Dubai has a rich cultural heritage. The first people to set foot and settle in Dubai were nomadic shepherds in 2500 BC, who began to make a living from agriculture and camel breeding. From the 12th century onwards, the pearl trade developed alongside fishing, followed by gold, spices and textiles. This gave rise to the souks you can visit in Dubai.
To learn more about Dubai’s heritage, there’s no better place than the Dubai Museum, housed in Al Fahidi Fort in Dubai’s historic old quarter.
Now home to over 3 million inhabitants, the city has gradually expanded to create distinct neighborhoods that combine the traditional and the modern.
In this article, I won’t talk about restaurants, cafés, clubs or hotels in particular: there’s something for every taste and budget! I assure you.
Here’s a tour of the city’s main districts and must-see sights, as well as activities to suit your travel profile for an unforgettable experience.
A first visit should start in the historic Al Fahidi district, located along Dubai Creek, to understand the city’s past, discover its heritage, traditions and the culture of its people. Stroll through the narrow streets of the traditional old town of Al Bastakiya, then cross the Crique on board an abra, a traditional Arab boat, to reach the northern part of Dubai, Deira.
Discover the souk of spices and gold. Take note of the signs indicating the price of gold if you want to buy jewelry, you’ll have to negotiate. Ignore the flapjacks who sell fakes. For a full immersion experience, visit the Heritage House (free) to see how a home of yesteryear was organized, or the Al Shindagha Museum to understand the history of the city and the perfume trade within the Emirates.
Al Seef is a modern representation of the ancient city. The walk is well laid out and pleasant under the stretched canvases, where you can take a break from the heat. It’s possible to hop on a boat for a cruise on Dubai Creek or simply browse the pretty stores and enjoy the views over the creek. Looking for a fun activity for just an hour? You can have fun at the Museum of Illusions.
The Dubai Frame was designed by architect Fernando Donis to bridge the gap between old and new Dubai. So, when you look at one side of the frame, you see the more historic area of Dubai, while on the other side you see impressive modern skyscrapers. The Dubai Frame tour is quick (30-45 minutes), but I really enjoyed it, especially the 4-minute film on the future of the city at the end of the tour. Magnificent and impressive! Get your tickets in advance to make sure you can visit.
Let’s move on to the best-known district, home to the famous Burj Khalifa. If you’ve come from far away, you’ll want to admire it from all angles, so impressive is this skyscraper!
On a first visit, a visit to At The Top is almost essential, to get a panoramic view of the city from the top of the 125th floor of the Burj Khalifa or the 148th floor. For a different experience, a lounge at levels 152,153 and 154 allows you to have brunch or tea in the clouds or an evening drink under the stars.
Continue with some window shopping in the Dubai Mall. You’ll also find a host of activities: a haunted house, an aquarium and underwater zoo, virtual reality activities, go-karting, ice skating, and a flight simulator aboard an Emirates A380.
Finally, take an evening stroll outside along the artificial lake, where 24 fountain shows take place every 30 minutes between 6pm and 11pm. Climb aboard a boat for an even more unique experience, or take a seat at one of the nearby restaurants to make sure you don’t miss any of the action.
The DIFC district (Dubai’s financial district) is a new district. Stores, cafés, restaurants and galleries can all be found here, but above all the Museum of the Future, where you can discover futuristic concepts. The structure is a masterpiece of engineering and well worth a look. You won’t be able to miss it anyway. A place of learning, experience and challenge for adults and children alike.
I love this area because it offers magnificent views of the Burj Al Arab. It is close to the shops, the Marina and the Jumeirah palm tree. And the beach is big and public. Cafés and restaurants also offer a simple, summery and relaxing atmosphere for the whole family.
Dubai has a number of amusement parks for families, including the Wild Wadi water park, outdoor games on the beach and a skate park. Others will enjoy kite surfing, kayaking or running. A few minutes away, take a stroll to the Madinat Jumeirah, another neighborhood built in the style of traditional bazaars. We’re going back in time here!
At the end of the day, let yourself be seduced by a memorable sunset on the beach.
The Marina impressed me with its multiple skyscrapers built around an artificial canal. The walk along the riverbank is a pleasant one, but I suggest you take it in the evening when it’s cooler. Why not have dinner on one of the pleasure boats that will take you on a tour of the Marina in the middle of these tours?
There are shopping malls (The Beach and Marina Mall), a long sandy beach, restaurants and cafés.
The beach isn’t what won me over the most. Nothing special in itself. It’s busy with tourists, but offers great views of the Bluewaters. Find a place away from buildings. Several water activities such as sailing or water skiing are possible. Otherwise, licking on his towel is perfectly respectable. A classic seaside atmosphere.
