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Asia, Travel Guides · January 10, 2016

7 Exciting Things to Do in Dubai

Dubai is a Middle Eastern city in the United Arab Emirates known for its wealthy resorts, modern architecture and varied shopping.

It’s a place where many Brits choose to go when they want to experience a touch of luxury. For this reason, understandably, many budget travellers may decide to give it a miss.

This New Year’s Eve, I was given the opportunity to fly to the city on a week’s family holiday. And what a NYE it was!

7 Exciting Things to Do in Dubai

How to Get to Dubai

First things first, getting to Dubai from the UK is very straightforward.

Emirates offers direct flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle and Glasgow. There are other airlines that offer direct flights, including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.

How to Get Around Dubai

One of the easiest ways to get around Dubai is by purchasing a Nol card. You can find these at ticket offices, ticket vending machines and online, and they’re good for use on buses, the metro, the tram and some marine transport.

Otherwise, you have the following options.

  • The metro, which runs only two lines but the main line serves most of the main tourist attractions
  • The tram, which runs along by The Palm and Dubai Marina for a flat service fee
  • The Palm Monorail, which provides service from the mainland to Palm Jumeirah at 10 AED for a single trip or 15 AED return
  • A taxi or ride share (Uber and Careem)

Helpful, right?

Atlantis Dubai

Where To Stay in Dubai

I was fortunate enough to stay in Atlantis on The Palm for my entire trip to Dubai. And it was certainly an experience to remember!

However, you can also stay in the following areas:

  • Downtown, which will be close to the malls, cinemas and food courts.
  • Palm Jumeirah, which consist of the fanciest resorts and is close to the beaches and marina.
  • Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), which is the best option for families and foodies (there are some great restaurants here as well as beautiful beaches, LEGOLAND and the Aquaventure Waterpark for children).
  • Al Fahidi, which is the oldest district but heavily renovated; therefore, ideal for people interested in history, museums and galleries.

Top Things to Do in Dubai

Heading there soon? Read on for 7 exciting things to do in Dubai that you can’t miss out on.

1. Spend a Day at Atlantis Water Park

Exciting things to do in Dubai 101: visit Atlantis, The Palm (if you’re not already staying there). In addition to an aquarium, Atlantis has private beaches, shops and numerous bars and restaurants.

And it also had its very own water park, which is a pretty fun way to spend a sunny day!

2. Visit Dubai Marina

One of the most exciting things to do in Dubai is head to the marina.

This part of the city is perhaps the prettiest bit I saw. Why? Well, it’s full of luxurious yachts and serene water in the foreground, coupled with what can only be described as a skyscraper painting in the background.

In fact, Dubai’s architecture in general is extremely impressive. They have buildings that twist and layer and buildings in unusual shapes that could replicate the Chrysler in NYC.

And who could forget that they have the tallest building in the world in the form of the Burj Khalifa (at 127 floors precisely)?

Needless to say, if you’re an architecture nut, you’ll especially love Dubai.

Exciting Things to Do in Dubai

3. Have Afternoon Tea at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah

While we were in the city, my family and I visited the prestigious Burj Al Arab Jumeirah for a special treat.

Haven’t heard of the Burj Al Arab? It’s the iconic sail-shaped building dubbed one of the most luxurious hotels in the world. Here we wandered around the gorgeous hotel, marvelled in the architecture and proceeded to stuff our faces with afternoon tea at the rooftop restaurant.

Pricey? Absolutely. But worth every minute.

4. Shop Until Your Heart’s Content at Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall is the world’s largest shopping centre and is one of the most exciting things to do in Dubai.

How come? Well, it has an aquarium plonked in the middle of it, for starters.

It also has a good mix of high street and luxury shops to fulfil the needs of even the most avid fashionistas.

Burj Khalifa

5. Watch the Burj Khalifa Fountain Show

Head outside of Dubai Mall and you’ll find the Burj Khalifa skyscraper in all its glory next to the Dubai Fountain.

Stick around long enough and you’ll even experience the famous Dubai Fountain shows. The jets and lights are choreographed to music – and it illuminates the 800 metre-tall tower perfectly.

Three words: a must-see.

6. Go On a Desert Safari

Even though I didn’t get to do this on my trip, dune bashing across the desert is a popular tourist activity in Dubai.

