Dubai in 3 days: some tips
Hello everyone! Today’s article is the result of my recent travel experience in the futuristic metropolis of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai. The great Arab city is now one of the trendiest destinations for international tourism. Its futuristic architecture, its historical souks and the countless attractions it offers, make this recent city a continuous surprise. In my case, I came to Dubai passing before reaching the Maldives. Personally, I would never have organized a trip to go expressly to Dubai, considering it an artificial city, with little history and simple business destination or luxury tourism, as well as a little vulgar. And instead I definitely changed my mind. Although the history of the city is quite recent, except for a small area, old Dubai, the second city of the United Arab Emirates is a crossroads of peoples, cultures, a multiethnic and globalized city, an effervescent economic and tourist center where you can appreciate modernity in the its best form. Be ready to be amazed by the thousand lights of the skyscrapers and the special effects that this city sets up for its millions of visitors.
Here are some tips for a short stay (in my case 3 days) if you decide to go to Dubai as a stopover in anticipation of other trips or as a taste if, instead, you decide to spend more time there.
Some general information
Capital of one of the seven emirates, with over 3 million inhabitants, Dubai originated as a small settlement in the late 18th century. The village grew progressively without ever expanding considerably until the beginning of the twentieth century, when thanks to its strategic position and its proximity to Iran, it began to establish itself as a prominent commercial center in competition with Abu Dhabi. The discovery of oil fields in the territory of his Emirate increased the wealth of the city since the sixties, albeit less than the capital of the Abu Dhabi state. In the seventies, the growth of the city became increasingly evident, thanks to the revenues secured by the exploitation of oil and the influx of immigrants who fled the Lebanese civil war with their respective capitals. After the 1990 Gulf War, foreign investors transferred their profits to the Arab city, boosting airport and tourism development. It was in the 2000s that Dubai established itself as a top-level tourist destination, thanks to the growth of attractions, futuristic skyscrapers and expansion of the airport hub, one of the largest in the world.
Pratical advices
Small list of practical tips to facilitate your visit to Dubai, especially if you have a few days available.
1) Getting around by taxi (or metro): the city is definitely not suitable for pedestrians for various reasons. First of all, urban planning was carried out to encourage the use of the car. The city is crossed by high-flow road axes with very few pedestrian crossings. You can risk having to walk a few hundred meters on foot, perhaps under the scorching desert sun, before finding pedestrian crossings! And I assure you it is not pleasant! To move around, unfortunately, you have to resort to taxis or Uber (negligible prices compared to other cities in the world) or to the ultra-modern metro (whose stations also act as overpasses to cross the city’s high-flow roads). The advice is to use the subway whenever possible and turn to taxis, especially through Uber to avoid abusive taxi surprises, for more difficult movements by public transport or during the night.
2) Protect yourself from high temperatures (and temperature changes). Dubai has a desert climate. Temperatures are always high, especially in the summer months when peaks of over 45 degrees can be reached. Beware of temperature changes between the outside and closed environments, such as the subway or shopping malls, where air conditioning is always very strong. Just like in taxis!
3) Respect local customs. Although the city is cosmopolitan and the Emirates are a moderate Arab country, it is good practice to avoid behavior contrary to Islamic morality. Avoid effusions in public, maintain a certain decorum in dressing and stick to the rules especially when accessing sacred places such as the Mosques.
And now let’s think about what you must necessarily visit if you stay a few days in Dubai.
Downtown Dubai
The first day you can dedicate it to a visit to the trendy district, where the most famous attractions of the city are concentrated, Downtown. These include the famous Dubai Mall, the largest shopping center in the world, Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain. The most important building in the neighborhood is undoubtedly the Burj Khalifa, which with its 828 meters in height is the tallest building in the world. Built in just 6 years, this skyscraper becomes the backdrop for the evening fountain show. Over 6000 lights and 50 projectors for an unforgettable aquatic game under the notes of classical, Arabic or world hit music. Other significant buildings in the same neighborhood are the Emirates towers on the spectacular Sheikh Zayed Road. For fans and children, a trip to the Dubai aquarium is undoubtedly a must!
Dubai Marina
A real city within the city, Dubai Marina is one of the city’s most touristy neighborhoods. Overlooking the sea, it has a pedestrian promenade, The walk, an equipped beach, boutiques, shops and futuristic skyscrapers. The marina, the largest in the world, is surrounded by the Promenade, where you can admire, especially at night, the thousands of lights of the buildings, restaurants and boutiques that are reflected on the water.
Trip to the desert
Dubai is located a few kilometers from the desert. Consequently a guided tour is definitely worth doing. Hotels and tour operators offer various options. Trip on off-road vehicles, on quads, candlelit dinners in a typical Arab tent, excursions on camels and whoever has more. Ideal at sunset, even to escape the high temperatures! A desert safari is definitely a must do during a Dubai vacation!
Trip to Abu Dhabi
An option for those wishing to take advantage of their stay in Dubai to take a trip to the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, the advice is to plan the transfers from one city to another in detail and plan the tour to do. Abu Dhabi is a very dispersed city, attractions can be several kilometers away and it can be difficult to find your way around, especially under the scorching sun. In this article I suggest you how to get to Abu Dhabi from Dubai, the tour to follow and how to optimize a day in a fascinating city full of contrasts like the capital of the Arab country.
The Old Dubai
A stroll through the city’s oldest neighborhoods is undoubtedly a must on a trip to Dubai. The contrast to the luxury and modernity of the other districts of the city is extremely evident. Stroll through the historic district of Al Fahidi, take a tour of the souks (the gold one in particular) and cross the creek to go from Deira to Bur Dubai on a typical boat. A unique experience. The transition from old to modern Dubai is ideally represented by The Frame, a giant monumental frame that has become one of the symbols of the city.
Beaches
For those who want to sunbathe and take advantage of the high temperatures all year round, my advice is to choose a hotel near the beach. If you are on the sea, you cannot avoid taking a tour of the artificial palm-shaped island, Palm Jumeirah and near the cult hotel Burj Al Arab, in the shape of a sail, a real jewel of architecture.
Fun and much more
Dubai offers various options for families and for fans of theme and amusement parks. In addition to the indoor ski slope, a ride to Legoland and aquaventure can be organized especially if you are traveling with children!
There would be much to say about this city in full evolution. In 2020 Dubai will host the universal exhibition and the inauguration of a new skyscraper that will surpass the Burj Khalifa by height. I leave you proposing a hotel and a restaurant if you decide to organize a stay in this city of the future.
Hotel: Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road
On the main street axis of the city, a few steps from the cult monuments of Downtown, this 4-star hotel offers a breathtaking view of the Dubai skyline. Infinity pool on the roof of the hotel and rooftop bar for unforgettable sunset aperitifs.
https://www.marriott.it/hotels/travel/dxbsf-four-points-sheikh-zayed-road-dubai/
Restaurant: Siraj Restaurant
Among the fountains in the shadow of Burj Khalifa, this Lebanese and Arab cuisine restaurant offers excellent dishes and in a splendid location. Ideal for dinner to watch the Dubai Fountain’s music and light shows from an enviable location.