If your heart’s set on it, I suggest you cross the Marina on the XLine, the world’s longest and fastest urban zip-line (from age 12).
Stroll through the new Bluewaters district and climb to the top of the world’s largest Ferris wheel, the Dubai Eye. You will have a breathtaking view of the Marina and JBR as well as the Jumeirah palm tree. The shops and the wheel opened in the year 2020.
There are a few cafés, restaurants, bars, clubs, shops, a grocery store, etc. It’s a place that hasn’t yet been discovered by tourists.
Over the years, Dubai has built 3 artificial archipelagos in the shape of palm trees:
The most interesting of the archipelagos is Jumeirah Palm, which has now been completed. You can get there by metro and take the monorail to Atlantis, otherwise the easiest way is by taxi/Uber.
The Atlantis hotel offers a wide range of activities, including the Aquaventure theme park and Dolphin Bay aquarium. And why not book the underwater restaurant L’Ossiano for an exceptional evening or a beach afternoon.
For those who would like to shop, there is the center commercial Nakheel. Hotels are also accessible even if you’re not a customer. There’s nothing to stop you having a drink and enjoying the outdoor facilities, and there are plenty of good restaurants to try too.
The Pointe is the perfect place to stroll and watch the kids run around or play in the sand, all with a beautiful view of Atlantis. End the evening in a shisha bar to watch the world’s largest fountains.
For those who would like to discover Muslim culture, it is possible to take a guided tour of the Jumeirah Mosque (the only one to offer this to non-Muslims).
A little further along Jumeirah Street is the Etihad Museum. Learn more about the creation of the United Arab Emirates, based on an agreement signed by the seven Emirates in 1971.
For those in the know, La Mer was located on the seafront. The facilities have been demolished and will soon make way for three beach clubs and a dozen restaurants.
The first activity that comes to mind when you arrive as a couple is booking a desert safari. You could also link this with a dinner in a Bedouin tent like the old-fashioned way. Nothing could be more romantic, you’ll see!
Visitors are often offered the chance to surf the dunes, ride a quad bike, or even enjoy a magical morning with hot-air balloons! Orient Tours, whose services are described below, can help you plan to suit your tastes.
Treat yourself to a helicopter or plane ride over the city, the Jumeirah palm tree or The World, a project of 300 artificial islands representing the world.
A feet-in-the-air meal at Zero Gravity or a dinner cruise on a Marina boat is another idea.
Sunsets in Dubai are fabulous and very romantic. So here are a few suggestions:
Finally, for those who just want to relax and enjoy the breathtaking views, or surprise a partner, you can book a cabana during the day, sip a nice cocktail and enjoy the heated pool at the Aura Skypool.
The activities are numerous, it all depends on your desires. If you prefer to make a cultural, traditional or relaxing trip!
A ride in the desert on a camel? Visit the camel farm at Al Lisaili, 30 minutes from Dubai, where you can also feed the camels and other animals with your children (over 10 years old for the ride).
Why not try Open-Air Cinema? Several locations organize screenings, some of them free, of cult films.
In admiration of acrobats? The La Perle show next door to the V Hotel Dubai | Curio Collection by Hilton is just the place for an eye-popping evening.
Looking for a challenge? Play an escape game on your own, as a couple or as a family!
In the Al Wasl neighbourhood, you can enjoy The Green Planet. It’s a tropical forest in a greenhouse, home to reptiles, birds and many other animal species. The location offers magnificent views of the Burj Khalifa. Once the tour is over, cross the road and take a stroll along the City Walk. Cafés, restaurants and a few boutiques can be found here. The place is nice in the evening. It’s also home to the Canadian University of Dubai!
At night, take the whole family to Dubai Garden Glow, which includes the Dinosaur Park as well as the Ice Park and Art Park. Everything is illuminated, an enchanting world for young and old. Finally, for a touch of illusion, there’s Magic Park.
Finally, Creek Park is a pleasant place to spend a quiet weekend with the family (admission 5 AED). You can plan a picnic or barbecue here, take a lovely stroll along the creek, then visit the planetarium or Children’s City with the kids, or even go swimming with the dolphins at Dolphinariu if that’s one of your oldest dreams.
In the same district, Adventure Zone is a huge indoor playground for the whole family. With climbing courses, accrobranche, zip lines, trampolines, skateboards and more, there’s plenty to keep you entertained and take your mind off things. Another sports complex, the BOUNCE Dubai offers trampolines to let off steam with the family.
At Mushrif Park, you can go for a walk, ride a bike, have a BBQ, let your kids play in the playgrounds or head off to the Aventura Parks adventure park. Not far away, children who love contact with animals should be happy with the Dubai Safari Park or the Dubai Crocodile Park.
