Oh DUBAI! Hi guys, I recently had the opportunity to head out east to visit this popular emirate. So, in this blog, I would like to share with you my experience while there! I know you are probably wondering, “Is Dubai all that, does it live up to the hype?” Yes! In my opinion it does and it honestly exceeded my expectations. Let’s start with their main airport (DXB). This airport is huge and with so many terminals that look alike. Once you arrive at their airport, you have to take a 15 minute ride on the air tran that takes you to baggage claim, depending on your flight information. The terminals are huge and a bit confusing , so I found myself, outside without my bags. OMG, I went into a frenzy, and for security reasons, you are not allowed to go back to the baggage area once you pass it. Luckily, this nice airport worker understood my plight, and went back to the baggage area to bring my luggage. I visited near the end of December so it was a good break from wintry weather in the northeast to 80 degrees of pure sunshine. I was so excited and happy to be in a totally different place, and to learn about the people and their culture. . This was my first time to visit Dubai, but I have taken this leg ( JFK to DXB) leg many times to connect to flights to my hometown of Nairobi. I knew what to expect with this flight of 12 hours , and because I chose Emirates airlines, I knew I would get world class service. I just love their service, bar none!
If you’ve ever been to Dubai, one of the first things you’ll notice is just how grandeur everything is. I realized that Dubai loves to do things on a massive scale. And when it comes to advertising, the city follows the same grand philosophy, which is why their billboards are some of the biggest and most impressive in the world. I think they are like half a mile long! Just wow!
So I got on an uber and headed for Atana hotel which was the place we were going to stay at. Getting an uber is easy no matter what country you are in. There are no borders really, just one world. We found this hotel at booking.com and the reviews were awesome, plus the hotel staff are reliable and answer all questions. So you feel at ease before you leave your home, heading out to a faraway place. While headed to the hotel, I marveled at concrete buildings which seemed to be everywhere with more construction on the way. There is a laid back vibe that is the complete opposite of NYC life. People here take their time, like REALLY take their time, and live in the moment.
We were given a warm welcome at Atana hotel , which is by a major highway with top notch luxury buildings on all sides. Our hotel room was all the way up on the 20th floor so we had access to cool views and that amazing sunset.
My itinerary was to be here for about 5 days , so I wanted to make sure I did as much as I could in that time, body permitting. The jet lag after a 12 hour flight and being in a completely different time zone is no joke and I crashed upon arriving in our room. So let me share with you 11 must visit places when in Dubai. Their official currency is the UAE Dirham(AED) and the exchange rate vs the US dollar is $1 for AED 3.67 which is very expensive. UAE is an oil rich country and the strength of their economy and infrastructure is reflected in their currency. So, compared to when travelling to Kenya where the dollar is very strong, the AED demands that you shell out more dollars to enjoy your visit.
Top 11 Places to Visit in Dubai
11. The Lost Chambers Aquarium,
If you’re heading to Dubai and want to experience something truly magical, you have to check out the Lost Chambers Aquarium at Aquaventure. Honestly, it’s one of those places that leaves you in awe, especially if you are a fan of marine life or just want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a bit, this place is a must visit.
So the Lost Chambers Aquarium isn’t just your average aquarium, it’s set inside the Atlantis The Palm resort, so you already know it’s going to be something extraordinary. If the name sounds familiar, its because its the resort that paid Beyonce 24 million to perform in their opening ceremony. So the aquarium is underground and walking through this massive space feels like stepping into another world, like you’ve discovered some ancient underwater city. The design is super cool, with walls of glass separating you from thousands of sea creatures in huge, immersive tanks. You’re literally surrounded by fish, rays, sharks, and even some rare species that you probably won’t find anywhere else. It’s magical!
The best part? You’re not just looking at a few fish. The aquarium holds over 65,000 marine animals, and there’s so much to explore. The atmosphere is really immersive, and the architecture makes it feel like you’re walking through the lost city of Atlantis itself. There are these incredible tunnels where you can walk through and look up at the sharks and rays swimming above you, it’s honestly like something out of a movie.
10. ‘Dine in the Sky’
If you’re looking for a dining experience that’s totally out of this world while you’re in Dubai, you have to check out “Dine in the Sky.” It’s exactly what it sounds like – dining while suspended 50 meters in the air. Yeah, it’s pretty wild! I was concerned about feeling nausea while up there, but it turned out just fine. Here’s how it works – you and a group of people get strapped into seats at a table that’s hoisted into the sky by a crane. It’s all super safe, and you’re strapped in so you don’t have to worry about falling, thankfully. As you’re lifted up, you get this breathtaking panoramic view of Dubai’s skyline, including landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, the Palm Jumeirah, and the sprawling city below. It’s literally like floating in the clouds while enjoying a fancy meal.
What I love about this experience is that it’s not just about the food, it’s about the whole vibe. The atmosphere is incredible. You’re dining with the city as your backdrop, and the views are absolutely magical. The menu is top notch too. The chefs serve up a variety of gourmet dishes, from fresh seafood to delicious meat options, paired with drinks (including champagne if you want to really treat yourself). You can choose from a few different dining experiences – whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable meal with a view. Plus, the whole thing feels so exclusive—it’s like you’re part of a special event. Another thing that makes it stand out is the attention to detail. The staff is super attentive, and they make sure the whole experience is smooth and safe. They even have photographers on hand if you want to capture the moment, so you can show off your sky-high dining to all your friends later. If you’re someone who loves unique experiences or just wants to try something totally out of the ordinary in Dubai, Dine in the Sky is a must. It’s perfect for a special celebration or just to check something epic off your bucket list. Trust me, eating 50 meters in the air with the city below you is a dining experience you’ll be talking about for a long time.
