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One of the most famous travel destinations in the world, Dubai is a perfect place to start your international travel journey. One of the 7 emirates in the UAE or United Arab Emirates, Dubai is full of beautiful beaches, fun experiences, and record-breaking attractions. It is also one of the safest places to visit, making it perfect for solo travellers too. It also happens to be the first city to be named TripAdvisor’s #1 Top Destination in the World for three consecutive years now, and it is easy to see why.
If visiting this beautiful destination is on your mind, here is a quick Dubai travel guide to get you started.
History of Dubai
Established in 1833, Dubai has been at the centre of world trade for ages now, and has as a result prospered in more than one ways. The big push came in 1958 when His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum became the ruler of Dubai. A very capable leader, he paved the way for the boom in international trade, and it was under his 32-year rule that oil was discovered in 1966. Foreign investments grew, and so did the diverse economy.
In 1971, the seven emirates signed a deal together, and Dubai became a part of UAE. the oil trade really helped the Middle East prosper, and this also meant that destinations like Dubai grew manifolds in terms of tourism. The city became global and much more advanced after His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum became the ruler of Dubai, and the city has since seen many high-profile events as well as the establishment of iconic monuments like Burj Khalifa and Dubai Frame that regularly feature on the list of places to visit in Dubai.
Famous places to visit in Dubai
Whether you want a Dubai travel guide for a short 3-day trip, or it is a longer 10-day vacation that you have in mind, we have your back! There are plenty of places to visit in Dubai, some of which, like Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain happen to be really famous, while there are others like Al Shindagha Museum which are a beautiful piece of Dubai culture and traditions and is relatively lesser known. And while Dubai can be an expensive city, you don’t have to worry about the additional cost of exploring it given that there are many places to visit in Dubai that are almost free, like the historical villages and souks.
Dubai is also a great place to start your international travel journey with. As far as food is concerned, there's plenty of cuisines to keep you comfortable, the list of things to do in Dubai is nearly never ending, and people are friendly too. If you haven't been out before, and don't know where to start, this first timer's guide to Dubai is all you need.
Activities to do in Dubai
Beaches, sand dunes, water parks, and snow, Dubai has it all! Whether soaking in the sun at Dubai beaches is what you want, or having fun at their indoor skiing resort, the list of things to do in Dubai is just never-ending. If you’re the adventurous kind, make sure you go on a desert safari, and if watersports is your thing, you’re spoilt for choice in Dubai with flyboarding, parasailing, and so much more. In fact, there's so much to explore for adventure lovers in Dubai, that you can plan a holiday simply to experience all that the Emirati state has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned adrenaline junkie, or just taking baby steps into it, this quick guide to adventure activities in Dubai is just what you need to plan that trip.
Food in Dubai
Whether you wish to feast on local Emirati food items like Luqaimat and Knafeh, which we absolutely recommend by the way, or want to sample Michelin-star restaurants that dot the city’s landscape, eating out in Dubai is going to be quite an experience. Another part you can’t miss about the culture of food in Dubai, and at large in the Middle East is the authentic coffee experience. And given that it is Dubai that we are talking about, it is obvious that we talk about Market Island. Situated in Dubai Festival City Mall, a few kilometres from the airport, Market Island is a premier food hall, with close to 50 upscale restaurants under one roof, making it a heaven for foodies. If you get homesick in the trip, you can always explore the amazing Indian restaurants in Dubai.
Apart from this, Dubai lets you also explore food from all around the world given its diverse population. If you're familiar with the world cuisines, there is so much to explore in Dubai, and in case you're just exploring, the best way to do that is with the food festivals. Dubai's food festivals bring the best of its high rated outlets, as well as smaller specialised eateries, all under one roof, creating an experience you will never forget. You can also plan your next trip keeping in mind these food festivals in Dubai.
Take a break and recharge at the wide variety of picturesque cafes in Dubai after exploring the food festivals. Not only are they stunning to look at but these cafes in Dubai also are quite focused on the food they offer. In addition to the stellar coffee scene, cafes in Dubai are also constantly experimenting, bringing to you a melange of local ingredients and international dishes.
If you're headed to Dubai for a luxury trip however, make sure you enjoy the long list of Michelin star restaurants the city offers. The list of Michelin starred restaurants in Dubai includes Hoseki that offers one of a kind omakase experience, as well as Avatara that does a stunning 16 course curated menu that focuses on using locally grown, fresh products.
Dubai’s shopping hubs
To call it a shopper’s paradise would be an understatement, and whether it is brand new malls, luxurious boutiques, or good old souks, Dubai will fuel your desire to indulge in some retail therapy like nothing else. If you are the kind who loves bargains, make sure you check out the Dubai Outlet Mall which has incredible offers running all year long for close to 1200 international brands. The fashion scene in Dubai is quite interesting, with local designers slowly and steadily making it to international stages with Dubai Fashion Week, plus there's no dearth of international luxury brands that love Dubai. For fashionistas, there is no better a place to head to.
It is also a great place for people who love fragrances. Dubai has it all. From homegrown brands, to international bigwigs, to niche Arabian scents, you're spoilt for choice, and if you're headed there any time soon, make sure you check out this list of perfumes to buy in Dubai.
For gold and spices, there’s no better place to head to apart from the souks in the old city, and would this Dubai travel guide be complete if we didn’t mention Dubai’s famous shopping festivals? These flagship events are in fact some of the best times to visit Dubai and make the most of its amazing retail culture.
If in case you're tired after so much of shopping and need a quick refresh, make sure you check out these amazing spas and salons in Dubai. While some of them are regularly visited by celebrities like Mona Kattan, others are on the lines of spa resorts which makes TLC an inherent part of your stay.
How to pack for Dubai
While the Emiratis often stick to Kandoora and Abayas for men and women respectively, the city is home to people from over 200 countries, and that is well reflected in the fashion choices too. There are no hard and fast rules about the outfits to wear in Dubai, apart from the religious places where at least a head scarf is compulsory. We suggest you look for a local Dubai travel guide for the place of worship you’re visiting for better clarity. Bookmark these Do's and Don'ts in Dubai to make sure that you're not unintentionally landing yourself in trouble.
As far as weather conditions are concerned, Dubai is hot, so make sure you pack loose breezy outfits accordingly. Top it up with a great pair of sunglasses, and you’re good to go.
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Where to stay in Dubai
Apart from luxury shopping in Dubai, and luxury homes in Dubai, the stunning city also offers you unparalleled experiences when it comes to hospitality and stays. Home to some of the most iconic hotels in the world, Dubai has it all. Experience the grandeur of a king at Atlantis, or soak in the authentic Emirati experience at the Bab Al Shams Desert Resort And Spa for a luxurious stay you will never forget.
And if you’re planning to splurge on shopping and other experiences, while keeping the accommodation expenditures low, you can explore budget hotels like Aloft and Rove Downtown.
Best time to visit Dubai
The best thing about Dubai is that it's a year round destination. There is no one best time to visit to Dubai. According to different seasons, you can explore different things, and one will not be lesser of an experience than other. In summers, explore the architectural marvels, in transition months, a family vacation makes sense given that it's pleasant all over, and if you're into touristy stuff, then you will have to aim for the coolest time to visit Dubai, i.e. the winters.
How to get to Dubai
Getting to Dubai is quite easy no matter where in the world you are. Not only is it incredibly well connected, what makes it even better is the local carrier The Emirates, which is hands down one of the best services you can choose to fly on.
From India, there are frequent flights to Dubai from almost all major cities, and a variety of carriers offer a good price range so you can choose from budget to absolute luxury.