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Dubai Travel Guide : Planning Your First Dream Trip To Dubai

Silva Patel Rastogi & Manish Rastogi • Oct 04, 2020

A country founded in late 1971, Dubai is one of the fastest growing cities in the world, the most populous, indulgent, glamorous and progressive destination in the UAE. A city where there's no shortage of bold architecture and audacious style, extraordinary cuisine, glamorous and luxurious hotels, shopping galore and creative diversions to amuse even the most bored billionaire. Dubai is where you can enjoy an endless spectacle of architecture, whether it is Burj Khalifa, The Atlantis or The Burj Al Arab.


In Dubai, you'll find the extravagance, the tallest, the most expensive, the most daring and so on...It constantly competes with itself, trying to amaze and magnetise visitors to a dream-like world of Dubai's everland. Discover the glitz and glam, and then explore the ancient traditions of this multidimensional city. Here's The Ultimate Dubai Travel Guide that provides a glimpse of what this city has to offer to lucky visitors.


In July 2020, Dubai has been recognised the safest destination by the top world body The World Travels and Tourism (WTTC). The city has received Safe Travels Stamp that validates the stringent hygiene and safety protocols that the city has put in place to ensure visitors enjoy a safe experience at every stage of their journey without having to worry about their safety.

General Information About Dubai

SIM Cards : Every tourist over the age of 18 will be given free Sim Pack on arrival from officers at passport control desks at Dubai International Airport. The Sim Pack to include 20MB of free data, 3 minutes of local/international calling minutes and 5 free text messages depending upon the usage. All SIM cards will be valid for a month and they will get automatically renewed if the tourist extends their visa.

Language : Arabic is the official language of the UAE however, English is the most widely spoken language there. 

Currency : Dhiram is the official currency. However, US Dollars are accepted in most places. 

Credit/Debit Cards & Banks : Major cards are accepted for most transactions but CASH is still king here so it's best to always carry small change.

Weather : Summer in Dubai begins around the last week of April and ends around the first week of October. This period is characterised extremely hot weather, winds and humidity. Winter begins around the last week of October and lasts until the beginning of April, most pleasant and ideal weather for outdoor activities.

Drinking Age : The age is 21. Photography of certain government buildings and military installations isn't allowed. Don't photograph people without their permission. Remember to collect their approval before clicking any images. 

Visa : A visit visa to travel to Dubai vary depending on the nationality, the purpose of your visit and its duration.

Best Time To Visit : November - March, during these you'll enjoy beautiful weather that's ideal for a variety of outdoor activities, picnics and lounging on the beach, embarking on desert affairs and exploring through the city.

Dress Code : There isn't a particularly strict dress code but it's essential to find the right balance between modesty and dress comfortably, especially during the summer months.

Emergency Numbers : Dial 999 for Dubai Police, 997 for the Fire Department, 998 is Ambulance and 991 for electricity and water related issues.

Getting Around : Travelling around Dubai is easy as there are plenty of public and private transport options available - The Dubai Metro, Bus, Taxi, Bike and Boat.

Where To Stay?


Dubai is jam-packed and still connected throughout by the excellent metro with places to stay in all price ranges. Most hotels are modern, upmarket and good value, some with notable Arabian-style charm and history, also a few boutique guesthouses can also be found.


Here's our list of some of the most interesting hotels in Dubai - which hotel will catch your eye?


    Luxury Hotels in Dubai


    Luxury Apartments in Dubai


    Boutique Hotels in Dubai


    Family Hotels in Dubai


    Midrange Hotels in Dubai


Things To Do In Dubai


A city with plenty of amazing options available, from brunches to night outs, theatre, beaches to shopping and more. Whatever fun things, you're looking for, there's always an option to find something fantastic for every taste and desire. Below we've picked the best of the bunch that should be on your Dubai Bucket List.


