The Skyline of Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Dubai – The City of Gold! Why You Should Visit and/or Revisit This Amazing City?

Dubai is one of the most renowned cities adorned with spectacular tourist attractions amidst high-end hospitality in the world. In 2019, a total of 16.73 million tourists visited Dubai and the City plans to attract 25 million visitors a year by 2025.

Dubai is popular and attracts massive international visitors every year not only for the abundance of gold, treasures and luxury life. Dubai also attracts tourists because of its traditional and ultra-modern attractions which include the world’s only Seven-Stars hotel – the Burj Al Arab, the tallest structure in the world – the Burj Khalifa as well as its artificial island – the Palm Jumeirah filled with sparks of opulence in all ramifications unrivalled anywhere else in the world.

Dubai, a city of gold, skyscrapers, luxury shopping, beaches and quintessential nightlife. Dubai is a place you should visit and perhaps revisit if you have already been there!

Dubai City, United Arab Emirates (UAE) - Dubai, the City of Gold! Why you Should Visit and/or Revisit this Amazing City?
Dubai City, United Arab Emirates

Location and Geography

With an estimated population of over 3.5 million people in 2023, Dubai is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the capital of the Dubai Emirate.

Dubai as a coastal city is located in the Persian Gulf and the North-Eastern region of the UAE. It is roughly at about 16m or 15ft above the sea level.

The weather ranges from warm to hot throughout the year with two distinct summer and winter seasons. The winter season (December to March) has a mean temperature ranging from 16.4o to 24oC, while the summer months (between June and August) have averages of around 30⁰C.

[Map of Dubai, UAE]

Why Dubai?

There are numerous reasons why over 10 million international tourists flock to Dubai every year and one of these perhaps is a good reason for you to visit this sparkling oasis in the desert.

If you are not totally captivated by the city’s world-class architecture, you should be amazed by its endless recreational amenities and the quality of its abundant luxury services, products and facilities. And if none of these grabs your attention, its enchanting traditional side and ever-calm and friendly people will definitely melt your heart away.

Some of the things that made Dubai stand out among other cities in the world are:

The Beauty

Dubai is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It strikes a perfect balance between its traditional Arabic past, modern present and obtainable future with its ultra-modern futuristic architectures and luxury-filled activities. A city of high-rises, lights, sands and water. Dubai is a perfectly balanced city!

Jumeirah Lake Towers, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) - Dubai, the City of Gold! Why you Should Visit and/or Revisit this Amazing City?
Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai, UAE

Food

A city is mostly memorable to visitors because of its sights, sounds and taste. Dubai culinary centres deliver some of the best “tastes” in the region – foods and drinks with memories to last a lifetime.

Dubai is home to over 10,000 restaurants and cafes with more than 250 fine dining centres scattered across the city. You can’t be wrong with any restaurant you enter in Dubai, quality is guaranteed and according to the size of your pocket.

When you visit Dubai, aside from its plethora of restaurants serving international cuisines, you should also try to take a bite at Dubai’s local foods.

You can try out traditional foods such as Al Machboos (or Majboos), Falafel, Balaleat, Chebab and Madrouba. The best areas (restaurants/eateries) where you can find traditional/local foods in Dubai are;

  1. Al Fanar, Zaroob,
  2. Arabian Tea House Al Fahidi and
  3. Aseelah.

Many tourists also enjoy some of the best street foods Dubai has to offer.

And for top-notch international cuisines, Dubai has some of the finest luxury restaurants in the world. Among several other equally upbeat restaurants in Dubai to have a taste of the best luxury dining the city has to offer you can visit;

  1. Billionaire Mansion Dubai,
  2. Hakkasan,
  3. Il Ristorante,
  4. Cavalli Club Dubai,
  5. Pierchic,
  6. Nobu Dubai,
  7. Al Muntaha,
  8. Amazonico,
  9. La Cantine du Faubourg and
  10. Enigma

“A city is mostly memorable to visitors because of its sights, sounds and tastes”

Hotels & Resorts

Though Dubai is known as an international luxury destination, no matter your travel budget, Dubai definitely can cater to your needs and you will still be able to experience Dubai!

