Dubai is one of the most popular tourist cities in the world. Thanks to its high-rise buildings, luxurious shopping centers, and luxurious hotels, the city attracts tourists not only from the Middle East but from all over the world. Dubai has even been called the “Paris of the Persian Gulf,” all because there are many restaurants, shops, and clubs here. In this article, we will look at several popular places where you can relax and enjoy your time in the city.
Places for rest
Beaches. This is one of the best ways to relax in Dubai. The city has many clean and beautiful beaches where you can sunbathe and swim for free, or rent sun loungers and umbrellas for greater comfort. Jumeirah Beach, Kite Beach, Al Mamzar, La Mer – each of them is ready to surprise you with the whiteness of the sand, the transparency of the water, and active water sports.
Parks and gardens. Despite the extremely hot climate in Dubai, there are many green areas where you can spend time outdoors. For example, the Miracle Garden is the world’s largest flower park, with over 45 million different flowers. One of the most famous parks is Dubai Creek Park, located on the shores of Dubai Creek. There, you can visit a mini-zoo, an aquarium, and even go catamaran sailing.
Water parks remain a popular destination in the city. Many visitors want to cool off and have fun at the same time, so Dubai has satisfied the needs of its visitors in this regard as well. Aquaventure, Legoland, Laguna Water Park, and Dreamland – as you can see, the choice is huge. In each of these water parks, you can ride water slides or visit a zone with water toys.
Shopping centers. Go shopping at Dubai Mall in the Downtown area, go ice skating at Mall of the Emirates, take a walk at Marina Mall, or Ibn Battuta Mall – the choice is yours. All shopping centers offer a huge variety of well-known brand stores, entertainment such as an aquarium or a cinema, a comfortable atmosphere with Wi-Fi and air conditioning, and the possibility of tax-free shopping for tourists.
SPAs in Dubai offer a huge selection of procedures and massages, high-quality services, and a pleasant relaxing atmosphere. In some SPAs, such as Talise Spa, The Spa at the Armani Hotel, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city and the Persian Gulf. In Dubai SPAs, you can get a massage, aromatherapy and skin care services, do fitness and yoga, and use health treatments.
Golf clubs. Most are located outside the city or in the desert surroundings, which gives them a special atmosphere. Dubai has many beautiful golf courses, such as Emirates Golf Club and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. As a rule, the game is popular during the winter period, from November to March, when the temperature is not very high.
Jebel Hafeet is a mountain located 50 km from the city. It is the highest point in the Emirates, at 1300 meters above sea level. The famous Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa is located on Jebel Hafeet mountain, as well as the Dubai baboon sanctuary, where you can see baboons in their natural habitat. You can get to the mountain by car or motorcycle, and the best time to visit is at sunset or sunrise.
Desert safari is one of the most popular tourist entertainment programs in Dubai. Thanks to safari, you can enjoy an exciting jeep ride through the desert, ride camels, try traditional cuisine and see stunning sunsets. This tour will definitely leave a lasting impression in your memory and allow you to see the Dubai desert in all its glory.
A cruise on the Dubai Gulf is a unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the city in the Persian Gulf. Cruises are usually held on pleasure boats and yachts. During the walk, you can see skyscrapers, beautiful beaches, islands, swim in warm waters, and also try local cuisine. Cruises offer parties on board, wine tastings, karaoke and dancing.
As you can see, Dubai has many diverse places where you can relax and have a good time. The city in the Persian Gulf is suitable for lovers of all types of recreation – from peace on the beach to active trips through the desert. The only caveat is that the territory of the Emirates has a fairly large area, so the distances between different locations can be significant. For example, the distance from Dubai airport to the city center is about 20 kilometers. Therefore, for traveling between places, taxi services or car rental in Dubai are often used.
Attractions in Dubai
When searching for interesting places in Dubai, it is impossible to ignore the fact that the city has many landmarks. Anyone who types the search query “popular places” in Dubai in a search engine will see the following list, which we also cannot ignore:
Burj Khalifa. This is the tallest skyscraper in the world and a symbol of Dubai. Its height is 828 meters. The building has 163 floors, which house hotels, offices, restaurants, and even residential areas. Burj Khalifa is located in the city center, and from its top, there is a breathtaking view of Dubai and the desert. The skyscraper has become a symbol of the city, so it is impossible to ignore visiting it.
Dubai Mall. This is one of the largest shopping centers in the world, which is part of the Burj Khalifa complex. In its area of over 1.1 million square meters, there are 1,200 stores, restaurants, cinemas, and entertainment venues. At the shopping center, you can buy everything from electronics to furniture, and visit the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, where more than 33,000 marine animals, including sharks and rays, are located.
Jumeirah Beach is a famous beach on the coast of the Persian Gulf, which attracts many tourists every year with its fine sand and crystal clear water. Its length is about 1.5 kilometers, and its width is about 70 meters. At Jumeirah Beach, you can engage in watersports such as windsurfing, water skiing, parasailing, ride water motorcycles, dine in cafes and restaurants, relax in picnic and barbecue areas.
Zabeel Park covers an area of 51 hectares in Dubai. This place is perfect for a calm family vacation. The park has a lake, fountains, playgrounds for children, and many restaurants and cafes. There is a zoo located here where lions, zebras, kangaroos, tigers, and various birds live. Zabeel Park often hosts themed festivals dedicated to the local culture and art.
