Dubai Sightseeing and Water Parks
Located on the south east coast of the Persian Gulf , the Emirate of Dubai is one of the of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Despite being small, Dubai is the most highly populated city in the UAE and a powerhouse emirate offering some of the most luxurious hotels in the world and enough sightseeing and activities to keep travellers occupied for at least 4-5 days. Top activities are the world famous Wild Wadi and Atlantis water parks, viewing platform at the Burj Khalifa, world's tallest building, the exotic souks (traditional ramshackle markets) and authentic local food in the old town, historic Al Fahidi district and huge shopping centres for which Dubai is rightfully renowned. With the notoriously high temperatures you'll also want to bask in the glorious sunshine on the beach and spend some time in the often very grand hotel facilities, typically with spa and treatments available. Whilst the huge disparity in wealth between the new and old parts of the city is eye-opening, we found Dubai to be an energetic, open and ambitious city with lots to offer. You should of course be aware that Dubai is a Muslim country and abide by local laws and customs. Be aware that what is legal in the UK, such as kissing in the street, is strictly forbidden and could get you into a lot of trouble.
When to go to Dubai
Dubai is engulfed in a sweltering dry heat for most of the year. The best time to visit is in the winter between November and March when temperatures are more moderate, but still hot by UK standards with average temperatures in the low 20 degree Celsius and high temperatures in the mid 20s. January was previously considered the best month to visit however over the past few years it has been overcast and rainy. If you heading to Dubai to catch some rays and enjoy the sand and sea, spring and autumn are ideal, with temperatures averaging the high 20s and peaking in the low to mid 30s depending on the month, allowing you to sunbathe by day and cool down in the evening in the air conditioned bars, restaurants and shopping centres. Despite being blisteringly hot, summer is proving increasingly popular with budget travellers due to the availability of cheaper flights, but do bear in mind that whilst being cheap day temperatures from June to September can easily exceed 40 degree Celsius.
Travelling to Dubai
Most people fly directly to Dubai International Airport, the busiest airport in the world by international passenger traffic, with flight time from the UK of around 7 hours. Alternatively, you can choose to fly into neighbouring emirate Abu Dhabi and cross into Dubai by road (takes one and a half to two hours) if you are looking to visit both emirates anyway. Another option is flying into the Sharjah emirate which is closer, with car transfer into Dubai under one hour. There are currently non-stop flights from London to Dubai with British Airways, Virgin, Royal Brunei Airlines and of course Emirates airlines, plus lots of one stop options - check Sky Scanner for the latest routes. Free visas lasting 30 days are available on arrival at Dubai International Airport for visitors from the UK, Ireland, United States and 36 other countries. If you don't qualify for a visa on arrival (this includes for example South African citizens) you can get a 30-day tourist visa through your tour operator or hotel which should be arranged prior to travel. For longer visas visit the Dubai Tourism website.
Accommodation in Dubai
There is a vast choice of luxury accommodation in Dubai - check Trip Advisor for the latest list of hotels that are best reviewed. We stayed at the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray resort on the west crescent of the iconic Jumeirah Palm and had an excellent experience. The Zabeel Saray is a five star luxury hotel inspired by the imperial palaces of the Ottoman era that does everything in superb style. It has an exclusive location, grand entrance and spectacular lobby and reception which is subtly scented with incense and makes you relax almost immediately. It is a truly vast hotel with over 400 rooms and suites plus 38 'Royal Residences' with ocean views. Zabeel Saray has its own pristine private beach, outdoor infinity pool overlooking the Arabian Gulf and a children's pool. Indoors there is a fully equipped gym and Talise fitness studio and, the highlight of the hotel in our opinion - a 8,000 square metre Talise Ottoman spa. The spa has Turkish hammam, Russian sauna and Finnish sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, indoor salt water swimming pool, snow room, 'adventure' showers, outdoor cabanas, extensive relaxation rooms and a choice of massage and treatment options. Food is served from a choice of 7 restaurants ranging from North Indian cuisine at Amala to al fresco dining with the sound of gentle ocean waves on the terrace at the Plaj, which were our two favourites.
