Dubai Dreams

Hello again my lovelies! I am super excited to talk about my favourite place in the world. Dubai is a stunning modern city in the United Arab Emirates, known for its futuristic skyline, luxury shopping, and world-class entertainment. Famous landmarks include the Burj Khalifa which is the tallest building in the world and the Palm Jumeirah, an artificial island in the shape of a palm tree. Dubai blends tradition with innovation, offering everything from traditional markets (souks) to cutting-edge architecture and high-end resorts. It’s a global hub for business, tourism, and culture, offering something exciting for every visitor.

In October 2023, me and my family embarked on a twin centre holiday which began in the gorgeous Dubai and ended in the beautiful Bali. This was one of my favourite holidays! We stayed in Dubai for 3 nights. While in Dubai we watched the picturesque fountains, went up the Burj Khalifa, visted the Atlantis Water Park, took in the views in the Dubai Frame, felt sick on a yacht, rode a camel and quad bike in the desert and enjoyed a lovely camp for the evening. This is the BEST place in the world! My top two places to visit were the camp (where we rode the camels and quad bikes) and the Atlantis Water Park. I adored the rest but I am not a fan of being up so high in the Burj Khalifa or feeling sick on the Yacht.

A couple of days into our holiday in Dubai, we visited the Al Khayma Camp. This was absolutely gorgeous! We began by having a quick drink as we were starting with the quad bikes. It was so, so hot! Elliott and I shared a quad bike as I just don't trust my driving. This was so much fun! On the journey, we stopped for a go at sand surfing, which is a lot harder than it looks. Not sure if you should see my failed attempt! We managed to take lots of photos in this spot too, which was lovely, and have another quick drink. Once we finished the quad biking, we went to feed the camels and had a little ride. This was an interesting experience! I have always wanted to ride a camel, but getting down was the hard part. The final part of the day was heading to the camp for a delicious BBQ and entertainment. There were some brilliant acts; I have never seen anything like it! The evening finished with a spot of star gazing and more photos.

The following day, we visited the Atlantis Water Park, one of my favourite spots. The beach was stunning, an ideal location for photos. The slides were incredibly fun, although I skipped the tallest one. Alara and I left our partners to enjoy the slides while we watched the entertainment. After trying all the slides, we ended our day with the lazy river, which was more exciting than it seemed due to the waves along the way! It was extremely hot, so Elliott and I tried a snow cone — the best thing ever. I highly recommend trying one when you're in Dubai; they're so refreshing. Before leaving the water park, we discovered that our tickets also included access to the aquarium. It was beautiful. While exploring, we noticed people scuba diving in one of the tanks. It turns out you can actually get PADI open water certifications there. There's no better place for it!

Important facts about Dubai

• Before traveling, ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Dubai. British citizens can get a free 30-day visitor visa upon arrival in the UAE. If you plan to stay longer, you'll need to arrange a visa extension through local authorities.

• The best time to visit Dubai is between November and March when temperatures are more comfortable, ranging from 20-25°C (68-77°F). Summer months (June-September) can be extremely hot with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F), making outdoor activities challenging.

• Consider cultural sensitivities in your packing choices. While Dubai is relatively liberal compared to other Middle Eastern cities, modest dress is appreciated, especially in malls, religious sites, and traditional areas. Beachwear is acceptable only at beaches and pool areas.

• The time difference between the UK and Dubai is either 3 or 4 hours ahead, depending on daylight saving time. Direct flights from London to Dubai typically take around 7 hours, with multiple daily options from major carriers like Emirates and British Airways.

• The local currency is the UAE Dirham (AED). While credit cards are widely accepted, having some cash is useful for taxis, small purchases, and traditional markets (souks). ATMs are readily available throughout the city.

• Transportation options include the efficient Dubai Metro, taxis (which are relatively affordable), and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem. Renting a car is also possible with a valid UK driving license, but be prepared for different driving customs.

• Alcohol consumption is only permitted in licensed venues such as hotels and specific restaurants. Public intoxication is strictly forbidden and can result in serious legal consequences. During Ramadan, eating and drinking in public during daylight hours is restricted.

• Dubai offers a mix of modern and traditional attractions. Consider visiting the Burj Khalifa (book tickets in advance for better rates), Dubai Mall, traditional souks, desert safaris, and the historic Al Fahidi district. Many hotels offer beach access, but there are also public beaches available.

• Travel insurance is essential. Ensure it covers medical expenses as healthcare in Dubai, while excellent, can be costly. The emergency number in Dubai is 999 (999 for police, 998 for ambulance, 997 for fire) and the British Embassy is available for consular assistance if needed.

  
  
  
  

  Dubai is where future meets tradition, featuring year-round sunshine, world-record architecture, pristine beaches, luxury shopping, desert adventures, and world-class dining. Why not make it your next destination?

  
  

  Enjoy!

Love and hugs,

Tahlia x

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