What are the must-do activities in Dubai?

First, I would like to introduce you to the Orient Tours agency, recommended by Visit Dubai, to get to know Dubai better. A renowned agency founded in 1982, pioneering tourism in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman. It is one of the largest tourism agencies today, specializing in all kinds of tailor-made experiences. With this agency, you can get:

• city tours
• desert and mountain safaris
• balloon rides, seaplane rides and cruises
• activities

The city now has a population of over 3 million and has gradually expanded to create multiple distinct neighbourhoods, consisting of skyscrapers, residences and single-family homes.

In this article, I won’t talk about restaurants, cafes, clubs or hotels in particular: the offer is really wide, there is something for all tastes and budgets! I assure you.

Here is a tour of the main areas of the city and their attractions as well as activities by profile that I suggest for an unforgettable experience.

Al Seef is a traditional representation of the old city in a more modern way. The walk is well laid out and pleasant under the canvases stretched in places sheltered from the heat. Boats are waiting for you to cross or cruise the Dubai Creek.

Beautiful shops and nice views!

The Dubai Frame was designed by architect Fernando Donis to link the old and new Dubai. Thus, when you look at one side of the frame, you can see the more historic area of Dubai while on the other side you can see impressive modern skyscrapers.

The visit is quick (30-45 minutes) but it’s an attraction that I really enjoyed, especially the film presented at the end of the visit of more than 4 minutes on the future of the city. Beautiful and impressive!

At night, I suggest you go with your family to the Dubai Garden Glow which includes the Dinosaur Park as well as the Ice Park and the Art Park. Everything is illuminated, an enchanting world for young and old. Finally, for a touch of illusion, you have Magic Park.

Let’s continue to the most famous district, where the famous Burj Khalifa is located. When you come from far away, you try to admire it from everywhere, so impressive is this skyscraper!

During a first visit, a passage At The Top is almost indispensable in order to have a panoramic view of the city from 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.

In the shopping mall Dubai Mall there are various activities such as a haunted house, an aquarium and an underwater zoo, virtual reality activities, go-karting, skating, or flight simulation aboard a A380 of Emirates.

Finally, find an evening terrace overlooking the man-made lake to watch one of the 24 free Dubai Fountain Shows that take place between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. every 30 minutes.

I like this area because it offers beautiful 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.

Several games in the corner for children such as the water park Wild Wadi, outdoor games on the beach or 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!

I recommend the sunset at the end of the day on the beach, you will keep a memorable memory of it.

The Marina impressed me with its multiple skyscrapers built around an artificial canal.

I felt small, a little like when I first discovered New York. I liked the walk along the shoreline and suggest you do it at nightfall.

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?

Commercial centers are present for those who would like to shop (The Beach and Marina Mall) but also a long sandy beach, restaurants and cafes.

The beach isn’t the thing that won me over the most. Nothing special in itself. It is occupied by many tourists but allows you to enjoy a beautiful view of 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 is set on it, I suggest you cross the Marina with the XLine, the longest and fastest urban zip line in the world (from 12 years old).

Stroll through the new Bluewaters district and climb to the top of the world’s largest Ferris wheel, the Eye of Dubai. 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. A place preserved from tourism because little known yet.

Over the years, Dubai has built 3 artificial archipelagos in the shape of palm trees:

• Palm Jebel Ali: a project one and a half times the size of Jumeirah – unfinished.
• Palm Jumeirah: the one that hosts Atlantis and is the smallest archipelago – complete.
• Deira Islands: le plus grand des trois – inachevé.

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!

Other ideas in the desert: surf the dunes, drive a quad bike, or even treat yourself to an early morning hot air balloon ride – it’s magical! Orient Tours can help you plan all this.

Treat yourself to a helicopter or plane ride to fly over the city, the Jumeirah palm tree or The World, a project of 300 artificial islands representing the world.

A meal with your feet up in the air at Zero Gravity or a dinner cruise on a boat in the Marina is another idea.

