful in the world.

Where to Stay

There are a wide variety of hotels to choose from in Dubai, from budget-friendly options to luxurious five-star resorts. Here are a few of the best hotels in Dubai:

Dubai is a city of luxury and opulence, and its hotels reflect that. There are hundreds of hotels to choose from in Dubai, ranging from budget-friendly options to ultra-luxurious 5-star resorts. Here are a few of the best hotels in Dubai, divided into three categories: 5-star, 4-star, and boutique hotels.

5-Star Hotels in Dubai
- Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is one of the most iconic hotels in the world. Its sail-shaped design is instantly recognizable, and it is known for its luxurious amenities and service.
- The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai is another luxurious hotel located in the heart of Dubai. It offers stunning views of the city skyline and has a variety of restaurants and bars.
- The Jumeirah Beach Hotel is a five-star resort located on Jumeirah Beach. It offers stunning views of the Arabian Gulf and has a variety of water sports and activities.
- The Atlantis, The Palm is a luxury resort located on the Palm Jumeirah. It offers a variety of water sports and activities, as well as a number of restaurants and bars.
- The Address Downtown Dubai is a five-star hotel located in Downtown Dubai. It offers stunning views of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain.
4-Star Hotels in Dubai
- Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights is a 4-star hotel located in the heart of Dubai. It offers stunning views of the Dubai Creek and has a variety of restaurants and bars.
- Le Méridien Dubai Marina is a 4-star hotel located in the Dubai Marina. It offers stunning views of the marina and has a variety of restaurants and bars.
- JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai is a 4-star hotel located in Downtown Dubai. It offers stunning views of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain.
- Novotel Dubai Jumeirah Beach is a 4-star hotel located on Jumeirah Beach. It offers stunning views of the Arabian Gulf and has a variety of restaurants and bars.
- Grand Hyatt Dubai is a 4-star hotel located in Business Bay. It offers stunning views of the city skyline and has a variety of restaurants and bars.
Boutique Hotels in Dubai
- The Chedi, Dubai is a boutique hotel located in the heart of Dubai. It offers stunning views of the city skyline and has a variety of restaurants and bars.
- The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm is a boutique hotel located on the Palm Jumeirah. It offers stunning views of the Arabian Gulf and has a variety of restaurants and bars.
- The Oberoi, Dubai is a boutique hotel located in Business Bay. It offers stunning views of the city skyline and has a variety of restaurants and bars.
- The Madinat Jumeirah is a boutique hotel located in Madinat Jumeirah. It offers stunning views of the Arabian Gulf and has a variety of restaurants and bars.
- The Pearl by JW Marriott is a boutique hotel located in Business Bay. It offers stunning views of the city skyline and has a variety of restaurants and bars.

Getting Around

Dubai is a large and spread-out city, so it is important to have a plan when getting around. There are a few different ways to get around Dubai, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Taxis

Taxis are the most convenient way to get around Dubai. They are everywhere, and they are relatively inexpensive. You can hail a taxi on the street, or you can call one using a taxi app.

The Dubai Metro

The Dubai Metro is a modern and efficient public transportation system. It is the fastest way to get around Dubai, and it is very affordable. The metro has two lines, the Red Line and the Green Line. The Red Line runs from north to south, and the Green Line runs from east to west.

The Dubai Tram

The Dubai Tram is a light rail transit system that connects the Jumeirah Beach Residences with the Dubai Marina. It is a short and scenic ride, and it is a great way to see some of Dubai’s most popular tourist attractions.

Buses

Dubai has a comprehensive bus network that covers most of the city. Buses are relatively inexpensive, but they can be slow and crowded.

Ride-hailing apps

Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem are a popular way to get around Dubai. They are often more expensive than taxis, but they can be more convenient, especially if you are traveling in a group.

Driving

If you are planning on driving in Dubai, you will need to have an international driver’s license. Driving in Dubai can be challenging, as the city has a lot of traffic and the roads can be confusing. If you are not comfortable driving, it is best to avoid it and use public transportation instead.

Which transportation option is right for you?

