Dubai is a breathtaking city located in the United Arab Emirates on the coast of the Persian Gulf. It’s known for its futuristic architecture, extravagant shopping malls, and lavish hotels.
However, if you are planning your next vacation, you might ask, is Dubai worth visiting?
With its skyscrapers overlooking the city, luxurious resorts in every direction, and endless opportunities for adventure, Dubai has quickly become a popular travel destination for tourists from all over the world.
Dubai is also surrounded by nature, perfect for anyone interested in exploring the sand dunes of the desert, or swimming in the crystal clear blue waters.
If you are considering visiting Dubai, you are probably wondering what are some things to know before going and questioning if Dubai is worth visiting.
Here are a few things to know before visiting this beautiful United Arab Emirates city.
Reasons To Visit Dubai: The Pros
Whether you’re looking to indulge in high-end shopping, explore rich cultural heritage, or simply bask in the warm sunshine on pristine beaches, Dubai has something for everyone.
Excellent Shopping
A huge reason that many people travel to Dubai is the excellent shopping.
Dubai is known worldwide for its over-the-top shopping scene and has everything from high-end designer stores to high-street chains.
There are some of the biggest and most extravagant shopping malls in the world in Dubai, including the Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates.
Both of these are definitely worth a visit and you could get lost in there for a whole day if you wanted to!
The Dubai Mall is the largest shopping mall in the world and is home to over one thousand stores.
Here you can find all the designer brands you could think of including Gucci, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton.
You can also shop in Zara, H&M, and several other mid-range stores as well as Sephora and some of the best beauty stores in the world.
If you want to take a break from shopping, the Dubai Mall features a huge variety of restaurants, an aquarium, and an indoor ice rink.
Another great spot for shopping is the Mall of the Emirates. This also features all the stores you could possibly need for a day of shopping and is home to an indoor ski slope.
If you’re looking for souvenirs or something more traditional, you can visit Dubai’s souks. These are markets rich in culture and give you a look into the past of Dubai.
The Gold Souk is a popular tourist spot as it is a bustling marketplace filled with gold jewelry and precious stones.
Luxury Hotels
Another thing many people associate with Dubai is its wide range of luxury hotels.
Here you can find some of the most luxurious, over-the-top, and expensive hotels in the world.
From towering skyscrapers to luxurious resorts, Dubai’s hospitality industry is known for its lavish amenities, impeccable service, and stunning design.
Some of the top luxury hotels that you can either stay in or visit their restaurant or café, are the Burj Al Arab, the Armani Hotel, and Atlantis the Palm.
The Burj Al Arab, one of the most iconic hotels in Dubai, is often referred to as the world’s most luxurious hotel.
It is uniquely shaped like a sailboat and is situated on a private island. You can enjoy the hotel’s private beach and underwater restaurant here.
Atlantis, The Palm, located on the Palm Jumeirah island, is another popular choice for luxury accommodation. The resort is great for families as it has a range of entertainment options, including an aquarium and waterpark.
The Armani Hotel, located in the Burj Khalifa, offers guests a truly luxurious experience.
Designed by renowned fashion designer Giorgio Armani, the hotel features a sleek and modern aesthetic, with stunning views of the city skyline.
Architecture
One of the most stand-out things about Dubai has to be the impressive architectural wonders around the city.
This includes the tallest building in the world, several staggering skyscrapers, giant malls, and luxury resorts.
Aside from the futuristic modern architecture throughout Dubai, it also incorporates some traditional Islamic designs.
This can be seen in the intricate geometric patterns and calligraphy on several buildings throughout Dubai. Most notably, the Jumeirah Mosque.
This is one of the most beautiful mosques in the city and it gives you a look into Islamic culture through its architecture.
Adventure
Something you may not have considered when planning a trip to Dubai is the adrenaline-pumping adventures that are on offer here.
These include a crazy 4×4 desert safari across the sand dunes, indoor skiing on the world’s largest indoor ski slope, and skydiving over the iconic Palm Jumeirah island.
There are also several waterparks with some of the world’s best waterslides and wave pools!
Beaches
Another huge draw for tourists to this area is the stunning beaches on offer in Dubai. Here you will find some of the most pristine and well-kept beaches in the world.
The water is crystal clear here and has a comfortable temperature all year round. You will also enjoy the white soft sandy beaches which are kept in immaculate condition for beach lovers.
One of the most popular beaches, Jumeirah Beach, offers lots of activities for you to enjoy on your beach day, including jet skis, snorkeling, and swimming.
Staying In Dubai?
Make sure to book a stay in one of the best hotels in Dubai.
Best hostel: Alphatel Beach Hostel
Best mid-range hotel: Avani Palm View Dubai Hotel
Best luxury hotel: Rixos The Palm Luxury Suite
Reasons To Visit Dubai: The Cons
Although the pros may seem to outweigh the cons, there are a couple of things to know when traveling to Dubai, as these particular cons may influence your United Arab Emirates travel plans.
Expensive
The main con of visiting Dubai is the fact that it is expensive. As it is home to so many luxury amenities, it has a very high-end lifestyle which comes at a price.
Accommodation, shopping, and restaurants can all be quite expensive in Dubai as well as any excursions you might want to do.
If you are a budget traveler, do your research beforehand, but it may not be the place for you.
Conservative Culture
Something to note, that isn’t necessarily a con, but may not be ideal for some individuals, is the fact that Dubai has a very conservative culture.
Because of this, you need to be aware of dress codes and local customs.
Although the weather is extremely hot, you will need to cover your shoulders and knees for the most part, especially if you are a female traveler.
It’s also good to note that alcohol is heavily regulated and not widely available. You will be able to consume it in your hotel bar and in certain designated areas, but you will pay a premium price for this.
While traveling in Dubai, keep in mind that public displays of affection are not allowed and can carry a hefty punishment.
Try to be respectful of local customs at all times while in the United Arab Emirates.
Extreme Heat
Something to be aware of before traveling to Dubai is the fact that it is located in a desert climate.
This means that the temperates can reach an extremely hot level, especially during the summer months.
With these scorching temperatures, it may be almost impossible to explore the city during the day or enjoy the beaches. Due to these high temperatures, it is best to avoid Dubai during the summer months.
The Final Verdict: So Is Dubai Worth Visiting?
So is Dubai nice, and is Dubai worth visiting? Absolutely!
Dubai may not be top of your list to visit. However, it definitely should be. It is a city filled with architecture, shopping, and history and surrounded by desert and beaches.
Imagine waking up and taking a stroll through the Old Town before heading out to one of the pristine beaches and ending the day shopping and dining in the Dubai Mall.
Now, the next step is to think about how many days in Dubai you’ll need.
Doesn’t that sound just perfect?
So is Dubai worth visiting? Yes indeed.
It is the perfect spot for a 3-4 day vacation to relax, explore and enjoy everything that the United Arab Emirates has to offer.
If you’re visiting the United Arab Emirates soon, learn how to buy a Dubai SIM card.
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