What to do, where to eat, where to stay and overall impressions
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The United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) has made it to my Western screens in various ways, including when Carrie Bradshaw and the gang headed to Abu Dhabi in Sex and the City 2, videos of Beyoncé’s 2023 Dubai performance and social media buzzing with Dubai’s futuristic skyscrapers and opulent lifestyles — none of which screams “affordable.”
I headed to Dubai for a few reasons: to explore the tourist destination, better understand the costs of travelling the Middle Eastern hotspot and try my hand at the fashion trend called “quiet luxury” (which I will cover in a subsequent article).
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When I confirmed my trip to Dubai, my friends and family were excited for me and expressed inquisitive intrigue. None of them had been to Dubai and all perceived the city as overly luxurious, mysterious and touristy. I had limited knowledge of the U.A.E.’s most populous city so I headed there with an open mind and barely closed suitcase.
Dubai prioritizes tourism as an economic driver and is extremely successful, ranking second in the world’s top city destination of 2023. Meaning, the city has a lot of things for tourists to do. Though I was only there for four days, I felt like I did a month’s worth of activities. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Dubai, appreciate its unique culture and go on to share what I think travellers should do (and skip) to have an unforgettable and semi-affordable time in a place where you can see the world’s tallest tower, explore the serene desert and shop at a souk all in one day.
I also cover recommendations on food and drink, accommodations, travel considerations and my impressions of the city that has the most Bentleys I’ve ever seen at an airport parking garage. Note all prices are in CAD and were converted from United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) at the time of publication.
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What not to miss on a trip to Dubai
Platinum Heritage Desert Safari Experience (from $250 per person)
Why I loved it: If you’re going to Dubai, go on this Safari. It’s a half-day experience approximately an hour from Dubai — the tour company will pick you up from your Dubai hotel. I went on an afternoon/evening tour that included incredible experiences including an hour-long desert ride in a vintage Land Rover, a multi-course traditional Middle Eastern dinner and a drumming performance.
Platinum Heritage takes you through a conservation area where local animals are protected. The tour guide drives you through the area while providing fun facts about the animals and the deserted area. Driving and walking through the dunes is a fun enough experience on its own as the endless, wind-patterned orange sands are breathtaking and very authentically Middle East.
The dinner was next-level delicious and beautiful. Everything is prepared fresh on-site, from the coffee that’s roasted and ground as you enter, to the Emirati Khameer (thin bread) that is served hot. I eat a predominantly vegetarian diet, so didn’t try the freshly prepared chicken kabobs (nor camel meat), but the breads, salads, dips, stews and other vegetarian options were the best of the best. The hummus alone makes this experience worth it.
After dinner, the Platinum Heritage team turned off the lights on the campsite for optimal stargazing. This experience was my favourite part of my Dubai travels.
How to book: Platinum Heritage Desert Safari Experience | Tripadvisor | Emirates
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Old Souk (free to enter)
Why I loved it: The Old Souk is a sensory journey. The market is filled with aisles of colourful spices, bold perfumes, local flavours, glitzy fashion and bright houseware. I only spent an hour or so at the market but would have liked to stay longer for a proper shop. I also liked that while in the Old Souk area, you could hear the Adhan (Islamic call to prayer) over the loudspeakers. The area has more traditional aesthetics which is nice to experience in contrast to the ultra-modern Downtown Dubai.
The View at The Palm (from $35)
Why I loved it: I’m not one to buy tickets to tourist attractions. I’m not going to go to the viewing area of the CN Tower, Empire State, Burj Khalifa or any other tall building. However, The View at The Palm, that’s something to see. The Palm Jumeirah is a group of artificial islands that look like a palm tree. The islands consist of homes, resorts and shops. Beyonce’s Dubai concert was at Atlantis The Royal, which is located on The Palm. I enjoyed seeing the panoramic view of The Palm because it’s not your average cityscape — it’s nothing like I’ve seen before. And it only took six years to build.
