The United Arab Emirates is a pretty unique destination for holidaymakers and is full of towering cities, beautiful beaches, incredible sand dunes and some of the world’s most luxurious hotels. Dubai is probably the most recognised holiday destination in the UAE and is one of the most remarkable cities you’ll ever visit.
Dubai is full of activities and places to visit and there can be a lot to pack into your stay, but what should you spend your time doing?
For a once in a lifetime experience you really must book yourself on a Dubai desert safari. Nothing beats taking a 4X4 trip across sweeping sand dunes and then a camel trip to a secluded camp to watch the sunset, enjoy an Arabian feast and sleep under the stars. There are many extras, such as belly dancing or fortune telling, to make you experience that little bit more memorable. To help conserve the environment this all takes place at The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, which is just 45km from Dubai city and has been setup for the protection of endangered species and the conservation of the desert habitat. The D.D.C.R is regulated and limited access has been given to certain tour operators to help protect the environment.
While the desert landscape may be amazing, few things in Dubai are as spectacular as the Dubai cityscape. An amazing way to see the city is to take a ride on a Seawings seaplane. This aerial sightseeing tour takes place on a Cessna 208 Caravan amphibian aircraft and will take you over all the popular sights, such as The World Islands, Palm Islands, Jumeirah Beach, Dubailand and more. There are many different options to choose from to suit a range of budgets and needs, including packages that add something extra to your sightseeing, such as dolphin watching, sailing or spa experiences.
For something truly unique you must take a trip to see Ski Dubai – even if you’re not into skiing or snowboarding. In a city where temperatures can reach over 40oC it is quite amazing to step into an indoor ski resort with temperatures that are around -1 oC. If anything, a visit to Ski Dubai is a good excuse to have a cool down. Ski Dubai is 85 metres high and contains five different runs of varying difficulty. There are themed restaurants, shops and a Freestyle Zone so the more adventurous can practice their stunts and tricks.
If after skiing, flying around in a seaplane and exploring the desert you still have money left over perhaps you can afford the cost of staying at an ultra luxurious hotel. The Burj Al Arab, a striking landmark that is located on its own island 300 metres offshore, has garnered an unmatched reputation for opulence. Currently the Burj Al Arab is one of two hotels in the world that lay claim to a seven star rating. The Burj Al Arab has over 200 luxurious suites and a dedicated helicopter transfer service. The hotel is definitely not for those on a budget, but is well worth a stay if you can afford it as there is nothing else like it in the world.
Visiting a souk is one of the main priorities for any visitor to the city. A souk is the name for a traditional market in an Arab city. The Dubai Gold Souk is located in the heart of the city’s commercial business district of Deira and has over 300 retailers dealing in local handmade jewellery and incredible international pieces. It is often said that at anyone time there is over 10 tons of gold in the market. It is definitely a rich cultural experience to visit the market and it can be quite overwhelming for some, so be prepared for a bit of ‘hustle and bustle’.
Dubai holidays offer so much for all types of travellers and there is so much more to this city than these few highlights. Dubai offers a great family friendly holiday or a romantic trip away and there are many memorable experiences to be had that you won’t be able to plan – so just enjoy the ride.
