Is Dubai worth visiting? Pros and Cons of visiting Dubai
You may wonder if is Dubai worth visiting, and in this comprehensive guide, we will delve into why it is a must-visit destination. We will offer a glimpse into its vibrant culture, top attractions, culinary delights, natural wonders, and practical information to plan an unforgettable trip. By following our footsteps, you will have the best…
You may wonder if is Dubai worth visiting, and in this comprehensive guide, we will delve into why it is a must-visit destination. We will offer a glimpse into its vibrant culture, top attractions, culinary delights, natural wonders, and practical information to plan an unforgettable trip.
By following our footsteps, you will have the best vacation in Dubai, collecting lifetime memories. Even if you think Dubai is expensive, we have some tips to make this trip affordable. Dubai is worth visiting, even if just for a few days.
This guide will help you balance the pros and cons of visiting Dubai. We are a clear example that Dubai is worth visiting. Dubai, a city epitomising opulence and grandeur, has emerged as a sought-after travel destination. It beckons travellers with its extraordinary architecture, cultural richness, and unforgettable experiences.
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Is worth Going to Dubai? 10 quick reasons we think it is!
Pros of visiting Dubai: A World of Extravagance and Marvels
Dubai is worth visiting, especially for its futuristic appeal. Although we cannot say if other cities will adopt the modern look of Dubai, it seems very likely to be similar to what we have seen in some movies.
Dubai exudes an incredible modern style with towering skyscrapers, impressive malls, and unique attractions located within central buildings. What surprised us the most while exploring Dubai is that everything perfectly blends with the local culture and way of life while respecting cultural diversity.
It is a place where one can enjoy a holiday period without worrying about expenses. Additionally, it accommodates any traveller, whether stopping in Dubai or indulging in a few days of extravagance.
Modern architectural marvels
On our first day in Dubai, we were captivated by the towering skyscrapers. While we’re not usually a fan of concrete and metal, Dubai’s architecture is simply breathtaking.
The skyline is filled with stunning buildings, including the iconic Burj Khalifa, which towers over 800 meters above the ground as the world’s tallest building.
The city’s modern design and advanced infrastructure are truly impressive. Our hotel was situated right across from the Museum of the Future, which is a marvel of engineering in and of itself.
Best Luxury Hotels and Resorts
Certainly, Dubai takes luxury to the next level. We have never experienced anything like it before. The attention to detail and customer service is exceptional and rare to find in Europe, to be honest.
Get ready to be treated like royalty in opulent hotels and resorts that cater to your every need.
From the world-famous Burj Al Arab to the exquisite Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai knows how to pamper its tourists. If you’re looking for a hotel experience beyond the ordinary, the 25Hours Hotel in Dubai is the place for you. With its trendy aesthetics, a beautiful pool with a view, and friendly staff, this luxury hotel offers a unique take on what Dubai offers. Check out our Instagram Reel and see for yourself just how cool this hotel is!
The location is perfect, staying only 3 stops away from the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall. The price is extremely affordable with double rooms, with breakfast starting at a staggering £85 per night (€98 | $110). Check here if the hotel is the right one for you.
Cultural Diversity
Discover a unique cultural melting pot in Dubai, where traditions, art, and cuisine worldwide collide. With people from all corners of the world calling it home, you’ll find a rich fusion of traditions, art, and tantalizing cuisine from diverse regions. Immerse yourself in this unique blend and discover the world within this city.
Shopping Paradise
Dubai is a paradise for shopaholics, offering extravagant malls and traditional souks where you can find everything from high-end fashion brands to traditional spices and textiles.
From the moment we stepped foot in Dubai Mall, we bought a new drone! So be prepared to spend money!
Top attractions in Dubai you need to visit
The city offers many exciting activities, from thrilling desert safari in Dubai and dune bashing to water parks, indoor skiing, and spectacular fountain shows at the Dubai Fountain.