There are several tour companies that take you to do this in a 4×4 vehicle. You can also go sand boarding, have a BBQ with traditional Middle Eastern cuisine and ride a camel.

Whether you take a trip during the day or under the cover of darkness, it looks like a fun, adrenaline-inducing activity not to be missed.

7. Experience The Atlantis NYE Event

Finally, one of the most exciting things to do in Dubai for New Year’s Eve is buy a ticket for The Atlantis’ special event.

There are different packages available, but my family and I booked the one that consists of a five-course meal in one of the hotel’s many restaurants. (You get to decide.)

We chose Nasimi Beach, an outdoor eatery based (you guessed it) on the beach. It’s trendy and opulent with a constant stream of DJ’s that you feel like you’re eating your dinner in the middle of an Ocean Beach Club rave in Ibiza.

After the meal, we were then given access to the hotel’s gala event on our package. This consisted of a live band, fireworks and a free bar. (Hurrah!)

To put it simply, the whole night was so much fun!

Exciting Things to Do in Dubai

Embracing Dubai Without Constantly Checking Your Bank Balance

Due to the fact that it can be on the expensive side, a lot of people opt out of visiting Dubai.

I totally get that. However, if you ever get the opportunity to go, it’s definitely worth a visit – just to marvel at the shiny architecture, if nothing else.

Have you been to this Middle Eastern city before? What would you say are the most exciting things to do in Dubai?

Katie Davies

Katie Davies is the Yorkshire-based freelance writer who founded Trendy Tourist. Since 2017, she has written for over 100 companies on a range of subjects, from fashion to marketing. When she’s not producing content, you can find her shopping, exploring a new place or sitting somewhere having a cup of builder’s tea.

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Posted By: Katie Davies · In: Asia, Travel Guides

