If I had to choose between a city break or a beach holiday, my first instincts would always choose the latter. There are very few Cities that really entice me to want to visit – Dubai being the only one so far that I keep wanting to return to. In fact, my first ever holiday abroad was to Dubai in 2002, when the world exclusive 7-star hotel, Burj Al Arab was pretty much still brand spanking new! (No, I didn’t stay there). I have since been back three times and having seen the way Dubai has evolved during each visit, whilst maintaining a strong sense of its cultural heritage and traditions is definitely one of the factors that keeps drawing me back.
With so much to see and do in Dubai, it can feel overwhelming knowing how to fit it all into one trip. Whilst there are always new things popping up, below I have outlined what I consider to be the main highlights of Dubai which can be seen within a space of 5 days plus some extra tips to know before you visit the United Arab Emirates.
Day 1: Dubai City Tour
Having opened in 1999, the Burj Al Arab was THE major highlight of Dubai back in the early 2000’s, and to this day I still believe it is a highlight of Dubai worth getting glimpse of.
The Burj Al Arab is the most prestigious of all the Jumeriah hotels; a world-famous landmark that rises elegantly over the Arabian Gulf designed to resemble the sail of an Arabian Dhow and is located just 15km from the main city centre. It goes without saying that a stay here will be costly, but when you get your own 24-carat gold iPad for use throughout your stay, a set of his and hers full size Hermes toiletries and up to 8 personal butlers per suite included with your stay, as well as the option of arriving via helicopter or Rolls Royce from the airport, you really are getting your money’s worth and more for the ultimate VIP experience!
Although the island that Burj Al Arab is situated on is exclusively for those staying at the hotel ensuring privacy to all guests, there are a couple of other ways to gain access into the 7-star hotel; Book a reservation at one of the in-house restaurants or even an afternoon tea experience at Sahn Eddar. Alternatively, purchase a day pass to the Terrace which offers a one-of-a-kind restaurant, pool, beach and cabanas space. The best place to view Burj Al Arab from the outside? From Jumeriah beach!
The Pointe at Palm Jumeirah
The Palm Jumeirah is a world-renowned island built from reclaimed land in a series of artificial archipelagos, forming the shape of a palm tree when viewed from above. It speaks for itself as being a highlight of Dubai, drawing many celebrities, tourists and even film crews to its unique beauty. (For my Bollywood fans, Happy New Year was filmed at Atlantis, The Palm). The Pointe at Palm Jumeirah is a great and free way to take in views of the iconic Atlantis, The Palm and its newly opened sister hotel – Atlantis The Royal. The Pointe is also a hub of family-friendly activities including cinemas, water sports facilities, kid's play areas, fitness centres, shops, restaurants, cafes and more!
Don’t forget to visit the View at The Palm for those stunning 360-degree views as you rise 240 meters above the world-famous Palm Jumeirah!
Atlantis, The Palm is the crown of the Palm Island in Dubai. It was the first resort to be built on the island based on a theme fusing the myth of Atlantis with distinct Arabian elements; It opened in 2008. If you’re looking for total relaxation rather than sightseeing, Atlantis, The Palm is the perfect place to experience a world away from your everyday. With a mixture of world-class dining, spa treatments and activities, there is something to keep the entire family entertained and happy. All stays include complimentary access to Aquaventure Waterpark, the world’s largest waterpark and The Lost Chambers Aquarium, home to 65,000 marine animals! Just fancy a glimpse inside the 5-star hotel? Reserve a table at one of the four celebrity chef restaurants or opt for a weekend brunch!
Downtown Dubai
In 2010, another major highlight of Dubai, the tallest building in the world was opened. Every country has an iconic landmark which you have to see and get a picture of, otherwise – have you really been there?! For Dubai, I believe that icon is the Burj Khalifa.
During late afternoon is when I would recommend to visit the observation decks At the Top, Burj Khalifa SKY – there should be less reflection to get those insta-worthy shots compared to at night time! Soak up the views of Dubai from 555m high and be sure to check out the outdoor terrace too!
Once you’ve taken in the views of the city, spend a couple of hours inside Dubai Mall which consists of over 1200 shops, restaurants and cafes targeted towards all budgets, but the biggest attraction situated within the mall itself is Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo! There is also a plethora of gaming zones to keep the kids entertained, as well as an ice rink – just to name a few more experiences to be had within the complex.
The landscape of Dubai becomes a dazzling array of sparkling lights as night falls, bringing a whole new atmosphere to the City. In my opinion, during sunset is the best time to head out to view the iconic Burj Khalifa from the outside, as the infamous light show illuminates the building from Wednesday to Sunday at 7:45pm, 8:45pm, and 9:45pm. Time it well so that you can also catch the water fountains come to life with colour and motion as the water sways in time to a range of melodies. The display runs every 30 minutes from 6pm, daily.
