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Dubai is a city where tall towers, desert views, beaches, markets and family attractions come together in one holiday. It works well for a short international break because the city has many things to explore and food choices.
From Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall to desert safari, souks and theme parks, there are many best activities in Dubai. Three to five days can cover the main sights, cultural areas and shopping.
Dubai gives you both modern attractions and classic Arabian experiences. These are the places first-time visitors usually include.
Burj Khalifa is Dubai’s most famous landmark and a must-visit for skyline views, making it one of the highlights of Dubai tourism. Go to the observation decks for wide views of Downtown Dubai, the desert and the coastline. Sunset slots are popular, so booking early is useful.
Dubai Mall is much more than a shopping centre. You can eat, shop, visit indoor attractions and step outside to watch the Dubai Fountain show near Burj Khalifa. Even if you do not shop much, the area is worth visiting.
A desert safari is one of the best things to do in Dubai. Most tours include dune drives, sunset stops, camel rides, dinner and live entertainment. Choose a trusted operator and check inclusions before booking.
Jumeirah Beach is ideal for a slow afternoon and is among the relaxing places to visit in Dubai for families, couples and friends. The clean sands, sea views and nearby cafes add to the experience. Carry sun protection, especially during warmer months.
Palm Jumeirah is known for luxury hotels, beach clubs, restaurants and sea views. You can enjoy The View at The Palm, visit Atlantis, or take a monorail ride for island views.
For travellers who want thrills, adventure activities in Dubai are easy to find across the desert, sea and indoor zones.
Dune bashing is a high-energy ride over desert sand dunes in a 4x4 vehicle. It is usually part of a desert safari. People with back concerns, motion sickness or small children should choose gentler options.
Skydiving over Palm Jumeirah is one of Dubai’s most exciting experiences. The aerial view of the palm-shaped island and city skyline makes it memorable. Book early and check age, weight and health rules.
Dubai’s coastline offers jet skiing, parasailing, flyboarding, banana boat rides and kayaking. Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and nearby beach areas are popular. Water sports are best enjoyed in cooler hours.
Ski Dubai at the Mall of the Emirates gives visitors a snow experience inside a mall. You can try skiing, snowboarding, snow play and penguin encounters. It is a fun break from the desert heat.
Dubai is not only about luxury. Its older areas show trading history, traditional homes, creek life and Emirati culture.
Al Fahidi Historical District takes you into old Dubai with narrow lanes, wind towers, art spaces and cafes. A guided walk here helps you understand how the city lived before modern towers.
Visit museums, gold souks, spice souks and textile markets around Bur Dubai and Deira. The abra ride across Dubai Creek is simple, affordable and gives a lovely old city view.
Try Emirati food, visit cultural centres and learn about local customs. Dishes like machboos, luqaimat and Arabic coffee give you a taste of the region.
If you are planning the top 10 things to do in Dubai, these landmarks can complete your itinerary.
Dubai Marina is known for its waterside walk, tall buildings, cafes and cruise options. Visit in the evening for lights, dinner and a relaxed walk.
Ain Dubai, located on Bluewaters Island, is one of the city’s modern icons. Even when ride access or timings vary, the area is worth visiting for restaurants, views and photos.
Dubai Frame gives visitors views of old and new Dubai from one structure. It is a good stop if you enjoy city views and simple storytelling about Dubai’s growth.
The Museum of the Future is known for its unique design and future-focused exhibits. It suits travellers who enjoy science, ideas, technology and immersive spaces.
Global Village is a seasonal outdoor attraction with country pavilions, food stalls, shopping, shows and rides. Families should wear comfortable shoes because there is a lot to see.
Dubai’s food scene is friendly. You can find Indian meals, Arabic grills, Lebanese mezze, Turkish dishes, seafood, street snacks and fine dining. Try shawarma, mandi, hummus, falafel, kunafa and Arabic coffee. For variety, visit Deira, Karama, Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and Downtown Dubai.
