Dubai local Tripbod Alex takes us on a tour of the sky-scraping sights of the Emirate, with some insider tips thrown in to help you get the most out of your visit.
Top 10 attractions and things to do in Dubai
1. Burj Khalifa
Dubai has the glitziest, the widest, the deepest… and Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building. Check out the exhibit on the building’s history, then take the fastest lift in the world. Hold on to your hat – it only takes a few seconds. It is not for the faint-hearted but is well worth it, as the views will blow your mind.
If you are a passionate photographer, as I am, you can even take a tripod with you to shoot the views out towards the beach and over the city. Book tickets online in advance and go at sunset, which is my favourite time as you get to see both day and night from the top.
2. Dubai Creek
After the world’s tallest building, I love the contrast of a simple abra ride on Dubai Creek. The creek is one of Dubai’s oldest and most beautiful areas. For me, nothing can match the sheer joy of riding an abra across the creek for just two dirhams at sunset, as the evening call to prayer is singing out across the mosque minarets. Close your eyes and you could be back in the 1960s when the city began. You can even charter a private abra for a small fee.
At the other side you are met with the aromas of Dubai’s spice souk. It’s a great place to buy a little incense burner and a handful of frankincense, after which I’ll enjoy a walk around the beautiful old area of Deira, with its quirky alleyways and skinny alley cats. Talk about atmospheric!
3. The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
A great place for breakfast or lunch, with a twist! If you’ve always wanted to know about Islam but were too afraid to ask, here’s your chance to get the low-down. For example, previously I wondered: why do women wear an abaya? How long can camels survive in the desert? Why do Muslims face a certain way to pray? All the answers came from here, and more specifically the centre’s charismatic host, Nasif. Don’t be surprised if you leave with a whole new understanding and appreciation of the Muslim world.
The centre is run by an Emirati man who married a European woman and is a great place for cross-cultural understanding, as the name suggests. I love to come here for breakfast or lunch, and I always buy a bar of Camel chocolate on the way out. If, like me you are cheeky enough, when everyone has left, ask kindly if they would mind you climbing on to the roof to admire the views. Time it right and you can be up there when the call to prayer is sung. It gives me goose bumps just writing this.
4. Dubai’s public parks
Parks might not be the first thing you associate with Dubai. But remember how I told you that in Dubai we have the tallest, the deepest, the most expensive everything? Well the parks are no different!
Dubai boasts some of the most beautiful, tranquil, clean, green parks anywhere. Enter a place quite different to other cities’ public spaces – see Filipino, Pakistani, Indian, local (Emirati), Arabic, European, Asian couples and families having fun, where children and babies run free. Wallets and mobile phones are left on the grass while mums and dads play ball, or barbecue burgers. I head to the park to chill after a hard week or when I’m feeling stressed. Pack a picnic, leave your stresses behind you…. and enjoy.
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5. Ravi
This is where I take die-hard curry fans. We go once a month without fail. One of Dubai’s longest-serving restaurants, Ravi is usually full, with diners from all over the world. There are no white tablecloths, no wine list, no snooty waiters, just honest Pakistani curry served up by friendly staff. My favourite dishes are chicken boti, chicken handi, mutton tika, daal and mutton kebab, and the bread is fresh, fluffy and hot. Ravi has recently been refurbished, with the addition of a ‘family’ area, but I think it’s more fun to sit outside, or in the main area to soak up the atmosphere.
Info: Satwa Dubai U.A.E, +971 55 334 5481
Dubai, United Arab Emirates; +971 4 331 5353
6. Burj Al Arab
The Burj calls itself ‘the world’s only 7-star hotel’ and, whether or not you agree, it certainly one of the most iconic buildings in Dubai.
Soaring to a height of 321 metres, the Burj is designed to resemble a billowing sail. There are various viewpoints from which you can take photos, but one of the best is from the public beach next to it. From here you will get the ultimate Dubai shot of you on the beach with the Burj in the background.
