Dubai is a city in the United Arab Emirates, and it is a one-stop vacation spot for a lot of people. I believe Dubai was conceptualised after major hubs like Bangkok, Hong Kong and Singapore with skyscrapers, massive shopping centers and luxury hotels to boot.
When visiting Dubai especially if this is your first time in the United Arab Emirates, you will be amazed by the high-rise buildings, glitz, glamour and luxury of the city. What I love about this city is its location. Dubai is easily accessible to a lot of Nationals (some people even stop here for a day or 2 to have a break in their journey when going to Australia or the Far East).
Dubai has good food, luxury shopping experience and a thriving nightlife. For a 3, 5 or 7-day vacation, you will not struggle to find things to do. So, if you do go to Dubai, make sure you enjoy it and live your best life.
Where to stay in Dubai:
- Marina and Jumeirah Beach – this is an upscale neighbourhood in Dubai, and it is where expats live. As a tourist, there are plenty of restaurants, bars and cafes to choose from.
- Al Barsha – this is a great neighbourhood; it is well connected to the metro while the Mall of Emirates is situated here, and it has a good choice of hotels.
- Downtown – this is where the iconic landmarks in Dubai is situated, with easy access to the most luxurious restaurants, bars and clubs.
- Bur Dubai – this is the old and authentic part of Dubai with affordable accommodation. It is however far from bars, restaurants, shopping and other tourist sites.
What to do in Dubai:
- Burj Khalifah – a tour of the tallest building in the world and there is an observation deck on the 148th deck where you can see a panoramic view of the city either during the day, evening or at night.
- Waterpark – going to the waterpark is a very fun way to relax in Dubai and the waterparks in Dubai will not disappoint. You can choose from (Aquaventure, Wild Water, LEGOLAND and a few others).
- Desert ride – you can go to the desert for a 4×4 or camel rides on the dunes.
- Jumeirah Beach – this long stretch of white sandy beach is somewhere to get respite from the biting sun.
- Take a luxury yacht or boat tour – from the Dubai marina, you can take a tour of the city and get to enjoy Dubai from the sea.
- Water sports. – you can go jet-skiing, parasailing, flyboarding and paddle boarding.
- Shopping – there is more than enough mall (The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Marina Mall etc.)
Verdict: I did not enjoy Dubai as it lacked authenticity, soul and culture. However, if you want a holiday in a shiny city then Dubai is for you.
Pro-tip: you can combine a trip to Dubai with a trip to Abu Dhabi, Qatar or even Oman.
Leave a comment and let me know what you think of Dubai. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to the newsletter and follow @livingwithtola on instagram.
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Woow this is lovely, I will really love to go to Dubai, have seen how beautiful the city is in pictures, it will really be a good spot for vacation.
A sure destination for any lover of beauty. I love Dubai most especially for its organization and ability to create beauty out of nothing for tourism and revenue. I wish my country can be like this
You are absolutely right.
Dubai is absolutely a paradise on Earth. God bless the Emir for transmitting a desert into a paradise. I say this is a type of leader every country needs.
Nigeria sure needs visionary leaders