From high-end luxury hotels and resorts to pocket-friendly budget hotels, Dubai got you covered.

There are officially over 500 hotels in Dubai providing more than 100,000 rooms for visitors and tourists. The city is host to the world’s only seven-star hotel – the Burj Al Arab. It also has a wide array of high-end luxury hotels such as;

  1. ME Dubai by Melia,
  2. One & Only the Palm,
  3. Palazzo Versace Dubai,
  4. Raffles Dubai,
  5. Armani Hotel Dubai,
  6. Atlantis the Palm,
  7. The Ritz Carlton Dubai and
  8. The Four Seasons Hotel Dubai.

Some of Dubai’s hotels and resorts are all inclusive and very family friendly. And you can also find many hotels and resorts that are exclusive and/or for adults only. Dubai is a perfectly balanced city even in terms of its hospitality.

Read Also: Top 6 Best Luxury Destinations in the World

Atlantis the Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE - Dubai the City of Gold! Why You Should Visit and/or Revisit this Amazing City?
Atlantis the Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE

Dubai Creek

Dubai Creek is a natural harbour, creek or inlet which has served as the principal port for the city and used majorly for trade and transport.

Over the years, the Creek has been developed into a modern centre of recreation and entertainment in addition to its traditional functions. Some of the activities you can experience at the Dubai’s Creek are;

  1. Cruises (both day and night/dinner cruises),
  2. Ride in a cable car,
  3. Visit to the Children’s city,
  4. Golfing,
  5. Picnic at a BBQ centre/joint,
  6. Experience the street shows and shop for spices,
  7. Timeout with dolphins, and
  8. Ride in a mini train.

Asides from entertainment and recreation, most of these activities gives you an alluring view of the City itself from the Creek – bright sights for the day and sparkling views at night!

External Link: The best things to do at Dubai Creek – Timeout Dubai

The Dubai Creek, Dubai, UAE - Dubai the City of Gold! Why You Should Visit and/or Revisit this Amazing City?
The Dubai Creek, Dubai, UAE

The Dubai Mall

One of the things Dubai is reputable for and that attracts people massively to the city every year is its high-end luxury shopping. Spend few moments at the Dubai Mall and shop for products from some of world’s best luxury chain.

The Dubai Mall is regarded as the World’s Largest Shopping Mall. The Mall has over 1,200 stores and covers a total retail floor area of about 502,000 square metres. And if you’re on budget, Dubai still will reasonably cater to your shopping needs. The Dubai Mall has at its centre piece The Dubai Aquarium. It also has an Underwater Zoo.

External Link: The Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall Exterior, Dubai, UAE - Dubai the City of Gold! Why You Should Visit and/or Revisit this Amazing City?
The Dubai Mall Exterior, Dubai, UAE

The Dubai Desert

Planted on the coastal side of the Arabian peninsula, a predominantly desert region, a visit to Dubai would not be complete without experiencing some desert fun such as sand boarding, taking a desert safari or go the more traditional way by experiencing a luxury camel safari (with Dinner) in the Dubai’s Desert.

Other activities to savour in the Dubai Desert include;

  1. Quadbiking,
  2. VIP Safari,
  3. An Overnight Stay at a Desert Luxury Hotel/Lodge,
  4. Take a Hot Air Balloon,
  5. Experience Tomorrowland, and
  6. Fly in a Paramotor.

The Dubai Desert is filled with great and eventful activities that can serve as a great timeout from the bustle and sparkle of its city life. [External Link:: Top things to do in Dubai’s desert]

Desert Safari in Dubai Desert, Dubai, UAE - Dubai the City of Gold! Why You Should Visit and/or Revisit this Amazing City?
Desert Safari in Dubai Desert, Dubai, UAE

Palm Jumeirah

As one of the most popular artificial islands in the world, the Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah offers a lot of activities beyond its original design as a touristic residential island.

The purpose of the island was to promote high-end tourism in Dubai and create a development area where expats could own properties.

