Whether you’re travelling solo or with the family, vibrant, ever-evolving Dubai has a little something for every traveller
So you’ve landed in Dubai with 48 hours to fit in as much as you can of the Middle East’s most dynamic city. While the vibrant United Arab Emirates metropolis may be famous for its beaches and the world’s tallest building, you’ll not be short of other exploits to fill your time, appetite and Instagram feed.
To get an idea of your bearings, The Dubai Frame (above) gives a spectacular 360-degree view of the city’s evolving skyline, including older districts and its newer additions.
This striking blend of observatory, museum, and monument beside the rich greenery of Zabeel Park holds a record as the world’s largest frame; at a height of 150m, its 95m span includes a transparent walkway for the more daring. Dubai Frame is also close to a Dubai Metro station for access to many attractions if you wish to mix public transport with the abundance of affordable city taxis.
Past, Present & Future
A few stops one way takes you to Dubai Creek, the trading birthplace of the city where just Dh1 (US$0.27 cents) still gets you an abra boat ride (below) to the gold and spice souk on one side, and museums, fabrics, ceramics and souvenirs of the historic Al Fahidi and Ghubaiba areas on the other. Be prepared for light-hearted sales banter…and a haggle over prices should you purchase.
Heading south on the same metro red line gets you to one of Dubai’s newest hotspots; the Museum of the Future (MOTF) is an award-winning unique landmark and attraction (above).
Through several themed and immersive future environments, visitors discover a version of the planet around 50 years from now, with aspects of technology, science, and even spirituality informing imagined possibilities.
An iconic Insta-friendly facade, comprising 1,024 unique stainless steel composite panels, is adorned with Arabic calligraphy featuring quotes from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai, making the museum simply stunning day, or night.
Epic Retail Temptation
Another place with the future in mind is Dubai Mall; already home to 1,200-plus stores and dozens of restaurants, it recently announced plans to expand further. A couple of metro stops, or a swift cab trip on from MOTF, you’ll find more than enough to keep your wallet busy, and your step count healthy.
Head outside for that essential selfie with the magnificent Burj Khalifa – at 828 metres and 163 floors high, still the planet’s tallest building. However, if you wish to visit viewing decks such as At The Top (below), be sure to book tickets before you travel as places are limited and fill up fast.
Myriad dining experiences beckon in and around Dubai Mall, but if there’s little agreement on cuisine style then head to the adjacent Souk Al Bahar, where the Time Out Market (below) offers numerous homegrown outlets such as Thai food haven Cafe Isan and Masti for Indian innovation, in a slick food hall and bar setting.
If the weather is cool enough, sit outside for views of the eye-catching concert venue Dubai Opera and the Dubai Fountains with soundtracked displays nightly, at every half hour.
Modern Comforts
As easy as it is to load every waking hour with thrills, flavours and wardrobe replenishment, sleep has to figure somehow. But it too can be a highlight in a city with more hotels than you can shake a credit card at.
Huge variety runs from the traditional feel of Creek-side heritage hotels to the cool, modern lines of ME Dubai. Well placed for Dubai Downtown and Burj Khalifa, the 93-room Melia-managed property stands out for its seemingly molten exterior and fluid, arty interiors, designed by pioneering architect Zaha Hadid.
Even more modern opulence and architectural originality are on offer across town at the Atlantis The Royal. Occupying a prime spot on the Palm Jumeirah, this huge, unconventionally-designed hotel with 795 rooms, suites and penthouses found the global radar when Beyonce delivered an exclusive opening night show.
The stunning Cloud 22 rooftop pool, Nobu By The Beach, and celebrity F&B outlets such as Dinner By Heston Blumenthal are among the highlights.
Families can also conveniently access the Aquaventure Waterpark and the Lost Chambers Aquarium at sister hotel Atlantis The Palm. With more than 105 record-breaking slides, attractions, and experiences, the former is touted as the world’s largest while 65,000 animals call the latter home.
Dessert Snow
Batteries charged overnight and you’re not far from a ski slope; while the notion of snow in a desert environment may perplex, Ski Dubai (below) is actually a popular haunt for both residents and visitors alike. It forms part of the Mall of the Emirates shopping centre and includes a chance to meet a family of penguins.
With the adrenaline rushes catered to, the culture itch can be further scratched by a short cab hop to Alserkal Avenue, Dubai’s vibrant contemporary art, design and performance hub, set amid the industrial warehouses of Al Quoz district.
Here visitors can gaze upon – and purchase – work from quirky newcomers through to regional calligraphy star eL Seed, and high-end visiting exhibitions via galleries such as Carbon 12 or Third Line.
If it is Saturday afternoon and you have kids, The Jam Jar hosts ‘Sip, Snack & Paint’ workshops. And you might coincide your visit with live music at The Fridge.
There’s also a vintage car showroom and several trendy independent eating opportunities such as Wild & The Moon and Pekoe.
You’re also in the vicinity for a reckless time at The Smash Room, a facility that invites customers to destroy old tech, from TVs to printers, in funky but safe surroundings. The region’s first-of-its-kind attraction is open to all ages.
Heritage Feel
If you’re still seeking souvenirs or more traditional vibes, the Arabic architecture of Souk Madinat Jumeirah supports a retail web of narrow covered walkways lined with antiquities, snazzy beachwear boutiques, and the innovative Theatre of Digital Art (below) with an immersive programme of art and music shows.
You can also indulge in more dining opportunities – such as Lebanese goodness at Al Makan or good value local chain The Noodle House – some besides manmade canals and more abra boats, these connecting visitors to adjacent hotels.
Walk around and you’ll find prime spots from which to snap the famous sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel (below) nearby.
A few minutes onwards by taxi, The Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina is a family-friendly five-star property that allows guests entry to the Jungle Bay Waterpark at the neighbouring Le Meridien resort.
The Westin’s neoclassical design yields a range of room types and plentiful F&B choices; check out vibrant Spanish eatery El Sur, or more options at the neighbouring Marriott sister properties, including W Mina Seyahi’s lively ATTIKO, or enduring ex-pat favourite Barasti next door.
If your travelling companions are the competitive type, you might want a spin around BattleKart to help blow off some steam before you fly home.
Mixing video games, augmented reality and e-karting, this on-trend entertainment experience in Dubai Investment Park is open to anyone over 1.45m in height.
Get ready, set, go…