Shopping is one of the top fun things to do in Dubai. Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates are popular for global brands and entertainment. For a traditional feel, explore Gold Souk, Spice Souk, Textile Souk and Meena Bazaar. Dubai Shopping Festival is a busy but exciting time for deals, events and buzz.
Dubai has many evening options, and several Dubai tour packages include experiences such as dinner cruises, rooftop lounges, beach clubs, theatre shows and fountain views. Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, JBR and Palm Jumeirah are popular nightlife areas. Check dress codes before visiting premium places.
Dubai is one of the easiest international cities for family holidays. Attractions are managed, and transport is convenient.
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo inside the Dubai Mall is a favourite for children and adults. You can see marine life, walk through viewing areas and add experiences if available.
Dubai has several theme and water parks, including Aquaventure, Wild Wadi, Legoland Dubai and Motiongate Dubai. These work well for full-day family plans.
Families can also visit Dubai Miracle Garden, Green Planet, OliOli, parks, beaches and indoor play areas. Keep outdoor attractions for mornings or evenings in summer.
Couples can enjoy Dubai through beach views, cruises, fine dining and quiet evening walks.
A dinner cruise at Dubai Marina or Dubai Creek gives you food, lights and water views. It is a relaxed way to enjoy the city after sightseeing.
Dubai Marina is beautiful around sunset. Walk by the water, stop for coffee, or book a cruise as the skyline begins to glow.
For a special evening, choose a restaurant with views of Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, Palm Jumeirah or the Marina skyline. Book in advance during weekends and holiday seasons.
Do not miss Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain, desert safari, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Al Fahidi, Dubai Frame and Global Village if it is open during your visit.
You can enjoy sightseeing, desert safari, shopping, beach visits, water sports, theme parks, museums, dinner cruises, souks and food tours.
Dubai Mall, Global Village, JBR, Dubai Marina, theme parks, water parks, desert camps and indoor gaming zones are fun for families and friends.
At night, enjoy the Dubai Fountain, rooftop dining, Marina cruises, desert camp dinners, Global Village, beach clubs and skyline views.
Tourists should visit Al Fahidi, Dubai Creek, souks, museums and cultural centres. An abra ride and an Emirati meal add a local feel.
Also, another one of the unbeatable things to do in Dubai is catch the view from Burj Khalifa. It’s the tallest building in the world and you can’t miss the breath-taking view.
Tip: Book in advance or it will be expensive, and the queue will seem endless.
2020 has been a challenging year for everyone. It has changed the way we travel, at least for the foreseeable future. The pandemic that took over the world is now reluctantly loosening its grip and things are gradually returning to normal. At least as normal as they can be, under the given circumstances. Dubai is one holiday destination that is now fully open for visitors, after putting all kinds of security measures in place.
So how is the Emirate making Dubai tours safer for its visitors? What precautions do you need to take and what paperwork is required to travel to Dubai? We’ll try to answer all these questions, and more, as we look at the safety measures that Dubai has put up to welcome its visitors.
Testing for COVID-19
You are required to get yourself tested for COVID-19 before arriving at the Dubai International Airport. But the COVID-19 PCR test that needs to be done must comply with certain criteria:
• It should be done from a recognised testing centre.
• It should not be older than 96 hours from the scheduled time of your flight’s departure.
• The test has to be negative.
You must present the test results at the Dubai Airport in a printed format. Digital copies are not acceptable. The test results should either be printed in English or Arabic. Handwritten certificates will not be accepted as well. However, there is no testing required while leaving Dubai. But you will have to comply if your next destination requires that you get tested before leaving Dubai. The criteria for this test will mostly be the same as that done prior to your arrival in Dubai, except for maybe, the language clause.
Safety Procedures at the Dubai Airport
The Dubai Airport has strict safety protocols for passengers travelling into Dubai. These guidelines have been designed to reduce crowding and minimise contact with other people.
• Only those holding a valid air ticket will be allowed inside the airport terminal.