Today, the Palm Jumeirah is home to about 10,000 residents. The island is one of the centre pieces of Dubai’s Tourism with several international visitors every year.

Some of the best things you can do and places you should check out on the island are;

  1. Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark,
  2. The View at The Palm,
  3. RIVA,
  4. The Pointe,
  5. Al Ittihad Park,
  6. Paradise Beach Dubai,
  7. The Broadwalk Palm Jumeirah,
  8. Nakheel Mall, and
  9. The Lost Chambers Aquarium.
Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE - Dubai the City of Gold! Why You Should Visit and/or Revisit this Amazing City?
Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE

The Gold Souk

In Dubai, the Gold City, I will say, there is a gold for everyone. So, if it falls within your budget, it would be nice to pick some nice gold products for yourself and perhaps for a/some loved ones – they will love it!

As a tourist, the gold souk is also a good place to meet and interact with the locals. The souk (or a traditional market) is located in Dubai’s commercial business district in Deira, in the locality of Al Dhagaya.

The souk is host to over 380 retailers, mostly jewelry traders.

“In Dubai, the Gold City, there is a gold for everyone”

Dubai’s Historical Neighbourhoods

I regard Dubai as a modern sparkling city built upon a rich Arabic history.

To experience some of the traditional side of Dubai, a visit to one or more of Dubai’s historical centres will definitely worth your time.

Among these historical centres, the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is the most popular.

The Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Dubai is a great place to experience the traditional side of Dubai and explore the city’s rich history.

“Dubai is a modern sparkling city built upon a rich Arabic history”

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Dubai - Dubai the City of Gold! Why You Should Visit and/or Revisit this Amazing City?
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Dubai

Dubai Marina

A visit to a rich coastal city such as Dubai is not complete without spending some time at the city’s marina.

Dubai’s marina though man-made, is simply exceptional!

The Marina is located not very far from the Jebel Ali Port on the Interchange 5 between the port and area encompassing Dubai Media City, the American University in Dubai and the Dubai Internet City. It extends roughly through about 3km of shorelines.

The Dubai Marina is one of the busiest, most vibrant and affluent neighbourhoods of Dubai. The neighbourhood has over 200 residential buildings and towers.

It is host to the famous Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) – one of the poshest residential developments in Dubai!

At the marina, you can find some of the finest world-class leisure amenities in Dubai from high-end luxury hotels to modern restaurants, shopping malls, craft markets, beaches and yacht cruises.

While in Dubai, visiting the marina at least once is definitely a right choice that will leave you with pleasant memories. [External Link: Top 6 things to do in Dubai Marina]

“A visit to a (rich) coastal city is not complete without spending some time at the marina. Dubai’s marina though man-made is simply exceptional”

Dubai, Marina, Dubai, UAE - Dubai the City of Gold! Why You Should Visit and/or Revisit this Amazing City?
Dubai, Marina, Dubai, UAE

Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa is reputed as the world’s tallest building at 828 metres (2716.5 feet) and with more than 160 storeys.

It is host to a variety of commercial, residential and hospitality ventures such as hotels, restaurants and entertainment/recreational centres e.g. Spa, gym and swimming pool.

The Burj Khalifa is considered as the Dubai’s vertical city.

Up to 10,000 people live and work in this architectural marvel. Giorgio Armani’s hotel, the Armani Hotel occupies most parts of its lower level with over 140 suites, the middle levels are residential and corporate offices start from levels 111 upward.

The tower also includes 3 observation decks as well as a restaurant. And at the ground of the Burj Khalifa is an artificial lake and Dubai’s iconic “dancing water”.

“The Burj Khalifa is considered as the Dubai’s vertical city.”

The Burj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) - Dubai the City of Gold! Why You Should Visit and/or Revisit this Amazing City?
The Burj Khalifa, Dubai

Burj Al Arab

The Burj Al Arab is the world’s only seven-star hotel.

The hotel stands elegantly on its own (artificial) island designed to mimic the traditional Arabic sail boat. It stands at 280 metres (920 feet).

The Burj (as it is popular called) is an extra-luxury hotel with posh suites, 9 restaurants, a private beach, 4 pools and a luxury spa.

