Dubai .. the perfect stopover
Heading to Europe and looking to break up the long journey?
If you're travelling with Emirates why not consider a stopover in Dubai.
Dubai offers something for every budget and really is more than just a stopover destination. Dubai can easily be the destination itself. We did 3 nights in Dubai in 2015 and it simply was not enough with our days jam packed.
Dubai is in the Middle East so it is important to be respectful of their religion and remember to cover up if visiting local mosques and dress conservativley in public areas.
Ramadan is also something to consider when visiting Dubai. It is a religious event which lasts approx 4 weeks and will run from 15th May - 14 June next year. During this time Muslims abstain from drinking, smoking and eating from dawn till dusk. If you are in malls or public places you will find large curtains blocking sight from the food courts and restaurants.
Dubai has many tourist areas ranging from the Bur Dubai /Diera area which is where you will find a lot of local souks, gold souks, spice souks, etc. Here is the traditional Dubai. Deira is the oldest part of Dubai.
Dubai Mall is a huge tourist area with a tourist souk and the Dubai Mall which has its own ice skating rink and aquarium. The Burj Khalifa also lives at the Dubai Mall.
Jumeriah Beach is the furthest area from the airport about 40 - 50 mins and here you will find some stunning beachfront resorts like the Le Meredien, Sofitel, Jumeriah Beach Resort etc.
The Palm is also a crowd favourite. Its a large man made island in the shape of a Palm and has residential properties as well as some high end resorts like the Fairmont and the Atlantis the Palm which is a destination in itself with its own waterpark.
One tip I will give you about Dubai is it is HOT! expecially if you are travelling in peak Europe months of June through August. We travelled to Dubai in late August and experienced temperatures of up to 52 degrees during the day and in the low 40's overnight.
There is public transport in Dubai but there are only 2 lines and Dubai is very spread out with its attractions scattered all along the main highway. Dubai is not really a walking destination especially in the heat so my advice is to use a taxi they are one of the most affordable services in Dubai.
If you are looking for some indoor activities then you have the shopping malls - Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Mall. Mall of the Emirates is out near Jumeriah Beach this mall has a lot of high end shopping and beautiful restaurants. Ski Dubai is also at the Mall of the Emirates. An indoor ski field where you can ski/tube and slide around in -15 degrees.
Then cook when you return outside to 50 degrees!
Dubai Mall is closer to the airport about 20 mins. Dubai Mall has a huge selection of shops, the Aquarium, Ice Skating Rink and whole ground floor of restaurants. Outdoor there is a beautiful man made lagoon that crosses over to the tourist souk where you can pick up some middle eastern souvenirs.
You can also visit the Burj Khalifa here. Purchase your tickets from the counter inside Dubai Mall and you are given a time. The views from the top are stunning. Be careful not to go up too high as you'll be above the clouds and not see anything.
You could also head to the Burj Al Arab for a high tea which overlooks the Gulf. You can only access the Burj if you are staying at the hotel or if you have a reservation for high tea.
If you are brave enough to brace the heat there are plenty of activities and sights to see.
Take a taxi ride to the Wild Wadi water park which will keep you cool outdoors. Wild Wadi is out in the Jumeriah Beach area.
If you are into religion then visit some of Dubai's beautiful Mosque's. Make sure you take something to cover your knees and shoulders.
Head down to Bur Dubai and Deira and visit the gold and spice souks. Here i picked up some gorgeous local made shoes and clothes along the riverside souks.
The locals are very friendly, but be careful of people trying to sell you fake goods they will usually try and get you to come into a seperate room or down an alley way. Just politely say no thank you.
You can cross the river between the souks for $1 its a great tourist experience.
The souks can get very busy and crowded so be mindful of that when visiting.
The highlight of my trip to Dubai was the evening dinner and dune safari we did.
We were picked up from our hotel and taken out to the national park where we let the tires down on the 4WD and let loose dune bashing for a good 1/2 hour before stopping in the desert on the sand dunes to watch an arabian sunset.
We took a ride on a camel before a beautiful middle eastern dinner and some belly dancing out in the desert. It is a beautiful night out with some amazing scenery. A must do when visiting Dubai.
There is so much more to say about Dubai but hopefully i've managed to talk you into a stop in Dubai for your next trip to Europe.
If you would like more information on Dubai please feel free to get in touch.
Jess
Xo