Dubai is an emirate of the Arabian world- an icon of mammoth skyscrapers and dunes. It is a city of miracles and marvels and is home to the largest building in the world- Burj-Al-Khalifa. Do you think you have less time to sniff out the city’s luxury? Then don’t worry Habibi! You will get to stroll around the gold-filled souks, ride your bones out on red dunes and shop like never (until our bank account starts screaming). The best part? This blog has got your back. Here you will get to know how you can experience Dubai in 24 hours only. Let’s get flying!
- Brunch at Burj
- Shop Haul at Dubai Mall
- Lay Low at Jumeriah
- Dig Gold at Souks
- Sway at Dancing Fountain
- Global Village
- Sail Night at Dhow Cruise
1. Brunch near Burj
Need to get over that jet lag? Feeling low to venture into the city? Then kickstart your morning at Bur LA Khalifa with a freshly brewed coffee and an eggsepctional breakfast. Tired of your boring PB and J toast? Then chow down on authentic Arabic cuisine at Café Beirut. Munch on some pine nuts while you wait for your main course to arrive. Delve into the infamous hummus with warm pitas. Or try on the piping hot falafel with Arab’s signature sauce- the Thom (garlic sauce).
If you are looking for a quick energizer to wake up your body, then go to Karak House. Their traditional Saffron tea is your fuel for the whole day. Don’t forget to try the sweet street food delicacy- The Honey Cake at Mister Baker. The subtle golden honey drizzled among the layers of soft, spongy vanilla cake. It is the perfect treat for someone who has a sweet tooth.
2. Shop Haul at Dubai- The Jewel Holiday Destination
After a filling morning meal, you need to head straight towards the Dubai Mall. Located at the heart of the city, this mall is the state of the art. The flagship mega project by Emaar Properties pays tribute to over 70 international brands. (Yes, it has Bloomingdale’s too). Spanning over an area of 3.77 million sq. feet, this King Kong has everything.
You can beat the scorching heat of the desert in the Mall’s cool interior. Or shop till you drop your wallet out. This mall offers you all exceptionally high quality. From fashion wares and new electronics to handicraft stores and much more.
Need to unwind from the stress? Then check out the Aquarium that is also in the mall. This suspended aquarium is home to various marine life like sharks and rays. It is one of the largest aquaria in the city. Having a length of 51 meters, a width of 20 meters and a total height of 11 meters. Run down to calm your nerves there (While your man gives the duty of carrying your shopping bags)
3. Lay Low at Jumeriah
Had a hefty time? You can snooze down for a while at the Jumeirah beach. Soak up some vitamin D while you lay low on the fine sandy shores (not from the police, of course!). The calming waves and gentle breeze will wash away all your sorrows. Don’t forget to pack a towel, sunglasses, sunscreen and a good book to make the most of your “me time”, while sipping on an icy cocktail.
4. Buy Gold at Souks
Bring out the Lara Croft from within you as you make your steps towards the souks. These long markets lightened up with shimmering gold is the dream of every gold digger. Haggle your way into this train market to be gilded in pure richness. Don’t forget to bargain about the prices. After all, you don’t want your bank account to cry as you do the treasure hunt.
The interesting part? Forget just snacks and think of gold coming out of a vending machine! Just tap into a few numbers and the gold will drop down for you. Gold to Go ATMs offer 24-carat gold bars ranging from gram to an ounce.
Fun Fact: Do you know that the Guinness World Record Holder of being the largest ring in the world, is in Dubai? The ring ogles every passerby, flaunting its beauty as it sits in one of the local shops at the souk. Known as the Najmat Taiba, it is made of 21-carat gold and is studded with 5.1 kg of diamonds. The total weight of this huge ring is 63 kg.
5. Twirl at Dancing Fountain
Tap to the beat of the music at the front of Dubai Mall. The biggest dancing Fountain is the focal point of Dubai’s charms. Sway at the rhythm of the water. And dance your feet away to the music echoing through the evening. The cascading water against gravity is strikingly 90 metres tall. Plus, the stunning light show synced with the falls is just a phenomenal view. You can even enjoy jet skiing after the music show for a thrilling time.
6. Global Village
Recall the famous “A Whole New World” song from the Aladdin movie as you enter Global Village. With a cheap ticket price of just 50 AED, you can explore this miniature Earth while staying on the planet. (Consider it as a meta-universe). For the ultimate experience, hit this cultural melting pot during peak seasons (Oct-Apr).
Illuminated with thousands of dazzling lights, this place is best to be enjoyed at night. The interesting part is the countries’ pavilions. Each country has its pavilion rich with local, mouth-watering dishes to precious little souvenirs.
Whether you are craving Japanese Bubble Tea, spicy Indian curries or savoury Mexican tacos, you will find them there. Craving for something sweet? Then you can try the staple Emirati dish called luqaimat (sugary dumplings) or try the thick Turkish ice cream at the Turkey pavilion. Try catching the cone as the shopkeeper puts a “dondurma show” for you.
You can even suck on succulent juice dripping from the sizzling kebabs on the Iranian porch. Or enjoy flavourful saffron rice like pilaf or tahchin. Lay your hands on traditional Iranian sweets like halva or baklava.
Are you thinking of grabbing a little souvenir for back home? You can buy a cute giraffe at the African pavilion. The skilled carpenter will carve out the wooden animal right in front of your eyes! While you wait for your giraffe, you can enjoy the local “Jinga Lala” dance for 30 mins.
Or maybe you wish to get those evil eyes off from yourself? Then you can buy a wall hanging featuring an evil eye from the Turkish pavilion. How about stretching your legs for a while? Sit on the grass or the benches with a refreshing cup of Moroccan tea and soak up the ambience.
7. Sail Night at Dhow Cruise
End your fabulous night by cruising on the dhow cruise. Enjoy a hearty dinner under the stars while admiring the city skyline. As the soft wind carries the whiff of the Arabian Sea, immerse yourself in the serene vibes and create lasting memories.
What is a dhow cruise without a live performance? Dine in on the fresh seafood and be entertained by traditional Arabic music and dance. The performer world twirls around wearing a dress made of LED lights. Their unique dance is known to be Tanoura.
Don’t want to “call it a night”? Keep hanging on to the sensational stories. The laughter-filled conversations that start with “Do you know…?” and end with your jaw on the floor. Relax at the deck as you capture nostalgic photos of the city’s skyscrapers.
Tips for Visting Dubai For 24 Hours
- Before you go, learn all about Dubai’s culture and attractions.
- Book in advance the tickets for places like Dancing Fountain.
- Dress Modestly in public places.
- Dubai is quite expensive. Look for cheaper transport options like trams or metros.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated during the boiling summer heat.
- Learn a few phrases of the Arabic language to communicate easily with the locals.
Conclusion
This blog has given you all the activities to win your 24-hour challenge of exploring Dubai. Whether it is about lavish eateries, being frenzy for shopping, or even soaking up the city’s fantasy. Dubai offers beyond your expectations. So, take your next light this holiday to an ultimate Middle Eastern adventure.