It is the epitome of Arabian luxury and a symbol of Dubai’s opulence!

With over 200 suites (202 rooms), the Burj Al Arab is home to one of the most expensive suites in the world, has the highest helipad in Dubai and is host to an underwater restaurant.

The Burj Al Arab, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) - Dubai the City of Gold! Why You Should Visit and/or Revisit this Amazing City?
The Burj Al Arab, Dubai UAE

Dubai Harbour

The Dubai Harbour, located near the Bluewater Islands and Palm Jumeirah is an extra-ordinary seafront luxury destination spanning over 20 million square feet. It features a marina and a cruise port.

The Harbour is designed to conveniently berth up to 700 luxury yachts and boats.

The Dubai Harbour also features a luxury cruise facility spanning about 120,000sqm with two terminals on a 910m long quay.

Since 2021, the Dubai Harbour is the host to the Dubai International Boat Show which takes place around March every year.

If you’re lucky to be around during the show (the Dubai International Boat Show), a visit to the marina with some of the finest yachts docked would be worthwhile. And you can also book a yacht cruise of your own or in group and enjoy some of the goodness this excellent harbour has to offer.

The Dubai Harbour is also very family friendly. [External Link: The Dubai Harbour]

The Dubai Harbour, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) - Dubai the City of Gold! Why You Should Visit and/or Revisit this Amazing City?
The Dubai Harbour

Beaches

Dubai have some of the most beautiful beaches in the region. Dubai’s beaches are of white sands and stretches miles along the Persian Gulf.

Some of the best beaches you can visit in Dubai are;

  1. The Jumeirah Beach Residence Beach,
  2. Sunset Beach,
  3. Al Mamzar Beach Park,
  4. Umm Suqeim Beach,
  5. Kite Beach,
  6. White Beach, and
  7. The Al Sufouh Black Palace Beach.

Though Dubai is known for extraordinary opulence, there are couple of free and open beaches you can explore in Dubai like the Jumeirah Open Beach and the Umm Suqeim Beach. These beaches have no entrance fees.

Also, if you are a luxury lover and/or very private person, there are several private and exclusive beaches in Dubai.

These private beaches are usually operated by their respective luxury hotel managements or operators. The beaches provide exclusivity, privacy and other high-end/VIP services such as foods and entertainment not obtainable from the free or public beaches.

The entrance fees to many of these private beaches comes at not so high prices but the prices may go as high as additional services you required from the beach operator or hotels.

Sunlounges at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel Beach, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) - Dubai the City of Gold! Why You Should Visit and/or Revisit this Amazing City?
Sunlounges at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel Beach, Dubai

Famous Events and Festivals in Dubai

Dubai is a busy city filled with events and activities throughout the year.

Most of Dubai’s high-crowd events and activities occur between December and March while other activities are scattered throughout the year with May to September being the least busy months in Dubai.

Here is a list of some of the most popular festivals and local/international events and activities in Dubai:

Months of the YearEvents and Festivals in Dubai
January* Dubai Shopping Festival
* Dubai Ice Show
* Dubai Desert Classic
* A Thousand Tales: Ballet
* Racing at Meydan
* Dubai International Film Festival
February* Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
* Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship
* Dubai Marathon
* UAE Tour
* Taste of Dubai
* Dubai International Jazz Festival
March* Dubai World Cup
* World Art Dubai
* Dubai International Boat Show
* Dubai Challenge Cup (Polo)
* Yogafest Dubai
April* Dubai Food Festival
* Polo Master Cup
* NAS Sports Tournament
* Al Marmoom Camel Racing
May and June* Dubai Comedy Festival
* Al Gaffel Long Distance Race
* Dubai Sports World
* Dubai Moonlight Classic
July and August* Dubai Summer Surprises
* Modhesh World
* Beat the Heat
September* Dubai Home Festival
October* Dubai Fitness Challenge
* Dubai Muscle Show
* Gitex Shopper
November* Dubai Design Week
* DP World Tour Championship
December* New Year Eve in Dubai
* UAE National Day
* Emirates Dubai 7’s
* Dubai Shopping Festival
* New Year Eve celebrations at one of Dubai’s luxury hotels/resorts
*World Tennis League
Annual Calendar of Events, Activities and Festivals in Dubai. Source: Visit Dubai

Best time to visit Dubai

Expats and especially business people visit Dubai throughout the year. However, a visiting tourist may want to consider things like the weather, crowd and cost of living in Dubai before visiting.