Brief History of Dubai
Prior to the discovery of oil, Dubai's proximity to Iran made it an important trade location. The city was an important stop off for tradesmen, mainly from Iran, many of whom eventually moved to Dubai. By the start of the twentieth century, Dubai had established itself as an important port and until the early 1930s it was known for its pearl exports. The pearl trade was damaged beyond repair by the Great Depression in the 1930s and innovation of cultured pearls. With the collapse of the pearling industry, Dubai fell into a deep depression and many residents starved or migrated. During its early development, Dubai was constantly in conflict with Abu Dhabi. In 1947 a border dispute broke out on the northern part of their border which escalated into war. The British arbitrated, leading to the creation of a buffer frontier running south east from the coast at Ras Hasian that temporarily ended hostilities. Oil was discovered in 1966 which helped to dramatically accelerate the early development of the city. Today remaining oil reserves are limited and the city generates less than 5% of its revenues form oil with the main revenues now being tourism, aviation, real estate and financial services. It is also famous for iconic sky scrapers and boasts the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, but has come under heavy criticism for human rights violations relating to the city's largely South Asian workforce. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the only two emirates to have veto power over important matters of national importance in the country's legislation.
Getting around Dubai
All public transport in Dubai is very clean and efficient. You'll probably want to use the metro mainly, which is covered by an integrated ticket system (more details here) and the abras water taxi from the old to new town where you pay on board. Prepaid integrated travel cards can be bought from any metro station, most bus stops and branches of certain shops including Carrefoour, Spinneys, Waitrose and the Emirates NBD Bank. There are different types of integrated travel cards but travellers will want to choose the red ticket, designed especially for visitors, which costs just 2 Dirhams (about 40p) and can then by topped up with the fare you need for each journey, up to a maximum of 10 times. Be aware that in the middle of the day during the height of the summer Dubai gets so hot that even short walking distances to metro stations can be unbearable, so plan your routes carefully. Thankfully, virtually all indoor parts of the transport network are well air conditioned. Be aware of restrictions when using the metro, such as limit on baggage, no chewing gum and separate carriages for men and women - there are fines or those who break the rules.
Buses mainly cater to the needs of lower-income expat workers and are not generally useful for trips within the city for visitors. Taxis remain the best way to get around parts of the city where the metro has not yet reached. Note that street names are rarely used in Dubai except for the biggest roads, and navigation is usually by local landmarks – which is how taxi drivers will expect to be directed, rather than being given a street address, which will most likely mean nothing to them. You'll need to take a water taxi or Abra (traditional wooden boat) to cross the Creek that divides the old town from the new. We took the Abra which is highly recommended and definitely more memorable, giving you a sense you're experiencing more of the local culture. Abra's are a couple of Dirhams (about 40p). The alternative is to take a waterbus but they're twice as expensive and don't give you the local cultural experience, so we would not really recommend them.
Sightseeing in Dubai
Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is a mega tall skyscraper in Dubai and the tallest structure in the world standing at 829.8 metres (2,722 feet) with 160 storeys. The construction of the Burj Khalifa started with excavation works in 2004 and moved at a rapid pace with ground works complete by April 2005. The construction was based on a primary structure of reinforced concrete, supported by a foundation made of up to 125 piles that are 1.5 metres in diameter and 50 metres in length. The external building was completed in 2009 and was opened in 2010 as part of a new Downtown Dubai development. The tower has two main observation decks on levels 148 and 125 to enjoy the breathtaking views. Level 125 offers you a spacious deck to enjoy the stunning 360-degree view of the city. As you descend gently to ground level, a new exhibit allows you to relive the historic build of Burj Khalifa. Dedicated stations take you behind the scenes where you can listen to testimonials of the ‘People Behind Burj’, giving you insights into every aspect from the interiors and landscaping to the design and architecture. For more information about the Burj Khalifa click here.
'Dancing' Fountain show
Immediately outside the Burj Khalifa is The Dubai Fountain, the world's tallest performing fountain, set in the 24-acre Burj Lake in Downtown Dubai. The fountains perform daily, delivering a captivating display which is fully coordinated with music and dramatic-effect lighting. It is one of Dubai's most compelling tourist attractions with thousands of eager tourists watching each day. Designed by California-based WET, the fountain display is over 275 metres (900 feet) long - equivalent to more than two football pitches - with five circles of varying sizes and two central arcs. The fountain jets project water as high as 140 metres (450 feet) into the air, equivalent to the height of a 45-storey building which even next to the Burj Khalifa is very impressive! The fountain performs to a repertoire of around 35 songs ranging from classical to contemporary Arabic and world music. When operational, the fountain has over 22,000 gallons of water in the air at any given moment.