Day 2: Dubai Creek, Gold Souq’s & Dhow Cruise
Dubai Creek has been the lifeblood of the city for generations and continues to be a vibrant hub for locals and tourists alike. A great way to get a taste of the local life is by riding along the creek on an ‘Abra’ - one of Dubai’s many traditional boats; They run frequently as water taxis throughout the day across four stations along Dubai Creek and are largely used to cross the creek that separates Bur Dubai from Deira, Dubai’s city centre. You can either purchase a one-way ticket, or hire your own Abra for an hour to explore further up the creek. On the ride you’ll be able to observe local traders, wooden dhows and the occasional ship sail past as well as the contrasting views of old and new Dubai such as traditional houses, towers and minarets.
If you didn’t already know, Dubai is also known as the City of Gold. For over a century, traders have travelled to Dubai's Souq’s (markets) in search of spices, pearls and gold. A great part of Dubai’s success with Gold is down to its geographic location; Gold brokers are able to benefit highly as their working hours cover every time zone from East to West. The real attention grabber for tourists to visit the Gold Souq’s other than to grasp the cultural heritage of Dubai is that gold is tax-free for tourists!
If you ask me, any trip is incomplete without some time being spent on the water, which is why taking an Arabic-style wooden boat known as a dhow through one of Dubai’s Creeks or Marina is not only a highlight of Dubai, but a must! We enjoyed a dinner cruise aboard a dhow, which took us along the Marina Dubai, which looked spectacular as the landmark buildings glow under the night sky. Our buffet dinner included a variety of starters, main courses, salads, desserts, and fresh fruit, along with unlimited drinks and should there be any dietary requirements, they would prepare something especially catered to your needs. There was also music and an entertaining Tanoura performance – be prepared to try it out for yourself! Between the food, entertainment and the landmarks we passed by, the only real problem was knowing where to look! There are many companies offering this experience, so you’ll be sure to find one that suits your taste and budget.
Day 3: Beach & Desert Safari
Okay, so the beach isn’t exactly a highlight of Dubai, as there are many naturally beautiful beaches across the globe (some of the beaches in Dubai are natural, but the majority are man-made). But, a bit of relaxation is always needed to break up all the sight-seeing – you are on holiday after all! Some of the best beaches in Dubai include Kite Beach, La Mer Beach, Black Palace Beach and Jumeirah Public Beach. Of course, if your hotel has a pool, that is always another great option for some rest and relaxation, as well as keeping cool in the heat too!
If you were to go on a desert safari in only one place in the world, it has got to be in Dubai! Afterall, before Dubai became the luxurious scene as we know it today, it was merely a sandpit! But one that proclaims a somewhat exotic legacy as I like to think of it. A typical desert safari involves a very bumpy ride through the desert in a 4x4, with the optional camel ride, sand boarding or Quad Buggy dune bashing followed by an entertaining show and meal after watching the sun go down.
Being a part of the United Arab Emirates means that Dubai has strong ties to the Arabic lifestyle and traditions. This is reflected in the entertainment of the evening which consists of belly dancing and Tanoura dancing among other performances. The background music is in the traditional tune of their own melodies; Emirati music dates back to the time of the Bedouins and would’ve been sung by camel herdsmen and professional performers.
Top Tips:
Opt for a light lunch before embarking on your desert safari adventure
It is advised to wear flip flops if possible
Don’t forget your sunglasses and scarf, as it can get pretty windy when stopping in the dunes for photos
Day 4: Za’abeel & Bluewaters
Within the community of Za’abeel (Zabeel) is where you will find a couple of the most recent additions to the highlights of Dubai that you don’t want to miss out on! Begin your day at the Museum of the Future, which opened in 2022. It was Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum who envisioned the idea of the Museum of the Future and said “The future belongs to those who can imagine it, design it, and execute it. It isn't something you await. but rather create”.
When you put it into perspective, the way that Dubai has evolved, is constantly aiming to be the best and influencing other parts of the world, what better destination to be the home of the Museum of the Future?! Take a step forward to 2071 to experience the future of space travel and living, climate change and ecology, health, wellness and spirituality. We can then take the concepts we learn through journeying around the museum and put them into practice today in order to be able to cope with and create a better future with the aim to “see yourself and the world with new eyes”.
Approximately a 15-minute drive away is yet another star in Dubai’s ‘world’s largest collection’. This highlight of Dubai is the largest picture frame in the world; The Dubai Frame stands 150m high and spans across 95m. Offering a unique perspective of the city's past, present, and future! Take an elevator to reach the top of the frame and walk across the glass walkway that connects the two towers whilst admiring spectacular views of the city's skyline. Inside the frame is also an immersive exhibition showcasing the city's evolution from a small fishing village to a global hub of culture and commerce. It’s the perfect stop after visiting the Museum of the future as you can see how the concepts of the future run-in alignment between the two attractions.
Bluewaters island is one of Dubai's premiere entertainment destinations, featuring an array of attractions and activities to explore. From the iconic Ain Dubai Ferris wheel to the beachfront boardwalk lined with stylish cafes and restaurants, Bluewaters is the perfect spot for a family vacation. With its vibrant nightlife, exclusive shopping, and outdoor adventures, Bluewaters island has something for everyone. Whether you're looking to take in stunning views of the Dubai skyline or just want to kick back and relax by the water, Bluewaters island will provide an unforgettable experience.