• If you’re exiting from Dubai, you must arrive at the airport not more than four hours, and no less than two hours before your scheduled departure time.
• All travellers must wear protective masks while they are inside the terminal, no exceptions.
• Passengers displaying Covid or Covid-like symptoms are discouraged from coming to the airport. Anyone found with the symptoms will be sent to a medical isolation facility for quarantine and treatment.
These guidelines could be modified or more could be added as the situation develops.
Safety Measures at the Dubai Airport
Along with prescribing precautionary measures for travellers, Dubai Airport has implemented several safety measures at the airport. You will find hand sanitiser dispensers placed at strategic locations all around the terminal building. All check-in and immigrations counters are covered with protective plexiglass shields to minimise exposure for the airport staff.
Your temperature will be checked at every checkpoint that you pass through. This overlapping of measures ensures that nobody with symptoms of the disease slips through due to procedural errors. Suitable distance markers are placed all over the terminal to maintain appropriate social distancing. Finally, various areas of the airport are sanitised regularly as prescribed by the local authorities.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at Hotels
The next critical space with respect to controlling the spread of COVID-19, after the airport, are at the hotels in Dubai. The hotels take their guests’ safety very seriously. They follow the recommended sterilisation and disinfection procedures meticulously. The front office staff has a strict set of guidelines set by the Dubai Municipality and Dubai Tourism.
These guidelines cover crucial points like disinfections, check-ins and check-outs, laundry service, room service and lobby rules. Online check-ins are encouraged, and contactless check-ins are recommended wherever an online check-in is not possible due to reasons. Guests are requested to make cashless payments to further reduce the spread of infection.
If a guest is suspected to be positive, or turns out to be positive in a test, the room they occupy must undergo additional sterilisation procedures as endorsed by the authorities.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at Malls
Malls have been prescribed their own set of precautionary guidelines. They must enforce those guidelines and ensure that people follow all the directions set up by the authorities. All malls must have separately designated points of entry and exit. All such doors should be easily accessible and must be kept open at all times.
All the following zones the mall must undergo rigorous and regular disinfection procedures.
• Shopping carts from all the stores
• All window displays in all shops, which includes jewellery shops
• Elevator buttons, door handles and escalator handrails
• Food courts and nearby areas
• Children’s play areas
• All washrooms in the mall
• Information areas
Everybody, staff as well as visitors, entering the mall must undergo a mandatory temperature check. Nobody will be allowed to enter the mall without a face mask. Customers cannot test personal care products. Stores are requested to install cashless and contactless payment systems, if they don’t already have it. All crowded areas such as elevators and food courts must maintain the recommended social distancing norms.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at Water Parks
Usually, water parks are some of the most crowded tourist places in Dubai. Now owing to this pandemic, water parks now have to operate at their 50% capacity. They have to be extra vigilant to keep the spread of this disease in check.
All visitors, trainers, lifeguards and park staff must wear a face shield at all times. But they’re allowed to remove it while enjoying an activity that involves submersing face and body. The water park is required to follow all the hygiene and sanitisation procedures set by the Dubai Municipality. Visitors must maintain proper social distancing inside and outside the play areas.
If you’ve taken all the recommended safety precautions, Dubai will welcome you with open arms. Make sure you comply with all the safety guidelines for a hassle-free and safe Dubai holiday.
One of the top things to do in Dubai is a visit to an amusement park. We would say, if your children are older, go to IMG’s Worlds of Adventure. If they are younger, they would enjoy MotionGate Dubai.
If you it is within your budget, one of the signature things to do in Dubai is dine at Sean Connelly’s restaurant at the Dubai opera. Also, try and catch a show while you’re there. It’s a truly world-class experience and we promise you won’t come away disappointed.
Another one of the things to do in Dubai is a visit to the Dubai Mall. And the best way to do this is to take out time to do your individual shopping. Let your kids enjoy the mall’s many experiences tailored specially for children. You’ll find that they are so fabulous; you may have to drag your children away at the end of the day.
