We left our car behind just next to the Dubai Museum at Al Fahidi Fort and got lost in the tangle of narrow lanes and heritage coral-hewn buildings of the Al Fahidi Historic District, some of the last in Dubai. Across the creek from the bustling Spice Souq and a quick walk from the...
We admired the city’s sparkling coastline on a private 60ft yacht cruise (1200 AED / 2 hours) from Dubai Harbour, a seafront district in Dubai Marina that boasts the most advanced cruise terminal and the largest marina in the region. Conveniently located near Palm Jumeirah and Bluewaters...
Just a few steps from Marina, we found this clean, wonderful playground with plenty of facilities, including showers, toilets, and changing rooms housed in distinctive paneled pods. Kids can keep cool in a splash zone, and there’s even an outdoor gym for pumping. Since it’s...
We loved Dubai’s southernmost district, brimming with luxurious beachfront resorts, restaurants, and some of the city’s most glamorous see-and-be-seen nightclubs. Daytime, we strolled along the Dubai Marina waterfront; we enjoyed The Walk at JBR and, of course, The Beach at...
We encounter the world at the deliciously kitschy Global Village (🎟️23 AED). The carnival-like Global Village is like a “world fair” for shoppers. Each of the 35-something pavilions spread over a massive space showcases a specific nation’s culture and products. Aside...
Dubai loves to shop. The city has just about perfected the art of the mall, the excellent air-conditioned “town commons,” where to go with the family, hang out with friends, and take in some entertainment. So what kind of goods should you look for? We’ve got the lowdown...
We parked in the garages of Souk Al Bahar, where the first few hours were free. Then we walked to the lake with great views of Burj Khalifa. It is a stunning feat of architecture and engineering, with two observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors and a restaurant on the 122nd. The...
It’s challenging to take photos of Dubai’s most iconic hotel and a global icon of Arabian luxury. You can explore it from the private beach in front of the hotel or the boat. You can also visit the hotel on a guided tour or book a room there. We wandered around Souk Al...
We stepped into a world of botanical wonders (🎟️50 AED) and experienced the beauty of over 150 million flowers. The garden covers some 2000 sq meters and is touted as the largest natural flower garden in the world. Once we entered, we felt like Alice in Wonderland; we walked past quirky...
The world’s biggest glow-in-the-dark garden was opened in Zabeel Park in 2015. The $8 million project has different installations illuminated by over 10 million LED lights, creating a mesmerizing spectacle and a world of luminous artistry with breathtaking displays of light and...