Things to check out and experience in Dubai

DUBAI - Travel plan in the city of superlatives

Exploring Dubai in 4 days - 6 must-see places:

1. Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain
   
2. BURJ AL ARAB
   
3. Atlantis Hotel
   
4. Markets of Gold, Spices and Perfume
   
5. Ski Dubai
   
6. The Arabian Desert

Practical Information and Useful Tips for Dubai

Dubai, bold and party-loving, serves as the capital of one of the 7 ​emirates comprising the small state of the United Arab Emirates.

Always changing with one construction site after another, Dubai ​stands out on the world stage for its modern and reflective buildings ​that reach high into the sky, earning it the nickname of the Manhattan ​of the Middle East. The city is also known for its luxurious hotels, ​restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.

It's difficult to imagine that Dubai was merely a fishing village at the ​start of the last century, but now it has transformed into one of the ​most advanced cities, racing towards the future at a rapid pace.

Perched above the Persian Gulf, it's a lush oasis with gardens ​nestled amidst upscale skyscrapers and malls, golf courses, and ​water features, standing out against the dry dunes of the Arabian ​Desert that encircle it.

Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain

The fountains dancing to music ​amidst the city lights and the Burj ​Khalifa skyscraper, which has been ​the tallest building since 2010 at ​829 meters and 163 floors, draw ​tourists from around the world.

Paying an entrance fee allows you ​to ascend the skyscraper and enjoy ​a view of the city from above. ​However, the visibility is limited by ​the humidity from the water used ​to care for the public greenery, ​resulting in a persistent haze ​obscuring the panorama.

2 - Burj Al Arab

Dubai aims not only to reach the stars in ​the sky but also to aim high in the ​hospitality sector.

On an artificial island, connected to the ​beach by a modern bridge, is the Burj Al-​Arab, the world's most expensive hotel ​with its famous and unmistakable sail ​shape. Since its opening in 1999, it has ​been awarded 7 stars and holds the top ​spot among luxury hotels worldwide.

The walkway along the extremely long ​Jumeirah beach goes by this well-known ​hotel, and you just have to snap some ​pictures, like I did, even in the sweltering ​August heat with 41° air, 33° sea, and ​record-breaking humidity.

Covering 4100 square kilometers, the distances are ​too far to walk, but you can rely on the highly ​efficient public transport or affordable taxis to get ​you wherever you need to go.

As visitors from another country, we felt at ease with ​the local customs. We just needed to follow some ​basic rules like dressing appropriately, covering ​shoulders and legs when visiting mosques, and ​refraining from drinking alcohol in public, opting to do ​so in international hotels and restaurants instead.

3 - Atlantis Hotel

We kept exploring on a five-lane road leading straight to the sea, reaching the stunning Palm ​Jumeirah, an artificial archipelago shaped like a palm tree. It accommodates residential ​complexes and, at its outer edge, one of the luxurious Atlantis chain hotels that emerges grandly ​with its oriental characteristics, almost like a gateway to paradise.

Indoors, colorful glass installations and ceilings painted with ​vibrant designs complement the soft pink marble floors. A ​remarkable aquarium spans the entire wall and extends to ​the upper floor, showcasing thousands of fish in various ​shapes and sizes, making us feel like we could dive in with ​them.

4 - The Markets of Gold, Spices and Perfume

If Dubai hasn't impressed you yet and you're ​into shopping, make your way to the Dubai ​Mall, the biggest shopping center globally. ​There, you'll discover top brands. Then, not ​far off, visit the Gold Souk, a street lined with ​gold shops. I was amazed to see gold ​ornaments and jewelry of all sorts, many of ​which were quite different from what ​Europeans typically wear.

Next, visit the Spice Souk or the Perfume Souk to ​immerse yourself in this part of the Middle East in a ​more traditional manner. Explore the remnants of old ​Dubai in the Al Fahidi district, the former fishing village ​untouched by the scent of oil.

Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum is actually credited with initiating the development of Dubai ​after the oil fields were discovered in the 1960s, turning the residential area into a commercial ​center on the banks of the Creek River.

Sailing on the traditional Abra boat along the river now, those fishermen's houses have ​disappeared, making room for a continuously growing city and a surge of modernity.

5 - Ski Dubai

Dubai Ski Resort

Now, the skyscrapers in the city reach out ​into the desert as far as you can see, ​providing all the luxuries and displays of ​wealth inside, including icy air conditioning ​and even a section for winter activities like ​Ski Dubai. You can enjoy ski slopes, ​sledding, and ice skating amidst a ​perpetual snowfall, making it feel like ​you're in the Arctic Circle.

6 - The Arabian Desert

On the final night, we got away from the hustle of the city ​lights and, after a couple of hours in a jeep, we ended up in ​the vast landscape of the Arabian Peninsula, a desert area ​of dunes and vast spaces where only four ochre-colored ​walls broke the continuous lines we were used to.

We were greeted with a traditional dinner, belly dancers, ​and talented fire-eaters in a setting reminiscent of the ​Middle East from the tales of One Thousand and One ​Nights.

But if you're seeking some peace and a connection with ​your inner self, the desert is like a gentle embrace of the ​starry night sky over the solitary sand dunes, where each ​person can discover their unique inner world.

Practical information and helpful tips for Dubai

Population: 3.4 million residents

Climate: The winters are mild (ideal for visiting from ​November to March), and the summers are very hot.

Safety: If you stick to the rules, everything will be ​fine. No issues, even for women traveling solo.

Religion: Islam

Currency: Dirham. Credit cards are accepted ​everywhere

Entry requirements: Passport with a validity of at ​least 6 months

Best time to visit: any time of the year, but autumn or spring are ​ideal. Summer is less crowded but can be extremely hot

Dress code: opt for light attire covering shoulders and knees when ​visiting religious sites. For evenings at upscale hotels and clubs, ​dress elegantly

Getting around: use convenient public transportation (bus, metro, ​tram, ferries) or surprisingly affordable taxis

Must-try dishes: biryani, fattoush, and manousheh

Hotels serve international cuisine

Power outlets: British style. Remember to bring a universal adapter ​Internet: WiFi is available everywhere

Souvenir: box of dates, spices, perfumes and jewelry

4-day budget (4-5 star hotel): €1,000 per person, flights not included

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