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MORE AIRPORT LOOKS ✨ …that are comfy yet styl MORE AIRPORT LOOKS ✨
…that are comfy yet stylish!
1. Jumpsuit Queen
(For those who want to feel like they can breathe and move comfortably on the go while looking super chic for summer)
2. Cute and Cool
(Featuring an on-trend co-ord for sleek airplane style that you can effortlessly throw together)
3. Modern Simplicity
(A contemporary update on the jeans-and-a-tee classic clothing uniform ideal for travelling, with key pieces like the shacket and jeggings) 
Which one would you wear? 1, 2 or 3?
All products shown are in stock right now! I’ve linked them via my LTK shop but I’ll also link them in my Story for you guys. 🔗
Copy and paste this @shop.ltk in your browser: https://liketk.it/3Im8t 💕
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Current bottomless brunch uniform: an oversized sh Current bottomless brunch uniform: an oversized shirt, high-waisted jeans and square-toed strappy heels. 💃🏼
This is basically the 2022 version of “jeans and a nice top” — comfortable and practical for a long day/evening out but still contemporary and stylish.
I went for a soft colour palette for Saturday’s brunch in York because I thought it would look fresher for the summer season. 👀 
I also usually add a light jacket to tackle the pesky British elements but I didn’t need one last weekend. 🥵
The gorgeous mint green satin shirt is from @zara and my straight-leg jeans are @topshop (old), adding some nineties nostalgia to the mix.
I’ll link all pieces in my Story. 💕 
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Seeing all these news headlines about airport queu Seeing all these news headlines about airport queues is so frustrating. 😖
A trip abroad starts at the airport, and it breaks my heart that people who haven’t been able to travel or go on holiday for years and have worked so hard to save up are now experiencing delays and cancellations when it’s finally time for their trip to begin.
Speaking from experience, these queues stress you out before you’ve even got to your final destination. ✈️
I’ve flown from Leeds Bradford airport three times in the last nine months and Manchester airport once in the last few weeks. Each trip to the airport has taught me something different.
That said, I wanted to share a few things you can do to speed up your time at the airport so that you can make your flight and have the much-needed holiday you deserve. 🤗
Above all, follow your specific airline or airport recommendations. (These usually come in the form of an email or text message a couple of days before your flight.)
To read more about my recent airport experiences, check out the full article either via the link in bio or my Story.
Hope this helps. 💕
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“…Eyes of the bluest skies.” 🎶⛅️ (Wi “…Eyes of the bluest skies.” 🎶⛅️
(With a shirt to match!)
I went for a bronzed, natural makeup look last weekend for drinks with the girls.
I’m really enjoying makeup more now that I’m older - it’s just so fun to play around with when you’ve got the time. 
Here are the products I used: 🤗
Primer - @nyxcosmetics_uk Pore Filler
Tinted Moisturiser - @tartecosmetics Skin Treat in shade “Medium”
Concealer - @esteelauderuk Double Wear Stay in Place in shade “Light Medium (Cool)”
Blush - NYX Sweet Cheeks in shade “Bang Bang”
Setting Spray - @urbandecayuki All Nighter
Eyeshadow - @toofacedlovestheuk “Teddy Bare” Palette
Mascara - Tarte Cosmetics “Big Ego”
Eyeliner - @kvdbeauty Tattoo Eyeliner
Brushes - @realtechniques Essential Eye Brushes
Eyebrows - @anastasiabeverlyhills Brow Wiz in “Medium Brown”
Lipstick - Tarte Cosmetics Lip Paint in shade “Bestie”
Shirt - @targetstyle 
All products (or similar) linked via my @shop.ltk app (find it in my bio or latest Stories). 💕
#liketkit #LTKbeauty #LTKunder100 #ltkeurope #ltkunder50 #nyxcosmetics_uk #realtechniques #abhbrows #targetfinds #targetrun #targetstyle #beautybloggeruk #beautyblogging #beautybloggersuk #naturalmakeuplook #naturalmakeuplooks #makeupbloggeruk #makeupbloggers #makeupblogs #makeupcommunity #bbloggersuk #bbloggeruk #makeupproducts #makeupessentials #bronzedmakeup #holidaymakeup #vacationmakeup
Mentally I’m still here… 💭 I wish I could Mentally I’m still here… 💭
I wish I could say that one of the yachts in the background is mine but I think I’ve got a fair few more articles to write first. 😩
Anyone else loving sixties-inspired prints for Spring/Summer? 🌞
This cute little shirt dress is ideal for those warmer evenings on holiday when you want to flash your tan and feel comfortable but still look like you’ve made an effort. 💁🏼‍♀️ 
Entire outfit is @shein_gb and will link all products via @shop.ltk app (head over to my Stories for the dress link - currently 41% off!).
Ltk shop link: https://liketk.it/3G3Yb 💕 
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Courtyard strollin’… (Looking for my next cup Courtyard strollin’…
(Looking for my next cup of coffee or glass of sangria — it all depends on the time of day!) 😉☕️🍹
This cute courtyard was in the middle of Palma city. The architecture and restaurants huddled in the square with al fresco drinking and dining instantly transported me back to Italy.
It reminded me of past cruise ship holidays with my parents where we visited the likes of Naples, Capri, Rome, Florence and Pisa and we would be in awe of the charm and beauty of these places.
But this post is about Palma in Majorca. 🇪🇸
Palma itself is a delight!
