From the stunning building designs to the sand dunes of the desert are fascinating dazzling delights Dubai has to offer.   Dubai is located on the Persian Gulf coast of the United Arab Emirates, and it has a beautiful coastline, sandy beaches, and many different landscapes. There’re tons of shopping, nightclubs, cigar lounges, and a plethora of things to do including sand skiing, sky diving, powerboat races, and well-maintained beautiful golf courses!

For many years, Dubai has been on my list of places to visit. I have heard so many great things about Dubai as well as interesting cultural facts. I wanted to experience the beauty and its culture first-hand, so I decided to have my birthday bash in Dubai to see what all Dubai had to offer.

Getting prepared for the trip:

I went during the time when the cases of COVID-19 were slowing down. I still took safety measures by getting my COVID vaccination and wearing my face mask throughout the airport and on the plane the entire time. I also pre-scheduled my COVID test at my hotel in Dubai to ensure I had my COVID test requirements completed before my departure flight to head back to the United. States.

Most flights departing from the U.S. to the United Arab Emirates are set to leave in the evening time and the total travel time ranges from 16 hours to 21 hours. Thus, I recommend bringing snacks on your flight, downloading some good movies on your mobile phone, and bringing your travel pillow.

I researched proper etiquette regarding cultural differences, below is a list of helpful tips:

What to wear in Dubai?

Click on the links below for details  

https://fullsuitcase.com/dubai-clothing-advice-for-tourists/ 

https://www.dubainight.com/dubai/mag/community/wondering-what-to-wear-while-heading-out-in-dubai-here-s-everything-you-need-to-know,28,29536.html 

The dos and don’ts while in Dubai:  

Click on the links below for details

https://www.bayut.com/mybayut/dos-donts-tourists-visiting-dubai/ 

Money: 

You might want to check on the exchange rate before leaving the U.S. I recommend exchanging some money while you are at the airport in the United States, as well as exchanging some when you arrive in Dubai. At times, you can debit money out of the local ATM and get a better exchange rate. 

Calling your bank and cell phone company: 

Please remember to contact your banks to let them know you are traveling to Dubai so that they won’t freeze your accounts. 

Even, if your trip is already paid in full, you will still need a major credit card to check into your hotel room for incidentals.  

Call your cell phone and add an international calling plan if you do not already have one. This will save on fees. Although most places should have wifi for you to use your cell phone, it is still important you can use your cell phone without wifi if needed.  

Best time to go:

The best time to visit Dubai is in September and April when the weather is sunny but not too hot. Although I went in the month of June, the heat wasn’t that bad and a night the temperature cooled down.  

Where to stay:

Dubai has some of the most fascinating hotels ranging from $250 per night to $2k per night.  I stayed at the Fairmont Dubai Hotel. The Fairmont Dubai Hotel is a unique blend of contemporary design and urban chic, Fairmont Dubai hotel is an icon in the financial heart of the city, this multi-use complex is just minutes from Dubai's key attractions, shopping facilities, golf clubs, and beaches. Modeled after an Arabic wind tower (barajeel), this 34-story luxury Dubai hotel features 394 guestrooms, and the eight contemporary dining and entertainment venues offer an array of gastronomic delights to amuse the palate.

The Spa at Fairmont Dubai is a distinctive destination encompassing 40,000 square feet, and offers a fully equipped health club, complete with two contemporary rooftop swimming pools, boasting unfettered views of both the sunrise and sunset over a dazzling skyline of Dubai.

Things to do:

Take a Dubai City Tour

You can explore the iconic architecture of Modern Dubai and visit the surrounding landmarks around the Dubai Creek in the traditional part of town. From The Palm, Jumeirah to the Gold and Spice Souks. If you have time, you can even make time to visit the Dubai Frame observation deck for beautiful photos.

Have dinner on a Sunset Desert Safari

If you want to combine adventure with elegance then the Sunset Desert Safar tour is a must to do. You will start out the evening with an awesome safari ride on the sand dunes. The drilling safari ride will take you on a journey rolling over the dunes. After your ride then you can enjoy watching the sunset and after the sunset, there is a grand feast of grilled meats, fresh salads, and delectable Arab sweets are served. Under a galaxy of stars, you will be entertained by the belly dancers swaying to the tunes of Arabian music.

If you want more adventure, then you can always have Dinner in the Sky

A one in a lifetime experience to enjoy a full-course delicious meal with your family and friends high up in the sky! The average cost of a plate starts at $200 USD per person, and your dinner will last about 2 hours. The views and food are well worth the cost!

Shopping

There are a vast number of places to go shopping in Dubai ranging from the traditional open-air markets, Gold Souks to the world’s largest shopping center, the Dubai Mall.

Below is a list of top places to go shopping:

The Dubai Mall

Souk Madinat Jumeriah

Gold Souk

Spice Souk

Perfume Souk

Mall of the Emirates

City Walk

Nightlife and Restaurants

Below is a list of a few top lounges and restaurants with entertainment

·         White Dubai

·         Level 43 Sky Lounge

·         SoBe

·         Eve Penthouse & Lounge

·         Luna Sky Bar

·         Siddharta Lounge by Buddha Bar

·         Kiza

·         Bla Bla Dubai

If you are thinking about visiting Dubai, think no more…start planning your amazing trip to Dubai. For additional information and if you like to start planning your once-in-a-lifetime trip to Dubai contact info@mstravelista.com.

Ms. Travelista, LLC