Souk markets
Souks are open-air, traditional ramshackle markets commonly associated with Western Asia and North Africa. The vast souk markets at Dubai give you a flavour of its history as a key trading location and remain a crucial part of life in the old town of Dubai today. Located near Dubai's famous creek which can be crossed from Jumeirah in an Abra (water taxi), the markets have a vibrant, bustling atmosphere that can sometimes feel lost in the new town. They are definitely an essential Dubai experience to get a rounded view of the city. Whether you're looking for some lavish gold jewellery, hand-woven fabrics or traditional fragrances, you'll find all of these and more at Dubai's souk markets, which are some of the best in the UAE. The gold souks are arguably the best known of all the Dubai's markets, emanating a glow from the golden shop windows and enticing customers in to sample their treats. There are literally hundreds of vendors selling unique pieces of jewellery and gemstones with alluring Arabic designs which are a must-see for gold traders or tourists seeking a special memento. Prices are very negotiable so feel free to haggle for sellers' final best price. Souks are monitored by the government to maintain standards and ensure the gold is genuine. Gold souks stay open until 10pm with the evening being the best time to visit.
The other main souk markets in Dubai located in the same area are the spice, perfume and textile markets. The spice market is adjacent to the gold souk, which you'll probably be able to smell before you see it! Here you'll find colourful sacks of herbs, spices fruit and rice ranging from high-quality saffron strands to dried fruit, spices, nuts and the finest A-grade dates you will ever find. The strategic geographical position of Dubai spice market, close to the Persian gulf, has filled the souk with exotic spices from across the Middle East for hundreds of years. Our top tip is to sample before you buy and fill your boots. As well as cooking ingredients, you'll also find street vendors selling a varety of other items from coffee to shisha and even incense and frankincens. The souk still serves the dhow sailors and workers of ‘old Dubai’ so is not a tourist attraction with prices being very negotiable, so bartering is encouraged.
Water Parks in Dubai
Wild Wadi Water Park
Situated in front of the stunning Burj Al Arab, Wild Wadi offers 30 rides and attractions for all the family. The park is themed around the tale of Juha, a well known character from Arabian folklore. For big kids the most exhilarating ride is the Jumeirah Sceirah, where guests must first climb the 32 metre tower and enjoy a spectacular view of the water park. Once on top of the tower, two capsules await for two guests to ride on at the same time. The ride uses capsules with a mechanically removed floor because the top of the ride is too steep for guests to hold themselves in place. Prepare to feel the exhilarating rush as the floor falls away from you after a 3-2-1 count-down and then hit speeds of up to 80km/h before reaching the bottom of the slide. Another favourite section was Tantrum Alley which incorporates two large sections of downhill waterslides and three exciting tornadoes. Guests are seated on a four-person tube and travel downhill to enter the first tornado where they slide back and forth several times, then circle around and around in the eye of the storm before exiting and hitting the second and third tornados, after which they splash out into the pool. If you have one you're allowed to take Go Pro cameras on all rides except for the Jumeirah Sceirah. The bonus for guests at any of the Jumeirah resorts is that you'll get in for free!
Atlantis Water Park
For me, Atlantis just about edged it as the best water park in Dubai, so if you only have the time or inclination to visit a water park one day, choose Atlantis. Atlantis really does get the adrenaline pumping with some record breaking rides and slides, letting you get up close and personal with sharks and rays or relax on 700 metres of pristine private beach. For out and out rush of blood to the head Poseidon's Revenge is a good choice, sky rocketing you downwards before propelling you upside down in a feat that seems to defy gravity when you look back at the slide afterwards. Slitherine is the world's first dual waterslide within a waterslide with a frenzy of twists and turns and the opportunity to time yourself against your mates or partner to see who is the fastest, whilst Leap of Faith is a 9 story tall mega-slide which hurtles you down its near-vertical drop in a mere second, only to find yourself speeding through a clear acrylic tube surrounded by numerous sharks and cownose rays. Please note that height restrictions apply on some rides at both water parks.
