Amazing Travel to Dubai

Modern meets old, best of both worlds, all in one city. Quite a rare find but sounds like a lot fun – Welcome to Dubai!

Over the years, Dubai gained popularity as a stopover destination mainly because its ports have played a huge role in intercontinental travels.

 Various connecting flights from Asia to Europe would commonly spend a few hours or so of layover in Dubai International Airport or more popularly known as the DXB. Often, these layovers turn into mini escapades within the city.

However, with a great deal of developing tourist destinations, many have started considering Dubai as a holiday destination of its own.

Among other cities in the United Arab Emirates, it is easy to realize that Dubai has become one of the most famous, if not the most famous, in the region. This city, built from the ground up in the middle of the desert is now the most populous in the UAE.

A huge percentage of this could be due to the fact that more opportunities in terms of jobs and businesses were introduced in this side of the country. Not to mention the blooming tourism industry which also attracts a good number of expats to consider moving here to live ‘the good’ life.

The tourism industry of Dubai contributes to around 12% (around 44 billion dollars) of its GDP. This figure is enough proof that through the years, Dubai has attained a celebrated spot in the global tourism market.

I believe it is safe to say that its popularity to tourists may be due to its versatility and its many sides that cater to travelers with different backgrounds and varied interests.

But even for someone who loves to travel, Dubai could be a bit overwhelming. From exhilarating day adventures to laid back nights, this city certainly has something to offer to all kinds of tourists.

If you are into great outdoor adventures, be ready to scream your heart out because Dubai has plenty of thrills in store for you. On the flip side, if you are one who enjoys quiet and relaxed itineraries do not be disheartened, this city has also got that covered.

Daredevils should not miss a trip to Dubai in this lifetime. Skydive Dubai offers jumping over The Palm Jumeirah at 13,000 feet. Imagine flying over a palm-shaped man-made island all the while tied only to a harness and a parachute? Just plain thinking about it makes my skin crawl! But if this is your cup of tea, I’m pretty sure it will be worth every scream and every penny.

If roller coasters are your thing, consider the famous 4×4 ride through the bumpy terrains of the Arabian Desert.

 This activity has become so popular you can’t visit Dubai and not try this out. On top of this, sand boarding has also become well-known among tourists, so if you are the risk-taker-fearless-dauntless type, this one is something I strongly recommend. The sand, the heat, the dust, they are all part of the experience so it is best to prepare yourself ahead of your visit so as not to feel troubled by them: dress accordingly.

Dubai knows no bounds in pushing the limits. The largest indoor ski resort in the world can be found in the middle of this desert, specifically, inside the Mall of the Emirates.

Ski Dubai prides itself with a maintained temperature of -1 to -2 degrees Celsius. It’s usually 30 to 35 degrees Celsius out in Dubai, so  it really is a wonder how they managed to pull off a below zero temperature inside this huge ski resort.

Many times, Dubai has been featured on travel magazines left and right if only to talk about the world’s tallest building, The Burj Khalifa. With 163 floors standing at 1,921 feet, a trip to this seven star hotel would guarantee you the loveliest view of Dubai.

 Tourists can go up to At the Top, the view deck in the 124th floor of The Burj, in just one minute. Why yes, apart from being the tallest, they also hold the record for the fastest elevator in the world!

If you are not keen on staying in The Burj as the price of the rooms are indeed steep (around 600 USD a night), you may want to dine in Atmosphere instead. Atmosphere being in the 122^nd floor of this skyscraper is considered one of the highest restaurants in the world.

A five to seven-course meal would average to around 950 AED or roughly 250 USD. Way cheaper than their room rates, eh?

It would seem that Dubai also understands that some tourists prefer a more easy-going vacation. Around the city, several spots offer activities that do not need to tie you to a strict schedule—shopping for example. Dubai provides a wide range of shopping choices, be it in malls or in souks. What to buy in Dubai, though?

With one of the biggest malls in the world, I doubt if you’ve got something in mind that you wouldn’t find in Dubai Mall. From traditional Arabian shoes, Hookah, Dates, Pashmina and even Camel Milk Chocolate, Dubai Mall is definitely a shopper’s haven.

This shopping center is home to over 1,200 retail stores, restaurants and other recreational services including The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Awesome!

Souks are a whole different level of shopping in Dubai. Souks or traditional markets are basically legendary bazaars that you will find in different districts of Dubai.

The variety of products they offer ranges from spices to perfume to textile to genuine gold jewelries.  Wandering off these souks will certainly give you some Aladdin feels.

Most traditional souks are located in the Old Dubai area.

You may opt to visit Bur Dubai or Deira to also get a feel of Old Dubai’s vibe and culture; buying authentic gold at Deira for cheaper prices shouldn’t be missed! Walking along these areas of the city is already an experience in itself, soak in the atmosphere and stroll freely while checking out Arabian lanterns, trying out pashminas, and smelling the waft of Dubai spices in the air. Do not be afraid to haggle, know that bargaining is part of the trade.

After exploring the shopping districts, you may head over to Jumeirah Beach and just enjoy looking out into the ocean and relax while listening to buskers around the beach.

There are a lot of street carts selling ice cream if you want to cool down after a day full of long walks. But if you are into coffee, many restaurants and cafes are also available in the vicinity, treat yourself to a warm cup of the world renowned Arabica.

Dubai is fast becoming another gastronomy hub in the Arab region. With a fair amount of fancy restaurants around the city and a good deal of street food in Al Dhiyafa road, a laidback night reserved for a food trip is a nice way to cap off a busy day.

Generally, Dubai provides a wide range of international food choices: Brazilian barbecue, Turkish food, Thai food, burger and even steak. But as years passed, demand for Emerati food emerged and is now commonly being served in several restaurants.

Surely Dubai could be thought as luxurious but it if you do your research before going, you’ll be amazed at the flexibility of the city to cater to travelers coming from all walks of life – luxury or budget alike.

Depending on the purpose of your travel and how much you are willing to spend, there is a place for you to stay in Dubai. If you have the budget and want to be near famous attractions such as The Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, Downtown and Dubai Marina is the perfect location for you. Hotel rooms in these areas typically start at 400 USD a night.

The districts of Bur Dubai and Deira are the best options for travelers who look for more economical options. These areas may be a bit away from the city but a good plus point is that both are near DXB. Hotels in these areas are also pretty decent with room prices usually starting at only 100 USD a night. That’s a lot of savings compared to hotels near the city center.

Dubai is generally a safe city. But whenever you travel to a foreign country, keep in mind to always exercise caution wherever you go. Just like the whole United Arab Emirates in which Dubai belongs, Islam is the official religion in this city. Other religions are being tolerated but visitors are expected to respect Islam and the Arabic culture.

If you are the kind to want to hit two birds with one stone, Dubai is highly recommended. It is modern but traditional; quiet but full of life. Stay for a couple of days or a week, and it will surely make you want to come back sooner rather than later. A strong contrast between cultural and adventurous – Dubai truly is one of this world’s amazing travel destination.