Dubai is one of the most fascinating places in the world. It’s a place where culture is valued, with old-world customs being conserved while modern practices are still welcome. It’s one of the world’s fastest-growing city, and thanks to this growth, it has changed from a small Gulf trading center to a glamorous urban destination. The city is fueled by petrodollars, commercial acumen and a lot of ambition. Definitely, you’ll be amazed by how rich their culture is, the great views, luxurious life and world-famous architecture.
Here is a practical guide to finding out places you should visit while in Dubai.
Admire the view from the top of the Burj Al-Arab
You can start off your trip by visiting Burj Al Arab to enjoy the great view from the top. It’s set on an artificial island just opposite Umm Suqeim. Ensure you arrive early, so you’ll find less visitors, and enjoy some very instagrammable views.
Visit the Jumeirah Mosque
The beautiful Mosque was opened in 1979 and it’s one of the two mosques you can visit in Dubai. It has one large room and you can enjoy a guided tour on any day at 10am (apart from Fridays). It’s pretty interesting tour for you to get a glimpse of Islam.
Explore Old Dubai
Old Dubai is Dubai as it used to be originally. The area is filled with markets such as the famous gold market, small shops line, and mazes of alleyways. This is a chance to see the true essence of Dubai, and enjoy more of its traditions and cultural heritage.
Visit the Dubai Museum
If you love some history and fantasy, the Dubai Museum is where you should head to. Another great stop is the Museum of Illusions! Fin fact: they even allow you to capture everything on camera- not always possible in museums.
Explore the Deira Souks
At the heart of Old Dubai, you’ll find the district of Deira. The district is filled with a plethora of bazaars, ranging from the aromatic maze of alleyways of the Spice Souk to the Gold glittering shop windows. If you’re on a budget, know that this is one of the cheapest sightseeing activities in Dubai.
Soak up the sun in Jumeirah Beach
If you want to sunbathe or stroll along a boardwalk, visit the white-sand beach, Jumeirah. It’s located along the coast and there are numerous shops around to visit. They also have a movie theatre, playgrounds for children and spots to BBQ.
Go shopping at the Outlet Village
A fancy place for a little shopping is the Outlet Village. Go there for discounted designer clothes from brands like Hugo Boss, Armani, Coach and many more.
While visiting Dubai you should be aware that it’s an Islamic country so, there are a few rules that everyone must observe. For example, you could get arrested for public display of affection, so refrain from that. As for the dressing code, tourists can wear regular clothes, but if you intend to go to a mosque you have to wear hijab. While eating in restaurants in Burj Al-Arab and Burj Khalifa, you’re expected to wear long skirts for ladies, and for gents, closed-toe shoes with pants. These are simple rules to follow and you’ll have so much fun in Dubai.
