Dubai: A Stylish City Sprung From The Desert

The perfect holiday destination – a luxurious place with high-class hotels, fabulous restaurants and entertainment – a great place to relax and unwind. I’ve been very fortunate to have the opportunity to visit Dubai. Not just once, twice, or three times, but more times than I can count on both hands. Since I was about 8 years old, most years I have been visiting Dubai for family holidays. In more recent years, I have been lucky enough to go to Dubai with my boyfriend and his family. Regardless of how many times I have been to Dubai, I never seem to tire of it.

Dubai tends to be quite expensive and is perhaps not ideal for someone with a tight, student budget, but if you’re interested in Dubai, it’s definitely worth saving for! It's a must visit.

WEATHER

First things first, Dubai is absolutely boiling. The heat literally smacks you in the face as you exit the airport. If you go in the Summer months, which I have done before, it’s ridiculously hot. With temperatures soaring over 40°C, if you like sunbathing and want to catch a tan, Dubai is the place for you.

Its desert climate ensures that the weather stays warm and dry throughout the year, making the Winter months popular with tourists, as the temperatures tend to be cooler, but still delightfully hot.

HOTELS

Dubai is full of luxurious five star hotels, many of which are regarded as some of the most amazing hotels in the world – they are guaranteed to take your breath away. Although there are plenty of nice, cheaper options, the Arabic hotels are notorious for their outstanding hospitality and if you’re planning a visit to Dubai, I would 100% recommend saving up and staying in one of their amazing hotels.

When I have visited Dubai with my family, we often stayed in the Jumeirah Mina A’Salam. Recently refurbished in 2015, Jumeirah Mina A’Salam is a luxuriously charming boutique-style hotel, providing an authentic Arabian experience. Its beautifully furnished guestrooms are spacious and luxurious, with panoramic ocean views from the balcony and beds so huge you’ll forget someone is in there with you!

The hotel is situated just a stone’s throw away from the Burj Al Arab - one of the most luxurious hotels in the world. The Mina A’Salam is the perfect place to soak up the stunning view of this gorgeous hotel. This beachfront hotel has two pools and with extraordinary service from the friendly, attentive, professional staff, your stay is bound to be memorable.

Hop on the hotel’s river taxis or golf carts to visit the Madinat Jumeirah and visit top restaurants, bars, cafés, shops and a traditional souk. Anything you could possibly want can be found here. Whether it’s a Starbucks or a Cinnabon, a souvenir or a diamond ring, Italian food or Chinese, there's so much on offer – this luxury resort is the jewel of Dubai providing a casual chic atmosphere and a world-class culinary experience.

Just next door to the Mina A’Salam is another Jumeriah hotel that I have previously stayed in, the Jumeriah Al Qasr. Meaning ‘The Palace’, this hotel replicates traditional royal architecture, providing privacy and peacefulness. An oasis of luxury, a place dedicated to relaxing and the finer things in life.

In more recent years, I have stayed in Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa Hotel, which is located slightly more in town, situated on a pristine stretch of private beach overlooking the Arabian Gulf. The resort has been extensively renovated in recent years – the lobby is beautifully modern with 3D Arabic calligraphy and artwork dressing the walls. The guestrooms have also been revamped, with floor-to-ceiling windows, blackout curtains and supremely comfortable king-size beds. The hotels’ modernity creates a picturesque haven of Arabian warmth and comfort.

The beach environment blends nicely with the stylish city vibes, with views of the nearby extravagant skyscraping properties. With 14 international restaurants and bars and three swimming pools, Le Royal Meridien is a unique, heavenly hotel, perfect for tourists visiting Dubai.

The hotels in Dubai are so amazing, it’s no wonder that we constantly return back to the same ones, time and time again. With consistently brilliant service and outstanding facilities, these much-loved resorts guarantee a comfortable and stylish stay.

I would highly recommend the three above harbourside hotels that I have previously stayed in. However, there are lots of other amazing hotels, that although I haven’t personally stayed in, they have lots of great reviews. Shangri-La Hotel, FIVE Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis, The One & Only, and of course, the famous and very pricey Burj Al Arab. They all have amazing reviews and if you’re looking at going to Dubai, these are also worth looking into.

FOOD

Dubai is recognised for its rich food scene with world-class restaurants offering an endless array of delicious cuisines, with influences from all over the world. From sweet pastries to aromatic strews, Dubai has it all.

Dubai offers both cheap and expensive cuisines, depending on your choice of restaurant. Often hotel cuisine is extremely varied, with Western tastes and local cuisine available.

If you like spice, Dubai is the perfect place as local chefs tend to use a lot of spices in their dishes, providing delicious, unique flavours.

Dubai is vegetarian-friendly, with a variety of traditional vegetarian dishes available.

Tabbouleh – a delicious salad made from tomatoes, onions, cucumber, mint – is extremely popular in Dubai and can be found pretty much anywhere. There are lots of delicious dips made in Dubai, with hummous, moutabel and labneh, being the most popular and worth a try.