Burj Khalifa: Tallest building in the world
The Burj Khalifa is currently the tallest building in the world, standing at over 280 meters above the ground with more than 160 stories. We were fortunate to receive an invitation from Dubai Tourism to visit the top deck and enjoy the magnificent view. It is one of the top attractions to experience during a stopover in Dubai.
Located in the heart of Dubai, the Burj Khalifa is surrounded by a shopping mall, the sky deck view, and the famous fountains, which you can learn more about in the following paragraphs. We recommend booking your ticket in advance for the Burj Khalifa as it can get crowded and often sells out, especially during the high season. Please check availability beforehand.
The Burj Khalifa is in the central stage of Dubai, within the shopping mall, the sky deck view and the famous fountains, which you will find more information about in the following paragraphs.
Dubai Mall: A Shopper’s Paradise
As you continue your trip through Dubai, you can’t miss visiting the world’s largest mall. Exiting the metro, you’ll be surrounded by shopping bags in no time.
The Dubai Mall offers an unparalleled shopping experience, housing over 1,200 stores with various luxury brands, international fashion, and unique local boutiques.
Embark on a shopping spree and explore a world of fashion, accessories, and more. This retail paradise is a testament to Dubai’s status as a global shopping destination.
The Dubai Fountain: A Dazzling Display
I recommend spending your afternoon in the Dubai Mall area and watching the famous water fountain show. As the sun sets over the city, you will be mesmerised by the performances of the Dubai Fountain.
The choreographed water and light show is a true spectacle, set against the stunning backdrop of the Burj Khalifa. The synchronised music and dancing water jets create a symphony of sights and sounds to inspire you. It’s an unforgettable experience that reaffirms Dubai’s worthiness of a visit.
The view of the Palm Jumeirah
It’s amazing to see a land where there was once only water. Palm Jumeirah is a man-made island shaped like a palm tree and one of the top attractions in Dubai.
Even if you only have a layover of a few hours, riding the metro for about 20 minutes from the airport to see the Palm is worth it. Dubai is definitely worth visiting. The view from the iconic building in the centre of the oasis is breathtaking.
ALSO WORTH A LOOK
For further recommendations about Dubai, see this guide.
Looking for photospots in Dubai? We have the right guide!
Dubai Creek: Where Tradition Meets Modernity
Dubai Creek is a place where you can witness the seamless coexistence of Dubai’s past and present. Take a traditional dhow cruise along the historic waterway and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Dubai’s heritage.
You can also enjoy waterfront dining, visit cultural sites and experience the bustling souks. This cultural enclave is a testament to Dubai’s roots and adds depth to the city’s worth as a travel destination.
Dubai Frame
Situated on the border of the old town, the Dubai Frame marks the boundary between the original city and the new developments. It signifies modern Dubai and is often mistaken as a frame around the old city to remind people of the past.
You can ascend to the top of the frame to enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and observe the striking differences in architecture and style.
Dubai Beaches
Dubai is known as a relaxed and culturally open city in the UAE. Women can enjoy wearing bikinis in Dubai on the beaches, which are often busy, especially during sunset when the heat is more bearable.
Remember that the Persian Gulf is quite warm, so it may not offer the refreshing experience you might expect. Our recommendation for the best beaches in Dubai is either Jumeira Beach or Marina Beach. However, you can also check out the other top beaches in Dubai from the list below:
Dubai Desert Safari
We had an amazing experience with Platinum Heritage, the most popular company offering desert tours and safaris in a nature reserve located beyond the outskirts of Dubai.
The company has perfectly blended the cultural heritage of the Bedouin tradition with modern amenities for tourists through a desert safari, where you can explore the dunes, witness daily wildlife roaming and experience the local way of life in a camp.
If you’re looking for an adventure-filled afternoon, we highly recommend checking out this tour, which has received a 4.7-star rating on GYG. However, since the tour takes place in a nature reserve with limited access, it has limited seats.
