At a glance
City
Culture
Shopping
Year Round
Curator's statement
Dubai has all the conveniences you would expect from other big cities, as well as incredible art installations, museums and the new Dubai Expo that just launched. In Dubai, you have the best food options and ingredients at super markets, amazing workout classes and such open-minded people. The city is extremely international with great shopping, modern and old architecture (a juxtaposition I enjoy), and activities for everyone of all ages.
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Things to do
Greatest Hits
Go and see The Frame, the world’s largest picture frame. Once on top you can walk along the glass-floored walkways and enjoy views of the city from more than 300 feet up.
Visit the Museum of the Future, a museum that just opened and offers exhibits on innovative designs.
Don’t skip on the newly-launched Dubai Expo – a world expo extending from now until March 2022, and showcasing the best the world has to offer from technology to flavor.
Go for a boat ride in the old part of town with the Abra boat service.
If you’re looking to break a sweat, try a class at Barry’s Bootcamp or pilates and yoga at Bay Yoga. Next, check out the Dubai Aquarium inside the Dubai Mall. You’ll definitely want to walk through the underwater tunnel that takes you right through a shark and ray-filled tank.
If you’re more of a thrill-seeker, cross skydiving at the Palms off your bucket list or try buggy racing in the desert. You can also hold falcons or take an archery class. I assure you, you won't get bored in this city!
A note from
Patricia
If you’d rather skip the entry fee for the Dubai Aquarium, the building itself is still very pretty and can be enjoyed from the outside.
Eat & drink
Clap: On the rooftop of the DIFC, come to Clap for a Japanese dining experience.
Moe’s on 5th: A combination of Southern French and Mediterranean fare in an art-forward space.
Indochine: French-Vietnamese cuisine inside a restaurant with a tropical motif.
LPM: An Italian and French-inspired menu served in a relaxed setting.
Hoseki: An exclusive restaurant inside the Bulgari Hotel with only nine seats, serving a spectacular Omakase experience.
A note from
Patricia
If looking for more food options, check out the restaurants inside The Burj or Shimmers.
Things to know
Considerations
Although Dubai is a progressive city, it does have a conservative culture. It is advised to dress modestly and always ask permission before taking photos of people. If you are going to visit the old part of town, or plan on taking a day trip to Abu Dhabi to see the Mosque of Sheik Zayed, you will want to be dressed appropriately. In all the places that are in the “new” part of town, it’s fully accepted to dress as a westerner.
Local transportation
Make sure to purchase a NOL card when visiting Dubai because cash is not accepted on buses or the metro. The Dubai metro is safe and reliable and a great way to get around the city with ease. You can reach downtown Dubai from the airport by taking the red line metro from terminal 3 or 1. If you land in Dubai at an odd hour, your best bet is to take a Dubai taxi.
When to visit
I wouldn’t recommend visiting Dubai in September. I love warm weather, but that dry heat is something else! My whole room kept fogging up, even if I turned the AC off for just five minutes.
Curator
Patricia van der Vliet
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Advisor
Patricia van der Vliet
Advisor
Patricia van der Vliet