Falafel, a much-loved classic, is also popular in Dubai, and can be found on many Middle Eastern menus. Similarly, fatayer – a Middle Eastern meat pie stuffed with pretty much anything, normally minced meat, spinach or cheese, is also very tasty.

Got a sweet tooth? Baklava, a rich, sweet dessert made with filo pastry, nuts and syrup is popular throughout the Middle East and will leave you wanting more!

Like pork? Uh oh! As Dubai is a Muslim region you will struggle to find pork dishes in any major restaurants. But don’t panic. There are lots of other delicious meats on offer. Shish taouk, Lebanese meat skewers are an Arabian favourite that will definitely satisfy your culinary cravings.

BEACHES, BOATS AND WATER PARKS GALORE

Known for its beautiful beaches, white sands and warm sea, Dubai is perfect for lounging around on sunbeds or swimming in the sea, but if you fancy doing something different, there is lots to do.

Thrillseeker? Dubai is no stranger to adrenaline-pumping water sports, with speedboats and jet skis available to hire on lots of the beaches. Snorkelling or scuba diving is also available and is a great way to explore Dubai’s colourful underworld.

A boat trip is another brilliant way to explore Dubai. A leisurely sail through the Arabian Gulf is the perfect way to learn about the cultural heritage of Dubai.

Like water parks? It’s not a trip to Dubai without a visit to their world-famous water parks, with Wild Wadi and Aquaventure at The Atlantis hotel being my favourites.

Wild Wadi, situated in front of the Burj Al Arab, is a must-do attraction with rides for the whole family. It is a true Arabian water experience and is home to the famous Jumeirah Sceirah – one of the world’s scariest, tallest and fastest water rides, a hair-raising trap-door water slide that is guaranteed to leave you speechless!

If you stay in any of the Jumeriah hotels, you get complimentary access to Wild Wadi. Don’t fancy walking along the beach to get there? Just jump on one of the free golf buggies and you will be dropped straight outside.

Atlantis The Palm’s waterpark, Aquaventure is recognised as one of the best waterparks in the world, possessing high-speed water slides, a huge wave pool and immersive underwater experiences. It’s a world of excitement, the perfect way to keep cool in the Arabic heat.

VISIT THE DESERT

Whilst in Dubai, the desert safari is a must. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won’t want to miss. Ride the desert dumes in a 4x4 wheel drive, watch the beautiful sunset, ride a camel, get a henna tattoo, experience a fire and belly dancing show, enjoy a buffet BBQ dinner and try some Shisha, in the middle of the desert. This dune-buggy, unforgettable adventure is perfect for the whole family.

DUBAI MALL

Arabic culture revolves heavily around shopping, with luxury around every corner. The Dubai Mall is a shopaholics heaven, a spectacular 4-level mall with shops galore – home to more than 1,000 retail stores. With shops from Gap to Gucci, it is the largest mall in the world and if you like shopping, you’ll need more than a few hours to explore all of the amazing shops here.

But the Dubai Mall is not just a place for shopping. Vising the Dubai Mall is an experience in itself. With hundreds of restaurants, an Aquarium and an Ice Rink, whether it’s shopping, dining or exploring, Dubai Mall is the place to go.

THE BURJ KHALIFA

If you thought The Shard was tall, think again…Like heights? Want to see Dubai from above? Dubai is home to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. Take a trip to the top of the building where you will see beautiful 360-degree views of the fabulous city.

Every day, at the bottom of the Burj Khalifa, by the Dubai Mall, there is a fountain, music and light show that is truly spectacular. The dancing fountains are especially wonderful at night, located infront of the amazingly lit building providing a breathtaking view.

LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

There seems to be lots of confusion amongst tourists about visiting Dubai and etiquette. UAE laws and customs are very different to those in the UK and before visiting Dubai, tourists should familiarise themselves with these. Be aware of your actions to ensure that you don’t offend locals!

Alcohol: Alcohol is not illegal in Dubai, but is only to be consumed by non-Muslims that are over 21 years old. Take note that predominately only in hotels will you be able to consume alcohol. It is forbidden to be drunk in public in Dubai, so drink responsibly!

Dress code: In Dubai, if you’re heading out of a hotel, into a public place, it is required to dress respectfully. Women should dress modestly in public areas, avoiding very short skirts, crop tops and strappy tops. Additionally, swimming attire should only be worn on beaches and swimming pools and not in public.

Drugs: There is zero tolerance for drugs-related offences in Dubai. Even joking about this matter is forbidden and there are heavy penalties for doing so.

Offensive behaviour: Swearing, insults and rude gestures are considered offensive in Dubai and can lead to fines.

Public displays of affection: Public displays of affection are frowned upon in Dubai, with holding hands, hugging and kissing generally not tolerated.

A Must Visit

Laws and customs aside, don’t be scared of visiting Dubai! It is an amazing, stand-out destination with luxurious coastal resorts, gleaming sky scrapers and eye-catching aesthetics. Dubai definitely delivers on decadence and is the perfect place to escape to the sun and to sample the best of Emirati food. Get your sun cream ready and you’ll have a great time!