The Miracle Garden is a flowery park where it is pleasant to walk. Beautiful decorations for children and adults alike, including an Emirates A380 covered in flowers.
The Global Village is a theme park for the whole family with entertainment, shops, restaurants and rides that takes you on a journey around the world.
If you’re looking to have fun with the kids, you’ll have no trouble in Dubai! Here are a few ideas for outings that might appeal to them and make a change from conventional tours:
For sports enthusiasts, Dubai boasts a number of golf courses, including Dubai Creek near DXB International Airport, Dubai Hills and the Emirates Golf Club and Topgolf Dubai near the marina.
Just 20 minutes from Dubai, watch a cricket tournament at the Dubai International Stadium. There are also regular shows. Nearby, for F1 and thrill-seekers, try your hand at driving a race car or racing a go-kart on a professional rally circuit, or watch one of the races.
For those who like to run, cycle or simply walk, the walk along the Dubai Water Canal (between the Bay of Business and Jumeirah Beach) is perfect and offers beautiful views of Dubai’s skyscrapers. Next, join Safa Park, a large green park offering beautiful views of the skyscrapers of the downtown district.
For speed freaks, head to the autodrome, a racetrack where you can drive a racing car, go-kart or even a retro car!
Once a year is held the Desert Warrior Challenge, an event for those who love obstacles and racing all in an exceptional setting.
If you’re in the mood for a game of tennis, badminton, squash and more, head to Dubai Sports World in the World Trade Centre district.
For those who would like to jump… into the void by parachute, take the plunge with Skydive Dubai and experience an intense and unforgettable moment.
Snow-starved Canadians? The Emirates Mall has ski slopes! Ski lessons are available, as well as sledging and penguin encounters.
For golf lovers, there is no lack of choice, there are courses everywhere! And if you’re looking to improve your swing, why not take a one-to-one lesson with a professional?
Finally, in a different spirit, you could go horseback riding in one of the many riding schools or attend a horse or camel race!
If you’ve got time and like to have a bit of fun, I recommend a trip to Hatta National Park, the trendy new hub in a superb natural setting.
In addition to its Heritage Village, a reconstruction of a traditional mountain village, the town is the new address for adventurers who want to get out in nature: mountain hiking, biking (rental with equipment), kayaking, paddling or canyoning, archery, parachute jumping, a water park, airbag jumping, carting or zorbing (ball filled with air), rock climbing or even camping and barbecuing, yikes. Picnic areas are also available.
Not far away, a non-sporting visit, but one that would be a shame to miss for the experience, that of a visit to a local beekeeping farm.
How can you not talk about shopping when you talk about Dubai? It contains centers commercial and shopping areas, some of which I can’t talk about.
For a traditional walk, visit its souks. Between spices, gold, fabrics, souvenirs, you will find everything. You can do business in Bur Dubai or Deira. But also at the Médinah Jumeirah under beautiful modern wooden arcades (less racy). Finally you also have the luxurious souk Al Bahar near the Dubai Mall, far from the traditional ones.
When it comes to shopping, I recommend you visit the classics: the Dubai Mall, but also the Emirates Mall, even if it’s just for window shopping, and finally the IBN Battuba Mall. The latter has been decorated on the theme of travel, to see!
I know that for some people it’s a bit crazy to want to visit a shopping mall, but sometimes the architecture is crazy and worth a look, especially for this one!
Last but not least, the Dubai Festival City center also offers a multitude of activities.
Dubai is no stranger to art lovers. I’m thinking of several places in particular that offer art galleries, exhibitions or events:
Each of these squares offers free exhibitions, stores, cafés and libraries. You may even come across some beautiful vintage cars on Aserkal Avenue.
Finally, find out about the various events that could take place at Expo 2020, where the Dubai World Expo took place. We were there for the occasion, and the crazy installations have mostly stayed put.
You can visit Dubai on your own, or with the services of an agency. On one of my previous trips, I enjoyed those of Agence Orient Tours, recommended by Tourisme Dubaï and one of today’s leading tourism agencies, specializing in all kinds of tailor-made experiences. In particular, it offers :
Orient Tours works with companies and travel agencies around the world, booking hotels, restaurants, car rentals, group tours, multilingual tour guides and more.
Their main ambition is to provide you with tailor-made experiences to discover the country’s traditional culture, religion and gastronomy with its various tours.
The advantage of this agency is thatit creates and operates its own activities. The prices are attractive and competitive, and the team reliable and professional. All you have to do is say what you like and let yourself be led!
Thanks to Orient Tours, I was able to spend a whole day visiting the most famous and off-the-beaten-track sites with my French-speaking guide. The following day, a second day was organized around Hatta National Park, including an excursion into the desert for dune bashing and a visit to a beekeeping farm.