There’s so much going on in the centre, so much life and hustle and bustle, which is refreshing to experience after over two years of lockdowns and travel restrictions. 😅
I enjoyed our leisurely peruse of the city, soaking up the sun and seeing historic sights such as The Cathedral of Santa Maria, which dates back to 1601.
We even spent some time getting lost amongst the cobbled backstreets, popping in and out of shops before we regained our bearings once again. 😍
Our day in Palma reminded me how much I love exploring and how much travelling makes me feel fulfilled.
You just can’t beat it, right? ❤️
I already can’t wait for my next European city break (which hasn’t even been booked yet!).
What are some of your fave European cities? 👇🏻
#palmamallorca #trendytouristuk #palmacity #europetravels #exploreeurope #spaintravel  #travelblogging #travelbloggervibes #tbloggers #tbloggersuk #travelbloggersofig #travelbloggeruk #uktravelblogger #uktravelbloggers #visitpalma #travelgram #travelsquad #visitmallorca #mallorcaisland #mallorcagram #balearicisland #balearicislands
Happiest when I’m by the seaside. 🌊 One of Happiest when I’m by the seaside. 🌊 
One of my all-time favourite travel fashion pieces is the blue denim “mom-style” shorts.
You know, the relaxed-fit and high-waisted type that go with just about anything? 😉
You can pair them with a strappy top and sandals or flip flops for those warm summer days.
Or you can take them from day to night by swapping the strappy top for a chic blouse or cropped shirt and the flat sandals or flip flops for heels.
They’re just so comfy and cute! J’adore. ❤️
These ones are from @marksandspencerfashionpr which I’ll link via the @shop.LTK app along with some similar options.
(Check out the post here: https://liketk.it/3F1wG)
I lived in mine for my most recent trip to Majorca - even throwing them on over a bikini with a kaftan for those lazy pool days. ✌🏻 
Who else is a fan of denim shorts for summer holidays? ☀️
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#swimwearfashion #bikinistyle #bikinifashion #denimshorts #denimshort #jeanshorts #holidaystyle #holidayfashion #vacationstyle #trendytouristuk #travelfashion #travelstyle #vacaystyle #poolfashion #poolstyle #beachlook #beachfashion #beachstyle #beachoutfit #momshorts
That post-holiday feeling! You know, when you lan That post-holiday feeling!
You know, when you land after a few days in the sun and you feel refreshed, recharged and ready to take on the world again. 🙌🏻
And it helps if you travel in comfy clothes.
Plane, train and bus rides can be time-consuming (and stressful when things go wrong) so comfy travel gear makes the journey that little bit more bearable. ✈️ 
I’m currently loving lounge sets to travel in, such as this “Bon Voyage” lemon number from @lornaluxe x @inthestyle . 🍋
You can still get your hands on the shorts but, unfortunately, the sweatshirt is out of stock.
Not to worry though - I’ve linked some more pretty lounge sets to travel in via my shop on the @shop.LTK app. 
Shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content by visiting: https://liketk.it/3EAx9.
#liketkit #LTKstyletip #LTKeurope #ltktravel #ltkstyle #ltkfashion #ltkunder50 #ltkunder100 #trendytourist #airportoutfit #airportstyle #airportlook #airportfashion #airportvibes #travelfashion #travelstyles #traveloutfit #traveloutfits #travelfashionista #travellook #travelclothes #travelclothing #inthestyle #travelista #ukfashionbloggers #ukfashionblogger #fbloggerstyle #fbloggeruk #fbloggersuk
One of the best feelings in the world is those nig One of the best feelings in the world is those night-before-the-airport butterflies. 🦋
You know, when the suitcase is finally packed, the plane outfit is laid out and there’s nothing left to do other than get a good night’s sleep before you head to your new destination ✨ tomorrow ✨!
(But then you’re so excited that you end up not having the best sleep! 🤦🏼‍♀️)
Are you one of those travellers who gets to the airport super early or one of those super last minute people? ✈️ 
(I’m the former!)
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#travelsquad #travelgirlsgo #travelgirlshub #planelife #airportlife
I’m blue da ba dee da ba di. 🎶 Okay so I uni I’m blue da ba dee da ba di. 🎶
Okay so I unintentionally wore blue, white and black all weekend.
Outfit one was for a Betty’s brunch for the hubby’s birthday and exploring Thirsk. 👀
The blue denim dress and checked shacket combo felt a bit sixties inspired and sassy teamed with black tights and white boots.
Then outfit two was for a pub lunch and drinks with the family (hubby’s birthday celebrations part two).
I went for a blue floral top, comfy black jeggings, a blue denim shearling jacket and those white boots again. 👢
This felt more seventies rocker vibes so naturally I had to wear it with attitude!
Which outfit is your fave? Details below. ✌🏻
Denim dress, shacket, tights, boots: all @marksandspencerfashionpr
Bag: @coach
Floral top and boots as before: @marksandspencerfashionpr
Jeggings: @uniqlo_uk 
Jacket: @levis_uk 
Sunglasses: vintage
Bag: @nastygal 
#outfitblog #outfitblogger #outfitbloggers #outfitlook #outfitselfie #outfitshot #outfitideas4you #outfitideasforyou #outfitdiary #outfit4real #outfitsoftheday #outfitrepeater #denimdress #denimdresses #denimjackets #denimjacketstyle #fashionblogging #ootddetails #ootdbloggers #styleonabudget #highstreetfashion #highstreetstyle #trendytourist #midsizegals #midsizegirl #midsizestyle #midsizefashion #midsizeblogger
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