Al Seef (Old Dubai)


Located on 1.8KM of Dubai Creek's stately shoreline, Al Seef places a strong emphasis on the Emirati heritage and hospitality, and leans heavily on the contemporary elements that showcase the area's natural beauty.  Paying tribute to the history, Al Seef has introduced an open-air floating market and creekside pontoons, also hosting regional crafts and textiles, Emirati art spaces and pop-ups dedicated to local cuisine. Don't forget the Arabian specialties at Ila restaurant, authentic Syrian fare at Al Hamidieh and sweet delicacies at Japanese-inspire dessert house, Yuki No Hana.


Jumeirah Beachside


Once a major fishing and pearl farming centre, Jumeriah Beach is one of the most popular tourist spots that attracts both locals and travellers. Stretching for more than 7 kilometres along the Arabian Gulf's pristine waters, it enables you to immerse yourself in the most preferred water sport activities - swimming, sailing, banana boat, riding, water skiing, scuba diving, sunbathing, jet-skiing, windsurfing, parascending or snorkelling. It's also home to some of the world-renowned attractions, the magnificent Burj Al Arab - the only seven-star hotel, Grand Jumeriah Mosque famous for its distinctive architectural style but also for its Sheik Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding that provides you an insight into Emirati as well as religious culture and the Palm Jumeriah - the man-made island that houses luxury apartments villas and hotels such as The Atlantis.


Dubai Downtown

There is no doubt that the area around Burj Khalifa has become the city's new centre of gravity, and is home to so many different and exciting attractions, hotels, bars and restaurants. Stay here for the Dubai Mall, Burj Park, Dubai Opera, The Dubai Fountain and The Burj Khalifa the main attraction of Dubai, and, of course the tallest building in the world. Don't forget to dine at Souk Al Bahar, complete with a stunning fountain view, is not to be missed.


The Palm (A Man-Made Archipelago)

An enormous man-made island resembles the shape of a palm tree within a circle is a haven for vacationers. A 3-mile-long-trunk is home to some of the glitziest luxury villas and five-star hotels, including The Fairmont, Atlantis, Five Palm Jumeriah and more! From water parks and swim with sharks, dolphins, sea lions to beach clubs and boozy brunches. Why not throw in a seaplane trip to snap the memorising view of The Palm and Atlantis?


Dubai Marina

An affluent residential and leisure complex named for The Beach, right by JBR with al fresco dining and sandy stretched to relax on. Stroll around the beautiful Dubai Marina Promenade that is lined with cosmopolitan restaurants, cafes and pop-up craft markets, while shop until you drop at Dubai Marina Mall which is packed with chain and luxury fashion brands. Go on a cruise through the man-made marina in the upscale yachts while enjoying a wide range of activities from jet-skiing, parasailing to skydiving.


Deira and Dubai Desert 

Located in the centre of Old Dubai, Deira is one of the coolest areas to visit! From fun games at Dubai Creek Golf Club to Old Dubai charm at Al Seef Dubai, there is a lot to check out. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a very different experience at one of  Dubai's most  luxurious desert resorts in the UAE. A chance to experience the wilder side of the Arabian Peninsula, with oryx and gazelles as you enjoy unique desert experiences and spa treatments.


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Restaurants & Rooftop Bars


When it comes to food and drink, Dubai is too exotic to imagine. The rooftop bars in Dubai are not simply somewhere to drink, but a destination for timeless decor, amazing views of the skyline and unforgettable experiences. This city does not have its own Michelin Guide, instead it imports chefs or restaurant chains from around the world that have been previously recognised by a prestigious publication or owned by Michelin star chefs’ - Gordon Ramsey, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Maksim Tvorogov or more! Here's our list of the best restaurants and rooftop bars in Dubai that strive to offer you an experience of a lifetime.


Rooftop Bars


Level 43 Sky Lounge

The outlet where beauty and magnificence are commonly used to describe the panoramic views of the Dubai skyline. Level 43 offers specially handcrafted cocktails and a menu choices of delicious favourites, perfect for pre-dinner or luscious sundowners.

