Top 10 things to do in Dubai

1. Burj Khalifa

Dubai is the most glittering city, the largest, deepest ... and the city of Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Go see the exhibition on the history of the building, then take the elevator the fastest in the world. Hold on tight, because it only takes a few seconds. If this is to be avoided for those with fragile heart, it's still a great thing to do and the view will blow you away. If you are a photography enthusiast, like me, you can even take a tripod and take pictures of the beach and the city. Book tickets online in advance and go at sunset, my favorite time because you can see both day and night from above.

2. Dubai Creek

After the tallest building in the world, I love the contrast of a simple abra ride on Dubai Creek. The cove is one of the oldest and most beautiful parts of Dubai. For me, nothing can match the pleasure of sailing at sunset on an abra to cross the creek (and for a dirham), while the call to prayer echoes from the minarets of mosques. Close your eyes and imagine you are in the 60s, when the city was born. You can even book a private abra for € 12 per hour. 

On the other side of the creek, you will be greeted by the aroma of spices souk. It's a great place to buy a small burner and a few sticks of incense, and then I walk in the beautiful historic district of Deira, with its bizarre alleys and cats skinny street. What an atmosphere!

3. Centre for Cultural Understanding of Sheikh Mohammed

Great place for breakfast or lunch! And if you've always wanted to know more about Islam but were afraid to ask is the opportunity to know everything. 

The center is managed by an Emirati who married a European and it is, as the name suggests, a place for intercultural understanding. I love coming here for lunch or breakfast, and I always buy a chocolate bar Camel leaving. If, like me, you dare: when everyone is gone, ask if you can go up on the roof to enjoy the view. If you do it well, you can be up there when sounds the call to prayer. It gives me goosebumps just writing it.

4. Public parks in Dubai

 

The parks are perhaps not the first thing you associate with Dubai. But remember what I said to you in Dubai was the largest, deepest and most expensive of all. Well the same goes for the parks! 

Dubai has some of the most beautiful parks, the quietest, cleanest and greenest in the world. Pay 5dhs (€ 1) to enter a place quite different from other public spaces: look at the families and couples Filipino, Pakistani, Indian, local (UAE), Arab, European and Asian fun, with children and babies running around. Wallets and mobile phones are left on the grass while moms and dads play football or cook hamburgers on the barbecue. I go to the park to relax after a hard week or when I'm stressed. Take a picnic, forget your stress and ... enjoy.

5. Ravi

That's where I take true fans of curry. We go flawlessly once a month. One of the oldest restaurants in Dubai, Ravi is usually crowded with customers from around the world. There are no white tablecloth, no wine list, no arrogant server. Just common Pakistani curry served by friendly staff. My favorite dishes are the chicken boti, chicken handi on the mutton tika, the daal and mutton kebab, and the bread is fresh and piping hot. An entire family can eat for less than 100dhs (20 €). Furniture Ravi was recently changed, and we added a family party, but I think it's more fun to be outside, or in the main room to enjoy the atmosphere.

6. Burj Al Arab

The Burj is "the only 7 star hotel in the world" and whether you agree or not, it's certainly one of the iconic buildings of Dubai. 

With its height of 321 meters, the Burj was designed to resemble a sail that lifts. There are several places to take pictures, but one of the best is the public beach next door. From there, take the best picture of you in Dubai, on the beach with the Burj at the bottom. This is one of the most photographed structures in the world, and is regularly voted the world's most luxurious hotel. As it is too expensive for the average visitor, here is a little secret tip: go have a drink at Dhow and Anchor, in the hotel opposite (Jumeirah Beach Hotel) and sit out on the terrace for an even better view. But do not tell anyone that I told you!

7. Ski Dubai - Mall of the Emirates

Want to see the desert and go skiing? Do not miss Ski Dubai, a huge ski slope in the Mall of the Emirates towards the marina at the end of the city, near the Burj Al Arab. It's been a bit of a shock to go from the desert heat at temperatures below zero. Ski instructors can help you, or you can go it alone. There is even a coffee bar in the middle of the track, and in the mountains, so you can take a break. You can rent all the equipment and clothing needed, so no need to bring your skis.

8. Walk of Jumeirah Beach Residence and Dubai Marina

Built in recent years, Dubai Marina mingles with spectacular skyscrapers and, next door, is the walk of the Jumeirah Beach Residence (or "JBR walk" if you want to look like local). The marina and RBG is a city within a city with amazing architecture, lovely cafes and bars, perfect for people watching and find luxurious hotels and some of the best restaurants in town, including Frankie's Italian Bar & Grill and Twenty10. 

During the day, the views are also stunning in the evening, and many people are jogging around the marina for the same reason. Behind the Address Hotel, you can take the ferry from Dubai, which is great for visitors and locals as it takes you to the sea and passes the famous Atlantis Hotel on the Palm Jumeirah artificial. The ferry takes you along the coast and drops you right inside the creek to Bur Dubai, where you can enjoy the "old" Dubai after seeing the "new" Dubai.

9. Desert Safari

A desert safari is an opportunity to experience the past life of the Bedouins. Many companies offer desert safaris, but check before booking (or ask me surTripbod.com). Be sure to ask what time you will end and will be dropped if they plan to stop somewhere on the way, and especially what the additional costs are expected and what kind of food will be offered. 

It takes you into a 4x4 to an authentic camp where you can try the shisha or perhaps enjoy grilled food on the barbecue. If you want adventure, go on the desert road, watch the hawks fly and dream of adventures in the desert. When I returned to camp after sunset, I find magic just to sit in the dark and watch the stars, a simple pleasure too often forgotten.

10. Dubai Fountains 

 

From Saturday to Thursday and 1:30 p.m. 13h; 18h-22h every 30 minutes 

Friday 1:30 p.m. ET 14h; 18h-22h every 30 minutes 

A magic show, exciting and free! If you've been to Las Vegas, you may have already seen the fountains Belaggio have. But trust me, that Dubai is bigger, bigger, and stronger and it's amazing to watch these fountains. The best thing is to go there at night to see the show of lights. 

The fountains are at the foot of Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, the largest mall in the world (something else to see). There are many restaurants near the fountains and it is best to book in one of them and eat on the terrace (in winter) to see the fountains in all their glory. I think the Mango Tree is one of the most pleasant places to dine, but the Rivington Grill is also a good plan. 

The musical repertoire of the fountain show includes Sama Dubai, Baba Yetu (a famous song in Swahili), the number one selling the Arab world Shik Shak Shok, and the known piece of the Italian tenor, partiro Con te (It's time to say bye for now). Besides, it's time for me to say goodbye and wish you a wonderful stay in Dubai!

source:skyscanner.fr