The Best of the UAE — lostwithlina.com

The United Arab Emirates…it’s unlike anywhere on the planet.

Having transitioned from mere sand dunes and crumbling forts, to a headline-grabbing, jaw dropping oasis of stone, marble, concrete and glass, all in less than three decades; Dubai offers an intriguing blend of traditional Islamic culture and rampant luxury consumerism. It has become the centre of the modern day gold rush, and is commonly known as ‘the gateway to the rest of the world’.

People’s opinions of Dubai typically swing one of two ways; they either fall for the self indulgent haven of magical resorts, superlative restaurants and extravagant shopping malls, or they don’t; there’s no in-between. For tourists, there is far more to Dubai than designer luxuries and five-star hotels (though if you’re looking for a luxurious dose of sun, sand and shopping then you’re in for a treat). Having travelled to the UAE five times, I’ve discovered that if you take a step beyond the tourist clichés, you’ll find that Dubai and its neighbouring Emirates, have a great deal to offer. Whether you’re visiting for a week or a short stopover, you’re bound to be blown away by the clash of cultures, extreme luxury and world famous architecture.

WHAT TO DO

ASCEND THE WORLD’S TALLEST BUILDING

Dubai has an ability to dream (and achieve) the impossible, evidenced by architectural wonders such as the soaring Burj Khalifa, the spectacular Burj al Arab, and the impressive Palm Jumeirah Island. These developments are all testament to the ruling sheikh’s willpower to put Dubai on the map, and make the city one of the world’s best travel destinations. If you’re not afraid of heights, head Downtown to catch the view from atop the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. The view from the Burj will give you a great appreciation for the size of Dubai’s city landscape, but the view itself changes daily and even multiple times a day given the height.

Note: Make sure you book in advance; as a ticket to witness the view from the world’s tallest building is booked out days and sometimes weeks in advance. I would highly recommend doing either the sunset tour (be prepared to queue) or first thing in the morning.

If you’d prefer to wine and dine at the world’s tallest restaurant, why not book a table at AT.MOSPHERE which is located a couple floors below the observation deck. Note there is a minimum spend of AED 350dh (£74) for dinner and a window seat.

Once you’re down on solid ground, head over to the Burj Lake and get front row seats to the world's largest performing Fountain. The shows run every thirty minutes most afternoons. If you’re overcome with adrenaline on your travels, you can even zipline over the Fountains.

THE WORLD’S LARGEST SHOPPING MALL

Dubai is essentially a shopaholic’s heaven, boasting the world’s largest and most visited shopping mall, Dubai Mall. While you’re in the Downtown area, this is a great first port of call to begin your retail adventures. Here you will find the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, an ice skating rink, a cinema, hundreds of shops and restaurants ranging from Shake Shack through to fine dining. If you haven’t dropped yet, head to the Mall of Emirates and enjoy a family theme park or hit the slopes and play with the penguins at the indoor ski resort, Ski Dubai.

DESERT ADVENTURES

A desert safari is an iconic Dubai experience that absolutely cannot be missed, though as popular as they are, you’ll need to be sure to book a tour in advance of your stay. Be sure to book a half-day safari (otherwise known as “sunset safaris”). These are offered by every tour operator in town and will cost you between AED 175dh to 380dh. The more expensive tours will generally offer a superior service, better quality transport, food and a wider range of entertainment at their camps. You’ll likely be collected from your Hotel between 3-4pm and then be driven out to the desert. Typically, the Bedouin camps are a 45 minute drive out of Dubai on the road to Hatta.

Expect to enjoy the Emirati pastime of dune-bashing; sand-skiing or sand-boarding; camel riding; and for an additional fee, some operators take you dunning on a quad bike or dune buggy. Thrills apart, the dunes are a truly mesmerising sight at sunset. As dusk settles, you’ll be taken to your Bedouin camp, where tents are hoisted around a sandy enclosure and a belly-dancing stage, and be served a buffet dinner before being driven back to your Hotel.

For those wanting to experience more of a feel for the desert, some operators offer the chance to extend the sunset safari into an overnight trip, where you’ll sleep out in tents under the stars before returning to Dubai after breakfast the following morning. This offers you a much better chance of getting some sense of the emptiness and grandeur of the landscape.

MAN-MADE ISLANDS & BEACHES

In an effort by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE’s prime minister and Emir of Dubai, is the mastermind behind these massive projects, which are meant to pique tourism and expand Dubai’s coastline. Perhaps the most widely recognised of the bunch, the Palm Jumeirah, is aptly shaped like a palm tree, consisting of a trunk and 17 fronds, and surrounded by an almost 7-mile-long crescent-shaped island which is home to The Palm Atlantis, the Waldorf Astoria, and Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort; these are just a few of the many luxury hotels and resorts that dot the archipelago.

EXPLORE THE SOUKS

If you really want to get under the skin of Dubai, the traditional markets, known as souks, are a must visit. In the heart of old Dubai, the area of Deira is comprised of an atmospheric tangle of bazaars, where you will find everything from the Gold Souk to the aromatic Spice Souks and discounted designer goods, all of which are within walking distance. You can also catch an abra or water taxi for the short ride to the Textile Souk.

If you’re in search of designer handbags, shoes, and clothing, Karama Market has all the discounted (often fake) designer goods you could ever need. This vibrant market is bargain central, and is the perfect place to practice your haggling skills.

ABU DHABI

The UAE is made of seven separate Emirates; although attention mainly falls on Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is the very model of a modern Gulf city: thoroughly contemporary, unashamedly wealthy and decidedly demure. By comparison to Dubai, locals here have long prided themselves on the city’s slow-paced and traditional lifestyle; but things are beginning to change. Abu Dhabi is increasingly competing for local bragging rights, as it makes its own bid to become the tourist epicentre of the UAE with a string of new landmark mega-projects taking shape.