The sunsets are fabulous in Dubai and remain very romantic. So here are a few suggestions:

• Meet at the end of the day at Dubai Creek Harbour to watch one of the most beautiful sunsets over the city of Dubai. A very pleasant walk along the marina dock. Work has also begun on the world’s next tallest skyscraper, the Dubai Creek Tower. In the future, it will be possible to stroll around Dubai Square, inspired by the most beautiful districts in the world.
• Before going to the Dubai Opera, I suggest you watch the sunset over the Burj Khalifa as you exit the Dubai Mall.
• Book at the restaurant Shimmers, a few steps away from the Burj Al Arab and take the opportunity to tread the sand by moonlight before leaving. Magic.

For those who like running, cycling or just walking, the walk along the
Dubai Water Canal
(between Business Bay and Jumeirah Beach) is perfect and offers beautiful views of Dubai’s skyscrapers. Join the parc Safa then, a large green park that offers beautiful views of the skyscrapers of the downtown district.

For the speed freaks, go to the autodrome, a racetrack to drive a racing car, a go-kart or even a vintage 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 want to let off steam together, you can go to the Dubai Sports World for a game of tennis, badminton, squash, etc, in the World Trade center district.

For those who would like to jump… into the void with a parachute, launch yourself with the skydive Dubai and live an intense and unforgettable moment.

Running out of snow dear Canadians? The Emirates Mall offers ski slopes ! Skiing lessons are available, as well as tobogganing runs or meeting penguins.

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 another spirit, you could go horseback riding in one of the many centers equestrian or attend a horse or camel race!

How can you not talk about shopping when you’re talking 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 to the Medinah Jumeirah under beautiful modern wooden arcades (less racc raccoleur). Finally you also have the luxurious souk Al Bahar near the Dubai Mall, far from the traditional ones.

On the shopping mall side, I recommend you to visit the classics of course: the Dubai Mall, but also the Emirates Mall even if it is only 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 commercial center but sometimes the architecture is crazy and is worth a look, especially for the latter!

Finally the center Dubai Festival City also brings together a multitude of activities.

The city of Dubai is not free of art lovers. I am thinking of several places in particular that offer art galleries, exhibitions or events:

• the Jamel Art Center.
• the space Foundry in Downtown Dubai
• Aserkal Avenue at Al Quoz
• the Dubai Design District

Each of these places offer free exhibitions, shops, cafés or library. You may even come across some beautiful vintage cars on Aserkal Avenue.

The goal is to bring humanity together to remember what unites us, celebrate the human spirit and highlight great examples of collaboration and innovation from around the world. The theme of Expo 2020 in Dubai is “Connecting Minds, Building the Future”.

For 6 months, starting October 1st 2021, the exhibition will welcome the humans of tomorrow (artists, pioneers, leaders, chefs, etc) with a rich cultural program mixing technology, culinary specialties and world music.

A journey representing more than 190 countries around the world to share ideas on innovation and progress through the following sub-themes:

• the square of opportunity: building the future by unleashing the potential of individuals and communities.
• the mobility triangle: developing intelligent movement of people.
• the circle of sustainability: Respecting the world around us for a sustainable future.

These three sub-themes are found in the design of the site’s master plan, a flower and its three petals. Each theme district will include innovative galleries, parks, outdoor gardens, and food and beverage areas. The Al Wasl square of the Arabic word “connection” will be the focal point of the entire Expo 2020, a steel piece that should surprise many, I say no more!

A magical tree, two intrepid Emirati brother and sister and three guardian robots will be the mascots of Expo 2020 to launch this adventure through time and space.

4 main entries will be available. The site will be accessible in 15 minutes by metro from center.

Namely, the site cultivates all its flowers and plants, all its trees.

• When you make your hotel reservation, expect 20AED per room per night on your final bill.
• Download the applications Emirates, Visit Dubai or DHA (for Coronavirus tests), Uber or EatApp to reserve a table at the restaurant.
• Be aware of the dress code everywhere you go, especially in places of worship.
• Do not possess or consume alcohol in an outdoor public place.
• Do not take a picture of anyone without their permission.
• Know a few Arabic words: you will be even more respected and appreciated!
• Most of the parking lots are free.
• Don’t leave without tasting the dates or the Arab pastries!

Another tip: call and book your activities in advance. Quite simply because with the VIDOC-19 crisis, many have had to revise their opening hours and the number of seats in order to comply with the distancing instructions, or are perhaps still closed unfortunately.

I wish you a nice trip to the country of the United Arab Emirates. No doubt that once you visit, you’ll want to go back!

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Find the details of my trip to Dubai in our stories on instagram.