Therefore, check availability in advance here to avoid disappointment. It’s the best way to create unforgettable memories while in Dubai.
Is Dubai Safe?
Yes, Dubai is very safe. Our experience with Emirates was great. The people there are friendly and aware that safety is important for travellers to enjoy their trip, which is why the country is one of the most visited places in the world.
They treated us with utmost care and made us feel safe throughout our trip. Dubai is a melting pot of cultures, with workers worldwide. It was interesting to witness the coexistence of different cultures.
However, it must be noted that while Dubai is tourist-friendly, the surrounding area is still developing regarding cultural movement. If you are travelling solo, join fellow travellers to share experiences.
A sparkling clean city
We were impressed with the cleanliness of Dubai. The city was designed to impress us everywhere we went. The streets were tidy, the roads were spotless, and we hardly ever saw any litter.
Overall, Dubai’s cleanliness measures deserve a big thumbs up from us.
Efficient public transportation
During our visit to Dubai, we mainly relied on public transportation, except for the last day when the 25hours hotel provided us with a Mini Cooper for free. Dubai has an efficient urban transport system, with Metro, Buses, Trams and monorails available and synchronised.
The metro is particularly affordable, with a one-way trip to the boundaries from the city centre costing just about 5 Dirhams (£1 | €1.10 | $1.20).
The only mode of transportation we found quite expensive was the monorail, but it is worth the price for the fantastic trip on a train that passes through Palm Jumeirah in auto mode without the driver.
If you think that navigating Dubai is expensive, you should clear this from your mind. Dubai has a remarkably efficient public transport system, including the Dubai Metro and buses, making it convenient to explore various attractions.
Cons of Visiting Dubai
Cultural Sensitivities
Dubai stands out from other places in the UAE with its unique charm. Tourist hospitality in Dubai is notably different from that in Abu Dhabi. Compared to other destinations in the region, Dubai is relatively liberal.
However, respecting local customs and traditions is crucial, especially when dressing modestly in public areas or visiting mosques.
To enjoy a fantastic trip to Dubai, planning and purchasing entrance tickets and skip-the-line vouchers is essential. It is equally important to embrace the local culture, enjoy the cuisine, carry water, and respect local customs.
These tips are some of the main sections of our Dubai guide, and they are impossible to miss.
Extreme heat
If you’re worried about hot weather, it’s best not to visit Dubai in July and August. We had the opportunity to explore the stunning city while returning to Europe from Asia. Although the ticket price was half compared to a direct flight, we found the weather to be quite hot.
Dubai’s climate can be quite harsh, and with the current climate change, it can be harmful, especially if you’re at risk. This is why it’s best to avoid outdoor activities during peak hours. However, you can find relief from the heat in indoor attractions and malls.
Plan ahead
Our recent trip to Dubai was amazing, and we are already planning our next visit. One of the main reasons for our enjoyable experience was that everything was well-planned, from hotel accommodation to transportation and daily visits to the main attractions.
Despite missing out on some sightseeing opportunities, we could do everything important to us, thanks to detailed planning, online ticket bookings, and skip-the-line passes.
I recommend researching and planning your itinerary to maximise your time in Dubai. This way, you can ensure you don’t miss out on any must-see destinations and attractions.
Respect the local culture
As previously mentioned, it is important to consider the local culture when travelling to a new country. Embracing a different culture, which can vastly differ from what you are used to, is crucial.
In Dubai, it is particularly important to respect and appreciate the rich culture and traditions by dressing modestly in public places and refraining from public displays of affection.
Explore beyond the glitz
Dubai is often associated with glitz, glamour, luxury, and modernity. However, this city has much more than just popular tourist attractions and landmarks. In addition to the new developments and tourist hotspots, several historic sites are significant to the locals.
To explore the real Dubai, consider venturing off the beaten path and visiting the old town. Here, you’ll experience what Dubai was like in the past and get a taste of its rich culture and heritage.
