TOP PLACES TO VISIT

Old Dubai

In Old Dubai, you can wander through the narrow lanes of the Al Bastakiya district and immerse yourself in the traditional Arab architecture and wind towers. While you’re there, visit the Al Fahidi Historic District, filled with art galleries, museums, and quaint cafés, and take an abra (traditional boat) ride across Dubai Creek to the bustling Deira district, known for its spice and gold souks.

The Dubai Museum

Located in the historic Al Fahidi Fort, the Dubai Museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the city’s rich history and heritage. Explore the exhibits that showcase traditional Bedouin life, ancient artifacts, and the development of Dubai over the years.

Jumeirah Mosque

Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai is a captivating architectural gem and a symbol of Islamic heritage. One of the few mosques open to non Muslim visitors, it offers a chance to witness Islamic architecture up close and learn more about the rich cultural traditions of Dubai.

Burj Khalifa

A visit to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, is a must for anyone traveling to Dubai. This architectural marvel offers breathtaking views of the city’s skyline, the Arabian Gulf, and the surrounding desert landscape from its observation decks. 

Dubai Opera

The Dubai Opera is an impressive work of architecture that plays host to a variety of shows, including opera, ballet, theater, and concerts. Whether you’re a fan of classical music, a theater enthusiast, or simply seeking a night of artistic excellence, Dubai Opera is a world-class venue that is sure to delight.

Parks & Resorts

For the young and the young at heart, you’ll want to head to Dubai Parks and Resorts: an expansive entertainment complex that includes theme parks such as Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai, and LEGOLAND Dubai. Enjoy thrilling rides, live shows, and immersive experiences suitable for all ages.

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RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS

Pierchic

Located at the end of a pier at Madinat Jumeirah, Pierchic offers exquisite seafood dishes with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. Ideal if you’re looking for a romantic and elegant dining atmosphere.

Nobu

As one of the most renowned names in Japanese cuisine, Nobu at Atlantis, The Palm, combines traditional Japanese flavors with contemporary dishes in a stylish setting.

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In 2023 it relocated to a striking spot on the 22nd floor of Atlantis The Palm and ensured that this global brand continues to guarantee a fun and lively night out. So come with friends and order a range of Japanese dishes with South American influences. Choose from the hot and cold ‘Classic’ or ‘Now’ dishes – and don’t miss the signature black cod miso; for the ultimate experience, go for one of the two omakase menus.

Al Mahara

Situated inside the Burj Al Arab, Al Mahara offers a unique underwater dining experience. Enjoy gourmet seafood while surrounded by an aquarium showcasing stunning marine life.

Eauzone

Nestled within the One&Only Royal Mirage resort, Eauzone offers a fusion of Asian and Middle Eastern flavors in a chic and tranquil setting by the poolside.

Nathan Outlaw at Al Mahara

Another exceptional dining experience within Burj Al Arab, this Michelin-starred seafood restaurant by acclaimed chef Nathan Outlaw offers an elegant ambiance and creative seafood dishes.

Mott 32

The 73rd floor of Address Beach Resort was the chosen venue for Dubai’s branch of this ever-expanding chain and the views are predictably stunning. As with all their restaurants, the owners didn’t spare any expense when it came to the decoration – this is a sumptuously furnished spot. The carefully prepared food is largely Cantonese, but applewood roasted Peking duck is a speciality and there are also some Sichuan dishes on offer.

Akira Back

Set on the fifth floor of the colourful W Hotel, this bright, modern restaurant features raised alcoves and a magical terrace with breathtaking views of the city skyline. The professional staff are happy to make recommendations and the creative Japanese cuisine comes with Korean and international flavours.

STAY by Yannick Alléno

This elegant, high-ceilinged restaurant is exclusively set at the end of the Palm in a Colonial-style property, which is breathtakingly opulent in design, with magical tropical gardens and a private dock. Inside, it’s luxurious without being stuffy, and service follows suit, with staff that are attentive and professional yet relaxed and personable.

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The wide range of menus could include surprise, tasting, seasonal caviar and truffle options; cooking has a French base and takes a ‘less is more’ approach to some outstanding ingredients. 

Hakkasan

Located within the Atlantis Hotel, the Dubai outpost of this ever-growing global brand delivers all you need for a fun night out. It’s moodily lit and atmospheric, with smooth service, a party soundtrack, and lattice screens which add an element of privacy. The best place to sit is in one of the booths to the side of the lounge and next to the back-lit blue bar.

Ossiano

It's not often sharks and stingrays swim past you as you dine but, then again, there aren’t many restaurants with huge windows looking into an aquarium of 65,000 marine animals. From the moment you descend the marble spiral staircase into this unique restaurant at the Atlantis, you’ll find yourself transfixed and fully immersed. Chef Grégoire Berger’s childhood memories and travels inspire the fish and shellfish set menu; many of the dishes are finished off at the table with an added dash of theatricality.

City Social

Commanding views from its perch on the 43rd floor of the Grosvenor House hotel are not the only attraction of this branch of the Jason Atherton empire.  The extensive menu offers something for everyone, including pasta dishes and a wide choice of dry-aged steaks which are cooked over charcoal. Kick off your experience with a cocktail on the intimate and elegant outside terrace.

