FOOD & SHOPPING

Top 7 Things You Must Do in Dubai

Neha Mathur

Last updated: Sep 24, 2019

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Dubai and I are like long lost friends. We meet, we laugh, we make memories together, and then move away for months and years without a word. But when we meet, it is like nothing has changed, even though a lot actually has in our respective journeys. Every time I visit Dubai, UAE, it introduces me to a new flavour, shares a new story and offers a new experience. And it’s because of these unique experiences that people keep coming back to Dubai.

Here’s a glimpse of what this happening city has in store for you:

1. Spend a Day at Dubai Mall

things to do in dubai mall

Ten years back, if someone had told me that I can spend an entire day in a mall, I’d laugh and shrug them off. After visiting the world’s largest shopping area, The Dubai Mall, I was happy to be proven wrong. The first few times I visited this humongous mall, I got lost, despite the well-marked signs. Apart from housing a staggering 1,200 stores, the mall also has an ice skating rink, the world’s largest indoor aquarium, a waterfall, a musical fountain, a flight simulator, a wonderland-like chocolate store, and to top it all, it lies at the foot of the tallest building in the world, The Burj Khalifa. Oh, did I mention shopping? Yes, hours and hours of endless shopping! From electronics and clothes, to books and toys, The Dubai Mall is my paradise for sure! And after all this, if there is still some energy left, there’s a multiplex playing the latest Hindi, English, Arabic and other language movies.

2. An Evening in the Middle of the Desert

things to do in dubai desert

The only time it really hits you that Dubai is a desert, is when you go for a Desert Safari. One of the best experiences that Dubai and the UAE has to offer, this is also one of my favourite things to do in the city. The best thing about these Desert Safaris is that every single time I’ve been on it, it has offered me something new, something different. A four-wheel drives picks you up from your hotel, and takes you for a thrilling ride on the sand dunes of UAE’s vast deserts, some as tall as a seven-storied building! A caravan of SUVs ride along the dunes, and as the sun sets on the desert horizon, it drops you off in the middle of the desert, where a traditional Arabic evening awaits. Some camps even have the option of a night stay, and it is quite an experience to sleep under the starry skies, amidst the silence of the sands. The evening entertainment includes spectacular traditional Emirati, Turkish and Lebanese dances, and the Middle-Eastern food and sheesha complete the ‘Arab experience.

3. Experience an Iftar and Eid in Dubai

While Ramadan is a time for prayer and charity, it is also a time when the whole of UAE celebrates the tradition of Iftar, where people get together to break the day’s fast and enjoy a meal together. Throughout the city, Iftar parties and tents spring up, and the city joyfully celebrates meals together. An Iftar tent offers an elaborate buffet meal, sheesha and an ambience which spells merriment. The holy month of Ramadan culminates in Eid Al Fitr, when the entire city sparkles, quite literally! There are lights, and fireworks and a celebratory air, and as if the city was not vibrant enough already, it takes on an even more festive atmosphere. I remember this one year in particular, when I was on a Dhow Cruise at the Dubai Creek, when the skies erupted with evening fireworks during Eid. As the skies sparkled, so did the still water of the creek, and between these lights, I stood, in awe, gaping at the glory and grandeur of Dubai.

4. Take a Walk at the Miracle Garden

Would you believe that the world’s largest natural flower garden is in a desert? Well, Dubai has a habit of defying the impossible, and has created the marvel called Miracle Garden. Viewing a garden of 45 million flowers surely took my breath away! Beautifully manicured lawns, artistically shaped flowers, natural flower beds, fascinating flower arches, and breath-taking colours. The most spectacular of all though, is the way these flowers receive water through drip irrigation, where not a drop of water is wasted, and millions of flowers bloom by smart planning and irrigation techniques. This oasis in the desert is a spectacle for sure!

5. Jump Off a Plane at Fly Dubai

things to do in dubai sky diving

Not as death-defying a stunt as it sounds, Fly Dubai offers a fantastic sky-diving experience over Dubai’s spectacular sights. This is one thing that I have so far chickened out of, but will surely muster the courage to take the plunge one day, quite literally. Fly Dubai’s sky-diving experience is one of the best in the world, with awe-inspiring views of the Palm Dubai, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina and other wonders. Just the idea of surfing the wind in a free-fall sounds downright thrilling, and to add to that the marvellous views; this is something that adventure lovers would love.

6. Explore the Traditional Souk

things to do in dubai souq

It is like walking in the Dubai of the 70s. The souqs or bazaars of old Dubai retain the old-world charm of the city, when it was just a trading stopover for ships. Cobbled streets, spices and blinding gold, these markets are a delight to walk through. Being a typical Indian shopper, it gives me immense happiness to haggle for spices and souvenirs, as I scour the streets for the best deals. These are the best places to buy souvenirs for our big (really big) families, and live up to the reputation of bringing back things from Dubai! After these fun walks in the souq, I usually hop onto an abra, a traditional Arab style boat, which lets you cross the Dubai Creek for a measly sum of 5 dirhams. The fun though, is priceless!

7. View Dubai from the Tallest Building in the World

The Burj Khalifa can be seen from most parts of the city, from some angle or the other. I can never forget the sight of driving along a highway at sunset, as a flock of migratory birds flew in
“V” formation, with the spectacular and majestic sight of the Burj Khalifa in the background. Taking an elevator ride up the Burj Khalifa is one of the top things to do in Dubai, and justifiably so. As the elevator takes you to an inconceivable height, the ears close at the speed at which it travels! At the top, the view of Dubai city awaits you, as the city lies is all its splendour. On one side, there is the deep blue Arabian Sea, and on the other, the horizon meets the sand. Between these two extremes lie the most modern structures one can witness, a Dubai which bedazzles its visitors! The Burj Khalifa, is surely the jewel on top of Dubai’s and the UAE’s regal crown.

8. Spare Some Time for the Dubai Duty Free

things to do in dubai duty free

You would have probably seen those trademark huge white bags with the Dubai Duty-Free design printed on them? Chances are, you’ve either shopped at this amazing Duty-Free or have received gifts or chocolates from relatives and friends in this bag! The Dubai Duty-Free is a microcosm of Dubai itself, and embodies the spirit of Dubai. With rows and rows of chocolates, excellent options for liquor, the best in line watches and jewellery, and perfect souvenirs for last minute shopping, the Dubai Duty-Free is a delight for travellers who have some time to spare at the airport. Needless to say, you better keep track of time, because this place can surely keep you occupied for hours!

The list of things to do in Dubai is endless, and keep changing every few years. So for now, here’s my list. As the city meets me again, and shares new stories and unique experiences, I will be back with more to share!

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Comments

Farza | on 09 May 2018

Its really an informative blog. I was so excited about having something very crispy and crunchy during my visit to Dubai. Pizza hut restaurant in City Centre Deira serves crispy pizzas which are so mouthwatering and delicious. I am planning to visit the places mentioned here during my upcoming trip soon.