With summer upon us, many are wanting a getaway and a break in the sun. Dubai, with its beautiful beaches and incredible skyscrapers might be the perfect place. Below, we list some of the best places to visit in Dubai.
Dubai, only a seven hour flight from the UK, boasts sunshine all year round. The temperatures are upwards of 30c during the summertime so a tan is guaranteed.
Malls
Dubai has many malls, all with different experiences to try.
The Dubai Mall has department stores such as Galeries Lafayette and Bloomingdales. It is also home to the Aquarium. With many animals and glass-bottom boat tours, the aquarium is a must-see attraction and a great photo opportunity. A trip to the aquarium can take a few hours as there is so much to see, so having a bite to eat afterwards is recommended. The outdoor dining area has great views of the Burj Khalifa and the hourly water shows in the Marina.
Mall of the Emirates has all of the well-known British shops such as Marks & Spencer and Harvey Nichols aswell as a large cinema showing the newest films in English and Arabic. The mall also has an indoor ski resort if you’re wanting to beat the heat!
Dubai Outlet Mall is just outside the city and has outlet stores for the bargain shopper. Designer labels such as Burberry have stores there, and on a Monday many stores have additional discounts.
Skyscrapers
Dubai has two well-known skyscrapers. The Burj Khalifa has viewing platforms and a restaurant at the top of the tallest skyscraper in the world. At 160 stories, there is a fantastic view from the top of the entire city. Largrly a residential building, it hosts schools, shops and gyms for its residents and 3 observation decks and multiple restaurants for visitors. A must-visit at sunset for the perfect views.
Burj al Arab is smaller but is home to a luxury hotel on the edge of the water. The Wild Wadi waterpark is situated here and there are also nightclubs and restaurants for visitors to enjoy- including one inside an aquarium.
Beaches
Beaches are one of the few places in Dubai where it is not required to cover your shoulders and knees for modesty. There are many hotels with beach access and beach bars, but many are also accessible to anyone.
JBR Beach is next to the marina and the metro and is easily accessible. Surrounded by restaurants and cafes, its a great place to relax and even spot a camel or two!
Kite Beach has a skate park, ropes course, human sling shot experience, a running track and many water-sports options. Often filled with kite-surfers, this beach is a favourite of locals for its exercise facilities.
There are also plenty of beach bars including Azure Beach, Beach by FIVE and Bla Bla which are perfect for lounging, snacking and drinking.
History and Culture
Dubai is also full of Middle Eastern history and has plenty to explore of the Arabic culture and history.
A trip to the desert can include traditional Arabic food and music under the stars, and is a great way to see the culture of the city.
The Al Fahidi Neighbourhood is traditional in style and boasts many traditional shops and cafes to experience life as Dubai used to be. There are also many museums and art galleries to soak in the culture and history of the UAE.
