Dubai Travel Guide
- kateiswandering
- Jul 19, 2019
- 4 min read
When I first arrived in Dubai I will admit that I was quite intimidated by the fact that it is located in the Middle East and was scared of the western worlds association with this part of the world, I was so wrong. Dubai is one of the safest cities I have ever travelled too, as a solo traveller I feel extremely safe and welcomed when I visit Dubai. The city is full of life, it accommodates everyone from solo travellers to large families and you will never run out of things to do here. The city is constantly growing and changing within a year of visiting more attractions; highways and buildings had been developed, particularly for the World Expo 2020. Dubai often has the world record for the largest object such as The Burj Khalifa, which is the largest building in the world, or the largest water screen projection that can be viewed at Dubai Festival City.
Fashion
In public spaces such as shopping malls and parks it is best if you dress more Conservatively, places like water parks you are able to get away with wearing a bikini and your shorts and singlet over the top, also in touristy areas and resorts you can wear more casual outfits. I would recommend carrying a shawl around and wearing at least a knee length skirt or trousers and a t-shirt that covers your shoulders.
Food
You can find lots of traditional Middle Eastern food and restaurants in Dubai,Traditional Emirati cuisine typically consists of rice and meat, sea foods and hummus. Much to my delight, I found out that there are lots of of European and American restaurant franchises everywhere in Dubai particularly in the shopping malls.
Things to do
Shopping
Dubai absolutely has the best shopping malls in the world my personal favourites are The Mall of Dubai, Mall of Emirates and Dubai Festival City. All of which have popular mainstream American and European fashion labels as well as high-end labels such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci. The malls are so big you can end up spending hours just walking around as there are lots of food options and attractions in the centres.
Old Town Dubai
Old Dubai is located in the eastern part of Dubai called Deira, this particular area holds historical significants as the creek was Dubai’s original source of contribution to the economy before oil and gas was found.
Gold Souk
Old Town Dubai is famous for having the largest gold souk in the world; each store sells and is covered in a selection of gold, silver, diamonds and special gems. There are hundreds of stores in the souk, all of which you can barter at. The gold is sold by weight and a fee is normally added for workmanship.
Grand Souk Deira
You can ride a Abra which is an old wooden boat across the river to the Souk this will only cost you 1 Dirham each way. The Souk is very traditional they sell a wide range of products from spices, fabric, crystals and souvenirs. Be prepared to be hassled and approached by every single shop worker you are best just to just keep walking if you are not interested in their products, some times they even wrap a scarf around you so you have to stop and return it which then engages you in conversation or they call you celebrity names to get your attention, I got Shakira, Beyoncé and even Lady Ga Ga, Not sure how I feel about that one. I visited Old Town Dubai around the beginning of summer and the temperature was over 45 degrees Celsius. I would not recommend visiting the Souk at this time of the year, as the heat was almost unbearable; I look forward to returning in cooler weather.
Theme Parks
Dubai is the ultimate destination for thrill seekers, there are multiple theme parks and waterparks, and most are indoors so they can be enjoyed all year around. One of my favourite places is Global Village, essentially the park surrounds you with around 90 different cultures, and each area has a different culture on display where you can purchase traditional foods, clothes and watch different cultural performers. The famous Atlanta’s Aqua Adventure is located on the palm; this waterpark accommodates all age’s particularly small children, as there is a dedicated area for them. Famously as shown on social media you can slide on a tube through a live aquarium. I personally went in the middle of summer, it was so hot I needed to buy water socks to walk around, although the perk of going this time of the year is that there where no lines to wait in for the rides.
Parks
This is an aspect that surprises me every time I visit Dubai as there is so much nature and greenery you forget that you are in the desert in the Middle East. The Miracle Gardens and Glow gardens are a must see if you come in the right season from around October.
Ski Dubai
Skiing in the middle of the desert? Absolutely yes because its Dubai. The ski centre is located at The Mall of Emirates; there is a ski slope, slides, Zorb balls and live penguin shows. You will need to do a class with an instructor before you are allowed to use the slope.
World Expo 2020
The World Expo will take place in Dubai from the 20th October 2020 to the 10th April 2021, the expo will bring together around 200 different countries to share ideas to promote creative solution and improve lives while preserving the planet. Each country will have their own pavilion where they will showcase their own ideas to support the expos theme of sustainability, mobility and opportunity. The expo hopes to boost the economy and bring mass tourism in during the expo and after.
Desert Safari
Driving through the Arabian sand dunes is a must when you visit Dubai. Your driver will pick you up in a four-wheel drive and take you to the dunes for a ride in the conservation reserve, your drive will stop to allow you to get photos on the dunes. As the sunsets your driver will take you to a Bedouin style camp where there is a traditional middle eastern buffet, drinks, entertainment and attractions such as henna, camel rides, belly dancers and falcons.
If you have a question about Dubai ask away in the comments below or let me know what your favourite place is to visit in Dubai!
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