If you’re not visiting during the Dubai shopping festival, then plan a trip to the Dubai Outlet Mall in Dubailand. It is one of the best activities to do in Dubai, especially on a Monday when already discounted goods go down a further 50%. And these are couture labels we are talking about so it’s really worth the trek.
If you are a home décor fan, one of the best things to do in Dubai is to visit the massive IKEA store at Al Rebat Road in the Dubai Festival City mall. Don’t be surprised if you have excess baggage while leaving for home.
Tip: The linen section is well-stocked and IKEA’s linens last for years.
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Pack light! The Dubai Shopping Festival 2020-21 is here!
If there’s one festival that celebrates the love of shopping, great bargains, food, fireworks, festivities, fun, and carnivals, it’s got to be the magnificent Dubai Shopping Festival!
In its 24th year, the DSF 2020-21 promises to be bigger and better than ever, with massive discounts on everything from apparel, gold, cosmetics, watches, leather products, home decor, gadgets and even spices! It’s a great time to be here when the whole city transforms into a gala - with plenty of festivities everywhere and indulgent resorts in some of the most stunning places on earth.
DSF can get overwhelming to even seasoned shopaholics, but worry not, this guide will help you make the most of it. So, make sure you pack light, and maybe carry an extra suitcase or two… trust us, you’ll need it!
Best time to go to the Dubai Shopping Festival 2020-21
The month-long shopping extravaganza is on from 17th December 2020 right up till 30th January 2021. You can plan your trip anytime between these days, but remember that the best items fly off the shelves quickly, so you may not get the best items if you go too late. Although, you can grab some of the biggest discounts, towards the end too. Plan wisely!
What to fill your shopping cart with
Take your pick from over 700 brands offering discounts ranging from 25% to 75% across 3,200 outlets. Moreove, you can hunt for extra discounts on weekends and participate in daily raffle draws, with mega prizes. The best shopping places are not just restricted to malls; they include local hideouts, traditional souks and flea markets too. Everything under the sun is on discount here. Plus, you get the bonus advantage of shopping duty-free!
Here’s our pick on what should definitely be on your shopping list.
Love designer apparel? Then get ready to be spoilt for choice – you’ll find everything from sky-high Christian Louboutin’s to Prada, Gucci and more. it’s the perfect place to shop for a wardrobe revamp.
DSF is hands down the best place to shop for glittering gold jewellery, exquisitely embellished with platinum, diamonds and precious gems. The traditional Gold Souks are shoppers favourite haunts.
The Dubai Shopping Festival is a haven for gadget freaks, with everything from premium brands like Vertu, Apple, Bose and many more, at steal prices. Go early to find your favourite products, because they’re usually available till stocks last.
Visit the local Souks and brush up on your bargaining skills, to get some of the most exotic spices on earth like saffron, cinnamon, dates and more.
Take your pick of cosmetics and fragrances from luxury brands like Bvlgari and Burberry or exotic attars, a Dubai speciality. Watch connoisseurs can shop for all the luxury brands including, Cartier, Rado, Rolex, Breitling, Montblanc and more.
Dubai is famous for genuine leather products. With designer handbags, jackets, and more from luxury brands at steal prices.
Get discounts from 50% – 90% on lavish handmade carpets and rugs, furniture, and more to give your home the perfect revamp for 2020-21.
Best places to shop
Although the Dubai Shopping Festival is spread across the whole city, here are some spots you must not miss out on to shop for your favourites.
5 Insider shopping tips
We asked seasoned DSF shoppers to give us their secrets to finding the best deals. Here they are:
What to do when not shopping
The Dubai Shopping Festival 2020-21 is an experience of a lifetime, where you’ll come back home with not just amazing memories, but also suitcases full of all your favourite things! Check our website for tailor-made or pre-planned Dubai Tours, including the festival and all the must-visit hot spots!
