Let's be honest; Dubai is very fake, but ooooh I love it! It is truly one of my favorite holiday destinations. I've been in Dubai so many times now. Why? The weather is very nice, delicious food and a not too long flight from Amsterdam. In addition, you can also go all out if you like luxury. Are you going with friends or with your partner? Then read on, because in this blog I will give you tips for parties, sky bars and beach clubs.
Burj Khalifa
Highlights⚡️
- Party, party, party! For my 25th birthday, I went with friends to Sensation White in Dubai, where we ended up on the VIP deck. Believe me; it was quite an experience! These are my clubbing tips: Float Dubai, Ushuaïa and Barasti.
- Skybars; not a party animal, but still in for a drink? Go to Above, The Penthouse, Luna Skybar, Asia Asia or Atelier M.
- Beach clubs; there is a good chance that your accommodation is not located near the beach, but fortunately you can buy beach club passes at various hotels, such as at; Doubletree by Hilton, Bla Bla Dubai, Cove beach, Drift beach, White Beach and Nikki beach.
- Desert safari; with a 4x4 jeep you go into the desert. Your excursion usually also includes other activities, such as sandboarding or a belly dance show.
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque; take a daytrip to Abu Dhabi to visit this beautiful mosque! The woman will get traditional clothes to cover shoulder and knees.
Hotel Marriot Marquis
Lowlights 😔
- The popular hotspots, such as the Dubai Mall, are really busy. Watching the fountain show at the Dubai Mall means in reality that you stand among hundreds of people in the hope that you can see it well.
- Because of the long distances and the temperature, you'll always need transportation to get somewhere. This is not a destination to walk from one spot to the other.
- If you book a hotel between the skyscrapers, there is a chance that your swimming pool is (partly) in the shades. In the mornings the water might too cold to go swimming.
- Especially in the older districts, such as Bur Dubai and Deira, as a woman you must cover your shoulders and knees. You can get refused by taxi drivers (has happened to me) if you are not dressed appropriately. In addition, public affection with your partner is not appreciated.
- Due to the VPN restriction, it is forbidden to call via Snapchat, Skype or Whatsapp.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Desert safari
Desert safari
Location and transportation 🚕
A luxury holiday also includes a 5-star hotel. At the right location you definitely pay a high price for that, but it will be worth your money. The service level is high, in general you get a spacious room and a lot of hotels also offer a shuttle bus service to the famous hotspots. If you can include breakfast in your reservation, I would certainly do that. There is nothing better than starting your day with an extensive breakfast buffet and good coffee.
The most ideal location to stay is at JBR the Walk. This is near the beach, with a wide choice of restaurants, clubs and bars. In the evening you can walk on the boulevard and visit shops or go to the cinema. Because this location has so much to offer, you don't always have to take a taxi. I stayed at the Hilton Jumeirah. Although the hotel was fine, I did not like the beach club, because all the beach beds were placed next to each other. So, zero privacy.
My last time in Dubai I stayed at the Marriot Marquis hotel. This is in Downtown Dubai, close to the Dubai Mall. This hotel is highly recommended; top luxury, delicious breakfast, great service and a shuttle bus service. I also really liked the Pullman Downtown Dubai!
Areas where I would not stay are Deira and Bur Dubai. These are somewhat older parts of Dubai and some 'stricter rules' apply here, such as covering yourself properly, or not walking hand in hand with your partner.
When it comes to transportation, you can rent your own car. Do you have a good budget? Then you can go for a Hummer or a Ferrari. You won't be the only one ;). I prefer a taxi. Usually these are waiting in front of your hotel. If not, you can download the taxi app 'Careem' and order a taxi. Uber is also a good option.
When food = life 🥗
Because so many cultures come together in Dubai, you can literally eat anything here. Dubai is located in an Islamic country, but in the more expensive restaurants you can consume alcohol. A night out can get quite pricey and that's why I also love to go to Time Out Market (food hall). You will find this food hall when you cross the bridge on the square near the fountain. It's a really nice place, with a view of the fountain and just good food.
Just a little tip for people who eat Halal: Dubai is located in an Islamic country, so in principle you eat halal everywhere. NB; some restaurants also sell pork dishes.
Vegan & Vegetarian 🥕
Jumeirah Beach
WHITE beach
Arabian tea house
Good to know before you go 🙋🏽♀️
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With a Dutch passport you do not need a visa
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With an average temperature of 28 degrees, the weather is always nice. Avoid the summer, as the temperature can reach 50 degrees!
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Are you going to party? Then 5 -7 days is enough. If you want a longer holiday, I would recommend a maximum of 9 days
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It is a safe destination; penalties for crime are very high
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For a luxury holiday you will spend about 2500 - 3000 euros in pocket money (1 week, 2 adults, excluding flight and hotel) but if you opt for cheaper restaurants, or fewer 'outings', you will spend much less
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Check when Ramadan is before booking. Some shops are closed and eating and drinking in public (especially in the older part of Dubai) is less appreciated
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In the desert you will find the camel race! This is a slightly more modern version of the old tradition, but certainly fun to attend.
Dubai is also very doable with a smaller budget and with children. Read my blog: Family vacation in Dubai: the perfect destination for any age! to see more tips!
Salaam,
Nathalie
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