Trèsind Studio

The surprise multi-course tasting menu is a masterpiece of originality, intrigue and precision, featuring flavours and tastes from all four compass points of India. While the chefs work away with quiet diligence and focus in the open kitchen, the service team provide detailed explanations of each elegant creation. A little theatre here and there with certain courses adds to an unforgettable experience. There’s something magical happening here – and with just 20 seats and a rooftop location – you’ll feel you’re in on the secret.

Celebrities by Mauro Colagreco

This opulent, romantic restaurant is set in the Royal Mirage Hotel and overlooks its formally laid gardens. Luxury ingredients from around the world are used to create modern interpretations of French classics, with a lighter style and a strong Mediterranean influence; don’t miss the tarte au citron.

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal

Doors magically slide open as you approach this large, dark and atmospheric restaurant on the first floor of the Atlantis The Royal hotel. Using the principle of ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’, the menu is a facsimile of the one in London, so that means British dishes from across the centuries invigorated with prime ingredients. ‘Rice & Flesh’ and the much-photographed ‘Meat Fruit’ are the two classic starters; for dessert, order the ‘Tipsy Cake’ which uses pineapples that you can watch being spit-roasted in the corner of the on-view kitchen.

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SHOPPING

The trading heritage of Dubai and its duty-free status has made it an incredibly attractive destination for commerce and exchange. The city boasts a plethora of traditional markets known as souks, where visitors can experience the vibrant atmosphere of a traditional Arabian bazaar. Dubai has also embraced modernity and created extravagant shopping malls that have become centers of unique, luxury offerings and iconic symbols of the city. Two of the most famous are the Dubai Mall and the Gold Souk, part of the larger Deira Souks that include various traditional markets for textiles, spices, and other goods. 

The Dubai Mall

With 1,200 stores, including luxury brands, international fashion labels, electronics, home decor, and more, Dubai Mall is one of the world’s largest malls and a shopper’s paradise. Fashion Avenue within Dubai Mall is a dedicated section for high-end fashion brands, showcasing the latest collections from renowned designers. It’s a haven for fashion enthusiasts and luxury shoppers. The Souk at Dubai Mall offers a traditional Arabian marketplace experience and features a variety of shops selling jewelry, textiles, Arabic perfumes, spices, and souvenirs. It provides a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage. Beyond shopping, Dubai Mall offers entertainment options such as an Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, a VR Park, an Ice Rink, and a cinema. Also, located just outside the mall is The Dubai Fountain, the world’s largest choreographed fountain system that presents two mesmerizing spectacles of light, water, and music each day.

Dubai Gold Souk

The Dubai Gold Souk is renowned worldwide for its extensive collection of gold jewelry, silver, diamonds, pearls, and colored gemstones. The Gold in the Dubai Gold Souk is known for its high quality and authenticity. The government regulates the gold trade in Dubai, ensuring that the gold sold in the souk meets strict quality standards, so you can have confidence in the purity and value of the gold you purchase. Bargaining is an integral part of the shopping culture in the Gold Souk. The prices are often negotiable, allowing you to haggle and potentially secure a better deal. It can be an exciting and engaging experience, testing your bargaining skills and potentially getting great value for your purchase. The Gold Souk also provides a glimpse into Dubai’s rich cultural heritage. It embodies the traditional Arabian marketplace, with its bustling atmosphere, vibrant displays, and the aroma of traditional Arabic perfumes and spices. 

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TOP ACTIVITIES

Water Sports at Palm Jumeirah Island

Palm Jumeirah is an iconic man-made island designed in the shape of a palm tree, with a series of fronds and a crescent-shaped breakwater. Its unique and impressive design is an engineering marvel that can even be seen from space. The island is home to a collection of luxurious resorts, including the famous Atlantis. These resorts offer world-class amenities, private beaches, fine dining options, and stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. If you’re just heading there for the day, Palm Jumeirah boasts beautiful sandy beaches where you can relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy the clear blue waters. Here you can find every type of water activity including jet skiing, paddleboarding, flyboarding, parasailing, scuba diving, and yacht cruises. When night falls, the island really comes alive. The beaches are dotted with upscale restaurants, cafes, and bars, and the island regularly hosts various entertainment events, including concerts, beach parties, and firework displays.

Desert Safari & Dune Bashing

A desert safari in Dubai is an exhilarating adventure that immerses you in the mesmerizing beauty of the Arabian desert. This thrilling experience takes you on a journey through the vast golden dunes and offers a taste of traditional Emirati culture. As you venture into the desert, you’ll be treated to heart-pounding activities like dune bashing, where skilled drivers maneuver 4x4 vehicles over the undulating dunes at high speeds. You can also try your hand at sandboarding: gliding down the slopes on a specially designed board. If you’re looking to also immerse yourself in the local culture, you can take a camel ride and, as the day turns into evening, be welcomed into a traditional Bedouinstyle camp to enjoy a barbecue dinner and performances like belly dancing and Tanoura shows.