Day 5: Missed Anything?
As great as it can be to have your days planned out to make the most of a short amount of time somewhere, it is equally important to keep some time free in case you come across anything else you want to do or visit whilst in the destination. So, here is a list of some other highlights of Dubai that you could choose from or combine to end your 5-day trip.
This section of the post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission should you chose to make a purchase using my link. I've included recommendations from my own experiences or ones that I may try in the future, and I hope they will make your trip to Dubai even more memorable too!
Dubai Parks and Resorts is the largest group of resorts and parks in the Middle East consisting of Motiongate Dubai and Legoland Dubai as well as Legoland Water Park. Fancy a free glimpse of all the excitement waiting for you at Dubai Parks and Resorts? Enjoy and Abra ride along the river at Riverland Dubai which is a bustling destination in its own right with something to keep everyone entertained! There are also hotels on-site should you wish to extend your stay.
Dubai Miracle Garden is the world’s most extensive flower garden in the city of deserts.
Global Village Dubai is one of the best places to visit to feel cultural magnetism offering feasting options, shopping, recreation and exhilarating rides for kids at fantasy island. It also offers street performances, cultural shows, stunt shows and bespoke shows worldwide.
The Mall of Emirates is the second-largest shopping centre in Dubai with over 560 shops, cafes, restaurants and theatres. Ski Dubai is located in the Mall of Emirates.
Jumeirah Mosque is the only mosque in Dubai that has opened its doors to non-Muslim faiths. Visit 6 days a week and dress appropriately (women are asked to wear a headscarf). The sight’s ideal beauty can be seen at night when the mosque is illuminated.
A few things that you should know before you go:
Religion
Many of the customs observed in the UAE are derived from or are identical to the teachings of Islam, and as when visiting any other country, tourists are expected to show respect to the culture and religion. A visit to the UAE is a great opportunity to learn more about the history, traditions and beliefs of Islam.
Ramadan is the holy month in the Islamic calendar and is extremely important to Emirati people, as well as other Muslim cultures who reside in the UAE. The date on which Ramadan falls varies according to the lunar calendar. Muslims observe a fast from sunrise to sunset every day throughout the month. Whilst there is no obligation for tourists to follow suit, when visiting the UAE, by law of the country it is prohibited to eat, drink (including water), smoke or even chew gum in public during the month of Ramadan out of respect for those who are fasting. Most places still remain open, public transport and taxis operate as normal, although do take into consideration that once the sun has set most taxi drivers will stop for a while to break their fast.
Clothing
Similarly to some Asian countries such as India or Thailand, it is advisable to dress modestly when in public places other than the beach. Yes, it is a very hot destination, but the easiest way to not get into trouble and be respectful of the UAE culture, is to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees – that goes for both men and women, especially when visiting Mosque’s, shopping malls, Souq’s and villages. Hotels and resorts may be more flexible in terms of dress codes. The only places swimwear is acceptable is at the spa, areas for water-based entertainment or pool side.
When it comes to beaches in Dubai, private beaches are more liberal allowing you to wear almost anything you want. Whilst public beaches can be more conservative. Women may prefer to wear a one-piece swimsuit, burkini, or sports suits. Men can wear almost anything they wish provided the outfit is classy. It is better to avoid any skimpy bikini’s, thongs are a definite no-no. Wearing swimsuits is allowed only on the beaches and no other public spaces. Have a change of clothes with you before leaving the beach. Topless sunbathing on the beaches is not only offensive but also illegal in Dubai. So, avoid doing so at all costs.
Public Behaviour
To put it simply, public displays of affection are illegal; hugging and kissing in public is not tolerated. Nor is swearing or making rude gestures of any sort.
Another thing to be mindful of as a tourist is that it is illegal to take photos of local women in their traditional dress. It is also said that dancing in public can be considered provocative and is therefore best to keep your dance moves for official clubs, beach parties or behind your own 4 walls.
Homosexuality
Whilst many countries have begun to openly embrace the LGBT movement, the UAE deem homosexuality an illegal offence, as punishable by the death penalty under Sharia law. Any public displays of affection between members of the same (or opposite unless married) sex could land you in big trouble. Cross-dressing is also illegal.
Food & Drink
Whilst alcohol is not banned in Dubai, it’s important to be aware that locals do not generally consume alcohol and it can only be consumed privately or in licensed public places. The legal age to drink alcohol in the UAE is 21. Additionally, you will very rarely find pork being served, as it is against the religion to eat it.
Some of the more common delicacies Emirati people enjoy are dates and camel milk.
The 5 days you spend in Dubai can be a time to discover the rich cultural heritage of this unique city. From witnessing the vibrant street markets to taking in the remarkable views of the skyline, there is something for everyone in Dubai. It’s an experience you won’t forget. Remember to plan ahead, keep an open mind, and abide by the customs of the city. Within just five days, you can uncover a great amount of beauty and excitement that is Dubai!
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