Planning your next vacation in Dubai? Here are some tips that will help you out as a first comer. For everybody, depending where you come from, stepping into the Arab world can be an overwhelming experience. And yes, Dubai is located in the Middle East but it is the most westernize city of all. Considered by many the capital of this area, it will blow your mind away to see both worlds meet in this exotic location.
Here is my MUST do list as a first time visitor:
Here is my MUST do list as a first time visitor:
Camel Desert Safari
This activity varies from $35 to $130 depending if you do it during the day or at night. Also, the price varies depending of the extreme sports you will perform. If you want to pet the camels and falcons then pay the extra bucks and take the first option.
www.platinum-heritage.com This one is the luxury one
www.raynatours.com This one is medium range and it has many more tours available
The dinner option is the best one, as you will have the opportunity to view an amazing sunset. It's really a mesmerizing experience. Take advantage of the peace you will feel in the desert to do some meditation or yoga.
Burj Khalifa -Tallest Building in the World
This is like going to the top of the Empire State Building in NYC. The line is SUPER busy so I would recommend you to do this early in the morning. It will take you around 3 hours. Ticket prices vary from $40 - $150 depending on the time of the day and the height. To go to the top floor (148) is more expensive than the 125 observatory lounge.
In addition, you can also book one of the bars and restaurants inside the hotel. These options are SUPER expensive and you should plan to spend at least $100 PP to snack or eat/drink in these venues. If you are planning to have a full dinner here it's going to be around $300PP (Armani Hotel).
Burj Al Arab - The Most Expensive Hotel in the World
The Sky Lounge offers incredible views to have a drink. It's VERY touristy but not a bad option to come check out the most expensive hotel in the world. Drinks have South Beach prices with half the serving lol so not the ideal spot to get drunk.
Al Muntaha Restaurant is the floating part of the hotel. The views are incredible but it's also incredibly pricy!! You should budget at least $200 PP to eat dinner there. In my humble opinion, the views are better for lunch or Friday Brunch so if you are looking to splurge and save a little money don't go for dinner.
Day trip to Abu Dhabi
This will take you between 6 and 8 hrs and you will be in a car most of the time. I know you are dying to take a picture in front of Sheikh Zayed Mosque like Selena Gomez but note there are many things to do in Dubai and this will take one full day of your vacation. Needless to say, it's a must do if you have the time to explore. You should take a private car so you can use your time more efficiently. There is not that much to see but you want to spend quality time in the main attractions. A driver should charge around $200 for the private ride.
Dubai from the Water
You can do this in about 3 hours. The Dubai skyline looks beautiful from the water and you could grab some food and drinks in one of the hotels in the Palm so you can also check this out. The Palm is a fake man made island where The Atlantis (yes, like in the Bahamas) seats. There you will be able to use the public beach and the water park if you are feeling Disney. This is not a fancy boat (think of the ones that do the tour of Star Island in Miami) - around $35 PP. If you want to tour on a yacht, it will cost around $2500 for the day.
The Dubai Mall - Biggest Mall in the World
I don't recommend to do any shopping here as it's VERY busy and very expensive. It doesn't make sense to shop here if you are coming from the USA. It's a good idea to pass by and check it out probably the same day you do the Burj Khalifa bc it's in the same location. Here you will find the ice skating ring, the movies, the aquarium and the famous water fountain show (yes, like the one in Vegas but bigger).
Sky Diving in Dubai
It's from 9am to 2pm and it cost $550 with video and pictures included. This sells out around one month in advance AT LEAST. Plan around 4 hours for this activity.
Another tip, alcohol is expensive in Dubai so I would recommend you to pick up a couple bottles in the duty free airport.
Overall, Dubai should be a great experience! This exotic location has the flash, style and beaches to make your vacation an unforgettable one. Each resort and area offers a variety of entertainment so it will be up to you to customize each day very efficiently. Also, the weather plays a big part on the activities you can explore. One of my favorite things to do when it's not too hot is to explore the Souk (in the old part of town). Walking around here is like getting lost in translation. Great place for gift shopping and local people watching.
Shukran xo
Overall, Dubai should be a great experience! This exotic location has the flash, style and beaches to make your vacation an unforgettable one. Each resort and area offers a variety of entertainment so it will be up to you to customize each day very efficiently. Also, the weather plays a big part on the activities you can explore. One of my favorite things to do when it's not too hot is to explore the Souk (in the old part of town). Walking around here is like getting lost in translation. Great place for gift shopping and local people watching.
Shukran xo
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