Dubai: attractions, restaurants, itineraries

Dubai is a magical oasis on the shores of the Persian Gulf

Who in the world hasn't heard of the magical city, a modern metropolis that sprang up in just a few years in the Arabian desert? Of course, we're talking about the beautiful and alluring Dubai. This city is a symbol of prosperity and grandeur of the Arab Emirates. Dubai is the perfect choice for a lazy beach vacation that can be combined with shopping, cultural activities, and extreme adventures in the desert.

The main attractions of Dubai are incredible skyscrapers breaking records, astonishing artificial islands, vast shopping malls, and stunning fountains.

The first thing all tourists in Dubai are advised to do is visit the observation deck in the world's tallest skyscraper "Burj Khalifa," which stands 828 meters high. Next to the tower is a musical fountain whose jets reach a height of 150 meters. Don't forget to take a photo in front of the famous sail-shaped skyscraper "Burj Al Arab."

The historic Deira district is famous for its authentic buildings and markets. To delve into Dubai's history, visit the historical and ethnographic Bedouin settlement, the pearl diver’s village, and the Sheikh Zayed museum house. Another treasure of Dubai is the beaches along the Persian Gulf. Adventure enthusiasts should pay attention to safari tours in the desert.

When to go?

For someone living in temperate zones, the summer temperature in Dubai can be unbearably high. From June to August, the thermometer in the city consistently reads +35°C, but the temperature can rise up to +48°C. From December to February, the weather is pleasant and comfortable for walking, with an average air temperature of +21°C. However, this period is not the best for a beach vacation due to constant winds, so it's better to choose spring and autumn months for your trip.

What to buy?

Dubai can without exaggeration be called the world capital of shopping. You won't find such huge shopping malls anywhere else. Among the variety of shopping centers, the "Mall of the Emirates" stands out, where you'll find everything and more. Explaining Dubai's popularity as a shopping destination is very simple. Goods in local boutiques are sold without VAT and with reduced import duties. Shoppers from all over the world flock to these attractive prices like bees to honey.

Local shopping centers sell clothing, shoes, and accessories from all the top brands. Dubai stores also frequently hold promotions and offer seasonal discounts, so it's almost impossible to leave without a new purchase.

For authentic Eastern goods, head to the colorful markets. The most popular bazaars in Dubai are called the "Gold" and "Textile" markets. Here you will find hand-painted silk carpets, jewelry in traditional Arabic style, a variety of fabrics, aromatic spices, and many other interesting goods. To get the full range of emotions from a market stroll, don't forget to haggle.

What to try?

Dubai Restaurants offer their visitors dishes from almost every cuisine in the world. In the luxurious dining establishments located in skyscrapers, you can savor Italian pasta, delicious Japanese sushi, Azerbaijani pilaf, and much more.

From local specialties, be sure to try desserts made from camel milk. In supermarkets, you can also easily find ice cream and chocolate made from this milk. The most common local fast food is kebab in shawarma. Additionally, budget cafes offer a tasty snack made with lavash, melted cheese, olives, and greens. For dinner, choose rice with dates, grilled fish, or stewed lamb. Finish your meal with a cup of strong Arabic coffee and some oriental sweets.

To feel the luxury and wealth of the Arab Emirates, try dishes with edible gold. In restaurants, you can easily find ice cream, coffee, and desserts with gold.

Where to stay?

Finding a hotel in Dubai is not difficult. The hotel booking site features hundreds of accommodation options in the metropolis – from the famous seven-star hotel in the «Burj Al Arab» skyscraper to budget guesthouses. Luxury is not an issue in Dubai. In the central areas along the shore of the Persian Gulf, the most famous hotels are lined up, each more luxurious than the last.

If you are looking for the most affordable lodging, then head to areas where immigrants live. There you can find cheap guesthouses. Overall, tourist hotels in Dubai are not cheap, so be prepared to pay no less than $100 per night for a room.