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How to book: The View | Tripadvisor
Make your own perfume at Oo La Lab (from $150 per person — the area where it’s located is free)
Why I love it: I loved Alserkal, the area where this experience is located, and the experience itself. If you’re looking for a signature scent or want to explore perfumes, you’re in for a well–crafted treat. Oo La Lab is set up as a perfume laboratory. An expert takes you through the steps to make your perfume. I can’t do the math to figure out how many variations there are, but I think it adds up to endless. It was such a good and unique experience.
The area is super-artsy and progressive. I don’t know the intricacies of the LGBT community in Dubai but felt like Alserkal is a page out of Greenwich Village in New York. The area is creative, interesting and modern and seems to attract artistic people. There’s a cool art installation that channels the condensation from the buildings’ air conditioners to water plants.
Even if you don’t head to Oo La Lab, I’d suggest visiting this area to check out the art, get a coffee, see a film, do some yoga or shop.
How to book: Oo La Lab
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Could be cool to do
Xclusive Yachts superyacht experience (from $170 per person)
Why experience: This is a “when in Dubai” experience. I went on a sunset Yacht ride that took us by Ain Dubai, the world’s tallest observation wheel, Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis, The Royal. There’s a DJ, pasta station, lots of drinks and overall Below Deck (a reality show about working on superyachts) vibes. It’s a fun, three-hour experience.
How to book: Xclusive Yachts | Tripadvisor | Viator
Food and drink
Arabian Tea House ($15+ per person)
About: It’s Middle Eastern food and drink done deliciously. The Arabian Tea House is bright and open and its floor is made of pebbles. I went at lunchtime and shared appetizers, a pot of coffee and tea. The falafels look like little donuts and are crispy and flavourful. The hummus is creamy and a must. I preferred the coffee over the tea — but I won’t tell that to the name of the restaurant.
The Arabian Tea House is located in the Al Fahidi Historical area in Old Dubai, so once you’re visiting the restaurant, it’s a good opportunity to explore the area (which has a very different, more historic vibe than downtown Dubai).
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Thiptara ($100+ per person)
Definitely on the more luxurious than the affordable side, but the food was incredible and the views — the Burj Khalifa is ready for photo opps. Thiptara is a Thai restaurant with lots of delicious vegetarian options. The food is incredibly flavourful. I’d recommend this restaurant if you’re looking for a treat-yourself night out with tasty Thai and a front-row seat to the Burj and the water fountain show.
Amazónico ($45+ per person)
Welcome to the Latin-American-Arab jungle. Amazonico spared no decor expense. The jungle theme spans from the floors to the ceiling, up the spiral staircase and all over the second floor — and the lighting is done right, perfect for photos. I went for the Business Lunch and enjoyed the meal, my favourite was the cheesy bread. It’s in the business area of town and there’s a full bar (many places are dry in Dubai).
Drift Beach Dubai ($30+ per person)
Part restaurant, part beach club — I did the whole thing. I’m not a lay-by-the-pool type of traveller, so I’d skip the $55+ per person fee to reserve a required poolside lounger and just eat at the restaurant. I went for brunch and enjoyed the fresh fruit bowl, eggs, toast and pancakes for the table. The restaurant accommodated my requests and served a delicious spread with an unforgettable backdrop. You can also reserve a luxurious cabana and make a full day out of it. Drift is located at the bottom of The Palm — there’s also access to a private beach.
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Asil at the Rixos ($50+ per person)
This is a restaurant at the Rixos Hotel. It’s a “fusion of Arabesque cuisine, blending Turkish senses, Lebanese flavours and Moroccan taste.” It’s an energy. I went for dinner when there was a belly dancer, live musicians and a henna artist. The servers were helpful and friendly, the food was delicious and different (must try the ashtaliyah, it’s like fancy cotton candy) and the atmosphere was lively and musical.
Accommodations
Rixos Premium Dubai JBR (from $500 per night)
About: Rixos is a luxurious hotel and part of Accor properties. This is not a budget-friendly option but the rooms are beautiful with stunning views of the Ain Dubai. You can take a fancy bath while overlooking the Persian Gulf. The hospitality is first-class, the bathroom products are high-quality and the bedding is cozy, there’s even a “pillow menu” so you can request your preferred pillow. If you’re looking to experience the views without staying at the hotel, I suggest enjoying a cup of coffee or a snack at the Godiva cafe in the lobby.
