Dubai, the city of superlatives! Some will tell you that there’s nothing to see there, while others find it completely enchanting! A piece of advice to avoid disappointment: you’ll need to know why you’re going and what to expect from a getaway to the United Arab Emirates!
Dubai is no ordinary destination. If you’re on a quest for authenticity, for Berber folklore and traditional local garb, it’s likely you won’t be satisfied! Dubai is like the Las Vegas of the Arab world; people go there to vacation for no more than a few days, to have a fun, and above all, to spend money! Some also go there to enjoy the warm climate (but be careful to avoid the hottest months—the best period is between November and late April), only a six-hour flight away from France.
Here are 10 reasons why you should absolutely spend a few days there!
Go shopping
Dubai is something of a shopping Mecca, with enormous malls and an abundance of luxury boutiques. If spending hours upon hours rifling through new outfits doesn’t scare you, set your sights on the “Mall of the Emirates,” or perhaps the “Dubai Mall,” which today is the world’s biggest shopping center!
Rent a luxury car
If you’d like to take a spin in a Lamborghini or a Bugatti Veyron, it’s no problem! Here you can find most luxury sports cars available for rent over a period of one or even several days.
Go skydiving over Palm Jumeirah
For thrill-seekers, skydiving while admiring the magnificent palm tree island might be an experience you don’t want to miss! And for the less daring, there’s also a seaplane which will take you to explore the superb view in a perfectly safe setting.
Explore the marine fauna at Atlantis
The Atlantis is an enormous complex dedicated to the marine world. In addition to being an incredible hotel, it has an aquarium and an aquatic park, as well as several restaurants, shops, and a spa.
Spend the night at the world’s best hotel, the Burj al Arab
A symbol of luxury and modernity, this establishment is reserved for the very VIPs. Considered to be the world’s most luxurious hotel, it offers 202 suites for an unforgettable stay (which I won’t miss the chance to check out!). Plan on about 2000 € for a standard suite.
Go skiing on an artificial slope
That’s right, as surprising as it may seem, you can go skiing in Dubai… but on artificial ski slopes, of course! In the heart of the Mall of the Emirates, you can devote a few hours to some winter fun. Whether snowboarding or skiing, you can head down a few slopes and then ride back up in a ski lift… crazy, isn’t it?
Go on a desert excursion
Don’t forget that Dubai is a city built in the middle of a desert, and that you don’t need to go far to find yourself on the dunes: camels, 4×4, buggies, four-wheelers… there are plenty of ways to survey the sand-covered landscape. You can also enjoy a dinner (certain excursions include activities and a meal before taking you back to Dubai) or spend the night there in a luxury accommodation.
Take advantage of several high-quality spas
As per Solène’s advice on the blog Ilovetravelling, I went to the Talise Ottoman Spa, where I had an amazing time relaxing and enjoying the exceptional environment. I highly recommend it!
See the tallest tower in the world, the Burj Khalifa
I think that this was one of my most memorable experiences in Dubai; I literally felt like I had my head in the clouds. This hyper-futuristic building is a symbol of the city—always the tallest, always the most beautiful. Dubai is constantly trying to surpass everyone else, and the Burj Khalifa is without a doubt the best example of this. Take a look at my blogpost on the subject.
Take advantage of the beach
Don’t expect the superfine sand that you’d find on the Mediterranean’s best beaches! Here you can tell that you’re on an artificial beach; the sand is rather coarse and the environment is what you might call “original.” A beach with a view of skyscrapers in the distance is pretty surprising, you have to admit!
As you may have noticed, these activities are all rather costly. If your mode of travel involves backpacking and a small budget, I don’t think that you’ll be tempted by Dubai. There are some old neighborhoods and authentic experiences available (like, for example, the Dubai Museum, which is very interesting), but if you’re looking for a cultural excursion, give this city a pass!
Will you give into temptation?
Practical information
Do you know Dubai? Is it a destination that interests you? Feel free to send me your comments or questions by posting them on social media.
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About Florence Consul
Editor of Experiences Luxe since 2015, I love discovering new exclusive and authentic experiences all over the world. I left my home country (France) 6 years ago to become a global citizen, traveling 365 days out of the year. I am a foodie person and I make a point of tasting local specialities.