Unsurprisingly, Dubai has always been one of the most luxurious places to visit. With its audacious architecture and over-the-top style, the United Arab Emirates’ largest city is a distinct fusion of its ultra-modern and Bedouin heritage culture.

Dubai doesn’t just live up to its stature; it will ultimately exceed your expectations. First, explore the glitz and glam, and then discover the ancient traditions of this multifaceted city. So, what to do and how to plan an excellent budget trip to Dubai for the first time? Check out this blog and make your decision.

What to expect in Dubai

Language:

UAE’s official language is Arabic; English is the language of business and is voiced by almost everyone in Dubai.

Currency:

The UAE’s currency is the Dirham (Dhs).

Banks and Credit Cards:

Cash is still king here. On the other hand, most places accept credit cards, so it’s best to carry small changes.

Climate:

Dubai is the desert! So, summers are sweltering in Dubai—daytime temperatures are 106 degrees while nights rarely fall below eighty-eight degrees.

Winters are much more pleased with temps between sixty and seventy-five degrees.

Good to Know:

The minimum drinking age is twenty-one, and there are areas where photography is restricted, so watch out for indications and obey their rules and cultural statements.

Where to go in Dubai

The most significant man-made constructions in Dubai

âť–    Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa is currently the tallest tower in the world, with a total height of 828 m (830 m to tip) and 163 floors. Featuring two observation decks, nine luxury hotels, a Las Vegas-inspired fountain, and many of the city’s finest restaurants.

When visiting Dubai or even the whole UAE, this 21st-century architecture must be the number one place to visit.

Address:

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Hours: Open 24 hours

âť–    Dubai Fountain

On top of Dubai’s most remarkable constructions, it is incomprehensible not to mention the Dubai fountain, which was opened on May 8, 2009. Moreover, it is one of the largest fountains in the world, with a length of 275m; the volume of water is 83,000 litres, equipped with 6,000 LED lights, forming lively and heart-warming water music concerts. You may be surprised, but the power of this fountain is as powerful as a jet engine, and the water shoots from nozzles can reach a height of 153m.

Address:

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Hours: Open 24 hours

âť–    Dubai Museum

It is located in Fort Al Fahidi. This majestic Dubai Museum was built in 1787 and is the most geriatric building in Dubai. It was revived in 1971 by the ruler of Dubai and later renovated in 1995, and this stunning architecture is home to the city’s heritage and many momentous historical events.

While the museum’s primary goal is to showcase the classic lifestyle in the emirate of Dubai. It will take you around the numerous models of pearl farming, metallurgy, fishing, or nomadic life of the old Arabs.

Address:

Al Fahidi Fort – Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

âť–    Atlantis Aqua venture Waterpark

It is located on the border of the artificial island of Palm Jumeirah; Aquaventure Waterpark is a huge water park with ​​up to 42 acres. The high-speed slides, drop towers, and an always-crowded beach make this place attractive. Moreover, Aquaventure Waterpark is absolutely the place to go if you love adventure underwater rides.

Address:

Atlantis The Palm – Crescent Rd – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Opened: September 24, 2008

Hours: 10AM–6PM/Sunday: Closed

âť–    Ski Dubai

Dubai only has hot deserts but no snow, so it has built a magnificent, artificial indoor snow park. Here, you can fully participate in the exciting skiing sport, which is stylish and comfortable like the outdoor ski areas. Moreover, Ski Dubai is also a platform for major shows and events. You can go to Avalanche Cafe to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate if you feel cold.

Address:

Sheikh Zayed Rd – Al Barsha–Al Barsha 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Height: 85 m

Hours: 10AM–11PM

âť–    Jumeirah Beach

It is located close to Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa tower; Jumeriah beach is truly a perfect place for swimming and sunbathing. It is a natural haven for beach lovers; from here, you can watch the only 7-star hotel in the world of Burj Al Arab from far with its exquisite beauty. Along this beach, there are many restaurants, cafes, and amusement parks.

Top Things to Do in Dubai

  • Snow Ski Dubai

Ski Dubai is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East and presents a unique snow setting to enjoy snowboarding, skiing, and tobogganing, or just playing in the snow.

Five runs range in difficulty, height, and steepness. The longest run was 400 meters, with a fall of over 60 meters. Moreover, snowboarders can also rehearse their stunts on the 90-meter long quarter pipe.

  • Dubai Creek & Abra Cruise

It is highly recommended for visitors to experience the Dubai creek as it is the foundation from which Dubai grew into a port for trading vessels sailing between India, Africa and the Middle East. Today, some of the old shipping culture still remains and visitors can view some of the original buildings that have served as customs houses. The dinner cruise option is popular.

  • Desert Safari

It is also known as Dune Bashing to locals, is a famous tour where visitors are taken to the desert in a 4WD, and professional desert drivers take you for a roller-coaster ride over red dunes. In addition, the tour may possess a barbecue dinner with music and belly dancing.

  • Palm Islands

These are the three largest artificial islands in the world and are stunning and fantastic experiences.

  • Hot Air Ballooning

It is open throughout the year as the Dubai region has flawless weather for ballooning. Enjoy the unique sensation of being in a hot air balloon flying gently high above mountains and the sand dunes early in the morning during sunrise. Travelers are picked up early from their housing and taken inland to the desert, where the balloon flight takes off at sunrise.

  • Wild Wadi

It is a water amusement park between Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai, just a 20-minute drive from the city centre. Themed around the tale of Juha, a famous character from Arabian folklore, the waterpark boasts 30 rides and attractions.

  • Diving and snorkelling

Many dive operators in Dubai run day scuba diving trips to the wreck sites or it takes a 90-minute road journey to the East coast Emirate of Fujairah for fantastic diving on coral reefs.

  • Golf

It has become famous in Dubai. Some of the world’s most impressive golf courses have pleasing green fairways and smooth greens. It is truly a golfer’s paradise. You can try sand golf for a more local flavor!

  • Skydiving

There is no better view than the one you get when falling out of an airplane from 12,500 feet above the ground.

As you can see, there is a lot to do in Dubai – one visit may not be enough!

If you are planning an upcoming trip to Dubai, We recommend you should visit here for at least a week. Give yourself enough time to feel the city’s beauty and relax. You can visit our website to know more about Dubai and affordable packages. We have a team of professionals who will help you explore Dubai at reasonable prices.