Dubailand Theme Park. A huge theme park, one of the largest in the world, offering more than 40 different attractions. Among the most popular are roller coasters, go-kart racing, carousels, and simulators. The park is interesting not only for children but also for adults, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes on the territory where you can enjoy local cuisine.
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo are some of the most interesting attractions of the city, located in the Dubai Mall. The length of the aquarium is over 48 meters, and the height is more than 10 meters. There, you can see 140 species of marine animals, including sharks, rays, sea turtles, jellyfish, fish of various sizes and colors, as well as crocodiles and penguins. The aquarium has an underwater zoo where you can observe the life of marine inhabitants up close. Visitors can take a ride on a glass-bottom boat through the aquarium or dive into the water to feed the fish.
The Dubai Fountain is the largest fountain in the world, located on Lake Burj Khalifa. Its height is 150 meters, and its width is about 275 meters. The fountain operates daily, with a 30-minute interval, starting from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm. During this time, visitors can enjoy a spectacular 5-minute show, in which thousands of water jets participate, illuminated by bright lights and accompanied by music. From time to time, the show is complemented by fireworks, which make it even more impressive. The best place to watch the Dubai Fountain is the terrace of the Armani Deli restaurant.
The Dubai Museum is a historical place located in the old part of the city. The museum is located in a building built in 1787, which was previously a fort. In the Dubai Museum, you can see life in the city before the oil era, as well as learn about the history of the city from the existence of its first inhabitants until today. Inside, various exhibits are presented, including household items, musical instruments, costumes, weapons, and craft tools.
Dubai has many attractions, more than in many world capitals. The city resembles an embodiment of an Arab fairy tale in the modern world. All these places are scattered around the city, so it will be extremely difficult and expensive to visit them by bus or metro. You will have to pay a considerable amount for a taxi – the starting fare for a regular taxi is about 8-10 dirhams (2-3 US dollars).
What you need for a comfortable stay in Dubai
Dubai is a city that offers a wide variety of options for recreation. Therefore, each person will be able to find ideas for themselves, taking into account their personal preferences. However, to make the pastime as comfortable as possible, it is important to remember the basics.
Visa. To visit Dubai, a visa can be obtained at a consulate or visa center. You fill out an application, provide your passport and additional documents such as proof of hotel booking or plane tickets, and travel insurance. Some visa centers may require additional documents, such as an invitation from a sponsor or bank statements. Sometimes, a visa can be obtained upon arrival at the airport, but it is recommended to check visa requirements for your country before traveling.
Hotel reservation. In Dubai, you can stay in budget hotels or book a room in a luxury hotel, depending on your budget. To avoid being left without accommodation, you can use online booking services. First of all, consider the location of the place of residence, proximity to transportation routes, and then pay attention to other amenities such as the presence of a pool, spa services, and free Wi-Fi. Be sure to read reviews to ensure the quality of the service and not miss possible discounts offered by some hotels.
Currency. Dubai uses the UAE dirham. The exchange rate of the dirham to other currencies may vary depending on market conditions. Usually, hotels, shops, and restaurants in Dubai accept credit cards, but in some places, they may require cash payment. Therefore, it is recommended to exchange currency in advance or use ATMs located throughout the city.
Clothing. In Dubai, the climate is hot, so choose clothing made of lightweight fabrics and bright colors. Despite the city’s modernity and openness, it is part of a more conservative region, so cultural norms should be considered when choosing clothing. For visiting mosques, museums, shopping centers, and restaurants, modest attire that covers the shoulders and knees should be chosen. Women are recommended to wear lightweight blouses with long sleeves, long skirts or pants, while men should wear shirts with jeans or trousers. In some places, a head covering such as a shawl or scarf is a mandatory part of a woman’s wardrobe.
Weather. Dubai’s location in a tropical zone has created a hot climate all year round, but in the winter period from November to March, the weather is more comfortable, around 25 degrees Celsius. In the summer months, the temperature can rise up to 40 degrees Celsius. It is recommended to drink more water, wear lightweight and loose clothing made of natural fabrics, and take other measures to protect oneself from the sun.
Route planning. Dubai has a multitude of attractions that are definitely worth visiting. Before your trip, we recommend planning your route to make the most of your time and get the most enjoyment out of your journey. Route planning will help save money. For example, you can avoid visiting expensive places and choose more affordable alternatives. Additionally, planning will make your trip safer, minimizing unforeseen situations.
Transportation. In Dubai, there are several transportation options that can be used to travel between locations. Buses and metros are popular options for those planning to visit a maximum of two places per day since not all transport routes pass close to Dubai’s attractions. Taxis offer more possibilities but are very expensive, around 30 dirhams (8 US dollars) for 10 km. Please note that distances between locations in the city are very large, so this amount can be at least 3-5 times higher.
In the city, car sharing is developed for convenient transportation. Cars in Dubai can be rented on the website at any time, even while being at the airport. The service is available for both premium class and economy cars. Car sharing is beneficial for tourists who come to Dubai for a short time and want to move quickly between attractions. Thanks to the service, you can visit all the places of interest without being tied to the schedule of transport arrival and location.
Conclusion
Vacationing in Dubai will be unforgettable, as the city has a huge number of places for all age groups and interests. Taking into account the recommendations above, your leisure time will become even more comfortable. Don’t forget to plan your route and familiarize yourself with each location of interest before your trip. And upon arrival, be sure to use the car-sharing service to see everything you’ve planned. Thorough preparation according to our simple advice will help you avoid problems and enjoy the beauty of the “Paris of the Persian Gulf”.