If time permits, I would highly recommend taking a day trip or spending a few days here. There are buses that run between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and it takes just over an hour to get there. It is well worth the trip to explore the city’s standout attractions, such as Sheikh Zayed Mosque, one of the world’s largest and most remarkable places of Islamic worship; the ultra-opulent Emirates Palace Hotel; and the new and culturally impressive Abu Dhabi Louvre.

If visiting the Mosque, you’ll be expected to dress conservatively - female visitors not suitably attired will be provided with an abbeya robe to wear. If you’re visiting the Emirates Palace, be weary that there is a dress code for non-guests - we missed the memo and were refused entry.

Sitting on the outermost edges of the city lies Yas Island; home to the Yas Marina Circuit which hosts the annual Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix, along with other events and activities. One of the highlights of my time in Abu Dhabi was experiencing the thrill of driving a Mercedes AMG GT out of the pit lane to join the track of an F1 Circuit. I was fitted in the F1 jumpsuit with a helmet and balaclava and introduced to my instructor who sat in the passenger seat hoping to improve my technique as I was driving. This will set you back a hefty £380, but it’s worth every penny.

THE FOOD SCENE

With around 200 nationalities living in the city, it’s no surprise that the array of cuisines here is so diverse, although I must say; it is difficult to eat here on a budget. Here is a list of my all time favourite restaurants in Dubai:

PIERCHIC

Known as the most romantic restaurant in Dubai, this seafood serving, over-water restaurant looks straight into the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab and the magical skyline. Contemporarily decorated with glass walls, this restaurant is one for a special occasion or for when you want to impress someone special. The menu is predominantly British, featuring a strong element of seafood.

ASIA ASIA

To this day, Asia Asia remains one of my all time favourite restaurants. Located at Pier 7 of Dubai Marina, Asia Asia is an award wining restaurant and lounge, serving the most exotic Pan-Asian fusion cuisines in a superb settling, with the rooftop providing the most astounding views of the Marina and city lights of Dubai skyline. The crispy shrimp tempura and wagyu striploin are musts.

*Extraordinary views over the Marina from Asia Asia*

LE CIRQUE

The iconic Le Cirque arrived in the Middle East in 2018, in the prime location of the Ritz Carlton. The menu takes influence from the New York original, with fresh, light and contemporary French dishes at its core, with a twist of Italian flair.

I would also highly recommend Fish Beach Taverna (on the beach of Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort); STK Dubai Marina (at the Walk in the Jumeirah Beach Residence); Flair No. 5 at the Ritz Carlton creates amazing botanical inspired cocktail; and Karma Kafe (overlooking the Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa) is another stand-out Pan-Asian restaurant.

WHERE TO STAY

Before booking your accommodation in Dubai, ask yourself what type of holiday you want. Dubai is vast, and rather spread out. The Creek, which is a narrow bay of the Persian Gulf, divides Dubai into two sections Deira and Bur Dubai. Bur Dubai is known as the historical part of the city, where you will find the Old Souk, the Bastakia Quarter and Al Fahidi historical neighbourhood.

South of the Creek is where you will find the more popular attractions, like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Miracle Garden, Burj Al Arab, Dubai Marina, the Mall of the Emirates, and the Palm Jumeirah.

Each time I travel here, I stay right by the Palm Jumeirah, as I find it to have more of a bustling, energetic atmosphere; not to mention it’s in close proximity to the beaches. The Dubai Marina is another great area to stay. However, if you’re on a quick trip, it would be best to base yourself in the city centre: Downtown Dubai.

My favourite and top hotels choices in Dubai are the Four Seasons Downtown Dubai, One & Only The Palm Dubai, the Armani Hotel Dubai (inside the Burj Khalifa), the Madinat Jumeirah and Five Palm Jumeirah.

CULTURE & ETIQUETTE

Despite its glossy western veneer and liberal ways, it’s important to remember that Dubai is an Islamic state, and that tourists are expected to comply with local cultural norms or risk the consequences. Generally, modest attire is expected of all visitors, although you’ll find that many expat women tend to do the opposite. Be conservative and respectful in your choice of clothing and more importantly, do not dress to attract attention. Furthermore, do not engage in public displays of affection, particularly with someone of the opposite sex, and think twice before you hold hands or peck your loved one on the cheek in public (particularly when walking through shopping malls).

AT A GLANCE

Language: While Arabic is the UAE’s official language, English is the language of business and is spoken by almost everyone in Dubai.
Currency: Dirham (Dhs).
Credit Cards and Banks: Cash is king here. While most places accept credit cards, it’s best to always carry small change.
Getting Around: I suggest buying a Nol Card before using the metro, local bus, tram or water bus. If you're here on a short layover, buy the rechargeable Nol Red Ticket. Longer stays might warrant you purchasing the Nol Silver Pass. For shorter distances, taxis are the fastest way of getting around and not too expensive. Uber and Bolt are also available and I would highly recommend using, as they are an easier option to save you from having heated arguments with the taxi driver. They are also the fastest and most convenient way to get around town when travelling at night. Dubai is not known to be a walking city. All of the landmarks and attractions are rather spread across the city, however, the Dubai Marina, City Walk and Deira are the best walking areas.
Climate: The best time to visit is in the cooler months, from December to February when the UAE enjoys an almost Mediterranean climate. The city is almost unbearable in the summer months from May to September, so avoid travelling there at this time, if possible.