Check some of the best tours in Dubai:
Try the local food
During our trip to Dubai, we enjoyed exploring different restaurants. However, one of the most memorable experiences was the Dubai Safari. We took a charming excursion through the natural reserve surrounding the city, and it was a breathtaking experience.
The trip’s highlight was the Bedouin camp, where we relished a traditional four-course meal. Thanks to Platinum Heritage, we also enjoyed a mesmerising show, stargazing, and dance performance. Overall, it was a delightful and unforgettable experience.
Stay hydrated and carry a water bottle
As previously mentioned, Dubai gets hotter every year. Staying hydrated is the best suggestion everyone gives. So carry on your reusable water bottle and stay hydrated. Around Dubai, you can find water stations to refill your bottle and help reduce plastic waste.
Use Public Transport
Public transport in Dubai is affordable and efficient. We paid only 5 Dirhams to travel from the city centre to the outskirts, which is more convenient than London’s public transport.
Experience the Desert
We had an amazing time on a desert safari adventure during our trip to Dubai. Our guide took us on a thrilling ride through the Arabian desert in a vintage Land Rover, skillfully avoiding the wild animals and gliding over the dunes. It was an exhilarating experience that left us all feeling invigorated.
We ended the journey at a beautiful Bedouin camp in the heart of the desert, where we were treated to a delicious four-course meal and local drinks.
The staff at Platinum Heritage went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and like honoured guests. The highlight of the evening was the heritage show, which was a mesmerising display of culture and tradition. I highly recommend checking out their tour and booking in advance, as it’s a popular attraction that fills up fast.
Observe Ramadan Etiquette
If you plan on visiting Dubai during Ramadan, respecting those fasting by not eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours is important.
Dubai is an amazing vacation destination that blends contemporary luxury with a rich cultural heritage. Its unique charm attracts people worldwide, creating unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
As you embark on your Dubai adventure, remember to be respectful, embrace the diversity, and enjoy the city’s numerous attractions. Whether you’re seeking luxury, adventure, or cultural enrichment, Dubai has something magical for everyone.
Why should I visit Dubai?
At the end of this fantastic post about Dubai, we would like to provide a clear example of why we decided to explore this city despite it not being on our travel list.
Some might be deterred by the artificiality of parts of the city, but Dubai has everything that makes it a worthwhile destination. Its efficiency, clean cities, and various activities make you feel welcome in a world that’s different from what you may be used to.
If you’re travelling between Europe and Asia, consider visiting Dubai. Breaking up your flights and spending some time in the UAE can be a cheaper alternative to a long, direct flight or one with multiple layovers.
During our stopover in Dubai, we enjoyed the best activities and returned home safely and relaxed after our first trip for over 9 months in Asia.
Best trips from Dubai
Abu Dhabi, UAE: Spend a day in the UAE’s capital and immerse yourself in its rich culture. Visit the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, witness the futuristic architecture of Yas Island, and learn about the region’s heritage at the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Al Ain, UAE: Known as the “Garden City” of the UAE, Al Ain boasts lush oases, the historic Al Jahili Fort, and the Al Ain Zoo. Take a scenic drive through the desert and experience the city’s fascinating history.
Hatta, UAE: Just a short drive from Dubai, Hatta offers a peaceful escape into the Hajar Mountains. Explore the Hatta Dam, take a kayak on its serene waters, and visit the Hatta Heritage Village to glimpse the region’s history.
Fujairah, UAE: Head to the UAE’s east coast and discover pristine beaches, historical sites like the Fujairah Fort, and the rugged Hajar Mountains for adventure and relaxation.
Muscat, Oman: Take a short flight from Dubai or a longer 6-hour bus ride to explore the beautiful city of Muscat. Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the Royal Opera House, and the vibrant Mutrah Souq . Don’t miss the stunning Al Jalali and Al Mirani forts overlooking the sea.