To pay for your activities on site, don’t hesitate to use a card with no foreign currency conversion fees, such as the Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card, which also offers you 6 accesses to airport VIP lounges.
As we’ve done a lot of reporting on Marriott hotels in Dubai, we’ve put it all together here to help you make a choice when booking.
Emirates and Air Canada operate non-stop flights to Dubai from three Canadian cities: Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. As Emirates is a partner of Air Canada and the Aeroplan program, YUL-DXB and YYZ-DXB flights can be booked with Aeroplan points.
Expect just over 50,000 points for a one-way economy flight and around 110,000 points for a business-class seat (with nearly $115 in fees and taxes). Emirates’ famous First Class is even available on flights between Toronto and Dubai!
Alternatively, options with stopovers are available from Qatar Airways with Avios and Air France with Flying Blue miles. Flights from Toronto or Montreal to Dubai (with a stopover in Doha) are priced at a flat rate of 37,500 Avios in economy class and 75,000 Avios in business class, plus around $220 in taxes.
With Air France and Flying Blue, fares are dynamic. However, there are some good deals to be found, such as this flight with a stopover in Paris for 30,000 Flying Blue miles and $230 in taxes for Economy class.
Many people ask when to move to Dubai, and it’s a valid question. It would be a shame not to be able to enjoy it because of the heat. Ideally, I’d recommend going between November and April, when temperatures generally stay between 20 and 30 degrees.
Before you leave, take note of these principles:
When visiting the United Arab Emirates, it’s important to respect certain rules regarding dress. In public places, it is recommended that women wear respectful clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. It would be best if you carried a scarf in your bag; it will always help you.
If you visit a mosque, your outfit should be respectful, not tight or transparent. Women must cover their hair and body from head to toe.
It’s possible to explore Dubai without spending a single dirham. Take in the dazzling spectacle of the Dubai Fountains, located at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, offering synchronized aquatic performances to captivating melodies. The beach at JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) invites you to relax in the sun or take part in free beach activities. Don’t miss the chance to discover local art and culture by visiting the art galleries in the Al Quoz district, including the famous Alserkal Avenue. For an enriching cultural experience, explore the Souk Madinat Jumeirah, where admission is free to admire its traditional architecture and picturesque canals.
Dubai is a city of fun and adventure, offering a multitude of activities for all ages. Thrill-seekers will love theme parks like IMG Worlds of Adventure and Dubai Parks and Resorts, which includes Motiongate, Bollywood Parks, and LEGOLAND. Aquaventure Waterpark on The Palm and Wild Wadi Waterpark are perfect for cooling off and having fun at the same time. For a unique experience, try indoor skiing at Ski Dubai or take to the skies with a free-fall simulator at iFly.
Dubai is full of wonderful places to wander and explore, whether in the city or in the countryside. For an urban experience, don’t miss a stroll along the Dubai Marina, where illuminated skyscrapers are reflected in the water. The historic Al Fahidi district offers a glimpse of traditional Dubai, with its narrow streets and coral buildings. For a touch of greenery, head to the Dubai Miracle Garden, the world’s largest flower garden, or stroll through Safa and Zabeel parks for a relaxing break in the middle of the city.
Walking is easy in the same neighbourhood. But as soon as you want to get out, you will have to choose a means of transport. Dubai offers a range of different options to suit your budget.
The most economical will be the subway. A trip costs between 4 and 8 AED, and day passes are available. It’s up to you to assess whether the cost will be worthwhile. Be aware that once out of the metro, you may have a long walk to make before reaching your destination. On average, expect to pay less than AED 30 for a 10-minute cab ride.
Cabs are the most common means of transport in Dubai, as are Uber and Careem (the local Uber). Download the applications for the latter two. Make a request on Uber, for example, to get an idea of how much your trip would cost, then see if a cab would be cheaper. Cost may vary depending on traffic. In cabs, make sure the driver starts his meter.
Finally, renting a car is possible and may be the solution if you have a lot of trips planned, are several or with children. Parking is free everywhere, and gasoline is inexpensive. You just have to be careful with the driving of the locals who sometimes drive fast and can cut the road. Have your international permit with you.
Download the applications Emirates, Visit Dubai or DHA (for Coronavirus tests), Uber or EatApp to reserve a table at the restaurant.
Last but not least, any host will offer you a taste of the country’s dates, accompanied by an Arabic coffee or tea. And don’t forget to try the delicious Arabic pastries.
Dubai is an increasingly touristy city, which can quickly become crowded, so don’t hesitate to book your activities, restaurants or hotels as early as possible to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
For even more activities, check out these websites:
Enjoy your trip to the United Arab Emirates! If you like our suggestions, please feel free to share this article with others.
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