Planning to go to Dubai this fall?
Here’s a guide on where to visit and how to make the most of your trip while saving on travel costs.
How to go
Score a great flight deal with Pointship
Use others’ travel rewards and book your flight up to 60% cheaper with Pointship. As you may know, reward tickets are very advantageous compared to normal. Pointship is a reward (mile/point) sharing platform and by using Pointship, you can request a reward ticket from another member or get the missing miles you need, top up your own account and issue your own ticket. Either way, do not forget to check Pointship before booking a flight. You might get a great deal!
Cover your trip costs with Glocalzone
You can cover your trip by delivering products to locals. Glocalzone is a platform that brings together those who want to buy products from abroad and those who want to turn their travel into profit. Make sure to add your trip to Glocalzone to see what you can get paid to deliver back from your trip.
Where to go
Burj Khalifa
Dubai’s flagship building and main tourist attraction are the Burj Khalifa, which at 829.8 meters is the tallest building in the world and the most prominent of the city’s points of interest.
For most travelers, a trip to the observation deck on the 124th floor here is a must-do while in the capital. From this point, the view of the city skyline is literally breathtaking.
The slick observation deck experience includes a multimedia presentation on both Dubai and the building of the Burj Khalifa (completed in 2010) before a high-speed elevator whizzes you up to the observation deck for those 360-degree views out across the skyscrapers to the desert on one side and the ocean on the other.
Burj Al-Arab
The Burj Al-Arab, standing 321 meters tall on its own artificial island off the coast of Dubai, is the world’s tallest hotel.
At night, a choreographed, colored lighting display illuminates the exterior of the building, which is designed to mimic a billowing dhow sail.
For those without unlimited credit, dinner at the underwater Al-Mahara restaurant, where floor-to-ceiling glass panels in the dining room walls allow you to view sea life as you eat, or lunch at California-style fusion restaurant Scape, are the best ways to experience Burj Al-Arab.
Book afternoon tea at the Skyview Bar on the 27th floor for the best views of the city.
Jumeirah Beach
For visitors of Dubai, this stretch of sandy white bliss is the most popular beach.
The length of the river is lined with hotels, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations.
There are plenty of sun loungers, bars, and water sports operators offering jet skiing on the beach.
Clean off the sand for an hour and visit the Majlis Ghorfat Um Al-Sheef, which is just a short distance from the beach. This was the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed al-summer Maktoum’s home, which was built in 1955.
The Majlis Gardens have a replica of an impressive Arab irrigation system as well as several shady date palms.
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
You don’t have to venture far from the skyscrapers to get a glimpse of nature.
The mangrove forests and wetlands of Dubai Creek are part of the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.
It’s a great place to see flamingos in the winter, as large flocks of these magnificent pink birds wade through the lagoons, surrounded by the famous Dubai towers. Several hides have been set up in the park to enable birdwatchers to get a clear view of the wildlife.
Crossroads of Civilizations Museum
Long before oil became the region’s most important industry, this museum explores the UAE’s historic position as a trading hub between Asia, Africa, and Europe.
The exhibits, which are housed in the former residence of Sheikh Hashr bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, a member of Dubai’s ruling family, trace the history of this coastal region as a part of global trading routes through artifacts and manuscripts.
The Rare Books and Manuscripts Museum and the small Armory Museum are also on the premises.
Dubai Opera
Look no further for nighttime entertainment. Dubai’s classy new opera house, which opened in mid-2016 and is expected to become the city’s largest cultural hub and main entertainment venue, is the flagship of the waterfront Opera District in downtown Dubai.
With its highly-contemporary glass and steel walls jutting out over the waterfront, designed to imitate the curves of a typical dhow, the 2,000-seat theater building is an astonishing piece of architectural mastery and one of Dubai’s modern landmarks.
Hatta
Hatta is a great weekend getaway from Dubai, with beautiful mountain ranges and a rich cultural history. Apart from the majestic mountains, off-the-beaten-path visitors often flock to Hatta Dubai for a refreshing change of pace. There’s so much to do for adrenaline junkies who are looking for an adventure.
Visit the Hatta Heritage Village and learn about Dubai’s ancient tales as you stroll through the city’s oldest village. Have a barbeque at the Hatta Hill Park, go on a mountain safari, kayaking, hiking and even take a dip in the Green Hatta Rock Pools. It is also a great region for camping overnight or even glamping. If you want a more luxurious stay, indulge in a soothing spa at a resort and enjoy an Emirati meal.
LEGOLAND Dubai
This venue will surely become a family favorite in no time. Legoland Dubai is a fantastic place to let the kids’ imaginations run wild and engage in some fun, self-directed activities.
At LEGOLAND Dubai, you can explore the imaginative and playful world of LEGO. It is a part of Dubai Parks and Resorts and was created specifically to entertain families with children aged 2 to 12. So bring your kids to this fantastic theme park! Allow them to explore six themed lands with over 40 LEGO-inspired attractions, rides, and displays, allowing them to bring their wildest imaginations to life.
Start your LEGOLAND Dubai adventure at FACTORY! Before you claim your own personalized etched LEGO brick, you’ll get a firsthand look at how the multi-colored LEGO bricks are made. You can also go shopping at The BIG Shop, the Middle East’s largest LEGO store.