9. Dubai Safari Park Zoo
The Dubai Safari Park is an absolute must visit! It’s not your average zoo—it’s more of a wildlife sanctuary that’s home to over 3,000 animals from all over the world. Plus, it’s got some pretty cool features that make it a unique experience. This is the largest zoo I have ever been to and this trip was the most exhausting of our stay in Dubai. Get ready to be overwhelmed by the vast space that this zoo occupies. It’s divided into villages , each with its own unique theme. We were only able to visit the African village, where you will find Mufasa’s descendants . We spent so much time at this village because we wanted to see the animals.
It was a huge space to cover. Also, remember we were still battling jet lag so I just wanted to sleep . We also briefly toured the Asian Village and watched a bird show, very interesting feature. The Safari Village was easier as tourists were allowed in small trucks to sight see. Venues close early here so , don’t expect to be at the zoo until 9pm.
One of the highlights at Dubai Safari Park is the bird show, and trust me, it’s a must-see! If you’re someone who loves seeing animals in action, this show is sure to leave you entertained. It’s an interactive, lively spectacle where you get to see some of the world’s most beautiful and exotic birds up close, showing off their natural talents. Plus you take a break from all the walking around the huge expanse of the zoo.
The show features a variety of birds, from colorful parrots and macaws to birds of prey like eagles and falcons. What makes it really fun is that the birds don’t just stay on stage—they fly right over the audience! You can feel the swoosh of their wings as they glide past, making it a totally interesting experience. Some birds even land right next to you, showing off their impressive flying skills and intelligence.
It’s more than just watching birds fly around, though. The trainers explain cool facts about each bird, their behaviors, and their habitats, so you leave feeling like you’ve learned something new. The way the trainers interact with the birds is so entertaining—they’ve trained them to do tricks, respond to commands, and even play little games. You can tell the birds have great relationships with their trainers, which makes the whole show feel natural and engaging.
8. Desert Dance Festivals
When you head out in the desert, you will be mesmerized by all the activities that will be presented to you. Long before you sit down to enjoy the festivals, get ready for camel rides,picture taking, Arabian buffet meals! These festivals are a blend of music, dance, and culture, typically set against the stunning backdrop of the Arabian desert. They bring together people from around the world to experience a combination of electronic dance music, traditional Middle Eastern performances, and modern entertainment in a magical desert setting. I was able to neutralize a little bit of the jet lag with their amazing Arabica coffee. Fresh and with a rich flavor and aroma, just pure delight!
These festivals are unique because they offer a fusion of international DJ sets, live music performances, and cultural dances like belly dancing, often with a focus on electronic and house music. The desert environment adds a magical and adventurous element to the experience, with bonfires, tents, and food stalls creating a vibe that’s completely different from city-based festivals!
We went here on December 31st, so they had ring in the new year activities. No fireworks but a fire display that was just out of this world.
7. Dubai Mall
Like I said before, Dubai does everything on a grand scale so it’s no surprise that Dubai Mall is one of the biggest attractions there and a must visit for tourists. Since we went during the holiday season, it was packed to the brim.
Here you will find luxury brands like Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and also some of my faves like Zara and H&M. So there is something here for everyone.
If you are a car aficionado, then head outside the mall and see the most expensive cars ever. Whats amazing is the sheer variety and opulence of vehicles at Dubai Mall and even on the streets is jaw-dropping. From super cars to luxury sedans and even a few futuristic models, the cars in Dubai are in a class of their own.
6. Jumeirah Beach
A must-visit spot in Dubai, Jumeirah Beach is a beautiful stretch of white sand and turquoise waters. Spend the day sunbathing, swimming, or simply lounging on the beach with friends and family.
5. Yachting
Charter your own private yacht and enjoy a day of luxury on the open seas. From swimming in crystal clear waters to fishing and sailing, there are plenty of activities available for all ages.
4. Desert Sand Bashing
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, sand bashing is the perfect activity for you. An exhilarating combination of dune driving and skidding, it’s a great way to explore the desert’s expansive landscapes.
3. Dubai Safari
Take a journey through the breathtaking Arabian Desert in an open-air 4×4. Dubai Safari offers a unique way to explore the desert, with experienced guides providing insight into the area’s wildlife and culture.
2. Aquaventure Water Park
An iconic resort located on the world-famous Palm Jumeirah; Atlantis the Palm offers a luxurious beachfront escape with endless activities. Take your pick from thrilling water rides and aquariums to beach clubs and fine dining restaurants.
1. Burj Khalifa
This iconic skyscraper towers over Downtown Dubai at 829.8 meters. Take the elevator to the observation deck and see panoramic views of the city from one of the world’s tallest buildings.
Conclusion
Whether you are looking for an unforgettable getaway or planning a fun family holiday, Dubai is the perfect destination. From luxurious beach resorts and high-end shopping to thrilling activities like skydiving and zip lining, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city.
Experience the best of Dubai with these 11 places you shouldn’t miss: Atlantis the Palm, Dubai Safari, Desert Sand Bashing, Yachting, Jumeirah Beach, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Zip Lining, Sky Diving, Dinner in the Sky and the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Dubai today and get ready for a truly unforgettable experience!
