Dubai
Dubai
There is so much to do in Dubai. It is endless and it is ever changing. Below, I have listed the things I liked to do
Desert Safari
The Desert Safari is a great way to spend the first day. The tour company will pick you up at your hotel at around 3/3:30 so it gives you some time to check in, hang around the hotel a bit and before you know it you'll be on your way to the desert. If you get into Dubai early and would prefer to get out and about, ask the tour company to pick you up elsewhere. They shouldn't have a problem doing that.
The trip into the desert is about a 30 minute ride and the goal is to arrive in time to see the sunset, which is absolutely beautiful. When you arrive there, they will give you a ride around on the dunes, there’s usually dune surfing and of course there will be a camel to ride. Once the sun sets you'll be seated for dinner at the camp where they will have the barbeque waiting for you. If you want alcohol, you must ask the tour company to be sure that alcohol is available as not all companies provide this. The whole thing is a bit touristy but it's fun and it gets you into the desert which is an important part of going to Dubai.
You will be back at the hotel by 10/10:30 so there is still plenty of time to go out and enjoy the Dubai nightlife.
Getting There
The 2 tour companies listed below are the 2 that I have used. I don't think there is a big difference in service although Platinum Heritage promotes themselves as 5 star. The feedback is good for both.
Burj Khalifa “At the Top”, at sunset. This is an amazing view of Dubai and what could be prettier than seeing it at sunset? You must book as this particular time of day is very popular. You can do that at www.tickets.atthetop.ae.
The Burj Khalifa is connected to the the Dubai Mall so this is your opportunity to wiz through. The nicest thing to see inside the mall is the Aquarium. Just follow the signs, see it and go, unless you want to shop. There is every store that you have ever heard of here so if you’re in the mood, go for it!!!
Once you’ve come down, be sure to check out the Fountain Show which is right outside of the mall. This is a spectacular display which is choreographed to music. The show starts every 30 minutes. Don’t miss it!
Our favorite restaurant, here is Sarafina. It has an amazing Italian menu, great wine list and a view of the Dubai Fountains.
A day (morning) at the Souks. After shopping here take a boat over to Heritage village is near there, too. This is a nice morning of “old” Dubai. You will also learn about the history of the area. Worthwhile.
Evening Ideas
Everything listed below can also be done during the day. All hotels in Dubai have beach clubs. However, if you are. happy with your hotel beach club, do that, and venture out in the evening to these places.
Bab al Shams This is about 30 minutes outside of Dubai. I love this place. It’s a resort about 30 minutes from Dubai (strip). Get there for sunset for drinks and dinner. There’s a beautiful rooftop lounge/bar overlooking over the desert. This is a resort hotel so there are different dining options if you prefer. We always got platters on the rooftop and enjoyed the music and the local Dubai vibe.
Jumeirah Al Naseem is where the locals hang out. This is a very chic hotel. It could be interesting for a drink, dinner or even a day a their beach club. There’s a whole lounge area as you enter the hotel. Walk through and you’ll find a spot. Wear your best dress. Dubai is a fun place to dress up. There’s also a few good restaurants at this hotel. I remember “Rockfish” was good”.
Madinat Jumeirah. This is a modern area designed like a traditional Souk (market). There are great restaurants here and there’s a lot of atmosphere. Easy place to go.
The One and Only on the Palm is beautiful. I would recommend this hotel for cocktails and dinner.
Barasti Beach. A bit outdoor Nightclub. You can dance on the beach, watch a sporting event in one of the restaurants or smoke sheesha. It’s a fun place you’re in that mood.
Pier 7 is attached to the Marina Mall and has 7 restaurants on 7 different floors . The views are pretty and there’s a fun atmosphere. If you get it on a good night there may even be dancing
The Beach
The beach is everywhere in Dubai so it just depends on how you want to be there. Your hotel will probably have an option so if it's only 2 days in Dubai you may just want to hang out there. All of the hotels have day packages so even the locals tend to go and hang out at the various beach clubs/hotels. They are all nice so don't feel like you're missing out.
JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) is an area where you have lots of hotels. There's tons to do and it is really catering to the vacationing crowd. Here you can eat, hang out at the beach, rent jetski's, get a henna tatto, smoke some shisha and whatever else you think you'd like to get up to on vacation. There's even a camel or two on the beach if you feel like having a little ride. JBR is an area where you wouldn't have to leave if you didn't want to. There's just about everything you'd want to do here. Beds are available to rent on the beach and also in the hotels along the beach.
We love Kite beach. It is where a lot of the local/expat crowd hangs out. There's one part that has volley ball nets and some other activities. This area is right across the street from the skate park so if you're taking a cab, ask to be dropped off there. You will also find beds/umbrella's to rent and there are restaurants. Saying that, you can bring a towel and you don't have to spend any money. You can also rent an umbrella (only).
A little further down (by the Mosque) is a little less crowded and feels a bit more natural (which is tough to find in Dubai). There are options for food but it is more open. This is where we always go. Our favorite is "Salt". The best burgers and milkshakes ever!!! The burgers are sold by 2 so you may want to start off with one order between 2 and see how you feel after that. Again, if you're in a cab, ask to be dropped off in front of “Salt”. You will know what to do from there.
*There are bathroom and Showers on the beach everywhere here so you can bring a change if you want to head somewhere just after the beach.
Attractions
Aquaventure Waterpark - Atlantis, The Palm
This is our favorite. We have been here a few times and usually this is where we bring our guests. We have found that reserving sun beds (although not necessary) in "Neptune's Retreat" is a great way to spend the day. It is a quiet little space right in the middle of the water park. It is a very relaxing way for the adults to spend the day while the kids are off running around enjoying the park. There is full service and the area is secure so that you are safe to leave all of your belongings there while enjoying the water park. At the ring of a bell, a waiter arrives to take your order from a selection of restaurants, bring you water, fresh towels or whatever it is you need at that time. It is a real treat and I would highly recommend this option. We learned to reserved beds for the adults only and the kids came in and out as they pleased. Do reserve this beforehand to save time. They will also give you a buggy lift to your area so you don't even have to walk there. Ahhhh, vacation!
Wild Wadi Waterpark - Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Wild Wadi is a lot of fun and if you are staying at either the Jumeirah Beach Hotel or Jumeirah Al Naseem, you have free access whenever you want. If not, you can buy a day pass and really enjoy some fun zipping down all of the great slides, shutes, lazy river, etc. Wild Wadi is easy to get to as it's accessible within 20 minutes from anywhere in Dubai.
For a real treat, if your kids want to go to the park and you want to laze by the pool, I would suggest spending the day at Summersalt Beach Club in the Al Naseem hotel. This place is pure luxury. I now know what people mean when they talk about 7 star hotels in Dubai. The service is outstanding and the location looking onto the Burj al Arab is just a really nice place to spend the day and the kids can safely come and go throughout the day.
We really enjoyed IMG. This is a great day out with the kids and you can easily spend a few hours here. There are many rides and attractions and the kids can run around freely on their own. It is a very safe environment. I would even say, drop the kids here for the afternoon while you go off exploring or out to a nice lunch. I would only say that IMG doesn't have a lot for the little ones so if there are more littles than bigs, I may stay away from here.
You have to at least see this. A ski slope inside of a mall. You can even visit some penguins. I would highly recommend this for the kids. If it’s really hot outside, this is a great option.
Want more? Check out. https://www.getyourguide.com. I found a lot of information on. here.