How to book: Rixos | Expedia | Tripadvisor
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Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai (from $100 per night)
About: The Al Seef Heritage Hotel is located in the heritage district on Dubai Creek. The hotel has many buildings throughout the souks — golf cart rides are available to get to and from your room. The rooms are spacious and unique. The buildings feel like you’re in a desert and the decor aligns with that. The breakfast is included and elaborate, filled with local and Western options.
How to book: Hilton | Booking.com
What you can skip on a trip to Dubai
Museum of the Future ($55)
Why I think it can be skipped: The outside of the building is more magnificent than its contents. The Museum of the Future can easily be spotted as it’s a large torus-shaped structure that sits clearly in the skyline of the financial district. The museum is based on a cool concept; looking at the future and finding solutions to potential challenges. I’m sure many people of all ages enjoy the Museum of the Future, I just found the experience too expensive for what it is.
How to book: Museum of the Future | Tripadvisor
Considerations when travelling to Dubai
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What (not) to wear: The U.A.E. is an Islamic state, but Dubai doesn’t follow all religious practices. For example, some restaurants serve alcohol while others are dry. As a woman travelling to a foreign country, I like to err on the conservative side to respect local customs, but a lot of the time, Dubai is very hot.
Some people in my group brought a scarf, which proved useful. You can use it to cover your shoulders in government spaces and as an extra layer when the temperatures drop at night. I wore tanks and (not short) shorts and felt comfortable in most places — in more traditional areas like government buildings, I wore pants and a short-sleeved shirt and carried a sweater just in case I felt the vibe called for more coverage (which never occurred).
What to bring: Universal plug adapter. I needed to buy one once I landed. It’s so much easier to come prepared. Sunscreen and other beauty/personal products. I went into a few pharmacies and noticed that some of the beauty/personal products were different — I couldn’t find my trusty Tampax Pearls. I don’t like to experiment with these products while travelling.
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What (not) to buy: A lot of the products offered in Dubai are imported — there are local goods, but rarer and a lot more expensive. I prefer to enjoy local goods, so I mostly bought food, as the local souvenirs were out of my budget. The souks are filled with a lot of spices, perfumes, rhinestone fashion, pillow covers, scarves, glass lanterns and more.
Overall impressions of Dubai
The guess: luxurious, mysterious and touristy — the result: luxurious or affordable depending on how you spend your time, fun, delicious, unique and touristy.
Dubai is unlike anywhere else I’ve been. There’s a palpable contrast between traditional and futuristic, with a clear emphasis on tourism.
I didn’t spend nearly long enough there to learn about local living, but a fact I found interesting is one of the only ways to obtain U.A.E. citizenship is through filiation, being related to someone who already has Emirati citizenship. This is why only around 12 per cent of U.A.E. residents are citizens. So even if you’re born in the U.A.E., you’re not an Emirati citizen unless your parents already are.
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One of my favourite activities I didn’t mention above was talking to locals — the locals I was exposed to. There was one woman who was born in Dubai to Filipino parents and therefore she has a Filipino passport. If she lost her job in the U.A.E. she said she would have six months to get a new one or would have to go “back” to The Philippines, a place she’s only been to attend university. She also mentioned that many of her friends, also born in Dubai, haven’t travelled much out of the country and her time in The Philippines expanded her perspective.
There seems to be a “work hard, play hard” mentality. The locals I connected with, including the Emirati-Filipino above, love living in Dubai. They love the work-hard/play-hard environment, the entertainment, the beaches, the food, the weather (when not too hot) and other aspects of the city. I get it, there’s a lot to do and enjoy in the city.
My overall favourite part about travelling in Dubai is its uniqueness. I can’t get over the contrast between the traditional and the modern. There are also so many ways to experience it. You can go ultra-luxury or affordable (aside from the flight from Canada to Dubai). You can stay in the city centre and enjoy fine dining or you can stay in old Dubai and get just-as-delicious food. No matter which way you dip it, you’ll be eating well in Dubai.
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