The Lotus Lounge

The island-style terrace perfect to enjoy setting sun sees and the soothing melodies of the live music with DJ Beats and shisha lounging. It also caters to cigar connoisseurs, offering premium tobacco carefully selected from around the world.

Luna Sky Bar

A national emblem of luxury and bravery designed by Adam Tihany, with spectacular skyline views of the Dubai. A chance to explore cocktails like Smoked Whisky Negroni and feast on an asian inspired menu on the expansive terrace.

CÉ LA VI Dubai

A perfect place where you can actually enjoy the breathtaking views of the Dubai Skylines and setting sunset when the city’s skyscrapers are bathed in golden light with exceptional cuisine and drinks.

Mercury Lounge

A dynamic rooftop bar with one-of-a-kind views of Dubai Skyline, Burj Khalifa and the Arabian Gulf.

Tune in to vibes of the Cote d'Azur and white islands of Greece whilst sipping handcrafted cocktails and enjoy the exquisite Mediterranean menu.

Vii Terrace Bar & Lounge

The city's newest terrace bar where urban sky meets an unspoiled lush garden. Enjoy the Al Fresco dining whilst enjoy a plush garden filled with all things green and radient and sipping the finest cocktail in the town.


Restaurants

Tomo Restaurant & Bar

A standalone authentic Japanese restaurant promoting Japanese culture and food in the Middle East. It aims to serve the best Japanese cuisine in the town, and provide their guests with an unforgettable experience by bringing a real taste of Japan to the UAE.

Vesna Dubai

Vesna which translates to spring in Russian, is a new and contemporary restaurant helmed by Russian Celebrity Chef, Maksim Tvorogov is Dubai's first modern European and Slavic restaurant. Signature dishes include chicken kiev, stroganoff and borscht.

Bread Street Kitchen

A Gordon Ramsay restaurant inspired by the original Bread Street Kitchen in London offering delectable British Classics, such as fish and chips in a craft-beer batter as well as classic and coupled with an electric mix of classic and signature cocktails, live music and an extensive wine list.

The Friday Brunch is highly recommended.

Nathan Outlaw At Al Mahara

An extraordinary and unique experience dining within the vast aquarium that sets the scene for one of the best places to eat in Dubai. The Michelin-starred British chef creates dishes that transport guests into the depths of seafood culinary artistry with a single bite, this place will make its way to anyone's heart in no time.

JG Kitchen & JG Dining Room

A Michelin Star restaurant officially opened by an internationally acclaimed chef Jean-George Vongerichten thats a one combination of formal and casual restaurant. Expect caramelised lamb chops and crackling beef ribs at the Kitchen while signature dishes like toasted egg yolk with caviar and  risotto with peekytoe crab form the menu at the Dining Room. 

Eauzone

A sleek, refined restaurant that smartens up after sunset is beautifully positioned around the pool, giving the impression that it is floating on the tranquilly water. Serving mouthwatering delicious Modern-Asian cuisine, this restaurant also has a casual bar for a laid-back time when in Dubai.

Ladies Night

Ladies Night is a Dubai expat tradition and unique to this region, it's a promotional event when bars, restaurant and night clubs open their doors to ladies in for complimentary drinks or shisha and lavish discounts on meals. Whether you're celebrating something special or simply want to enjoy the weekend with your best friends there is always an excuse to have some fun and unwind after a long day at work. Ladies can enjoy complimentary access to the pool or beach, mini-spa treatments and more!


For more information on Ladies Night click link below.

https://ladiesnightdubai.com


Have you been to Dubai? If so what are your thoughts on Dubai Travel Guide? Would you add anything else? We would love to hear your comments on this blog.

The best hotels in the UK for spa breaks, with all the pampering you need!