Generally, the winter months (December to March) have the most pleasant weather in Dubai and it is also the busiest period filled with in-flocks of visitors.

This is also the period of the year when several national and international events and activities are hosted in the city. Events within these months includes the Dubai Shopping Festival, Food Festivals, the Dubai International Boat Show and Dubai World Cup.

The summer months (May to August and up to September) are the least busy in Dubai as the temperature soar higher which makes the people to disperse. Dubai have fewer tourists between these months.

August is considered as the hottest month in Dubai with temperature reaching over 40OC and averaging at about 30OC. During this period hotel prices and general cost of living are relatively low.

Considering Dubai’s weather, any period between September and May are the best to visit the city!

Must Read: The Best of the Arabian Gulf Region – Countries, CIties and Attractions! And Why You Should Visit?

Cost of Living in Dubai

Though Dubai is considered as the most luxurious city in the world [Source]. Though the city is characterized by opulence-filled style of living, its living costs is not as high as that of cities such as Hong Kong, New York, London, Zurich, and Tokyo

The monthly cost of living for a single person in Dubai is around $1,000 without rent while a family of four should expect to spend at least $5,500 per month without rent.

However, for tourist or visitors who is visiting the city for a couple of days lasting up to a week, expect to spend between $790 and $1,180 per person for one week as a budget traveller while the average cost of living for a week for a mid-range budget visit to Dubai is between $1,577 and $2,365 and luxury travellers should plan to spend not less than $4,600 per person for a week in Dubai.

Generally, the average cost of living for a tourist or vacationist in a day averages at about $198 per day, this was aggregated based on other visitor’s spending experience in Dubai with several visitors spending on the average about $45 per day on meals and roughly $10 on intra-city transportation.

Please note that these are estimates and not exact figures. The cost of living in Dubai may varies or fluctuates rapidly from time to time therefore, make sure to do your own research and verifications to be sure of expected living costs before visiting the city.

Herbs and Spices in a Dubai Souk, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) - Dubai the City of Gold! Why You Should Visit and/or Revisit this Amazing City?
Herbs and Spices in a Dubai Souk, Dubai, UAE

Recap

As a recap, here is a list of things you can do in Dubai:

  1. Yachting – Dubai Harbour and Marina
  2. Local Food tasting
  3. Dinner in one of the high-end restaurants
  4. Luxury shopping – gold products & accessories, high-end brands
  5. Visit to local markets (souk) – shopping for locally made souvenirs and interacting with the locals
  6. Under water restaurant
  7. Camel and automobile Safari in the desert
  8. Sand boarding
  9. Quality time at one of Dubai’s luxury resorts
  10. Relaxing on a beach – soaking in the sun, sights and sands
  11. Breakfast, lunch or dinner on a yacht cruise
  12. Taking the family to one of Dubai’s iconic theme parks
  13. Exploring Dubai’s past in one of its traditional neighbourhoods
  14. Paramotor and hot air balloon ride over the Arabian desert
  15. Partake and experience one or more of popular Dubai Festivals and international events

Conclusion

Dubai, renowned globally as one of the best luxury destinations in the world is undoubtedly a place you should visit, and revisit if you have been there before.

Dubai have a unique way of reinventing itself such that no matter how many times you visited you’ll always have your experience renewed and refreshed as you discover that there are more new things to love, explore and savour in this amazing city.

For decades to come, Dubai, a dynamic ultra-modern city will still be a forefront world-class travel destination!

“A single visit to Dubai will give you a lifetime experience but there is more to Dubai than can be absorbed in a single lifetime”

The Best of Dubai in 2 Minutes. Official Dubai Tourism Video – VisitDubai

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