Other Activities in Dubai
Dubai Beaches
Many Dubai hotels have their own private beaches but there are also public beaches which are free to access or with a small charge. Ladies must wear a full bikini or a swimsuit the public beaches and swimming in underwear is not allowed. Beachwear should only be worn while on the public beaches but local etiquette is not to wear it while walking to or from the beach to your hotel. JBR Beach is Dubai's most popular public beach for good reason - it's close to The Walk with plenty of juice bars, burger joints and ice cream counters and a pristine beach which remains many local's weekly staple. Kitesurf Beach is a favourite for beach football, volley ball and (yes you guessed it) kite surfing. Situated just after the World Project Office it's fine if you're looking for a more active beach day but not the best for relaxing, especially on windier days when the surfing is good. Alternatively, you can pay to use one of the beaches at another resort if your hotel doesn't have one - all shoreline hotels have private beaches and will welcome paying visitors at a cost of anywhere between 150 and 700 Dirhams (£30 to >£100) providing they aren't already full.
4x4 Desert Safari
If you want to embrace Dubai's desert environment (and don't get easily travel sick being thrown around in a 4x4), there's no better way of experiencing it than in a 4x4 desert safari. Tours tend to depart in the afternoon, starting with an exciting dune drive with good photo opportunities. Some stop off at a camel farm on the way where you can learn about the lives of those living close to the desert. Drives then continue across the desert stopping to watch the sunset before reaching the campsite. At the campsite you'll indulge in a BBQ dinner and the option of shisha as well as having the opportunity to try camel riding, sand boarding, quad biking or get a henna tattoo on your hands or feet. The providers we saw offered a campfire belly dancing show under the starlight before returning to the city. Tours tend to depart Dubai at around 3-4pm. If you do the trip with a group of less than 6 guests you'll likely share your car with other people.
Shopping at the Dubai Mall
Since it's opening in 2009, the Dubai Mall has been the largest shopping centre in the world. Part of the $20bn Downtown complex, it features 1,200 shops attracting over 30 million visitors per year, making it one of the most visited buildings on the planet. The mall also has a huge aquarium showcasing one of the world’s most diverse collections of marine animals with more than 300 species including sharks and rays. If that wasn't enough there is also a 250 room luxury hotel, 22 cinema screens, an ice rink, Sega Republic indoor theme park, award-winning KidZania® children’s ‘edutainment’ concept which combines play with learning and 120 restaurants and cafes for when you inevitably need to refuel on the way round. The mall really is the ultimate shopping experience from the high end fashion brands to the mainstream fashion names we all know and love; I doubt there is much you can think of that you won't find in there somewhere. It's not the cheapest place to buy souvenirs but the experience makes it worth it. Our top tip is to wear comfy shoes as you'll be doing lots of walking, so leave the high heels at home.
Afternoon Tea at the Burj Al Arab
There are a few options depending on which restaurant at the Burj Al Arab you'd like to choose. The first (and we think best) option is Sky Tea at the Skyview Bar, located on the top floor of the hotel with unrivalled views of the Jumeirah Palm and The World islands. Sky Tea offers a selection of tea, coffee, sandwiches, pastries and cakes served with homemade hams and Devonshire clotted-cream. At the time of writing there were seatings at 1pm and 4pm from Saturday to Thursday and Fridays depending on the season at a cost of 620 Dirhams (£120) per person. The second option is ultimate afternoon tea at the Burj Al Arab's Sahn Eddar restaurant, located at the base of the world's tallest atrium. Warm and welcoming tones, mosaic, marble flooring and torch lighting provide the perfect backdrop for guests wishing to linger over traditional Afternoon Tea. Servings from 1pm to 6pm with options of champagne or unlimited non-alcoholic drinks. This was priced at 500-560 Dirhams (£95-£110) depending on your choice of champagne or non-alcoholic drinks. Finally, there is a three-course evening meal option at the Sahn Eddar restaurant from 7pm featuring cocktails, delicate sandwiches, scones and pastries. This was 400 Dirhams (£80) at the time of writing.