It is one of the most photographed structures in the world, and consistently voted the world’s most luxurious hotel. It is too expensive for the average visitor, so here’s a little secret tip from me to you. Go for a drink at the Dhow and Anchor in the hotel opposite (Jumeirah Beach hotel) and sit out on the terrace for an even better view. But don’t tell anyone I told you!
7. Ski Dubai – Mall of the Emirates
Want to visit the desert – and hit the ski slopes too? Don’t miss Ski Dubai, one of the best family attractions in Dubai. The huge ski slope is situated in Mall of the Emirates at the Marina end of the city, close to Burj Al Arab. It’s a bit of a shock to go from the 50-degree desert heat to below zero temperatures. There are instructors on hand to help, or you can just do your own thing. There’s even a café-bar halfway up the ski slope in true mountain style, so you can stop to relax and watch the fun. You can hire all equipment and clothing, so you don’t need to bring your skis.
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8. Jumeirah Beach Residence Walk and Dubai Marina
Built in the last few years, Dubai Marina throngs with spectacular twisting skyscrapers. Just next door is Jumeirah Beach Residence walk (or ‘JBR walk’ if you want to sound like a local). The Marina and JBR is a city within a city with amazing architecture, pretty cafés and bars – ideal for people-watching, high-end hotels and some of the best restaurants in the city, including Gary Rhodes’ Twenty10.
During the day, the views are equally as stunning as in the evening, and many people jog around the Marina for that reason. Behind the Address Hotel you can take the Dubai ferry. It’s great for visitors and locals alike, as it takes you out into the sea and past the famous Atlantis Hotel on the man-made Palm Jumeirah. The ferry takes you up the coast and drops you just inside the Creek at Bur Dubai, where you can enjoy some of the ‘old’ Dubai after experiencing the ‘new’.
9. Desert Safari
A top Dubai attraction, desert safari is your chance to get a flavour of the Bedouin existence from years gone by. Numerous companies offer desert safaris, but check them out before booking. Be sure to ask what time you will finish and be dropped back, whether they plan to stop anywhere on the way, and especially what extras you may need to pay for and what kind of food will be offered.
You get driven in a four-wheel drive vehicle to an authentic-style campsite, where you can try hubbly bubbly (Shisha), or maybe indulge in some barbecue food. If it’s adventure you want then you can head off on a desert drive, watch falcons fly, and dream of desert adventures. Back at camp after sunset I find it a magical experience just to sit in the darkness and stare at the stars, which is a simple pleasure too often forgotten.
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10. Dubai fountains
Spectacular and exciting and free! If you’ve been to Vegas, maybe you have seen the Bellagio fountains already. But trust me! Dubai does it taller, bigger, louder and it’s just jaw-dropping to watch these fountains. Best to go at night to see the light show too.
The fountains are situated at the base of Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall – the world’s biggest mall and something to experience in itself. There are numerous restaurants alongside the fountains and it is a good idea to book into one of them and dine on the terrace (in winter) to see the fountains in all their glory.
The musical repertoire of the fountain show includes Baba Yetu (an award-winning song in Swahili), Michael Jackson’s Thriller, and the signature piece of world-renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli: Time to Say Goodbye. Speaking of which, time for me to say goodbye and wish you a wonderful visit to Dubai!
Info: Sat. -Thur. 1pm, 1.30pm & 2pm; Fr 1.30pm, 2pm & 2.30pm; eve shows 6- 11pm every 30 min.
*Revised March 2019. Any prices are lowest estimated prices only at the time of publication and are subject to change and/or availability.
Tripbod Alex began his career in the creative industry and now runs a successful photography business in Dubai: alexjeffriesphotographygroup.com. Alex is also a passionate traveller and finds that more interesting travel experiences result when you get off the beaten track.
Top 10 things to do in Dubai: a local’s guide
| 1. Burj Khalifa |
| 2. Dubai Creek |
| 3. The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding |
| 4. Dubai’s public parks |
| 5. Ravi |
| 6. Burj Al Arab |
| 7. Ski Dubai – Mall of the Emirates |
| 8. Jumeirah Beach Residence Walk and Dubai Marina |
| 9. Desert Safari |
| 10. Dubai fountains |
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