By Silva Patel Rastogi & Manish Rastogi • 03 May, 2021
Today more than ever, it is important for travelers to combine vacations with care from the mind, body and spirit. Historically, Britain has been close to spa centers dating back to Roman time, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that there are so many luxury spa hotels in the UK. So much uncertainty remains, and travel rules and regulations may change rapidly, so if you are unable to travel away from home, indulge in a staycation at one of the UK's most extravagant spa hotels - whether it's the year-round rooftop spa in Yorkshire, natural pools overlooking the Cornish coastline, or a thermal spa in Bath. With a new sense of wellness emerging in the UK, vitality is linked to nurture, a sense of mission, a feeling of relaxation, and the pursuit of optimal health through balance and harmony. Then imagine an indulgent massage followed by a glass of champagne, or a high intensity workout and a soak in an oversized bathtub. Sometimes a traditional method will combine the beauty of nature with the natural resources and remedies of a country to attain optimum physical and mental health and to help you detach from the rigors of everyday life, leading to a state of calm. We have rounded up some of the best spa hotels for your holiday so that you can relax, unwind and improve your mental health post the pandemic situation that we have all been in for the last year. Before making your plans, please check the latest travel and government guidance. Based on the available information, hotels might be allowed from May 17.

Covid-19: What your hotel experience will look like post-pandemic?

By Silva Patel Rastogi & Manish Rastogi • 09 Aug, 2020
With little warning, the coronavirus has fundamentally changed the way we live in the short-term, also it might bring long-term changes for future generations worldwide. Travel won’t end, but when travel does resume, we should not expect it to look the same. As the world adapts to new travel norms, expectations and social distancing measures, some of the world’s major hotel chains, including Hilton, Radisson, Marriott, IHG, Accor and more are enhancing the experience for its guests by implementing additional cleaning and sanitising steps, also certifying their properties to protect the well-being of the hotel guests throughout their stay. Here are a few things to expect in the hotel world post-pandemic.

Summer holidays are finally back as UK Government reveals quarantine exemption countries

By Silva Patel Rastogi & Manish Rastogi • 08 Jul, 2020
The Covid-19 pandemic has brought the world to a standstill from the start of 2020 as countries close borders from the rest of the world to prevent the spread of the outbreak. The impact of the outbreak on the Global Economy of the World has been severe and tourism and travel are amongst the hardest hit of all major economic sectors. The world is still battling to fight the outbreak of the deadly virus, but economies and travel industry are looking to rebound and build from the crisis. The recovery process will be complicated, slow and lengthy for the tourism and travel industries, it may take months or years for full recovery. The UK Government is satisfied that it is now safe to ease these measures in England and introduced travel corridor for some countries and territories, according to Department of Transport.

Why Travelling Over The World Make Your Inner Self Happy?

By Silva Patel • 23 Jun, 2020
Many of us have asked themselves this question, you’ve probably thought about it yourself - Why do people make the effort to pack up their lives, surrounded by friends and family, and climb onto a plane, bound for an unknown location over the globe we’ve never been before? The advantages of travelling are not just a one-time thing, there’s nothing more exciting and exhilarating than exploring new destinations. More than ever before it feels like the world is literally accessible at your fingertips, and you can virtually go anywhere in the world without even needing to leave the safety and comfort of your home.

The 10 Best Rooftop Bars in the World

By Silva Patel • 15 Jun, 2020
There’s a certain romance that comes with rooftop bars that we are in love with. From the USA to London and Europe to Asia you’ll find rooftop bars and their jaw-dropping views are matched with strong drinks and good vibes. Whether it’s sipping on cocktails while enhancing a city or drinking your favourite wine at your local boozer’s terrace, nothing compares to having a drink just a little bit closer to the stars. New rooftop bars are opening up everywhere around the world and visiting rooftop bars among travellers have increase a lot in recent years. So, pack your bags and favourite clothes, choose your Instagram filters for the best shots ever, because here’s a list of the 10 dreamiest rooftop bars in the world, each with magnificent views, delicious cocktails and food, and all the opportunities to capture the great social media content.
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