Introduction
Moving to Dubai has been a whirlwind of excitement and discovery for Rattry and me. As a couple passionate about exploring new places, Dubai’s myriad attractions have kept us constantly on the go. From the glimmering skyscrapers to the rich cultural heritage, there’s always something new to discover. Here’s a look at where we’ve visited and where Rattry is keen to explore next.
The Iconic Burj Khalifa
Our First Visit
It’s impossible to talk about Dubai without mentioning the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. This was one of our first stops. Standing at 828 meters, the Burj Khalifa offers an unparalleled view of the city. The observation deck on the 148th floor gave us a bird’s-eye view of Dubai’s sprawling urban landscape, stretching out to the desert and the Arabian Gulf. It was a breathtaking experience that set the tone for our Dubai adventure.
Rattry’s Perspective
For Rattry, visiting the Burj Khalifa was like standing on top of the world. She was fascinated by the architecture and the sheer magnitude of the structure. She often talks about going back for a sunset visit, to see the city transition from day to night, illuminated by countless lights.
Exploring the Dubai Mall
A Shopper’s Paradise
Adjacent to the Burj Khalifa is the Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the world. We spent an entire day exploring its endless shops, restaurants, and attractions. From high-end luxury brands to unique boutiques, the mall offers something for everyone. We also enjoyed visiting the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, where we marveled at the aquatic life up close.
Rattry’s Perspective
Rattry loves shopping and was particularly drawn to the Fashion Avenue, home to many of her favorite designer stores. She’s also excited to visit the mall during the Dubai Shopping Festival, where she hopes to snag some great deals and experience the festive atmosphere.
The Cultural Heart: Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood
A Step Back in Time
To experience Dubai’s rich cultural heritage, we visited the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. This area, with its traditional wind-tower architecture, offered a stark contrast to the modern skyline. Walking through its narrow lanes, we explored museums, art galleries, and cultural exhibits that provided a glimpse into Dubai’s past.
Rattry’s Perspective
For Rattry, Al Fahidi was a highlight. She enjoyed learning about the history and culture of Dubai, particularly the Dubai Museum housed in the Al Fahidi Fort. She’s keen to return for one of the cultural festivals that showcase traditional Emirati music, dance, and crafts.
The Majestic Palm Jumeirah
We have a Drone’s eye view through the Palm Jumeirah on the Home page of our website.
A Modern Marvel
The Palm Jumeirah, an artificial archipelago, is another iconic symbol of Dubai. We spent a day exploring its luxurious resorts, restaurants, and beaches. We even took a boat tour around the Palm to get a unique perspective of its palm-shaped structure.
Rattry’s Perspective
Rattry was particularly excited about visiting the Atlantis, The Palm resort. She’s looking forward to trying out the Aquaventure Waterpark and dining at some of the world-class restaurants within the resort. The idea of a staycation at one of the Palm’s luxury hotels is also high on her list.
The Bustling Souks
A Taste of Tradition
Dubai’s traditional markets, or souks, offer a different kind of shopping experience. We visited the Gold Souk and Spice Souk in Deira, where the narrow alleys are lined with shops selling glittering gold jewelry, fragrant spices, and exotic textiles. The vibrant atmosphere and the art of haggling made it a memorable experience.
Rattry’s Perspective
Rattry loved the sensory overload of the souks. The vibrant colors, the rich aromas, and the lively interactions with vendors were all highlights for her. She’s particularly interested in visiting the Textile Souk in Bur Dubai next, to shop for unique fabrics and traditional clothing.
Desert Safari Adventure
Thrilling Experience
No visit to Dubai is complete without experiencing the desert. We signed up for a desert safari, which included dune bashing, camel riding, and a traditional Bedouin camp dinner. The thrill of driving through the dunes and the serene beauty of the desert landscape left us both in awe.
Rattry’s Perspective
For Rattry, the highlight of the desert safari was the sunset over the dunes. She’s eager to try a hot air balloon ride over the desert next, to experience the stunning views from above. The idea of spending a night in a desert camp under the stars also fascinates her.
The Tranquil Miracle Garden
A Floral Wonderland
The Dubai Miracle Garden, with its vibrant displays of over 50 million flowers, is a sight to behold. We spent a lovely afternoon wandering through its themed gardens and admiring the intricate floral sculptures. The heart-shaped archways and the life-size floral structures were particularly enchanting.
Rattry’s Perspective
Rattry was captivated by the beauty and creativity of the Miracle Garden. She’s planning to visit again during the winter months when the garden is in full bloom. She’s also interested in seeing the Dubai Butterfly Garden, located nearby, which houses thousands of beautiful butterflies.
Modern Art and Culture: Dubai Opera and Art Galleries
A Cultural Hub
Dubai’s cultural scene is thriving, with venues like the Dubai Opera and numerous art galleries showcasing local and international talent. We attended a performance at the Dubai Opera, a stunning architectural masterpiece, and visited several galleries in Alserkal Avenue, an arts district in Al Quoz.
Rattry’s Perspective
Rattry has a keen interest in the arts and is looking forward to more cultural outings. She’s excited about attending more performances at the Dubai Opera and exploring new exhibitions at the city’s galleries. The upcoming Dubai Design Week is also on her radar.
Conclusion: Our Endless Exploration
Our journey in Dubai has been an ongoing adventure, with each visit offering new insights and experiences. From the towering heights of the Burj Khalifa to the traditional alleys of the souks, Dubai is a city of contrasts and surprises. Rattry and I have only scratched the surface, and there are countless more places we’re eager to explore.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, we plan to visit the Expo 2020 Dubai site, which has been transformed into District 2020, a futuristic urban development. We’re also excited about exploring more of Dubai’s culinary scene, from high-end restaurants to hidden gems. And of course, we’ll continue to seek out new adventures, both within the city and beyond.
Final Thoughts
Dubai’s very hot weather may be challenging, but it hasn’t deterred us from discovering the city’s many wonders. Each outing brings us closer to understanding and appreciating this dynamic metropolis. Whether it’s the thrill of a new attraction or the quiet beauty of a hidden gem, Dubai never ceases to amaze us.
For those planning to visit Dubai, our advice is simple: stay curious, stay open, and be ready for an extraordinary journey. There’s always something new to discover, and every experience adds to the rich tapestry of memories that make Dubai such a special place for us.