The best transportation option for you will depend on your budget, your travel style, and your destination. If you are on a budget, taxis, and buses are the most affordable options. If you are looking for convenience, taxis and ride-hailing apps are the best choices. If you want to see the city, the Dubai Metro and the Dubai Tram are great options. And if you are planning on driving, be sure to have an international driver’s license and be prepared for challenging traffic conditions.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Dubai is during the winter months (November to March). The weather is warm and sunny, but not too hot. The summer months (April to October) are very hot and humid.

Dubai: Go City Explorer Pass – Choose 3 to 7 Attractions

The Go City Explorer Pass is a great way to save money on admission to some of Dubai’s most popular attractions. With the pass, you can choose between 3 and 7 attractions to visit, and you’ll get a significant discount on the regular admission price.

The pass is valid for 60 days from the date of first use, so you have plenty of time to see everything you want. And you can easily add or remove attractions from your pass as your plans change.

Some of the attractions included in the pass are:

Burj Khalifa: At 828 meters tall, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world. The observation deck on the 124th floor offers stunning views of Dubai.
Dubai Museum: This museum tells the story of Dubai from its humble beginnings as a fishing village to its current status as a global metropolis.
Aquaventure Waterpark: This waterpark is home to over 60 rides and attractions, including the world’s largest water slide complex.
The Dubai Mall: This is the largest shopping mall in the world, with over 1,200 stores. You can find anything you’re looking for here, from designer clothes to souvenirs.
Palm Jumeirah: This man-made archipelago is shaped like a palm tree and is home to some of Dubai’s most luxurious hotels and resorts.
Dubai Miracle Garden: This flower garden is home to over 50 million flowers that are arranged in stunning displays.

The Go City Explorer Pass is a great way to see the best of Dubai without breaking the bank. So if you’re planning a trip to Dubai, be sure to check it out.

Where to Eat in Dubai

Dubai is a city of contrasts, and its food scene is no exception. From traditional Arabic cuisine to international fare, there is something for everyone in Dubai. Here are a few of the best places to eat in Dubai, divided into two categories: restaurants and street food.

Restaurants

At.mosphere Burj Khalifa is the highest restaurant in the world, offering 360-degree views of Dubai from 1,483 feet above ground. The restaurant serves modern European cuisine and has a dress code.
CÉ LA VI is a rooftop bar and restaurant with a modern Asian menu and a lively atmosphere. The restaurant is located in the Marina district and has views of the Dubai skyline.
Eve at the Palm is a rooftop restaurant with Italian cuisine and stunning views of the Palm Jumeirah. The restaurant is located on the 20th floor of the Fairmont Palm Jumeirah Hotel.
Level 43 is a rooftop bar and restaurant with panoramic views of the Dubai skyline. The restaurant is located in the Four Seasons Hotel DIFC.
The View is a rooftop restaurant with Mediterranean cuisine and views of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain. The restaurant is located on the 52nd floor of the Address Downtown Dubai Hotel.
Bukhara Grill is a popular spot for traditional Arabic cuisine. The restaurant has several locations in Dubai, and the menu features a wide variety of mezze, kebabs, and grilled meats.
Ravi Restaurant is another popular spot for traditional Indian cuisine. The restaurant has several locations in Dubai, and the menu features a wide variety of tandoori dishes, curries, and biryanis.
Al Mahara is a seafood restaurant located in the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah Hotel. The restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views of the Arabian Gulf.
Hakkasan is a Chinese restaurant with several locations in Dubai. The menu features a modern take on classic Chinese dishes.

Street Food

Shish Tawouk is a popular street food dish in Dubai. It consists of grilled chicken that is marinated in a blend of spices. The chicken is then grilled on a skewer and served with pita bread and vegetables.
Falafel is another popular street food dish in Dubai. It consists of deep-fried balls of chickpeas that are served in a pita bread with hummus and vegetables.
Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern street food dish. It consists of thinly sliced meat that is stacked on a vertical rotisserie and then grilled. The meat is then shaved off and served on a pita bread with vegetables and sauces.
Luqaimat are small, deep-fried dough balls that are served with sweet syrup. They are a popular Ramadan snack.
Halal Guys is a popular spot for Middle Eastern street food. The restaurant is known for its signature dish, the “gyro plate,” which consists of grilled meat, rice, and vegetables.

Budget:

Dubai is an expensive city, but there are ways to save money. Here are a few tips: